Air purification system and air purification method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an air purification system and an air purification method that improve the efficiency of the air purification function of an air purification device. [Solution] The air purification system 100 comprises an air conditioner 10 having an indoor unit 1 installed on the ceiling CL, and an ion generator 2 arranged near the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1, and if the air conditioner 10 is stopped when the ion generator 2 starts operating, the air conditioner 10 starts blowing operation AB.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air purification system and an air purification method that perform an air purification function. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that an electrostatic atomizer is used to perform a cleaning operation inside an indoor unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-125652 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that an air purifier such as an electrostatic atomizer is built into the indoor unit of an air conditioner. However, it is also possible to provide the air purifier separately from the indoor unit of the air conditioner. In this case, Patent Document 1 and other documents do not disclose how to control the indoor unit of the air conditioner and the air purifier. The present disclosure aims to provide an air purification system and an air purification method that improve the efficiency of the air purification function of an air purification device by appropriately controlling the indoor unit of an air conditioner and the air purification device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The air purification system of the present disclosure is an air purification system that includes an air conditioning apparatus with an indoor unit installed on the ceiling, and an air purification apparatus that is placed near the air outlet of the indoor unit, and if the air conditioning apparatus is stopped when the air purification apparatus starts operating, the air conditioning apparatus starts blowing air.

[0006] Furthermore, the air purification method disclosed herein is an air purification method for an air purification system that includes an air conditioner having an indoor unit installed on the ceiling and an air purifier placed near the air outlet of the indoor unit, in which if the air conditioner is stopped when the air purifier starts operating, the air conditioner starts blowing air. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the air purification system and air purification method disclosed herein, if the air conditioner is stopped when the air purification device starts operation, the air conditioner starts blowing air, thereby improving the efficiency of the air purification function of the air purification device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an air purification system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ion generating device; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control unit of an air conditioning device. [Figure 4] Flowchart showing an example of processing by the control unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived the present disclosure, it was unknown how to arrange and control an indoor unit of an air conditioner and an air purifier. Furthermore, when an air purifier performs its air purification function, there is a limit to the amount of air pollutants it can remove per unit time. Therefore, it may not be possible to reduce air pollutants in the indoor air to a desired level. Furthermore, the air conditioner can perform a fan operation in which air is blown from the air outlet of the indoor unit. The inventors discovered that by blowing air from the air outlet of the indoor unit toward the air purifier, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the air purification function of the air purifier located near the air outlet of the indoor unit, and this discovery constitutes the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air purification system and an air purification method that improve the efficiency of the air purification function of an air purification device.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] [1. Configuration] [1-1. Air Purification System Configuration] First, the configuration of an air purification system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an air purification system 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, which are perpendicular to each other. The X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction. The Z-axis is parallel to the vertical direction. The X-axis indicates the left-right direction. The Y-axis indicates the front-back direction. The Z-axis indicates the up-down direction. The positive direction of the X-axis is the right direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis is the forward direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis is the upward direction. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the ceiling CL viewed from the negative direction of the Z axis toward the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the air purification system 100 includes an indoor unit 1 of an air conditioner 10, an ion generating device 2, and an air quality sensor S. The indoor unit 1, ion generator 2, and air quality sensor S are arranged on the ceiling CL. In other words, the indoor unit 1, ion generator 2, and air quality sensor S are each of ceiling-embedded types. The installation location of the air quality sensor S is not limited to the ceiling CL, and it may be hung on a wall, or installed on a table or shelf.

[0013] [1-2. Air Conditioning Equipment Configuration] The air conditioning device 10 in this embodiment is composed of an indoor unit 1 and an outdoor unit (not shown). The indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit are connected by refrigerant piping and control wiring, and the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit form a heat pump. A compressor is provided in the outdoor unit. The indoor unit 1 is attached to the ceiling CL inside the room. The indoor unit 1 is a so-called ceiling-mounted indoor unit. In this embodiment, the term "indoors" refers to the interior of a room in which the indoor unit 1 is placed, for example.

[0014] The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner 10 includes a housing that forms an air outlet 11 and an air inlet 12. The air outlet 11 and the air inlet 12 are formed on the underside of the housing. As shown in Fig. 1, the air inlet 12 is located approximately in the center of the housing and is formed in a rectangular shape. The air inlet 12 draws indoor air into the housing of the indoor unit 1 from a downward direction of the air inlet 12, i.e., the negative direction of the Z axis, to an upward direction of the air inlet 12, i.e., the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0015] The air outlet 11 is composed of a first air outlet 111, a second air outlet 112, a third air outlet 113, and a fourth air outlet 114, which are arranged so as to surround the air inlet 12. The first air outlet 111, the second air outlet 112, the third air outlet 113, and the fourth air outlet 114 correspond to an example of "plurality of air outlets."

[0016] The first air outlet 111 is disposed rearward of the air inlet 12, i.e., in the negative direction of the Y axis. The first air outlet 111 blows air in a first direction D1 from inside the housing of the indoor unit 1 into the room. The first direction D1 is rearward, i.e., in the negative direction of the Y axis. The second air outlet 112 is disposed to the left of the air inlet 12, i.e., in the negative direction of the X axis. The second air outlet 112 blows air in the second direction D2 from inside the housing of the indoor unit 1 to the room. The second direction D2 is the left direction, i.e., the negative direction of the X axis.

[0017] The third air outlet 113 is disposed in front of the air inlet 12, i.e., in the positive direction of the Y axis. The third air outlet 113 blows air from inside the housing of the indoor unit 1 into the room in the third direction D3. The third direction D3 is the forward direction, i.e., the positive direction of the Y axis. The fourth air outlet 114 is disposed to the right of the air inlet 12, i.e., in the positive direction of the X axis. The fourth air outlet 114 blows air from inside the housing of the indoor unit 1 into the room in a fourth direction D4. The fourth direction D4 is to the right, i.e., the positive direction of the X axis.

