200821554 九、發明說明： 【發明所屬之技術領域】 本發明係關於一種汽車感測器。 【先前技術】 弓:擎包含大量具有有限服務生命之組件。可能難以判斷 何日^•服務生命接近過期及何時需要替換組件。舉例而山 ，輪或三輪汽車運載卫具通常具有—空氣清潔器或—5進 耽過濾器，其用於在空氣進入引擎前清潔空氣。在無空氣 清潔器或過濾、ϋ之情況下，污垢將進人引擎且隨著日^二 流逝而使引擎降級。通常，空氣過濾、器由一過濾、元件组 成，該過濾元件限制灰塵/污垢粒子之進入且允許清潔空 氣進入引擎中。許多空氣清潔器及過濾器在一時段内由'ς 截留或堵塞至過濾器或清潔元件中之污垢/灰塵而減少可 進入引擎中的空氣量，從而導致引擎之功率輸出減小。此 亦導=較低燃料里程及導致環境污染之較高排放。因此， 在日〇又内替換過濾、元件係重要的。已知進氣過濾器包括 作為過濾元件之泡沫塑料、油浸泡珠塑料、油浸織物及乾 燥紙。灰塵及污垢堵塞過濾元件中的細孔，從而減少氣流 且減小引擎效能（如以上所提及）。 &運載工具之罵駛者或擁有者極難判斷空氣過濾器之效 月b及可#作性。又，難以記得如由製造商所推薦之空氣過 濾元件的替換頻率。即使駕駛者檢查過濾器，亦難以判斷 過濾兀件是處於良好狀態還是需要被替換。因此，運載工 之4駛者或擁有者可能繼續利用被污垢及灰塵堵塞之 312XP/發明說明書(補件)/96-11/96134539 200821554 低效率過濾器，藉此導致以上所提及的問題，或可能替換 過濾元件，藉此引起用於過濾元件之不必要成本。其^引 擎組件或元件可能出現相同種類的問題。 【發明内容】 本發明之目的為提供一種汽車感測器，該汽車感測器辅 助引擎組件（諸如，空氣過濾器）之可操作性的評估。 鑒於此目的，本發明提供一種用於量測引擎元件之 作性之汽車感測器，其包含·· 呆 (a) —光透射器，用於在引擎元件處引導光； (b) —光接收器，用於接收透射過引擎元件 件所反射的光； 1 Ψ儿 (C)一電路，用於使透射光或反射光之 可操作性的程度相關；Α ^丨擎兀件之 (d) —輸出手段，連接至電路，· 較佳地，輸出手段為連接至電路之指示器手段 示器手段提供與引擎元件之择 ，、中才曰 信號。 干之了釭作性之置測程度對應的 較佳地，輸出手段將對應於引擎元件2 ^ 程度的信號提供至電子引擎㈣t統件之可㈣性之量測 '較佳地，電子引擎控制系統調整加燃料速率 氣燃料比以達成適當引擎操作。 又工 較仏地，燃料傳送系統為一 料喷射器。之操作由引擎控制系統所控制。、射器’該簡單燃 感測器可應用於判定弓丨擎 手兀彳千之貧體可择作 3聰發明說明書(補件)/96_咖_ 知作丨生的私 200821554 度。舉例而言，感測器可應用於判定空氣過濾元件是否已 變得過於阻塞而不能有效操作。 非透射光之反射光的強度可較佳地作為判定引擎元件 之可知作性或可服務性程度的基礎。舉例而言，在引擎元 件為空氣過濾元件之情況下，清潔過濾器可為反射性的， 然而，堵塞或髒汙之過濾器明顯具有較小反射性。反射光 之程度的此差異（其可轉換成電壓信號）允許進行關於空 氣過濾器之可操作性或可服務性之程度的判定。若使用反 射率，則光透射器及發射器可定位於引擎元件（例如，空 氣過濾器）之同一側上。此允許較簡單及較緊密之配置。 若代替地使用光透射率，則發射器與接收器均需要定位於 引擎件的任 '一侧上。 電路杈佳包含一比較器，該比較器用以將由光接收器所 接收之光錢之值與預定範圍的值相比較，且在該所接收 诮號之值超過或超出預定範圍之值的情形下啟動可由操 =者可觀測之指示設備。亦即，指示器設備可提供關於引 擎元件能操作或不能操作之資1_ 貝0凡才曰不态设備亦可提供關 於引“件之剩餘服務生命或下一可能替換曰期的指 例而言，指示器設備可採用運載工具儀錶板上之警 其當可操作性之程度降低至可接受水準下時 =丨器設備可採用燈之形式，其只要感測器 血用務狀態中則保持照亮。指示器燈可 〃用於杈大衝擊的音響警報器耦接。 具有感光性材料之光接收器可經由至少—放大手段食 312ΧΡ/發明說明書(補件)抓11/96134539 /、 8 200821554 比車乂為連接。比較器可相對於清潔空氣過濾元件之顏色及 7 =替換之堵塞過濾器元件的顏色來預先校準，此等顏色 .、光^射率之不同水準相關。電路可被配置以沿著比較器 之連^體使所接收的光的量與引擎元件之可操 相關。 度 透射為可為紅外光發射器（諸如，發光二極體），且接 收态可為感光性接收器。 車乂 ‘地，透射為與接收器定位於一單元中但在不同隔 =中，每一者具備一導向通道。然而，透射器與接收器可 疋位於不同垂直平面中，以防止交叉發出信號及干擾。 汽車感測器可安裝於引擎元件的外殼上。舉例而 測器可安裝於空氣過濾器外殼上。 。 有利地，外殼（其中安裝有感測器）及/或感測器之特定 方位破叙，使得若引擎元件不存在則由感測器產生低可 操作性信號。在引擎元件為空氣過濾器之實例中，若空氣 過濾器被意外移除或在其外殼之外，則外殼的顏色及/或 感測器之位置將使得產生低反射率信號（亦即，完全堵塞 或閉基之過；慮為），且藉此向操作者警告問題。 、另外，係空氣過濾器的引擎元件可具備一不同於空氣過 濾、件之顏色的適當顏色之金屬絲網，使得感測器將有利 地量測引擎元件之可操作性。 儘管感測器被定位以判定一引擎元件的可操作性，但來 自感測器之信號可用以診斷其他可能引擎操作狀態及盆 他引擎組件之可服務性的問題。舉例而言，空氣過㈣^ 312XP/發明說明書(補件)/96-11/96134539 〇 200821554 早期堵塞可能指示其他引擎組件之問題。 輸出手段可自汽車感測器提供一信號以用作控制信 號，該控制信號可繼而用作引擎之控制單元的輸入。弓丨^ 組件(例如’空氣過遽器)之可操作性之感測可藉由提供潛 在失效或不可服務性的早期警示來防止引擎故曰t 降級。 子4蚁月b 在本發明之另一態樣中，提供一種用於量測引擎 可操作性的方法，其包含以下步驟： (a)自一光透射器在引擎元件處引導光；200821554 IX. Description of the Invention: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a car sensor. [Prior Art] Bow: Engine contains a large number of components with limited service life. It may be difficult to judge what day ^• service life is nearing expiration and when it is necessary to replace components. For example, mountain, wheel or three-wheeled vehicle carrying gears typically have an air cleaner or a -5 inlet filter for cleaning the air before it enters the engine. In the absence of an air cleaner or filtration or sputum, dirt will enter the engine and the engine will be degraded as the day passes. Typically, the air filter is comprised of a filter element that limits the ingress of dust/fouling particles and allows clean air to enter the engine. Many air cleaners and filters reduce the amount of air that can enter the engine by the amount of dirt/dust trapped or blocked in the filter or cleaning element during a period of time, resulting in a reduction in the power output