air purifier

Abstract

To provide an air cleaner which can automatically activate an electric precipitation part 10 at the appropriate time to efficiently perform internal clean operation with ozone without deteriorating use feeling of a user, and which can prevent ozone concentration from exceeding an allowable range.SOLUTION: An air cleaner includes an automated internal clean operation control mechanism which performs internal clean operation with ozone generated by automatically activating an electric precipitation part 10 in an energization control part that activates the electric precipitation part 10 according to a detection status of a dust sensor with conditions of the internal clean operation for activation that a vehicle is in operation, cumulative operation time is a prescribed time or more, and a prescribed time or more passes after operating an operation start switch or an operation mode changeover switch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

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[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purifier that removes dust such as dust, pollen, odor components, PM2.5, and viruses in the air to purify the air.

Background Art

[0002] A dust collection filter unit that attaches and removes dust in the air sucked and passed through from the intake part to the dust collection filter to purify the air, or for example, when it is determined that the dirt is severe (high dust level) by a dirt sensor (dust sensor or gas sensor), energization control is performed to electrify the dust in the passing air, and this dust is electrostatically adsorbed to the dust collection electrode and removed to purify the air. An electric dust collection unit is provided in the main body, and the purified air is blown out from the blowing part by the blowing unit by passing through the dust collection parts such as this dust collection filter unit and the electric dust collection unit. Such an air purifier has been well received.

[0003] [[ID=1十五]] For example, in such an air purifier, the dust collection filter unit may be detachably attached to the main body, and further, the electric dust collection unit may be detachably attached to the upstream side or the downstream side of this dust collection filter unit.

[0004] In addition, the electric dust collection unit of such an air purifier has, for example, a configuration in which a large number of ionization electrodes are arranged in parallel, and a large number of dust collection electrodes are arranged in parallel at intervals from each of these ionization electrodes. When it is desired to increase the dust collection and purification ability due to severe dirt (high dust level), energization control is performed through the electrode terminal part in contact conduction with the voltage supply part (high-voltage power supply) to energize the ionization electrodes. For example, each of these ionization electrodes is used as the positive electrode, and each dust collection electrode facing it at a distance is used as the negative electrode, and a voltage is applied. The dust in the passing air is electrified and electrostatically adsorbed to each negative dust collection electrode and removed, and the air is purified.

[0005] In such air purifiers, the amount of air blown by the air blower (fan) is usually controlled according to the level of the dust sensor and odor sensor (gas sensor), and the air is efficiently and quickly purified by the dust collection filter according to the degree of contamination. However, it is desirable to configure the air purifier to have an electrostatic precipitator in addition to the dust collection filter, as mentioned above, and to operate the electrostatic precipitator by controlling the power supply when the dust level is high, thereby further increasing the dust collection and purification capacity.

[0006] Furthermore, since such electrostatic precipitators are operated by applying high voltage, they exert the aforementioned dust collection and purification effect and generate ozone. Conventionally, some systems have been designed to control the internal cleaning process by utilizing this ozone as needed.

[0007] In other words, bacteria and viruses in dust that adhere to dust collection filters, dust collection electrodes, and the walls of the airflow path may not be killed or inactivated, and there is a possibility that they may be re-released. Therefore, in addition to dust collection and purification, an automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism has been proposed in the power supply control unit of the electrostatic precipitator that controls the electrostatic precipitator to operate as needed to generate ozone and perform an internal cleaning operation using this ozone to disinfect or inactivate bacteria and viruses.

[0008] This type of internal cleaning control using an electrostatic precipitator can maintain a clean state inside the enclosure, not only disinfecting but also inactivating viruses and preventing the re-release of uninactivated viruses, without any decrease in cleaning performance.

[0009] For example, conventional internal cleaning control methods include those described in Patent Document 1, which automatically activate the electrostatic precipitator when the cumulative operating time of the machine has elapsed for a predetermined period of time to perform internal cleaning; those described in Patent Document 2, which perform internal cleaning when it is detected that the room is clean; and those that perform internal cleaning in response to user instructions (operations).

[0010] However, simply activating this electrostatic precipitator to perform an internal cleaning operation may lead to an increase in ozone concentration, as this operation relies on the ozone generated for purification. Furthermore, if the normal dust collection and purification operation or this internal cleaning operation is performed frequently or repeatedly, it may impair the user's experience. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-085579 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-005634 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-228227 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] This invention aims to identify and solve these problems, providing a groundbreaking and highly practical air purifier that can automatically activate the electrostatic precipitator at the appropriate time to efficiently perform internal cleaning with ozone without compromising the user experience, and that can prevent the ozone concentration from rising above the acceptable range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The gist of the present invention will be explained with reference to the attached drawings.

