JP2000035487A - Local cleaning type air cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To blow off clean air on the average in a fixed range and clean a local part by making variable a local cleaning type air cleaner main body and the blow-off direction of clean air in a fixed range. SOLUTION: By driving a fan motor 3 to rotate a fan 4, outer air is sucked from an air suction port 1a through a pre-filter 2, and the sucked air is discharged. As to the discharge air, the air flow is controlled so as to be nearly uniform flow speed extending over the full range of a clean air blow-off port 1b by an air control member 5, pollutant such as allergen not removed by the pre-filter 2 is removed by a main filter 6, and hence the air is sufficiently cleaned. The sufficiently cleaned clean air blows off through the clean air blow- off port 1b. In this case, the flow of clean air on the clean air blow-off port 1b is set by vertical flaps 7a and horizontal flaps 7b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a local purifying air purifier, and more particularly, to a novel local purifying air purifier capable of increasing the cleanliness of local air such as respiratory points of allergic patients. About the machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, air purifiers have been widely used to purify indoor air. In particular, in homes with allergic patients, it is common to install an air purifier to purify indoor air.

[0003] However, air purifiers that have been widely used in the past are manufactured for the purpose of purifying indoor air. For example, the air purifiers operate efficiently when installed in a corner or the like of a room. The outlet of the clean air is provided upward and the blowing direction is fixed. If an air purifier with this configuration is adopted,
It is believed that purifying indoor air can significantly reduce the effects of house dust and the like on allergic patients.

However, in practice, even when the air purifier having the above configuration is employed, the influence of house dust on allergic patients cannot be sufficiently reduced.

[0005] This point will be described in more detail.

Generally, tatami mats, futons, and the like are present in a room where an allergic patient lies, and, for example, house dust is generated from the tatami mat when another person walks, and the allergic patient rolls over. This also generates house dust. When house dust is generated in this way, the air in the room is gradually purified in accordance with the capacity of the air purifier. It takes a long time, and during this period, the above-mentioned house dust causes allergic symptoms, causing pain for allergic patients.

Although the above description has been made for allergic patients, similar inconveniences occur even for persons other than allergic patients as long as they are affected by house dust. In addition, similar inconveniences occur even in patients allergic to pollen and mold. Furthermore, even those who are not allergic patients, for example, do not want to inhale or contact with harmful substances such as cigarette smoke, etc. The removal effect cannot be achieved.

In order to eliminate such inconveniences, there has been proposed an air purifier that blows clean air to the vicinity of a respiratory point of an allergic patient who is sleeping (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-1995).
42980).

[0009]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-42980
The air purifier described in the publication is directly installed on a tatami or a floor, and once installed, the direction of blowing clean air is determined. Nevertheless, if the allergic patient or the like moves beyond this range due to turning over or the like, it becomes impossible to blow clean air near the respiratory point of the allergic patient as it is.
To solve this inconvenience, it is only necessary to change the direction of the air purifier, but not only the work of changing the direction of the air purifier is necessary, but also, for example, during bedtime There is a disadvantage that it becomes impossible to perform the work. In addition, even when the user is not at bedtime, while studying, working, and the like, he concentrates on these and tends to forget to change the direction of the air purifier.

Furthermore, the air purifier described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-42980 not only increases the size as a whole and increases the cost but also increases the The task of changing the direction of the purifier becomes difficult.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to blow clean air in a required direction, and it is not necessary to change the direction of an air purifier. It is another object of the present invention to provide a locally purified air purifier that can be downsized as a whole.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a local cleaning type air purifier, wherein a local cleaning type air purifier main body and a clean air blowing direction of the local cleaning type air purifying main body are changed within a predetermined range. And a blowing direction setting means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a local cleaning type air purifier which employs, as the blowing direction setting means, a user which can set a change angle of a cleaning air blowing direction of a local cleaning type air cleaning device body. is there.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a local cleaning type air purifier, wherein the blowing direction setting means is capable of changing the cleaning air blowing direction of the main body of the local cleaning type air purifier within a predetermined range by manual operation. Is what you do.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locally-cleaning type air cleaner further comprising a person detecting means, wherein the direction of the clean air blowing is in response to a person detecting signal from the person detecting means as the blowing direction setting means. What is set in the direction is adopted.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locally-cleaning type air purifier which includes a plurality of human detecting sensors as the human detecting means and detects a position of a human based on outputs from the plural human detecting sensors. Things.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locally-cleaning type air purifier which stops the air-cleaning operation in response to the human detecting means not detecting a person for a predetermined time or more as the main body of the local cleaning type air purifier. Is what you do.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the local cleaning type air purifier, wherein the local cleaning type air purifier main body performs an air cleaning operation in response to the human detecting means not detecting a person for a predetermined time or more. After stopping, a person detecting operation is performed every predetermined time.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a local cleaning type air cleaner, wherein the human detecting means is provided at a predetermined position on an upper surface of a front surface of the air cleaner body.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the local cleaning type air cleaner, wherein the human detecting means is provided at a predetermined position on a front side of the air cleaner body.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the local cleaning type air cleaner, wherein the human detecting means is provided at a central portion of a clean air blowing portion of the air cleaner body.

