JP2024016942A - Air cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an air purifier that can automatically operate the electric dust collector 10 at an appropriate timing to efficiently perform an internal cleaning operation using ozone without impairing the user's usability, and can prevent the ozone concentration from rising above an allowable range. [Solution] An air purifier that is equipped with an automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism that performs an internal cleaning operation using the ozone generated by automatically operating the electric dust collector 10 in an electrical current control unit that operates the electric dust collector 10 in response to the detection status of a dust sensor, and the conditions for this internal cleaning operation are that the air purifier is in operation, the cumulative operating time has exceeded a predetermined time, and the predetermined time has passed since the operation start switch and the operation mode change switch were operated. [Selected drawing] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an air cleaner that purifies the air by removing dust, pollen, odor components, PM2.5, viruses, etc. from the air.

Dust in the air that is taken in from the intake part and passes through is attached to the dust collection filter and removed to purify the air.For example, the dust collection filter part that purifies the air and dirt sensors (dust sensors and gas sensors) are extremely dirty (when the dust level is high). ), the main body is equipped with an electrostatic precipitator that controls the electricity to electrostaticize the dust in the passing air, and removes the dust by electrostatic adsorption to the dust collection electrode, purifying the air. BACKGROUND ART Air purifiers that are configured to blow air purified by passing through a dust collecting section such as a dust collecting filter section or an electric dust collecting section from a blowing section using an air blowing section are popular.

For example, such an air purifier has a configuration in which a dust collection filter section is detachably attached to the main body, and the electric dust collector section is detachably attached to the upstream or downstream side of the dust collection filter section. It may also be a configuration.

In addition, the electric dust collection section of such an air purifier has a structure in which, for example, many ionization electrodes are arranged in parallel, and many dust collection electrodes are arranged in parallel at intervals from each of the ionization electrodes. When you want to increase the dust collection and purification ability (high voltage), you can apply electricity to the ionization electrodes by controlling the current through the electrode terminals that are in contact with the voltage supply section (high-voltage power supply). A voltage is applied to each of the dust collecting electrodes facing away from each other as negative electrodes, and the dust in the air that passes through this becomes electrostatic and is electrostatically attracted to each of the negative dust collecting electrodes and removed, purifying the air. It is structured as follows.

In addition, such air purifiers usually control the amount of air blown by the air blower (blower fan) according to the level of the dust sensor or odor sensor (gas sensor), and efficiently and quickly collect the air according to the level of dirt. Although the configuration is such that the air is purified by a dust filter section, for example, as mentioned above, an electric dust collector section is installed in parallel in addition to the dust collecting filter section, and when the dust level is high, the electricity supply to the electric dust collector section is controlled. It is desirable to configure the system so that it is activated and further increases the dust collection and purification ability.

In addition, since such an electrostatic precipitator is operated by applying a high voltage, it not only exhibits the dust collection and purification effect but also generates ozone. Conventionally, this ozone is used to perform internal cleaning as appropriate. There are also things that can be controlled like this.

In other words, bacteria and viruses in dust attached to dust collection filters, dust collection electrodes, walls of ventilation channels, etc. may not be killed or inactivated even if they are attached, and there is a possibility that they may be re-dispersed. There is also. Therefore, conventionally, an automatic internal clean operation control mechanism has been developed which operates the electrostatic precipitator to generate ozone separately from dust collection and purification, and controls the internal clean operation to sterilize and inactivate bacteria with this ozone. An air purifier has been proposed in which the energization control section of the electrostatic precipitator section is equipped with the following.

Internal clean control using such an electrostatic precipitator can maintain the inside of the casing in a clean state, and not only sterilizes bacteria but also inactivates viruses and prevents the re-dispersion of uninactivated viruses. This can be prevented and there is no decrease in cleaning performance.

For example, in the past, as such internal clean control, there is a method that automatically operates the electrostatic precipitator to perform internal clean operation when the cumulative operating time of the machine has elapsed for a predetermined time, as in Patent Document 1, and a patent document There are devices that perform an internal clean operation when the room is detected to be clean, as in Document 2, and devices that perform an internal clean operation upon user instruction (operation).

However, if the electrostatic precipitator is simply activated to perform an internal clean operation, this internal clean operation is intended to purify the ozone generated, which may lead to an increase in ozone concentration. If the dust collection and purification operation and this internal cleaning operation are performed frequently or repeatedly, the user's usability may be impaired.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-085579 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-005634 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-228227

The present invention has discovered and solved these problems.It is an object of the present invention to automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator at an appropriate timing and efficiently perform internal cleaning operation using ozone without impairing the user's usability. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an innovative air purifier that is highly practical and can prevent the ozone concentration from increasing beyond the permissible range.

