JP6233589B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

  As disclosed in Patent Document 1, an air conditioner including a filter cleaning unit is generally known. When cleaning the filter, a cleaning brush contacts the surface of the filter. When the filter moves along a cross section that traverses the passage of the airflow, a relative movement occurs between the filter and the cleaning brush, and the cleaning brush can entangle and trap dust adhering to the surface of the filter.

JP 2012-149822 A

  The entangled dust is collected in the dust box. When dust accumulates in the dust box, the dust box is removed from the main body of the indoor unit, and the accumulated dust can be discarded. Although the inside of the dust box is subjected to antibacterial treatment, the antibacterial effect cannot be expected with dust not in contact with the antibacterial treated surface.

  According to some aspects of the present invention, an air conditioner that can more effectively achieve sterilization in a dust box can be provided.

One aspect of the present invention is a housing that forms a passage for airflow, a filter that is disposed along a cross section that crosses the passage, and that is formed of a mesh sheet having a conductive material connected to the ground on the surface, A cleaning brush that scrapes dust from the filter, a dust box that is disposed upstream of the filter along the flow direction of the airflow, and that stores dust scraped off by the cleaning brush; and The present invention relates to an air conditioner that includes a charging electrode that charges a substance in an air current, and an ionizer that discharges a sterilizing substance in the dust box. The conductive material provided in the filter may be provided at least partially.

  Airflow flows through the passage during cooling and heating operations. When discharging is performed from the charging electrode, dust in the airflow is charged to a specific polarity. The airflow passes through the mesh sheet of the filter. The charged fine particles ride on the air current and adhere to the conductive material of the filter. Fine particles such as fine dust are trapped in the filter by the action of the electric charge attached to the fine particles. A so-called mesh sheet is a combination of resin fibers in a lattice shape, and the pressure loss of the mesh sheet of the filter is remarkably suppressed. The filter can capture fine particles effectively while avoiding pressure loss.

  The filter is cleaned with a cleaning brush. Dust adhering to the filter is scraped off with a cleaning brush. The dust that has been scraped off is collected in a dust box. The inside of the dust box can be filled with a sterilizing substance such as ions or ozone by the action of the charging electrode, and as a result, the dust collected in the dust box can be sterilized. The propagation of bacteria in the dust box can be effectively suppressed. For example, generation of mold odor can be suppressed. Moreover, since the dust box is disposed upstream of the filter, the dust before adhering to the filter can be charged, and the charged electrode can be used not only for sterilization but also for collecting dust.

When fine particles such as dust adhere to the conductive material of the filter, electric charges are exchanged between the fine particles and the ground. The charged state of the conductive material is eliminated. Thus, it is possible to prevent the filter from having the same polarity as that of the charging electrode. Even if the adhesion amount of fine particles increases, new fine particles can reliably adhere to the filter. If a path for exchanging electric charges with the ground is not provided in the filter, a potential having the same polarity as that of the charged electrode is generated on the filter as the amount of attached charge increases, Adhesion is hindered.

  The said filter should just have the said electrically conductive material in the 2nd surface on the opposite side to the said 1st surface by making the surface which receives the said airflow into a 1st surface. At this time, the air conditioner is disposed downstream of the filter along the flow direction of the air flow, is formed of a mesh sheet, and at least the charging electrode along a surface facing the conductive material of the filter What is necessary is just to further provide the 2nd filter which has the electrically conductive material which forms the electrical barrier of the same polarity. The charging electrode may be provided above the second filter. When discharging is performed from the charging electrode, fine particles such as dust in the air current are charged with a specific polarity. The air flow then passes through the filter mesh sheet and the second filter mesh sheet. The charged fine particles ride on the air current and pass through the filter mesh. Charged particles collide with the electrical barrier. Since the charged fine particles and the electric barrier have the same polarity, the charged fine particles are rebounded by the electric barrier. This reduces the traveling speed of the fine particles and reverses the traveling direction, and the charged fine particles easily adhere to the conductive material of the filter. Thus, fine particles such as fine dust are captured by the filter. The so-called mesh sheet is a combination of resin fibers in a lattice shape, and the pressure loss of the filter mesh sheet and the second filter mesh sheet is remarkably suppressed. The air conditioner can capture fine particles effectively while avoiding pressure loss.

  The conductive material of the second filter only needs to face the conductive material of the filter at equal intervals. In this way, the electrical barrier can suppress the bias of the potential distribution as much as possible. As a result, the fine particles can uniformly adhere on the filter. Since the fine particles are not unevenly distributed on the filter, the fine particles can be efficiently captured at the entire portion of the filter facing the second filter.

