JP2011021931A - Microorganism sensor unit and air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a microorganism sensor unit suitable for air conditioners, and an air conditioner mounted with such a microorganism sensor unit. <P>SOLUTION: A microorganism sensor unit for detecting the amount of a microorganism contained in air includes at least one microorganism sensor 160. Each microorganism sensor 160 includes a plurality of nanowire parts 210 formed on a substrate 202. Each nanowire part 210 includes a ZnO nanowire, and a substance layer that is disposed on the surface of each nanowire and reacts with the microorganism. The microorganism sensor unit further includes a detection part for detecting a change of an electric characteristic generated due to attachment of the microorganism to the substance layer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a microorganism sensor unit and an air conditioner, and more particularly to a microorganism sensor unit that detects the amount of microorganisms in the air and an air conditioner that performs control according to the amount of microorganisms detected by the microorganism sensor unit.

Conventionally, various proposals for purifying air have been made.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electrostatic air cleaner that detects the amount of dust in the air using a dust sensor and adjusts the amount of released ions having an air purification effect according to the amount. In Patent Document 2, dirt is detected by a dust sensor and an odor sensor, and more ions having an air purification effect are released when temperature and humidity are in a specific state than when they are not in a specific state. An air conditioner that regulates and efficiently sterilizes airborne bacteria is disclosed.

There are also techniques for detecting microorganisms in the air.
In Patent Document 3, a working electrode to which a physiologically active substance for detecting the amount of a substance to be measured and a measurement interfering substance amount is fixed and a working electrode for detecting only the amount of a measuring interfering substance have a common counter electrode. A biosensor is disclosed. This biosensor employs a method of obtaining a current value generated by a microorganism from a difference between current values detected between two working electrodes and a counter electrode, and estimating the amount of the microorganism.

  Further, non-patent literature discloses that an antibody on the surface of a nanowire reacts with a specific protein.

JP 9-225338 A JP 2006-57941 A JP 61-3047 A

Jin Liu et al., Microsystems Packaging Research Center, Georgia Institute of Technology, "Label-Free Protein Detection by ZnO Nanowire Based Bio-Sensors", Electronic Components and Technology Conference, 2007, p.1971-1976

  The air conditioner has an effect of removing dust, odors and microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, molds, etc.) in the air. In conventional air conditioners, dust and odor can be detected, and the operation mode can be adjusted according to the degree of contamination to perform effective air cleaning.

  Moreover, the method of estimating the amount of microorganisms using a biosensor as in Patent Document 3 is limited to the measurement of the amount of microorganisms in a liquid. Therefore, even if such a sensor is installed in an air conditioner, it is a method in which microorganisms in the air are once dissolved in a liquid and the solution is inspected, so there is no reusability and the amount of microorganisms is detected in real time. Therefore, it is not possible to perform operation control according to it.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a microorganism sensor unit suitable for an air conditioner, and an air conditioner equipped with such a microorganism sensor unit. Is to provide.

  A microorganism sensor unit according to an aspect of the present invention is a microorganism sensor unit for detecting the amount of microorganisms contained in air, and includes at least one microorganism sensor, and each microorganism sensor is formed on a substrate. The apparatus further includes a detection unit that includes a plurality of nanowires and a substance layer that reacts with the microorganisms and is disposed on the surface of each nanowire, and detects a change in electrical characteristics caused by the microorganisms adhering to the substance layer.

  Preferably, the first sensor of the plurality of microorganism sensors integrally detects the amount of microorganisms and the amount of measurement interfering substance, and the second sensor of the plurality of microorganism sensors detects only the amount of measurement interfering substance. The detection unit detects a difference between measurement values obtained by the first sensor and the second sensor.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes a sterilization device for sterilizing microorganisms, and the second sensor uses the gas after passing through the sterilization device as a measurement target.

  An air conditioner according to another aspect of the present invention includes a microorganism sensor unit for detecting the amount of microorganisms contained in the air, the microorganism sensor unit including at least one microorganism sensor, and each microorganism sensor is a substrate. The microbial sensor unit has a plurality of nanowires formed thereon and a substance layer that reacts with microorganisms disposed on the surface of each nanowire, and the microbial sensor unit changes in electrical characteristics caused by adhesion of microorganisms to the substance layer. It further includes a detection unit for detecting.

