Air conditioner

Abstract

The present application provides an air conditioner with an electrode part facing the direction of an air inlet. The air conditioner has an indoor unit (100) with an air inlet (11) formed in a housing (10) to draw in air from the room, an air outlet (14) formed in the housing (10) to blow air into the room, a heat exchanger (12) arranged between the air inlet (11) and the air outlet (14), and a generator (20) with an electrode part (21) arranged inside the housing (10) to generate negative ions by discharge at the electrode part (21), the electrode part (21) facing the direction of the air inlet (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] The abstract of Patent Document 1 describes "an air conditioning device comprising: a main body having an air inlet and an exhaust outlet; and a blower fan disposed on the downwind side of the air inlet within the main body, forming an airflow that draws air into the main body from the air inlet and exhausts air from the exhaust outlet, wherein the air conditioning device comprises: a heat exchanger disposed on the downwind side of the air inlet within the main body; and a discharge electric field generating device disposed on the upwind side of the heat exchanger in the airflow path within the main body, wherein a discharge electrode and a counter electrode are housed inside a box-shaped frame having openings on the upwind and downwind sides, the heat exchanger being configured such that the cross-section of the apex portion facing the blower fan is approximately inverted V-shaped or approximately inverted W-shaped, the opening on the downwind side of the frame is opposite to the end face on the upwind side of the heat exchanger, and is arranged obliquely such that the distance between the opening and the end face gradually widens from the side close to the air inlet toward the side away from the air inlet."

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-231985 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, the discharge electrode 7 and the counter electrode 8 constituting the discharge electric field generating device 6 are plate-shaped and arranged along the heat exchanger 5 (Patent Document 1). Figure 1 Therefore, the discharge / electric field generating device 6 is not oriented towards the air inlet 2.

[0008] The problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide an air conditioner having an electrode portion facing the intake port.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The air conditioner disclosed herein includes an indoor unit comprising: an intake port formed in the housing for drawing in indoor air; an outlet formed in the housing for blowing air into the indoor space; a heat exchanger disposed between the intake port and the outlet; and a generator comprising an electrode portion disposed inside the housing for generating negative ions by discharging the electrode portion, the electrode portion being oriented toward the intake port.

[0011] The effects of the invention are as follows.

[0012] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner having an electrode portion facing the inlet. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner disclosed herein.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the indoor unit.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the indoor unit.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a magnified view of the area near the electrodes.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the indoor unit, and a diagram showing the state of the indoor unit during operation.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view of the indoor unit, shown through a portion of the front panel.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a front view showing the interior of the generator.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a front view of the indoor unit, showing the state after the front panel has been removed.

[0021] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the release direction of negative ions generated at the electrode.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the shielding part in other embodiments.

[0023] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the direction of release of negative ions generated at the other electrode.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view of the indoor unit from above.

[0025] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Enlarged view of part A.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a side view of the interior of the indoor unit, showing the arrangement of the electrode section in other embodiments.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a front view of the interior of the indoor unit, showing the arrangement of the electrode section in other embodiments.

[0028] Figure 16This is a diagram of the indoor unit as seen from the side, illustrating the internal structure of the indoor unit in other embodiments.

[0029] Symbol Explanation

[0030] 10—Casing, 100—Indoor unit, 11—Inlet, 12—Heat exchanger, 13—Cross-flow fan, 14—Outlet, 15—Front panel, 16—Filter, 20—Generator, 200—Outdoor unit, 201—Container, 202—Slit, 203—Upper wall, 21—Electrode section, 211—Front end, 212—Columnar body, 216—Electrode section, 217—Electrode section, 218—Electrode section, 219—Electrode section, 22—Resin section, 23—Power board, 24—Power cable, 25—Shielding section, 251—Cylinder section, 252—Opening, 253—End, 26—Shielding section, 261—Opening, 262—Dividing section, 27—Rotating mechanism, 30—Release device, 300—Remote control, 400—Air conditioner. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments (referred to as implementation methods) for carrying out this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of one embodiment, other embodiments applicable to that embodiment will also be described as appropriate. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments; different embodiments can be combined with each other, or arbitrarily modified within the scope that does not significantly impair the effect of this disclosure. Furthermore, the same symbols are used to denote the same parts, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Also, parts having the same function are given the same name. The illustrations are merely illustrative; for ease of illustration, sometimes actual structural changes are made without significantly impairing the effect of this disclosure, or illustrations of certain parts are omitted or modifications are made between the drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner 400 disclosed herein. In the air conditioner 400, negative ions are generated from the interior of the indoor unit 100 towards the intake 11 (…). Figure 2 The air is released. As a result, dust and other particles in the indoor air present in and above the intake 11 become charged. Furthermore, the charged dust and other particles are rapidly drawn in from the intake 11 while maintaining their charge. Consequently, compared to the uncharged case, the dust adheres more firmly to the heat exchanger 12 disposed inside the indoor unit 100. Figure 2This improves dust collection capacity. Such adhesion is caused, for example, by the Coulomb force acting on the potential generated by electrostatic induction and the static electricity of dust, etc. Furthermore, the adhered dust, etc., can be removed, for example, by freezing the heat exchanger 12 (registered trademark), cleaning with condensate water applied to the heat exchanger 12, or manual cleaning. Moreover, since freezing cleaning and cleaning with condensate water use water, static electricity can be removed with water, making it easy to clean the dust.

