JP2024050100A - Air treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an air treatment apparatus capable of notifying a user that a filter needs to be cleaned.SOLUTION: An air treatment apparatus has a cylindrical housing, a fan creating an air flow in the housing, provided in the housing a photocatalyst filter, a prefilter, a light source, a fan, a sensor, and a processor. The prefilter is provided for an upstream side of the air flow of the photocatalyst filter in the housing. The light source irradiates the photocatalyst filter with light. The sensor detects a contamination degree of at least one of the prefilter and the photocatalyst filter. The processor alerts maintenance timing of at least one of the prefilter and the photocatalyst filter on the basis of the contamination degree detected by the sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an air treatment device.

The air treatment device takes in surrounding air into the housing and irradiates the surface of a photocatalyst filter with ultraviolet light from a light source located inside the housing to sterilize the air passing over the surface of the photocatalyst filter and the air around the photocatalyst filter, and then discharges the air to the outside of the housing. In such air treatment devices, if the device is operated for a long period of time, the photocatalyst filter becomes dirty and its air treatment performance decreases, so it is necessary to clean the photocatalyst filter and remove any debris that has adhered to it. It is desirable to properly notify the user when it is time to clean the photocatalyst filter.

Patent No. 6965271

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an air treatment device that can notify the user that the filter needs cleaning.

According to an embodiment, the air treatment device has a cylindrical housing, a fan that creates an air flow within the housing, a photocatalytic filter provided within the housing, a prefilter, a light source, a fan, a sensor, and a processor. The prefilter is provided within the housing on the upstream side of the air flow of the photocatalytic filter. The light source irradiates light onto the photocatalytic filter. The sensor detects the degree of contamination of at least one of the prefilter and the photocatalytic filter. The processor issues an alert when maintenance is required for at least one of the prefilter and the photocatalytic filter based on the degree of contamination detected by the sensor.

The present invention provides an air treatment device that can notify the user that the filter needs cleaning.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an air treatment device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the air treatment device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed in the +Y-axis direction from a certain ZX plane indicated by the dashed line II. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing elements of the air treatment system shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a prefilter of the air treatment device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a photocatalytic filter unit of the air treatment device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the controller for the air treatment system shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a control flow using the controller of the air treatment device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a control flow following FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a control flow following FIG.

In the air treatment device 100 according to this embodiment, the air circulating or remaining in the sterilization/deodorization area 112 (sterilization processing unit) in the air treatment device 100 can be sterilized, disinfected, or sterilized by irradiating the sterilization/deodorization area 112 with ultraviolet light. Sterilizing, disinfecting, or sterilizing air means inactivating or adsorbing bacteria, viruses, odorous substances, etc. present in the air. In the following embodiment, sterilization is used as an example for explanation, but the term "sterilization" can be replaced with "disinfection" or "sterilization."

The air treatment device (100) of the embodiment includes a cylindrical housing (102), a fan (118), a photocatalytic filter (110a) provided in the housing (102), a prefilter (108), a light source (134), a sensor (124), and a processor (142). The fan (118) creates an air flow in the housing (102). The prefilter (108) is provided in the housing (102) upstream of the air flow of the photocatalytic filter (110a). The light source (134) irradiates light onto the photocatalytic filter (110a). The sensor (124) detects the degree of contamination of at least one of the prefilter (108) and the photocatalytic filter (110a). The processor (142) issues an alert for the timing of maintenance of at least one of the pre-filter (108) and the photocatalytic filter (110a) based on the degree of contamination detected by the sensor (124).
Thus, an air treatment device (100) is provided that is capable of notifying a user that a filter (108; 110a) needs cleaning.

The light source (134) of the air treatment device (100) according to the embodiment is provided downstream of the photocatalytic filter (110a) in the air flow direction. The sensor (124) is provided upstream of the photocatalytic filter (110a) in the air flow direction and has a photosensor that detects the amount of light from the light source (110a).
By acquiring changes in the transmittance of light passing through the photocatalytic filter (110a), the degree of contamination of the photocatalytic filter (110a) can be determined and an alert can be issued as to when maintenance of the photocatalytic filter (110a) is required.

The light source (134) of the air treatment device (100) according to the embodiment is provided downstream of the air flow of the photocatalytic filter (110a), and the sensor (124) is provided upstream of the air flow of the prefilter (108) and has a photosensor that detects the amount of light from the light source (134).
By obtaining changes in the transmittance of light passing through the photocatalytic filter (110a) and the pre-filter (108), the degree of dirtiness of the photocatalytic filter (110a) and the pre-filter (108) can be determined and an alert can be issued as to when maintenance should be performed on the photocatalytic filter (110a) and the pre-filter (108).

The sensor (124) of the embodiment of the air treatment device (100) uses a wind speed sensor.
The air flow sensor (124) can measure the flow rate of air flowing at the position where the sensor (124) hits. The position where the air flow sensor (124) is arranged may be inside the housing (102) or outside the housing (102). For example, when the fan (118) rotates a predetermined amount per unit time, if the pre-filter (108) and the photocatalytic filter (110a) are dirty, the amount of air flow per unit time decreases. By detecting this, the degree of dirtiness of the photocatalytic filter (110a) and the pre-filter (108) can be determined, and an alert can be issued for the timing of maintenance of the photocatalytic filter (110a) and the pre-filter (108).

The sensor (124) of the embodiment of the air treatment device (100) uses an image sensor that images at least one of the photocatalytic filter (110a) and the pre-filter (108).
Therefore, from the image information of the photocatalytic filter (110a) and/or the pre-filter (108), it is possible to determine whether or not maintenance is required and to issue an alert as to the timing of maintenance.