The gist of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

An intake section 2 that takes in outside air, a dust collection section 3 that purifies the air by removing dust from the air taken in from the intake section 2, a blowout section 4 that blows out purified air, and the intake section 2. The air purifier is equipped with an air blowing section 5 that generates a flow of air that is taken in from the air and blown out from the blowing section 4, and the dust collecting section 3 is equipped with an ionizing electrode section 7 that is equipped with an ionizing electrode 6. and a dust collecting electrode part 9 provided with a dust collecting electrode 8 arranged at a distance from the ionizing electrode 6, and a dust collecting electrode part 9 provided with a dust collecting electrode 8 arranged at a distance from the ionizing electrode 6. The electric dust collection unit 10 is configured to apply a voltage to electrostatically charge the dust in the passing air and electrostatically adsorb it to the dust collection electrode 8, and the detection status of the dust sensor or gas sensor is An energization control section is provided that energizes the ionization electrode 6 and applies the voltage to operate the electrostatic precipitator 10 in accordance with the internal clean operation conditions. , is equipped with an automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that performs an internal clean operation that energizes the ionization electrode 6 to automatically activate the electrostatic precipitator 10 and sterilize bacteria or inactivate viruses using generated ozone. The internal clean operation condition of the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that performs this internal clean operation is that the first operation condition is that the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism is in operation and the cumulative operating time has elapsed for a predetermined period or more, and the second operation condition is that the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism performs the internal clean operation. The present invention relates to an air purifier characterized in that it is an essential condition that a predetermined period of time or more has elapsed since the operation of the operation start switch or the operation mode changeover switch, whichever is later.

In addition to the first operating condition and the second operating condition, the internal clean operating condition is a third operating condition in which the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor is a dust level at which the electrostatic precipitator 10 does not operate. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein the detection situation is also an essential condition.

Further, the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10 to perform the internal clean operation is configured to operate under internal clean non-operation conditions, including when a room temperature sensor detects that the room temperature is below a predetermined temperature. The air purifier according to claim 1, further comprising a control mechanism that does not automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator 10 and perform the internal clean operation when the condition is satisfied. This is related.

Further, the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10 to perform the internal clean operation is an automatic operation time of the electrostatic precipitator 10 according to the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor. 2. The air cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising a control mechanism for determining an internal clean operation time and setting the internal clean operation time to be shorter as the room temperature is lower. It is.

Further, the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10 to perform the internal clean operation, and after automatically operating the electrostatic precipitator 10 to start the internal clean operation, 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a control mechanism that stops the internal clean operation or changes the internal clean operation time to a shorter time when it is detected that the internal clean operation has decreased. This relates to air purifiers.

Further, a dust collection filter section 11 equipped with a dust collection filter 10 for adhering dust in the passing air is provided on the downstream side or upstream side of the electrostatic precipitator section 10, and is separate from the electric dust collection section 10. It is provided as the dust collecting section 3, and is configured such that the air is purified by the dust collecting filter section 11 even when the electric dust collecting section 10 is not in operation, and the electric dust collecting section 10 is automatically operated. The automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that controls the operation is configured to include a control mechanism that returns to the operating mode before the internal clean operation after the internal clean operation is completed. This relates to air purifiers.

Further, the electric dust collecting section 10 and the dust collecting filter section 11 are provided on the entire surface of the ventilation passage section for air taken in from the air intake section 2 and discharged from the blowing section 4. The dust collection filter part 11 is provided downstream of the part 10, and the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that automatically controls the operation of the electric dust collector 10 performs the internal clean operation to clean the electric dust collector 10. The air cleaner according to claim 6, wherein the dust section 10 and the dust collection filter section 11 are configured to sterilize or inactivate viruses.

Since the present invention is constructed as described above, it is possible to automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator at an appropriate timing without impairing the user's usability, and to perform an efficient internal cleaning operation using ozone, while maintaining an acceptable ozone concentration. This is an innovative air purifier with excellent practicality that can prevent air from rising above the specified range.

It is an explanatory perspective view of a present example. This is an explanatory normal cross section of this example. FIG. 2 is an explanatory exploded perspective view of the removable electrostatic precipitator that can be slid and separated into two parts according to the present embodiment, taken out from the main body.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An optimal embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described based on the drawings, showing the effects of the present invention.

Outside air is sucked into the main body 1 from the air intake part 2 by the ventilation part 5, and this air passes through the dust collection part 3 of the main body 1, so that dust in the air is attached or removed by adsorption, and the air is purified. , will be discharged from the blow-off section 4.

Specifically, for example, a dust collecting filter part 12 having a dust collecting filter 11 is provided as the dust collecting part 3 in the main body part 1, and another dust collecting part is provided upstream or downstream of this dust collecting filter part 12. 3, if the configuration is such that an electrostatic precipitator 10 is also provided, outside air is taken in by the blower 5 from the intake section 2 of the main body 1, and this air is sent to each dust collector 3 (the electrostatic precipitator 10 and the dust filter). By passing through the parts 12) in sequence, dust is removed by adhesion or adsorption, and is purified, and is discharged from the blow-off part 4 at the upper part.

