JP2014152995A - Air cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem in which when an air cleaning operation is started from a stand-by state in which the air cleaning operation is not performed, an odor sensor erroneously detects an air pollution level and thus a fan rotation speed is often not controlled appropriately at the start of the air cleaning operation.SOLUTION: In an air cleaner, an erroneous detection prevention control for dulling sensitivity of an odor sensor is started, when a predetermined time T1 (second predetermined time) passes from a stop of an air cleaning operation. Also, when a predetermined time T2 (first predetermined time) passes from an operation start of a fan, the erroneous detection prevention control is ended.

Description

  The present invention relates to an air purifier that detects an air pollution level with an odor sensor and controls a fan in accordance with the air pollution level.

  Some conventional air purifiers always detect the degree of air pollution (odor) with an odor sensor and control the number of fan rotations (air volume) according to the degree of air pollution.

JP 2006-57942 A

  In the above air cleaner, in the standby state where the air cleaning operation is not performed, since the fan is stopped, the air does not flow around the odor sensor, but the odor based on the odor sensor heater and the electricity around the odor sensor The odor based on the components gradually increases the degree of air contamination detected by the odor sensor. Also, since odors based on the odor sensor heater and odors based on the electrical components around the odor sensor are trapped around the odor sensor, the odor sensor detects when the air around the odor sensor starts flowing at the start of the air cleaning operation. The air pollution level temporarily increases rapidly.

  Therefore, in the above air cleaner, when the air cleaning operation is started from a standby state where the air cleaning operation is not performed, the odor sensor erroneously detects the degree of air contamination, so that the fan at the start of the air cleaning operation is The rotation speed may not be properly controlled.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an air cleaner that can prevent the fan rotation speed at the start of the air cleaning operation from being appropriately controlled by the odor sensor detecting the air contamination level by mistake.

  An air cleaner according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a casing having an inlet and an outlet, a fan disposed in the casing, an odor sensor for detecting odor, and the fan based on an output of the odor sensor. Control means for controlling, and at the start of an air cleaning operation, the sensitivity of the odor sensor is dulled, or false detection prevention control that does not use the output of the odor sensor for control is started.

  In this air purifier, the sensitivity of the odor sensor is dulled at the start of the air cleaning operation, or the false detection prevention control that does not use the output of the odor sensor for control is started, so in the standby state where the air cleaning operation is not started. When the odor based on the odor sensor or the odor based on the electrical components around the odor sensor increases the odor contamination detected by the odor sensor, or when the air cleaning operation starts, the odor accumulated around the odor sensor is caused by the fan. When the air pollution level starts to be detected by the generated air flow and the level of air contamination detected by the odor sensor increases, the odor sensor is prevented from erroneously detecting the level of air contamination. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fan rotational speed at the start of the air cleaning operation from being appropriately controlled by the odor sensor detecting the air contamination level by mistake.

  The air cleaner according to a second aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the air cleaner according to the first aspect of the invention, the erroneous detection prevention control is ended when a first predetermined time has elapsed from the start of operation of the fan. To do.

  In this air purifier, the false detection prevention control is terminated when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fan operation, so that the odor that has accumulated around the odor sensor is dispersed by the air flow generated by the fan, and the odor sensor is When the air contamination level is no longer detected erroneously, the erroneous detection prevention control ends. Therefore, the erroneous detection prevention control can be terminated when there is no need to prevent erroneous detection.

  In the air cleaner according to the third aspect of the invention, in the air cleaner according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the false detection prevention control is performed after the air purification operation is stopped and the second predetermined time has elapsed. It is performed when the clean operation is started.

  In this air purifier, the erroneous detection prevention control is performed when the air cleaning operation is started after the air cleaning operation is stopped and a predetermined time has elapsed. After that, when the degree of air contamination detected by the odor sensor increases due to odor based on the odor sensor heater or odor based on the electrical components around the odor sensor, erroneous detection prevention control is performed. Therefore, when the odor sensor 3 is easy to erroneously detect the degree of air contamination, the erroneous detection prevention control can be performed.

