JP3201636B2 - air purifier - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air cleaner for purifying air taken into a housing and discharging the purified air.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an air purifier of this type includes:
A fan that forms an airflow from the intake port to the exhaust port, and a purifier that purifies air in a flow path between the intake port and the exhaust port. Means are provided. Also,
Pollution degree detecting means for detecting the degree of indoor air pollution is provided in the housing so that the operation can be automatically performed when the degree of indoor air pollution increases. The output of the pollution degree detecting means is used for controlling the blowing capacity of the fan according to the degree of air pollution during operation. As a purifying means, an air filter is generally used, but one using other purifying means is also provided. As the contamination degree detecting means, a means for detecting the degree of contamination based on a change in an optical physical quantity (a transmitted light amount or a scattered light amount) is used. For example, while irradiating light from a light emitting element to a specific area into which air is introduced, airborne fine particles (dust and cigarette smoke)
The amount of transmitted light or the amount of scattered light corresponding to the density of the light is detected by the light receiving element, and the degree of contamination is determined based on a change in the output level of the light receiving element.

[0003]

By the way, the amount of fine particles adhering to the pollution degree detecting means increases with time. Therefore, in the case where the degree of contamination detection means of the type that detects the amount of transmitted light is used, the sensitivity of the degree of contamination detection means increases with the passage of time, and the apparatus is operated even when air is not contaminated. The problem arises. Also, when using a pollution degree detection means of a type that detects the amount of scattered light,
There sensitivity contamination degree detection means with the passage of time is reduced
Elevated or bought air such driving be contaminated,
There will be a problem of driving even if the air is not polluted . In other words, light emitting elements and light receiving elements
Sensitivity decreases when fine particles adhere to the surface, and the degree of air pollution
Scattering when fine particles adhere to the wall around the monitoring area
The sensitivity increases with the increase in light.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air purifier which prevents malfunction caused by fine particles adhering to a pollution degree detecting means.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet opening, a fan for forming an air flow from the inlet to the outlet, and a flow path between the inlet and the outlet. Purifying means for purifying air in the air, and pollution degree detecting means disposed in a flow path between the air supply port and the purifying means and detecting a degree of air contamination based on a change in an optical physical quantity due to the contamination. The provided air purifier has a common configuration.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the air after the purification treatment by the purification means is returned to the air supply side of the pollution degree detection means and introduced into the pollution degree detection means. There is provided a flow path selecting means for selectively opening one of the return path and the air supply port formed separately. According to the second and third aspects of the present invention, there is provided a cleaner capable of removing dirt attached to the pollution degree detector. In particular, the invention of claim 2
The driving time of the means is set based on the usage time.
The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the driving timing of the cleaner means is dirty.
It is set based on the detection value of the degree of dye detection means
And

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a return path formed separately from the flow path so that the air after the purification treatment by the purification means is returned to the air supply side of the pollution degree detection means and introduced into the pollution degree detection means. And a flow path selecting means for selectively opening one of the air supply port and the output of the pollution degree detecting means in a state where the clean air passing through the return path is introduced into the pollution degree detecting means. Notification means for notifying a change in sensitivity of the pollution degree detection means based on the value.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the degree of contamination is detected in a state where an optical element which causes a change in the optical physical quantity sufficiently larger than the change in the optical physical quantity due to the contamination of air is arranged in the detection area of the pollution degree detecting means. There is provided a notifying means for notifying a change in sensitivity of the pollution degree detecting means based on an output value of the means.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the air purified by the purifying means can be introduced into the pollution degree detecting means. It can be removed by air. That is, if clean air is introduced into the pollution degree detecting means at appropriate time intervals by switching the flow paths by the flow path selecting means, it is possible to suppress a change in sensitivity of the pollution degree detecting means, and over a long period of time. Malfunction can be prevented.

According to the structure of claim 2 or claim 3 ,
Since the cleaner means is provided to remove dirt from the pollution degree detecting means, it is possible to suppress a change in sensitivity of the pollution degree detecting means over a long period of time. According to the configuration of claim 4 , when the clean air after passing through the purifying means is introduced into the pollution degree detecting means, the sensitivity change of the pollution degree detecting means is notified based on the output value of the pollution degree detecting means. Therefore, it is possible to notify the fact that the contamination degree detecting means is dirty and to promote the cleaning.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a change in the sensitivity of the pollution degree detecting means is reported based on the output value of the pollution degree detecting means in a state where the optical element is arranged in the pollution degree detecting means.
Cleaning can be prompted by notifying that the contamination degree detecting means is dirty. Moreover, if the optical element is arranged in the pollution degree detecting means, the sensitivity change of the pollution degree detecting means can be determined, so that the optical element can be juxtaposed with the pollution degree detecting means to have a self-diagnosis function. The flow path can be simplified as compared with the case where the return path is provided.

