ODOR MEASURING DEVICE

Abstract

Provided is an odor measuring apparatus capable of accurately presetting a starting point used as a reference value for an output value of an odor sensor, calculating a delta value that represents a difference between the predefined starting point and an output value of the odor sensor that detects a gas subjected to odor measurement, and determining the calculated delta value as a changed amount of the gas subjected to odor measurement. The apparatus makes it possible to improve the accuracy of odor measurement. Figure for abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: ODOR MEASURING APPARATUS BACKGROUND (a) Technical domain

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an odor measuring apparatus and, more particularly, to an odor measuring apparatus capable of accurately setting a starting point used as a reference value for an output value of an odor sensor, thereby improving the accuracy of odor measurement. (b) State of the art

[0002] It is well known that unique odors and volatile organic compound (VOC) odors generated by various vehicle interiors, such as seat covers, headliners, door trims, and floor mats, are the leading causes of complaints regarding new cars.

[0003] In addition, mold growth and unpleasant odors caused by moisture condensed in an evaporator radiator when a vehicle air conditioner is operating are also causes of discomfort to vehicle users.

[0004] In addition, depending on the surrounding environment during vehicle travel, various unpleasant odors may be contained in the outside air entering the vehicle, and these unpleasant odors from outside may also be causes of discomfort to vehicle users.

[0005] Thus, the quality of the vehicle may be reduced due to various odors occurring both inside and outside the vehicle.

[0006] Therefore, in order to analyze and eliminate the causes of these odors occurring inside and outside the vehicle, it is first necessary to have an odor sensor for accurately measuring the odors and necessary to collect the resulting odor data. In addition, it is also necessary to have a process or the like for accurately determining the actual causes of the occurrence of the odors by analyzing components and concentrations of the odors occurring both inside and outside the vehicle.

[0007] In order to address odor complaints occurring not only in vehicles, but also in various industrial sites, it is first necessary to carry out a process of installing odor sensors at these industrial sites and accurately measuring the components and concentrations of the odors.

[0008] For this purpose, in the state of the art, electrochemical odor sensors and electrochemical odor sensor arrays can be used as odor sensors to measure odors that come not only from the vehicle but also from industrial sites. Alternatively, biological odor sensors, such as a biopeptide type sensor and a sensor using amino acids can also be used.

[0009] For example, when gaseous particles subjected to odor measurement are adsorbed on a surface of an electrochemical odor sensor, an odor measurement may be performed so as to output an electrical signal. Similarly, when the gaseous particles subjected to odor measurement are adsorbed on a surface of the biological odor sensor, the odor measurement may be performed so as to vary in a color signal, an RGB signal, and a brightness signal depending on the number of absorbed gaseous particles.

[0010] An odor measuring apparatus comprising this odor sensor is configured to fundamentally measure a changed amount of gas subjected to odor measurement.

[0011] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.l], when the odor sensor sends to a controller an output value that results from detecting the concentration of the gas subjected to odor measurement, the controller calculates a delta value that represents a difference between a starting point used as a reference value and the output value of the odor sensor and determines the calculated delta value as the changed amount of the gas subjected to odor measurement.

[0012] When the starting point used as a reference value is not accurate, the delta value, which represents the difference between the starting point and the output value of the odor sensor, becomes inaccurate. Therefore, this is problematic because an error may occur in the measurement accuracy of the changed amount of the gas subjected to odor measurement.

[0013] Therefore, among the factors that ensure the measurement accuracy of the odor measuring apparatus, the most critical factor is to accurately set the starting point. Therefore, there is a demand for a new technique for accurately setting the starting point. SUMMARY

[0014] The present disclosure, designed to solve the aforementioned problem of the prior art, aims to provide an odor measuring apparatus, the apparatus being capable of accurately predefining a starting point used as a reference value for an output value of an odor sensor, calculating a delta value that represents a difference between the predetermined starting point and an output value of the odor sensor that detects a gas subjected to odor measurement, and determining the calculated delta value as a changed amount of the gas subjected to odor measurement. The apparatus makes it possible to improve the accuracy of odor measurement.

[0015] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the invention relates to an odor measuring apparatus, the apparatus comprising a pre-chamber, a clean air supply line connected to one side of the pre-chamber, a gas inlet pipe for introducing a gas subject to odor measurement, the gas inlet pipe being connected to one side of the pre-chamber, a fresh air supply pipe connected to one side of the pre-chamber, a first valve mounted on an inlet port in the fresh air supply pipe, a second valve mounted on an inlet port in the gas inlet pipe, a third valve mounted on an inlet port in the fresh air supply pipe, an odor sensor chamber, the fresh air supply pipe, the gas inlet pipe and the fresh air supply pipe being connected to the odor sensor chamber so as to be openable into the odor sensor chamber; an odor sensor mounted inside the odor sensor chamber;and a controller configured to set a starting point that represents a reference value for an output value of the odor sensor that detects the gas subject to odor measurement, based on a signal from the odor sensor detecting clean air or fresh air that is supplied to the odor sensor chamber. ;

[0016] The apparatus may also include a gas flow line, one end being connected to the clean air supply line, the gas inlet line and the fresh air supply line so as to be able to open into the clean air supply line, the gas inlet line and the fresh air supply line, and the other end being connected to the other side of the pre-chamber; a connecting pipe connected between the gas flow line and the odor sensor chamber so as to be able to open into each other; and a clean air supply tank connected to the clean air supply line.

[0017] In the apparatus, the controller may be configured to open the first valve while closing the second valve and the third valve, such that clean air is supplied through the clean air supply line to the odor sensor chamber, and to store as an initial value an output value of the odor sensor that detects the clean air supplied to the odor sensor chamber.

[0018] In the apparatus, the controller may be configured to store as an initial value the output value of the odor sensor that detects clean air, then to compare to the initial value subsequent output values ​​of the odor sensor that detects clean air at predetermined time intervals and to perform an alarm control to replace the odor sensor when a difference between the subsequent output value of the odor sensor and the initial value is greater than or equal to a predetermined level.

[0019] In the apparatus, the controller may be configured to open the third valve while closing the first valve and the second valve, such that fresh air that is outside air is supplied through the fresh air supply line to the odor sensor chamber and to define a starting point, which is used as a reference value, as the output value of the odor sensor which detects the fresh air supplied to the odor sensor chamber.

[0020] In the apparatus, the controller may be configured to open the second valve while closing the first valve and the third valve, such that the gas subject to odor measurement is supplied through the gas supply line to the odor sensor chamber, to calculate a delta value that represents a difference between an output value of the odor sensor that detects the gas subject to odor measurement supplied to the odor sensor chamber and a starting point that represents the reference value, and to determine the calculated delta value as a changed amount of the gas subject to odor measurement.

[0021] In the apparatus, the controller may be configured to open the first valve while closing the second valve and the third valve in a case where an odor measurement is required at a location where fresh air which is outside air is contaminated, such that clean air is supplied through the clean air supply line to the odor sensor chamber and to set a starting point, which is used as a reference value, as an output value of the odor sensor which detects the clean air supplied to the odor sensor chamber.

