WO2012029649A1

WO2012029649A1 - Air purifier, display method for air purifier, and air conditioner

Info

Publication number: WO2012029649A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/069282
Authority: WO
Inventors: 大樹奥野; 八木　久晴
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2010-08-30
Filing date: 2011-08-26
Publication date: 2012-03-08

Abstract

The control device of an air conditioner acquires the detection results from each sensor (S103), and calculates the air contamination state on the basis of the detection results (S105). Moreover, the control levels set at air conditioning mechanisms such as an ion generating device or an air blower are acquired (S107) and the control levels are compared (S109). As a result, a warning to lower the control level is issued when the control level is higher than the air contamination state (S111) and a warning to raise the control level is issued when the control level is lower than the air contamination state (S121).

Description

Air purifier, display method in air purifier, and air conditioner

The present invention relates to an air cleaner, a display method in an air cleaner, and an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air cleaner having a sensor function, a display method in an air cleaner, and an air conditioner.

As a general air cleaner, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-283533 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) discloses a device that takes in outside air with a fan and removes dust or odor with a filter and exhausts the air. A dust sensor is connected to the microcomputer in the apparatus. In the dust sensor, the number of particles such as dust per unit volume and its components are detected, and the microcomputer displays the detection result. The detection result is displayed step by step as the degree of air contamination. By viewing this display, the user can grasp the current degree of air contamination, and can switch the mode of the air purifier to an appropriate mode.

JP 2000-283533 A

However, in the display in a general air cleaner as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the air condition at that time is displayed, but the effect on the operation of the air cleaner cannot be grasped from the display. There is a problem.

Also, what affects the air condition is not only the amount of dust, but also the amount of microorganisms, temperature, humidity, climate, and weather. These indicators are combined to form the air condition. Therefore, even if each state is displayed by applying the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to switch the mode of the air conditioner to an appropriate mode by looking at the display.

This invention is made in view of such a problem, Comprising: The air cleaner which displays a cleaning effect, the display method in this air cleaner, and the air conditioner which performs suitable air-conditioning control according to a sensor result It is intended to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an air cleaner includes a first sensor for detecting predetermined particles or components in the air, a purification mechanism for purifying the air, The display device and a control device for controlling display on the display device, the control device at a second time point different from the detection result of the first sensor at the first time point and the first time point. Control for displaying the detection result of the first sensor on the display device is performed.

Preferably, the control device determines a display amount of the detection result based on a calculation unit for calculating a ratio of the detection result of the first sensor to a predetermined amount, and a calculation result of the calculation unit, and displays the display data. A generation unit for generating and a storage unit for storing display data, and a detection result of the first sensor at a first time point and a detection result of the first sensor at a second time point; In any case, each detection result is displayed in a display amount corresponding to a ratio to the predetermined amount.

Preferably, the control device displays the detection result of the first sensor at the first time point and the detection result of the first sensor at the second time point on one display screen.

Preferably, the control device displays the detection result of the first sensor at the first time point on one display screen, and the detection result of the first sensor at the second time point on the display screen according to the switching instruction. Switch to.

Preferably, the first sensor is at least one of a sensor for detecting microorganisms in the air, a sensor for detecting dust in the air, a pollen sensor, and a gas sensor.

Preferably, the first sensor includes at least two types of sensors: a sensor for detecting microorganisms in the air, a sensor for detecting dust in the air, a pollen sensor, and a gas sensor.

Preferably, the control device displays the control amount of the purification mechanism in accordance with the detection result of the first sensor.

Preferably, the control device detects the detection result of the first sensor at the first time point, the control amount of the purification mechanism at the first time point, the detection result of the first sensor at the second time point, and the first Control for displaying on the display device the cumulative amount of the control amount of the purification mechanism from the time point to the second time point is performed.

Preferably, the air cleaner further includes a second sensor for detecting an air condition, and the control device includes a second sensor in accordance with detection results of the first sensor at the first time point and the second time point. Control for displaying the detection result of the sensor on the display device is performed.

More preferably, the second sensor includes at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a display method in an air cleaner includes a sensor for detecting predetermined particles or components in the air and a purification mechanism for purifying the air. The step of generating the first display data for displaying the detection result of the sensor at the first time point, the step of storing the first display data in the storage device, and the first time point Generating the second display data for displaying the detection results of the sensors at different second time points, and the sensor at the first time point based on the first display data and the second display data. Displaying the detection result and the detection result of the sensor at the second time point on a display device.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the air conditioner includes a first sensor for detecting predetermined particles in the air, an air conditioning mechanism for conditioning the air, the first sensor, and the air conditioning. And a control device for controlling the air conditioning mechanism connected to the mechanism. The control device determines suitability of the control status of the air conditioning mechanism based on the control status of the air conditioning mechanism and the detection result of the first sensor, and performs control based on the determination result.

Preferably, the control device has an input unit for receiving inputs of the detection result of the first sensor and the control status of the air conditioning mechanism, and a value representing the air state with respect to a predetermined amount as a reference for the particles. The calculation unit for calculating the ratio of the detection result is compared with a value representing the control state of the air conditioning mechanism and a value representing the air state to determine whether the control state of the air conditioning mechanism is appropriate for the air state. And a determination unit for performing. The air conditioner further includes a notification unit for reporting information based on the determination result.

More preferably, the notification is for changing the control status of the air conditioning mechanism to a balance corresponding to the air state, and the control device further includes a storage unit for storing information used for notification. Information used for notification is associated with the determination result.

Preferably, the control device further includes an output unit for outputting a control signal corresponding to the determination result to the air conditioning mechanism.

Preferably, the air conditioner includes a second sensor for detecting particles or components different from the first sensor. The calculation unit calculates a ratio with respect to a predetermined amount for each type of particle or component as a value representing an air state, and calculates a ratio with respect to the predetermined amount for all types of particles or components.

More preferably, the determination unit includes a value representing the control status of the air conditioning mechanism, and a value representing the air state calculated from the detection result of the type of particles or components previously associated with the air conditioning mechanism. Compare

Preferably, the control device repeats the determination at predetermined time intervals.
Preferably, the air conditioning mechanism includes at least one of an ion generation device, a blower device, a humidity adjustment device, and a temperature adjustment device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to grasp the cleaning effect due to the operation of the air cleaner from the display of the air cleaner. Further, appropriate air conditioning control can be executed according to the sensor result.

It is a figure which shows the specific example of the external appearance of the air cleaner concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a structure of the air cleaner concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the basic composition of the detection apparatus contained in an air cleaner. It is a figure showing the result of the simulation of the correlation of a scattering angle and scattering intensity about the dust particle and microorganisms particle | grains with the same size. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of a function structure of a detection apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a detection signal. It is a figure showing the relationship between a pulse width and scattering intensity. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of the detection method in a microorganisms detection apparatus. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of the basic composition of the detection apparatus contained in an air cleaner. It is a figure which shows the collection jig | tool of the detection apparatus contained in an air cleaner, and the structure of a heater periphery. It is a figure explaining the structure of the detection mechanism of a detection apparatus. It is a figure explaining the structure of the detection mechanism of a detection apparatus. It is a figure explaining the mechanism provided in an introduction hole as other specific examples of the light-shielding mechanism in a detection mechanism. It is a figure explaining the mechanism provided in an introduction hole as other specific examples of the light-shielding mechanism in a detection mechanism. It is a figure explaining the mechanism provided in an introduction hole as other specific examples of the light-shielding mechanism in a detection mechanism. It is a figure explaining the mechanism provided in an introduction hole as other specific examples of the light-shielding mechanism in a detection mechanism. It is a figure which shows the time change of the fluorescence spectrum of colon_bacillus | E._coli before and behind heat processing. It is a fluorescence-microscope photograph of colon_bacillus | E._coli before heat processing. It is the fluorescence-microscope photograph of colon_bacillus | E._coli after heat processing. It is a figure which shows the time change of the fluorescence spectrum of Bacillus bacteria before and behind heat processing. It is a fluorescence micrograph of Bacillus bacteria before heat processing. It is a fluorescence micrograph of Bacillus bacteria by heat processing. It is a figure which shows the time change of the fluorescence spectrum of the blue mold before and behind heat processing. It is a fluorescence-microscope photograph of the blue mold before heat processing. It is a fluorescence micrograph of the blue mold after heat processing. It is a figure which shows the time change of the fluorescence spectrum of the dust which carries out the fluorescence light emission before heat processing. It is a figure which shows the time change of the fluorescence spectrum of the dust which carries out the fluorescence emission after heat processing. It is a fluorescence micrograph of the dust which fluoresces before heat processing. 2 is a fluorescence micrograph of dust that emits fluorescence after heat treatment. It is a figure which shows the comparison result of the fluorescence spectrum of the dust which fluoresces before and behind heat processing. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of a function structure of a detection apparatus. It is a time chart which shows the flow of operation | movement in a detection apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the correspondence of fluorescence attenuation amount and microorganism concentration. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of the basic composition of the detection apparatus contained in an air cleaner. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the collection unit of a detection apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in a detection apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the one part external appearance of the ion generator contained in an air cleaner. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the circuit structure corresponding to a pair of hole of an ion generator. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the circuit structure of the positive electrode side in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of a function structure of a display control part. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen by 1st display control. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen by 1st display control. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen by 1st display control. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen by 1st display control. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen by 1st display control. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen by 1st display control. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of the display screen by 1st display control. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen by 2nd display control. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of the display screen by 2nd display control. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of the display screen by 2nd display control. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of the display screen by 2nd display control. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of the display screen by 2nd display control. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of the display screen by 2nd display control. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen by the modification 1 of display control. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of the display screen by the modification 1 of display control. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen by the modification 2 of display control. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of the display screen by the modification 2 of display control. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of the display screen by the modification 2 of display control. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of the display screen by the modification 2 of display control. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the external appearance of the air conditioner concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a structure of the air conditioner concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of a function structure of the drive control part of an air conditioner. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a determination process. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of a function structure of a display control part. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the breakdown of the pollution state of the air represented on the display screen of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the breakdown of the pollution state of the air represented on the display screen of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the breakdown of the pollution state of the air represented on the display screen of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

[First Embodiment]
<Overall configuration of the air purifier>
FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the appearance of an air cleaner 1A according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1A, air cleaner 1A includes a switch 110 for receiving an operation instruction, a display panel 130 for displaying a detection result, and a plurality of types of predetermined particles or components in the air.

Sensors

100A, 100B,... For detection (which are also referred to as sensors 100), an ion generator 300, and a blower 400 are included. In addition, a suction port for introducing air, an exhaust port for exhausting, and the like, which are not shown, are included. Furthermore, 1 A of air cleaners may also contain the communication part 150 for communicating with another apparatus.

The sensor 100 corresponds to a sensor for detecting microorganisms from airborne particles, a pollen sensor, an odor sensor (gas sensor), and the like, which will be described later. Here, it is assumed that the sensor 100A is a sensor for detecting microorganisms, the sensor 100B is a pollen sensor, and the sensor 100C is an odor sensor. In the following explanation, microorganisms (including dead bodies) such as bacteria and viruses are representative, but these “microorganisms” are those that perform life activities or part of them regardless of whether they are alive or dead and float in the air. It is the one of the size to do. Specifically, in addition to microorganisms (including dead bodies) such as bacteria and viruses, mites (including dead bodies) and the like may be included.

In addition, the air cleaner 1A may include a sensor for detecting the air state in addition to the sensor 100. As a sensor for detecting the air state, for example, a humidity sensor or a temperature sensor is applicable.

As a display method on the display panel 130, an electric bulletin board system using LED (Light Emitting Diode), liquid crystal, or the like is preferably employed. Thereby, it is possible to easily switch the display described later.

Referring to FIG. 1B, air cleaner 1A further includes a control device 200. The control device 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (not shown). The CPU reads and executes the program stored in the memory according to the instruction signal from the switch 110. Thereby, display on the display panel 130, control of the sensor 100, control of the communication unit 150, control of the ion generator 300, and the like are realized. Therefore, the control device 200 includes a display control unit 210 for controlling display on the display panel 130, a detection control unit 220 for controlling the sensor 100, and an ion control unit 230 for controlling the ion generator 300. And an air volume control unit 240 for controlling the blower 400. The display control unit 210, the detection control unit 220, and the ion control unit 230 may have a function mainly configured in a CPU by executing a program, or a function configured by hardware such as an electric circuit. May be.

<Description of Blower 400>
The blower 400 includes a fan and its drive mechanism, and the drive mechanism is connected to the air volume control unit 240. The air volume control unit 240 controls the rotation of the fan by controlling the drive mechanism. Thereby, the air volume from the air blower 400 is controlled.

A filter is provided at a suction port (not shown) of the air cleaner 1A. The outside air taken in from the outside by the fan passes through the filter, so that dust and microorganisms contained in the air adhere to the filter, and the air that has been removed and purified is exhausted from the exhaust port to the outside of the machine.

The air volume control unit 240 controls ON / OFF of the

switches

302A and 302B in accordance with an instruction signal from the switch 110. For example, when the cleaning mode is high, the drive mechanism is controlled so as to increase the rotational speed of the fan, and when it is low, the drive mechanism is controlled so as to decrease the rotational speed of the fan. By doing in this way, the air cleanliness degree is controlled.

The control result in the air volume control unit 240, that is, the information on the air volume from the blower 400, which is the amount of purified air, is output to the display controller 210. The output timing is a predetermined time interval set in advance, a timing requested from the display control unit 210, or the like.

<Description of Sensor 100>
(First example of sensor 100A)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating one specific example of the sensor 100A. Referring to FIG. 2, a sensor 100A according to the first example has a case 5 provided with an introduction hole 10 for introducing air from a suction port and an exhaust hole (not shown). 20, a signal processing unit 30, and a measurement detection unit 40.

The sensor 100A is provided with an air introduction mechanism 50. Air from the suction port is introduced into the case 5 at a predetermined flow rate by the air introduction mechanism 50. The air introduction mechanism 50 may be, for example, a fan or pump installed outside the case 5 and a drive mechanism thereof. Further, for example, a heat heater, a micro pump, a micro fan, and a driving mechanism thereof incorporated in the case 5 may be used. In the following description, the air introduction mechanism 50 is different from the blower 400, but the blower 400 may function as the air introduction mechanism 50. The same applies to the second and third examples of the sensor 100A.

The drive mechanism included in the air introduction mechanism 50 is controlled by the detection control unit 220, whereby the flow velocity of the introduced air is controlled. The flow rate when air is introduced by the air introduction mechanism 50 is not limited to a predetermined flow rate, but the sensor 100A converts the size of suspended particles from the current signal from the light receiving element 9 by a method described later. Therefore, it is necessary to control the flow rate within a range that is not too large. Preferably, the flow rate of the introduced air is 0.01 L (liter) / min to 10 L / min.

The sensor mechanism 20 includes a light emitting element 6 that is a light source, an irradiation direction of the light emitting element 6, a lens 7 for making light from the light emitting element 6 parallel light or a predetermined width, and a light receiving element 9. And a condensing lens 8 that is provided in the light receiving direction of the light receiving element 9 and collects the scattered light generated from the suspended fine particles existing in the air by the parallel light on the light receiving element 9.

The light emitting element 6 includes a semiconductor laser or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element. The wavelength may be any wavelength in the ultraviolet, visible, or near infrared region. As the light receiving element 9, a conventionally used photodiode, image sensor, or the like is used.

Both the lens 7 and the condenser lens 8 may be made of plastic resin or glass. The width of the parallel light by the lens 7 is not limited to a specific width, but is preferably about 0.05 mm to 5 mm.

When the irradiation light from the light emitting element 6 is light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region, the fluorescence is cut before the condenser lens 8 or the light receiving element 9 so that the fluorescence from the microorganisms does not enter the light receiving element 9. An optical filter is installed.

Case 5 is a rectangular parallelepiped with each side having a length of 3 mm to 500 mm. In the present embodiment, the shape of the case 5 is a rectangular parallelepiped, but is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped, and may be another shape. Preferably, at least the inside is applied with a black paint or a black alumite treatment. Thereby, reflection of light on the inner wall surface that causes stray light is suppressed. The material of the case 5 is not limited to a specific material, but a plastic resin, a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, or a combination thereof is preferably used. The introduction hole 10 and the discharge hole provided in the case 5 are circular with a diameter of 1 mm to 50 mm. The shapes of the introduction hole 10 and the discharge hole are not limited to a circle, and may be other shapes such as an ellipse or a rectangle.