of the engine. This also leads to lower fuel mileage and higher emissions that lead to environmental pollution. Therefore, it is important to replace the filters and components in the sundial. Intake air filters are known to include foam as a filter element, oil-impregnated bead plastic, oil-impregnated fabric, and dry paper. Dust and dirt block the pores in the filter element, reducing airflow and reducing engine performance (as mentioned above). It is extremely difficult for the driver or owner of the vehicle to judge the effectiveness of the air filter. Also, it is difficult to remember the replacement frequency of the air filter element as recommended by the manufacturer. Even if the driver checks the filter, it is difficult to judge whether the filter element is in good condition or needs to be replaced. Therefore, the driver or owner of the carrier may continue to use the 312XP/inventive manual (supplement)/96-11/96134539 200821554 low efficiency filter blocked by dirt and dust, thereby causing the above mentioned problems, Or it is possible to replace the filter element, thereby causing unnecessary costs for the filter element. The same kind of problem may occur with its components or components. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an automotive sensor that assists in the evaluation of the operability of an engine assembly, such as an air filter. In view of this object, the present invention provides an automotive sensor for measuring engine components, comprising: (a) a light transmissive device for directing light at an engine component; (b) - light a receiver for receiving light transmitted through the engine component; 1 a circuit (C) for correlating the degree of operability of transmitted or reflected light; - an output means, connected to the circuit, preferably. The output means provides an option for the engine element to be connected to the indicator means of the circuit. Preferably, the output means corresponds to the degree of the engine component 2 ^ to the electronic engine (four) t can be measured (four) of the measurement 'better, electronic engine control The system adjusts the fuel rate to fuel ratio to achieve proper engine operation. Also, the fuel delivery system is a one-shot injector. The operation is controlled by the engine control system. , the device 'this simple fuel sensor can be used to determine the bow and arrow hand of the thousand poor people can choose to be 3 Cong invention manual (supplement) / 96_ coffee _ know the health of the private 200821554 degrees. For example, the sensor can be applied to determine if the air filter element has become too blocked to operate effectively. The intensity of the reflected light of the non-transmitted light can preferably be used as a basis for determining the degree of knowability or serviceability of the engine component. For example, where the engine component is an air filter element, the cleaning filter can be reflective, however, the clogged or dirty filter is significantly less reflective. This difference in the degree of reflected light, which can be converted into a voltage signal, allows for a determination as to the degree of operability or serviceability of the air filter. If a reflectivity is used, the light transmissor and emitter can be positioned on the same side of the engine component (e.g., air filter). This allows for a simpler and tighter configuration. If light transmission is used instead, both the transmitter and the receiver need to be positioned