Deodorizer

Abstract

To provide a deodorizer capable of performing deodorizing operation in accordance with an indoor environment and a user's sense of smell.SOLUTION: Since when a temperature detected by a temperature sensor 10 or a humidity detected by a humidity sensor 11 is higher than a predetermined temperature or humidity, a first threshold is corrected to be lowered, in an environment where the temperature and humidity in a room are high and odors are more easily detected, a control unit 20 can lower a set odor threshold and start deodorizing operation even with less odor, thereby deodorizing odors in the room more quickly and providing user satisfaction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a deodorizer.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in this type of deodorizer, the degree of air pollution is detected by a gas sensor and a dust sensor, and when it exceeds a threshold Th1, the fan is rotated to perform deodorization operation. When the degree of pollution is lower than the threshold Th1, the rotational speed of the fan is decreased, and as a notification to the user, a question is asked to confirm whether the odor has been removed. If the user answers by voice or action that the odor has not been removed, the rotational speed of the fan is increased and the deodorization operation is performed again, taking into account the user's perception of the odor.

[0003] Also, when there are multiple answers indicating that the odor has not been removed, no notification is given to the user even when the degree of pollution is lower than the threshold Th1, and the rotational speed of the fan is maintained until it becomes lower than a threshold Th2 which is lower than the threshold Th1. (For example, Patent Document 1)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the user is notified and confirmed every time the deodorization operation is completed, the user may feel bothered. Also, once the fan has a low rotational speed, if the user's answer indicates that the odor has not been removed, the fan will rotate at a high speed again, resulting in wasted work.

[0006] Furthermore, even if the level of air pollution is low, odors become more noticeable when the temperature and humidity are high, so the system did not adequately consider the user's perception of odors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the deodorizer according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises: a main body of the appliance; a blower fan installed inside the main body of the appliance for blowing air; an intake port for taking in air from outside the main body of the appliance; an airflow path through which the air that has passed through the intake port flows; a deodorizing filter provided in the airflow path and equipped with a catalyst that adsorbs and decomposes odor components in the air; an outlet for blowing the air that has passed through the deodorizing filter to the outside of the main body of the appliance; an odor sensor for detecting odors in the room; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the room; a humidity sensor for detecting the relative humidity in the room; and a control unit that compares the odor level detected by the odor sensor with a first threshold value which is a set odor threshold value, and controls the operation of the blower fan when the odor level becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold value, wherein the control unit corrects the first threshold value to be lower if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor or the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is higher than a predetermined temperature or humidity.

[0008] Furthermore, in the deodorizer according to claim 2, the control unit compares the odor level detected by the odor sensor with a second threshold, which is an odor threshold greater than the first threshold, while the blower fan is in operation, and controls the blower fan to increase its rotation speed when the odor level becomes equal to or greater than the second threshold, and corrects the second threshold to be lowered when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor or the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is higher than the predetermined temperature or humidity.

[0009] Furthermore, the deodorizer according to claim 3 is characterized in that, when the blower fan is stopped and the user inputs an input to start operation, the blower fan is started and the odor sensor detects the odor level, and the first threshold is changed to that odor level.

[0010] Furthermore, the deodorizer according to claim 4 is characterized in that, when the blower fan is in operation, if the user inputs an increase in airflow, the rotation speed of the blower fan is increased and the odor sensor detects the odor level, and the second threshold is changed to that odor level. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this invention, the control unit corrects the first threshold value to be lowered if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor or the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is higher than a predetermined temperature or humidity. Therefore, in environments where the temperature and humidity are high and odors are more easily perceived, the deodorization operation can be started even at a lower odor level than usual, and the user can obtain satisfaction without sensing any odor.

[0012] Furthermore, while the blower fan is operating, the control unit compares the odor level detected by the odor sensor with a second threshold, which is an odor threshold greater than a first threshold. If the odor level exceeds the second threshold, the control unit increases the rotation speed of the blower fan. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor or the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is higher than a predetermined temperature or humidity, the control unit corrects the second threshold to be lowered. As a result, in environments where the temperature and humidity are high and odors are more easily perceived, the blower fan rotation speed can be increased even at lower-than-usual odor levels to increase the amount of airflow used for deodorization, allowing users to experience satisfaction without noticing any odors.