[0033] Air conditioner 400 includes an indoor unit 100 installed indoors, an outdoor unit 200 installed outdoors, and a remote control 300. The remote control 300 instructs the indoor unit 100 on the operation of the air conditioner 400, such as cooling, heating, and dehumidification. Instructions are made via a receiver 18 of the indoor unit 100 (e.g., an infrared communication unit, WiFi, or other wireless communication unit). The indoor unit 100 and outdoor unit 200 are connected via refrigerant piping (not shown), and the refrigerant circulates between the indoor unit 100 and outdoor unit 200, thus forming a refrigeration cycle (not shown).

[0034] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 100. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the indoor unit 100. The indoor unit 100 includes a housing 10 (including a front panel 15), an intake 11, a heat exchanger 12, a cross-flow fan 13, and an exhaust 14. Figure 5 ), filter 16 and generator 20. Figure 2 In the middle, the outlet 14 is blocked by the upper and lower airflow vanes 17. Driven by the rotation of the cross-flow fan 13, an airflow is generated from the inlet 11 toward the outlet 14, passing through the filter 16, the heat exchanger 12 and the cross-flow fan 13 in sequence.

[0035] An intake 11 is formed in the housing 10 to draw in air from the chamber. The intake 11 is formed, for example, at the top of the housing 10. A heat exchanger 12, forming part of the aforementioned refrigeration cycle, regulates the drawn-in air. The heat exchanger 12 is located between the intake 11 and the outlet 14. Figure 5 Between ( ) . The "between" here refers to the airflow between the inlet 11 and the outlet 14. The heat exchanger 12 is made of metals such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel.

[0036] A filter 16 is provided between the intake 11 and the heat exchanger 12 to capture dust and other particles in the intake air. This "between" refers to the airflow from the intake 11 to the outlet 14. The filter 16 is arranged horizontally above the heat exchanger 12 and vertically on the front side of the heat exchanger 12. The filter 16 is made of a non-metallic material, such as resin or fiber. By being made of a non-metallic material, it is less susceptible to the effects of charged dust and other particles. The cross-flow fan 13 uses rotation to draw in air through the intake 11 and blows air out through the outlet 14. The outlet 14 is formed in the housing 10 and blows air into the room. The outlet 14 is formed, for example, at the bottom of the housing 10.

[0037] Generator 20 generates negative ions, for example, inside the indoor unit 100. Generator 20 is positioned upstream of heat exchanger 12. Therefore, negative ions can be easily directed towards the intake port 11 without being significantly affected by heat exchanger 12. "Upstream" here refers to the direction from intake port 11 towards outlet port 14. Figure 5 The upstream of the airflow is based on the airflow.

[0038] The generator 20 includes an electrode section 21 disposed inside the housing 10. Negative ions are generated by discharging at the electrode section 21. In the illustrated example, the generator 20 is disposed on the front side of the heat exchanger 12, but it may also be disposed on the back side or the top side of the heat exchanger 12.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a magnified view of the vicinity of the electrode section 21. The electrode section 21 includes a columnar body 212 that releases negative ions from its front end 211. The columnar body 212 is fixed to the resin section 22. The columnar body 212 is connected to a power cable 24 embedded in the resin section 22, and a DC voltage is applied to the columnar body 212 via the power cable 24, thereby causing corona discharge, for example, to occur at the front end 211 of the electrode section 21. The negative electrode during discharge is the columnar body 212, while the positive electrode (not shown) inside the indoor unit 100 discharges into the air. The positive electrode is preferably positioned so that the negative ions generated at the front end 211 can easily fly towards the intake port 11. In this way, electrons are released into the air at the front end 211, and negative ions (plasma ions of oxygen ions, hydroxyl ions, etc.) generated at the front end 211 are generated due to oxygen molecules in the air. The generated negative ions fly from the front end 211 towards the direction in which the electrons are emitted, i.e., towards the intake port 11.

