JPH1151446A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid abnormal discharge of a dust correcting filter or a decrease in lifetime in case of mounting the filter of moistened state by detecting an electric short-circuit between a high voltage part of an electric precipitator and an indoor heat exchanger, and informing the effect at the time of detecting the short-circuit or stopping the operation of the precipitator. SOLUTION: A varistor 80 constitute a short-circuit detecting means for detecting an electric short-circuit between a high voltage unit 50 and an indoor heat exchanger 17. That is, when a short-circuit occurs between the unit 50 and the exchanger 17, a clamping action of the varistor 80 is operated so that an output voltage of the unit 50 cannot be maintained at a steady-state level with the result that its output fault is captured by a monitor 53 (an output of the monitor 53 becomes zero V). Meanwhile, when the output of the monitor 53 becomes 0 V, an MPU 70 informs the effect of a short-circuit fault to a display unit 73, and opens a opening/closing switch 54 to stop an operation of the unit 50 (stop an operation of an electric precipitator 20).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner provided with an electric dust collector near an indoor heat exchanger.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is an air conditioner provided with an electric dust collector, an indoor heat exchanger, and an indoor fan in a ventilation passage from an air inlet to an air outlet of an indoor unit. As schematically shown in FIG. 10, the electric dust collector includes an ionization unit (a plurality of parallel plate electrodes) 1 for ionizing suction air, and a dust collection filter (a plurality of sheets) for collecting dust in the air passing through the ionization unit 1. And a high-voltage section (not shown) for outputting a high voltage for application to the ionization section 1 and the dust collection filter 2.

When the indoor fan 3 is operated to draw indoor air from the air suction port of the indoor unit, the sucked air flows through the ionization section 1 and the dust collection filter 2 as shown by arrows in the figure. FIG. 11 shows the flow of air in the plate electrode of the dust filter 2, which is a flow in a direction (transverse direction) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the plate electrode.

The high voltage section is connected to the ionizing section 1 and the dust collecting filter 2 via a terminal plate. The terminal plate has a connecting terminal for the ionizing section 1, a connecting terminal for the dust collecting filter 2, and GND. Terminals are provided.

[0005]

Although the above-mentioned terminal plate is located near the indoor heat exchanger, dust may enter between the terminal plate and the indoor heat exchanger. When dust enters between the terminal plate and the indoor heat exchanger, the dust may cause an electrical short circuit (ground fault) between the high-pressure portion and the indoor heat exchanger.

When the high-pressure section and the indoor heat exchanger are actually short-circuited, a high voltage is applied to electronic components (for example, a heat exchanger temperature sensor) attached to the indoor heat exchanger, and the electronic components are damaged. There is a risk of doing this.

[0007] Further, if the high-pressure section and the indoor heat exchanger are short-circuited, there is a risk of electric shock when a user or the like touches the indoor heat exchanger. On the other hand, dust gradually accumulates in the dust collecting filter of the electric dust collector, and if it is left as it is, the ventilation resistance increases and adversely affects air conditioning. For this reason, it is necessary to periodically remove the dust collection filter and clean the dust collection filter.

[0008] However, if the dust collecting filter that is wet by washing is mounted and the electric precipitator is operated as it is, abnormal discharge occurs between the electrodes of the dust collecting filter, or each of the electrodes of the dust collecting filter becomes abnormal. Life will be shortened.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.
The purpose is to ensure that even if the dust collection filter of the electric dust collector and the indoor heat exchanger are electrically short-circuited through dust, it can prevent damage to electronic components and electric shock accidents. To provide an excellent air conditioner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of preventing abnormal discharge and shortening of service life of a dust collecting filter and ensuring sufficient safety and reliability even when a wet dust collecting filter is mounted. To provide.

[0011]

Means for Solving the Problems First Invention (Claim 1)
Is an air conditioner provided with an electric precipitator near an indoor heat exchanger, and detects an electric short circuit between a high-pressure section of the electric precipitator and the indoor heat exchanger. A short-circuit detecting means is provided, and when the short-circuit is detected, the fact is notified or the operation of the electric precipitator is stopped.

