KR20180117329A - Apparatus for sensing particle - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for sensing particles according to an embodiment includes: a light emitting unit which emits light; an ionization unit converting polarity of the particles of introduced air into ionized particles; and a scattering unit disposed in a path after the ionization unit below the light emitting unit, flowing air crossing the optical axis of the light emitting unit including ionized particles and providing scattered light by the ionized particles, and the apparatus also comprises: a light receiving unit disposed on the optical axis below the flow path unit and through which the scattered light passing through the flow path unit is incident; and a repulsive force generating unit applying repulsive force having the same polarity as the polarity of the ionized particles introduced into the scattering unit to the ionized particles entering the scattering unit.

Description

Apparatus for sensing particle

An embodiment relates to a particle sensing device.

Generally, in the case of a dust sensing apparatus for sensing particles such as dust, light is irradiated toward the dust, and the light scattered from the dust is sensed to obtain information on the dust. As dust continues to flow into the conventional dust sensing apparatus, dust may accumulate in the interior of the dust sensing apparatus, particularly in the optical system, and it may be difficult to obtain accurate information on the dust. In order to solve this problem, the user of the dust sensing apparatus is inconvenient to clean the optical system directly in the dust sensing apparatus at a certain period of time, for example, every three months or six months.

An embodiment is to provide a particle sensing device capable of preventing particle contamination.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a particle sensing apparatus including: a light emitting unit emitting light; An ionization unit for converting polarity of the particles of the introduced air into ionized particles; And a scattering portion disposed in a path after the ionizing portion below the light emitting portion and including a scattering portion that flows through the air including the ionized particles to cross the optical axis of the light emitting portion and provides scattered light by the ionized particles; A light receiving portion disposed in the optical axis below the channel portion and receiving the scattered light passing through the channel portion; And a repulsive force generating unit for applying a repulsive force having the same polarity as the polarity of the ionized particle introduced into the scattering unit to the ionized particle entering the scattering unit.

For example, the flow path portion may include a flow path inlet portion into which the air flows; A flow path outlet through which the air flows; And an inlet-side flow path intermediate portion located between the flow path inlet portion and the scattering portion, wherein the flow path inlet portion includes an inlet port through which the air flows from the outside; And an inflow path formed between the inlet and the inlet-side flow path middle portion, wherein the scattering portion may be located on the optical axis between the flow path inlet portion and the flow path outlet portion.

For example, the ionization portion may be disposed at at least one of the inlet, the inflow path, or the inlet-side flow path middle portion.

For example, the repulsion generating unit may include at least one first electrode disposed on the light emitting unit side and having the same polarity as the polarity of the ionized particles; And at least one second electrode facing the at least one first electrode on the light receiving unit side and having the same polarity as the polarity of the ionized particle.

For example, the light emitting unit may include a light source unit; A light emitting case disposed in the optical axis and defining a first opening through which light emitted from the light source portion is emitted toward the scattering portion, the light emitting case including the light source portion; And a lens unit accommodated in the light emitting case and disposed on the optical axis between the light source unit and the first opening and configured to condense light emitted from the light source unit into the first opening.

For example, the at least one first electrode may include a 1-1 electrode disposed on the light emitting case near the first opening and the scattering portion.

For example, the at least one first electrode may include a first-second electrode disposed in the optical axis between the lens portion and the first opening in the light-emitting case.

For example, the light-receiving portion may include a light-transmitting member; And a light sensing unit for sensing the scattered light by the ionized particles in the scattering unit.

For example, the particle sensing device may further include a light receiving portion disposed between the scattering portion and the light receiving portion, the light receiving portion having a third opening disposed in the optical axis, the amount of light incident on the light receiving portion being adjusted, The second electrode of the second electrode is disposed on the light receiving incidence portion near the third opening and the scattering portion; A second -2 electrode disposed on the upper side of the light transmitting member; Or a second electrode arranged on the lower side of the light transmitting member.

For example, the particle sensing apparatus may further include a light absorbing portion disposed at the optical axis below the light receiving portion and absorbing light passing through the light receiving portion.

For example, at least one of the above-described first or second electrodes may include a light-transmitting conductive layer.

The particle sensing apparatus according to the embodiment can prevent the optical system from being contaminated by the particles, reduce the number of times of cleaning for removing the contaminated particles from the optical system or reduce the inconvenience of cleaning, can do.

1 is a schematic block diagram for explaining the concept of a particle sensing apparatus according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 shows an exemplary profile of scattered light scattered by ionized particles.
Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the particle sensing device shown in Figure 1;
FIG. 4A is an enlarged sectional view of the 'A1' portion to explain the flow path portion, the ionization portion, and the repulsive force generating portion shown in FIG. 3, and FIGS. 4B and 4C show another embodiment of the repulsive force generating portion shown in FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view according to an embodiment of the 'B1' portion.
Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the particle sensing device shown in Figure 1;
FIG. 6A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the 'A2' portion in order to explain the passage portion, the ionizing portion, and the repulsive force generating portion shown in FIG. 5, and FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate another embodiment of the repulsive force generating portion shown in FIG. Sectional view according to an embodiment of the 'B2' portion.
Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the particle sensing device shown in Figure 1;
8A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an 'A3' portion to explain an embodiment of the repulsive force generating portion shown in FIG. 7, a flow path portion and an ionizing portion, and FIGS. 8B and 8C are cross- B3 " in the enlarged cross-sectional view according to the embodiment of the present invention.
9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion 'C' shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 shows a planar shape of an embodiment of the light sensing unit shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 shows a plan view of another embodiment of the light sensing unit shown in FIG.
12 shows a cross-sectional view according to another embodiment of the particle sensing device shown in Fig.
13 shows a side view of the particle sensing device shown in Fig.
14 is a top perspective view of the particle sensing apparatus shown in Fig.
Fig. 15 shows a left perspective view of the particle sensing device shown in Fig. 14, respectively.
16 is a plan view cut along the line I-I 'shown in FIG.
17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion 'D' shown in FIG.
18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion 'E' shown in FIG.
19 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the information analysis unit shown in FIG.
20 shows a schematic perspective view of a particle sensor according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention. However, the embodiments according to the present invention can be modified into various other forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described below. Embodiments of the invention are provided to more fully describe the present invention to those skilled in the art.

In the description of the present embodiment, in the case of being described as being formed "on or under" of each element, the upper (upper) or lower (lower) on or under includes both the two elements being directly in contact with each other or one or more other elements being indirectly formed between the two elements.

Also, when expressed as "on" or "on or under", it may include not only an upward direction but also a downward direction with respect to one element.

It is also to be understood that the terms "first" and "second," "upper / upper / upper," and "lower / lower / lower" But may be used to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element, without necessarily requiring or implying an order.

Hereinafter, a particle sensing apparatus 100 (100A to 100D) according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience of explanation, the particle sensing apparatus 100 (100A to 100D) is described using a Cartesian coordinate system (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis), but it can be explained by other coordinate systems. Further, according to the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis are orthogonal to each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis may intersect with each other.

1 is a schematic block diagram for explaining the concept of the particle sensing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment and includes a light emitting unit 110, a channel unit 120, a light receiving unit 130, a light absorbing unit 144 A signal transforming unit 140, an information analyzing unit 142, an ionizing unit 150, a repulsive force generating unit 160, a housing 170, and a fan 180.

Referring to FIG. 1, the light emitting unit 110 may emit light, and may include a light source unit 112, a lens unit 114, and a light emitting case 116.

The light source unit 112 serves to emit the first light L1 and may include at least one light source. The light source included in the light source unit 112 may be at least one of a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode (LD). The light source unit 112 may include at least one of a light source, But not limited to. For example, the light source that implements the light source 112 may be a blue LED having high linearity, a high-brightness LED, a chip LED, a high-lux LED, or a power LED, but the light source according to the embodiment is not limited to a specific LED .

If the light source unit 112 is implemented by an LED, light of a visible light wavelength band (for example, 405 nm to 660 nm) or an infrared (IR) wavelength band (for example, 850 nm to 940 nm) . ≪ / RTI > In addition, when the light source unit 112 is implemented as an LD, it can emit light in a red (blue) wavelength band (for example, 450 nm to 660 nm). However, the embodiment is not limited to a specific wavelength band of the first light L1 emitted from the light source section 112. [

Also, the intensity of the third light L3 emitted from the light emitting portion 110 may be higher than 3000 mcd, but the embodiment is not limited to the specific intensity of the third light L3 emitted.

