CN112534217A - Water level detection device and humidification device - Google Patents
Water level detection device and humidification device Download PDFInfo
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- CN112534217A CN112534217A CN201980045791.0A CN201980045791A CN112534217A CN 112534217 A CN112534217 A CN 112534217A CN 201980045791 A CN201980045791 A CN 201980045791A CN 112534217 A CN112534217 A CN 112534217A
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 311
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 78
- 238000012937 correction Methods 0.000 claims description 23
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000004364 calculation method Methods 0.000 description 9
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- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 6
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- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011835 investigation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008016 vaporization Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
- G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
- G01F23/284—Electromagnetic waves
- G01F23/292—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
Abstract
In the water level detection device, the water level is detected more accurately than before. In the distance measuring sensor (10), a light emitting unit (110) emits detection light (L1) to a predetermined position on the water surface in a water storage tray (90). The light-receiving unit (120) receives reflected light (L2) that is light reflected by the detection light (L1) at the predetermined position. The first control unit (15) calculates a water level detection value, which is a detection value of the water level in the water storage tray (90), based on the detection light (L1) and the reflected light (L2). The first control unit (15) corrects the water level detection value on the basis of the air volume in the water storage tray (90).
Description
Technical Field
One aspect of the present invention relates to a water level detecting apparatus that detects a water level in a container.
Background
In recent years, various configurations of water level detection devices have been proposed. For example, patent document 1 discloses a technique for determining whether or not the water level is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level by a simple configuration of a water level detection device.
Documents of the prior art
Patent document
Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2016-99256 "
Disclosure of Invention
Technical problem to be solved by the invention
However, as described later, there is room for improvement in design points for improving the detection accuracy of the water level detection device. One aspect of the present invention is to detect a water level more accurately than before in a water level detection device.
Means for solving the problems
In order to solve the above problem, a water level detection device according to an aspect of the present invention is a water level detection device that detects a water level in a container, including: a light emitting unit that emits detection light to a predetermined position of a water surface in the container; a light receiving unit that receives reflected light that is light reflected by the detection light at the predetermined position; and an arithmetic device that calculates a water level detection value, which is a detection value of the water level, based on the detection light and the reflected light, and corrects the water level detection value according to an air volume in the container.
Effects of the invention
According to the water level detection device of one aspect of the present invention, the water level can be detected more accurately than before.
Drawings
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a humidifying device of a first embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the humidifying device of fig. 1.
Fig. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the air volume and the measurement accuracy of the distance measuring sensor, respectively.
Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an offset value setting table.
Fig. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are diagrams for explaining the results of one study by the inventors.
Fig. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are diagrams for explaining the results of another study by the inventors.
Detailed Description
[ first embodiment ]
The humidifying device 1 of the first embodiment is explained below. For convenience of explanation, in the following embodiments, members having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will not be repeated. Note that, the same matters as those in the known art are appropriately omitted from description. It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale to schematically illustrate the shapes, structures, and positional relationships of the respective members.
(humidifying device 1)
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a humidifier 1. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the humidifier 1. In the following description, the upper paper direction and the lower paper direction in fig. 1 are referred to as an upper vertical direction and a lower vertical direction, respectively. However, the position and arrangement direction of each part of the humidifier 1 are not limited to the example of fig. 1.
The humidifier 1 includes a distance measuring sensor 10 (water level detecting device) and a water storage tray 90 (container). The water storage tray 90 is an example of a container for storing water WT. The water storage tray 90 is housed in the casing 80 of the humidifier 1. As described below, the distance measuring sensor 10 optically detects the water level (WL of fig. 1) of the water WT in the water storage tray 90. The distance measuring sensor 10 is disposed at a predetermined position in the housing 80. More specifically, the distance measuring sensor 10 is disposed at a position higher than the uppermost portion of the casing 80 with reference to the bottom surface inside the casing 80. Fig. 1H shows the height of the distance measuring sensor 10 with reference to the bottom surface in the housing 80. H is set to a value larger than the height of the housing 80.