An air conditioner according to a second invention (claim 2) is:
In the first invention, the short-circuit detecting means connects the voltage clamp means between the indoor heat exchanger and the ground,
Monitoring means for monitoring the output of the high voltage unit is provided, and the short circuit is detected by catching the output abnormality of the high voltage unit due to the voltage clamping means acting upon short circuit.

An air conditioner according to a third invention (claim 3) is
In the first invention, the short circuit detecting means detects a voltage generated between the indoor heat exchanger and the ground, and catches the voltage as a short circuit when detecting the voltage.

An air conditioner according to a fourth aspect of the present invention (claim 4) is:
In the first invention, the short-circuit detecting means detects a change in the input voltage of the high voltage section, and when the input voltage is equal to or less than a predetermined value, captures the change as a short circuit.

An air conditioner according to a fifth invention (claim 5) is
In the first invention, first, the high-voltage unit includes a high-voltage transformer having a first coil and a second coil on a primary side, and switching that is inserted into and connected to the first coil of the high-voltage transformer and is activated by a voltage generated in the second coil. And a high-voltage transformer and a switching element to boost and output the input voltage. The short-circuit detecting means includes a current detecting means for detecting whether a current flowing through the switching element is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and detects the short-circuit when the current is equal to or more than the predetermined value.

An air conditioner according to a sixth invention (claim 6) is
An air conditioner having an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan in a ventilation path from an air inlet to an air outlet of an indoor unit, the air conditioner having a removable dust filter, and an air inlet and an indoor heat exchanger. When the dust collector provided between the and the dust collecting filter is not installed, the fact is notified and the operation of the electric dust collector is prohibited, and when the dust collecting filter is attached from that state, Control means for starting operation of the electric precipitator after a predetermined period of time by operating the indoor fan.

An air conditioner according to a seventh invention (claim 7) is:
An air conditioner having an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan in a ventilation path from an air inlet to an air outlet of an indoor unit, the air conditioner having a removable dust filter, and an air inlet and an indoor heat exchanger. When there is a request to start the operation of the electric precipitator and the electric precipitator, if the dust collection filter is not installed, the user is notified of the fact and the operation of the electric precipitator is prohibited. And a control means for starting the operation of the electric precipitator after a predetermined period of time by operating the indoor fan if the dust collection filter is installed.

An air conditioner according to an eighth invention (claim 8) is
In the seventh invention, when there is a request to start the operation of the electric precipitator, the control means operates the electric precipitator for a certain period of time to detect whether or not the dust filter is attached.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[1] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 3, 11 is an indoor unit,
An air inlet 12 is provided on the front surface, an air outlet 13 is provided on a lower portion of the front surface, and a heat insulating material 14 is provided on a rear side of the inside. A ventilation path 15 is formed from the air inlet 12 to the air outlet 13.

In the ventilation passage 15, a filter 1 for removing dust is provided.
6. An indoor heat exchanger 17, an indoor fan 18, and a louver 19 are sequentially provided. By the operation of the indoor fan 18,
Room air is sucked from the air inlet 12, and the suction air passes through the filter 16 and the indoor heat exchanger 17, and is further blown into the room through the louver 19.

In the indoor unit 11, an electric precipitator 20 is disposed between the filter 16 and the indoor heat exchanger 17. The electric precipitator 20 includes an ionization unit (a plurality of parallel plate electrodes) 21 for ionizing the suction air, and a dust collection filter (a plurality of parallel plate electrodes) 22 for collecting dust in the air passing through the ionization unit 21. In addition, a high voltage unit 50 described later is provided as a high voltage unit for applying a high voltage to the ionization unit 21 and the dust collection filter 22.

In particular, as shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 1 denotes an arrangement in which a plurality of plate electrodes are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the indoor fan 18, and the arrangement direction of the plate electrodes is different from that of the conventional configuration introduced in FIG.

The dust collecting filter 22 is detachable from the indoor unit 11 and has a plurality of flat electrodes arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the indoor fan 18 like the ionizing section 21. This is the same as the conventional configuration.