The following describes the embodiment with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an air circulation type air treatment device 100 according to an embodiment. The air treatment device 100 according to the embodiment is placed in various locations, such as within a residence, an office environment, a medical facility or nursing facility, a restaurant, an accommodation facility, or a toilet booth. As shown in Figure 1, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set for the air treatment device 100.

Note that FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the position indicated by the symbol II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the air treatment device 100. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the pre-filter 108 of the air treatment device 100. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the photocatalytic filter unit 110 of the air treatment device 100. FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the controller 122.

Figures 7 to 9 are an example of a control flowchart of the air treatment device 100 according to an embodiment, which is performed by the controller 122.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the air treatment device 100 has a housing 102, an air intake 104, a first light-shielding grill 106, a pre-filter 108, a photocatalytic filter unit (photocatalytic filter assembly) 110, a sterilization/deodorization area 112, a light source unit 114, a second light-shielding grill 116, a fan 118, an exhaust vent 120, a controller 122, and a sensor 124.

The housing 102 is formed in a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, it is formed in a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the lower end of the housing 102 is opened as an intake port 104, and the upper end is opened as an exhaust port 120. The outer dimensions of the housing 102 are, for example, 310 mm wide along the X-axis direction, 130 mm deep along the Y-axis direction, and 800 mm high along the Z-axis direction.

A first light-shielding grill 106 is provided above (downstream of) the air intake 104 at the bottom end of the housing 102. The first light-shielding grill 106 is formed to cover the entire XY plane inside the housing 102. In this embodiment, the first light-shielding grill 106 allows air to flow upward through the air intake 104 and the first light-shielding grill 106, but suppresses or prevents light from a light source 134 (described later) of the light source unit 114 from leaking downward. As the first light-shielding grill 106, a number of plates bent into an approximately L-shape or an approximately "L" shape are arranged in the width direction of the housing 102.

A prefilter 108 is provided above the first light-shielding grill 106 (downstream of the air flow). As shown in FIG. 4, the prefilter 108 is formed in a mesh shape so as to cover the entire XY plane inside the housing 102. As an example, the prefilter 108 can be formed of a metal material, has a roughly rectangular shape with a width of 300 mm and a depth of 120 mm, a wire diameter of Φ0.16 mm, and 50 mesh.

The prefilter 108 is detachable from the housing 102 when the front panel 102a is removed from the housing 102. The prefilter 108 can be removed from the front surface of the housing 102 by moving it in the -Y-axis direction, for example, and can be attached from the front surface of the housing 102 by moving it in the +Y-axis direction. The prefilter 108 may be configured to be removed from the side surface of the housing 102 by moving it in the +X-axis direction, for example, and can be attached from the side surface of the housing 102 by moving it in the -X-axis direction. The ±X-axis directions may be reversed.

A photocatalytic filter unit 110 is provided above the prefilter 108 (downstream of the air flow). The photocatalytic filter unit 110 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape with a width of 300 mm and a depth of 120 mm.

The photocatalytic filter unit 110 is detachable from the housing 102 when the front panel 102a is removed from the housing 102. Like the pre-filter 108, the photocatalytic filter unit 110 can be removed from the front surface of the housing 102 by moving it in the -Y-axis direction, for example, and can be attached to the front surface of the housing 102 by moving it in the +Y-axis direction. The photocatalytic filter unit 110 may be configured to be removed from the side surface of the housing 102 by moving it in the +X-axis direction, for example, and can be attached to the side surface of the housing 102 by moving it in the -X-axis direction. The ±X-axis directions may be reversed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the photocatalytic filter unit 110 has, for example, three photocatalytic filters 110a and a frame body 110b that supports the photocatalytic filters 110a.

The photocatalytic filter 110a comprises a base material having a plurality (innumerable) of holes connecting the front surface (upper surface) and the back surface (lower surface), and a photocatalyst supported on the surface of the base material, and is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate or rectangular sheet. The surface of the plate-shaped photocatalytic filter 110a, which is the region with the largest area, faces the light source 134.

The base material of the photocatalytic filter 110a is formed of inorganic materials (ceramics), such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride. The photocatalyst is formed of metal oxides, such as titanium oxide and tungsten oxide. The photocatalytic filter 110a is formed, for example, porous and has air permeability in the vertical direction in this embodiment, but it is preferable to form it in a state that appropriately blocks ultraviolet rays (UV-A and UV-C) in the vertical direction. The photocatalytic filter unit 110 is formed so that it blocks light, such as UV-A and UV-C, and air that has passed through the prefilter 108 flows upward through the photocatalytic filter unit 110. The photocatalytic filter 110a is formed to an appropriate thickness and porosity, for example, in relation to the distance from the light source 134 and the amount of light from the light source 134. In this embodiment, three ceramic plates with dimensions of 100 mm, height of 8 mm, and hole diameter of 3 mm are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

A sterilization/deodorization area (air treatment section) 112 is provided above the photocatalytic filter unit 110 (downstream of the air flow). In this embodiment, the sterilization/deodorization area 112 is formed as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space. It is preferable that the inner walls of the sterilization/deodorization area 112 are formed so as not to absorb light from the light source 134 of the light source section 114 and to appropriately reflect the light.

A light source unit 114 is provided at the top of the sterilization/deodorization area 112 (downstream of the air flow). The light source unit (LED light source unit) 114 is provided near the top end of the sterilization/deodorization area 112. The light source unit 114 has light source boards 132 arranged in, for example, two rows, and light sources 134. The light source boards 132 are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction (short direction) and extend in the X-axis direction (longitudinal direction). The light source boards 132 are electrically connected to the controller 122. The light source boards 132 may be arranged in one row, or three or more rows.

In this embodiment, the light source board 132 of the light source unit 114 is provided with a plurality of light sources 134 that emit light downward. The light sources 134 irradiate the air in the sterilization and deodorization area 112 with UV-A and UV-C as ultraviolet rays. The light sources 134 include a light source that emits UV-A and a light source that emits UV-C. The light source that emits UV-A and the light source that emits UV-C are formed, for example, from LEDs.