A water supply port 81, a water supply path 82, and a discharge port 83 are provided in the housing 80. A user of the humidifier 1 can replenish the water WT in the water storage tray 90 through the water supply path 82 by injecting the water WT into the water supply port 81. In the humidifier 1, a fan 71 is provided in a casing 80. In addition, a humidifying filter 72 is provided in the water storage tray 90. The humidifying filter 72 absorbs a part of the water WT in the water storage tray 90. By operating the fan 71, wind WD can be generated in the casing 80. Since the wind WD passes through the humidification filter 72, a part of the water WT contained in the humidification filter 72 is released in the air blown by the fan 71. That is, the air can be humidified. The wind WD that has passed through the humidification filter 72 (i.e., humidified air) passes through the discharge port 83 to be discharged to the outside of the humidification apparatus 1.
Fig. 1 shows an example of a configuration of a vaporizing humidifier 1. However, the humidifier according to one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the vaporizing humidifier. The humidifier may be a steam type humidifier that generates steam by heating the water WT. Alternatively, the humidifier may be an ultrasonic humidifier that atomizes and discharges the water WT.
The humidifier according to one aspect of the present invention includes any electrical device (for example, a household electrical appliance) having a humidifying function. For example, the humidifying device includes an air cleaner or an air conditioner having a humidifying function.
As shown in fig. 2, the distance measuring sensor 10 includes a first control unit 15 (arithmetic unit), a light emitting unit 110, and a light receiving unit 120. The humidifier 1 further includes a fan motor 70 (a motor for driving the fan 71) and a second control unit 75. The first control unit 15 integrally controls each unit of the distance measuring sensor 10. The first controller 15 includes a distance calculator 150, a water level calculator 151, an air volume step detector 152, and a water level corrector 153. The second control unit 75 controls each unit of the humidifier 1. In addition, the first control unit 15 and the second control unit 75 may be provided as an integrated control unit. For example, the function of the first control unit 15 may be combined with the second control unit 75. Therefore, the second control unit 75 can also function as an arithmetic device.
As an example, the second control part 75 controls the fan motor 70. The second controller 75 can rotate the fan motor 70 at a predetermined number of revolutions (rpm), thereby rotating the fan 71 at the same number of revolutions. Therefore, a predetermined air volume (predetermined amount of air WT) (unit: m) can be generated by the fan 713In/min). Hereinafter, the number of rotations of the fan 71 is simply referred to as the number of rotations. The air volume (hereinafter, Q) mainly depends on the rotation number and the mechanical configuration of the humidifying device 1 (particularly, the configuration of a portion defining the path of the wind WD).
(outline of processing of the distance measuring sensor 10)
The processing of each part other than the water level correction unit 153 in the distance measuring sensor 10 will be described. The distance measuring sensor 10 optically detects a distance (d in fig. 1) between the distance measuring sensor 10 (strictly speaking, the light receiving surface of the distance measuring sensor 10) and the water surface of the water WT (hereinafter, simply referred to as the water surface). The light emitting unit 110 emits detection light L1 (for example, infrared light) to a predetermined position on the water surface. As an example, the Light Emitting part 110 is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The reflected light L2 in fig. 1 is light reflected by the detection light L1 at the predetermined position. The light-receiving section 120 receives the reflected light L2. As an example, the light-receiving section 120 is a photoelectric conversion element (light-receiving element) capable of detecting the reflected light L2 (for example, infrared light). Note that, in fig. 1, for convenience, the detection light L1 and the reflected light L2 are illustrated so as not to overlap each other.
The distance calculation unit 150 calculates d based on the detection light L1 and the reflected light L2. As a calculation method of d in the distance calculation unit 150, any method may be used. As an example, the distance calculation section 150 calculates d by comparing the phase difference between the detection light L1 emitted by the light emitting section 110 and the reflected light L2 received by the light receiving section 120.