[0012]

Embodiment (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, an example in which a filter is used as a purifying means will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, an intake port 2 and an exhaust port 3 are opened in the housing 1. In the flow path between the intake port 2 and the exhaust port 3, a filter 4 as a purifying means and a fan 5 (motor 1
The airflow that is taken in from the intake port 2 and is formed by the fan 5 from the intake port 2 to the exhaust port 3 is cleaned through the filter 4 and then discharged. 3 will be discharged. A dust sensor 6 is disposed between the intake port 2 and the filter 4 as pollution degree detecting means for detecting the degree of pollution of air taken into the filter 4. The dust sensor 6 includes a light emitting element 6a formed of a light emitting diode and a light receiving element 6b formed of a photodiode facing each other, and the amount of transmitted light of air between the light emitting element 6a and the light receiving element 6b. The concentration of airborne particulates in the air is detected based on the change in airborne particles.

The housing 1 has a filter 4
A return path 7 is formed to return the air purified through the air passage to the intake side of the dust sensor 6. An electromagnetic valve 8 is provided in the housing 1 as a flow path selecting means for selectively opening the opening on the side of the intake port 2 in the return path 7 and the intake port 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, when the intake port 2 is opened by the solenoid valve 8, the air taken in from the intake port 2 is discharged from the exhaust port 3 after passing through the filter 4 through the dust sensor 6. Will be.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, when the intake port 2 is closed by the electromagnetic valve 8, the air in the return path 7 is sucked, so that the air that has passed through the filter 4 has passed through the return path 7. It will pass through the dust sensor 6 later. In short, the air passing through the dust sensor 6 according to the position of the solenoid valve 8 is separated from the air before the purification process by the filter 4 and the filter 4.
And the air that has passed through the purification process.

According to this configuration, if the clean air that has passed through the filter 4 is introduced into the dust sensor 6 by switching the solenoid valve 8 at an appropriate time, the clean air adheres to the inner surface of the dust sensor 6. Fine particles (such as cotton dust) can be removed. That is, if the timing for switching the solenoid valve 8 is set appropriately, the fluctuation of the sensitivity of the dust sensor 6 can be reduced over a long period of time. The time interval at which the solenoid valve 8 is switched can be set based on the usage time or the detection value of the dust sensor 6. Here, when clean air is introduced into the dust sensor 6 with the intake port 2 closed, if the space before the filter 4 is sealed, the air introduced from the exhaust port 3 Since it is inconvenient to be introduced into the inside, it is desirable to provide an opening in the space before the filter 4 so that air can be introduced without passing through the dust sensor 6. Further, if the position of the air introduction portion from the return path 7 to the dust sensor 6 is adjusted so that turbulence occurs in the clean air in the dust sensor 6, the effect of removing fine particles is further enhanced. Become.

(Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a cleaner 9 as a cleaner means that can be inserted into the inner peripheral surface of a sensor case 6c of a dust sensor 6 formed in a cylindrical shape. Is provided. The cleaner 9 includes a cleaner main body 9a formed in a cylindrical shape or a rectangular frame shape, and a brush body 9b attached to an outer peripheral surface of the cleaner main body 9a. As the brush body 9b, an elastic double-sided adhesive tape based on a sponge body, a sponge body made of an adhesive synthetic rubber, or the like can be used. The outer diameter of the cleaner 9 is set substantially equal to the inner diameter of the sensor case 6c of the dust sensor 6. The cleaner 9 is driven using the motor of the fan 5 as a drive source, and a mechanism for moving the cleaner 9 in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the dust sensor 6 is interposed between the cleaner 9 and the drive source. .