UV-A is the first ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of, for example, 320 nm or more and 400 nm or less, and is used to illuminate the surface of the photocatalyst filter unit 110. UV-C is the second ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of, for example, 200 nm or more and 320 nm or less, and is used to sterilize the air passing through the space of the sterilization and deodorization area 112 by irradiating it evenly.

A second light-shielding grill 116 is provided above the light source unit 114 (downstream of the air flow). The second light-shielding grill 116 is formed so as to cover the entire XY plane inside the housing 102. In this embodiment, the second light-shielding grill 116 allows air to flow upward through the air intake 104, the first light-shielding grill 106, the pre-filter 108, the photocatalytic filter unit 110, the sterilization/deodorization area 112, and the light source unit 114, but suppresses or prevents light from the light source 134 from leaking upward. As the second light-shielding grill 116, a number of plates bent into an approximately L-shape or an approximately "L" shape are arranged in the width direction of the housing 102.

A pair of fans 118 are arranged in the X-axis direction (longitudinal direction) above the second light-shielding grille 116 (downstream of the air flow). The fans 118 are disposed inside the housing 102, above the intermediate portion between the upper and lower portions of the housing 102. In this embodiment, an example using two fans 118 will be described. The number of fans may be one, or three or more.

As an example, a pair of fans 118 can be used, with both the blades and the frame made of resin, and with axial flow direction, dimensions of 120 mm square and height of 38 mm.

The pair of fans 118 are electrically connected to the controller 122. In this embodiment, the pair of fans 118 rotate under the control of the controller 122, and create an air flow from the lower side of the pair of fans 118 to the upper side within the housing 102. That is, in this embodiment, the pair of fans 118 draw air from the intake port 104 on the lower side of the housing 102 and exhaust air from the exhaust port 120 on the upper side. The pair of fans 118 have, for example, the same structure and rotate in the same direction. A virtual extension line of the central axis C of the pair of fans 118 is arranged to pass through the intake port 104 and the exhaust port 120.

An exhaust port 120 and a controller 122 are provided above the pair of fans 118 (downstream of the air flow). In this embodiment, the controller 122 and the exhaust port 120 are arranged in the short direction (Y-axis direction) at the upper end of the air treatment device 100. The controller 122 is positioned in the -Y-axis direction relative to the exhaust port 120.

The exhaust port 120 is formed in a lattice shape or the like to prevent the user's fingers, etc. from reaching the fan 118.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the controller (computer) 122 of the air treatment device 100 according to an embodiment.

The controller 122 has an operation panel (substrate) 141 extending in the longitudinal direction, a processor (control unit) 142, a ROM (storage unit) 143, a RAM 144, an auxiliary memory device (storage unit) 145, a communication interface (communication unit) 146, an input unit (various switches) 147, and an output unit (display) 148.

The processor 142 corresponds to the central part of a computer that performs processes such as calculations and controls required for the processing of the controller 122, and controls the entire controller 122 in an integrated manner. The processor 142 executes control to realize various functions of the controller 122 based on programs such as system software, application software, or firmware stored in a storage unit such as the ROM 143 or the auxiliary storage device 145. The processor 142 includes, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), an MPU (micro processing unit), a DSP (digital signal processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 142 is a combination of two or more of these. The number of processors 142 provided in the controller 122 may be one or more.

ROM 143 corresponds to the main memory device of a computer with processor 142 at its core. ROM 143 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. ROM 143 stores the above-mentioned programs. ROM 143 also stores data and various setting values used by processor 142 when performing various processes.

RAM 144 corresponds to the main memory device of a computer with processor 142 at its core. RAM 144 is a memory used for reading and writing data. RAM 144 is used as a so-called work area for storing data that is temporarily used when processor 142 performs various processes.

The auxiliary storage device 145 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device of a computer with the processor 142 at its core. The auxiliary storage device 145 is, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). The auxiliary storage device 145 may also store the above-mentioned programs. The auxiliary storage device 145 also stores data used by the processor 142 in performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 142, various setting values, etc.

The programs stored in the ROM 143 or the auxiliary storage device 145 include a program for controlling the controller 122. For example, a program for determining maintenance of the pre-filter 108 and/or the photocatalytic filter unit 110 is preferably stored in the ROM 143 or the auxiliary storage device 145.

The communication interface 146 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network or the like, either wired or wirelessly, receiving various information transmitted from other devices, and transmitting various information to other devices. The controller 122 acquires electrical signals acquired by the sensor 124 via the communication interface 146. The controller 122 can also send signals to a terminal such as a user's smartphone or tablet terminal via the communication interface 146.

An input unit 147 is connected to the controller 122. The input unit 147 may be capable of wirelessly inputting various information to the processor 142 via the communication interface 146.

The controller 122 executes processes to perform various functions by having the processor 142 execute programs stored in the ROM 143 and/or the auxiliary storage device 145, etc. It is also preferable that the control program of the controller 122 is not stored in the ROM 143 and/or the auxiliary storage device 145 of the controller 122, but is placed on an appropriate server or cloud. In this case, the control program is executed while communicating with the processor 142 of the air treatment device 100, for example, via the communication interface 146. That is, the controller 122 according to this embodiment may be included in the air treatment device 100, or may be located on a server or cloud of the system of the manufacturer of the air treatment device 100, away from the air treatment device 100. For this reason, it is preferable that a program for determining maintenance of the prefilter 108 and/or the photocatalytic filter unit 110 is stored on the server or cloud, not stored in the ROM 143 or the auxiliary storage device 145, and the program is executed while communicating with the processor 142 of the air treatment device 100, for example, via the communication interface 146. Therefore, the processor 142 (controller 122) can execute a program that determines maintenance of the pre-filter 108 and/or the photocatalytic filter unit 110.