[0040] When negative ions are released, an airflow known as ion wind is generated. The ion wind is generated from the front end 211 in the same direction as the axial direction (extension direction) of the column 212, that is, in the same direction as the direction from the root (resin part 22) of the column 212 toward the front end 211. Therefore, the negative ions generated at the front end 211 fly from the front end 211 of the column 212 toward the inlet 11.

[0041] The columnar body 212 is, for example, an aggregate of structures composed of fibrous, linear, needle-like, rod-like, etc. The columnar body 212 may, for example, have a brush-like shape. The columnar body 212 may, for example, be composed of carbon.

[0042] In the indoor unit 100, the electrode section 21 faces the intake port 11. As indicated by the hollow arrow, the negative ions generated in the electrode section 21 are dispersed towards the intake port 11 in the opposite direction to the airflow. Consequently, negative ions are released into the indoor space above the intake port 11.

[0043] In the example disclosed herein, the columnar body 212 is oriented toward the inlet 11. Therefore, it is easy to direct negative ions toward the inlet 11.

[0044] The distance between the intake 11 and the electrode section 21 (e.g., the front end 211) is not particularly limited, as long as it is a distance that allows the negative ions generated at the front end 211 to move in the opposite direction to the airflow from the intake 11 toward the heat exchanger 12 using ion wind. Such a distance can be determined, for example, by simulating the flight of negative ions when the indoor unit 100 is operated at maximum airflow.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 100, and also a diagram showing the indoor unit 100 in operation. During operation, the up / down airflow deflectors 17 open downwards. As indicated by the thick solid arrow, indoor air containing dust and the like is drawn in through the intake 11 by the rotation of the cross-flow fan 13. At this time, negative ions are released from the generator 20 in the indoor space above the intake 11, as indicated by the hollow arrow. Therefore, at least in the external surroundings of the indoor unit 100, dust and the like in the air become charged. As a result, dust and the like, which have only been charged for a short time, are drawn in through the intake 11 formed above in the illustrated example. Therefore, maintaining the charge on the dust enhances the adsorption effect on the metal heat exchanger 12.

[0046] In this way, the electrode section 21 is configured to release negative ions into the indoor space above the suction port 11. As a result, charged dust and the like can be quickly drawn in from the suction port 11, thereby improving the adsorption effect on the heat exchanger 12.

[0047] Return to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The electrode section 21 is disposed between the inlet 11 and the filter 16. This allows electrons generated by the electrode section 21 to be released toward the inlet 11 without being affected by the filter 16. Here, "between" refers to the airflow between the inlet 11 and the outlet 14.

[0048] In the illustrated example, the electrode section 21 is provided on the rear side of the front panel 15. The indoor unit 100 is fixed to a wall or the like on the rear side, with the interior facing the front side. Therefore, an airflow is formed from the front side to the rear side relative to the indoor unit 100. Because the electrode section 21 is provided on the rear side of the front panel 15, negative ions can be released to a position near the frontmost side of the airflow reaching the indoor unit 100. This allows dust particles in the air reaching the intake 11 located on the rear side of the electrode section 21 to be uniformly charged.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the indoor unit 100, shown through a portion of the front panel 15. When viewed from the front, the generator 20 is centrally located inside the indoor unit 100 in the left-right direction. The generator 20 is positioned between the front panel 15 and the filter 16, which extends vertically (up-down direction). The generator 20 includes an electrode section 21 (…). Figure 4 The container 201 is a generally rectangular box-shaped container with a relatively wide shape in the left-right direction, and has a slit 202 for discharging negative ions generated by the electrode section 21 to the outside of the container 201. The slit 202 is provided at the left and right ends of the container 201 respectively.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a front view showing the interior of the generator 20. In addition to the electrode section 21, the container 201 also houses a power supply board 23 for applying high voltage to the electrode section 21. The power supply board 23 is connected to the electrode section 21 by a power cable 24. The container 201 is made of, for example, a flame-retardant resin (e.g., polypropylene). Furthermore, the container 201 is, for example, a one-piece molded article that can be manufactured by injection molding. This reduces the number of components. By bending the portions of the resin component manufactured, for example by injection molding, that correspond to the corners of the container 201, it is possible to manufacture a generator 20 that houses the electrode section 21, the power supply board 23, and the power cable 24 within the container 201.