[0022]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locally-cleaning type air purifier, wherein a locally-cleaning type air purifier body and a blowing direction in which the clean air blowing direction of the locally-cleaning type air purifier body can be changed within a predetermined range. Since it has setting means,
The blowing direction setting means can change the cleaning air blowing direction of the main body of the local cleaning type air cleaner within a predetermined range. Therefore, the clean air can be blown out in the predetermined range on average, and the local area in the predetermined range can be cleaned on average.

In the local cleaning type air purifier of the second aspect, as the blowing direction setting means, a type in which a user can set a change angle of a cleaning air blowing direction of the main body of the local cleaning type air cleaning device is adopted. Therefore, by setting the direction of blowing clean air in accordance with the application, situation, and the like, it is possible to averagely clean the local area only within a necessary range. Therefore, the degree of cleaning can be increased as compared with the case where the cleaning is performed on an average within the unnecessary range.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the local cleaning type air purifier, the blowing direction setting means is capable of changing the cleaning air blowing direction of the main body of the local cleaning type air cleaning device within a predetermined range by manual operation. , The direction of blowing clean air can be easily changed by manual operation. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the direction of the local cleaning type air cleaner, and the operability can be significantly improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locally-cleaning type air purifier, further comprising a person detecting means, wherein the blow-off direction setting means changes the direction of the clean air blow-out in response to a person detecting signal from the person detecting means. Because it adopts one that is set in the direction where there is, when people move due to turning over, etc.,
It is possible to change the direction of blowing clean air to the direction where people are present, shortening the time required to direct the direction of blowing clean air to the place where people are present, and thus quickly reducing only the vicinity of the place where people are present. It can be cleaned and the degree of cleaning can be significantly increased.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locally purified air purifier, wherein the human detecting means includes a plurality of human detecting sensors and detects a position of a human based on outputs from the plurality of human detecting sensors. Since it is adopted, as a human detection sensor,
A simple and inexpensive device can be employed as compared with an image sensor or the like.

[0027] In the local cleaning type air purifier of the sixth aspect, the local cleaning type air purifier main body stops the air cleaning operation in response to the human detecting means not detecting a person for a predetermined time or more. As a result, energy saving can be realized, and the service life of the filter included in the locally purified air cleaner main body can be extended.

In the local cleaning type air purifier of the present invention, the local cleaning type air purifier main body may be an air purifier in response to the human detecting means not detecting a person for a predetermined time or more. Since a system that performs a human detection operation every predetermined time after the operation is stopped is employed, energy can be saved, and the filter included in the locally purified air purifier body can have a longer life, and the necessary In this case, it is possible to clean only the vicinity of a place where a person is present.

In the local cleaning type air purifier according to the eighth aspect, the human detecting means is provided at a predetermined upper position on the front surface of the air purifier body. In addition to the operation, the surface of the face can be easily entered into the visual field when the sleeper is recognized, and the sensitivity of detecting the sleeper can be increased.

In the local cleaning type air purifier of the ninth aspect, the human detecting means is provided at a predetermined position on the front side of the air purifier main body. In addition to the effect of the above, the height of the air purifier main body can be reduced.

In the local cleaning type air purifier of the tenth aspect, the human detecting means is provided at the center of the clean air blowing portion of the air purifier main body. In addition to this function, the overall shape can be reduced without impairing the air cleaning action.

[0032]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of a local cleaning type air purifier of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing one embodiment of the local cleaning type air purifier of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a central transverse sectional view.

This locally-cleaning type air cleaner has a casing 1 having an air inlet 1a at the center of the back surface and a clean air outlet 1b over substantially the entire front surface.
A pre-filter (for example, a filter for removing only large-diameter dust particles) 2 provided on the back surface of the casing 1 so as to cover the air suction port 1a, and a support (not shown) in front of the air suction port 1a inside the casing 1 A fan motor 3 provided via a member, a fan 4 provided between the fan motor 3 and the air suction port 1a and rotated by the fan motor 3, and a fan motor 3 surrounding the fan motor 3; An air flow control member 5 for controlling the air flow so that the air flow generated by the fan 4 has a substantially uniform flow rate over the entire range of the clean air outlet 1b; and the clean air outlet 1b and the air flow control. A main filter (a filter having a high air purification capability) 6 provided between the member 5 and a vertical filter provided at a predetermined position of the clean air outlet 1b. A human detection sensor (sensor means) including a wrap 7a, a horizontal flap 7b provided at a predetermined position of the clean air outlet 1b, and a pyroelectric infrared sensor, a thermopile, and the like provided at a predetermined position on the front surface of the casing 1. Infrared sensor 8. Since the infrared sensor 8 is provided on the upper part of the front surface of the casing 1, the surface of the face of the sleeping person 10b can be easily captured in the field of view, and the accuracy of detecting the position of the sleeping person 10b can be improved. Reference numeral 1c denotes a display / operation unit for performing various displays and performing various operations.
c is an operating drive shaft for changing the direction of the vertical flap 7a. Also, the infrared sensor 8 and a signal processing unit (determination unit) that performs a predetermined process on the output signal from the infrared sensor 8 and outputs a human detection signal constitute a human detection unit 80.

