JPH1066815A - Filter-clogging detector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a clogging detector used in order to know a clogging state of a filter and a clogging method therefor, to also use them in a filter having a light impermeable structure, to simplify the structure of the clogging detector and to enhance the detection accuracy of a clogging state. SOLUTION: A clogging detector 4 of a filter consisting of a sound generation means 1, a sound detection means 2 and a control means 3 is provided so that the sound generation means 1 is arranged on the upstream side of the flow of air within an air conditioner 101 and the sound detection means 2 is arranged on the downstream side in such a state that both means are mutually opposed through a filter 102. By detecting the change of the sound absorbing characteristics of the filter at a time when the sound emitted from the sound generation means 2 passes through the filter 102 to be detected by the sound detection means 2, the clogging state of the filter can be detected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a filter clogging detecting device and a detecting method for detecting a clogged state of a filter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an apparatus for detecting clogging of a filter of this kind is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-60358.

Hereinafter, a filter clogging detecting device will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure,
A light-emitting unit 103 and a light-receiving unit 104 of the clogging detection unit are disposed so as to be obliquely opposed to a filter 102 provided on the upstream side of the air conditioner 101 with the filter 102 interposed therebetween. Air conditioning equipment 101
A fan motor 105 is provided therein. When the air conditioner 101 is operated, air is sucked into the air conditioner 101 through the filter 102 by the fan motor 105.
Dust and the like floating in the air are collected on the filter 102. Light is transmitted so as to intersect with the direction in which the air sucked into the air conditioner 101 passes, and the output α of the light receiving unit 104 based on the amount of transmitted light becomes smaller than the set value αs. Is configured to detect that the device is in a clogged state and to notify that the device is in a clogged state.

[0004]

In such a conventional filter clogging detection device, since light from the light emitting portion needs to pass through the filter and reach the light receiving portion, the filter having a structure through which light can pass. In addition, there is a problem that the filter cannot be used, and it is required to support a filter having a complicated configuration in which light hardly passes. Also, since the light from the light emitting unit needs to accurately reach the light receiving unit, the optical axis of the light emitting unit and the optical axis of the light receiving unit are aligned on the same straight line.
There is a structural problem that the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit must be arranged at appropriate positions, and it is required to simplify the structure of the clogging detection device. In addition, since the light amount from the light emitting unit is used as a reference, there is a problem that the stability of the light amount of the light emitting unit greatly affects the detection accuracy of the clogged state. Therefore, it is required to improve the detection accuracy of the clogged state. I have. In addition, since the amount of light received by the light receiving unit serves as a criterion for determining the clogging state, a decrease in the amount of light other than the filter,
That is, there is a problem that contamination of the light emitting unit, contamination of the light receiving unit, presence of an obstacle that blocks light on the optical axis, and the like greatly affect detection accuracy of the clogged state. Has been requested.

The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and can be used for a filter having a structure in which light cannot pass therethrough, and also simplifies the structure of a clogging detection device. It is another object of the present invention to provide a filter clogging detection device capable of improving the detection accuracy of a clogged state.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a filter clogging detection device according to the present invention detects a change in the sound absorption characteristics of a filter and estimates the amount of dirt accumulated in the filter. It is configured to detect a clogged state.

According to the present invention, there is provided a filter clogging detecting device which can be used for a filter having a structure in which light cannot pass.

Further, another means includes a sound generating means and a sound detecting means, and detects a clogging state by detecting a change in sound absorbing characteristics by a filter.

According to the present invention, there is provided a filter clogging detecting device which can simplify the structure of the clogging detecting device.

Further, another means includes a sound generating means and a plurality of sound detecting means, and detects a clogging state by detecting a change in volume caused by passing through a filter.

According to the present invention, there is provided a filter clogging detection device capable of improving the detection accuracy of a clogged state.

Further, another means includes a sound generating means and a plurality of sound detecting means, and the sound detecting means is installed at a place where the sound is transmitted directly from the sound generating means and a place where the sound passing through the filter is transmitted. It is configured to detect a clogging state.

According to the present invention, there is provided a filter clogging detection device capable of improving the detection accuracy of a clogged state.

Further, another means includes a sound generating means for generating two or more kinds of sounds having different frequencies, and a sound detecting means, and detects a clogging state by detecting a change in sound absorption characteristics by a filter. It is what it was.