[0051] Figure 8 This is the front view of the indoor unit 100, showing the front panel 15 after it has been removed. Figure 6 The diagram shows the state after ( ). However, Figure 8 In the illustration, a portion of the front wall of container 201 is omitted, allowing a portion of the interior of container 201 to be visualized.

[0052] When viewed from the front, the indoor unit 100 has multiple electrode sections 21 in the horizontal direction. "Multiple in the horizontal direction" means that the height may be the same or different, but multiple sections are present in the left-right direction of the indoor unit 100. This allows for easy release of negative ions throughout the horizontal direction (left-right direction) of the indoor unit 100. In the illustrated example, four electrode sections 21 are present in the horizontal direction (from left to right: electrode sections 216, 217, 218, and 219).

[0053] When viewing the indoor unit 100 from the front, at least one electrode portion 21 is disposed on both the left and right sides of the center point P1 of the intake 11. This allows for easy release of negative ions into the entire intake 11. In the illustrated example, multiple electrode portions 21 are provided on the left side (specifically, two electrode portions 216 and 217) with the center point P1 as the boundary, and multiple electrode portions 21 are provided on the right side (specifically, two electrode portions 218 and 219). By providing multiple portions, the electrode portions 21 create a strong impression on the user when viewed from above.

[0054] The spacing between electrode portions 216 and 217 is equal to the spacing between electrode portions 218 and 219. However, these spacings can be different. Furthermore, the distance between electrode portion 217 and the central point P1 is equal to the distance between electrode portion 218 and the central point P1. However, these distances can also be different.

[0055] The electrode section 21 is configured to have an angle θ1 relative to the horizontal direction when the indoor unit 100 is viewed from the front. Angle θ1 is along the columnar body 212 ( Figure 4 The extension direction of the electrode portion 21) (forming the front end 211) Figure 4 The angle θ1 is formed by a straight line L1 extending from the front end 211 of the electrode section 21 (perpendicular to the surface of the electrode section 21) and a straight line L2 indicating the horizontal direction (left-right direction of the indoor unit 100). The angle θ1 is formed above the straight line L2. The indoor unit 100 typically has a shape that is wider in the left-right direction. Therefore, by having an angle θ1 relative to the horizontal direction, it is easy to release negative ions throughout the wider indoor unit 100.

[0056] Angle θ1 is sufficient to allow negative ions to reach the vicinity of and above the intake port 11 located above the indoor unit 100. There are no particular limitations; it is generally greater than 0° and less than 90°, for example, it can be greater than 30° and less than 90°, preferably greater than 30° and less than 90°, and more preferably greater than 30° and less than 60°. When angle θ1 is 90°, negative ions are mainly released directly upwards. Furthermore, angle θ1 can be the same or different in each electrode section 21.

[0057] Figure 9This is a diagram illustrating the release direction of negative ions generated in electrode section 218. Figure 9 As an example, the diagram illustrates the above... Figure 8 The four electrode sections 21 shown are located at the center point P1 of the inlet 11. Figure 8 The two electrode sections 218 and 219 are located on the right side. Furthermore, Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the release range of negative ions released from electrode 218 in electrode sections 218 and 219. Figure 9 and the following Figure 11 The contents shown also apply to other electrode sections 21.

[0058] The negative ions released from the electrode portion 218 gradually widen in the direction extending toward the electrode portion 218. As described above, the negative ions released from the electrode portion 218 are directed toward the intake port 11, which is the outside of the container 201, via the slit 202 formed in the container 201. Figure 2 At this time, along the extending direction of the electrode portion 218, from the front end 211 ( Figure 4 The density of negative ions is highest along and near the extended straight line L1.

[0059] Indoor unit 100 ( Figure 2 The container 201 has a shielding portion 25 covering the top of the electrode section 218. This "top" does not necessarily mean directly above the electrode section 218; it has a certain width in the left-right direction. In the illustrated example, the shielding portion 25 is the upper wall 203 of the container 201. The straight line L1 passes outside the shielding portion 25 relative to its end 253. This helps to prevent dust and other particles from accumulating on the electrode section 218. Furthermore, by preventing the shielding portion 25 from blocking the straight line L1, where the negative ion density is highest, and the vicinity of the straight line L1, negative ions can easily reach the inhalation port 11. Additionally, a slit 202 is formed as described above at a position further outward than the end 253. Therefore, the straight line L1 does not intersect with the dividing portion 262 that divides the opening 261 formed in the slit 202, but passes through the opening 261, as will be explained below. Figure 13 Provide detailed information.