The processor 142 (controller 122) controls the light source unit 114, the fan 118, etc.

The operation panel 141 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The input unit 147 has, for example, four push buttons (operation buttons) 147a, 147b, 147c, and 147d as various switches. The operation panel 141 is provided with, for example, four push buttons (operation buttons) 147a, 147b, 147c, and 147d as the input unit 147. The four push buttons 147a, 147b, 147c, and 147d are arranged, for example, at equal intervals between the long side ends of the operation panel 141 in the direction along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). The push direction of the four push buttons 147a, 147b, 147c, and 147d is downward (towards the air intake 104). Note that the four push buttons 147a, 147b, 147c, and 147d are appropriately set with functions.

The first push button 147a is set, for example, as a power ON/OFF button. When the first push button 147a is pressed, for example, once, the power of the air treatment device 100 is switched ON/OFF.

The second push button 147b is set, for example, as an air volume switching button. When the second push button 147b is pressed, the rotation speed of the pair of fans 118 is controlled, and the air volume exhausted from the exhaust port 120 is switched between multiple levels depending on, for example, the number of times the button is pressed.

The third push button 147c is set, for example, as a sterilization power switching button. When the third push button 147c is pressed, the amount of UV-C light from the light source 134 of the light source unit 114 is controlled, and the strength of the sterilization power based on the adjustment of the amount of UV-C light from the light source 134 of the light source unit 114 is switched between multiple levels depending on the number of times the button is pressed.

The fourth push button 147d is set, for example, as a deodorizing function on/off and deodorizing power switching button. When the fourth push button 147d is pressed, the amount of UV-A light from the light source 134 of the light source unit 114 is controlled, and for example, the strength of the deodorizing power based on the adjustment of the amount of UV-A light from the light source 134 of the light source unit 114 is switched between multiple levels depending on the number of times the button is pressed. Note that the deodorizing function can be switched on/off by adjusting the amount of light from the light source 134 of the light source unit 114.

The output unit 148 is formed, for example, as a display or an indicator. In FIG. 1, the output unit 148 is shown, for example, as a display. The display 148 can display, for example, a maintenance display for the pre-filter 108 and a maintenance display for the photocatalytic filter unit 110. The output unit 148 can be a terminal such as a user's smartphone or tablet terminal that communicates with the air treatment device 100 via the communication interface 146.

In this embodiment, the sensor 124 is provided between the pre-filter 108 and the first light-shielding grill 106. The sensor 124 is a photosensor whose output value, such as a voltage value, changes based on the amount of light from the light source 134.

The lower end of the housing 102 of the air treatment device 100 is supported by a base 126. The base 126 suppresses interference with the intake port 104 of the housing 102, so that an appropriate amount of air can be drawn in per unit time.

Next, we will explain the operation of the air treatment device 100 according to this embodiment.

When the air treatment device 100 is connected to a power source, the power is switched on from an off state when, for example, the first push button 147a of the input unit 147 is pressed once. When the power is switched on, the light source 134 of the light source unit 114 emits light and the pair of fans 118 rotate due to the power supplied, for example, through the controller 122.

By the rotation of the fan 118, air is drawn into the sterilization/deodorization area 112 through the intake port 104, the first light-shielding grille 106, the pre-filter 108, and the photocatalytic filter unit 110. The air that has entered the sterilization/deodorization area 112 is exhausted from the exhaust port 120 through the fan 118 by the rotation of the fan 118. At this time, the air that has entered the housing 102 from the intake port 104 moves in a substantially straight line through the housing 102 through the first light-shielding grille 106, the pre-filter 108, the photocatalytic filter unit 110, the sterilization/deodorization area 112, and the second light-shielding grille 116, and is exhausted from the exhaust port 120. For this reason, there is no place in the air treatment device 100 where the air flow is significantly bent, and pressure loss in the air flowing through the air treatment device 100 can be suppressed.

In this way, the air treatment device 100 takes in the air around the air treatment device 100 from the air intake 104 on the outside of the air treatment device 100. UV-A is irradiated from the light source 134 toward the surface of the photocatalytic filter unit 110 through the sterilization/deodorization area 112. At this time, the surface (upper surface) of the photocatalytic filter unit 110 absorbs UV-A and generates active oxygen and OH radicals, and the generated active oxygen and OH radicals decompose the bacteria, viruses, and odorous substances contained in the air passing through the photocatalytic filter unit 110 and the air around the photocatalytic filter unit 110 into water and carbon dioxide, and suppress the activity of viruses and bacteria (bacteria). Therefore, when UV-A is irradiated onto the surface of the photocatalytic filter unit 110, it absorbs UV-A and exerts the sterilization and deodorization effect on the air passing through the photocatalytic filter unit 110. Therefore, the air passing through the photocatalytic filter unit 110 enters the sterilization/deodorization area 112 while being sterilized and deodorized.

UV-C is irradiated from the light source 134 into the sterilization/deodorization area 112. The UV-C is irradiated over a wide area of the sterilization/deodorization area 112 using the reflected light within the area. As a result, the air within the sterilization/deodorization area 112 is evenly irradiated with UV-C. At this time, the irradiation of UV-C suppresses the activity of viruses and bacteria (bacteria) contained in the air within the sterilization/deodorization area 112 after it has been sterilized and deodorized using a photocatalyst, thereby exerting a sterilization effect.

By making the sterilization/deodorization area 112 a large space and continuing to irradiate the large space with UV-C, the air passing through the sterilization/deodorization area 112 can be sterilized the entire time it is inside the sterilization/deodorization area 112. As a result, UV-C effectively exerts a sterilizing effect, and the sterilized air can be exhausted from the exhaust port 120.