The ionization section 21 and the dust filter 2
Due to the configuration 2 and the arrangement of the indoor fan 18, the suction air flows obliquely along the plate surface of each plate electrode and toward the indoor fan 18 as indicated by arrows in FIG. 4.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the suction air flows in a diagonal direction of each plate electrode of the dust collecting filter 22, and takes a long time and a long distance in an electric field generated between the plate electrodes. Pass through. As a result, FIG.
As shown by the performance curve a1 of the conventional apparatus and the performance curve a2 of the present invention, the dust collection performance can be improved in any of the flow velocity regions as compared with the conventional case.

Even if the width of the plate electrode in the short direction is set to be small as a measure to reduce the thickness, the time and distance that the air flow remains in the electric field can be made as long as possible due to the oblique air flow. And high dust collection performance can be maintained. Further, since the air flow is in the oblique direction, the ventilation resistance from the air suction port 12 to the indoor fan 18 is reduced, and as shown in FIG. 6, a loss curve b1 of the conventional device and a loss curve b2 of the present invention. The pressure loss of the intake air is reduced even in the flow velocity region of the prior art, and the operation efficiency is improved.

FIG. 1 shows an electric circuit of the electric precipitator 20.
A DC circuit 31 including a diode bridge 32 and a smoothing capacitor 33 is connected to a commercial AC power supply 30.
The voltage conversion circuit 40 is connected to the output terminal of the DC circuit 31.

The voltage conversion circuit 40 includes a high-voltage transformer 41
A switching element connected to the primary side of the high-voltage transformer 41, for example, an NPN transistor 42; a first rectifier circuit of a diode 43 and a smoothing capacitor 44 connected to the secondary side of the high-voltage transformer 41;
A second rectifier circuit (12 V output) of a diode 45 and a smoothing capacitor 46 connected to the secondary side of the
And a third rectifier circuit (5 V output) of a smoothing capacitor 48 connected to the secondary side of the DC circuit 3.
1 is converted to a plurality of levels of DC voltage and output.

One side of the output line of each rectifier circuit in the voltage conversion circuit 40 is a common ground line GND. The indoor fan motor 7M and the high-voltage unit 50 are connected to the output terminal of the first rectifier circuit of the voltage conversion circuit 40.

The high-voltage unit 50 includes a high-voltage transformer 51 having a first coil and a second coil on the primary side, and a switching element inserted into and connected to the first coil of the high-voltage transformer 51 and operated by a voltage generated in the second coil. An NPN transistor 52, a monitor circuit 53 connected to the secondary side of the high-voltage transformer 51, and an open / close switch 54 for opening and closing an energizing path on the primary side of the high-voltage transformer 51 are provided. )
When the open / close switch 54 is closed by the control by 70, the DC voltage supplied from the voltage conversion circuit 40 is converted into a plurality of high-level (4.5 KV and 2.5 KV) AC voltages and output.

The monitor circuit 53 is connected to the high-voltage unit 50.
Monitors whether the output voltage of the high voltage unit 50 is at a steady level, and monitors the state of the reed switch 61 in conjunction with the presence or absence of the dust filter 22. When the reed switch 61 detects that the dust collection filter 22 is attached, a DC voltage of −12 V is output.
, The output becomes zero volts. The output (monitoring result) of the monitor circuit 53 is supplied to an MCU 70 described later via the coupler 62.

4.5 KV output from high-pressure unit 50
Is applied to the ionization section 21. The high voltage of 2.5 KV output from the high voltage unit 50 is applied to the dust filter 22.

The high-pressure unit 50 is connected to the ionizer 21 and the dust filter 22 via a terminal plate 23.
The terminal plate 23 includes a connection terminal 23 a for the ionization unit 21, a connection terminal 23 b for the dust collection filter 22, and a GND terminal 2.
3 g, and the ionization unit 21 and the dust collection filter 22 are arranged near the indoor heat exchanger 17 as the room is located near the indoor heat exchanger 17.

The indoor heat exchanger 17 and the terminal plate 23
Although the GND terminal 23g is grounded by a grounding rod for burying underground, this grounding connection may not be performed because it depends on the user's manual operation.

The output terminal of the third rectifier circuit (5 V output) of the voltage conversion circuit 40 is connected to a power supply terminal of the MCU 70 as a control unit and a heat exchanger temperature sensor 74 as an electronic component. Then, the light receiving device 7 is provided to the MCU 70.
1, the display 73, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 74, the indoor fan motor 7M, and the open / close switch 54 are connected.