The light source of the light emitting unit 110 may be packaged in a SMD (Surface Mount Device) type or a lead type. Here, the SMD type means a packaging type in which a light source of the light emitting portion 112A is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) through soldering, as shown in FIG. In addition, the lead type means a packaging type in which a lead that can be connected to a PCB electrode protrudes from a light source. However, the embodiment is not limited to a specific packaging form of the light source.

In addition, when the light emitting unit 110 is implemented as an LD, the LD may be a TO Can type packaged with metal and may consume 5 mW or more of power, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The lens unit 114 may be disposed on the optical axis LX between the light source unit 112 and the first opening OP1. That is, the lens unit 114 may be disposed on a path through which the first light L1 passes from the light source unit 112 toward the first opening OP1. The lens unit 114 functions to condense the first light L1 emitted from the light source unit 112 into the first opening OP1 (L2). The lens unit 114 may also convert the first light L1 emitted from the light source unit 112 into parallel light L2. For this purpose, the lens portion 114 may include only one lens or may include a plurality of lenses arranged on the optical axis LX. The material of the lens portion 114 may be the same as that applied to a general camera module or an LED module.

The light emitting case 116 receives the light source unit 112 and the lens unit 114 and defines a first opening OP1. In the case of FIG. 1, the light emitting case 116 is illustrated as being separate from the top portion 172 of the housing 170, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the light emitting case 116 may be integrally formed with the top portion 172 of the housing 170, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 15 described later. In this case, the light emitting case 116 can be omitted.

The first opening OP1 which can be defined by the light emitting case 116 can be defined by the second light L2 emitted from the light source unit 112 and passing through the lens unit 114, (Or the scattering space) SS, and may be disposed on the optical axis LX of the light emitting portion 110. [ The scattering unit SS will be described later in detail when the flow path unit 120 is described.

The first opening OP1 may have an area corresponding to a view angle of the first light L1 emitted from the light source unit 112. [ Generally, the emission angle of the LED, which may be the light source 112, is about 15 degrees when the luminous intensity falls to 50%. Thus, the light of the desired intensity can be emitted through the first opening OP1 even if the area of the first opening OP1 is not large because the power of the beam is large at the center. However, if the light emission angle is large, if the area of the first opening OP1 is determined so that the third light L3 having a desired intensity is emitted from the light emitting portion 110, light loss occurs and the intensity of the light is weakened have. Therefore, the light emission angle can be determined in consideration of this. For example, when the first opening OP1 has a circular planar shape, if the diameter of the first opening OP1 is larger than 15 mm, the size of the particle sensing device 100 becomes large and light noise may be caused have. The diameter of the first opening OP1 may be from 2 mm to 15 mm, for example from 3 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 4 mm to 6 mm, for example 5.5 mm, although the embodiment is not limited in this respect .

The flow path portion 120 may be disposed below the light emitting portion 110 so as to cross the optical axis LX of the light emitting portion 110 and the air including the particles may flow through the flow path portion 120 . The air including the particles can flow in the IN1 direction towards the inlet IH of the flow path portion 120 and can be discharged in the OUT1 direction through the outlet OH of the flow path portion 120. [ For example, particles may be particles that float in the air, may be dust or smoke, and embodiments are not limited to particular forms of particles.

Particles included in the air flowing in the direction IN1 through the inlet IH of the flow path portion 120 are scattered by the third light L3 emitted from the light emitting portion 110, And scattered fourth light L4 (hereinafter, referred to as scattered light) may be provided to the light receiving unit 130. [ Here, the particles to be scattered in the scattering unit SS correspond to particles whose polarity is changed to ionized particles in the ionizing unit 150. [ This will be described in detail later.

1, the flow path unit 120 is illustrated as being spaced apart from the light emitting unit 110 and the light receiving unit 130, respectively. However, this is to explain the concept of the particle sensing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. That is, the flow path unit 120 may be disposed in contact with the light emitting unit 110 and the light receiving unit 130, respectively, as in the particle sensing apparatuses 100A to 100D described below according to the manner in which the flow path unit 120 is implemented.

The fan 180 serves to induce the flow of air in the flow path portion 120. That is, the fan 180 maintains a constant flow rate of the air within the flow path portion 120. To this end, the fan 180 may be disposed adjacent to the flow path portion 120 in the direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) in which the air flows. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the fan 180 may be disposed at the outlet (OH) side of the flow path portion 120, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the embodiment is not limited to the specific arrangement position of the fan 180, as long as it can induce the flow of air in the flow passage portion 120. [

For example, it is possible to implement the flow path portion 120 or determine the rotation speed of the fan 180 so that air containing particles in the flow path portion 120 maintains a flow rate of 5 ml / sec. However, It is not limited. Also, in some cases, the fan 180 may be omitted.

The light receiving unit 130 receives the fourth light L4 passing through the channel unit 120 and may be disposed on the optical axis LX under the channel unit 120. [ Here, the fourth light L4 having passed through the flow path portion 120 may include at least one of scattered light and scattered light.

Figure 2 shows an exemplary profile of scattered light scattered by ionized particles (P).

2, scattered light may mean light that is scattered by particles P included in air passing through the flow path portion 120 by the third light L3 emitted from the light emitting portion 110 . The non-scattered light means light that the third light L3 emitted from the light emitting portion 110 travels to the light receiving portion 130 without being scattered by the particles P passing through the flow path portion 120. [

The light receiving unit 130 receives scattered light and can provide an electrical signal of the received light to the signal converting unit 140.

On the other hand, the ionization unit 150 serves to convert polarity of the particles of the introduced air into ionized particles. That is, the ionization unit 150 serves to ionize particles to be scattered in the scattering unit SS. For this purpose, the ionization unit 150 may be disposed in a path before the air enters the scattering unit SS among the paths through which the air flows. The position of the ionization unit 150 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, FIG. 5, FIG. 6A, FIG. 7 and FIG.

Particles contained in the air can be ionized so as to have a positive or negative polarity at the ionization portion 150. [ For this purpose, for example, the ionization section 150 may ionize the particles by corona discharge, but embodiments are not limited to any particular way of ionizing the particles in the ionization section 150. When the corona discharge is used, ionization of molecules in the air occurs, and ionized molecules are attached to the surface of the particles (P), so that the particles (P) can be ionized.

The repulsive force generating unit 160 generates a repulsive force having the same polarity as the polarity of the ionized particles and plays a role of imparting a repulsive force to the ionized particles entering the scattering unit SS. When the particles P entering into the scattering part SS are ionized with a positive or negative polarity and the repulsive force of the same polarity as the ionized polarity of the particles in the repulsive force generating part 160 is applied to the ionized particles, (Or electrostatic repulsive force) is applied by the Coulomb force. Thus, the particles P can be prevented from flowing into the light emitting portion 110 and the light receiving portion 130 at the scattering portion SS. That is, the particles do not flow into the light emitting portion 110 through the first opening OP1 and may not flow into the light receiving portion 130 through the third opening OP3 described later. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the particles P from contaminating the light emitting portion 110 and the light receiving portion 130.

1, the flow path unit 120 is illustrated as being spaced apart from the ionization unit 150 and the repulsive force generation unit 160. This is to explain the concept of the particle sensing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. 3 to 8C and 12 to 15 according to the manner in which the flow path portion 120 is implemented, the flow path portion 120 includes the ionization portion 150 and the repulsion force generation portion 160, They may be arranged in contact with each other.

The light absorbing part 144 absorbs the fifth light L5 that has passed through the light receiving part 130 and may be disposed on the optical axis LX under the light receiving part 130. [ The light absorbing part 144 may correspond to a kind of dark room absorbing and absorbing unnecessary light which is not received by the light receiving part 130 but travels straight (hereinafter, 'main light').

1, the housing 170 serves to accommodate the light emitting portion 110, the flow path portion 120, the light receiving portion 130, and the light absorbing portion 144. Referring to FIG. For example, the housing 170 may include a top portion 172, a middle portion 174, and a bottom portion 176. The middle part 174 is a part capable of accommodating the flow path part 120 and the fan 180. The bottom part 176 is a part capable of receiving the light emitting part 110, Absorbing portion 144 is a portion that can accommodate the absorbing portion 144.

In the case of FIG. 1, the intermediate portion 174 of the housing 170 and the flow path portion 120 are illustrated as being different, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the flow path portions 120A, 120B and 120C can be formed by the intermediate portion 174 of the housing 170 as in the particle sensing devices 100A to 100D described later.

The signal converting unit 140 may convert a current type signal input from the light receiving unit 130 into a voltage type signal and output the converted result to the information analysis unit 142 as an electrical signal. In some cases, the signal converting unit 140 may be omitted, and the light receiving unit 130 may serve as the signal converting unit 140. At this time, the electrical signal output from the light receiving unit 130 may be provided directly to the information analysis unit 142.