[0060] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a shielding portion 25 in another embodiment. The shielding portion 25 includes a cylindrical portion 251 surrounding the electrode portion 21 and an opening 252 in the bottom of the cylindrical portion 251 facing the electrode portion 21. The shielding portion 25 has a cap shape with an opening at least on the electrode portion 21 side. In the illustrated example, the opening 252 extends in the vertical direction. This also helps to suppress the accumulation of dust and the like on the columnar body 212. Furthermore, if the opening 252 is positioned at the same front and back face and left and right directions as the lower and upper ends, or on the side closer to the electrode portion 21 than the upper end, it can also suppress the accumulation of dust on the electrode portion 21.

[0061] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the release direction of negative ions generated at the other electrode section 219. Figure 11 The diagram shows the process from... Figure 9 The diagram shows the release range of negative ions released by the right electrode section 219 of the two electrode sections 218 and 219. A shielding section 25 is also provided above the electrode section 219. In the illustrated example, the shielding section 25 is the upper wall 203 of the container 201. Furthermore, similar to the electrode section 218, the density of negative ions is highest in the electrode section 219 along and near the straight line L1 extending from the front end 211 of the electrode section 219 in its extending direction. On the other hand, in the portion to the left of the straight line L1, negative ions are released overlappingly from the negative ions from the adjacent electrode section 218 on the left. This suppresses the decrease in the release density of negative ions.

[0062] Figure 12 This is a 3D view of the indoor unit 100 as seen from above. Negative ions move along straight line L1 ( Figure 9 , Figure 11 The slit 202 through which the negative ions pass is shorter in the front and back directions compared to the intake port 11. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the obstruction of negative ion passage by the housing 10 dividing the intake port 11. Furthermore, in a side view of the indoor unit 100, the electrode section 21 ( Figure 11 ) relative to the straight line L3 showing the vertical direction ( Figure 14 ) angle θ2( Figure 14 The angle is 0°. Therefore, negative ions mainly reach directly above the indoor unit 100.

[0063] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Enlarged view of part A. The electrode section 21 is configured such that, when viewed from the electrode section 21, the suction port 11 (… Figure 12 When the direction of the inlet 11 is visible, the inlet 11 can be visually confirmed. In this way, the straight line L1 will reach the inlet 11 without being blocked, so the negative ions will not be blocked by structures such as the casing 10 and can easily reach the inlet 11.

[0064] The indoor unit 100 includes a shielding portion 26. The shielding portion 26 has an opening 261 and covers the upper part of the electrode portion 21. The upper part does not need to be exactly above the electrode portion 21, but has a certain width in the left-right direction. The shielding portion 26 also has a dividing portion 262 that divides the opening 261. Therefore, the opening 261 is formed by dividing it by the dividing portion 262. In the example of this disclosure, the shielding portion 26 is a slit 202 with an opening 261 so small that a user's finger cannot be inserted. The slit 202 is formed adjacent to the end 253 of the upper wall 203 (shielding portion 25) constituting the container 201.

[0065] The above straight line L1 ( Figure 9 , Figure 11 Through opening 261. In this way, negative ions are less likely to be blocked by the obstruction part 26 before reaching the inhalation port 11 along the straight line L1, and negative ions can easily reach the inhalation port 11.

[0066] Figure 14 This is a side view of the indoor unit 100, showing the arrangement of the electrode section 21 in other embodiments. The electrode section 21 is arranged at an angle θ2 relative to the vertical direction (upward direction) of the indoor unit 100, away from the heat exchanger 12. In the illustrated example, when viewed from the side, the angle θ2 is the angle between the aforementioned straight line L1 and the straight line L3 showing the vertical direction of the indoor unit 100. The straight line L1 extends further away from the heat exchanger 12 the further away from the electrode section 21. When viewed from the side, the electrode section 21 is arranged at an angle relative to the vertical direction, facing the front side more than the resin section 22.

[0067] By arranging the electrode section 21 in this way, the release direction of negative ions can be directed away from the heat exchanger 12. As described above, dust and the like, charged by negative ions, adhere to the heat exchanger 12. Therefore, by releasing negative ions away from the heat exchanger 12, it is possible to suppress the negative ions from reaching the heat exchanger 12 before they can fully charge the dust and the like, thereby enabling the dust and the like to be effectively charged.

