JP2008215781A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner capable of feeding an aroma chemical corresponding to atmosphere in a room to be air-conditioned. <P>SOLUTION: An air cleaner 100 is provided with an aroma part 130 for feeding the aroma chemical to a peripheral space; an aroma odor sensor 110 for detecting the aroma chemical fed by the aroma part 130 and not detecting odor; and an indoor odor sensor 120 for detecting odor. The aroma part 130 is constituted to adjust a feed amount of the aroma chemical to the peripheral space according to an amount of the aroma chemical detected by the aroma odor sensor 110 regardless of an amount of odor detected by the indoor odor sensor 120. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention generally relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner capable of generating aroma and deodorizing.

  In recent years, interest in the indoor environment has increased, and along with this, air conditioners having various air conditioning functions have been proposed. Such functions include, for example, a deodorizing function that releases a deodorizing agent to eliminate indoor odors, and an aroma function that releases an aroma agent and releases a fragrance indoors.

  The air cleaning device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-121110 (Patent Document 1) includes an odor sensor, an aroma generator, an ozone generator, and a photocatalytic filter. When the odor sensor detects odor, ammonia and acetaldehyde are detected by ozone and the photocatalyst. In addition, malodorous substances such as mercaptans are oxidized and decomposed to deodorize the air. Thereafter, the aroma generating device generates aroma. When the odor sensor detects odor even during fragrance generation, the generation of fragrance is stopped and deodorization is performed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-141618 (Patent Document 2) includes a deodorizing function unit, an aroma generating unit, and an odor sensor. When the odor sensor detects an odor, the generation of the fragrance is stopped. A toilet deodorizing aroma device that performs deodorization is described.
JP 2000-121110 A JP 2004-141618 A

  However, the air purifier described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-121110 (Patent Document 1) and the deodorizing aroma for toilet described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-141618 (Patent Document 2) The odor is detected by one type of sensor. Sensors that detect malodorous substances such as ammonia, acetaldehyde, mercaptans, etc. as odors using the reductive properties of these substances also detect limonene and linalool, which are often used as substances for generating fragrances, as well as odors. Resulting in. Since it is not possible to determine whether the substance detected by the sensor is a substance that makes a bad odor or a fragrant substance, when the fragrance is generated, the fragrance is detected as a bad odor and a deodorizing operation is performed. This causes a malfunction of deodorizing the fragrance. If such a malfunction occurs, the aroma chemical is wasted. Further, since it is not possible to distinguish between bad odor and fragrance, it is difficult to control the intensity of the generated fragrance.

  Then, the objective of this invention is providing the air conditioner which can supply the atmosphere adjustment material according to the atmosphere in the air conditioning object room.

  An air conditioner according to the present invention detects an atmosphere adjusting material supplying means for supplying an atmosphere adjusting material to the surrounding space, an atmosphere adjusting material supplied by the atmosphere adjusting material supplying means, and detects no odor. One detection means and a second detection means for detecting odor, and the atmosphere adjusting material supply means is controlled by the first detection means regardless of the amount of odor detected by the second detection means. The supply amount to the space around the atmosphere adjusting material is adjusted according to the detected amount of the atmosphere adjusting material.

  When the atmosphere adjustment material is supplied into the air conditioning target room by the atmosphere adjustment material supply means, both the first detection means and the second detection means detect the atmosphere adjustment material. On the other hand, when there is a malodorous substance causing odor such as mercaptan in the air conditioning target room, only the second detecting means detects the odor. By comparing the detection result of the first detection means and the detection result of the second detection means, it is possible to distinguish and detect the odor caused by the malodorous substance and the atmosphere adjusting material.

  In this way, the supply amount of the atmosphere adjusting material into the air-conditioning target room is adjusted according to the amount of the atmosphere adjusting material detected as distinguished from the bad odor. By doing so, for example, when the atmosphere adjusting material generates fragrance, if the fragrance becomes strong, the supply amount of the atmosphere adjusting material is decreased, or if the fragrance is weak, the supply amount of the atmosphere adjusting material is increased. Can be.

  By doing in this way, the air conditioner which can supply the atmosphere adjustment material according to the atmosphere in the air conditioning object room can be provided.

  In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the atmosphere adjusting material supply means includes a container for storing the liquid atmosphere adjusting material, a pump for injecting the atmosphere adjusting material from the inside of the container to the outside of the container, It is preferable to have a blower that blows air in order to gradually release the atmosphere adjusting material infused to the outside of the container by the pump into the surrounding space.