The light emitting element 6 and the lens 7, and the light receiving element 9 and the condensing lens 8 are respectively the irradiation direction of the light emitting element 6 made parallel light by the lens 7 and the light receiving element by being condensed by the condensing lens 8. In FIG. 9, the light receiving direction is set at a predetermined angle α. Furthermore, in these, the air moving from the introduction hole 10 to the discharge hole is condensed by the irradiation region from the light emitting element 6 which is converted into parallel light by the lens 7 and the light collecting element 8. 9 is installed at an angle so as to pass through the area A in FIG. FIG. 2 shows an example in which these are installed so that the angle α is about 60 degrees and the region A is in front of the introduction hole 10. The angle α is not limited to 60 degrees and may be another angle.

The light receiving element 9 is connected to the signal processing unit 30 and outputs a current signal proportional to the amount of received light to the signal processing unit 30. 2, light emitted from the light emitting element 6 and scattered by particles suspended in the air moving at a predetermined speed from the introduction hole 10 to the discharge hole in the region A by the air introduction mechanism 50. Scattered light in an angle α (= 60 degrees) direction with respect to the irradiation direction of the element 6 is received by the light receiving element 9, and the amount of received light is detected.

The signal processing unit 30 is connected to the measurement detection unit 40 and outputs a result of processing the pulsed current signal to the measurement detection unit 40. Based on the processing result from the signal processing unit 30, the measurement detection unit 40 detects microorganisms from airborne particles in the air and performs processing for outputting the detection result.

Here, the detection principle in the sensor 100A according to the first example will be described.
The intensity of scattered light from airborne particles depends on the size and refractive index of the airborne particles. Since microorganisms are filled with a liquid close to water, the microorganism can be approximated to transparent particles having a refractive index close to water. The sensor 100A has a scattering intensity at a specific scattering angle when light is irradiated with dust particles of the same size, assuming that the refractive index of microorganisms floating in the air is a refractive index close to water. The difference is used to separate and detect microorganisms from other suspended particles.

FIG. 3 plots the scattering intensity at each scattering angle for spherical particles having a diameter of 1 μm and having a refractive index of 1.3, which is the same as that of water, and 1.6, which is different from water. Simulation results are shown. In FIG. 3, the thick line represents the simulation result of the scattering intensity of the particles having a refractive index of 1.3, and the dotted line represents the simulation result of the scattering intensity of the particles having a refractive index of 1.6.

Referring to FIG. 3, for example, when the scattering intensity at a scattering angle of 60 degrees is compared, a particle having a refractive index of 1.3, that is, a scattering intensity X1 from a microorganism, and a particle having a refractive index of 1.6, that is, a representative of dust. It can be seen that there is a discernable difference between the scattering intensity X2 from the assumed particle. That is, when the scattering intensity at a scattering angle of 60 degrees of a spherical particle having a diameter of 1 μm is smaller than the boundary value by using a value between the scattering intensity X1 and the scattering intensity X2 as the boundary value in advance. It can be identified as microbial particles, and dust particles when large.

Sensor 100A uses this principle to discriminate the suspended particles in the introduced air from microorganisms and others. Therefore, a boundary value for distinguishing microorganisms and other suspended particles for each particle size is set in advance in the sensor 100A. The sensor 100A measures the size and scattering intensity of airborne particles introduced in the air, and if the measured scattering intensity is smaller than a preset boundary value for the measured size, the microorganism, When it becomes large, it is determined as dust particles.

Sensor 100A can detect the size of airborne particles introduced using the following principle. That is, it is known that the velocity of suspended particles in the air carried at a certain flow rate becomes slower as the size of the suspended particles increases when the air flow rate is not large. According to this principle, the speed of the suspended particles traverses the irradiation light becomes longer because the speed decreases as the size of the suspended particles increases. The light receiving element 9 of the sensor 100 A receives the scattered light generated by the suspended particles that are transported at a certain flow velocity when the suspended particles cross the irradiation light from the light emitting elements 6. Therefore, the current signal output from the light receiving element 9 has a pulse shape, and the pulse width is related to the time that the floating particles cross the irradiation light. Therefore, the size of the suspended particles is converted from the pulse width of the output current signal. In order to enable this conversion, the detection control unit 220 reflects the flow velocity when air is introduced by the air introduction mechanism 50, and the pulse width of the current signal from the light receiving element 9 reflects the size of the suspended particles. The speed is controlled so as not to be too large.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the sensor 100A as a first example that detects microorganisms in the air using the above principle. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the function of the signal processing unit 30 is realized by a hardware configuration that is mainly an electric circuit. However, at least a part of these functions may be a software configuration that is realized by the signal processing unit 30 including a CPU (not shown) and executing a predetermined program by the CPU. In addition, an example in which the configuration of the measurement detection unit 40 is a software configuration is shown. However, at least some of these functions may be realized by a hardware configuration such as an electric circuit.

Referring to FIG. 4, signal processing unit 30 is connected to pulse width measuring circuit 32 connected to light receiving element 9, pulse width-voltage converting circuit 33 connected to pulse width measuring circuit 32, and light receiving element 9. Current-voltage conversion circuit 34, an amplification circuit 35 connected to current-voltage conversion circuit 34, a pulse width-voltage conversion circuit 33, and a voltage comparison circuit 36 connected to amplification circuit 35. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, a filter circuit 31 is provided between the light receiving element 9, the pulse width measurement circuit 32, and the current-voltage conversion circuit 34 for removing a signal having a preset current value or less. It is done. By providing the filter circuit 31, noise components due to stray light in the detection signal of the light receiving element 9 can be reduced.

The measurement detection unit 40 includes a calculation unit 45, a storage unit 42, and an output unit 43 for outputting a detection result.

The scattered particles from the suspended particles in the region A of FIG. 2 are condensed on the light receiving element 9 by irradiating the suspended particles introduced into the case 5 from the light emitting element 6. From the light receiving element 9, a pulsed current signal shown in FIG. 5 corresponding to the amount of received light is output to the signal processing unit 30. The current signal is input to the pulse width measurement circuit 32 and the current-voltage conversion circuit 34 of the signal processing unit 30. Of the current signal from the light receiving element 9, a signal equal to or less than a preset current value is cut through the filter circuit 31.

The current-voltage conversion circuit 34 detects the peak current value H representing the scattering intensity from the current signal input from the light receiving element 9, and converts it into the voltage value Eh. The voltage value Eh is amplified to a preset gain by the amplifier circuit 35 and output to the voltage comparison circuit 36.

The pulse width measurement circuit 32 measures the pulse width W of the current signal input from the light receiving element 9. The method for measuring the pulse width or the value related thereto in the pulse width measuring circuit 32 is not limited to a specific method, and may be a well-known signal processing method. As an example, a measurement method when a differential circuit (not shown) is incorporated in the pulse width measurement circuit 32 will be described. That is, when a pulsed current signal is input, in the differentiating circuit, a constant voltage determined according to the first pulse signal is generated, and the voltage returns to 0 according to the next pulse signal. The pulse width measuring circuit 32 can measure the time from the rising edge to the falling edge of the voltage signal generated in the differentiating circuit and use it as the pulse width. That is, the pulse width W may be, for example, a width between peaks of a differential curve obtained through a differentiating circuit, which is represented by a dotted line in FIG. As another example, an interval of a half value of the peak voltage value of the pulse waveform, that is, a half value width, or an interval from the rising edge to the falling edge of the pulse waveform may be used. A signal indicating the pulse width W measured by such a method or by another method is output to the pulse width-voltage conversion circuit 33.

In the pulse width-voltage conversion circuit 33, for each pulse width W, a voltage value Ew used as a boundary value of the scattering intensity for determining whether or not it is a microorganism is set in advance. The pulse width-voltage conversion circuit 33 converts the input pulse width W into a voltage value Ew according to the setting. The correspondence between the pulse width W and the voltage value Ew may be set as a function or a coefficient, or may be set in a table. The voltage value Ew is output to the voltage comparison circuit 36.

The voltage value Ew, which is a boundary value corresponding to the pulse width W, is experimentally determined in advance. For example, a type of microorganism such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus, or mold is sprayed in a 1 m ³ container using a nebulizer, and a pulse width is obtained from a current signal from the light receiving element 9 using a sensor 100A. The scattering intensity (peak voltage value) is measured. Similarly, polystyrene particles having a uniform size are substituted for dust, and the pulse width and scattering intensity (peak voltage value) are measured using the sensor 100A. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram when the scattering intensity (peak voltage value) with respect to the pulse width obtained from each of the microorganisms and polystyrene particles is plotted using the sensor 100A in this manner. In FIG. 6, the scattering intensity with respect to the pulse width obtained from the polystyrene particles is mainly plotted in the region 51, and the scattering intensity with respect to the pulse width obtained from the microorganism is mainly plotted in the region 52. In practice, some of these plots span both regions and mix to some extent. The causes include variations in the flow velocity of air into the case 5, variations in routes across the irradiation light of suspended particles, and intensity distribution of the irradiation light. By obtaining the region 51 and the region 52 from the experiment, these boundaries are determined as a straight line 53, for example. As an example, a function or coefficient representing the straight line 53 is set in the pulse width-voltage conversion circuit 33.

The correspondence relationship between the pulse width W represented by the straight line 53 and the voltage value Ew may be input by operating the switch 110 or the like, and may be set in the voltage comparison circuit 36 by the detection control unit 220. Alternatively, the information may be set by the detection control unit 220 by reading the information from the recording medium in which the communication unit 150 records the correspondence between the pulse width W and the voltage value Ew. Alternatively, the communication unit 150 may receive from a connected PC such as a dedicated line, or another device that communicates using the Internet or infrared rays, and may be set by the detection control unit 220. The correspondence relationship between the pulse width W and the voltage value Ew once set in the voltage comparison circuit 36 may be updated by the detection control unit 220.

The voltage comparison circuit 36 has a boundary value corresponding to the voltage value Eh representing the scattering intensity input from the current-voltage conversion circuit 34 via the amplification circuit 35 and the pulse width W input from the pulse width-voltage conversion circuit 33. Is compared with the voltage value Ew. Based on this comparison, the voltage comparison circuit 36 determines whether or not the suspended particles that generate the scattered light received by the light receiving element 9 are microorganisms.

A specific example of the determination method in the voltage comparison circuit 36 will be described with reference to FIG. For example, when a pulse width r 1 and scattered light intensity, that is, a peak voltage value Y 1 is detected for a certain suspended particle P 1, the pulse width-voltage conversion circuit 33 is based on the correspondence represented by the set straight line 53. The pulse width r1 is converted into a voltage value Y3. The voltage comparison circuit 36 receives the peak voltage value Y1 and the voltage value Y3 and compares them. Since the peak voltage value Y1 is smaller than the boundary value voltage value Y3, the particle P1 is determined to be a microorganism.

Further, for example, when the pulse width r2 and the scattered light intensity, that is, the peak voltage value Y4 are detected for a certain suspended particle P2, the pulse width-voltage conversion circuit 33 is based on the correspondence relationship represented by the set straight line 53. The pulse width r2 is converted into a voltage value Y2. The voltage comparison circuit 36 receives the peak voltage value Y4 and the voltage value Y2, and compares them. Since the peak voltage value Y4 is larger than the boundary value voltage value Y2, it is determined that the particle P2 is not a microorganism.

The determination by the voltage comparison circuit 36 is performed based on the scattered light from the particles every time the suspended light crosses the irradiation light from the light emitting element 6, and a signal indicating the determination result is output to the measurement detection unit 40. The The calculation unit 45 of the measurement detection unit 40 receives an input of the determination result from the voltage comparison circuit 36 and sequentially stores it in the storage unit 42.

For the determination results for a predetermined detection time stored in the storage unit 42, the calculation unit 45 inputs the number of signals indicating a determination result that the detection target suspended particles are microorganisms and / or other determination results. This counts the number of times signals are input.

The calculation unit 45 reads the flow rate of the introduced air from the air introduction mechanism 50 and multiplies the detection time to obtain the air amount Vs introduced into the case 5 during the detection time. As the detection result, the calculation unit 45 divides the number Ns of microorganisms or the number Nd of dust particles, which is the above-described total result, by the air amount Vs to obtain the concentration Ns / Vs of microorganisms or the concentration Nd / Vs of dust particles. .

The number of microorganisms Ns and the number of dust particles Nd counted within the detection time, the calculated microorganism concentration Ns / Vs, and the dust particle concentration Nd / Vs, which are detection results, are stored in the storage unit 42. The The detection result is output to the display control unit 210 by the output unit 43 at a predetermined timing. The output timing at the output unit 43 is a predetermined time interval set in advance, a timing requested from the display control unit 210, or the like.

A specific example of the detection method by the sensor 100A of the first example will be described with reference to FIG. In the detection method of FIG. 7, a control signal from an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (not shown) included in the sensor 100A is input to the signal processing unit 30 and the measurement detection unit 40, and each of the detection signals shown in FIG. This is realized by demonstrating the circuit and each function.

Referring to FIG. 7, the suspended particle carried by the moving air crosses the irradiation light from the light emitting element 6, whereby a current signal by the scattered light generated by the suspended particle is changed to a step (hereinafter abbreviated as S). When the signal is input from the light receiving element 9 to the signal processing unit 30 through the filter circuit 31 in 101, the pulse width measurement circuit 32 detects the pulse width W of the pulsed current signal in S03. In S05, the pulse width-voltage conversion circuit 33 converts the pulse width W detected in S03 into a voltage value Ew that is a boundary value based on a preset correspondence.

On the other hand, in S07, the current-voltage conversion circuit 34 detects the peak current value H representing the scattering intensity from the pulsed current signal input from the light receiving element 9 in S01, and converts it into the peak voltage value Eh. Note that the processing order of S03 to S07 is not limited to this order.

The voltage value Eh obtained in S07 is amplified to a preset amplification factor by the amplification circuit 35, and is compared with the voltage value Ew obtained in S05 by the voltage comparison circuit 36 in S09. As a result, when the peak voltage value is smaller than the boundary value (YES in S11), the voltage comparison circuit 36 determines that the suspended particles that have generated the scattered light detected as the current signal are microorganisms, A signal indicating the result is output to the measurement detector 40. On the other hand, when the peak voltage value is larger than the boundary value (NO in S11), the voltage comparison circuit 36 determines that the suspended particle is not a microorganism, and a signal indicating the result is sent to the measurement detection unit 40. Is output.

The detection result output from the voltage comparison circuit 36 in S13 or S15 is stored in the storage unit 42 of the measurement detection unit 40 in S17. Then, in S19, in the calculation unit 45, for the determination results for the predetermined detection time stored in the storage unit 42, the number of input of the determination result that is a microorganism and / or the number of input of the determination result that is not a microorganism. Are counted, and the former is the detected value of the number of microorganisms Ns and the latter is the number of dust particles Nd. Furthermore, the calculation unit 45 obtains the air amount Vs introduced into the case 5 during the detection time by multiplying the detection time by the flow velocity of air. Therefore, the microorganism concentration Ns / Vs or the dust particle concentration Nd / Vs is obtained as a detection value by dividing the number Ns of microorganisms or the number Nd of dust particles obtained by the aggregation by the air amount Vs. The detection value obtained in S19 is output from the output unit 43 to the display control unit 210 at a predetermined timing in S21.

The sensor 100A according to the first example determines microorganisms and dust as described above. Thereby, microorganisms and dust can be separated and detected from airborne particles in real time and with high accuracy.

(Second example of sensor 100A)
FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating another specific example of the sensor 100A. Referring to FIG. 8A, a sensor 100A according to the second example has a case 5 provided with an introduction hole 10 and an exhaust hole 11 for introducing air from the suction port. And the sensor mechanism 20 including the measurement detection unit 40 therein. In FIG. 8A, members having the same reference numerals as those of the sensor 100A according to the first example are substantially the same as those of the sensor 100A according to the first example. Hereinafter, differences from the sensor 100A according to the first example will be particularly described. To do.

The air introduction mechanism 50 is also provided in the sensor 100A according to the second example, whereby air from the suction port is introduced into the case 5. In the sensor 100A according to the second example, the flow rate of the air introduced by the air introduction mechanism 50 is preferably 1 L / min to 50 m ³ / min.