[0018] Inside the housing of the indoor unit 1, there are provided a fan 15 that draws air from an inlet 12 into the inside of the housing of the indoor unit 1, and a heat exchanger 14 that exchanges heat with the air drawn in from the inlet 12. For convenience, the heat exchanger 14 and the fan 15 are shown in FIG. A cross-flow fan is suitable for the fan 15. The fan 15 has a rotation shaft (not shown) to which a fan motor (not shown) is connected.

[0019] The air outlet 11 is provided with an unillustrated up-down air direction changing blade and an unillustrated left-right air direction changing blade. The left-right air direction changing blade is located upstream of the up-down air direction changing blade. The up-down air direction changing blade opens and closes the air outlet 11 to adjust the air blowing out in the up-down direction. The left-right air direction changing blade adjusts the air blowing out in the left-right direction.

[0020] A heat exchanger 14 is disposed in the air flow path upstream of the fan 15 . When the air conditioner 10 is in cooling operation, the heat exchanger 14 cools the indoor air that has been drawn into the housing of the indoor unit 1 through the air inlet 12. The cooled air is then sent out from the air outlet 11 into the room. When the air conditioner 10 is in heating operation, the heat exchanger 14 heats the indoor air that has been drawn into the housing of the indoor unit 1 through the air inlet 12. The heated air is then discharged into the room through the air outlet 11.

[0021] [1-3. Configuration of ion generator] Ion generating device 2 is disposed downstream of air outlet 11 in the direction of air blown out from air outlet 11. Ion generating device 2 is also disposed on ceiling CL in the room. Ion generating device 2 is also disposed near air outlet 11. The ion generating device 2 generates ions and ozone. The ion generating device 2 corresponds to an example of an "air purifying device."

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the ion generating device 2 includes a first ion generating device 21, a second ion generating device 22, a third ion generating device 23, and a fourth ion generating device 24. The first ion generating device 21, the second ion generating device 22, the third ion generating device 23, and the fourth ion generating device 24 correspond to an example of "a plurality of air purifying devices."

[0023] The first ion generating device 21 is disposed downstream of the first air outlet 111 in the direction of air blown out from the first air outlet 111. In other words, the first ion generating device 21 is disposed rearward of the first air outlet 111, that is, in the negative direction of the Y axis.

[0024] Furthermore, first ion generator 21 includes two ion generators 2, namely, ion generator 211 and ion generator 212. Ion generator 211 and ion generator 212 are arranged in the left-right direction, i.e., along the X-axis direction. Ion generator 211 is disposed on the right side of the downstream side of the air blown out from first outlet 111. Ion generator 212 is disposed on the left side of the downstream side of the air blown out from first outlet 111. Ion generating device 211 and ion generating device 212 correspond to an example of "plurality of air purifying devices."

[0025] The second ion generating device 22 is disposed on the downstream side of the second air outlet 112 in terms of the direction of the air blown out from the second air outlet 112. In other words, the second ion generating device 22 is disposed to the left of the second air outlet 112, i.e., in the negative direction of the X axis.

[0026] The second ion generating device 22 includes two ion generating devices 2, namely, ion generating device 221 and ion generating device 222. The ion generating device 221 and ion generating device 222 are arranged in the front-to-rear direction, i.e., along the Y-axis direction. The ion generating device 221 is disposed on the rear side downstream of the air blown out from the second air outlet 112. The ion generating device 222 is disposed on the front side downstream of the air blown out from the second air outlet 112. Ion generating device 221 and ion generating device 222 correspond to an example of "plurality of air purifying devices."

[0027] The third ion generating device 23 is disposed on the downstream side of the third air outlet 113 in terms of the direction of air blown out from the third air outlet 113. In other words, the third ion generating device 23 is disposed in the forward direction of the third air outlet 113, i.e., in the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0028] Furthermore, third ion generator 23 includes two ion generators 2, namely, ion generator 231 and ion generator 232. Ion generator 231 and ion generator 232 are arranged in the left-right direction, i.e., along the X-axis direction. Ion generator 231 is disposed on the left side of the downstream side of the air blown out from third outlet 113. Ion generator 232 is disposed on the right side of the downstream side of the air blown out from third outlet 113. Ion generating device 231 and ion generating device 232 correspond to an example of "plurality of air purifying devices."

[0029] The fourth ion generating device 24 is disposed on the downstream side of the fourth air outlet 114 in terms of the direction of air blown out from the fourth air outlet 114. In other words, the fourth ion generating device 24 is disposed to the right of the fourth air outlet 114, i.e., in the positive direction of the X axis.

[0030] Furthermore, the fourth ion generator 24 includes two ion generators 2, namely, ion generator 241 and ion generator 242. Ion generator 241 and ion generator 242 are arranged in the front-to-rear direction, i.e., along the Y-axis direction. Ion generator 241 is disposed on the front side, downstream of the air blown out from fourth outlet 114. Ion generator 242 is disposed on the rear side, downstream of the air blown out from fourth outlet 114. Ion generating device 241 and ion generating device 242 correspond to an example of "plurality of air purifying devices."

[0031] Ion generator 211, ion generator 212, ion generator 221, ion generator 222, ion generator 231, ion generator 232, ion generator 241, and ion generator 242 have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, in the following description, when ion generator 211, ion generator 212, ion generator 221, ion generator 222, ion generator 231, ion generator 232, ion generator 241, and ion generator 242 are not to be distinguished from one another, they may be referred to as ion generator 2 for convenience.

[0032] Next, the configuration of the ion generating device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ion generating device 2. In Fig. 2, as in Fig. 1, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are written. 2, ion generator 2 includes counter electrode 251, discharge electrode 252, and high-voltage generator 253. Ion generator 2 applies a negative high voltage between discharge electrode 252 and counter electrode 251 by high-voltage generator 253, thereby generating corona discharge and generating negative ions and ozone.