The light receiver 71 receives infrared light transmitted from a remote control device (hereinafter abbreviated as a remote controller) 72. The display 73 displays various information such as an operation mode.

The heat exchanger temperature sensor 74 is attached to the indoor heat exchanger 17 and detects the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 17. The detected temperature data is supplied to the MCU 70. A varistor 8 is provided between the indoor heat exchanger 17 and the ground line GND of the voltage conversion circuit 40 as voltage clamping means.
0 is connected. When a high voltage is applied between the indoor heat exchanger 17 and the ground line GND, the varistor 80 clamps the high voltage to a value lower than a steady level.

The varistor 80 is connected to the monitor circuit 5.
3 together with short-circuit detecting means for detecting an electric short-circuit between the high-pressure unit 50 and the indoor heat exchanger 17. In other words, if a short circuit occurs between the high-pressure unit 50 and the indoor heat exchanger 17, the clamping action of the varistor 80 will work, and the output voltage of the high-pressure unit 50 will not be able to maintain a steady level (become low). The signal is captured by the monitor circuit 53 (the output of the monitor circuit 53 becomes zero V).

On the other hand, the MCU 70 has (1) and (2) as main functional means. (1) When a short circuit occurs between the high-pressure unit 50 and the indoor heat exchanger 17 and the output of the monitor circuit 53 becomes zero V,
Control means for notifying the short circuit abnormality on the display 73 and opening the open / close switch 54 to stop the operation of the high-pressure unit 50 (that is, stop the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 20).

(2) When there is an operation start request to the electric precipitator 20, the electric precipitator 20 is operated for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes).
(For 2 seconds) to detect the presence / absence of the dust collection filter 22 (whether the output of the monitor circuit 53 is −12 V or zero V). If the dust collection filter 22 is not mounted (the output of the monitor circuit 53 is zero V). ), The fact is notified on the display 73, and the open / close switch 54 is opened to prohibit the operation of the high-pressure unit 50 (in other words, the operation of the electric precipitator 20 is prohibited). If (the output of the monitor circuit 53 is −12 V), the indoor fan 7 is operated and then a predetermined time t
Control means for closing the open / close switch 54 after s to start the operation of the high-pressure unit 50 (that is, start the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 20).

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. Dust enters between the terminal plate 23 and the indoor heat exchanger 17,
As shown by the broken line in FIG. 1, the short circuit (ground fault) may occur between the high-pressure unit 50 and the indoor heat exchanger 17 through the terminal plate 23 and the dust.

If a short circuit occurs, the indoor heat exchanger 17
High voltage is applied between the heat exchanger temperature sensor 74 attached to the
The heat exchanger temperature sensor 74 may be damaged. Further, when a user or the like touches the indoor heat exchanger 17, there is a possibility that an electric shock may occur.

However, when a short circuit occurs, a high voltage is applied to the varistor 80, and the output voltage of the high voltage unit 50 is clamped to a value lower than the steady level. When the output voltage of the high voltage unit 50 cannot maintain the steady level, the output abnormality is caught by the monitor circuit 53, and the output of the monitor circuit 53 becomes zero volt.

When the output of the monitor circuit 53 becomes zero V, a short-circuit abnormality is displayed on the display 73 to notify the user, and the open / close switch 54 is opened to stop the operation of the high-voltage unit 50, and The operation of the dust collector 20 is stopped.

By stopping the operation of the electric precipitator 20 in this manner, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 74 is prevented from being damaged, an electric shock accident, etc., and is safe. In addition, the user can easily recognize that a short circuit has occurred by looking at the display on the display 73, and can take appropriate measures such as requesting a maintenance service.

By the way, dust gradually accumulates in the dust collecting filter 22 of the electric dust collector 20, and as it is, the ventilation resistance increases, which adversely affects the air conditioning. For this reason,
The dust collecting filter 22 is periodically removed, and the dust collecting filter 2 is removed.
2 needs to be washed.

However, as described in the description of the prior art, when the dust collecting filter 22 which is wet by washing is mounted and the electric dust collector 20 is operated as it is, each plate electrode of the dust collecting filter 22 is operated. There is a problem in that abnormal discharge occurs during the period, and the life of each plate electrode of the dust collecting filter 22 is shortened. In addition, if the electric precipitator 20 is operated with the dust collection filter 22 removed, naturally, the dust collection becomes impossible.