The information analyzing unit 142 analyzes the number, density, size, or shape of the particles P using the electrical signal provided from the signal converting unit 140 (or the light receiving unit 130 when the signal converting unit 140 is omitted) Lt; / RTI > can be analyzed.

Hereinafter, embodiments 100A to 100D of the particle sensing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment 100A of the particle sensing device 100 shown in FIG. For the sake of clarity, FIG. 3 shows the progress of the light as shading (L).

The particle sensing device 100A shown in Fig. 3 includes a light emitting portion 110A, a channel portion 120A, a light receiving portion 130A, a light absorbing portion 144, an ionizing portion 150A, a repulsive force generating portion 160A, 172, and 176, and a fan 180, and the signal conversion unit 140 and the information analysis unit 142 shown in FIG. 1 are omitted.

The light emitting unit 110A, the flow path unit 120A, the light receiving unit 130A, the light absorbing unit 144, the ionizing unit 150A, the repulsive force generating unit 160A, the housings 172 and 176, The light source unit 180 includes a light emitting unit 110, a channel unit 120, a light receiving unit 130, a light absorbing unit 144, an ionizing unit 150, a repulsive force generating unit 160, a housing 172, 176 and the fan 180, respectively, so that redundant description of each function of the components shown in FIG. 3 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 3, the light source unit 112A includes only one light source, and the lens unit 114A includes only one lens. The lens 114A is disposed on the optical axis LX between the light source 112A and the first opening OP1 and functions to condense the light emitted from the light source 112A into the first opening OP1.

4A is an enlarged sectional view of the portion A1 'to explain the flow path portion 120A, the ionizing portion 150A and the repulsive force generating portion 160A shown in FIG. 3, and FIGS. 4B and 4C are cross- In order to explain other embodiments 160B and 160C of the repulsive force generating section 160A shown in FIG. 3, an enlarged cross-sectional view according to the embodiments B11 and B12 of the 'B1' (180) is omitted in Figs. 4A to 4C.

3 and 4, the flow path portion 120A includes a flow path inlet portion FI, an inlet side flow path middle portion FII1, a scattering portion SS, an outlet side flow path middle portion FII2, FO).

The flow path inlet portion FI is a portion into which air that may contain particles P is introduced, and may include an inlet port IH and an inlet path. The inlet IH corresponds to the inlet of the flow passage portion 120A into which the air flows from the outside in the IN1 direction and the inlet path corresponds to the path formed between the inlet IH and the inlet side flow passage middle portion FII1 do.

The flow path outlet portion FO is a portion through which air that may contain particles P flows out, and may include an outlet port OH and an outflow path. Here, the outlet port OH corresponds to the outlet of the flow path portion 120A through which air flows out to the OUT1 direction, and the outlet path corresponds to the path formed between the outlet-side flow path intermediate portion FII2 and the outlet port OH do.

The scattering section SS is arranged in the path after the ionization section 150A and is disposed between the light emitting section 110A and the light receiving section 130A and between the inlet side flow path middle part FII1 and the outlet side flow path middle part FII2, (LX).

The scattering portion SS provides a space in which the light emitted from the light emitting portion 110A is scattered by the particles P. [ To this end, the scattering portion SS is a portion in which the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 are formed in the flow paths 120 and 120A in the direction (for example, the z-axis direction) in which the light emitting portion 110A and the light receiving portion 130A face each other Can be defined as overlapping regions. Thus, since the scattering unit SS is disposed on the optical axis LX, the air including the ionized particles can flow while crossing the optical axis LX of the light emitting unit 110A.

The inlet-side flow path intermediate portion FII1 is located between the flow path inlet portion FI and the scattering portion SS and the outlet-side flow path middle portion FII2 is positioned between the scattering portion SS and the flow path outlet portion FO .

According to the embodiment, the ionization section 150A may be disposed at at least one of the inlet IH, the inflow path or the inlet-side flow path middle portion FII1.

Hereinafter, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, it is described that the ionization portion 150A is disposed over the flow path inlet FI and the inlet-side flow path intermediate portion FII1, but the embodiment is not limited to this. According to another embodiment, although not shown, the ionization portion 150A may be disposed on the inside or outside of the flow path portion 120A while being in contact with the inlet IH, and may be disposed in the scattering portion SS from the inlet IH. And may be disposed on the inlet passage FI or the inlet passage F1 in the inlet-side passage intermediate portion FII1. In this case as well, So that redundant description is omitted. That is, the embodiment is not limited to a specific position of the ionization section 150A, provided that the ionized particle can be provided to the scattering section SS.

Air containing the particles P is introduced through the inlet IH and then ionized in the ionization section 150A. Thereafter, the ionized particles pass through the inlet-side flow path middle portion FII1 to the scattering portion SS and then are discharged through the outlet port portion FO via the outlet-side flow path middle portion FII2. As described above, the fan 180 can be disposed to facilitate the air containing the particles P to smoothly travel to the flow path portion 120A. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the fan 180 may be disposed in the flow passage outlet FO or may be disposed adjacent to the outlet port OH of the flow passage outlet FO, as shown in FIG. 3 . Or according to another embodiment, the fan 180 may be disposed within the flow path inlet FI or adjacent the inlet IH.

The third light L3 emitted from the first opening OP1 while the air containing the particles P pass through the flow path portion 120A collides with the particles P at the scattering portion SS, It is scattered in the form of bar. At this time, in order to cause all the particles P passing through the scattering portion SS to strike by the third light L3 emitted from the light emitting portion 110A, the third light L emitted from the first opening OP1 An area suitable for forming the light curtain at the scattering portion SS in the direction (e.g., the x-axis and the z-axis) intersecting with the direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) An opening OP1 can be provided.

The sectional area (for example, the area in the x-axis and the z-axis direction) of the flow path portion 120A may be smaller than the area of the first opening OP1 (for example, the area in the x- and y-axis directions) . For example, referring to FIG. 4A, when the length of the first opening OP1 in the x-axis direction is equal to the length of the flow path portion 120A in the x-axis direction, the width D1 of the first opening OP1 May be greater than the height D2 of the flow path portion 120A. 4A, the first opening OP1 has a circular planar shape, and when the flow path portion 120A has a circular cross-sectional shape, in this case, the width of the first opening OP1 in the y- The diameter D1 may be larger than the diameter D2 of the flow path portion 120A. The width (or diameter) D1 of the first opening OP1 may be 2 mm to 15 mm, for example, 3 mm to 10 mm, preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, for example, 5.5 mm, The embodiment is not limited to this.

As described above, when the cross-sectional area of the flow path portion 120A is smaller than the area of the first opening portion OP1, the amount of air containing the particles P passing through the flow path portion 120A increases, A larger amount of particles can be sensed.

In addition, the cross-sectional area of the flow path portion 120A may be smaller than the beam size of the light emitted from the first opening OP1. As a result, the amount of air containing the particles P passing through the flow path portion 120A increases, that is, the amount of particles passing through the flow path portion 120A increases, .

As described above, since the information on the particles P can be more secured as the amount of the particles P passing through the flow path portion 120A increases, the information on the particles P can be more accurately analyzed .

In order to allow a large number of particles P to pass through, the flow path portion 120 shown in FIG. 1 may have various configurations other than the illustrated configuration.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment 100B of the particle sensing device 100 shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 6A shows the flow path portion 120B, the ionization portion 150B and the repulsive force generating portion 6B and 6C are explanatory views of another embodiment 160B and 160D of the repulsive force generating section 160A shown in FIG. 5, in which 'B2' (B21, B22) of FIG. 5, the illustration of the fan 180 shown in FIG. 5 is omitted in FIGS. 6A to 6C for convenience of explanation.

The cross-sectional shapes of the flow path portion 120A shown in FIG. 3 and the flow path portion 120B shown in FIG. 5 are different from each other. The cross-sectional shape of the flow path portion 120B shown in FIG. 3 is different from that of the ionization portion 150A shown in FIG. (150B) are disposed are different from each other. Except for this, since the particle sensing apparatus 100B shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the particle sensing apparatus 100A shown in FIG. 3, the duplicate description will be omitted. For example, the definition of the scattering unit SS described above with reference to FIG. 4A can also be applied to the flow channel unit 120B shown in FIG. 6A.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4A, a flow path is formed in the flow path inlet portion FI, the inlet side flow path LB, and the flow path side flow path LB in the direction (for example, the x axis direction and the z axis direction) The cross-sectional area of the side-passage intermediate portion FII1, the scattering portion SS, the outlet-side passage middle portion FII2, and the passage outlet portion F0 is constant.