[0022] In the apparatus, an intake pump for introducing clean air, the gas subject to odor measurement and fresh air into the odor sensor chamber may be connected to an outlet port formed in the other side of the odor sensor chamber.

[0023] In the apparatus, a first heating element, which is switched on and off by the controller in order to heat the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line, and a first cooler, which is switched on and off by the controller in order to cool the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line, may be mounted on the pre-chamber.

[0024] In the apparatus, a second heating element, which is turned on and off by the controller to heat the interior of the odor sensor chamber, and a second cooler, which is turned on and off by the controller to cool the interior of the odor sensor chamber, may be mounted on the odor sensor chamber.

[0025] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the invention relates to an odor measuring apparatus, the apparatus comprising a pre-chamber, a clean air supply line connected to one side of the pre-chamber, a gas inlet line for introducing a gas subject to odor measurement, the gas inlet line being connected to one side of the pre-chamber, a first valve mounted on an inlet port in the clean air supply line, a second valve mounted on an inlet port in the gas inlet line, a first odor sensor chamber, the fresh air supply line and the gas inlet line being connected to the first odor sensor chamber so as to be able to open into the first odor sensor chamber, a first odor sensor mounted inside the first odor sensor chamber, a second odor sensor chamber employing a structure in which a fresh air inlet port and a fresh air outlet port are formed in one side and the other side of the second odor sensor chamber respectively, the second odor sensor chamber being separately mounted at an exterior position where fresh air is continuously introduced;a second odor sensor mounted inside the second odor sensor chamber, and a controller configured to set a starting point that represents a reference value for an output value of the first odor sensor that detects the gas subject to odor measurement, based on a signal from the first odor sensor detecting clean air that is supplied to the first odor sensor chamber or a signal from the second odor sensor detecting fresh air that is supplied to the second odor sensor chamber. ;

[0026] The apparatus may also include a gas flow line, one end being connected to the clean air supply line and the gas inlet line so as to be able to open into the clean air supply line and the gas inlet line and the other end being connected to the other side of the pre-chamber, a connecting pipe connected between the gas flow line and the first odor sensor chamber so as to be able to open into each other, and a clean air supply tank connected to the clean air supply line.

[0027] In the apparatus, the controller may be configured to open the first valve while closing the second valve, such that clean air is supplied through the clean air supply line to the first odor sensor chamber, and to store as an initial value an output value of the first odor sensor that detects the clean air supplied to the first odor sensor chamber.

[0028] In the apparatus, the controller may be configured to store as an initial value the output value of the first odor sensor that detects clean air, then to compare to the initial value subsequent output values ​​of the first odor sensor that detects clean air at predetermined time intervals and to perform an alarm control to replace the first odor sensor when a difference between the subsequent output value of the first odor sensor and the initial value is greater than or equal to a predetermined level.

[0029] In the apparatus, the controller may be configured to define a starting point, which is used as a reference value, as the output value of the second odor sensor that detects fresh air supplied to the second odor sensor chamber.

[0030] In the apparatus, the controller may be configured to open the second valve while closing the first valve, such that the gas subject to odor measurement is supplied through the gas supply line to the first odor sensor chamber, to calculate a delta value that represents a difference between an output value of the first odor sensor that detects the gas subject to odor measurement supplied to the first odor sensor chamber and a starting point that represents the reference value, and to determine the calculated delta value as a changed amount of the gas subject to odor measurement.

[0031] In the apparatus, the controller may be configured to open the first valve while closing the second valve in a case where an odor measurement is required at a location where fresh air that is outside air is contaminated, such that clean air is supplied through the clean air supply line to the first odor sensor chamber and to set a starting point, which is used as a reference value, as an output value of the first odor sensor that detects the clean air supplied to the first odor sensor chamber.

[0032] In the apparatus, an intake pump for introducing the clean air and the gas subjected to odor measurement into the first odor sensor chamber may be connected to an outlet port formed in the other side of the first odor sensor chamber.

[0033] In the apparatus, a first heating element, which is switched on and off by the controller in order to heat the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line, and a first cooler, which is switched on and off by the controller in order to cool the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line, may be mounted on the pre-chamber.

[0034] In the apparatus, a second heating element, which is turned on and off by the controller to heat the interior of the first odor sensor chamber, and a second cooler, which is turned on and off by the controller to cool the interior of the first odor sensor chamber, may be mounted on the first odor sensor chamber.

[0035] The odor measuring apparatus according to the present disclosure has the following advantageous effects.

[0036] First, the starting point used as a reference value for the output value of the odor sensor can be accurately predefined, and the delta value which represents the difference between the predefined starting point and the output value of the odor sensor which detects the gas subjected to odor measurement can be determined as the changed amount of the gas subjected to odor measurement, thereby improving the accuracy of the odor measurement.

[0037] Second, the first heater or the first cooler mounted on the prechamber can operate in addition, or the second heater or the second cooler mounted on the odor sensor chamber can operate in addition. Thus, the temperature and humidity of the air or gas that is supplied to the odor sensor chamber are set to a level at which the odor sensor performs detection accurately, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the odor sensor. Brief description of the drawings

[0038] The above and other features of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to certain related examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings which are given below for illustrative purposes only, and therefore not as a limitation, of the present disclosure, wherein:

[0039] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a graph referred to for the description of a method in which an odor measuring apparatus measures a changed quantity of a gas subject to odor measurement;

[0040] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view illustrating an odor measuring apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] [Fig.3][Fig.4][Fig.5][Fig.6] Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 are schematic views each illustrating a state where the odor measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is operating to perform odor measurement;

[0042] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a process diagram illustrating an odor measurement method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic view illustrating an odor measuring apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] [Fig.9][Fig.lO][Fig.ll][Fig.l2] Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12 are schematic views each illustrating a state where the odor measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is operating to perform odor measurement; and

[0045] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a process diagram illustrating an odor measurement method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example in terms of specific structures and functions in order to meet the requirements for written description and validation. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited thereto. Furthermore, the present disclosure This disclosure shall be construed to include all modifications, equivalents and substitutions that are within the nature and substance of this disclosure and its technical scope.

[0047] Throughout this specification, the terms first, second, and so on may be used to describe various constituent elements, but are not intended to be limiting. These terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from another. For example, a first constituent element may be referred to as a second constituent element without departing from the scope of the claims that define the present disclosure. Similarly, the second constituent element may also be referred to as a first constituent element.