As a countermeasure, the control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is executed. First, when the operation start operation is performed by the remote controller 72 (YES in step 101), the electric precipitator 2 is operated.
0 is operated for a fixed time (10 seconds) (step 102
). That is, the open / close switch 54 is closed for a fixed time (10 seconds) and the high-pressure unit 50 operates. The indoor fan 7 is not operated.

The operation of the electric precipitator 20 for a predetermined time (10 seconds) operates the high-pressure unit 50 to make the reed switch 61 and the monitor circuit 53 function, and detects whether or not the dust filter 22 is attached. It is for doing. Further, the fixed time (10 seconds) is the minimum time required to detect the presence / absence of the dust collection filter 22, and even if the dust collection filter 22 wet with water is mounted. This is a time during which abnormal discharge does not occur between the plate electrodes of the dust collection filter 22.

When the dust collecting filter 22 is not mounted, the output of the monitor circuit 53 becomes 0 V, and the display 73 indicates that the dust collecting filter 22 is not mounted and is abnormal (step 104). When the switch 54 is opened, the operation of the high-pressure unit 50 is prohibited, that is, the operation of the electric precipitator 20 is prohibited (step 105).

The user recognizes that the dust collection filter 22 is not mounted by watching the display on the display 73, and can mount the dust collection filter 22. When the dust collecting filter 22 is mounted and the operation start operation is performed again by the remote controller 72 (YES in step 101), the electric dust collector 20 is operated for a predetermined time (10 seconds) (step 102).

In this case, the output of the monitor circuit 53 is -12 V
(NO in step 103), the operation of the indoor fan 7 is started (step 106), and at the same time, the time count t is executed (step 107).

When the time count t reaches the predetermined time ts (YES in step 108), the open / close switch 54 is closed, and the operation of the high-pressure unit 50 is started. As a result, a high voltage is applied to the ionization unit 21 and the dust filter 22, and the operation of the electric dust collector 20 is started (step 109).

The predetermined time ts is a time required to dry the dust collecting filter 22 wet with water by blowing air from the indoor fan 7. As described above, when starting the operation with the dust collection filter 22 mounted, first, the indoor fan 7 is operated to dry the dust collection filter 22, and then the electric dust collector 20 is operated for the first time. Even when the dust filter 22 wet with water is mounted, abnormal discharge does not occur between the plate electrodes of the dust filter 22. As a result, the life of each plate electrode can be prevented from being shortened.

The control process of FIG. 2 is executed by a control program stored in a ROM built in the MCU 70. [2] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

Here, instead of the varistor 80, a voltage detecting means comprising resistors 81 and 82 and a photocoupler 83 is employed as a component of the short-circuit detecting means. This voltage detecting means is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 17 and the ground line GN.
It detects the voltage generated between D and D and catches it as a short circuit when detecting the voltage. It is configured as follows.

A series circuit of a resistor 81 and a resistor 82 is connected between the indoor heat exchanger 17 and the ground line GND of the voltage conversion circuit 40. A photodiode 83a of a photocoupler 83 is connected in parallel with the resistor 82. Connected. further,
The phototransistor (NPN) of the photocoupler 83 is connected to the positive output terminal of the third rectifier circuit (5 V output) of the voltage conversion circuit 40.
(Type) 83b is connected, and the emitter of the phototransistor 83b is connected to the MCU 70.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.
The operation will be described. High pressure unit 50 and indoor heat exchanger 17
Is short-circuited through the terminal plate 23 and dust, a high voltage is applied to the resistors 81 and 82. At this time, the resistor 82
, The photodiode 83a of the photocoupler 83 emits light and the phototransistor 83b turns on.

When the phototransistor 83b turns on,
A voltage signal of 5 V is input to the MCU 70 as a short-circuit detection signal. Thus, the short-circuit abnormality is displayed on the display 73 to notify the user, and the open / close switch 54 is displayed.
Is opened, the operation of the high-pressure unit 50 is stopped, and the operation of the electric precipitator 20 is stopped.