On the other hand, the cross-sectional area of the inlet-side passage intermediate portion FII1 in the direction (for example, the x-axis and the z-axis direction) intersecting with the direction in which the air flows (for example, And the sectional area of the outlet-side passage intermediate portion FII2 may include a portion that increases as the distance from the scattering portion SS increases.

For example, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6A, in the direction intersecting with the direction in which the air flows (for example, the y-axis direction) (for example, the x-axis and the z- The sectional area of the portion FII1 decreases as it approaches the scattering portion SS and becomes constant and the sectional area of the middle portion FII2 of the outlet side flow passage FII2 may increase after a certain distance from the scattering portion SS. Alternatively, unlike the case shown in Figs. 5 and 6A, although not shown, an inlet (for example, an x-axis and a z-axis direction) intersecting with a direction The cross-sectional area of the outlet-side passage intermediate portion FII1 may continue to decrease as it approaches the scattering portion SS, and the cross-sectional area of the outlet-side passage middle portion FII2 may increase continuously as the distance from the scattering portion SS increases.

3 and 4A, in a direction intersecting with the direction (for example, the y-axis direction) in which the air flows (for example, in the x-axis and z-axis directions) And the channel outlet portion FO may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the scattering portion SS.

In the flow paths 120A and 120B shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. 6A, the opening-side flow path middle portion FII1 (or the outlet-side flow path middle portion FII2) The area of the first opening OP1 (for example, the area in the x-axis and the y-axis direction) is defined as the direction in which the air flows (for example, the y-axis direction) Sectional area of the second opening OP2 in the crossing direction (for example, the x-axis and the z-axis direction).

For example, referring to FIGS. 4A and 6A, when the length of the first opening OP1 in the x-axis direction is equal to the length of the second opening OP2 in the x-axis direction, the first opening OP1, The width D1 of the second opening OP2 may be larger than the height D4 of the second opening OP2. 4A and 6A, when the first opening OP1 has a circular planar shape and the second opening OP2 has a circular cross-sectional shape, the diameter D1 of the first opening OP1, May be larger than the diameter D4 of the second opening OP2.

3 and 4A, the ionization portion 150B is disposed only in the inlet-side flow path middle portion FII1.

When the flow path portion 120B has a cross sectional shape as shown in Figs. 5 and 6A, more particles P are discharged from the flow path 120B due to the change in sectional area of the inlet side and outlet side flow path middle portions FII1 and FII2, Can pass through the portion 120B, and accuracy of sensing the particles P can be increased.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment 100C of the particle sensing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8A shows an embodiment 160F of the repulsive force generating section 160E shown in FIG. 7, A3 'to enlarge the ionization part 150C and the ionization part 150C and FIGS. 8B and 8C are cross-sectional views illustrating another embodiment 160C and 160G of the repulsion generation part 160E shown in FIG. Is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment (B31, B32) of the portion 'B3', and the illustration of the fan 180 shown in FIG. 7 is omitted in FIGS. 8A to 8C for convenience of explanation.

The cross-sectional shapes of the flow path portion 120A shown in Fig. 3 and the flow path portion 120C shown in Fig. 7 are different from each other. The cross-sectional shape of the flow path portion 120C shown in Fig. And the sectional shape of the repulsive force generating portion 160E shown in FIG. 7 is different from that of the repulsive force generating portion 160A shown in FIG. Except for this, since the particle sensing apparatus 100C shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the particle sensing apparatus 100A shown in FIG. 3, a duplicate description will be omitted.

In the case of Figs. 3 and 4A, in the direction intersecting with the direction in which the air flows (for example, the y-axis direction) (for example, the x-axis direction and the z- Sectional area of the flow path middle portion FII1, the scattering portion SS, the outlet-side flow path middle portion FII2, and the flow path outlet portion F0 is constant.

On the other hand, in the case of FIGS. 7 and 8A, in the direction intersecting with the direction (for example, the y-axis direction) in which air flows (for example, ) Decreases as it approaches the scattering section (SS), and then increases. The cross-sectional area of the outlet-side passage intermediate portion FII2 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the scattering portion SS in the direction (for example, the x-axis and the z-axis direction) And then increases.

It is also possible to provide the opening with the smallest cross sectional area in the direction intersecting the direction in which air flows in the inlet side intermediate flow path portion FII1 (or the outlet side intermediate flow path portion FII2) of the flow path portion 120C shown in FIG. 8A The area of the first opening OP1 (for example, the area in the x-axis and the y-axis direction) is defined as the direction in which the air flows (for example, the y-axis direction) Sectional area of the second opening OP2 in the direction (for example, the x-axis and the z-axis direction) intersecting the first opening OP2.

8A, when the length of the first opening OP1 in the x-axis direction and the length of the second opening OP2 in the x-axis direction are equal to each other, the width of the first opening OP1 D1 may be greater than the height D4 of the second opening OP2. 8A, when the first opening OP1 has a circular planar shape and the second opening OP2 has a circular cross-sectional shape, the diameter D1 of the first opening OP1 is larger than the diameter D1 of the second opening OP1, Can be larger than the diameter D4 of the opening OP2.

For example, the height D4 of the second opening OP2 shown in Figs. 4A, 6A and 8A is 1 mm to 10.0 mm, for example, 1 mm to 5.0 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2.0 mm, For example, it may be 2 mm, but the embodiment is not limited to this. As described above, according to the embodiment, since the height D4 of the second opening OP2 is small, the size of the entire particle sensing apparatuses 100A to 100C can be reduced.

In order to allow more particles to pass through the flow path portions 120 (120A, 120B, and 120C), there is no change in the volume of the flow rate of the air passing through the flow path portion 120. [ 7 and 8A, when a double nozzle (DN) structure is formed by the second opening OP2, the volume change of the flow rate of air passing through the flow path portion 120C is The flow rate of the air can be adjusted so as to be easy to measure, and the accuracy of sensing the particles P can be increased. For example, since the bottleneck phenomenon is created by the double nozzle structure, more particles P can pass through the flow path portion 120C, and the accuracy of sensing the particles P can be increased.

The structures of the flow paths 120A, 120B, and 120C shown in Figs. 3, 4A, 5, 6A, 7, and 8A are merely one example. That is, the embodiment is not limited to the specific example of the flow path portion 120, as long as more air can flow through the flow path portions 120A, 120B, and 120C.

In addition, as illustrated in Figs. 6A and 8A, inlets IH and IH are formed in a direction (for example, the x-axis and the z-axis direction) Sectional area of each of the outlets OH may be larger than the area of the first opening OP1 and larger than the sectional area of the second opening OP2.

Or the flow path outlet portion FO of the flow path inlet portion FI in the direction (for example, the x-axis and the z-axis direction) intersecting with the direction (for example, The outermost cross-sectional area of each of the outflow paths of the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 may be larger than the area of the first opening OP1 and larger than the cross-sectional area of the second opening OP2.

For example, when the x-axis length of each of the inlet IH and the outlet OH is equal to the x-axis length of each of the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, the inlet IH and the outlet OH The height D2 in the z-axis direction is larger than the width D1 in the y-axis direction of the first opening OP1 and larger than the height D4 in the z-axis direction of the second opening OP2 .

For example, when the flow path inlet portion FI, the flow path outlet portion FO, and the second opening portion OP2 each have a circular cross-sectional shape and the first opening portion OP1 has a circular planar shape, The diameter D2 of each of the inlet port IH and the outlet port OH may be larger than the diameter D1 of the first opening OP1 and larger than the diameter D4 of the second opening OP2.

The height (or diameter) D2 of the inlet IH may be from 1 mm to 15 mm, for example from 2 mm to 8 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 4 mm, for example 3.5 mm, Is not limited to this. The height (or diameter) of the outlet OH may also be 5 mm to 25 mm, for example 8 mm to 15 mm, preferably 10 mm to 12 mm, for example 11 mm, But is not limited thereto.

Or, for example, when the x-axis length of each of the inlet IH and the outlet OH is equal to the x-axis length of each of the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, Axis direction may be larger than the width D1 in the y-axis direction of the first opening OP1 and greater than the height D4 in the z-axis direction of the second opening OP2.

In addition, for example, when each of the flow path inlet part FI, the flow path outlet part FO and the second opening part OP2 has a circular cross-sectional shape and the first opening part OP1 has a circular plan shape, The largest diameter in each of the path and the outflow path may be larger than the diameter D1 of the first opening OP1 and larger than the diameter D4 of the second opening OP2.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the light receiving unit 130 may have various structures for accurately detecting scattered light from the particles P. The light receiving unit 130A shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7 corresponds to the light receiving unit 130 shown in FIG.

