Air cleaner and filter accommodating bag

Abstract

To provide: an air cleaner capable of detecting an un-removed accommodating bag or sealed bag of an air filter; and a filter accommodating bag.SOLUTION: An air cleaner 1 comprises: a first flow path 11 where a filter 30 is provided; and a second flow path 12 which includes a first air flow detector 41 configured to detect an internal air flow AF2, and in which the air flow AF2 increases as resistance of the first flow path 11 increases. When a filter accommodating bag 52 which accommodates a sealed bag 51 configured to seal the filter 30, is left unremoved and fitted into the air cleaner 1, at least a part of the second flow path 12 is formed in space between the sealed bag 51 and the filter accommodating bag 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air purifier and a filter storage bag. [Background technology]

[0002] An air purifier purifies the air by passing it through an air filter (also simply called a "filter"). Air filters include, for example, dust-collecting filters and deodorizing filters. A new (unused) air filter is sealed in a plastic storage bag or airtight bag so that it does not lose its purification function before it is delivered to the user. The air filter sealed in a storage bag or the like is set in the intake opening of the air purifier at the time of shipment.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a user removing an air filter from a storage bag that is set inside an air purifier, opening the storage bag, and then returning only the air filter to its original position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-132341 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there have been cases where the air purifier was started to be used without first removing the pre-installed air filter and then removing the storage bag. In other words, the air filter was left in the storage bag. In such cases, the storage bag does not allow air to pass through, so air cannot pass through the air filter. This means that the air purifier cannot perform its original function. However, because air cannot pass through the air filter, even if the air purifier makes a sound that is slightly different from the original operating sound, a person using the air purifier for the first time may not immediately notice something abnormal.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air purifier and a filter storage bag that are capable of detecting whether a filter storage bag or a sealing bag has been left unremoved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The air purifier of the present disclosure includes a first flow path in which a filter is provided, and a second flow path having a first airflow detection unit in the middle that detects the airflow inside, and in which the airflow increases as the resistance of the first flow path increases.

[0008] The filter storage bag of the present disclosure is a filter storage bag that stores a sealing bag that seals a filter, and includes a second airflow detection unit that is disposed in the space between the sealing bag and detects airflow. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to detect whether a storage bag or a sealing bag for an air purifier filter has been left unremoved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the basic positional relationship between a fan motor 20, a deodorizing filter 31, and a dust collecting filter 32 inside the air purifier 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]13 is a perspective view illustrating how the airflow AF changes when the sealing bags 51 of the deodorizing filter 31 and the dust collecting filter 32 are forgotten to be removed. FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration example in which a first airflow detection section 41 is arranged in the case of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a first flow path 11 and a second flow path 12 in the air purifier 1. FIG. [Figure 5A] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a first flow path 11 and a second flow path 12 in an air purifier 1A according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 5B] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific configuration example of a dust detector 42 provided in the second flow path 12. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an air purifier main body 100. [Figure 7A] 11 is a flowchart showing main operations during the first operation of air purifier 1A after filter 30 is replaced. [Figure 7B] This is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a first flow path 11B and a second flow path 12B in an air purifier 1B according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 9A] 11 is a perspective view showing a dust collection filter 32 packed in a filter storage bag 52 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 9B] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the dust collection filter 32 packed in a filter storage bag 52. FIG. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9B is a partially enlarged view of the lower part of FIG. 9A. [Figure 10A] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a deodorizing filter 31 stored in a filter storage bag 52A according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a partial enlarged view of the lower side of FIG. 10A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and will not be described repeatedly.

[0012] First Embodiment 1.1 Configuration of Air Purifier 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the basic positional relationship between a fan motor 20 and a deodorizing filter 31 and a dust collecting filter 32 inside an air purifier 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The name of the bag that stores the deodorizing filter 31 and the dust collecting filter 32 may be a "sealed bag" or simply a "bag" in addition to a "storage bag". In the following, the bag that directly wraps the new deodorizing filter 31 and the dust collecting filter 32 is referred to as a "sealed bag 51". In the second embodiment, the bag that wraps the deodorizing filter 31 and the dust collecting filter 32 placed in the sealed bag 51 is referred to as a "filter storage bag 52" to distinguish it from the sealed bag 51.

[0013] 1, a rectangular plate-shaped deodorizing filter 31 and a dust collecting filter 32 of substantially the same shape are arranged to overlap each other inside the air purifier 1. In the following, the deodorizing filter 31 and the dust collecting filter 32 are also collectively referred to as the filter 30.