The vertical flap 7a and the horizontal flap 7b are
It is positioned parallel to the center axis of the clean air outlet.
The vertical flap 7a has a length equal to the height of the clean air outlet 1b, and the horizontal flap 7b has a length equal to the width of the clean air outlet 1b.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a mechanism (vertical flap control section) for changing the direction of the vertical flap 7a.

This mechanism includes a motor 7d, a cam member 7f connected to an output shaft 7e of the motor 7d, a cam member 7g connected to a predetermined position of an operating drive shaft 7c, and a connection connecting the two cam members. It has a member 7h and a connecting member 7i for connecting a predetermined position of the operating drive shaft 7c and a predetermined position of the vertical flap 7a.

Therefore, if the motor 7d is operated,
The operation drive shaft 7c can be reciprocally rotated within a predetermined angle range via the cam member 7f, the connection member 7h, and the cam member 7g, and all the operation drive shafts 7c connected to the operation drive shaft 7c via the connection member 7i. The direction of the vertical flap 7a can be changed.

The numbers of the vertical flaps 7a and the horizontal flaps 7b are not limited to the numbers shown, but can be increased or decreased as needed. In addition, it is possible to change the direction of the vertical flap 7a (the blowing direction of the clean air) and to change the direction of the horizontal flap 7b (the blowing direction of the clean air). Further, the left and right inner end faces of the member constituting the clean air outlet 1b are preferably set so that the front side faces outward, but may be set in parallel with the center axis of the clean air outlet.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing another example of a mechanism (vertical flap control unit) for changing the direction of the vertical flap 7a.

This mechanism is different from the mechanism of FIG. 3 in that a motor 7d, a cam member 7f connected to an output shaft 7e of the motor 7d, a cam member 7g connected to a predetermined position of an operating drive shaft 7c, The only difference is that the connecting member 7h for connecting the cam member is omitted.

Therefore, the directions of all the vertical flaps 7a connected to the operating drive shaft 7c via the connecting members 7i can be changed by manual operation. However, the cam member 7
g, the cam member 7g may be manually operated, or any of the vertical flaps 7a may be manually operated. Moreover, you may comprise so that several vertical flaps 7a may move individually.

Although FIGS. 3 and 4 change only the left and right wind directions, the same mechanism as in FIGS. 3 and 4 is applied to the horizontal flap 7b to change the upper and lower wind directions. be able to.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view for explaining the field of view of the infrared sensor 8.

FIG. 5 shows a case where two infrared sensors 8 are provided. The mounting positions and orientations of the two infrared sensors 8 are set so that their fields of view partially overlap each other. In addition, in FIG. 5, 10a shows a brim, and 10b shows the sleeping person. However, three or more infrared sensors may be provided, and their fields of view may not be overlapped at all.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing, on an enlarged scale, an example of the state of attachment of the infrared sensor 8.

A W-shaped recess 1d is formed at a predetermined position on the front surface of the casing (air cleaner body) 1, and this recess 1d is
Infrared sensors 8 are provided at predetermined positions on surfaces facing away from each other. A viewing angle limiting member 1e is provided at a predetermined position near the center of the recess 1d, and the outermost portion of the recess 1d functions as a viewing angle limiting member. Further, a mesh member (member having a region visible from the pyroelectric infrared sensor and a region not visible) 1f is provided so as to cover the entire range of the recess 1d. Therefore, a pyroelectric infrared sensor 8 is employed, and when a person moves, infrared rays emitted by the person enter the infrared sensor 8 and are chopped by the mesh member 1f. A person can be detected based on infrared rays emitted by the person, and the detection sensitivity can be improved. Further, a similar effect can be achieved even if a Fresnel lens is employed in place of the mesh member 1f. However, if it is desired to eliminate as much as possible other disturbance factors that generate a large amount of infrared light, such as indoor heaters, a simple mesh member 1f as described above or a Fresnel lens with a short operating distance of the infrared sensor 8 should be used. Is valid. Further, by using the mesh member 1f instead of the lens, the cost can be reduced.

The field of view can be appropriately set according to the direction of the infrared sensor 8, the size of the viewing angle limiting member, the mounting position, and the like. Furthermore, if the two infrared sensors 8 are mounted so as to be close to each other, it is possible to achieve a reduction in wiring, a common substrate, and the like.

FIG. 7 is an electric circuit diagram showing an example of an electric configuration of a signal processing section for performing processing based on output signals from both infrared sensors 8.

A bias is supplied to each infrared sensor 8 by a resistor 8a connected in series to each infrared sensor 8 and a capacitor 8b connected in parallel.
Is amplified by a first amplifier circuit 8c, then further amplified by a second amplifier circuit 8d, and supplied to a microcomputer 8e as a signal processing unit. This microcomputer 8
"e" is a signal which receives a signal obtained by amplifying an output signal from both infrared sensors 8, performs necessary signal processing, generates a human detection signal, and generates a clean air blowing direction command signal as necessary. .

