JP2003329288A - Mildew restraining method and air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mildew restraining method and air conditioner for sterilizing the air and performing dehumidifying and heating operation according to the humidity or temperature. <P>SOLUTION: A mildew preventing operation is started (S71), plus ions and minus ions or minus ions are generated (S72), and in the case where the humidity in a room is 60% or higher, (60% or higher in S73), when the outside air temperature is under 1°C (under 1°C in S74), heating is started, when the outside air temperature is 1°C or higher (1°C or higher in S74), dehumidifying operation is started (S79), and after the start of heating or dehumidifying, when the humidity in the room is 50% or lower (50% or lower in S76 or S80), heating or dehumidifying is stopped. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mold control method for sterilizing indoor air to suppress the generation of mold, and an air conditioner having means for sterilizing air.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, when a room is hot and humid, the growth of bacteria or microorganisms is promoted and molds (fungi) are easily generated. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of mold by keeping the room at low temperature and low humidity. It may also be sterilized by releasing a substance having sterilizing power into the room. Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-20655 discloses an air conditioner that sterilizes by using ozone.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-322218 discloses an air cleaning method using a ceramics catalyst that sterilizes by using hypochlorite ion and nascent oxygen. An indoor air disinfection method for sterilization is disclosed, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-124 discloses an indoor air disinfection method for sterilization using a hydrogen peroxide solution or an aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution. 6-23
Japanese Patent No. 7980 discloses a method of sterilizing indoor air by using ethyl chloride to kill insects.

The above-mentioned method or apparatus has a strong sterilizing power and is suitable for an operating room of a hospital, a food processing room, or the like, which requires particularly sterilization.

[0004]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-20655

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-122445

[Patent Document 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-322218

[Patent Document 4] JP-A-6-124

[Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-237980

[0005]

However, when a room is kept at a low temperature to prevent mildew, a person may feel cold depending on the temperature and may feel unwell (for example, catch a cold). When it is kept, depending on the humidity, the human body (especially mucous membrane) may be dried or the pathogenic bacteria (eg, influenza virus) may be activated, which deteriorates habitability. Also, ozone has an ozone odor and is dangerous to the human body depending on the ozone concentration. When ethanol or hypochlorite ion is used, troublesome maintenance (for example, replenishment of chemicals) is required, and the bactericidal power is high. It is not suitable for general household air conditioners that require safety, habitability, or ease of maintenance.

Further, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-300173.
Japanese Patent Publication discloses a heat retaining device for sterilizing by using negative ions, and an applicant has proposed an air conditioner for sterilizing by using positive ions and negative ions (Japanese Patent Application No. 2000).
-291436, Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-148809, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-166118). A device for sterilizing bacteria floating in the air using positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions does not have toxicity or a bad odor, etc. to the positive ions and negative ions, and there is no need to exchange chemical liquids. Have advantages.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and sterilizes bacteria floating in the air by using positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, and based on the indoor humidity, To provide a mold suppression method capable of suppressing the generation of mold by sterilization and appropriate dehumidification by determining whether to perform dehumidification or to stop the dehumidification and to improve habitability. With the goal. Another object of the present invention is to perform sterilization of bacteria floating in the air using positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, and perform dehumidification based on indoor humidity and temperature, or It is an object of the present invention to provide a mold suppression method capable of suppressing mold generation and improving habitability by sterilizing and appropriately dehumidifying by determining whether or not to stop dehumidification.

Another object of the present invention is to sterilize bacteria suspended in the air by using positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, and based on the indoor humidity and the temperature of the outside air,
To provide a mold suppression method capable of suppressing the generation of mold by sterilization and appropriate dehumidification by determining whether to perform dehumidification or to stop the dehumidification and to improve habitability. It is in.

Another object of the present invention is to sterilize bacteria floating in the air by using positive and negative ions or negative ions, and based on the indoor humidity and the temperature of the outside air,
Determine whether to dehumidify or heat, and when performing heating, determine whether to stop heating based on the humidity and temperature in the room, thereby sterilizing and appropriately heating to generate mold. It is intended to provide a method for suppressing mold, which can suppress odor and improve habitability. Another object of the present invention is to sterilize bacteria floating in the air by using positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, and perform dehumidification or heating based on indoor humidity and outside air temperature. When determining whether or not to perform dehumidification, based on the indoor humidity and the temperature of the outside air, by determining whether to stop the dehumidification, by sterilization and appropriate dehumidification, suppress the occurrence of mold, An object of the present invention is to provide a method for inhibiting mold which can improve habitability.

Another object of the present invention is to set a humidity of 60% as a first humidity for determining whether to perform dehumidification or heating, and set a humidity of 5%.
By providing 0% as the second humidity for determining whether to stop dehumidification or heating, a mold suppression method that can suppress the generation of mold and improve habitability by appropriate dehumidification or heating is provided. Especially. Another object of the present invention is to set a temperature of 18 ° C. to an indoor temperature for determining whether to perform dehumidification or to stop dehumidification or heating, so that mold generation can be achieved by appropriate dehumidification or heating. It is intended to provide a method for suppressing mold, which can suppress odor and improve habitability. Another object of the present invention is to prevent mold from occurring by appropriate dehumidification or heating by setting 1 ° C. as an outside air temperature for determining whether to perform dehumidification or heating, or to stop dehumidification. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for suppressing mold which can suppress and improve habitability.

Another object of the invention is to provide positive and negative ions, or means for releasing negative ions, and based on humidity,
An air conditioner capable of suppressing the generation of mold by sterilization and appropriate dehumidification and improving habitability by providing a means for determining whether to perform dehumidification or to stop dehumidification. To provide. Another object of the present invention is a means for releasing positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, and a means for determining whether to dehumidify or stop dehumidification based on humidity and temperature. By providing the air conditioner, it is possible to suppress the generation of mold by sterilization and appropriate dehumidification and improve the habitability.

Another object of the present invention is to discharge positive and negative ions, or negative ions, to detect humidity and two kinds of temperature, and to dehumidify or heat based on the humidity and one of the temperatures. By performing sterilization and appropriate dehumidification and heating by providing means for determining whether or not to stop heating based on humidity and the temperature of the other side when performing heating, An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of suppressing the generation of mold and improving the habitability. Another object of the present invention is to carry out dehumidification or heating based on the humidity and one of the temperatures, a means for releasing positive ions and negative ions, or a means for detecting negative ions. When determining whether or not to perform dehumidification, by providing means for determining whether or not to stop dehumidification based on humidity and one of the temperatures, sterilization and appropriate dehumidification suppress the occurrence of mold. In addition, it is to provide an air conditioner capable of improving habitability.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of suppressing the generation of mold by providing means for releasing positive ions and negative ions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of improving habitability by including means for releasing negative ions. Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of suppressing the generation of mold and improving habitability by providing a means for releasing more negative ions than positive ions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of dehumidifying without lowering the room temperature by constituting the dehumidifying means by using an evaporator and a reheater. Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of dehumidifying without lowering the room temperature by configuring the dehumidifying means using an evaporator and a heater. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can perform dehumidification without lowering the room temperature by configuring the dehumidifying means using a dehumidifying agent.

[0015]

The method for inhibiting mold according to the present invention releases positive ions and negative ions into a room, or
In the method for inhibiting mold, which releases negative ions, sterilizes the air in the room to suppress the generation of mold, the humidity in the room is detected, and when the detected humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity, dehumidification is performed. Next, the humidity in the room is detected, and when the detected humidity is equal to or lower than a second humidity lower than the first humidity, the dehumidification is stopped.

In the present invention, since positive ions and negative ions have a sterilizing effect, air is sterilized with positive ions and negative ions or negative ions regardless of indoor humidity to suppress the generation of mold. be able to. In addition, the first humidity is the humidity at which the activity of bacteria or microorganisms that cause molds is activated, and the second humidity is that at which the human body becomes excessively dry and the activity of bacteria that causes colds, influenza, etc. is activated. In order to prevent the humidity from being excessively lowered by not performing dehumidification when it is less than the first humidity, the humidity can be reduced by performing dehumidification when the humidity is above the first humidity. , It is possible to suppress the generation of mold and improve habitability. Further, after the dehumidification is started, when the humidity becomes equal to or lower than the second humidity, the dehumidification is stopped to prevent the humidity from excessively decreasing, and when the second humidity is exceeded,
Since the humidity can be reduced by continuing the dehumidification, it is possible to suppress the generation of mold and prevent the humidity from being excessively lowered to deteriorate the habitability.

The mold suppression method according to the present invention is a mold suppression method for releasing positive ions and negative ions or releasing negative ions into a room to sterilize the air in the room to suppress the generation of mold. Detecting the indoor humidity and temperature, dehumidifying if the detected humidity is equal to or higher than a first humidity and the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined indoor temperature, and then detects the indoor humidity and temperature If the detected humidity is equal to or lower than the second humidity lower than the first humidity, or
The dehumidification is stopped when the detected temperature is lower than a temperature lower than the indoor temperature by a predetermined value.
In the present invention, since positive ions and negative ions have a bactericidal effect, sterilize air with positive ions and negative ions or negative ions regardless of indoor humidity or temperature to suppress the generation of mold. You can

Further, when the room temperature is low, dehumidification causes a person to feel chills and deteriorates habitability. Further, even if the temperature is low, if the humidity is high, the sensible temperature of human being is improved. Furthermore, if the temperature is low, the fertility of the mold is weakened. Therefore, the predetermined room temperature is set to a temperature at which a person feels chills by performing dehumidification, the first humidity is set to the humidity at which the activity of bacteria or microorganisms causing molds is activated, and the second humidity is set to When the humidity of the human body is excessively dry, dehumidification is performed when the humidity is higher than or equal to the first humidity and is equal to or higher than the indoor temperature, and when the humidity is lower than the first humidity or lower than the indoor temperature, the humidity is reduced by not performing the dehumidification. Since it is possible to reduce the humidity to prevent mold under conditions where humans do not feel uncomfortable even if it is reduced, the occurrence of mold can be suppressed without sacrificing habitability.
The habitability can be improved by appropriately dehumidifying.

Further, after the dehumidification is started, the dehumidification is stopped when the temperature falls below the second humidity or when the temperature falls below a predetermined value lower than the room temperature, and when the second humidity is exceeded, By continuing dehumidification when the temperature is higher than the temperature, the humidity can be reduced to prevent mildew under the condition that humans do not feel uncomfortable even if the humidity is reduced.
Mold generation can be suppressed without sacrificing habitability. In addition, since dehumidification is stopped when the temperature is lower than the room temperature by a predetermined value, unlike when the dehumidification is stopped when the room temperature is lower than the room temperature, the room temperature is around the room temperature. In addition, it is possible to prevent the start and stop of dehumidification in a short time (chattering) in accordance with a slight change in the room temperature.

The mold suppression method according to the present invention is a mold suppression method which releases positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions into a room to sterilize the air in the room and suppress the generation of mold. The indoor humidity and the temperature of the outside air are detected. If the detected humidity is the first humidity or higher and the detected temperature is the predetermined outside air temperature or higher, dehumidification is performed, and then the indoor humidity and When the temperature of the outside air is detected and the detected humidity is equal to or lower than the second humidity which is lower than the first humidity, or when the detected temperature is lower than a temperature lower than the outside air temperature by a predetermined value, the dehumidification is stopped. It is characterized by In the present invention, since positive ions and negative ions have a sterilizing effect, air is sterilized with positive ions and negative ions or negative ions regardless of indoor humidity or the temperature of the outside air, and the occurrence of mold is suppressed. can do.