  Preferably, a control means for performing control to change at least one of the air volume, the ion generation amount, and the humidification amount according to the amount of microorganisms detected based on the output result from the detection unit. Prepared.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes notification means for notifying the user of the amount of microorganisms detected based on the output result from the detection unit.

  According to the present invention, since the material layer that reacts with microorganisms is formed on the surfaces of the plurality of nanowires, the surface area of the sensor can be increased. As a result, a microorganism sensor unit suitable for an air conditioner and an air conditioner equipped with such a microorganism sensor unit can be provided.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the air conditioner in embodiment of this invention. It is a main body front view of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the main body of FIG. It is a circuit block diagram of the air conditioner in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the voltage application circuit in embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the basic drive timing of the voltage application circuit in embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the microorganisms sensor unit in embodiment of this invention. (A), (B) is a conceptual diagram of the microorganisms sensor in embodiment of this invention. It is IX-IX sectional drawing of the nanowire part shown in FIG.8 (B). It is a figure which shows the circuit structural example of the microorganisms sensor unit in embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the microorganisms sensor unit in the modification of embodiment of this invention. (A), (B) is a figure which shows an example of the sterilizer which sterilizes microorganisms with an ultraviolet light source. (A), (B) is a figure which shows the other example of the sterilizer which sterilizes microorganisms with an ultraviolet light source. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the circuit structural example of the microorganisms sensor unit in the modification of embodiment of this invention. In embodiment of this invention, it is a flowchart which shows the process which adjusts the ion generation amount based on the electric potential difference which a microorganisms sensor unit outputs. In embodiment of this invention, it is a flowchart which shows the process which adjusts an air volume based on the electric potential difference which a microorganisms sensor unit outputs. In embodiment of this invention, it is a flowchart which shows the process which adjusts the humidification amount based on the electric potential difference which a microorganisms sensor unit outputs.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

<Configuration of air conditioner>
In the present embodiment, the microorganism sensor is mounted on an air conditioner. An air conditioner represents an apparatus equipped with at least functions such as temperature control, humidification, dehumidification function, ion addition, oxygen enrichment, and includes an air cleaner equipped with a deodorizing filter and a sterilizing filter.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a front view of the main body of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main body of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the air conditioner 100 includes a main body 1, a front plate 2 of the main body 1, a filter unit 3 including a plurality of types of filters, a fan motor 4, a turbo fan 5, a tank 44, a humidifier. Remotely control the operation of the filter 41, the first air outlet 6a, the second air outlet 6b, the ion generator 10, the operation unit 103 having an operation state display function, the suction port 2a of the front plate 2, and the air conditioner 100. A remote controller (abbreviated as a remote controller) 130 that is operated to instruct the operation unit 103 to send a signal to the operation unit 103.

  The main body 1 of the air conditioner 100 has a structure in which a front plate 2 is provided so as to cover a part of the front surface of the main body 1.

  The main body 1 has a rectangular opening, which is a storage portion including a recess for storing the filter portion 3 when viewed from the front side. Holes 24 through which room air that has passed through the filter unit 3 is passed are formed radially on the bottom surface of the opening. A turbo fan 5 and a fan motor 4 for rotating the turbo fan 5 are arranged on the back surface of the radial hole 24. A first air outlet 6 a and a second air outlet 6 b for blowing air into the room are provided above the turbo fan 5. The ion generator 10 is disposed in the middle of the air blowing path 25 above the turbofan 5.

  The front plate 2 is attached to the main body 1 so as to be locked to the main body 1 with a certain space, and a suction port 2a for sucking indoor air is formed vertically at the center. The front plate 2 may be attached to the main body 1 so that indoor air is also sucked from the gap between the front plate 2 and the main body 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the filter unit 3 is composed of three types of a pre-filter 3a, a deodorizing filter 3b, and a dust collection filter 3c, which are housed in a filter frame 34 in order from the suction port 2a side, It is stored in the recess. The prefilter 3a collects dust and large particles of dust, the deodorizing filter 3b adsorbs odorous components such as acetaldehyde, ammonia, and acetic acid, and the dust collecting filter 3c collects dust and dust in the air with a HEPA sheet. .