on either side of the engine member. Preferably, the circuit includes a comparator for comparing the value of the money received by the optical receiver with a value of the predetermined range, and in the case where the value of the received nickname exceeds or exceeds a predetermined range Start the pointing device that can be observed by the operator. That is, the indicator device can provide information about whether the engine component can be operated or not operated. The device can also provide a reference to the reference to the remaining service life of the piece or the next possible replacement cycle. The indicator device can be used on the dashboard of the vehicle. When the degree of operability is reduced to an acceptable level, the device can be in the form of a lamp, which remains illuminated as long as the sensor is in the blood service state. The indicator light can be coupled to the audible alarm for the large impact. The light receiver with the photosensitive material can be grasped by at least the amplification means 312 ΧΡ / invention manual (supplement) grasping 11/96134539 /, 8 200821554 The rut is connected. The comparator can be pre-calibrated with respect to the color of the clean air filter element and the color of the clogging filter element, which is replaced by different colors. The circuit can be configured to Along the connector of the comparator, the amount of received light is operatively related to the engine element. The degree of transmission may be an infrared light emitter (such as a light emitting diode), and the receiving state may be photosensitive Receiver. The rudder is grounded and positioned in a unit with the receiver but in a different compartment = each with a guiding channel. However, the transmissor and receiver can be positioned in different vertical planes to prevent Cross-signaling and interference. The car sensor can be mounted on the outer casing of the engine element. For example, the detector can be mounted on the air filter housing. Advantageously, the housing (with sensors installed therein) and/or sensing The specific orientation of the device is broken down so that if the engine component is not present, the sensor generates a low operability signal. In the case where the engine component is an air filter, if the air filter is accidentally removed or outside its casing The color of the housing and/or the position of the sensor will result in a low reflectance signal (ie, a complete blockage or a closed base; it is considered) and thereby alert the operator to the problem. The engine element of the filter may be provided with a wire mesh of a suitable color different from the color of the air filter, such that the sensor will advantageously measure the operability of the engine element. Although the sensor is Positioning to determine the operability of an engine component, but signals from the sensor can be used to diagnose other possible engine operating conditions and the serviceability of the pot engine components. For example, air over (4) ^ 312XP / invention specification (Supplement)/96-11/96134539 〇200821554 Early blockage may indicate problems with other engine components. The output means can provide a signal from the car sensor for use as a control signal, which can then be used as the control unit for the engine. The input of the 丨^ component (such as the 'air damper') operability can be prevented by providing an early warning of potential failure or inoperability to prevent the engine from degrading. In another aspect of the invention, a method for measuring engine operability is provided, comprising the steps of: (a) directing light at an engine component from a light transmissive device;
