JPH094917A - Fan - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To securely detect whether an air filter is mounted on not with a simplified structure in which failure is difficult to produce. CONSTITUTION: A convention fan 5 for producing an air stream is provided on duct 4 for feeding warm air in which an air filter 12 is removably provided. The detected revolutions of the convection fan 5 by a revolution sensor 18 are controlled to target revolutions in response to the amount of combustion of a gas burner 6 through power supply control of a control unit 9. The control unit 9 detects the amount of power supply to the convection fan 5, and detects a non-mounted state of the air filter 12 when the detected amount of power supply is larger by a predetermined amount or more than the reference amount of power supply defined corresponding to the target revolutions. An alarm buzzer 33 is rung in response to the detection to interrupt the operation of an apparatus.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a blower used in a warm air heater or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a hot air heater, indoor air is taken in by a hot air blowing fan (convection fan) into a duct provided in a housing arranged indoors, and the air is burned in the duct by a burner. It is generally known that air is blown out from the duct while being heated by a heater such as. In this case, in the operation of the blower fan during warm air blowing, for example, the target rotation speed of the blower fan is set according to the heating amount of the heater, and the rotation speed of the blower fan is detected and the detected rotation speed is detected. The blower fan is energized and controlled (feedback control) so that the fan speed matches the target rotation speed. Alternatively, the energization amount of the blower fan is set according to the heating amount of the heater, and the blower fan is energized with the set energization amount so that the blower fan is rotated at the rotation speed corresponding to the set energization amount. In some cases. In the operation of the heater, for example, when performing temperature control, the room temperature is detected by a room temperature sensor and the heater is heated at a heating amount corresponding to the detected room temperature so that the detected room temperature matches the set temperature. Operate.

On the other hand, for example, an air filter is usually attached to the intake port of the duct of the warm air heater as described above in order to prevent dust or the like from entering the duct. It is known that the air filter is detachable so that a user or the like can appropriately remove and clean the air filter.

However, in such a detachable air filter for the duct, the user may forget to reattach the air filter removed from the duct to the duct. If operation is performed with the air filter removed from the duct in this manner, dust and dirt will enter the duct, and in addition to dust and dirt, foreign matter that may cause equipment failure will also enter the duct. May invade

For this reason, in the case where the air filter of the duct is detachable as described above, it is preferable to automatically detect whether or not the air filter is attached and to take appropriate measures accordingly. As a device for detecting whether or not such an air filter is attached, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-14
The one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6413 is known.

According to the publication, a switch is provided at a place where the air filter is attached, and when the air filter is attached, the switch is mechanically turned on or off, so that the air filter is attached. I am trying to detect it. The operation of the device is prohibited when the air filter is not attached.

However, according to the publication, the presence or absence of the air filter is detected by a mechanical switch. Therefore, if the air filter is roughly attached or detached, the switch may fail. There is an inconvenience that it easily occurs.

In addition, in the vicinity of the installation location of the air filter,
Since dust or the like is likely to accumulate, the dust or the like may cause contact failure of the switch, and as a result, it may not be possible to detect whether or not the air filter is attached.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned inconvenience and to provide an air blower capable of surely detecting whether or not an air filter is attached with a simple structure which is unlikely to cause a failure. To do.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention is to provide an air passage in which an air filter is detachably provided, and a blower fan which produces an air flow in the air passage. A blower provided with a rotation speed detection means for detecting the rotation speed of the blower fan, and a fan control means for controlling energization of the blower fan so that the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed detection means matches a target rotation speed. In the device, an energization amount detection means for detecting an energization amount to the blower fan when the detected rotation speed matches the target rotation speed, and an energization amount detected by the energization amount detection means corresponds to the target rotation speed. And a filter mounting state detection unit that determines that the air filter is in a non-mounted state when the amount exceeds a predetermined reference energization amount by a predetermined amount or more.

Further, the filter mounting state detecting means determines that the air filter is in a clogging state when the energizing amount detected by the energizing amount detecting means becomes smaller than the reference energizing amount by a predetermined amount or more. Is characterized by.

A second aspect of the present invention is to set an air passage in which an air filter is detachably provided, a blower fan for generating an air flow in the air passage, and an amount of electricity supplied to the blower fan. In a blower device including a fan control unit that controls energization of the blower fan based on the set energization amount, a rotation speed detection unit that detects a rotation speed of the blower fan, and an energization of the blower fan by the fan control unit. When the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed detecting means is smaller than the reference rotational speed of the blower fan which is predetermined corresponding to the set energization amount by a predetermined amount or more, the air filter is not mounted. And a filter mounting state detecting means for making a judgment.

Further, the filter mounting state detecting means is such that the air filter is clogged when the detected rotation speed becomes higher than the reference rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more when the fan control means energizes the blower fan. It is characterized in that it is judged to be in a state.

Further, a third aspect of the present invention is that an air passage in which an air filter is detachably provided, a blower fan for generating an air flow in the air passage, and a rotation speed for detecting the rotation speed of the blower fan. In an air blower comprising a detection means and a fan control means for controlling energization of the blower fan so that the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed detection means matches a target rotation speed, an air volume of the ventilation passage by the blower fan. When the air volume detection means for detecting the air volume detection means, and the air volume detected by the air volume detection means becomes larger than a predetermined reference air volume corresponding to the target rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more, the air filter is not mounted. And a filter mounting state detecting means for making a judgment.

Further, the filter mounting state detecting means determines that the air filter is in a clogged state when the air volume detected by the air volume detecting means becomes smaller than the reference air volume by a predetermined amount or more. To do.

Further, a fourth aspect of the present invention is that an air passage in which an air filter is detachably provided, a blower fan for generating an air flow in the air passage, and a heating for heating the air flowing in the air passage. Means, a rotation speed setting means for setting a target rotation speed of the blower fan according to a heating amount of the heating means, a rotation speed detecting means for detecting a rotation speed of the blower fan, and a detection by the rotation speed detecting means. A ventilation path for detecting a temperature in the ventilation path, comprising: a fan control means for controlling energization of the blower fan so that a rotation speed matches a target rotation speed set by the rotation speed setting means. A temperature detection means, an intake air temperature detection means for detecting an intake air temperature to the ventilation passage by the blower fan, and a temperature detected in the ventilation passage by the ventilation passage temperature detection means are the heating amount of the heating means and the front temperature. And a filter mounting state detecting unit that determines that the air filter is not mounted when the temperature falls below a predetermined reference temperature corresponding to the intake temperature detected by the intake temperature detecting unit. Is characterized by.

Further, the heating means is a means for heating the air flowing in the ventilation passage with a heating amount according to the temperature of the room in which the air blower is arranged, and the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detecting means is measured in the room. It is characterized by grasping as the temperature of.

Further, the filter mounting state detecting means determines that the air filter is in a clogged state when the detected temperature in the ventilation passage becomes higher than the reference temperature by a predetermined amount or more. And

Further, according to the present invention, in each of the above aspects, when the filter mounting state detecting means determines that the air filter is in an unmounted state, it is equipped with a notifying means. To do.

In each of the above aspects, when the filter mounting state detecting means determines the clogging state of the air filter, the filter mounting state detecting means determines that the air filter is in the clogging state. At this time, a notifying means for notifying that effect is provided.

[0021]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the blower fan is energized by the fan control means so that the detected rotation speed matches the target rotation speed (feedback control).
At this time, when the air filter is not attached,
Since the air volume of the blower fan is larger than that when it is mounted and the load thereof is increased, the amount of electricity supplied to the blower fan at the target rotational speed is large. Therefore, the filter mounting state detecting means determines whether the air filter is not mounted when the detected energizing amount of the blower fan by the energizing amount detecting means becomes larger than the reference energizing amount corresponding to the target rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more. Judge that there is.

In this case, if the air filter is clogged when the air filter is attached, the air flow rate of the blower fan is reduced and the load is reduced, contrary to the above, so that the amount of electricity supplied to the blower fan is reduced. . Therefore, the filter mounting state detection means further determines that the air filter is in a clogged state when the detected energization amount of the blower fan is smaller than the reference energization amount corresponding to the target rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more. . Therefore, the detection of the unmounted state of the air filter and the detection of the clogging state are performed using the common configuration.

