JP3482884B2 - Air treatment equipment - 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 treatment apparatus, and more specifically, to an air treatment apparatus main body for performing a predetermined treatment on indoor air and an operation instruction signal to the air treatment apparatus main body. An air treatment device having a remote control. In this specification, the air treatment device is used as a general term for an air conditioner, a dehumidifier, an air cleaner, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed an air cleaning device having an air cleaning device and a remote controller for controlling the operation of the air cleaning device from a position away from the air cleaning device. As such an air cleaning device, a remote controller provided with a sensor for detecting dirt (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-56115), and the remote controller displays the degree of dirt on the filter based on the output of the gas sensor and the gas sensor. A device provided with an indicator lamp (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-147513 and Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-36211) has been proposed.

If an air cleaning device having such a remote controller is adopted, it is possible to detect the air quality in the vicinity of the user of the air cleaning device (for example, the presence or absence of dirt in the room air, the degree of dirt, etc.). . In particular, when the latter air cleaning device is adopted, the air quality can be notified to the user.

Further, the user can immediately control the operation of the air purifier by operating the remote controller based on the judgment based on the air quality, and the operation of the air purifier can be automatically controlled based on the air quality. It can also be controlled dynamically.

Further, conventionally, as an air conditioner, an air conditioner having an air conditioner body and a remote controller for controlling the operation of the air conditioner body from a position away from the air conditioner body has been provided. As this remote controller, for example, a remote controller in which a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of indoor air is adopted as an air quality sensor is also provided.

If the air conditioner having such a remote controller is adopted, the air quality (for example, the temperature of the indoor air) in the vicinity of the user of the air conditioner can be detected.

Furthermore, the user can immediately control the operation of the air conditioner main body by operating the remote controller based on the judgment based on the air quality, and the operation of the air conditioner main body based on the air quality. Can also be controlled automatically.

[0008]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-56115
Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-147513, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-
In the air purifier disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 36211,
The remote control is provided with an air quality sensor for detecting the air quality. As such an air quality sensor,
A gas sensor, a dust sensor, etc. are illustrated. Further, in the case of the air conditioner, a temperature sensor or the like is exemplified as the air quality sensor.

Then, in such a remote controller,
Since the opening is formed at a predetermined position in the casing of the remote controller and the air quality sensor is provided inside the opening, natural convection of the air around the remote controller causes air to enter the air quality sensor through the opening. be introduced.
Therefore, even when the environment around the remote controller changes rapidly, if the air convection is small, the change cannot be detected quickly. As a result, the user feels uncomfortable because his / her sense does not match the display contents of the remote controller and the operating state of the air treatment device main body during automatic operation (for example, operating air volume in the case of an air conditioner). There are cases.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when the environment around the remote control changes abruptly, the air quality can be detected quickly in response to this change. An object is to provide an air treatment device having a remote control.

[0011]

An air treatment apparatus according to claim 1 has an air treatment apparatus main body for performing a predetermined treatment on indoor air and a remote controller, and as the remote controller, air for detecting air quality. A quality sensor, a fan that guides the air near the remote control to the air quality sensor, and a fan that starts the operation of the fan in response to an instruction to measure the air quality and stops the operation of the fan after a predetermined time has elapsed. The one having a control means is adopted.

In this specification, the term "remote control" is not used to limit the operation and control of the air treatment apparatus body, but is not limited to this.
It is used to generically refer to those provided separately from the air treatment apparatus main body. Specifically, as long as it is different from the main body of the air treatment device, it may be a so-called remote controller that gives a driving instruction or the like, or may be a simple remote member that does not give a driving instruction.

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

[0026]

[0027]

[0028]

In the air treatment apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, as the fan control means, one that can set a time for operating the fan is adopted.

[0030]

An air treatment apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention has an air treatment apparatus main body for performing a predetermined treatment on indoor air and a remote controller. As the remote controller, an air quality sensor for detecting air quality and a remote controller are provided. Having a fan that guides nearby air to an air quality sensor, and fan control means that starts the operation of the fan in response to an instruction to measure the air quality and stops the operation of the fan after a lapse of a predetermined time Therefore, the air around the remote controller can be forcibly guided to the air quality sensor by the fan. As a result, regardless of the presence or absence of air convection around the remote controller,
It is possible to quickly detect a sudden change in the environment around the remote controller, and to significantly suppress the inconvenience that the user feels uncomfortable. Also, the life of the fan motor can be extended by operating the fan only when performing the measurement, and when the remote controller is wireless, the life of the power source of the remote controller can be extended.