[0013] Furthermore, when the blower fan is stopped, if the user inputs a command to start operation, the blower fan will start operating, and the odor sensor will detect the odor level. The first threshold will then be changed to that odor level. This allows the odor threshold to be changed according to the user's sense of smell (sensitivity to odors), enabling deodorization operation tailored to how the user perceives odors.

[0014] Also, when there is an input to increase the air volume from the user while the blower fan is operating, the rotation speed of the blower fan is increased, the odor level is detected by the odor sensor, and the second threshold value is changed to the odor level. Therefore, even during operation, the odor threshold value can be changed according to the user's sense of smell (sensitivity to odors), and a deodorizing operation can be performed according to the way the odor is felt.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] Schematic Configuration Diagram of an Embodiment of the Present Invention [Figure 2] Control Block Diagram of the Embodiment [Figure 3] Flowchart for Explaining Control to Correct the First Threshold Value in the Embodiment [Figure 4] Flowchart for Explaining Control to Correct the Second Threshold Value in the Embodiment [Figure 5] Flowchart for Explaining Control to Change the First Threshold Value in the Second Embodiment [Figure 6] Flowchart for Explaining Control to Correct the Threshold Value After Change in the Second Embodiment [Figure 7] Flowchart for Explaining Control to Change the Second Threshold Value in the Second Embodiment [Figure 8] Flowchart for Explaining Control to Correct the Threshold Value After Change in the Second Embodiment [Figure 9] Diagram for Explaining the Relationship between Odor Level and Blower Fan Rotation Speed in the Present Invention

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Next, a deodorizer in an embodiment of this invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0017] 1 is the main body of the deodorizer, 2 is the suction port for taking in indoor air into the main body 1 of the appliance, which is open on the side surface of the main body 1 of the appliance. 3 is the air outlet for sending the deodorized air into the room, which is open on the upper surface of the main body 1 of the appliance. In the air supply path 12 from the suction port 2 to the air outlet 3, an air filter 4, a deodorizing filter 5, a heater 6, and a blower fan 7 are arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0018] The air filter 4 is formed of a HEPA filter or the like composed of a sheet-shaped filter material such as a non-woven fabric. It collects fine dust and fine particles such as PM2.5 from the air taken in through the suction port 2 to clean the air, and can be freely attached to and detached from the attachment portion (not shown) formed at the suction port 2.

[0019] The deodorizing filter 5 is a filter provided with a catalyst that adsorbs and decomposes odor components in the air such as ammonia odor, excrement odor, and pet odor. The heater 6 is a heating heater arranged to face the deodorizing filter 5. By heating the deodorizing filter 5 with the heater 6, the decomposition of the odor components adsorbed by the deodorizing filter 5 is promoted, and the deodorizing performance is regenerated.

[0020] The blower fan 7 is composed of a sirocco fan or the like and is rotationally driven by a motor 8. The indoor air taken in through the suction port 2 by the blower fan 7 becomes air from which the odor components have been removed and deodorized by passing through the deodorizing filter 5, and is sent into the room from the air outlet 3. Thus, the deodorizer in the present embodiment performs a deodorizing operation in which the blower fan 7 is rotationally driven to suck in air containing odor components, and the air with reduced odor components is sent out from the air outlet 3 after passing through the deodorizing filter 5.

[0021] 9 is an odor sensor for detecting odor components contained in the indoor air. 10 is a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the room in which the main body 1 of the appliance is installed, and 11 is a humidity sensor for similarly detecting the relative humidity of the room in which the main body 1 of the appliance is installed.