9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion 'C' shown in FIG.

3 and 9, the light receiving unit 130A may include a light transmitting member 132 and a light sensing unit 134. [ The light receiving portion 130A may further include a light guide portion 136A, but in some cases, the light guide portion 136A may be omitted.

The light-transmissive member 132 may be formed of a material capable of transmitting light, and may be embodied as glass, for example. The light transmitting member 132 may include a first surface 132-1 and a second surface 132-2. The first surface 132-1 corresponds to the top surface (i.e., the top surface) of the light transmitting member 132 facing the scattering section SS and the second surface 132-2 corresponds to the first surface 132-1. (That is, the bottom surface) of the light transmitting member 132 as the opposite surface of the light transmitting member 132. [

The light sensing part 134 and the light guide part 136A may be disposed around the optical axis of the light transmitting member 132. [ The light sensing part 134 and the light guide part 136A may be disposed on mutually opposing surfaces of the light transmitting member 132. [ 9, the light sensing part 134 is disposed on the second surface 132-2 of the light transmissive member 132, and the light guiding part 136A is disposed on the second surface 132-2 of the light transmissive member 132. [ And may be disposed on the first surface 132-1. 9, the light sensing portion 134 is disposed on the first surface 132-1 of the light transmitting member 132 and the light guiding portion 136A is disposed on the second surface 132-1 of the light transmitting member 132, May be disposed on the surface 132-2. The light sensing portion 134 is disposed on the second surface 132-2 of the light transmitting member 132 and the light guiding portion 136A is disposed on the first surface 132-1 of the light transmitting member 132 The following explanation can be applied to the case of the reverse.

The light sensing unit 134 is disposed around the optical axis LX under the light transmissive member 132 and is scattered by the particles P at the scattering unit SS and then incident on the light receiving unit OP3 through the light receiving unit OP3. Can be sensed. The light receiving incidence portion will be described later.

FIG. 10 shows a planar shape of an embodiment 134A of the light sensing part 134 shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 10, the light sensing unit 134A may include a center portion 134-1 and a photodiode 134-2. The central portion 134-1 may be formed of a material having a light transmitting property and located on the optical axis LX so as to pass the main light passing through the scattering portion SS to the light absorbing portion 144. [ For example, the central portion 134-1 may be made of glass.

The central portion 134-1 may cover the light entrance OPL of the light absorbing portion 144. [ As described above, when the center portion 134-1 covers the light entrance OPL, the penetration of particles or foreign matter into the light absorbing portion 144 can be prevented, and the particles P passing through the scattering portion SS The flow of the particles P in the flow path portion 120A can be smooth and the measurement error can also be reduced.

In addition, when the photodiode 134-2 is disposed on the second surface 132-2 of the light transmitting member 132, damage to the photodiode 132-2 due to foreign matter can be prevented.

The photodiode 134-2 is disposed around the center portion 134-1 and serves to sense the light scattered by the particles P. [ The photodiode 134-2 corresponds to an active region for absorbing light in the structure of a general photodiode.

For example, the photodiode 134-2 can detect light in the 380 nm to 1100 nm wavelength band, but the embodiment is not limited to a specific wavelength band that can be detected by the photodiode 134-2. The photodiode 134-2 may have a sensitivity of 0.4 A / W at a wavelength band of 660 nm or a sensitivity of 0.3 A / W at 450 nm so that scattered light can be well sensed, Is not limited to this.

10, the width W1 of the light sensing portion 134A may be between 5 mm and 20 mm, for example between 7 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 10 mm, It does not.

The width W2 of the central portion 134-1 may be 3 mm to 18 mm, for example, 5 mm to 13 mm, and preferably 7 mm to 9 mm, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

In addition, the width W3 of the photodiode 134-2 on the plane may be 0.1 mm to 5 mm, for example, 1 mm to 3 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, Do not.

In addition, although not shown, the light sensing part 134 shown in FIG. 9 may have various planar shapes as shown in FIG. For example, the planar shape of the photodiode 134-2 shown in Fig. 10 is circular, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. If the light sensing portion 134 can include the central portion 134-1, the photodiode 134-2 can have various planar shapes. For example, instead of the circular ring shape, the photodiode 134-2 may have a polygonal ring shape such as a rectangular ring shape, a square ring shape, a triangular ring shape, or an elliptic ring shape.

Fig. 11 shows a planar shape of another embodiment 134B of the light sensing part 134 shown in Fig.

The photodiode 134-2 may include a plurality of sensing segments spaced apart from one another on the same plane. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the photodiode 134-2 may include a plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, and 134-24 spaced from one another .

Even when the photodiode 134-2 is polygonal or elliptical, it may be divided into a plurality of sensing segments arranged separately from each other, as shown in FIG.

Also, the plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, and 134-24 illustrated in FIG. 11 may be spaced apart at equal intervals or at different intervals. For example, the larger the spaced distance G of the plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, and 134-24, the higher the signal level and the greater the degree of design freedom. For example, the spacing G may be from 0.01 mm to 1 mm, for example from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably from 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm, although the embodiments are not limited in this respect.

In addition, the plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, and 134-24 may have the same planarity with each other, or may have different planarities.

In addition, the light sensing portions 134A and 134B illustrated in FIG. 10 or 11 may be arranged symmetrically on a plane, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the light sensing portion 134A or 134B may be arranged asymmetrically in a plane.

Further, the plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, and 134-24 may be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically on a plane.

The widths W1, W2, and W3 shown in FIG. 11 may be those described with reference to FIG.

For example, like the photodiode 134-2, each of the plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, and 134-24 can detect light in the 380 nm to 1100 nm wavelength band , The embodiment is not limited to a specific wavelength band that can be detected in the plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, 134-24. Each of the plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, and 134-24 has a sensitivity of 0.4 A / W in a wavelength band of 660 nm, or a sensitivity of 0.4 Nm to 0.3 A / W, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, when the photodiode 134-2 is disposed apart from the plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, and 134-24, Can predict the shape of the particle using the relative magnitude of the sensed results in each of the plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, 134-24.

If the shape of the particles P is symmetrical, for example spherical, the intensities of scattered light detected in each of the plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, and 134-24 are equal to each other. Thus, when the intensities of light sensed by the plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, and 134-24 are equal to each other, the information analysis unit 142 determines that the particles P have a symmetric shape .

On the other hand, when the shape of the particles P is asymmetric, for example, non-spherical, the intensity of scattered light detected in each of the plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, and 134-24 is different . When the intensities of light sensed by the plurality of sensing segments 134-21, 134-22, 134-23, and 134-24 are different from each other, the information analyzer 142 determines that the particles P have an asymmetric shape . It goes without saying that, in order to predict various shapes of the particles, the divided shape and the number of the divided segments of the plurality of sensing segments can be changed.

The packaging form of the photodiodes 134-2 and 134-21 to 134-24 of the light receiving unit 130A described above may be implemented as an SMD type or a lead type as in the light source 112A of the light emitting unit 110A. However, the embodiment is not limited to the specific packaging form of the photodiodes 134-2, 134-21 to 134-24.

On the other hand, the light receiving incidence portion is disposed between the scattering portion SS and the light receiving portion 130A, and can adjust the amount of light incident on the light receiving portion 130A. 3, 5, and 7, the light receiving incidence portion may include a third opening OP3 disposed on the optical axis LX.

The third opening OP3 is an area suitable for entering 20% to 80% of the total amount of light scattered by the particles P in the scattering part SS to the light receiving part 130A Axial area).

For example, in the light scattered by the particles P from the scattering unit SS, the distance from the center of the scattering unit SS to the fifth opening OP5, which will be described later, with respect to the optical axis LX is 12 degrees , That is, 20% of the total light scattered in the particles P can be incident on the light receiving portion 130A when the predetermined angle? Shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 is 24 °, 50% of the total light scattered in the particles P can be incident on the light receiving portion 130A when the angle? is 60 degrees (i.e., left and right 30 degrees with respect to the optical axis LX). In consideration of this, in the third opening OP3, the left angle of the light scattered by the particles P with respect to the optical axis LX, that is, the predetermined angle? Is 24 ° to 60 ° The light receiving portion 130A can have an area suitable for the light in the range of 30 degrees to the left and right with respect to the optical axis LX. As described above, it can be seen that the amount of light incident on the light receiving portion 130A can be adjusted by adjusting the area of the third opening OP3.

