JP6263381B2 - Air cleaner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air cleaner provided with a dust sensor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an air cleaner provided with a dust sensor that takes in air from the outside and detects dust moving in an internal space is known. The air cleaner controls the rotational speed of the fan to allow air to pass through the air purifying filter of the air purifier according to the cleanliness of the air grasped based on the detection result of the dust sensor. Keep the air in the target space clean and efficient.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-137725), air convection is generated in the internal space by the heat of the heater, and air is taken into the internal space from the outside using the generated air flow. An air cleaner provided with a dust sensor that detects dust passing through a space is disclosed.

  However, the dust sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 4-137725) uses air convection generated by the heat of the heater to take air into the internal space from the outside. Since the suction force is small, it takes time to detect dust generated at a position away from the dust sensor. For this reason, it takes a long time to grasp the change in the cleanliness of the air in the air purification target space, and the responsiveness of the air cleaner to the change in the cleanliness of the air may be deteriorated.

  On the other hand, when air is taken into the internal space of the dust sensor using the suction force of the fan for allowing air to pass through the air cleaning filter, and air flows from the inlet to the outlet of the internal space, Since the suction force of the fan is relatively large, dust generated at a position away from the dust sensor can be detected in a relatively short time. However, on the other hand, the suction force of the fan is changed by controlling the rotation speed of the fan, and the amount of air passing through the internal space of the dust sensor is changed. Therefore, the operation of the air cleaner based on the detection result of the dust sensor may not be appropriate for the actual air cleanliness.

  An object of the present invention is an air purifier equipped with a dust sensor that takes in air from the outside into the internal space and detects dust passing through the internal space, and is responsive to changes in the cleanliness of the air, Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable air purifier capable of appropriate operation based on the actual air cleanliness of a target space for air purification.

An air cleaner according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an air cleaning filter, a dust sensor, a fan, a fan control unit, and an enclosure member. The dust sensor has an air inlet and an outlet, and detects dust passing through the internal space together with air. The fan generates an air flow so that air passes through the air cleaning filter. The fan control unit changes the rotational speed of the fan based on the detection result of the dust sensor. The enclosure member communicates with the detection target space where the detection target air of the dust sensor is present, and the sensor inlet vicinity space that communicates with the internal space of the dust sensor via the dust sensor inlet is located near the dust sensor inlet. Form. The enclosure member, with the air inlets communicating the detection space and the sensor near the inlet space is at least one form, the air flows from the sensor near the inlet space into the negative pressure space generated by the fan is operated A flow path is provided. More than 2/3 of the air flowing into the sensor inlet space from the air intake hole flows into the flow path.

  Here, by providing a flow path through which air flows to the negative pressure space generated by the operation of the fan in the surrounding member that forms the sensor inlet vicinity space that communicates with the detection target space, the sensor inlet space of the detection target space is provided. The air at a position away from the dust sensor can be quickly taken in. Therefore, it is easy to quickly guide the air in the detection target space away from the dust sensor to the internal space of the dust sensor communicating with the space near the sensor entrance. In addition, since air flowing into the space near the sensor inlet flows mainly into the negative pressure space through the flow path formed in the enclosure member, air is taken into the dust sensor internal space using the suction force of the fan. In contrast, even when the rotational speed of the fan changes, the amount of air passing through the internal space of the dust sensor is less likely to change. Therefore, it is easy to accurately grasp the cleanliness of the air based on the detection result of the dust sensor. In other words, here, the speed of the fan that guides air to the air cleaning filter is adjusted based on the actual air cleaning of the target space for air cleaning. A reliable air cleaner that can be appropriately controlled can be realized.

  The air cleaner which concerns on the 2nd viewpoint of this invention is an air cleaner which concerns on a 1st viewpoint, Comprising: The exit of a dust sensor is connected with negative pressure space.

  Here, since the outlet of the dust sensor and the space near the sensor inlet communicate with the same space, the pressure at the inlet and the outlet of the dust sensor tends to be the same. Therefore, in the internal space of the dust sensor, it is difficult for the air flow due to the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the dust sensor to occur, and even if the fan speed changes and the pressure in the negative pressure space changes, Changes in the amount of air passing through the interior space of the dust sensor are unlikely to occur. As a result, it is possible to appropriately control the rotational speed of the fan based on the actual air purification of the target space for air purification.

  The air cleaner which concerns on the 3rd viewpoint of this invention is an air cleaner which concerns on a 1st viewpoint, Comprising: The exit of a dust sensor is connected with the sensor entrance vicinity space.

  Here, since the outlet of the dust sensor communicates with the space near the sensor inlet, the pressure at the inlet and outlet of the dust sensor tends to be the same. Therefore, in the internal space of the dust sensor, it is difficult for the air flow due to the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the dust sensor to occur, and even if the fan speed changes and the pressure in the negative pressure space changes, Changes in the amount of air passing through the interior space of the dust sensor are unlikely to occur. As a result, it is possible to appropriately control the rotational speed of the fan based on the actual air purification of the target space for air purification.

  The air cleaner which concerns on the 4th viewpoint of this invention is an air cleaner which concerns on either of the 1st viewpoint to the 3rd viewpoint, Comprising: As for a dust sensor, air flows from an entrance toward an exit in internal space. Have a heat source for generating air convection.

  Here, the dust sensor is provided with a heat source that generates convection of air, so that air can be easily passed through the internal space at a constant speed. Therefore, it is easy to accurately grasp the cleanliness of the air based on the detection result of the dust sensor. As a result, it is possible to appropriately control the rotational speed of the fan based on the actual air purification of the target space for air purification.

The air cleaner which concerns on the 5th viewpoint of this invention is an air cleaner which concerns on either of a 1st viewpoint to the 4th viewpoint, Comprising: The minimum width of each air intake hole is smaller than the minimum width of a flow path.