  By doing in this way, since the sustained release of the atmosphere adjusting material can be adjusted by air blowing by the blower, for example, the atmosphere adjusting material is kept low while the amount of air blown into the air-conditioning target room by the air conditioner is kept low. The atmospheric conditioner can be released gradually without being influenced by the amount of air blown into the air-conditioning target room generated by the air conditioner, such as generating a strong wind with a blower for slow release and supplying a large amount of the atmosphere conditioner. it can.

  In the air conditioner according to the present invention, it is preferable that the air blower is configured to reduce the air blowing amount when the amount of the atmosphere adjusting material detected by the first detecting means increases.

  By doing in this way, it becomes possible to supply the atmosphere adjusting material stably into the air conditioning target room without diffusing the atmosphere adjusting material at once.

  In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the air blower is configured to increase the air flow rate when the amount of the atmosphere adjusting material detected by the first detection means reaches an equilibrium state. Is preferred.

  When the supply of the atmosphere adjusting material is stably performed, the amount of the atmosphere adjusting material detected by the first detection means reaches an equilibrium state. Further, by increasing the air flow rate, the atmosphere adjusting material staying around the first detecting means can be diffused.

  In this way, after it is confirmed that the atmosphere adjusting material is stably supplied, the atmosphere adjusting material staying around the first detecting means is diffused to newly add the atmosphere adjusting material. Can be detected again.

  In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the air blower is configured such that the amount of the atmosphere adjusting material detected by the first detection means decreases from a value greater than a predetermined value to become a predetermined value or less. Is preferably configured to stop blowing.

  As time elapses after the supply of the atmosphere adjusting material, the atmosphere adjusting material diffuses from the atmosphere adjusting material supply means into the air conditioning target room. For this reason, when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the start of the supply of the atmosphere adjusting material, the amount of the atmosphere adjusting material detected by the first detecting means gradually decreases to a predetermined value or less.

  Therefore, when it is confirmed that the amount of the atmosphere adjustment material detected by the first detection means has become a predetermined value or less and the atmosphere adjustment material is sufficiently diffused in the air-conditioning target room, the blowing is stopped. Thus, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that does not waste operation.

  In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the air blower is preferably configured not to blow air for a predetermined time when the air blowing is stopped.

  By doing so, for example, when the atmosphere adjusting material is a deodorizing component, the deodorizing effect after the atmosphere adjusting material has sufficiently diffused into the room can be confirmed. Further, for example, when the atmosphere adjusting material generates fragrance, it becomes possible to effectively feel the fragrance due to the atmosphere adjusting material without fatigue of the user's nose due to continuous release of the atmosphere adjusting material. .

  The air conditioner according to the present invention preferably includes a flow path through which gas flows, and the first detection means is disposed on the downstream side of the atmosphere adjusting material supply means in the flow path.

  By doing in this way, an atmosphere adjustment material can be detected correctly. In addition, the time required from the time when the atmosphere adjusting material is gradually released to the detection can be shortened.

  In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the second detection means is preferably configured such that the detection sensitivity decreases as the amount of the atmosphere adjusting material detected by the first detection means increases. .

  By doing so, priority is given to the detection result of the first detection means, so even if the concentration of the atmosphere adjusting material is increased, it is not determined that the odor has increased. For example, even in an air conditioner that performs deodorization according to the detection result of the second detection means, it is mistakenly recognized that the odor has become strong when the concentration of the atmosphere adjustment material becomes high, and the deodorization is performed. It is possible to prevent the adjustment material from being wasted.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioner capable of supplying an atmosphere adjusting material according to the atmosphere in the air conditioning target room.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The atmosphere adjusting material is a substance capable of adjusting the space by exhibiting effects such as aroma, sterilization, sterilization, mold prevention, deodorization, and deodorization. In the following embodiments, an aroma chemical containing components such as limonene and linalool is used as the atmosphere adjusting material as the scent of lemon or orange.

  FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing an entire air cleaner as a representative of an air conditioner as one embodiment of the present invention. The left side of the figure is the front of the air cleaner, and the right side is the back. The front panel of the air cleaner has been removed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the air purifier 100 includes a base 107, a main body 101 supported on the base 107, and an odor sensor for fragrance as a first detection means disposed inside the main body 101. 110, an indoor odor sensor 120 as a second detection means, an aroma part 130 as an atmosphere adjustment material supply means, a fan 106, a deodorizing device, a control part, and a front upper portion of the main body 101. The operation panel 108 is provided. A front air inlet 102 is formed on the front surface of the main body 101 over almost the entire front surface, and a side air inlet 103 is formed between the main body 101 and the front panel. A blower outlet 104 and a blower outlet 105 are formed below the operation unit 108 on the upper surface of the main body 101 and the front upper part, respectively.