[0048] It is to be understood that, throughout this specification, a constituent element, when said to be "connected to" or "connected to" a different constituent element, may be directly connected or directly connected to the different constituent element or may be connected or connected to the different constituent element using an intermediate constituent element between the two. In contrast, it is to be understood that a constituent element, when said to be "connected directly to" or "connected directly to" a different constituent element, is connected or connected to the different constituent element without any intermediate constituent element between the two. Phrases such as "between" and "directly between", and "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to" to describe a relationship between constituent elements are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0049] The same reference numerals represent similar constituent elements throughout this specification. The terms used throughout this specification are used to describe the embodiments, but are not intended to impose any limitation on the present disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated throughout this specification, a singular noun or singular noun phrase may have a plural meaning. The terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" and / or its derivatives as used in this specification are to be interpreted as meaning "comprising the following constituent element, step, operation, or element, but not to the exclusion of one or more other constituent elements, steps, operations, or elements."

[0050] Embodiments herein will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. First embodiment

[0051] Figures 2 to 6 are views each illustrating an odor measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference numerals 100 and 110 in the drawings represent a pre-chamber and an odor sensor chamber, respectively.

[0052] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, the pre-chamber 100 and the odor sensor chamber 110 are connected to each other by a connecting pipe 120 so as to be able to open into each other.

[0053] A clean air supply line 101, a gas inlet line 102 for the inlet of gas subjected to odor measurement and a fresh air supply line 103 are connected in parallel to one side of the prechamber 100.

[0054] At this stage, a clean air supply tank 105 for supplying clean air (e.g., pure carbon dioxide or pure nitrogen) is connected to the clean air supply line 101. The gas inlet line 102 is disposed in an open state inside a space (e.g., a space inside a vehicle) where the gas subject to odor measurement is present. The fresh air supply line 103 may be disposed in an open state so as to extend to a location (e.g., an air intake portion through which outside air flows into the vehicle, a hood communicating with the outside air, a sunroof, or the like) where outside air in a clear state can flow.

[0055] Furthermore, a first valve 101-1 for supplying or blocking the flow of clean air is mounted so as to be able to open and close on an inlet port of the clean air supply line 101. Similarly, a second valve 102-1 for supplying or blocking the flow of the gas subjected to odor measurement is mounted so as to be able to open and close on an inlet port of the gas inlet line 102. Furthermore, a third valve 103-1 for supplying and blocking the flow of fresh air is mounted so as to be able to open and close on an inlet port of the fresh air supply line 103.

[0056] Figures 1 to 6 and other figures illustrate that the first valve 101-1, the second valve 102-1 and the third valve 103-1 are preferably mounted outside the pre-chamber 100. However, they may be designed to be mounted inside the pre-chamber 100.

[0057] An outlet in the clean air supply line 101, an outlet in the gas inlet line 102, and an outlet in the fresh air supply line 103 are each connected to the odor sensor chamber 110 via a gas flow line 104 so as to be openable into the odor sensor chamber 110.

[0058] For this purpose, a gas flow line 104 is arranged along a longitudinal direction of the pre-chamber 100 inside the pre-chamber 100. The outlet in the clean air supply line 101, the outlet in the gas inlet line 102 and the outlet in the fresh air supply line 103 are connected to one end of the gas flow line 104 of so as to be able to open into the gas flow line 104. The other end of the gas flow line 104 is connected to the other side of the pre-chamber 100.

[0059] Furthermore, the gas flow line 104 and the odor sensor chamber 110 are connected to each other by the connecting pipe 120 so as to be able to open into each other.

[0060] An odor sensor 112 for detecting clean air, the gas subject to odor measurement, fresh air, and the like is attached to an inner bottom surface of the odor sensor chamber 110. The odor sensor 112 may be an electrochemical odor sensor, an array of electrochemical odor sensors, a biopeptide-type sensor, a sensor using amino acids, and other types of odor sensors.

[0061] In this case, the odor sensor 112 is connected to the control device 130 so as to be able to transmit a detection signal. Thus, the odor sensor 112 can transmit signals, i.e. output values ​​of the odor sensor 112 which detects clean air, the gas subject to odor measurement, fresh air and the like to the control device 130.

[0062] In particular, the controller 130 is configured to predefine a starting point that represents a reference value, based on a signal from the odor sensor 112 detecting clean air or fresh air that is supplied to the odor sensor chamber 110. Furthermore, the controller 130 is configured to use the predetermined starting point as a reference value for the output value of the odor sensor 112 that detects the gas subjected to odor measurement.

[0063] For this purpose, the controller 130, as shown in [Fig. 4], is configured to open the third valve 103-1 while closing the first valve 101-1 and the second valve 102-1, such that fresh air which is outside air is supplied from the fresh air supply line 103 to the odor sensor chamber 110 via the gas flow line 104 and the connecting pipe 120. Furthermore, the controller 130 is configured to set the starting point, which is used as a reference value, as the output value of the odor sensor 112 which detects the fresh air which is supplied to the odor sensor chamber 110.

[0064] On the other hand, an odor measurement may be necessary at a location where the fresh air which is the outside air is contaminated. For example, the vehicle may pass by a livestock building or drive through an industrial complex from which an odor is emanating. Furthermore, the odor measurement may be necessary at a location where the fresh air which is the outside air is contaminated or absent, for example inside a manhole in which a toxic gas is present, inside an airtight coal mine, inside an airtight immersion vehicle, inside a sub- airtight marine environment, inside an airtight spacecraft, inside an airtight spacesuit, or the like. In these cases, when the starting point used as a reference value is set as the output value of the odor sensor 112 that detects fresh air, the starting point used as a reference value may not be accurate. Therefore, a delta value (a changed amount of the gas being odor measured) that represents a difference between the starting point and the output value of the odor sensor 112 may be unavoidably inaccurate as before.

[0065] To solve this problem, in a case where the odor measurement is needed at the location where fresh air is contaminated or absent, a user can instruct the controller 130 to set the starting point based on the clean air, using an input means (e.g., a switch or menu button installed in the vehicle, or a corresponding application installed on a smart device).

[0066] Thus, as shown in [Fig. 6], the controller 130 is configured to open the first valve 101-1 while closing the second valve 102-1 and the third valve 103-1, in the case where the odor measurement is required at the location where fresh air is contaminated or absent, so that the clean air is supplied from the clean air supply line 101 to the odor sensor chamber 110 via the gas flow line 104 and the connecting pipe 120. Furthermore, the controller 130 is configured to set the starting point, which is used as a reference value, as the output value of the odor sensor 112 which detects the clean air supplied to the odor sensor chamber 110.

[0067] As described above, after defining the starting point, a process of measuring an odor present in a specific internal space (e.g., a space inside the vehicle or the like) can be performed.

[0068] For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 5], the controller 130 is configured to open the second valve 102-1 while closing the first valve 101-1 and the third valve 103-1, such that the gas subjected to odor measurement is supplied from the gas inlet line 102 to the odor sensor chamber 110 via the gas flow line 104 and the connecting pipe 120. Furthermore, the controller 130 is configured to calculate a delta value which represents a difference between an output value of the odor sensor 112 which detects the gas subjected to odor measurement supplied to the odor sensor chamber 110 and the starting point which represents the reference value, and to determine the calculated delta value as the changed amount of the gas subjected to odor measurement.