  Here, since the minimum width of the air intake hole for taking in air from the detection target space to the space near the sensor inlet is smaller than the minimum width of the flow path formed in the enclosure member, dust larger than the minimum width of the flow path is It is difficult to be guided to the nearby space. Therefore, the blockage | closure by the dust of the flow path provided in the enclosure member can be suppressed. As a result, it is easy to maintain the flow of air that guides the air in the detection target space away from the dust sensor to the space near the sensor entrance, and the fan speed is responsive to changes in the cleanliness of the air. Easy to control.

  The air cleaner which concerns on the 6th viewpoint of this invention is an air cleaner which concerns on either of the 1st viewpoint to the 5th viewpoint, Comprising: An enclosure member contains the cover comprised so that attachment or detachment was possible. The flow path provided in the enclosure member is formed at a position accessible by removing the cover.

  Here, since the flow path provided in the enclosure member is formed at a position accessible by removing the removable cover, it is easy even if the flow path provided in the enclosure member is blocked by dust. This can be solved. Therefore, the air flow that guides the air in the detection target space away from the dust sensor to the space near the sensor inlet is easily maintained, and the fan speed is controlled with high responsiveness to changes in air cleanliness. Is easy.

  An air cleaner according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the air cleaner according to any of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the negative pressure space includes a first negative pressure space, a second negative pressure space, and ,including. The air after passing through the air cleaning filter flows through the first negative pressure space. The second negative pressure space communicates with the first negative pressure space and the sensor inlet vicinity space, and is partitioned by the first negative pressure space and the partition member. The space near the sensor inlet communicates with the first negative pressure space via the flow path provided in the enclosure member and the communication hole formed in the partition member without using the air cleaning filter.

  Here, a strong suction force can be secured by communicating the space near the sensor inlet with the negative pressure space on the fan side of the air cleaning filter without passing through the air cleaning filter. Therefore, it is easy to quickly take in air at a position in the detection target space away from the dust sensor into the space near the sensor entrance. As a result, the rotational speed of the fan can be controlled with high responsiveness to changes in air cleanliness.

  An air cleaner according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the air cleaner according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein a path through which air flowing out from the sensor entrance space flows is an inlet of a dust sensor. A first path that passes through the interior space and the outlet, and a second path that is different from the first path and flows through the flow path.

  In the air cleaner according to the first aspect of the present invention, by providing a flow path through which air flows into the negative pressure space generated by the operation of the fan, in the surrounding member forming the sensor inlet vicinity space communicating with the detection target space, Air at a position away from the dust sensor in the space to be detected can be quickly taken into the space near the sensor entrance. Therefore, it is easy to quickly guide the air in the detection target space away from the dust sensor to the internal space of the dust sensor communicating with the space near the sensor entrance. In addition, since air flowing into the space near the sensor inlet flows mainly into the negative pressure space through the flow path formed in the enclosure member, air is taken into the dust sensor internal space using the suction force of the fan. In contrast, even when the rotational speed of the fan changes, the amount of air passing through the internal space of the dust sensor is less likely to change. Therefore, it is easy to accurately grasp the cleanliness of the air based on the detection result of the dust sensor. In other words, here, the speed of the fan that guides air to the air cleaning filter is adjusted based on the actual air cleaning of the target space for air cleaning. A reliable air cleaner that can be appropriately controlled can be realized.

  In the air cleaner according to the second to fourth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately control the rotational speed of the fan based on the actual air purification of the air cleaning target space.

  In the air cleaner according to the fifth aspect and the sixth aspect of the present invention, the air flow that guides the air in the detection target space away from the dust sensor to the space near the sensor inlet is easily maintained, and the air cleanliness. It is easy to control the number of rotations of the fan with high responsiveness to the change.

  In the air cleaner according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the rotational speed of the fan can be controlled with high responsiveness to changes in the cleanliness of the air.

It is an appearance perspective view of an air cleaner concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the main structures relevant to the air purifying function and humidification function of the air cleaner of FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the air cleaner of FIG. It is the figure which showed typically the structure of the dust sensor periphery of the air cleaner of FIG. The dust sensor part of the air cleaner of FIG. 1 is typically shown in a state cut along a cross section A extending in the left-right direction and the up-down direction in FIG.

  An air cleaner 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the air cleaner 10 is only an example of the air cleaner which concerns on this invention, and can be suitably changed in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

(1) Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a schematic external perspective view of an air cleaner 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration related to the air purifying function and the humidifying function of the air purifier 10 housed in the air purifier 10. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the air cleaner 10.

  An outline of the air cleaner 10 will be described below. In the following description, there may be used words indicating directions such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “front (front)”, “back (back)”. The expressions are based on the directions shown in FIG. 1 unless otherwise specified.

  The air cleaner 10 is a floor-standing apparatus as shown in FIG. The air cleaner 10 is installed in an air cleaning target space. The air cleaner 10 has an air cleaning function for removing dust in the air from the air taken into the apparatus. Moreover, the air cleaner 10 has a humidification function which humidifies the air after removing dust.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the air cleaner 10 mainly includes a housing 11, an air cleaning unit 20, a humidifying unit 30, a fan 40, a control unit 50, and a dust sensor 60. Moreover, the air cleaner 10 is provided with the surrounding member 70 which forms the sensor entrance vicinity space 73 in the vicinity of the inlet 61 of the dust sensor 60 so that it may mention later (refer FIG. 1 and FIG. 4).

(2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Housing The housing 11 accommodates the air cleaning unit 20, the humidification unit 30, the fan 40, the control unit 50, the dust sensor 60, and the like inside.

  The housing 11 has an air inlet 12 for taking in air from the air-cleaning target space, and an air outlet 13 for blowing the air after dust is removed (further humidified during the humidifying operation) into the room. Is formed (see FIG. 1).