  The mesh sheet of the filter and the mesh sheet of the second filter are formed of an insulating material, the insulating material is disposed on the first surface of the filter, and the surface that faces the filter with the second filter The insulating material may be disposed on a surface on the opposite side. When the second filter is disposed downstream of the filter, the conductive material on the second filter faces the conductive material on the filter. Thus, the conductive material of the filter and the conductive material of the second filter are arranged between the insulating materials. The user can be prevented from coming into direct contact with the conductive material supplied with the high voltage from the outside.

  As described above, according to the disclosed air conditioner, sterilization is more effectively realized in the dust box.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows roughly the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing roughly the appearance of the indoor unit concerning one embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the main body of an indoor unit schematically. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of an indoor unit schematically. It is an expansion perspective view showing the structure of an air filter roughly. It is sectional drawing along the AA line of FIG. It is an expansion vertical sectional view of the main part of an indoor unit. FIG. 9 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the main body of the indoor unit schematically corresponding to the state of the airflow passage corresponding to FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the main body corresponding to FIG. 8 and showing an upper limit position of the air filter. FIG. 9 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the main body corresponding to FIG. 8 and showing a lower limit position of the air filter. It is an expanded sectional view showing the principle of electric dust collection roughly.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(1) Configuration of Air Conditioner FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration of an air conditioner 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner 11 includes an indoor unit 12 and an outdoor unit 13. The indoor unit 12 is installed in an indoor space in a building, for example. In addition, the indoor unit 12 may be installed in a space corresponding to the indoor space. An indoor heat exchanger 14 is incorporated in the indoor unit 12. The outdoor unit 13 includes a compressor 15, an outdoor heat exchanger 16, an expansion valve 17, and a four-way valve 18. The indoor heat exchanger 14, the compressor 15, the outdoor heat exchanger 16, the expansion valve 17 and the four-way valve 18 form a refrigeration circuit 19.

  The refrigeration circuit 19 includes a first circulation path 21. The first circulation path 21 connects the first port 18a and the second port 18b of the four-way valve 18 to each other. A compressor 15 is provided in the first circulation path 21. The suction pipe 15a of the compressor 15 is connected to the first port 18a of the four-way valve 18 via a refrigerant pipe. The gas refrigerant is supplied to the suction pipe 15a of the compressor 15 from the first port 18a. The compressor 15 compresses the low-pressure gas refrigerant to a predetermined pressure. The discharge pipe 15b of the compressor 15 is connected to the second port 18b of the four-way valve 18 via a refrigerant pipe. Gas refrigerant is supplied from the discharge pipe 15 b of the compressor 15 to the second port 18 b of the four-way valve 18. The refrigerant pipe may be a copper pipe, for example.

  The refrigeration circuit 19 further includes a second circulation path 22. The second circulation path 22 connects the third port 18c and the fourth port 18d of the four-way valve 18 to each other. The outdoor heat exchanger 16, the expansion valve 17, and the indoor heat exchanger 14 are incorporated into the second circulation path 22 in order from the third port 18c side. The outdoor heat exchanger 16 exchanges heat energy between the refrigerant passing therethrough and ambient air. The indoor heat exchanger 14 exchanges thermal energy between the refrigerant passing therethrough and ambient air. The second circulation path 22 may be formed by a refrigerant pipe such as a copper pipe.

  A blower fan 23 is incorporated in the outdoor unit 13. The blower fan 23 ventilates the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The blower fan 23 generates an air flow according to the rotation of the impeller, for example. The airflow passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The flow rate of the airflow passing through is adjusted according to the rotational speed of the impeller.

  A blower fan 24 is incorporated in the indoor unit 12. The blower fan 24 ventilates the indoor heat exchanger 14. The blower fan 24 generates an air flow according to the rotation of the impeller. Indoor air is sucked into the indoor unit 12 by the action of the blower fan 24. The indoor air passes through the indoor heat exchanger 14 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant. The heat-exchanged cold air or warm air flow is blown out from the indoor unit 12. The flow rate of the airflow passing through is adjusted according to the rotational speed of the impeller.

  When the cooling operation is performed in the refrigeration circuit 19, the four-way valve 18 connects the second port 18b and the third port 18c to each other and connects the first port 18a and the fourth port 18d to each other. Therefore, high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 16 from the discharge pipe 15 b of the compressor 15. The refrigerant flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 16, the expansion valve 17, and the indoor heat exchanger 14 in order. The outdoor heat exchanger 16 radiates heat from the refrigerant to the outside air. The refrigerant is decompressed to a low pressure by the expansion valve 17. The decompressed refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding air in the indoor heat exchanger 14. Cold air is generated. The cold air is blown out into the indoor space by the function of the blower fan 24.