  An air cleaner according to a fourth invention is characterized in that, in the air cleaner according to any one of the first to third inventions, the odor sensor is always energized and detects odor.

  In this air purifier, in the air purifier that always detects the degree of air contamination by the odor sensor, it is possible to prevent the joystick operation mode from being canceled when the odor sensor detects the degree of air contamination by mistake.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the first invention, at the start of the air cleaning operation, the sensitivity of the odor sensor is dulled, or the false detection prevention control that does not use the output of the odor sensor for control is started, so in the standby state where the air cleaning operation is not started. When the odor based on the odor sensor or the odor based on the electrical components around the odor sensor increases the odor contamination detected by the odor sensor, or when the air cleaning operation starts, the odor accumulated around the odor sensor is caused by the fan. When the air pollution level starts to be detected by the generated air flow and the level of air contamination detected by the odor sensor increases, the odor sensor is prevented from erroneously detecting the level of air contamination. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fan rotational speed at the start of the air cleaning operation from being appropriately controlled by the odor sensor detecting the air contamination level by mistake.

  In the second aspect of the invention, the erroneous detection prevention control is terminated when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of operation of the fan. Therefore, the odor accumulated around the odor sensor is dispersed by the air flow generated by the fan, and the odor sensor is When the air contamination level is no longer detected erroneously, the erroneous detection prevention control ends. Therefore, the erroneous detection prevention control can be terminated when there is no need to prevent erroneous detection.

  In the third aspect of the invention, the erroneous detection prevention control is performed when the air cleaning operation is started after the air cleaning operation is stopped and a predetermined time has elapsed. After that, when the degree of air contamination detected by the odor sensor increases due to odor based on the odor sensor heater or odor based on the electrical components around the odor sensor, erroneous detection prevention control is performed. Therefore, when the odor sensor 3 is easy to erroneously detect the degree of air contamination, the erroneous detection prevention control can be performed.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the air cleaner that always detects the degree of air contamination by the odor sensor, it is possible to prevent the joystick operation mode from being canceled when the odor sensor detects the degree of air contamination by mistake.

It is a perspective view of an air cleaner concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the air cleaner shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the air cleaner shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the air cleaner shown in FIG. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the air cleaner shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of Air Cleaner 1]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the air cleaner 1 includes a casing 2 including a main body case 2 a and a front panel 2 b, an odor sensor 3 housed in the casing 2, a fan 4, an operation unit 5, a control Part (control means) 6 and the like.

<Case 2>
As shown in FIG. 1, the front of the air cleaner 1 is covered with a front panel 2b. Below the front is a portion that is not covered by the front panel 2b, and the lower suction port 11 is provided in that portion. As shown in FIG. 2, a part of the side surface of the air cleaner 1 is covered with a side suction port forming member 2c made of synthetic resin, which is a part of the main body case 2a. The side suction port forming member 2c is formed with a first side suction port 12 for taking in air so as to extend in the vertical direction. That is, as for the 1st side suction inlet 12, the vertical dimension is larger than the horizontal dimension. Moreover, although not shown in figure, a part of side surface on the opposite side of the air cleaner 1 is similarly covered with the side suction inlet formation member 2c. In the side suction port forming member 2c, a second side suction port 13 is formed at a position facing the first side suction port 12 so as to extend in the vertical direction. The vertical and horizontal dimensions of the second side suction port 13 are the same as the dimensions of the first side suction port 12. Hereinafter, the first side suction port 12, the second side suction port 13, and the lower suction port 11 are all referred to as the suction port 10.

  The air outlet 14 through which the air sucked into the air cleaner 1 is blown out is provided on the upper surface of the air cleaner 1 as shown in FIG.

<Odor sensor 3>
The odor sensor 3 is provided in the upper part in the air cleaner 1 and detects the degree of air contamination (odor) around the air cleaner 1. The odor sensor 3 has a heater (not shown), reads a change in electrical resistance when an odor component in the air contacts the heater, and quantifies and outputs the change in electrical resistance. The output of the odor sensor 3 is represented by a value of 0 or more, and indicates that the degree of air contamination increases as the value increases.