(2-2) Air Purifying Unit The air purifying unit 20 is a unit for removing dust in the air and adsorbing and decomposing odor components in the air.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the air cleaning unit 20 mainly includes a prefilter 21, a HEPA filter 22, and a deodorizing element 23. The pre-filter 21, the HEPA filter 22, and the deodorizing element 23 are arranged in this order from the front side to the back side in the housing 11. The air taken in from the suction port 12 of the housing 11 is first sent to the air cleaning unit 20, and passes through the air cleaning unit 20 in the order of the pre-filter 21, the HEPA filter 22, and the deodorizing element 23.

  The pre-filter 21 is a filter for capturing relatively large dust in the air. The HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter 22 is an example of an air cleaning filter. The HEPA filter 22 captures fine dust in the air that has passed through the pre-filter 21. Dust in the air is mainly removed by the prefilter 21 and the HEPA filter 22.

  The deodorizing element 23 contains activated carbon or the like, and adsorbs and decomposes odors and harmful gases in the air that have passed through the prefilter 21 and the HEPA filter 22.

(2-3) Humidification unit The humidification unit 30 is a unit for supplying water to the air passing through the humidification unit 30 and humidifying it.

  The humidification unit 30 is disposed on the back side of the air purification unit 20 in the housing 11. The humidifying unit 30 is disposed on the downstream side of the air cleaning unit 20 in the main air flow direction in the housing 11 generated by operating the fan 40.

  The humidification unit 30 mainly has a water tray 31 and a humidification rotor 32 (see FIG. 2). The water tray 31 is a storage container that stores water (water for humidification) to be supplied to the air that has passed through the air cleaning unit 20. A water tank (not shown) for supplying water to the water tray 31 is provided in the housing 11. The humidification rotor 32 is configured to be rotatable by a motor 32a (see FIG. 3). The humidification rotor 32 mainly includes a water pumping unit (not shown) that pumps up the water in the water tray 31 and a humidification filter (not shown) that adsorbs the water pumped up by the water pumping unit.

  The function of the humidification rotor 32 will be briefly described. When the motor 32a (see FIG. 3) is rotated, the water pumping unit of the humidification rotor 32 rotates and pumps the water in the water tray 31. The water pumped up by the water pumping unit is supplied to the humidifying filter of the humidifying rotor 32 that is also rotating. The humidification filter to which water is supplied by the pumping unit is in a state of adsorbing moisture. Part of the air that has passed through the air cleaning unit 20 passes through the rotating humidifying filter. The air passing through the humidifying filter that has adsorbed moisture is humidified by supplying water from the humidifying filter. As described above, the humidification rotor 32 humidifies the air that has passed through the air cleaning unit 20.

(2-4) Fan The fan 40 is attached to the back side of the housing 11. The fan 40 is disposed on the downstream side of the humidifying unit 30 in the main air flow direction in the housing 11 generated by operating the fan 40.

  The fan 40 has a function of taking the air in the air cleaning target space into the housing 11 through the suction port 12 and allowing the air cleaning unit 20 and the humidification unit 30 to pass through. That is, the fan 40 generates an air flow so that air passes through the air cleaning unit 20 including the HEPA filter 22 as an air cleaning filter and the humidification unit 30. Further, the fan 40 has a function of discharging the air after passing through the air cleaning unit 20 and the humidifying unit 30 to the outside of the housing 11 through the air outlet 13.

  The fan 40 is a sirocco fan. When the impeller 41 (see FIG. 2) of the fan 40 is rotated by the fan motor 40a (see FIG. 3), the air that has passed through the air cleaning unit 20 and the humidifying unit 30 is sucked into the fan 40 from the front side. Then, the traveling direction is changed upward (see FIG. 2), and the air is blown upward from the air outlet 13 provided in the upper portion of the housing 11.

  The fan 40 has a variable rotation speed. In other words, the fan motor 40a has a variable rotation speed. The rotational speed of the fan motor 40a is controlled by a control unit 50 (see FIG. 3) described later.

(2-5) Control Unit The control unit 50 is a unit for controlling the movement of the air cleaner 10.

  The control unit 50 is a microcomputer having a memory such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 50 is mainly electrically connected to the dust sensor 60, the fan motor 40a, the motor 32a, and the operation unit 51. The operation unit 51 functions as an input unit that receives various commands from the user (for example, an operation / stop command for the air purifier 10 and an execution / stop command for the humidification operation). In addition, the operation unit 51 functions as a display unit that displays an operation state of the air purifier 10 by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like.

  The control unit 50 executes the program stored in the memory, so that the air flow of the fan motor 40a, the motor 32a, etc. is changed based on various commands input to the operation unit 51, the detection result of the dust sensor 60, and the like. The movement of each part of the cleaner 10 is controlled.

  For example, the control unit 50 drives the fan motor 40a when the operation unit 51 receives an operation command for the air purifier 10. For example, the control unit 50 drives the motor 32a when the operation unit 51 receives an instruction to perform a humidifying operation.

  Further, the control unit 50 changes the rotational speed of the fan 40, that is, the rotational speed of the fan motor 40a, based on the detection result of the dust sensor 60. That is, the control unit 50 is an example of a fan control unit. Specifically, the control unit 50 performs the following process in order to change the rotational speed of the fan motor 40a based on the detection result of the dust sensor 60.

  The control unit 50 calculates the cleanliness of the air based on the detection result of the dust sensor 60. Here, the cleanliness of the air is a value expressed as a ratio of the time during which the dust sensor 60 detects dust in a predetermined time. The control unit 50 determines the air cleanliness level in four stages by comparing the calculated air cleanliness with a threshold value. The control unit 50 stores different values as the rotation speed of the fan motor 40a for each air clean level. The rotational speed of the fan motor 40a stored in the control unit 50 is low in the air clean level (the air clean is low (occupies a predetermined time, and the ratio of the time that the dust sensor 60 detects dust is large). )) Is determined to be a large value. The control unit 50 controls the fan motor 40a so that the fan motor 40a rotates at a rotation speed corresponding to the determined air clean level.