[0069] In a case where the odor sensor 112 is initially fixed inside the odor sensor chamber 110, in order to manage the life and durability of the odor sensor 112, it is preferable that an initial output value of the odor sensor 112 is stored in the controller 130.

[0070] For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 3], the control device 130 is configured to open the first valve 101-1 while closing the second valve 102-1 and the third valve 103-1, in the case where the odor sensor 112 is initially fixed inside the odor sensor chamber 110, such that the clean air is supplied from the clean air supply line 101 to the odor sensor chamber 110 via the gas flow line 104 and the connecting pipe 120. Furthermore, the control device 130 is configured to store as an initial value the output value of the odor sensor 112 which detects the clean air supplied to the odor sensor chamber 110.

[0071] In this case, the more usages of the odor sensor 112 are accumulated, the more cracks occur on a surface of the odor sensor 112 or the more foreign matter (dust, gaseous particles and the like), which causes a decrease in detection performance, accumulates on the surface of the odor sensor 112. For these reasons, the performance of the odor sensor 112 decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately determine a replacement period of the odor sensor 112.

[0072] For this purpose, the control device 130 can store as an initial value the output value of the odor sensor 112 which detects the clean air, and then controls the opening of the first valve 101-1 while controlling the closing of the second valve 102-1 and the third valve 103-1, so that the clean air is supplied at predetermined time intervals to the odor sensor chamber 110. Thus, the odor sensor 112 can detect the clean air at the predetermined time intervals.

[0073] Therefore, the controller 130 is configured to store as an initial value the output value of the odor sensor 112 that detects clean air, and then to compare with the initial value subsequent output values ​​of the odor sensor 112 that detects clean air at predetermined time intervals. Furthermore, the controller 130 is configured to determine replacement of the odor sensor 112 due to a decrease in the performance of the odor sensor 2 and to perform alarm control for replacement of the odor sensor 112 when a difference between the subsequent output value of the odor sensor 112 and the initial value is greater than or equal to a predetermined level.

[0074] In this case, the control device 130 may instruct a visual or audible alarm device 132 to emit an alarm signal to perform the alarm control for the replacement of the odor sensor 112.

[0075] Preferably, an intake pump 114 for introducing the clean air, the gas subject to odor measurement and the fresh air into the odor sensor chamber 110 is connected to an outlet port formed in the other side of the odor sensor chamber 110.

[0076] Therefore, by driving the intake pump 114, clean air, the gas subjected to odor measurement, and fresh air can be easily introduced into the odor sensor chamber 110 and, after detection by the odor sensor 112, can be discharged to the outside through the outlet in the odor sensor chamber 110.

[0077] When the odor sensor 112 detects clean air, the gas subject to odor measurement, fresh air, and the like, the odor data resulting from the measurement by the odor sensor 112 may vary with the temperature or humidity of the air or gas. Therefore, the accuracy of the measurement by the odor sensor 112 may decrease. For this reason, it is preferable that the temperature or humidity of the air or gas (clean air, the gas subject to odor measurement, fresh air, or the like) that is detected by the odor sensor 112 be set constantly.

[0078] For this purpose, to heat the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line 104, a first heating element 141 and a first cooler 151 are mounted on the prechamber 100. The first heating element 141 is turned on and off by the control device 130. The first cooler 151 is turned on and off by the control device 130 in order to cool the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line 104.

[0079] Therefore, when the temperature of the air or gas (clean air, gas subject to odor measurement, fresh air, or the like) flowing in the gas flow line 104 is lower than a reference value or when its humidity is greater than or equal to the reference value, the controller 130 turns on and off the first heating element 141 to make the first heating element 141 perform a heating operation, based on a detection signal from a temperature and humidity sensor (not shown).On the other hand, when the temperature of the air or gas (clean air, gas subject to odor measurement, fresh air, or the like) flowing in the gas flow line 104 is greater than or equal to the reference value or when its humidity is lower than the reference value, the control device 130 controls the first cooler 151 to be turned on so that the first cooler 151 performs a cooling operation, based on the detection signal of the temperature and humidity sensor. Thus, the temperature and humidity of the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line 104 can be adjusted consistently.

[0080] It is preferable that the prechamber 100 is manufactured so as to have a volume facilitating the transfer of hot air generated during heating or cold air generated during cooling to the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line 104.

[0081] In this case, the temperature and humidity of the air or gas (clean air, gas subject to odor measurement, fresh air, or the like) flowing in the gas flow line 104 are mainly adjusted by the first heater 141 or the first cooler 151, but may not be completely adjusted to a predetermined level.

[0082] Accordingly, a second heater 142 and a second cooler 152 may also be mounted respectively at predetermined positions on the odor sensor chamber 110. The second heater 142 is turned on and off by the controller 130 to heat the interior of the odor sensor chamber 110. The second cooler 152 is turned on and off by the controller 130 to cool the interior of the odor sensor chamber 110.

[0083] With this configuration, the temperature and humidity of the air or gas (the clean air, the gas subject to odor measurement, the fresh air or the like) flowing in the gas flow line 104 are mainly adjusted by the first heater 141 or the first cooler 151, and then the air or gas is introduced into the odor sensor chamber 110. Then, the temperature and humidity of the air or gas introduced into the odor sensor chamber 110 are secondarily adjusted by a heating operation of the second heater 142 and a cooling operation of the second cooler 152. Thus, the temperature and humidity of the air or gas (the clean air, the gas subject to odor measurement, the fresh air or the like) detected by the odor sensor 112 can be completely adjusted to a predetermined level. Therefore, the accuracy of the odor data resulting from the measurement by the odor sensor 112 can be guaranteed..

[0084] The sequential steps of odor measurement by the odor measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure are performed as follows.

[0085] [Fig.7] is a process diagram illustrating an odor measurement method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] First, in step S101, in the case where the odor sensor 112 is initially fixed inside the odor sensor chamber 110, the odor sensor 112 is set to detect clean air, and the controller 130 stores as an initial value the output value of the odor sensor 112 that detects clean air.

[0087] For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 3], in the case where the odor sensor 112 is initially fixed inside the odor sensor chamber 110, the device control device 130 opens the first valve 101-1 while closing the second valve 102-1 and the third valve 103-1, so that clean air is supplied from the clean air supply line 101 to the odor sensor chamber 110 via the gas flow line 104 and the connecting pipe 120. Furthermore, the controller 130 stores as an initial value the output value of the odor sensor 112 which detects the clean air supplied to the odor sensor chamber 110.

[0088] Then, in step S102, the user checks whether the fresh air which is the outside air is contaminated or not or whether the fresh air is absent or not.

[0089] In step S103, in a case where the result of the check is that the fresh air which is the outside air is clean without being contaminated, the starting point is set as the output value of the odor sensor 112 which detects the fresh air.

[0090] For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 4], the controller 130 can open the third valve 103-1 while closing the first valve 101-1 and the second valve 102-1, so that fresh air which is outside air is supplied from the fresh air supply line 103 to the odor sensor chamber 110 via the gas flow line 104 and the connecting pipe 120. Furthermore, the controller 130 can set the starting point, which is used as a reference value, as the output value of the odor sensor 112 which detects the fresh air supplied to the odor sensor chamber 110 and can store the output value of the odor sensor 112.