[0014] A short cylindrical fan motor 20 is disposed at a certain distance downstream of the filter 30. Note that "downstream" here refers to the direction in which air flows inside the air purifier 1. The air flow is also referred to as "air current" below.

[0015] The deodorizing filter 31 adsorbs and removes odorous components in the air. Examples of the deodorizing filter 31 include a filter in which granular activated carbon is stored inside a synthetic resin honeycomb core, and a filter in which a nonwoven fabric impregnated with a deodorant is integrally attached to a paper honeycomb core in which activated carbon is enclosed. Other examples of the deodorizing filter 31 include a filter in which a nonwoven fabric bag filled with activated carbon is stored in a synthetic resin frame, and a filter in which particles such as zeolite, activated carbon, and silica gel are injected between two sheets of paper or nonwoven fabric. However, the deodorizing filter 31 is not limited to the examples given here.

[0016] The dust collection filter 32 collects and removes fine dust contained in the air. An example of the dust collection filter 32 is a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, but is not limited to this.

[0017] The filter 30 is not limited to a configuration including only the deodorizing filter 31 and the dust collecting filter 32. For example, a pre-filter that captures and removes coarse dust particles in the air may be further disposed upstream of the dust collecting filter 32.

[0018] The fan motor 20 rotates a built-in fan (not shown) to generate an airflow AF in a direction from the filter 30 to the fan motor 20. Examples of the built-in fan include, but are not limited to, a sirocco fan and a propeller fan.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating how the airflow AF changes when the sealing bags 51 of the deodorizing filter 31 and the dust collecting filter 32 are forgotten to be removed. Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example in which the first airflow detection unit 41 is arranged in the case of Fig. 2.

[0020] If the deodorizing filter 31 and the dust collecting filter 32 are properly installed (with the sealing bags 51 removed), the airflow AF does not need to bypass the filter 30. In such a normal state, the airflow AF hardly flows around the outside of the upper end or lower end of the filter 30.

[0021] On the other hand, in an abnormal state where at least one of the deodorizing filter 31 and the dust collecting filter 32 remains sealed in the sealed bag 51, the airflow AF hardly passes through the filter 30X. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, most of the airflow AF2, except for a very small part of the airflow AF1, bypasses the filter 30X. The airflow AF2 passes, for example, outside the upper end or lower end of the filter 30X. Note that the reference symbol of the filter 30 in this state is changed to "30X" here to distinguish it from the normal filter 30. The same applies to FIG. 3 and subsequent figures.

[0022] However, even if most of the airflow AF2 of the airflow AF bypasses the filter 30 in this way, the user cannot directly recognize this fact. Therefore, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, a first airflow detection unit 41 is disposed near the upper end of the filter 30. This makes it possible to detect an increase in the airflow AF2 and to inform the user that there is a high possibility that the sealing bag 51 has been forgotten to be removed.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 in the air purifier 1. As shown in FIG.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the air purifier 1 includes a first flow path 11 in which the filter 30 is provided, and a second flow path 12. The second flow path 12 has a first airflow detection unit 41 in the middle thereof for detecting an internal airflow AF2, and when the resistance (air passage resistance) of the first flow path 11 increases, the airflow AF2 increases. As described above, when the filter 30 is attached without removing the sealed bag 51, the airflow AF1 hardly passes through the first flow path 11. This is because the air passage resistance of the first flow path 11 increases. In such a case, the airflow AF2 bypassing the filter 30 increases, and part of the airflow AF2 passes through the second flow path 12 formed between the lower part of the filter 30 and the housing 101 of the air purifier 1.

[0025] Therefore, it becomes possible to detect an increase in the airflow AF2. As a result, it becomes possible to detect forgetting to remove the sealing bag 51 of the filter 30 of the air purifier 1. Note that "forgetting to remove" here also includes, for example, a case where the sealing bag 51 is torn when the sealing bag 51 is removed and part of the sealing bag 51 is left behind.

[0026] First airflow detection unit 41 may be disposed, for example, in the gap between the lower end of filter 30 and housing 101 of air purifier 1, but is not limited to such an arrangement.