  When the heating operation is performed in the refrigeration circuit 19, the four-way valve 18 connects the second port 18b and the fourth port 18d to each other and connects the first port 18a and the third port 18c to each other. A high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 15 to the indoor heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant flows through the indoor heat exchanger 14, the expansion valve 17, and the outdoor heat exchanger 16 in order. The indoor heat exchanger 14 radiates heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding air. Warm air is generated. Warm air is blown into the indoor space by the function of the blower fan 24. The refrigerant is decompressed to a low pressure by the expansion valve 17. The decompressed refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding air in the outdoor heat exchanger 16. Thereafter, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 15.

(2) Configuration of Indoor Unit FIG. 2 schematically shows the appearance of the indoor unit 12 according to an embodiment. An outer panel 27 covers the main body (housing) 26 of the indoor unit 12. An air outlet 28 is formed on the lower surface of the main body 26. The blower outlet 28 is opened toward the room. The main body 26 can be fixed to an indoor wall surface, for example. The blower outlet 28 blows out the cool air or the warm air generated by the indoor heat exchanger 14.

  A pair of front and rear wind direction plates 31a and 31b are arranged at the outlet 28. The up-and-down wind direction plates 31a and 31b can rotate around the horizontal axes 32a and 32b, respectively. The vertical airflow direction plates 31a and 31b can open and close the air outlet 28 according to the rotation. The direction of the airflow to be blown out is changed according to the angle of the up / down airflow direction plates 31a, 31b.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a suction port 33 is formed in the main body 26. The suction port 33 opens at the front and top surfaces of the main body 26. The outer panel 27 can be covered with the suction port 33 in front of the main body 26. Air flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 14 is taken in from the suction port 33.

  A plurality of air filter assemblies 34 having the same shape are arranged in the suction port 33 over the longitudinal direction of the suction port 33. The air filter assembly 34 includes an air filter (filter) 35 and a holding portion 36. The air filter 35 is held by the holding unit 36. The holding part 36 has a frame body 37. The holding part 36 is fixed to the main body 26 by a frame body 37. When the holding portion 36 is set on the main body 26, the air filter 35 is disposed over the entire surface of the suction port 33.

  A frame 37 of the holding portion 36 is provided with a front filter rail 38 that holds a frame portion of an air filter 35 described later. A rear filter rail 39 is provided on the main body 26 corresponding to the front filter rail 38. The filter rails 38 and 39 form a continuous path. The filter rails 38 and 39 are provided along a vertical plane orthogonal to the horizontal axes 32a and 32b so as to slidably hold the left and right ends of the air filter 35. The air filter 35 moves along the filter rails 38 and 39.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the blower fan 24 is rotatably supported by the main body 26. For example, a cross flow fan is used as the blower fan 24. The blower fan 24 can rotate around a rotation shaft 41 parallel to the horizontal axes 32a and 32b. The rotating shaft 41 of the blower fan 24 extends in the horizontal direction when the main body 26 is installed. The blower fan 24 is disposed in parallel with the air outlet 28. A driving force around the rotary shaft 41 is transmitted to the blower fan 24 from a driving source (not shown). The drive source is supported by the main body 26. The airflow passes through the indoor heat exchanger 14 according to the rotation of the blower fan 24. As a result, a cold or warm air stream is generated. Cold air or warm air is blown out from the air outlet 28.