[0022] 20 is a control unit consisting of a microcontroller that controls the operation based on detection values ​​detected by each sensor, such as the odor sensor 9, and operation content such as operation instructions made by the user in the operation unit 30. The control unit 20 is equipped with a blower fan control means 21 that controls the deodorization operation by driving the blower fan 7 at a predetermined rotation speed, a heater control means 22 that controls the heating and regeneration of the deodorization filter 5 by changing the ON / OFF state of the heater 6, and a timer 23 as a timing means that counts the time elapsed from the start of a specific operation.

[0023] Next, we will describe the operation from start to finish in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] When the power supply for the main unit 1 of the deodorizer is provided by a power cord (not shown) (in standby mode), if the odor level detected by the odor sensor 9 exceeds the first threshold Th1, which is a preset odor threshold set in the control unit 20, the blower fan 7 starts operating at rotation speed F1 and begins deodorization. Similarly, deodorization can also be started when a command to start operation is input from the user via the operation unit 30.

[0025] After the deodorization operation begins, if the odor level detected by the odor sensor 9 becomes lower than the first threshold Th1 due to a reduction in odor components in the room, the blower fan 7 stops operating and the deodorization operation ends.

[0026] On the other hand, if the odor level detected by the odor sensor 9 becomes greater than or equal to the second threshold Th2, which is greater than the first threshold Th1, due to the continued generation of odor components in the room, the blower fan 7 changes its rotation speed to F2, which is greater than F1, and increases the airflow to perform deodorization. If the odor components in the room are reduced due to the increased airflow of the air being deodorized, and the odor level detected by the odor sensor 9 becomes less than the second threshold Th2, the blower fan 7 changes its rotation speed from F2 to F1, and decreases the airflow to perform deodorization. If the reduction of odor components in the room is further accelerated and the odor level detected by the odor sensor 9 becomes less than the first threshold Th1, the blower fan 7 stops operating and terminates the deodorization operation.

[0027] Here, we will explain the relationship between temperature, humidity, and the sensitivity to odors. Odor molecules have the property of easily changing from liquid to gas at room temperature of about 15-20°C (volatility). As the temperature rises, the volatility of odor molecules increases, making it easier for users to perceive odors. Also, when there is a lot of water vapor in the air, that is, when the humidity is high, odor molecules are contained in the water vapor (dissolved), and remain in place, making it easier for users to perceive odors.

[0028] Conventional deodorizers control their operation according to the detected odor level in the room. However, even if the room temperature or humidity is high, if the odor level is the same, they will start operation at the normal deodorization start time or with the normal airflow. This means that the unpleasant odor the user was experiencing may not be eliminated, potentially causing discomfort.

[0029] To address these challenges, one embodiment of the present invention will be described, based on Figures 3, 4, and 9, on a control mechanism that corrects a first threshold and a second threshold for controlling the operation of a deodorizer based on detected temperature or humidity. Note that, among the control steps shown in Figures 3 and 4, the control step for correcting the thresholds is illustrated in Figure 9, along with the correction image and step number.

[0030] Refer to Figures 3 and 9. When the deodorizer is stopped, that is, when the deodorizer is powered by a power cord not shown and the blower fan 7 is stopped (step S101), the temperature sensor 10 detects the current temperature Ta and the humidity sensor 11 detects the current humidity Ha (step S102). The control unit 20 determines whether the temperature Ta is greater than a predetermined temperature Ts and whether the humidity Ha is greater than a predetermined humidity Hs based on the detected temperature Ta and humidity Ha (step S103). Here, the predetermined temperature Ts and predetermined humidity Hs are set as standard temperature and relative humidity, for example, 20°C and 50% humidity. If the answer in step S103 is Yes, that is, the temperature Ta is greater than the predetermined temperature Ts or the humidity Ha is greater than the predetermined humidity Hs, the first threshold Th1 is corrected to be lower (step S104). Specifically, the larger the difference between the detected temperature Ta and the predetermined temperature Ts, or the larger the difference between the detected humidity Ha and the predetermined humidity Hs, the larger the correction value is increased to lower the first threshold Th1.