[0033] The counter electrode 251 is formed in an arc shape. The discharge electrode 252 is disposed on the axis of the counter electrode 251 at a position where the tip of the discharge electrode 252 protrudes beyond the end face of the counter electrode 251 (protrudes downward in the drawing). By forming the counter electrode 251 in an arc shape, the distance from the discharge electrode 252 is approximately the same, so that a uniform discharge can occur on the counter electrode 251, enabling efficient discharge.

[0034] Counter electrode 251 can be made of stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, copper, tungsten, etc., with stainless steel being preferred for its general-purpose nature and ease of processing. The thickness of the material for counter electrode 251 should be between 0.3 mm and 2 mm. If the thickness is less than 0.3 mm, the strength is weak, and the electrode is prone to deformation during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, if the thickness is greater than 2 mm, it is difficult to process.

[0035] Materials for the discharge electrode 252 include stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, copper, and tungsten, with stainless steel being preferred for its versatility and ease of processing. The discharge electrode 252 has a sharply pointed tip; the sharper the tip, the less ozone is generated. The diameter of the discharge electrode 252 should be 0.3 mm or more and 1 mm or less. If the diameter is less than 0.3 mm, it is difficult to distinguish the tip. Also, if the diameter is greater than 1 mm, processing becomes difficult.

[0036] High voltage generator 253 applies a negative high voltage between counter electrode 251 and discharge electrode 252. The current flowing between counter electrode 251 and discharge electrode 252 is direct current, and when a current of 1 μA or more flows, the amount of ozone generated becomes 25 μg / hr or more, and in the case of a 40 L sealed container, for example, the ozone concentration can be increased to about 30 ppb. Furthermore, when a current of 30 μA or less flows between the counter electrode 251 and the discharge electrode 252, the amount of ozone generated is about 400 μg / hr, and in a 200 L sealed container, for example, the ozone concentration can be made about 100 ppb. The current flowing between the counter electrode 251 and the discharge electrode 252 is preferably 1 μA or more and 30 μA or less.

[0037] In this embodiment, the ion generator 2 generates negative ions and ozone, but it is sufficient that the ion generator 2 generates at least one of negative ions and ozone. For example, the ion generator 2 may generate negative ions but not ozone. Alternatively, the ion generator 2 may discharge electricity to water to generate a mist containing charged water particles.

[0038] [1-4. Placement of air quality sensors] Next, returning to FIG. 1, the arrangement of the air quality sensor S will be described. The air purification system 100 includes an air quality sensor S that detects air pollutants in the air. Air pollutants include fine particulate matter such as so-called PM2.5. In addition, the air quality sensor S detects odors. The air quality sensor S is placed on the ceiling CL in the room.

[0039] The air quality sensor S includes a first air quality sensor S1, a second air quality sensor S2, a third air quality sensor S3, and a fourth air quality sensor S4. The first air quality sensor S1 is disposed downstream of the first ion generating device 21 in the direction of air blown out from the first air outlet 111. In other words, the first air quality sensor S1 is disposed rearward of the first ion generating device 21, i.e., in the negative direction of the Y axis.

[0040] The second air quality sensor S2 is disposed downstream of the second ion generating device 22 in the direction of air blown out from the second outlet 112. In other words, the second air quality sensor S2 is disposed to the left of the second ion generating device 22, i.e., in the negative direction of the X axis.

[0041] The third air quality sensor S3 is disposed downstream of the third ion generating device 23 in the direction of air blown out from the third outlet 113. In other words, the third air quality sensor S3 is disposed forward of the third ion generating device 23, i.e., in the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0042] The fourth air quality sensor S4 is disposed downstream of the fourth ion generating device 24 in the direction of air blown out from the fourth air outlet 114. In other words, the fourth air quality sensor S4 is disposed to the right of the fourth ion generating device 24, i.e., in the positive direction of the X axis.

[0043] In this embodiment, the air quality sensor S is described as being disposed on the ceiling CL in the room, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The air quality sensor S may also be disposed on a wall. For example, the first air quality sensor S1 may be disposed on a wall facing rearward in the room. Also, for example, the second air quality sensor S2 may be disposed on a wall facing leftward in the room. Also, for example, the third air quality sensor S3 may be disposed on a wall facing forward in the room. Also, for example, the fourth air quality sensor S4 may be disposed on a wall facing rightward in the room.

[0044] [1-5. Control Unit Configuration] Next, the configuration of the control unit 13 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit 13 of the air conditioning apparatus 10. The control unit 13 controls the operation of each part of the air conditioning apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 13 is connected to the air quality sensor S and the ion generating device 2 via signal lines and the like.

[0045] The air quality sensor S outputs the detection result of the air quality sensor S to the control unit 13. The detection result of the air quality sensor S indicates, for example, the amount QN of air pollutants in the air. The detection result of the air quality sensor S also indicates, for example, the strength of an odor. In the following description, air pollutants include odorous substances.

[0046] Ion generating device 2 outputs a signal or information indicating whether ion generating device 2 is in an on state or an off state to control unit 13. Ion generating device 2 transitions between the on state and the off state in response to a user's operation on remote control 26.

[0047] Remote control 26 is configured to be able to transition between an ON state and an OFF state for each of, for example, eight ion generating devices 2 shown in Fig. 1. That is, remote control 26 can, for example, designate one of the eight ion generating devices 2 shown in Fig. 1 in response to a user operation and transition that device from an OFF state to an ON state.

[0048] 3, the control unit 13 controls the air outlet 11, the heat exchanger 14, and the fan 15 described with reference to Fig. 1. The control unit 13 also acquires the temperature TP of the indoor air from the temperature sensor STM.

[0049] The temperature sensor STM is configured with, for example, a thermistor. The temperature sensor STM is disposed, for example, near the air inlet 12 shown in FIG. 1. The temperature sensor STM detects the temperature TP of the air drawn into the indoor unit 1 from the air inlet 12. The temperature sensor STM outputs the detected temperature TP to the control unit 13.

[0050] The control unit 13 includes a processor 13A such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a memory device 13B such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an interface circuit for connecting the air quality sensor S, the ion generating device 2, etc. The memory device 13B stores the control program PG.