由-光接收器接收透射過引擎元件或自 反射之光； W (C)量測透射光或反射光的量；及 度Γ關使透射光或反射光之量㈣擎元件之可操作性的程 號:ί供一與引擎元件之可操作性之量測程度對應的信 該方法可應用於判定許多 體例中，哕 π件之可刼作性。在一具 邊万法應用於判定外备 法可用作引擎^ Μ ^ Α 慮裔之可操作性。該方 警告存在潛在或用作向運載工具操作者 必，的服務行動以避免故以此方式，操作者可採取 信號輸出可用作至引擎管 系統中之加Mm f #糸統之輸入。典型引擎管理 入中的一 4b兔· 、二必要或基本輸入，該等輸 ____)/96·ιι/96ΐ3卿 ⑺ 200821554 ι·油門位置及引擎速度，或 2·油門位置及進氣歧管壓力以及引擎速度，或 3·進氣歧管壓力及引擎速度。 、有可能基於輸入（諸如，進氣溫度、引擎溫度、滾轉感 測為、空氣壓力感測器或空氣燃料比感測器）以達成一 步精細及精確度。 、在本發明之本具體例中，自感測器的輸入（其將視空 過遽器泡珠塑料之狀態而變化）可用以進一步精細加燃二 率。 此將有用於典型引擎控制系統中，在典型引擎押制系統 中，基於進氣歧管空氣壓力及引擎速度對於加㈣速率的 校準由於記憶體或軟體約束而不能精細地調諧。儘管引擎 控制系統計算中間校準點之内插，但自感測元件之輸入 (如本發明中所描述）可用以精細加燃料速率。從而，合俨 號隨著引擎元件的可操作性而變化時，引擎管理策略二 應地變化。舉例而言，當空氣過濾器變得被污染時，其可 導致至引擎之減低空氣流動速率且導致過高空才氣姆料 比。從而，傳送至引擎之加燃料速率可被降低，以校正空 氣燃料比以達成適當引擎操作。 又二 本發明的汽車感測器及方法可應用於各種引擎。与靡 用於吸氣式内燃機（無論該吸氣式内燃機係#兩輪、: 輪還是四輪運載工具中）。#「光」之提及的目的:於: 括對可見光及/或不可見光之提及。 【實施方式】 312ΧΡ/發明說明書(補件)/96-11/96134539 200821554 細=為參相圖所進行之對本發明之較佳具體例的詳 々1 ’其展示用以評估空氣過濾器40(其包含一空 之可操作性之程度的汽車感測器3心 一經由電源調整器3連接之感Λ器30包括 1。i秀射哭1 达々 电源包池2之紅外光透射器 之形式二=…極體⑽，_㈣〜di*) Μ w正為3可具備一短路保護設備。紅外光 1亦連接至脈衝產生設備4，以在預定頻率 射紅外線信號。紅外線感光性接收器： :電:？信^ 至標記為電壓感測)，該信號成形電路6繼而連接 不。”、、 之信號放大器或放大電路的兩個級。第一 =放…連接至比較器9。比較器輸出10連接= 待或燈U’該故障指示器設備或❹可裝配 、運載工具儀錶板（未圖示）上，且連接至引擎杵制單元 现如圖4中所描緣）中之燃料喷射器 料 14(如圖4中所描繪)。 圮丰技制盗 灰圖2、舌兄明感測器3〇之安裝配置，其展示具有不清潔空 =人^路、18及―清潔空氣通路21的空氣過遽器外殼 工乳過濾、器外殼！ 5之外^ 22具備—開口 2卜 1(圖3)及—感光性接收器5(圖3)之感測器 °又 女衣於固持器16中。感測器設備17的前部插入 至開口 2〇中’使得紅外光透射器1(圖3)及感光性接收p 312XP/發明說明書(補件)/96七/96134539 η 〇〇 200821554 圖二面向裝配至空氣過遽器4。中之泡沫塑料過遽元件 。橡膠扣％ 19設於感測器設備17之前部與開口 2〇的 f邊之間’以最小化損壞且確保感測器設備17之剛性固 定0 自，2可觀測到’感測器設備j 7置放於空氣過濾器 、進氣側i使知過濾元件！ 2之可操作性或服務狀態的 感測以精確方式達成。 ί看圖3(其杬緣感測裔設備17之詳細剖面圖），光透 射器、1具備一通道25，且光接收器5具備一通道26。提 供通迢25及26以避免光透射器丨與光接收器5之間的交 又叙出仏號，其可以其他方式導致錯誤結果。 在使用中，紅外光透射器丨朝向過濾元件（亦即，泡沫 塑料12)間歇性地透射紅外線/紅外線信號。自泡沫塑料 過濾元件12反射回的信號由紅外光接收器5接收。反射 仏號之強度視過濾元件12的顏色而定。高反射顏色（諸 如’白色）指示可服務性。當服務生命延長時，過濾元件 12之顏色變得較少反射且較暗。該種顏色傾向於促進光 吸收。由光接收器5所接收之信號通過兩級放大，以將信 號轉換成一可量測值，可使該量測值與過濾元件12之可 操作性或可服務性之程度相關。經放大信號藉由比較器9 與預定範圍的電壓相比較。 比較器9根據電壓或任何其他參數以清潔空氣過濾元 件12之參考顏色及應被替換之堵塞空氣過濾元件12的顏 色來預先校準。過濾元件之反射率視其顏色而定，因此在 312XP/發明說明書(補件)/96-11/96134539 13 200821554 一時段内，隨著過濾元件被灰塵/污垢粒子堵塞，其顏色 改變。顏色之改變影響過濾元件的反射率，其由接收哭所 感測且由預先校準之比較器加以比較（如以上所提及）。因 此，當過濾元件之反射率由於堵塞及顏色改變而超過一預 疋限度時，比較态輸出給予駕駛者一警告信號，以指示過 濾元件應被替換。 t 有利地，外殼（其中安裝有感測器）及/或感測器的特定 方位被選定，使得若空氣過濾元件不存在，則由感測器產 生低可操作性信號。若空氣過濾器被意外移除或在其=殼 之外，則外殼之顏色及/或感測器之位置將使得產生低反 射率信號（亦即，完全堵塞或閉塞㈣器），且藉此举 者警告問題。 f 在所接收之光信號不在預定電壓範圍内之情形下，故产 指示器燈11被照亮，以將建議替換過濾12之二 號給予運載工具的駕駛者。燈u可被置放於運载二具: 運載工具之操作台中而有較好可見度。故障或警示燈 可與適當蜂鳴器或警笛㉟接，以向駕駛者提供音響信號。 圖3亦展TF光接收益5朝向前面而非光發射器 放。當反射光信號可能較弱時，此辅助對由過 所反射之光信號有較好接收。 實例 感測器3G被使用於機車中，其中於紅外光發射 供應電壓為5伏特。過濾、元件12為白色。比較器：： 潔空氣過滤元件之參考顏色及應被替換之堵塞空氣過； 312XP/發明說明書(補件)/96-11/96134539 14 200821554 元件的顏色來預先校準。電壓被用作診斷參數。比較器9 比較由過濾元件12所反射之經放大的接收信號，且若反 射光ί虎之值大於2 · 5伏特’則照免燈1 1，從而建議駕 駛者替換過濾元件12。在經放大的接收信號小於2 · 5伏 特之情形下，燈11保持停用。 热習本發明之閱讀者可顯見對本發明之汽車感測器及 方法的修改。舉例而言，比較器9之預先校準值及啟動指 示設備的預定電壓值可視（例如）過濾元件之顏色、感測設 ^ 備離過濾元件之距離而變化。另外，感測設備的置放、形 狀可被更改以適合於特定汽車。對駕駛者之視覺或音響指 不/警告可呈不同形式。所有該等修改均被認為包括於此 申請案中。 【圖式簡單說明】 圖1說明根據本發明之一具體例之用於感測空氣過滤 器元件的可操作性之感測器的方塊圖。 ο 圖2說明用於感測空氣過濾器元件之可操作性之感測/ 偵測設備的安裝配置。 圖3說明圖2之感測器設備之感測元件的細節。 圖4說明用於將輸出饋入至引擎控制系統以調節加燃 料速率之感測器的方塊圖。 