The operation of the local cleaning type air cleaner having the above configuration is as follows.

When the fan motor 3 is driven to rotate the fan 4, the air suction port 1 a is passed through the pre-filter 2.
From outside, and discharge the sucked air. The air flow of the discharged air is controlled by the air flow control member 5 so as to have a substantially uniform flow rate over the entire range of the clean air outlet 1b, and the main filter 6 removes contaminants (not removed by the pre-filter 2). By removing allergens, the air is sufficiently cleaned.

Then, the clean air that has been sufficiently purified is
The air is blown out through the clean air outlet 1b. In this case, the flow of the clean air at the clean air outlet 1b is set by the vertical flap 7a and the horizontal flap 7b.

During the above operation, both infrared sensors 8 perform a human detection operation and output an output signal. Here, when the sleeping person 10b exists within the field of view of one infrared sensor 8, the corresponding infrared sensor 8 outputs a significant output signal, while the other infrared sensor 8 outputs a significant output signal.
Output a non-significant output signal. When the sleeping person 10b is within the field of view of the infrared sensors 8, the infrared sensors 8 output a significant output signal. Further, when the sleeping person 10b does not exist within the field of view of any of the infrared sensors 8, both infrared sensors 8 output insignificant output signals.

Therefore, the microcomputer 8e generates a human detection signal based on the output signal from each of the infrared sensors 8, and, if applicable, generates a clean air blowing direction command signal. This clean air blowing direction command signal is supplied to a vertical flap control unit that operates the vertical flap 7a, and the clean air blowing direction is controlled so that the clean air is blown toward the sleeping person 10b (see FIG. 8). .

As a result, even when the sleeping person 10b turns over and goes out of the clean air blowing range, the position of the sleeping person 10b is detected, the direction of the vertical flap 7a is changed, and the sleeping person 10b sleeps. Clean air can be blown in the direction of the person 10b.

FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing a specific example in which a locally purified air purifier is installed at the bedside of a sleeping person. FIG.
0 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which an air purifier having no vertical flap drive mechanism is installed at the bedside of a sleeping person.

When the specific example shown in FIG. 10 is adopted,
The clean air can be blown out only in a preset clean air blowout range, and the range in which the clean air can be supplied is narrow. Therefore, if the sleeping person turns over, the sleeping person comes out of the clean air supply range. On the other hand, when the specific example shown in FIG. 9 is adopted, since the vertical flap 7a of the casing 1 is reciprocated, the range in which clean air can be supplied can be significantly widened. Therefore, even when the sleeping person turns over, the possibility that clean air can be supplied to the sleeping person increases.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing another embodiment of the air purifier of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view for explaining the field of view of the infrared sensor 8.

This air purifier differs from the above-mentioned air purifier only in that the infrared sensor 8 and the display / operation unit 1c are provided at predetermined positions on the front side of the casing 1.

Therefore, when this embodiment is adopted, the total height of the casing 1 can be reduced by changing the mounting position of the infrared sensor 8 and the display / operation section 1c, and the same as in the above-described embodiment. Can be achieved.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing still another embodiment of the air purifier of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a central cross-sectional view.

This embodiment differs from the air purifier of FIG. 1 only in that an infrared sensor 8 is provided at the center of the clean air outlet 1b.

When this embodiment is adopted, the clean air blowing speed is weak at the center of the clean air outlet 1b, and the contribution to air cleaning is small, so that in addition to the operation of the embodiment of FIG. Without impairing the air purifying action,
The front shape of the casing 1 can be reduced in size.

FIG. 15 is a front view showing another example of mounting the infrared sensor 8, FIG. 16 is a plan view, and FIG. 17 is a side view.

In this mounting example, a substrate 8g is attached to a predetermined position of the casing 1 via a supporting bolt member 8f, an infrared sensor 8 is attached to a predetermined position of the substrate 8g, and a viewing angle is set so as to surround the infrared sensor 8. Restriction member 8
h, and a mesh member 8i is attached to the tip of the viewing angle limiting member 8h. Note that the substrate 8g is also provided with a signal processing unit. Of course, a Fresnel lens can be provided instead of the mesh member 8i.

Therefore, the viewing angle can be easily changed only by changing the height of the viewing angle limiting member 8h.

Next, the processing in the microcomputer 8e will be described. In the following description, a case where a pyroelectric infrared sensor is employed as the infrared sensor 8 will be described as an example.

When a pyroelectric infrared sensor is used as the infrared sensor 8, the output voltage changes every time a person moves. It is considered that the amplitude at this time reflects the degree of the movement of the person and the position of the person within the viewing angle to some extent. That is, it is considered that the amplitude increases as the movement increases and as the position approaches the front of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 8.

In consideration of such a point, and since the fields of view of both pyroelectric infrared sensors 8 are shifted from each other, when a person is present at the center of the overlapping part of the fields of view of both pyroelectric infrared sensors 8 However, the output signals from the two pyroelectric infrared sensors 8 are different from each other, except when they exist outside the field of view of the two pyroelectric infrared sensors 8. Therefore, the microcomputer 8e that receives the output signal from the pyroelectric infrared sensor 8 as an input determines the magnitude of both output signals.
It is possible to detect in which direction a person exists in a certain degree of accuracy and generate a person detection signal.