[0091] On the other hand, in step S104, in a case where the fresh air which is the outside air is contaminated or absent, the starting point is set as the output value of the odor sensor 112 which detects the clean air.

[0092] For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 6], the controller 130 can open the first valve 101-1 while closing the second valve 102-1 and the third valve 103-1, so that the clean air is supplied from the clean air supply line 101 to the odor sensor chamber 110 via the gas flow line 104 and the connecting pipe 120. Furthermore, the controller 130 can set the starting point, which is used as a reference value, as the output value of the odor sensor 112 which detects the clean air supplied to the odor sensor chamber 110 and can store the output value of the odor sensor 112.

[0093] Next, in step S105, gases subjected to odor measurement (e.g., various unpleasant odors present inside the vehicle, unpleasant odors present in various industrial sites, and the like) are detected.

[0094] For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 5], the control device 130 opens the second valve 102-1 while closing the first valve 101-1 and the third valve 103-1, so that the gas subjected to odor measurement is supplied by the gas inlet line 102 to the odor sensor chamber 110 via the gas flow line 104 and the connecting pipe 120. The odor sensor 112 detects the gas subject to odor measurement which is supplied to the odor sensor chamber 110 and transmits the output value resulting from the detection to the control device 130.

[0095] Next, in step S106, the controller 130 calculates the delta value which represents the difference between the output value of the odor sensor 112 which detects the gas subjected to odor measurement and the starting point which represents the reference value, and determines the calculated delta value as the changed amount of the gas subjected to odor measurement.

[0096] The controller 130 may store as an initial value the output value of the odor sensor 112 that detects clean air, and then may open the first valve 101-1 while closing the second valve 102-1 and the third valve 103-1, such that the clean air is supplied at predetermined time intervals to the odor sensor chamber 110. Thus, in step S107, the odor sensor 112 may detect the clean air at the predetermined time intervals.

[0097] Then, the controller 130 compares subsequent output values ​​of the odor sensor 112 that detects clean air at the predetermined time intervals with the initial value (S 108). When a difference in absolute value between the subsequent output value of the odor sensor 112 and the initial value is greater than or equal to a predetermined level, the controller 130 determines replacement of the odor sensor 112 due to the decrease in performance of the odor sensor 112 and performs alarm control for replacement of the odor sensor 112 (S 109).

[0098] Therefore, the control device 130 can instruct the visual or audible alarm device 132 to output the alarm signal to perform the alarm control for replacing the odor sensor 112. Thus, the user can recognize the need to replace the odor sensor 112 due to the decrease in performance of the odor sensor 112.

[0099] In the odor measurement method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the starting point which is used as a reference value for the output value of the odor sensor 112 can be accurately predefined, and the delta value which represents the difference between the predefined starting point and the output value of the odor sensor 112 which detects the gas subjected to odor measurement can be determined as the changed amount of the gas subjected to odor measurement. Thus, the accuracy of the odor measurement can be improved. Second embodiment

[0100] Figures 8 to 12 are views each illustrating an odor measuring apparatus. according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference numerals 100 and 110-1 in each of the drawings represent the pre-chamber and a first odor sensor chamber, respectively.

[0101] The second embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a second odor sensor chamber 110-2 and a second odor sensor 112-2 which are capable of detecting fresh air and which are separately arranged so as to enable wired and wireless communication at a specific exterior location (e.g., an air intake portion through which outside air flows into the vehicle, a hood communicating with outside air, a sunroof, or the like).

[0102] The clean air supply line 101 and the gas inlet line 102 for the inlet of the gas subjected to odor measurement are connected in parallel to one side of the prechamber 100.

[0103] In this case, the clean air supply tank 105 for supplying clean air (pure carbon dioxide or pure nitrogen) is connected to the clean air supply line 101, and the gas inlet line 102 is disposed in an open state inside a space (e.g., a space inside a vehicle) where the gas subject to odor measurement is present.

[0104] Furthermore, the first valve 101-1 for supplying or blocking the flow of clean air is mounted so as to be able to open and close on the inlet port of the clean air supply line 101. Similarly, the second valve 102-1 for supplying or blocking the flow of the gas subjected to odor measurement is mounted so as to be able to open and close on the inlet port of the gas inlet line 102.

[0105] The outlet in the clean air supply line 101 and the outlet in the gas inlet line 102 are each connected to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 via a gas flow line 104 so as to be able to open into the first odor sensor chamber 110-1.

[0106] For this purpose, a gas flow line 104 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the pre-chamber 100 inside the pre-chamber 100. The outlet in the clean air supply line 101 and the outlet in the gas inlet line 102 are connected to one end of the gas flow line 104 so as to be able to open into the gas flow line 104. The other end of the gas flow line 104 is connected to the other side of the pre-chamber 100.

[0107] Furthermore, the gas flow line 104 and the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 are connected to each other by the connecting pipe 120 so as to be able to open into each other.

[0108] A first odor sensor 112-1 for detecting pure air, gas subjected to an odor measurement and the like is attached to an inner bottom surface of the first odor sensor chamber 110-1. The first odor sensor 112-1 may be an electrochemical odor sensor, an array of electrochemical odor sensors, a biopeptide type sensor, a sensor using amino acids and other types of odor sensors.

[0109] In this case, the first odor sensor 112-1 is connected to the control device 130 so as to be able to transmit the detection signal. Thus, the first odor sensor 112-1 can transmit the signals, i.e., the output values ​​of the odor sensor 112 which detects clean air, the gas subject to odor measurement, fresh air and the like to the control device 130.

[0110] In particular, the second odor sensor chamber 110-2 uses a structure in which a fresh air inlet port and a fresh air outlet port are respectively formed in one side and the other side of the second odor sensor chamber 110-2. The second odor sensor chamber 110-2 is separately mounted at an outdoor position where fresh air is continuously introduced. The second odor sensor 112-2 for detecting fresh air is fixed on an inner bottom surface of the second odor sensor chamber 110-2.

[0111] Therefore, the second odor sensor 112-2 is connected to the controller 130 so as to be able to transmit the detection signal. Thus, the second odor sensor 112-2 can transmit the signal, i.e., the output value of the second odor sensor 112-2 that detects fresh air, to the controller 130.

[0112] Accordingly, the controller 130 may be configured to set a starting point that represents a reference value for an output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 that detects the gas subject to odor measurement, based on a signal from the first odor sensor 112-1 detecting clean air that is supplied to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 or a signal from the second odor sensor 112-2 detecting fresh air that is supplied to the second odor sensor chamber 110-2.

[0113] For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 10], the control device 130 is configured to set a starting point, which is used as a reference value, as the output value of the second odor sensor 112-2 which detects the fresh air supplied to the second odor sensor chamber 110-2, when the fresh air which is outside air is supplied to the second odor sensor chamber 110-2 in a state where the first valve 101-1 and the second valve 102-1 are closed.