The water level calculation unit 151 calculates (detects) the Water Level (WL) of the water WT in the water storage tray 90 based on d. Specifically, the water level of the water WT in the water storage tray 90 is the height of the water surface of the water WT with reference to the bottom surface in the housing 80. In this specification, the true value of the water level of the water WT is referred to as a true value of the water level. In contrast, the water level of the water WT in the water storage tray 90 calculated by the water level calculator 151 is also referred to as a water level detection value. In the following description, WL is a water level detection value unless otherwise specified. As an example, the water level calculating part 151 uses
WL＝H-d...(1)
The WL is calculated.
The value of H is set in advance in the water level calculation unit 151. In this manner, the distance measuring sensor 10 can also calculate WL based on the detection light L1 and the reflected light L2.
The water level calculator 151 calculates a water level (hereinafter, WLEVEL). The water level represents the amount of WL in units of% and, as an example, a state in which no water WT is present in the water storage tray 90 (i.e., a state in which WL is 0) is set to the water level of 0%. On the other hand, the water level is set to 100% in a state where the water storage tray 90 is full of water (a state where the water level WL reaches a predetermined water level WL 0). At this time, the water level calculator 151 calculates the water level by WLEVEL ═ WL/WL0) × 100. As an example, the water level calculator 151 calculates WLEVEL as an integer value.
In addition, the water level calculating part 151 detects (determines) the water level stage. The water level phase is an index indicating the degree of WLEVEL. As an example, the water level calculation part 151 classifies the water level stages into the following 13 classes (see also fig. 4):
water level stage 0: water level 0-4%;
water level stage 1: the water level is 5-14%;
water level stage 2: water level 15-24%;
water level stage 3: water level 25-34%;
water level stage 4: water level 35-44%;
water level stage 5: water level 45-54%;
water level stage 6: water level 55-64%;
water level stage 7: water level 65-74%;
water level stage 8: water level 75-84%;
water level stage 9: water level 85-94%;
water level stage 10: the water level is 95-104%;
water level stage 11: water level 105 + 114%;
water level stage 12: the water level is 115%.
In the present specification, "a to B" means "a or more and B or less" unless otherwise specified. Thus, the greater the number of water level steps, the greater the water level.
The water level calculator 151 may calculate the amount of water WT (hereinafter, WV) in the water storage tray 90 based on WL. For example, the water level calculator 151 calculates WV by WV — WL × S. S is the bottom area of the water storage tray 90. The value of S is set in advance in the water level calculation unit 151.
The air volume step detecting unit 152 detects (determines) the air volume step. The air volume stage is an index indicating the size of Q (how large the air volume in the water storage tray 90 is). In this specification, the air volume stage is also referred to as a gear. The gear is set in association with the number of rotations. For example, the air volume step detection unit 152 classifies the shift positions into 4 shift positions 0 to 3 (see also fig. 4 described later).
The example of fig. 4 described later is as follows, with a partial example of the relationship between the number of gears and the number of rotations and Q. For example, in the case of a water level stage 0 (e.g., a water level of 0%),
gear 0 (air volume stage 0): 0rpm (no rotation) (Q0 m)3/min)；
Gear 1 (air volume stage 1): 600rpm (Q ═ 0.77 m)3/min)；
Gear 2 (air volume stage 2): 950rpm (Q ═ 0.96 m)3/min)；
Gear 3 (air volume stage 3): 1370rpm (Q1.76 m)3/min)。
In addition, in the case of the water level stage 10 (water level 100%),
gear 0 (air volume stage 0): 0rpm (no rotation) (Q0 m)3/min)；
Gear 1 (air volume stage 1): 650rpm (Q ═ 0.84 m)3/min)；
Gear 2 (air volume stage 2): 1050rpm (Q1.09 m)3/min)；
Gear 3 (air volume stage 3): 1400rpm (Q1.80 m)3/min)。
As an example, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the number of rotations may be provided in the fan motor 70. The air volume stage detecting unit 152 may acquire the number of revolutions from the sensor and determine the gear corresponding to the number of revolutions. Alternatively, the air volume stage detecting unit 152 may estimate the rotation number based on the operation state (operation mode) of the humidifier 1. In this case, the above-described sensor need not be provided in the fan motor 70.