  Various electrical components (not shown) are arranged around the odor sensor 3. In the vicinity of the odor sensor 3, odor based on the heater of the odor sensor 3 and odor based on electric parts around the odor sensor 3 occur. The odor sensor 3 is always energized when the air purifier 1 is energized, and always detects the degree of air contamination around the air purifier 1.

<Fan 4>
The fan 4 is disposed in the air flow path from the suction port 10 to the blowout port 14. The fan 4 is controlled in fan rotation speed (air volume) by a control unit 6 described later. As the air volume of the air purifier 1, there are three air volumes of Shizu, Standard and Strong, and the fan rotation speed increases in the order of Shizu, Standard and Strong.

  The fan 4 generates an air flow from the inlet 10 to the outlet 14. Dust and odor components are removed from the indoor air sucked from the suction port 10 by a filter (not shown), and clean air is blown out from the air outlet 14.

<Operation unit 5>
The operation unit 5 is provided on the upper surface of the air purifier 1 as shown in FIG. The operation unit 5 includes an operation switch, an ECO power saving switch, and the like.

  The operation switch is a switch that selects operation or stop of the air purifier 1. When the operation switch is pressed in a state where the air cleaner 1 is stopped (standby state), the fan 4 is driven and an air cleaning operation (hereinafter also referred to as an air cleaning operation) is started. On the other hand, when the operation switch is pushed in the state in which the air cleaning operation is performed, the fan 4 stops and the air cleaning operation stops.

  The ECO power saving switch is a switch that selects whether or not to execute an energy saving operation. When the ECO power saving switch is pressed, the mode is changed to the energy saving operation mode, and a lamp indicating that the energy saving operation mode is set is turned on. On the other hand, when the ECO power saving switch is pressed in the energy saving operation mode, the energy saving operation mode is stopped, the state before switching to the energy saving operation mode is restored, and the lamp is turned off.

  The energy saving operation mode has a mihari operation mode and a normal operation mode. The Mihari operation mode is an operation mode in which intermittent operation in which operation and stop of the fan 4 are alternately repeated is performed. The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the fan 4 is continuously operated and the emptying operation is performed. The beam operation mode and the normal operation mode are automatically switched by the control unit 6 described later. In the intermittent operation, for example, the 5-minute stop of the fan 4 and the 2-minute operation are repeated alternately. Further, during the fan operation during the intermittent operation, the air volume of the air cleaner 1 is controlled to “SHIZUKA”.

<Control unit 6>
The control unit 6 (control means) includes a plurality of hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores a control program for controlling the operation of the control unit 6. And this control part 6 has the timer part 6a, and is electrically connected with the odor sensor 3, the fan 4, and the operation part 5 grade | etc.,.

  In the air cleaner 1, the fan rotation speed (air volume) of the fan 4 is controlled based on the output of the odor sensor 3 during the energy saving operation mode. That is, in the air cleaner 1, the air volume is determined according to the degree of air contamination around the air cleaner 1 during the energy saving operation mode.

  When the erroneous detection prevention control described later is not performed during the energy saving operation mode, as shown in Table 1, depending on whether the output of the odor sensor 3 is 0 to 10, 10 to 20, or 20 to 20, 4 fan rotation speed (air flow) is determined. For example, when the output of the odor sensor 3 is 0 to 10 (0 or more and less than 10), it is determined that the degree of air pollution is “clean”, and the air volume of the air cleaner 1 is controlled to “Shizuka”. When the output of the odor sensor 3 is 10 to 20 (10 or more and less than 20), the air contamination level is determined to be “normal”, and the air volume of the air cleaner 1 is controlled to “standard”. Further, when the output of the odor sensor 3 is 20 to (20 or more), the degree of air pollution is determined to be “dirty”, and the air volume of the air cleaner 1 is controlled to be “strong”.