[0068] The angle θ2 is simply a value that allows negative ions to reach the vicinity of and above the intake port 11 located above the indoor unit 100. There are no particular limitations; for example, it can be 0° or higher and 20° or lower, preferably more than 0° and 20° or lower, and more preferably more than 10° and 20° or lower. Furthermore, the angle θ2 can be the same or different in each electrode section 21.

[0069] Figure 15 This diagram shows the indoor unit 100 viewed from the front, illustrating the electrode arrangement in other embodiments. The generator 20 includes a rotation mechanism 27 that allows the electrode 21 to rotate at an angle θ1 relative to the horizontal direction when the indoor unit 100 is viewed from the front. Because of the rotation mechanism 27, the range that can be released by one electrode 21 can be expanded, thereby enabling the release of negative ions over a wider area. The rotation mechanism 27 is not shown in the diagram, but may be configured to include, for example, a support member supporting the electrode 21 and an actuator that rotates the support member.

[0070] Figure 16This is a side view of the indoor unit 100, showing the internal structure of an indoor unit 100 according to another embodiment. The indoor unit 100 includes an emitter 30 disposed downstream of the heat exchanger 12 and releasing negative ions. "Downstream" here refers to the direction from the intake port 11 towards the outlet port 14. Figure 5 The airflow is downstream of the heat exchanger 12. As a result, negative ions can be easily released to the downstream side (e.g., outlet 14) of the heat exchanger 12 without being affected by the heat exchanger 12.

[0071] The emitter 30 primarily releases negative ions into the air blown out from the outlet 14. The term "primarily" here means that negative ions are released into at least the air blown out from the outlet 14, and that the emitter 30 is configured in a manner that allows for the release of negative ions from the outlet 14 as much as possible.

[0072] If negative ions are released from the emitter 30 as indicated by the hollow arrow, the negative ions are blown into the room together with the air conditioned by the heat exchanger 12. The air blown into the room containing negative ions charges dust particles below and on the front side of the indoor unit 100. Then, the charged dust particles are further charged above the indoor unit 100. This increases the charge on the dust particles, promoting their adsorption to the heat exchanger 12.

[0073] In the illustrated example, the release device 30 is positioned near the blow outlet 14. The release device 30 can, for example, adopt the same construction as the generator 20.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, It has an indoor unit, which includes: The intake port, formed in the shell, draws in air from the interior; An outlet, formed in the aforementioned housing, blows air into the aforementioned chamber; A heat exchanger, which is disposed between the aforementioned suction inlet and the aforementioned blowout outlet; and The generator includes an electrode section disposed inside the aforementioned housing, and generates negative ions by discharging at the aforementioned electrode section. The electrode portion faces the inlet, is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal direction when the indoor unit is viewed from the front, and is arranged at an angle relative to the vertical direction of the indoor unit, moving away from the heat exchanger.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode is configured to release the negative ions into the indoor space above the inhalation port.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned electrode portion has a columnar body that releases the aforementioned negative ions from its front end. The aforementioned columnar body is oriented toward the aforementioned suction port.

4. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When viewed from the front, the indoor unit has multiple electrodes in the horizontal direction.

5. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned indoor unit has a filter between the aforementioned suction inlet and the aforementioned heat exchanger. The electrode is positioned between the inlet and the filter.

6. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When viewed from the front, at least one electrode portion is disposed on the left and right sides of the center point relative to the inlet.

7. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The electrode section is configured such that the inlet can be visually confirmed when the direction of the inlet is observed from the electrode section.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aforementioned indoor unit has a shielding portion that covers the upper part of the aforementioned electrode section. A straight line extending from the front end of the electrode portion along the extending direction of the electrode portion passes outside the shielding portion relative to the end of the shielding portion.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aforementioned indoor unit includes a shielding portion, which has an opening and covers the top of the aforementioned electrode portion. A straight line extending from the front end of the electrode portion along the extending direction of the electrode portion passes through the opening.

10. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned generator is located on the upstream side of the aforementioned heat exchanger.

11. The air conditioner according to claim 10, characterized in that, The aforementioned indoor unit is equipped with a release device that is located downstream of the aforementioned heat exchanger and releases negative ions.

12. The air conditioner according to claim 11, characterized in that, The aforementioned emitter primarily releases negative ions into the air blown out from the aforementioned outlet.

13. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The generator is equipped with a rotation mechanism that allows the electrode section to rotate in a manner that changes the angle relative to the horizontal direction when the indoor unit is viewed from the front.

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