That is, for example, the amount of air blown by the air blowing unit 5 is controlled depending on the detection status (contamination level) of the dust sensor, and the dust collection filter 11 of the dust collection filter unit 12 installed in the middle of the air flow removes the air. Dust is captured and removed, but if the configuration is such that the electrostatic precipitator 10 operated by electricity control is provided in a layered manner on the downstream side, this dust sensor will detect if the dirt is severe (the dust level is high). When the determination is made, the electric precipitator 10 automatically operates by being energized (when the energizing operation conditions are met), and the dust in the air becomes electrostatic and is electrostatically attracted to the dust collecting electrode 8. It will be removed.

To explain further, the electrostatic precipitator 10 of the present invention includes an ionization electrode section 7 provided with an ionization electrode 6, and a dust collection electrode 8 disposed at a distance from the ionization electrode 6. A voltage (high voltage) is applied to the ionization electrode 6 and the dust collection electrode 8 which is spaced apart from the ionization electrode 6 to electrostaticize the dust in the air passing through and collect the dust. Although the structure is such that the dust is electrostatically attracted to the electrode 8, as mentioned above, if, for example, the dust collection filter section 12 lacks purification ability, or in order to strengthen this, it may be configured so that air passes through both. Electricity is applied when necessary depending on the level of dirt, that is, when the energization operating conditions are met, and the electrostatic precipitator 10 is automatically operated in addition to the dust collecting filter section 12, thereby increasing the purification ability.

Furthermore, as described above, the present invention is configured such that the air is purified by the dust collecting filter section 12 even when the electrostatic precipitator 10 is not in operation, and when necessary, that is, the energization operation condition is satisfied. In this case, the ionization electrode 6 may be energized by an automatic operation control mechanism of the energization control section to automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator 10, thereby increasing the purification ability.

Further, in the present invention, when the internal clean operation condition is satisfied, the energization control unit that operates the electrostatic precipitator 10 automatically operates the electrostatic precipitator 10 by energizing the ionization electrode 6 to generate electricity. The structure is equipped with an automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that performs an internal clean operation that sterilizes bacteria or inactivates viruses using ozone. The second operating condition is that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the operation of the operation start switch and the operation mode changeover switch, whichever is the latest. This makes it possible to automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator at an appropriate timing without causing any damage, and efficiently perform an internal cleaning operation using ozone, and to prevent the ozone concentration from increasing beyond the permissible range.

A concrete example 1 of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

This embodiment includes an intake section 2 that takes outside air into the main body 1, a dust collection section 3 that purifies the air by removing dust from the air taken in from the intake section 2, and a dust collection section 3 that blows out the purified air. It is configured to include a blowing section 4 and a blowing section 5 that generates the flow of air that is taken in from the air intake section 2 and blown out from the blowing section 4, and the dust level and odor level detected and determined by the dust sensor and the gas sensor are controlled. The structure includes an air volume control section that controls the amount of air blown by the air blowing section 5 accordingly (according to the degree of dirt).

Specifically, by blowing the air from below to above from the air blowing section 5, outside air is taken in from the air intake sections 2 provided in the four directions of the front, back, left, and right of the bottom, that is, in the entire circumferential direction, to the upper center of the main body 1. The dust collecting section 3 provided on the lower upstream side of the blower section 5, that is, on the entire midway point of the air passageway, is configured to remove dust in the air by adhering to it or adsorbing it, thereby purifying it.

Further, the dust collection section 3 of this embodiment is composed of a dust collection filter section 12 equipped with a dust collection filter 11 and an electric dust collection section 10. A dust collecting filter part 12 is provided as the dust part 3, and an electric dust collecting part 10 is arranged in parallel in layers on the upstream side (lower part) as the dust collecting part 3. Air is taken in from the air intake section 2, and the air passes through the dust collection section 3 (electrostatic dust collection section 10 and dust collection filter section 12), where dust is attached or adsorbed and removed and purified. It is configured to be ejected.

That is, the amount of air blown by the air blowing unit 5 is controlled according to the detection status of the dust sensor, and the dust in the air is efficiently removed by the dust collecting filter 11 of the dust collecting filter unit 12, which is removably attached to the entire surface of the route. The structure is such that the dust is captured and removed, but the electrostatic precipitator 10 operated by energization control is installed on the upstream side in a removable layered state. ) is detected and determined (when the first energization operation condition is met), the electric precipitator 10 is energized and automatically operates, and the dust in the air is electrostatically charged and removed by electrostatic adsorption. It is designed to be purified (increase in purification ability).

In other words, the dust collection section 3 of this embodiment has a structure in which the dust collection filter section 12 and the electric dust collection section 10 are arranged in parallel in layers as described above, and when necessary depending on the degree of dirt, that is, the first When the energization operating conditions are met, electricity is applied to automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator 10 in addition to the dust collection filter section 12, and the dust in the air is electrostatically charged and removed by electrostatic adsorption, increasing the purification ability. It is configured so that it can be used.

