Carbon dioxide concentration measuring device

Abstract

To provide a carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument capable of easily grasping the indoor carbon dioxide concentration and the need for ventilation.SOLUTION: A carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1 is a carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument that notifies the carbon dioxide concentration using lighting. The instrument includes a lighting unit 10 that changes lighting color depending on carbon dioxide concentration; a base unit 20 connected to the lighting unit 10; a control board 30 housed in the base unit 20; and a sensor 33 mounted on the control board 30 for measuring the carbon dioxide concentration. The base unit 20 has legs 21 and a vent 24 at the opposite side of the lighting unit 10, and the sensor 33 is placed close to the vent 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an alarm device that measures the carbon dioxide concentration in a vehicle cabin and outputs an alarm to prompt ventilation if the carbon dioxide concentration exceeds a threshold value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-18514 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the alarm device described in Patent Document 1 only urges ventilation by sound, and has the problem that it is not possible to grasp the carbon dioxide concentration in the room at a glance.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a carbon dioxide concentration measuring device that can easily grasp the carbon dioxide concentration in a room and the need for ventilation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device of the present invention comprises: A carbon dioxide concentration measuring device that notifies the carbon dioxide concentration using lighting, an illumination unit whose illumination color changes depending on the carbon dioxide concentration; a base connected to the lighting unit; a control board stored in the base; a sensor mounted on the control board for measuring the carbon dioxide concentration; the base portion has legs and a vent on the opposite side to the lighting portion, The sensor is positioned proximate to the vent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a carbon dioxide concentration measuring device that can easily grasp the carbon dioxide concentration in a room and the need for ventilation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a carbon dioxide concentration measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a carbon dioxide concentration measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a plan view of a carbon dioxide concentration measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a carbon dioxide concentration measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing control of a carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the control of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument in the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of a carbon dioxide concentration measuring device of the present invention will be described below. Figures 1 to 6 show six views of a carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, and Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1.

[0010] The carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 according to this embodiment is configured with an illumination unit 10 and a base unit 20, with the illumination unit 10 located on the top side of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 and the base unit 20 located on the bottom side.

[0011] The lighting unit 10 has a diffusion unit 11 and a connection unit 12, and displays an illumination color according to the carbon dioxide concentration measured by a sensor 33 described later.

[0012] The diffusion unit 11 is formed into a cylindrical shape using a transparent or translucent resin or glass, and is formed on the opposite side of the illumination unit 10 from the base unit 20. The diffusion unit 11 is configured to diffuse light from the light source 32 (described later) so that it can be seen from above and all around. To ensure uniform illumination with the light from the light source 32, the diffusion unit 11 may be made of resin to scatter the light, or the surface may be blasted to form fine irregularities to scatter the light. The diffusion unit 11 is configured to have a height that ensures the spread of light from the light source 32, so that the light spreads not only to the top surface but also to the sides. This allows the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 to easily grasp its illumination color even when placed on a table and viewed from above or from a distance.

[0013] The connecting portion 12 is formed on the base portion 20 side of the lighting portion 10 and is configured to be connectable to the base portion 20 .

[0014] The base 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape from resin and has legs 21, a connecting portion 22, a display portion 23, an air vent 24, a power switch 25, a through hole 26, a rib 27, a battery storage portion 28, and a power hole 29, and stores a control board 30 (described later) inside the base 20.

[0015] The legs 21 are formed on the opposite side of the base 20 from the lighting unit 10, and are configured to maintain a space between the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 and the installation location. This allows indoor air to be taken into the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 through the ventilation opening 24, and prevents moisture that has trickled down the side of the base 20 from entering the inside through the ventilation opening 24.

[0016] The connecting portion 22 is formed on the opposite side of the base portion 20 from the lighting portion 10, and is configured to be connectable to the lighting portion 10. The connecting portion 12 and the connecting portion 22 may have, for example, a hook structure.

[0017] The display unit 23 is provided on the side of the base 20, and is configured with holes equal to the number of indicators 34 so that the light of the indicators 34, which will be described later, can be seen from the front of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1. Note that the display unit 23 may have a label attached thereto indicating the correspondence between the illumination colors of the illumination unit 10 and indicators 34 and the carbon dioxide concentration.

[0018] A pair of ventilation holes 24 are formed on the opposite side of the base part 20 from the lighting part 10, with one 24A functioning as an air intake port and the other 24B functioning as an air exhaust port. Note that the functions of the one 24A and the other 24B of the ventilation holes 24 may be reversed from those described above.