(2-6) Dust Sensor The dust sensor 60 takes air into the internal space 62 from the detection target space Sd (see FIG. 4), in other words, the air cleaning target space of the air purifier 10, and makes the internal space 62 into the air. It is a sensor which detects the dust which passes with.

  The dust sensor 60 is provided on the side surface side (here, the right side surface) of the housing 11. The dust sensor 60 includes an air intake hole 71a formed in a cover 71 included in an enclosing member 70, which will be described later, attached to the right side surface of the housing 11, a sensor entrance vicinity space 73 formed by the enclosing member 70, and dust. Air is taken into the internal space 62 through an air inlet 61 provided in the sensor 60 (see FIG. 4). The dust sensor 60 detects dust passing through the internal space 62 together with air. The air that has passed through the internal space 62 is exhausted out of the dust sensor 60 through an air outlet 63 provided in the dust sensor 60.

  The dust sensor 60 is a sensor that detects dust as described below and transmits a signal indicating that dust has been detected to the control unit 50.

  The dust sensor 60 includes a light emitting element (not shown) and a light receiving element. The light emitting element projects light into the internal space 62 through which air to be detected passes. The light receiving element is disposed at a position where it does not directly receive the light emitted from the light emitting element. However, the light receiving element is disposed at a position where it can receive light scattered by hitting dust when the air passing through the internal space 62 contains dust. The dust sensor 60 outputs an H level (high level) signal when the light receiving element is not receiving light, and outputs an L level (low level) signal when the light receiving element is receiving light. The control unit 50 calculates the cleanliness of the air using the ratio of the time when the L level signal is received from the dust sensor 60 in the predetermined time.

  If the speed of the air passing through the internal space 62 changes, the amount of air passing through the internal space 62 changes at a predetermined time. The ratio of the time that the dust sensor 60 is detecting dust in the time changes. Therefore, there is a possibility that a discrepancy occurs between the cleanliness of the air calculated based on the detection result of the dust sensor 60 and the actual cleanliness of the air due to the influence of the change in the speed of the air passing through the internal space 62. Therefore, the dust sensor 60 suppresses a change in the speed of the air passing through the internal space 62 as follows.

  The dust sensor 60 includes a heater 64 as a heat source that takes air into the internal space 62 and generates air convection so that the air flows from the inlet 61 toward the outlet 63 in the internal space 62. As will be described later, since the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 with which the inlet 61 communicates and the sensor outlet vicinity space 74 with which the outlet 63 communicates have substantially the same pressure, the pressure difference between the inlet 61 and the outlet 63 is caused. The air flow in the inner space 62 hardly occurs. As a result, the flow of air flowing through the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60 is generated mainly by the convection of air generated by the heater 64, and the heater 64 is controlled to the same temperature, thereby causing the internal space 62 to move at a constant speed. Air flows through.

  The dust sensor 60 is formed with a maintenance hole 65 for inserting a cleaning tool for removing dirt on the lens of the light emitting element and the light receiving element. The cleaning tool is inserted so as to pass through a hole 72c and a maintenance hole 65 formed in the enclosing member 70 described later. In order to prevent light from entering the internal space 62 through the hole 72c and the maintenance hole 65 and causing the dust sensor 60 to erroneously detect dust, the cover 71 has a housing for shielding light during operation of the air cleaner 10. 11 is attached.

(2-7) Peripheral Structure of Dust Sensor The structure around the dust sensor 60 of the air cleaner 10 will be described below.

  As will be described later, a surrounding member 70 for forming a sensor inlet vicinity space 73 and a sensor outlet vicinity space 74 is disposed around the dust sensor 60. In addition, a negative pressure space 81 communicating with the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 and the sensor outlet vicinity space 74 is formed around the dust sensor 60 as described later.

  The enclosure member 70 mainly includes a cover 71 and a housing side member 72.

  The cover 71 is formed on the right side wall of the housing 11 so as to cover a recess 75 that is recessed toward the inner side of the housing 11 (recessed toward the left side according to the direction defined in FIG. 1). It is a member attached to the right side wall of the housing 11. The cover 71 is configured to be detachable from the housing 11 so that the cover 71 can be removed at the time of cleaning the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the dust sensor 60 or at the time of cleaning a bypass hole 72a described later.

  The casing side member 72 is a part of the casing 11, is a wall surface surrounding the recess 75 formed on the right side wall of the casing 11, and is a member that defines the recess 75. The housing side member 72 is provided with a dust sensor 60 positioned on the back side of the recess 75 when viewed from the right side (located on the right side of the recess 75 according to the direction defined in FIG. 1). An opening is formed so as to communicate with the space. Specifically, when the housing 11 is viewed from the right side, a surface located on the back side of the housing side member 72 (a surface disposed on the right side of the recess 75 according to the direction defined in FIG. 1). An opening 72d communicating with the inlet 61 of the dust sensor 60 is formed in the lower part (see FIG. 4). Further, when the housing 11 is viewed from the right side, on the upper side of the surface located on the back side of the housing side member 72 (the surface disposed on the right side of the recess 75 according to the direction defined in FIG. 1), An opening 72e communicating with the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60 is formed (see FIG. 4). A bypass hole 72a as a flow path for air to flow into a negative pressure space 81 to be described later is formed on the surface of the housing side member 72 disposed below the recess 75 (see FIG. 4). In addition, a communication hole 72b that communicates with the negative pressure space 81 is formed on the surface of the housing side member 72 that is disposed above the recess 75 (see FIG. 4). Although only one bypass hole 72a and communication hole 72b are formed here, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of bypass holes 72a and communication holes 72b may be formed as necessary.