Next, according to a second aspect of the present invention, the blower fan is energized and controlled by the fan control means at the set energization amount. At this time, when the air filter is not installed, the fan is installed. As compared with the time, the air volume of the blower fan increases and its load increases, so that the rotation speed of the blower fan at the set energization amount decreases. Therefore, the filter attachment state detection means determines that the air filter is not attached when the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed detection means is smaller than the reference rotation speed corresponding to the set energization amount by a predetermined amount or more. To do.

In this case, if the air filter is clogged when the air filter is attached, the air flow rate of the blower fan is reduced and the load is reduced, conversely to the above, so that the rotation speed of the blower fan is increased. Therefore, the filter mounting state detecting means further determines that the air filter is in a clogged state when the detected rotation speed of the blower fan is higher than the reference rotation speed corresponding to the set energization amount by a predetermined amount or more. . Therefore, the detection of the unmounted state of the air filter and the detection of the clogging state are performed using the common configuration.

Next, according to a third aspect of the present invention, the blower fan is energized and controlled to a target rotational speed as in the case of the first aspect. At this time, when the air filter is not attached, The air volume of the blower fan is larger than when it is installed. Therefore, in the air filter non-attached state, it is determined that the air filter is not attached when the air volume detected by the air volume detection unit becomes larger than the reference air volume corresponding to the target rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more.

In this case, if the air filter is clogged when the air filter is attached, the air volume of the blower fan is reduced, contrary to the above. Therefore, the filter mounting state detecting means further determines that the air filter is in a clogged state when the detected air volume becomes smaller than the reference air volume corresponding to the target rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more. Therefore, the detection of the unmounted state of the air filter and the detection of the clogging state are performed using the common configuration.

Next, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the blower fan is energized and controlled so that the detected rotation speed matches the target rotation speed according to the heating amount of the heating means. The temperature in the ventilation passage heated by the heating means depends on the heating amount of the heating means and the intake temperature to the ventilation passage. That is, the temperature in the ventilation passage increases as the heating amount increases, and increases as the intake air temperature increases. On the other hand, since the air volume of the blower fan at the target rotation speed is larger in the state where the air filter is not attached than when the air filter is attached, the temperature in the ventilation passage at a certain heating amount and intake air temperature is the same as that of the air filter. In the mounted state, it will be lower than when mounted. Therefore, in the filter mounting state detecting means, the temperature detected in the air passage by the air passage temperature detecting means is a predetermined amount or more than the reference temperature corresponding to the heating amount of the heating means and the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detecting means. When it becomes low, it is determined that the air filter is not attached.

In this case, in the air blower arranged in the room such as a warm air heater, the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detecting means indicates room temperature. Therefore, by adjusting the heating amount of the heating means according to the detected intake air temperature, it becomes possible to perform the temperature control of the room temperature using the intake air temperature detection means without separately providing the room temperature sensor.

Further, if the air filter is clogged when the air filter is attached, the air volume of the blower fan becomes small. Therefore, the temperature in the ventilation passage at a certain heating amount and intake air temperature is opposite to the above case. When the air filter is not attached, it is higher than when it is attached. Therefore, the filter mounting state detecting means, further, the temperature detected in the ventilation passage,
When the heating amount of the heating means and the reference temperature corresponding to the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detecting means become higher than the reference temperature by a predetermined amount or more, it is determined that the air filter is in the clogging state. Therefore, the detection of the unmounted state of the air filter and the detection of the clogging state are performed using the common configuration.

In the invention of each of the above-mentioned aspects, the user is informed that the air filter should be attached by notifying by the notifying means when it is determined that the air filter is not attached. Let Further, when it is determined that the air filter is in a clogged state, the user is notified of the necessity of cleaning the air filter by notifying by the notifying means in response to the detection.

[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the first aspect of the blower according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a warm air heater including the blower of this embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the warm air heater seen from the front side, and FIG. 3 is a back side of the warm air heater. FIG. 4 is a perspective view as seen, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a main part of the warm air heater, and FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the main part of the warm air heater.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a warm air heater 1 having a blower according to the present embodiment is a gas warm air heater, and a heater built in a housing 2 arranged indoors. The main body 3 includes a duct 4 (ventilation passage), a convection fan 5 (blower fan), a gas burner 6, a duct 7 and a gas supply pipe 8 and is controlled by a control unit 9.

The duct 4 has an air intake port 10 for taking in indoor air at the rear surface of the housing 2, and a warm air outlet 11 at the lower front portion of the housing 2. An air filter 12 is detachably attached to the air intake port 10 in order to prevent dust and the like from flowing into the duct 4. A movable louver 13 for adjusting the opening degree is attached to the warm air outlet 11, and a gad motor 14 for driving the movable louver 13 is provided.

The convection fan 5 has a fan motor 16 whose number of revolutions increases in proportion to the energized current, and a rotary blade 17 which is rotationally driven by the fan motor 16.
The rotation of 7 sucks the indoor air s into the duct 4 from the air suction port 10 to generate an air flow. Then, the sucked indoor air s is mixed with the combustion exhaust h of the gas burner 6 incorporated in the duct 4 and heated, and is blown out from the warm air outlet 11 as warm air m. The convection fan 5 is provided with a rotation speed sensor 18 (rotation speed detection means) for detecting the rotation speed thereof. The rotation speed sensor 18 is composed of a Hall IC that generates a predetermined number of pulses for each rotation of the fan motor 16, and gives its output to the control unit 9.

Gas burner 6 incorporated in the duct 4
A combustion plate 20 is arranged in the combustion cylinder 19, and an ignition electrode 21 for igniting an air-fuel mixture is arranged downstream of the combustion plate 20. The combustion cylinder 19 of the gas burner 6 communicates with the duct 4, and the combustion exhaust gas h is discharged into the duct 4. Further, a thermocouple 22 for detecting abnormal combustion is arranged on the downstream side of the combustion plate 20.
Is exposed to the combustion flame of the gas burner 6 to generate electromotive force,
It is output to the control unit 9.

The duct 7 is a passage for supplying the room air s and the fuel gas to the gas burner 6, and the gas burner 6
Has a suction port 23 for the indoor air s which is communicated with the inside of the combustion cylinder 19 and is defined in the housing 4 so as to be incorporated into the housing 2 and which is opened at the rear surface of the housing 2. Then, at a midway point from the suction port 23 of the duct 7 to the gas burner 6,
A nozzle 24 attached to the tip of the gas supply pipe 8 is introduced. The indoor air s is sucked into the duct 7 from the suction port 23 by the rotation operation of the convection fan 5, and the fuel ejected from the nozzle 24 of the gas supply pipe 8 in the process of the sucked indoor air s reaching the gas burner 6. It is mixed with gas and the mixture is supplied to the gas burner 6. The suction port 23
Is covered with an air filter 12 together with the air inlet 10. Further, a room temperature sensor 26 constituted by a thermistor is attached to the inside of the duct 7 near the suction port 23, and the room temperature sensor 26 outputs an electric output corresponding to room temperature to the control unit 9.

In the gas supply pipe 8 in which the nozzle 24 is introduced into the duct 7, electromagnetic valves 27 and 28 and a proportional valve 29 are sequentially arranged from the upstream side.

The electromagnetic valves 27 and 28 allow the fuel gas to pass toward the nozzle 24 when the valve is opened by energization, and cut off the passage of the fuel gas when the valve is closed due to the stop of energization.

The proportional valve 29 is a valve whose opening degree increases with the magnitude of the energizing current, and the energizing current is proportional to the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner 6.

The operation switch 31 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 2.
And a room temperature setting switch 3 inside the opening / closing lid 2a (see FIG. 2) provided on the upper surface of the housing 2.
2, alarm buzzer 33 (informing means) and filter lamp 3
4 (informing means) is provided.