  The indoor odor sensor 120 is an odor sensor using a metal oxide semiconductor element, and the fragrance odor sensor 110 is an odor sensor using an optical fiber.

  By operating the operation panel 108, the user can control the start of various operations of the air cleaner 100, the switching of the operation, the stop of the operation, and the like. The operation panel 108 is provided with an aroma switch for switching between driving (ON) and driving stop (OFF) of the aroma unit 130. The user can select the fragrance intensity from “strong”, “medium”, “low”, and the like.

  The fan 106 rotates in a plane parallel to the front intake port 102 about an axis extending substantially horizontally from the back side to the front side of the main body 101. As the fan 106 rotates, the gas outside the air cleaner 100 is sucked in the axial direction of the fan 106 and exhausted in the circumferential direction of the fan 106. When the fan 106 rotates, gas flows in the direction of the arrow Q indicated by a two-dot chain line in the drawing. The gas outside the air cleaner 100 is sucked into the main body 101 from the front air inlet 102, and the flow path in which the odor sensor 110 for fragrance, the odor sensor 120 for indoor use, the fragrance section 130, and the deodorizing device are arranged. The air is exhausted from the air outlet 104 and the air outlet 105 through the ventilation path.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the entire fragrance portion.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fragrance unit 130 is a fragrance medicine storage tank 131 as a container for storing a liquid fragrance medicine, a micro flow rate pump 132 as a pump, a volatile dish 133, and a fragrance as a blower. A fan 134 and a heating device 135 are included.

  The fragrance medicine storage tank 131 is connected to the micro flow pump 132 by a suction pipe 136a. The fragrance medicine in the fragrance medicine storage tank 131 is sucked into the micro flow pump 132 through the suction pipe 136a when the micro flow pump 132 is driven, and discharged from the micro flow pump 132 into the discharge pipe 136b. Then, it is dropped into the volatile dish 133 disposed below the discharge pipe 136b. The amount of the aroma chemical dropped onto the volatile dish 133 can be adjusted by the driving time of the micro flow pump 132 and the voltage applied to the micro flow pump 132.

  The fragrance medicine dropped into the volatile dish 133 is gradually released when the fragrance fan 134 is driven and blown to the volatile dish 133. The amount of the fragrance medicine that is gradually released is adjusted by the amount of the fragrance medicine that is dropped onto the volatile dish 133, the amount of air blown by the fragrance fan 134, the drive time of the fragrance fan 134, and the like. Even if a certain amount of the fragrance medicine dropped on the volatile dish 133 is used, the amount of sustained release per unit time is reduced to increase the time required for a constant amount of release, or the sustained release per unit time. A large amount of the fragrance drug can be released in a short time by increasing the amount to be used.

  A heating device 135 for heating the volatile dish 133 is disposed below the volatile dish 133. The warming device 135 may be embedded in the volatile dish 133. When the heating device 135 heats the volatile dish 133, the sustained release of the aroma chemical can be promoted. In addition, the rate of sustained release can be adjusted by changing the temperature of the heating device 135.

  The fragrance medicine that has been gradually released from the fragrance portion 130 flows upward in the direction indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow R in FIG. 1, passes through the odor sensor 110 for fragrance, and is discharged from the outlet 104 and the outlet 105. 100 is discharged to the outside.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic entire interior odor sensor. 3A is a top view of the indoor odor sensor, and FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the indoor odor sensor.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in the indoor odor sensor 120, a gas sensitive element 122 and an electrode 123 formed of tin oxide (SnO ₂ ) as an oxide semiconductor are arranged on the upper surface of an alumina substrate 121. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, a heater 125 and a lead wire 124 are attached to the bottom surface of the indoor odor sensor 120.

  Oxygen is adsorbed on the surface of the gas sensitive element 122. The electron affinity of oxygen adsorbed on the surface of the gas sensitive element 122 captures the electrons flowing through the gas sensitive element 122 and prevents the flow of electrons in the gas sensitive element 122, so that oxygen is adsorbed. The electric resistance of the gas sensitive element 122 is larger than the electric resistance of the gas sensitive element 122 in a state where oxygen is not adsorbed.