  The indoor heat exchanger 14 includes a front side body 14a and a rear side body 14b. The front body 14 a covers the blower fan 24 from the front side of the blower fan 24. The rear body 14 b covers the blower fan 24 from the rear side of the blower fan 24. The front body 14a and the rear body 14b are connected to each other at the upper end. The front side body 14a and the rear side body 14b have a refrigerant pipe 42a. The refrigerant pipe 42a reciprocates in the horizontal direction. That is, the refrigerant pipe 42a extends parallel to the horizontal axes 32a and 32b, is folded at the left and right ends of the main body 26 when viewed from the front, extends again parallel to the horizontal axes 32a and 32b, and is folded again at the left and right ends of the main body 26 when viewed from the front. These are repeated. The refrigerant pipe 42 a constitutes a part of the second circulation path 22. A plurality of heat radiation fins 42b are coupled to the refrigerant pipe 42a. The heat radiating fins 42b extend in parallel to each other while being orthogonal to the horizontal axes 32a and 32b. The refrigerant pipe 42a and the heat radiation fin 42b can be formed from a metal material such as copper or aluminum. Heat exchange is realized between the refrigerant and the air through the refrigerant pipe 42a and the radiation fins 42b.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the air filter assembly 34 includes a filter cleaning unit 43 and an electrostatic dust collection unit 44. The filter cleaning unit 43 includes an upper dust box 45 and a lower dust box 46. The upper dust box 45 and the lower dust box 46 have a frame 37 of the holding portion 36. The upper dust box 45 is disposed on the front side of the air filter 35. The upper dust box 45 has a cover 47. The cover 47 is provided so as to cover the dust storage part 49 of the box body 48 so as to be openable and closable. The lower dust box 46 is disposed on the rear surface side of the air filter 35. The upper dust box 45 and the lower dust box 46 are arranged in the horizontal direction with respect to the air filter 35. When cleaning the air filter 35, dust on the front surface of the air filter 35 is generally collected in the box body 48 of the upper dust box 45, and dust on the rear surface of the air filter 35 is collected in the lower dust box 46.

  The filter cleaning unit 43 includes a first driven gear 51 and a second driven gear (drive member) 52. The first driven gear 51 is attached to the upper dust box 45. The first driven gear 51 rotates around the horizontal axis 53. The first driven gear 51 rotates a cleaning brush described later in the upper dust box 45. The teeth of the first driven gear 51 are at least partially exposed from the outer surface of the upper dust box 45. Similarly, the second driven gear 52 is attached to the lower dust box 46. The second driven gear 52 rotates around the horizontal axis 54. The second driven gear 52 is provided at both ends of the lower dust box 46 and drives the air filter 35 as will be described later. The teeth of the second driven gear 52 are partially exposed from the outer surface of the lower dust box 46. When the air filter assembly 34 is set on the main body 26, the first driven gear 51 meshes with a first drive gear (not shown) mounted on the main body 26, and similarly, the second driven gear 52 is mounted on the main body 26. Engage with two drive gears (not shown). A drive source (not shown) such as an electric motor is individually connected to the first drive gear and the second drive gear. The first driven gear 51 and the second driven gear 52 rotate individually according to the driving force supplied from the individual driving sources.

  The electric dust collection unit 44 includes an ionizer 55, a charging electrode described later, and a dust collecting electrode described later. The ionizer 55 is incorporated in the upper dust box 45. The casing 56 of the ionizer 55 is provided integrally with the cover 47 of the upper dust box 45. A part of the cover 47 of the upper dust box 45 is formed by a housing 56 of the ionizer 55. The casing 56 of the ionizer 55 is formed with openings 57 in the vertical direction. Ions and ozone are emitted from the opening 57. The released ions and ozone are dispersed in the space between the outer panel 27 and the air filter 35. The ionizer 55 is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) in the main body 26 by wiring (not shown). The wiring of the ionizer 55 has a detachable electrical contact. When the air filter assembly 34 is attached and detached, the wiring is connected and disconnected. Operating power is supplied to the ionizer 55 through the wiring.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the air filter 35 includes a frame 58 and a mesh sheet 59. The mesh sheet 59 is configured by combining polyethylene terephthalate fibers (resin fibers) in a lattice pattern, for example. The mesh sheet 59 is supported by the frame 58. The frame 58 has a function of holding the shape of the mesh sheet 59. The frame 58 is molded from a resin material (for example, polypropylene). The frame 58 and the mesh sheet 59 constitute a first insulator 61. The mesh of the mesh sheet 59 is provided so as to intersect with the air current, and defines a ventilation path. A rack 62 is formed on the frame 58 on the rear surface side of the air filter 35. The rack 62 extends linearly along a vertical plane orthogonal to the horizontal axes 32a and 32b.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a conductive material film 63 is formed on the second surface (rear surface) which is on the downstream side with respect to the air flow of the air filter 35. For example, a metal material such as aluminum can be used as the conductive material. The coating 63 is laminated on the surface of the mesh sheet 59 on the surface of the air filter 35 on the side of the repulsion filter 74 described later. For example, a sputtering method may be used to form the coating 63. The air passages partitioned in a lattice shape by the mesh sheet 59 are secured as they are. An insulating material (first insulator 61) is maintained on the first surface (front surface) of the air filter 35 on the indoor side. The coating 63 is connected to the ground of the main body 26. For such connection, the main body 26 may be provided with an electrical contact (not shown) that contacts a part of the coating 63. The potential of the coating 63 may be dropped from the contact point to the ground. An electrical contact that contacts the coating 63 may be formed on the frame 37 of the holding portion 36, and in that case, a wiring extending from the contact of the frame may be connected to the contact on the main body 26.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the filter cleaning unit 43 includes a pinion (drive member) 64. The pinion 64 is rotatably supported by the lower dust box 46, for example. The outer periphery of the pinion 64 is opposed to a curved surface of a pressing plate (guide member) 65 formed on the frame body 37 at a predetermined interval, for example. When the air filter 35 is attached to the holding portion 36, the frame 58 and the rack 62 are sandwiched between the outer periphery of the pinion 64 and the curved surface of the pressing plate 65. Thus, the rack 62 is engaged with the pinion 64. The holding plate 65 prevents the rack 62 from being detached from the pinion 64. The movement of the air filter 35 is guided by the pinion 64 and the holding plate 65.