Further, the electrostatic precipitator 10 of this embodiment includes an ionization electrode section 7 in which a large number of ionization electrodes 6 are arranged at intervals, and an ionization electrode section 7 in which a large number of ionization electrodes 6 are arranged at intervals. A voltage supply unit (a high-voltage power source) that applies voltage to a dust collection electrode section 9 in which a large number of dust collection electrodes 8 are arranged, each of the ionization electrodes 6, and each dust collection electrode 8 spaced apart from these ionization electrodes 6. The ionizing electrode 6 is connected to the ionizing electrode 6 by supplying electricity to the ionizing electrode 6 through the electrode terminal section (contact terminal section), and connecting the ionizing electrode 6 to the above-mentioned collector spaced apart from the ionizing electrode 6. A voltage (high voltage) is applied to the dust electrodes 8 to electrostaticize the dust in the passing air, and the dust is electrostatically attracted to the plurality of dust collecting electrodes 8. Further, this electrostatic precipitator 10 is constructed as a detachable unit, and is configured to be detachably attached to the main body 1, and further configured to be able to be separated into two parts by sliding the dust collecting electrode section 9 from the ionization electrode section 7. The structure is such that the dust collecting electrode 8 of the dust collecting electrode section 9 can be easily exposed during maintenance, and the adsorbed dust can be easily removed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the electrostatic precipitator 10 is not in operation, as described above, the air is blown by the air blower 5 controlled by the air volume controller and the dust filter 11 of the dust filter 12 is operated. The structure is such that dust in the passing air is attached to it to purify the air.

Further, this embodiment includes an energization control section that energizes the ionization electrode 6 and applies the voltage to operate the electrostatic precipitator 10, and this energization control section is configured to operate when the first energization operating condition is satisfied. The configuration includes an automatic operation control mechanism that automatically operates the electrostatic precipitator 10 by energizing the ionization electrode 6 when the condition is filled.

The first energization operating condition of this embodiment is that the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor is at least a predetermined level, continues to be at the predetermined level or higher for a predetermined time, and is equal to or higher than the predetermined level. The configuration is such that the essential condition is that the output of the dust sensor is detected a predetermined number of times to be equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

Specifically, as a premise, in this embodiment, the dust sensor (dust sensor) is configured to detect and judge the dust occupancy rate and output it, and the degree of dirt is determined according to the output (dust occupancy rate) of this dust sensor. A plurality of dust levels are provided, and the dust level is determined according to the output of the dust sensor.

That is, in determining the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor, the automatic operation control mechanism provided in the energization control section of the present embodiment is configured such that the output (dust occupancy rate) of the dust sensor is For example, when it is detected that the dust level is at least a first threshold a predetermined number of times, or when it is detected once that the output of the dust sensor is at least a third threshold that is larger than the first threshold, the dust level is The configuration includes a control mechanism to level up (level up the dust level to the maximum level).

To further explain the dust level in detail, in this embodiment, the dust level is divided into four levels from level 0, which is clean and free of dirt, to level 3, depending on the detection status of the dust sensor output (P output (%)), that is, the dust occupancy rate. For example, when the dust level is set and P output a% or more is detected b times or more per minute at level zero, the dust level is raised from level zero to level 1, and then P output c% (as described above) is detected. When the dust level is detected at least d times per minute (greater than a%) or when the P output is detected at e% (greater than the above c%) or more once, the dust level is raised from level 1 to level 2. , and furthermore, when the P output f% (greater than the above a%) or more is detected g times (greater than the above d times) or more in 1 minute, or the P output h% (greater than the above e% and the above f%) or more The control mechanism is configured to increase the dust level from level 2 to the maximum level 3 when the dust level is detected once. In the case of the same sensitivity setting, in this embodiment, c% and f% are set to the same value, for example, 6% at intermediate sensitivity.

In addition, the value of this dust occupancy rate (P output %), which is the level-up condition for changing the dust level based on the dust occupancy rate of these P outputs, can be changed in size all at once by changing the sensitivity setting. It is configured so that the air flow rate of the air blower 5 can be controlled and the operating sensitivity of the automatic operation control of the electrostatic precipitator 10 can be adjusted and set.

In this embodiment, the sensitivity can be changed by automatically changing the dust occupancy rate (P output %) as a condition for increasing the dust level. In this embodiment, the first energization operating condition for automatically controlling the dust section 10 is that the dust level is a maximum level 3 or higher, and this state of level 3 or higher continues for a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes); In addition, the operating condition is that the P output of the dust sensor to reach level 3 is detected to be equal to or higher than a first threshold value (the P output f%, for example, 6%) a predetermined number of times g (for example, 4 times). .