Further, when the temperature of the outside air is low, the generation of mold is suppressed, and dehumidification causes a person to feel chilly and deteriorates habitability. Furthermore, when an air conditioner equipped with a dehumidifying means using a refrigeration cycle is used, when the temperature of the outside air is low, the high pressure of the refrigeration cycle cannot be sufficiently obtained, and it becomes difficult to secure the reliability of the refrigeration cycle. Therefore, the predetermined outside air temperature is a temperature at which the generation of mold is suppressed even when dehumidification is not performed, and the first humidity is the humidity at which the activity of bacteria or microorganisms causing mold is activated. When the second humidity is a humidity at which the human body is excessively dry, dehumidification is performed when the humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity and equal to or higher than the outside air temperature, and dehumidification is performed when the humidity is less than the first humidity or less than the outside air temperature. Since it can reduce the humidity in order to prevent mold in the condition that human beings do not feel uncomfortable even if the humidity is reduced, the occurrence of mold can be suppressed without sacrificing habitability and the mold can be appropriately adjusted. It can be dehumidified to improve the habitability.

Further, after the dehumidification is started, the dehumidification is stopped when the temperature becomes lower than the second humidity or becomes lower than the outside air temperature by a predetermined value, and when the second humidity is exceeded, By continuing dehumidification when the temperature is higher than the temperature, the humidity can be reduced to prevent mildew under the condition that humans do not feel uncomfortable even if the humidity is reduced.
It is possible to suppress the occurrence of mold without sacrificing the habitability and prevent the habitability from being deteriorated due to excessively low humidity. Further, since the dehumidification is stopped when the temperature becomes lower than the outside air temperature by a predetermined value, unlike the case where the dehumidification is stopped when the temperature becomes lower than the outside air temperature, the temperature of the outside air is around the outside air temperature. In addition, it is possible to prevent the start and stop of dehumidification (chattering) according to a slight change in the temperature of the outside air.

The mold suppression method according to the present invention is a mold suppression method for releasing positive ions and negative ions or releasing negative ions into a room to sterilize the indoor air to suppress the generation of mold. The indoor humidity and the temperature of the outside air are detected, and when the detected humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity and the detected temperature is less than a predetermined outside air temperature, heating is performed, and then the indoor humidity and When the temperature is detected and the detected humidity is equal to or lower than the second humidity which is lower than the first humidity, or when the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined room temperature, the heating is stopped. In the present invention, since positive ions and negative ions have a sterilizing effect, air is sterilized with positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, regardless of indoor humidity or temperature, or the temperature of outside air, and mold Occurrence can be suppressed.

When the temperature of the outside air is low, the generation of mold is suppressed even when dehumidification is not performed, and
By dehumidifying, people feel chills and their habitability deteriorates. In addition, even if the amount of water contained in the air (absolute humidity) is the same, if the temperature is high, the relative humidity will be low, so heating will raise the temperature (decrease the relative humidity) to cause mold. Can be suppressed, and humans feel warmth and habitability is improved. Therefore, the predetermined outside air temperature is a temperature at which the generation of mold is suppressed even when dehumidification is not performed, and the first humidity is the humidity at which the activity of bacteria or microorganisms causing mold is activated. When the second humidity is a humidity at which the human body is excessively dried, heating is performed when the humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity and equal to or higher than the outside air temperature, and heating is performed when the humidity is lower than the first humidity or lower than the outside air temperature. Since the absence of the mold makes it possible to raise the room temperature so that humans do not feel the cold under conditions that do not promote the growth of mold, the growth of mold can be suppressed and the habitability can be improved.

Further, when the outside air temperature is low (for example, in winter), when the indoor temperature is too high compared to the outside air temperature,
Humans feel the heat and their habitability deteriorates. Therefore, the predetermined room temperature is set to a temperature at which a person feels heat by heating, and when the room temperature is higher than or equal to or lower than the second humidity, the heating is stopped and the second humidity is set. When the temperature exceeds the room temperature and the room temperature is lower than the room temperature, the heating can be continued to reduce the humidity without sacrificing the habitability, thereby suppressing the generation of mold and increasing the room temperature. Can be prevented from rising excessively, and deterioration of habitability can be prevented.

In the method for inhibiting mold according to the present invention, dehumidification is performed when the temperature is equal to or higher than the outside air temperature, and then the humidity in the room and the temperature of the outside air are detected, and the detected humidity is lower than the first humidity. The dehumidification is stopped when the humidity is equal to or lower than the second humidity or when the detected temperature is lower than a temperature lower than the outside air temperature by a predetermined value.

In the present invention, the predetermined outside air temperature is set to a temperature at which the generation of mold is suppressed even when dehumidification is not performed, and the first humidity is the activity of bacteria or microorganisms causing mold. When the second humidity is a humidity at which the human body is excessively dry, dehumidification is performed when the humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity and equal to or higher than the outside air temperature, less than the first humidity or less than the outside air temperature. In this case, by not performing dehumidification, it is possible to reduce the humidity to prevent mildew under conditions where humans do not feel uncomfortable even if the humidity is reduced.
The habitability can be improved by suppressing the generation of mold and appropriately dehumidifying.

Further, when the temperature of the outside air is low (for example, in winter), when the humidity is increased, humans feel warmth, and some pathogenic bacteria (for example, influenza virus)
Since the activity of the can be suppressed, the habitability is improved. Therefore, after the start of dehumidification, when the temperature is lower than a predetermined value lower than the outside air temperature or when the temperature is lower than the second humidity, dehumidification is stopped to improve the sensible temperature and inactivate pathogenic bacteria. When the second humidity is exceeded and the outside air temperature is exceeded, dehumidification is continued to prevent mildew under conditions where humans do not feel uncomfortable even if the humidity is reduced. Since the humidity can be reduced as much as possible, the generation of mold can be suppressed without sacrificing the habitability.

The method for controlling mold according to the present invention is characterized in that the first humidity is 60% and the second humidity is 50%. In the present invention, the general humidity at which the activity of bacteria or microorganisms causing mold is activated is the first humidity (6
0%), the human body is excessively dry, and the general humidity at which the activity of bacteria that cause colds, influenza, etc. is activated is defined as the second humidity (50%), and dehumidification or heating is performed when the humidity is 60% or more. Since it is determined that the dehumidification or heating is stopped when the temperature is 50% or less, it is possible to suppress the generation of mold and improve habitability by appropriately dehumidifying or heating.

The mold control method according to the present invention is characterized in that the room temperature is 18 ° C. According to the present invention, heating is performed at a general temperature at which humans feel chills by dehumidification and weaken the reproductive power of mold, and when the outside air temperature is low (for example, in winter). 18 ° C is used as a general temperature at which humans feel heat, and when the temperature is 18 ° C or higher, dehumidification is performed or dehumidification is continued, and when it is 18 ° C or higher, the heating is stopped. Proper dehumidification or heating can suppress the generation of mold and improve habitability. For example, when the indoor temperature is lower than 18 ° C., dehumidification is not performed, and priority is given to the improvement of the sensible temperature due to the humidity.

The mold suppression method according to the present invention is characterized in that the outside air temperature is 1 ° C. In the present invention,
1 ℃ is used as the general temperature of the outside air that suppresses the formation of mold even when dehumidification is not performed. Since it is determined whether to heat, it is possible to suppress the generation of mold and improve the habitability by appropriately dehumidifying or heating.

The air conditioner according to the present invention comprises an ion generating means for generating positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, a means for releasing the generated positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions to the outside, and dehumidifying. In the air conditioner comprising means, based on the humidity detecting means and the humidity detected by the humidity detecting means, it is determined whether or not to dehumidify, and when dehumidifying is performed, the humidity detected by the humidity detecting means. And a means for determining whether or not to stop the dehumidification based on the above.

According to the present invention, since the interior of the room can be sterilized by blowing the air to which the positive and negative ions are added or the air to which the negative ions are added, it is possible to suppress the generation of mold. . Further, by using the humidity detecting means, for example, it is possible to detect the humidity inside the room and, based on the detected humidity, determine whether or not to dehumidify or to stop the dehumidification. By
It is possible to suppress the growth of mold and improve habitability.

The air conditioner according to the present invention comprises an ion generating means for generating positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, a means for releasing the generated positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, and dehumidifying. In an air conditioner including means, it is determined whether or not to perform dehumidification based on humidity detecting means, temperature detecting means, and temperature detected by the temperature detecting means and / or humidity detected by the humidity detecting means. Then
When dehumidifying is performed, it is characterized by comprising means for judging whether or not to stop the dehumidification based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means and / or the humidity detected by the humidity detecting means.

In the present invention, the interior of the room can be sterilized by blowing the air to which the positive and negative ions are added or the air to which the negative ions are added, so that the generation of mold can be suppressed. . Whether the humidity is detected in the room using the humidity detecting means, the temperature in the room or the temperature of the outside air is detected using the temperature detecting means, and whether dehumidification is performed based on the detected humidity and / or temperature Or
Alternatively, since it is possible to determine whether or not to stop the dehumidification, appropriate dehumidification can suppress the generation of mold and improve the habitability.

The air conditioner according to the present invention comprises an ion generating means for generating positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, a means for releasing the generated positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions to the outside, and dehumidifying. In an air conditioner including a unit and a heating unit, the humidity detecting unit, the first temperature detecting unit and the second temperature detecting unit, and the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting unit and / or the humidity detecting unit, respectively. Based on the detected humidity, it is determined whether to perform dehumidification or heating, and when heating is performed, based on the temperature detected by the first temperature detecting means and / or the humidity detected by the humidity detecting means, respectively. And means for determining whether or not to stop the heating.

In the present invention, the interior of the room can be sterilized by blowing air with positive and negative ions, or air with negative ions, so that the generation of mold can be suppressed. . Further, for example, the humidity inside the room is detected using the humidity detecting means, the room temperature is detected using the first temperature detecting means, and the temperature of the outside air is detected using the second temperature detecting means. Humidity, room temperature,
And / or, based on the temperature of the outside air, it is possible to determine whether to perform dehumidification or heating, and when heating is performed, it is possible to determine whether or not to stop heating. Therefore, by appropriate dehumidification and heating, It is possible to suppress the growth of mold and improve habitability.

When performing dehumidification, the air conditioner according to the present invention stops the dehumidification based on the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting means and / or the humidity detected by the humidity detecting means. It is characterized in that a means for judging whether or not it is provided is provided. In the present invention, since the room can be sterilized by blowing the air added with the positive ions and the negative ions or the air added with the negative ions, it is possible to suppress the generation of mold. When the humidity detecting means is used to detect, for example, the humidity inside the room, and the second temperature detecting means is used to detect the temperature of the outside air to perform dehumidification, based on the detected humidity and / or temperature. Since it is possible to determine whether or not to stop the dehumidification, appropriate dehumidification can suppress the generation of mold and improve habitability.

The air conditioner according to the present invention is characterized in that the ion generating means generates approximately equal amounts of positive ions and negative ions. In the present invention, for example, by applying an AC high voltage between the electrodes, an ionization phenomenon due to discharge occurs in the air, positive ions and negative ions are simultaneously generated, and the generated positive ions and negative ions are air. Reacts with moisture in it. At this time, H + (H2 O) m as positive ions
, O 2 − (H 2 O) n is most stably generated as negative ions (m and n are natural numbers). H + (H2 O) m and O2-(H2 O) n surround the bacteria or microorganisms suspended in the air and adhere to the surface of the bacteria or microorganisms,
Activates hydrogen peroxide H2O2 which is a chemical reaction
And hydroxyl radicals and OH. H2 O2 and · OH
Shows an extremely strong activity and surrounds and removes airborne bacteria by the H2 O2 and .OH, so that the generation of mold can be suppressed.