4A, 6A and 8A, the area of the third opening OP3 (for example, the area in the x-axis and the y-axis direction) is larger than the area of the first opening OP1 (for example, the area in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction). For example, when the third opening OP3 has a circular planar shape and the diameter D3 of the third opening OP3 is larger than 10 mm, the photodiodes 134-2, 134-21 to 134-24, Scattered light may be introduced into the photodiode, resulting in light noise. Further, when the diameter D3 of the third opening OP3 is smaller than 2 mm, the amount of scattered light received by the photodiodes 134-2 and 134-21 to 134-24 is reduced and the photodiodes 134-2 and 134-21 To 134-24 may be small in size. Therefore, the diameter D3 of the third opening OP3 may be from 1 mm to 12 mm, for example from 1 mm to 6 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 4 mm, for example 3 mm, It is not limited.

Referring again to FIG. 9, the light guide unit 136A guides the light scattered by the scattering unit SS to the light sensing unit 134. Referring to FIG. For this purpose, for example, the light guide portion 136A may include inner side walls 136-1 and 136-2 and outer side walls 136-3 and 136-4. If the inner partitions 136-1 and 136-2 have a circular planar shape, the inner partitions 136-1 and 136-2 are integral, and the outer partitions 136-3 and 136-4 are circular, The outer side walls 136-3 and 136-4 may be integral with each other.

The inner side walls 136-1 and 136-2 have a fourth opening OP4 overlapping the light entrance OPL of the light absorbing portion 144 in a direction parallel to the optical axis LX Can be defined. The scattered light having passed through the third opening OP3 proceeds to the fifth opening OP5 and the main light passing through the third opening OP3 passes through the third opening OP3, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > OP1. ≪ / RTI > That is, the inner partitions 136-1 and 136-2 serve to separate the main light and the scattered light.

The height H1 of the inner side walls 136-1 and 136-2 may be 1 mm to 15 mm, for example, 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably 3 mm to 6 mm, for example, 5 mm, Examples are not limited to these.

The outer side walls 136-3 and 136-4 are connected to the fifth opening OP5 overlapping the photodiode 134-2 in the direction parallel to the optical axis LX -1, 136-2).

The width W4 of the fifth opening OP5 may be 0.1 mm to 6 mm, for example, 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm, for example, 1 mm, Do not.

When the inner partitions 136-1 and 136-2 and the outer partitions 136-3 and 136-4 are disposed as described above, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3, the third part OP3 Scattered light can proceed to the photodiode 134-2 of the light sensing part 134 and the main light incident on the third opening OP3 can proceed toward the light absorbing part 144. [

Meanwhile, the light receiving portion 130A may further include the sensing support portion 138, but in some cases, the sensing support portion 138 may be omitted.

The sensing support portion 138 serves to support the light sensing portion 134 and may be implemented separately from the bottom portion 176 of the housing 170 as shown in FIG. And the bottom portion 176 of the first embodiment.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the light absorbing portion 144 may include a protrusion 144A and an absorption case 144B. The absorption case 144B defines a light entrance OPL through which the light passing through the light receiving unit 130A is incident and serves to receive the main light passing through the light receiving unit 130A. The width (for example, the width in the y-axis direction) of the light entrance OPL may be 2 mm to 15 mm, for example, 3 mm to 10 mm, preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, However, the embodiment is not limited to this.

To this end, the inner wall of the absorption case 144B may be coated with a material having a light absorbing property. In the case of FIG. 3, the absorption case 144B and the bottom portion 176 of the housing 170 are illustrated as being distinct, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, as in the particle sensing apparatus 100D described later, the bottom portion 176 of the housing 170 and the absorption case 144B may be integrated. That is, the bottom portion 176 of the housing 170 can also serve as the absorption case 144B.

The protrusion 144A may have a shape protruding from the bottom surface of the absorption case 144B toward the light inlet OPL. Further, the width of the protruding portion 144A may become narrower from the bottom surface of the absorption case 144B toward the light inlet OPL. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the protrusion 144A may have a circular cross-sectional shape, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. When the protrusion 144A is disposed, the main light incident on the light entrance OPL is prevented from being reflected by the inner wall of the absorption case 144B and escaping to the light entrance OPL, The absorption rate of the main light incident on the light entrance OPL can be improved by reflecting the main light incident through the light entrance OPL to the inner wall of the absorption case 144B.

Fig. 12 shows a sectional view by another embodiment 100D of the particle sensing device 100 shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 13 shows a side view of the particle sensing device 100D shown in Fig. 12, Fig. 15 is a left perspective view of the particle sensing device 100D shown in Fig. 14, Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the particle sensing device IOO 'shown in Fig. 14, Fig.

Only the portions other than those shown in Figs. 12 to 16 and Figs. 3 to 11 will be described. Therefore, it is needless to say that the description of FIGS. 3 to 11 can be applied to portions other than those described below and not described with reference to FIGS.

In the particle sensing apparatuses 100A, 100B and 100C shown in Figs. 3, 5 and 7, the packaging form of the light source unit 112A is SMD type, while the particle sensing apparatus 100D shown in Figs. The light source portion 112B may be a dome-shaped (or through-hole type) LED, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the diameter φ of the dome type light emitting portion 110B may be 3 mm to 5 mm, and the view angle may be 20 ° or less, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

In addition, the operating temperature of the photodiode 134-2 may be -10 DEG C to 50 DEG C, but the embodiment is not limited to the specific operating temperature of the photodiode 134-2.

The lens portion 114A of the particle sensing devices 100A, 100B, and 100C shown in Figs. 3, 5, and 7 includes only one lens, whereas the particle sensing device 100D shown in Figs. The lens portion 114B of the first lens 114B-1 may include first and second lenses 114B-1 and 114B-2. The first lens 114B-1 serves to convert the light emitted from the light source portion 112B into parallel light and the second lens 114B-2 serves to convert the parallel light emitted from the first lens 114B- And can condense light to the first opening OP1.

In the case of the particle sensing apparatuses 100A, 100B and 100C shown in Figs. 3, 5 and 7, the tower portion 172 of the housing 170 and the light emitting case 116 are different, In the case of the particle sensing device 100D shown, the top portion 172 of the housing 170 and the light emitting case 116 are integral. That is, it can be seen that the top portion of the housing 170 serves as the light emitting case 116.

The flow path portion 120C of the particle sensing device 100D shown in Figs. 12 to 15 may have the structure of the double nozzle DN like the flow path portion 120C shown in Figs. 7 and 8A. Therefore, the description of the flow path portion 120C shown in Figs. 12 to 15 is replaced by the description of the flow path portion 120C shown in Figs. 7 and 8A.

12, the minimum width D5 of the outlet-side flow path middle portion FII2 is 1 mm to 15 mm, for example, 2 mm to 8 mm, preferably 3 mm to 5 mm, for example, 4 mm But the embodiment is not limited thereto.

17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion 'D' shown in FIG.

17, the light receiving incidence portion 190 may include a light guiding portion 192, a cover transparent portion 194, and a light intercepting portion 196.

The light guide portion 192 may be disposed between the scattering portion SS and the light receiving portion 130B to define a third opening OP3. Here, the characteristic of the third opening OP3 may be the same as the characteristic of the third opening OP3 described above with reference to Fig. That is, the third opening OP3 is formed in such a manner that 20% to 80% of the total amount of light scattered by the particles P in the scattering section SS is an area suitable for entering the light receiving section 130B Direction and a width in the y-axis direction). In the light scattered by the particles P, the predetermined angle? From the center of the scattering portion SS to the fifth opening OP5 with respect to the optical axis LX is 24 ° to 60 ° The third opening OP3 may have an area such that the light in the range of 60 DEG is suitable for being incident on the light receiving portion 130B. As described above, it is understood that the amount of light incident on the light-receiving portion 130B can be adjusted by adjusting the area of the third opening OP3.

The area of the third opening OP3 may be different from the area of the first opening OP1. For example, the area of the first opening OP1 may be larger than the area of the third opening OP3. In this case, the focal point of the light emitted from the light emitting portion 110B is formed to be farther from the center of the scattering portion SS, so that a measurement error due to the main beam can be reduced.

The light blocking portion 196 may be disposed between the scattering portion SS and the light guide portion 192 to define a sixth opening OP6. The width W5 of the sixth opening OP6 is adjusted so that the main light is prevented from entering the photodiode 134-2 or the amount of main light incident on the light receiving portion 130B and traveling to the light absorbing portion 132 Can be adjusted.