The operation switch 31 instructs the control unit 9 to start or end the heating operation by its ON / OFF operation.

The room temperature setting switch 32 is an operation switch for setting the room temperature, and raises or lowers the set room temperature by, for example, 1 ° C. to instruct the control unit 9 by a predetermined operation.

The alarm buzzer 33 notifies the user of the fact that the air filter 12 is not mounted by the alarm sound, and is drive-controlled by the control unit 9.

The filter lamp 34 informs the user that the air filter 12 is in a clogged state by lighting the filter lamp 34 and makes the user recognize the necessity of cleaning the air filter 12, and the control unit 9 The energization is controlled by.

Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit 9 is constructed by using a microcomputer or the like, and the functional configurations thereof are the operation control section 35 and the temperature control section 3.
6, a proportional valve control unit 37, a fan control unit 38 (fan control unit), a reference energization amount determination unit 39, an energization amount detection unit 40 (energization amount detection unit) and a filter monitoring unit 41 (filter mounting state detection unit) ing.

The operation control unit 35, based on the instruction signal of the operation switch 31, the output of the thermocouple 22, and the operation stop signal given from the filter monitoring unit 41 as will be described later, the solenoid valves 27, 28 and the ignition electrode 21. Energization control.

The temperature control unit 36 determines the fuel amount (heating amount) of the gas burner 6 based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 26 and the room temperature set by the room temperature setting switch 32, and the determined combustion amount is proportional valve controlled. Unit 37 and fan control unit 38
To be given. In this case, the temperature adjustment control unit 36 determines a larger combustion amount as the detected room temperature is lower than the set room temperature in order to perform the temperature control to bring the detected room temperature close to the set room temperature.

The proportional valve control unit 37 is based on the combustion amount given from the temperature control unit 36, and sets predetermined data of the energization amount of the proportional valve 29 for supplying the fuel gas in an amount corresponding to the combustion amount. It is determined according to a table or the like, and the proportional valve 29 is energized by the determined energization amount.

The fan control unit 38 supplies the combustion air in an amount corresponding to the combustion amount to the gas burner 6 via the duct 7 based on the combustion amount given from the temperature control unit 36.
Further, a target rotation speed setting unit 42 that sets a target rotation speed of the convection fan 5 for blowing hot air in an amount corresponding to the combustion amount through the duct 4 according to a predetermined data table, and the set target. Speed and speed sensor 18
And an energization amount setting unit 43 that sets an energization amount to the fan motor 16 of the convection fan 5 in accordance with the feedback control rule in order to match the detected rotation speed according to. Then, the fan control unit 38 energizes the fan motor 16 with the energization amount set by the energization amount setting unit 43 to control energization of the convection fan 5 so that the detected rotation speed matches the target rotation speed. The target rotation speed set by the target rotation speed setting unit 42 can properly supply air to the gas burner 6 and blow warm air while the clean air filter 12 is normally mounted. The rotation speed is determined according to the combustion amount of the gas burner 6, and the larger the combustion amount, the larger the target rotation speed.

A restriction plate (not shown) is provided at the inlet of the gas burner 6 so that the supply of air to the gas burner 6 and the temperature of the hot air are simultaneously adjusted to appropriate values. The amount of air supplied to the gas burner 6 can be set to an appropriate value by matching the opening degree with the rotation speed of the fan motor 16 (the rotation speed in consideration of the temperature of warm air).

The reference energization amount determining unit 39 determines the reference energization amount to the fan motor 16 from the target rotation speed set by the target rotation speed setting unit 42 according to a predetermined data table as shown by a solid line a in FIG. 5, for example. Ask. In this case, the reference energization amount of the solid line a (hereinafter referred to as the reference energization amount line a) is the fan motor when the convection fan 5 is rotated at the target rotation speed in the state where the clean air filter 12 is normally mounted. It is defined as a standard amount of electricity supplied to 16.

The energization amount detecting section 40 is operated by the energization amount setting section 4 when the detected rotation speed of the convection fan 5 matches the target rotation speed.
3 based on the set energization amount output from the fan motor 16
To detect the amount of electricity supplied to. In addition, such an energization amount may be detected by directly detecting the actual energization amount to the fan motor 16 by the fan control unit 38 using a current sensor (not shown).

Based on the reference energization amount determined by the reference energization amount determining unit 39 and the energization amount detected by the energization amount detecting unit 40, the filter monitoring unit 41 determines whether or not the air filter 12 is attached and the air filter 12 is clogged. It monitors the state and includes first and second comparison units 44 and 45 for comparing the reference energization amount and the detected energization amount, respectively.

The first comparing section 44 judges whether or not the detected energization amount is larger than the reference energization amount by a predetermined amount or more. When the detected energization amount is larger than the reference energization amount by a predetermined amount or more, the air filter 12 is activated. Assuming that it is not mounted, a signal indicating that is output. More specifically, referring to FIG. 5, the solid line b
In the present embodiment, is a determination line for determining whether or not the detected energization amount at each target rotation speed is larger than the reference energization amount by a predetermined amount or more.
(Hereinafter, the filter non-mounting determination line b) indicates that when the air filter 12 is not mounted, the amount of electricity supplied to the fan motor 16 by the fan control unit 38 when the convection fan 5 is controlled to the target rotational speed is not a filter. It is determined so that the energization amount is on the upper side of the mounting determination line b (including on the filter non-mounting determination line b). Further, the energization amount in the filter non-attachment determination line b is
The value becomes larger than the reference energization amount at a predetermined ratio proportional to the target rotation speed.

Incidentally, the energization amount of the fan motor 16 may exceed the reference energization amount due to variations in the accuracy of the fan motor 16, etc., but in such a case, the determination line is set so that it is not mistakenly determined that the filter is not attached. b is set to a value larger than the reference energization amount by a predetermined amount (a value that does not occur due to variations in the fan motor 16).

Basically, the first comparing portion 44 basically determines that the detected energization amount to the convection fan 5 controlled to the target speed is equal to or more than the energization amount on the filter non-mounting determination line b at the target speed. First, it is determined that the detected energization amount is larger than the reference energization amount by a predetermined amount or more, and the unattached state of the air filter 12 is detected. In this case, in the present embodiment, the first comparison unit 44 determines, for example, that the value of the ratio of the detected energization amount and the reference energization amount (detected energization amount / reference energization amount) is the energization amount in the filter non-attachment determination line b and the reference value. When the value of the ratio to the energization amount (energization amount / reference energization amount, this value becomes a fixed predetermined value regardless of the target rotation speed) or more, the detected energization amount is a predetermined amount or more than the reference energization amount. It is determined to be large, and a signal indicating the unmounted state of the air filter 12 is output. And
When the first comparison unit 44 outputs the above signal, the filter monitoring unit 41 energizes the alarm buzzer 33 to cause it to ring, and also gives an operation stop signal to the operation control unit 35.

The second comparing section 45 determines whether or not the detected energization amount is smaller than the reference energization amount by a predetermined amount or more, and when the detected energization amount is smaller than the reference energization amount by a predetermined amount or more, the air filter 12 Assuming that the clogging has progressed to such an extent that it requires cleaning, a signal indicating that fact is output. More specifically, referring to FIG. 5, the solid line c indicates the second comparison unit 4
5 shows a determination line for determining whether or not the detected energization amount is smaller than the reference energization amount by a predetermined amount or more, and the determination line c (hereinafter, referred to as clogging determination line c) is an air filter. When the convection fan 5 is controlled to the target rotation speed in the clogging state in which the cleaning of 12 is required, the energization amount given to the fan motor 16 by the fan control unit 38 is below the clogging determination line c (the clogging determination line c (Including the above). Further, the energization amount in the clogging determination line c becomes a value smaller than the reference energization amount at a predetermined ratio proportional to the target rotation speed.