The air conditioner according to the present invention is characterized in that the ion generating means generates negative ions. In the present invention, for example, a known negative ion generating means is used to generate negative ions by converting oxygen into negative ions. Since the negative ions have a sedative effect on the human body, the habitability can be improved. Further, the negative ion causes bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Bacillus subtilis, or physiological disorders inside the mold, so that the generation of mold can be suppressed.

The air conditioner according to the present invention is characterized in that the ion generating means generates positive ions and negative ions such that the amount of positive ions is equal to or less than the amount of negative ions. In the present invention, for example, a positive and negative ion generating means for generating positive and negative ions and a positive ion adsorbing means for adsorbing positive ions are provided, and the positive and negative ion generating means substantially equalize the positive and negative ions. Then, a predetermined amount of positive ions are adsorbed and removed by the positive ion adsorbing means. Or, a negative ion generating means for generating negative ions,
Positive and negative ion generating means, only positive and negative ion generating means is used when generating approximately equal amounts of positive and negative ions, and negative ion generating means is used when only negative ions are generated. When generating a larger amount of negative ions than ions, the positive and negative ion generating means and the negative ion generating means are used together. Therefore, the amount of positive ions generated can be adjusted from about 0 to about the same as the amount of negative ions generated. Therefore, when the amounts of positive ions and negative ions are substantially equal, the sterilization effect is emphasized, and the amount of negative ions is When the amount is significantly large, the relaxation effect can be emphasized to prevent the growth of mold and improve habitability.

An air conditioner according to the present invention comprises an evaporator and a reheater using a refrigeration cycle, and the dehumidifying means is configured by using the evaporator and the reheater. . In the present invention, a refrigeration cycle including a compressor, a heat exchanger used as a condenser, a heat exchanger used as a reheater, a pressure reducer (capillary tube and / or expansion valve), and a heat exchanger used as an evaporator. Is used to send a liquid refrigerant whose pressure is reduced by a decompressor to an evaporator, and the evaporator absorbs ambient heat to evaporate the refrigerant. At this time, the air contacting the evaporator is cooled, and the moisture in the air is dehumidified by dew condensation on the evaporator. The evaporated refrigerant is compressed by the compressor into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas state, and radiates heat in the reheater to be condensed. At this time, since the cooled and dehumidified air is brought into contact with the reheater to heat the air, the dehumidification can be performed without lowering the room temperature.

An air conditioner according to the present invention is characterized by including an evaporator using a refrigeration cycle and a heater, and the dehumidifying means is configured by using the evaporator and the heater. In the present invention, a refrigeration cycle including a compressor, a heat exchanger used as a condenser, a pressure reducer (capillary tube and / or expansion valve), and a heat exchanger used as an evaporator,
In addition, a heater (for example, an electric heater) is used to send a liquid refrigerant whose pressure is reduced by a pressure reducer to an evaporator, and the evaporator absorbs ambient heat to evaporate the heat. At this time, the air contacting the evaporator is cooled, and the moisture in the air is dehumidified by dew condensation on the evaporator.
Then, the cooled and dehumidified air is heated by a heater. Therefore, it is possible to dehumidify without lowering the room temperature.

In the air conditioner pertaining to the eighteenth invention, the dehumidifying means is provided with a dehumidifying agent. In the eighteenth invention, for example, zeolite is used as a dehumidifying agent, a dehumidifying rotor supporting the zeolite is provided, the dehumidifying rotor is rotated, and air to be dehumidified is passed through the rotating dehumidifying rotor. Since moisture is adsorbed on the dehumidifying agent, it is possible to dehumidify without lowering the room temperature.

Further, the dehumidifying agent is heated in order to regenerate the dehumidifying agent which has absorbed moisture. At this time, since the temperatures of the dehumidifying agent and the dehumidifying rotor rise, the temperature of the air dehumidified by passing through the dehumidifying rotor rises, which is particularly suitable for dehumidification in winter. In order to remove the moisture from the dehumidifying agent and regenerate it, for example, heated air is passed through the dehumidifying rotor to recover the moisture from the dehumidifying agent, and the high-temperature and high-humidity air generated at this time is discharged to the outside of the room. Alternatively, by radiating and cooling the high-temperature and high-humidity air from which moisture has been recovered (for example, by exchanging heat with the air to be treated before passing through the dehumidifying rotor), the moisture is condensed, and the condensed water is discharged to the outside and dehumidified. The heated air is heated again, circulated as recycled air, and reused. As described above,
The dehumidification rotor repeats dehumidification (moisture absorption) and regeneration (moisture release) by being heated by heated air.

[0046]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments thereof. Embodiment 1. 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The air conditioner is installed, for example, outdoors in a private house, and includes an outdoor unit control unit 67, a compressor 33 of the refrigeration cycle unit 30, a condenser 341, a pressure reducer 312 using an expansion valve, and an outdoor blower 22. The outdoor unit 11 and the evaporator 32 of the refrigeration cycle unit 30 installed in the indoor of the private house (the room to be air-conditioned)
1, reheater 351, pressure reducer 311 using a capillary tube, and solenoid valve 3 bypassing the pressure reducer 311
13, an ion generator 41, a blower fan 21, a humidity sensor 51 for detecting the humidity in the room, a controller 61,
The indoor unit 12 having the memory 62, the receiving unit 63, and the timer 66 is provided separately from the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12, and has function keys (not shown), which correspond to the function keys operated by the user. A wireless remote controller (hereinafter, referred to as a remote controller) 64 that transmits a driving instruction is provided.

The control unit 61 is a main control unit of the air conditioner, and is connected to the outdoor unit control unit 67 in the outdoor unit 11 and each required unit in the indoor unit 12 via the bus 65, respectively.
The receiving unit controls the respective units according to the control program stored in the memory 62 and receives operation instructions such as a predetermined operation start instruction or operation end instruction (for example, cooling operation start instruction or cooling operation end instruction) transmitted from the remote controller 64. When the reception unit 63 receives the operation instruction to the control unit 61, the predetermined operation (for example, the cooling operation) is executed or finished. The outdoor unit controller 67 is controlled by the controller 61 by transmitting and receiving a control signal to and from the controller 61,
It controls each required part in the outdoor unit 11.

The timer 66 is input by the user using the remote controller 64 with the time to execute or terminate the operation, or the time to execute or terminate the operation after the required time has elapsed. . At this time, the control unit 61, at the time, or after the lapse of the time,
The operation is executed or finished. Further, the control unit 61 measures the elapsed time by using the timer 66 according to the control program, and when it determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, executes the predetermined process (for example, the humidity sensor every time the predetermined time elapses). 51 is used to detect humidity).

When the driving instruction is a mold prevention driving start instruction, the control unit 61 controls to suppress the generation of mold.
A bactericidal treatment, or a mold prevention operation for performing sterilizing treatment and dehumidifying treatment is performed. When performing dehumidification processing, the controller 61
Whether to start the dehumidification process based on the first humidity (60%) and the second humidity (50%) stored in the memory 62, and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 51,
Or, determine whether to stop the dehumidification process. When dehumidification is not performed or when dehumidification is stopped, only sterilization is performed. When the predetermined operation end instruction transmitted from the remote controller 64 is received, or after the time or elapsed time set by the user in the timer 66, the mold prevention operation is ended. The air to be treated taken from the room into the indoor unit 12 contacts the evaporator 321 and the reheater 351 in the indoor unit 12, and is then blown into the room by the blower fan 21.

When performing the dehumidifying process, the control unit 61 controls and uses the refrigeration cycle unit 30. At this time, the solenoid valve 3
13 is closed and the expansion valve, which is the decompressor 312, is controlled by the controller 61 or the outdoor unit controller 67 so as to be fully opened. Therefore, the decompressor 311 mainly acts as a decompressor, and the reheater 351 of the indoor unit 12 and the condenser 341 in the outdoor unit 11 act as a condenser. Further, the outdoor blower 22 is driven under the control of the outdoor unit controller 67. The outdoor blower 22 sucks the outside air, and then discharges the outside air sucked and brought into contact with the condenser 341 to the outside of the room.

The refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle unit 30 is decompressed by the decompressor 311 to be a low-pressure liquid, which is sent to the evaporator 321, where it absorbs ambient heat and vaporizes. . The low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the compressor 33, is compressed into high-temperature high-pressure gas, and is sent to the condenser 341 and the reheater 351. In the condenser 341, the refrigerant that has become a high-temperature and high-pressure gas is taken into the outdoor unit 11 by the suction force of the outdoor blower 22 and is heat-exchanged with the outside air contacting the condenser 341, and in the reheater 351, Due to the suction force of the blower fan 21, the indoor unit 12
Is taken into the reheater 351 and is heat-exchanged with the air to be treated that has come into contact with the reheater 351 to be condensed into a high-pressure liquid and sent to the pressure reducer 311. The outside air whose temperature has risen due to heat exchange with the refrigerant in the condenser 341 is discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 by the outdoor blower 22.

The air to be treated in contact with the evaporator 321 is cooled by the refrigerant in the evaporator 321 absorbing heat, and the moisture contained in the air to be treated is condensed on the surface of the evaporator 321 to dehumidify. To be done. The cooled and dehumidified air to be treated comes into contact with the reheater 351 and is heated by exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the reheater 351 to rise in temperature.
As described above, the air to be treated is dehumidified without being cooled and is blown into the room by the blower fan 21. When the dehumidification process is not performed, the control unit 61 does not operate the refrigeration cycle unit 30. Therefore, the air to be treated is not dehumidified and cooled even if it contacts the evaporator 321, and the reheater 35
It does not heat when it comes into contact with 1.

When performing sterilization, the control unit 61 controls and uses the ion generating unit 41. At this time, the air to be treated is the ion generator 41 provided near the blower fan 21.
By this, a sufficient amount of positive ions and negative ions or negative ions are added to sterilize the air in the room, and the air is blown into the room by the blower fan 21 to sterilize suspended bacteria or microorganisms. When performing the cooling process, the control unit 61 and the outdoor unit control unit 67 open the electromagnetic valve 313 and control the opening degree of the decompressor 312, which is an expansion valve, and the refrigeration cycle unit 30.
To use. At this time, the decompressor 31 is controlled by the solenoid valve 313.
1 is bypassed and does not work, the pressure reducer 312 acts instead of the pressure reducer 311, and the reheater 351 is used as an evaporator like the evaporator 321.

The indoor unit 12 may be equipped with a gas sensor for detecting odor or cigarette smoke, or an optical sensor for detecting the state of dust in the air using light. In this case, when performing the mold prevention operation, the control unit 61 controls to perform the sterilization process regardless of the detection result of the gas sensor or the optical sensor. At this time, the control unit 61
If it is determined that the amount of odor, smoke, dust, or the like is greater than a predetermined value using the detection result, the sterilization effect is emphasized and approximately equal amounts of positive ions and negative ions are generated, and the amount is a predetermined value. When it is determined that the number of ions is smaller, the relaxation effect may be emphasized and control may be performed to generate a large number of negative ions.

Further, the blower fan 21 may be provided with a louver for adjusting the vertical angle of blowout of the blown air.
In this case, when performing the mold prevention operation, the control unit 61 preferably controls the louver to keep the blowing angle in the horizontal direction. Also, when performing mold prevention operation, blower fan 2
It is preferable to continuously operate 1 at the minimum rotation speed. Further, in the case where the compressor 33 has variable capacity like an inverter air conditioner, it is preferable to apply the lowest drive frequency to the compressor 33 and perform continuous operation when performing dehumidification processing.