[0019] The power switch 25 is provided on the opposite side of the base 20 from the illumination unit 10, and is used to turn the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1 on and off.

[0020] The through-hole 26 is formed on the illumination unit 10 side of the base 20 and is configured to have a diameter sufficient to allow the light from the light source 32 to reach the diffusion unit 11 .

[0021] The rib 27 is a wall formed around the through-hole 26, and prevents water from reaching the control board 30 through the through-hole 26 even if it seeps in through the gap between the connecting portion 12 of the lighting unit 10 and the connecting portion 22 of the base unit 20. This allows the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 to be waterproof for everyday use without using an airtight member such as an O-ring, and reduces manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts and simplifying assembly. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 can release water vapor generated when infiltrating water evaporates to the outside of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 through the through-hole 26 and the ventilation hole 24, preventing condensation inside the lighting unit 10. Moreover, the ribs 27 are preferably configured to have a height that does not block the light from the light source 32 that passes through the through-holes 26 .

[0022] The battery storage section 28 is made up of a battery holder 28A and a battery cover 28B formed on the base section 20, and is configured to store a battery and supply its power to the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1.

[0023] The power supply hole 29 is a hole opened on the rear surface of the base 20 so that it can be connected to an external power supply unit 39, which will be described later.

[0024] The control board 30 includes a control unit 31 , a light source 32 , a sensor 33 , an indicator 34 , and a power supply unit 39 . The control board 30 is formed in a disk shape so that it can be accommodated within the base 20 and so that the indicator 34 and the power supply unit 39 can be placed close to the side of the base 20 .

[0025] The control unit 31 is, for example, a microcomputer having an arithmetic circuit, a memory circuit, a timing circuit, a communication circuit, a power control circuit, etc., and is capable of controlling the functions of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1.

[0026] The light source 32 includes a red LED, a blue LED, and a green LED, and emits light of any color under the control of the control unit 31. The light source 32 is mounted on the control board 30 on the illumination unit 10 side. The light source 32 emits light in a first color (for example, blue) when the carbon dioxide concentration is within a first range (for example, 400 ppm or more and less than 1000 ppm (normal; ventilation not required)), emits light in a second color (for example, red) when the carbon dioxide concentration is within a second range (for example, 2000 ppm or more (ventilation; ventilation required)), and emits light in a third color (for example, yellow) when the carbon dioxide concentration is within a third range (for example, 1000 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm (caution; ventilation recommended)), thereby reporting the carbon dioxide concentration in three levels depending on the illumination color of the illumination unit 10. Note that the reporting levels may be three levels, or may be normal and ventilation (two levels), or four or more levels. In addition, the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 may be equipped with a buzzer (not shown) on the control board 30, and may provide an audible alert when the measured carbon dioxide concentration changes to another range (for example, from a first range to a second range).

[0027] The sensor 33 is, for example, a gas sensor using the Non-Dispersive InfraRed (NDIR) method or the PhotoAcoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) method, and measures the indoor air taken in through the air vent 24 and transmits the measured carbon dioxide concentration to the control unit 31. The sensor 33 is mounted on the opposite side of the control board 30 from the lighting unit 10, and is located close to at least one of the air vents 24, and is arranged in a straight line between one side 24A and the other side 24B of the air vent 24. This allows the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1 to have the sensor 33 located in the flow path of the air taken in, enabling it to more accurately measure the carbon dioxide concentration in the room.

[0028] The indicator 34 has a first LED 34A that emits light in the first color to indicate that the carbon dioxide concentration is within the first range (normal; ventilation not required), a second LED 34B that emits light in the second color to indicate that the carbon dioxide concentration is within the second range (ventilation; ventilation required), and a third LED 34C that emits light in the third color to indicate that the carbon dioxide concentration is within the third range (caution; ventilation recommended). Note that the number of LEDs in the indicator 34 may be increased or decreased to match the level of the alert from the light source 32. The indicator 34 uses a side-emitting LED and is mounted on the control board 30 in a direction perpendicular to the illumination unit 10 and on the opposite side to the power supply unit 39.

[0029] The power supply unit 39 is a connector configured to allow connection of a power cable or a USB cable, and supplies power to the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1. When power is not being supplied from the power supply unit 39, the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1 may be supplied with power from a battery. The power supply unit 39 is mounted on the control board 30 in a direction perpendicular to the illumination unit 10 and on the opposite side to the indicator 34 .

[0030] This allows the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1 to mount the light source 32, sensor 33, indicator 34, and power supply unit 39 on a single control board 30, reducing the number of parts and lowering costs. When incorporated into the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1, the control board 30 is configured so that the indicator 34 is on the front, the power supply unit 39 is on the back, the light source 32 is on the top, and the sensor 33 is on the bottom.

[0031] Please refer to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the control of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1. In the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1, the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time are defined in advance in the control unit 31, and the second predetermined time is set to be shorter than the first predetermined time.

[0032] In step S1, the control unit 31 turns on the power of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1 by pressing the power switch 25.

[0033] In step S2, the control unit 31 receives the carbon dioxide concentration measured by the sensor 33.

[0034] In step S3, the control unit 31 determines whether a second predetermined time has elapsed since the power was turned on. If it is determined that the second predetermined time has elapsed (if Yes), the process proceeds to step S11, and if it is determined that the second predetermined time has not elapsed (if No), the process proceeds to step S4. The second predetermined time is the time from when the power is turned on until the accuracy of carbon dioxide concentration detection by the sensor 33 becomes stable, and can be set appropriately depending on the sensor element used.

[0035] In step S4, the control unit 31 turns on all the LEDs of the light source 32, and lights them in a color different from the color indicating the carbon dioxide concentration. For example, if the light source 32 is configured to include a red LED, a blue LED, and a green LED, the illumination color is white. This prevents the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1 from presenting an unreliable carbon dioxide concentration from the time the power is turned on until the carbon dioxide detection accuracy of the sensor 33 stabilizes. In addition, by turning on all of the LEDs of the light source 32, the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1 can check whether there is a malfunction in the light source 32, which can also serve as a shipping inspection.

[0036] In step S5, the control unit 31 determines whether the power switch 25 has been pressed. If it is determined that the power switch 25 has been pressed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S6, and if it is determined that the power switch 25 has been pressed (No), the process proceeds to step S2.

[0037] In step S6, the control unit 31 turns off the power to the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1.

[0038] In step S11, the control unit 31 determines whether a first predetermined time has elapsed since the power was turned on. If it is determined that the first predetermined time has elapsed (if Yes), the process proceeds to step S12, and if it is determined that the first predetermined time has not elapsed (if No), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0039] In step S12, the control unit 31 sets the measurement cycle of the sensor 33 to a first cycle (measurement interval: short). For example, the sensor 33 measures the carbon dioxide concentration once every five seconds and transmits the result to the control unit 31.

[0040] In step S13, the control unit 31 sets the measurement period of the sensor 33 to a second period (measurement interval: long) longer than the first period. For example, the sensor 33 measures the carbon dioxide concentration once every 30 seconds and transmits the result to the control unit 31.

[0041] In step S14, the control unit 31 turns on the light source 32 and the indicator 34 in accordance with the carbon dioxide concentration received from the sensor 33. As a result, in situations where the user wants to know the carbon dioxide concentration in the room after powering on, the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 can quickly reflect the measurement results of the sensor 33 in the lighting unit 10. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 reduces the measurement frequency of the sensor 33 after a while has passed since powering on, thereby reducing power consumption and making it possible to extend the operating time of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1, particularly when the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 is powered by a battery.

[0042] Please refer to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the control of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1.

[0043] In step S1, the control unit 31 turns on the power of the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1 by pressing the power switch 25.

[0044] In step S21, the control unit 31 determines whether the test pins of the control board 30 are short-circuited. If it is determined that the test pins are short-circuited (Yes), the process proceeds to step S22, and if it is determined that the test pins are not short-circuited (No), the process proceeds to step S2, where the same control as in FIG. 8 is performed.

[0045] In step S22, the control unit 31 transitions to a shipping inspection mode that is different from the normal operation mode.

[0046] In step S23, the control unit 31 outputs the numerical value of the carbon dioxide concentration measured by the sensor 33 via serial communication (for example, UART: Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter).

[0047] In step S24, the control unit 31 determines whether the test pins of the control board 30 are released. If it is determined that the test pins are released (Yes), the process proceeds to step S25, and if it is determined that the test pins are not released (No), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0048] In step S25, the control unit 31 resets and restarts itself. As a result, the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1 can calibrate the sensor 33 based on detailed numerical values ​​by shorting the inspection pin during shipping inspection, and by leaving the inspection pin open when the product is shipped, unnecessary information output can be suppressed and the load on the control unit 31 can be reduced.

[0049] The above-described embodiment provides the following advantages.