[0014] The air purifier comprises an intake unit 2 for drawing in outside air, a dust collection unit 3 for purifying the air by removing dust particles from the air drawn in from the intake unit 2, a discharge unit 4 for blowing out the purified air, and a blower unit 5 for creating the airflow that is drawn in from the intake unit 2 and blown out from the discharge unit 4. The dust collection unit 3 consists of an ionization electrode unit 7 equipped with an ionization electrode 6, and a dust collection electrode unit 9 equipped with a dust collection electrode 8 spaced apart from the ionization electrode 6. The electrostatic precipitator 10 is configured to apply a voltage to the ionization electrode 6 and the spaced-apart dust collection electrode 8 to electrostatically charge the dust particles in the passing air and cause them to be electrostatically attracted to the dust collection electrode 8. The electrostatic precipitator 10 is configured to apply current to the ionization electrode 6 according to the detection status of a dust sensor or gas sensor. The air purifier is equipped with an energizing control unit that applies voltage to operate the electrostatic precipitator 10, and this energizing control unit is equipped with an automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism that, when the internal cleaning operation conditions are met, energizes the ionization electrode 6 to automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator 10 and performs an internal cleaning operation that disinfects or inactivates viruses with the generated ozone, wherein the internal cleaning operation conditions of this automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism are characterized in that, as a first operating condition, the air purifier is in operation and the cumulative operating time has elapsed for a predetermined time or more, and as a second operating condition, a predetermined time or more has elapsed from the later of the operation start switch operation and the operation mode switching switch operation.

[0015] Furthermore, the internal cleaning operating conditions are characterized in that, in addition to the first and second operating conditions, a third operating condition is also that the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor is at a level that does not activate the electrostatic precipitator 10.

[0016] Furthermore, the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism, which automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10 to perform the internal cleaning operation, is configured to not automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator 10 and not perform the internal cleaning operation when internal cleaning non-operation conditions are met, including the detection by a room temperature sensor that the room temperature is below a predetermined temperature. This is a feature of the air purifier according to claim 1.

[0017] Furthermore, the air purifier according to claim 1 is characterized in that the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism, which automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10 to perform the internal cleaning operation, has a control mechanism that determines the internal cleaning operation time, which is the automatic operation time of the electrostatic precipitator 10, according to the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor, and this internal cleaning operation time is set to be shorter the lower the room temperature.

[0018] Furthermore, the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism, which automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10 to perform the internal cleaning operation, is configured to include a control mechanism that, after the electrostatic precipitator 10 is automatically activated and the internal cleaning operation has started, detects a decrease in the room temperature and either cancels the internal cleaning operation or changes the internal cleaning operation time to a shorter time, as described in claim 4.

[0019] Furthermore, a dust collection filter is placed downstream or upstream of the electrostatic dust precipitator 10 to collect dust from the passing air. 11 The dust collection filter section is equipped with 12 However, it is provided as a separate dust collection unit 3 from the electrostatic precipitator 10, and even when the electrostatic precipitator 10 is not operating, the dust collection filter unit 12 The air purifier according to claim 1 is configured such that the air is purified by the above, and the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism that automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic dust collection unit 10 is equipped with a control mechanism that returns to the operating mode before the internal cleaning operation after the internal cleaning operation is completed.

[0020] Also, the electric dust collection unit 10 and the dust collection filter unit 12 are provided on the entire surface of the air blowing passage portion of the air that is sucked from the intake portion 2 and discharged from the blowing portion 4. The dust collection filter unit is provided on the downstream side of the electric dust collection unit 10. 12 By performing the internal cleaning operation by the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism that automatically operates and controls the electric dust collection unit 10, the electric dust collection unit 10 and the dust collection filter unit 12 are configured to sterilize or inactivate viruses, and it relates to the air cleaner according to claim 6.

Effect of the Invention

[0021] Since the present invention is configured as described above, without impairing the user's feeling of use, the electric dust collection unit can be automatically operated at an appropriate timing to efficiently perform the internal cleaning operation by ozone, and the ozone concentration can be prevented from rising above the allowable range, resulting in an epoch-making air cleaner with excellent practicality.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Specifically, for example, if the main body 1 is equipped with a dust collection filter section 12 having a dust collection filter 11 as a dust collection section 3, and an electrostatic precipitator 10 is also provided as another dust collection section 3 upstream or downstream of the dust collection filter section 12, then outside air is drawn in from the intake section 2 of the main body 1 by the blower section 5, and this air passes sequentially through each dust collection section 3 (electrostatic precipitator 10 and dust collection filter section 12), where dust is attached or adsorbed and removed, thus purifying the air, and it is then discharged from the upper outlet section 4.