Of course, any of the pyroelectric infrared sensors 8
If only the microcomputer outputs a significant output signal, the microcomputer 8
By detecting this state at e, it is possible to detect that a person is present within the field of view of only the corresponding pyroelectric infrared sensor 8 and generate a person detection signal.

Further, even when only a person's hand or finger moves, the corresponding pyroelectric infrared sensor 8 outputs a significant output signal. However, in such a case, the sleeping person 10b is not substantially moving, and the output signal from the pyroelectric infrared sensor 8 is sufficiently small. It is determined whether the output signal from the infrared sensor 8 is smaller than a predetermined threshold, and in response to the determination that the output signals from all the pyroelectric infrared sensors 8 are smaller than the predetermined threshold, It is preferable to generate a person detection signal indicating that the position of the person has not changed, and erroneous detection can be prevented.

Further, the output signal from the pyroelectric infrared sensor 8 can be digitized to determine the magnitude. This will be described in more detail.

For example, when a measurement point is given as shown by a black circle in the original signal as shown in FIG. 18, a measurement value is obtained as shown in Table 1. Then, the output signal from the pyroelectric infrared sensor 8 is quantified by calculating the absolute value of the difference between adjacent measurement values and calculating the sum of the absolute values of the difference for a predetermined period.

[0075]

[Table 1] Then, the magnitudes of the numerical values thus obtained are determined. However, instead of calculating the sum of the absolute values of the differences, it is also possible to achieve the digitization by extracting the maximum value and the minimum value from the measured values for a predetermined period and calculating the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value. It is possible.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing of the human detection device in detail.

In step SP1, the output signals (output voltages) sa and sb of the pyroelectric infrared sensors 8A and 8B are measured, and in step SP2, the absolute difference between the output signal of each pyroelectric infrared sensor and the immediately preceding output signal is measured. In step SP3, the absolute value of the calculated difference is stored in the data array D in chronological order, and in step SP4, the bipyroelectric infrared sensor is used for the latest predetermined period (for example, the latest one second). It is determined whether or not both 8A and 8B are reacting (whether or not the output signals sa and sb of both pyroelectric infrared sensors 8A and 8B are all 0). If it is determined that both pyroelectric infrared sensors 8A and 8B have not reacted during the latest predetermined period, at step SP5, a predetermined number of data or more (for example, a number of data ) Are continuously stored. And
If it is determined that a predetermined number or more of data is stored consecutively, the total sum Sa, Sb of the latest predetermined number of data is calculated in step SP6, and in step SP7, the pyroelectric infrared sensors 8A, 8B is at least one of a predetermined threshold value (for example, 1
00mV) or more. If it is determined that at least one of the sums Sa and Sb of the pyroelectric infrared sensors 8A and 8B is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold, a position determination process is performed in step SP8, and a data array is determined in step SP9. The contents of D are cleared, and the processing of step SP1 is performed again.

If it is determined in step SP4 that at least one of the two pyroelectric infrared sensors 8A and 8B has reacted during the latest predetermined period, the process proceeds to step S4.
The processing of P1 is performed.

If it is determined in step SP5 that only data less than the predetermined number is stored, the process proceeds to step S5.
If it is determined in P7 that both the sums Sa and Sb of the pyroelectric infrared sensors 8A and 8B are both smaller than the predetermined threshold value, the process of step SP9 is performed as it is.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart for explaining in detail the processing of step SP8 in the flow chart of FIG. The processing in the flowchart of FIG.
Almost the entire area of a is divided into five areas as shown in FIG. 21, and the pyroelectric infrared sensors 8A and 8B are obliquely downwardly positioned at a position 40 cm away from the end of the mattress and at a height of 50 cm. In the central area, the right intermediate area, the right area, the left intermediate area, and the left area. The room temperature is set to about 23 ° C.

In step SP1, the magnitude of the calculated sums Sa, Sb is determined. If it is determined that Sa ≧ Sb, in step SP2, the sums Sa, Sb are determined.
b, the ratio R1 = Sa / Sb is calculated, and in step SP3, it is determined whether the ratio R1 is equal to or less than a first predetermined value (for example, 2.5), and the ratio R1 is equal to or less than the first predetermined value. Is determined in step SP4, a determination result (human detection result) indicating that a person is present in the central region is obtained.

If it is determined in step SP3 that the ratio R1 is larger than the first predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S3.
In P5, the ratio R1 is changed to a second predetermined value (for example, 1
0.0) or less, and if it is determined that the ratio R1 is equal to or less than the second predetermined value, the process proceeds to step SP
At 6, a determination result (human detection result) indicating that a person is present in the left intermediate region is obtained. Conversely, if it is determined in step SP5 that the ratio R1 is larger than the second predetermined value, a determination result (human detection result) indicating that a person exists in the left area is obtained in step SP7.

If it is determined in step SP1 that Sa <Sb, the ratio R2 = Sb / Sa of the total sum Sa and Sb is calculated in step SP8, and the ratio R2 is set to the first predetermined value in step SP9. (For example,
2.5) It is determined whether or not the ratio is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
At 10, a determination result (human detection result) indicating that a person is present in the central area is obtained.

If it is determined in step SP9 that the ratio R2 is larger than the first predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S9.
In P11, the ratio R2 is changed to a second predetermined value (for example, 1
0.0) or less, and if it is determined that the ratio R2 is equal to or less than the second predetermined value, the process proceeds to step SP
At 12, a determination result (human detection result) indicating that a person exists in the right intermediate area is obtained. Conversely, step SP11
When it is determined that the ratio R2 is larger than the second predetermined value in step SP13, a determination result (human detection result) indicating that a person is present in the right area is obtained in step SP13.

FIG. 22 shows an example of an air purifier that displays the controlled clean air blowing direction when the clean air blowing direction is controlled based on the result of human detection obtained by the processing of the flowchart of FIG. Front view, FIG. 2
3 is an enlarged view of a main part.

This air purifier has a clean air outlet 1b at the center of the front of the casing 1, a display / operation unit 1c at the lower part of the front, and a central part of the upper part of the front. And a wind direction indicator 1g on the left side of the infrared sensor 8. The wind direction display section 1g has a display indicating the direction in which the clean air is blown out, and has five LEDs 1g1 to 1g5.

Therefore, the blowing direction of clean air can be easily recognized based on which LED is lit.

FIG. 24 shows another example of the air cleaner in which the controlled clean air blowing direction is displayed when the clean air blowing direction is controlled based on the human detection result obtained by the processing of the flowchart of FIG. It is a principal part front view which shows an example.

This air purifier differs from the air purifier of FIG. 22 in that five LEDs 1g1 to 1g constituting a wind direction display section 1g are provided between the infrared sensor 8 and the clean air outlet 1b.
1 g5.

Therefore, also in this case, the direction of blowing clean air can be easily recognized based on which LED is lit.

However, the direction of blowing clean air is LED
Instead of displaying by the LED, the position of the detected person is LED
Can also be displayed.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, it is possible to employ an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor or the like instead of the infrared sensor.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a human detection sensor comprising an ultrasonic sensor. In a predetermined position of the casing 1 of the local cleaning type air cleaner, recesses 51 and 52 are provided so as to be close to each other. An ultrasonic transmitter 53 is provided inside the recess 51 and an ultrasonic receiver 5 is provided inside the recess 52.
4, a driving circuit 56 for driving the ultrasonic transmitter 53 in response to an ON / OFF instruction signal from the CPU 55,
CPU 55 amplifies the output signal from ultrasonic receiver 54
And an amplifying circuit 57 for supplying a signal to the CPU 55, and a time measuring unit 58 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the CPU 55 to measure time. The time measuring unit 58 measures the required time from transmission to reception of the ultrasonic wave. The measured required time is input, and the required time is compared with a predetermined threshold in the CPU 55. If it is shorter, it is determined that a person is present in front of the locally purified air purifier main body 2. Therefore, it can be determined that a person is present only when a person is present relatively in front of the locally purified air purifier main body 2 and relatively close.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a human detection sensor composed of an optical sensor.
1 and 62, and the light emitting element 6
3 and a lens 64, and a light receiving element 65 and a lens 66 are provided in the inner part of the other recess 62, respectively.
Further, a drive circuit 68 for driving the light emitting element 63 in response to an ON / OFF instruction signal from the CPU and an amplifier circuit 69 for amplifying an output signal from the light receiving element 65 and supplying the amplified signal to the CPU 67 are further provided. Note that the CPU 67 compares the magnitude of the signal output from the amplifier circuit 69 with a predetermined threshold value, and when the signal output from the amplifier circuit 69 is larger, the person is placed in front of the local clean air purifier main body 2. Is determined to exist. The lens 64 converts light emitted from the light emitting element 63 into parallel rays, and the lens 66 forms light guided from the outside on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 65. However, the lens 64 is not limited to a lens that converts the light emitted from the light emitting element 63 into parallel rays, but may be applied as long as the directivity can be reduced by approaching the parallel rays. Therefore, it can be determined that a person is present only when a person is present relatively in front of the locally purified air purifier main body 2 and relatively close.

In the human detection sensor 8 shown in FIG.
The directivity is determined by the inner diameter and the depth of the recesses 61 and 62.

Therefore, even when the ultrasonic sensor and the optical sensor are employed, the same operation as the above embodiment can be achieved.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but may employ the following configuration.

As the human detecting means, at least a plurality of sensor means having different horizontal visual fields are compared with output signals from the plurality of sensor means as inputs, and based on the comparison result, the sensor means is used as a reference. And a relative position detection unit that outputs a position detection signal indicating a relative position of a person.By adopting this configuration, each of the plurality of sensor units can be used based on output signals from a plurality of sensor units. Whether there is a person in the field of view of the sensor means alone,
Whether or not a person exists outside the field of view of all the sensor means, that is, the position of the person can be detected with a certain degree of accuracy, and by controlling the clean air blowing direction according to the detection result, the necessary range is obtained. Can be cleaned.