  The pinion 64 is connected to the second driven gear 52. The rotation of the second driven gear 52 is transmitted to the pinion 64. The rotation of the pinion 64 causes the rack 62 to move in the tangential direction of the pinion 64. Thus, relative movement of the air filter 35 with respect to the upper dust box 45 and the lower dust box 46 is realized in the direction along the vertical plane orthogonal to the horizontal axes 32 a and 32 b according to the rotation of the second driven gear 52.

  The filter cleaning unit 43 includes a cleaning brush 66 disposed in association with the air filter 35. The cleaning brush 66 is stored in the upper dust box 45. The cleaning brush 66 includes a brush pedestal 67. The brush pedestal 67 can rotate around the horizontal axis 68 by the driving force from the first driven gear 51. The brush bristles 69 are arranged on a cylindrical surface of the brush pedestal 67 over a predetermined center angle range. The flocking range of the brush bristles 69 has a spread across the air filter 35 in the axial direction of the brush pedestal 67. The cleaning brush 66 brings the bristles 69 into contact with the air filter 35 at a predetermined rotational position, and separates the bristles 69 from the air filter 35 at other than the rotational position. When the air filter 35 moves in a direction along a vertical plane orthogonal to the horizontal axes 32 a and 32 b in a state where the brush bristles 69 are in contact with the air filter 35, the dust adhering to the front surface of the air filter 35 is entangled with the bristles 69. Can be done.

  The filter cleaning unit 43 includes a brush receiver 71. The brush receiver 71 is accommodated in the lower dust box 46. The brush receiver 71 has a receiving surface 72. The receiving surface 72 is opposed to the cleaning brush 66. When the bristle 69 contacts the air filter 35, the receiving surface 72 sandwiches the air filter 35 between the bristle 69. In addition, brush hair may be planted on the receiving surface 72.

  The ionizer 55 of the electric dust collection unit 44 has a charging electrode 73. The charging electrode 73 is disposed in the housing 56 of the ionizer 55. Thus, the charging electrode 73 is accommodated in the upper dust box 45. The charging electrode 73 is supplied with a high voltage from the charging electrode high voltage power supply 79 of the main body 26 and is discharged into the air. Ions and ozone are generated by the discharge. The ions and ozone thus generated are emitted from the opening 57 of the ionizer 55.

  The electric dust collection unit 44 further includes a repulsion filter (second filter) 74. The repulsion filter 74 may have the same structure as the air filter 35. That is, the repulsion filter 74 includes a frame 75 and a mesh sheet 76. The mesh sheet 76 is configured by combining polyethylene terephthalate fibers (resin fibers) in a lattice pattern, for example. The mesh sheet 76 is supported by the frame 75. The frame 75 has a function of holding the shape of the mesh sheet 76. The frame 75 is molded from a resin material (for example, polypropylene). The frame 75 and the mesh sheet 76 constitute a second insulator 77. The mesh of the mesh sheet 76 is provided so as to intersect the airflow, and defines a ventilation path.

  The surface of the repulsion filter 74 on the dust collecting electrode side (here, the air filter 35 side) is covered with a conductive material coating 78. For example, a metal material such as aluminum can be used as the conductive material. The coating 78 is laminated on the surface of the mesh sheet 76 on the surface of the repulsion filter 74 on the charging electrode 73 side. For example, a sputtering method may be used to form the film 78. The air passages partitioned in a lattice shape by the mesh sheet 76 are secured as they are. An insulating material (second insulator 77) is maintained on the entire surface of the repulsion filter 74 on the indoor heat exchanger 14 side.