[0026] In other words, for example, the amount of air blown by the blower unit 5 is controlled according to the detection status (degree of dirt) of the dust sensor, and dust in the air is captured, attached to, and removed by the dust collection filter 11 of the dust collection filter unit 12 installed in the middle of the airflow path. However, if an electrostatic precipitator 10 that operates by power supply control is installed downstream in a superposition configuration, then when the dust sensor detects that the dirt is severe (high dust level) (when the power supply operating conditions are met), power is supplied, and the electrostatic precipitator 10 automatically operates, causing the dust in the air to become electrostatically charged and electrostatically attracted to the dust collection electrode 8 for removal.

[0027] To explain further, the electrostatic precipitator 10 of the present invention consists of an ionization electrode section 7 equipped with an ionization electrode 6 and a dust collection electrode section 9 equipped with a dust collection electrode 8 disposed at a distance from the ionization electrode 6. A voltage (high voltage) is applied to the ionization electrode 6 and the dust collection electrode 8 which is spaced apart from it, thereby electrostatically activating dust in the passing air and causing it to be electrostatically attracted to the dust collection electrode 8. As mentioned above, for example, if the purification capacity of the dust collection filter section 12 is insufficient or to enhance it, the system is configured so that air passes through both, and when necessary, depending on the degree of contamination, that is, when the energizing operation conditions are met, the electrostatic precipitator 10 also operates automatically in addition to the dust collection filter section 12, thereby increasing the purification capacity.

[0028] Furthermore, in the present invention, as described above, the air is purified by the dust collection filter section 12 even when the electrostatic precipitator 10 is not operating. In addition, the purification capacity may be enhanced by automatically activating the electrostatic precipitator 10 by supplying current to the ionization electrode 6 using the automatic operation control mechanism of the current supply control section when necessary, i.e., when the above-mentioned energization operation conditions are met.

[0029] Furthermore, in this invention, the current control unit that operates the electrostatic precipitator 10 is equipped with an automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism that, when the internal cleaning operation conditions are met, energizes the ionization electrode 6 to automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator 10 and performs an internal cleaning operation that disinfects or inactivates viruses with the generated ozone. The internal cleaning operation conditions are, as a first operating condition, that the unit is in operation and the cumulative operating time has elapsed for a predetermined time or more, and as a second operating condition, that a predetermined time or more has elapsed from the later of the operation start switch operation and the operation mode switching switch operation. Therefore, the electrostatic precipitator is activated at an appropriate timing without compromising the user experience. 10 By automatically activating this system, internal cleaning using ozone can be performed efficiently, and the ozone concentration can be prevented from rising above the acceptable range. [Examples]

[0030] Specific Implementation of the Invention For example I will explain this based on the drawings.

[0031] This embodiment includes a main body 1 comprising an intake unit 2 for drawing in outside air, a dust collection unit 3 for purifying the air by removing dust particles from the air drawn in by the intake unit 2, a blowing unit 4 for blowing out the purified air, and a blowing unit 5 for creating the airflow that is drawn in by the intake unit 2 and blown out by the blowing unit 4. The embodiment also includes an airflow control unit that controls the amount of air blown by the blowing unit 5 according to the dust level and odor level (depending on the degree of soiling) detected and determined by a dust sensor and a gas sensor.

[0032] Specifically, the air blowing section 5 from below upward draws in outside air from the intake sections 2, which are located in four directions (front, back, left, and right) around the bottom, i.e., all around, to the upper center. The dust collection section 3, which is located on the lower upstream side of the air blowing section 5 of the main body 1, i.e., along the entire length of the air passage, collects or adsorbs dust from the air, thereby purifying it.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the dust collection unit 3 consists of a dust collection filter unit 12 equipped with a dust collection filter 11 and an electrostatic precipitator 10. The dust collection unit 3, consisting of the dust collection filter unit 12, is provided upstream (lower) of the blower unit 5 of the main body unit 1, and the electrostatic precipitator 10 is further layered and arranged upstream (lower) of this dust collection unit 3. The blower unit 5 draws in outside air from the intake unit 2 at the bottom of the main body unit 1, and this air passes through the dust collection unit 3 (electrostatic precipitator 10 and dust collection filter unit 12), where dust is attached or adsorbed and removed, thus purifying the air, and it is then discharged from the upper outlet unit 4.

[0034] In other words, the amount of air blown by the blower unit 5 is controlled according to the detection status of the dust sensor, and dust in the air is efficiently captured, attached to, and removed by the dust collection filter 11 of the dust collection filter unit 12, which is detachably attached to the entire path. However, an electrostatic precipitator 10 that operates by power supply control is detachably installed in a layered state upstream of this, and when the dust sensor detects that the dirt is severe (high dust level) (when the first power supply operation condition is met), power is supplied and the electrostatic precipitator 10 operates automatically, causing dust in the air to be electrostatically charged, electrostatically attracted, removed, and purified (purification capacity is increased).