  On the other hand, when erroneous detection prevention control, which will be described later, is performed during the energy saving operation mode, the sensitivity of the odor sensor 3 is reduced, and the fan rotation speed (air volume) of the fan 4 is based on the output of the odor sensor 3 with reduced sensitivity. ) Is controlled. In this air purifier 1, reducing the sensitivity of the odor sensor 3 means changing the threshold values of the air pollution degree indicators “clean”, “normal”, and “dirty”, and the output value of the odor sensor 3. As such, there is no difference between the case where the sensitivity of the odor sensor 3 is dulled and the case where it is not so.

  Specifically, as shown in Table 2, the fan rotation speed (air volume) of the fan 4 is determined depending on whether the output of the odor sensor 3 is 0 to 15, 15 to 25, or 25. For example, when the output of the odor sensor 3 is 0 to 15 (0 or more and less than 15), it is determined that the degree of air pollution is “clean”, and the air volume of the air cleaner 1 is controlled to “Shizuka”. Further, when the output of the odor sensor 3 is 15 to 25 (15 or more and less than 25), the air pollution degree is determined to be “normal”, and the air volume of the air cleaner 1 is controlled to “standard”. Further, when the output of the odor sensor 3 is 25 to (25 or more), the degree of air pollution is determined to be “dirty”, and the air volume of the air cleaner 1 is controlled to be “strong”.

  Here, the conditions for starting the false detection prevention control for reducing the sensitivity of the odor sensor 3 are as follows: (i) After the predetermined time (second predetermined time) T1 has elapsed after the emptying operation is stopped, the emptying operation is performed. When started, there are two cases where (ii) a predetermined time T3 has elapsed from the stop of the fan 4 in the Mihari operation mode (intermittent operation of the fan 4). That is, after the air-cleaning operation is stopped or the fan 4 is stopped in the watch operation mode, a predetermined time elapses, and odors based on the heater of the odor sensor 3 and electrical components around the odor sensor 3 are detected. When the odor based on the odor increases and the odor sensor 3 is in a state where the odor sensor 3 is likely to detect the air taint by mistake, an erroneous detection prevention control for reducing the sensitivity of the odor sensor 3 is started. . In the air purifier 1, “predetermined time from the stop of the fan 4” refers to a predetermined time from when the fan 4 was finally switched from the operating state to the stopped state.

  Further, when the erroneous detection prevention control is started while satisfying the above condition (i), the erroneous detection prevention control ends when a predetermined time (first predetermined time) T2 has elapsed from the start of operation of the fan 4. Further, when the erroneous detection prevention control is started while satisfying the above condition (ii), the erroneous detection prevention control ends when a predetermined time T4 has elapsed from the start of operation of the fan 4. That is, a predetermined time elapses from the start of the operation of the fan 4, and the odor accumulated around the odor sensor 3 is dispersed by the air flow generated by the fan 4, and the odor sensor 3 erroneously detects the degree of air contamination. When it disappears, the false detection prevention control ends. The “predetermined time from the start of operation of the fan 4” refers to a predetermined time from when the fan 4 was last switched from the stopped state to the operating state.

  Further, in the air cleaner 1, as described above, the beam operation mode and the normal operation mode are automatically switched. The condition for switching from the normal operation mode to the monitor operation mode (transition condition to the monitor operation mode) is when the state where the output of the odor sensor 3 is an output within a predetermined range continues for a predetermined time T5 in the normal operation mode. is there. Here, the state where the output of the odor sensor 3 is an output within a predetermined range means a state where the degree of air contamination is “clean”. That is, when the erroneous detection prevention control is not performed, the output of the odor sensor 3 is in the range of 0 to 10. When the erroneous detection prevention control is performed, the output of the odor sensor 3 is 0 to 15. It is in the state of the range.

  On the other hand, the condition for switching from the Mihari operation mode to the normal operation mode is when the output of the odor sensor 3 changes from within a predetermined range to outside the predetermined range in the Mihari operation mode. Here, the case where the output of the odor sensor 3 changes from the predetermined range to the outside of the predetermined range means that the air pollution level changes from “clean” to “normal” or “dirty” state. Means.