[0031] On the other hand, if in step S103 the result is No, i.e., the temperature Ta is less than or equal to a predetermined temperature Ts, or the humidity Ha is less than or equal to a predetermined humidity Hs, the first threshold Th1 is left as is without correction (step S105).

[0032] As a result, when the indoor temperature is high, the humidity is high, or both, the greater the difference between the detected temperature and humidity and predetermined values, the timing of the deodorizer's operation will be set to start when there is less odor than usual. This allows for faster deodorization of indoor odors, thereby relieving user discomfort more quickly and increasing satisfaction. Furthermore, if the indoor temperature or humidity is low and the user does not perceive much odor, the first threshold Th1 will not be lowered, preventing the deodorization operation from starting. This prevents excessive operation and reduces the opportunities for unnecessary deodorization.

[0033] Furthermore, if the indoor temperature or humidity is below a predetermined value, the first threshold Th1 is left as is without correction, but it may be corrected to be higher. This prevents unnecessary deodorization operations from being performed at temperatures or humidity levels where the user is less likely to perceive odors.

[0034] After performing step S104 or S105, the current odor level is detected and it is determined whether it is equal to or greater than the corrected or uncorrected Th1 (step S106). If the current odor level is equal to or greater than the corrected or uncorrected Th1 (Yes in S106), the blower fan 7 is started to operate at rotation speed F1 (step S107) and deodorization is performed. If the current odor level is less than the corrected or uncorrected Th1 (No in S106), there is no need to start deodorization, so the system returns to standby mode and the current temperature Ta and humidity Ha are detected to determine the correction of Th1.

[0035] Refer to Figures 4 and 9. While the blower fan 7 is operating at rotation speed F1, i.e., during deodorization operation (step S201), the temperature sensor 10 detects the current temperature Ta, and the humidity sensor 11 detects the current humidity Ha (step S202). The control unit 20 determines whether the detected temperature Ta is greater than a predetermined temperature Ts, and whether the humidity Ha is greater than a predetermined humidity Hs (step S203). If the answer in step S203 is Yes, i.e., the temperature Ta is greater than the predetermined temperature Ts, or the humidity Ha is greater than the predetermined humidity Hs, the second threshold Th2 is corrected to be lower (step S204). Specifically, the larger the difference between the detected temperature Ta and the predetermined temperature Ts, or the larger the difference between the detected humidity Ha and the predetermined humidity Hs, the larger the correction value is to correct the second threshold Th2 to be lower.

[0036] On the other hand, if in step S203 the result is No, i.e., the temperature Ta is less than or equal to the predetermined temperature Ts, or the humidity Ha is less than or equal to the predetermined humidity Hs, the second threshold Th2 is left as is without correction (step S205).

[0037] As a result, when the indoor temperature is high, the humidity is high, or both, the greater the difference between the detected temperature and humidity and the predetermined values, the timing at which the deodorizer's rotation speed is increased, i.e., the timing at which the airflow is increased, will be lower than usual. This allows for faster deodorization of indoor odors, and the user's discomfort from noticing a lack of odor reduction will be resolved more quickly, leading to greater satisfaction. Furthermore, when the indoor temperature or humidity is low and the user does not perceive much odor, the second threshold Th2 is not lowered, and the airflow is not increased, thus preventing excessive operation and reducing opportunities for unnecessary increases in airflow.

[0038] Furthermore, if the indoor temperature or humidity is below a predetermined value, the second threshold Th2 is left unchanged without correction, but it may be corrected to be higher. This prevents unnecessary increases in airflow at temperatures or humidity levels where the user is less likely to perceive odors.

[0039] After performing step S204 or S205, the current odor level is detected and it is determined whether it is above the corrected Th2 (step S206). If the current odor level is above the corrected or uncorrected Th2 (Yes in S206), the rotation speed of the blower fan 7 is increased from F1 to F2 and the deodorization operation is continued (step S207). Subsequently, if the current odor level becomes lower than Th2 (Yes in step S208), the rotation speed of the blower fan 7 is decreased from F2 to F1 and the deodorization operation is continued (step S209), and the correction of the second threshold Th2 performed in step S202 and later is determined again. If the answer in step S208 is No, i.e., the current odor level is above Th2, the correction of the second threshold Th2 performed in step S202 and later is determined in the same manner.