[0051] The control unit 13 controls the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 10 by the processor 13A executing the control program PG. In this embodiment, the control unit 13 includes a status acquisition unit 131, a startup control unit 132, a purifier control unit 133, and an air volume control unit 134. Specifically, the processor 13A executes the control program PG to function as the status acquisition unit 131, the startup control unit 132, the purifier control unit 133, and the air volume control unit 134.

[0052] The status acquisition unit 131 acquires whether the ion generating device 2 is in an on state or an off state. The status acquisition unit 131 acquires, for example, a status ST indicating whether each of the eight ion generating devices 2 is in an on state or an off state. The eight ion generating devices 2 are ion generating device 211, ion generating device 212, ion generating device 221, ion generating device 222, ion generating device 231, ion generating device 232, ion generating device 241, and ion generating device 242 shown in FIG. 1 .

[0053] If the air conditioner 10 is stopped when the ion generating device 2 starts operating, the start-up control unit 132 starts up the air conditioner 10 and causes the air conditioner 10 to start the air blowing operation AB.

[0054] In this embodiment, "when the ion generating device 2 starts operating" means that the state transitions from a first state ST1 in which all eight ion generating devices 2 are in the off state to a second state ST2 in which at least one of the eight ion generating devices 2 is in the on state.

[0055] In addition, based on the results acquired by the state acquisition unit 131, the start-up control unit 132 determines whether or not a transition has occurred from a first state ST1 in which all eight ion generating devices 2 are in the off state to a second state ST2 in which at least one of the eight ion generating devices 2 is in the on state.

[0056] The purifying device control unit 133 adjusts the number of operating ion generating devices 2 among the plurality of ion generating devices 2 based on the detection result of the air quality sensor S. Furthermore, when the air quality sensor S detects air pollutants at or above the first threshold value TH1, the purifying device control unit 133 increases the number of operating ion generating devices 2 among the plurality of ion generating devices 2. In this embodiment, the cleaning device control unit 133 performs the following processes.

[0057] The purifying device control unit 133 adjusts the number of operating ion generating devices 2 out of the two ion generating devices 2 that make up the first ion generating device 21, i.e., ion generating device 211 and ion generating device 212, based on the detection results of the first air quality sensor S1.

[0058] When the first air quality sensor S1 detects air pollutants equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the purifying device control unit 133 increases the number of operating ion generating devices 2 out of the two ion generating devices 2, i.e., the ion generating device 211 and the ion generating device 212. The case where the first air quality sensor S1 detects air pollutants at or above the first threshold TH1 means that the amount QN1 of air pollutants detected by the first air quality sensor S1 is equal to or above the first threshold TH1.

[0059] The purifying device control unit 133 adjusts the number of operating ion generating devices 2 out of the two ion generating devices 2 that make up the second ion generating device 22, namely, ion generating device 221 and ion generating device 222, based on the detection results of the second air quality sensor S2.

[0060] When the second air quality sensor S2 detects air pollutants equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the purifying device control unit 133 increases the number of operating ion generating devices 2 out of the two ion generating devices 2, i.e., the ion generating device 221 and the ion generating device 222. The case where the second air quality sensor S2 detects air pollutants at or above the first threshold TH1 means that the amount QN2 of air pollutants detected by the second air quality sensor S2 is equal to or above the first threshold TH1.

[0061] The purifying device control unit 133 adjusts the number of operating ion generating devices 2 out of the two ion generating devices 2 that make up the third ion generating device 23, namely, ion generating device 231 and ion generating device 232, based on the detection results of the third air quality sensor S3.

[0062] When the third air quality sensor S3 detects air pollutants equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the purifying device control unit 133 increases the number of operating ion generating devices 2 out of the two ion generating devices 2, i.e., the ion generating device 231 and the ion generating device 232. The case where the third air quality sensor S3 detects air pollutants at or above the first threshold TH1 means that the amount QN3 of air pollutants detected by the third air quality sensor S3 is equal to or above the first threshold TH1.

[0063] Based on the detection results of the fourth air quality sensor S4, the purification device control unit 133 adjusts the number of ion generating devices 2 to be operated out of the two ion generating devices 2 that make up the fourth ion generating device 24, namely, the ion generating device 241 and the ion generating device 242.

[0064] When the fourth air quality sensor S4 detects air pollutants equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the purifying device control unit 133 increases the number of operating ion generating devices 2 out of the two ion generating devices 2, i.e., the ion generating device 241 and the ion generating device 242. The case where the fourth air quality sensor S4 detects air pollutants at or above the first threshold value TH1 means that the amount QN4 of air pollutants detected by the fourth air quality sensor S4 is equal to or above the first threshold value TH1.

[0065] The air volume control unit 134 increases the air volume AF sent out from the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1 when the air quality sensor S detects air pollutants at a concentration equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2. The second threshold TH2 may be the same value as the first threshold TH1, or may be a value different from the first threshold TH1. In this embodiment, the second threshold TH2 is, for example, the same value as the first threshold TH1.

[0066] In this embodiment, the air volume control unit 134 performs the following process. That is, for example, when at least one air quality sensor S among the first air quality sensor S1, the second air quality sensor S2, the third air quality sensor S3, and the fourth air quality sensor S4 detects air pollutants at or above the second threshold value TH2, the air volume control unit 134 increases the air volume AF sent out from the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1. The air volume control unit 134 increases the rotation speed of the fan 15, for example, to increase the air volume AF sent out from the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1.