[0031]

[0032]

[0033]

[0034]

[0035]

[0036]

[0037]

[0038]

[0039]

[0040]

[0041]

[0042]

[0043]

[0044]

[0045]

[0046]

According to the air treatment apparatus of claim 2, since the fan control means that can set the time for operating the fan is adopted, in addition to the operation of claim 1, the surroundings of the remote controller It is possible to set a sufficient fan operation time for detecting the change in the environment, and it is possible to achieve both reliable detection and extended fan motor life.

[0048]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of an air treatment apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of the air treatment apparatus of the present invention.

This air treatment device is composed of an air treatment device body 2
And a remote controller 1 for controlling the operation of the air treatment apparatus body 2.

As the air treatment apparatus main body 2, for example, an air conditioner for controlling the temperature of the indoor air, a dehumidifying device for controlling the humidity in the indoor air, dust and pollen in the indoor air are removed. An example of the device is an air cleaning device for cleaning.

The remote controller 1 has an operation section for instructing the air treatment device body 2 to operate, and also has an air quality sensor for detecting the quality of the air around the remote controller 1. .

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the remote controller 1.

The remote controller 1 has an operating section 12 and a display section 13 at predetermined positions of a casing 11 having a horizontally long outer shape, an intake port 14 at a predetermined position on the upper surface, and an exhaust port 15 at a predetermined position on the front surface. I have each. And
An air passage 16 extending from the intake port 14 to the exhaust port 15 is provided, and an air quality sensor 17 and a fan 18 are provided in the air passage 16.
Is provided. In addition, 19 is a transmission unit that sends a driving instruction signal to the air treatment apparatus main body 2, and is provided at a predetermined position farthest from the operator. Also, 10 is
This is a fixing partition wall for positioning and fixing the air quality sensor 17 and the fan 18 in the air passage 16. Although not shown, of course, a control unit, a power supply unit, etc. for performing various processes are also provided.

As the air quality sensor 17, a dust sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and the like can be exemplified, and the air quality sensor 17 is selected corresponding to the air treatment in the air treatment apparatus main body 2.

Next, an example of the dust sensor will be described.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the internal mechanism of an example of the dust sensor, and FIG. 10 is a schematic front view.

This dust sensor comprises a substrate 31 on which a light emitting portion 31a made of a light emitting diode and a light receiving portion 31b made of a photodiode and the like are mounted, and a dark box (case body) 32. Here, as the substrate 31, for example, a printed wiring board made of glass epoxy can be exemplified, and as the dark box 32, for example, a box formed by using an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (hereinafter abbreviated as ABS). The body can be exemplified.

The dark box 32 is a rectangular parallelepiped box,
By forming a wall member extending upward in the interior,
A light emitting portion housing space 32a and a light receiving portion housing space 32b are formed, and lens systems 32c and 32d are provided in the light emitting portion housing space 32a and the light receiving portion housing space 32b, respectively. The lens systems 32c and 32d are arranged such that the optical axes of the lens systems 32c and 32d form a predetermined angle with each other. Further, on the optical axis of the lens system 32c, a hole for allowing the light emitting portion 31a to enter is formed in the inner depth of the light emitting portion housing space 32a. The lens system 3
2c can be omitted.

The light emitted from the light emitting portion 31a through the lens system 32c is prevented from being directly guided to the light receiving portion 31b through the lens system 32d at the intermediate portion between the light emitting portion accommodation space 32a and the light receiving portion accommodation space 32b. Light-shielding member 3
2e is provided. In addition, light that may act as noise light passes through the lens system 32d and the light receiving portion 31b.
A noise light shielding member 32f that prevents the noise light shielding member 32f from being guided to is provided at a position that substantially faces the light emitting unit housing space 32a, the light receiving unit housing space 32b, and the light shielding member 32e. A plurality of noise light blocking members 32f are provided, and the noise light blocking members 32f adjacent to each other form a noise light attenuation chamber. The intensity of the light introduced into the noise light attenuation chamber is sufficiently attenuated by being reflected multiple times by the inner wall surface of the chamber where the light absorption is high. Further, the noise light shielding member 32, which is directly irradiated with the light from the light emitting portion 31a
A hole 32j for directly passing light is formed at a predetermined position of f, and the noise light shielding member 32f is formed.
And a plate member that defines the light receiving portion accommodation space 32b, and the dark box 3
The two outer wall members form an optical trap 32k. Further, an opening 32i for introducing a fluid is provided at a predetermined position near the tip of the light shielding member 32e. Of course, the corresponding portion of the substrate 31 is also provided with an opening (not shown) for introducing a fluid.

