JP2007107780A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier, in which the degree of clogging of a humidifying filter can be automatically acquired. <P>SOLUTION: This humidifier comprises a humidity sensor A1 for detecting indoor humidity, a main body 7 including a blower 5 and the humidifying filter 6 provided within an air passage 4, a humidity sensor B10 provided on the downstream side of the humidifying filter 6, and a control means 11 receiving output signals of the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10. The control means 11 can detect the deterioration state of the humidifying filter 6 by comparison of difference in detected humidity between the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10. According to this, in the humidifier, the degree of clogging of the humidifying filter 6 can be automatically acquired. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifying device that detects humidity using two humidity sensors and humidifies the humidity.

  Conventionally, a vaporizing humidifier is known as an example of this type of humidifier (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Hereinafter, the vaporizing humidifier will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in the figure, the main body 101 is provided with a suction port 102 and a blower outlet 103, a water tank 106 supplied with water from a water tank 104 through a water channel 105 is provided therein, and a vaporization filter 107 and a lower part are immersed in the water tank 106. The vaporization filter 107 is provided with a fan 109 for blowing air through the heating body 108, humidity sensors 110 and 111 for detecting humidity are provided in the vicinity of the suction port 102 and the blower port 103, and provided in the water channel 105 when the operation is off. The water channel 105 is closed by the opening / closing means 112, and water supply from the water tank 104 to the water tank 106 is stopped, and the vaporization filter 107 is dried.
JP 2004-233022 ([0007] to [0009], FIG. 1)

  In such a conventional vaporizing humidifier, the vaporizing filter 107 can be dried when the operation is turned off, but there is a problem that the degree of clogging of the humidifying filter that reduces the humidifying ability cannot be automatically grasped. Therefore, it is required to automatically grasp the degree of clogging of the humidifying filter.

  This invention solves such a conventional subject, and it aims at providing the humidification apparatus which can grasp | ascertain the clogging degree of a humidification filter automatically.

  In order to achieve the above object, the humidifying device of the present invention includes a humidity sensor A for detecting indoor humidity, a main body provided with a blower and a humidifying filter in an air passage formed by communicating an inlet and an outlet. A water supply means for supplying water to the humidifying filter, a humidity sensor B provided on the downstream side of the humidifying filter, and a control means for receiving an output signal from the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B. Compared to the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B, the deterioration state of the humidification filter can be detected.

  By this means, a humidifying device that can automatically grasp the degree of clogging of the humidifying filter is obtained.

  Further, the other means is provided with a notification means on the surface of the main body, and the control means drives the notification means when the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B becomes equal to or less than a reference humidity difference, thereby the humidifying filter. Is configured to notify that the cleaning time is approaching.

  By this means, a humidifier can be obtained that can notify the user that the humidifying filter needs to be cleaned.

  Further, the other means includes a heating means provided on the upstream side of the humidifying filter, and a control means for controlling the heating means to switch between the air blowing operation and the hot air operation, the control means during the air blowing operation. When it is detected that the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B is equal to or less than the reference humidity difference, the structure is switched from the air blowing operation to the hot air operation.

  By this means, a humidifier capable of maintaining the humidification amount and continuing the operation without increasing the noise of the blower can be obtained.

  Further, the other means is configured such that when the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B becomes equal to or less than the reference humidity difference, the control means increases the air volume of the blower.

  By this means, a humidifier can be obtained that can be operated such that the amount of humidification does not decrease without significantly increasing power consumption.

  In addition, the other means comprises a humidifying filter that is hollow and cylindrical and is supported so as to be rotatable by always immersing the lower part in the water stored in the water tank, and a rotating means that rotates the humidifying filter around a horizontal axis, and a humidity sensor. When the detected humidity difference between A and the humidity sensor B is equal to or less than the reference humidity difference, the control means is configured to reduce the rotation speed of the rotation means.

  By this means, a humidifier capable of increasing the humidification amount without changing the power consumption can be obtained.