[0050] The carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 is A carbon dioxide concentration measuring device that notifies the carbon dioxide concentration using lighting, an illumination unit 10 whose illumination color changes depending on the carbon dioxide concentration; a base portion 20 connected to the lighting portion 10; a control board 30 stored in the base portion 20; a sensor 33 mounted on the control board 30 and measuring the carbon dioxide concentration; The base 20 has legs 21 and a vent 24 on the opposite side to the lighting unit 10. The sensor 33 is positioned in proximity to the vent 24 .

[0051] The carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 allows indoor air for measuring the carbon dioxide concentration to be taken into the inside through the ventilation hole 24, and prevents moisture that has trickled down the side of the base part 20 from entering the inside through the ventilation hole 24.

[0052] In the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1, The ventilation holes 24 are provided in pairs, The sensor 33 is disposed close to at least one vent 24A, and is disposed on a straight line between the one vent 24A and the other vent 24B.

[0053] The carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 has a sensor 33 disposed in the flow path of the taken-in air, and can measure the carbon dioxide concentration in the room more accurately.

[0054] In the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1, The control board 30 has a light source 32 mounted on the side of the illumination unit 10 to illuminate the illumination unit 10, The base portion 20 has a through hole 26 through which light from the light source 32 passes, and a rib 27 is provided around the through hole 26.

[0055] The carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 can achieve waterproofing for everyday use without using airtight components such as O-rings, and can reduce manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts and simplifying assembly. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1 can release water vapor generated when water that has entered the device evaporates to the outside of the device 1 through the through-holes 26 and the ventilation holes 24, preventing condensation inside the lighting unit 10.

[0056] In the carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 1, The device further includes an indicator 34 that indicates the carbon dioxide concentration, and a power supply unit 39. The control board 30 is mounted so that the indicator 34 and the power supply unit 39 are perpendicular to the lighting unit 10 and are located on opposite sides of the lighting unit 10 .

[0057] The carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1 can mount the light source 32, sensor 33, indicator 34, and power supply unit 39 on a single control board 30, reducing the number of parts and lowering costs.

[0058] In the above-described embodiment, the carbon dioxide concentration measuring instrument 1 may be used to measure the carbon dioxide concentration and indicate the need for ventilation when using a cooking appliance and / or a heating appliance.

[0059] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings, and modifications (including the omission of components) can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1. Carbon dioxide concentration measuring device 10 Lighting Section 11 Diffusion section 12 Connecting part 20 units 21 Legs 22 Connecting part 23 Display section 24 Ventilation hole 26 through holes 27 Ribs 30 Control board 31 Control Unit 32 light source 33 Sensors 34 Indicators 39 Power supply section

Claims

1. A carbon dioxide concentration measuring device that notifies the carbon dioxide concentration using lighting, an illumination unit whose illumination color changes depending on the carbon dioxide concentration; a base connected to the lighting unit; a control board stored in the base; a sensor mounted on the control board for measuring the carbon dioxide concentration; the base portion has legs and a vent on the opposite side to the lighting portion, the sensor is positioned proximate to the vent; the control board is provided with a light source mounted on a side of the illumination unit to illuminate the illumination unit; The base portion has a through hole through which light from the light source passes, and a rib is provided around the through hole. Carbon dioxide concentration measuring device.

2. A carbon dioxide concentration measuring device that notifies the carbon dioxide concentration using lighting, an illumination unit whose illumination color changes depending on the carbon dioxide concentration; a base connected to the lighting unit; a control board stored in the base; a sensor mounted on the control board for measuring the carbon dioxide concentration; the base portion has legs and a vent on the opposite side to the lighting portion, the sensor is positioned proximate to the vent; Further comprising an indicator that indicates the carbon dioxide concentration and a power supply unit, the control board is mounted so that the indicator and the power supply unit are perpendicular to a direction connecting the illumination unit and the base unit, and the indicator and the power supply unit are located on opposite sides. Carbon dioxide concentration measuring device.

3. The vent holes are provided in pairs, the sensor is disposed adjacent to at least one of the air vents and on a straight line between the one of the air vents and another of the air vents; 3. The carbon dioxide concentration measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A carbon dioxide concentration measuring device that notifies the carbon dioxide concentration using lighting, an illumination unit whose illumination color changes depending on the carbon dioxide concentration; a base connected to the lighting unit; a control board stored in the base; a sensor mounted on the control board for measuring the carbon dioxide concentration; the base portion has legs and a vent on the opposite side to the lighting portion, the sensor is positioned proximate to the vent; The vent holes are provided in a pair on the bottom surface of the base portion, the sensor is disposed adjacent to at least one of the air vents and on a straight line between the one of the air vents and another of the air vents; Carbon dioxide concentration measuring device.

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