According to the present invention, there is provided a filter clogging detection device capable of improving the detection accuracy of a clogged state.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A clogging detection device for a filter, comprising a sound generation means and a sound detection means, capable of detecting a clogged state by detecting a change in sound absorption characteristics of the filter. This has the effect that the clogging state of the filter can be known from the rate of change in volume when the sound emitted from the sound generating means passes through the filter and reaches the sound detecting means.

Further, a filter clogging detecting device comprising a sound generating means and a plurality of sound detecting means and capable of detecting a clogged state by detecting a change in volume caused by passing through the filter. The clogging state of the filter can be known from the rate of change in volume when the sound emitted from the sound generation means passes through the filter and reaches a plurality of sound detection means, so that the sound detection means can be cleaned. Even if one of the characteristics of the sound detection means changes due to the cause, clogging can be detected using the other sound detection means.

Also, a sound generating means and a plurality of sound detecting means are provided, and the sound detecting means is installed at a place where the sound is transmitted directly from the sound generating means and a place where the sound passing through the filter is transmitted, thereby detecting the clogging state. The volume of the sound detected by the sound detection means in a place where the sound is transmitted directly from the sound generation means,
The clogging state of the filter can be known from the rate of change from the volume when the sound emitted from the sound generating means passes through the filter and reaches the sound detecting means. Has the effect that clogging can be detected with high accuracy even if the sound volume generated from changes.

Also, a filter is provided which comprises a sound generating means for generating two or more kinds of sounds having different frequencies, and a sound detecting means, wherein the clogging state can be detected by detecting a change in the sound absorption characteristics of the filter. This is a clogging detection device. Of two or more different frequencies of sound emitted from the sound generating means, a high frequency sound is difficult to pass through a clogged filter, but a low frequency sound is clogged. Easy to filter. The sound detecting means has an effect that clogging can be detected by comparing the sound volumes of different frequencies.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021]

【Example】

(Embodiment 1) As shown in FIG. 1, a filter clogging detecting device 4 comprising a sound generating means 1, a sound detecting means 2 and a control means 3 is provided with an air flow in an air conditioner 101 with a filter 102 interposed therebetween. The sound generating means 1 is arranged on the upstream side, and the sound detecting means 2 is arranged on the downstream side. In the air conditioner 101, a fan motor 105 is provided in addition to the filter 102, and air is sucked through the filter 102.

In the above configuration, the filter 102 collects dust and the like floating in the air as the air conditioner 101 operates. When the operation of the air conditioner 101 is continued, the filter 1
Dust and the like accumulate on the surface 02 and the flow resistance to air increases, so that a so-called filter is clogged. As shown in FIG. 2, the sound generator 1 generates a sound at a constant volume according to a command from the controller 3. Filter 102
When the air conditioner is operated for the first time before clogging, that is, when the air conditioner is operated for the first time, or when the filter is replaced, the sound from the sound generating means 1 passes through the filter 102 and reaches the sound detecting means 2. From the sound volume of the sound from the sound generation unit 1 detected by the sound detection unit 2, a sound volume serving as a criterion for determining clogging is calculated and stored as Ls in the control unit 3. When the operation time of the air conditioner 101 reaches a predetermined time, a sound is generated at a constant volume from the sound generating means 1 according to a command from the control means 3 as in the initial stage. If the filter 102 is clogged, the volume L detected by the sound detection means 2
Is smaller than Ls compared to Ls, filter 1
02 is displayed by the display means as being clogged. When L is equal to or greater than Ls, normal operation is continued.

Here, the sound generating means 1 may be a speaker or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a piezoelectric buzzer or the like may be used as long as it can generate sound at a constant volume. Makes no difference. The sound detecting means 2 may be a microphone or the like, but is not limited to this. Any means capable of detecting the sound volume does not cause any difference in the operational effects.

Although the type of the sound from the sound generating means 1 is not shown in detail in this embodiment, the filter 10
As long as the sound quality is such that the sound volume reaching the sound detecting means 2 changes due to clogging of the sound 2, there is no difference in the operation effect even if the sound of any frequency is emitted.

Although the sound volume level from the sound generating means 1 is not shown in detail in this embodiment, the filter 1
As long as the sound volume can reach the sound detecting means 2 after passing through the sound detector 02, there is no difference in the operation and effect.

Also, as long as the target filter has a structure through which the sound from the sound generating means 1 can be transmitted, a filter having a complicated structure that does not transmit light or a thick filter can be used.