FIG. 2 shows the ion generator 4 of the air conditioner.
It is a block diagram of 1. The ion generator 41 includes an electrode (not shown), and a positive and negative ion generator 41b that generates substantially equal amounts of positive ions and negative ions by applying a predetermined AC high voltage to the electrode and a DC high voltage. Negative ion generator 41a for generating negative ions by
And is controlled by the control unit 61 so that the amount of positive ions to be added to the air to be treated can be adjusted within a range from approximately 0 to the amount of negative ions or less. For example,
Generates only negative ions (does not generate positive ions)
In this case, the control unit 61 applies a predetermined first voltage so that only the negative ion generating unit 41a generates negative ions, and when generating substantially equal amounts of positive ions and negative ions, only the positive and negative ion generating unit 41b. Applies a predetermined second voltage to generate positive ions and negative ions, and generates positive ions and negative ions so that the amount of negative ions is larger than the amount of positive ions, the first voltage and the second voltage And are controlled to be applied alternately.

When the user wants the air conditioner to perform the antifungal operation with emphasis on the sterilization effect, the positive and negative ions are generated in substantially equal amounts, and the antifungal operation is emphasized with emphasis on the relaxation effect. If desired, use the function key of the remote controller 64 to generate only negative ions, or to generate positive ions and negative ions with the negative ion amount being larger than the positive ion amount. .

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a positive / negative ion generating element used in the positive / negative ion generating section 41b of the ion generating section 41, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 71 denotes a flat plate-shaped dielectric made of ceramic (for example, alumina having a purity of 92%). The dielectric 71 is a flat plate-shaped first dielectric 71a having a surface electrode 72 on one surface.
And a second dielectric 71b adhered to the other surface of the first dielectric 71a. The surface electrode 72 is
It is made by screen-printing tungsten in a grid pattern and is insulation-coated with a coating layer 74 of alumina. An internal electrode 73 is embedded between the first dielectric 71a and the second dielectric 71b, and the internal electrode 73 is formed on one surface of the second dielectric 71b so as to be substantially parallel to the surface electrode 72. On the other hand, it is formed by screen-printing a band of tungsten.
The surface electrode 72 and the internal electrode 73 are respectively the second dielectric 71.
An electrode contact 72a and an electrode contact 73a that are drawn to the other surface side of b are provided.

The positive and negative ion generating element includes electrode contacts 72a,
For example, when an alternating voltage having a peak-peak value of about 8.2 kV and a frequency of about 20 kHz is applied to 73a, positive ions and negative ions can be generated at about 340,000 / cc each.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the mold prevention operation by the control unit 61 of the air conditioner. The control unit 61 first determines whether or not to start the mold prevention operation (S11). For example, the user operates the desired function key using the remote controller 64. When the function key is a function key corresponding to mold prevention driving, the remote controller 64 transmits a mold prevention driving start instruction to the indoor unit 12. The mold prevention operation start instruction transmitted from the remote controller 64 is received by the reception unit 63 and transmitted to the control unit 61. When the mold preventive operation start instruction is transmitted, it is determined to start the mold preventive operation,
If the mold prevention driving start instruction is not transmitted, it is determined that the mold prevention driving is not started.

When it is determined that the mold prevention operation is not started (NO in S11), the process returns to S11 and continues to stand by.
When it is determined to start the mold prevention operation (YES in S11), the mold prevention operation is started. That is, the control unit 61
Controls the blower fan 21 to rotate the blower fan 21 so as to start blowing air into the room, takes in the air to be treated by the suction force of the air blower fan 21, and replenishes the air to be treated to the evaporator 321 It is sequentially sent to the heater 351, the ion generator 41, and the blower fan 21 to blow the air indoors (S1).
2).

When the mold prevention operation is started, the control unit 6
1 controls each part so as to start the generation of ions to perform the sterilization process. That is, the required positive ions and negative ions are generated in the ion generation unit 41 and added to the air to be treated,
The air to be treated to which the positive ions and the negative ions are added is blown into the room by the blower fan 21 to sterilize the air in the room. Alternatively, the required negative ions are generated in the ion generating unit 41 and added to the air to be treated, and the air to be treated to which the negative ions are added is blown into the room by the blower fan 21 to sterilize the indoor air. To do. The sterilization process is continued until it is determined that the mold prevention operation is finished (S13).

The controller 61 detects the indoor humidity using the humidity sensor 51 and determines whether the detected humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity (S14). When the humidity is less than the first humidity (less than 60% in S14), it is determined whether or not the mold prevention operation is finished (S15). If the mold prevention operation is not to be ended (NO in S15), the process returns to S14.
When the humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity (60% in S14)
Above), the refrigeration cycle unit 30 is controlled so as to start the dehumidification process of the air to be treated. That is, the air to be treated is transferred to the evaporator 32.
The air is cooled and dehumidified by 1 and heated by the reheater 351 to form the dehumidified air to be treated without being cooled (S16).

Next, the control section 61 detects the indoor humidity by using the humidity sensor 51, and judges whether the detected humidity is the second humidity or less (S17). When the humidity exceeds the second humidity (exceeding 50% in S17),
It is determined whether or not the mold prevention driving is to be ended (S18).
If the mold prevention operation is not to be ended (NO in S18), S
Return to 17. When the humidity is equal to or lower than the second humidity (S
(50% or less in 17), the refrigeration cycle unit 30 is controlled to stop the dehumidification process (S19), and it is determined whether or not to end the mold prevention operation (S20). If the mold preventive operation is not to be ended (NO in S20), the process returns to S14.

When it is determined in S15, S18, and S20 that the mold preventive operation is to be ended after the time set by the timer 66 has passed (S15, S18, and S2).
(YES at 0), the control unit 61 controls each unit to stop the process such as the sterilization process or the dehumidification process, and finish the mold prevention operation (S21). Even when the time set by the timer 66 has not elapsed, when the mold preventive operation end instruction is transmitted from the remote controller 64, the control unit 61
The mold prevention operation is determined to be terminated, each part is controlled, the sterilization process or the dehumidification process is stopped, and the mold prevention operation is terminated. When the time is not set in the timer 66, the mold preventive operation is continued until the mold preventive operation end instruction is transmitted.

In the air conditioner as described above, positive ions and negative ions or negative ions are added to the air to be treated using the ion generator 41, and the air to be treated is blown into the room by the blower fan 21. And the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 51 and the first humidity 60% or the second humidity 5
By comparing with 0%, it is determined whether or not dehumidification is performed or whether or not dehumidification is stopped. When dehumidification is performed, dehumidification is performed using the refrigeration cycle unit 30, and when dehumidification is stopped, a refrigeration cycle is performed. The part 30 is controlled to stop dehumidification. When the humidity is 60% or more, mold is likely to be generated, and therefore dehumidification is started. After the dehumidification is started, when the humidity is 50% or less, the dehumidification is stopped so that dry air does not adversely affect the human body. That is, sterilization and appropriate dehumidification can suppress the generation of mold and improve habitability.

Further, since the ion generating section 41 uses the negative ion generating section 41a and the positive and negative ion generating section 41b together to discharge more negative ions than positive ions, the ion generating section 4 is
When 1 is the amount of positive and negative ions added to the air to be treated is substantially equal, the sterilizing effect is emphasized, and when the amount of negative ions is significantly large, the relaxation effect is emphasized to suppress the generation of mold. , Habitability can be improved. Further, since the refrigeration cycle unit 30 heats the air to be treated, which has been cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator 321, by the reheater 351, it can be dehumidified without lowering the room temperature.

Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The air conditioner is an outdoor unit 11 that is installed outdoors and has an outdoor unit control unit 67, a compressor 33 of the refrigeration cycle unit 30, a condenser 341, a pressure reducer 312 using an expansion valve, and an outdoor blower 22. , An evaporator 321 of the refrigeration cycle unit 30 installed in a room to be air-conditioned, and a heater 36 using an electric heater, an ion generator 42, and a blower fan 2
1, a humidity sensor 51 for detecting the indoor humidity, an indoor temperature sensor 52 for detecting the indoor temperature, a controller 61,
The indoor unit 12 having the memory 62, the receiving unit 63, and the timer 66, and the remote controller 64 provided separately from the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 are provided.

When a mold preventive operation start instruction is transmitted from the remote controller 64, the control unit 61 executes a mold preventive operation in which a sterilizing process or a sterilizing process and a dehumidifying process are performed in order to suppress the generation of mold. When performing dehumidification processing, the control unit 6
1 is the first humidity (60%) and the second humidity (50%) stored in the memory 62, the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 51, and the predetermined indoor temperature (18%) stored in the memory 62.
C.) and the room temperature lower than the predetermined room temperature by a predetermined value (for example, 17 degrees C. which is 1 degree lower than 18 degrees C.), and the room temperature sensor 5
On the basis of the temperature in the room detected by No. 2, it is determined whether to start the dehumidification process or to stop the dehumidification process. When dehumidification is not performed or when dehumidification is stopped, only sterilization is performed. When the predetermined operation end instruction transmitted from the remote controller 64 is received, or after the time or elapsed time set by the user in the timer 66, the mold prevention operation is ended.

The air to be treated taken in from the room into the indoor unit 12 has the evaporator 321 and the heater 36 inside the indoor unit 12.
And then blown into the room by the blower fan 21. When performing the dehumidifying process, the control unit 61 controls and uses the refrigeration cycle unit 30 and the heater 36. Further, the outdoor fan 22 is driven under the control of the outdoor unit controller 67. At this time, the refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle unit 30 is decompressed by the decompressor 312 provided in the outdoor unit 11, becomes a low-pressure liquid, and is sent to the evaporator 321 in the indoor unit 12. In the evaporator 321, the heat of the surroundings is absorbed and vaporized. The low-pressure refrigerant becomes the outdoor unit 11
The gas is sent to the compressor 33 provided inside, compressed into high-temperature and high-pressure gas, and sent to the condenser 341 in the outdoor unit 11. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant becomes a condenser 341.
Then, it is taken into the outdoor unit 11 by the suction force of the outdoor blower 22 and is heat-exchanged with the outside air in contact with the condenser 341 to be condensed, and becomes a high-pressure liquid to be sent to the decompressor 312.

The air to be treated in contact with the evaporator 321 is cooled by the refrigerant in the evaporator 321 absorbing heat, and the moisture contained in the air to be treated is condensed on the surface of the evaporator 321 to dehumidify it. To be done. The cooled and dehumidified air to be treated comes into contact with the heater 36 to be heated and its temperature rises. As described above, the air to be treated is dehumidified without being cooled and is blown into the room by the blower fan 21.

When the dehumidifying process is not performed, the control unit 61 does not operate the refrigeration cycle unit 30 and the heater 36. Therefore, the air to be treated is not dehumidified and cooled even if it contacts the evaporator 321, and is not heated even if it contacts the heater 36.
When performing the sterilization process, the control unit 61 controls the ion generation unit 42.
Control and use. At this time, the air to be treated is added with a sufficient amount of positive ions and negative ions to sterilize the air in the room by the ion generating section 42 provided in the vicinity of the fan 21, and is blown into the room by the fan 21. And sterilize suspended bacteria or microorganisms.

FIG. 7 shows the ion generator 4 of the air conditioner.
2 is a block diagram of FIG. The ion generating unit 42 includes a positive / negative ion generating unit 42a including a positive / negative ion generating element (not shown) that generates substantially equal amounts of positive ions and negative ions by applying a predetermined AC high voltage to the electrodes. Have,
It is configured to be controlled by the controller 61 to generate a required amount of positive ions and negative ions to be added to the air to be treated. The other parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the mold prevention operation by the control unit 61 of the air conditioner. The control unit 61 first determines whether or not to start the mold prevention operation (S31). When the mold prevention operation is not started (NO in S31), the process returns to S31 and continues to stand by. If it is determined to start the mold prevention drive (Y in S31,
ES), start mold prevention driving. That is, the control unit 61
Controls the blower fan 21 to rotate the blower fan 21 so as to start blowing air into the room, and the air to be treated is taken in by the suction force of the blower fan 21, and the air to be treated is heated by the evaporator 321. The air is blown into the room by sequentially sending it to the device 36, the ion generator 42, and the blower fan 21 (S3).
2).