The width W5 of the sixth opening OP6 may be, for example, 1 mm to 15 mm, for example, 2 mm to 8 mm, preferably 3 mm to 4 mm, for example 3.5 mm, Do not.

By disposing the light intercepting portion 196 as described above, the main light can be prevented from proceeding to the photodiode 134-2 of the light sensing portion 134 through the fifth opening OP5. Here, the light sensing unit 134 may be implemented in a module form.

Further, the cover transparent portion 194 may be disposed between the third opening OP3 and the sixth opening OP6. The cover transparent portion 194 serves to prevent foreign matter from entering the light receiving portion 130B. The arrangement of the cover transparent portion 194 prevents the particles P passing through the scattering portion SS from penetrating into the light receiving portion 130B so that the flow of the particles P in the flow path portion 120C can be smooth And the measurement error can be reduced. In this case, even if the photodiodes 134-2 and 134-21 to 134-24 are formed on either the first surface 132-1 or the second surface 132-2 of the light transmitting member 132, The damage of the photodiodes 134-2 and 134-21 to 134-24 can also be prevented.

18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion 'E' shown in FIG.

The light sensing part 134 and the light guide part 136B shown in Fig. 18 may be disposed around the optical axis LX of the light transmitting member 132. [ The light sensing part 132 and the light guide part 136B may be disposed on mutually opposing surfaces of the light transmitting member 132. [ 18, the light sensing portion 134 is disposed on the second surface 132-2 of the light transmitting member 132, and the light guide portion 136B is disposed on the second surface 132-2 of the light transmitting member 132 And may be disposed on the first surface 132-1. 18, the light sensing portion 134 is disposed on the first surface 132-1 of the light transmissive member 132 and the light guiding portion 136B is disposed on the second surface 132-1 of the light transmissive member 132, May be disposed on the surface 132-2. Here, the first surface 132-1 and the second surface 132-2 are as defined in the above description of FIG. The light sensing portion 134 is disposed on the second surface 132-2 of the light transmissive member 132 and the light guiding portion 136B is disposed on the first surface 132-1 of the light transmissive member 132 The following explanation can be applied to the case of the reverse.

Except that the structures of the inner side walls 136-1 and 136-2 are different, the cross section shown in Fig. 18 is the same as the cross section shown in Fig. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as those shown in Fig. 9, and a brief explanation will be given below.

The scattered light having passed through the third opening OP3 proceeds to the fifth opening OP5 and the main light passing through the sixth opening OP6 passes through the fourth opening Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > (OP4). ≪ / RTI > For example, the height H2 may be from 1 mm to 15 mm, for example from 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 6 mm, e.g., 5 mm, although the embodiment is not limited in this respect.

Each of the inner side walls 136-1 and 136-2 extends from the inner side 136-11 and 136-21 defining the fourth opening OP4 and the inner side 136-11 and 136-21, -3, 136-4, and a lateral portion 136-12, 136-22 defining a fifth opening OP5. The diameter of the fourth opening OP4 having a circular planar shape should be larger than the focusing size of the main beam. If the diameter of the fourth opening OP4 is smaller than 1 mm, all of the main beam can not pass through the fourth opening OP4 and is incident on the photodiode 134-2, The light may not be sensed. Further, when the diameter of the fourth opening OP4 is larger than 8 mm, it may be difficult to realize the slit. Thus, the diameter of the fourth opening OP4 may be from 1 mm to 8 mm, for example from 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 3 mm, for example, 2 mm, although embodiments are not limited in this respect .

The width W4 of the fifth opening OP5 may be larger than the width W6 of the outer side portions 136-12 and 126-22. The width W6 of the outer portions 136-12 and 126-22 may be 0.1 mm to 5 mm, for example, 0.4 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.6 mm to 1 mm, for example, 1 mm, Is not limited to this. For example, when the width W4 of the fifth opening OP5 is 1.1 mm, the width W6 of the outer portions 136-12, 136-22 may be 0.8 mm, but the embodiment is not limited thereto .

The outer side portions 136-12 and 136-22 and the inner side portions 136-11 and 136-21 of the inner side walls 136-1 and 136-2 may be integrally formed.

18, the outer portions 136-12, 136-22 or the inner portions 136-11, 136-11, 136-22, and 136-3 become closer to the third opening OP3 from the first surface 132-1 of the transparent substrate 132, 136-21) can be reduced. That is, the distinction between the inner portions 136-11 and 136-21 and the outer portions 136-12 and 136-22 is such that scattered light is incident on the photodiode 134-2 with an angle, Sectional shape.

The area of the fourth opening OP4 shown in Fig. 18 (for example, the area in the x-axis and the y-axis direction) is larger than the area of the sixth opening OP6 shown in Fig. 17 And the area in the y-axis direction), but the embodiment is not limited to this. As described above, when the area of the sixth opening OP6 is made larger than the area of the fourth opening OP4, the progress of the main beam to the photodiode 134-2 can be further blocked.

On the other hand, the scattering section SS can contact the plurality of openings. That is, the scattering portion SS communicates with the light emitting portions 110A and 110B through the first opening OP1 and the inlet-side flow passage middle portion FII1 (or the outlet-side flow passage middle portion FII2) Communicate with each other through the opening OP2 and communicate with the light receiving portions 130A and 130B through the third opening OP3 or the sixth opening OP6.

The repulsive force generating unit 160 includes at least one first electrode disposed on the light emitting units 110A and 110B and at least one second electrode disposed on the light receiving units 130A and 130B can do.

At least one of the first and second electrodes may be disposed facing each other. Further, in order to apply coulomb repulsion to the ionized particles entering the scattering unit SS, each of the first and second electrodes may have the same polarity as the ionized polarity.

At least one first electrode may be arranged at various positions on the light emitting units 110A and 110B in various shapes and at least one second electrode may be arranged at various positions in various shapes on the light receiving units 130A and 130B .

The at least one first electrode may include at least one of a 1-1 electrode or a 1-2 electrode. The first 1-1 electrode may be disposed on the light emitting case 116 near the first opening OP1 and the scattering portion SS. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4A, 5, 6A, 6C, 7, 8A, 8C or 12 to 15, the first 1-1 electrodes 162A, 162C, 162D 162E and 162F may be disposed near the first opening OP1 and the scattering portion SS on the light emitting case 116 (or the tower portion 172 of the housing 170). The 1-2 electrode may be disposed within the light emitting case 116 at the optical axis LX between the lens portions 114A and 114B and the first opening OP1. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, FIG. 6B, FIG. 6C, and FIG. 8B, the 1-2 electrode 162B includes a lens portion 114A and a first opening OP1, as shown in Fig.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4A, 5, 6A, 7, 8A, 8C or 12 to 15, the first electrode includes first 1-1 electrodes 162A, 162C, 162D , 162E, 162F, or only the first 1-2 electrode 162B as shown in FIG. 4B, 4C, 6B or 8B, or only the first 1-1 electrode 162A and the 1-2 electrode 162B.

The first 1-1 electrode may be disposed only in the light emitting case 116 or may extend from the light emitting case 116 to the top portion 172 of the housing 170. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4A, 5, 6A, 6C and 7, the first 1-1 electrodes 162A and 162C may be disposed only in the light emitting case 116, The first 1-1 electrodes 162D and 162E may extend from the light emitting case 116 to the top portion 172 of the housing 170 as shown in FIG.

In addition, the second electrode may include at least one of the second-first electrode, the second-second electrode, and the second-third electrode. The second-first electrode may be disposed on the light-receiving incidence portion in the vicinity of the third opening OP3 and the scattering portion SS. For example, as shown in Figs. 3, 4A, 5, 6A, 6C, 7, 8A, 8C or 12 to 15, the second-1 electrodes 164A, 164D, 164E And 164F may be disposed near the third opening OP3 and the scattering portion SS. The second electrode 2 may be disposed on the upper side of the light transmitting member 132. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, FIG. 6B, FIG. 8B or FIG. 8C, the second -2 electrode 164B may be disposed above the light transmitting member 132. The second-third electrode may be disposed below the light-transmissive member 132. For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, FIG. 6C, or FIG. 8C, the second to third electrodes 164C may be disposed below the light transmitting member 132. At this time, the second to third electrodes may be disposed between the photodiodes 134-2.

For example, Figures 3, 4a, 5, 6a. The second electrode may include only the second-1 electrodes 164A, 164D, and 164F as shown in FIGS. 7, 8A, and 12 to 15, 2-2 electrode 164B only, or only the second-third electrode 164C as shown in FIG. 4C, or even though it is not shown to include the second-first and second-second electrodes, Although not shown, it includes the second and second electrodes 2 and 3, or includes the second and first and second electrodes 164A and 164C as shown in FIG. 6C, The second-second electrode, and the second-third electrode 164E, 164B, and 164C as described above.