[0114] As described above, the second odor sensor chamber 110-2 and the second odor sensor 112-2 for setting the starting point by detecting fresh air are separately arranged at an external location where fresh air continuously flows from the outside. This configuration can enable easier detection of fresh air. fresh and can reduce a detection load on the first odor sensor 112-1, thereby ensuring durability performance.

[0115] The odor measurement may be necessary at the location where the fresh air which is the outside air is contaminated. For example, the vehicle may pass by a livestock building or through an industrial complex from which an odor is emanating. Furthermore, the odor measurement may be necessary at the location where the fresh air which is the outside air is contaminated or absent, for example inside a manhole in which a toxic gas is present, inside an airtight coal mine, inside an airtight immersion vehicle, inside an airtight submarine, inside an airtight spacecraft, inside an airtight spacesuit or the like. In these cases, when the starting point used as the reference value is set as the output value of the second odor sensor 112-2 that detects fresh air, the starting point used as the reference value may not be accurate.Therefore, a delta value (a changed quantity of the gas subjected to odor measurement) that represents a difference between the starting point and the output value of the second odor sensor 112-2 may be unavoidably inaccurate as before.

[0116] To solve this problem, in the case where the odor measurement is needed at the location where fresh air is contaminated or absent, the user can instruct the controller 130 to set the starting point based on the clean air, using an input means (e.g., a switch or menu button installed in the vehicle, or a corresponding application installed on a smart device).

[0117] Thus, as shown in [Fig. 12], the controller 130 is configured to open the first valve 101-1 while closing the second valve 102-1, in the case where the odor measurement is required at the location where fresh air is contaminated or absent, so that the clean air is supplied from the clean air supply line 101 to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 via the gas flow line 104 and the connecting pipe 120. Furthermore, the controller 130 is configured to set the starting point, which is used as a reference value, as the output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 which detects the clean air supplied to the odor sensor chamber 110-1.

[0118] As described above, after defining the starting point, the process of measuring an odor present in a specific internal space (e.g., a space inside the vehicle or the like) can be performed.

[0119] For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 11], the control device 130 can open the second valve 102-1 while closing the first valve 101-1, so that the gas subjected to odor measurement is supplied through the gas inlet line 102 to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 via the gas flow line 104 and the connecting pipe 120. Further, the controller 130 may be configured to calculate a delta value that represents a difference between an output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 that detects the gas subject to odor measurement supplied to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 and the starting point that represents the reference value, and to determine the calculated delta value as the changed amount of the gas subject to odor measurement.

[0120] In a case where the first odor sensor 112-1 is initially fixed inside the first odor sensor chamber 110-1, in order to manage the life and durability of the first odor sensor 112-1, it is preferable that an initial output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 is stored in the controller 130.

[0121] For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 9], the control device 130 is configured to open the first valve 101-1 while closing the second valve 102-1, in the case where the first odor sensor 112-1 is initially fixed inside the first odor sensor chamber 110-1, such that the clean air is supplied from the clean air supply line 101 to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 via the gas flow line 104 and the connecting pipe 120. Furthermore, the control device 130 is configured to store as an initial value the output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 which detects the clean air supplied to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1.

[0122] In this case, the more usages of the first odor sensor 112-1 are accumulated, the more cracks occur on a surface of the first odor sensor 112-1 or the more foreign matter (dust, gas particles and the like), which causes a decrease in detection performance, accumulates on the surface of the first odor sensor 112-1. For these reasons, the performance of the first odor sensor 112-1 decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately determine a replacement period of the first odor sensor 112-1.

[0123] For this purpose, the control device 130 can store as an initial value the output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 which detects clean air, and can open the first valve 101-1 while closing the second valve 102-1, so that clean air is supplied at predetermined time intervals to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1. Thus, the odor sensor 112-1 can detect clean air at the predetermined time intervals.

[0124] Therefore, the controller 130 is configured to store as an initial value the output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 that detects clean air, and then to compare subsequent output values ​​of the first odor sensor 112-1 to the initial value. odor sensor 112-1 that detects clean air at predetermined time intervals. Further, the controller 130 is configured to determine replacement of the first odor sensor 112-1 due to a decrease in performance of the first odor sensor 112-1 and to perform alarm control for replacement of the first odor sensor 112-1 when a difference between the subsequent output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 and the initial value is greater than or equal to a predetermined level.

[0125] In this case, the control device 130 may instruct the visual or audible alarm device 132 to emit an alarm signal to perform the alarm control for the replacement of the first odor sensor 112-1.

[0126] Preferably, the intake pump 114 for introducing the clean air and the gas subjected to odor measurement into the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 is connected to an outlet port formed in the other side of the first odor sensor chamber 110-1.

[0127] Therefore, by driving the intake pump 114, the clean air and the gas subjected to odor measurement can be easily introduced into the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 and, after detection by the first odor sensor 112-1, can be discharged to the outside through the outlet in the first odor sensor chamber 110-1.

[0128] When the first odor sensor 112-1 detects clean air, gas subject to odor measurement, and the like, the odor data resulting from the measurement by the first odor sensor 112-1 may vary with the temperature or humidity of the air or gas. Therefore, the accuracy of the measurement by the first odor sensor 112-1 may decrease. For this reason, it is preferable that the temperature or humidity of the air or gas (clean air, gas subject to odor measurement, or the like) that is detected by the first odor sensor 112-1 be set constantly.

[0129] For this purpose, to heat the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line 104, a first heating element 141 and a first cooler 151 are mounted on the prechamber 100. The first heating element 141 is turned on and off by the control device 130. The first cooler 151 is turned on and off by the control device 130 in order to cool the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line 104.

[0130] Therefore, when the temperature of the air or gas (clean air, gas subject to odor measurement, or the like) flowing in the gas flow line 104 is lower than the reference value or when its humidity is higher than or equal to the reference value, the controller 130 turns on the first heating element 141 so that the first heating element 141 performs the heating operation, based on the detection signal of the temperature sensor and humidity (not shown). On the other hand, when the temperature of the air or gas (clean air, gas subject to odor measurement, or the like) flowing in the gas flow line 104 is higher than or equal to the reference value or when its humidity is lower than the reference value, the control device 130 turns on the first cooler 151 so that the first cooler 151 performs the cooling operation, based on the detection signal from the temperature and humidity sensor. Thus, the temperature and humidity of the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line 104 can be adjusted constantly.

[0131] It is preferable that the pre-chamber 100 be manufactured so as to have a volume facilitating the transfer of hot air generated during heating or cold air generated during cooling to the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line 104.

[0132] In this case, the temperature and humidity of the air or gas (clean air, gas subject to odor measurement, or the like) flowing in the gas flow line 104 are mainly adjusted by the first heater 141 or the first cooler 151, but may not be completely adjusted to a predetermined level.