[0067] [2. Processing of control unit] Next, the processing of control unit 13 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of control unit 13. When the user inputs an instruction to start operation of ion generating device 2 using remote control 26 or the like, the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 4 starts. First, as shown in FIG. 4, in step S101, the start-up control unit 132 determines whether or not the air conditioning apparatus 10 is currently stopped. If the start-up control unit 132 determines that the air conditioning apparatus 10 is not stopped (step S101; NO), the process proceeds to step S109. If the start-up control unit 132 determines that the air conditioning apparatus 10 is stopped (step S101; YES), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0068] Then, in step S103, the state acquisition unit 131 acquires a state ST indicating whether each of the eight ion generators 2 is in an on state or an off state, and the start-up control unit 132 determines whether the state ST has transitioned from a first state ST1 to a second state ST2. The first state ST1 indicates a state ST in which all of the eight ion generators 2 are in an off state. The second state ST2 indicates a state ST in which at least one of the eight ion generators 2 is in an on state.

[0069] If the start-up control unit 132 determines that the state ST has not transitioned from the first state ST1 to the second state ST2 (step S103; NO), the process enters a standby state. If the start-up control unit 132 determines that the state ST has transitioned from the first state ST1 to the second state ST2 (step S103; YES), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0070] Then, in step S105, the start-up control unit 132 starts up the air conditioner 10. Next, in step S107, the start-up control unit 132 causes the air conditioner 10 to start the fan operation AB.

[0071] Next, in step S109, the purifying device control unit 133 acquires the detection value of the air quality sensor S, i.e., the amount QN of air pollutants. For example, the purifying device control unit 133 acquires the detection value of the first air quality sensor S1, i.e., the amount QN1 of air pollutants. The purifying device control unit 133 also acquires the detection value of the second air quality sensor S2, i.e., the amount QN2 of air pollutants. The purifying device control unit 133 also acquires the detection value of the third air quality sensor S3, i.e., the amount QN3 of air pollutants. The purifying device control unit 133 also acquires the detection value of the fourth air quality sensor S4, i.e., the amount QN4 of air pollutants.

[0072] Next, in step S111, the purifying device control unit 133 determines whether the amount QN of air pollutants is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1. For example, the purifying device control unit 133 determines whether the amount QN1 of air pollutants is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1. The purifying device control unit 133 also determines whether the amount QN2 of air pollutants is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1. The purifying device control unit 133 also determines whether the amount QN3 of air pollutants is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1. The purifying device control unit 133 also determines whether the amount QN4 of air pollutants is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1.

[0073] If the purification device control unit 133 determines that the amount QN of air pollutants is not equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 (step S111; NO), the process proceeds to step S117. If the purification device control unit 133 determines that the amount QN of air pollutants is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 (step S111; YES), the process proceeds to step S113. Here, "the amount of air pollutant QN is not equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1" means, for example, that the amount of air pollutant QN1, the amount of air pollutant QN2, the amount of air pollutant QN3, and the amount of air pollutant QN4 are not all equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1. Also, "the amount of air pollutant QN is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1" means, for example, that at least one of the amount of air pollutant QN1, the amount of air pollutant QN2, the amount of air pollutant QN3, and the amount of air pollutant QN4 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1.

[0074] Then, in step S113, the cleaning device control section 133 increases the number of ion generating devices 2 that are in operation among the plurality of ion generating devices 2.

[0075] For example, when the amount of air pollutants QN1 is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the number of operating ion generating devices 2 is increased from the two ion generating devices 2 that make up the first ion generating device 21, i.e., the ion generating device 211 and the ion generating device 212.

[0076] Also, for example, when the amount QN2 of air pollutants is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1, the number of operating ion generating devices 2 is increased among the two ion generating devices 2 constituting the second ion generating device 22, i.e., ion generating device 221 and ion generating device 222.

[0077] Also, for example, when the amount of air pollutants QN3 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1, the number of operating ion generating devices 2 is increased among the two ion generating devices 2 that constitute the third ion generating device 23, i.e., ion generating device 231 and ion generating device 232.

[0078] Also, for example, when the amount of air pollutants QN4 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1, the number of operating ion generating devices 2 is increased among the two ion generating devices 2 that constitute the fourth ion generating device 24, namely, ion generating device 241 and ion generating device 242.

[0079] Next, in step S115, the air volume control unit 134 increases the air volume AF sent out from the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1. The air volume control unit 134 increases the air volume AF sent out from the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1, for example, by increasing the rotation speed of the fan 15.

[0080] Next, in step S117, the status acquisition unit 131 acquires the status ST indicating whether each of the eight ion generating devices 2 is in the on state or the off state, and the control unit 13 determines whether all of the eight ion generating devices 2 are in the off state.

[0081] If control unit 13 determines that at least one of the eight ion generating devices 2 is in the ON state (step S117; NO), the process returns to step S109. If control unit 13 determines that all of the eight ion generating devices 2 are in the OFF state (step S117; YES), the process proceeds to step S119.

[0082] Then, in step S119, the control unit 13 determines whether or not to stop operation of the air conditioning apparatus 10. The control unit 13 determines whether or not to stop operation of the air conditioning apparatus 10 based on, for example, an instruction from the user.

[0083] If the control unit 13 determines not to stop operation of the air conditioner 10 (step S119; NO), the processing returns to step S109. If the control unit 13 determines to stop operation of the air conditioner 10 (step S119; YES), the control unit 13 stops operation of the air conditioner 10, and then the processing ends.

[0084] [3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the air purification system 100 according to this embodiment comprises an air conditioner 10 having an indoor unit 1 installed on a ceiling CL, and an ion generator 2 arranged near the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1; if the air conditioner 10 is not operating when the ion generator 2 starts operating, the air conditioner 10 starts blowing operation AB.

[0085] Furthermore, the air purification method according to this embodiment is an air purification method for an air purification system 100 that includes an air conditioner 10 having an indoor unit 1 installed on a ceiling CL and an ion generating device 2 that is arranged near an air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1, and if the air conditioner 10 is stopped when the ion generating device 2 starts operating, the air conditioner 10 starts blowing operation AB.

[0086] According to the air purification system 100 and air purification method of this embodiment, if the air conditioner 10 is stopped when the ion generating device 2 starts operating, the air conditioner 10 starts the air blowing operation AB. Therefore, the efficiency of the air purification function by the ion generating device 2 can be improved.