  When a reducing gas such as mercaptan, which is a malodorous substance, is adsorbed to the gas-sensitive element 122 to which oxygen has been adsorbed, an oxidation reaction occurs in which the reducing gas reacts with oxygen on the surface of the gas-sensitive element 122, so that oxygen becomes the gas-sensitive element 122. Removed from the surface. When oxygen is removed from the surface of the gas sensitive element 122, electrons easily move on the surface of the gas sensitive element 122, so that the electric resistance of the gas sensitive element 122 is reduced.

  Thus, since the electrical resistance between the electrodes 123 changes corresponding to the concentration of the reducing gas adsorbed on the surface of the gas sensitive element 122, the indoor odor sensor 120 converts this electrical resistance into a voltage, The amount of reducing gas adsorbed on the gas sensitive element 122 is detected by measuring the voltage.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic entire odor sensor for fragrance. 4A is a front view of the odor sensor for fragrance, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a detection unit of the odor sensor for fragrance.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the odor sensor 110 for fragrance includes a light source 111 such as a light emitting diode, a digital meter 112 for detecting light, a photomultiplier tube 113, and a detector 114. The light source 111 and the digital meter 112 are connected to an optical fiber 115 and an optical fiber 116, respectively. One end of each of the optical fiber 115 and the optical fiber 116 is connected to the light source 111 or the digital meter 112, and the other end of each of the optical fiber 115 and the optical fiber 116 is combined into one optical fiber. It is connected to the detection unit 114 via 117. In the optical fiber 116, a photomultiplier tube 113 is disposed at an intermediate portion.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, in the detection unit 114, a polystyrene thin film 118 is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber 117, and metal is deposited on the end surface of the optical fiber 117 to form a metal film 119. ing.

  The light emitted from the light source 111 shown in FIG. 4A enters the detection unit 114 through the optical fiber 115 and the optical fiber 117, and is indicated by a two-dot chain line arrow P in FIG. Then, the light is reflected by the metal film 119, passes through the optical fiber 117 and the optical fiber 116, and enters the photomultiplier tube 113. The photomultiplier tube 113 amplifies the incident light. The light amplified by the photomultiplier tube 113 enters the digital meter 112.

  Limonene, which is included in the fragrance agent and makes you feel the scent of orange and lemon, dissolves polystyrene. When limonene contained in the fragrance agent adheres to the detection unit 114 of the fragrance sensor 110, the limonene dissolves the polystyrene film 118, and the limonene is adsorbed to the polystyrene film 118. Since the refractive index of the polystyrene film 118 that adsorbs limonene changes, the reflection amount of light passing through the optical fiber 117 changes and is detected by the digital meter 112 before and after the limonene is adsorbed to the polystyrene film 118. The amount of light that changes. Further, the amount of light detected by the digital meter 112 also changes depending on the amount of limonene adsorbed on the polystyrene film 118.

  Limonene, which is an aromatic component, dissolves polystyrene, but mercaptans, which are malodorous substances, do not dissolve polystyrene. Therefore, the fragrance odor sensor 110 can selectively detect only the fragrance component.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control-related configuration of the air purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 150 of the air purifier 100 includes a micro flow pump 132 of the fragrance unit 130, a fragrance fan 134, a heating device 135, and a deodorizing device 161 and a fan 106 of the air purification unit 160. The control signal is transmitted to the control panel 108 and the control signal is received from the operation panel 108. The control unit 150 transmits and receives control signals to and from the odor sensor 110 for fragrance and the odor sensor 120 for indoor use. The air cleaning unit 160 and the fragrance unit 130 are independently controlled.

  When the user turns on the fragrance switch on the operation panel 108, the control unit 150 transmits a control signal for starting driving to the micro flow pump 132, the fragrance fan 134, and the heating device 135. The micro flow pump 132 that has received the control signal transmitted by the control unit 150 starts driving, and the fragrance medicine in the fragrance medicine storage tank 131 is infused into the volatile dish 133. During the operation of the fragrance unit 130, the fragrance smell sensor 110 detects the odor.

  The odor sensor 110 for fragrance and the odor sensor 120 for indoor use transmit control signals to the control unit 150 according to the degree of odor detected by each. The control unit 150 that has received the control signals from the odor sensor 110 and the odor sensor 120 for the room includes the odor level detected by the odor sensor 120 for the room and the odor level detected by the odor sensor 110 for the window. In comparison, the degree of bad odor to be deodorized is determined. The control unit 150 controls the fan 106 so as to operate the fan 106 of the air purifying unit 160 according to the degree of bad odor determined in this way, and ventilates the air through a deodorizing device such as an activated carbon filter. Clean the air in the room to be harmonized.