【主要元件符號說明】 1 紅外光透射器 2 電源電池 3 電源調整器 312XP/發明說明書(補件)/96-11/96134539 15 200821554 4 脈衝產生設備 5 紅外感光性接收器 6 信號成形電路 7 信號放大器/放大電路 8 信號放大器/放大電路 9 比較器 10 比較器輸出 11 故障指示器設備/燈 12 空氣過濾元件 14 燃料喷射器加燃料速率控制器 15 空氣過濾器外殼 16 固持器 17 感測器設備 18 不清潔空氣入口通路 19 橡膠扣環 20 開口 21 清潔空氣通路 22 外壁 23 引擎控制單元 25 通道 26 通道 30 汽車感測器 40 空氣過濾器 312XP/發明說明書(補件)/96-11/96134539 16Receiving light transmitted through the engine element or self-reflecting by the light receiver; W (C) measuring the amount of transmitted light or reflected light; and measuring the amount of transmitted light or reflected light (4) operability of the element The process number: ί provides a letter corresponding to the degree of measurement of the operability of the engine component. The method can be applied to determine the operability of 哕π pieces in many systems. The use of a side-by-side method for judging external methods can be used as an engine ^ Μ ^ 可 之 之 operability. The party warns that there is a service action that is potentially or used as a must for the vehicle operator to avoid in this way that the operator can take a signal output that can be used as an input to the Mmf system in the engine tube system. Typical engine management into a 4b rabbit, two necessary or basic input, the loss ____) / 96 · ιι / 96 ΐ 3 Qing (7) 200821554 ι · throttle position and engine speed, or 2 · throttle position and intake manifold Pressure and engine speed, or 3. intake manifold pressure and engine speed. It is possible to base on input (such as intake air temperature, engine temperature, roll sensing, air pressure sensor or air fuel ratio sensor) to achieve further detail and precision. In the present embodiment of the invention, the input from the sensor, which varies depending on the state of the air bubble through the bead plastic, can be used to further finely ignite the second rate. This would be used in a typical engine control system where the calibration of the (four) rate based on intake manifold air pressure and engine speed cannot be finely tuned due to memory or software constraints. Although the engine control system calculates the interpolation of the intermediate calibration points, the input from the sensing element (as described in the present invention) can be used at a fine fueling rate. Thus, the engine management strategy changes as the number of components changes with the operability of the engine components. For example, when the air filter becomes contaminated, it can result in a reduced air flow rate to the engine and a high air ratio. Thus, the rate of fuel delivery to the engine can be reduced to correct the air to fuel ratio for proper engine operation. Further, the automotive sensor and method of the present invention can be applied to various engines. And 靡 for an aspirating internal combustion engine (whether in the two-wheeled, in-flight or four-wheeled vehicle). The purpose of the reference to #光光: to include references to visible light and/or invisible light. [Embodiment] 312 ΧΡ / invention specification (supplement) / 96-11/96134539 200821554 细 = detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention for the phase diagram </ RTI> shown to evaluate the air filter 40 ( The sensor 30 including the degree of operability of the air is connected to the sensor 30 via the power conditioner 3. The i-show is crying 1. The infrared light transmitter of the power pack pool 2 is in the form of two =...polar body (10), _(four)~di*) Μ w is 3 can have a short circuit protection device. The infrared light 1 is also connected to the pulse generating device 4 to emit an infrared signal at a predetermined frequency. Infrared Sensitive Receiver: :Electric:? The signal ^ is marked as voltage sensing), and the signal shaping circuit 6 is then connected. Two stages of signal amplifier or amplifier circuit. First = put... connected