The second comparing section 45 basically operates when the detected energization amount to the convection fan 5 controlled to the target speed is less than or equal to the energization amount on the clogging determination line c at the target speed. The clogging state of the air filter 12 is detected by determining that the detected energization amount is smaller than the reference energization amount by a predetermined amount or more. In this case, in the present embodiment, the second comparison unit 45 determines whether the ratio of the detected energization amount and the reference energization amount (detection energization amount / reference energization amount) is the same as in the first comparison unit 44. When a value equal to or smaller than a predetermined ratio value of the energization amount and the reference energization amount in the line c (energization amount / reference energization amount, this value is generally different from the predetermined ratio value in the case of the first comparing unit 44) It is determined that the detected energization amount is smaller than the reference energization amount by a predetermined amount or more, and a signal indicating the clogging state of the air filter 12 is output. Then, when the second comparison unit 45 outputs the above signal, the filter monitoring unit 41 energizes the filter lamp 34 to light it, and gives an operation stop signal to the operation control unit 35.

In the comparison and determination as described above in the first and second comparison units 44 and 45, for example, the determination lines b and c are set in advance as a data table or the like, and the target rotation of the fan control unit 38 is set. It may be performed by comparing the magnitude of the energization amount on the determination lines b and c and the detected energization amount at the target rotation speed set by the number setting unit 42.

Next, the operation of the warm air heater 1 of this embodiment will be described.

When the user turns on the operation switch 31, the control unit 9 controls the operation to start the operation. At this time, the control unit 9 controls the operation control unit 35.
The solenoid valves 27 and 28 are energized to open them, and the proportional valve control unit 37 energizes the proportional valve 29 with a predetermined energization amount to supply a predetermined amount of fuel gas to the gas burner 6. Further, in parallel with this, the fan control unit 38 rotates the convection fan 5 at a predetermined rotation speed to move the ducts 4, 7
Inhale to. In this state, the operation control unit 35 of the control unit 9 monitors the output of the thermocouple 22 and the ignition electrode 2
1 is energized to ignite the gas burner 6 and start its combustion.

In this way, when the combustion of the gas burner 6 is started, the temperature control unit 36 of the control unit 9 operates on the basis of the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 26 and the room temperature set by the room temperature setting switch 32, as described above. The combustion amount of No. 6 is determined every moment and the proportional valve control unit 37 and the fan control unit 38 are instructed to determine it.

According to this instruction, the proportional valve control section 37 energizes the proportional valve 29 with an energization amount corresponding to the instructed combustion amount, and causes the fuel gas corresponding to the combustion amount to be supplied to the gas burner 6.

Further, the fan control unit 38 supplies the gas burner 6 with an amount of air corresponding to the combustion amount instructed by the target rotation speed setting unit 42, and at the same time, the duct 4 is supplied with an air flow amount corresponding to the combustion amount. Convection fan 5 to blow warm air from
Set the target speed of. Further, the fan control unit 38
Is set by the energization amount setting unit 43 so that the detected rotation speed of the convection fan 5 by the rotation speed sensor 18 matches the target rotation speed set according to the combustion amount, and the set energization is set. By controlling the energization of the fan motor 16 by the amount, the convection fan 5 is feedback-controlled to the target rotation speed according to the combustion amount.

Such a proportional valve 29 and fan motor 1
With the energization control of 6, the gas burner 6 burns with the combustion amount determined by the temperature control unit 36. Further, by the operation of the convection fan 5 controlled to the target rotation speed, the indoor air s in an amount corresponding to the combustion amount of the gas burner 6 is taken into the duct 4 from the air intake port 10 via the air filter 12, and taken in. The heated indoor air s is mixed with the combustion exhaust gas h of the gas burner 6 and heated in the process of flowing through the duct 4 toward the hot air outlet 11 to generate the warm air m as the warm air outlet 11.
From the room. At this time, the temperature control unit 36 determines the combustion amount of the gas burner 6 so that the detected room temperature approaches the set room temperature, so that the room temperature is controlled to the set room temperature.

In the operation of such a warm air heater 1,
When the air filter 12 is not attached, the air volume of the convection fan 5 controlled to the target rotation speed becomes larger than that in the state where the air filter 12 is attached as described above, and the The load increases. Therefore, the fan motor 1 for controlling the convection fan 5 to the target rotation speed
The amount of electricity supplied to 6 is larger than that in the state where the air filter 12 is attached. For example, referring to FIG. 5, when the number of revolutions of the convection fan 5 is controlled to the target number of revolutions Nx and the clean air filter 12 is attached, the energization amount detection unit 40 detects the energization. The amount is a value in the vicinity of the reference energization amount Ix determined by the reference energization amount determination unit 39 corresponding to the target rotation speed Nx. On the other hand, when the air filter 12 is not attached, the detected energization amount by the energization amount detection unit 40 is, for example, a value equal to or more than the energization amount Ib on the filter non-attachment determination line b at the target rotation speed Nx. It becomes Ixb.

As described above, when the air filter 12 is not mounted, the reference energization amount Ix and the detected energization amount Ixb at the target rotation speed Nx with which the first comparing unit 44 of the filter monitoring unit 41 compares. Since the ratio value (Ixb / Ix) of the above is greater than or equal to the ratio value (= Ib / Ix) of the reference energization amount on the reference energization amount line a and the energization amount on the filter non-mounting determination line b, As described above, the first comparison unit 44 outputs a signal indicating the unattached state of the air filter 12, and this state is detected. Then, the filter monitoring unit 41
Is the alarm buzzer 33 according to the signal output of the first comparison unit 44.
The air filter 1 is activated by energizing the
The user is informed that 2 is not attached. Further, the filter monitoring unit 41 outputs an operation stop signal to the operation control unit 35, and at this time, the operation control unit 35 causes the solenoid valves 27 and 2 to operate.
8 is closed, the combustion of the gas burner 6 is stopped, and the operation of the warm air heater 1 is stopped. After that, when the user puts on the air filter 12 and turns on the operation switch 31 again, the warm air heater 1 restarts the operation without any trouble.

Further, in the operation of the warm air heater 1 with the air filter 12 attached, if the air filter 12 is in a clogged state, the air volume of the convection fan 5 controlled to the target rotation speed is The air filter 12 is less than in a clean state, and the load on the convection fan 5 is reduced.
For this reason, the amount of electricity supplied to the fan motor 16 for controlling the convection fan 5 to the target rotation speed is smaller than that when the air filter 12 is clean. For example, referring to FIG.
When the air filter 12 is clogged to the extent that it needs to be cleaned, the detected energization amount to the fan motor 16 when the rotation speed of the convection fan 5 is controlled to the target rotation speed Nx is, for example, The value Ixc is equal to or less than the energization amount Ic on the clogging determination line c at the target rotation speed Nx.
The detected energization amount Ixc becomes smaller as the air filter 12 becomes more clogged.

When the clogging of the air filter 12 has progressed to some extent in this way, the reference energization amount Ix and the detected energization amount Ixc at the target rotation speed Nx with which the second comparing unit 45 of the filter monitoring unit 41 compares. Value of ratio with (Ixc / Ix
) Is the value of the ratio of the reference energization amount on the reference energization amount line a and the energization amount on the filter non-attachment determination line b (= Ic /
Ix) or less, the second comparing section 45 outputs a signal indicating a clogging state in which the air filter 12 needs to be cleaned, and this state is detected. Then, the filter monitoring unit 41 energizes and lights the filter lamp 34 according to the signal output of the second comparison unit 45, thereby notifying the user that the air filter 12 needs to be cleaned. Further, the filter monitoring unit 41 uses the air filter 1
The operation stop signal is output to the operation control unit 35 to stop the operation of the warm air heater 1 in the same manner as in the case of No. 2 mounted state.
After that, if the user cleans and reattaches the air filter 12 and turns on the operation switch 31 again, the warm air heater 1 restarts the operation without any trouble. As described above, according to the warm air heater 1 of the present embodiment, the energization amount to the fan motor 16 of the convection fan 5 of the blower is detected, and the detected energization amount corresponds to the target rotation speed of the convection fan 5. By determining whether or not it is larger than the reference energization amount by a predetermined amount or more, the unmounted state of the air filter 12 can be detected with a simple configuration, and an alarm or the like can be issued. In this case, since it is not necessary to provide a component such as a mechanical switch that easily causes a failure or malfunction, it is possible to reliably detect the unmounted state of the air filter 12. Further, by determining whether the detected energization amount is smaller than the reference energization amount corresponding to the target rotation speed of the convection fan 5 by a predetermined amount or more, the reference energization amount determination for detecting the unmounted state of the air filter 12 is determined. The configuration of the portion 39, the energization amount detection unit 40, and the like can be shared, and the clogging state of the air filter 12 can also be detected, and the warm air heater 1 can be provided with a necessary configuration and excellent in usability. be able to.