[0040] If the answer in step S206 is No, meaning the current odor level is lower than the corrected or uncorrected Th2, the blower fan 7 continues to operate at rotation speed F1, while the current temperature Ta and humidity Ha are detected (step S212), and the correction of Th1 is determined in the same way as in steps S103 to S105 (steps S213 to S215). In step S216, if the current odor level is lower than the corrected or uncorrected Th1 (Yes in step S216), it is determined that odor removal has progressed and the deodorization operation is no longer necessary, so the operation of the blower fan 7 is stopped, and the deodorization operation is terminated (step S217). On the other hand, if the current odor level is greater than or equal to the corrected or uncorrected Th1 (No in step S216), the deodorization operation continues at rotation speed F1, and the correction of the second threshold Th2, which was performed in steps S202 and later, is determined again.

[0041] Therefore, in environments where the indoor temperature and humidity are higher than standard conditions and odors are more easily detected, lowering the set odor threshold to start deodorizing operation even with less odor, or increasing the rotation speed of the blower fan 7, can deodorize indoor odors more quickly and satisfy the user.

[0042] Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, control for changing and correcting a first threshold and a second threshold for controlling the operation of a deodorizer based on user input will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 9. Of the control steps shown in Figures 5 to 8, the control steps for changing and correcting thresholds are shown in Figure 9, along with an image of the correction and the step number.

[0043] Refer to Figures 5 and 9. While the deodorizer is stopped, i.e., in standby mode (step S301), it is determined whether a command to start operation has been input from the user (step S302). If an input to start operation is received, the first threshold Th1 is changed to Th1a, which is the current odor level detected by the odor sensor 9, and the current temperature Ta detected by the temperature sensor 10 is stored in the control unit as a predetermined temperature Ts1, and the current humidity Ha detected by the humidity sensor 11 is stored as a predetermined humidity Hs1 (step S303). After that, the blower fan 7 is started to operate at rotation speed F1 (step S304), and the deodorization operation is performed.

[0044] The sense of smell, or sensitivity to odors, of users of deodorizers varies from person to person, and therefore the desired timing for starting the deodorizer also differs from person to person. When the user commands to start operation in step S302, it means that they want to start the deodorization operation at an odor level of Th1a, which is lower than the first threshold Th1 set in the deodorizer. Therefore, by determining the timing of the next start or end of operation based on an odor threshold that matches the user's sense of smell, it is possible to perform deodorization operations that match the individual differences in how people perceive odors, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0045] If the response in step S302 is "No," meaning there is no command from the user to start operation, the system performs control to determine the correction of the first threshold Th1, which is carried out from step S102 onwards in Figure 3.

[0046] Refer to Figures 6 and 9. From step S304 onward, while continuing operation at the rotation speed F1 of the blower fan 7 (step S401), the current temperature Ta and humidity Ha are detected (step S402), and the correction of Th2 is determined in the same way as in steps S203 to S205 (steps S403 to S405). Also, in step S406, if the current odor level is greater than or equal to the Th2 after correction or without correction (Yes in S406), the rotation speed of the blower fan 7 is increased in the same way as in steps S207 to S209, and the deodorization operation is continued (steps S407 to S409).

[0047] If the answer in step S406 is No, i.e., the current odor level is lower than the corrected or uncorrected Th2, the blower fan 7 continues to operate at rotation speed F1, and the current temperature Ta and humidity Ha are detected (step S412) to determine whether to correct the modified first threshold Th1a. The control unit 20 determines whether the temperature Ta is greater than a predetermined temperature Ts1 and whether the humidity Ha is greater than a predetermined humidity Hs1 based on the detected temperature Ta and humidity Ha (step S413). If the answer in step S413 is Yes, i.e., the temperature Ta is greater than the predetermined temperature Ts1, or the humidity Ha is greater than the predetermined humidity Hs1, the modified first threshold Th1a is corrected to a lower value (step S414). On the other hand, if the answer in step S413 is No, i.e., the temperature Ta is less than or equal to the predetermined temperature Ts1, or the humidity Ha is less than or equal to the predetermined humidity Hs1, the modified first threshold Th1a is left as is without correction (step S415).