The sensor mechanism 20 includes a detection mechanism, a collection mechanism, and a heating mechanism. FIG. 8A shows an example of the collection mechanism including the discharge electrode 17, the collection jig 12, and the high-voltage power supply 2. The discharge electrode 17 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the high voltage power source 2. The positive electrode of the high voltage power supply 2 is grounded. As a result, the introduced airborne particles in the air are negatively charged in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 17. The collection jig 12 is a support substrate 4 made of a glass plate or the like having a conductive transparent film 3. The film 3 is grounded. As a result, the negatively charged airborne particles in the air move toward the collecting jig 12 by electrostatic force and are adsorbed by the conductive film 3 to be collected on the collecting jig 12. The

The support substrate 4 is not limited to a glass plate, but may be ceramic, metal, or the like. Further, the coating 3 formed on the surface of the support substrate 4 is not limited to being transparent. As another example, the support substrate 4 may be configured by forming a metal film on an insulating material such as ceramic. Moreover, when the support substrate 4 is a metal material, it is not necessary to form a film on the surface. Specifically, a silicon substrate, a SUS (Stainless Used Steel) substrate, a copper substrate, or the like can be used as the support substrate 4.

The detection mechanism includes a light-emitting element 6 that is a light source, a lens (or a lens group) 7 that is provided in the irradiation direction of the light-emitting element 6 and makes the light from the light-emitting element 6 parallel light or has a predetermined width. The aperture 13, the light receiving element 9 and the light receiving element 9 are provided in the light receiving direction of the light receiving element 9, and the fluorescence generated by irradiating the floating fine particles collected on the collecting jig 12 by the collecting mechanism from the light emitting element 6. 9 includes a condensing lens (or lens group) 8 for condensing light to 9 and a filter (or filter group) 14 for preventing irradiation light from entering the light receiving element 9. Of these, the aperture 13 is provided as necessary. Conventional technology can be applied to these configurations.

The light emitting element 6 includes a semiconductor laser or an LED element. The wavelength may be in the ultraviolet or visible region as long as it excites a microorganism to emit fluorescence. Preferably, as disclosed in JP-A-2008-508527, the wavelength is from 300 nm to 450 nm, which is contained in a microorganism and excites fluorescent tryptophan, NaDH, riboflavin, and the like efficiently. As the light receiving element 9, a conventionally used photodiode, image sensor, or the like is used.

Both the lens 7 and the condenser lens 8 may be made of plastic resin or glass. Due to the combination of the lens 7 and the aperture 13, the light emitted from the light emitting element 6 is irradiated onto the surface of the collecting jig 12, and an irradiation region 15 is formed on the collecting jig 12. The shape of the irradiation region 15 is not limited, and may be a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, or the like. The irradiation region 15 is not limited to a specific size, but preferably, the diameter of the circle, the length of the ellipse in the long axis direction, or the length of one side of the rectangle is about 0.05 mm to 50 mm.

The filter 14 is configured by a single or a combination of several types of filters, and is installed in front of the condenser lens 8 or the light receiving element 9. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the stray light reflected by the collection jig 12 and the case 5 from being incident on the light receiving element 9 together with the fluorescence from the particles collected by the collection jig 12. Can do.

The heating mechanism includes a heater 91 that is electrically connected to the measurement detection unit 40 and whose heating amount (heating time, heating temperature, etc.) is controlled by the measurement detection unit 40. A ceramic heater is preferably used as the heater 91. In the following description, a ceramic heater is assumed as the heater 91. However, a far infrared heater, a far infrared lamp, or the like may be used.

The heater 91 is a position where the suspended particles in the air collected on the collecting jig 12 can be heated, and is a position separated from the sensor device such as the light emitting element 6 and the light receiving element 9 at least during heating. Deployed. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the light-emitting element 6 and the light-receiving element 9 are disposed on the side far from the sensor device with the collection jig 12 interposed therebetween. In this way, the heater 91 is separated from the sensor device such as the light emitting element 6 and the light receiving element 9 by the collecting jig 12 during heating, thereby suppressing the influence of heat on the light emitting element 6 and the light receiving element 9 and the like. Can do. More preferably, as shown in FIG. 8B, the heater 91 is surrounded by a heat insulating material. As the heat insulating material, a glass epoxy resin is preferably used. By configuring in this way, when the heater 91 which is a ceramic heater reaches 200 ° C. in about 2 minutes, the temperature of the portion (not shown) connected to the heater 91 via the heat insulating material is 30 ° C. or less. The inventors have confirmed that this was the case.

As described above, the filter 14 is installed in front of the light receiving element 9 and plays a role of preventing the stray light from entering the light receiving element 9. However, in order to obtain higher fluorescence intensity, it is necessary to increase the emission intensity in the light emitting element 6. This leads to an increase in reflected light intensity, that is, stray light intensity. Therefore, the light emitting element 6 and the light receiving element 9 are preferably arranged in a positional relationship such that the stray light intensity does not exceed the light shielding effect of the filter 14.

An example of the arrangement of the light-emitting element 6 and the light-receiving element 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A, 9A, and 9B. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the sensor 100A according to the second example as viewed from the position AA in FIG. 8A in the direction of the arrow, and FIG. 9B is a cross-section as viewed from the position BB in FIG. 9A in the direction of the arrow. FIG. For convenience of explanation, these drawings do not show a collecting mechanism other than the collecting jig 12.

Referring to FIG. 9A, light emitting element 6 and lens 7, light receiving element 9 and condenser lens 8 are provided at a right angle or a substantially right angle when viewed from the direction of arrow A (upper surface) in FIG. 8A. Reflected light from the irradiation region 15 formed on the surface of the collecting jig 12 from the light emitting element 6 through the lens 7 and the aperture 13 is directed in a direction along the incident light. Therefore, with this configuration, the reflected light does not directly enter the light receiving element 9. In addition, since the fluorescence from the surface of the collection jig 12 emits isotropically, the arrangement is not limited to the illustrated arrangement as long as it is an arrangement that can prevent the reflected light and stray light from entering the light receiving element 9.

More preferably, the collection jig 12 has a configuration for collecting fluorescence from the particles collected on the surface corresponding to the irradiation region 15 in the light receiving element 9. This configuration corresponds to, for example, a spherical recess 51 with reference to FIG. 9B. Furthermore, the collection jig 12 is preferably provided so as to be inclined by an angle θ in the direction toward the light receiving element 9 so that the surface of the collection jig 12 faces the light receiving element 9. With this configuration, there is an advantage that the fluorescence emitted isotropically from the particles in the spherical recess 51 is reflected by the spherical surface and collected in the direction of the light receiving element 9, and the light reception signal can be increased. The size of the recess 51 is not limited, but is preferably larger than the irradiation region 15.

Referring to FIG. 8A again, the light receiving element 9 is connected to the signal processing unit 30 and outputs a current signal proportional to the amount of received light to the signal processing unit 30. Therefore, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 6 by irradiating the particles floating in the introduced air and collected on the surface of the collecting jig 12 from the light-emitting element 6 is received by the light-receiving element 9. The amount of received light is detected by the signal processing unit 30.

Furthermore,

shutters

16A and 16B are installed in the introduction hole 10 and the discharge hole 11 of the case 5, respectively. The

shutters

16A and 16B are connected to the measurement detection unit 40, and their opening and closing are controlled. By closing the

shutters

16A and 16B, the inflow of air into the case 5 and the incidence of external light are blocked. The measurement detection unit 40 closes the

shutters

16A and 16B during fluorescence measurement to be described later, and blocks the inflow of air into the case 5 and the incidence of external light. This interrupts the collection of suspended particles in the collection mechanism during fluorescence measurement. In addition, stray light in the case 5 can be suppressed by blocking external light from entering the case 5 during fluorescence measurement. Note that either one of the

shutters

16A and 16B, for example, at least the shutter 16B of the discharge hole 11 may be provided.

Alternatively, in the introduction hole 10 and the discharge hole 11, a light shielding portion 10 A as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B is provided as a configuration for blocking the incidence of external light so that air can enter and exit the case 5. In addition, a light shielding part 11A may be provided.

Referring to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, the light shielding plates 10a and the light shielding plates 10b are alternately overlapped at intervals of about 4.5 mm in both the light shielding portions 10A provided in the introduction holes 10 and the light shielding portions 11A provided in the discharge holes 11. Has a structure. The light shielding plate 10a and the light shielding plate 10b have shapes corresponding to the shapes of the introduction holes 10 and the discharge holes 11 (here, circular) as shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, respectively. Have. Specifically, the light shielding plate 10a has a hole in the peripheral portion, and the light shielding plate 10b has a hole in the central portion. When the light shielding plate 10a and the light shielding plate 10b are overlapped, the holes provided in the respective plates do not overlap. As shown in FIG. 10A, the light shielding portion 10A provided in the introduction hole 10 has a light shielding plate arranged in the order of the light shielding plate 10a, the light shielding plate 10b, the light shielding plate 10a, and the light shielding plate 10b from the outside to the inside. As described above, in the light shielding portion 11A provided in the discharge hole 11, the light shielding plates are arranged in the order of the light shielding plate 10b, the light shielding plate 10a, and the light shielding plate 10b from the outside (the air introduction mechanism 50 side) to the inside. With this configuration, air can enter and exit the case 5, but external light is blocked and stray light in the case 5 is suppressed.

Here, the detection principle in the sensor 100A according to the second example will be described.
As disclosed in JP-T-2008-508527, it has been known that fluorescence is emitted when a microorganism floating in the air is irradiated with ultraviolet light or blue light. However, fluorescent substances such as chemical fiber dust are floating in the air, and it can be distinguished whether it is from microorganisms or chemical fiber dust only by detecting the fluorescence. Not.

Therefore, the inventors performed heat treatment on each of microorganisms and chemical fiber dust, and measured changes in fluorescence before and after heating. Specific measurement results by the inventors are shown in FIGS. From the measurement results, the inventors found that the fluorescence intensity of dust does not change by heat treatment, whereas the fluorescence intensity of microorganisms increases by heat treatment.

Specifically, FIG. 11 shows the measurement results of the fluorescence spectrum before and after the heat treatment (curve 71) when Escherichia coli was heat treated at 200 ° C. for 5 minutes. From the measurement results shown in FIG. 11, it was found that the fluorescence intensity from E. coli was greatly increased by the heat treatment. Further, by comparing the fluorescence micrograph before the heat treatment shown in FIG. 12A with the fluorescence micrograph after the heat treatment shown in FIG. 12B, the fluorescence intensity from E. coli is greatly increased by the heat treatment. It is clear that it has increased.

Similarly, FIG. 13 shows the measurement results of the fluorescence spectrum before heat treatment (curve 73) and after heat treatment (curve 74) when Bacillus was heat treated at 200 ° C. for 5 minutes, and FIG. 14A shows the heat treatment. FIG. 14B is a fluorescence micrograph after the heat treatment. FIG. 15 shows the measurement results of the fluorescence spectra before and after the heat treatment (curve 75) when the mold was heat treated at 200 ° C. for 5 minutes. FIG. 16A shows the result before the heat treatment. FIG. 16B is a fluorescence micrograph after the heat treatment. As shown in these figures, it was found that the fluorescence intensity of other microorganisms significantly increased by heat treatment as in the case of E. coli.

On the other hand, FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B show measurement of fluorescence spectra before and after heat treatment (curve 78) when the fluorescent dust is heat treated at 200 ° C. for 5 minutes, respectively. FIG. 18A shows the result, and FIG. 18B is a fluorescence micrograph after the heat treatment. When the fluorescence spectrum shown in FIG. 17A and the fluorescence spectrum shown in FIG. 17B are overlapped, it was verified that they almost overlap as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in the results of FIG. 19 and the comparison of FIGS. 17A and 17B, it was found that the fluorescence intensity from dust did not change before and after the heat treatment.

The above phenomenon is applied as a detection principle in the sensor 100A according to the second example. That is, in the air, dust, dust to which microorganisms adhere, and microorganisms are mixed. Based on the above-mentioned phenomenon, when dust that emits fluorescence is mixed in the collected particles, the fluorescence spectrum measured before heat treatment includes fluorescence from microorganisms and fluorescence from dust that emits fluorescence. Therefore, microorganisms cannot be detected separately from chemical fiber dust. However, by performing the heat treatment, only the microorganisms increase the fluorescence intensity, and the fluorescence intensity of the dust that emits fluorescence does not change. Therefore, the amount of microorganisms can be determined by measuring the difference between the fluorescence intensity before the heat treatment and the fluorescence intensity after the predetermined heat treatment.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of a sensor 100A as a second example that detects microorganisms in the air using the above principle. FIG. 20 also shows an example in which the function of the signal processing unit 30 is realized by a hardware configuration that is mainly an electric circuit. However, at least a part of these functions may be a software configuration that is realized by the signal processing unit 30 including a CPU (not shown) and executing a predetermined program by the CPU. In addition, an example in which the configuration of the measurement detection unit 40 is a software configuration is shown. However, at least some of these functions may be realized by a hardware configuration such as an electric circuit.

Referring to FIG. 20, the signal processing unit 30 includes a current-voltage conversion circuit 34 connected to the light receiving element 9 and an amplification circuit 35 connected to the current-voltage conversion circuit 34.

The measurement detection unit 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a clock generation unit 47. Further, the measurement detection unit 40 receives data input from the switch 110 in response to an operation of the switch 110 and receives data from the input unit 44 for receiving information and an external device connected to the communication unit 150. The external connection part 46 for performing a process required for the exchange of the shutter, the

shutters

16A and 16B, the air introduction mechanism 50, and the drive part 48 for driving the heater 91 are included.

By irradiating the particles introduced into the case 5 and collected on the collecting jig 12 from the light emitting element 6, the fluorescence from the particles in the irradiation region 15 is condensed on the light receiving element 9. . A current signal corresponding to the amount of received light is output from the light receiving element 9 to the signal processing unit 30. The current signal is input to the current-voltage conversion circuit 34.

The current-voltage conversion circuit 34 detects the peak current value H representing the fluorescence intensity from the current signal input from the light receiving element 9, and converts it into the voltage value Eh. The voltage value Eh is amplified to a preset amplification factor by the amplification circuit 35 and output to the measurement detection unit 40. The control unit 41 of the measurement detection unit 40 receives the input of the voltage value Eh from the signal processing unit 30 and sequentially stores it in the storage unit 42.

The clock generation unit 47 generates a clock signal and outputs it to the control unit 41. The control unit 41 outputs a control signal for opening and closing the

shutters

16A and 16B to the driving unit 48 at a timing based on the clock signal, and controls the opening and closing of the

shutters

16A and 16B. Moreover, the control part 41 is electrically connected with the light emitting element 6 and the light receiving element 9, and controls those ON / OFF.

The control unit 41 includes a calculation unit 411. In the calculation unit 411, an operation for calculating the amount of microorganisms in the introduced air is performed using the voltage value Eh stored in the storage unit. A specific operation will be described with reference to a time chart showing a flow of control in the control unit 41 of FIG. Here, the concentration of microorganisms in the air introduced into the case 5 is calculated as the amount of microorganisms.

Referring to FIG. 21, the control unit 41 of the measurement detection unit 40 outputs a control signal to the drive unit 48 when the sensor 100 A is turned on, and drives the air introduction mechanism 50. Further, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal for opening (turning on) the shutters 16 A and 16 B to the drive unit 48 at time T 1 based on the clock signal from the clock generation unit 47. After that, at time T2 after time ΔT1 has elapsed from time T1, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal for closing (OFF) the

shutters

16A and 16B to the driving unit 48.

Thereby, the

shutters

16A and 16B are opened from time T1 to time ΔT1, and external air is introduced into the case 5 through the introduction hole 10 by driving the air introduction mechanism 50. Particles in the air introduced into the case 5 are negatively charged by the discharge electrode 17, and due to the flow of air and the electric field formed between the discharge electrode 17 and the coating 3 on the surface of the collecting jig 12, It is collected on the surface of the collecting jig 12 for a time ΔT1.

Further, at time T2, the

shutters

16A and 16B are closed, and the air flow in the case 5 stops. Thereby, collection of the floating particles by the collection jig 12 is completed. This also blocks stray light from the outside.

The control unit 41 outputs a control signal for causing the light receiving element 9 to start receiving light (ON) at time T2 when the

shutters

16A and 16B are closed. Further, at the same time (time T2) or at time T3 slightly delayed from time T2, a control signal for starting (ON) light emission to the light emitting element 6 is output. Thereafter, at time T4 after time ΔT2 has elapsed, which is a predetermined measurement time for measuring fluorescence intensity from time T3, the control unit 41 causes the light receiving element 9 to end (OFF) light reception, And the control signal for making the light emitting element 6 complete | finish light emission (OFF) is output. Note that the measurement time may be set in advance in the control unit 41, the operation of the switch 110, a signal from the PC 300 connected to the communication unit 150 via a cable, the communication unit 150, or the like. It may be input or changed by a signal from a recording medium attached to the recording medium.