That is, in this embodiment, the automatic operation control mechanism is provided in the energization control section for operating the electrostatic precipitator 10 to automatically control the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10. The configuration has four stages from zero to three, and as the dust level increases, the amount of air blown is increased, and the electrostatic precipitator 10 is automatically activated when the dust level is high and the first energization operation condition is satisfied. In addition, not only is the dust level high, but the first energization operation condition is that this high dust level continues for a predetermined period of time and the first threshold value is set for the P output to be increased to this high dust level. Since the operating condition is set that the condition is detected a predetermined number of times (g times), the dust collection filter section 12 operates only when the dirt is severe and the purification ability is insufficient. In addition to increasing the purification capacity and quickly purifying the air, the system also suppresses unnecessary increases in operating frequency and reliably prevents the risk of shortening component life and increasing ozone concentration due to high voltage application.

Furthermore, the frequency of sudden changes in the rotational speed of the blower section 5 is suppressed, and the influence on component life is also suppressed.

Further, the automatic control mechanism included in the energization control section of the present embodiment is configured such that the output of the dust sensor (the P output) is set to a second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value (dust occupancy rate f%, for example, 6%). (for example, the dust occupancy rate i%, for example, 12%) or more is detected (detected once) when the second energization operation condition is met, the first energization operation condition is not satisfied. Also, the electrostatic precipitator 10 is automatically activated by supplying electricity to the ionizing electrode 6.

In other words, in the present embodiment, the control mechanism that automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10, that is, the automatic operation control mechanism of the energization control section, operates for a predetermined period of time (for example, 3 minutes) have elapsed, and when the P output detects the first threshold value (dust occupancy rate f%, for example 6%) or more, for example four times (4 data (16 seconds)) consecutively (the first energization operating condition is ), or when the P output detects the second threshold value (dust occupancy h%, for example, 12%) or more once (one data) while the dust level is at level 3 (the second energization operating condition is met). It is configured to turn on the power and automatically operate when the condition is satisfied.

Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the level reaches level 3, the indoor air can be immediately purified by simply increasing the air blowing amount in the vicinity, that is, by only using the dust collection filter unit 12, so that the level The first energization operating condition is set so that the electrostatic precipitator 10 is operated and controlled for the first time in accordance with the situation where the air is not purified after the air is heated, and furthermore, the first energization operating condition is set to a first threshold value (dust occupancy rate) or more of the first energization operating condition. If you wait for the P output of f% (for example, 6% or more) to be detected a predetermined number of times (for example, the g times, 4 times), the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10 may be delayed even though the dirt is quite heavy. Therefore, the second energization operation condition is set in place of the first energization operation condition (as an OR condition), and the P output is the second threshold value larger than the first threshold value (dust occupancy rate f%). (Dust occupancy rate i%, for example, 12%) or more is detected once, that is, when a detection with a large absolute value of P output, not the number of detections, is detected (this second energization activation condition is met). If the degree of contamination is extreme, the electrostatic precipitator 10 is automatically activated without waiting for the first energization activation condition to be met, so that when the degree of contamination is extreme, it is immediately detected and automatically activated to quickly purify it. It is designed to improve your abilities.

Note that this second threshold value, which is used to determine extremely dirty conditions, is set to a value higher than the value that is frequently detected in normal house dust, so it does not operate frequently and impairs the usability. Not at all.

Additionally, regarding the control mechanism for increasing the dust level, as described above, the automatic operation control mechanism provided in the energization control section of the present embodiment is configured such that the P output of the dust sensor increases from, for example, dust level 2 to the maximum level. When it is detected a predetermined number of times g that the dust level is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (dust occupancy rate f%) for raising the dust level to 3, or when the output of the dust sensor is higher than the first threshold value The control mechanism increases the dust level (for example, from level 2 to level 3) when it is detected once that the dust level is equal to or higher than a threshold value (dust occupancy rate h%).

Specifically, as described above, this control mechanism is configured to detect that the output of the dust sensor is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (the a%, c%, or f%) multiple times within the determination time. The level determination includes a control mechanism that increases the dust level when the dust level is detected, and the higher the dust level, the greater the number of detections within the determination time of the output equal to or higher than the first threshold value. Conditions (for example, from level 1 to level 2, c% is set d times (2 times), and from level 2 to level 3, f%, which is the same as c%, is set g times (4 times)). .

Therefore, the dust level is set so that it increases as the number of times the P output is detected to be equal to or higher than the threshold increases without raising the threshold. Considering that waiting for multiple detections when the level is extremely severe may delay the level up, the system is configured so that even one detection of a high threshold or higher causes the level to increase. We aim to improve the usability by making it possible to quickly determine and purify the product.

Further, in this embodiment, a gas sensor is provided, and a plurality of odor levels are set to be detected and determined by the gas sensor, and the air blowing unit 5 The air volume control section is configured to control the air volume of the air flow.

Therefore, since the gas sensor (odor sensor) has less vibration than the dust sensor, it is possible to make an appropriate level determination even with a small number of detections.