[0133] Therefore, the second heating element 142 and the second cooler 152 may also be mounted respectively at predetermined positions on the first odor sensor chamber 110-1. The second heating element 142 is turned on and off by the controller 130 to heat the interior of the first odor sensor chamber 110-1. The second cooler 152 is turned on and off by the controller 130 to cool the interior of the first odor sensor chamber 110-1.

[0134] With this configuration, the temperature and humidity of the air or gas (the clean air, the gas subject to odor measurement, or the like) flowing in the gas flow line 104 are primarily adjusted by the first heater 141 or the first cooler 151, and then the air or gas is introduced into the odor sensor chamber 110-1. Then, the temperature and humidity of the air or gas introduced into the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 are secondary adjusted by the heating operation of the second heater 142 and the cooling operation of the second cooler 152. Thus, the temperature and humidity of the air or gas (the clean air, the gas subject to odor measurement, fresh air, or the like) detected by the first odor sensor 112-1 can be completely adjusted to a predetermined level.Therefore, the accuracy of the odor data resulting from the measurement by the first odor sensor 112-1 can be guaranteed.

[0135] The sequential steps of odor measurement by the odor measuring device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure are performed as follows.

[0136] [Fig. 13] is a process diagram illustrating an odor measurement method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] First, in step S201, in the case where the first odor sensor 112-1 is initially fixed inside the first odor sensor chamber 110-1, the first odor sensor 112-1 is set to detect clean air, and the controller 130 stores as an initial value the output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 that detects clean air.

[0138] For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 9], in the case where the first odor sensor 112-1 is initially fixed inside the first odor sensor chamber 110-1, the controller 130 opens the first valve 101-1 while closing the second valve 102-1, so that clean air is supplied from the clean air supply line 101 to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 via the gas flow line 104 and the connecting pipe 120. Furthermore, the controller 130 stores as an initial value the output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 which detects the clean air supplied to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1.

[0139] Then, in step S202, the user checks whether the fresh air which is the outside air is contaminated or not or whether the fresh air is absent or not.

[0140] In step S203, in a case where the result of the check is that the fresh air which is the outside air is clean without being contaminated, the starting point is set as the output value of the second odor sensor 112-2 which detects the fresh air.

[0141] For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 10], in a state where the first valve 101-1 and the second valve 102-1 are closed, the controller 130 can set the starting point, which is used as a reference value, as the output value of the second odor sensor 112-2 which detects the fresh air supplied to the second odor sensor chamber 110-2 and can store the output value of the second odor sensor 112-2.

[0142] On the other hand, in step S204, in the case where the fresh air which is the outside air is contaminated or absent, the starting point is set as the output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 which detects the clean air.

[0143] For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 12], the control device 130 can open the first valve 101-1 while closing the second valve 102-1, so that clean air is supplied from the clean air supply line 101 to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 via the gas flow line 104 and the connecting pipe 120. Furthermore, the control device 130 can set the output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 which detects the clean air supplied to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 as a starting point used as a reference value, and can store the output value of the first odor sensor 112-1.

[0144] Next, in step S205, the first odor sensor 112-1 detects gases subject to odor measurement (e.g., various unpleasant odors present inside the vehicle, unpleasant odors present in various industrial sites, and the like).

[0145] For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 11], the control device 130 opens the second valve 102-1 while closing the first valve 101-1, so that the gas subjected to odor measurement is supplied from the gas inlet pipe 102 to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 via the gas flow pipe 104 and the connecting pipe 120. The first odor sensor 112-1 detects the gas subjected to odor measurement which is supplied to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1 and transmits the output value resulting from the detection to the control device 130.

[0146] Next, in step S206, the controller 130 calculates the delta value which represents the difference between the output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 which detects the gas subjected to odor measurement and the starting point which represents the reference value, and determines the calculated delta value as the changed amount of the gas subjected to odor measurement.

[0147] The controller 130 may store as an initial value the output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 that detects clean air, and then may open the first valve 101-1 while closing the second valve 102-1, such that clean air is supplied at predetermined time intervals to the first odor sensor chamber 110-1. Thus, in step S207, the odor sensor 112-1 may detect clean air at the predetermined time intervals.

[0148] Next, the controller 130 compares subsequent output values ​​of the first odor sensor 112-1 that detects clean air at the predetermined time intervals with the initial value (S208). In step S209, when a difference in absolute value between the subsequent output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 and the initial value is greater than or equal to a predetermined level, the controller 130 determines replacement of the first odor sensor 112-1 due to the decrease in performance of the first odor sensor 112-1 and performs alarm control for replacement of the first odor sensor 112-1.

[0149] Therefore, the control device 130 can instruct the visual or audible alarm device 132 to output the alarm signal to perform the alarm control for replacing the first odor sensor 112-1. Thus, the user can recognize the need to replace the first sensor. odor sensor 112-1 due to decreased performance of the first odor sensor 112-1.

[0150] In the odor measurement method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the starting point which is used as a reference value for the output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 can be accurately predefined, and the delta value which represents the difference between the predefined starting point and the output value of the first odor sensor 112-1 which detects the gas subjected to odor measurement can be determined as the changed amount of the gas subjected to odor measurement. Thus, the accuracy of the odor measurement can be improved.

[0151] The odor measuring apparatus according to the present disclosure can be mounted in future mobility, such as a specialized vehicle (PBV) or urban air mobility (UAM), as well as in a standard ground vehicle, and can measure various odors occurring in the standard ground vehicle and future mobility. Thus, the apparatus can accurately analyze the actual causes of the occurrence of unpleasant odors, based on the odor data resulting from the measurement, thereby contributing to improving the odor-related emotional qualities of vehicles and future mobility.

[0152] The odor measuring apparatus according to the present disclosure can be mounted on a robot easily accessible at different industrial sites (e.g., industrial sites where a gas leak or unpleasant odor occurs). Thus, the utility of the robot can be greatly improved, for example, by accurately measuring the components and concentrations of odors that occur in these industrial sites.

[0153] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, but the scope of the claims of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present disclosure which is defined in the following claims are also included within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

Claims

Claims

1. An odor measuring apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a pre-chamber (100); a clean air supply line (101) connected to one side of the pre-chamber (100); a gas inlet line (102) configured to introduce a gas subject to odor measurement, the gas inlet line (102) being connected to said side of the pre-chamber (100); a fresh air supply line connected to said side of the pre-chamber (100); a first valve (101-1) mounted on the clean air supply line (101); a second valve (102-1) mounted on the gas inlet line (102); a third valve (103-1) mounted on the fresh air supply line (103); an odor sensor chamber (110), the clean air supply line (101), the gas inlet line (102) and the fresh air supply line (103) being connected to the odor sensor chamber (110) so as to be able to open into the odor sensor chamber (110);an odor sensor (112) mounted inside the odor sensor chamber (110); and a controller (130) configured to set a starting point that represents a reference value for an output value of the odor sensor (112) that detects the gas subject to odor measurement, based on a signal from the odor sensor (112) detecting clean air or fresh air that is supplied to the odor sensor chamber (110).;

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a gas flow line (104), one end of the gas flow line (104) being connected to the clean air supply line (101), the gas inlet line (102) and the fresh air supply line (103) so as to be openable into the clean air supply line (101), the gas inlet line (102) and the fresh air supply line, and another end of the gas flow line (104) being connected to another side of the pre-chamber (100); a connecting pipe (120) connected between the gas flow line (104) and the odor sensor chamber (110) so as to be able to open into each other; and a clean air supply tank connected to the clean air supply line (101).