Thereby, irradiation from the light emitting element 6 is started from time T3 (or time T2). The light from the light emitting element 6 is applied to the irradiation region 15 on the surface of the collecting jig 12, and fluorescence is emitted from the collected particles. Fluorescence for a prescribed measurement time ΔT2 from time T3 is received by the light receiving element 9, and a voltage value corresponding to the fluorescence intensity F1 is input to the measurement detection unit 40 and stored in the storage unit 42.

At this time, the light received from the reflection region (not shown) where the particles on the surface of the collecting jig 12 are not collected, which is emitted from a light emitting element (not shown) such as an LED provided separately, is received. Light may be received by an element (not shown), and F1 / I0 may be stored in the storage unit 42 using the received light amount as a reference value I0. By calculating the ratio with respect to the reference value I0, there is an advantage that fluctuations in fluorescence intensity caused by characteristic fluctuations due to environmental conditions such as the temperature and humidity of the light emitting element and the light receiving element and deterioration can be compensated.

The control unit 41 outputs a control signal for causing the heater 91 to start heating (ON) at the time T4 when the light emission of the light emitting element 6 and the light reception of the light receiving element 9 are finished (or a time slightly delayed from the time T4). To do. Then, at time T5 after elapse of time ΔT3, which is a predetermined heat treatment time for the heat treatment from the start of heating of the heater 91 (time T4 or a time slightly delayed from time T4), the control unit 41 turns the heater 91 on. A control signal for finishing (OFF) heating is output.

Thereby, the heat treatment is performed on the particles collected in the irradiation region 15 on the surface of the collection jig 12 by the heater 91 from the time T4 (or a time slightly delayed from the time T4) to the heat treatment time ΔT3. The The heating temperature at this time is defined in advance. By performing the heat treatment for the time ΔT3, a predetermined heating amount is applied to the particles collected on the surface of the collection jig 12. The heat treatment time ΔT3 (that is, the amount of heat) may also be set in advance in the control unit 41 as in the case of the measurement time, or may be operated via the switch 110 or the like or via a cable. It may be input or changed by a signal from the PC 300 connected to the communication unit 150 or a signal from a recording medium attached to the communication unit 150.

Thereafter, the heated particles are cooled during ΔT4. An air introduction mechanism 50 may be used for the cooling process. In this case, external air may be taken in from an inlet (not shown in FIG. 8A) provided with a separate HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. . Alternatively, a cooling mechanism such as a Peltier element may be used separately.

Thereafter, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal for ending the operation of the air introduction mechanism 50, and outputs a control signal for starting (ON) light reception by the light receiving element 9 at time T6. Further, at the same time (time T6) or at time T7 slightly delayed from time T6, a control signal for starting (ON) the light emitting element 6 to emit light is output. Thereafter, at time T8 after the measurement time ΔT2 has elapsed from time T7, the control unit 41 causes the light receiving element 9 to end (OFF) light reception and the light emitting element 6 to end light emission (OFF). The control signal is output.

As a result, the light collected by the light receiving element 9 receives the fluorescence for the measurement time ΔT2 after the particles collected from the light emitting element 6 to the irradiation region 15 on the surface of the collecting jig 12 are heated for the time ΔT3. Is done. The voltage value corresponding to the fluorescence intensity F2 is input to the measurement detection unit 40 and stored in the storage unit 42.

The calculation unit 411 calculates the difference between the stored fluorescence intensity F1 and fluorescence intensity F2 as the increase amount ΔF. As described above, the increase ΔF is related to the amount of microorganisms (such as the number or concentration of microorganisms). The calculation unit 411 stores a correspondence relationship between the increase amount ΔF and the microorganism amount (concentration) as illustrated in FIG. 22 in advance. Then, the calculation unit 411 calculates the microorganism concentration obtained by using the calculated increase amount ΔF and the corresponding relationship as the microorganism concentration in the air introduced into the case 5 during the time ΔT1.

The correspondence between the increase amount ΔF and the microorganism concentration is experimentally determined in advance. For example, a type of microorganism such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus, or mold is sprayed in a 1 m ³ container using a nebulizer, and the concentration of microorganisms is maintained at N / m ³ , so that the sensor 100A is Used to collect microorganisms for a time ΔT1 by the detection method described above. The microorganisms collected at a predetermined heating amount (heating time ΔT3, predetermined heating temperature) are subjected to heat treatment by the heater 91, and after cooling for a predetermined time ΔT4, the amount of increase in fluorescence intensity before and after heating Δ Measure F. The same measurement is performed for various microorganism concentrations, whereby the relationship between the increase ΔF and the microorganism concentration (cells / m ³ ) shown in FIG. 22 is obtained.

The correspondence relationship between the increase amount ΔF and the microorganism concentration may be stored in the calculation unit 411 by being input by operating the switch 110 or the like. Alternatively, a recording medium in which the correspondence relationship is recorded may be loaded in the communication unit 150 and read by the external connection unit 46 and stored in the calculation unit 411. Alternatively, the calculation may be stored in the calculation unit 411 by the external connection unit 46 receiving and transmitting via the cable that is input and transmitted by the PC 300 and connected to the communication unit 150. Alternatively, when the communication unit 150 performs infrared communication or Internet communication, the external connection unit 46 may receive data from another device through the communication performed by the communication unit 150 and may be stored in the calculation unit 411. The correspondence relationship once stored in the calculation unit 411 may be updated by the measurement detection unit 40.

When the increase amount ΔF is calculated as the difference ΔF1, the calculation unit 411 calculates the microorganism concentration N1 (pieces / m ³ ) by specifying a value corresponding to the increase amount ΔF1 from the correspondence relationship in FIG. .

However, the correspondence relationship between the increase amount ΔF and the microorganism concentration may vary depending on the type of microorganism (for example, the bacterial species). Therefore, the calculation unit 411 defines one of the microorganisms as a standard microorganism and stores the correspondence relationship between the increase amount ΔF and the concentration of the microorganism. Thereby, the microorganism concentration in various environments is calculated as a microorganism concentration converted with reference to the standard microorganism. As a result, various environments can be compared, and environmental management becomes easy.

In the above example, the increase ΔF uses the difference in fluorescence intensity before and after the heat treatment of a predetermined heating amount (predetermined heating temperature, heating time ΔT3), but these ratios are used. May be.

The concentration of collected microorganisms calculated by the calculation unit 411 is output from the control unit 41 to the display control unit 210.

As described above, the sensor 100A according to the second example uses the difference in properties due to the heat treatment between the fluorescence from the microorganism and the fluorescence from the dust that emits the fluorescence, and detects the microorganism based on the increase after the predetermined heat treatment. It is to detect. That is, the sensor 100A according to the second example detects microorganisms by utilizing a phenomenon that when the collected microorganisms and dust are subjected to heat treatment, the fluorescence intensity of the microorganisms increases and the dust does not change. . For this reason, even when dust that emits fluorescence is contained in the introduced air, microorganisms can be separated and detected from dust that emits fluorescence in real time and with high accuracy.

Further, in the sensor 100A according to the second example, the control shown in FIG. 21 is performed, so that the

shutters

16A and 16B are closed when shifting from the collection process by the collection mechanism to the detection process by the detection mechanism. Incident external light is blocked. As a result, stray light due to scattering by suspended particles during fluorescence measurement can be suppressed, and measurement accuracy can be improved.

(Third example of sensor 100A)
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating another specific example of the sensor 100A. The sensor 100A according to the third example is a modification of the sensor 100A according to the second example.

Referring to FIG. 23, a sensor 100A according to a third example includes a detection mechanism, a collection mechanism, and a heating mechanism. In FIG. 23, the members having the same reference numerals as those of the sensor 100A according to the first example and the sensor 100A according to the second example are substantially the same as those members, and the difference from the sensor 100A according to the second example is described below. Will be explained in particular.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 23, a sensor 100A according to a third example includes a collection chamber 5A including at least a part of a collection mechanism, separated by a wall 5C that is a partition wall having a hole 5C ′. And a detection chamber 5B including a detection mechanism. The collection chamber 5A is provided with a needle-like discharge electrode 17 and a collection jig 12 as a collection mechanism, and the detection chamber 5B has a light emitting element 6, a light receiving element 9, and a condenser lens 8 as a detection mechanism. Deployed.

In the collection chamber 5A, the discharge electrode 17 side and the collection jig 12 are respectively provided with an introduction hole 10 and a discharge hole 11 for introducing air into the collection chamber 5A. As shown in FIG. 23, the introduction hole 10 may be provided with a filter (pre-filter) 10B.

The introduction hole 10 and the discharge hole 11 are configured as shown in FIG. 10A, which is similar to the sensor 100A according to the second example, as a configuration for blocking the incidence of external light by allowing air to enter and exit the collection chamber 5A. A light shielding part 10A and a light shielding part 11A as shown in FIG. 10B may be provided.

A fan 50A as an air introduction mechanism is provided in the vicinity of the discharge hole 11. Air from the suction port is introduced into the collection chamber 5A by the fan 50A. Preferably, the drive mechanism of the fan 50A is controlled by the measurement detection unit 40, and the flow rate of the introduced air is controlled. Preferably, the flow rate of air introduced by the fan 50A is 1 L / min to 50 m ³ / min. The fan 50A is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) controlled by the measurement detection unit 40, so that air outside the collection chamber 5A is collected from the introduction hole 10 through the collection chamber 5A as represented by a dotted arrow in the figure. The air in the collection chamber 5A is exhausted from the discharge hole 11 to the outside of the collection chamber 5A.

The collection mechanism can employ the same collection mechanism as the sensor 100A according to the second example. That is, referring to FIG. 23, the collection mechanism includes a discharge electrode 17, a collection jig 12, and a high voltage power supply 2. The discharge electrode 17 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the high voltage power source 2. Electrically connected to the collection jig 12 and the negative electrode of the high-voltage power supply 2.

The collection jig 12 is a support substrate made of a glass plate or the like having a conductive transparent film, similar to the sensor 100A according to the second example. The film side of the collecting jig 12 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the high-voltage power supply 2. Thereby, a potential difference is generated between the discharge electrode 17 and the collecting jig 12, and an electric field in the direction indicated by the arrow E in FIG.

The airborne particles introduced from the introduction hole 10 by driving the fan 50A are negatively charged in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 17. The negatively charged particles move toward the collecting jig 12 by electrostatic force and are adsorbed by the conductive film, thereby being collected on the collecting jig 12. Here, by using a needle-like electrode as the discharge electrode 17, the charged particles face the discharge electrode 17 of the collecting jig 12, and are adsorbed in a very narrow range corresponding to the irradiation region 15 of the light emitting element (described later). Can be made. Thereby, the adsorbed microorganisms can be efficiently detected in the detection step described later.

The detection mechanism included in the detection chamber 5B includes a light emitting element 6, which is a light source, a light receiving element 9, and a light receiving direction of the light receiving element 9, and the suspended fine particles collected on the collecting jig 12 by the collecting mechanism. And a condensing lens (or lens group) 8 for condensing the fluorescence generated by irradiating from the light emitting element 6 onto the light receiving element 9. In addition, a lens (or a lens group), an aperture, and irradiation light that are provided in the irradiation direction of the light emitting element 6 and make the light from the light emitting element 6 parallel light or have a predetermined width enter the light receiving element 9. A filter (or filter group) for prevention may be included. Conventional technology can be applied to these configurations. The condenser lens 8 may be made of plastic resin or glass.

The detection chamber 5B is preferably at least internally coated with black paint or black anodized. Thereby, reflection of light on the inner wall surface that causes stray light is suppressed. The material of the collection chamber 5A and the detection chamber 5B is not limited to a specific material, but a plastic resin, a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, or a combination thereof is preferably used. The introduction hole 10 and the discharge hole 11 are circular with a diameter of 1 mm to 50 mm. The shapes of the introduction hole 10 and the discharge hole 11 are not limited to a circle, but may be other shapes such as an ellipse or a rectangle.

The light emitting element 6 is the same as the sensor 100A according to the second example. The light emitted from the light emitting element 6 is irradiated on the surface of the collecting jig 12 to form an irradiation region 15 on the collecting jig 12. The shape of the irradiation region 15 is not limited, and may be a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, or the like. The irradiation region 15 is not limited to a specific size, but preferably, the diameter of the circle, the length of the ellipse in the long axis direction, or the length of one side of the rectangle is about 0.05 mm to 50 mm.

The light receiving element 9 is connected to the signal processing unit 30 and outputs a current signal proportional to the amount of received light to the signal processing unit 30. Therefore, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 6 by irradiating the particles floating in the introduced air and collected on the surface of the collecting jig 12 from the light-emitting element 6 is received by the light-receiving element 9. The amount of received light is detected by the signal processing unit 30.

A brush 60 for refreshing the surface of the collecting jig 12 is provided at a position in the detection chamber 5B that touches the surface of the collecting jig 12. The brush 60 is connected to a moving mechanism (not shown) controlled by the measurement detection unit 40 and moves so as to reciprocate on the collecting jig 12 as indicated by a double-sided arrow B in the drawing. Thereby, dust and microorganisms adhering to the surface of the collecting jig 12 are removed.

The heater 91 is preferably disposed on the surface of the collection jig 12 far from the discharge electrode 17 as shown in FIG.

The unit including the collecting jig 12 and the heater 91 is referred to herein as a collecting unit 12A. The collection unit 12A is connected to a moving mechanism (not shown) controlled by the measurement detection unit 40, and as shown by a double-sided arrow A in the drawing, that is, from the collection chamber 5A to the detection chamber 5B, from the detection chamber 5B. It moves to the collection chamber 5A through the hole 5C ′ provided in the wall 5C. As described above, the heater 91 is a position where airborne particles collected on the collecting jig 12 can be heated, and at least when heated, sensor devices such as the light emitting element 6 and the light receiving element 9 are used. Therefore, it is not included in the collection unit 12A and may be provided at another position. As will be described later, when the heating operation is performed in the collection chamber 5A, the heater 91 is not included in the collection unit 12A, and is a position of the collection chamber 5A where the collection unit 12A is set, and a collection jig. 12 may be fixed to the side opposite to the sensor device such as the light emitting element 6 and the light receiving element 9. Even in this way, the heater 91 is separated from the sensor device such as the light emitting element 6 and the light receiving element 9 by the collecting jig 12 during heating, thereby suppressing the influence of heat on the light emitting element 6 and the light receiving element 9 and the like. be able to. In this case, at least the collection jig 12 may be included in the collection unit 12A.

As shown in FIG. 24, a cover 65A having projections on the top and bottom is provided at the end of the collection unit 12A farthest from the wall 5C. An adapter 65B corresponding to the cover 65A is provided around the hole 5C ′ on the surface of the wall 5C on the collection chamber 5A side. The adapter 65B is provided with a recess that fits into the protrusion of the cover 65A, whereby the cover 65A and the adapter 65B are completely joined to cover the hole 5C '. That is, when the collection unit 12A moves from the collection chamber 5A to the detection chamber 5B through the hole 5C ′ in the direction of arrow A ′ in FIG. 24, and the collection unit 12A completely enters the detection chamber 5B. Thus, the cover 65A is joined to the adapter 65B so that the hole 5C ′ is completely covered, and the inside of the detection chamber 5B is shielded from light. As a result, the incidence in the detection chamber 5B is blocked while the detection operation is being performed in the detection chamber 5B.

The sensor 100A according to the third example also detects microorganisms in the air using the principle described above with reference to FIGS. The functional configuration of the sensor 100A according to the third example is substantially the same as the functional configuration of the sensor 100A according to the second example shown in FIG. In the functional configuration of the sensor 100A according to the third example, the driving unit 48 reciprocally moves the fan 50A, the heater 91, and the collection unit 12A in place of the heater 91, the air introduction mechanism 50, and the

shutters

16A and 16B. And a mechanism (not shown) for reciprocating the brush 60 is driven.

Specific operation for calculating the amount of microorganisms in the air introduced into the collection chamber 5A in the control unit 41 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the concentration of microorganisms in the air introduced in the collection chamber 5A for a predetermined time is calculated as the amount of microorganisms.