Therefore, from the light emitting portion 31a to the lens system 3
Of the light emitted through 2c, the opening 3 for introducing the fluid
Part of the light scattered by the fine particles contained in the air introduced through 2i passes through the lens system 32d and the light receiving portion 3
Guided to 1b. That is, the air quality (the concentration of fine particles in the air) can be detected by the scattered light.

The operation of the air treatment apparatus having the above structure is as follows.

With the remote controller 1 placed on the placement surface or held by the operator's hand, the fan 18 is operated to create a flow of air through the ventilation passage 16. Therefore, the air around the remote controller 1 is guided to the air quality sensor 17, and the quality of the air is detected.

Further, since the intake port 14 is formed at a position away from the operator who operates the remote controller 1, the air quality sensor 1 is affected by dust and heat radiation emitted from the operator.
It is possible to greatly reduce the number of items up to 7. Also, in normal use, the operator is less likely to be on the windward side,
Short cuts between the exhaust port 15 and the intake port 14 can be suppressed.

Since the quality of the air thus detected is the same as the quality of the air around the remote controller 1, the quality of the air is accurate regardless of the presence or absence of air convection around the remote controller 1. Can be detected.

Here, when a dust sensor as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is adopted as the air quality sensor 17, a thin portion or a narrow portion is narrowed in the air passage of the sensor to prevent light from entering from the outside of the sensor. Since a part or the like is often provided, it is difficult for the fine particles to enter, and it is difficult for the fine particles that once entered to be discharged. However, since the air is introduced by using the fan 18, fine particles can be introduced well, and even heavy fine particles such as mite allergen can be accurately detected.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining an example of the processing in the remote controller having the above construction.

In step SP1, the following series of processing is performed when an instruction to start measurement of air quality or an automatic measurement mode of air quality is set.

At step SP2, the air quality sensor 1
7 is turned on, and in step SP3, the fan 1
8 is started, and a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) is waited in step SP4, the data from the air quality sensor 17 is collected in step SP5, and the air quality is calculated from the collected data in step SP6. S
In P7, the calculated air quality is visually displayed on the display unit 13, and in step SP8, it is determined whether or not the measurement of the air quality over a predetermined period is completed. Then, when the measurement of the air quality over the predetermined period is not completed, the processing of step SP5 is performed again.

On the contrary, when it is determined in step SP8 that the measurement of the air quality for the predetermined period has been completed, the fan 18 is stopped in step SP9.
In step SP10, the power of the air quality sensor 17 is shut off, and in step SP11, the process waits until it is determined that a predetermined rest period has elapsed, and the process of step SP2 is performed again.

When the process of the flowchart of FIG. 3 is adopted, the air quality sensor 17 and the fan 18 are intermittently operated, so that the power consumption can be reduced. In addition, since the data from the air quality sensor 17 is collected after a lapse of a predetermined time after the fan 18 is started, it is possible to eliminate the accumulation of dust and the like in the air quality sensor 17, and thus to accurately detect the air quality. It can be performed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the remote controller.

The remote controller 1 is different from the remote controller shown in FIG. 2 only in that the intake port 14 is replaced by a substantially hemispherical intake port member 14a protruding from the casing 11. The intake port member 14a is preferably covered with a member having air permeability such as a mesh member.

When this remote controller 1 is adopted, the configuration shown in FIG.
The intake of air from any direction of the plurality of arrows A1 shown in FIG. 2 can be smoothly achieved, and the intake air flows as shown by the arrow A2 and is exhausted from the casing 11. A function similar to that of a remote control can be achieved.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the remote controller.

The remote controller 1 is different from the remote controller shown in FIG. 4 only in that a substantially pyramidal intake member 14b is provided in place of the substantially hemispherical intake member 14a.

When this remote controller 1 is adopted, the number of directions in which air intake can be smoothly achieved is somewhat reduced, and the same operation as that of the remote controller shown in FIG. 4 can be achieved.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the remote controller.

The remote controller 1 differs from the remote controller shown in FIG. 2 in that instead of the intake port 14, the corners of the casing 11 are recessed into a rectangular shape, and the boundary surface is an inclined surface, and the intake port is formed on the inclined surface. 14c is only provided.