Although the characteristics of the sound detecting means 2 have not been shown in detail in this embodiment, the sound generating means 1 is intended to prevent the effects of noise around the air conditioner and noise inside the air conditioner.
Even if a band-pass filter is built in to provide sensitivity to the same frequency as the sound emitted from, there is no difference in the operation and effect.

In this embodiment, the sound is generated from the sound generating means 1 when the operation time of the air conditioner 101 reaches a predetermined time. However, the present invention is not limited to this timing. When the operation is started again, a sound may be emitted from the sound generating means 1 each time to check the clogged state of the filter 102. In addition, a sound is generated from the sound generating means 1 as required by the user, and
The clogging state of No. 2 may be confirmed. The present invention is not limited to such a method, and if it is operated when it is necessary to check the clogged state of the filter 102, there is no difference in the operation and effect.

Further, in the present embodiment, the sound generating means 1 and the sound detecting means 2 are arranged at positions facing each other with the filter 102 interposed therebetween, but the present invention is not limited to this.
If the arrangement is such that the sound from the filter can reach the sound detection means 2 through the filter 102, there is no difference in the operation effect regardless of the arrangement regardless of the upstream or downstream of the filter 102.

(Embodiment 2) As shown in FIG. 3, a filter clogging detecting device 4 comprising a sound generating means 1, a sound detecting means 2a, a sound detecting means 2b and a control means 3 is provided with a filter 10
The sound generating means 1 is arranged on the upstream side of the air flow in the air conditioner 101 across the air conditioner 2, and the sound detecting means 2a and the sound detecting means 2b are arranged on the downstream side. In response to a command from the control means 3, the sound generating means 1 generates a sound at a constant volume. Filter 10
When the air conditioner is operated for the first time before the air conditioner 2 is clogged, that is, when the air conditioner is operated for the first time, or when the filter is replaced, the sound from the sound generating means 1 passes through the filter 102 and the sound detecting means 2a and the sound detecting means 2b. To reach. Of the sound volume La detected by the sound detection means 2a and the sound volume Lb detected by the sound detection means 2b, a sound volume serving as a criterion for determining clogging is calculated from the larger sound volume and stored in the control means 3 as Ls. When the air conditioner 101 reaches a predetermined time, the sound generator 1 generates a sound at a constant volume according to a command from the controller 3 in the same manner as in the initial stage. When the filter 102 is clogged, the larger volume of the volume La detected by the sound detector 2a and the volume Lb detected by the sound detector 2b is set to L. If the volume L is smaller than Ls as compared with Ls, the filter 102 is displayed as clogged by the display means. When L is equal to or greater than Ls, normal operation is continued. When the sound detection performance is degraded due to contamination of the sound detection means 2a and the sound detection means 2b, the detected sound volume tends to be lower than the actual sound volume. The larger one of Lb is adopted as the one closer to the actual volume. Therefore, the clogging state can be accurately detected by using a plurality of sound detecting means.

(Embodiment 3) As shown in FIG. 4, a filter clogging detecting device 4 comprising a sound generating means 1, a sound detecting means 2c, a sound detecting means 2d and a control means 3 has a filter 10
The sound generator 1 and the sound detector 2c are arranged on the upstream side of the air flow in the air conditioner 101 with the sound sensor 2 interposed therebetween, and the sound detector 2d is arranged on the downstream side. In response to a command from the control means 3, the sound generating means 1 generates a sound at a constant volume. Filter 10
In the initial stage before clogging of the air conditioner 2, that is, when the air conditioner is operated for the first time, or when the filter is replaced, the sound from the sound generating means 1 directly reaches the sound detecting means 2c while passing through the filter 102. Sound detection means 2d
To reach. From the volume Lc detected by the sound detection unit 2c and the volume Ld detected by the sound detection unit 2d, the ratio (P
= Lc / Ld), and a value serving as a criterion for determining clogging is calculated and stored as Ps in the control means 3.
When the air conditioner 101 reaches a predetermined time, the sound generator 1 generates a sound at a constant volume according to a command from the controller 3 in the same manner as in the initial stage. When the filter 102 is clogged, the ratio (P = Lc / Ld) of Lc and Ld is calculated from the volume Lc detected by the sound detection unit 2c and the volume Ld detected by the sound detection unit 2d, and the clogging is further performed. A comparison with a value Ps serving as a criterion is performed. If it is larger than Ps as compared with the criterion Ps, it is displayed by the display means that the filter 102 is clogged. When P is equal to or less than Ps, the normal operation is continued.
When the sound generating means 1 has a reduced sound generating ability due to dirt or the like, the sound volume is reduced before the light passes through the filter, so that it is not possible to accurately detect the clogged state with only the sound detecting means 2d. The clogging state can be detected with high accuracy by monitoring the volume before passing through the filter by the sound detection means 2c and confirming the degree of change of P = Lc / Ld.