In general, the Q tends to be larger as the rotation number increases (see also fig. 5 described later). In view of this, as described above, the number of gear positions (the number of gear positions) may be set to become larger as the number of rotations increases. In this case, the larger the number of steps (number of air volume steps), the larger Q. The number of rotations corresponding to the predetermined number of steps differs depending on the stage of the water level. Therefore, Q corresponding to the predetermined number of steps also differs depending on the water level stage. However, in the case of the gear 0, Q is 0 at any stage of the water level.
(relationship between Q and measurement accuracy of the distance measuring sensor 10)
Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between Q and the measurement accuracy of the distance measuring sensor 10. Fig. 3 (a) shows a case where Q is 0 (i.e., a case where the fan 71 is stopped). In contrast, fig. 3 (b) shows a case where Q ≠ 0 (i.e., a case where the fan 71 is driven). In fig. 3, some of the components shown in fig. 1 are omitted for simplicity of illustration.
As shown in fig. 3 (a), when Q is 0, since the wind WD is not generated, the sloshing hardly occurs on the water surface. Therefore, the water surface becomes a substantially flat surface. In this case, unlike the case of fig. 3 (b) described below, no diffuse reflection of the detection light L1 occurs on the water surface. Therefore, the path of the reflected light L2 is substantially constant. In this case, d can be appropriately detected by the ranging sensor 10. That is, d is detected as a value sufficiently close to the actual distance between the distance measuring sensor 10 and the water surface (hereinafter, a distance true value). In this case, the WL detected by the distance measuring sensor 10 becomes a value sufficiently close to the true value of the water level.
On the other hand, as shown in fig. 3 (b), when Q ≠ 0, the water surface is fluctuated due to the influence of the wind WD. Therefore, unlike the case of fig. 3 (a), the water surface fluctuates. That is, a local step is generated on the water surface. As a result, since the diffuse reflection of the detection light L1 occurs on the water surface, the path of the reflected light L2 may change due to the diffuse reflection.
Therefore, the detection accuracy of d in the distance measuring sensor 10 may be lowered. For example, in the case of (b) of fig. 3, although the average water level is the same as that in the case of (a) of fig. 3, the optical path length of the reflected light L2 incident on the light-receiving portion 120 is longer than that in the case of (a) of fig. 3. Thus, a distance d longer than the true value may be detected by the ranging sensor 10. As a result, the detection accuracy of the WL in the ranging sensor 10 also decreases. For example, WL deviating from the true value of the water level (water level lower than the true value of the water level) is detected by the distance measuring sensor 10.
Further, as Q becomes larger, the sloshing of the water surface becomes remarkable. Therefore, when Q is large, the detection accuracy of d may be significantly reduced. Therefore, the inventors of the present application (hereinafter, inventors) newly found the following problems: "the sloshing of the water surface caused by the wind WD causes the measurement accuracy of the ranging sensor 10". In view of this, the inventors conceived a new concept of "preventing a decrease in measurement accuracy of the ranging sensor 10 by taking into account the influence of the wind WD". In contrast, the conventional technique (for example, patent document 1) does not consider the above problem at all. Therefore, in the prior art, there is no suggestion of a specific configuration for solving the problem.
Further, Q may be changed depending on the water level in the water storage tray 90. For example, when WL is small, Q is set to be large in order to more efficiently humidify the air by the humidifying filter 72 than when WL is large. In view of this, the inventors thought of a further concept of "in order to prevent a decrease in measurement accuracy of the ranging sensor 10, it is preferable to consider WL" as well.