Referring to FIG. 25, when sensor 100A is turned on, in step S1, the collection operation in collection chamber 5A is performed for a time ΔT1, which is a predefined collection time. As a specific operation in step S1, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the drive unit 48 to drive the fan 50A and take air into the collection chamber 5A. Particles in the air introduced into the collection chamber 5A are charged with a negative charge by the discharge electrode 17, and formed between the air flow by the fan 50A and the coating 3 on the surface of the discharge electrode 17 and the collection jig 12. Is collected in a narrow range corresponding to the irradiation region 15 on the surface of the collecting jig 12. When the collection time ΔT1 elapses, the control unit 41 ends the collection operation, that is, finishes driving the fan 50A.

Thus, external air is introduced into the collection chamber 5A through the introduction hole 10 for a time ΔT1, and particles in the air are collected on the surface of the collection jig 12 for a time ΔT1.

Next, in step S3, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the drive unit 48 to operate a mechanism for moving the collection unit 12A, and moves the collection unit 12A from the collection chamber 5A to the detection chamber. Move to 5B. When the movement is completed, a detection operation is performed in step S5. In step S5, similarly to the sensor 100A according to the second example, the control unit 41 causes the light emitting element 6 to emit light and causes the light receiving element 9 to receive the fluorescence for a specified measurement time ΔT2. The light from the light emitting element 6 is applied to the irradiation region 15 on the surface of the collecting jig 12, and fluorescence is emitted from the collected particles. A voltage value corresponding to the fluorescence intensity F 1 is input to the measurement detection unit 40 and stored in the storage unit 42. Thereby, the fluorescence amount S1 before heating is measured.

Note that the measurement time ΔT2 may be set in advance in the control unit 41, the operation of the switch 110, a signal from the PC 300 connected to the communication unit 150 via a cable, a communication It may be input or changed by a signal from a recording medium mounted on the unit 150.

When the measurement operation in step S5 is completed, in step S7, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the drive unit 48 to operate a mechanism for moving the collection unit 12A, and detects the collection unit 12A. The chamber 5B is moved to the collection chamber 5A. When the movement is completed, a heating operation is performed in step S9. In step S9, similarly to the sensor 100A according to the second example, the control unit 41 causes the heater 91 to perform heating for a time ΔT3 which is a predetermined heat treatment time. The heating temperature at this time is defined in advance.

After the heating operation, a cooling operation is performed in step S11. In step S11, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the drive unit 48, and reversely rotates the fan 50A for a predetermined cooling time. It cools by making external air touch the collection unit 12A. The heat treatment time ΔT3, the heating temperature, and the cooling time may also be set in advance in the control unit 41, or the PC 300 connected to the communication unit 150 via an operation of the switch 110 or a cable. Or a signal from a recording medium mounted on the communication unit 150 may be input or changed.

In step S7, the collection unit 12A is moved to the collection chamber 5A, and then the heating operation and the cooling operation are performed in the collection chamber 5A. After cooling, the collection unit 12A moves to the detection chamber 5B so The heater 91 is located at a distance from the sensor device such as the light emitting element 6 and the light receiving element 9 and is also separated by the wall 5C and the like, thereby suppressing the influence of heat on the light emitting element 6, the light receiving element 9 and the like. be able to. In addition, since the heater 91 is in the collection chamber 5A separated from the sensor devices such as the light emitting element 6 and the light receiving element 9 by the wall 5C and the like at the time of heating as described above, the heater 91 is disposed in the collection unit 12A. The surface far from the discharge electrode 17, that is, the surface far from the light emitting element 6, the light receiving element 9, etc. when the collection unit 12 A moves to the detection chamber 5 B may not be present. It may be on the side.

When the heating operation in step S9 and the cooling operation in step S11 are completed, in step S13, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the drive unit 48 to operate a mechanism for moving the collection unit 12A. The collection unit 12A is moved from the collection chamber 5A to the detection chamber 5B. When the movement is completed, the detection operation is performed again in step S15. The detection operation in step S15 is the same as the detection operation in step S5. The voltage value according to the fluorescence intensity F2 here is input to the measurement detection unit 40 and stored in the storage unit 42. Thereby, the fluorescence amount S2 after heating is measured.

When the fluorescence amount S2 after heating is measured in step S15, the refresh operation of the collection unit 12A is performed in step S17. In step S17, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the drive unit 48 to operate a mechanism for moving the brush 60, and reciprocates the brush 60 a predetermined number of times on the surface of the collection unit 12A. When this refresh operation is completed, in step S19, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the drive unit 48 to operate a mechanism for moving the collection unit 12A, thereby causing the collection unit 12A to move to the detection chamber 5B. To the collection chamber 5A. Thereby, the next collection operation (S1) can be started immediately upon receiving the start instruction.

The calculation unit 411 calculates the difference between the stored fluorescence intensity F1 and fluorescence intensity F2 as the increase amount ΔF. Then, similarly to the sensor 100A according to the second example, the calculated increase amount ΔF and the correspondence relationship (FIG. 22) between the increase amount ΔF and the microorganism amount (concentration) stored in advance are used. The obtained microbial concentration is calculated as the microbial concentration in the air introduced into the collection chamber 5A during the time ΔT1. The calculated concentration of microorganisms in the collected particles is output from the control unit 41 to the display control unit 210.

As described above, in the sensor 100A according to the third example, the collection chamber 5A and the detection chamber 5B are separated, and the collection unit 12A moves back and forth between them to perform collection and detection. Can be performed continuously. In addition, since the collection jig 12 is heated and cooled in the collection chamber 5A as described above and is moved to the detection chamber 5B, the influence of heat on the sensors and the like in the detection chamber 5B can be suppressed. .

Furthermore, in the sensor 100A according to the third example, when the collection unit 12A moves from the collection step in the collection chamber 5A to the detection step in the detection chamber 5B, the cover provided on the collection unit 12A is the cover of the wall 5C. The hole 5C ′ is shielded. For this reason, the incidence of external light into the detection chamber 5B is blocked. As a result, stray light due to scattering by suspended particles during fluorescence measurement can be suppressed, and measurement accuracy can be improved.

In FIG. 23, the collection chamber 5A and the detection chamber 5B separated by the wall 5C are shown, but the sensor 100A according to the third example is a collection device that is another individual completely separated from each other. It may be configured with a detection device, and the configuration in which the collection unit 12A is moved between them, or the configuration in which the collection unit 12A is set in each device. In this case, the heating of the collection jig 12 may be performed at a place other than the detection device as a position separated from the sensor device such as the light emitting element 6 and the light receiving element 9. For example, as described above, it may be performed in the collection device corresponding to the collection chamber 5A, or other position that is neither the collection device nor the detection device (for example, movement of the collection device to the detection device). It may be performed on the way). The heater 91 may be included in the collection unit 12A, or may be provided at a location where heating is performed, which is a location other than the detection device. In addition to using the collection device and the detection device as a set, the collection device corresponding to the collection chamber 5A or the detection device alone corresponding to the detection chamber 5B may be used. In that case, the function corresponding to the signal processing unit 30 and the measurement detection unit 40 is included in the apparatus to be used.

Further, in FIG. 23, one collection unit 12A is provided and reciprocates between the collection chamber 5A and the detection chamber 5B by performing a reciprocating motion represented by a double-sided arrow A. However, as another example of the collection unit 12A, two or more may be provided on a rotatable disk, and may move between the collection chamber 5A and the detection chamber 5B with rotation. In this case, the collection operation and the detection operation are performed in parallel by positioning one of the plurality of collection units 12A in the collection chamber 5A and the other one in the detection chamber 5B. be able to. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to continuously perform the collecting operation, and it is possible to continuously perform the detecting operation in parallel therewith.

(Example of sensor 100B)
A general pollen sensor can be adopted as the sensor 100B. Specific examples of the technique include those disclosed in JP-A-5-240768, JP-A-2003-38163, JP-A-2005-283152, JP-A-4-315053, and the like. Is mentioned. Specifically, the configuration is the same as that of the sensor 100A according to the first example, the scattered light having a predetermined angle and a predetermined wavelength is measured, and the amount (number, concentration) of pollen floating in the air is detected based on the intensity. be able to. This detected value is also output to the display control unit 210.

(Example of sensor 100C)
A general gas sensor can be employed as the sensor 100C. For example, a semiconductor gas sensor such as SB-AQ1 manufactured by FIS can be used. Specifically, a heater coil and an electrode lead wire are embedded in a gas-sensitive material obtained by adding a sensitizer to metal oxide secondary particles such as oxidized varnish (SnO ₂ ) and sintering at high temperature. Used as a gas sensitive element. This gas sensitive element is mounted on a base with three electrode terminals, and is connected in series with the sensor resistance in a state where a constant voltage is applied to the heater to control the temperature of the gas sensitive element. Gas is detected by detecting a change in output voltage across the load resistor.

The gas detection principle of the SB-AQ1 manufactured by FIS will be described.
Metal oxide crystals such as oxidized varnish adsorb oxygen on the surface in clean air and maintain a stable state. When a reducing gas is present in the air, the adsorbed oxygen is reduced by reacting with oxygen and gas on the crystal surface, and as a result, electrons in the crystal are increased. Thereby, the resistance value of the metal oxide decreases.

The sensor 100C can detect the gas concentration in the air using the principle described above. In other words, when SB-AQ1 manufactured by FIS is used, the sensor resistance value decreases as the gas concentration increases, and is based on the change in output voltage across the load resistance connected in series with the sensor resistance. The gas concentration can be obtained by calculating the sensor resistance value. This detected value is also output to the display control unit 210.

<Description of Ion Generator 300>
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a specific example of the appearance of a part of the ion generator 300. Referring to FIG. 26, ion generator 300 has a rectangular parallelepiped case with a hole cut, and a line for connecting to a DC power supply of about 12 V (not shown) extends from the case. A plurality of holes are drilled, and a positive needle electrode 301A and a negative needle electrode 301B are positioned at the approximate center of each of the pair of holes.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a specific example of a circuit configuration corresponding to a pair of holes of the ion generator 300. The ion generator 300 includes a plurality of circuit configurations shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 27, a specific example of the circuit configuration in the case is mainly composed of a positive-side circuit and a negative-side circuit, which are connected / disconnected to a DC power source by

switches

302A and 302B, respectively. Become. Each circuit includes a conversion circuit for converting a direct current having a transistor and a piezoelectric element into an alternating current, and high

voltage generation circuits

303A and 303B.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a specific example of the circuit configuration on the positive electrode side in FIG. Referring to FIG. 28, when switch 302A is closed, a current from a DC power source of about 1.5V to 12V is converted to DC by a conversion circuit, rectified to the positive electrode side by a diode, and then a high voltage is generated through a protection circuit. Input to the circuit 303A. The high voltage generation circuit 303A includes a piezoelectric element, and generates a high voltage by boosting the input voltage rectified to the positive electrode side. The high voltage is supplied to the positive needle electrode 301A, and corona discharge occurs at the tip of the electrode 301A. As a result, positive ions are generated and discharged out of the case from the hole of the case of the ion generator 300 provided with the electrode 301A.

The negative side circuit is the same as the circuit of FIG. 28 except that the direction of the diode is reversed. That is, when the switch 302B is closed, corona discharge is generated at the tip of the negative needle electrode 301B, thereby generating negative ions and releasing them out of the case.

Here, the positive ion is a cluster ion in which a plurality of water molecules are attached around a hydrogen ion (H ⁺ ), and is represented as H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _m (m is an arbitrary natural number). The negative ion is a cluster ion in which a plurality of water molecules are attached around an oxygen ion (O ²⁻ ), and is expressed as O ²⁻ (H ₂ O) _n (n is an arbitrary natural number).

The

switches

302A and 302B are connected to the ion control unit 230 and are turned ON / OFF by the control. When both switches are ON, positive and negative ions are released from the circuit, and when only one of the switches is ON, positive or negative unipolar ions are output from the circuit. Released. When both switches are OFF, no ions are released from the circuit.

When functioning as a conventional ion generator, the ion controller 230 turns on only one of the switches to generate unipolar ions such as negative ions from the circuit.

When positive and negative ions are released from the circuit, H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _m (m is an arbitrary natural number) that is a positive ion in the air and O that is a negative ion. ^2- (H ₂ O) _n (n is an arbitrary natural number) is generated in an approximately equivalent amount, so that both ions surround airborne fungi and viruses in the air, and the active species produced at that time It is possible to remove floating fungi and the like by the action of hydroxyl radicals (.OH).

The ion generator 300 is installed downstream of the filter in the air flow path in the air cleaner 1A. As a result, the generated ions ride on the air cleaned by the filter and are released from the exhaust port to the outside of the machine.

The ion controller 230 controls ON / OFF of the

switches

302A and 302B according to the instruction signal from the switch 110. For example, when the ion generation mode is a mode in which ions are generated at a high concentration, the switches of all circuits included in the ion generation apparatus 300 are turned on. The switches of several circuits are turned on and the switches of other circuits are turned off. By doing so, the ion concentration to be generated is controlled. The switch ON / OFF control result in the ion control unit 230 is output to the display control unit 210 as information on the amount of generated ions. The output timing is a predetermined time interval set in advance, a timing requested from the display control unit 210, or the like.

As another example of the method for controlling the concentration of ions to be generated, there is a method for controlling the ON / OFF intervals of the

switches

302A and 302B. In this method, the ion concentration can be easily controlled.

<Description of display control>
The display control unit 210 executes processing for displaying the detection result received from the sensor 100 on the display panel 130. As a specific example, the display control unit 210 displays the amount of microorganisms in the air, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of pollen in the air, the amount of gas in the air, and the air state that combines these.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the display control unit 210. FIG. 29 shows an example in which the function of the display control unit 210 is mainly a software configuration. However, at least some of these functions may be realized by a hardware configuration such as an electric circuit.

Referring to FIG. 29, display control unit 210 generates an input unit 201 for receiving an input of a detection result from sensor 100, a calculation unit 202 for calculating a display amount, which will be described later, and display data. Generating section 203, output section 204 for outputting display data to display panel 130 to cause screen display, and storage section 205 for storing display data and the like.

Here, the “air condition” is a value representing the amount of contaminants (predetermined particles or components) in the air, calculated based on the detection results of each sensor, and each detection result. It is calculated by adding. For example, a value obtained by adding a ratio (%) to a predetermined sensing target air amount for each of the amount of microorganisms in the air, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of pollen in the air, and the amount of gas in the air ( %) Is “air condition”, and “air condition” represents the ratio of the amount of unclean elements in the amount of air to be sensed. Based on the detection results of these sensors, the air state may be expressed by other methods.

(Description of first display control)
FIG. 30A is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a display screen by the first display control. Referring to FIG. 30A, as the first display control, display control unit 210 displays the current air state and the past air state so as to be comparable.

In the first display control, the display control unit 210 displays the value represented as the above-described air state. Therefore, the calculating part 202 performs the calculation for obtaining the ratio (%) of the detection result of each sensor to the predetermined sensing target air amount. Then, a calculation for obtaining a value representing the air state from each calculation result is performed.

Referring to FIG. 30A again, in the first display control, display control unit 210 has a value (%) expressed as “air condition” in display bar 131 having a length corresponding to the total ratio (100%). ) Is represented by a display segment 131A having a length corresponding to the value.

The display bar 131 is composed of a predetermined number of lights (for example, LEDs) continuously, and the display segment 131A is turned on by illuminating the number of lights corresponding to the value represented as “air condition”. It may be displayed. Alternatively, the display bar 131 has a rectangular shape with a predetermined length displayed on the display panel 130 which is a liquid crystal screen, and a length portion corresponding to a value represented as “air condition” is the other portion. And the display form may be different. The same applies to the following display control examples.

The predetermined sensing target air amount as a reference value for obtaining the ratio (%) of the detection result of each sensor to the predetermined sensing target air amount is stored in advance in the calculation unit 202. Alternatively, it may be input and stored by the switch 110 or the like by a predetermined registration operation.

In order to perform a calculation for obtaining the ratio (%) of the amount of microorganisms in the air to the amount of air of a predetermined sensing target, when the amount of microorganisms is obtained as the number of particles in the sensor 100A, the calculation unit 202 The maximum value Nmax of the number of microorganisms in the amount of air (for example, the amount of air Vs introduced into the case 5 per the above detection time) is stored, and the number N of microorganisms per predetermined volume input as a detection result is applied. By dividing by the maximum value Nmax, the ratio N / Nmax of the number of microorganisms to the maximum value of the number of particles per predetermined volume is obtained. Alternatively, when the amount of microorganisms is obtained as the particle concentration in the sensor 100A, the calculation unit 202 stores the maximum value of the microorganism concentration in the predetermined sensing target air amount, and the concentration of microorganisms input as a detection result is stored. By dividing by this maximum value, the ratio of the microorganism concentration to the maximum concentration value is obtained.