[0087] Furthermore, the air purification system 100 is provided with an air quality sensor S that is arranged downstream of the ion generator 2 and detects air pollutants in the air blown out from the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1, and the ion generator 2 is made up of a plurality of ion generators 2, and the number of operating ion generators 2 out of the plurality of ion generators 2 may be adjusted based on the detection result of the air quality sensor S.

[0088] According to this configuration, the number of operating ion generators 2 out of the plurality of ion generators 2 is adjusted based on the detection result of the air quality sensor S. Therefore, by increasing the number of operating ion generators 2, the efficiency of the air purification function of the ion generators 2 can be improved.

[0089] Furthermore, in the air purification system 100, when the air quality sensor S detects air pollutants at a concentration equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1, the number of operating ion generating devices 2 out of the multiple ion generating devices 2 may be increased.

[0090] According to this configuration, when the air quality sensor S detects air pollutants at a concentration equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1, the number of operating ion generators 2 is increased, thereby improving the efficiency of the air purification function of the ion generators 2. Furthermore, by setting the first threshold value TH1 to an appropriate value, the number of operating ion generators 2 can be appropriately controlled.

[0091] Furthermore, in the air purification system 100, when the air quality sensor S detects air pollutants at a concentration equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the air volume AF sent out from the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1 may be increased.

[0092] According to this configuration, when the air quality sensor S detects air pollutants at or above the second threshold value TH2, the air volume AF sent out from the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1 is increased, thereby improving the efficiency of the air purification function of the ion generator 2. Furthermore, by setting the second threshold value TH2 to an appropriate value, the air volume AF sent out from the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1 can be appropriately controlled.

[0093] In addition, in the air purification system 100, the indoor unit 1 may have a first air outlet 111, a second air outlet 112, a third air outlet 113, and a fourth air outlet 114 that blow air in different directions, and the ion generating device 2 may have a first ion generating device 21, a second ion generating device 22, a third ion generating device 23, and a fourth ion generating device 24 that are arranged near the first air outlet 111, the second air outlet 112, the third air outlet 113, and the fourth air outlet 114, respectively.

[0094] According to this configuration, the ion generating device 2 has the first ion generating device 21, the second ion generating device 22, the third ion generating device 23, and the fourth ion generating device 24, which are arranged near the first air outlet 111, the second air outlet 112, the third air outlet 113, and the fourth air outlet 114, respectively, and therefore can efficiently purify the air sent out from each of the first air outlet 111, the second air outlet 112, the third air outlet 113, and the fourth air outlet 114. Therefore, the air in the room can be efficiently purified.

[0095] In addition, in the air purification system 100, a plurality of ion generating devices 2 may be arranged near one of the air outlets constituting each of the first air outlet 111, the second air outlet 112, the third air outlet 113, and the fourth air outlet 114.

[0096] For example, two ion generators 2, i.e., ion generator 211 and ion generator 212, are arranged as the first ion generator 21 near the first outlet 111. Furthermore, for example, two ion generators 2, i.e., ion generator 221 and ion generator 222, are arranged as the second ion generator 22 near the second outlet 112. Furthermore, for example, two ion generators 2, i.e., ion generator 231 and ion generator 232, are arranged as the third ion generator 23 near the third outlet 113. Furthermore, for example, two ion generators 2, i.e., ion generator 241 and ion generator 242, are arranged as the fourth ion generator 24 near the fourth outlet 114.

[0097] According to this configuration, the air sent out from each of the first air outlet 111, the second air outlet 112, the third air outlet 113, and the fourth air outlet 114 can be effectively purified by the plurality of ion generating devices 2. Therefore, the air in the room can be efficiently purified.

[0098] In addition, in the air purification system 100, an air quality sensor S that detects air pollutants may be arranged downstream of the multiple ion generating devices 2 for the wind blown out from one of the air outlets that make up the first air outlet 111, the second air outlet 112, the third air outlet 113, and the fourth air outlet 114.

[0099] For example, for the airflow discharged from the first air outlet 111, a first air quality sensor S1 that detects air pollutants is disposed downstream of the first ion generator 21, i.e., the ion generator 211 and the ion generator 212. Furthermore, for example, for the airflow discharged from the second air outlet 112, a second air quality sensor S2 that detects air pollutants is disposed downstream of the second ion generator 22, i.e., the ion generator 221 and the ion generator 222. Furthermore, for example, for the airflow discharged from the third air outlet 113, a third air quality sensor S3 that detects air pollutants is disposed downstream of the third ion generator 23, i.e., the ion generator 231 and the ion generator 232. Furthermore, for example, for the airflow discharged from the fourth air outlet 114, a fourth air quality sensor S4 that detects air pollutants is disposed downstream of the fourth ion generator 24, i.e., the ion generator 241 and the ion generator 242.

[0100] According to this configuration, the first ion generator 21, i.e., ion generator 211 and ion generator 212, can be appropriately controlled based on the detection result of the first air quality sensor S1. Furthermore, the second ion generator 22, i.e., ion generator 221 and ion generator 222, can be appropriately controlled based on the detection result of the second air quality sensor S2. Furthermore, the third ion generator 23, i.e., ion generator 231 and ion generator 232, can be appropriately controlled based on the detection result of the third air quality sensor S3. Furthermore, the fourth ion generator 24, i.e., ion generator 241 and ion generator 242, can be appropriately controlled based on the detection result of the fourth air quality sensor S4.

[0101] Furthermore, in the air purification system 100, when the air quality sensor S detects air pollutants at a concentration equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1, the number of operating ion generating devices 2 out of the multiple ion generating devices 2 may be increased.