  By making the filter unit 3 such a filter configuration, the pre-filter 3a collects dust and dirt in the air sucked from the room, and the deodorizing filter 3b collects acetaldehyde and ammonia as odor components in the air. Then, acetic acid and the like are adsorbed, and fine dust and dust that have finally passed through the pre-filter 3a are collected by the dust collecting filter 3c, so that the air that has exited the filter unit 3 is air from which odors, dust, and dust have been removed It becomes. Thus, since the air conditioner 100 is provided with the deodorizing filter 3b and the dust collection filter 3c, it fulfill | performs the function of an air cleaner.

  The fan motor 4 that rotates the turbo fan 5 that sucks in indoor air is disposed on the downstream side of the filter unit 3, and the form of the turbo fan 5 has long wings in the radial direction of the back bend, and has the highest static pressure. Demonstrates a silent effect. As the fan motor 4, a direct current motor that emphasizes controllability is used. The fan motor 4 in the present embodiment is capable of switching the air volume in six stages.

  A detachable tank 44 for storing water is housed on one side of the main body 1. A water supply port below the tank 44 is coupled to the tray 43. The water stored in the tank 44 flows out from the water supply port to the tray 43 and is supplied to the tray 43. The water stored in the tray 43 has a structure in which the water surface is maintained at a predetermined height.

  The humidifying filter 41 is supported by an upper lid 42 that covers the upper surface of the receiving tray 43, and a part below the humidifying filter 41 is immersed in water stored in the receiving tray 43. The humidifying filter 41 is disposed on the downstream side of the filter unit 3 and on the upstream side of the turbo fan 5. The humidifying filter 41 is disposed closer to the suction port 2a than the ion generator 10.

  The humidifying filter 41 sucks up the water stored in the tray 43 and enters a state containing moisture. When wind is sent to the humidifying filter 41 in this state, water contained in the humidifying filter 41 is vaporized. When the turbo fan 5 rotates, the air flows, and part of the air that has been sucked in through the suction port 2a and passed through the filter unit 3 passes through the humidifying filter 41 and is directed toward the ion generator 10. Is done. Then, it discharge | releases indoors from the 1st blower outlet 6a or the 2nd blower outlet 6b.

  The main body 1 of the air conditioner 100 includes a temperature sensor 151, a humidity sensor 152, a dust sensor 153, an odor sensor 154, and a microorganism sensor unit 200 in the upper part of the storage unit that stores the filter unit 3. Further, lamps 301, 302, and 303 for notifying the user of the amount of microorganisms are provided in the vicinity of the microorganism sensor unit 200.

  The dust sensor 153 is a particle sensor that detects particles floating in the air. The odor sensor 154 is a well-known sensor utilizing the fact that the resistance value changes when a gas component is adsorbed on the sensor surface made of a metal oxide semiconductor.

  The microorganism sensor unit 200 detects microorganisms floating in the air (for example, general floating bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.).

  The position where the microorganism sensor unit 200 is provided is not limited to the position shown in FIGS. However, since the air conditioner 100 according to the present embodiment is equipped with the dust collecting filter 3c of the HEPA sheet, it is assumed that the air conditioner 100 is provided at a position where the filter unit 3 does not pass or before passing. Thereby, the amount of microorganisms actually present in the air can be detected.

FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 4, a control unit 150 for controlling the entire air conditioner 100 includes a microorganism sensor unit 200, a temperature sensor 151, a humidity sensor 152, a dust sensor 153, an odor sensor 154, and various types. A memory 155 for storing programs and data, a voltage application circuit 20 for applying a voltage to the ion generator 10, a motor drive circuit 31 for controlling the drive of the fan motor 4, and lamps 301, 302, 303 Connected. The ion generator 10 is connected to a voltage application circuit 20, and the fan motor 4 is connected to a motor drive circuit 31.

  Control unit 150 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 155 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The motor drive circuit 31 switches the number of rotations of the fan motor 4 in six steps according to an instruction from the control unit 150. Further, the voltage application circuit 20 drives the ion generator 10 according to an instruction from the control unit 150.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the voltage application circuit 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 5, the voltage application circuit 20 includes an AC power supply 501, a switching transformer 502, resistors R0 and R1, a diode 505, capacitors C0 and C1, Sidac (registered trademark) 507, and a switch (SW ) Element 511 and phototriac 521. Sidac (registered trademark) 507 is a kind of silicon control rectifier (SCR) SCR, and is a product of Shindengen Electric Co., Ltd.