Furthermore, the automatic operation control mechanism of the electrostatic precipitator 10 of this embodiment is configured to perform various controls such as energization prohibition control and continuous energization restriction control in order to improve safety, operability, and usability. .

Furthermore, even if the electrostatic precipitator 10 does not operate due to the energization prohibition control based on such energization prohibition conditions, the dust collection filter section 12 cleans the dust as described above, so that the user's usability will not be significantly impaired. do not have.

Furthermore, even if the automatic operation mode is switched from the automatic operation mode to the fixed operation mode according to the user's preference by the user's operation, the air flow rate will be fixed, but in this embodiment, the operation control of the electrostatic precipitator 10 is performed as described above. The system is configured such that the operation is automatically controlled and the above-mentioned effects are always exhibited.

Next, an embodiment of an automatic internal clean operation control mechanism, which is a main part of the present invention, will be described.

Since such an electrostatic precipitator 10 is operated by applying a high voltage, the above-mentioned dust collection and purification effect is exhibited and ozone is generated. Therefore, this ozone is used to perform an internal clean operation as appropriate. The system is equipped with an automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that controls the internal clean operation.

That is, in this embodiment, bacteria and viruses in the dust attached to the dust collection filter 10, the dust collection electrode 8, the wall surface of the ventilation path, etc. may not be killed or inactivated even if they are just attached. In order to prevent this from being re-dissipated, there is an automatic internal clean operation control that operates the electrostatic precipitator 10 as appropriate to generate ozone, and performs an internal clean operation that sterilizes and inactivates the ozone. The mechanism is provided in the energization control section of the electrostatic precipitator 10.

Specifically, when the internal clean operation condition is satisfied, the energization control unit that operates the electrostatic precipitator 10 automatically operates the electrostatic precipitator 10 by energizing the ionization electrode 6 and generates the electrostatic precipitator 10. The structure is equipped with an automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that performs an internal clean operation that sterilizes bacteria or inactivates viruses using ozone. The second operating condition is that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the operation of the operation start switch and the operation of the operation mode changeover switch, whichever is later, is an essential condition.

For example, the first operating condition is that the vehicle is in operation and the cumulative operating time is 6 hours or more. This is to prevent the internal clean operation from occurring in such a situation, as there is a risk that the user may mistakenly use dangerous hair spray or the like in the surrounding area, thinking that the device is not operating. In other words, as long as the outlet is energized, such a situation can be detected even when the device is not operating, and for example, the electrostatic precipitator 10 will not be automatically activated because the internal clean operating conditions are not met (for example, if the following third operating condition, etc. This is to make it possible to control the system by determining that it does not satisfy the requirements and not operating it. The reason for using cumulative operation time instead of continuous operation is to prevent the possibility that internal clean operation will hardly occur if continuous operation is performed, and to ensure that internal clean operation is performed while going out during the day or when going to bed.

Further, as the second operating condition, it is also an essential internal clean operating condition that one hour or more has elapsed since the last operation of the operation start switch and operation mode changeover switch. This is because if only the first operating condition is used, the internal clean operation may start after the cumulative operating time has elapsed, depending on the timing, even though it may be immediately after starting operation or immediately after selecting the operating mode and operating it. However, this is an essential operating condition to prevent this from occurring.

Further, in this embodiment, in addition to the first operating condition and the second operating condition, a third operating condition is such that the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor is a dust level at which the electrostatic precipitator 10 is not operated. It is also an essential operating condition that the detection situation is as follows. That is, the control is such that the internal clean operation is not performed unless at least these three conditions are met.

Specifically, the essential operating condition is that the state of cleanliness determination in which both the dust level and the odor level are zero continues for one minute or more (third operating condition). By making this an essential operating condition, the amount of air blown by the air blowing unit 5 is the highest when the dust level and odor level are the lowest at level zero (the state where the electrostatic precipitator 10 is judged to be clean and does not automatically operate). By ensuring that the internal clean operation is performed only when the dust level is low, the internal clean operation can be performed efficiently at the appropriate timing while suppressing the increase in ozone concentration, and the internal clean operation will stop as soon as the dust level rises. We also avoid making any movements that would cause the user to move, so as not to impair the usability.

In this embodiment, during the internal clean operation, as described above, the electrostatic precipitator 10 is operated (energized) at a low air volume by controlling the air volume of the air blower 5 to increase the ozone concentration inside the housing. It is controlled to sterilize and inactivate viruses. (For example, during normal operation for dust collection and purification, in order to avoid an increase in ozone concentration, the air flow rate is controlled so that the electrostatic precipitator 10 is operated only at a strong or turbo air flow rate.)

Therefore, for example, if the internal clean operation is executed immediately after the user instructs operation (operates a switch) at a fixed air volume of "strong" and the air volume suddenly drops to a low air volume, the user may feel strange because the operation is different from the intended operation. However, in order to prevent this from deteriorating the usability, in this embodiment, the internal clean operation condition is such that a predetermined period of time or more has elapsed since the operation of the operation start switch or operation changeover switch. (the second operating condition).