When this remote controller 1 is adopted, the configuration shown in FIG.
In comparison with the remote controller, the intake port 14c is inclined with respect to the remote controller mounting surface, and thus air intake can be achieved more smoothly (for example, when the air flow around the remote controller 1 is strong). However, if the direction of the air flow is known, the air intake can be achieved by directing the intake port 14c in that direction), and the same operation as the remote controller in FIG. 2 can be achieved. Further, in the case of this embodiment, smooth intake is possible with respect to the flow from the front, left, and above.

FIG. 7 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing still another embodiment of the remote controller.

The remote controller 1 is different from the remote controller of FIG. 2 in that the exhaust port 15 is provided at a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the casing 11 instead of being provided at a predetermined position on the front surface of the casing 11. It is only the point that the column 20 is provided as an adhesion preventing member that prevents the surface from contacting. However, the fan 18 uses the air exhaust port 1
In order to exhaust air through 5, it is arranged to discharge air downward. Reference numeral 21 is a rib for positioning the air quality sensor 17, and 22 is a screw for fixing the fan 18.

When this remote controller 1 is adopted, the exhaust gas is prevented from being directly blown to the operator, and the remote controller 1 is mounted even though the exhaust port 15 is provided on the bottom surface of the casing 11. It is possible to realize an air flow for air quality detection while it is placed on the placement surface.
It is possible to achieve the same effect as the remote controller of.

However, in the remote controller 1 of FIG. 7, the intake port 14 and the exhaust port 15 are replaced and the fan 1
It is possible to set the blowing direction by 8 to the opposite.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the remote controller.

The remote controller 1 is different from the remote controller shown in FIG. 2 in that the remote controller shown in FIG. 2 is horizontally long, whereas the remote controller 1 is formed to be vertically long and the exhaust port 1 is provided.
5 is provided only at a predetermined position on the side surface of the casing 11.

When this remote controller 1 is adopted, the configuration shown in FIG.
It is divided into two areas as indicated by area A and area B therein. And the area B is a portion that is usually touched by the operator,
Area A is a portion that is not usually touched by the operator.

Therefore, the intake port 14 exists in the area A, and as a result, the dust and body temperature emitted from the operator are prevented from directly affecting the air quality sensor 17, and the air quality is accurately measured. Since it can be detected, and since the intake port 14 is formed across two surfaces of the casing 11, it is possible to increase the direction in which air can be smoothly sucked in, and the same operation as the remote controller of FIG. Can be achieved.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the remote controller 1, and FIG. 12 is a central longitudinal sectional view.

The remote controller 1 is provided with a display portion 81b at the upper part of the front surface of the casing 81a and an air outlet 81c at the lower part of the front surface. An air suction port 81d is provided on the upper part of the back surface. Further, an inner wall member 81e having a ventilation hole is provided inside the casing 81a, and a fan 81f is provided in the inner wall member 81e corresponding to the ventilation hole. Furthermore, from the air suction port 81d to the air discharge port 81
A dust sensor, which is a kind of air quality sensor 17, is provided at a predetermined position of the air passage leading to c, and the display unit 81b.
A printed circuit board 81g for display is provided inside. However, instead of the dust sensor 17, a sensor that detects house dust, allergen, or the like may be adopted.

When this configuration is adopted, the fan 81
By operating f, the air is sucked from the air suction port 81d, the air is guided from the upper side to the lower side, passes through the dust sensor 17, and is then discharged from the air discharge port 81c. Since dust particles, house dust, allergens, etc., unlike smoke, such as cigarettes, often fall rather than ascend, so it is easy to introduce dust particles, house dust, allergens, etc. into the dust sensor 17, Different detections can be achieved.

FIG. 13 is a central longitudinal sectional view showing still another embodiment of the remote controller 1.

The remote controller 81 differs from the remote controller shown in FIG. 23 in that an air inlet 81d is provided in the lower portion of the front surface of the casing 81a, and an air outlet 81c is provided at a predetermined position on the upper surface.
Is provided, the fan 81f is omitted, an upward airflow is generated by heat generated from the display printed board 81g, and the air quality sensor 1 is used instead of the dust sensor.
Only a sensor that detects cigarette smoke, gas, etc., which is a kind of No. 7, is adopted.

When this configuration is adopted, the upward air flow generated by the heat generated from the display printed board 81g sucks in air from the air suction port 81d and discharges air from the air discharge port 81c. Therefore, the air can be smoothly supplied to the sensor 17. Therefore, cigarette smoke, gas, etc. can be easily introduced into the sensor 17, and proper detection can be achieved.