According to the above configuration, if the cleaner 9 is inserted into the dust sensor 6 and rotated at an appropriate time, the fine particles adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the dust sensor 6 can be removed by the brush 9b. is there. As the brush body 9b,
It is not necessary to use an adhesive material, and any material may be used as long as it can wipe off dirt on the inner peripheral surface of the dust sensor 6. Further, if the brush body 9 combines not only rotation but also circumferential movement and axial reciprocation, the effect of removing fine particles is further enhanced.
Here, the time interval for using the cleaner 9 may be set based on the usage time and the value detected by the dust sensor 6 as in the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3) In this embodiment, the degree of contamination inside the dust sensor 6 is detected, and the degree of contamination of the dust sensor 6 is notified. That is, in a state in which the clean air that has passed through the return path 7 by switching the solenoid valve 8 described in the first embodiment is introduced into the dust sensor 6, as shown in FIG. by comparing the reference value set by the value generator SG ₁ comparator CP _1, it is to determine the change in sensitivity of the dust sensor 6.

This will be described more specifically. The output of the dust sensor 6 is divided by a resistor R and a variable resistor VR minute, is input to the comparator CP ₁ through the switch element SW is an analog switch. Also, partial pressure value is also input to the other three comparators CP ₂ ~ CP _4. In each of the comparators CP _{1 to} CP ₄ , a reference value generator SG
₁ the reference value set by the to SG ₄ and the output of the dust sensor 6 is compared with dividing the divided value, the divided voltage value turns on the corresponding transistors Q ₁ to Q ₄ exceeds the reference value. Transistors Q ₁ to Q ₄ is if turned on, the display lamp LD ₁ to Ld ₄ made of light-emitting diode connected to the collector of the transistors Q ₁ to Q ₄ is turned, respectively. Here, the reference value of the reference value generator SG ₂ to SG ₄ are set to be sequentially increased, the indicator lamp LD ₂ to Ld ₄ so as to sequentially light up as the output of the dust sensor 6 increases I have. The dust sensor 6 is assumed to have a higher output voltage as the detected pollution degree increases. However, if the dust sensor 6 is configured so that the output voltage decreases as the pollution degree increases, the reference value generator SG indicator LD ₁ when smaller is divided value than the reference value set by ₁ to SG ₄
Comparator CP ₁ as ~LD ₄ is turned ~CP ₄
Needless to say, In addition, each Transis
The collector of data Q ₂ ~Q _4, each triac T
The gates of A _{2 to} TA ₄ are connected, and the indicator lights LD _{2 to} L
Triac TA ₂ ~ corresponding simultaneously D ₄ is turned
TA ₄ is turned on. Triac TA
₂ and TA ₃ are connected in series with resistors R ₂ and R ₃ ,
Each series circuit of ACK TA ₂ , TA ₃ and resistors R ₂ , R ₃
And the triac TA ₄ are connected in parallel with each other,
Motor 10 is connected between the parallel circuit and the power supply AC.
You. With this configuration, the amount of air blown by the fan 5 according to the degree of contamination
Can be switched.

On the other hand, the switch element SW includes a dust sensor 6
It is turned on in response to the output of the timer T for integrating the power supply time to the power supply. Accordingly, the output of the timer T at fixed use time is turned on, it is the output of the dust sensor 6 is the switch element SW is turned on is input to the comparator CP _1. Here, the output of the timer T is configured to reset the timer T via the delay circuit D, and the switch element SW is turned on for the delay time by the delay circuit D. The output of the timer T also controls the solenoid valve 8, and when the timer T is turned on, the solenoid valve 8 shuts off the intake port 2 so that clean air flows through the dust sensor 6.
Therefore, a certain time of use (e.g., 1 month) to the sensitivity of the dust sensor 6 is compared with the reference value of the reference value generator SG ₁ per. As a result, if the reference value is set to an appropriate value, a change in the sensitivity of the dust sensor 6 (that is, an increase in dirt) can be detected. Since indicator LD ₁ is off after the delay time set by the delay circuit D, it is desirable preferably provided a circuit for holding an output value of the comparator CP _1.