When the mold prevention operation is started, the control unit 6
1 controls each part so as to start the generation of ions to perform the sterilization process. That is, the required positive ions and negative ions are generated by the ion generation unit 42 and added to the air to be treated,
The air to be treated to which the positive ions and the negative ions are added is blown into the room by the blower fan 21 to sterilize the air in the room. The sterilization process is continued until it is determined that the mold prevention operation is finished (S33). Control unit 61
Detects the indoor humidity using the humidity sensor 51, and determines whether the detected humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity (S).
34). When the humidity is less than the first humidity (S34
If less than 60%), it is determined whether or not the mold prevention operation is to be ended (S35). When it is determined that the mold prevention operation is not to be ended (NO in S35), the process returns to S34.

When the humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity (S
34, 60% or more), the indoor temperature sensor 52 is used to detect the indoor temperature, and it is determined whether the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined indoor temperature (S36). If the temperature is lower than the predetermined room temperature (less than 18 ° C. in S36), S35
To determine whether to end the mold prevention operation.
When the temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined room temperature (S36: 1
The refrigeration cycle unit 30 and the heater 36 are controlled so as to start the dehumidification treatment of the air to be treated (S37).

Next, the control section 61 detects the indoor humidity using the humidity sensor 51 and judges whether the detected humidity is the second humidity or less (S38). If the humidity exceeds the second humidity (exceeding 50% in S38),
The room temperature sensor 52 is used to detect the room temperature, and it is determined whether the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the room temperature lower by a predetermined value than the predetermined room temperature (S39). When the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the indoor temperature (17 ° C. or higher in S39),
It is determined whether or not the mold prevention driving is to be ended (S40).
If it is determined that the mold prevention operation is not to be ended (NO in S40), the process returns to S38.

When the humidity is equal to or lower than the second humidity (S3
8 or 50% or less), or when the detected temperature is lower than the indoor temperature (less than 17 ° C. in S39), the dehumidifying unit 32
Control to stop the dehumidification process (S41), and determine whether or not to end the mold prevention operation (S42). If the mold prevention operation is not to be ended (NO in S42), the process returns to S34. If it is determined in S35, S40, and S42 that the mold prevention operation is to be terminated (S35, S40, and S42).
YES), the control unit 61 controls each unit to stop the process such as the sterilization process or the dehumidification process, and finish the mold prevention operation (S43).

In the air conditioner as described above, positive ions and negative ions are added to the air to be treated by using the ion generating section 42, and the air to be treated is blown into the room by the blower fan 21 for sterilization. , Comparing the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 51 with the first humidity 60% or the second humidity 50%,
Further, by comparing the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 52 with the predetermined indoor temperature of 18 ° C. or the indoor temperature of 17 ° C. which is a predetermined value 1 ° C. lower than the predetermined indoor temperature, whether or not the dehumidification is performed or the dehumidification is performed. It is determined whether or not to stop, and when dehumidifying is performed, dehumidification is performed using the refrigeration cycle unit 30 and the heater 36, and when dehumidification is stopped, the refrigeration cycle unit 30 and the heater 36 are controlled to stop dehumidification. . Humidity is 60%
When the room temperature is 18 ° C or above,
Dehumidification is liable to cause mold, and after starting dehumidification, the humidity is 50
Dehumidification is stopped so that the dry air does not adversely affect the human body when it is less than%, and dehumidification is stopped when the temperature in the room is lower than 17 ° C. so that humans do not feel chills. That is, sterilization and appropriate dehumidification can suppress the generation of mold and improve habitability.

Further, since the ion generating section 42 uses the positive and negative ion generating section 42a to release approximately equal amounts of positive ions and negative ions, the sterilizing effect is emphasized, the generation of mold is suppressed, and the habitability is improved. Can be improved. Further, since the refrigeration cycle unit 30 heats the air to be treated that has been cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator 321 by the heater 36, it can be dehumidified without lowering the room temperature.

Embodiment 3. 9 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a dehumidifying section 37 of the air conditioner. The air conditioner is installed outdoors and has an outdoor air temperature sensor 53, an outdoor unit 11 having an outdoor unit controller (not shown), a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a decompressor, an outdoor blower, and an indoor unit to be air-conditioned. Installed in the dehumidifying section 37, the ion generating section 43,
An indoor unit 12 including a blower fan 21, a humidity sensor 51 that detects the indoor humidity, a control unit 61, a memory 62, a receiving unit 63, a timer 66, and an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), an outdoor unit 11, and an indoor unit. The remote controller 64 is provided separately from the remote controller 12.

The outdoor unit control unit is controlled by the control unit 61 to control the outside air temperature sensor 53 in the outdoor unit 11 via each unit in the outdoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit control unit. The compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the decompressor, the indoor heat exchanger, etc. are refrigeration cycle parts, and the refrigeration cycle part and the outdoor blower are used when performing cooling or heating using a known technique. .

When the mold prevention operation start instruction is transmitted from the remote controller 64, the control unit 61 executes the mold prevention operation in which sterilization processing or sterilization processing and dehumidification processing is performed in order to suppress the generation of mold. When performing dehumidification processing, the control unit 6
1 is the first humidity (60%) and the second humidity (50%) stored in the memory 62, the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 51, and the predetermined outside air temperature (1
Whether the dehumidification process is started based on the outside air temperature lower than the predetermined outside air temperature by a predetermined value (for example, 0 ° C. lower than 1 ° C.) and the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 53, or Determine whether to stop the dehumidification process. If you do not perform the dehumidification process, or if you want to stop the dehumidification process,
Only sterilize. When the predetermined operation end instruction transmitted from the remote controller 64 is received, or after the time or elapsed time set by the user in the timer 66, the mold prevention operation is ended.

The air to be treated has a dehumidifying section 37 inside the indoor unit 12.
And then is blown indoors by the blower fan 21.

The dehumidifying section 37 is provided with a dehumidifying rotor 37a carrying a dehumidifying agent 37b using zeolite. When performing dehumidifying treatment, the dehumidifying rotor 37a is controlled by the control section 61 to rotate the dehumidifying rotor 37a. The air to be dehumidified is allowed to pass through 37a so that the moisture is adsorbed by the dehumidifying agent 37b. In addition, in order to regenerate the dehumidifying agent 37b that has absorbed moisture,
The air heated by the heater 37c is supplied to the dehumidifying rotor 3
Water is collected from the dehumidifying agent 37b through the 7a. The high temperature and high humidity air generated at this time is discharged to the outside of the room. Alternatively, the air is separately radiated and cooled (for example, the dehumidifying rotor 37a).
Moisture is condensed by exchanging heat with the air to be treated before passing through, and the condensed water is discharged to the outside for circulation.
It is configured to be reused to recover water from the dehumidifying agent 37b.

As described above, the dehumidifying agent 37b repeats dehumidification (moisture absorption) and regeneration (moisture release) by being heated by heated air. At this time, since the temperatures of the dehumidifying rotor 37a and the dehumidifying agent 37b rise, the dehumidifying rotor 37a
The temperature of the air to be treated, which has been dehumidified by passing through a, rises. The air to be treated is blown into the room by the blower fan 21.

When the dehumidifying process is not performed, the controller 61 does not rotate the dehumidifying rotor 37a and does not operate the heater 37c. Therefore, when the air to be treated passes through the dehumidifying rotor 37a, the dehumidifying agent 37b, which has absorbed water until it is saturated, loses its dehumidifying effect, and the air to be treated dehumidifies the rotor 37.
It is not dehumidified even when a is passed through. When performing a sterilization process, the control part 61 controls and uses the ion generation part 43. At this time, the air to be treated is added with a sufficient amount of negative ions for sterilizing the air in the room by the ion generating section 43 provided in the vicinity of the fan 21, and is blown into the room by the fan 21 to float. Sterilize bacteria or microorganisms. The air to be treated may not pass through the dehumidifying rotor 37a when the dehumidifying treatment is not performed.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the ion generator 43 of the air conditioner. The ion generator 43 has a known negative ion generator 43a that generates negative ions, and is controlled by the controller 61 to generate a required amount of negative ions to be added to the air to be treated. .. Other,
The parts corresponding to those of the first or second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the mold prevention operation by the control unit 61 of the air conditioner.
The control unit 61 first determines whether or not to start the mold prevention operation (S51). When the mold prevention operation is not started (NO in S51), the process returns to S51 and continues to stand by. If it is determined to start the mold prevention drive (Y in S51,
ES), start mold prevention driving. That is, the control unit 61
Controls the blower fan 21 to rotate the blower fan 21 so as to start blowing air into the room, and the air to be treated is taken in by the suction force of the blower fan 21. The air is blown into the room by sequentially sending it to the generator 43 and the blower fan 21 (S52).

When the mold prevention operation is started, the control unit 6
1 controls each part so as to start the generation of ions to perform the sterilization process. That is, the required negative ions are generated in the ion generating unit 43 and added to the air to be treated, and the air to be treated to which the negative ions are added is blown into the room by the blower fan 21 to sterilize the indoor air. To do. The sterilization process is continued until it is determined that the mold prevention operation is finished (S53). The controller 61 detects the indoor humidity using the humidity sensor 51 and determines whether the detected humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity (S54). When the humidity is less than the first humidity (less than 60% in S54), it is determined whether or not the mold prevention operation is to be ended (S55). If it is determined that the mold preventive operation is not to be ended (NO in S55), S
Return to 54.

When the humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity (S
The temperature of the outside air is detected by using the outside air temperature sensor 53, and it is determined whether the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined outside air temperature (S56). When the temperature is lower than the predetermined outside air temperature (less than 1 ° C. in S56), the process proceeds to S55, and it is determined whether or not the mold prevention operation is to be ended. When the temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined outside air temperature (1 ° C. in S56)
As described above, the dehumidifying unit 37 is controlled so as to start the dehumidifying process of the air to be treated sent to the dehumidifying unit 37 (S57).

Next, the control section 61 detects the indoor humidity by using the humidity sensor 51 and judges whether the detected humidity is the second humidity or less (S58). If the humidity exceeds the second humidity (exceeding 50% in S58),
The outside air temperature sensor 53 is used to detect the temperature of the outside air, and it is determined whether the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the outside air temperature which is a predetermined value lower than the predetermined outside air temperature (S59). When the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the outside air temperature (0 ° C. or higher in S59), it is determined whether or not the mold prevention operation is finished (S60). If it is determined that the mold prevention operation is not to be terminated (S60: N
O), and returns to S58.

When the humidity is equal to or lower than the second humidity (S5
8 or less than 50%), or when the outside air temperature is lower than the predetermined outside air temperature (below 0 ° C. in S59), the dehumidifying section 37 is controlled to stop the dehumidification process (S61), and the mold prevention operation ends. It is determined whether or not (S62). If the mold prevention operation is not to be ended (NO in S62), the process returns to S54.
When it is determined in S55, S60, and S62 that the mold prevention operation is to be terminated (Y in S55, S60, and S62).
ES), the control unit 61 controls each unit to stop the process such as the sterilization process or the dehumidification process, and finish the mold prevention operation (S).
63).

