air purifier

Abstract

To provide an air cleaner capable of efficiently energizing an electrostatic precipitator 10 and automatically operating it as needed according to a degree of dirt, to clean air quickly, capable of appropriately suppressing an operation frequency, and capable of suppressing influence on component life to prevent a risk of increasing an ozone concentration.SOLUTION: In an air cleaner, an energization operating condition for operating an electrostatic precipitator 10 is defined such that a dust level detected and determined by a dust sensor is a predetermined level or higher, a state of the predetermined level or higher continues for a predetermined time, and in order to reach the predetermined level or higher, a predetermined number of times that the output of the dust sensor is equal to or higher than a first threshold value is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purifier that purifies the air by removing dust, pollen, odorous components, PM2.5, viruses, and other particles from the air. [Background technology]

[0002] Popular air purifiers include a dust collection filter section in the main body that purifies the air by removing dust in the air drawn in through the intake section by causing it to adhere to a dust collection filter, and an electric dust collector section that, when a dirt sensor (dust sensor or gas sensor) determines that the air is highly dirty (high dust level), controls the flow of electricity to electrostatically charge the dust in the air passing through and electrostatically attracts the dust to a dust collection electrode, thereby removing it and purifying the air.The air purifier is configured so that the air passes through a dust collection section such as the dust collection filter section or electric dust collector, and is then blown out from the outlet section by the blower.

[0003] For example, such an air purifier may be configured such that a dust collection filter section is detachably attached to the main body section, and further such that the electric dust collector section is detachably attached to the upstream or downstream side of this dust collection filter section.

[0004] Furthermore, the electric dust collecting section of such an air purifier is configured, for example, by arranging a number of ionizing electrodes in parallel, and by arranging a number of dust collecting electrodes in parallel at intervals from each of these ionizing electrodes; when the dirt is severe (dust level is high) and it is desired to increase the purification capacity, current is passed to the ionizing electrodes by controlling the flow of current through the electrode terminal section which is in contact with and conductive to the voltage supply section, and a voltage is applied, for example, with each ionizing electrode as a positive electrode and each dust collecting electrode facing it at a distance as a negative electrode; dust in the air passing through this is electrostatically attracted to each of the negative dust collecting electrodes and removed, thereby purifying the air.

[0005] Furthermore, in such air purifiers, the air volume of the air blowing section (blowing fan) is normally controlled according to the levels of the dust sensor and odor sensor (gas sensor), and the dust collecting filter section purifies the air efficiently and quickly according to the level of dirt. However, it is desirable to configure the air purifier so that, for example, an electric dust collecting section is provided in addition to the dust collecting filter section as described above, and when the dust level is high, the electric dust collecting section is activated by controlling the flow of electricity to further increase the purification capacity.

[0006] However, if the electric dust collector is simply energized and automatically controlled, the frequency of operation may increase, which may affect the life of the parts and may also increase the ozone concentration due to the generation of ozone. Therefore, it is desirable to efficiently control the operation of the electric dust collector when necessary depending on the degree of contamination.