Next, one embodiment of the second aspect of the blower of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 and FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a main part of a warm air heater including the blower of this embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the main part of the warm air heater.

The hot air heater according to the present embodiment has the same system configuration as that of the first embodiment, and only a part of the functional configuration of the control unit 9 is different. The same components are designated by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 and 4 and their description is omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, in the warm air heater of the present embodiment, the control unit 9 controls the energization of the fan motor 16 of the convection fan 5 by the fan control section 38.
Is the gas burner 6 determined by the temperature control unit 36.
An energization amount setting unit 46 that sets an energization amount to the fan motor 16 based only on the combustion amount of The energization amount setting unit 46 determines the temperature of the gas burner 6 determined by the temperature control unit 36 when the clean air filter 12 is mounted.
The energization amount for operating the convection fan 5 at the rotation speed corresponding to the combustion amount is set according to a data table or the like which is predetermined according to the combustion amount. Then, the fan control unit 38 energizes the fan motor 16 with the energization amount set by the energization amount setting unit 46.

The control unit 9 does not include the reference energization amount determining unit 39 and the energization amount detecting unit 40 shown in FIG. 4, and the reference rotation speed of the convection fan 5 corresponding to the energization amount set by the energization amount setting unit 46. A reference rotation speed determination unit 47 that determines The reference rotation speed determination unit 47 obtains the reference rotation speed of the convection fan 5 from the set energization amount according to a predetermined data table as shown by a solid line d in FIG. 7, for example.
In this case, the solid line d (hereinafter referred to as the reference rotational speed line d)
The reference number of revolutions is defined as a standard number of revolutions of the convection fan 5 when the fan motor 16 of the convection fan 5 is energized with a set energization amount in a state where the clean air filter 12 is mounted.

As in the first embodiment, the filter monitoring section 41 provided in the control unit 9 for monitoring the presence or absence of the air filter 12 and the clogging of the air filter 12 is monitored by the monitoring unit 41. To the reference rotation speed determination unit 47
The reference rotation speed determined by
This is performed based on the rotation speed detected by the (rotation speed detection means), and is provided with first and second comparison units 48 and 49 for comparing the reference rotation speed and the detected rotation speed, respectively.

The first comparing section 48 determines whether or not the detected rotation speed is smaller than the reference rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more. When the detected rotation speed is smaller than the reference rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more, the air filter 12 is activated. Assuming that it is not mounted, a signal indicating that is output. That is, with reference to FIG. 7, a solid line e indicates a filter non-attachment determination line for determining whether the detected rotation speed is smaller than the reference rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more, and the determination line e is When the air filter 12 is not installed, the rotation speed of the convection fan 5 when the fan motor 16 is energized at the set energization amount is below the filter non-installation determination line e (including on the filter non-installation determination line e). It is set to be the number of revolutions.

The first comparing section 48 detects when the detected rotation speed of the convection fan 5 which energized the fan motor 16 with the set energization amount is less than or equal to the rotation speed on the filter non-mounting determination line e at the set energization amount. It is determined that the rotation speed is lower than the reference rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more and the unmounted state of the air filter 12 is detected. In this case, in the present embodiment, the first comparison unit 48 determines that the value of the ratio between the detected rotation speed and the reference rotation speed (detection rotation speed / reference rotation speed) is the rotation speed and the reference rotation speed in the filter non-attachment determination line e. When the value becomes equal to or smaller than a value of a predetermined ratio (rotation speed / reference rotation speed) to the number, a signal indicating the unmounted state of the air filter 12 is output. Then, the filter monitoring unit 41, when the first comparing unit 48 outputs the above signal, similarly to the embodiment of the first aspect, the alarm buzzer 3
3 is sounded and an operation stop signal is given to the operation controller 35.

The second comparing section 49 determines whether or not the detected rotation speed is higher than the reference rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more, and when the detected rotation speed is higher than the reference rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more, the air filter 12 Assuming that the clogging has progressed to such an extent that it requires cleaning, a signal indicating that fact is output. More specifically, referring to FIG. 7, a solid line f indicates a clogging determination line for determining whether the detected rotation speed is higher than the reference rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more. f is the clogging determination line f when the detected rotation speed when the fan motor 16 of the convection fan 5 is energized with a set energization amount in a clogging state where the air filter 12 needs to be cleaned.
The rotation speed is set to the upper side (including on the clogging determination line f).

When the detected rotation speed of the convection fan 5 is equal to or higher than the rotation speed on the clogging determination line f at the set energization amount at that time, the second comparison section 49 detects the detected rotation speed by a predetermined amount more than the reference rotation speed. Air filter 12
This is to detect the clogging state of. In this case, the second
The comparison unit 49 calculates a value of the ratio between the detected rotation speed and the reference rotation speed (detected energization amount / reference energization amount) as a predetermined ratio value between the energization amount and the reference energization amount in the clogging determination line f (energization amount / When it becomes equal to or more than the reference energization amount), a signal indicating the clogging state of the air filter 12 is output. Then, the filter monitoring unit 41 turns on the filter lamp 34 when the second comparison unit 49 outputs the above-mentioned signal, and the operation control unit 35.
Give an operation stop signal to.

In the comparison and determination as described above in the first and second comparing sections 48 and 49, the determination lines e and f are set beforehand as a data table or the like, and the determination lines e and f at the set energization amount are set. It may be performed by comparing the number of revolutions on f and the detected number of revolutions.

The structure other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of the warm air heater of this embodiment will be described.

The basic operation of the warm air heater of the present embodiment is the first
In this case, the fan control unit 38 energizes the fan motor 16 with a set energization amount according to only the combustion amount during the combustion of the gas burner 6 to cause the gas burner 6 to operate. The amount of air commensurate with the combustion amount is supplied, and the warm air is blown out at a blowing amount corresponding to the combustion amount to control the temperature of the room temperature.

In the operation of such a warm air heater, when the clean air filter 12 is installed, for example, the detected rotation speed of the convection fan 5 at the set energization amount Ix in FIG. 7 is the reference rotation speed line. It is a value near the reference rotation speed Nx on d.

On the other hand, when the air filter 12 is not attached, the air flow rate of the convection fan 5 increases and the load increases, so the detected rotation speed of the convection fan 5 at the set energization amount Ix is clean. Compared with the case where the air filter 12 is mounted, the rotation speed Ne becomes lower than the rotation speed Nxe on the filter non-mounting determination line e, for example. Therefore, the first comparison unit 48 of the filter monitoring unit 41 outputs a signal indicating the unattached state of the air filter 12, and this state is detected. Then, the filter monitoring unit 41 sounds the alarm buzzer 33 in response to the signal output of the first comparison unit 48 to notify the user that the air filter 12 is not mounted, and also outputs the operation stop signal. Output to the operation control unit 35 to stop the operation of the warm air heater.

Further, when the air filter 12 is clogged to the extent necessary for cleaning, the air flow rate of the convection fan 5 decreases and the load thereof decreases, so the convection fan 5 at the set energization amount Ix is reduced. The number of rotations detected by is increased as compared with the case where the clean air filter 12 is installed,
For example, the rotation speed Nf is equal to or higher than the rotation speed Nxf on the filter clogging determination line f. Therefore, the second comparison unit 49
Outputs a signal indicating the clogged state of the air filter 12,
As a result, the state is detected. Then, the filter monitoring unit 41 lights the filter lamp 34 according to the signal output of the second comparison unit 49 to notify the user that the air filter 12 needs to be cleaned, and also the operation stop signal. Is output to the operation control unit 35 to stop the operation of the warm air heater.