In the air conditioner as described above, the ion generator 43 is used to add negative ions to the air to be treated and the air to be treated is blown into the room by the blower fan 21 to sterilize the air. The indoor humidity detected by 51 and the first
The humidity is 60% or the second humidity is 50%, and the indoor temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 53 and the predetermined outside air temperature 1
℃ or outside air temperature 0 ℃ lower than the specified outside air temperature by a predetermined value 1 ℃
By comparing with, it is determined whether or not to perform dehumidification or whether or not to stop dehumidification. When dehumidifying is performed, dehumidification is performed using the dehumidifying unit 37, and when dehumidifying is performed, the dehumidifying unit 3 is used.
Control 7 to stop dehumidification. When the humidity is 60% or more and the temperature of the outside air is 1 ° C or more, dehumidification is performed because mold is likely to occur. Dehumidification is stopped so that it does not affect the temperature. In addition, when the temperature is less than 1 ° C., mold is unlikely to occur, so dehumidification is stopped so that humans do not feel cold. That is, sterilization and appropriate dehumidification can suppress the generation of mold and improve habitability.

Further, since the ion generating section 43 uses the negative ion generating section 43a to release the negative ions, it is possible to suppress the generation of mold and improve the habitability by emphasizing the relaxation effect. Further, the dehumidifying section 37 repeats dehumidification of the dehumidifying rotor 37a and regeneration by heating with heated air. At this time, since the temperatures of the dehumidifying rotor 37a and the dehumidifying agent 37b rise, the temperature of the air to be treated that has been dehumidified by passing through the dehumidifying rotor 37a rises. Therefore, the dehumidification using the dehumidification section 37 is suitable for dehumidification in winter.

Embodiment 4. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The air conditioner is installed outdoors, and has an outdoor unit controller 67, an outdoor air temperature sensor 53, an outdoor blower 22, a compressor 33 of the refrigeration cycle unit 30, an outdoor heat exchanger 342, a four-way switching valve 38, and an expansion valve. The outdoor unit 11 having the decompressor 312 using the, the indoor heat exchangers 322 and 352 of the refrigeration cycle unit 30, the decompressor 311 using the capillary tube, and the decompressor 311 installed in the room to be air-conditioned. The bypass solenoid valve 313, the ion generator 44, the blower fan 21, and the humidity sensor 5 for detecting the indoor humidity.
1. The indoor unit 12 having the indoor temperature sensor 52 for detecting the indoor temperature, the control unit 61, the memory 62, the receiving unit 63, and the timer 66, and the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 are provided separately. And a remote controller 64.

When the mold prevention operation start instruction is transmitted from the remote controller 64, the control unit 61 controls the mold prevention to perform sterilization, sterilization and dehumidification, or sterilization and heating to suppress the generation of mold. Carry out driving. When performing the dehumidifying process or the heating process, the control unit 61 controls the memory 62.
First humidity (60%) and second humidity (50%) stored in
%), The indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 51, the predetermined room temperature (18 ° C.) stored in the memory 62, the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 52, and the predetermined outside air temperature stored in the memory 62 ( 1 ° C.), an outside air temperature lower than the predetermined outside air temperature by a predetermined value (for example, 0 ° C. lower than 1 ° C.), and the temperature of the outside air detected by the outside air temperature sensor 53, whether or not to start the dehumidification process, It is determined whether the dehumidification process is stopped, the heating process is started, or the heating process is stopped. If the dehumidification process or the heating process is not performed, or if the dehumidification process or the heating process is stopped, only the sterilization process is performed. When the predetermined operation end instruction transmitted from the remote controller 64 is received, or after the time or elapsed time set by the user in the timer 66, the mold prevention operation is ended.

The air to be treated contacts the indoor heat exchanger 322 and the indoor heat exchanger 352 in the indoor unit 12, and is then blown indoors by the blower fan 21.

When performing the dehumidifying process, the control unit 61 controls and uses the refrigeration cycle unit 30. At this time, the solenoid valve 3
13 is closed and the expansion valve, which is the decompressor 312, is controlled by the controller 61 or the outdoor unit controller 67 so as to be fully opened. Therefore, the pressure reducer 311 mainly functions as a pressure reducer, and the indoor heat exchanger 352 of the indoor unit 12 and the outdoor heat exchanger 342 of the outdoor unit 11 function as a condenser.
In addition, the refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle unit 30 is the discharge port of the compressor 33, the outdoor heat exchanger 342, and the pressure reducer 31.
2), the four-way switching valve 38 is switched so as to circulate in the order of the indoor heat exchanger 352, the pressure reducer 311, the indoor heat exchanger 322, and the suction port of the compressor 33. Further, under control of the outdoor unit controller 67, the outdoor blower 22 is driven.

The refrigerant is decompressed by the decompressor 311 to be a low-pressure liquid and sent to the indoor heat exchanger 322.
In the indoor heat exchanger 322, ambient heat is absorbed and vaporized. The low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the compressor 33, compressed into high-temperature and high-pressure gas, and sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 342 and the indoor heat exchanger 352. In the outdoor heat exchanger 342, the refrigerant that has become a high-temperature and high-pressure gas is taken into the outdoor unit 11 by the suction force of the outdoor blower 22 and is heat-exchanged with the outdoor air that is in contact with the outdoor heat exchanger 342, and the indoor heat exchange is performed. In the device 352, the suction force of the blower fan 21 heat-exchanges with the air to be treated, which is taken into the indoor unit 12 and contacts the indoor heat exchanger 352, and is condensed to become a high-pressure liquid, which is the pressure reducer 311. Sent to.

The air to be treated that has come into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 322 is cooled by the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 322 absorbing heat, and the moisture contained in the air to be treated is absorbed by the indoor heat exchanger 322. Dew condensation occurs on the surface and dehumidifies. The cooled and dehumidified air to be treated comes into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 352, is heated by exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 352, and the temperature rises. As described above, the air to be treated is dehumidified without being cooled, and the blower fan 2
1 blows the air indoors. The outdoor air whose temperature has risen due to heat exchange with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 342 is discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 by the outdoor blower 22. When the dehumidification process is not performed, the control unit 61 does not operate the refrigeration cycle unit 30. Therefore, the air to be treated is not dehumidified and cooled even if it comes into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 322, and is not heated even if it comes into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 352.

When performing the cooling process, the control unit 61 and the outdoor unit control unit 67 use the refrigeration cycle unit 30 by opening the solenoid valve 313 and controlling the opening degree of the decompressor 312 which is an expansion valve. At this time, the decompressor 311 is controlled by the solenoid valve 313.
Is bypassed and does not work, and the decompressor 312 acts instead of the decompressor 311 so that the indoor heat exchanger 352 is used as an evaporator like the indoor heat exchanger 322.

When performing the heating process, the control unit 61 controls and uses the refrigeration cycle unit 30. At this time, the control unit 6
1 and the outdoor unit control unit 67 open the solenoid valve 313 to control the opening degree of the decompressor 312, which is an expansion valve, and use the refrigeration cycle unit 30, so the electromagnetic valve 313 causes the decompressor 31 to operate.
1 is bypassed and does not work, and the pressure reducer 312 acts instead of the pressure reducer 311. Further, the refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle unit 30 is the discharge port of the compressor 33,
Indoor heat exchanger 322, solenoid valve 313, indoor heat exchanger 35
2, decompressor 312, outdoor heat exchanger 342, and compressor 3
The four-way switching valve 38 is switched so as to circulate in the order of the three suction ports. Further, under control of the outdoor unit controller 67, the outdoor blower 22 is driven.

The pressure of the refrigerant is reduced by the pressure reducer 312,
The low-pressure liquid is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 342, and inside the outdoor heat exchanger 342, the outside air and the heat that are taken into the outdoor unit 11 by the suction force of the outdoor blower 22 and come into contact with the outdoor heat exchanger 342. It is exchanged and absorbs ambient heat to vaporize. The low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the compressor 33, compressed into high-temperature high-pressure gas, and sent to the indoor heat exchanger 322 and the indoor heat exchanger 352. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant becomes the indoor heat exchanger 322 and the indoor heat exchanger 35.
2, the indoor heat exchanger 322 and the indoor heat exchanger 35 are taken into the indoor unit 12 by the suction force of the blower fan 21.
The air to be treated that has come into contact with 2 is heat-exchanged and condensed to become a high-pressure liquid, which is sent to the pressure reducer 312.

Indoor heat exchanger 322 and indoor heat exchanger 35
The air to be treated that has come into contact with 2 is heated by the heat radiated by the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 322 and the indoor heat exchanger 352, and the temperature rises. The heated air to be treated is blown into the room by the blower fan 21 to heat the room. When the heating process is not performed, the control unit 61 does not operate the refrigeration cycle unit 30. Therefore, the air to be treated is not heated even if it contacts the indoor heat exchanger 322 and the indoor heat exchanger 352. When performing the sterilization process, the controller 61 controls and uses the ion generator 44. At this time, the air to be treated is the ion generator 44 provided near the blower fan 21.
By this, a sufficient amount of positive ions and negative ions or negative ions are added to sterilize the air in the room, and the air is blown into the room by the blower fan 21 to sterilize suspended bacteria or microorganisms.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the ion generator 44 of the air conditioner. The ion generating unit 44 is arranged in the vicinity of the positive and negative ion generating unit and a positive and negative ion generating unit 44a that includes positive and negative ion generating devices that generate substantially equal amounts of positive ions and negative ions, and a positive electrode using a ground electrode. And an ion adsorption unit 44b. Positive and negative ion generator 44
Under the control of the control unit 61, a applies a high AC voltage to the positive and negative ion generating elements to generate positive ions and negative ions, and also gives negative charges to the positive ion adsorption unit 44b. At this time, the positive ion adsorption unit 44b functions as a positive ion attraction electrode, and adsorbs and removes a predetermined amount of positive ions from the positive ions and negative ions generated by the positive and negative ion generation unit 44a.

The ion generating section 44 is a positive ion adsorption section 44.
By changing the voltage applied to the electrode of b, the amount of the positive ions adsorbed by the positive ion adsorbing portion 44b is adjusted, and the amount of the positive ions and the negative ions in the substantially equal amount is larger than the amount of the positive ions and the positive ions. Negative ions or only negative ions are generated. When the positive ion adsorption unit 44b has a plurality of electrodes, the number of adsorbed positive ions may be adjusted by changing the number of electrodes to be energized. Further, the amount of positive ions to be adsorbed may be adjusted by mechanically changing the installation position of the electrode of the positive ion adsorption unit 44b. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the portions corresponding to any of the first to third embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the mold prevention operation by the control unit 61 of the air conditioner.
In the mold prevention operation, the control unit 61 controls the blower fan 21 to rotate the blower fan 21 so as to start blowing air into the room, and the suction force of the blower fan 21 takes in the air to be treated and the treated air to be treated. The air is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 322, the indoor heat exchanger 352, the ion generator 44, and the blower fan 21.
Are sequentially sent to the room to blow air into the room (S71).

When the mold prevention operation is started, the control unit 6
1 controls each part so as to start the generation of ions to perform the sterilization process. That is, the required positive ions and negative ions are generated by the ion generation unit 44 and added to the air to be treated,
The air to be treated to which the positive ions and the negative ions are added is blown into the room by the blower fan 21 to sterilize the air in the room. Alternatively, the required negative ions are generated in the ion generating unit 44 and added to the air to be treated, and the air to be treated to which the negative ions are added is blown into the room by the blower fan 21 to sterilize the indoor air. To do. The sterilization process is continued until it is determined that the mold prevention operation is finished (S72). The controller 61 detects the humidity in the room using the humidity sensor 51, determines whether the detected humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity (S73), and when the humidity is lower than the first humidity, (Less than 60% in S73), the process returns to S73.

When the humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity (S
The temperature of the outside air is detected using the outside air temperature sensor 53, and it is determined whether or not the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined outside air temperature (S74). When the temperature is lower than the predetermined outside air temperature (less than 1 ° C. in S74), the control unit 6
1 starts the heating process (S75).