[0007] For example, conventionally, there are air purifiers such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3 that simply control the airflow rate according to the dust level or odor level, and those disclosed in Patent Document 1 that simply have an electric dust collector unit and control the flow of electricity to this electric dust collector unit when the dust level is high. However, there are no air purifiers that have an electric dust collector unit in addition to a dust collecting filter unit, and when the purification capacity of the dust collecting filter unit alone is insufficient, the electric dust collector unit is automatically activated by being energized under predetermined operating conditions, and can efficiently control operation when necessary according to the degree of dirt to quickly purify the air, while suppressing the effects of component life and preventing the risk of an increase in ozone concentration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-000467 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-262827 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-286717 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has identified and solved these problems, and aims to provide an innovative and highly practical air purifier that controls the airflow rate of the air blowing section in accordance with the dust level detected by a dust sensor, and efficiently purifies the air using a dust collection filter section, and by setting the operating conditions of the electric dust collector, which controls the power supply and operates when the purification capacity is insufficient, to predetermined conditions, the electric dust collector can be efficiently powered and automatically operated when necessary in accordance with the level of dirt, thereby quickly purifying the air, appropriately suppressing the operating frequency, minimizing the impact on the lifespan of parts, and preventing the risk of an increase in ozone concentration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The gist of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] The air conditioner comprises an intake section 2 that draws in outside air, a dust collection section 3 that purifies the air by removing dust particles from the air drawn in from the intake section 2, a blowing section 4 that blows out the purified air, and a blowing section 5 that generates a flow of the air drawn in from the intake section 2 and blown out from the blowing section 4. Dust sensor and this an air purifier equipped with an air volume control unit that controls the volume of air sent from the air blower unit (5) in accordance with a dust level detected by a dust sensor, wherein the dust collecting unit (3) comprises an ionization electrode unit (7) equipped with an ionization electrode (6) and a dust collecting electrode unit (9) equipped with a dust collecting electrode (8) disposed at a distance from the ionization electrode (6), and is configured to include an electric dust collecting unit (10) configured to electrostatically charge dust in the air passing through the ionization electrode (6) and electrostatically attract the dust to the dust collecting electrode (8) by applying a voltage to the ionization electrode (6) and the dust collecting electrode (8) spaced therefrom, and a dust collecting filter unit (12) equipped with a dust collecting filter (11) that attracts dust in the air passing through the ionization electrode (6) and purifies the air even when the electric dust collecting unit (10) is not operating; The dust sensor is configured to intermittently detect and output,The apparatus is provided with an electric current control section that energizes the ionization electrode 6 to apply the voltage and activate the electrostatic precipitator 10, and the electric current control section is configured to have an automatic operation control mechanism that energizes the ionization electrode 6 to automatically activate the electrostatic precipitator 10 when a first electric current operation condition is satisfied, and the first electric current operation condition is configured to be an essential condition that the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, that this state of being equal to or higher than the predetermined level continues for a predetermined time, and that the output of the dust sensor to reach the predetermined level or higher is detected to be equal to or higher than a first threshold value a predetermined number of times. The automatic control mechanism provided in the power supply control unit is configured to supply current to the ionization electrode and automatically operate the electric dust collecting unit when a second power supply operation condition is satisfied, in which the output of the dust sensor is detected to be equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value and equal to or greater than the predetermined level, even if the first power supply operation condition is not satisfied. The present invention relates to an air purifier characterized by the above features.

[0012] (delete)

[0013] The automatic operation control mechanism provided in the power supply control unit is configured such that the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor is set to a plurality of levels, and a control mechanism is provided to increase the dust level when the output of the dust sensor is detected to be equal to or greater than a first threshold value a predetermined number of times, or when the output of the dust sensor is detected to be equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value. 1 The present invention relates to the air purifier described above.

[0014] The automatic operation control mechanism provided in the power supply control unit is configured to have a control mechanism that increases the dust level when it is detected multiple times within a determination time that the output of the dust sensor is equal to or greater than the first threshold, and the level determination condition is set so that the higher the dust level, the more times an output equal to or greater than the first threshold is detected within the determination time. 2 The present invention relates to the air purifier described above.

[0015] The air purifier according to claim 1 is further characterized in that it is provided with a gas sensor, and a plurality of odor levels are set to be detected and determined by this gas sensor, and the air volume control unit is configured to control the air volume of the blower unit 5 taking into account this odor level in addition to the dust level. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] Because the present invention is configured as described above, it controls the airflow rate of the air blower in accordance with the dust level detected by the dust sensor and efficiently purifies the air using the dust collection filter. In addition, by setting the operating conditions for the electric dust collector, which is activated by controlling the power supply when the purification capacity is insufficient, to predetermined conditions, the electric dust collector can be automatically activated by powering it on efficiently when necessary in accordance with the level of dirt, thereby quickly purifying the air and appropriately suppressing the operating frequency, thereby minimizing the impact on the lifespan of components and preventing the risk of an increase in ozone concentration, resulting in an innovative air purifier with excellent practicality. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory perspective view of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory front cross section of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory exploded perspective view of the state in which the detachable electric dust collecting unit that can be slidably separated into two parts of this embodiment is removed from the main body unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The best mode for carrying out the present invention will now be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrating the operation of the present invention.