As described above, also in the warm air heater of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the number of rotations is eliminated without the provision of components such as mechanical switches that are liable to malfunction or malfunction. With a simple configuration using the sensor 18 and the like, the unmounted state of the air filter 12 can be reliably detected, and an alarm or the like can be appropriately issued. And
It is possible to detect the clogging state of the air filter 12 by sharing the configuration of the reference rotation speed determination unit 47, the rotation speed sensor 18, and the like for detecting the unmounted state of the air filter 12, and thus the hot air heater. Can have excellent usability with a necessary configuration.

Next, one embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram of a warm air heater including the blower of the present embodiment, FIG. 9 is a block configuration diagram of a main part of the warm air heater, and FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the warm air heater. FIG.

The basic structure of the warm air heater of this embodiment is the same as that of the embodiment of the first aspect, and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted. To do.

Referring to FIG. 8, the warm air heater 1 of the present embodiment.
In addition to the system configuration of the embodiment of the first aspect shown in FIG. 1, the air flow rate of the air flowing in the duct 4 is detected by the operation of the convection fan 5 in the vicinity of the air intake port 10 of the duct 4, for example. An air volume sensor 50 (air volume detection means) is provided. The air flow sensor 50 is a thermal air flow sensor that uses a heat-sensitive resistance element such as platinum as a detection element, and outputs a signal according to the air flow rate of the air flowing in the duct 4 to the control unit 9. The other system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Further, referring to FIG. 9, in the warm air heater of the present embodiment, the control unit 9 has a target rotation of the fan controller 38 having the same configuration as that of the embodiment of the first aspect. The number setting unit 42 includes a reference air amount determination unit 51 that determines the reference air amount in the duct 4 corresponding to the target rotation speed of the convection fan 5 set according to the combustion amount of the gas burner 6. The reference air flow rate determination unit 51 obtains the reference air flow rate in the duct 4 from the set target rotation speed according to a predetermined data table as shown by a solid line g in FIG. 10, for example. In this case, the reference air volume of the solid line g (hereinafter referred to as the reference air volume line g) is a standard value in the duct 4 when the convection fan 5 is controlled to the target rotation speed in the state where the clean air filter 12 is mounted. It is defined as the air volume.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the filter monitoring section 41 provided in the control unit 9 for monitoring whether or not the air filter 12 is attached and the clogging state of the air filter 12 is monitored. Is performed based on the reference air volume determined by the reference air volume determination unit 51 and the air volume detected by the air volume sensor 50, and is provided with first and second comparison units 52 and 53 that compare the reference air volume and the detected air volume, respectively. There is.

The first comparing section 52 determines whether or not the detected air volume is larger than the reference air volume by a predetermined amount or more. When the detected air volume is larger than the reference air volume by a predetermined amount or more, the air filter 12 is determined.
Assuming that the is not mounted, a signal indicating that is output. That is, referring to FIG. 10, a solid line h indicates a filter non-attachment determination line for determining whether or not the detected air volume is larger than the reference air volume by a predetermined amount or more, and the determination line h is the air line. In a state where the filter 12 is not attached, it is determined that the detected air volume when the convection fan 5 is controlled to the target rotation speed is the air volume below the filter non-attachment determination line h (including on the filter non-attachment determination line h). It has been done.

Then, as in the case of the first mode, the first comparing section 52 calculates the ratio of the detected air volume and the reference air volume when the convection fan 5 is controlled to the target rotation speed (detected air volume / reference air volume). ) Is greater than or equal to a value (revolution speed / reference rotation speed) of a predetermined ratio between the air volume in the filter non-installation determination line h and the reference air volume, it is determined that the detected air volume is larger than the reference air volume by a predetermined amount or more. The unattached state of the filter 12 is detected and a signal indicating that is output. Then, when the first comparing unit 52 outputs the above signal, the filter monitoring unit 41 causes the alarm buzzer 33 to sound and also outputs an operation stop signal to the operation control unit 35, as in the first embodiment. Give.

The second comparing section 53 judges whether or not the detected air volume is smaller than the reference air volume by a predetermined amount or more. When the detected air volume is smaller than the reference air volume by a predetermined amount or more, the air filter 12
Assuming that the clogging has progressed to such an extent that it requires cleaning, a signal indicating that fact is output. That is, referring to FIG. 10, a solid line i indicates a clogging determination line for determining whether the detected air volume is smaller than the reference air volume by a predetermined amount or more, and the determination line i is the air filter. In the clogged state 12 requiring cleaning, the detected air volume when the convection fan 5 is controlled to the target motor rotation speed is the air volume below the clogging determination line i (including on the clogging determination line i). It has been set.

Then, as in the case of the first mode, the second comparing section 53 determines the value of the ratio of the detected air volume to the reference air volume at the target rotational speed at that time (detected air volume / reference air volume) to the clogging determination line. When the value of the predetermined ratio between the air volume and the reference air volume at i (air volume / reference air volume) becomes less than or equal to the reference air volume, it is determined that the detected air volume is smaller than the reference air volume by a predetermined amount or more
The second clogging state is detected and a signal indicating that is output. Then, the filter monitoring unit 41, when the second comparison unit 53 outputs the signal, the filter lamp 3
4 is turned on and an operation stop signal is given to the operation controller 35.

In the comparison / determination as described above in the first and second comparing units 52, 53, the determination lines h, i are set in advance as a data table or the like, and the determination lines h, i It may be performed by comparing the magnitude of the air volume on i with the detected air volume.

The structure other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of the warm air heater of this embodiment will be described.

The basic operation of the warm air heater of this embodiment is the first
While the gas burner 6 is burning, the fan control unit 38 controls the convection fan 5 to a target rotation speed according to the combustion amount, so that the gas burner 6 can match the combustion amount. A large amount of air is supplied, and warm air is blown out at a blowing amount corresponding to the combustion amount, and temperature control of room temperature is performed.

In the operation of such a warm air heater, when the clean air filter 12 is attached, for example, the air volume detected by the air volume sensor 50 in the duct 4 at the target rotation speed Nx in FIG. It is a value in the vicinity of the reference air volume Fx on the air volume line g.

On the other hand, when the air filter 12 is not attached, the air volume of the convection fan 5 increases, so the detected air volume in the duct 4 at the target rotation speed Nx is the value when the clean air filter 12 is attached. Compared to the case where
Air volume F above filter volume judgment line h
becomes h. Therefore, the first comparison unit 52 of the filter monitoring unit 41 outputs a signal indicating the unmounted state of the air filter 12, and this state is detected. And
The filter monitoring unit 41 sounds the alarm buzzer 33 in response to the signal output of the first comparing unit 52 to notify the user that the air filter 12 is not attached, and also the operation stop signal to control the operation. Output to the unit 35 to stop the operation of the warm air heater.

Further, when the air filter 12 is clogged to the extent necessary for cleaning, the air volume of the convection fan 5 decreases, so that the duct 4 at the target rotational speed Nx is reduced.
The detected air volume inside is lower than that in the case where the clean air filter 12 is attached, and becomes the air volume Fi below the air volume Fxi on the filter clogging determination line i. Therefore, the second
The comparison unit 53 outputs a signal indicating the clogged state of the air filter 12, and this state is detected.
Then, the filter monitoring unit 41 lights the filter lamp 34 according to the signal output of the second comparing unit 53 to notify the user that the air filter 12 needs to be cleaned,
In addition, the operation stop signal is output to the operation control unit 35 to stop the operation of the warm air heater.

As described above, also in the warm air heater of the present embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, the air flow sensor is not provided with components such as mechanical switches that are apt to cause malfunctions and malfunctions. With a simple configuration using 50 or the like, the unmounted state of the air filter 12 can be reliably detected, and an alarm or the like can be appropriately issued. The configuration of the reference air volume determination unit 51 and the air volume sensor 50 for detecting the unattached state of the air filter 12 can be shared, and the clogging state of the air filter 12 can also be detected.
It is possible to make the warm air heater excellent in usability with a necessary configuration.