While the light source 134 of this embodiment continues to emit light, the air treatment device 100 continues to exert a sterilization and deodorization effect by decomposing substances in the photocatalytic filter unit 110 using UV-A emitted by the light source 134, and a sterilization effect using UV-C. Therefore, the air treatment device 100 can sterilize the air more effectively due to the double effect of sterilizing the air passing through the photocatalytic filter unit 110 and sterilizing the air within the space of the sterilization and deodorization area 112.

When UV-A from the light source 134 shines on the surface of the photocatalytic filter unit 110, not all of the UV-A is absorbed by the surface of the photocatalytic filter unit 110, but some of it is transmitted and the remaining part may be reflected by the surface of the photocatalytic filter unit 110. Some of the UV-A reflected by the surface of the photocatalytic filter unit 110 may travel toward the light source unit 114 through the space in the sterilization/deodorization area 112. Here, the intensity of the light is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source. In this embodiment, the housing 102 is formed vertically long along the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the UV-A reflected by the surface of the photocatalytic filter unit 110 is attenuated as it approaches the vicinity of the light source unit 114.

In this embodiment, if UV-A and UV-C reach the upper side of the sterilization/deodorization area 112, the second light-shielding grill 116 is present above the sterilization/deodorization area 112 and the light source unit 114. Therefore, the UV-A and UV-C are reflected by the second light-shielding grill 116, preventing the UV-A and UV-C from reaching the upper side from the second light-shielding grill 116.

In addition, at least a portion of the UV-A and UV-C irradiated onto the surface of the photocatalytic filter unit 110 may reach the pre-filter 108 below the photocatalytic filter unit 110, and further the first light-shielding grill 106. At this time, the UV-A and UV-C are reflected by the first light-shielding grill 106. This prevents the UV-A and UV-C from reaching the lower side from the first light-shielding grill 106.

In this way, by rotating the fan 118 and illuminating the light source 134, the air treatment device 100 can take in air through the intake port 104, pass it through the housing 102, and continuously sterilize and deodorize the air that has passed through the intake port 104 while exhausting it from the exhaust port 120.

Under normal use, the pre-filter 108 is required to have debris removed periodically, for example, once a month, using a vacuum cleaner or the like. Also, under normal use, the photocatalyst filter unit 110 is required to be soaked in water and cleaned periodically, for example, once every three months. In other words, the pre-filter 108 and the photocatalyst filter unit 110 are each required to have regular maintenance. And, when regular maintenance of the pre-filter 108 is performed, one out of every three times will overlap with the maintenance period for the photocatalyst filter unit 110.

For example, depending on the environment in which the air treatment device 100 is installed, it may be necessary to perform maintenance of the pre-filter 108 and/or the photocatalytic filter unit 110 (cleaning the pre-filter 108 and/or washing the photocatalytic filter unit 110) earlier than this in order to prevent a decrease in the performance of the air treatment device 100.

When performing maintenance on the pre-filter 108 and/or the photocatalytic filter unit 110, the front panel 102a attached to the housing 102 is removed. When the front panel 102a attached to the housing 102 is removed, the controller 122 determines that the front panel 102a has been removed from the housing 102 by detection by a sensor such as a contact sensor (not shown). Immediately after determining that the front panel 102a has been removed from the housing 102, the controller 122 stops light emission from the light source 134 even if the power is not turned off by pressing the first press button 147a. After the front panel 102a has been removed from the housing 102, the controller 122 does not activate the pressing of the first press button 147a before the front panel 102a is properly attached to the housing 102. After the front panel 102a is properly attached to the housing 102, the controller 122 activates the pressing of the first press button 147a.

The pre-filter 108 and the photocatalytic filter unit 110 can be attached and detached to the housing 102 when the front panel 102a is removed from the housing 102.

The relationship between the housing 102 and the front panel 102a may be applied to the pre-filter 108. The relationship between the housing 102 and the front panel 102a may be applied to the photocatalytic filter unit 110. For example, if both or either of the pre-filter 108 and the photocatalytic filter unit 110 are not properly attached to the housing 102, the controller 122 will not activate the pressing of the first press button 147a even if the front panel 102a is properly attached to the housing 102. After both the pre-filter 108 and the photocatalytic filter unit 110 are properly attached to the housing 102 and the front panel 102a is attached to the housing 102, the controller 122 activates the pressing of the first press button 147a.

This function can be implemented, for example, by using a contact sensor with the pre-filter 108 and a contact sensor with the photocatalytic filter unit 110, which are arranged in the housing 102. These contact sensors can be controlled by the controller 122.

The dirt on the photocatalytic filter 110a of the photocatalytic filter unit 110 is mainly the accumulation of decomposition products and impurities generated by reaction with the catalyst, and foreign matter (contamination) contained in the air that flows in. Since it is assumed to be difficult to take into account the amount of foreign matter, the performance of the photocatalytic filter 110a is maintained by removing minute foreign matter that flows into the air treatment device 100 from the photocatalytic filter unit 110 at an efficient timing.

Incidentally, since foreign matter entering the air treatment device 100 flows through the intake port 104, the pre-filter 108, and the photocatalytic filter unit 110 in that order, it is assumed that the degree of dirtiness of the pre-filter 108 has a certain correlation with the degree of dirtiness of the photocatalytic filter unit 110. Therefore, in this embodiment, the degree of dirtiness of the pre-filter 108 is detected by the sensor 124, and an alert is issued as to the timing of maintenance of the photocatalytic filter unit 110. Therefore, the air treatment device 100 according to this embodiment has a function of outputting whether or not maintenance of the pre-filter 108 and/or the photocatalytic filter unit 110 is required.

For example, when the air treatment device 100 is in a brand new state, such as during a product check before shipment from the factory, the controller 122 causes the light source 134 to emit a predetermined amount of light (UV-C and/or UV-A) and causes the sensor 124 to acquire the light. The controller 122 sets the amount of light acquired by the sensor 124 at this time as an initial value (reference value) and stores it in a storage unit (memory) such as the ROM 143 and/or the auxiliary storage device 145 (ST101). Alternatively, when the air treatment device 100 is first used after shipment from the factory, the controller 122 causes the light source 134 to emit a predetermined amount of light and causes the sensor 124 to acquire the light. The controller 122 sets the amount of light acquired by the sensor 124 at this time as an initial value (reference value) and stores it in a storage unit (memory) (ST101).

In addition, if the light source 134 emits light other than UV-C and UV-A, the predetermined amount of light may be used to determine whether or not filter maintenance is required.

After the air treatment device 100 starts to be used, the controller 122 causes the light source 134 to emit a predetermined amount of light at a predetermined time interval, such as several hours or several days, and the sensor 124 acquires the light, and acquires the amount of decrease in the amount of light relative to a reference value or the decrease rate (ST102). The controller 122 outputs whether the amount of decrease in the amount of light relative to the reference value or the decrease rate relative to the reference value stored in the memory unit exceeds a predetermined value (ST103). In other words, the controller 122 determines whether cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is necessary. The amount of decrease relative to the reference value or the decrease rate relative to the reference value is preset, for example, at the time of shipment from the factory, and is stored in the memory unit.

When the controller 122 causes the light source 134 to emit a predetermined amount of light and the sensor 124 to acquire the light, the controller 122 stores the time and the output value in the memory unit. This also applies to ST107 and ST112 described below.

When the controller 122 determines that cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is necessary (ST103-Yes), it displays that fact on a display or the like as the output unit 148 provided on the operation panel 141 shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the controller 122 notifies the terminal of the user of the air treatment device 100 via the communication interface 146 as a "notice of maintenance of the air treatment device," or the like. In other words, the controller 122 generates an alert that cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is necessary (ST104).

In addition, in ST103, when the controller 122 determines that cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is not necessary (ST103-No), the process of ST102 is repeated again after an appropriate time has elapsed.

After generating the alert in ST104, the pre-filter 108 is removed and attached, and the power to the air treatment device 100 is turned OFF when the front panel 102a is attached to the housing 102. Thereafter, the power to the air treatment device 100 is switched ON by pressing the first push button 147a. The controller 122 again causes the light source 134 to emit a predetermined amount of light, and the sensor 124 to acquire the light, and acquires the amount of increase, rate of increase, etc. of the acquired output value relative to the output value of the sensor 124 acquired in ST102. In other words, the controller 122 determines whether the pre-filter 108 has been cleaned (ST105).

If it is determined that the pre-filter 108 has been cleaned (ST105-Yes), the first cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is counted (ST106). Then, the controller 122 stops outputting the alert (outputting the alert that the pre-filter 108 needs to be cleaned).

If the increase in the output value of the sensor 124 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (ST105-No), it is determined that the pre-filter 108 has not been cleaned or has been insufficiently cleaned, and the output of an alert (output of an alert indicating that the pre-filter 108 needs cleaning) continues.

Then, after an appropriate amount of time has elapsed since the alert was output in ST104, the controller 122 again compares the output value of the sensor 124 with the initial value and the output value in ST102 (ST107).

The controller 122 outputs whether the amount of decrease in the light quantity stored in the memory unit with respect to a reference value (initial value) or the rate of decrease with respect to the reference value has exceeded a predetermined value (ST108). Alternatively, the controller 122 outputs whether the amount of decrease with respect to the output value of the light quantity previously acquired by the sensor 124 or the rate of decrease with respect to that output value has exceeded a predetermined value. In other words, the controller 122 determines whether cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is necessary.

When the controller 122 determines that cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is necessary (ST108-Yes), it displays that fact on a display or the like serving as the output unit 148. Alternatively, the controller 122 notifies the terminal of the user of the air treatment device 100 via the communication interface 146 as a "notice of maintenance of the air treatment device," or the like. In other words, the controller 122 generates an alert that cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is necessary (ST109).

When the controller 122 determines in ST108 that cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is not necessary (ST108-No), the process of ST107 is repeated after an appropriate time has elapsed. The output value at this time is compared with, for example, a reference value or the output value at which it was determined in ST102 that cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is necessary.

After generating the alert in ST109, the pre-filter 108 is removed and attached, and when the front panel 102a is attached to the housing 102, the power of the air treatment device 100 is turned OFF. Thereafter, the power of the air treatment device 100 is switched ON by pressing the first push button 147a. The controller 122 again causes the light source 134 to emit a predetermined amount of light, and the sensor 124 to acquire the light, and acquires changes in the amount of increase, rate of increase, etc. of the acquired output value of the sensor 124 relative to the output value acquired in ST107. In other words, the controller 122 determines whether the pre-filter 108 has been cleaned (ST110).

If it is determined that the pre-filter 108 has been cleaned (ST110-Yes), the second cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is counted (ST111). Then, the controller 122 stops outputting the alert (outputting the alert that the pre-filter 108 needs to be cleaned).

If the increase in the output value of the sensor 124 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (ST110-No), it is determined that the pre-filter 108 has not been cleaned or has been insufficiently cleaned, and the output of an alert (output of an alert indicating that the pre-filter 108 needs cleaning) continues.

Then, after an appropriate amount of time has elapsed since the alert was output in ST109, the controller 122 again compares the output value of the sensor 124 with the initial value and the output value in ST107 (ST112).

The controller 122 outputs whether the amount of decrease in the light quantity stored in the memory unit relative to a reference value (initial value) or the rate of decrease relative to the reference value has exceeded a predetermined value (ST113). Alternatively, the controller 122 outputs whether the amount of decrease in the light quantity relative to the output value previously acquired by the sensor 124 or the rate of decrease relative to that output value has exceeded a predetermined value. Here, the controller 122 determines whether cleaning of the pre-filter 108 and the photocatalytic filter unit 110 is necessary.