[0019] The outside air is drawn into the main body 1 from the intake section 2 by the blower section 5, and as this air passes through the dust collection section 3 of the main body 1, dust in the air adheres or is adsorbed and removed, the air is purified, and then it is discharged from the blower section 4.

[0020] Specifically, for example, the main body 1 is provided with a dust collection filter section 12 equipped with a dust collection filter 11 as the dust collection section 3, and an electric dust collection section 10 is also provided as another dust collection section 3 upstream or downstream of the dust collection filter section 12.Therefore, the outside air is drawn in through the intake section 2 of the main body 1 by the blower section 5, and as this air passes sequentially through each dust collection section 3 (electric dust collection section 10 and dust collection filter section 12), dust adheres to or is adsorbed and removed, thereby purifying the air and discharging it from the upper outlet section 4.

[0021] That is, for example, the airflow rate of the air blower 5 is controlled in accordance with the detection status (level of dirt) of the dust sensor, and dust in the air is captured and removed by the dust collection filter 11 of the dust collection filter section 12 attached midway along the air flow, but because an electric dust collector 10 that operates by controlling the flow of current is provided in a layered state upstream or downstream of this, when this dust sensor detects and determines that the dirt is severe (the dust level is high) (when the first current operation condition is satisfied), current is passed through the electric dust collector 10, which automatically operates, and the dust in the air is electrostatically charged and electrostatically attracted to the dust collection electrode 8, where it is removed.

[0022] In other words, as described above, the dust collection section 3 of the present invention is configured such that the dust collection filter section 12 and the electric dust collection section 10 are arranged side by side in layers, and is configured so that air passes through both the dust collection filter section 12 when, for example, the purification capacity of the dust collection filter section 12 is insufficient or to strengthen this capacity, and when necessary depending on the degree of dirt, that is, when the first current application operation condition is satisfied, electricity is applied to automatically operate the electric dust collection section 10 in addition to the dust collection filter section 12, thereby increasing the purification capacity.

[0023] Furthermore, in the present invention, as described above, the dust collecting filter section 12 purifies the air even when the electrostatic precipitator section 10 is not operating. However, when necessary, i.e., when the first energization operation condition is satisfied, the automatic operation control mechanism of the energization control section energizes the ionization electrode 6 to automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator section 10, thereby enhancing the purification capacity.

[0024] Furthermore, the first energization operation condition set in the automatic operation control mechanism of the energization control section of this electrostatic precipitator 10 of the present invention is an essential condition that the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, that this state of being equal to or higher than the predetermined level continues for a predetermined time, and that the output of the dust sensor to reach the predetermined level or higher is detected to be equal to or higher than a first threshold value a predetermined number of times.Therefore, this electrostatic precipitator 10 can be energized efficiently and automatically operated when necessary depending on the degree of contamination to purify the air quickly, and the frequency of operation can be reduced to minimize the impact on the lifespan of parts and prevent the risk of an increase in ozone concentration.

[0025] That is, the first energization operation condition is not simply that the dust level is high, but that this dust level continues for a predetermined time, and further that the dust sensor output for this high dust level is detected a predetermined number of times to be equal to or greater than the first threshold value. This makes it possible to appropriately determine that the situation is one in which purification by the normal dust collection filter unit 12 is insufficient and that the purification capacity must be increased, and therefore the operation frequency of the electric dust collector unit 10 can be appropriately suppressed, and therefore, when necessary, Na It can be automatically activated by energizing efficiently at certain times, thereby quickly purifying the air, minimizing the impact on the lifespan of parts, and preventing the risk of an increase in ozone concentration.