Then, the control section 61 detects the indoor humidity by using the humidity sensor 51 and judges whether the detected humidity is the second humidity or less (S76), and the humidity is the second
If the humidity is exceeded (exceeding 50% in S76), the indoor temperature sensor 52 is used to detect the indoor temperature, and it is determined whether the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined indoor temperature (S77). . If the temperature is lower than the room temperature (S
77, the temperature is lower than 18 ° C.), and the process returns to S76 to detect the humidity. When the humidity is equal to or lower than the second humidity (50 in S76)
%) Or the detected temperature exceeds the temperature (18 ° C. or higher in S77), the heating process is stopped (S77).
78), and returns to S73.

When the temperature of the outside air is equal to or higher than the predetermined outside air temperature (1 ° C. or higher in S74), the dehumidification process is started (S).
79). Next, the control unit 61 detects the indoor humidity using the humidity sensor 51 and determines whether the detected humidity is equal to or lower than the second humidity (S80), and the humidity exceeds the second humidity. If it is (exceeding 50% in S80), the temperature of the outside air is detected using the outside air temperature sensor 53, and it is determined whether or not the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the outside air temperature which is a predetermined value lower than the predetermined outside air temperature ( S81). When the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the outside air temperature (0 ° C. or higher in S81), the process returns to S80 to detect the humidity. When the humidity is equal to or lower than the second humidity (50% or less in S80) or when the outside air temperature is less than the outside air temperature (less than 0 ° C. in S81), the dehumidification process is stopped (S82), S73. Return to.

When the control unit 61 determines that the mold preventive operation is to be ended when the operation end instruction transmitted from the remote controller 64 is received, or when the time set by the user in the timer 66 has elapsed, The control unit 61 controls each unit to stop the processes such as the sterilization process, the heating process, the dehumidification process, and the like, and ends the mold prevention operation. When the temperature of the room or the temperature of the outside air is detected using the timer 66 at every predetermined elapsed time, when the temperature of the room is around the predetermined room temperature, or the temperature of the outside air is around the predetermined outside air temperature. At this time, it is possible to prevent the start or stop of heating or dehumidification from repeating in a short time (chattering) in accordance with a slight change in each temperature.

In the air conditioner as described above, positive ions and negative ions or negative ions are added to the air to be treated by using the ion generator 44, and the air to be treated is blown into the room by the blower fan 21. And the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 51 and the first humidity 60% or the second humidity 5
0%, the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 52 and the predetermined room temperature 18 ° C., and the humidity of the outside air detected by the outside air temperature sensor 53 and the predetermined outside air temperature 1 ° C. Outside temperature 0 lower than the specified outside temperature by a specified value 1 ° C
By comparing with ° C, it is determined whether dehumidification processing or heating processing is performed, whether heating processing is stopped, or whether dehumidification processing is stopped, and when dehumidification processing or heating processing is performed, refrigeration is performed. When the dehumidification process or the heating process is controlled by controlling the cycle unit 30 and the dehumidification process or the heating process is stopped, the refrigeration cycle unit 30 is controlled to stop the dehumidification process or the heating process.

When the humidity is 60% or more and the temperature of the outside air is less than 1 ° C., the relative humidity is reduced by heating the human body so that the human body does not feel cold because it is hard to generate mold, and the heating is started. After that, when the humidity is 50% or less, the heating is stopped so that the dry air does not adversely affect the human body, and when the room temperature is 18 ° C or more, the heating is stopped so that humans do not feel the heat. To do. Further, when the humidity is 60% or more and the temperature of the outside air is 1 ° C. or more, dehumidification is performed because mold is likely to occur, and after the dehumidification is started, when the humidity is 50% or less, dehumidification is stopped. When the temperature of the outside air is less than 0 ° C., mold is unlikely to occur, so dehumidification is stopped so that humans do not feel chills. That is, sterilization and appropriate dehumidification can suppress the generation of mold and improve habitability. Further, the refrigeration cycle unit 30 includes the indoor heat exchanger 322.
The air to be treated that has been cooled and dehumidified by the indoor heat exchanger 352
Since it is heated at 1, it can be dehumidified without lowering the room temperature.

When it is determined whether to perform heating or dehumidification, it may be determined not only based on the temperature of the outside air but also on the temperature inside the room. For example, even if the outside air temperature is 1 ° C. or higher, when the room temperature is lower than 10 ° C., the humidity may be lowered by heating so that humans do not feel cold.

[0117]

According to the method for inhibiting mold of the present invention, bacteria suspended in the air are sterilized by using positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, and indoor humidity is maintained during sterilization of the bacteria. By determining whether to dehumidify or to stop dehumidification based on the above, positive ions and negative ions have a sterilizing effect, and therefore positive and negative ions or negative ions regardless of humidity. To sterilize the air with
Generation of mold can be suppressed.

Further, the first humidity is defined as the humidity at which the activity of bacteria or microorganisms causing molds is activated, and the second humidity is defined as
When the humidity is such that the human body becomes excessively dry and the activity of bacteria that cause colds, influenza, etc. is activated, the humidity can be reduced by performing dehumidification when the humidity is higher than the first humidity. When it is less than the above range, the humidity is prevented from being excessively lowered by not performing dehumidification, so that the generation of mold can be suppressed and the habitability can be improved. Furthermore, after the dehumidification is started, when the humidity becomes equal to or lower than the second humidity, the dehumidification is stopped to prevent the humidity from excessively decreasing,
When the second humidity is exceeded, it is possible to reduce the humidity by continuing dehumidification, thus suppressing the occurrence of mold and preventing excessive deterioration of the humidity and deterioration of habitability. You can

In addition, bacteria suspended in the air are sterilized using positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions,
During sterilization of the bacteria, based on room humidity and temperature,
By determining whether to dehumidify or to stop dehumidification, positive and negative ions have a sterilizing effect, so sterilize air with positive and negative ions or negative ions regardless of humidity. Therefore, generation of mold can be suppressed.

Further, the predetermined room temperature is set to a temperature at which human beings feel chills by performing dehumidification, the first humidity is set to the humidity at which the activity of bacteria or microorganisms causing molds is activated, and the second humidity is set to the second humidity. When the humidity is such that the human body is excessively dry, dehumidification is performed when the humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity and equal to or higher than the indoor temperature, and when the humidity is lower than the first humidity or lower than the indoor temperature, dehumidification is not performed. As the humidity can be reduced to prevent mold under conditions where humans do not feel uncomfortable even if the humidity is reduced, the generation of mold is suppressed without sacrificing habitability, and dehumidification is performed appropriately. The habitability can be improved.

Further, after the dehumidification is started, the dehumidification is stopped when the humidity is lower than the second humidity or lower than the temperature lower than the room temperature by a predetermined value, and when the second humidity is exceeded, By continuing dehumidification when the temperature is higher than the temperature, the humidity can be reduced to prevent mildew under the condition that humans do not feel uncomfortable even if the humidity is reduced.
Mold generation can be suppressed without sacrificing habitability.

In addition, bacteria suspended in the air are sterilized by using positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions,
During the sterilization of the bacteria, based on the humidity of the room and the temperature of the outside air, by determining whether to dehumidify or to stop the dehumidification, positive ions and negative ions have a sterilizing effect. Since the air is sterilized with positive ions and negative ions or negative ions regardless of humidity, the generation of mold can be suppressed.

Further, the predetermined outside air temperature is set to a temperature at which the generation of mold is suppressed even when dehumidification is not performed, and the first humidity is the humidity at which the activity of bacteria or microorganisms causing mold is activated. When the second humidity is a humidity at which the human body is excessively dried, dehumidification is performed when the humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity and equal to or higher than the outside air temperature, and when the humidity is lower than the first humidity or lower than the outside air temperature, By not doing this, the humidity can be reduced to prevent mold under conditions where humans do not feel uncomfortable even if the humidity is reduced, so the mold generation is suppressed without sacrificing habitability. The habitability can be improved by appropriately dehumidifying.

Further, after the dehumidification is started, the dehumidification is stopped when the humidity becomes lower than the second humidity or when the temperature becomes lower than the outside air temperature by a predetermined value, and when the second humidity is exceeded, By continuing dehumidification when the temperature is higher than the temperature, the humidity can be reduced to prevent mildew under the condition that humans do not feel uncomfortable even if the humidity is reduced.
It is possible to suppress the occurrence of mold without sacrificing the habitability and prevent the habitability from being deteriorated due to excessively low humidity.

In addition, bacteria suspended in the air are sterilized using positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions,
During the sterilization of the bacteria, it is determined whether to dehumidify or heat the room based on the humidity and the temperature of the outside air. By determining whether or not positive ions and negative ions have a sterilizing effect, sterilize air with positive and negative ions or negative ions regardless of humidity,
Generation of mold can be suppressed.

The predetermined outside air temperature is set to a temperature at which the generation of mold is suppressed even when dehumidification is not performed, and the first humidity is the humidity at which the activity of bacteria or microorganisms causing mold is activated. When the second humidity is a humidity at which the human body is excessively dried, heating is performed when the humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity and equal to or higher than the outside air temperature, and when the humidity is less than the first humidity or less than the outside air temperature, the heating is performed. By not carrying out, it is possible to raise the room temperature so that humans do not feel cold under conditions that do not promote the growth of mold, thus suppressing the growth of mold.
The habitability can be improved.

Further, the predetermined room temperature is set to a temperature at which a person feels heat by heating, and when the room temperature is equal to or higher than the room temperature or is lower than the second humidity, the heating is stopped, When the humidity exceeds 2 and is lower than the room temperature, the heating can be continued to reduce the humidity without sacrificing habitability, thus suppressing the generation of mold and It is possible to prevent an excessive rise in temperature and prevent deterioration of habitability.

In addition, bacteria suspended in the air are sterilized by using positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions,
While sterilizing the bacteria, determine whether to dehumidify or heat based on the indoor humidity and the temperature of the outside air. If dehumidifying is to be performed, stop the dehumidification based on the indoor humidity and the outside air temperature. By determining whether or not to do so, the predetermined outside air temperature is set to a temperature at which the generation of mold is suppressed even when dehumidification is not performed, and the first humidity is the activity of bacteria or microorganisms that cause mold. When the second humidity is a humidity at which the human body is excessively dry, dehumidification is performed when the humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity and equal to or higher than the outside air temperature, less than the first humidity or less than the outside air temperature. In this case, by not performing dehumidification, the humidity can be reduced to prevent mold under conditions where humans do not feel uncomfortable even if the humidity is reduced. Dehumidifying and improving habitability Kill.

Further, after the start of dehumidification, when the temperature is lower than the outside air temperature by a predetermined value or lower than the second humidity, the dehumidification is stopped to improve the sensible temperature, and the pathogenic bacteria (for example, Influenza virus),
To prevent mold under conditions where humans do not feel uncomfortable even if the humidity is reduced by continuing dehumidification when the second humidity is exceeded and the ambient temperature is exceeded. Since the humidity can be reduced, the generation of mold can be suppressed without sacrificing habitability.

Also, by setting the humidity of 60% as the first humidity for determining whether to perform dehumidification or heating, and the humidity of 50% as the second humidity for determining whether to stop dehumidification or heating, mold The general humidity at which the activity of causative bacteria or microorganisms is activated is defined as the first humidity (60%), and the human body becomes excessively dry, and the activity of bacteria that cause colds, influenza, etc. is generally activated. Second humidity (50%)
When the humidity is 60% or more, dehumidification or heating is performed and 5
Since it is determined that the dehumidification or the heating is stopped when it is 0% or less, the generation of mold can be suppressed and the habitability can be improved by appropriately dehumidifying or heating.