The calculation for obtaining the ratio (%) of the dust amount, pollen amount, and gas amount in the air to the predetermined sensing target air amount is similarly performed.

The calculation unit 202 further adds each of the amount of microorganisms in the air, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of pollen in the air, and the amount of gas in the air calculated as described above, and sets the “air state”. Get the value (%) to represent. As an example of a method for obtaining a value representing the “air condition”, each of the amount of microorganisms in the air, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of pollen in the air, and the amount of gas in the air is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient. In addition, the method of adding it is mentioned. For example, after multiplying the coefficient representing the amount of dust in the air by 20 points, multiplying the coefficient representing the amount of microorganisms in the air by 25, and the coefficient representing the amount of gas in the air When the value of is obtained at 10, the value representing the “air condition” is obtained at 55% by adding them. In this case, the air condition may be 100% even if the values of all items are not 100%. For example, the value after multiplying the coefficient representing the amount of dust in the air is 40, the value after multiplying the coefficient representing the amount of microorganisms in the air is 40, and the coefficient representing the amount of gas in the air When the value is 20, the value representing the “air condition” is 100% by adding them. The coefficient here is not limited to a predetermined coefficient. For example, when the values of all items are 100%, the value indicating “air condition” may be set to 100%.

In addition, as another example of a method for obtaining a value representing “the state of air”, a predetermined value in advance for each of the amount of microorganisms in the air, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of pollen in the air, and the amount of gas in the air And calculating using the ratio (%) of each sensor output value with respect to the specified value.

Then, the arithmetic unit 202 calculates the length of the display segment 131A based on values representing the amount of microorganisms in the air, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of pollen in the air, the amount of gas in the air, and the state of the air. . Here, the length of the display bar 131 corresponding to 100% or the number of lights forming the display bar 131 is stored in advance, and the length corresponding to the value (%) calculated with respect to the length or the number of lights. Calculate the number.

The generation unit 203 generates display data for displaying the display bar 131 as shown in FIG. 30A on the display panel 130 based on the length (or the number of lights) of the display segment 131A calculated by the calculation unit 202. Generate. The generated display data is stored in the storage unit 205 in association with, for example, an input time as information for specifying a point in time when information to be displayed is input.

The output unit 204 displays display data associated with information specifying a time point closest to the time point as the air state at the time when the display instruction is given, and a preset time point a predetermined time before that time point. The display data associated with the specified information is read from the storage unit 205 and output to the display panel 130, and the respective display bars represented by these display data are simultaneously displayed on the display panel 130. FIG. 30A shows an example in which the state of air one hour before is displayed as the time point before the predetermined time.

Similarly, the calculation unit 202 sets the length (or the number of lights) of the display segment 131A for each of the amount of microorganisms in the air, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of pollen in the air, and the amount of gas in the air. By calculating and generating the display data by the generation unit 203, the output unit 204 can display the current value and the past value as in FIG. 30A.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 30A, the display bar is displayed together with information (characters, etc.) indicating the displayed time point. When the display bar 131 includes a predetermined number of lights, such information is displayed on the liquid crystal portion of the display panel 130 separately from the display bar 131. This makes it easy to switch the display of such information. Note that the positional relationship between the display bar and the information (characters or the like) indicating the displayed time is not limited to a predetermined positional relationship. For example, adjacent left and right arrangements or upper and lower arrangements may be used. The same applies to the following display control examples.

As shown in FIG. 30A, the current air condition and the past air condition are displayed simultaneously on one screen, so that the user can simply view the screen with the air cleaner 1A. The cleaning effect of can be grasped at a glance. For example, the air condition at the present time and the air condition at a time before a predetermined time are simultaneously displayed on one screen, so that the user can install the air purifier 1A only by looking at the screen. It is possible to grasp at a glance the change in the degree of air purification in the space. Similarly, the amount of microorganisms in the air at the current time and the amount of microorganisms at the time before the predetermined time are simultaneously displayed on one screen, the amount of dust in the air at the current time and the dust at the time before the predetermined time. The amount of pollen in the air at the current time and the amount of pollen in the previous time are displayed on the same screen at the same time, the gas in the air at the current time Even when the amount and the gas amount at the time before the predetermined time are simultaneously displayed on one screen, the cleaning effect of the air cleaner 1A at the predetermined time can be grasped at a glance. In addition, since the cleaning effect can be grasped in this way, the air volume at the blower 400 and the amount of ions generated at the ion generator 300 can be set appropriately.

Note that the display bar representing the current air condition and the display bar representing the past air condition may be arranged one above the other as shown in FIG. 30A, or may be arranged left and right. . Other positional relationships may be used. Further, any one of the display bars may not be displayed by a predetermined operation. Further, as shown in FIG. 30A, the display segment 131A may be displayed by the same display method in the display bar representing the current air condition and the display bar representing the past air condition. Preferably it is displayed in a different way. For example, the display segment in the display bar representing the past air condition may be blinked, or the display color and color tone of the display segment in the display bar representing the current air condition may be different. This makes it easy to distinguish the current air condition from the past air condition.

Further, as shown in FIG. 30B, the display segments may be divided for each unit length and the divisions may be displayed, or the display segments may be gradationed as shown in FIG. 30C. . Further, as shown in FIG. 30D and FIG. 30E, only the edge of the display position may be displayed and the others may not be displayed. The display bar is not limited to a rectangle, and may be a circle as shown in FIG. 30F. In that case, the detection result may be displayed as a display segment in a range from the center. These display examples are the same in the following examples.

As another example of the display in which the current air condition and the past air condition can be compared, the display control unit 210 displays the air condition at a plurality of time points on the display panel 130 as shown in FIG. May be displayed in sequence. The display switching may be performed in response to an instruction input from the switch 110 or may be performed at predetermined time intervals. Furthermore, the display is switched not only by the switch 110 being operated, but the display bars representing the air states at a plurality of times may be sequentially switched in response to one operation.

When this display is performed, the output unit 204 reads display data at predetermined time intervals from the storage unit 205 and outputs the display data to the display panel 130, and displays each display bar represented by these display data. Display them in order. The order of switching is not particularly limited. At this time, when information (characters or the like) indicating the time point displayed with the display bar is displayed, the information is also switched.

As shown in FIG. 31, the air states at a plurality of time points are sequentially displayed, so that the air states at a plurality of time points can be displayed even when the display panel 130 is small. Moreover, the state of the air in several time points can be compared by switching these sequentially, and the cleaning effect in 1 A of air cleaners can be grasped | ascertained easily.

(Description of second display control)
FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a display screen by the second display control. Referring to FIG. 32, as the second display control, display control unit 210 displays detection results for a plurality of items.

The items to be displayed may be stored in the display control unit 210 in advance, or may be input and stored by the switch 110 or the like by a predetermined registration operation.

In the second display control, the display control unit 210 performs the same as the control described in the first display control, the amount of microorganisms in the air, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of pollen in the air, and the gas in the air. A value for each item such as a value and a value representing the air state obtained by combining them is calculated, and based on this value, control is performed for display on display segment 131A. Then, the output unit 204 reads out display data on items set in advance as items to be displayed on the display panel 130 from the display data generated for each item from the storage unit 205 and outputs the display data to the display panel 130. Each display bar represented by the display data is displayed on the display panel 130 at the same time.

As shown in FIG. 32, the current detection results are displayed for a plurality of items, so that the user can grasp the current air condition in detail at a glance by combining the detection results of the plurality of items. be able to. That is, it is possible to grasp at a glance the breakdown of pollutants in the air in the room where the air purifier 1A is installed. Since the detection results of a plurality of items can be grasped in this way, the air volume in the blower 400 and the amount of ions generated in the ion generator 300 can be set appropriately.

As another example of the display of the detection results of a plurality of items at the present time, the display control unit 210 displays a plurality of items on the display panel 130 as shown in FIG. 33 as in the first display control. You may switch and display it sequentially.

As shown in FIG. 33, detection results at a plurality of time points are sequentially displayed, so that detection results for many items can be displayed even when the display panel 130 is small. Moreover, by sequentially switching these, the detection results of the respective items can be compared, and the current air condition can be easily grasped in detail.

As yet another example of displaying the detection results of a plurality of items at the present time, the display control unit 210 corresponds to each item in a polygon having the displayed items as vertices, as shown in FIG. 34A. A range corresponding to the amount of the display target from the vertex to be determined is determined as a display segment. FIG. 34A shows an example in which the amount of dust, the amount of microorganisms, and the amount of gas in the air are displayed as a plurality of items in a triangle with each apex as a plurality of items. In this example, the closer the display segment is to the apex of the triangle, the greater the amount. Of course, when the number of items to be detected is four or more, the polygon is a quadrangle, a pentagon,. Even in that case, it can be the same as the example displayed in the triangle described below.

Specifically, in the example of FIG. 34A, three items, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of microorganisms in the air, and the amount of gas in the air, are displayed in a range of 3 to 5 levels from the vertices A, B, and C, respectively. An example is shown. In the example of FIG. 34A, it is assumed that the hierarchy is divided into three stages from the vertices A, B, and C, and lights such as red (LED) are installed in each hierarchy. The number of lights installed may be one for each level, or may be the number according to the area of the level as shown in FIG. 34B.

The calculation unit 202 identifies the layer to be lit in the same manner as when the display segment 131A is calculated based on the value obtained from the detection value of each item, and the output unit 204 sets the vertex corresponding to the item to be displayed from the center. Turn on the specified number of levels.

Preferably, a character representing the item is displayed in the vicinity of each vertex, and the character is also lighted. Further, when a certain area or more is lit, the character representing the corresponding item is also lit. To do. Further, an illustration or the like representing the item may be displayed instead of the character.

Even with such display control, it is possible to grasp the current air condition in detail at a glance by combining the detection results of a plurality of items. For example, as the air in the room in which the air purifier 1A is installed is contaminated, the triangle is lit as a whole (for example, turns red), and the state of indoor air contamination can be grasped at a glance.

Note that, conversely, as shown in FIG. 35A, the corresponding hierarchy may be turned off based on the value obtained from the detected value. In this case, the light of each level is good in colors such as blue and green that make it purify being purified. In this case, the number of lamps that are turned on increases as the air in the room in which the air purifier 1A is installed is purified. Alternatively, only the letters may be lit red. By doing in this way, since the clean condition of indoor air is grasped | ascertained, the cleaning effect by the said air cleaner 1A will be felt more.

When two kinds of color lights are installed on the display panel 130, the display of FIG. 34A and FIG. 35A may be combined. In addition, when a plurality of color lights, for example, three-stage lights of green, yellow, and red, are installed, as shown in FIG. 35B, radial from the center to the outside (linear toward the apex) May be displayed with gradation. For a layer that overlaps with other items to be displayed among the layers corresponding to the item to be displayed, the display color is calculated by the calculation unit 202 based on the display color of the layer in the item that overlaps the display color of the layer in the item. It is preferred that For example, when it is calculated that green and yellow are the same ratio in two items for a certain area, the level is set to yellow green by 50%. The color boundary is preferably displayed smoothly.

(Description of Modification 1 of Display Control)
The first display control and the second display control described above may be combined.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 36, the current state and the past (here, one hour ago) state of one item (here, air condition) are displayed simultaneously on one screen, and the other The item (here, the amount of microorganisms in the air) is switched to the screen of the current state and the past (here, one hour ago), and the item (here, the amount of microorganisms in the air) is further different. You may sequentially switch to the screen in the state (here 30 minutes ago).

Of course, the screen example of FIG. 36 is an example, and the first display control and the second display control may be combined in any way.

By displaying in this way, it is possible to easily grasp the cleaning effect of the air cleaner 1A for each item.

In addition, when the detection results of a plurality of items are displayed at the same time as shown in FIG. 34A, the display may be switched as shown in FIG. 37 for each item. At this time, by performing a predetermined operation, a hierarchy of display differences at two time points to be compared may blink. By doing in this way, the cleaning effect by 1 A of air cleaners is grasped | ascertained intuitively.

(Description on Modification 2 of Display Control)
The display control unit 210 further receives information on the air volume from the blower 400 and information on the ion volume from the ion generator 300, and in addition to the first display control or the second display control described above, these control variables May also be displayed. Here, the “control amount” refers to a control level of the blower 400, the ion generator 300, and the like. For example, the amount of air blown from the blower 400 (“strong”, “weak”, etc.) The ion concentration to be generated (“dense”, “thin”, etc.), the total amount of ion emission generated in a predetermined time, and the like are applicable.

Specifically, in the upper part of FIG. 38, in addition to the air state one hour ago, a display bar that displays the ion concentration released from the ion generator 300 at that time, and the current air state in addition to the current air state It is a figure which shows the example by which the display bar with which the air volume in the air blower 400 and the accumulated amount of the ion discharge | release amount from 1 hour ago were displayed is displayed.

The input unit 201 receives the input of information indicating the amount of ion emission per unit time (ion concentration) from the ion generator 300 as the amount of ions released, and the calculation unit 202 calculates the accumulated amount to release ions. The total amount is obtained. When displaying the past time point, the calculation unit 202 calculates the cumulative amount of ion emission from the past time point to the current time point.

When displaying the current time point, the generation unit 203, in addition to the display segment corresponding to the value representing the current air state, the air volume in the blower 400 received by the input unit 201, and the calculation Display data for displaying the cumulative amount of ion emission calculated by the unit 202 is also generated. The display data and the ion concentration released from the ion generator 300 at that time are stored in the storage unit 205 together.

When displaying the past time, the generation unit 203 reads the display data at that time, and updates the display data so that the ion concentration released from the ion generator 300 at that time is also displayed.

The detection result of each item can be displayed in the same way. For example, the lower example of FIG. 38 shows a display example of the amount of microorganisms in the air.

By displaying in this way, in addition to being able to grasp the current and past detection results at a glance, it is also possible to grasp the control state at a glance. For example, in the example in the upper part of FIG. 38, it is understood that sterilization is delayed because the cumulative amount per hour is low even if the ion concentration released at the present time is high.

Furthermore, the first display control and the second display control are combined, and as shown in FIG. 38, the current state and the past (here, one hour ago) for a certain item (here, the air state). May be displayed simultaneously on one screen, and the screen may be switched between the current state and the past state (here, one hour ago) for other items (here, microorganisms in the air).

Of course, the screen example of FIG. 38 is merely an example, and the first display control and the second display control may be combined in any manner.

The display of the control amount is not limited to the display in the example of FIG. 38, and a display bar for displaying the control amount orthogonal to the display bar for displaying the detection result is provided as shown in FIG. 39A. The control amount may be expressed according to the position of the display bar for displaying the control amount in the same direction as the display direction.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 39B, a bar representing the control amount may be provided in the display bar for displaying the detection result, and the control amount may be represented at that position. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 39C, a lamp for displaying the control amount may be provided in parallel with a display bar for displaying the detection result, and the control amount may be represented by its lighting position.

By displaying in this way, the control state can be grasped at a glance.
(Description on Modification 2 of Display Control)
In addition, when the air cleaner 1A further includes a sensor for detecting an air state such as a humidity sensor or a temperature sensor in addition to the sensor 100, the display control unit 210 receives a sensor signal from the sensor, In addition to the display of sensor results in each of the sensors 100 described above, the air state such as temperature and humidity may be displayed.

This display also makes it possible to grasp at a glance the current air condition together with the control condition.

[Second Embodiment]
<Overall configuration of air conditioner>
FIG. 40A is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the appearance of an air conditioner 1B according to the second embodiment. Here, the air conditioner refers to a device having a sensor function for detecting the air condition and an air conditioner function for setting the air condition.

Referring to FIG. 40A, the air conditioner 1B has substantially the same appearance as the air purifier 1A shown in FIG. 1A. In addition to the ion generator 300 and the blower 400 as an air conditioning mechanism, A humidity adjusting device 500 and a temperature adjusting device 600 are included.

Examples of the sensor 100 include a sensor for detecting microorganisms included in the air cleaner 1A as a sensor for detecting predetermined particles or components in the air, a pollen sensor, an odor sensor (gas sensor), and the like. In addition, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and the like are further included as sensors for detecting the air state. These sensors detect the air state at a predetermined timing, or always detect the air state, and output the detection result to the display control unit 210 and the drive control unit 230A.