[0026] Furthermore, if an automatic operation control mechanism of the current supply control unit is configured so that when a second current supply operation condition is satisfied, in which it is detected that the output of the dust sensor is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value and equal to or greater than the predetermined level, and the first current supply operation condition is not satisfied, the frequency of operation of the electric dust collector 10 can be further appropriately suppressed, and the frequency of operation of the electric dust collector 10 can be further reduced as needed depending on the degree of dirt. Na By energizing the device efficiently and automatically, the air can be purified more quickly, the impact on the life of parts can be reduced, and the risk of an increase in ozone concentration can be prevented. [Example]

[0027] Specific implementation of the present invention For example: This will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0028] This embodiment is configured to include an intake section 2 that draws in outside air into a main body 1, a dust collection section 3 that purifies the air by removing dust particles from the air drawn in from the intake section 2, a blowing section 4 that blows out the purified air, and an air blowing section 5 that creates a flow of air that is drawn in from the intake section 2 and blown out from the blowing section 4, and is also configured to include an air volume control section that controls the air volume of the air blowing section 5 according to the dust level detected and determined by a dust sensor (according to the degree of dirt).

[0029] Specifically, as air is blown from the bottom to the top by the blower 5, outside air is drawn into the upper center from the intake section 2, which is provided in four directions (front, back, left, right) of the bottom, i.e., all around the circumference, and dust in the air is adhered to or adsorbed and removed by the dust collection section 3, which is provided on the lower upstream side of the blower 5 of the main body 1, i.e., along the entire middle of the air passage, thereby purifying the air.

[0030] Furthermore, the dust collection section 3 in this embodiment is composed of a dust collection filter section 12 equipped with a dust collection filter 11 and an electric dust collection section 10, and the dust collection filter section 12 is provided as this dust collection section 3 on the upstream side (lower part) of the blower section 5 of the main body section 1, and further upstream (lower part) of this, the electric dust collection section 10 is arranged in a layered juxtaposition as the dust collection section 3, so that the blower section 5 draws in outside air from the intake section 2 at the bottom of the main body section 1, and as this air passes through the dust collection section 3 (electric dust collection section 10 and dust collection filter section 12) dust adheres to or is adsorbed and removed, thereby purifying the air and discharging it from the blow-out section 4 at the top.

[0031] That is, the airflow rate of the air blower 5 is controlled according to the detection status of the dust sensor, and dust in the air is efficiently captured and removed by the dust collection filter 11 of the dust collection filter section 12 which is detachably attached to the entire surface of the intermediate path, and upstream of this, an electric dust collector 10 which operates by controlling the flow of current is detachably attached and provided in a layered state, and when this dust sensor detects and determines that the air is severely dirty (the dust level is high) (when the first current operation condition is satisfied), current is passed through and the electric dust collector 10 automatically operates, causing the dust in the air to be electrostatically charged and electrostatically adsorbed, thereby being removed and purified (increasing purification capacity).

[0032] In other words, the dust collection section 3 of this embodiment is configured as described above in which the dust collection filter section 12 and the electric dust collection section 10 are arranged side by side in layers, and when necessary depending on the degree of dirt, i.e. when the first electric current operation condition is satisfied, electricity is passed through to automatically operate the electric dust collection section 10 in addition to the dust collection filter section 12, so that dust in the air is electrostatically charged and electrostatically adsorbed and removed, thereby increasing the purification capacity.

[0033] The electrostatic precipitator 10 of this embodiment is configured to include an ionization electrode section 7 in which a large number of ionization electrodes 6 are arranged at intervals, a collection electrode section 9 in which a large number of collection electrodes 8 are arranged at intervals from each of the large number of ionization electrodes 6, and an electrode terminal section (contact terminal section) that brings into electrical contact with a voltage supply section (supply terminal section of a high-voltage power supply) that applies voltage to each of the ionization electrodes 6 and each of the spaced-apart collection electrodes 8, and current is passed through the ionization electrode 6 via the electrode terminal section, applying a voltage (high voltage) to this ionization electrode 6 and the spaced-apart collection electrode 8, thereby electrostatically charging dust in the passing air and causing it to be electrostatically attracted to the large number of collection electrodes 8. In addition, the electrostatic precipitator 10 is configured as a detachable unit that can be attached to and detached from the main body 1, and further configured so that the dust collecting electrode 9 can be slid away from the ionization electrode 7 and separated into two parts, so that the dust collecting electrode 8 of the dust collecting electrode 9 can be easily exposed during maintenance, and adsorbed dust can be easily removed.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, even if the electric dust collecting unit 10 is not operating, the air is purified by the air blown by the blower unit 5 controlled by the air volume control unit and the dust collecting filter 11 of the dust collecting filter unit 12, which causes dust in the air passing through to adhere to the air.