The remote controller 1 can be provided with a power source so that it can be supplied with power from both the air treatment apparatus main body 2 and the commercial AC power source, enabling long-term continuous operation. In addition to being able to do so, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the usable places.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for explaining another example of the processing in the remote controller.

In step SP1, when an instruction to start measuring the air quality is given, the following series of processing is performed.

At step SP2, the air quality sensor 1
7 is turned on, and in step SP3, the fan 1
8 is started, and a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) is waited in step SP4, the data from the air quality sensor 17 is collected in step SP5, and the air quality is calculated from the collected data in step SP6. S
In P7, the calculated air quality is visually displayed on the display unit 13, and in step SP8, it is determined whether or not the measurement of the air quality over a predetermined period is completed. Then, when the measurement of the air quality over the predetermined period is not completed, the processing of step SP5 is performed again.

On the contrary, if it is determined in step SP8 that the measurement of the air quality over the predetermined period has been completed, the fan 18 is stopped in step SP9.
In step SP10, the power of the air quality sensor 17 is shut off, and the process returns to the original process.

When the process of the flowchart of FIG. 14 is adopted, the air quality sensor 17 and the fan 18 are operated only when the start of the air quality measurement is supported, so that the power consumption is reduced. can do. In addition, since the data from the air quality sensor 17 is collected after a lapse of a predetermined time after the fan 18 is started, it is possible to eliminate the accumulation of dust and the like in the air quality sensor 17, and thus to accurately detect the air quality. It can be performed.

Further, in the flow charts of FIGS. 3 and 14, the time for operating the fan 18 is set, but this time can be set arbitrarily. In this case, the optimum operating time can be set in consideration that the time required to achieve air quality measurement may vary depending on the surrounding environment of the remote control. It is possible to achieve both the reliability and the reduction of power consumption at the same time.

[0102]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the air around the remote controller is forcibly guided to the air quality sensor by the fan, so that regardless of the presence or absence of air convection around the remote controller, the ambient air around the remote controller is controlled. Rapid changes in the environment can be detected quickly, and the inconvenience that the user feels uncomfortable can be greatly suppressed.By operating the fan only when performing measurements, the fan motor The life of the remote controller can be extended, and when the remote controller is wireless, a long life of the power source of the remote controller can be achieved.

[0103]

[0104]

[0105]

[0106]

[0107]

[0108]

The invention of claim 7 is from claim 3 to claim 6.
In addition to any of the above effects, by setting the position of the intake port in consideration of the wind direction in the normal remote control operation state, it is possible to suppress shortcuts and improve the air quality detection accuracy. Play.

[0110]

[0111]

[0112]

[0113]

[0114]

[0115]

[0116]

[0117]

[0118]

According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect of claim 1, it is possible to set a fan operation time sufficient to detect a change in the environment around the remote controller, and to perform reliable detection and the life of the fan motor. It has the unique effect of being able to achieve both extension and extension.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of an air treatment apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a remote controller.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the remote controller configured as shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the remote controller.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the remote controller.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the remote controller.

FIG. 7 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing still another embodiment of the remote controller.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the remote controller.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an internal mechanism of an example of a dust sensor.

FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the above.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the remote controller.

FIG. 12 is a central longitudinal sectional view of the above.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the remote controller.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating another example of processing by the remote controller.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Remote control 2 Air treatment device body 11 Casing 14, 14c Intake port 14b, 14c Intake port member 15 Exhaust port 16 Ventilation path 17 Air quality sensor 18 Fan 20 Support

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-56-135310 (JP, A) JP-A-52-101853 (JP, A) JP-A-3-56115 (JP, A) Actual development Sho-55- 150943 (JP, U) Actually opened 62-9049 (JP, U) Actually opened 59-36438 (JP, U) Actually opened 56-99322 (JP, U) Actually opened 54-80653 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) F24F 11/02 104 F24F 11/02 103

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. An air treatment apparatus having an air treatment apparatus body (2) for performing a predetermined treatment on indoor air and a remote control (1), wherein the remote control (1) detects air quality. An air quality sensor (17), a fan (18) that guides air near the remote control (1) to the air quality sensor (17), and a fan (18) that responds to the instruction to measure the air quality. An air treatment device comprising: fan control means for starting the operation and stopping the operation of the fan (18) after a lapse of a predetermined time. 2. The fan control means comprises a fan (18).
The time for which the driving of the vehicle is performed can be set.
The air treatment device according to.