According to the above configuration, if the reference values of the variable resistor VR and each of the reference value generators SG _{1 to} SG ₄ are set to appropriate values, the degree of air pollution is indicated during operation. LD
_{2 to} LD ₄ , and the degree of contamination of the dust sensor 6 is detected at regular intervals of use.
Cleaning dust sensor 6 it is possible to inform the indicator LD ₁ is a notifying means whether necessary. Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 4) In the embodiment 3, by comparing the output value of the dust sensor 6 with the clean air being introduced into the dust sensor 6 with the reference value, the contamination inside the dust sensor 6 is improved. In this embodiment, a reflector 11 is provided as a standard optical element that reflects light from the light emitting element 6a of the dust sensor 6 and makes the light incident on the light receiving element 6b. The contamination of the dust sensor 6 is detected by determining the amount of light received by the light receiving element 6b when the reflector 11 is used. That is, the fact that as the dirt of the dust sensor 6 advances, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 6b of the light reflected by the reflector 11 decreases. Further, the change in the amount of received light due to the presence or absence of the reflector 11 is set to be sufficiently larger than the change in the amount of received light due to the presence or absence of the floating particles, and can be distinguished from the change in the amount of received light due to the floating particles. I have. Here, the reflector 11 is formed of a material to which dirt does not easily adhere, and is usually stored so that dirt does not easily adhere, and is moved to a necessary place only when necessary. .

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the reflector 11 is normally stored in the recess 6d formed in the sensor case 6c of the dust sensor 6, and the solenoid 12 connected to the reflector 11 is driven by driving the solenoid 12. The reflector 1 as shown in FIG.
1 protrudes into the internal space of the sensor case 6c. The position of the reflector 11 in the protruding state is set to a position where the light from the light projecting element 6a can be reflected and incident on the light receiving element 6b. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
4 is a straight line, and the reflector 11 is coupled to the tip of the driving iron core 14.

A circuit for determining the degree of dirt on the dust sensor 6 is configured as shown in FIG. That is, similarly to the third embodiment, the output of the dust sensor 6 includes the resistor R and the variable resistor VR.
After being divided by a, is input to the comparator CP ₁ through the switch elements SW consisting analog switch. Comparing the set reference value by dividing value and the reference value generator SG ₁ of the output of the comparator CP ₁ the dust sensor 6, inverts the output partial pressure value exceeds the reference value. Transistor Q ₁ through a latch circuit LH when the output of the comparator CP ₁ is inverted indicator LD ₁ turned on is turned on. Thus, a change in the sensitivity of the dust sensor 6 is notified. Further, when the output of the comparator CP ₁ is inverted is held by the latch circuit LH. The latch circuit LH is reset by operating the switch S.

On the other hand, there are provided a timer T ₁ for accumulating the energizing time of the sensor power supply to the dust sensor 6 and a timer T ₂ which is triggered by the output of the timer T ₁ being inputted via the differentiating circuit DF _1. It is, for each integration time of the timer T _1, the output only time limit time of the timer T ₂ are configured to turn on. The integration time of the timer T _1, for example 2
It is set to 4 hours, and the time limit of the timer T ₂ is, for example, 1
Set to minutes. If the output of the timer circuit T ₂ is turned on, solenoid 1 transistor Q ₅ is turned on
2, the reflector 11 projects into the sensor case 6c of the dust sensor 6. Moreover, if time-limit time of the timer circuit T ₂ is finished, the transistor Q ₅ is reflector 11 is turned off to return to the original position. That is, the reflector 11 protrudes for one minute every 24 hours of use. Timer T
_2, through a delay circuit D for delaying the output of the timer T ₂ is reset, also, the timer T ₁ is reset via a differentiating circuit DF ₂ for differentiating the output of the timer T _2.

According to the above configuration, since the reflector 11 projects into the sensor case 6c at regular intervals of use, the light amount change in the optical path from the light projecting element 6a to the light receiving element 6b via the reflector 11 is achieved. can be detected by a comparator CP _1, is the change in sensitivity of the dust sensor 6 can be periodically inspected. Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0026]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the air purified by the purifying means can be introduced into the pollution degree detecting means, the dirt adhering to the pollution degree detecting means can be cleaned with almost no floating particles. It can be removed by air. That is, if clean air is introduced into the pollution degree detecting means at appropriate time intervals by switching the flow paths by the flow path selecting means, it is possible to suppress a change in sensitivity of the pollution degree detecting means, and over a long period of time. There is an advantage that malfunction can be prevented.