  In the photo triac 521, an LED is incorporated in a gate portion of the triac. When light is applied to the base portion of the transistor with an LED, the movement of electrons and holes in the P-type semiconductor and N-type semiconductor is activated, and the same effect as that in which a current is passed through the base occurs. Therefore, when the LED is turned on, the photo triac can be turned on. When the phototriac 521 becomes conductive and a gate current flows through the main triac, the main triac becomes conductive. Then, since the voltage applied to the triac portion of the phototriac 521 becomes almost 0 V, the conduction state is released.

  When the PC1 drive signal is output from the controller 150, the switch element 511 is turned on, and a current flows through the gate portion of the triac. Then, the photo triac 521 is turned on by turning on the LED. When the phototriac 521 becomes conductive and a gate current flows through the main triac, the main triac becomes conductive.

  When the main triac is turned on, the output voltage of the AC power supply 501 is rectified by the diode 505, dropped by the resistor R0, and applied to the capacitor C0. When the charging of the capacitor C0 progresses and the voltage at both ends reaches a predetermined threshold value, Sidac (registered trademark) 507 is turned on, and the charging voltage of the capacitor C0 is discharged. Therefore, a current flows through the primary coil L1 of the transformer 502, energy is transmitted to the secondary coil L2, and a pulse voltage is applied to the discharge electrodes 11 and 12 of the ion generator 10. Immediately thereafter, Sidac (registered trademark) 507 is turned off, and charging of the capacitor C0 is started again.

  If the pulse voltage applied to the discharge electrodes 11 and 12 is a voltage higher than the discharge start voltage, ions are generated from the discharge electrodes 11 and 12 by corona discharge.

  In the configuration of the voltage application circuit 20 of the present embodiment, the discharge is performed from the discharge electrodes 11 and 12 of the ion generator 10 by adjusting the output timing of the drive signal that turns on the switch element 511 (makes it conductive). The amount of ions is adjusted.

  FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining basic drive timing of the voltage application circuit 20 in the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 6, in the case of the basic timing, control unit 150 turns on the PC1 drive signal once in a predetermined unit time (for example, 40 seconds), for example. The ON period is a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). When the PC1 drive signal is turned on, corona discharge is generated from the discharge electrodes 11 and 12. As a result, ions are generated.

  The configuration of the voltage application circuit 20 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5, and may be, for example, the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-57941 (Patent Document 2).

<About the microorganism sensor unit>
Here, the microorganism sensor unit 200 in the present embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of the microorganism sensor unit 200 in the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 7, microbial sensor unit 200 in the present embodiment includes microbial sensor 160, and allows fluid to pass directly through microbial sensor 160. The microorganism sensor unit 200 outputs the measurement value obtained by the microorganism sensor 160 as a value indicating the amount of microorganisms.

  The microorganism sensor 160 preferably measures a characteristic having a value unique to the microorganism, such as a spectral characteristic or an electric characteristic of the microorganism.

  8A and 8B are conceptual diagrams of the microorganism sensor 160 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B is a partially enlarged view of region VIII (B) shown in FIG.

  With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the microorganism sensor 160 includes a substrate 202 and a plurality of nanowire portions 210. The plurality of nanowire portions 210 are formed on the substrate 202.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the nanowire portion 210 taken along line IX-IX.
Referring to FIG. 9, nanowire unit 210 includes a ZnO (zinc oxide) nanowire 212 and a material layer 214. The material layer 214 is formed so as to cover the periphery of the ZnO nanowire 212. In other words, the surface of the ZnO nanowire 212 is biochemically surface-modified, and changes in electrical characteristics due to adhesion of microorganisms to the material layer 214.