  FIG. 6 shows the time change (A) of the intensity of the fragrance detected by the odor sensor for fragrance, the time change (B) of the operation of the micro flow pump, the time change (C) of the operation of the fragrance fan, and the heating device. It is a figure which shows one example of the time change (D) of operation | movement.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the user turns on the aroma switch of the operation panel 108, the control unit 150 controls the micro flow pump 132 so that a certain amount of the aroma chemical is discharged to the volatile dish 133. The control unit 150 transmits a control signal to the micro flow pump 132 and then transmits a control signal to the fragrance fan 134 to control the drive of the fragrance fan 134. The micro flow pump 132 may transmit an operation confirmation signal to the control unit 150, and the control unit 150 may transmit the control signal to the fragrance fan 134 after receiving this confirmation signal. Moreover, the control part 150 transmits a control signal also to the heating apparatus 135, and controls so that the heating of the volatile dish 133 is started. When the aroma fan 134 and the heating device 135 are driven, the aroma chemical in the volatile dish 133 is heated and released. The odor sensor 110 for fragrance starts detecting odor and monitors the fragrance intensity of the fragrance medicine.

  The intensity of the odor detected by the fragrance odor sensor 110 shows a strong level immediately after the start of the sustained release of the fragrance drug, and then gradually decreases. When the odor detection level by the fragrance odor sensor 110 starts to decrease, the control unit 150 controls the fragrance fan 134 to gradually increase the air flow rate. The fragrance level detected by the odor sensor 110, that is, the concentration of the fragrance drug in the air is decreased and the amount of air blown is increased so that the user can feel the fragrance for a long time and stably. The drug can be released slowly.

  When a certain amount of time has passed and the fragrance agent has fully volatilized, the detected odor will equilibrate at a medium level. Since the fragrance medicine is attached to the detection unit 114 of the odor sensor 110 for fragrance, in order to clean the detection unit 114, the control unit 150 increases the air flow rate of the fragrance fan 134 and performs strong air blowing. To control. By removing the odor substance adhering to the detection unit 114 of the odor sensor 110 for fragrance by blowing air, the detected odor is lowered to a low level.

  Further, when time passes and the odor detected by the fragrance odor sensor 110 falls below a certain level, the control unit 150 controls to stop the blowing by the fragrance fan 134. Since it is detected that the amount of the odor detected by the fragrance odor sensor 110 is almost in the initial state, the controlled release of the fragrance medicine by the blowing of the fragrance fan 134 is completed. The released drug can be sufficiently released slowly.

  At the same time as the operation of the fragrance fan 134 is stopped, the control unit 150 performs control so as to stop the driving of the heating device 135, and ends the drive control of the fragrance unit 130.

  The control unit 150 performs control so that the fragrance 130 is not driven for a certain time after the drive control of the fragrance 130 is completed. By doing in this way, since the fragrance chemical | medical agent adhering to the detection part 114 of the fragrance smell sensor 110 can be removed more reliably, the detection value of the fragrance smell sensor 110 can be returned to an initial state.

  As described above, in the air purifier 100, the fragrance fan 134 is configured to decrease the blowing amount when the amount of the fragrance medicine detected by the fragrance odor sensor 110 increases.

  By doing in this way, it becomes possible to supply the aroma chemical | medical agent stably to an air conditioning object chamber, without diffusing at once.

  Further, in this way, in the air cleaner 100, the fragrance fan 134 is configured to increase the amount of air blown when the amount of the fragrance medicine detected by the fragrance odor sensor 110 reaches an equilibrium state. ing.

  When the fragrance medicine is stably supplied, the amount of the fragrance medicine detected by the odor sensor 110 reaches an equilibrium state. Moreover, the fragrance chemical | medical agent which stays around the odor sensor 110 for fragrance can be diffused by increasing blast volume.

  By doing in this way, after it is confirmed that the fragrance medicine is stably supplied, the fragrance medicine staying around the fragrance odor sensor 110 is diffused and newly added to the fragrance medicine. Can be detected again.

  Further, in this way, in the air purifier 100, the fragrance fan 134 has the amount of the fragrance drug detected by the fragrance odor sensor 110 decreased from a value greater than a predetermined value to be less than a predetermined value. In such a case, the air blowing is stopped.

  As time elapses after the supply of the fragrance medicine, the fragrance medicine diffuses from the fragrance portion 130 into the air conditioning chamber. Therefore, when a certain amount of time has elapsed from the start of supply of the fragrance drug, the amount of the fragrance drug detected by the fragrance odor sensor 110 gradually decreases to a predetermined value or less.

  Therefore, when it is confirmed that the amount of the fragrance drug detected by the fragrance odor sensor 110 is equal to or less than a predetermined value and the fragrance drug is sufficiently diffused in the air-conditioned room, the blowing is stopped. By this, it is possible to provide the air cleaner 100 that does not waste operation.

  FIG. 7 shows the time change (A) of the intensity of the fragrance detected by the odor sensor for fragrance, the time change (B) of the operation of the micro flow pump, the time change (C) of the operation of the fragrance fan, and the heating device. It is a figure which shows another example of the time change (D) of this operation | movement.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the user turns on the aroma switch of the operation panel 108, the control unit 150 controls the micro flow rate pump 132 so that a certain amount of the aroma chemical is discharged to the volatile dish 133. The control unit 150 transmits a control signal to the micro flow pump 132 and then transmits a control signal to the fragrance fan 134 to control the drive of the fragrance fan 134. The micro flow pump 132 may transmit an operation confirmation signal to the control unit 150, and the control unit 150 may transmit the control signal to the fragrance fan 134 after receiving this confirmation signal. Moreover, the control part 150 transmits a control signal also to the heating apparatus 135, and controls so that the heating of the volatile dish 133 is started. When the aroma fan 134 and the heating device 135 are driven, the aroma chemical in the volatile dish 133 is heated and released. The odor sensor 110 for fragrance starts detecting odor and monitors the fragrance intensity of the fragrance medicine.

  Regarding the ventilation of the fragrance fan 134, the control unit 150 controls the fragrance fan 134 so that the fragrance fan 134 performs strong ventilation. In this way, the volume and speed of the air blown by the fragrance fan 134 are increased, and the fragrance medicine in the volatile dish 133 is gradually released in a short time.

  The fragrance odor sensor 110 detects the odor due to the fragrance drug immediately after the start of the sustained release, but since the fragrance drug is gradually released by strong air blowing, the detected odor level decreases in a short time.

  When the odor detected by the fragrance odor sensor 110 falls below a certain level, the control unit 150 controls to stop driving the fragrance fan 134 and the heating device 135.

  The control unit 150 performs control so that the micro flow pump 132, the fragrance fan 134, and the heating device 135 are driven again after a predetermined time has elapsed since the fragrance fan 134 stopped. Thereafter, when the odor intensity detected by the fragrance odor sensor 110 is lower than a certain level, the fragrance fan 134 and the heating device 135 are controlled to stop driving. In this way, the control unit 150 performs control so that the micro flow pump 132, the fragrance fan 134, and the heating device 135 are repeatedly driven and stopped at regular intervals.

  This control may be performed when the user selects the “strong” level of fragrance intensity.

  Thus, in the air cleaner 100, the fragrance fan 134 is configured not to blow air for a predetermined time when the air blowing is stopped.

  By doing so, for example, when the fragrance chemical is a deodorizing component, the deodorization effect after the fragrance chemical has sufficiently diffused into the room can be confirmed. In addition, for example, when the fragrance drug generates fragrance, it is possible to effectively feel the fragrance due to the fragrance drug without fatigue of the user's nose by continuous release of the fragrance drug. .

  FIG. 8 shows changes in the detection sensitivity of the indoor odor sensor (A), changes in the detection sensitivity of the odor sensor (B), changes in the operation of the micro flow pump (C), and the operation of the fragrance fan. It is a figure which shows one example of a time change (D).

  As shown in FIG. 8, in a state where the user does not turn on the fragrance switch of the operation panel 108, the indoor odor sensor 120 is controlled so that the detection sensitivity is strong, and the detection sensitivity of the fragrance odor sensor 110 is controlled. Is controlled to be in a low state, that is, in a standby state.

  Even in a state where the user does not turn on the fragrance switch, in the air cleaner 100, the control unit 150 causes the fan 106 of the air cleaning unit 160 according to the degree of odor detected by the indoor odor sensor 120. The fan 106 is controlled to operate the air to clean the air in the air conditioning target room.

  When the user turns on the fragrance switch on the operation panel 108, the control unit 150 controls the micro flow pump 132 so that a certain amount of the fragrance medicine is discharged to the volatile dish 133. The control unit 150 transmits a control signal to the micro flow pump 132 and then transmits a control signal to the fragrance fan 134 to control the drive of the fragrance fan 134. When the fragrance fan 134 is driven, the fragrance medicine in the volatile dish 133 is gradually released.