Referring to FIG. 40B, air conditioner 1B further includes a control device 200. Control device 200 includes a CPU and a memory (not shown). The CPU reads and executes the program stored in the memory according to the instruction signal from the switch 110. Thereby, display on the display panel 130, control of the sensor 100, control of the communication unit 150, control of the ion generator 300, and the like are realized. That is, when control device 200 accepts an instruction operation for setting the air conditioning mechanism ON / OFF or level at switch 110, control device 200 sends a control signal according to the operation signal to the corresponding air conditioning mechanism such as ion generator 300. To control these devices. Further, the detection result from the sensor 100 is displayed on the display panel 130. Therefore, the control device 200 includes a display control unit 210 for controlling display on the display panel 130, a detection control unit 220 for controlling the sensor 100, an ion generation device 300, a blower device 400, and a humidity adjustment device 500. And a drive control unit 230A for controlling the temperature adjustment device 600. The display control unit 210, the detection control unit 220, and the drive control unit 230A may be functions mainly configured in the CPU by executing a program, or functions configured by hardware such as an electric circuit. May be. The drive control unit 230A has a function including the ion control unit 230 and the air volume control unit 240 of the air cleaner 1A.

Sensor 100, blower 400, and ion generator 300 are the same as those provided in air cleaner 1A, and the same description will not be repeated here.

In addition, the information regarding the amount of ions generated in the ion generation device 300 is the measurement result of the measurement device when a measurement device (not shown) is included instead of the switch ON / OFF control result in the drive control unit 230A. It may be. In this case, the ion generator 300 outputs the measurement result of the measurement device to the display controller 210 and the drive controller 230A as information on the amount of ions generated.

<Description of Humidity Adjustment Device 500>
The humidity adjusting apparatus 500 may be an apparatus having general humidifying and dehumidifying functions. In other words, it has a tank that holds water (not shown), a heating mechanism, and a cooling mechanism, and heats the water in the tank to send steam into the air and cool the air taken in from outside the machine. Remove water vapor from water.

The heating mechanism and the cooling mechanism are connected to the drive control unit 230A. The drive control unit 230A controls the heating mechanism and the cooling mechanism.

<Description of Temperature Control Device 600>
The temperature adjustment device 600 may be a device having general heating and cooling functions. That is, it has a heating mechanism and a cooling mechanism (not shown), raises the air temperature by heating the air taken from outside the apparatus, and lowers the air temperature by cooling the air taken from outside the apparatus.

<Description of drive control>
The drive control unit 230A receives the output indicating the detection result from the sensor 100 and the output indicating the driving state from each of the

devices

300, 400, 500, and 600, which are air conditioning mechanisms, and performs control based on these.

In the air conditioner 1B, a manual mode for controlling the driving of each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 according to a setting from the user as a control mode and a driving for each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 are automatically controlled. There is an automatic mode. In the manual mode, the drive control unit 230A controls the drive of each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 according to a control signal from the switch 110. On the other hand, in the case of the automatic mode, a determination process described later is performed, and the driving of each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 is controlled according to the processing result. Even in the manual mode, the drive control unit 230 A performs control for causing the display control unit 210 to notify the display panel 130 of information according to a result of determination processing described later.

FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing a specific example of a functional configuration of the drive control unit 230A for performing the above control. FIG. 41 shows an example in which the function of the drive control unit 230A is mainly a software configuration. However, at least some of these functions may be realized by a hardware configuration such as an electric circuit.

Referring to FIG. 41, drive control unit 230 A calculates first air input unit 231 for receiving an input of a detection result of sensor 100 and “air pollution state” to be described later using the detection result of sensor 100. A second input unit 233 for receiving an input of a signal indicating the driving state of the device from each of the

devices

300, 400, 500, and 600, and the calculated “air pollution state”. In order to output a control signal corresponding to the comparison result, and a comparison unit 234 for comparing the control status of each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 to determine the suitability of the control status of the air conditioning mechanism with respect to the air condition Output unit 235 and a storage unit 236 for storing notification information associated with the comparison result.

Here, the “air contamination state” refers to a value representing the amount of contaminants (predetermined particles or components) in the air, which is calculated based on the detection results of the sensors 100A to 100C. Specifically, it indicates a value obtained by adding the detection results of the sensors 100A to 100C. For example, as the “air pollution state”, the ratio of the amount of microorganisms in the air, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of pollen in the air, and the amount of gas in the air to the predetermined sensing target air amount (%) And the value (%) obtained by adding each ratio can be used. It can be said that the “air pollution state” represents the ratio of the amount of elements that are not clean to the amount of air to be sensed. The “air contamination state” may be calculated by another method based on the detection results of the sensors 100A to 100C.

The predetermined sensing target air amount as a reference value for obtaining a ratio (%) of the detection result of each sensor to the predetermined sensing target air amount is stored in the arithmetic unit 232 in advance. Alternatively, it may be input and stored by, for example, the switch 110 by a predetermined registration operation.

In order to perform the calculation for obtaining the ratio (%) of the amount of microorganisms in the air to the amount of air of a predetermined sensing target, when the amount of microorganisms is obtained as the number of particles in the sensor 100A, the calculation unit 232 The maximum value Nmax of the number of microorganisms in the amount of air (for example, the amount of air Vs introduced into the case 5 per the above detection time) is stored, and the number N of microorganisms per predetermined volume input as a detection result is applied. By dividing by the maximum value Nmax, the ratio N / Nmax of the number of microorganisms to the maximum value of the number of particles per predetermined volume is obtained. Alternatively, when the amount of microorganisms is obtained as the particle concentration in the sensor 100A, the calculation unit 232 stores the maximum value of the microorganism concentration in the predetermined amount of air to be sensed, and calculates the concentration of microorganisms input as a detection result. By dividing by this maximum value, the ratio of the microorganism concentration to the maximum concentration value is obtained.

The calculation unit 232 further adds each of the amount of microorganisms in the air, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of pollen in the air, and the amount of gas in the air calculated as described above to obtain the “air pollution state”. A value (%) representing is obtained. As an example of a method for obtaining a value representing the “air pollution state”, a predetermined coefficient is set for each of the amount of microorganisms in the air, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of pollen in the air, and the amount of gas in the air. The method of adding after multiplying is mentioned. For example, after multiplying the coefficient representing the amount of dust in the air by 20 points, multiplying the coefficient representing the amount of microorganisms in the air by 25, and the coefficient representing the amount of gas in the air If the value of is obtained at 10, the value representing the “air pollution status” is added at 55%. In this case, the air condition may be 100% even if the values of all items are not 100%. For example, the value after multiplying the coefficient representing the amount of dust in the air is 40, the value after multiplying the coefficient representing the amount of microorganisms in the air is 40, and the coefficient representing the amount of gas in the air When the value is 20, the value representing the “air pollution state” is 100% by adding them. The coefficient here is not limited to a predetermined coefficient. For example, when the values of all items are 100%, the value indicating “air pollution state” may be set to 100%.

In addition, as another example of a method for obtaining a value representing “air pollution state”, each of the amount of microorganisms in the air, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of pollen in the air, and the amount of gas in the air is specified in advance. There is also a method in which a value is determined and calculated using the ratio (%) of each sensor output value to the specified value.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the flow of determination processing. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 42 is realized by causing a CPU (not shown) included in the control device 200 to read out and execute a program stored in the memory, thereby causing the functions shown in FIGS. 40A and 40B to be performed. The

Referring to FIG. 42, drive control unit 230A first outputs an area for storing a value indicating the detection result output from sensor 100 of the memory and each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 in S101. In addition, an area for storing a value indicating the driving state of the apparatus is initialized.

Next, in S103, the drive control unit 230A receives the signal output from the sensor 100, thereby detecting the detected value in each of the sensors 100A to 100C, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and the humidity sensor. The humidity is written in a predetermined area of the memory. In S105, the drive control unit 230A calculates an “air contamination state” based on the detection values of the sensors 100A to 100C.

In S107, the drive control unit 230A receives the signals output from the

devices

300, 400, 500, and 600, and thereby stores information indicating the control status of the

devices

300, 400, 500, and 600 in a predetermined area of the memory. Write to. Specifically, the information indicating the control status includes the ion concentration currently set based on the signal from the ion generator 300, the air volume currently set based on the signal from the blower 400, and the humidity adjustment device 500. The humidity that is currently set based on the signal from, and the temperature that is currently set based on the signal from the temperature adjustment device 600 are applicable.

In S109, the drive control unit 230A compares the current air contamination state with the current control status of each

device

300, 400, 500, 600. Specifically, the drive control unit 230A stores a conversion formula that makes it possible to compare the control status in each of the

devices

300, 400, 500, and 600 with the air contamination status, and the control status of the device to be compared. Is converted into a value comparable with the conversion formula and compared with the air contamination state calculated in S105.

As a result of the comparison, when the air pollution state is smaller than the value representing the control status in each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 (“state <ability” in S109), the drive control unit 230A determines that the current device 300, It is determined that the control status of 400, 500, and 600 is an “overdrive state” that is excessive with respect to the current air state. In this case, in S111, the drive control unit 230A causes the display panel 130 to display a warning that promotes energy saving. Note that the warning in S111 is not limited to display on the display panel 130, but may be voice (buzzer, chime), melody, light, text display, or a combination thereof.

Note that information for warning is stored in advance in the storage unit 236 in association with the determination result. For the determination result that the state is the “overdrive state”, warning information that is a warning content that promotes energy saving is stored. Therefore, in this case, the drive control unit 230A reads the warning information and inputs it to the display control unit 210 together with a control signal for display.

At this time, if the control mode is the manual mode (“manual” in S113), the drive control unit 230A maintains the current control status of each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 in S115. However, when the control mode is the automatic mode (“automatic” in S113), the drive control unit 230A determines that the control status of each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 is appropriate for the current air contamination state in S117. The control which becomes becomes is executed. As a specific example of the control of S117, specifically, the control status of the device to be controlled among the

devices

300, 400, 500, and 600 is changed to a direction in which the cleaning capability is reduced by a predetermined rank. Control. For example, the control which reduces the generation amount of the ion in the ion generator 300 by predetermined amount is mentioned. Further, for example, there is a control for reducing the amount of air blown by the blower 400 by a predetermined amount. The control signal for this purpose is also stored in advance in the storage unit 236 in association with the determination result that is the “overdrive state” that is the determination result.

Further, in this case, an instruction input for changing from the manual mode to the automatic mode may be accepted, or conversely, an instruction input for changing from the automatic mode to the manual mode may be accepted. In that case, the drive control unit 230A changes the control mode to the instructed mode, and executes the process of S115 or the process of S117.

As a result of the comparison in S109, when the air contamination state is substantially equal to the value representing the control status in each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 (“state≈capability” in S109), the drive control unit 230A It is determined that the control status of each of the

devices

300, 400, 500, 600 is an “appropriate driving state” that is appropriate for the current air state. In this case, in S119, the drive control unit 230A outputs a control signal for maintaining the current control status of each

device

300, 400, 500, 600.

As a result of the comparison in S109, when the air pollution state is larger than the value representing the control status in each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 (“state> capability” in S109), the drive control unit 230A It is determined that the control status of the

devices

300, 400, 500, 600 is an “under-driven state” in which the control status is too small relative to the current air status. In this case, in S121, the drive control unit 230A causes the display panel 130 to display a warning that prompts the control mode of each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 to be increased. Note that the warning in S121 is not limited to the display on the display panel 130, and may be voice (buzzer, chime), melody, light, text display, or a combination thereof. Warning information for this purpose is also stored in advance in the storage unit 236 in association with the determination result that the state is the “under drive state”.

At this time, if the control mode is the manual mode (“manual” in S123), the drive control unit 230A maintains the current control status of each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 in S125. However, when the control mode is the automatic mode (“automatic” in S123), the drive control unit 230A determines that the control status of each

device

300, 400, 500, 600 is appropriate for the current air contamination state in S127. The control which becomes becomes is executed.

Further, in this case, an instruction input for changing from the manual mode to the automatic mode may be accepted, or conversely, an instruction input for changing from the automatic mode to the manual mode may be accepted. In that case, the drive control unit 230A changes the control mode to the instructed mode, and executes the process of S125 or the process of S127.

As a specific example of the control in S127, specifically, control for changing the control status of a required device among the

devices

300, 400, 500, and 600 in a direction to increase the cleaning capability by a predetermined rank. Is mentioned. For example, the control which increases the generation amount of the ion in the ion generator 300 by predetermined amount is mentioned. Further, for example, there is a control for increasing the amount of air blown by the blower 400 by a predetermined amount.

After performing the above determination and control at a predetermined determination timing, the drive control unit 230A waits until the next determination timing is reached. When the next determination timing is reached (YES in S129), the processes after S103 are repeated. Preferably, the drive control unit 230A repeats the processes after S103 at predetermined time intervals while the air purifier 1A is operating. Thereby, the control condition of the air conditioning mechanism is in a well-balanced state with respect to the air state.

The above processing will be specifically described later together with display examples.
<Description of display control>
The display control unit 210 executes processing for causing the display panel 130 to display the detection result received from the sensor 100 and the control status of each

device

300, 400, 500, 600. Here, as a specific example, the display control unit 210 includes an air pollution state obtained by combining the amount of microorganisms in the air, the amount of dust in the air, the amount of pollen in the air, and the amount of gas in the air, An example in which a display screen representing the air volume obtained from the signal from the blower 400 is displayed on the display panel 130 will be described. The same applies to the case of displaying the control status of another device among the

devices

300, 400, 500, and 600.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the display control unit 210. The functional configuration of FIG. 43 is substantially the same as the functional configuration of the display control unit 210 of the air purifier 1A shown in FIG. 29, except that the above-described storage unit 205 is not included.

That is, referring to FIG. 43, display control unit 210 has an input unit 201 for receiving an input of a detection result from sensor 100 and an input of a signal indicating a control status from

devices

300, 400, 500, 600, A calculation unit 202 for calculating a display amount, which will be described later, a generation unit 203 for generating display data, and an output unit 204 for outputting the display data to the display panel 130 to cause screen display. .

FIG. 44A is a diagram showing a specific example of the display screen. Referring to FIG. 44A, the display control unit 210 displays the current air pollution state in the display segment 131A having a length corresponding to the value in the display bar 131 having a length corresponding to the total ratio (100%). Represent. The “air contamination state” is the same as that calculated in the control by the drive control unit 230A. The calculation unit 202 may calculate the air contamination state in the same manner as the calculation unit 232, or may acquire a calculation result from the calculation unit 232.

As the display bar 131, a predetermined number of lights (for example, LEDs, etc.) are continuously formed, and the number of lights corresponding to the value represented as the “air pollution state” is turned on to display segments. One that displays 131A is mentioned. Alternatively, the display bar 131 has a rectangular shape with a predetermined length displayed on the display panel 130 which is a liquid crystal screen, and the length portion corresponding to the value represented as “air contamination state” is the other length. The part and the display form may be different.

The computing unit 202 calculates the length of the display segment 131A based on the calculated value representing the air state. Here, the length of the display bar 131 corresponding to 100% or the number of lights forming the display bar 131 is stored in advance, and the length corresponding to the air pollution state value (%) calculated for the length. Or the number of lights.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 44A, the calculation unit 202 displays a display area for displaying the control status of the blower device 400 to be displayed among the control statuses of the

input devices

300, 400, 500, and 600. The control status is displayed at 132. Therefore, the calculation unit 202 calculates a display position representing the control status in the display area 132.

The display area 132 is also composed of a predetermined number of lights (for example, LEDs) continuously, and the control status is indicated by lighting the position and the number of lights according to the control status of the blower 400. What is displayed.

The display width of the display area 132 corresponds to the display width of the display bar 131, and the display width of the display area 132 represents an appropriate control state with respect to the air contamination state corresponding to the entire display width of the display bar 131. Is. The calculation unit 202 stores in advance an appropriate control status for the air contamination state corresponding to the entire display width of the display bar 131 with respect to the control status of each

device

300, 400, 500, 600, and the current By calculating the ratio of the control status, the display position in the display area 132 is specified.

In addition, the display position in the display area 132 can compare the output value from each apparatus 300,400,500,600 with the air pollution state in S109 using the conversion formula stored in the drive control unit 230A. This corresponds to the display position of the converted value on the display bar 131 when converted to a value. Therefore, the calculation unit 202 may acquire the converted value obtained by the above processing of the drive control unit 230A.