[0027] An example of the first airflow detection unit 41 is a whistle that makes a sound when air is blown into it. Whistles are used in toys and have a very simple mechanism, so they can be made inexpensively. Even so, a user can easily notice that something is wrong because the sound is completely different from the normal operating sound generated from inside the air purifier 1. However, the first airflow detection unit 41 is not limited to a whistle, and can be replaced by other objects that make a sound when the airflow AF2 passes through them.

[0028] Furthermore, first airflow detection section 41 may output a first signal when it detects an airflow at or above a predetermined speed or amount.

[0029] The second flow path 12 is connected to the first flow path 11 downstream of the filter 30 and upstream of the fan (built into the fan motor 20). Therefore, the air in the first flow path 11 downstream of the filter 30 does not flow back toward the second flow path 12. As a result, it is possible to avoid interference with detection of forgetting to remove the sealed bag 51 of the filter 30 of the air purifier 1.

[0030] Table 1 shows an example of how the air speed in the second flow path 12 changes when the operating air speed of the air purifier 1 is changed to three stages.

[0031] [Table 1]

[0032] 1.2 Configuration of air purifier 1A according to the first modified example Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a first flow path 11 and a second flow path 12 in an air purifier 1A according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a specific configuration example of a dust detection unit 42 provided in the second flow path 12. The difference from the first embodiment is the presence or absence of the dust detection unit 42. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5A, the air purifier 1A further includes a dust detection unit 42 provided in the second flow path 12, in addition to the configuration of the air purifier 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0034] As described above, if the filter 30 is installed without removing the sealed bag 51, the airflow AF1 hardly passes through the first flow path 11. For example, if there is a lot of dust around the air purifier 1A, the airflow AF2 does not pass through the dust collection filter 32 and is therefore likely to contain a lot of dust. Therefore, even if the airflow AF2 does not increase much in such a situation, the dust detection unit 42 can detect it early. As a result, forgetting to remove the sealed bag 51 of the filter 30 of the air purifier 1A can be detected more reliably.

[0035] The dust detection unit 42 is disposed upstream of the first airflow detection unit 41. That is, the dust detection unit 42 is disposed immediately upstream of the first airflow detection unit 41 in the second flow path 12. Therefore, the presence of the dust detection unit 42 narrows the second flow path 12, and the wind speed of the airflow AF2 increases downstream of the dust detection unit 42. As a result, forgetting to remove the sealed bag 51 of the filter 30 of the air purifier 1A can be detected more sensitively.

[0036] 5B, a through hole 42a for taking in air is formed in the approximate center of the dust detection unit 42. By making this through hole 42a smaller, the flow path of the taken-in air becomes narrower and the flow rate increases, so dust and the like can be detected more sensitively.

[0037] The dust detection unit 42 may be, for example, a dust sensor or a dust sensor of an LED (light-emitting diode) type or a laser type, but is not limited to these.

[0038] 1.3 Functional configuration of air purifier 1A FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the air purifier 1A.

[0039] 6, the air purifier 1A includes a notification unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130 in addition to the first airflow detection unit 41, the dust detection unit 42, and the fan motor 20 described above. However, here, the first airflow detection unit 41 is an anemometer that outputs a first signal when it detects an airflow in the second flow path 12 at a predetermined speed or at a predetermined amount or more. Examples of the anemometer include, but are not limited to, a thermal type, a vane type, a cup type, or an ultrasonic type anemometer.

[0040] The notification unit 110 notifies the user when the first signal is output from the first airflow detection unit 41. Therefore, the air purifier 1A notifies the user that the sealing bag 51 may have been left unremoved. As a result, the user can be sure that the sealing bag 51 may have been left unremoved.

[0041] As a method of notification, for example, the notification unit 110 may emit a warning sound, output a voice message, or display another warning.

[0042] The storage unit 120 stores various data and programs necessary for controlling the air purifier 1A. The data stored in the storage unit 120 includes, for example, the cumulative time that the filter 30 has been used.

[0043] The storage unit 120 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and a static random access memory (SRAM), but is not limited to these. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, a read-only member (ROM), a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), and a hard disk, but is not limited to these. The storage unit 120 may store a program that realizes functions necessary to realize the air purifier 1A.

[0044] The control unit 130 controls the first airflow detection unit 41, the dust detection unit 42, the notification unit 110, the fan motor 20, and other units of the air purifier 1A. For example, when the notification unit 110 issues a notification, the control unit 130 may control the fan motor 20 to stop rotating after a predetermined time has elapsed since the fan motor 20 started to rotate.