  The bypass hole 72a and the communication hole 72b are both holes formed in a square shape. The bypass hole 72 a and the communication hole 72 b are formed at accessible positions by removing the cover 71. In other words, the bypass hole 72a and the communication hole 72b are formed at positions that can be seen by removing the cover 71 and can be cleaned using a cleaning tool or the like. The minimum width W1 (here, the width in the height direction) of the air intake hole 71a of the cover 71 is smaller than the width W2 of the bypass hole 72a (the length of one side of the bypass hole 72a formed in a square shape) (FIG. 4).

  As will be described later, the bypass hole 72 a is a flow path for allowing the air that has flowed into the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 from the air intake hole 71 a of the cover 71 to flow into the negative pressure space 81. In order to smoothly guide air from the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 to the negative pressure space 81, the width W2 of the bypass hole 72a is set sufficiently large so that the air resistance in the bypass hole 72a does not increase.

  When the cover 71 is attached to the right side wall of the casing 11, the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 and the sensor outlet vicinity space 74 are formed by the surrounding member 70, in other words, the cover 71 and the casing side member 72.

  The sensor entrance vicinity space 73 is a space formed in the vicinity of the entrance 61 of the dust sensor 60. The sensor entrance vicinity space 73 is, through two air intake holes 71 a formed in the cover 71, a detection target space Sd in which air to be detected by the dust sensor 60 exists (that is, an air purification target of the air cleaner 10). Communicating with the air). As shown in FIG. 1, the air intake hole 71a is a rectangular hole whose longitudinal direction is the front-rear direction. The sensor entrance vicinity space 73 communicates with the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60 through the opening 72 d formed in the housing side member 72 and the inlet 61 of the dust sensor 60. Further, the sensor entrance vicinity space 73 communicates with a negative pressure space 81 described later via a bypass hole 72 a provided in the housing side member 72. When the fan 40 is operated, air flows from the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 to the negative pressure space 81 through the bypass hole 72a. Since such an air flow occurs, the air at a position relatively far from the dust sensor 60 in the detection target space Sd is taken into the sensor entrance vicinity space 73 through the air intake hole 71 a formed in the cover 71. Is easy. Note that, for example, 2/3 or more of the air flowing into the sensor entrance vicinity space 73 from the air intake hole 71a flows into the negative pressure space 81 from the bypass hole 72a.

  The sensor outlet vicinity space 74 is a space formed in the vicinity of the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60. The sensor outlet vicinity space 74 is not in direct communication with the detection target space Sd in which the air to be detected by the dust sensor 60 exists. The sensor outlet vicinity space 74 communicates with the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60 through the opening 72 e formed in the housing side member 72 and the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60. Further, the sensor outlet vicinity space 74 communicates with a negative pressure space 81 described later via a communication hole 72 b provided in the housing side member 72. That is, both the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 and the sensor outlet vicinity space 74 communicate with the negative pressure space 81 (the same space). Therefore, the pressures in the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 and the sensor outlet vicinity space 74 are likely to be equal. Therefore, almost no air flow is caused in the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60 due to the pressure difference between the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 and the sensor outlet vicinity space 74.

  The negative pressure space 81 is a space that has a lower pressure (becomes negative pressure) than the detection target space Sd when the fan 40 is operated.

  The negative pressure space 81 communicates with the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 and the sensor outlet vicinity space 74. The negative pressure space 81 includes a first negative pressure space 81a and a second negative pressure space 81b.

  The first negative pressure space 81 a is a space through which air sucked from the suction port 12 of the housing 11 by the fan 40 passes. Specifically, the first negative pressure space 81 a is a space through which air after being sucked from the suction port 12 and passing through the air cleaning unit 20 including the HEPA filter 22 flows. More specifically, the first negative pressure space 81a flows downstream from the air cleaning unit 20 in the main flow direction of the air in the housing 11 flowing from the suction port 12 to the blowout port 13, and It is a space on the upstream side of the humidifying unit 30. When the fan 40 is operated, the first negative pressure space 81a is lower in pressure than the detection target space Sd in which the air to be detected by the dust sensor 60 exists (negative pressure relative to the detection target space Sd). . Since the first negative pressure space 81a is a space on the fan 40 side of the pre-filter 21, the HEPA filter 22, and the deodorizing element 23, in which the air resistance is relatively large, the first negative pressure space 81a is formed between the suction port 12 and the air cleaning unit 20. The pressure is lower than the space between them (the degree of negative pressure is large).

  The second negative pressure space 81b is a space communicating with the first negative pressure space 81a and the sensor inlet vicinity space 73. The second negative pressure space 81 b is a space that communicates with the sensor outlet vicinity space 74 via a communication hole 72 b formed in the housing side member 72. The second negative pressure space 81b is partitioned by the first negative pressure space 81a and the partition member 82. The second negative pressure space 81 b communicates with the first negative pressure space 81 a through a communication hole 82 a formed in the partition member 82. Further, the second negative pressure space 81b communicates with the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 via the bypass hole 72a. That is, the sensor entrance vicinity space 73 communicates with the first negative pressure space 81a through the bypass hole 72a and the communication hole 82a. The sensor entrance vicinity space 73 communicates with the first negative pressure space 81a without passing through the HEPA filter 22.

(3) Operation of Air Cleaner The operation of the air cleaner 10, particularly the operation of the air cleaner 10 based on the detection result of the dust sensor 60 will be described.

  When the fan 40 is rotated by the rotation of the motor, the air in the air cleaning target space (the same space as the detection target space Sd in which the air to be detected by the dust sensor 60 exists) passes through the suction port 12 of the housing 11. It flows into the housing 11. The control unit 50 controls the rotation speed of the fan 40 (that is, the rotation speed of the fan motor 40a) according to the air clean level determined based on the detection result of the dust sensor 60. The control unit 50 controls the fan motor 40a so that the rotational speed of the fan motor 40a increases as the air clean level is lower (air cleanness calculated based on the detection result of the dust sensor 60 is lower). To do.