to comparator 9. Comparator output 10 connection = standby or lamp U' the fault indicator device or ❹ assembly, vehicle dashboard (not shown), and connected to the fuel injector material 14 (as depicted in Figure 4) in the engine throttle unit (as depicted in Figure 4). The installation and configuration of the sensor 3〇, which shows the air filter housing with the unclean air=person^ road, 18 and the “clean air passage 21”, the filter housing, the outer casing! Bu 1 (Fig. 3) and the sensor of the photosensitive receiver 5 (Fig. 3) are also smocked in the holder 16. The front portion of the sensor device 17 is inserted into the opening 2' to make the infrared light transmitted. 1 (Fig. 3) and photosensitive receiver p 312XP / invention manual (supplement) / 96 7 / 96134539 η 〇〇 200821554 Fig. 2 is a foamed plastic element in assembly to the air filter 4. The rubber buckle % 19 is provided between the front of the sensor device 17 and the edge of the opening 2' to minimize damage and ensure the proximity of the sensor device 17 Fixed 0, 2 can be observed that 'sensor device j 7 is placed in the air filter, the intake side i makes the filter element! 2 The operability or the sensing of the service state is achieved in an accurate manner. 3 (the detailed cross-sectional view of the rim sensing device 17), the optical transmissor 1 is provided with a channel 25, and the optical receiver 5 is provided with a channel 26. The ports 25 and 26 are provided to avoid the light transmissive device and the light The intersection between the receivers 5 also nicknames, which can otherwise lead to erroneous results. In use, the infrared light transmissive device intermittently transmits infrared/infrared signals toward the filter element (i.e., the foam 12). The signal reflected back from the foam filter element 12 is received by the infrared light receiver 5. The intensity of the reflected nickname depends on the color of the filter element 12. A highly reflective color such as 'white' indicates serviceability. The color of the filter element 12 becomes less reflective and darker. This color tends to promote light absorption. The signal received by the light receiver 5 is amplified by two stages to convert the signal into a measurable value. The measured value The degree of operability or serviceability of the filter element 12 is related. The amplified signal is compared to a predetermined range of voltages by a comparator 9. The comparator 9 cleans the reference color of the air filter element 12 based on voltage or any other parameter. The color of the air filter element 12 should be replaced by a pre-calibration. The reflectivity of the filter element depends on its color, so in the period of 312XP/invention manual (supplement)/96-11/96134539 13 200821554, The filter element is clogged with dust/dirt particles and its color changes. The change in color affects the reflectivity of the filter element, which is sensed by the receiving cry and compared by a pre-calibrated comparator (as mentioned above). Thus, when the reflectivity of the filter element exceeds a predetermined limit due to clogging and color change, the comparison output gives the driver a warning signal indicating that the filter element should be replaced. Advantageously, the particular orientation of the housing in which the sensor is mounted and/or the sensor is selected such that if the air filter element is not present, a low operability signal is generated by the sensor. If the air filter is accidentally