According to the second or third aspect of the present invention, a cleaner means is provided to remove dirt from the pollution degree detecting means.
The effect is obtained that the sensitivity change of the pollution degree detecting means can be suppressed over a long period of time. According to the invention of claim 4 , the sensitivity change of the pollution degree detecting means is reported based on the output value of the pollution degree detecting means in a state where the clean air after passing through the purifying means is introduced into the pollution degree detecting means. In addition, there is an advantage that cleaning can be prompted by notifying that the contamination degree detecting means is dirty.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a change in sensitivity of the pollution degree detecting means is reported based on an output value of the pollution degree detecting means in a state where the optical element is arranged in the pollution degree detecting means. There is an advantage that cleaning can be prompted by notifying the user of the contamination. Moreover, if the optical element is arranged in the pollution degree detecting means, the sensitivity change of the pollution degree detecting means can be determined, so that the optical element can be juxtaposed with the pollution degree detecting means to have a self-diagnosis function. There is an advantage that the flow path can be simplified as compared with the case where the return path is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view when used in Example 1.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dust sensor according to the first embodiment in a state where dirt is removed.

FIG. 3 is an exploded sectional view of a main part of a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view at the time of use in a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which contamination of a dust sensor is detected in a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a relationship between a solenoid used in Embodiment 4 and a reflector.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 2 Intake port 3 Exhaust port 4 Filter 5 Fan 6 Dust sensor 7 Return path 8 Solenoid valve 9 Cleaner 11 Reflector LD ₁ Indicator light

(56) References JP-A-3-267108 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B01D 46/46 F24F 7/00 F24F 7/007 B01D 53 / 30

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A housing having an intake port and an exhaust port opened, a fan forming an airflow from the intake port to the exhaust port, and a purifying means for purifying air in a flow path between the intake port and the exhaust port. And a pollution degree detecting means disposed in a flow path between the air supply port and the purifying means for detecting a degree of contamination of air based on a change in an optical physical quantity due to the contamination, and air purified by the purifying means. To return to the air supply side of the pollution degree detecting means and to introduce the gas into the pollution degree detecting means by selectively opening one of the return path formed separately from the flow path and the air supply port. An air purifier comprising a road selecting means. 2. A housing having an intake port and an exhaust port opened, a fan forming an airflow from the intake port to the exhaust port, and a purifying means for purifying air in a flow path between the intake port and the exhaust port. A pollution degree detection means disposed in a flow path between the air supply port and the purification means for detecting a degree of air pollution based on a change in an optical physical quantity due to the contamination; and a dirt attached to the pollution degree detection means. Cleaner means capable of removing dust, and the driving time of the cleaner means is set based on the usage time.
An air purifier characterized by being specified . 3. A housing having an intake port and an exhaust port opened, a fan forming an air flow from the intake port to the exhaust port, and a purifying means for purifying air in a flow path between the intake port and the exhaust port. A pollution degree detection means disposed in a flow path between the air supply port and the purification means for detecting a degree of air pollution based on a change in an optical physical quantity due to the pollution; and a pollution degree detection means.
Cleaner means capable of removing dirt that has adhered.
The operating time of the cleaner means is detected by the pollution degree detecting means.
An air purifier characterized by being set based on a value . 4. A housing having an intake port and an exhaust port opened, a fan forming an airflow from the intake port to the exhaust port, and a purifying means for purifying air in a flow path between the intake port and the exhaust port. If the contamination degree detection means for detecting based on the change in optical physical quantity due to contamination of the degree of contamination of the flow path disposed air between the air inlet and purification means, cleaning by cleaning means
Return the treated air to the air supply side of the pollution degree detection
Formed separately from the above flow path to be introduced into the detection means
Open either the return path or the air supply port
Flow path selection means and clean air passing through the return path
An air purifier comprising: a notifying unit for notifying a change in sensitivity of the pollution degree detection unit based on an output value of the pollution degree detection unit in a state where the air pollution detection unit is introduced into the air purification unit. 5. A housing having an intake port and an exhaust port opened.
And a fan that forms an airflow from the intake port to the exhaust port.
And purifies air in the flow path between the intake and exhaust ports
A purifying means, and a flow passage between the air supply port and the purifying means.
The degree of air pollution is based on changes in optical physical quantities due to contamination.
Means for detecting air pollution and light from air pollution
Changes in optical physical quantities that are sufficiently larger than changes in
The optical element that causes the contamination in the detection area of the pollution degree detection means.
Contamination based on the output value of the pollution degree detection means
Notification means for notifying a change in sensitivity of the degree detection means.
An air purifier characterized in that: