Air cleaning apparatus

Abstract

To provide an air cleaner capable of adjusting the sensitivity of a sensor, which can be operated according to the preference of a user.SOLUTION: This air cleaner 1 is provided with a sensitivity setting means 41 for setting the sensitivity of sensors (a dust sensor 31 and a gas sensor 32), and sets the sensitivity of the sensors to be invalid when an instruction is given from a user. Thus, the user can not only adjust the strength of the sensitivity, but also invalidate the sensitivity depending on the use situation, so that the air cleaning operation more suitable for the preference of the user can be performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purifying device that purifies indoor air. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, air purifiers that purify indoor air are equipped with a sensor that detects air pollution, and are generally known to control the operation of a fan according to the air pollution level detected by this sensor. When the air pollution level is high, the fan's air volume is increased to quickly purify the air, and as the pollution level decreases, the air volume is reduced to reduce noise.

[0003] Furthermore, some devices equipped with sensors allow users to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor (for example, Patent Document 1). Changing the sensitivity changes the air pollution level determined by the air purifier, even if the amount of air pollutants detected by the sensor remains the same. For example, when the sensor sensitivity is set to "high," the air pollution level is determined to be higher than when the sensor sensitivity is set to "medium," which is a lower setting. Therefore, if you want to improve purification performance, it is effective to set the sensor sensitivity higher. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-55362 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, depending on the circumstances under which the air purifier is used, it may not be possible to meet the user's needs simply by adjusting the sensitivity level, and there is a demand for an air purifier that can be operated in a way that better suits the user's preferences.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an air purifying device that can be operated in accordance with the user's preferences. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention includes a blower that takes in indoor air; A purification unit that purifies the air that is taken in, a sensor that detects substances contained in the air; a sensitivity setting means for setting the sensitivity of the sensor; The sensitivity setting means is an air purifying device that sets the sensitivity of the sensor to invalid when instructed by a user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The above-described configuration allows the user to disable the sensor sensitivity, enabling air purification operation that is more tailored to the user's preferences. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of an air purifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air purification unit of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a main part of an air purifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described below, showing the operation of the present invention.

[0011] The present invention is an air purifying device that purifies indoor air taken in by a blower using a purifying unit, and is equipped with a sensor that detects substances contained in the air and a sensitivity setting means that sets the sensitivity of the sensor, and the sensitivity setting means sets the sensor sensitivity to disabled when instructed by the user.This allows the user to not only adjust the sensitivity level but also to disable the sensitivity depending on the usage situation, allowing air purifying operation to be tailored to the user's preferences.

[0012] In addition, the sensitivity setting means does not accept only an instruction to disable the sensitivity of the sensor under certain conditions. For example, in a situation where disabling the sensitivity is not appropriate, the sensitivity will not be set to disabled even if instructed by the user, or an instruction to disable the sensitivity cannot be given. However, since instructions other than disabling the sensitivity can be accepted, operation can be performed without compromising convenience or reducing the air purification effect.

[0013] In addition, the device is equipped with multiple sensors for detecting different substances, and the specified conditions refer to the case where the sensitivity of all sensors is disabled. If the user wants to perform cleaning operation focusing on a specific type of dirt among the multiple substances that can be detected, the sensitivity of the other sensors can be disabled to perform the operation as intended by the user. However, disabling all sensors may significantly impair the air purification function, so in this case, not accepting the disable command allows operation without reducing the air purification effect.

[0014] The operation mode also includes a first operation mode in which the sensor sensitivity is automatically set, and the sensitivity setting means prioritizes the sensitivity of the first operation mode when sensitivity disable and the first operation mode are simultaneously instructed. By taking the operation mode into consideration when setting the sensitivity, more appropriate air purification operation is possible. [Example]

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] Fig. 1 is an external view of the air purifying device of this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of the air purifying device of this embodiment. Air purifying device 1 of this embodiment includes a top panel 11, a front panel 12, left and right side panels 13, a back panel (not shown), and a bottom frame 14. Top panel 11 is provided with an operation unit 15 having various buttons for instructing the operation of air purifying device 1, and an air outlet 17 having a lattice-shaped grill 16.

[0017] The main body 2 of the air purifier 1 is supported by a bottom frame 14. A front opening 12a is formed on the front side of the main body 2 between the bottom frame 14 and the front panel 12, and a similar rear opening is formed on the rear side. In addition, a side opening 13a is formed by an opening provided below the side panel 13. An air intake port 18 that introduces air into the main body 2 is formed at the bottom of the air purifier 1, and air that flows in through the front opening 12a, the rear opening, and the side opening 13a is taken in by the air intake port 18.

[0018] 2, inside air purifier 1, there are provided, in order from upstream in the air flow direction, a mesh-like prefilter 21 that captures dust from the air taken in through intake port 18, an air purification unit 22 that captures substances that have passed through prefilter 21, and a blower 23 that blows air into an air passage extending from intake port 18 to outlet port 17. Main body 2 is configured to include prefilter 21, air purification unit 22, and blower 23, and front panel 12 is attached to cover the front of main body 2.

[0019] A detachable filter case 25 housing an air filter 24 is provided below the air intake 18, i.e., upstream in the airflow direction. The air filter 24 is provided at the most upstream position in the airflow direction and is prone to large dust particles. The provision of the air filter 24 reduces the amount of dust trapped in the pre-filter 21 and air purifying unit 22, thereby reducing the frequency of maintenance of the pre-filter 21 and air purifying unit 22, providing excellent convenience.

[0020] 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air purification unit of this embodiment. Air purification unit 22 purifies the air by capturing fine particles, viruses, and other particles that have passed through pre-filter 21 and air filter 24, and may include various elements. Air purification device 1 of this embodiment is configured with an electrostatic precipitator 26, a dust collection filter 27, and a deodorizing filter 28.

[0021] The electrostatic precipitator 26 is configured by alternately arranging ionization electrodes and dust collection electrodes, and charges substances that have passed through the prefilter 21 by applying a voltage between the ionization electrodes and the dust collection electrodes, and the charged substances are collected by the dust collection electrodes. The dust collection filter 27 collects particles that have not been collected by the electrostatic precipitator 26, as well as fine substances such as viruses. The deodorizing filter 28 is a sheet-like or pleated filter made of, for example, activated carbon fiber, and purifies the air by adsorbing odorous components contained in the air that has passed through the dust collection filter 27.

[0022] The air purifying device 1 may be configured to have only either the electrostatic precipitator 26 or the dust collecting filter 27. In the above-described configuration in which both the electrostatic precipitator 26 and the dust collecting filter 27 are used, a sensor (details of which will be described later) that detects the level of contamination in the air may be provided, and the electrostatic precipitator 26 may be operated in accordance with the amount of contamination detected by the sensor. In other words, when the level of contamination is high, the electrostatic precipitator 26 is operated, and substances in the air are captured by both the electrostatic precipitator 26 and the dust collecting filter 27. This increases the purification capacity and enables quick air purification.

[0023] 4 is a block diagram showing the main components of the air purifying device of this embodiment. The air purifying device 1 is equipped with multiple sensors that detect substances contained in the air. Each sensor detects a different object, and in this embodiment, two types of sensors are provided: a dust sensor 31 and a gas sensor 32.

[0024] The dust sensor 31 is a sensor that detects dust particles in the air, detecting the amount of PM2.5, pollen, dust, etc. The output obtained varies depending on the particle size of the detected dust, making it possible to distinguish the type of dust. The gas sensor 32 is a semiconductor sensor that detects odorous substances in the air, calculating and outputting gas sensitivity from the resistance value measured by the sensor. Note that the dust sensor 31 and the gas sensor 32 are examples of sensors that detect substances contained in the air, and other sensors may also be included. Separate sensors may also be provided depending on the particle size of the dust or the type of gas.

[0025] The outputs from the dust sensor 31 and the gas sensor 32 are sent as signals indicating the detection results to the control unit 4. The control unit 4 compares the sensor outputs with a judgment threshold value to determine the air pollution level. In addition to the above, the control unit 4 also receives outputs from a thermistor (not shown) that detects room temperature and instructions from various buttons provided on the operation unit 15.

[0026] The control unit 4 is configured with sensitivity setting means 41 that sets the sensitivity of the dust sensor 31 and the gas sensor 32, level determination means 42 that determines the air pollution level from the outputs of the dust sensor 31 and the gas sensor 32, operation control means 43 that controls the operation of the blower 23 and the electrostatic precipitator 26 based on the pollution level and the operation mode, and display control means 44 that controls the display, and controls the operation of the air purifier 1 based on the input signals, and displays the detection results of the dust sensor 31 and the gas sensor 32, the operation mode, etc. by turning on the indicator lamp 19.

[0027] The user can change the sensor sensitivity information held by the sensitivity setting means 41, and can set the sensitivity of the dust sensor 31 and the gas sensor 32 individually. The sensitivity can only be changed when operation is stopped, and by operating the buttons on the operation unit 15, the user can adjust the sensitivity to three levels - "medium (standard)," "strong," and "weak" - as well as select "disabled."

[0028] The sensor sensitivity information is sent to the level determination means 42, which changes the judgment threshold for determining the air pollution level. When the sensor sensitivity is set to "high," the air is judged to be polluted even if the amount of pollution actually detected is small, compared to when the sensitivity is "medium (standard)." Therefore, if you want to improve purification performance, it is effective to set the sensor sensitivity high.

[0029] Furthermore, when the sensitivity is set to "invalid," the level determination means 42 determines that there was no contamination detection signal from that sensor. Depending on the situation in which the air purifying device 1 is used, there may be cases in which it is desired to focus on removing a specific type of contamination from among multiple detectable substances. For example, if you want to powerfully remove pollen detected by the dust sensor 31, but do not want it to react to alcohol or the like detected by the gas sensor 32 (you want to operate the device quietly with reduced airflow when there is no pollen), you can increase the sensitivity of the dust sensor 31 and set the sensitivity of the gas sensor 32 to "invalid."

[0030] This is just one example, but in this way, it is possible not only to adjust the sensitivity level, but also to disable the sensitivity taking into account the usage situation, allowing the air purifying operation to be tailored to the user's preferences.

[0031] However, under certain conditions, the sensitivity setting means 41 is configured to not accept only the "disable" instruction. As a result, for example, in a situation where disabling the sensitivity is not appropriate, the sensitivity is not set to disabled. However, since instructions other than disabling the sensitivity can be accepted, operation can be performed without impairing convenience or reducing the air purification effect.

[0032] The control unit 4 determines whether or not predetermined conditions are met based on the instruction content from the operation unit 15 and the detection results of various sensors, and determines whether or not the sensitivity setting means 41 can accept an instruction to "disable." If it is determined that the predetermined conditions are met, the sensitivity of the sensor will not be set to "disable" even if instructed by the user. Alternatively, "disable" may be excluded from the sensitivity options so that an instruction to disable the sensitivity cannot be given.

[0033] An example of a predetermined condition is when the sensitivity of all sensors is disabled. As described above, if the user wants to operate the unit to focus on removing a specific type of dirt from among the multiple detectable substances, the user can disable the sensitivity of the other sensors to achieve the intended operation. However, disabling all sensors could significantly impair the air purification function. Therefore, if the sensitivity of either the dust sensor 31 or the gas sensor 32 is already set to "disabled," the unit will not accept an instruction to disable the sensitivity of the other sensor.

[0034] The same applies if you have three or more sensors. If all but one sensor are set to "disabled," the last remaining sensor will not accept an instruction to disable its sensitivity.

[0035] Furthermore, even under certain conditions, commands other than disabling the sensitivity can be accepted. Therefore, functions that restrict operation to prevent children from tampering, such as child locks, do not fall under the category of "certain conditions" as defined here.

[0036] The level determination means 42 determines the dust level and odor level individually based on the output from each sensor, compares these, and sets the higher level (the dirtier) as the indoor dirt level. The dust level and odor level are divided into four levels: 0, 1, 2, and 3 (the higher the number, the dirtier). For example, if the dust level is 2 and the odor level is 1, the level determination means 42 sets the indoor dirt level to 2.

[0037] When the air purifying device 1 receives an instruction to start operation, it rotates the blower 23 in response to an instruction from the operation control means 43 to draw indoor air into the main body. The amount of substances contained in the air is detected by the dust sensor 31 and the gas sensor 32, and the level determination means 42 determines the air pollution level. The operation control means 43 controls the air volume of the blower 23 and the ON / OFF of the electrostatic precipitator 26 based on the set operation mode and the pollution level determined by the level determination means 42, to start air purification operation. The air volume of the blower 23 can be switched between "turbo," "strong," "medium," and "weak."

[0038] The dust level and odor level determined by the level determining means 42 are displayed by turning on the indicator lamps 19, respectively.

[0039] The air purifying device 1 of this embodiment has the following operation modes: "fixed air volume operation mode," "automatic operation mode," and "pollen mode." Each operation mode will be explained below, but these are examples of operation modes, and other operation modes may also be provided.

[0040] "Fixed air volume operation mode" In this mode, the airflow rate of the blower 23 is fixed to one of "turbo," "strong," "medium," or "weak." Even when the fixed airflow rate mode is selected, the level determination means 42 determines the air pollution level, but the unit operates at the airflow rate specified by the user regardless of the determined pollution level. Furthermore, when the airflow rate is either "turbo" or "strong," the electric dust collector 26 is switched on and off based on the output of the dust sensor 31. That is, when the output of the dust sensor 31 is above a certain level (high air pollution level), the electric dust collector 26 is activated to quickly remove dust, and when the output of the dust sensor 31 drops below a certain level, the electric dust collector 26 is stopped, and the air is purified using only the dust collection filter 27.