When the controller 122 determines that cleaning of the pre-filter 108 and photocatalytic filter unit 110 is necessary (ST113-Yes), it displays that fact on a display or the like serving as the output unit 148. Alternatively, the controller 122 notifies the terminal of the user of the air treatment device 100 via the communication interface 146 as a "notice of maintenance of the air treatment device", or the like. In other words, the controller 122 generates an alert that cleaning of the pre-filter 108 and photocatalytic filter unit 110 is necessary (ST114). Therefore, the controller 122 appropriately notifies the user when it is time to clean the photocatalytic filter unit 110.

In addition, in ST1113, when the controller 122 determines that cleaning of the pre-filter 108 and the photocatalytic filter unit 110 is not necessary (ST113-No), the process of ST112 is repeated again after an appropriate time has elapsed. The output value at this time is compared, for example, with a reference value or the output value determined in ST107 that cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is necessary.

After generating the alert in ST114, the pre-filter 108 and photocatalytic filter unit 110 are removed and attached, and when the front panel 102a is attached to the housing 102, the power of the air treatment device 100 is turned OFF. Then, by pressing the first push button 147a, the power of the air treatment device 100 is switched ON. The controller 122 again causes the light source 134 to emit a predetermined amount of light, and the sensor 124 to acquire the light, and acquires the amount of increase, rate of increase, etc. of the acquired output value relative to the output value of the sensor 124 acquired in ST112. In other words, it is determined whether the pre-filter 108 and photocatalytic filter unit 110 have been cleaned (ST115).

If it is determined that the pre-filter 108 and the photocatalytic filter unit 110 have been cleaned (ST115-Yes), the third cleaning of the pre-filter 108 and the first cleaning of the photocatalytic filter unit 110 are counted (ST116). Then, the controller 122 stops outputting the alert (outputting the alert that the pre-filter 108 and the photocatalytic filter unit 110 need to be cleaned).

If the increase in the output value of the sensor 124 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (ST115-No), it is determined that the pre-filter 108 and photocatalytic filter unit 110 have not been cleaned or have been insufficiently cleaned, and the output of an alert (output of an alert indicating that the pre-filter 108 and photocatalytic filter unit 110 need to be cleaned) continues.

Then, the controller 122 returns to processing ST102. Alternatively, the controller 122 may return to processing ST112.

The controller 122 starts the above-mentioned process before, for example, one month has passed since the start of use of the air treatment device 100, which is the time for regular maintenance of the pre-filter 108. In ST103, if the controller 122 does not determine that cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is necessary within one month of starting use of the air treatment device 100, the controller 122 outputs an alert (outputs an alert that cleaning of the pre-filter 108 is necessary) when it is time to perform regular maintenance.

In this way, the pre-filter 108 and/or photocatalytic filter unit 110 of the air treatment device 100 according to this embodiment are alerted to maintenance at the appropriate time for each usage environment, allowing efficient maintenance to be carried out. By performing maintenance on the pre-filter 108 and/or photocatalytic filter unit 110 in accordance with the maintenance alerts of the air treatment device 100 according to this embodiment, the performance of the air treatment device 100 can be maintained at a good level. The air treatment device 100 according to this embodiment can appropriately notify the user when it is time to clean the photocatalytic filter unit 110.

In this embodiment, a photosensor is used as the sensor 124, and the degree of contamination of the prefilter 108 can be inferred from the transmittance of, for example, UV-A and/or UV-C rays through the photocatalytic filter unit 110 and the prefilter 108, and an alert can be issued as to when maintenance of the prefilter 108 and the photocatalytic filter unit 110 is required.

The photosensor 124 may be disposed, for example, between the prefilter 108 and the photocatalytic filter unit 110. A light source for the sensor 124, such as a visible light source other than the UV-A and UV-C light sources 134, may be disposed between the prefilter 108 and the photocatalytic filter unit 110, or above the photocatalytic filter unit 110. In this embodiment, by disposing the sensor 124 on the upstream side of the air flow of the prefilter 108, the sensor 124 can be separated from the light source 134, and the amount of exposure to UV-A and UV-C is suppressed, so that deterioration of the sensor 124 can be suppressed. In addition, by disposing the sensor 124 on the upstream side of the air flow of the prefilter 108, it is possible to determine the dirt of the prefilter 108 and the dirt of the photocatalytic filter unit 110 together (combined).

In addition, by using the output side light source 134 as an ultraviolet light source (UV-A light source) for sterilization and deodorization that excites the photocatalyst, or as an ultraviolet light source (UV-C light source) for sterilization, the alert generation mechanism of the air treatment device 100 can be formed simply and inexpensively.

The timing for obtaining the output value from the sensor 124 in ST102 can be set appropriately, such as several minutes, several hours, or several days after the air treatment device 100 starts to be used.

The timing for obtaining the output value from the sensor 124 in ST107 and ST112 can be set appropriately to several hours or several days after the occurrence of the alert (ST104, ST109). Maintenance of the photocatalytic filter unit 110 is more likely to take time than maintenance of the pre-filter 108. For this reason, the timing for obtaining the output value from the sensor 124 in ST107 may be several hours after the occurrence of the alert (ST104), but it is preferable to obtain the output value from the sensor 124 in ST112 longer than that, several hours or several days after the occurrence of the alert (ST109).

In this embodiment, the arrangement of the sensor 124 shown in FIG. 3 is shown as being located on the inner wall (side wall) of the housing 102. Various arrangements of the sensor 124 are permissible as long as it is located inside the housing 102.