[0035] In other words, the dust collection unit 3 of this embodiment has a configuration in which the dust collection filter unit 12 and the electrostatic precipitator unit 10 are arranged in a layered arrangement, and when necessary depending on the degree of contamination, that is, when the first energizing operation condition is met, the electrostatic precipitator unit 10 is also automatically activated in addition to the dust collection filter unit 12, thereby electrostatically charging and removing dust in the air, thereby enhancing the purification capacity.

[0036] Furthermore, the electrostatic dust collector 10 in this embodiment comprises an ionization electrode section 7 in which a large number of ionization electrodes 6 are arranged at intervals, a dust collection electrode section 9 in which a large number of dust 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 makes contact and conduction with a voltage supply section (high voltage power supply terminal section) that applies voltage to each of the ionization electrodes 6 and each of the dust collection electrodes 8 that are spaced apart from them. By supplying current to the ionization electrodes 6 through this electrode terminal section and applying a voltage (high voltage) to the ionization electrodes 6 and the dust collection electrodes 8 that are spaced apart from them, dust in the passing air is electrostatically charged and electrostatically attracted to the large number of dust collection electrodes 8. Furthermore, the electrostatic precipitator 10 is configured as a detachable unit and can be detachably attached to the main body 1. In addition, the dust collection electrode 9 can be slid from the ionization electrode 7 to separate into two parts, allowing the dust collection electrode 8 of the dust collection electrode 9 to be easily exposed during maintenance and allowing the adsorbed dust to be easily removed.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as mentioned above, even when the electrostatic precipitator 10 is not operating, the airflow from the air blower 5 controlled by the airflow control unit and the dust collection filter 11 of the dust collection filter unit 12 adhere to the dust in the passing air, thereby purifying the air.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the current control unit is provided which energizes the ionization electrode 6 and applies the voltage to operate the electrostatic precipitator 10. This current control unit is configured to include an automatic operation control mechanism which automatically operates the electrostatic precipitator 10 by energizing the ionization electrode 6 when the first current operation condition is met.

[0039] The first energization operation condition of this embodiment is configured such that the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor is above a predetermined level, this state of being above the predetermined level continues for a predetermined time, and the output of the dust sensor required to reach this predetermined level is above a first threshold, and this condition is detected a predetermined number of times.

[0040] Specifically, in this embodiment, the premise is that a dust sensor detects and determines the dust occupancy rate and outputs the result. Multiple dust levels are provided to determine the degree of contamination according to the output (dust occupancy rate) of this dust sensor, and the level is determined according to the output of this dust sensor.

[0041] In other words, the automatic operation control mechanism provided in the power supply control unit of this embodiment is configured to increase the dust level (increase the dust level to the maximum level) when the output of the dust sensor (dust occupancy rate) is detected to be above a first threshold for a predetermined number of times, or when the output of the dust sensor is detected to be above a third threshold, which is greater than the first threshold, once.

[0042] To elaborate further on the dust level, in this embodiment, the dust level is set to four levels, from level zero (clean, no dirt) to level 3, depending on the output of the dust sensor (P output (%)), i.e., the detected dust occupancy rate. For example, when a P output of a% or more is detected b times or more per minute at level zero, the dust level is raised from level zero to level 1. When a P output of c% (greater than a%) or more is detected d times or more per minute, or when a P output of e% (greater than c%) or more is detected once, the dust level is raised from level 1 to level 2. Furthermore, when a P output of f% (at least greater than a%) or more is detected g times (greater than d times) or more per minute, or when a P output of h% (greater than both e% and f%) or more is detected once, the dust level is raised from level 2 to the maximum level 3. In this embodiment, with the same sensitivity setting, c% and f% are set to the same value, for example, 6% for intermediate sensitivity.

[0043] Furthermore, the dust occupancy rate (P output %), which is the condition for each level-up of the dust level based on the dust occupancy rate of these P outputs, can be changed simultaneously by adjusting the sensitivity setting, and the system is configured to allow adjustment of the operating sensitivity of the airflow control of the blower unit 5 and the automatic operation control of the electrostatic precipitator 10.

[0044] In this embodiment, the configuration allows for changing the sensitivity by automatically changing the dust occupancy rate (P output %), which is the condition for raising the dust level. In this embodiment, the first energizing operation condition for automatically controlling the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10 based on this P output (threshold) is set to the following conditions: the dust level is at or above the maximum level 3, this state of being at or above level 3 continues for a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes), and the P output of the dust sensor required to reach level 3 is at or above the first threshold (the P output f%, for example, 6%), which is detected a predetermined number of times g (for example, 4 times).