  That is, when the erroneous detection prevention control is not performed, it means that the output of the odor sensor 3 has changed from the range of 0 to 10 to the range of 10 to 20, or 20 to 20. In other words, it means that the output of the odor sensor 3 changes from 0 to 15 to 15 to 25 or 25. In addition, when erroneous detection prevention control is performed during the Mihari operation mode, the erroneous detection prevention control is automatically canceled simultaneously with switching from the Mihari operation mode to the normal operation mode.

  For example, if the output value of the odor sensor 3 is “22” when the false detection prevention control is not performed during the watch operation mode, the watch operation mode is switched from the watch operation mode to the normal operation mode. Controlled to “strong”. In addition, for example, when the detection operation control is being performed while the operation is in the beam operation mode, and the output value of the odor sensor 3 is “22”, the operation mode is switched from the beam operation mode to the normal operation mode. The air volume is controlled to “normal”. In addition, the erroneous detection prevention control is released at the same time as the switching from the mihari operation mode to the normal operation mode.

  The timer unit 6a determines whether or not the predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the previous stop of the emptying operation, whether or not the predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the start of the operation of the fan 4, and the predetermined time T3 from the stop of the fan 4 in the watch operation mode. When determining whether or not a predetermined time T4 has elapsed since the start of operation of the fan 4, whether or not the state where the output of the odor sensor 3 is an output within the predetermined range has continued for the predetermined time T5 A timer for measuring the predetermined times T1 to T5 is driven and controlled.

<Flow>
Next, the operation (flow) of the air purifier 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the empty cleaning operation has not started at the start. In addition, the energy-saving operation mode is always assumed during the air cleaning operation.

  First, it is determined whether or not an empty cleaning operation is being performed (S1). If it is not during the emptying operation (S1: No), it is determined whether or not the operation switch for starting the emptying operation is turned on (S2). On the other hand, when the air-cleaning operation is being performed (S1: Yes), the process proceeds to step S7.

  Next, when the operation switch for starting the emptying operation is turned on (S2: Yes), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the previous stop of the emptying operation (S3). On the other hand, when the operation switch for starting the emptying operation remains OFF (S2: No), the process returns to step S1.

  When the predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the previous stop of the emptying operation (S3: Yes), the emptying operation is started and the false detection prevention control for reducing the sensitivity of the odor sensor 3 is started (S4). On the other hand, if the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed (S3: No), it is difficult for the odor sensor 3 to detect the air contamination level erroneously, or even if the odor sensor 3 detects the air contamination level incorrectly. Since the error is small, the air purification operation is started without starting the false detection prevention control.

  In step S5, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T2 has elapsed from the start of operation of the fan 4. When the predetermined time T2 has elapsed (S5: Yes), the erroneous detection prevention control is canceled (S6). On the other hand, when the predetermined time T2 has not elapsed (S5: No), the erroneous detection prevention control is continued until the predetermined time T2 has elapsed. That is, the fan rotation speed (air volume) of the fan 4 is controlled based on Table 2 until the predetermined time T2 elapses.

  In this air cleaner 1, whether or not the predetermined time T2 for determining whether or not to cancel the erroneous detection prevention control has continued for a predetermined time T5 when the output of the odor sensor 3 is within the predetermined range. Since the predetermined time T2 is shorter than the predetermined time T5 for determining whether or not, the predetermined time T2 is always shorter than the time required from the start of the emptying operation to the transition to the watch operation mode. Therefore, in this air cleaner 1, it does not shift to the watch operation mode before the predetermined time T2 elapses from the start of operation of the fan 4.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not the operation mode is in the beam mode. When the operation mode is the beam operation mode (S7: Yes), it is determined whether or not the fan 4 is stopped (S8). On the other hand, when not in the Mihari operation mode (S7: No), it progresses to step S14.

  If the fan 4 is stopped (S8: Yes), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T3 has elapsed since the fan 4 was stopped (S9). When the predetermined time T3 has elapsed (S9: Yes), erroneous detection prevention control is started (S10). That is, the fan rotation speed (air volume) of the fan 4 is controlled based on Table 2 until the erroneous detection prevention control is completed. On the other hand, when the predetermined time T3 has not elapsed (S9: No), the process returns to step S1. That is, based on Table 1, the fan rotation speed (air volume) of the fan 4 is controlled.