In this embodiment, examples have been described in which the output unit 148 can be a display provided on the operation panel 141 of the air treatment device 100, or a terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal that communicates with the air treatment device 100 via the communication interface 146. The output unit 148 can be at least one of these. For this reason, the air treatment device 100 itself may not necessarily need a function to visually inform the user of a request to clean the pre-filter 108 and/or photocatalytic filter unit 110.

In the above example, the sensor 124 is described as using a photo sensor, but for example, a wind speed sensor or an air volume sensor may be used. The wind speed sensor 124 can measure the flow speed of air flowing at the position where the sensor 124 is located. The fan 118 of the air treatment device 100 is rotated at a constant speed, for example. At this time, the amount of air flowing from the intake port 104 to the exhaust port 120 per unit time can be constant. The value immediately after the operation of the air treatment device 100 is stored in the storage unit (memory) as a reference value (representative value). After that, the difference in wind speed from the reference value is obtained, and when the difference exceeds an appropriate threshold value, an alert can be issued that maintenance is required.
Therefore, for example, when the fan 118 rotates a certain amount per unit time, if the pre-filter 108 and the photocatalytic filter 110a are dirty, the air volume per unit time decreases. By detecting this, the degree of dirtiness of the photocatalytic filter 110a and the pre-filter 108 can be determined, and an alert can be issued as to when maintenance of the photocatalytic filter 110a and the pre-filter 108 is required.

The wind speed sensor 124 may be located inside or outside the housing 102. For example, if the first light-shielding grill 106 is provided between the light source 134 and the sensor (wind speed sensor) 124, the first light-shielding grill 106 prevents the light from the light source 134 from escaping outside the housing 102. For this reason, the sensor 124 can be located at a position where the light from the light source 134 is blocked. This makes it possible to prevent the sensor 124 from easily deteriorating when, for example, ultraviolet light is used as the light from the light source 134.

The sensor 124 can also be an image sensor (image sensor). The image sensor 124 is positioned to capture an image of at least one of the photocatalytic filter 110a and the pre-filter 108. Therefore, the controller 122 can process the image information of the photocatalytic filter 110a and/or the pre-filter 108 obtained by the image sensor 124, determine whether or not maintenance of the photocatalytic filter 110a and the pre-filter 108 is required, and issue an alert when maintenance is required.

The controller 122 can process image data acquired by the image sensor 124 using artificial intelligence to determine whether maintenance of the photocatalytic filter 110a and pre-filter 108 is required and issue an alert when maintenance is required.

In this embodiment, the housing 102 has been described as being approximately rectangular. The housing 102 may be cylindrical, elliptical, or any other suitable polygonal pipe shape such as a triangle, pentagon, or hexagon. In this case, the shapes of the pre-filter 108 and the photocatalytic filter unit 110 are changed to match the shape of the inside of the housing 102.

In the air treatment device 100 according to this embodiment, an example has been described in which the intake port 104 is located on the lower side and the exhaust port 120 is located on the upper side. The intake port 104 may take in air from the side of the lower part of the housing 102, rather than from the lower side of the housing 102. The exhaust port 120 may exhaust air to the side of the upper part of the housing 102, rather than from the upper side of the housing 102.

The air treatment device 100 according to this embodiment may take in air using the upper side of the housing 102 as an intake port indicated by reference symbol 120, or may take in air from the side of the upper part of the housing 102. The air treatment device 100 according to this embodiment may exhaust air using the lower side of the housing 102 as an exhaust port indicated by reference symbol 104, or may exhaust air to the side of the lower part of the housing 102.

Also, the direction of the airflow by the fan 118 may be reversed so that air is taken into the housing 102 through the first ventilation section (first port) 120 on the upper side and the air inside the housing 102 is exhausted through the second ventilation section (second port) 104 on the lower side. In this case, the pre-filter 108 is disposed, for example, between the air intake port indicated by the reference symbol 120 and the light source unit 114, and sterilized and deodorized air is exhausted through the exhaust port indicated by the reference symbol 104.

The air treatment device 100 according to this embodiment may be placed on a floor surface or supported on a wall surface. If the air treatment device 100 is supported on a wall surface, the base (legs) 126 may not be necessary.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the air treatment device 100 described above, it is possible to notify the user that the filter needs cleaning. Therefore, according to the air treatment device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to properly notify the user when it is time to clean the photocatalytic filter unit 110.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

100...air treatment device, 102...housing, 102a...front panel, 104...air intake, 106...first light shielding grill, 108...pre-filter, 110...photocatalytic filter unit, 112...sterilization and deodorization area, 114...light source unit, 116...second light shielding grill, 118...fan, 120...exhaust port, 122...controller, 124...sensor, 126...base, 134...light source, 141...operation panel, 142...processor, 147...input unit, 147a...first push button, 148...output unit.

Claims (5)

A cylindrical housing;
A fan for generating airflow within the housing;
A photocatalytic filter provided within the housing;
A pre-filter provided in the housing on the upstream side of the air flow of the photocatalyst filter;
A light source that irradiates the photocatalytic filter with light;
A sensor for detecting a degree of contamination of at least one of the pre-filter and the photocatalytic filter;
A processor that issues an alert for the timing of maintenance of at least one of the pre-filter and the photocatalytic filter based on the degree of contamination detected by the sensor;
An air treatment device having an The light source is provided downstream of the air flow of the photocatalytic filter,
The air treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is provided upstream of the photocatalytic filter in the air flow direction and includes a photosensor that detects the amount of light from the light source. The light source is provided downstream of the air flow of the photocatalytic filter,
The air treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor includes a photosensor disposed upstream of the prefilter in the air flow direction and configured to detect an amount of light from the light source. The air treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a wind speed sensor. The air treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor uses an image sensor that captures an image of at least one of the photocatalytic filter and the pre-filter.