[0045] In other words, in this embodiment, the automatic operation control mechanism is provided in the current control unit for operating the electrostatic precipitator 10. of The system is designed for automatic operation control, with four dust levels ranging from zero to three depending on the degree of contamination. The airflow rate increases as the dust level rises, and the electrostatic precipitator 10 is automatically activated when the dust level is high and the first power-on activation condition is met. Furthermore, the activation condition is not simply a high dust level, but also requires that this high dust level persists for a predetermined time and that the P output is above the first threshold (f% or higher) required to raise the dust level, which is detected a predetermined number of times (g times). As a result, the dust collection filter 12 is activated only when the contamination is severe and its purification capacity is insufficient, increasing its purification capacity and quickly purifying the air. This also suppresses unnecessary increases in the frequency of operation and reliably prevents the risk of reduced component lifespan and increased ozone concentration due to high voltage application.

[0046] Furthermore, the frequency of sudden changes in the rotation speed of the blower unit 5 is suppressed, reducing the impact on component lifespan.

[0047] Furthermore, the automatic control mechanism provided in the power supply control unit of this embodiment is configured such that when a second power supply operating condition is met, in which the output of the dust sensor (the P output) is detected (detected once) to be greater than or equal to a second threshold (for example, the dust occupancy rate i%, for example, 12%) which is greater than the first threshold (dust occupancy rate f%, for example, 6%), the ionization electrode 6 is energized and the electrostatic precipitator 10 is automatically activated, even if the first power supply operating condition is not met.

[0048] In other words, in this embodiment, the control mechanism for automatically controlling the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10, i.e., the automatic operation control mechanism of the energization control unit, activates 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 been detected to be at or above the first threshold (dust occupancy rate f%, for example, 6%) for a predetermined number of consecutive times (for example, 4 data points (16 seconds)) (when the first energization operation condition is met), or when the dust level is at level 3 and the P output is at or above the second threshold (dust occupancy rate i The system is configured to automatically activate when a value of % (for example, 12%) or higher is detected once (1 data point) (when the second power-on activation condition is met).

[0049] Therefore, in this embodiment, even when the level reaches 3, it is conceivable that the indoor air can be immediately purified in the vicinity of that level simply by controlling the increase in the airflow rate, i.e., by the dust collection filter unit 12 alone. Therefore, if the first energization operating condition is set so that the electrostatic precipitator 10 is only activated when the air is not purified after leveling up to level 3, and further if the P output of the first energization operating condition (dust occupancy rate f%, for example 6% or more) is detected a predetermined number of times (for example, g times, which is 4 times), there is a risk that the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10 will be delayed even if the contamination is quite severe. In this configuration, the first energizing condition is replaced with a second energizing condition (as an OR condition), and when it is detected once that the P output is greater than the first threshold (dust occupancy rate f%) and greater than or equal to the second threshold (dust occupancy rate i%, for example, 12%), that is, when a detection is detected once where the absolute value of the P output is large (not the number of detections), the electrostatic precipitator 10 is automatically activated without waiting for the first energizing condition to be met. This configuration allows for rapid detection and automatic activation when the degree of contamination is extreme, thereby quickly increasing the purification capacity.

[0050] Furthermore, this second threshold, which determines an extremely high level of contamination, is set to a value higher than that frequently detected by normal household dust, so it will not activate frequently and will not impair the user experience.

[0051] To further elaborate on the dust level-up control mechanism, as mentioned above, the automatic operation control mechanism provided in the energization control unit of this embodiment is a control mechanism that raises the dust level (for example, from level 2 to level 3) when the P output of the dust sensor is detected to be at or above the first threshold (dust occupancy rate f%) for raising the level from dust level 2 to the maximum dust level 3 a predetermined number of times, or when the output of the dust sensor is detected to be at or above a third threshold (dust occupancy rate h%) which is greater than the first threshold, once.

[0052] Specifically, as described above, this control mechanism is configured to raise the dust level when the output of the dust sensor is detected to be above the first threshold (a%, c%, or f%) multiple times within the determination time, and the level determination conditions are set such that the number of times the output is detected to be above the first threshold within the determination time increases as the dust level increases (for example, from level 1 to level 2, c% is detected d times (2 times), while from level 2 to level 3, f% (which is the same as c%) is detected g times (4 times)).

[0053] Therefore, the system is configured to raise the dust level in accordance with the number of detections where the P output exceeds the threshold, without raising the threshold itself, allowing for a quicker level-up when the dirt is severe. On the other hand, considering that waiting for multiple detections might delay the level-up when the dirt is extremely severe, the system is configured to raise the level even with just one detection above a high threshold, enabling quicker determination and purification of the degree of dirt, thereby improving the user experience.

[0054] In this embodiment, a gas sensor is provided, and multiple odor levels are set to be detected and determined by this gas sensor. The airflow control unit is configured to control the airflow amount of the air blower 5 by taking into account this odor level in addition to the dust level.

[0055] Therefore, because gas sensors (odor sensors) exhibit less fluctuation compared to dust sensors, they can determine the appropriate level even with fewer detection cycles.