[0035] Furthermore, this embodiment is provided with a current control unit that energizes the ionization electrode 6, applies the voltage, and activates the electrostatic precipitator 10, and this current control unit is configured to include an automatic operation control mechanism that energizes the ionization electrode 6 and automatically activates the electrostatic precipitator 10 when the first current operation condition is satisfied.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first current supply operation condition is configured such that the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor is above a predetermined level, the state above this predetermined level continues for a predetermined time, and the output of the dust sensor to reach above this predetermined level is detected a predetermined number of times to be above a first threshold value.

[0037] Specifically, as a premise, in this embodiment, a dust sensor is used to detect and determine the dust occupancy rate and output the result, and multiple dust levels are provided to determine the degree of dirt depending on the output (dust occupancy rate) of this dust sensor, and the level is determined depending on the output of this dust sensor.

[0038] That is, the automatic operation control mechanism provided in the power supply control unit of this embodiment is configured to include a control mechanism that, when determining the dust level detected and judged by the dust sensor, increases the dust level (increases the dust level to the maximum level) when the output of the dust sensor (dust occupancy rate) is detected to be equal to or greater than a first threshold value a predetermined number of times, or when the output of the dust sensor is detected to be equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value once.

[0039] To elaborate on the dust level, in this embodiment, the dust level is set to four levels, from level 0 (clean and clean) to level 3, depending on the dust sensor output (P output (%)), i.e., the dust occupancy detection status. For example, at level 0, when a P output of a% or more is detected b times or more per minute, the dust level is raised from level 0 to level 1. Furthermore, when a P output of c% or more (greater than a%) is detected d times or more per minute, or when a P output of e% or more (greater than c%) is detected once, the dust level is raised from level 1 to level 2. Furthermore, when a P output of f% or more (greater than at least a%) is detected g times or more per minute (greater than d times) or when a P output of h% or more (greater than e% and f%) is detected once, the dust level is raised from level 2 to the maximum level 3. Note that in this embodiment, when the sensitivity is the same, c% and f% are set to the same value, for example, 6% at medium sensitivity.

[0040] The dust occupancy rate value (P output %), which is the condition for increasing the dust level based on the dust occupancy rate of these P outputs, can be changed simultaneously by changing the sensitivity setting, and the operating sensitivity for controlling the air flow rate of the blower unit 5 and the automatic operation control of the electric dust collector unit 10 can be adjusted.

[0041] In this embodiment, the dust level level-up condition, which is the dust occupancy rate (P output %), can be automatically changed to change the sensitivity. In this embodiment, the first current-flow operating condition, which controls the automatic operation of the electric dust collector 10 based on this P output (threshold value), is set to be that the dust level is at or above the maximum level 3, that this state of being at or above level 3 continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 minutes), and that the P output of the dust sensor required to reach level 3 is detected to be at or above the first threshold (the P output f%, e.g., 6%) a predetermined number of times g (e.g., 4 times).

[0042] That is, in this embodiment, the automatic operation control mechanism is provided in the power supply control unit for operating the electric dust collector 10. of The system is automatically controlled, but the dust level is set to four levels from zero to three depending on the degree of dirt, and the higher the dust level, the higher the airflow rate is increased, and the electrostatic precipitator 10 is automatically activated when the dust level is high and the first current-flow activation condition is met.Furthermore, the first current-flow activation condition is not simply a high dust level, but is set such that the high dust level continues for a predetermined time and the P output is detected to be above the first threshold value (above f%) for increasing the level to this high dust level a predetermined number of times (g times).Therefore, the dust collection filter 12 is activated only when the dirt is so bad that its purification capacity is insufficient, thereby increasing the purification capacity and enabling quick purification of the air, and the frequency of operation is suppressed from increasing unnecessarily, ensuring that the risk of a decrease in the lifespan of parts or an increase in ozone concentration due to the application of high voltage is reliably prevented.