[0041] "Autonomous driving mode" This is an operation mode that controls the air volume of the blower 23 and the operation of the electrostatic precipitator 26 according to the contamination level determined by the level determination means 42. The user can select the maximum air volume during operation from either "turbo" or "strong." The operation control means 43 increases the air volume as the contamination level increases and gradually decreases the air volume as the contamination level decreases. Furthermore, when the air volume is either "turbo" or "strong," the electrostatic precipitator 26 is switched on / off according to the output of the dust sensor 31, as in the fixed air volume operation mode described above. Furthermore, even after it is determined that the air has become clean (the contamination level has reached 0), the air volume continues to be set to "weak."

[0042] "Pollen mode" This mode automatically performs operation that is particularly suited to removing pollen. The user can select the maximum airflow during operation from either "Turbo" or "Strong." In pollen mode, for a first predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes) after starting operation, the unit operates with the maximum airflow and the electrostatic precipitator 26 turned on, regardless of the level of dirt, so pollen is removed quickly as soon as operation starts. After the first predetermined time has elapsed, the unit switches the airflow and the electrostatic precipitator 26 on and off depending on the level of dirt in the room. After it is determined that the air has been cleaned, the unit continues operation with the airflow set to "Weak," while performing patrol operations every second predetermined time.

[0043] In the patrol operation, the air volume is temporarily increased to "high" to create an air flow, which stirs up pollen, making it easier for the dust sensor 31 to detect it. The patrol operation continues for a third predetermined time, and if the dust sensor 31 does not detect any dirt during this time, the air volume is returned to "low." Note that, since the patrol operation increases the air volume, albeit temporarily, it is preferable to set the second and third predetermined times to times that do not cause discomfort to the user. In the air purifying device 1 of this embodiment, the second predetermined time is set to 60 minutes, and the third predetermined time is set to 5 minutes.

[0044] Furthermore, when the pollen mode is activated, the sensitivity of the dust sensor 31 is automatically increased by one level. In other words, when the pollen mode is activated, this information is input to the sensitivity setting means 41, which then changes the sensitivity of the dust sensor 31 to a level higher. This allows pollen to be detected quickly and the air to be purified effectively. If the sensitivity was "high" before the pollen mode was activated, it may be maintained at "high" or may be specially set to a level higher.

[0045] As such, there are two operation modes: a mode that includes changing the sensor sensitivity (first operation mode) and a mode that does not include changing the sensor sensitivity (second operation mode). The above-mentioned "pollen mode" is an example of the first operation mode, and the "fixed air volume operation mode" and "automatic operation mode" are examples of the second operation mode.

[0046] When the operation in the first operation mode is started with the sensor sensitivity set to "invalid", the sensitivity setting means 41 sets the sensitivity in the first operation mode with priority.

[0047] The operation mode that includes changing the sensor sensitivity is designed to purify the air most effectively by setting that sensitivity, so if the sensor sensitivity is not reflected in the operation, the efficiency of the air purification may be impaired. Therefore, by prioritizing the sensitivity of the first operation mode, appropriate air purification operation is possible.

[0048] Taking the above-mentioned air purifier 1 as an example, when the sensitivity of the dust sensor 31 is set to "disabled" and operation in pollen mode is started, the sensitivity of the dust sensor 31 is increased by one level and set to "weak."

[0049] Another example of the pollen mode may be one that automatically sets the sensitivity of the dust sensor 31 to "strong." In this case, if the sensitivity of the dust sensor 31 is set to "disabled" and operation in the pollen mode is started, the sensitivity of the dust sensor 31 is set to "strong."

[0050] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 23 Blower 22 Air Purification Unit (Purification Unit) 31 Dust sensor (sensor) 32 Gas sensor (sensor) 41 Sensitivity setting means

Claims

1. A fan that draws in indoor air, A purification unit that purifies the air that is taken in, a sensor that detects substances contained in the air; a sensitivity setting means for setting the sensitivity of the sensor; The air purifying device wherein the sensitivity setting means sets the sensitivity of the sensor to invalid when instructed by a user.

2. 2. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the sensitivity setting means does not accept an instruction to disable the sensitivity of the sensor under a predetermined condition.

3. The system is provided with a plurality of sensors each having a different detection target, 3. The air purifying device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition in which the sensitivity of all of the sensors is disabled.

4. The operation mode includes a first operation mode in which the sensitivity of the sensor is automatically set, 4. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the sensitivity setting means prioritizes the sensitivity of the first operation mode when instructions to disable sensitivity and the first operation mode are given simultaneously.

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