  If the fan 4 is not stopped (S8: No), it is determined whether or not the erroneous detection prevention control is being performed (S11). When the erroneous detection prevention control is being performed (S11: Yes), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T4 has elapsed since the start of operation of the fan 4 (S12). On the other hand, when the erroneous detection prevention control is not being performed (S11: No), the process returns to step S1.

  When the predetermined time T4 has elapsed from the start of operation of the fan 4 (S12: Yes), the erroneous detection prevention control is canceled (S13). On the other hand, when the predetermined time T4 has not elapsed (S12: No), the process returns to step S1. In addition, when the output of the odor sensor 3 changes from the predetermined range to the outside of the predetermined range during the Mihari operation mode, the flow is interrupted because the operation is switched from the Mihari operation mode to the automatic operation mode, and the process returns to Step S1. In this case, if the erroneous detection prevention control is being performed, the erroneous detection prevention control is canceled at the same time as the switching from the brush operation mode to the automatic operation mode.

  In step S <b> 14, it is determined whether or not a condition for transition to the Mihari operation mode is satisfied. When the transition condition to the Mihari operation mode is satisfied (S14: Yes), the Mihari operation mode is started (S15). When the conditions for shifting to the Mihari operation mode are not satisfied (S14: No), the process returns to step S1.

  Next, the operation (flow) of the air cleaner 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 (timing chart).

  FIG. 5 shows the operation (flow) of the air purifier 1 after the emptying operation is stopped (t0) and the air purifier 1 is stopped (standby state).

  First, as shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that after a predetermined time T1 (t0 to t1) has elapsed since the emptying operation is stopped, the emptying operation is started and the fan 4 is driven (t2). Therefore, at the start of the emptying operation, erroneous detection prevention control for reducing the sensitivity of the odor sensor 3 is started. Further, since the output of the odor sensor 3 is an output (0 to 15) within a predetermined range at the start of the air cleaning operation, the air volume of the air purifier 1 is controlled to “SHIZUKA”. The erroneous detection prevention control ends when a predetermined time T2 (t2 to t3) has elapsed from the start of operation of the fan 4 (t3).

  Between t0 and t2, the fan 4 is not operated, and air does not flow around the odor sensor 3, so that the odor based on the heater of the odor sensor 3 and the odor based on the electrical components around the odor sensor 3 It can be seen that the degree of air contamination detected by the odor sensor 3 gradually increases. In addition, during the period from t2 to t3, when the operation of the fan 4 starts, the odor accumulated around the odor sensor 3 starts to flow due to the air flow generated by the fan 4, and the degree of air contamination detected by the odor sensor 3 is temporarily It can be seen that it is increasing rapidly. Specifically, the output of the odor sensor 3 is temporarily in the range of 10-15.

  However, since the erroneous detection prevention control is performed between t2 and t3, the output of the odor sensor 3 is in the range of 10 to 15 (the range of the air volume “normal” when the erroneous detection prevention control is not performed). ), The air volume of the air purifier 1 continues to be “SHIZUKA”. Therefore, even if the output of the odor sensor 3 temporarily falls within the range of 10 to 15, the air volume of the air cleaner 1 is not erroneously controlled from “SHIZUKA” to “NORMAL”.

  After the erroneous detection prevention control is canceled at t3, the air volume of the air cleaner 1 is controlled according to the change in the output of the odor sensor 3. At t5, the state where the output of the odor sensor 3 is within the predetermined range (0 to 10) continues for the predetermined time T5 (t4 to t5), so that the normal operation mode is switched to the brush operation mode.

  After switching to the beam operation mode (intermittent operation), when a predetermined time T3 (t5 to t6) elapses from the stop of the fan 4, erroneous detection prevention control is started (t6). Here, since the predetermined time T3 is shorter than the fan stop time (t5 to t7, for example, 5 minutes) of intermittent operation, the erroneous detection prevention control starts before the fan 4 switches from the stop state to the operation state. Is done. Thereafter, when a predetermined time T4 (t7 to t8) elapses from the start of operation of the fan 4, the erroneous detection prevention control is canceled (t8).