As the sensor means, it is possible to employ a sensor in which the horizontal visual fields of the plurality of sensor means are partially overlapped with each other. By adopting this configuration, the visual field of the plurality of sensor means can be reduced. Can also be detected if there is a person in the range where.

As each of the sensor means, it is possible to adopt one in which the direction of the visual field is set by setting the relative installation angle with respect to the virtual reference plane. The viewing direction of the means can be set.

As the human detecting means, it is possible to employ a means further including a light-shielding member provided in the field of view of each sensor means in order to set the detectable range of the relative position of the human. Thereby, the relative position detectable range of the person can be set.

As the sensor means, it is possible to adopt a sensor means capable of changing the direction of the visual field of each sensor means in order to set a range in which the relative position of a person can be detected. , A human relative position detectable range can be set.

As the plurality of sensor means, those arranged at positions close to each other can be adopted. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to shorten the wiring and achieve the common use of the substrate. As a result, noise resistance and ease of manufacture can be improved.

As the human detection means, an output signal from the plurality of sensor means is used as an input, and further includes a determination means for determining the magnitude of the output signals and outputting a human detection signal indicating a relative position of a person. It is possible to increase the accuracy of detecting the relative position of a person by adopting this configuration.

As the determination means, a means for outputting a human detection signal indicating that a person is present within the field of view of only the corresponding sensor means in response to the output of a significant output signal by only one sensor means. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to reliably detect the presence of a person in the field of view of only one sensor means.

As the judging means, a means which does not output a new human detection signal in response to the output signals from all the sensor means being smaller than a predetermined threshold value can be adopted. By adopting, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to slight movement of only a hand, a finger or the like.

As the judging means, an output signal from the plurality of sensor means is used as an input, a ratio between the output signals is calculated, and a person detection signal indicating a direction in which a person is present is output from the calculated ratio. By adopting this configuration, variations such as the distance from the sensor to the person and the magnitude (degree) of the movement can be absorbed, and the relative position detection accuracy of the person can be further improved.

As the sensor means, a pyroelectric infrared sensor is employed. As the determination means, an output signal from the pyroelectric infrared sensor is periodically taken in, and the absolute difference between the latest output signal and the immediately preceding output signal is obtained. Values that accumulate within a predetermined period and obtain and output a human detection signal from the accumulated value can be adopted. By adopting this configuration, the output signal can be relatively easily processed and the output signal can be obtained. , The accuracy of detecting the relative position of a person can be improved.

As the sensor means, a pyroelectric infrared sensor is employed. As the determination means, an output signal from the pyroelectric infrared sensor is periodically taken in, and a maximum output signal and a minimum output signal within a predetermined period are obtained. It is possible to employ a device that calculates the difference from the calculated difference, and obtains and outputs a human detection signal from the calculated difference. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to perform a simple process that only calculates the difference. Thereby, the relative position detection accuracy of a person can be improved.

As the determination means, a means for outputting a new human detection signal in response to a significant output signal being continuously output from at least one of the sensor means for a predetermined time or more can be employed. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to omit the processing by the determination means while the person is moving, and reduce the calculation load.

As the determination means, of the output signals from the sensor means, a signal which outputs a human detection signal from a signal for a predetermined time period which is the latest in time can be adopted.
By employing this configuration, the final position after the person has moved can be reliably detected.

As the determination means, a means for outputting a human detection signal can be employed on condition that non-significant output signals from all the sensor means have continued for a predetermined time or more. This configuration is employed. This makes it possible to accurately detect the position of a person while eliminating the influence of instantaneous movement.

As the sensor means, a pyroelectric infrared sensor can be employed, and by adopting this configuration, the human detection function can be improved at a sufficiently low cost.

As the human detecting means, in order to cover the field of view of the pyroelectric infrared sensor, there are a region within the visual field that allows the infrared ray to enter the pyroelectric infrared sensor and a region that blocks the infrared ray from entering. It is possible to adopt a member further having a member, and by adopting this configuration, it is possible to achieve an improvement in human detection sensitivity.

In order to cover the field of view of the pyroelectric infrared sensor, a member having a region which permits the incidence of infrared light on the pyroelectric infrared sensor and a region which blocks the incidence of infrared light within the visual field is used as a member. It is possible to adopt an infrared sensor that does not have the effect of extending the operating distance, and by adopting this configuration, achieves cost reduction compared to the case of using an infrared sensor that has the effect of extending the operating distance. In addition to this, it is possible to prevent the detection of infrared rays from a distant infrared source and suppress disturbance.

[0116]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is a specific effect that the clean air can be blown out in the predetermined range on average and the local area in the predetermined range can be cleaned on average.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to averagely clean a local area only within a necessary range, and the degree of cleaning can be reduced as compared with a case where the local area is averagely cleaned within an unnecessary range. Is achieved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily change the direction of blowing clean air by manual operation, and it is not necessary to change the direction of the locally-cleaning type air purifier. It has the unique effect of being able to.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when a person moves due to turning over or the like, the direction of blowing clean air can be changed to the direction where a person is present. The required time can be shortened, and thus only the vicinity of the place where the person is located can be quickly cleaned, and the degree of cleaning can be significantly increased.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, as a human detection sensor,
There is a unique effect that a simple and inexpensive device can be employed as compared with an image sensor or the like.