[0056] Furthermore, the automatic operation control mechanism of the electrostatic precipitator 10 in this embodiment is configured to perform various controls, such as power supply prohibition control and continuous power supply limit control, in order to improve safety, operability, and user experience.

[0057] Furthermore, even if the electrostatic precipitator 10 does not operate due to power-on prohibition control based on such power-on prohibition conditions, the dust is purified by the dust collection filter 12 as described above, so the user experience is not significantly impaired.

[0058] Furthermore, even if the user switches from automatic operation mode to a fixed operation mode according to the user's preference, the airflow rate will remain fixed. However, in this embodiment, the operation control of the electrostatic precipitator 10 is automatically controlled as described above, and the aforementioned effects are always achieved.

[0059] Next, an embodiment of the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism, which is the main component of the present invention, will be described.

[0060] Since such an electrostatic precipitator 10 is operated by applying a high voltage, it exhibits the dust collection and purification effect and generates ozone. Therefore, it is configured to include an automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism that controls the internal cleaning operation to be performed as appropriate using this ozone.

[0061] In other words, in this embodiment, the dust collection filter 11 Bacteria and viruses in dust that adhere to the dust collection electrode 8, the walls of the airflow path, etc., may not be killed or inactivated, and to prevent their re-release, the electrostatic precipitator 10 is equipped with an automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism in the power supply control unit of the electrostatic precipitator 10 that controls the operation to generate ozone as needed to perform an internal cleaning operation that uses this ozone to disinfect and inactivate the bacteria and viruses.

[0062] Specifically, the current control unit that operates the electrostatic precipitator 10 is equipped with an automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism that, when the internal cleaning operation conditions are met, energizes the ionization electrode 6 to automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator 10 and performs an internal cleaning operation that disinfects or inactivates viruses with the generated ozone. The internal cleaning operation conditions are configured such that, as a first operating condition, the unit is in operation and the cumulative operating time has exceeded a predetermined time, and as a second operating condition, a predetermined time has exceeded the later of the operation start switch operation and the operation mode switching switch operation.

[0063] For example, the first operating condition requires that the device is in operation and that the cumulative operating time has exceeded 6 hours. This is to prevent situations where, for example, a user might mistakenly use dangerous hairspray or other substances nearby, thinking the device is stopped, and to prevent internal cleaning from occurring in such situations. In other words, as long as the power is supplied to the outlet, this situation can be detected even when the device is stopped, and control can be implemented to prevent the electrostatic precipitator 10 from automatically activating (for example, by determining that the third operating condition described below is not met and preventing operation) if the internal cleaning operating conditions are not met. The reason for using cumulative operating time rather than continuous operation is to prevent the internal cleaning from occurring almost never during continuous operation, and to ensure that internal cleaning is performed while the user is out during the day or sleeping.

[0064] Furthermore, as a second operating condition, it is also a mandatory internal cleaning operating condition that at least one hour has elapsed since the operation of the start switch and the operation of the operating mode selector switch, whichever is later. This is because if only the first operating condition were applied, depending on the timing, the internal cleaning operation may start immediately after the start of operation or immediately after selecting an operating mode, but only after the cumulative operating time has elapsed, which would impair the user experience. Na There is a risk of breakage, but this is a necessary operating condition to prevent it.

[0065] In this embodiment, in addition to the first and second operating conditions, a third operating condition is also included: the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor must be at a level that does not activate the electrostatic precipitator 10. In other words, the internal cleaning operation will not be performed unless at least these three conditions are met.

[0066] Specifically, the third operating condition is that the dust level and odor level remain at level zero (clean condition) for more than one minute. By making this an essential operating condition, the internal cleaning operation is performed only when the dust level and odor level are at their lowest (level zero, a clean condition in which the electrostatic precipitator 10 does not automatically activate) and the airflow rate of the air blower 5 is at its lowest level. This allows for efficient internal cleaning at the appropriate timing while suppressing the rise in ozone concentration, and also the dust level Ru To avoid situations where the internal cleaning process stops immediately after the temperature rises, and to prevent any loss of user experience, Na I'm trying to make sure it doesn't break.

[0067] In this embodiment, during internal cleaning operation, as described above, the airflow control of the blower unit 5 is used to operate (energize) the electrostatic precipitator 10 at a low airflow rate, thereby increasing the ozone concentration inside the casing and performing sterilization and virus inactivation. (Note that, for example, during normal operation for dust collection and purification, the airflow is controlled to operate the electrostatic precipitator 10 only at a high or turbo airflow rate to avoid an increase in ozone concentration.)