By stopping the operation of the electric precipitator 20 in this way, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 74 is prevented from being damaged, an electric shock accident, etc., and is safe. Also, the user
By looking at the display on the display 73, it is possible to easily detect that a short circuit has occurred and to take appropriate measures such as requesting a maintenance service.

The control and the operation and effect in accordance with the presence or absence of the dust filter 22 are the same as in the first embodiment. [3] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

Here, a voltage detecting means comprising resistors 91 and 92, a comparator 93 and a reference voltage source 94 is employed as a component of the short-circuit detecting means. The voltage detecting means detects a change in the input voltage of the high-voltage unit 50 and, when the input voltage is equal to or less than a predetermined value, catches it as a short circuit, and is configured as follows.

A series circuit of a resistor 91 and a resistor 92 is connected to the output terminal of the first rectifier circuit of the voltage conversion circuit 40, and the voltage generated at the resistor 92 is applied to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the comparator 93. Supplied. A reference voltage is supplied from a reference voltage source 94 to the inverting input terminal (−) of the comparator 93.

The comparator 93 outputs a high-level voltage signal when the voltage generated at the resistor 92 is higher than the reference voltage, and outputs a low-level voltage signal when the voltage generated at the resistor 92 becomes lower than the reference voltage. . This output is supplied to the MCU 70.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.
The operation will be described. High pressure unit 50 and indoor heat exchanger 17
Is short-circuited through the terminal plate 23 and dust, the input voltage of the high-voltage unit 50 decreases. At this time, the output of the comparator 93 becomes low level, which is input to the MCU 70 as a short-circuit detection signal. As a result, the short-circuit abnormality is displayed on the display 73 to notify the user, the open / close switch 54 is opened, the operation of the high-pressure unit 50 is stopped, and the operation of the electric precipitator 20 is stopped.

By stopping the operation of the electric precipitator 20 in this way, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 74 is prevented from being damaged, an electric shock accident, etc., and is safe. Also, the user
By looking at the display on the display 73, it is possible to easily detect that a short circuit has occurred and to take appropriate measures such as requesting a maintenance service.

The control and the operation and effect in accordance with the presence or absence of the dust filter 22 are the same as in the first embodiment. [4] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

Here, current detecting means including a resistor 55 and an NPN transistor 56 is provided in the high-voltage unit 50 as a component of the short-circuit detecting means. The current detecting means detects whether the current flowing between the collector and the emitter of the transistor 52 is equal to or more than a predetermined value,
When it is equal to or more than a predetermined value, it is regarded as a short circuit, and is configured as follows.

The transistor 5 in the high voltage unit 50
A resistor 55 is connected between the second emitter and the ground line GND. Further, the collector and the emitter of the transistor 56 are connected between the base of the transistor 52 and the ground line GND, and the voltage generated at the resistor 55 is applied between the base and the emitter of the transistor 56.

In this current detecting means, the transistor 56 is connected to the high-voltage unit 5 when a short circuit is detected.
It also serves as control means for stopping the operation of the zero. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

The operation will be described. When a short circuit occurs between the high-voltage unit 50 and the indoor heat exchanger 17 through the terminal plate 23 and the dust, the current flowing through the primary coil of the high-voltage unit 50, that is, the current flowing between the collector and the emitter of the transistor 52 increases. As this current increases,
The voltage generated at the resistor 55 increases, and the transistor 56 turns on.

When the transistor 56 is turned on, the on / off operation of the transistor 52 is forcibly stopped. Thereby, the operation of the high-pressure unit 50 is stopped, and the operation of the electric precipitator 20 is stopped.

By stopping the operation of the electric precipitator 20 in this way, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 74 is prevented from being damaged, an electric shock accident, etc., and is safe. Also, the user
By looking at the display on the display 73, it is possible to easily detect that a short circuit has occurred and to take appropriate measures such as requesting a maintenance service.