[0102] For example, when the first air quality sensor S1 detects air pollutants equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the number of operating ion generating devices 2 among the first ion generating devices 21, i.e., the ion generating devices 211 and 212, is increased. Also, for example, when the second air quality sensor S2 detects air pollutants equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the number of operating ion generating devices 2 among the second ion generating devices 22, i.e., the ion generating devices 221 and 222, is increased. Also, for example, when the third air quality sensor S3 detects air pollutants equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the number of operating ion generating devices 2 among the third ion generating devices 23, i.e., the ion generating devices 231 and 232, is increased. Also, for example, when the fourth air quality sensor S4 detects air pollutants equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the number of operating ion generating devices 2 among the fourth ion generating devices 24, i.e., the ion generating devices 241 and 242, is increased.

[0103] According to this configuration, the number of operating ion generators 2 among the first ion generator 21, i.e., ion generator 211 and ion generator 212, can be appropriately increased. Also, the number of operating ion generators 2 among the second ion generator 22, i.e., ion generator 221 and ion generator 222, can be appropriately increased. Also, the number of operating ion generators 2 among the third ion generator 23, i.e., ion generator 231 and ion generator 232, can be appropriately increased. Also, the number of operating ion generators 2 among the fourth ion generator 24, i.e., ion generator 241 and ion generator 242, can be appropriately increased. Also, by setting the first threshold value TH1 to an appropriate value, the number of operating ion generators 2 can be appropriately increased.

[0104] Furthermore, in the air purification system 100, when the air quality sensor S detects air pollutants at a concentration equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the air volume AF sent out from the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1 may be increased.

[0105] According to this configuration, when the air quality sensor S detects air pollutants at or above the second threshold value TH2, the air volume AF sent out from the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1 is increased, thereby improving the efficiency of the air purification function of the ion generator 2. Furthermore, by setting the second threshold value TH2 to an appropriate value, the air volume AF sent out from the air outlet 11 of the indoor unit 1 can be appropriately controlled.

[0106] 4. Other Embodiments As described above, the above-described embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-described embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0107] In this embodiment, a case has been described in which the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 has four air outlets 11, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 may have only one air outlet 11. Furthermore, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 may have only two air outlets 11.

[0108] In this embodiment, the case where the "air purifying device" is the ion generating device 2 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The "air purifying device" may simply deliver a substance that has the function of purifying air. Examples of substances that have the function of purifying air include alcohol, deodorant, etc.

[0109] In this embodiment, a case has been described in which two ion generators 2 are provided downstream of each of the four air outlets 11 arranged in the indoor unit 1, but the embodiment is not limited to this. It is sufficient that an ion generator 2 is provided downstream of each of the four air outlets 11. For example, a configuration in which only one ion generator 2 is provided downstream of each of the four air outlets 11 may also be used. Alternatively, a configuration in which three or more ion generators 2 are provided downstream of each of the four air outlets 11 may also be used.

[0110] In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the control unit 13 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 includes a status acquisition unit 131, a startup control unit 132, a purifying device control unit 133, and an air volume control unit 134, but the embodiment is not limited to this. A so-called "information processing device" may also include the status acquisition unit 131, the startup control unit 132, the purifying device control unit 133, and the air volume control unit 134. The "information processing device" includes, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc. Alternatively, a server device may include the status acquisition unit 131, the startup control unit 132, the purifying device control unit 133, and the air volume control unit 134.

[0111] Furthermore, for example, the step units of the operation shown in Fig. 4 are divided according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the control unit 13, and the present invention is not limited by the way in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The processing may be divided into more step units according to the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not impede the spirit of the present invention.

[0112] The air purification method of the air purification system 100 can be realized by having the processor 13A of the control unit 13 execute a control program PG corresponding to the air purification method of the air purification system 100. The control program PG can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium can be a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory device. Specific examples include portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs, Blu-ray (registered trademark) discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memories, and card-type recording media. The recording medium can also be a non-volatile storage device such as RAM or ROM, which is an internal storage device of the control unit 13. The air purification method of the air purification system 100 can also be realized by storing the control program PG corresponding to the air purification method of the air purification system 100 in a server device or the like and downloading the control program PG from the server device to the control unit 13.

[0113] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0114] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0115] (Technology 1) An air purification system comprising an air conditioner with an indoor unit installed on the ceiling, and an air purifier located near the air outlet of the indoor unit, wherein if the air conditioner is stopped when the air purifier starts operating, the air conditioner starts blowing air. According to this configuration, if the air conditioner is stopped when the air purifier starts operating, the air conditioner starts blowing air, thereby improving the efficiency of the air purification function of the air purifier.

[0116] (Technology 2) An air purification system according to Technology 1, comprising an air quality sensor disposed downstream of the air purification device for detecting air pollutants in the air blown out from the air outlet of the indoor unit, the air purification device being composed of a plurality of air purification devices, and adjusting the number of operating air purification devices out of the plurality of air purification devices based on the detection results of the air quality sensor. According to this configuration, the number of operating air purifiers among the plurality of air purifiers is adjusted based on the detection results of the air quality sensor. Therefore, by increasing the number of operating air purifiers, the efficiency of the air purification function of the air purifiers can be improved.

[0117] (Technology 3) The air purification system according to Technology 2, wherein when the air quality sensor detects air pollutants at or above a first threshold, the number of operating air purification devices among the plurality of air purification devices is increased. According to this configuration, when air pollutants equal to or greater than the first threshold are detected, the number of operating air purifiers among the multiple air purifiers is increased, thereby improving the efficiency of the air purification function of the air purifiers. Furthermore, by setting the first threshold to an appropriate value, the number of operating air purifiers can be appropriately controlled.

[0118] (Technology 4) The air purification system according to Technology 2 or Technology 3, wherein when the air quality sensor detects air pollutants at a level equal to or greater than a second threshold, the air volume sent out from the air outlet of the indoor unit is increased. With this configuration, when the air quality sensor detects air pollutants at or above the second threshold, the air volume discharged from the air outlet of the indoor unit is increased, thereby improving the efficiency of the air purification function of the air purifier. Furthermore, by setting the second threshold to an appropriate value, the air volume discharged from the air outlet of the indoor unit can be appropriately controlled.