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller (130) is configured to open the first valve (101-1) while closing the second valve (102-1) and the third valve (103-1), such that clean air is supplied through the clean air supply line (101) to the odor sensor chamber (110), and to store as an initial value an output value of the odor sensor (112) that detects the clean air supplied to the odor sensor chamber (110).

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller (130) is configured to store as an initial value the output value of the odor sensor (112) that detects clean air, then to compare with the initial value subsequent output values ​​of the odor sensor (112) that detects clean air at predetermined time intervals and to perform alarm control to replace the odor sensor (112) when a difference between the subsequent output value of the odor sensor (112) and the initial value is greater than or equal to a predetermined level.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller (130) is configured to open the third valve (103-1) while closing the first valve (101-1) and the second valve (102-1), such that fresh air which is outside air is supplied through the fresh air supply line (103) to the odor sensor chamber (110) and to set a starting point, which is used as a reference value, as the output value of the odor sensor (112) which detects the fresh air supplied to the odor sensor chamber (110).

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller (130) is configured to open the second valve (102-1) while closing the first valve (101-1) and the third valve (103-1), such that the gas subject to odor measurement is supplied through the gas supply line to the odor sensor chamber (110), to calculate a delta value that represents a difference between an output value of the odor sensor (112) that detects the gas subject to odor measurement supplied to the odor sensor chamber (110) and a point starting point which represents the reference value, and to determine the delta value calculated as a modified quantity of the gas subjected to an odor measurement.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller (130) is configured to open the first valve (101-1) while closing the second valve (102-1) and the third valve (103-1) when odor measurement is required at a location where fresh air that is outside air is contaminated, such that clean air is supplied through the clean air supply line (101) to the odor sensor chamber (110) and to set a starting point, which is used as a reference value, as an output value of the odor sensor (112) that detects the clean air supplied to the odor sensor chamber (110).

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an intake pump for introducing the clean air, the gas subject to odor measurement and the fresh air into the odor sensor chamber (110) is connected to an outlet port formed in the other side of the odor sensor chamber (110).

9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a first heating element, which is configured to be turned on and off by the controller (130) to heat the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line (104), and a first cooler, which is configured to be turned on and off by the controller (130) to cool the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line (104), are mounted on the prechamber (100).

10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a second heating element, which is configured to be turned on and off by the controller (130) to heat the interior of the odor sensor chamber (110), and a second cooler, which is configured to be turned on and off by the controller (130) to cool the interior of the odor sensor chamber (110), are mounted on the odor sensor chamber (110).

11. An odor measuring apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a pre-chamber (100); a clean air supply line (101) connected to one side of the pre-chamber (100); a gas inlet line (102) configured to introduce a gas subjected to an odor measurement, the gas inlet pipe (102) being connected to said side of the pre-chamber (100); a first valve (101-1) mounted on the clean air supply line (101); a second valve (102-1) mounted on the gas inlet pipe (102); a first odor sensor chamber (110), the clean air supply pipe (101) and the gas inlet pipe (102) being connected to the first odor sensor chamber so as to be able to open into the first odor sensor chamber; a first odor sensor mounted within the first odor sensor chamber; a second odor sensor chamber having a structure in which a fresh air inlet is positioned on one side of the second odor sensor chamber and a fresh air outlet is positioned on another side of the second odor sensor chamber, the second odor sensor chamber being separately mounted at an outdoor position where fresh air is continuously introduced; a second odor sensor mounted within the second odor sensor chamber; and a controller (130) configured to set a starting point that represents a reference value for an output value of the first odor sensor that detects the gas subject to odor measurement, based on a signal from the first odor sensor detecting clean air that is supplied to the first odor sensor chamber or a signal from the second odor sensor detecting fresh air that is supplied to the second odor sensor chamber.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: a gas flow line (104), one end of the gas flow line (104) being connected to the clean air supply line (101) and the gas inlet line (102) so as to be able to open into the clean air supply line (101) and the gas inlet line (102), and another end of the gas flow line (104) being connected to another side of the prechamber (100); a connecting pipe (120) connected between the gas flow line (104) and the first odor sensor chamber so as to be able to open into each other; and a clean air supply tank (105) connected to the pipe clean air supply (101).

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the controller (130) is configured to open the first valve (101-1) while closing the second valve (102-1), such that clean air is supplied through the clean air supply line (101) to the first odor sensor chamber, and to store as an initial value an output value of the first odor sensor that detects the clean air supplied to the first odor sensor chamber.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the controller (130) is configured to store as an initial value the output value of the first odor sensor that detects clean air, then to compare with the initial value subsequent output values ​​of the first odor sensor that detects clean air at predetermined time intervals and to perform alarm control to replace the first odor sensor when a difference between the subsequent output value of the first odor sensor and the initial value is greater than or equal to a predetermined level.

15. Apparatus of claim 11, wherein the controller (130) is configured to set a starting point, which is used as a reference value, as the output value of the second odor sensor that detects fresh air supplied to the second odor sensor chamber.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the controller (130) is configured to open the second valve (102-1) while closing the first valve (101-1), such that the gas subjected to odor measurement is supplied through the gas supply line to the first odor sensor chamber, to calculate a delta value which represents a difference between an output value of the first odor sensor which detects the gas subjected to odor measurement supplied to the first odor sensor chamber and a starting point which represents the reference value, and to determine the calculated delta value as a changed amount of the gas subjected to odor measurement.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the controller (130) is configured to open the first valve (101-1) while closing the second valve (102-1) when an odor measurement is performed at a location where fresh air that is outside air is contaminated, such that clean air is supplied through the duct supplying clean air (101) to the first odor sensor chamber and for setting a starting point, which is used as a reference value, as the output value of the first odor sensor which detects the clean air supplied to the first odor sensor chamber.

18. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein an intake pump for introducing the clean air and the gas subjected to odor measurement into the first odor sensor chamber is connected to an outlet port formed in the other side of the first odor sensor chamber.

19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein a first heating element, which is configured to be turned on and off by the controller (130) to heat the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line (104), and a first cooler, which is configured to be turned on and off by the controller (130) to cool the gas or air flowing in the gas flow line (104), are mounted on the prechamber (100).

20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein a second heating element, which is configured to be turned on and off by the controller (130) to heat the interior of the first odor sensor chamber, and a second cooler, which is configured to be turned on and off by the controller (130) to cool the interior of the first odor sensor chamber, are mounted on the first odor sensor chamber.

Images