  The material layer 214 is obtained by attaching an antibody to a film carrying the antibody. The antibody is, for example, an anti-IgG antibody. As the supporting film, for example, a polymer porous film can be used. The polymer porous film may be, for example, PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

  When a microorganism having a specific protein adheres to the material layer 214, an electrical resistance corresponding to the amount is measured. The principle that an antibody reacts with a specific protein to change electrical characteristics is disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the entire surface of the ZnO nanowire 212 is completely covered with the material layer 214. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and only a part of the ZnO nanowire 212 is surface-modified. It may be a thing. However, the material layer 214 is preferably formed so as to cover the outer surface of the ZnO nanowire 212 on the upper side (opposite side of the substrate 202), that is, where microorganisms are likely to adhere.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a surface area capable of reacting with microorganisms can be increased by implanting a large number of ZnO nanowires 212 and covering them with a material layer 214. Therefore, the microorganism sensor 160 can be put into practical use in the air conditioner 100.

  The nanowire flocking itself is based on a known technique, and various shapes can be obtained depending on generation conditions such as a loop shape and a shape in which a loop and a wire are superposed.

The amount of microorganisms can be estimated from the observation values obtained by such a microorganism sensor 160.
The microorganism sensor 160 is connected to the lead wires 204 and 206 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the microorganism sensor unit 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 10, microorganism sensor unit 200 is configured by, for example, a bridge circuit, and includes microorganism sensor 160, reference resistors 181, 182, 183, potential difference detection unit 170, and power supply circuit 180.

  The microorganism sensor 160 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 180 through the lead wires 204 and 206.

  The potential difference detection unit 170 detects a change in potential-current characteristics, that is, resistance of the microorganism sensor 160. When microorganisms adhere to the microorganism sensor 160, the resistance of the microorganism sensor 160 increases. When the resistance increases, the voltage at the connection point between the resistance of the microorganism sensor 160 and the reference resistance 183 decreases. In that case, in the example of FIG. 10, a current flows from the circuit having the reference resistance 183 for comparison toward the microorganism sensor 160. The potential difference detection unit 170 outputs the detected potential difference to the control unit 150. The controller 150 detects the presence or absence of microorganisms and / or the amount of microorganisms based on the input potential difference.

  The presence or absence of microorganisms can be determined, for example, based on whether or not a potential difference equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is detected. That is, when a potential difference equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is detected, it can be determined that microorganisms are present in the air.

  The amount of microorganisms can be detected, for example, by storing in the ROM of the memory 155 a data table in which a potential difference-amount of microorganisms determined in advance based on experimental results is associated.

  In the present embodiment, a circuit configuration for detecting a potential difference is used to detect the amount of microorganisms adhering to the microorganism sensor 160. However, the present invention is not limited, and a circuit configuration for detecting current may be used.

(Modification of the microorganism sensor unit)
In the above example, the microorganism sensor unit 200 is configured to estimate the amount of microorganisms using one microorganism sensor 160, but two microorganism sensors may be used.

  The microorganism sensor unit including two microorganism sensors is hereinafter referred to as “microorganism sensor unit 200 #”.

  FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a microorganism sensor unit 200 # in a modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 11, microorganism sensor unit 200 # includes two microorganism sensors 160A and 160B and a sterilizer 190. The sterilizer 190 is, for example, an ultraviolet light source device, and can decompose and remove microorganisms.

  The microorganism sensor 160A detects the amount of microorganisms and the amount of measurement obstructions integrally by flowing the fluid as it is. The microorganism sensor 160B detects only the amount of measurement obstruction by passing the fluid through the sterilizer 190. By comparing the outputs of both the microorganism sensors 160A and 160B, disturbance factors (measurement disturbing substances) can be removed.

  12A and 12B are diagrams showing an example of a sterilizer 190 that sterilizes microorganisms with an ultraviolet light source. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the sterilizer 190 shown in FIG. 12A taken along line XII (B) -XII (B).

  With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the sterilizer 190 includes a light shielding part 192 and an LED 194 that is an ultraviolet light source. The light shielding part 192 has a cylindrical shape and is formed of a light shielding material. The LEDs 194 are uniformly installed on the inner surface of the light shielding part 192. Air passes through the hole 196 surrounded by the LED 194. Since the LED 194 is uniformly installed, the LED 194 uniformly irradiates the inside of the cylinder.

  An ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light of 250 to 270 nm, which has a high ability to decompose and remove microorganisms, may be used.

  FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing another example of a sterilizer 190 that sterilizes microorganisms using an ultraviolet light source. FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the sterilizer 190 # shown in FIG. 13A taken along line XIII (B) -XIII (B).

  Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, sterilizer 190 # includes an ultraviolet lamp 195 instead of LED 194 shown in FIG.

  The ultraviolet lamp 195 is disposed at the central portion of the cylindrical light shielding portion 192. Air passes through the hole 197 between the light shielding part 192 and the ultraviolet lamp 195.

  When air containing microorganisms passes through the hole 196 or the hole 197, the microorganisms are decomposed and removed by the LED 194 or the ultraviolet lamp 195. As a result, the above-described microorganism sensor 160B can detect the amount of suspended matters other than microorganisms in the air.

  Since the ability to decompose and remove ultraviolet light microorganisms increases as the distance decreases, the sterilizers 190 and 190 # using ultraviolet light are preferably small in size so as to perform processing in as narrow a range as possible. That is, it is preferable that the widths of the holes 196 and 197 are narrow so that the air passage becomes narrow.

In the present embodiment, the microorganisms are sterilized by ultraviolet light. However, the present invention is not limited. For example, the microorganisms may be sterilized by using a filter attached with Ag ⁺ ions or a HEPA filter.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the microorganism sensor unit 200 # in the modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 14, microbial sensor unit 200 # is also configured with a bridge circuit, for example. Microorganism sensor unit 200 # includes microorganism sensors 160A and 160B, reference resistors 181 and 182, a potential difference detection unit 170, and a power supply circuit 180.

  The resistance of the microorganism sensor 160A increases in accordance with the amount of microorganisms and measurement interfering substances. The resistance of the microbial sensor 160B increases according to the amount of the measurement interfering substance. This is because air after sterilization by the sterilizer 190 flows into the microbial sensor 160B.

  Therefore, when microorganisms are present in the air, the voltage at the connection point between the resistance of the microorganism sensor 160A and the resistance of the microorganism sensor 160B decreases. In that case, a current flows from one circuit of the microorganism sensor 160B to the microorganism sensor 160A. The potential difference detection unit 170 outputs the detected potential difference to the control unit 150. The controller 150 can more accurately detect the presence / absence of microorganisms and / or the amount of microorganisms based on the input potential difference.

<Operation of air conditioner>
Next, the operation of the air conditioner using the microorganism sensor unit 200 will be described.

(Adjustment of ion generation amount)
In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 100 adjusts the ion generation amount according to the output voltage from the potential difference detection unit 170 of the microorganism sensor unit 200.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing for adjusting the amount of ion generation based on the potential difference output from the microorganism sensor unit 200 in the embodiment of the present invention. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15 is stored in advance in the memory 155 as a program, and is realized by the control unit 150 reading and executing this program.

  Referring to FIG. 15, control unit 150 determines the degree of the amount of microorganisms based on the potential difference obtained from microorganism sensor unit 200 (step S2). Specifically, it is determined whether the obtained potential difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, less than the first threshold, greater than or equal to the second threshold, or less than the second threshold.

  When it is determined that the obtained potential difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, that is, when it is determined that the amount of microorganisms is large (“multiple” in step S2), the applied voltage duty of the voltage application circuit 20 is set to “high”. (Step S4). That is, the number of times the PC1 drive signal is turned on in unit time is increased, for example, by three times the basic timing (FIG. 6). As a result, a large amount of positive and negative ions are generated from the ion generator 10.

  When it is determined that the obtained potential difference is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to the second threshold, that is, when the amount of microorganisms is determined to be medium (“medium” in step S2), application of the voltage application circuit 20 The voltage duty is set to “medium” (step S6). That is, for example, the number of times the PC1 drive signal is turned on in unit time is increased to, for example, twice the basic timing (FIG. 6). Thereby, medium amount of positive and negative ions are generated from the ion generator 10.

  When it is determined that the obtained potential difference is less than the second threshold value, that is, when it is determined that the amount of microorganisms is small (“low” in step S2), the applied voltage duty of the voltage applying circuit 20 is “low”. (Step S8). That is, for example, the basic timing (FIG. 6) is the number of times the PC1 drive signal is turned on in unit time. Thereby, a small amount of positive and negative ions is generated from the ion generator 10.