  Between t5 and t7, the fan 4 is not operated, and air does not flow around the odor sensor 3, so that the odor based on the heater of the odor sensor 3 and the odor based on the electrical components around the odor sensor 3 It can be seen that the degree of air contamination detected by the odor sensor 3 gradually increases. In addition, during the period from t7 to t8, when the operation of the fan 4 starts, the odor accumulated around the odor sensor 3 starts to flow due to the air flow generated by the fan 4, and the degree of air contamination detected by the odor sensor 3 is temporarily increased. It can be seen that it is increasing rapidly. Specifically, the output of the odor sensor 3 is temporarily in the range of 10 to 15 (the output range outside the predetermined range when the erroneous detection prevention control is not performed).

  However, since false detection prevention control is performed between t6 and t8, the output of the odor sensor 3 becomes an output (0 to 15) within a predetermined range, and the continuous operation is continued. Therefore, even if the output of the odor sensor 3 temporarily falls within the range of 10 to 15, the odor sensor 3 does not detect the air contamination level and the hand-held operation is not released.

  When the predetermined time T3 (t9 to t10) elapses after the fan 4 stops again at t9, the erroneous detection prevention control is started again (t10). Thereafter, when a predetermined time T4 (t11 to t12) elapses from the start of operation of the fan 4, the erroneous detection prevention control is canceled (t12).

  Even during the period from t10 to t12, the output of the odor sensor 3 is temporarily in the range of 10 to 15 (the output range outside the predetermined range when the erroneous detection prevention control is not performed). However, since the erroneous detection prevention control is performed during the period from t10 to t12 as well as during the period from t6 to t8, the output of the odor sensor 3 is an output within a predetermined range (0 to 15). Will continue. Therefore, even if the output of the odor sensor 3 temporarily falls within the range of 10 to 15, the odor sensor 3 does not erroneously detect the degree of air contamination and erroneously cancels the driving operation.

<Characteristics of the air cleaner 1 of the present embodiment>
The air cleaner 1 of this embodiment has the following characteristics.

  In this air purifier 1, as shown in FIG. 5, at the start of the air cleaning operation, the false detection prevention control for reducing the sensitivity of the odor sensor 3 is started. Therefore, in the standby state where the air cleaning operation is not started, the odor sensor When the odor contamination detected by the odor sensor 3 increases due to the odor based on the heater 3 and the odor based on the electrical components around the odor sensor 3, or when the fan 4 operates at the start of the air cleaning operation, When the odor that has been accumulated begins to flow due to the air flow generated by the fan 4 and the air pollution level detected by the odor sensor 3 increases, the odor sensor 3 is prevented from erroneously detecting the air pollution level. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fan rotational speed at the start of the air cleaning operation from being properly controlled by the odor sensor 3 erroneously detecting the air contamination level.

  Further, in this air cleaner 1, as shown in FIG. 5, the erroneous detection prevention control ends when a predetermined time (first predetermined time) T <b> 2 elapses from the start of operation of the fan 4, and thus is generated by the fan 4. When the odor remaining around the odor sensor 3 is dispersed by the air flow, and the odor sensor 3 no longer detects the air contamination level by mistake, the erroneous detection prevention control is ended. Therefore, the erroneous detection prevention control can be terminated when there is no need to prevent erroneous detection.

  Further, in the air cleaner 1, as shown in FIG. 5, the false detection prevention control is started after the air cleaning operation is stopped and a predetermined time (second predetermined time) T1 has elapsed. Therefore, the air detected by the odor sensor 3 due to the odor based on the heater of the odor sensor 3 and the odor based on the electric parts around the odor sensor 3 after the air cleaning operation is stopped. When the degree of contamination increases, false detection prevention control is performed. Therefore, when the odor sensor 3 is easy to erroneously detect the degree of air contamination, the erroneous detection prevention control can be performed.