  When the air that has flowed into the housing 11 through the suction port 12 passes through the air cleaning unit 20, dust, odors, and the like are removed from the air. When the air cleaner 10 performs the humidifying operation, the air after passing through the air cleaning unit 20 is supplied with moisture when passing through the humidifying unit 30 and is humidified. The air that has passed through the air cleaning unit 20 and the humidification unit 30 flows into the fan 40 from the front side. The traveling direction of the air flowing into the fan 40 is changed upward by the fan 40. The air traveling upward from the fan 40 is guided to the air outlet 13, blown out of the housing 11, and returns to the target space for air purification.

(4) Features (4-1)
The air cleaner 10 according to the present embodiment includes a HEPA filter 22 as an air cleaning filter, a dust sensor 60, a fan 40, a control unit 50 as a fan control unit, and an enclosure member 70. The dust sensor 60 has an air inlet 61 and an outlet 63, and detects dust passing through the internal space 62 together with air. The fan 40 generates an air flow so that air passes through the air cleaning unit 20 including the HEPA filter 22. The control unit 50 changes the rotational speed of the fan 40 based on the detection result of the dust sensor 60. The enclosure member 70 communicates with the detection target space Sd in which the air to be detected by the dust sensor 60 exists, and also has a sensor entrance vicinity space 73 that communicates with the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60 through the inlet 61 of the dust sensor 60. The dust sensor 60 is formed in the vicinity of the inlet 61. A bypass hole 72 a is provided in the housing side member 72 of the enclosure member 70 as a flow path for air to flow from the sensor entrance vicinity space 73 to the negative pressure space 81 generated by operating the fan 40.

  Here, the negative pressure space 81 generated by the operation of the fan 40 in the enclosure member 70 (specifically, the housing side member 72 included in the enclosure member 70) that forms the sensor entrance vicinity space 73 that communicates with the detection target space Sd. By providing the bypass hole 72a through which air flows, air at a position away from the dust sensor 60 in the detection target space Sd can be quickly taken into the sensor entrance vicinity space 73. Therefore, it is easy to quickly guide the air at a position away from the dust sensor 60 in the detection target space Sd to the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60 communicating with the sensor entrance vicinity space 73. Further, the air flowing into the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 mainly flows into the negative pressure space 81 through the bypass hole 72 a formed in the surrounding member 70, and therefore the inside of the dust sensor 60 using the suction force of the fan 40. Compared to the case where air is taken into the space 62, the amount of air passing through the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60 is less likely to change even when the rotational speed of the fan 40 changes. Therefore, it is easy to accurately grasp the cleanliness of the air based on the detection result of the dust sensor 60. That is, here, the air cleaning unit 20 including the HEPA filter 22 is supplied with air based on the actual air cleaning of the target space to be air-cleaned and having high responsiveness to changes in the air cleaning. A highly reliable air purifier 10 capable of appropriately controlling the rotation speed of the leading fan 40 can be realized.

(4-2)
In the air cleaner 10 according to the present embodiment, the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60 communicates with the negative pressure space 81.

  Here, the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60 and the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 communicate with the same space (negative pressure space 81, more specifically, the second negative pressure space 81b). And the pressure at the outlet 63 tends to be the same. Therefore, in the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60, it is difficult for an air flow to occur due to a pressure difference between the inlet 61 and the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60, and the rotational speed of the fan 40 changes to change the negative pressure space 81. Even if the pressure changes, the amount of air passing through the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60 hardly changes. As a result, in the air cleaner 10, it is possible to appropriately control the rotation speed of the fan 40 based on the actual air purification of the target space for air purification.

(4-3)
In the air cleaner 10 according to the present embodiment, the dust sensor 60 includes a heater 64 as a heat source that generates air convection so that air flows from the inlet 61 toward the outlet 63 in the internal space 62.

  Here, by providing the heater 64 that generates air convection in the dust sensor 60, it becomes easy to allow the air to pass through the internal space 62 at a constant speed. Therefore, it is easy to accurately grasp the cleanliness of the air based on the detection result of the dust sensor 60. As a result, in the air cleaner 10, it is possible to appropriately control the rotation speed of the fan 40 based on the actual air purification of the target space for air purification.

(4-4)
In the air cleaner 10 according to the present embodiment, the cover 71 of the enclosure member 70 has a plurality (two) of air intake holes 71a communicating with the detection target space Sd. The minimum width of each air intake hole 71a (here, the vertical width W1 of the air intake hole 71a) is the minimum width of the bypass hole 72a (the width W2 of the bypass hole 72a (the length of one side of the square bypass hole 72a). Smaller than)).

  Here, the minimum width W1 of the air intake hole 71a for taking in air from the detection target space Sd to the sensor entrance vicinity space 73 is smaller than the minimum width W2 of the bypass hole 72a formed in the housing side member 72 of the enclosure member 70. Further, dust larger than the minimum width W2 of the bypass hole 72a is difficult to be guided to the sensor entrance vicinity space 73. Therefore, blockage of the bypass hole 72a provided in the enclosure member 70 due to dust can be suppressed. As a result, the air flow that guides the air at a position away from the dust sensor 60 in the detection target space Sd to the sensor entrance vicinity space 73 is easily maintained, and the rotation of the fan 40 is responsive to changes in the cleanliness of the air. It is easy to control the number.

(4-5)
In the air cleaner 10 according to the present embodiment, the surrounding member 70 includes a cover 71 configured to be detachable. The bypass hole 72 a provided in the housing side member 72 of the enclosure member 70 is formed at a position accessible by removing the cover 71.