[0068] Therefore, for example, if the user commands operation (operates the switch) with a fixed airflow of "high," and immediately afterward the internal cleaning operation is performed and the airflow suddenly drops to low, the user will feel uncomfortable because it is not the operation they intended. Remember Although this may impair the user experience, in this embodiment, to prevent such a situation, the internal cleaning operation condition is that a predetermined amount of time must have elapsed since the operation of the start switch or operation selector switch (the second operating condition).

[0069] Furthermore, maintaining a dust level of zero (clean air) is also a mandatory operating condition (third operating condition), and the system is controlled to perform internal cleaning only when this condition is also met. This is because if the air becomes dirty, the internal cleaning operation stops and returns to normal operation, causing a change in airflow. Repeated changes in airflow would impair the user experience, so this is to prevent that.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a control mechanism is provided that prevents the electrostatic precipitator 10 from automatically activating and the internal cleaning operation from being performed when the internal cleaning non-operation conditions, including the detection by the room temperature sensor that the room temperature is below a predetermined temperature, are met. In other words, in this embodiment, a fourth operating condition is that the internal cleaning non-operation conditions, including the detection by the room temperature sensor that the room temperature is below a predetermined temperature, for example, less than 5°C, are not met.

[0071] This is a measure to prevent an increase in the concentration of ozone in the air, as ozone is easily generated at low temperatures, and therefore the operation of the electrostatic precipitator is limited depending on the room temperature (at low temperatures).

[0072] Furthermore, after power is supplied and the device is activated, in order to ensure that the ozone concentration is reduced, that is, to limit continuous operation, a non-operation condition is set that prevents power from being supplied again (restarting) until twice the power supply time (internal cleaning operation time) has elapsed (for example, if the internal cleaning operation time is 5 minutes, then twice that, 10 minutes). When this condition is met, the internal cleaning operation is not performed, and when this non-operation condition is not met, the internal cleaning operation is performed (fifth operating condition), which is also an essential operating condition.

[0073] Furthermore, the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism in this embodiment, which automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10 to perform the internal cleaning operation, is configured to have a control mechanism that determines the internal cleaning operation time, which is the automatic operation time of the electrostatic precipitator 10, according to the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor, and sets this internal cleaning operation time to be shorter the lower the room temperature.

[0074] Specifically, the system is configured to control the internal cleaning process so that if the temperature is 15°C or higher when the internal cleaning operation starts, the operation time is set to, for example, 5 minutes; if the temperature is between 5°C and 15°C, it is set to, for example, 2 minutes; and if the temperature is below 5°C, the internal cleaning operation is not performed. This is because the amount of ozone generated is greater at lower temperatures, and the ozone concentration tends to rise more easily at lower temperatures, so this is done to suppress the rise in ozone concentration.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electrostatic precipitator 10 is automatically activated to start the internal cleaning operation, and if a decrease in the room temperature is detected, the internal cleaning operation is stopped (operation halted) or the internal cleaning operation time is changed to a shorter time.

[0076] Specifically, for example, if the temperature was 15°C or higher when the internal cleaning operation started, but the temperature fell to 5°C or higher but below 15°C within 2 minutes of starting, the internal cleaning operation was changed to 2 minutes and continued until 2 minutes had elapsed before being interrupted. If the temperature fell to 5°C or higher but below 15°C or below 5°C after 2 minutes of the internal cleaning operation starting, the internal cleaning operation time was changed to immediately stop (interrupt) the internal cleaning operation. Also, if the temperature was 5°C or higher but below 15°C when the internal cleaning operation started, but fell below 5°C after starting, the internal cleaning operation was stopped (interrupted). In this way, temperature drops during the internal cleaning operation are shortened or the operation is stopped (interrupted), while temperature increases are not extended.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the following configuration is used for restart control after interruption. Specifically, when the operation is interrupted because the second operating condition is no longer met due to the operation of the start switch or operation change switch, the control restarts by counting whether one hour has elapsed since this operation. Also, when the operation is interrupted because the third operating condition is no longer met due to the dust level or odor level rising from zero to level 1 or higher, the control restarts by counting whether one minute or more has elapsed since the level was zero. Also, when the operation is interrupted because the room temperature falls below 5°C, TaIn this case, the system will not restart until the temperature reaches 8°C or higher, and will resume internal cleaning once 8°C or higher is detected. Furthermore, if the system is interrupted due to an error, it will recount whether more than one hour has passed since the operation of the start switch or operation change switch, and will then restart the operation.

[0078] This design prioritizes user interaction and interrupts operations to avoid compromising usability. However, it also prioritizes temperature reduction, as well as room purification and error detection, immediately interrupting internal cleaning operations and allowing them to resume under predetermined conditions to ensure user experience is not affected.

[0079] Furthermore, similar to the automatic operation control mechanism of the electrostatic precipitator 10 in this embodiment, the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism is also configured to perform various controls such as power supply prohibition control and continuous power supply restriction control in order to improve safety, operability, and user experience. For example, conditions that do not meet the power supply operation prohibition conditions, such as when a maintenance notification is issued, when power supply is prohibited due to gas, or when the rotation speed of the blower unit 5 (fan) decreases, are also considered conditions for non-operation of the internal cleaning function.