  The repulsion filter 74 may be fixed to the indoor heat exchanger 14 side of the filter rail 38 provided integrally with the lower dust box 46. A space is formed between the coating 78 on the front surface and the coating 63 of the air filter 35. That is, a distance is secured between the coating 78 and the coating 63. Here, the coating 78 faces the coating 63 at equal intervals. Thus, the electric dust collection unit 44 uses the air filter 35 as a dust collection electrode.

  The coating 78 is connected to the high voltage power source 92 for the repulsive electrode of the main body 26. The wiring connecting the repulsion filter 74 and the high voltage power supply 92 for the repulsion electrode has a detachable electrical contact. When the air filter assembly 34 is attached and removed, the wiring is coupled and divided. A high voltage is supplied to the coating 78 through the wiring. Here, a voltage having the same polarity as that of the charging electrode 73 is supplied to the coating 78 of the repulsion filter 74. Therefore, the repulsion filter 74 is supplied with a high voltage and forms an electrical barrier having the same polarity as the charging electrode 73 along the coating 78 on the front surface.

  As shown in FIG. 8, an airflow passage 81 is formed in the main body 26 from the suction port 33 toward the blowout port 28. The indoor heat exchanger 14 is disposed in the passage 81. An air filter 35 is disposed upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 14 along a cross section 82 (from the rear end side of SR described later to the lower end side of FR described later) crossing the passage 81. An upper dust box 45 is disposed on the upstream side of the air filter 35.

  The mesh sheet 59 of the air filter 35 has a first region FR and a second region SR. When the air filter 35 is located at the reference position, the upper end of the air filter 35 contacts the upper end of the cross section 82. At this time, the mesh sheet 59 of the air filter 35 blocks the passage 81 along the cross section 82. The first region FR of the mesh sheet 59 blocks the passage 81 along the cross section 82 below the upper dust box 45 and the lower dust box 46. The second region SR of the mesh sheet 59 blocks the passage 81 along the cross section 82 above the upper dust box 45 and the lower dust box 46. Thus, the cleaning brush 66 is disposed between the first region FR and the second region SR at the reference position of the air filter 35.

  A repulsion filter 74 is disposed downstream of the air filter 35. The mesh sheet 76 of the repulsion filter 74 blocks the airflow passage 81 below the upper dust box 45 and the lower dust box 46. The repulsion filter 74 is not disposed above the upper dust box 45 and the lower dust box 46. Thus, the mesh sheet 76 of the repulsion filter 74 faces only the first region FR of the air filter 35 at the reference position.

  As described above, a drive source such as the electric motor 83 is connected to the pinion 64 through the second driven gear 52 and other drive mechanisms. A controller 84 is connected to the electric motor 83. The control unit 84 controls the operation of the electric motor 83. The air filter 35 can move along the cross section 82 in accordance with the operation of the electric motor 83. The control unit 84 may be formed of an arithmetic processing circuit such as an MPU (microprocessor unit).

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the air filter 35 is located at the upper limit position, the lower end of the air filter 35 rises to the position of the pinion 64. The upper end of the air filter 35 is guided along the inner wall surface of the passage 81 and reaches the first specified position UP. At this time, the mesh sheet 59 of the air filter 35 is retracted from the first region FR along the cross section 82. Thus, the cleaning brush 66 contacts the first region FR of the air filter 35 while the air filter 35 moves between the reference position and the upper limit position. The first region FR of the mesh sheet 59 is cleaned with the cleaning brush 66.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the air filter 35 is located at the lower limit position, the upper end of the air filter 35 is lowered to the position of the cleaning brush 66. The lower end of the air filter 35 descends to the second specified position LP on the extension line of the cross section 82. A portion 35a of the air filter 35 is greatly curved outward in the first region FR. At this time, the mesh sheet 59 of the air filter 35 is retracted from the second region SR along the cross section 82. Thus, the cleaning brush 66 contacts the second region SR of the air filter 35 while the air filter 35 moves between the reference position and the lower limit position. The second region SR of the mesh sheet 59 is cleaned.

(3) Operation of the indoor unit The air filter 35 is located at the reference position during normal cooling operation or heating operation. When the blower fan 24 operates, an airflow is generated along the passage 81 from the suction port 33 toward the blowout port 28 in the main body 26. The air sucked from the suction port 33 passes through the air filter 35 and passes through the indoor heat exchanger 14. The indoor heat exchanger 14 performs heat exchange between the airflow and the refrigerant. During the cooling operation, the air is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 14 and blown out from the outlet 28. During the heating operation, the air is warmed by the indoor heat exchanger 14 and blown out from the outlet 28. In this way, cold air and warm air are generated.