(Water level correction part 153)
In order to solve the above problem, the inventors conceived a concept of "providing the water level correction unit 153 in the distance measuring sensor 10". The water level correction portion 153 corrects the WL according to the shift position (air volume phase) and the water level phase. In other words, the water level correcting unit 153 corrects the WL based on (i) the air volume (Q) in the water storage tray 90 and (ii) the water level (in other words, WL) in the water storage tray 90. However, water level correction unit 153 may correct WL only according to the shift position (only Q).
Hereinafter, the corrected WL is referred to as WLs. The WLS may also be referred to as a corrected water level detection value. As an example, the water level correction part 153 is used
WLS＝WL-PSHIFT...(2)
WLS is calculated.
That is, the water level correction portion 153 subtracts (offsets) psift from the value of WL. PSHIFT is also called offset value (offset). WL, WLS and PSHIFT are all arbitrary units. As an example, the units of WL, WLS and PSHIFT may be mm.
For example, the water level correction unit 153 refers to the offset value setting table and sets the psift. The offset value setting table is a table in which values of psift corresponding to each shift position and each water level stage are set in advance. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an offset value setting table. Hereinafter, an example of using the offset value setting table of fig. 4 will be described. However, as the method of setting the psift by the water level correction unit 153, other methods may be applied.
As an example, consider the case of "gear 1, water level stage 3". In this case, the water level correction unit 153 refers to the offset value setting table of fig. 4, and sets the pseudo value to 6. The water level correction unit 153 sets WLS to WL-6. That is, the water level correction unit 153 calculates WLS to be a value smaller than WL by 6. That is, WL is corrected to a water level lower by 6 (for example, 6mm) by the water level correcting portion 153.
As shown in fig. 4, in the shift position 0, the shift position is set to 0 regardless of the water level stage. As described above, when Q is 0, the fluctuation of the water surface due to the wind WD does not occur. Thus, when Q is 0, the WL may not be corrected.
In each water level stage, the shift position number is set so that the shift position number becomes larger (more strictly, so that the shift position number increases monotonously in a broad sense). That is, WLS is calculated as a smaller value (WL is corrected to a smaller value) as Q increases. As described above, when Q is large, the sloshing of the water surface becomes remarkable. Therefore, in order to effectively cancel the influence of the sloshing of the water surface corresponding to Q, it is preferable to increase the pshit as Q increases.
The water level correction unit 153 may supply WLS to the second control unit 75 as a result of detection of the water level. In this case, the second control unit 75 may selectively notify the user in a predetermined notification mode based on the WLS. For example, the second control unit 75 may notify the user to urge the water supply to the water storage tray 90 when the WLS is smaller than a predetermined threshold (hereinafter, notification threshold). For example, the second control unit 75 operates a notification unit (not shown) provided in the humidification apparatus 1 to notify the user. As an example, the notification portion includes at least any one of a lamp, an alarm, and a display panel. By performing the notification by the WLs instead of the WL, the notification by the erroneous determination can be avoided, and therefore, the convenience of the user can be improved.
The water level correction unit 153 may detect the corrected water level and water level stage based on the WLS. The water level correction unit 153 may calculate the corrected water amount based on the WLS.
(Effect)
In the distance measuring sensor 10, the WL can be corrected by the water level correction portion 153 in consideration of Q. That is, the WL can be corrected even in a case where the fluctuation of the water surface due to the wind WD occurs (a case where the WL may deviate from the true value of the water level). Therefore, a corrected value (i.e., WLS) closer to the true value of the water level can be output as the detection result. In this way, the distance measuring sensor 10 can detect the water level more accurately (accurately) than before.
However, as described above, Q can be varied according to the water level in the water storage tray 90. Based on this aspect, the water level correction portion 153 can further correct the WL (one of the water level detection value before correction and the value related to the water level true value) based on the WL. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the water level can be further improved.
(supplementary items)
Fig. 5 is a graph for explaining a result of an investigation by the inventors. Specifically, (a) of fig. 5 shows a graph showing an example of the relationship between the air volume and the offset value (offset amount). The offset value may be an example of an index indicating the degree of fluctuation of the water surface. Fig. 5 (b) shows a graph showing an example of the relationship between the number of revolutions and the air volume at each water level (more specifically, each water level). Each graph in fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the tendency. Therefore, no unit is described in each graph.