(Embodiment 4) As shown in FIG. 5, a filter clogging detecting device 4 comprising a sound generating means 1, a sound detecting means 2e and a control means 3 is provided with air in an air conditioner 101 with a filter 102 interposed therebetween. The sound generating means 1 is arranged on the upstream side of the flow, and the sound detecting means 2e is arranged on the downstream side. Control means 3
The sound generating means 1 generates sounds of two or more different frequencies in response to a command from the user. Here, it is assumed that two kinds of sounds, a high sound Th and a low sound Tl, are generated. In the initial stage before the filter 102 is clogged, that is, when the air conditioner is operated for the first time, or when the filter is replaced, the sound generating means 1 emits the sound Th first, and then the sound Tl. The sounds Th and Tl from the sound generator 1 pass through the filter 102 and reach the sound detector 2e. From the sound volume Lh to the sound Th detected by the sound detection means 2e and the sound volume Ll to the sound Tl, the ratio of Lh to Ll (R = Lh / Ll)
Is calculated, and a value serving as a criterion for determining clogging is calculated and stored as Rs in the control means 3. Air conditioning equipment 101
Reaches a predetermined time, the sound generating means 1 generates two sounds, a high sound Th and a low sound Tl, according to a command from the control means 3 as in the initial stage. The ratio (R = Lh / Ll) of Lh to Ll is calculated from the volume Lh for the sound Th and the volume Ll for the sound Tl detected by the sound detection means 2e, and further compared with a value Rs serving as a criterion for clogging. . When R is smaller than Rs as compared with the criterion Rs, it is displayed by the display means that the filter 102 is clogged. When R is equal to or greater than Rs, normal operation is continued. If the sound from the sound generating means 1 is increased or decreased due to fluctuations in the power supply voltage or the like, the volume fluctuates before passing through the filter. become unable. The clogging state can be accurately detected by confirming the transmission ratio of two or more types of sounds having different frequencies through the filter.

In this embodiment, the sounds having two or more frequencies are defined as the high tone Th and the low tone Tl. However, the present invention is not limited to this combination. There is no difference in the operation and effect of any combination of sounds of any frequency as long as the combination of sounds is not easily affected.

In this embodiment, after the sound Th is emitted, the sound T
1 is emitted, but is not limited to this order, and two types of sounds are emitted simultaneously in the reverse order, and after the output of the sound detection means is separated by the control means 3, the ratio of Lh and Ll (R = (Lh / Ll) does not cause any difference in the effect.

[0035]

As is clear from the above embodiments, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus for detecting clogging of a filter which can be used for a filter having a structure in which light cannot pass.

Further, it is possible to provide a filter clogging detecting device which has an effect of simplifying the structure of the clogging detecting device.

Further, it is possible to provide a filter clogging detection device which has an effect of improving the detection accuracy of the clogged state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a filter clogging detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is the same flowchart.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a filter clogging indicator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a filter clogging indicator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a filter clogging indicator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional filter clogging indicator.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sound generation means 2 Sound detection means 4 Filter clogging detection device 102 Filter

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. Detecting a change in a sound absorption characteristic of a filter,
A filter clogging detection device capable of detecting a clogging state by estimating an amount of dirt accumulated in a filter. 2. A filter clogging detecting device comprising a sound generating means and a sound detecting means, wherein a clogging state can be detected by detecting a change in sound absorption characteristics of the filter. 3. A filter clogging detecting device comprising a sound generating means and a plurality of sound detecting means, and capable of detecting a clogged state by detecting a change in volume caused by passing through the filter. 4. A clogging state is detected by providing a sound generating means and a plurality of sound detecting means, and installing the sound detecting means in a place where sound is directly transmitted from the sound generating means and a place where sound passed through a filter is transmitted. Filter clogging detection device. 5. A filter comprising: a sound generating means for generating two or more kinds of sounds having different frequencies; and a sound detecting means, wherein a clogging state can be detected by detecting a change in sound absorption characteristics of the filter. Clogging detection device.