[0045] 1.4 Main operations during the first operation after replacing the filter 30 of the air purifier 1A FIG. 7A is a flowchart showing the main operations during the first operation of the air purifier 1A after replacing the filter 30. FIG. 7B is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. 7A. The same operations are performed during the first operation after purchase. As a method for detecting the replacement of the filter 30, for example, a switch that switches between ON and OFF depending on whether the filter 30 is correctly attached or removed may be provided. Alternatively, it may be possible to detect whether the cover of the air purifier 1A is opened or closed to replace the filter 30. However, the detection method is not limited to this.

[0046] 7A, in step S1, the control unit 130 determines whether or not this is the first operation after replacing the filter 30, and if this is the first operation, the control unit 130 proceeds to the next step S2, otherwise the control unit 130 proceeds to normal operation. Here, the description of the normal operation is omitted.

[0047] In step S2, the control unit 130 initializes the memory that stores the accumulated time of use of the filter 30 to 0, and proceeds to the next step S3.

[0048] In step S3, the control unit 130 increases the air volume at the start of operation and starts the rotation of the fan motor 20, and then proceeds to the next step S4. Therefore, the wind speed of the original airflow AF increases, and the wind speed of the airflow AF2 also increases. As a result, forgetting to remove the sealed bag 51 of the filter 30 of the air purifier 1A can be detected more sensitively.

[0049] In step S4, the control unit 130 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the fan motor 20 started to rotate, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S5, and if not, the determination in step S4 is repeated.

[0050] In step S5, the control unit 130 controls the fan motor 20 to reduce the air volume (return to normal), and proceeds to the next step S6. Therefore, the control to increase the air volume from normal is limited to a predetermined time from the start of operation. As a result, the air volume that was once increased returns to normal, so the volume of the operating noise also returns to the normal level, and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

[0051] In step S6, control unit 130 determines whether the wind speed detected by first airflow detection unit 41 is equal to or greater than a predetermined wind speed, and if it is equal to or greater than the predetermined wind speed, proceeds to step S8, and if not, proceeds to the next step S7.

[0052] In step S7, the control unit 130 determines whether the amount detected by the dust detection unit 42 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and if it is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, the process proceeds to the next step S8, and if not, the process returns to step S4.

[0053] 7B, in step S8, the control unit 130 notifies the notification unit 110, and the process proceeds to the next step S9. Therefore, the air purifier 1A notifies the user that the sealing bag 51 may have been left unremoved. As a result, the user can become aware that the sealing bag 51 may have been left unremoved.

[0054] Thereafter, in step S9, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the air purifier 1A has been powered off, and if the air purifier 1A has been powered off, the control unit 130 proceeds to the next step S10, and if not, the control unit 130 returns to step S9.

[0055] In step S10, the control unit 130 stops the rotation of the fan motor 20, and proceeds to the next step S11.

[0056] In step S11, the control unit 130 initializes the memory that stores the accumulated time of use of the filter 30 to 0, and ends the series of processes. Therefore, the next time the filter 30 is correctly attached, the correct accumulated time of the filter 30 is stored. As a result, the control unit 130 can appropriately control the air purifier 1A according to the accumulated time.

[0057] 1.5 Configuration of air purifier 1B according to the second modified example 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a first flow path 11B and a second flow path 12B in an air purifier 1B according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The difference from the first embodiment is the shape of the second flow path 12B. The following description will mainly focus on the difference from the first embodiment.

[0058] 8, the second flow path 12B is formed so as to narrow from the air inlet toward the first airflow detection unit 41. Therefore, even if the blockage of the first flow path 11B is not so severe and the increase in the airflow AF2 is not so great, the wind speed around the first airflow detection unit 41 downstream of the inlet of the second flow path 12 becomes sufficiently high. As a result, forgetting to remove the sealed bag 51 of the filter 30 of the air purifier 1 can be detected more sensitively.

[0059] <Second embodiment> 2.1 Configuration of the filter storage bag 52 Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a deodorizing filter 31 stored in a filter storage bag 52 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing a deodorizing filter 31 stored in a filter storage bag 52. Fig. 9C is a partially enlarged view of the lower part of Fig. 9A. Note that, although a case where a deodorizing filter 31 is stored is described here, the same applies to a case where a dust collecting filter 32 is stored.