The control and the operation and effect in accordance with the presence or absence of the dust filter 22 are the same as in the first embodiment. [5] In each of the above embodiments, the case where the high-pressure unit 50 and the indoor heat exchanger 17 are short-circuited through the terminal plate 23 and the dust has been described as an example, but the terminal plate 23 may not be interposed. In short, all cases of short circuit through dust are covered. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0075]

As described above, according to the present invention, an electric short circuit between the high-pressure section of the electrostatic precipitator and the indoor heat exchanger is detected, and when it is detected, the fact is notified or the electric short circuit is notified. Since the operation of the dust collector is stopped, even if the dust filter of the electric dust collector and the indoor heat exchanger are electrically short-circuited through dust, damage to electronic components and electric shock accidents due to the short circuit can be prevented. An air conditioner with excellent safety that can be prevented can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, if the dust collection filter is not installed, the fact is notified and the operation of the electric dust collector is prohibited, and if the dust collection filter is installed, the indoor fan is operated. Since the operation of the electrostatic precipitator is started after a predetermined time, even if a wet dust collection filter is installed, it is possible to avoid abnormal discharge and shortened service life of the dust collection filter to ensure sufficient safety and reliability. An air conditioner that can be secured can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of an electric precipitator in a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of each embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of an indoor unit in each embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of air in a dust collection filter in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow rate of suction air, the dust collection performance, and the pressure loss of suction air in the electrostatic precipitator of each embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of an electric precipitator in a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of an electric precipitator in a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an electric circuit of an electric precipitator in a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a conventional electric precipitator.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of air in a dust collection filter in FIG. 10;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Indoor unit 12 ... Air inlet 13 ... Air outlet 17 ... Indoor heat exchanger 18 ... Indoor fan 20 ... Electric precipitator 21 ... Ionization part 22 ... Dust collection filter 40 ... Voltage conversion circuit 50 ... High voltage unit 70 ... MCU 80: Varistor (voltage clamping means)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued from the front page (72) Inventor Takeshi Sakai 336 Tatehara, Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture Toshiba Corporation Fuji Plant

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An air conditioner provided with an electric precipitator near an indoor heat exchanger, wherein a short circuit detecting an electric short circuit between a high-pressure section of the electric precipitator and the indoor heat exchanger. An air conditioner comprising: a detection unit; and a control unit that, when the short-circuit detection unit detects a short-circuit, notifies the fact or stops the operation of the electric dust collector. 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the short-circuit detecting unit includes a voltage clamp unit connected between the indoor heat exchanger and the ground, and a monitor unit that monitors an output of the high-pressure unit. An air conditioner characterized in that an abnormal output of a high voltage section due to the action of a voltage clamp means at the time of short circuit is captured by a monitor means. 3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the short-circuit detecting means includes voltage detecting means for detecting a voltage generated between the indoor heat exchanger and the ground, and detects the short-circuit when detecting the voltage. An air conditioner characterized by that: 4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the short-circuit detecting means includes a voltage detecting means for detecting a change in input voltage of the high-voltage section, and when the input voltage is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the short-circuit is detected as a short circuit. An air conditioner characterized by the following. 5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the high-voltage section includes a high-voltage transformer having a first coil and a second coil on a primary side, and a second coil inserted into and connected to the first coil of the high-voltage transformer. A switching element that is activated by a voltage generated in the coil, and boosts and outputs an input voltage by a high-voltage transformer and the switching element. The short-circuit detection unit detects whether a current flowing through the switching element is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. An air conditioner, comprising: 6. An air conditioner having an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan in a ventilation path from an air suction port to an air outlet of an indoor unit, the air conditioner having a removable dust collection filter, An electric precipitator provided between the indoor heat exchanger, and, if the dust filter is not installed, a notification to that effect and prohibition of the operation of the electric precipitator; Control means for operating the indoor fan and starting the operation of the electric precipitator after a predetermined time has elapsed. 7. An air conditioner having an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan in a ventilation path from an air suction port to an air outlet of an indoor unit, the air conditioner having a detachable dust collection filter, An electric precipitator provided between the indoor heat exchanger, and when an operation start request for the electric precipitator is issued, if the dust precipitating filter is not installed, a notification to that effect is made and an electric precipitator is provided. Control means for prohibiting the operation of (1) and operating the indoor fan if the dust filter is installed, and starting operation of the electric precipitator after a predetermined time. 8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the control means operates the electric precipitator for a certain period of time when the operation start request is issued to the electric precipitator, and mounts the dust collecting filter. An air conditioner characterized by detecting the presence or absence of air.