[0080] Furthermore, this embodiment includes a control mechanism that returns to the operating mode before the internal cleaning operation after the internal cleaning operation is completed (including interruption).

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the electrostatic precipitator 10 and the dust collection filter 12 The air intake section 2 is provided on the entire surface of the air passage section through which air is drawn in and discharged from the outlet section 4, and the dust collection filter section is located downstream of the electrostatic dust precipitator 10. 12 By providing the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism that automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 10, the internal cleaning operation is performed, and the electrostatic precipitator 10 and the dust collection filter section 12 It is designed to disinfect or inactivate viruses that are attached to its entire surface.

[0082] Therefore, this internal cleaning operation efficiently disinfects or inactivates not only the entire surface of the electrostatic precipitator 10 but also the entire surface of the dust collection filter 12 downstream of it (upper side in this embodiment), resulting in a groundbreaking air purifier with extremely high practicality.

[0083] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the specific configuration of each constituent element can be designed as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Main body 2. Intake section 3. Dust collection unit 4. Air outlet 5. Air blower 6. Ionization electrode 7. Ionization electrode section 8. Dust collection electrode 9 Dust collection electrode section 10 Electrostatic precipitator 11 Dust collection filter 12 Dust collection filter section

Claims

1. An air purifier comprising an intake section for drawing in outside air, a dust collection section for purifying the air by attaching to and removing dust from the air drawn in from the intake section, a discharge section for blowing out the purified air, and a blower section for creating the airflow that is drawn in from the intake section and blown out from the discharge section, The dust collection unit consists of an ionization electrode section equipped with an ionization electrode and a dust collection electrode section equipped with a dust collection electrode disposed at a distance from the ionization electrode. The electrostatic dust collection unit is configured such that a voltage is applied to the ionization electrode and the dust collection electrode separated therefrom to electrostatically charge dust in the passing air and cause it to be electrostatically attracted to the dust collection electrode. The system is equipped with an energizing control unit that energizes the ionization electrode and applies the voltage to operate the electrostatic dust collector according to the detection status of the dust sensor or gas sensor. This power supply control unit is configured to include an automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism that, when the internal cleaning operation conditions are met, energizes the ionization electrode to automatically activate the electrostatic dust collector, thereby performing an internal cleaning operation that disinfects or inactivates viruses using the generated ozone. The air purifier is characterized in that the internal cleaning operation conditions of the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism that performs this internal cleaning operation are, as a first operating condition, that the operation is in progress and the cumulative operating time has exceeded a predetermined time, and as a second operating condition, that a predetermined time has exceeded the later of the operation of the operation start switch and the operation mode switching switch.

2. The air purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, in addition to the first and second operating conditions, a third operating condition is also required: the dust level detected and determined by the dust sensor is at a level that does not activate the electrostatic precipitator.

3. The air purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism, which automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator to perform the internal cleaning operation, is configured to not automatically operate the electrostatic precipitator and not perform the internal cleaning operation when internal cleaning non-operation conditions are met, including the detection by a room temperature sensor that the room temperature is below a predetermined temperature.

4. The air purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism, which automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator to perform the internal cleaning operation, is configured such that the internal cleaning operation time, which is the automatic operation time of the electrostatic precipitator, is determined according to the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor, and this internal cleaning operation time is set to be shorter the lower the room temperature is.

5. The air purifier according to claim 4, characterized in that the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism, which automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator to perform the internal cleaning operation, is configured to stop the internal cleaning operation or change the internal cleaning operation time to a shorter time when it is detected that the room temperature has decreased after the electrostatic precipitator has been automatically activated to start the internal cleaning operation.

6. A dust collection filter section is provided downstream or upstream of the electrostatic precipitator, which is equipped with a dust collection filter that collects dust from the passing air. This section is provided as a separate dust collection unit from the electrostatic precipitator, and the air is purified by the dust collection filter section even when the electrostatic precipitator is not operating. The air purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism for automatically controlling the operation of the electrostatic precipitator is equipped with a control mechanism that returns to the operating mode before the internal cleaning operation after the internal cleaning operation is completed.

7. The electrostatic precipitator and the dust collection filter are provided across the entire surface of the air passage through which air is drawn in from the intake and discharged from the outlet. The dust collection filter is provided downstream of the electrostatic precipitator, The air purifier according to claim 6, characterized in that the internal cleaning operation is performed by the automatic internal cleaning operation control mechanism which automatically controls the operation of the electrostatic precipitator, thereby sterilizing the electrostatic precipitator and the dust collection filter, or inactivating viruses.

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