[0060] 9A and 9B , the filter storage bag 52 stores a sealing bag 51 that seals the filter 30. That is, the deodorizing filter 31 sealed in the sealing bag 51 is stored in the filter storage bag 52. In other words, the deodorizing filter 31 is doubly wrapped in the sealing bag 51 and the filter storage bag 52.

[0061] 9C, the filter storage bag 52 has two through holes 52a at its lower part. When the filter storage bag 52 is left unattached and is attached to the air purifier 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, at least a part of the air flow AF2 is formed in the space between the filter storage bag 52 and the sealed bag 51. Therefore, at least a part of the air flow AF2 enters the filter storage bag 52 from one of the through holes 52a, flows through the space between the filter storage bag and the sealed bag 51, and then exits the filter storage bag 52 from the other of the through holes 52a. As a result, it is possible to detect whether the sealed bag 51 or the filter storage bag 52 has been left unattached by the air passing through this space.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 9C, a second airflow detection unit may be further provided, which is disposed in the space and detects the airflow AF2. Specifically, the second airflow detection unit may be disposed near the middle of the two through holes 52a at the bottom of the filter storage bag 52. An example of the second airflow detection unit is, but is not limited to, a whistle 41B. It is preferable that the through holes 52a and the whistle 41B are disposed in a location where the airflow AF2 that bypasses the filter 30 can flow most easily when the air purifier 1 is operated with the sealed bag 51 and the filter storage bag 52 left unattended.

[0063] Therefore, if the operation of the air purifier 1 is started with the filter storage bag 52 left behind, the whistle 41B will make a sound, allowing the user to easily notice that something is wrong. As a result, it is possible to detect that the filter storage bag 52 has been left behind and notify the user of this without changing the configuration or specifications of the air purifier 1 itself.

[0064] 2.2 Configuration of filter storage bag 52A Fig. 10A is a plan view showing a deodorizing filter 31 stored in a filter storage bag 52A according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 10B is a partially enlarged view of the lower side surface of Fig. 10A.

[0065] 10A and 10B, for example, the through hole 52a of the filter storage bag 52A may be provided on the lower side surface, and the whistle 41B may be disposed in the middle thereof. Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the filter storage bag 52 of the second embodiment can be achieved.

[0066] The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from its spirit or main features. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as being limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited to the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and changes within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0067] The present disclosure can be used in air purifiers, filter storage bags, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1. Air purifier 11 First flow path 12 Second flow path 20 Fan motor 30 Filters 31 Deodorizing filter 32 Dust collection filter 41 First airflow detection unit 41B Whistle 42 Dust detection unit 51 Sealed bag 52 Filter storage bag 100 Air purifier body 101 Case 110 Notification Department 120 Storage section 130 Control section

Claims

1. a first flow path provided with a filter; a second flow path having a first airflow detection unit for detecting an internal airflow in the middle thereof, the second flow path being such that the airflow increases as the resistance of the first flow path increases; Equipped with an air purifier.

2. The air purifier of claim 1 , wherein the second flow path connects to the first flow path downstream of the filter and upstream of the fan.

3. The air purifier according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a dust detection unit provided in the second flow path.

4. The air purifier according to claim 3 , wherein the dust detection unit is disposed upstream of the first airflow detection unit.

5. The air purifier according to claim 3 , wherein the second flow path narrows from the air inlet toward the first airflow detection unit.

6. The air purifier according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a control unit that performs control to increase an air volume more than normal when starting operation and to decrease the air volume after a predetermined time has elapsed.

7. the first airflow detection unit outputs a first signal when detecting the airflow at a predetermined speed or amount or more; The air purifier according to claim 6 , further comprising an alarm unit that issues an alarm when the first signal is output.

8. A storage unit for storing a cumulative time of filter use, The air purifier according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit initializes the accumulated time stored in the storage unit when the control unit is stopped after the first signal is output.

9. A filter storage bag that stores a sealing bag that seals the filter, 3. A filter storage bag, when left unattached and attached inside the air purifier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a part of the second flow path is formed in the space between the filter storage bag and the sealing bag.

10. The filter storage bag according to claim 9 , further comprising a second airflow detection unit disposed in the space and configured to detect the airflow.

11. A filter storage bag that stores a sealing bag that seals a filter, The filter storage bag further comprises a second airflow detection unit disposed in the space between the filter storage bag and the sealed bag, the second airflow detection unit detecting airflow.

Images