By setting 18 ° C. as the room temperature for determining whether or not to dehumidify or to stop dehumidification or heating, humans feel chills and mold by dehumidification. It is a general temperature at which fertility weakens, and when the temperature of the outside air is low (for example, in winter), 18 ° C is used as a general temperature at which humans feel heat by heating, and the temperature is 18 ° C or higher. At this time, dehumidification is performed or dehumidification is continued, and heating is stopped when the temperature is 18 ° C or higher. Therefore, proper dehumidification or heating can suppress the occurrence of mold and improve habitability. it can.

By setting 1 ° C. as the outside air temperature for determining whether to perform dehumidification or heating, or to stop dehumidification, the occurrence of mold is suppressed even when dehumidification is not performed. 1 ℃ is used as the temperature of general outside air, and when the temperature is 1 ℃ or higher, dehumidification is performed or the dehumidification is continued, and when the temperature is lower than 1 ℃, it is decided to heat the room. Thus, it is possible to suppress the growth of mold and improve habitability.

According to the air conditioner of the present invention, it is determined whether to dehumidify or to stop dehumidification based on the means for releasing positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, and the humidity. By providing the means for performing the above, it is possible to sterilize the room by blowing air to which positive ions and negative ions are added, or air to which negative ions are added, and thus it is possible to suppress the generation of mold. Further, by using the humidity detection means, for example, it is possible to detect the humidity inside the room and, based on the detected humidity, determine whether or not to dehumidify or to stop the dehumidification. Thus, it is possible to suppress the growth of mold and improve habitability.

Further, it is provided with means for releasing positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, and means for judging whether or not to dehumidify or to stop dehumidification based on humidity and temperature. Thus, the room can be sterilized by blowing the air to which the positive ions and the negative ions are added, or the air to which the negative ions are added, so that the generation of mold can be suppressed. Further, for example, the humidity detecting means is used to detect indoor humidity, the temperature detecting means is used to detect the room temperature or the outside air temperature, and whether dehumidification is performed based on the detected humidity and / or temperature. Since it is possible to determine whether or not to stop the dehumidification, it is possible to suppress the generation of mold and improve the habitability by appropriately dehumidifying.

Further, means for releasing positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, means for detecting humidity and two kinds of temperatures, and whether or not to perform dehumidification or heating based on the humidity and one of the temperatures. When determining and performing heating, by providing a means for determining whether or not to stop heating based on the humidity and the temperature of the other side, air with positive ions and negative ions added or negative ions added By blowing the generated air, the interior of the room can be sterilized, so that the generation of mold can be suppressed.

The humidity detecting means is used to detect, for example, indoor humidity, the first temperature detecting means is used to detect the room temperature, and the second temperature detecting means is used to detect the outside air temperature. It is possible to determine whether to dehumidify or heat based on the detected humidity, room temperature, and / or outside air temperature, and if heating is to be performed, determine whether to stop heating. Therefore, by appropriate dehumidification and heating, generation of mold can be suppressed and habitability can be improved.

Further, means for releasing positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, means for detecting humidity and two kinds of temperatures, and whether or not to perform dehumidification or heating based on the humidity and one of the temperatures. When determining and performing dehumidification, by providing a means for determining whether or not to stop dehumidification based on humidity and one of the temperatures, air with positive ions and negative ions added, or negative ions added By blowing the generated air, the interior of the room can be sterilized, so that the generation of mold can be suppressed. Further, when the humidity detecting means is used to detect, for example, the indoor humidity, and the second temperature detecting means is used to detect the temperature of the outside air, and when dehumidifying is performed, based on the detected humidity and / or temperature. Since it is possible to determine whether or not to stop the dehumidification, appropriate dehumidification can suppress the generation of mold and improve habitability.

By providing means for releasing positive ions and negative ions, for example, by applying an AC high voltage between the electrodes, an ionization phenomenon due to discharge occurs in the air, and positive ions and negative ions are simultaneously produced. The generated positive ions and negative ions react with moisture in the air. At this time, H + (H2 O) m as the positive ion and O2- (H2 O) n as the negative ion are most stably generated (m and n are natural numbers). H + (H2 O) m and O2-(H2
O) n surrounds bacteria or microorganisms floating in the air and adheres to the surface of the bacteria or microorganisms to cause a chemical reaction to generate hydrogen peroxide H2O2 and hydroxyl radicals / OH which are active species. Become. H2 O2 and .OH exhibit extremely strong activity, and since the H2 O2 and .OH surround and remove airborne bacteria, the generation of mold can be suppressed.

Further, by providing a means for releasing negative ions, for example, a known negative ion generating means is used to generate negative ions by converting oxygen into negative ions. Since the negative ions have a sedative effect on the human body, the habitability can be improved. Further, the negative ion causes bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Bacillus subtilis, or physiological disorders inside the mold, so that the generation of mold can be suppressed.

By providing a means for releasing more negative ions than positive ions, the amount of positive ions generated can be adjusted from about 0 to about the same as the amount of negative ions generated. When the amounts are substantially equal, the bactericidal effect is emphasized, and when the amount of the negative ions is significantly large, the relaxation effect is emphasized to suppress the generation of mold and improve the habitability.

By configuring the dehumidifying means using the evaporator and the reheater, the air in contact with the evaporator is cooled, and the moisture in the air is dehumidified by dew condensation on the evaporator. It Then, the cooled and dehumidified air is brought into contact with the reheater to heat the air, so that dehumidification can be performed without lowering the room temperature.

Further, by forming the dehumidifying means by using the evaporator of the cooling means and the heater, the air in contact with the evaporator is cooled, and the moisture in the air is condensed on the evaporator. Dehumidified by. Next, since the cooled and dehumidified air is heated by the heater, dehumidification can be performed without lowering the room temperature.

Further, the dehumidifying means is constituted by using the dehumidifying agent, so that the dehumidifying rotor carrying the dehumidifying agent is provided, and the dehumidifying rotor is rotated to pass the air to be dehumidified to the rotating dehumidifying rotor. Then, since the moisture is adsorbed on the dehumidifying agent, it is possible to dehumidify without lowering the room temperature. Further, the dehumidifying agent is heated in order to regenerate the dehumidifying agent that has absorbed moisture. At this time, since the temperatures of the dehumidifying agent and the dehumidifying rotor rise, the temperature of the air that has been dehumidified by passing through the dehumidifying rotor rises, which is particularly suitable for dehumidification in winter.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an ion generating unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a positive / negative ion generating element used in the ion generating unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for mold prevention operation by the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an ion generator of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of mold prevention operation by the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a dehumidifying section of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an ion generator of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for mold prevention operation by the air conditioner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an ion generating unit of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure for mold prevention operation by the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols] 21 Blower fan 30 Refrigeration cycle section 36 heater 37b Dehumidifying agent 41, 42, 43, 44 Ion generator 51 Humidity sensor 52 Indoor temperature sensor 53 Outside temperature sensor 61 control unit

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A mold suppression method for releasing positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions into a room to sterilize the air in the room to suppress the generation of mold, wherein the humidity in the room is detected. Then, if the detected humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity, dehumidification is performed, then, the humidity in the room is detected, and if the detected humidity is equal to or lower than the second humidity lower than the first humidity, the dehumidification is performed. A method for suppressing mold, which comprises stopping the treatment. 2. A mold suppression method for releasing positive ions and negative ions or negative ions into a room to sterilize the air in the room to suppress the generation of mold, the humidity and temperature of the room When the detected humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity and the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined room temperature, dehumidification is performed, and then the humidity and temperature in the room are detected, and the detected humidity is The mold suppression method characterized in that the dehumidification is stopped when the humidity is equal to or lower than the second humidity which is lower than the first humidity or when the detected temperature is lower than a temperature lower than the indoor temperature by a predetermined value. 3. A fungus suppressing method for releasing positive ions and negative ions or releasing negative ions into a room to sterilize the air in the room to suppress the generation of mold, the humidity in the room, and When the temperature of the outside air is detected and the detected humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity and the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined outside air temperature, dehumidification is performed, and then the humidity inside the room and the temperature of the outside air are detected. If the detected humidity is less than or equal to a second humidity lower than the first humidity, or if the detected temperature is less than a temperature lower than the outside air temperature by a predetermined value, the dehumidification is stopped. Method. 4. A mold suppression method for releasing positive ions and negative ions or releasing negative ions into a room to sterilize the air in the room and suppress the generation of mold, wherein the humidity in the room, and When the temperature of the outside air is detected and the detected humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity and the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined outside air temperature, heating is performed, and then the humidity and temperature in the room are detected and detected. The mold suppression method characterized in that the heating is stopped when the humidity is equal to or lower than the second humidity which is lower than the first humidity or when the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined room temperature. 5. Dehumidifying is performed when the temperature is equal to or higher than the outside air temperature, and then the humidity inside the room and the temperature of the outside air are detected, and the detected humidity is equal to or lower than a second humidity lower than the first humidity. The mold suppression method according to claim 4, wherein the dehumidification is stopped when the detected temperature is lower than a temperature lower than the outside air temperature by a predetermined value. 6. The mold suppression method according to claim 1, wherein the first humidity is 60% and the second humidity is 50%. 7. The mold suppression method according to claim 2, wherein the room temperature is 18 ° C. 8. The mold suppression method according to claim 3, wherein the outside air temperature is 1 ° C. 9. An air conditioner comprising positive and negative ions, or ion generating means for generating negative ions, means for releasing the generated positive and negative ions, or negative ions to the outside, and dehumidifying means. In the humidity detecting means and the humidity detected by the humidity detecting means, it is determined whether or not to perform dehumidification, and when dehumidifying is performed, the dehumidifying is performed based on the humidity detected by the humidity detecting means. An air conditioner comprising: means for determining whether or not to stop. 10. An air conditioner comprising positive and negative ions, or ion generating means for generating negative ions, means for releasing the generated positive and negative ions or negative ions, and dehumidifying means. In the case of performing the dehumidification, it is determined whether the dehumidification is performed based on the humidity detection means, the temperature detection means, and the temperature detected by the temperature detection means and / or the humidity detected by the humidity detection means. An air conditioner for determining whether or not to stop the dehumidification based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means and / or the humidity detected by the humidity detecting means. 11. An ion generating means for generating positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions, a means for releasing the generated positive ions and negative ions, or negative ions to the outside, a dehumidifying means, and a heating means. In an air conditioner provided, based on the humidity detecting means, the first temperature detecting means and the second temperature detecting means, the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting means and / or the humidity detected by the humidity detecting means, respectively, Whether heating is stopped based on the temperature detected by the first temperature detection means and / or the humidity detected by the humidity detection means when determining whether to perform dehumidification or heating An air conditioner comprising: a means for determining whether or not the air conditioner is present. 12. When performing dehumidification, means for determining whether or not to stop the dehumidification based on the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting means and / or the humidity detected by the humidity detecting means, respectively. The air conditioner according to claim 11, wherein the air conditioner is provided. 13. The ion generating means generates substantially equal amounts of positive ions and negative ions.
The air conditioner according to any one of 1 to 12. 14. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the ion generating unit generates negative ions. 15. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the ion generating unit generates positive ions and negative ions so that the amount of positive ions is equal to or less than the amount of negative ions. . 16. An evaporator and a reheater using a refrigeration cycle are provided, and the dehumidifying means is configured by using the evaporator and the reheater.
The air conditioner according to any one of 1. 17. An evaporator and a heater using a refrigeration cycle are provided, and the dehumidifying means is configured by using the evaporator and the heater.
The air conditioner according to any one of 2. 18. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the dehumidifying means includes a dehumidifying agent.