[0048] Here, the difference between steps S103-S105 in Figure 3 and steps S413-S415 in Figure 6 is that the first threshold is Th1a, the predetermined temperature is Ts1, and the predetermined humidity is Hs1; that is, these are the odor level, temperature, and humidity at the time the user inputs the start of operation. In other words, the odor level to be corrected, and the temperature and humidity that serve as the correction conditions, are not standard values, but rather odor levels tailored to the user's sense of smell, and the temperature and humidity at that time can be used to accurately correct the changed first threshold Th1a.

[0049] Furthermore, if the indoor temperature or humidity is below a predetermined value, the modified first threshold Th1a is left unchanged without correction, but it may be corrected to be higher. The effect of this is the same as in the case of the first threshold Th1.

[0050] In step S416, if the current odor level is lower than the corrected or uncorrected Th1a (Yes in step S416), it is determined that odor removal has progressed and the deodorization operation is no longer necessary, so the operation of the blower fan 7 is stopped and the deodorization operation is terminated (step S417). On the other hand, if the current odor level is equal to or greater than the corrected or uncorrected Th1a (No in step S416), the deodorization operation is continued at rotation speed F1, and the correction of the second threshold Th2, which was performed in step S402 and later, is determined again.

[0051] Refer to Figures 7 and 9. From step S304 onward, while continuing to operate the blower fan 7 at rotational speed F1 (step S501), it is determined whether a command to increase the airflow has been input from the user (step S502). If an input to increase the airflow has been received, the second threshold Th2 is changed to Th2a, which is the current odor level detected by the odor sensor 9, and the current temperature Ta detected by the temperature sensor 10 is stored in the control unit as a predetermined temperature Ts2, and the current humidity Ha detected by the humidity sensor 11 is stored in the control unit as a predetermined humidity Hs2 (step S503). After that, the rotational speed of the blower fan 7 is increased from F1 to F2 (step S504), and deodorization operation is performed.

[0052] Similar to the change of the first threshold Th1 in step S303 of Figure 5 mentioned above, the second threshold Th2 can also be changed to Th2a, which represents a lower odor level, based on the user's command. This allows the timing of increasing or decreasing the rotation speed to be determined by a threshold that matches the user's sense of smell, enabling deodorization operation that is tailored to individual differences in how people perceive odors.

[0053] Refer to Figures 8 and 9. From step S504 onward, while continuing to operate the blower fan 7 at rotation speed F2 (step S601), the current temperature Ta and humidity Ha are detected (step S602), and a correction of the modified second threshold Th2a is determined. The control unit 20 determines whether the temperature Ta is greater than the predetermined temperature Ts2 and whether the humidity Ha is greater than the predetermined humidity Hs2 (step S603). If the result in step S603 is Yes, i.e., the temperature Ta is greater than the predetermined temperature Ts2, or the humidity Ha is greater than the predetermined humidity Hs2, the modified second threshold Th2a is corrected to a lower value (step S604). On the other hand, if the result in step S603 is No, i.e., the temperature Ta is less than or equal to the predetermined temperature Ts2, or the humidity Ha is less than or equal to the predetermined humidity Hs2, the modified second threshold Th2a is left as is without correction (step S605).

[0054] Similar to the correction control of the modified first threshold Th1a in steps S413 to S415 of Figure 6 described above, the correction of the modified second threshold Th2a can also be performed accurately by using the temperature and humidity, which are the correction conditions, not standard values, but rather odor levels tailored to the user's sense of smell, as well as the temperature and humidity at that time.

[0055] Furthermore, if the indoor temperature or humidity is below a predetermined value, the modified second threshold Th2a is left unchanged without correction, but it may be corrected to be higher. The effect of this is the same as in the case of the second threshold Th2.