Based on the graph of fig. 5 (a), the inventors confirmed the tendency of "the offset value depends on the air volume". Further, the inventors have studied and found that "in the case of a low water level," the amount of Water (WV) of the water WT in the water storage tray 90 is small. As a result, the offset value may be reduced in the case of a low water level (for example, in the case of a large air volume). ".
Next, based on the graph of fig. 5 (b), the inventors confirmed a tendency that "the larger the rotation speed, the larger the air volume". The inventors also confirmed a tendency of "the lower the water level, the larger the air volume". Although the method of setting the PSHIFT is arbitrary as described above, it is considered preferable to set the PSHIFT (for example, to create a water level correction table) in view of such tendency.
[ second embodiment ]
The humidifier 1 may be provided with an air volume sensor for measuring Q. The air volume sensor may be disposed at a predetermined position in the casing 80. In this case, the water level correction portion 153 may correct WL based on Q measured by the air volume sensor. When the humidification apparatus 1 is provided with the air volume sensor, the air volume step detection unit 152 can be omitted from the first control unit 15.
[ third embodiment ]
When the humidifier 1 is operated, the water level decreases with the passage of time. Therefore, as described above, when the water level becomes low, it is preferable to notify the user of the urging of the water supply. From the viewpoint of minimizing the amount of water supply for the user, it is preferable to notify the user when the water level reaches 0%. However, if the deviation of the accuracy of the distance measuring sensor 10 is taken into consideration, it is not realistic to set the notification threshold to a value corresponding to the water level 0%.
For example, in the case where the ranging sensor 10 detects WL largely (that is, d is detected less), a water level higher than 0% (for example, 5%) is also detected in a state where there is no water WT from the water storage tray 90 (a state where the water level reaches 0% practically). Therefore, the notification to the user cannot be appropriately performed.
In view of this, in the humidifying device 1, the notification threshold is generally set to a value slightly larger than the value corresponding to the water level 0%. For example, the notification threshold is set to a value corresponding to 10% of the water level. However, when the notification threshold is set in this manner, the user is notified of the urging of water supply even if a certain amount of water WT remains in the water storage tray 90. As a result, the amount of water supply for the user cannot be sufficiently reduced. In view of this, the inventors have further studied conditions for making a notification to the user.
(one study conducted by the inventors)
Fig. 6 is a graph for explaining the results of the investigation by the inventors. In the following description, a state in which the water WT is not contained in the water storage tray 90 is referred to as a "water-free state". The state in which the water WT is contained in the water storage tray 90 is referred to as a "water presence state". The graph of fig. 6 (a) shows an example of a time change of the detection result of the distance measuring sensor 10 when the state of the water storage tray 90 transits from the non-water state to the water state. In this graph, the horizontal axis represents time (unit: seconds) (hereinafter, t) and the vertical axis represents the average value of d detected by each of the plurality of distance measuring sensors 10 (hereinafter, dm), respectively. The ranging sensor 10 is also called a tof sensor (time of flight sensor). Hence, dm may also be referred to as tof average.
In the graph of (a) of FIG. 6, dm significantly changes (more specifically, decreases) at a time point immediately before t becomes 100. That is, at this time, the state of the water storage tray 90 changes from the non-water state to the water-present state. Fig. 6 (b) is a graph in which a portion D1 of fig. 6 (a) is enlarged. The graph of fig. 6 (b) shows an example of the time change of dm in the anhydrous state. In contrast, fig. 6 (c) is a graph obtained by enlarging a portion D2 of fig. 6 (a). The graph of fig. 6 (c) shows an example of the time change of dm in the water state.