Continuing the dust level to zero (clean judgment) is also an essential operating condition (third operating condition), and the internal clean operation is controlled when this operating condition is also met. This is also done to prevent the internal cleaning operation from stopping and returning to normal operation when the air becomes dirty, causing a change in air volume.If this air volume change is repeated, the feeling of use will be impaired, so this is to be prevented.

Further, in this embodiment, when the internal clean non-operation condition including that the room temperature is detected to be below a predetermined temperature by the room temperature sensor is satisfied, the electrostatic precipitator 10 is not automatically activated and the internal clean is cleaned. A control mechanism is provided that does not operate. In other words, in this embodiment, the fourth operating condition is that the internal clean non-operating condition, which includes the room temperature sensor detecting that the room temperature is below a predetermined temperature, for example, below 5°C, is not satisfied. It is a condition.

This is a measure to prevent an increase in the spatial ozone concentration, and since ozone is likely to be generated at low temperatures, the operation of the electrostatic precipitator is restricted depending on the room temperature (at low temperatures).

In addition, after energizing and operating, in order to reliably lower the ozone concentration, that is, to limit continuous operation, for example, the internal clean operation time should be twice as long as the energization time (internal clean operation time) (for example, 5 minutes). Set a non-operation condition that will not re-energize (re-operate) until 10 minutes (twice that amount) has elapsed, and when this is met, the internal clean operation will not be performed, and if this non-operation condition is met, It is also an essential operating condition to carry out an internal clean operation when there is no internal clean operation (fifth operating condition).

Further, the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism of the present embodiment automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10 to perform the internal clean operation, and the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism automatically controls the electrostatic precipitator 10 according to the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor. An internal clean operation time, which is an operation time, is determined, and the internal clean operation time is set to be shorter as the room temperature is lower.

Specifically, if the temperature is 15°C or higher when starting the internal clean operation, the internal clean operation time is set to 5 minutes, for example, if it is 5°C or higher and lower than 15°C, the internal clean operation time is set to 2 minutes, and if it is lower than 5°C, the internal clean operation time is set to 5 minutes. The configuration is configured to prevent this from occurring. This is to suppress the increase in ozone concentration since the lower the temperature, the more ozone is generated, and the lower the temperature, the more ozone concentration tends to increase.

Further, in this embodiment, after the electrostatic precipitator 10 is automatically activated and the internal clean operation is started, when it is detected that the room temperature has decreased, the internal clean operation is stopped (operation stopped). Alternatively, the structure includes a control mechanism that changes and sets the internal clean operation time to a short time.

Specifically, for example, if the temperature was 15°C or higher when the internal clean operation started, but the temperature fell to 5°C or higher and lower than 15°C within 2 minutes after the start, the internal clean operation will be changed to 2 minutes and the internal operation will continue until 2 minutes have passed. If the internal clean operation is performed and interrupted, and the temperature becomes 5°C or more and less than 15°C or less than 5°C after 2 minutes have passed from the start of the internal clean operation, the internal clean operation time is changed and the internal clean operation is immediately stopped (interrupted). Furthermore, when the temperature is 5° C. or more and less than 15° C. at the start of the internal clean operation, but it becomes less than 5° C. after the start, the internal clean operation is controlled to be stopped (interrupted). Note that the temperature drop during the internal clean operation is shortened or stopped (interrupted) in this way, and the temperature rise is controlled so as not to extend the time.

Further, in this embodiment, the configuration is such that the following retry control after interruption is performed. That is, when the operation is interrupted because the second operating condition is not satisfied due to operation of the operation start switch or operation changeover switch, the control is such that the operation is restarted after re-counting whether one hour has passed since the operation. In addition, when the dust level or odor level rises from zero to level 1 or higher, the third operating condition is not satisfied and the operation is interrupted, the control restarts by counting whether the level zero state has passed for more than one minute. It is said that In addition, when the room temperature is interrupted when it becomes less than 5°C, it is not restarted until the room temperature becomes 8°C or higher, and the internal clean operation is restarted when a temperature of 8°C or higher is detected. Furthermore, when the operation is interrupted due to the occurrence of an error, the control is configured to count whether one hour or more has elapsed since the operation of the operation start switch and operation changeover switch and restart the operation.

This prevents the user's operation from being interrupted, giving priority to the user's experience, but it also gives priority to lowering the temperature, indoor cleaning, and error occurrence, and immediately interrupts the internal clean operation. However, it is possible to restart under predetermined conditions so that the usability is not impaired.

In addition, similar to the automatic operation control mechanism of the electrostatic precipitator 10 of this embodiment, the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism also includes energization prohibition control and continuous energization restriction control in order to improve safety, operability, and usability. It is configured to perform various controls. For example, the internal clean non-operation condition also includes the fact that the energization operation prohibition conditions are not met, such as when the maintenance is notified, when the energization is prohibited due to gas, and when the rotational speed of the blower section 5 (fan) is decreased.