  Here, since the bypass hole 72a provided in the housing side member 72 of the enclosure member 70 is formed at a position accessible by removing the removable cover 71, the bypass hole 72a provided in the enclosure member 70 is provided. Even if it is blocked by dust, this can be easily eliminated. Therefore, the air flow that guides the air at a position away from the dust sensor 60 in the detection target space Sd to the sensor entrance vicinity space 73 is easily maintained, and the rotational speed of the fan 40 is responsive to changes in the cleanliness of the air. Is easy to control.

(4-6)
In the air cleaner 10 according to the present embodiment, the negative pressure space 81 includes a first negative pressure space 81a and a second negative pressure space 81b. The air after passing through the HEPA filter 22 flows through the first negative pressure space 81a. The second negative pressure space 81 b communicates with the first negative pressure space 81 a and the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 and is partitioned by the first negative pressure space 81 a and the partition member 82. The sensor entrance vicinity space 73 is not connected to the HEPA filter 22 through the bypass hole 72a provided in the casing side member 72 of the enclosure member 70 and the communication hole 82a formed in the partition member 82, and is first. It communicates with the negative pressure space 81a.

  Here, the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 is directly communicated with the negative pressure space 81 (first negative pressure space 81a) closer to the fan 40 than the HEPA filter 22 without passing through the HEPA filter 22, thereby providing a strong suction force. It can be secured. Therefore, it is easy to quickly take in air at a position away from the dust sensor 60 in the detection target space Sd into the sensor entrance vicinity space 73. As a result, the rotational speed of the fan 40 can be controlled with high responsiveness to changes in air cleanliness.

(5) Modifications Modifications of the above embodiment are shown below. In addition, a part or all of the configuration of each modification may be combined with a part or all of the configuration of another modification as long as they do not contradict each other.

(5-1) Modification A
In the above embodiment, the air cleaning unit 20 mainly includes the pre-filter 21, the HEPA filter 22, and the deodorizing element 23, but is not limited to this. For example, the air cleaning unit 20 may further include other air cleaning components in addition to these components. For example, the air cleaning unit 20 may not have the deodorizing element 23.

(5-2) Modification B
In the said embodiment, although the air cleaner 10 has the humidification unit 30, it is not limited to this, The humidification unit 30 does not need to be provided. The air cleaner 10 may have a dehumidifying unit instead of the humidifying unit 30 or in addition to the humidifying unit 30.

(5-3) Modification C
In the above embodiment, the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60 communicates with the second negative pressure space 81b through the sensor outlet vicinity space 74 and the communication hole 72b formed in the housing side member 72, but this is not limitative. Is not to be done. For example, the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60 may have a structure that directly communicates with the second negative pressure space 81b.

(5-4) Modification D
In the above embodiment, the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60 communicates with the negative pressure space 81, but is not limited to this. For example, the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60 may directly communicate with the sensor inlet vicinity space 73. Specifically, for example, the communication hole 72b is not provided, and the sensor outlet vicinity space 74 and the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 may be formed to be the same space. Also in this case, the pressure at the inlet 61 and the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60 tends to be equal. Therefore, in the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60, it is difficult for an air flow to occur due to a pressure difference between the inlet 61 and the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60, and the rotational speed of the fan 40 changes to change the negative pressure space 81. Even if the pressure changes, the amount of air passing through the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60 hardly changes. As a result, it is possible to appropriately control the rotational speed of the fan 40 based on the actual air purification of the target space for air purification.

(5-5) Modification E
In the above embodiment, the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60 communicates with the negative pressure space 81, but is not limited to this. For example, the cover 71 is formed with a hole that connects the sensor outlet vicinity space 74 and the detection target space Sd, and the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60 is connected to the detection target space Sd instead of the negative pressure space 81. May be. Thereby, it is possible to prevent air that may contain dust from flowing into the space on the fan 40 side without passing through the air cleaning unit 20 and being blown out from the air outlet 13.

  However, in order to suppress the occurrence of air flow due to the pressure difference between the inlet 61 and the outlet 63 in the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60 by making the pressure of the inlet 61 and the outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60 the same. The outlet 63 of the dust sensor 60 is preferably communicated with the negative pressure space 81 or the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 as in Modification C.

(5-6) Modification F
In the above embodiment, the dust sensor 60 has the heater 64 for generating air flow by convection in the internal space 62, but is not limited thereto. The dust sensor 60 may detect dust contained in the air that is naturally taken into the internal space 62.

  Also in this case, the air at a position away from the dust sensor 60 in the detection target space Sd can be quickly taken into the sensor entrance vicinity space 73. Therefore, it is easy to quickly guide air at a position away from the dust sensor 60 in the detection target space Sd from the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 to the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60 communicating with the sensor inlet vicinity space 73. . In addition, since air flowing into the sensor inlet vicinity space 73 mainly flows into the negative pressure space 81 through the bypass hole 72a formed in the enclosure member 70, the suction force of the fan 40 is used for the dust sensor 60. Compared to the case where air is taken into the internal space 62, the amount of air passing through the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60 is less likely to change even when the rotational speed of the fan 40 changes. Therefore, it is easy to accurately grasp the cleanliness of the air based on the detection result of the dust sensor 60. That is, even in the configuration of the present modification, the air responsiveness is good with respect to the change in air cleanliness, and the air purifier including the HEPA filter 22 is based on the actual air cleanliness in the air clean target space. A highly reliable air cleaner 10 capable of appropriately controlling the rotational speed of the fan 40 that guides air to the unit 20 can be realized.

  However, the dust sensor 60 preferably includes a heater 64 in order to allow air to flow at a constant speed in the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60.

(5-7) Modification G
In the above embodiment, the cover 71 is formed with two rectangular holes as the air intake holes 71a. In addition, a square hole is formed in the housing side member 72 as a bypass hole 72a at one location. However, the shapes and quantities of the air intake holes 71a and the bypass holes 72a are merely examples, and are not limited thereto.