  When the airflow passes through the air filter 35, dust larger than the mesh size of the mesh sheet 59 cannot pass through the mesh. Large dust is captured on the front surface of the air filter 35. Fine particles such as dust smaller than the size of the mesh adhere to the rear surface of the air filter 35 by the principle of electrostatic dust collection described later. In this way, dust and the like are removed from the airflow flowing toward the indoor heat exchanger 14. A clean airflow flows into the indoor heat exchanger 14. Cool air or warm air of clean air is blown out from the air outlet 28.

  The operation of the filter cleaning unit 43 when the air filter 35 is cleaned will be described. The bristle 69 of the cleaning brush 66 comes into contact with the front surface of the air filter 35 in accordance with the rotation operation of the brush base 67. At this time, the rear surface of the air filter 35 is received by the receiving surface 72 of the brush receiver 71. The air filter 35 is sandwiched between the bristle 69 and the receiving surface 72. When the second driven gear 52 is driven, the air filter 35 moves back and forth along the filter rails 38 and 39. As the air filter 35 moves, the brush bristles 69 trace the front surface of the air filter 35. Thus, the bristle 69 entangles large dust from the front surface of the air filter 35. The entangled dust is collected in the upper dust box 45. Since the electric charge escapes to the ground on the rear surface of the air filter 35, the particles fall from the rear surface of the air filter 35 when the receiving surface 72 and the air filter 35 come into contact with each other. The dropped fine particles are collected in the lower dust box 46.

  When the air filter 35 is cleaned, the control unit 84 switches the operation mode of the cleaning brush 66 between the first cleaning mode and the second cleaning mode. In the first cleaning mode, the cleaning brush 66 cleans the first region FR and the second region SR of the air filter 35. At this time, the control unit 84 reciprocates the air filter 35 between the reference position and the upper limit position, and reciprocates the air filter 35 between the reference position and the lower limit position. Thus, the entire air filter 35 is cleaned. In the second cleaning mode, the cleaning brush 66 cleans the first region FR other than the second region SR. In the second cleaning mode, cleaning of the second region SR is avoided. At this time, the control unit 84 reciprocates the air filter 35 between the reference position and the upper limit position. The air filter 35 does not move toward the lower limit position. Thus, only the first region FR of the air filter 35 is cleaned. The controller 84 mixes the first cleaning mode and the second cleaning mode. Thus, the first area FR can be cleaned more frequently than the second area SR. Since the dust collection effect of the first region FR is high, the air filter 35 can be effectively cleaned by cleaning the first region FR more than the second region SR.

  The electric dust collecting unit 44 operates during the cooling operation and the heating operation. When the electric dust collection unit 44 is operating, the inside of the upper dust box 45 is filled with ions and ozone by the action of the charging electrode 73. As a result, the dust collected in the upper dust box 45 can be sterilized with ions or ozone. The propagation of bacteria in the upper dust box 45 can be effectively suppressed. For example, generation of mold odor is suppressed. Here, since the upper dust box 45 is disposed upstream of the air filter 35, the dust in the airflow can be charged by ions flowing out of the upper dust box 45, and the charging electrode 73 is used not only for sterilization but also for collecting dust. Also used for.

(4) Principle of Electric Dust Collection As shown in FIG. 11, the charging electrode 73, the air filter 35, and the repulsion filter 74 are disposed in the airflow generated by the blower fan 24. An air filter 35 is disposed downstream of the charging electrode 73 and a repulsion filter 74 is disposed downstream of the air filter 35 along the flow direction of the airflow. The charging electrode 73 is discharged into an air current. Here, positive ions 86 are generated in the airflow by the discharge. Positive ions 86 adhere to fine particles 87 such as dust in the airflow. Thus, the fine particles 87 are charged on the positive electrode (hereinafter, the charged fine particles are referred to as “charged fine particles 88”).

  When a high voltage is supplied to the coating 78 of the repulsion filter 74, the surface of the mesh sheet 76 of the repulsion filter 74 is positively charged. The positively charged mesh sheet 76 forms an electrical barrier 89 in a posture that intersects with the flow direction of the airflow. Here, the electrical barrier 89 is orthogonal to the air flow direction. The electrical barrier 89 is continuous along the surface of the mesh sheet 76. Here, the electrical barrier 89 has the same polarity as the charging electrode 73, that is, a positive electrode.