[0043] Furthermore, the frequency of sudden changes in the rotation speed of the blower 5 is suppressed, and the impact of the parts' lifespan is also suppressed.

[0044] Furthermore, the automatic control mechanism provided in the current control unit of this embodiment is configured to pass current through the ionization electrode 6 to automatically operate the electric dust collecting unit 10 when a second current operation condition is met, in which the output of the dust sensor (the P output) is detected (detected once) to be equal to or greater than a second threshold value (for example, the dust occupancy rate i%, for example 12%) that is greater than the first threshold value (dust occupancy rate f%, for example 6%), even if the first current operation condition is not met.

[0045] In other words, in this embodiment, the control mechanism for automatically controlling the electrostatic precipitator 10, i.e., the automatic operation control mechanism of the power supply control unit, is configured to automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator 10 when the dust level is at a predetermined level (maximum level 3), a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes or more) has elapsed, and the P output has detected a value equal to or greater than the first threshold value (dust occupancy rate f%, for example, 6%) four times (four data (16 seconds)) in succession (when the first power supply operation condition is satisfied), or when the dust level is at level 3 and the P output has detected a value equal to or greater than the second threshold value (dust occupancy rate f%, for example, 6%). i When 12% or more is detected once (one piece of data) (when the second power supply activation condition is met), the power supply is activated and the device is automatically activated.

[0046] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the level reaches level 3, it is considered that the air in the room can be immediately purified by just increasing the airflow rate, i.e., by just the dust collection filter unit 12, in the vicinity thereof. Therefore, the first energization operation condition is set so that the operation of the electric dust collector unit 10 is controlled for the first time in response to a situation in which the air is not purified after the level is raised to level 3. Furthermore, if the P output is detected a predetermined number of times (for example, four times, which is the above-mentioned g times) that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value of the first energization operation condition (dust occupancy rate f%, for example, 6% or more), the operation of the electric dust collector unit 10 may be delayed even if the dirt is quite severe. To this end, the second current supply operation condition is set (as an OR condition) in place of the first current supply operation condition, and when it is detected once that the P output is equal to or greater than the second threshold (dust occupancy rate i%, for example 12%) which is greater than the first threshold (dust occupancy rate f%), that is, when a detection is detected once in which the absolute value of the P output is large rather than the number of detections (when this second current supply operation condition is satisfied), the electric dust collector unit 10 is automatically operated without waiting for the first current supply operation condition to be satisfied, so that when the level of dirt is extreme, this is quickly detected and the electric dust collector unit 10 is automatically operated to quickly increase the purification capacity.

[0047] Furthermore, this second threshold, which determines that the situation is extremely dirty, is set to a value higher than the value frequently detected for normal house dust, etc., so it does not activate frequently and does not impair usability.

[0048] Furthermore, to add a bit more about the dust level-up control mechanism, as mentioned above, the automatic operation control mechanism provided in the power supply control unit of this embodiment is a control mechanism that raises the dust level (for example, from level 2 to level 3) when it is detected a predetermined number of times g that the P output of the dust sensor is equal to or greater than the first threshold (dust occupancy rate f%) for raising the level, for example, from dust level 2 to the maximum dust level 3, or when it is detected once that the output of the dust sensor is equal to or greater than a third threshold (dust occupancy rate h%) that is greater than the first threshold.

[0049] Specifically, as mentioned above, this control mechanism is configured to have a control mechanism that raises the dust level when the output of the dust sensor is detected to be equal to or greater than the first threshold value (the a%, c% or f%) multiple times within the determination time, and the level determination conditions are set so that the higher the dust level, the more times an output equal to or greater than the first threshold value is detected within the determination time (for example, from level 1 to level 2, c% is set d times (2 times), and from level 2 to level 3, f%, which is the same as c%, is set g times (4 times)).

[0050] Therefore, the dust level is set to increase in accordance with the number of times the P output is detected to be above the threshold without increasing the threshold, so that the level can be raised quickly when the dirt is severe. On the other hand, taking into consideration that when the dirt is extremely severe, waiting for multiple detections may delay the level raising, the level is raised even when there is only one detection above the high threshold, so that the degree of dirt can be determined and purification can be performed more quickly, improving usability.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, a gas sensor is provided, and multiple odor levels are set to be detected and determined by this gas sensor, and the air volume control unit is configured to control the air volume of the air blower unit 5 taking into account this odor level in addition to the dust level.