  The above process is repeated until a power-off instruction is input from the user (step S10).

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the amount of ion generation can be adjusted according to the amount of detected microorganisms. Thereby, the microorganisms floating in the air can be appropriately removed.

(Adjustment of air volume)
The air conditioner 100 may adjust the air volume (the speed of airflow) according to the amount of microorganisms.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a process of adjusting the air volume based on the potential difference output from the microorganism sensor unit 200 in the embodiment of the present invention. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16 is also stored in advance in the memory 155 as a program, and is realized by the control unit 150 reading and executing this program.

  Referring to FIG. 16, control unit 150 executes steps S104, S106, and S108 instead of steps S4, S6, and S8 in FIG. Since other processes are the same as those shown in FIG. 15, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  When the controller 150 determines that the obtained potential difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, that is, when it is determined that the amount of microorganisms is large (“large” in step S2), the controller 150 sets the air volume to “strong” ( Step S104). That is, a control signal is transmitted to the motor drive circuit 31 so as to increase the rotational speed of the fan motor 4. Thereby, even if it does not change the applied voltage duty of the voltage application circuit 20, since airflow becomes quick, more ions can be sent in the air. Thereby, the amount of ions that the user can actually enjoy increases.

  When a sufficient amount of positive and negative ions are generated, if the air volume is small, some positive and negative ions are not released, and + ions and − ions are combined and disappear in the casing of the air conditioner 100. Therefore, when a sufficient amount of positive and negative ions are generated, it is also effective to adjust the amount of positive and negative ions released into the air by adjusting the air volume.

  Or in the case of the air conditioner provided with the filter part 3, since the air quantity which passes the filter part 3 can be increased, air can be purified effectively.

  When the controller 150 determines that the obtained potential difference is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to the second threshold, that is, when the amount of microorganisms is determined to be medium (“medium” in step S2), the air volume is set to “ “Medium” is set (step S106). That is, a control signal is transmitted to the motor drive circuit 31 so that the rotation speed of the fan motor 4 is set to the normal number.

  When determining that the obtained potential difference is less than the second threshold, that is, when determining that the amount of microorganisms is small (“low” in step S2), the control unit 150 sets the air volume to “weak” (step S2). Step S108). That is, a control signal is transmitted to the motor drive circuit 31 so as to reduce the rotational speed of the fan motor 4. Thus, noise can be further reduced by reducing the air volume when the amount of microorganisms is small. As a result, energy saving can also be realized.

  A process for adjusting the amount of ions to be generated and a process for adjusting the air volume may be combined.

(Adjustment of humidification amount)
Alternatively, the air conditioner 100 may be configured to remove and disinfect microorganisms by adjusting the humidification amount.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a process of adjusting the humidification amount based on the potential difference output from the microorganism sensor unit 200 in the embodiment of the present invention. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17 is also stored in advance in the memory 155 as a program, and is realized by the control unit 150 reading and executing this program.

  Referring to FIG. 17, control unit 150 executes steps S204, S206, and S208 instead of steps S4, S6, and S8 in FIG. Since other processes are the same as those shown in FIG. 15, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  When the controller 150 determines that the obtained potential difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, that is, when it is determined that the amount of microorganisms is large (“multiple” in step S2), the humidification amount is set to “high”. (Step S204). That is, a control signal is transmitted to the motor drive circuit 31 so as to increase the rotational speed of the fan motor 4. Since ions remain surrounded by water molecules, the remaining period becomes long. Therefore, by supplying a large amount of moisture to the ion generator 10, microorganisms can be efficiently removed.

  When the controller 150 determines that the obtained potential difference is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to the second threshold, that is, when the amount of microorganisms is determined to be medium (“medium” in step S2), the control unit 150 sets the humidification amount. “Medium” is set (step S106). That is, a control signal is transmitted to the motor drive circuit 31 so that the rotation speed of the fan motor 4 is set to the normal number.

  When it is determined that the obtained potential difference is less than the second threshold, that is, when the amount of microorganisms is determined to be small (“low” in step S2), the control unit 150 sets the humidification amount to “low”. (Step S108). That is, a control signal is transmitted to the motor drive circuit 31 so as to reduce the rotational speed of the fan motor 4.