Other methods for determining the display position indicating the control status can also be mentioned. That is, reflecting the control status of the blower 400, for example, if the airflow level in the blower 400 is three levels of “weak”, “medium”, and “strong”, the entire display area 132 is displayed when “strong”. For example, a position corresponding to the width, a position that is 2/3 of the total display width when “medium”, and a position that is 1/3 of the total display width when “weak” are used. In this method, the display position can be specified by the ratio to the total display width in the same manner even in three or more stages.

As a specific example, when the control status is displayed based on a signal indicating the control status from the blower 400, the calculation unit 202 has an appropriate air volume for the air contamination state corresponding to the entire display width of the display bar 131. Is the total display width of the display area 132, and the ratio of the currently set air volume obtained from the signal from the blower 400 to the appropriate air volume is calculated and corresponds to the ratio of the total display width of the display area 132. The position is specified as a position corresponding to the control situation.

The generation unit 203 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 44A based on the display segment 131A length (or the number of lights) calculated by the calculation unit 202 and the display position indicating the control status on the display area 132. Display data to be displayed on the display panel 130 is generated. The output unit 204 outputs the generated display data to the display panel 130 and causes the display panel 130 to display a display screen represented by the display data.

FIG. 44A is an example of the display screen. As another example of the display of the control status, for example, as shown in FIG. 44B, a display segment corresponding to each air volume is provided in advance, and the currently set air volume is set. A display method may be used in which the display segment corresponding to is turned on. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 44C, the display area 132 is provided so as to overlap the display bar 131, and a display segment 131 A representing the air contamination state is displayed in the display bar 131 and the currently set air volume is set. A display method in which the corresponding position is lit may be used. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 44D, the display area 132 may have the same configuration as the display bar 131, and the display method may be such that the position corresponding to the currently set air volume is lit.

<Specific examples of display and drive control>
(First example)
FIG. 45A is a diagram showing a specific example of a display screen at a certain timing. In this state, it is assumed that the determination timing is reached and the determination process is performed in the drive control unit 230A.

Referring to FIG. 45A, at this time, the display width of the display segment 131A indicating the air contamination state exceeds the display position indicating the currently set air volume. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the drive control unit 230A is in the “under drive state”. Then, a warning display (not shown) is made to notify that the air volume is insufficient and that the air pollution state is progressing.

In the case of the automatic control mode, the control of S127 is performed in the drive control unit 230A, and the air volume of the blower 400 is controlled to be increased. This control increases the air volume from the blower 400, thereby reducing the air pollution state. Then, as shown in FIG. 45B, when the display width of the display segment 131A indicating the air contamination state falls below the display position indicating the currently set air volume, the drive control unit 230A is in the “appropriate driving state”. Determination is made and the driving state is maintained.

(Second example)
FIG. 46A is a diagram showing a specific example of a display screen at a certain timing. In this state, it is assumed that the determination timing is reached and the determination process is performed in the drive control unit 230A.

46A, the display control unit 210 may display the control status of a plurality of devices among the

devices

300, 400, 500, and 600. In the example of FIG. 46A, the ion concentration and the air volume are displayed.

Referring to FIG. 46A, at this time, the display width of the display segment indicating the air contamination state does not exceed either the ion concentration display position or the airflow display position. Therefore, in this case, the drive control unit 230A may determine “appropriate drive state” in S109.

However, as a second example, the drive control unit 230A compares the items corresponding to the

devices

300, 400, 500, and 600 among the detection results of the sensor 100 with the control status of the device. For example, regarding the ion concentration, the detection result by the gas sensor and the detection result of the microorganism by the microorganism sensor are set as corresponding items, and the currently set ion concentration and the detection result by these sensors are compared.

As a specific example of the corresponding item, the detection result by the gas sensor, the detection result of the microorganism by the microorganism sensor, and the detection result by the pollen sensor correspond to the ion generator. For the blower, the detection result of the dust by the microorganism sensor and the detection result of the pollen sensor are applicable. When the air conditioner 1B employs a filter or an activated carbon filter as an air cleaning function, a detection result by a gas sensor can also correspond. The humidity adjustment device 500 corresponds to the detection result of the humidity sensor and the microorganism detection result of the microorganism sensor, and the temperature adjustment device 600 corresponds to the detection result of the temperature sensor and the microorganism detection result of the microorganism sensor. Is applicable.

As the breakdown of the air pollution state shown in FIG. 46A, when the detection result of the gas sensor and the detection result of the microorganism by the microorganism sensor are the breakdown as shown in FIG. 46B, which detection result is The displayed display segment does not exceed the currently set ion concentration display position. Therefore, in the case of this breakdown, the drive control unit 230A determines “appropriate drive state”.

On the other hand, as a breakdown of the air pollution state shown in FIG. 46A, when the detection result of the gas sensor and the detection result of the microorganism by the microorganism sensor are the breakdown as shown in FIG. The display segment representing the detection result of the microorganism exceeds the display position of the currently set ion concentration. Therefore, in this breakdown, the drive control unit 230A determines that the ion generation device is “under-driven”, and controls the ion generation device to increase the ion concentration in the automatic control mode. That is, in the case of the second example, even if the display segment representing the air contamination state is below the ion concentration display position, the display segment or gas sensor representing the detection result of microorganisms by the microorganism sensor as a breakdown of the air contamination state If any one of the display segments representing the detection results at is above the display position of the ion concentration, it is determined that the ion generator is in an “under-driven state”, and a warning or automatic control to that effect is performed.

In the case of the second example, even if the display segment representing the air pollution state exceeds the display position of the ion concentration, the breakdown of the air pollution state is caused by the display segment representing the detection result of the microorganisms by the microorganism sensor or the gas sensor. When the display segment representing the detection result does not exceed the ion concentration display position, the ion generator may not be determined to be in the “under-driven state”. This is because in this case, the air is considered to be contaminated due to factors such as dust that are not related to the ion concentration.

When the display segment indicating the air pollution status exceeds the display position of the air volume, it is determined that the blower is “under-driven” regardless of the breakdown, and a warning or automatic control is performed to that effect. Also good.

(Third example)
FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a specific example of the display screen at a certain timing. In this state, it is assumed that the determination timing is reached and the determination process is performed in the drive control unit 230A. In the example of FIG. 47 as well, the control status of a plurality of devices among the

devices

300, 400, 500, and 600 is displayed, specifically, the ion concentration and the air volume are displayed.

In the second example, if the display segment representing the air pollution state exceeds the display position of the air volume, it is determined that the blower is “under-driven” regardless of the breakdown, and a warning or automatic control to that effect is performed. To do. However, in the third example, for each of the displayed control situations, the corresponding item in the breakdown of the air pollution state is determined, and warning and automatic control are performed for each device.

Specifically, as a breakdown of the air pollution state shown in FIG. 47, the detection result by the gas sensor, the detection result of the microorganism by the microorganism sensor, and the detection result of the dust by the microorganism sensor are shown in FIG. 48A, respectively. When the breakdown is as shown, the display position of the ion concentration does not exceed the detection result of the corresponding gas sensor and the detection result of the microorganism by the microorganism sensor. Therefore, the drive control unit 230A determines “appropriate drive state” for the ion generator.

However, the display position of the dust detection result of the microorganism sensor, which is a corresponding item, is over the air volume. For this reason, the drive control unit 230A determines that the air blower is in an “under-driven state”, gives a warning to that effect, and controls the air blower to increase the air volume in the automatic control mode.

As the breakdown of the air pollution state shown in FIG. 47, the detection results of the gas sensor, the microorganisms detected by the microorganism sensor, and the dust detection results by the microorganism sensor are as shown in FIG. 48B. In this case, with respect to the ion concentration, the display position of the detection result of the microorganism sensor is higher than the display position of the detection result of the corresponding gas sensor. Therefore, the drive control unit 230A determines that the ion generation device is in an “under-driven state”, gives a warning to that effect, and controls the ion generation device to increase the amount of ion generation in the automatic control mode.

Regarding the air volume, the display position of the detection result of dust with the corresponding microorganism sensor is not exceeded. Therefore, the drive control unit 230 A determines the “appropriate drive state” for the blower.

As the breakdown of the air pollution state shown in FIG. 47, the detection result of the gas sensor, the detection result of the microorganisms by the microorganism sensor, and the detection result of the dust by the microorganism sensor are as shown in FIG. 48C. In this case, with respect to the ion concentration, the display position of the detection result of the microorganism sensor is higher than the display position of the detection result of the corresponding gas sensor. Therefore, the drive control unit 230A determines that the ion generation device is in an “under-driven state”, gives a warning to that effect, and controls the ion generation device to increase the amount of ion generation in the automatic control mode.

Also, with regard to the air volume, the display position of the dust detection result by the microorganism sensor, which is a corresponding item, is higher. For this reason, the drive control unit 230A determines that the air blower is in an “under-driven state”, gives a warning to that effect, and controls the air blower to increase the air volume in the automatic control mode.

That is, in the third example, when the display segment exceeds the display position of the ion concentration in any one of the detection results of the items (bacteria and odors) corresponding to the ion concentration, regardless of the air pollution state. Determines that the ion generator is in an “under-driven state”, gives a warning to that effect, and controls the ion generator to increase the amount of ion generation in the automatic control mode.

In addition, if any one of the detection results of the items (dust etc.) corresponding to the air volume (air cleaning function) is above the air volume display position regardless of the air contamination state, Is determined as “under-driving state”, a warning to that effect is given, and in the automatic control mode, the blower is controlled to increase the air volume.

If the detection result display segment for the item corresponding to the ion concentration is below the ion concentration display position and the detection result display segment for the item corresponding to the air volume is below the air flow display position, The drive control unit 230A determines that the ion generator and the blower are in “appropriate drive state” and does not give a warning or the like.

Further, preferably, when it is determined that the “under-driving state” is caused by an item different from the currently displayed detection result, the display control unit 210 displays the item used for the determination together with the air contamination state. Switch the display screen to display.

By performing the above-described control and display, the air conditioner 1B can appropriately control the ion generator and the blower according to the detected air state. That is, in the manual mode, the user can instruct an appropriate control level by the above-described warning, and in the automatic mode, the appropriate control state is automatically set.

This makes it possible to optimize the air condition and to save energy by suppressing excessive driving.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1A air purifier, 1B air conditioner, 2 high voltage power supply, 3 coating, 4 support substrate, 5 case, 5A collection chamber, 5B detection chamber, 5C wall, 5C 'hole, 6 light emitting element, 7 lens, 8 condensing Lens, 9 light receiving element, 10 introduction hole, 10A, 11A light shielding part, 10a, 10b light shielding plate, 11 discharge hole, 12 collecting jig, 12A collecting unit, 13 aperture, 14 filter, 15 irradiation area, 16A, 16B shutter , 17 discharge electrode, 20 sensor mechanism, 30 signal processing unit, 31 filter circuit, 32 pulse width measurement circuit, 33, 34 voltage conversion circuit, 35 amplification circuit, 36 voltage comparison circuit, 40 measurement detection unit, 41 control unit, 42 , 205 storage unit, 43, 204 output unit, 44, 201 input unit, 45 calculation unit, 46 external connection , 47 clock generation unit, 48 drive unit, 50 air introduction mechanism, 50A fan, 51, 52 area, 53 straight line, 60 brush, 65A cover, 65B adapter, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 Curve, 91 heater, 100, 100A, 100B, 100A, 100B, 100C sensor, 110, 302A, 302A, 302B, 302B switch, 130 display panel, 131 display bar, 131A display segment, 150 communication unit, 200 controller, 202 Calculation unit, 203 generation unit, 210 display control unit, 220 detection control unit, 230 ion control unit, 230A drive control unit, 231 first input unit, 232 calculation unit, 233 second input unit, 234 comparison unit, 235 Output unit, 236 storage unit 240 air volume control unit, 300 an ion generating device, 301A, 301B electrodes, 303A, 303B, 303A high-voltage generation circuit, 400 blower, 411 calculation unit, 500 a humidity adjusting apparatus, 600 temperature adjusting device.

Claims

A first sensor for detecting predetermined particles or components in the air;
A purification mechanism for purifying the air;
A display device;
A control device for controlling display on the display device,
The control device displays the detection result of the first sensor at a first time point and the detection result of the first sensor at a second time point different from the first time point on the display device. An air purifier that performs control.
The controller is
A calculation unit for calculating a ratio of a detection result of the first sensor to a predetermined amount;
A generation unit for determining a display amount of the detection result based on a calculation result in the calculation unit, and generating display data;
A storage unit for storing the display data,
The detection result of the first sensor at the first time point and the detection result of the first sensor at the second time point both depend on the ratio of the detection result to the predetermined amount. The air cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the air cleaner is displayed in a displayed amount.
The said control apparatus displays the detection result of the said 1st sensor in the said 1st time point, and the detection result of the said 1st sensor in the said 2nd time point on one display screen. Air purifier.
The control device displays the detection result of the first sensor at the first time point on one display screen, and the first sensor at the second time point is displayed on the display screen according to a switching instruction. The air cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the air purifier is switched to the detection result.
The first sensor is at least one of a sensor for detecting microorganisms in the air, a sensor for detecting dust in the air, a pollen sensor, and a gas sensor. The air cleaner described.
The first sensor includes at least two types of sensors of a sensor for detecting microorganisms in the air, a sensor for detecting dust in the air, a pollen sensor, and a gas sensor. The air cleaner according to 1.
The air cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the control device displays a control amount of the purification mechanism in accordance with a detection result of the first sensor.
The control device includes a detection result of the first sensor at the first time point, a control amount of the purification mechanism at the first time point, and a detection result of the first sensor at the second time point. The air cleaner according to claim 7, wherein control is performed to display the cumulative amount of the control amount of the purification mechanism from the first time point to the second time point on the display device.
A second sensor for detecting an air condition;
The control device performs control for displaying the detection result of the second sensor on the display device together with the detection result of the first sensor at the first time point and the second time point. The air cleaner according to claim 1.
The air cleaner according to claim 9, wherein the second sensor includes at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.
A display method in an air cleaner comprising a sensor for detecting predetermined particles or components in the air and a purification mechanism for purifying the air,
Generating first display data for displaying a detection result of the sensor at a first time point;
Storing the first display data in a storage device;
Generating second display data for displaying a detection result of the sensor at a second time point different from the first time point;
The step of displaying the detection result of the sensor at the first time point and the detection result of the sensor at the second time point on a display device based on the first display data and the second display data. And a display method in an air cleaner.
A first sensor for detecting predetermined particles in the air;
An air conditioning mechanism to harmonize the air;
A controller for controlling the air conditioning mechanism, connected to the first sensor and the air conditioning mechanism;
The control device determines whether or not the control condition of the air-conditioning mechanism is appropriate based on the control condition of the air-conditioning mechanism and the detection result of the first sensor, and performs control based on the determination result. Harmony machine.
The controller is
An input unit for receiving an input of a detection result of the first sensor and a control status of the air conditioning mechanism;
A calculation unit for calculating a ratio of the detection result with respect to a predetermined amount as a reference for the particles as a value representing the state of the air;
A determination unit for determining the suitability of the control condition of the air conditioner for the air condition by comparing a value indicating the control condition of the air conditioner and a value indicating the state of the air;
The air conditioner of Claim 12 provided with the alerting | reporting part for alerting | reporting the information based on the result of the said determination.
The notification is for changing the control status of the air conditioning mechanism to a balance corresponding to the state of the air,
The control device further includes a storage unit for storing information used for the notification,
The air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein information used for the notification is associated with a result of the determination.
The air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein the control device further includes an output unit for outputting a control signal corresponding to a result of the determination to the air conditioning mechanism.
A second sensor for detecting particles or components different from the first sensor;
The calculation unit calculates, as a value representing the state of the air, a ratio with respect to the predetermined amount for each type of the particles or components, and calculates a ratio with respect to the predetermined amount for all types of particles or components. The air conditioner according to claim 13.
The determination unit includes a value representing the control status of the air conditioning mechanism, and a value representing the state of the air calculated from the detection result of the type of particles or components previously associated with the air conditioning mechanism. The air conditioner of Claim 16 which compares.
The air conditioner according to claim 12, wherein the control device repeats the determination at predetermined time intervals.
The air conditioner according to claim 12, wherein the air conditioning mechanism includes at least one of an ion generating device, a blower device, a humidity adjusting device, and a temperature adjusting device.