[0052] Therefore, since the gas sensor (odor sensor) has less fluctuation than the dust sensor, it is possible to determine the appropriate level even with a small number of detections.

[0053] The automatic operation control mechanism of the electrostatic precipitator 10 of this embodiment is also configured to perform various controls such as current prohibition control and continuous current limit control in order to improve safety, operability, and usability.

[0054] Furthermore, even if the electric dust collector 10 does not operate due to power prohibition control based on such power prohibition conditions, the dust will still be purified by the dust collection filter 12 as described above, so the user's experience will not be significantly impaired.

[0055] Furthermore, even if the user switches from the automatic operation mode to a fixed operation mode according to the user's preference, the air flow rate will be fixed. However, in this embodiment, the operation control of the electric dust collecting unit 10 is automatically controlled as described above, and the aforementioned effects are always achieved.

[0056] The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the specific configuration of each component can be designed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1 Main body 2. Intake section 3 Dust collection section 4. Speech bubble 5. Blower 6 Ionization Electrodes 7 Ionization electrode part 8. Dust collecting electrode 9 Dust collection electrode section 10 Electrostatic precipitator 11 Dust collection filter 12 Dust collection filter section

Claims

1. The air conditioner comprises an intake section that draws in outside air, a dust collection section that purifies the air by removing dust particles from the air drawn in through the intake section, a blowing section that blows out the purified air, and a blowing section that generates a flow of air drawn in through the intake section and blown out through the blowing section, An air purifier comprising a dust sensor and an air volume control unit that controls the air volume of the blower in accordance with the dust level detected by the dust sensor, the dust collecting section is comprised of an ionization electrode section provided with an ionization electrode, and a dust collecting electrode section provided with a dust collecting electrode disposed at a distance from the ionization electrode, and is configured to include an electric dust collecting section configured to electrostatically charge dust in the air passing through by applying a voltage to the ionization electrode and the dust collecting electrode spaced therefrom, causing the dust to be electrostatically attracted to the dust collecting electrode, and a dust collecting filter section provided with a dust collecting filter that attracts dust in the air passing through and purifies the air even when the electric dust collecting section is not operating, The dust sensor is configured to intermittently detect and output, an electric current control unit that energizes the ionization electrode, applies the voltage, and activates the electric dust collecting unit; the current supply control unit is configured to include an automatic operation control mechanism that supplies current to the ionization electrode to automatically operate the electric dust collecting unit when a first current supply operation condition is satisfied, The first energization operation condition is a necessary condition that the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, that this state of being equal to or higher than the predetermined level continues for a predetermined time, and that the output of the dust sensor for reaching the predetermined level or higher is equal to or higher than a first threshold value is detected a predetermined number of times. The automatic control mechanism provided in the power supply control unit is configured to supply current to the ionization electrode and automatically operate the electric dust collecting unit when a second power supply activation condition is satisfied, in which the output of the dust sensor is detected to be equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value and equal to or greater than the predetermined level, even if the first power supply activation condition is not satisfied.

2. The automatic operation control mechanism provided in the power supply control unit is configured such that the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor is set to a plurality of levels, The air purifier according to claim 1, further comprising a control mechanism that increases the dust level when the output of the dust sensor is detected to be equal to or greater than a first threshold value a predetermined number of times, or when the output of the dust sensor is detected to be equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value.

3. The air purifier of claim 2, characterized in that the automatic operation control mechanism provided in the power supply control unit is configured to have a control mechanism that raises the dust level when the output of the dust sensor is detected to be equal to or greater than the first threshold multiple times within a judgment time, and is configured to set a level judgment condition such that the higher the dust level, the more times an output equal to or greater than the first threshold is detected within the judgment time.

4. The air purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that it is equipped with a gas sensor, and a plurality of odor levels are set to be detected and determined by this gas sensor, and the air volume control unit is configured to control the air volume of the blower taking into account this odor level in addition to the dust level.

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