  In the air conditioner 100 according to the present embodiment, a part of the humidifying filter 41 is immersed in the water stored in the tray 43 as described above. Therefore, when the air volume is increased, the amount of air passing through the humidifying filter 41 is increased, so that the water to be vaporized increases. Therefore, the amount of moisture supplied to the ion generator 10 can be controlled with a simple configuration that increases the air volume as described above.

  In the present embodiment, the humidification amount is adjusted by controlling the air volume, but the present invention is not limited to such a form.

(Other control)
In addition to / in place of the control as described above, the air conditioner 100 may notify the user of the detection result of the amount of microorganisms by the lamps 301, 302, and 303. For example, the lamp 301 may be turned on when it is determined that the amount of microorganisms is large, the lamp 303 may be turned on when it is determined that the amount of microorganisms is small, and the lamp 302 may be turned on in other cases. By doing in this way, when the operation sound of the air conditioner 100 is noisy or conversely it is not possible to recognize whether it is operating quietly, it is possible for the user to visually recognize.

  In addition, it is good also as alert | reporting the detection result of the amount of microorganisms by changing the color of a display part or a light emission part irrespective of the lamp | ramp 301,302,303.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body, 2 Front plate, 2a Suction port, 3 Filter part, 3a Pre filter, 3b Deodorizing filter, 3c Dust collection filter, 4 Fan motor, 5 Turbo fan, 6a, 6b Outlet, 10 Ion generator, 11, 12 Discharge electrode, 20 voltage application circuit, 24 holes, 25 air flow path, 31 motor drive circuit, 34 filter frame, 41 humidification filter, 42 upper lid, 43 saucer, 44 tank, 100 air conditioner, 103 operation unit, 150 control unit, 151 Temperature sensor, 152 Humidity sensor, 153 Dust sensor, 154 Smell sensor, 155 Memory, 160, 160A, 160B Microorganism sensor, 170 Potential difference detection unit, 180 Power supply circuit, 181, 182, 183 Reference resistance, 190, 190 # Sterilizer 192 Shielding part, 195 UV lamp, 1 6,197 hole part, 200,200 # microorganism sensor unit, 202 substrate, 204,206 lead wire, 210 nanowire part, 212 nanowire, 214 material layer, 301,302,303 lamp, 501 AC power supply, 502 switching transformer, 505 Diode, 507 Sidac (registered trademark), 511, 512 switch element, 521, 522 Phototriac, C0, C1, C2 capacitor, L1 primary coil, L2 secondary coil, R0, R1, R2 resistance.

Claims (6)

A microorganism sensor unit for detecting the amount of microorganisms contained in the air,
Comprising at least one microbial sensor,
Each of the microorganism sensors
A plurality of nanowires formed on a substrate;
A material layer disposed on the surface of each nanowire and reacting with microorganisms,
A microorganism sensor unit further comprising a detection unit for detecting a change in electrical characteristics caused by microorganisms adhering to the material layer. The first sensor among the plurality of microorganism sensors integrally detects the amount of microorganisms and the amount of measurement interfering substances,
A second sensor of the plurality of microorganism sensors detects only the amount of the measurement interfering substance,
The microorganism sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a difference between measurement values obtained by the first sensor and the second sensor. A sterilizer for sterilizing microorganisms;
The microorganism sensor unit according to claim 2, wherein the second sensor uses the gas after passing through the sterilizer as a measurement target. A microorganism sensor unit for detecting the amount of microorganisms contained in the air,
The microorganism sensor unit includes at least one microorganism sensor;
Each of the microorganism sensors
A plurality of nanowires formed on a substrate;
A substance layer disposed on the surface of each nanowire and reacting with microorganisms;
The microorganism sensor unit may further include a detection unit for detecting a change in electrical characteristics caused by microorganisms adhering to the material layer.   Control means for performing control to change at least one of the air volume, the ion generation amount, and the humidification amount according to the amount of microorganisms detected based on the output result from the detection unit. The air conditioner according to claim 4.   The air conditioner according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising notifying means for notifying a user of an amount of microorganisms detected based on an output result from the detection unit.

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