In addition, each of the 1-1 electrode, the 1-2 electrode, the 2-1 electrode, the 2-2 electrode, and the 2-3 electrode may have various cross-sectional shapes. The first 1-1 electrodes 162A, 162C, 162D, 162E, and 162F, the 1-2 electrode 162B, the 2-1 electrodes 164A, 164D, 164E, 164F, the second-second electrode 164B, and the second-third electrode 164C are each illustrated as having a polygonal cross-sectional shape, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

Since the first 1-1 electrodes 162A, 162C, 162D, 162E and 162F and the second-1 electrodes 164A, 164D, 164E and 164F are not arranged on the optical axis LX, they can be realized with a transparent or non- On the other hand, each of the 1-2 electrode 162B, the 2-2 electrode 164B, and the 2-3 electrode 164C is disposed on the optical axis LX, so that the 1-2 electrode 162B, the 2-2 electrode 164B, This is to prevent the light from progressing from the lens portions 114A and 114B to the light absorbing portion 144. [ For example, at least one of the first or second electrodes may comprise a light transmissive conductive layer (ITO), but embodiments are not limited in this respect.

The shape of the first electrode and the position of the second electrode are not limited to the above-described examples. That is, by applying a repulsive force to the ionized particles passing through the scattering unit SS, it is possible to prevent the particles from entering the light emitting unit 110 and the light receiving unit 130 through the first and third openings OP1 and OP3 , And can have various modifications.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an embodiment 142A of the information analysis unit 142 shown in FIG. 1, and may include an amplification unit 142-1 and a control unit 142-2.

The amplification unit 142-1 amplifies the electrical signal input from the light receiving units 130A and 130B (or the signal conversion unit 140) through the input terminal IN2 and outputs the amplified result to the control unit 142-2 can do. The control unit 142-2 compares the analog signal amplified by the amplifying unit 142-1 with a pulse width modulation (PWM) reference signal and calculates the number of particles P, the concentration , Size, or shape of the image, and output the analyzed result through the output terminal OUT2.

20 shows a schematic perspective view of the particle sensor 1000 according to the embodiment.

The particle sensor 1000 shown in FIG. 20 may include a particle sensing device 300, a base substrate 210, and a plurality of wires 222 and 224.

Since the particle sensing apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 20 corresponds to the above-described particle sensing apparatuses 100, 100A to 100D shown in FIGS. 1 to 19, redundant description will be omitted.

The base substrate 210 is a part on which the particle sensing device 300 is mounted and supplies power necessary for the particle sensing device 300 through the plurality of wires 222 and 224 or a signal from the particle sensing device 300 And the like. For example, the base substrate 210 may be a printed circuit board, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

For example, the first wire 222 is connected to the first electrode of the repulsive force generating unit 160, the second wire 224 is connected to the second electrode of the repulsive force generating unit 160, 160 may have the same polarity as the ionized polarity of each of the first and second electrodes.

The particle sensing apparatuses 100, 100A to 100D according to the above-described embodiments have the following effects.

If the ionizing unit 150 and the repulsive force generating unit 160 do not exist in the particle sensing apparatus 100 (100A to 100D) according to the above-described embodiment, the optical system, for example, the lens units 114A and 114B Particles are piled up and contaminated in the light transmitting member 132, so that accurate information on the particle can not be sensed. On the other hand, in the case of the particle sensing apparatus 100 (100A to 100D) according to the embodiment, after the particles are ionized in the ionizing unit 150, the ionized particles are scattered by the scattering unit (not shown) between the light emitting unit 110 and the light receiving unit 130 SS through the first and third openings OP1 and OP3 by applying a repulsive force to the ionized particles by using the repulsive force generating unit 160. The light emitting unit 110 and the light receiving unit 130, Respectively. This makes it possible to prevent the particle sensing apparatus 100 (100A to 100D) from being contaminated by particles. Therefore, it is possible to manually reduce the number of times of cleansing the user to remove the contaminated particles in the optical system periodically, and to reduce the inconvenience of cleaning and to accurately sense the particles.

The embodiment described above irradiates the light in the direction of the optical axis LX with the scattering part SS located in the path along which the air containing the particles P flows and adjusts the light scattered by the particles P to the optical axis LX (LX) direction, and analyzes the information on the particles (P). However, in addition to the omni-directional particle sensing device, the lateral particle sensing device that irradiates light toward dust in the direction of the optical axis and senses light scattered in the dust from the side of the optical axis, It is needless to say that the unit 160 can be applied.

The particle sensing apparatus 100 (100A to 100D) according to the above-described embodiments can be applied to household and industrial air purifiers, air purifiers, air cleaners, air coolers, air conditioners, and air quality management system, a vehicle indoor / outdoor air conditioning system, or a vehicle indoor air quality measurement device. However, it is needless to say that the particle sensing apparatuses 100, 100A to 100D according to the embodiments are not limited to these examples and can be applied to various fields.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It will be understood that various modifications and applications are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. It is to be understood that all changes and modifications that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

100, 100A to 100D: particle sensing devices 110, 110A, 110B:
120, 120A, 120B, 120C: a flow path portion 130, 130A, 130B:
140: signal conversion unit 142: information analysis unit
144: light absorbing part 150, 150A, 150B, 150C: ionizing part
160, 160A, 160B, 160C, 160D, 160E, 160F, 160G, 160H:
1-1 electrode: 162A, 162C, 162D, 162E
Electrode 1-2: 162B Electrode 2-1: 164A, 164D, 164E
Electrode 2-2: 164B Electrode 2-3: Electrode 164C
170: housing 180: fan

Claims (11)

A light emitting portion for emitting light;
An ionization unit for converting polarity of the particles of the introduced air into ionized particles;
And a scattering portion disposed in a path after the ionizing portion below the light emitting portion and including a scattering portion that flows through the air including the ionized particles to cross the optical axis of the light emitting portion and provides scattered light by the ionized particles;
A light receiving portion disposed in the optical axis below the channel portion and receiving the scattered light passing through the channel portion; And
And a repulsive force generating unit for applying a repulsive force having the same polarity as the polarity of the ionized particle introduced into the scattering unit to the ionized particle entering the scattering unit. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1,
A flow path inlet through which the air flows;
A flow path outlet through which the air flows; And
And an inlet-side flow path intermediate portion located between the flow path inlet portion and the scattering portion,
The flow-
An inlet through which the air flows from the outside; And
And an inflow path formed between the inlet port and the inlet-side flow path middle part,
Wherein the scattering portion is located on the optical axis between the flow path inlet portion and the flow path outlet portion. 3. The particle sensing device of claim 2, wherein the ionization portion is disposed at least one of the inlet, the inflow path, or the inlet-side flow path middle portion. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the repulsive force generating unit
At least one first electrode disposed on the light emitting unit side and having the same polarity as the polarity of the ionized particles; And
And at least one second electrode disposed on the light receiving unit side opposite the at least one first electrode and having the same polarity as the polarity of the ionized particle. 5. The light-emitting device according to claim 4,
A light source;
A light emitting case disposed in the optical axis and defining a first opening through which light emitted from the light source portion is emitted toward the scattering portion, the light emitting case including the light source portion; And
And a lens unit accommodated in the light emitting case and disposed on the optical axis between the light source unit and the first opening and configured to condense light emitted from the light source unit into the first opening. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one first electrode
And a 1-1 second electrode disposed on the light emitting case in the vicinity of the first opening and the scattering portion. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one first electrode
And a first-second electrode disposed in the optical axis between the lens portion and the first opening in the light-emitting case. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the light-
A light transmitting member; And
And a light sensing unit for sensing the scattered light by the ionized particles in the scattering unit. 9. The light emitting device according to claim 8, further comprising a light receiving portion disposed between the scattering portion and the light receiving portion, the light receiving portion having a third opening disposed in the optical axis and adjusting an amount of light incident on the light receiving portion,
The at least one second electrode
A second-1 electrode disposed on the light-receiving incidence portion in the vicinity of the third opening and the scattering portion;
A second -2 electrode disposed on the upper side of the light transmitting member; or
And a second-third electrode disposed below the light-transmitting member. 5. The particle sensing device according to claim 4, further comprising a light absorbing portion disposed in the optical axis below the light receiving portion and absorbing light passing through the light receiving portion. 11. A particle sensing device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein at least one of the first or second electrodes comprises a light-

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