  Moreover, in this air cleaner 1, since the odor sensor 3 is always energized and detects the degree of air contamination (odor), the odor sensor 3 always detects the degree of air contamination by the odor sensor 3. Since the odor sensor 3 erroneously detects the air pollution level, it is possible to prevent the flush operation mode from being released.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described based on drawing, it should be thought that a specific structure is not limited to these embodiment. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes meanings equivalent to the scope of claims for patent and all modifications within the scope.

  In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the erroneous detection prevention control for reducing the sensitivity of the odor sensor 3 is started at the start of the air cleaning operation. However, the erroneous detection prevention for reducing the sensitivity of the odor sensor 3 is started. Instead of the control, an erroneous detection prevention control that does not use the output of the odor sensor 3 for the control may be started. When erroneous detection prevention control that does not use the output of the odor sensor 3 for control is started, the fan rotation speed (of the fan 4 (based on the output of the odor sensor 3) is performed while the erroneous detection prevention control is being performed. (Air volume) is not controlled, and the switching operation mode and the normal operation mode are not switched.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the erroneous detection prevention control is ended when a predetermined time (first predetermined time) T <b> 2 has elapsed from the start of operation of the fan 4. The timing for terminating the control is not limited to the above.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the air purification operation is started after the predetermined time (second predetermined time) T <b> 1 elapses after the air purification operation is stopped as shown in FIG. 5. However, the present invention is not limited to the above. Therefore, the false detection prevention control may always be started when the air cleaning operation is started.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the fan 4 is driven simultaneously with the start of the air cleaning operation. However, the fan 4 may be driven with a delay from the start of the air cleaning operation. Even in that case, since the erroneous detection prevention control is started at the start of the air cleaning operation, it is possible to prevent the fan rotation speed at the start of the air cleaning operation from being appropriately controlled. When the fan 4 is driven with a delay from the start of the air cleaning operation, “at the start of the air cleaning operation” refers to a period from the start of the air cleaning operation to the start of the operation of the fan 4.

  In the above embodiment, the odor sensor 3 is always energized and detects odor. However, the odor sensor 3 does not need to be energized all the time.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the odor sensor 3 has a heater, the odor sensor may not have a heater. In this case, although the odor based on the heater of the odor sensor 3 does not occur, the odor based on the electrical components around the odor sensor 3 occurs, so the air cleaning operation starts from a standby state where the air cleaning operation is not performed. When the odor sensor 3 detects the air contamination level by mistake, the same problem as described above that the fan speed at the start of the air cleaning operation is not properly controlled may occur.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the sensitivity of the odor sensor 3 is made dull by changing the threshold values of “clean”, “normal”, and “dirty” indicators of the air pollution level (odor), but the sensitivity of the odor sensor 3 is reduced. The method of reducing the dullness is not limited to the above.

  In addition, the air purifier has a humidifying function and a dehumidifying function, and in addition to the air cleaning operation described in the above embodiment, the humidifying air cleaning operation in which the driving of the fan 4 and the humidifying operation are performed simultaneously, and the driving of the fan 4 and the dehumidifying operation are performed simultaneously. The dehumidification air cleaning operation to be performed may be included.

  By utilizing the present invention, it is possible to prevent the fan rotational speed at the start of the air cleaning operation from being properly controlled by the odor sensor detecting the air contamination level by mistake.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air cleaner 2 Casing 3 Smell sensor 4 Fan 6 Control part (control means)
10 Inlet 14 Outlet

Claims (4)

A casing having an inlet and an outlet;
A fan disposed in the casing;
An odor sensor for detecting odor,
Control means for controlling the fan based on the output of the odor sensor,
An air purifier, wherein at the start of an air cleaning operation, sensitivity of the odor sensor is dulled, or false detection prevention control that does not use the output of the odor sensor for control is started.   2. The air cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the erroneous detection prevention control ends when a first predetermined time elapses from the start of operation of the fan.   3. The air purification according to claim 1, wherein the erroneous detection prevention control is performed when the air cleaning operation is started after the second predetermined time has elapsed since the air cleaning operation was stopped. 4. Machine. The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the odor sensor is always energized and detects odor.

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