Further, this embodiment includes a control mechanism that returns to the operating mode before the internal clean operation after the internal clean operation is completed (including interruption).

Further, in this embodiment, as described above, the electrostatic precipitator 10 and the dust collection filter section 11 are provided on the entire surface of the ventilation passage for air taken in from the intake section 2 and discharged from the blowout section 4. The dust collection filter section 11 is provided on the downstream side of the electrostatic precipitator 10, and the internal clean operation is performed by the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10. The electrostatic precipitator 10 and the dust filter 11 are configured to be able to remove bacteria or inactivate viruses adhering to the entire surface thereof.

Therefore, this internal clean operation can efficiently sterilize or inactivate not only the entire surface of the electrostatic precipitator 10 but also the entire surface of the dust collection filter section 12 on the downstream side (the upper side in this embodiment), resulting in an extremely practical image. This is a revolutionary air purifier.

Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the specific configuration of each component can be designed as appropriate.

1 Main body part 2 Intake part 3 Dust collection part 4 Blow part 5 Air blowing part 6 Ionization electrode 7 Ionization electrode part 8 Dust collection electrode 9 Dust collection electrode part
10 Electrostatic precipitator
11 Dust collection filter
12 Dust collection filter section

Claims (7)

an intake section that takes in outside air; a dust collection section that purifies the air by removing dust from the air taken in from the intake section; a blowout section that blows out the purified air; and a blowout section that blows out the purified air; An air cleaner that is equipped with a blower section that generates the flow of air blown out from the section,
The dust collection section includes an ionization electrode section provided with an ionization electrode, and a dust collection electrode section provided with a dust collection electrode arranged at a distance from the ionization electrode. The dust collecting section is configured to apply a voltage to the dust collecting electrode which is spaced apart from the dust collecting section to electrostatically charge the dust in the passing air and to electrostatically attract the dust to the dust collecting electrode. ,
an energization control unit that energizes the ionization electrode and applies the voltage to operate the electrostatic precipitator according to the detection status of the dust sensor or the gas sensor;
When internal clean operation conditions are met, this energization control section performs an internal clean operation in which the ionization electrode is energized to automatically activate the electrostatic precipitator and the generated ozone sterilizes or inactivates viruses. It is equipped with an automatic internal clean operation control mechanism,
The internal clean operation condition of the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that performs this internal clean operation is that the first operation condition is that the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism is in operation, and the cumulative operation time has exceeded a predetermined time, and the second operation condition is that the operation is started. An air purifier characterized in that an essential condition is that a predetermined period of time or more has elapsed since the last one of the switch operation and the operation mode changeover switch operation. The internal clean operating condition is a third operating condition in addition to the first operating condition and the second operating condition, in which the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor is at a dust level that does not cause the electrostatic precipitator to operate. The air cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that being in a detection situation is also an essential condition. The automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator to perform the internal clean operation satisfies internal clean non-operation conditions, including that a room temperature sensor detects that the room temperature is below a predetermined temperature. 2. The air purifier according to claim 1, further comprising a control mechanism that does not automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator and perform the internal cleaning operation when the electrostatic precipitator is activated. The automatic internal clean operation control mechanism automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator to perform the internal clean operation, and the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism automatically controls the internal clean operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10 according to the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor. 2. The air cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising a control mechanism that determines an operating time and sets the internal clean operating time to be shorter as the room temperature is lower. The automatic internal clean operation control mechanism automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator to perform the internal clean operation, and the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism automatically controls the electrostatic precipitator to perform the internal clean operation when the room temperature decreases after automatically operating the electrostatic precipitator and starting the internal clean operation. The air cleaner according to claim 4, further comprising a control mechanism that stops the internal clean operation or changes the internal clean operation time to a shorter time when this is detected. Machine. A dust collection filter section, which is provided with a dust collection filter for adhering dust in the passing air, is provided on the downstream side or upstream side of the electrostatic precipitator section, and serves as the dust collection section separate from the electrostatic precipitator section. is provided, and the air is purified by the dust collection filter unit even when the electrostatic precipitator is not in operation,
The automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator is configured to include a control mechanism that returns to the operating mode before the internal clean operation after completing the internal clean operation. The air cleaner according to claim 1. The electric dust collecting part and the dust collecting filter part are provided on the entire surface of a ventilation passage for air taken in from the intake part and discharged from the blowing part,
The dust collection filter section is provided downstream of the electric dust collection section,
By performing the internal clean operation by the automatic internal clean operation control mechanism that automatically controls the operation of the electric dust collector, the electric dust collector and the dust collection filter section are sterilized or viruses are inactivated. The air cleaner according to claim 6, characterized in that:

Images