  When the user turns on the scent switch of the operation panel 108, the control unit 150 increases the sensitivity of the scent sensor 110 and controls the scent medicine to be easily detected. The odor sensor 110 for fragrance starts detecting odor and monitors the fragrance intensity of the fragrance medicine. In addition, the control unit 150 performs control so that the sensitivity of the indoor odor sensor 120 is lowered and the sensor is kept in a low sensitivity state, that is, in a standby state.

  When a certain amount of time has elapsed and the odor level detected by the fragrance odor sensor 110 increases, the control unit 150 controls to increase the detection sensitivity of the indoor odor sensor 120. The indoor odor sensor 120 detects indoor odor.

  When the controller 150 determines that the fragrance drug infused into the volatile dish 133 is sufficiently gradually released and the fragrance drug is sufficiently diffused into the air-conditioning target chamber after a further time has elapsed, the controller 150 Controls to decrease the sensitivity of the odor sensor 110 for fragrance gradually, and controls to increase the sensitivity of the odor sensor 120 for indoor use. Until the fragrance part 130 is driven next, the detection sensitivity of the fragrance odor sensor 110 is in a standby state, and the indoor odor sensor 120 is in a high detection sensitivity state. The control unit 150 controls the air cleaning unit 160 so that the air purifier 100 continues the air cleaning operation.

  In this way, control is performed so as to change the sensitivities of the fragrance odor sensor 110 and the indoor odor sensor 120 in accordance with the degree of fragrance detected by the fragrance odor sensor 110. By driving, it is possible to use each sensor for a long time while suppressing deterioration of each sensor.

  Thus, in the air cleaner 100, the indoor odor sensor 120 is configured such that the detection sensitivity decreases when the amount of the fragrance medicine detected by the fragrance odor sensor 110 increases.

  By doing so, priority is given to the detection result of the fragrance odor sensor 110, and therefore, it is not determined that the odor has increased even if the concentration of the fragrance chemical is increased. For example, even in the air purifier 100 that performs deodorization according to the detection result of the indoor odor sensor 120, it is mistakenly recognized that the odor has become strong when the concentration of the fragrance chemical becomes high, and deodorization is performed. It is possible to prevent the fragrance medicine from being wasted.

  Thus, the air purifier 100 detects the fragrance part 130 for supplying the fragrance medicine to the surrounding space, and the fragrance sensor 110 for detecting the fragrance medicine supplied by the fragrance part 130 and not detecting the odor. And the odor sensor 120 for indoor use for detecting an odor, and the fragrance part 130 detects the fragrance agent detected by the odor sensor 110 for fragrance regardless of the amount of odor detected by the odor sensor 120 for indoor use. The supply amount of the fragrance medicine to the surrounding space is adjusted in accordance with the amount of the fragrance.

  When the fragrance medicine is supplied into the air-conditioning target room by the fragrance unit 130, both the fragrance odor sensor 110 and the room odor sensor 120 detect the fragrance medicine. On the other hand, when there is a malodorous substance that causes odor such as mercaptan in the air conditioning target room, only the indoor odor sensor 120 detects the odor. By comparing the detection result of the odor sensor 110 for fragrance with the detection result of the odor sensor 120 for indoor use, it is possible to distinguish and detect the odor caused by the malodorous substance and the fragrance chemical.

  In this way, the supply amount of the fragrance medicine into the air-conditioning target room is adjusted according to the amount of the fragrance medicine detected as distinguished from the bad odor. In this way, for example, when the fragrance medicine generates fragrance, if the fragrance becomes strong, the supply amount of the fragrance medicine is reduced, and if the fragrance is weak, the supply amount of the fragrance medicine is increased. Can be.

  By doing in this way, the air cleaner 100 which can supply the chemical | medical agent for fragrance according to the atmosphere in the air conditioning object room can be provided.

  In the air cleaner 100, the fragrance unit 130 includes a fragrance drug storage tank 131 for storing a liquid fragrance drug, and a fragrance drug from the fragrance drug storage tank 131 to the fragrance drug storage tank 131. A micro flow pump 132 for infusion to the outside, and a fragrance fan 134 for blowing air to slowly release the fragrance medicine infused to the outside of the fragrance medicine storage tank 131 by the micro flow pump 132. Have

  In this way, since the sustained release of the fragrance medicine can be adjusted by blowing air from the fragrance fan 134, for example, the fragrance is kept low while the amount of air blown into the air-conditioning target room by the air purifier 100 is kept low. The fragrance medicine is not affected by the amount of air blown into the air-conditioning target room generated by the air cleaner 100, such as by generating a strong wind by the fragrance fan 134 for gradually releasing the fragrance medicine and supplying a large amount of the fragrance medicine. Sustained release can be performed.