In the water-free state, the distance measuring sensor 10 detects a distance d between the distance measuring sensor 10 and the bottom surface of the water storage tray 90. The bottom surface of the water storage tray 90 is solid unlike the water WT, and thus has high rigidity. Therefore, even if the humidifying device 1 is in operation (even if Q ≠ 0), the shape of the bottom surface of the water storage tray 90 does not change due to the influence of the wind WD. Therefore, the actual distance between the ranging sensor 10 and the bottom surface of the water storage tray 90 also varies. Therefore, as shown in fig. 6 (b), the change (dispersion) of dm with time is relatively small in the water-free state.
On the other hand, in the water presence state, as described above, when Q ≠ 0, the water surface is fluctuated due to the influence of the wind WD. That is, in the case where Q ≠ 0, the shape of the water surface is variously changed. I.e. the actual distance between the ranging sensor 10 and the water surface varies. Therefore, as shown in fig. 6 (c), in the water-containing state, dm changes with time more largely than in the water-free state.
(judgment processing in the third embodiment)
First, the second control portion 75 determines that the water level reaches the notification threshold (a value corresponding to 10% of the water level). Then, the second control unit 75 continues the operation of the humidifier 1 for a predetermined operation allowable time (for example, 1 hour) from the time when the determination is made.
Next, the second control unit 75 calculates a parameter indicating the magnitude of the change (fluctuation) of d at predetermined time intervals (for example, 30 seconds). As an example, the second control unit 75 calculates Δ dmax-dmin. dmax is the maximum value of d in the time period and dmin is the minimum value of d in the time period. Δ is one of indexes (parameters) indicating the magnitude of the change in d in the above time period.
Next, the second control unit 75 compares Δ with a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter, dth). dth is also called the variation threshold. Specifically, the second control unit 75 determines whether Δ ≦ dth. The value of dth may be set by the designer of the humidifier 1 based on experimental results obtained in advance (for example, graphs of fig. 6 (b) and (c)). As an example, dth may be set to 1.
In the case of Δ ≦ dth (for example, in the case of the example of fig. 6 (b)), it can be said that the variation of d is relatively small. That is, it is expected that the distance between the distance measuring sensor 10 and the bottom surface of the water storage tray 90 is detected as d. Therefore, the second control portion 75 can detect the non-water state (can determine that the water storage tray 90 is in the non-water state) when Δ ≦ dth. When the water-free state is detected, the second control unit 75 notifies the user of the urging of water supply. Further, when the water-free state is detected, the second control unit 75 may stop the operation of the humidifying device 1 even before the operation permission time expires.
In contrast, when Δ > dth (for example, in the case of the example of fig. 6 (c)), it can be said that the variation of d is not small. Therefore, the second control portion 75 can detect the non-water state (the water storage tray 90 can determine the non-water state) when Δ ≦ dth. When the water presence state is detected, the second control unit 75 does not notify the user.
In this manner, the second control unit 75 may determine whether or not to perform notification to the user based on the notification threshold and the variation threshold. By introducing the variation threshold, the water-free state can be determined with higher accuracy than the case of using only the notification threshold. As a result, the amount of work of the water supply by the user can be effectively reduced while taking into account the variation in accuracy of the distance measuring sensor 10.
[ implementation by software ]
The control modules (particularly, the first control unit 15 and the second control unit 75) of the humidifier 1 may be implemented by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be implemented by software.
In the latter case, the humidifying device 1 includes a computer, and software for realizing each function, that is, a command for executing a program. The computer includes, for example, at least one processor (control device) and at least one computer-readable recording medium storing the program. Then, in the computer, the processor reads the program from the recording medium and executes the program to achieve an object of one embodiment of the present invention. As the processor, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used. As the storage medium, a "non-transitory tangible medium" such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a card, a semiconductor Memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. Further, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like may be provided to expand the program. Further, the program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (communication network, broadcast wave, etc.) that can transmit the program. One embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.