  The airflow passes through the ventilation path defined by the mesh of the mesh sheet 59. The charged fine particles 88 riding on the airflow pass through the mesh sheet 59 of the air filter 35 because they are smaller than the mesh of the mesh sheet 59. The charged fine particles 88 collide with the electrical barrier 89. Since the charged fine particles 88 and the electric barrier 89 have the same polarity, the charged fine particles 88 are rebounded by the electric barrier 89. As a result, the traveling speed of the charged fine particles 88 is reduced and the traveling direction is reversed, and the charged fine particles 88 move toward the air filter 35 and adhere to the coating 63.

  The coating 63 of the air filter 35 is connected to the ground 91. When the charged fine particles 88 adhere to the coating 63 of the air filter 35, electric charges are exchanged between the charged fine particles 88 and the ground 91. The charged state of the charged fine particles 88 is eliminated. In this way, the air filter 35 can be prevented from having the same polarity as that of the charging electrode 73. Even if the adhesion amount of the charged fine particles 88 increases, new charged fine particles 88 can reliably adhere to the air filter 35. Here, the polarity of the air filter 35 as the dust collecting electrode is the ground. However, it is sufficient that the charged fine particles 88 are attached, and the polarity is opposite to the charged fine particles 88, that is, a negative polarity. It may be.

  Desirably, the coating 78 of the repulsion filter 74 faces the coating 63 of the air filter 35 at equal intervals. Then, the electric barrier 89 suppresses the uneven distribution of potential. As a result, the charged fine particles 88 can uniformly adhere on the air filter 35. Since the charged fine particles 88 are not unevenly distributed on the air filter 35, the charged fine particles 88 can be efficiently captured at the entire portion of the air filter 35 facing the electrical barrier 89. Here, when the distance between the coating 78 and the coating 63 is not constant, the amount of charged fine particles 88 adhering to the air filter 35 is biased, and the air filter 35 efficiently captures the charged fine particles 88. I can't. In addition, sparks may occur in close proximity. However, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of sparks between the coating 78 of the repulsion filter 74 and the coating 63 of the air filter 35 by setting the same intervals as described above.

  Here, in the air filter 35, the first insulator 61 receives the airflow on the front surface (first surface) and supports the coating 63 on the rear surface (second surface opposite to the first surface). Similarly, in the repulsion filter 74, the second insulator 77 supports the coating 78 on the surface facing the coating 63 of the air filter 35. Thus, the coating 78 on the repulsion filter 74 is opposed to the coating 63 on the air filter 35. The coating 63 of the air filter 35 and the coating 78 of the repulsion filter 74 are disposed between the first insulator 61 and the second insulator 77. Thereby, it can prevent that a user contacts the coating film 78 to which a high voltage is supplied directly from the outside. Further, the surface coated with the metal material (coating 63) has less unevenness than the surface of the insulator (first insulator 61) made of a resin material. Therefore, the air filter 35 can be easily cleaned by setting the surface on which the charged fine particles 88 are attached to the repulsion filter 74 side.

  In addition, although the example which discharge | releases positive ion from the ionizer 55 was shown in FIG. 11, you may make it discharge | release negative ion as other embodiment. In that case, the repulsion filter 74 may have a negative polarity, and the dust collection electrode (air filter 35) may have a positive polarity or a ground.

  11 Air conditioner, 26 Case (main body), 35 Filter (air filter), 45 Dust box (upper dust box), 59 Mesh sheet, 63 Conductive material (coating), 66 Cleaning brush, 73 Charging electrode, 74 Second filter ( Repulsion filter), 76 mesh sheet, 78 conductive material (coating), 81 passage, 82 cross section, 89 barrier, 91 ground.

Claims (2)

A housing forming an airflow passage;
A filter that is disposed along a cross-section that traverses the passage and is formed of a mesh sheet having a conductive material connected to the ground on the surface;
A cleaning brush for scraping dust from the filter;
A dust box that is disposed on the upstream side of the filter along the flow direction of the airflow and stores dust scraped off by the cleaning brush;
An air conditioner comprising: a charging electrode that discharges into the airflow to charge a substance in the airflow; and an ionizer that discharges a sterilizing substance into the dust box. The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the filter has the conductive material on a second surface opposite to the first surface that receives the airflow,
The air conditioner is disposed downstream of the filter along the flow direction of the air flow, is formed of a mesh sheet, and has the same polarity as the charging electrode along a surface facing at least the conductive material of the filter A second filter having a conductive material that forms an electrical barrier of
The air conditioner is characterized in that the charging electrode is provided above the second filter.

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