[0056] In step S606, if the current odor level is lower than the corrected or uncorrected Th2a (Yes in step S606), it is determined that odor removal has been accelerated, and the rotation speed of the blower fan 7 is reduced from F2 to F1 to continue the deodorization operation (step S607). Subsequently, the current temperature Ta and humidity Ha are detected (step S612), and the correction of Th1a is determined in the same way as in steps S413 to S415 (steps S613 to S615). In step S616, if the current odor level is lower than the corrected or uncorrected Th1a (Yes in step S616), it is determined that odor removal has been accelerated and there is no longer a need for deodorization operation, so the operation of the blower fan 7 is stopped, and the deodorization operation is terminated (step S617). On the other hand, if the current odor level is Th1a or higher, either after correction or without correction (No in step S616), the deodorization operation is continued at rotation speed F2, and the correction of the modified second threshold Th2a, which was performed in step S602 and beyond, is determined again.

[0057] Therefore, when a user issues a command to start operation or increase the airflow, the set odor threshold is changed to the odor level at the time the command is issued, and the correction based on temperature and humidity is determined by the difference from the temperature and humidity at the time the command is issued. This allows the odor threshold to be changed and corrected according to the user's sense of smell (sensitivity to odors), enabling deodorization operation tailored to each individual's perception of odors.

[0058] In this embodiment of the present invention, the rotational speeds of the blower fan 7 were described as F1 and F2, but there may be multiple higher rotational speeds. In other words, even if multiple rotational speeds higher than F2, such as F3 and F4, are set, the control described in this embodiment, which increases and decreases the rotational speed according to the odor threshold, will be applied in the same way.

[0059] Furthermore, although the embodiment of the present invention described control for changing the first threshold Th1 and the second threshold Th2, it is preferable that the changed first threshold Th1a and second threshold Th2a be maintained even after the deodorization operation is stopped. In other words, assuming that the same user will use the deodorization operation again, it is preferable to store the thresholds that match the user's perception of odor in the control unit 20 and control the next deodorizer operation with the same thresholds.

[0060] Furthermore, the other configurations used in this embodiment are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1. Main body of the device 2. Inlet 3 Air outlet 5. Deodorizing filter 6 Heaters 7. Blower fan 9 Odor Sensor 10 Temperature Sensor 11 Humidity Sensor 20 Control Unit

Claims

1. The main body of the device, A fan installed inside the main body of the device to blow air, The aforementioned device body includes an air intake port for taking in air from outside the main body of the device, The airflow path through which the air that has passed through the intake port flows, A deodorizing filter is provided in the airflow path and is equipped with a catalyst that adsorbs and decomposes odor components in the air. An air outlet that blows the air that has passed through the deodorizing filter out of the main body of the device, An odor sensor that detects odors in the room, A temperature sensor that detects the indoor temperature, A humidity sensor that detects the relative humidity indoors, The system includes a control unit that compares the odor level detected by the odor sensor with a first threshold value which is a set odor threshold, and controls the operation of the blower fan when the odor level exceeds the first threshold value. The control unit is characterized in that, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor or the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is higher than a predetermined temperature or humidity, it corrects the first threshold value to a lower value.

2. The control unit, while the blower fan is in operation, compares the odor level detected by the odor sensor with a second threshold, which is an odor threshold greater than the first threshold, and controls the blower fan to increase its rotation speed when the odor level becomes equal to or greater than the second threshold. The deodorizer according to claim 1, characterized in that if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor or the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is higher than the predetermined temperature or the predetermined humidity, the second threshold is corrected to be lower.

3. The deodorizer according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the blower fan is in operation, the user inputs an increase in airflow, the rotation speed of the blower fan is increased, the odor sensor detects the odor level, and the second threshold is changed to the odor level.

4. The deodorizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the blower fan is stopped, the user inputs an input to start operation, the blower fan is started, the odor sensor detects the odor level, and the first threshold is changed to the odor level.

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