Next, an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. 11 is a system configuration diagram of a warm air heater including the air blower of this embodiment, FIG.
2 is a block configuration diagram of a main part of the warm air heater, and FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the warm air heater.

The basic structure of the warm air heater of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted. To do.

Referring to FIG. 11, in addition to the system configuration of the embodiment of the first aspect shown in FIG. 1, the warm air heater 1 of the present embodiment has, for example, an air intake port 10 in a duct 4. An in-duct temperature sensor 54 (ventilation path temperature detecting means) for detecting the temperature in the duct 4 heated by the gas burner 6 which is a heating means is provided on the inner wall portion near. The duct internal temperature sensor 54 outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature in the duct 4 to the control unit 9. The in-duct temperature sensor 54 is provided at a position where the air taken into the duct 4 does not directly hit it. The other system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Since the room temperature sensor 26 is provided near the suction port 23 of the duct 7, the detected room temperature corresponds to the temperature of the intake air to the duct 4. Therefore, the room temperature sensor 26 constitutes an intake air temperature detecting means.

Further, referring to FIG. 12, in the warm air heater of the present embodiment, the control unit 9 includes the temperature control section 36.
The reference temperature determination unit 55 determines the reference temperature in the duct 4 corresponding to the combustion amount of the gas burner 6 determined by the above and the intake air temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 26 (= detected room temperature). The reference temperature determining unit 55 determines the reference temperature in the duct 4 from the combustion amount determined by the temperature control unit 36 and the intake air temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 26 according to a predetermined map as shown in FIG. 13, for example. . FIG.
The reference temperature Tij in the map of No. 3 is the clean air filter 12
Various values of combustion amount M1 to M
At n and various values S1 to Sn of the intake air temperature, the standard temperature inside the duct 4 when the warm air heater is operated is determined based on experiments and the like. In this case, the reference temperature Tij of the map is basically as the combustion amount increases,
The larger the intake air temperature, the larger the intake air temperature.
When the reference temperature is determined, it may be determined from the combustion amount and the detected intake air temperature using an appropriate arithmetic expression or the like.

Then, as in the case of the first embodiment, the filter monitoring section 41 provided in the control unit 9 for monitoring the presence / absence of the air filter 12 and the clogging of the air filter 12 performs the monitoring. The first and second comparison units 56, which compare the reference temperature with the detected air volume, based on the reference temperature determined by the reference temperature determination unit 51 and the intake air temperature detected by the duct internal temperature sensor 54.
Equipped with 57.

The first comparing section 56 judges whether or not the detected intake air temperature is lower than the reference temperature by a predetermined amount or more. When the detected intake air temperature is lower than the reference temperature by a predetermined amount or more, the air filter 12 is not attached. Assuming the state, a signal indicating that is output. Specifically, for example, when the deviation between the detected intake air temperature and the reference temperature (reference temperature-detected intake air temperature) becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value set in advance, or when the detected intake air temperature and the reference temperature differ. When the ratio (detected intake air temperature / reference temperature) falls below a predetermined value,
It is determined that the detected intake air temperature is lower than the reference temperature by a predetermined amount or more, and a signal indicating that the air filter 12 is not mounted is output. In this case, the predetermined value is determined based on experiments and the like so that the above condition is satisfied when the warm air heater is operated with the air filter 12 not attached. Then, when the first comparing unit 56 outputs the above signal, the filter monitoring unit 41 sounds the alarm buzzer 33, similarly to the embodiment of the first aspect, and the operation control unit 35.
Give an operation stop signal to.

Further, the second comparing section 57 determines whether or not the detected intake air temperature is higher than the reference temperature by a predetermined amount or more. If the detected intake air temperature is higher than the reference temperature by a predetermined amount or more, the air filter 12 Assuming that the clogged state requires cleaning, a signal indicating that is output. Specifically, the second comparison unit 57, for example, when the deviation between the detected intake air temperature and the reference temperature (detected intake air temperature-reference temperature) becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or when the detected intake air temperature and the reference temperature are When the ratio (detected intake air temperature / reference temperature) exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that the detected intake temperature is higher than the reference temperature by a predetermined amount or more, and the air filter 12 is not attached. Is output. In this case, the predetermined value is determined based on an experiment or the like so as to satisfy the above condition when the warm air heater is operated in a clogged state in which the air filter 12 needs to be cleaned, and the first comparison unit 56 compares the values. The value is not necessarily the same as the predetermined value when performing. Then, the filter monitoring unit 41 has the second comparing unit 57.
When the above signal is output, the filter lamp 34 is turned on and an operation stop signal is given to the operation controller 35.

The structure other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of the warm air heater of this embodiment will be described.

The basic operation of the warm air heater of this embodiment is the first
While the gas burner 6 is burning, the fan control unit 38 controls the convection fan 5 to a target rotation speed according to the combustion amount, so that the gas burner 6 can match the combustion amount. A large amount of air is supplied, and warm air is blown out at a blowing amount corresponding to the combustion amount, and temperature control of room temperature is performed.

In the operation of such a warm air heater, when the clean air filter 12 is mounted, the temperature detected in the duct 4 by the duct temperature sensor 54 is the combustion amount of the gas burner 6 and the room temperature sensor. It becomes substantially the same as the reference temperature determined by the reference temperature determination unit 55 according to the map of FIG. 13 according to the detected intake air temperature (detected room temperature) by 26.

On the other hand, when the air filter 12 is not attached, the amount of air taken into the duct 4 by the convection fan 5 controlled to the target speed increases, and the inside of the duct 4 has a large amount of air. Since it tends to be cooled, the detected temperature in the duct 4 becomes lower than the reference temperature corresponding to the combustion amount and the intake air temperature at that time by a predetermined amount or more in the first comparing section 56. Therefore, the first comparison unit 56 outputs a signal indicating the unattached state of the air filter 12, and this state is detected. Then, the filter monitoring unit 41 sounds the alarm buzzer 33 in response to the signal output of the first comparison unit 56 to notify the user that the air filter 12 is not attached, and also outputs the operation stop signal. Output to the operation control unit 35 to stop the operation of the warm air heater.

When the air filter 12 is clogged to the extent necessary for cleaning, the amount of air sucked into the duct 4 by the convection fan 5 is reduced, and the intake air is burned by the combustion heat of the gas burner 6. Therefore, the detected temperature in the duct 4 becomes higher than the reference temperature corresponding to the combustion amount and the intake air temperature at that time by a predetermined amount or more in the second comparing section 57. Therefore, the second comparison unit 57
Outputs a signal indicating the clogged state of the air filter 12, and this state is detected. Then, the filter monitoring unit 41 turns on the filter lamp 34 according to the signal output of the second comparison unit 57, and the air filter 12
The user is informed that cleaning is required, and an operation stop signal is output to the operation control unit 35 to stop the operation of the warm air heater.

As described above, also in the warm air heater of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the inside of the duct is provided without the components such as mechanical switches that are apt to cause malfunctions or malfunctions. With a simple configuration using the temperature sensor 54 and the like, the unattached state of the air filter 12 can be reliably detected, and an alarm or the like can be appropriately issued. The configuration of the reference temperature determination unit 55 for detecting the unattached state of the air filter 12, the duct internal temperature sensor 54, and the like can be shared, and the clogging state of the air filter 12 can also be detected. It is possible to make the heater excellent in usability with a necessary configuration.

In each of the embodiments described above, the alarm buzzer 33 gives an alarm when the air filter 12 is not mounted, and the filter lamp 34 gives an alarm when the air filter 12 is clogged. However, both alarms may be issued by sharing a single buzzer or a lamp. In this case, the alarms are output depending on whether the air filter 12 is not attached or when the air filter 12 is clogged. The cases may be different from each other.

In each of the above embodiments, when the clogging of the air filter 12 is detected, the operation of the warm air heater is stopped. However, the clogging is detected stepwise, For example, in a moderately clogged state, only an alarm may be issued, and when the severely clogged state occurs, the operation of the warm air heater may be stopped.