  The air purifier 100 includes a ventilation path through which gas flows, and the fragrance odor sensor 110 is disposed on the downstream side of the fragrance portion 130 in the ventilation path.

  By doing in this way, an aroma chemical | medical agent can be detected correctly. In addition, the time required from the time when the fragrance drug is released to the time of detection can be shortened.

  In the above embodiment, the air purifier 100 includes the fragrance fan 134 for gradually releasing the fragrance medicine separately from the fan 106 of the air purifier 160, but the fan 106 of the air purifier 160 It may also serve as a fan for gradual release of the fragrance agent, and each member of the air cleaner 100 is not limited to this embodiment, and the above-described control may be performed. Moreover, although the air cleaner was used as an air conditioner, it is possible to perform the same control in all devices capable of blowing air into the air-conditioning target room.

  The embodiment disclosed above should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above embodiments but by the scope of claims, and includes all modifications and variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 is a side sectional view schematically showing an entire air cleaner as a representative of an air conditioner as one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the whole fragrance part schematically. It is a figure showing the outline whole indoor smell sensor. 3A is a top view of the indoor odor sensor, and FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the indoor odor sensor. It is a figure which shows the schematic whole of the odor sensor for fragrances. 4A is a front view of the odor sensor for fragrance, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a detection unit of the odor sensor for fragrance. It is a block diagram which shows the control relevant structure of the air cleaner concerning one Embodiment of this invention. Temporal change in fragrance intensity detected by the odor sensor for fragrance (A), temporal change in the operation of the micro flow pump (B), temporal change in the operation of the fragrance fan (C), operation time of the heating device It is a figure which shows one example of a change (D). Temporal change in fragrance intensity detected by the odor sensor for fragrance (A), temporal change in the operation of the micro flow pump (B), temporal change in the operation of the fragrance fan (C), operation time of the heating device It is a figure which shows another example of a change (D). Time change of detection sensitivity of indoor odor sensor (A), time change of detection sensitivity of odor sensor for fragrance (B), time change of operation of micro flow pump (C), time change of operation of fragrance fan (D) It is a figure which shows one example of.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100: Air cleaner, 110: Fragrance smell sensor, 120: Indoor odor sensor, 130: Fragrance part, 131: Fragrance chemical storage tank, 132: Micro flow pump, 134: Fragrance fan

Claims (8)

Atmosphere adjusting material supply means for supplying the atmosphere adjusting material to the surrounding space;
A first detecting means for detecting the atmosphere adjusting material supplied by the atmosphere adjusting material supplying means and not detecting an odor;
A second detection means for detecting odor,
Regardless of the amount of odor detected by the second detection means, the atmosphere adjustment material supply means is a space around the atmosphere adjustment material according to the amount of the atmosphere adjustment material detected by the first detection means. An air conditioner configured to adjust the supply amount to the.   The atmosphere adjusting material supply means includes a container for storing a liquid atmosphere adjusting material, a pump for injecting the atmosphere adjusting material from the inside of the container to the outside of the container, and the outside of the container by the pump. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: a blower that blows air to gradually release the infused atmosphere adjusting material to the surrounding space.   The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the air blower is configured to reduce the air flow rate when the amount of the atmosphere adjusting material detected by the first detection means increases.   4. The air blower according to claim 2, wherein the air blower is configured to increase the air flow when the amount of the atmosphere adjusting material detected by the first detection unit reaches an equilibrium state. 5. Air conditioner.   The air blower is configured to stop air blowing when the amount of the atmosphere adjusting material detected by the first detection means decreases from a value larger than a predetermined value and becomes a predetermined value or less. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the air conditioner is provided.   The air conditioner according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the air blower is configured not to blow air for a predetermined time when air blowing is stopped. With a flow path through which gas flows,
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first detection unit is disposed on the downstream side of the atmosphere adjusting material supply unit in the flow path.   The detection means according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second detection means is configured such that the detection sensitivity decreases as the amount of the atmosphere adjusting material detected by the first detection means increases. Item 1. An air conditioner according to item 1.

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