  Even when the shapes are different, it is desirable that the minimum width of the air intake hole 71a is smaller than the minimum width of the bypass hole 72a. The minimum width of the hole is, for example, the length of the shortest side as described above if the hole is rectangular (including a square), and the diameter of a circle if the hole is circular. That is, the minimum width of the hole defines the maximum size of dust that can pass through the hole when the shape of the dust is assumed to be a spherical rigid body.

(5-8) Modification H
In the above embodiment, the bypass hole 72a is formed on the surface of the housing side member 72 disposed below the recess 75, and the communication hole 72b is formed on the surface disposed above the recess 75. The positions where these are formed are examples, and are not limited thereto. The bypass hole 72a and the communication hole 72b may be formed at positions where they can communicate with the negative pressure space 81, respectively.

(5-9) Modification I
In the above embodiment, the negative pressure space 81 includes the first negative pressure space 81a and the second negative pressure space 81b, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second negative pressure space 81b may not exist, and the bypass hole 72a formed in the housing side member 72 may be formed so as to directly communicate with the first negative pressure space 81a in the above embodiment. .

(5-10) Modification J
In the above embodiment, the first negative pressure space 81 a is a space through which air after passing through the HEPA filter 22 flows. More specifically, the first negative pressure space 81a is downstream of the air cleaning unit 20 including the HEPA filter 22 in the flow direction of the main air flowing through the housing 11 from the suction port 12 to the blowout port 13. This is a space on the side and upstream of the humidifying unit 30. However, the first negative pressure space 81a is not limited to the above space.

  For example, the first negative pressure space 81 a is a space on the downstream side of the humidification unit 30 and on the upstream side of the fan 40 in the flow direction of the main air flowing in the housing 11 from the suction port 12 to the blowout port 13. It may be. Further, for example, the first negative pressure space 81 a is downstream of the prefilter 21 and upstream of the HEPA filter 22 in the flow direction of the air flowing through the housing 11 from the suction port 12 to the blowout port 13. It may be a space. Further, for example, the first negative pressure space 81 a is a space upstream of the pre-filter 21 in the direction of the air flowing through the housing 11 from the suction port 12 to the blowout port 13 (the suction port 12 and the air purifying space). It may be a space between the unit 20). The sensor inlet vicinity space 73 should just be connected with the negative pressure space which can obtain a desired negative pressure. However, in order to quickly take in air at a position away from the dust sensor 60 in the detection target space Sd into the sensor inlet vicinity space 73, the first negative pressure space 81a is a space through which air after passing through the HEPA filter 22 flows. It is desirable that

(5-11) Modification K
In the said embodiment, although the air cleaner 10 is a floor-standing type air cleaner, it is not limited to this. The air cleaner according to the present invention may be an air conditioner having an air cleaning function.

(5-12) Modification L
In the above embodiment, the control unit 50 calculates the ratio of the time during which the dust sensor 60 detects dust as a cleanliness of air, but is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 50 uses the passage area of the internal space 62 of the dust sensor 60 or the design flow velocity of the air flowing through the internal space 62 to detect the number of times the dust sensor 60 detects dust per unit volume passing through the internal space 62. May be calculated as the cleanliness of the air.

  The present invention is a highly reliable air purifier that is responsive to changes in air cleanliness and that can be appropriately operated based on the actual air cleanliness of the air purifying target space. Useful.

10 Air Cleaner 22 HEPA Filter (Air Cleaner Filter)
40 Fan 50 Control unit (fan control unit)
60 Dust sensor 61 Inlet 62 Internal space 63 Outlet 64 Heater (heat source)
70 Enclosure member 71 Cover 71a Air intake hole 72a Bypass hole (flow path)
73 sensor inlet vicinity space 81 negative pressure space 81a first negative pressure space 81b second negative pressure space 82 partition member 82a communication hole Sd detection target space W1 minimum width (minimum width of air intake hole)
W2 Minimum width (minimum width of the flow path)

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-137725

Claims (8)

An air cleaning filter (22);
A dust sensor (60) having an air inlet (61) and an outlet (63) and detecting dust passing through the internal space (62) together with air;
A fan (40) for generating an air flow so that air passes through the air cleaning filter;
A fan control unit (50) for changing the rotational speed of the fan based on a detection result of the dust sensor;
A sensor entrance vicinity space (73) communicating with the detection target space (Sd) where air to be detected by the dust sensor exists and communicating with the internal space of the dust sensor via the inlet of the dust sensor, An enclosure member (70) formed in the vicinity of the inlet of the dust sensor;
With
Wherein the enclosure member, and said detection space the sensor near the inlet space together with air inlets communicating (71a) is formed at least one, from the sensor near the inlet space, the fan that is operated negative pressure space (81) into a flow path through which air (72a) is provided, et al are produced,
2/3 or more of the air flowing into the sensor inlet space from the air intake hole flows into the flow path.
Air cleaner (10). The outlet of the dust sensor communicates with the negative pressure space;
The air cleaner according to claim 1. The outlet of the dust sensor communicates with a space near the sensor inlet;
The air cleaner according to claim 1. The dust sensor has a heat source (64) that generates convection of air so that air flows from the inlet toward the outlet in the internal space.
The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The minimum width (W1) of each air intake hole is smaller than the minimum width (W2) of the flow path,
The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The enclosure member includes a cover (71) configured to be detachable,
The flow path is formed at a position accessible by removing the cover.
The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The negative pressure space communicates with the first negative pressure space (81a) through which air after passing through the air cleaning filter flows, the first negative pressure space and the sensor inlet vicinity space, and the first negative pressure space. And a second negative pressure space (81b) partitioned by the partition member (82),
The space near the sensor inlet communicates with the first negative pressure space through the flow path and the communication hole (82a) formed in the partition member without using the air cleaning filter.
The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The path through which the air flowing out from the sensor entrance space flows flows through the flow path, which is different from the first path and the first path that passes through the inlet, the internal space, and the outlet of the dust sensor. A second path,
The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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