removed or outside its = shell, the color of the housing and/or the position of the sensor will cause a low reflectivity signal (ie, a complete blockage or occlusion) and thereby The person warns the problem. f In the event that the received optical signal is not within the predetermined voltage range, the indicator light 11 is illuminated to give the driver of the proposed replacement filter 12 to the driver of the vehicle. The lamp u can be placed in the carrier: the operating table of the vehicle with better visibility. Fault or warning lights can be connected to an appropriate buzzer or siren 35 to provide an audible signal to the driver. Figure 3 also shows that the TF light receiving benefit 5 is facing the front instead of the light emitter. When the reflected light signal may be weak, the auxiliary pair is better received by the reflected light signal. Example The sensor 3G was used in a locomotive where the supply voltage at the infrared light emission was 5 volts. Filtered, element 12 is white. Comparator:: The reference color of the clean air filter element and the blocked air that should be replaced; 312XP/Invention Manual (Supplement)/96-11/96134539 14 200821554 The color of the component is pre-calibrated. The voltage is used as a diagnostic parameter. The comparator 9 compares the amplified received signal reflected by the filter element 12, and if the value of the reflected light is greater than 2 · 5 volts, the lamp 1 is illuminated, thereby suggesting that the driver replace the filter element 12. In the case where the amplified received signal is less than 2 · 5 volts, the lamp 11 remains deactivated. Modifications to the automotive sensor and method of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the pre-calibrated value of comparator 9 and the predetermined voltage value of the activation indicating device can vary, for example, from the color of the filter element, the distance of the sensing device from the filter element. In addition, the placement and shape of the sensing device can be modified to suit a particular car. The driver's visual or audible indications/warnings can take different forms. All such modifications are considered to be included in this application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a sensor for sensing the operability of an air filter element according to an embodiment of the present invention. ο Figure 2 illustrates the mounting configuration of the sensing/detecting device for sensing the operability of the air filter element. Figure 3 illustrates details of the sensing elements of the sensor device of Figure 2. Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of a sensor for feeding an output to an engine control system to adjust the fuel rate. [Main component symbol description] 1 Infrared light transmitter 2 Power supply battery 3 Power supply adjuster 312XP / invention manual (supplement) / 96-11/96134539 15 200821554 4 Pulse generating device 5 Infrared photosensitive receiver 6 Signal shaping circuit 7 Signal Amplifier/Amplification Circuit 8 Signal Amplifier/Amplification Circuit 9 Comparator 10 Comparator Output 11 Fault Indicator Device/Lamp 12 Air Filter Element 14 Fuel Injector Fuel Rate Controller 15 Air Filter Housing 16 Holder 17 Sensor Device 18 Unclean air inlet passage 19 Rubber retaining ring 20 Opening 21 Clean air passage 22 Outer wall 23 Engine control unit 25 Channel 26 Channel 30 Automotive sensor 40 Air filter 312XP / Invention manual (supplement) / 96-11/96134539 16