In each of the above embodiments, the convection fan 5 supplies the combustion air to the gas burner 6, but the combustion air may be supplied by another fan. In this case, either fan may be used to detect the presence or absence of the air filter, or the presence or absence of clogging, or both fans may be used together to detect.

In each of the above embodiments, the air suction port 10
Although the common air filter 12 is attached to the intake port 23 and the suction port 23, the air filters may be attached independently. In this case, it is necessary to set the determination line according to the amount of change in the current value or the like when the air filter with the small passage resistance is removed so that it can be detected which of the air filters is removed.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the gas type warm air heater is explained as an example, but it may be a petroleum type, and also in a blower used in a water heater, a clothes dryer or the like. Of course, the present invention can be applied. Further, in the invention of claims 1 to 6, the heating means may not be provided.

[0124]

As is apparent from the above description, according to each aspect of the present invention, the energization of the blower fan is performed by using the energization amount detecting means, the rotation speed detecting means, the air volume detecting means, and the air passage temperature detecting means. The amount, the number of revolutions, the amount of blown air, or the temperature in the ventilation passage heated by the heating means is detected, and the detected value is
Greater than or equal to the reference rotation speed, reference rotation speed, reference air flow, or reference temperature that is set in advance corresponding to the target rotation speed of the blower fan or the set power supply amount, or the heating amount of the heating means and the intake air temperature to the ventilation passage. By detecting whether the air filter is not attached to the ventilation path by determining whether it is smaller than a predetermined amount, it is possible to reliably perform the detection with an extremely simple configuration that is unlikely to cause a failure. Therefore, it is possible to improve the reliability of detection of the unmounted state of the air filter. Moreover, since the detection can be performed with an extremely simple structure, the cost can be reduced.

Further, by determining the magnitude of the detected value with respect to the reference energization amount, the reference number of revolutions, the reference air volume, and the reference temperature, clogging of the air filter when the air filter is attached to the ventilation path. By detecting the state as well, it is possible to detect both the unmounted state of the air filter and the clogging state using the common detection means, and a blower with excellent usability can be inexpensive. Can be provided to.

In particular, when the air in the ventilation passage is heated by the heating means with a heating amount according to the temperature in the room, the intake temperature detected by the intake temperature detecting means for determining the reference temperature is set to the indoor temperature. By grasping as the temperature, the intake air temperature detecting means can be shared as the room temperature detecting means, and a high-performance and excellent usability blower such as a hot air heater for controlling temperature control can be provided at a low cost. You can

Further, as described above, it is possible to reliably detect the unmounted state of the air filter and the clogging state with high reliability. Therefore, by issuing a notification according to the detection, the air filter can be turned on. The fact that it should be attached and the necessity of cleaning the air filter can be accurately notified to the user, and the usability of the blower can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a warm air heater to which an example of the first aspect of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the warm air heater of FIG. 1 viewed from the front side.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the warm air heater of FIG. 1 viewed from the back side.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a main part of the warm air heater of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a main part of the warm air heater of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram of a main part of a warm air heater to which an example of the second aspect of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a main part of the warm air heater of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram of a hot air heater to which an example of the third aspect of the present invention is applied.

9 is a block configuration diagram of a main part of the warm air heater of FIG.

10 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a main part of the warm air heater of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a system configuration diagram of a hot air heater to which an example of the fourth aspect of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 12 is a block configuration diagram of a main part of the hot air heater of FIG. 11.

13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation of a main part of the warm air heater of FIG. 11.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 ... Duct (ventilation passage), 5 ... Convection fan (blowing fan), 6 ... Gas burner (heating means), 18 ... Rotation speed sensor, 26 ... Room temperature sensor (intake air temperature detection means), 33 ... Alarm buzzer (notification means) , 34 ... Filter lamp (informing means), 38 ... Fan control unit, 40 ... Energization amount detection unit, 41
... Filter monitoring section (filter mounting state detecting means), 50
... air volume sensor, 54 ... duct internal temperature sensor (ventilation path temperature detecting means).

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A ventilation passage having an air filter detachably attached thereto, a blower fan for producing an air flow in the ventilation passage, a rotation speed detecting means for detecting the rotation speed of the blower fan, and the rotation speed detecting means. In a blower device including a fan control unit that controls energization of the blower fan so that the detected rotation speed matches the target rotation speed, to the blower fan when the detected rotation speed matches the target rotation speed. The energization amount detecting means for detecting the energization amount of the air filter, and the air filter when the energization amount detected by the energization amount detecting means is larger than a reference energization amount predetermined corresponding to the target speed by a predetermined amount And a filter attachment state detection means for determining that the filter is not attached. 2. The filter mounting state detecting means determines that the air filter is in a clogged state when the energizing amount detected by the energizing amount detecting means becomes smaller than the reference energizing amount by a predetermined amount or more. The air blower according to claim 1, characterized in that. 3. An air passage in which an air filter is removably provided, a blower fan for generating an air flow in the air passage, and an amount of electricity supplied to the blower fan are set. In a blower device including a fan control unit that controls energization, a rotation speed detection unit that detects the rotation speed of the blower fan, and a rotation detected by the rotation speed detection unit when the fan control unit energizes the blower fan. And a filter mounting state detecting means for judging that the air filter is in a non-mounted state when the number becomes smaller than a reference rotation number of the blower fan which is predetermined corresponding to the set energization amount by a predetermined amount or more. An air blower characterized by being provided. 4. The air filter is clogged when the detected number of revolutions is greater than the reference number of revolutions by a predetermined amount when the fan control unit energizes the blower fan. The blower according to claim 3, wherein the blower is determined to be in a state. 5. An air passage in which an air filter is detachably provided, a blower fan for generating an air flow in the air passage, a rotation speed detecting means for detecting the rotation speed of the blower fan, and the rotation speed detecting means. In a blower device including a fan control unit that controls energization of the blower fan so that the detected rotation speed of the blower fan matches a target rotation speed, an air volume detection unit that detects an air volume of the ventilation path by the blower fan, When the air volume detected by the air volume detection means is larger than a reference air volume predetermined in correspondence with the target rotation speed by a predetermined amount or more, a filter attachment state detection means for determining that the air filter is not attached is provided. An air blower characterized by being provided. 6. The filter mounting state detecting means determines that the air filter is in a clogged state when the air volume detected by the air volume detecting means is smaller than the reference air volume by a predetermined amount or more. The blower according to claim 5. 7. An air passage in which an air filter is detachably provided, a blower fan for generating an air flow in the air passage, a heating means for heating air flowing in the air passage, and a heating amount of the heating means. According to the rotation speed setting means for setting a target rotation speed of the blower fan, a rotation speed detection means for detecting the rotation speed of the blower fan, and a rotation speed detected by the rotation speed detection means by the rotation speed setting means. In a blower device including a fan control unit that controls energization of the blower fan so as to match a set target rotation speed, a ventilation path temperature detection unit that detects a temperature in the ventilation path and the blower fan. An intake air temperature detecting means for detecting an intake air temperature to the ventilation passage, and a temperature detected in the ventilation passage by the ventilation passage temperature detecting means are detected by a heating amount of the heating means and the intake air temperature detecting means. An air blower provided with a filter attachment state detection unit that determines that the air filter is not attached when the temperature falls below a predetermined reference temperature corresponding to the air temperature by a predetermined amount or more. . 8. The heating means is means for heating the air flowing in the ventilation passage by a heating amount according to the temperature of the room in which the air blower is arranged, and the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detecting means The blower according to claim 7, which is grasped as a temperature of the blower. 9. The filter mounting state detecting means determines that the air filter is in a clogged state when the detected temperature in the ventilation passage is higher than the reference temperature by a predetermined amount or more. The blower according to claim 7 or 8. 10. When the filter mounting state detecting means determines that the air filter is in a clogged state, a notifying means for notifying the fact is provided. 9. The blower according to any one of 9 above. 11. When the air filter is judged not to be mounted by the filter mounting condition detecting means,
The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising notifying means for notifying that effect.