[ conclusion ]
A water level detection device according to aspect 1 of the present invention is a water level detection device that detects a water level in a container, and includes: a light emitting unit that emits detection light to a predetermined position of a water surface in the container; a light receiving unit that receives reflected light that is light reflected by the detection light at the predetermined position; and an arithmetic device that calculates a water level detection value, which is a detection value of the water level, based on the detection light and the reflected light, and corrects the water level detection value according to an air volume in the container.
According to the above configuration, unlike the conventional water level detection device, the water level detection value can be corrected in consideration of the air volume in the tank (that is, in consideration of the influence of the fluctuation of the water surface due to the wind in the tank). This makes it possible to detect the water level more accurately than before.
In the water level detection device according to aspect 2 of the present invention according to aspect 1, preferably, the arithmetic unit further corrects the water level detection value based on the water level detection value before correction.
As described above, the volume of air in the container may vary depending on the water level in the container. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the water level detection value can be corrected in consideration of the water level in the container. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the water level can be further improved.
In the water level detection device according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in aspect 1 or 2, the calculation device preferably corrects the water level detection value to a smaller value as the air volume increases.
According to the above configuration, the water level detection value can be corrected so as to cancel the influence of the fluctuation of the water surface corresponding to the increase of the air volume. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the water level can be further improved.
The humidification device according to aspect 4 of the present invention preferably includes: the water level detection device of any one of the above aspects 1 to 3; and the container for containing water, the water level detection device detects the water level.
[ additional items ]
One embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Included within the technical scope of one aspect of the present invention. Further, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical methods disclosed in the respective embodiments.
Description of the reference numerals
1 humidifying device
10 distance measuring sensor (Water level detector)
15 first control part (arithmetic device)
75 second control part (arithmetic device)
90 water storage tray (container)
110 light emitting part
120 light receiving section
150 distance calculating part
151 water level calculating part
152 air volume stage detection part
153 water level correction part
L1 detects light
L2 reflects light
WD wind
WT water
WL water level
Claims (4)
1. A water level detection device that detects a water level in a container, the water level detection device characterized by comprising:
a light emitting unit that emits detection light to a predetermined position of a water surface in the container;
a light receiving unit that receives reflected light that is light reflected by the detection light at the predetermined position; and
an arithmetic device for calculating the time of the operation,
the arithmetic device calculates a water level detection value, which is a detection value of the water level, based on the detection light and the reflected light,
and correcting the water level detection value according to the air volume in the container.
2. The water level detecting apparatus according to claim 1,
the arithmetic means further corrects the water level detection value based on the water level detection value before correction.
3. The water level detecting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
the arithmetic device corrects the water level detection value to a smaller value as the air volume becomes larger.
4. A humidification device, comprising:
the water level detection device of any one of claims 1 to 3; and
the container for receiving the water is provided with a water inlet,
the water level detecting device detects the water level.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2018-151492 | 2018-08-10 | ||
| JP2018151492 | 2018-08-10 | ||
| PCT/JP2019/030958 WO2020032055A1 (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2019-08-06 | Water level detection device and humidification device |
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| CN112534217A true CN112534217A (en) | 2021-03-19 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| CN201980045791.0A Pending CN112534217A (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2019-08-06 | Water level detection device and humidification device |
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| JP (1) | JP7143418B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN112534217A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2020032055A1 (en) |
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| JP7268823B2 (en) * | 2020-11-24 | 2023-05-08 | Ｎｅｃプラットフォームズ株式会社 | Determination device, determination system, determination method, and program |
| CN115486682B (en) * | 2021-06-18 | 2024-03-26 | 佛山市顺德区美的电热电器制造有限公司 | Control method and device of cooking equipment, cooking equipment and storage medium |
| JP7161801B1 (en) | 2022-01-05 | 2022-10-27 | エタックエンジニアリング株式会社 | Environment-forming device and program for environment-forming device |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2020032055A1 (en) | 2020-02-13 |
| JPWO2020032055A1 (en) | 2021-08-26 |
| JP7143418B2 (en) | 2022-09-28 |
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