The invention of claim 6 has the specific effects that energy can be saved and the life of the filter included in the locally purified air cleaner body can be extended.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to achieve energy saving, achieve a longer life of the filter included in the main body of the locally purified air purifier, and, if necessary, only in the vicinity of a place where a person is present. Has a specific effect that can be purified.

The invention of claim 8 is the invention of claims 4 to 7
In addition to any of the above effects,
A unique effect is obtained in that the face of the face easily enters the visual field, and the sensitivity of detecting a sleeping person can be increased.

The ninth aspect of the present invention relates to the fourth to seventh aspects.
In addition to any of the effects described above, a unique effect that the height of the air cleaner body can be reduced can be obtained.

The tenth aspect of the invention has a specific effect that the overall shape can be reduced without impairing the air cleaning action, in addition to the effect of any of the fourth to seventh aspects. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of the air purifier of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a central transverse sectional view of the same.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a mechanism (vertical flap control unit) for changing the direction of a vertical flap.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing another example of a mechanism (vertical flap control unit) for changing the direction of the vertical flap.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating a field of view of an infrared sensor.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an attached state of an infrared sensor in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 7 is an electric circuit diagram illustrating an example of an electric configuration of a signal processing unit that performs processing based on output signals from both infrared sensors.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a clean air blowing direction is changed according to a human detection signal.

FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing a specific example in which a locally purified air purifier is installed at a bedside of a sleeping person.

FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which an air purifier without a vertical flap drive mechanism is installed on a bedside of a sleeping person.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing another embodiment of the air purifier of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view illustrating a field of view of an infrared sensor.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing still another embodiment of the air purifier of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a central cross-sectional view of the same.

FIG. 15 is a front view showing another mounting example of the infrared sensor.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the above.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the same.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an original signal.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the human detection device in detail.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating in detail a process of step SP8 in the flowchart of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a state in which substantially the entire range of the bun is divided into five regions.

FIG. 22 is a front view showing an example of an air purifier configured to display the controlled clean air blowing direction when the clean air blowing direction is controlled based on the human detection result obtained by the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 20; FIG.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a main part of the above.

FIG. 24 shows another example of the air purifier configured to display the controlled clean air blowing direction when the clean air blowing direction is controlled based on the human detection result obtained by the process of the flowchart of FIG. It is a principal part front view shown.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a human detection sensor including an ultrasonic sensor.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a human detection sensor including an optical sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 casing 1b clean air outlet 1e viewing angle limiting member 1f mesh member 8 infrared sensor 8e microcomputer 8h viewing angle limiting member 53 ultrasonic transmitter 54 ultrasonic receiver 63 light emitting element 65 light receiving element 80 human detecting means

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A local cleaning type air purifier main body (1), and a blowing direction setting means capable of changing a cleaning air blowing direction of the local cleaning type air purifying body (1) within a predetermined range. A local clean type air purifier characterized by the following. 2. The local clean air according to claim 1, wherein the blow direction setting means allows a user to set a change angle of a clean air blow direction of the local clean air purifier body (1). Cleaner. 3. The local air blower according to claim 1, wherein the blow air direction setting means is capable of changing a clean air air blow direction of the local clean air purifier main body (1) within a predetermined range by a manual operation. Clean air purifier. 4. A person detecting means (80), wherein the blowing direction setting means sets a clean air blowing direction to a direction where a person is present in response to a person detecting signal from the person detecting means (80). 2. The locally purified air purifier according to claim 1, wherein the air purifier is an air purifier. 5. The human detecting means (80) includes a plurality of human detecting sensors (8), (53), (54), (63) and (65), and includes a plurality of human detecting sensors (8), (53) and (54). ) (6
3) The locally purified air purifier according to claim 4, wherein the position of a person is detected based on the output from (65). 6. The local cleaning type air purifier main body (1).
6. The local cleaning type air purifier according to claim 4, wherein the air purifying operation is stopped in response to the person detecting means (80) not detecting a person for a predetermined time or more. 7. The local detecting type air purifier main body (1) stops the air cleaning operation in response to the human detecting means (80) not detecting a person for a predetermined time or more. 7. The local cleaning type air purifier according to claim 6, wherein a human detection operation is performed at predetermined time intervals after the operation. 8. The local cleaning type air purifier according to claim 4, wherein the human detecting means (80) is provided at a predetermined position on an upper surface of a front surface of the air purifier body (1). Machine. 9. The locally purified air according to claim 4, wherein the human detecting means (80) is provided at a predetermined position on a front side of the air cleaner body (1). Cleaner. 10. The air purifier body (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the human detecting means (80) is provided at a central portion of a clean air blowing section (1b) of the air purifier body (1). Locally clean air purifier.