[0119] (Technology 5) The air purification system according to Technology 1, wherein the indoor unit has a plurality of air outlets that blow air in different directions, and the air purification device has a plurality of air purification devices that are arranged near each of the plurality of air outlets. According to this configuration, the air purifying device has a plurality of air purifying devices disposed near each of the plurality of air outlets, and therefore can efficiently purify the air sent out from each of the plurality of air outlets, thereby efficiently purifying the air in the room.

[0120] (Technical Aspect 6) The air purification system according to Technical Aspect 5, wherein a plurality of air purification devices are disposed near one of the plurality of air outlets. According to this configuration, since multiple air purifying devices are disposed near one of the multiple air outlets, the air discharged from each of the multiple air outlets can be efficiently purified, thereby efficiently purifying the air in the room.

[0121] (Technology 7) An air purification system according to Technology 6, wherein an air quality sensor that detects air pollutants is disposed downstream of the plurality of air purification devices with respect to the air blown out from one of the plurality of air outlets. According to this configuration, an air quality sensor that detects air pollutants is placed downstream of the multiple air purifiers for the air blown out from one of the multiple air outlets, so that the multiple air purifiers can be appropriately controlled based on the detection results of the air quality sensor.

[0122] (Technology 8) An air purification system according to Technology 6, wherein, when the air quality sensor detects air pollutants at or above a first threshold, the number of operating air purification devices among the plurality of air purification devices is increased. According to this configuration, when the air quality sensor detects air pollutants at or above the first threshold, the number of operating air purifiers among the plurality of air purifiers is increased, thereby making it possible to appropriately increase the number of operating air purifiers among the plurality of air purifiers.Furthermore, by setting the first threshold to an appropriate value, the number of operating air purifiers can be appropriately increased.

[0123] (Technology 9) The air purification system according to Technology 7 or Technology 8, wherein the air quality sensor increases the volume of air sent out from the air outlet of the indoor unit when detecting air pollutants at a level equal to or greater than a second threshold. According to this configuration, when air pollutants equal to or greater than the second threshold are detected, the air volume discharged from the air outlet of the indoor unit is increased, thereby improving the efficiency of the air purification function of the air purifier. Furthermore, by setting the second threshold to an appropriate value, the air volume discharged from the air outlet of the indoor unit can be appropriately controlled.

[0124] (Technology 10) An air purification method for an air purification system including an air conditioner with an indoor unit installed on a ceiling and an air purifier placed near an air outlet of the indoor unit, wherein if the air conditioner is stopped when the air purifier starts operating, the air conditioner starts blowing air. This configuration provides the same effects as the air cleaning system described in the first technique. [Industrial Applicability]

[0125] As described above, the air purification system and air purification method according to the present disclosure can be used to remove air pollutants from indoor air. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 100 Air Conditioning System 10 Air conditioning equipment 1 Indoor unit 11 Air outlet 111 First air outlet (part of multiple air outlets) 112 Second air outlet (part of multiple air outlets) 113 Third air outlet (part of multiple air outlets) 114 4th air outlet (part of multiple air outlets) 12 Intake port 13 Control Unit 13A processor 13B Memory Device 131 Status acquisition unit 132 Start control section 133 Cleaning device control section 134 Air volume control unit 15 Fans 2. Ion generator (air purifier) 21 First ion generating device (part of multiple air purifying devices) 22 Second ion generating device (part of multiple air purifying devices) 23 Third ion generating device (part of multiple air purifying devices) 24 Fourth ion generator (part of multiple air purifiers) 211, 212 Ion generator (multiple air purifiers) 221, 222 Ion generator (multiple air purifiers) 231, 232 Ion generator (multiple air purifiers) 241, 242 Ion generator (multiple air purifiers) AB Fan operation CL Ceiling D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction D3 Third direction D4 4th direction PG control program QN Amount of air pollutants S Air Quality Sensor S1 First air quality sensor S2 Secondary air quality sensor S3 Third Air Quality Sensor S4 4th air quality sensor ST state ST1 First state ST1 Second state TH1 First threshold TH2 Second threshold

Claims

1. an air conditioning device having an indoor unit installed on the ceiling; an air purifying device disposed near an air outlet of the indoor unit; Equipped with If the air conditioner is stopped when the air purifying device starts its operation, the air conditioner starts a fan operation. Air purification system.

2. an air quality sensor that is disposed downstream of the air purifying device and detects air pollutants in the air blown out from the air outlet of the indoor unit; The air purifying device is composed of a plurality of air purifying devices, adjusting the number of operating air purifying devices among the plurality of air purifying devices based on the detection result of the air quality sensor; The air purification system of claim 1 .

3. When the air quality sensor detects air pollutants at a level equal to or greater than a first threshold, the number of operating air purifiers is increased among the plurality of air purifiers. The air purification system of claim 2 .

4. When the air quality sensor detects air pollutants at a level equal to or greater than a second threshold, the volume of air sent out from the air outlet of the indoor unit is increased. The air purification system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The indoor unit has a plurality of air outlets that blow air in different directions, The air purifying device includes a plurality of air purifying devices arranged near each of the plurality of air outlets. The air purification system of claim 1 .

6. A plurality of air purifying devices are disposed near one of the plurality of air outlets. The air purification system of claim 5 .

7. an air quality sensor for detecting air pollutants in the air blown out from one of the plurality of air outlets is disposed downstream of the plurality of air purifying devices; The air purification system of claim 6.

8. When the air quality sensor detects air pollutants at a level equal to or greater than a first threshold, the number of operating air purifiers is increased among the plurality of air purifiers. The air purification system of claim 7.

9. When the air quality sensor detects air pollutants at a level equal to or greater than a second threshold, the volume of air sent out from the air outlet of the indoor unit is increased. The air purification system according to claim 7 or claim 8.

10. an air conditioning device having an indoor unit installed on the ceiling; an air purifying device disposed near an air outlet of the indoor unit; An air purification method for an air purification system comprising: If the air conditioner is stopped when the air purifying device starts its operation, the air conditioner starts a fan operation. Air purification methods.

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