  The other means is a medicine supply means for supplying the weakly acidic medicine to the upper part of the water tank. When the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B becomes equal to or less than a reference humidity difference, the control means Is configured to drive.

  By this means, it is possible to recover the humidifying ability and to obtain a humidifying device that can further enhance the recovery effect.

  In another configuration, the control means automatically stops the humidification operation when the operation time or number of occurrences when the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B exceeds the reference upper limit value exceeds the reference upper limit value. It is what.

  By this means, it is possible to obtain a humidifier capable of notifying the user that the humidifying filter has been cleaned and preventing further clogging from proceeding.

  In addition, when the humidifying operation is automatically stopped, the other means is configured to notify the fact that the humidifying filter cleaning time or replacement time has been reached by driving the notifying means so as to express a different notification when the humidifying operation is automatically stopped. It is what.

  By this means, it is possible to obtain a humidifier that can visually confirm to the user that the humidifying filter has been cleaned.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the humidification apparatus with the effect that the degree of clogging of a humidification filter can be grasped | ascertained automatically can be provided.

  In addition, it is possible to provide a humidifying device that has an effect of notifying the user that the humidifying filter needs to be cleaned.

  In addition, it is possible to provide a humidifying device having an effect that the operation can be continued while maintaining the humidification amount without increasing the noise of the blower.

  In addition, it is possible to provide a humidifier that can be operated so that the amount of humidification does not decrease without significantly increasing the power consumption.

  Further, it is possible to provide a humidifier that can recover the humidifying ability and can further enhance the recovery effect.

  In addition, it is possible to provide a humidifying device having an effect that the user can visually confirm that the humidifying filter has been cleaned.

  The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a humidity sensor A for detecting indoor humidity, a main body provided with a blower and a humidifying filter in an air channel formed by communicating an inlet and an outlet, and the humidification Water supply means for supplying water to the filter, humidity sensor B provided on the downstream side of the humidification filter, and control means for receiving the output signals of the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B, the control means comprising the humidity Compared to the detected humidity difference between the sensor A and the humidity sensor B, the deterioration state of the humidifying filter can be detected, and impurities such as calcium and magnesium contained in the stored water adhere to the humidifying filter. When the humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B is smaller than the reference humidity difference, it is detected that the humidification amount has decreased, and the humidification filter Has the effect of the clogging degree can be automatically grasp.

  Further, the invention described in claim 2 is provided with a notification means on the surface of the main body, and when the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B is equal to or less than the reference humidity difference, the control means is driven in the previous period notification means. The humidifying filter is informed that it is almost time for cleaning. Care is taken in a timely manner in order to reduce the amount of humidification due to adhesion of impurities such as calcium and magnesium contained in the stored water to the humidifying filter. However, when the indicator lamp is turned on, it is possible to notify the user that the humidifying filter has become clogged and that the humidifying filter is approaching to be cleaned.

  The invention described in claim 3 includes heating means provided on the upstream side of the humidifying filter, and control means for controlling the heating means to switch between the air blowing operation and the hot air operation. When it is detected that the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B is less than the reference humidity difference during operation, it is configured to switch from the air blowing operation to the hot air operation, and the humidification filter is dirty, Even when it cannot be washed immediately, the amount of vaporization from the humidifying filter is increased by applying warm air to the humidifying filter, and the operation can be continued while maintaining the humidifying amount without increasing the noise of the blower.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B is equal to or less than the reference humidity difference, the control means is configured to increase the air volume of the blower. Even when the humidification ability due to the filter dirt is reduced, it has an effect that it can be operated so that the humidification amount does not decrease without significantly increasing the power consumption.

  Further, the invention described in claim 5 includes a humidifying filter that is hollow and cylindrical and is supported so as to be rotatable by always immersing the lower part in the water stored in the aquarium, and rotating means for rotating the humidifying filter about a horizontal axis. When the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B is equal to or less than the reference humidity difference, the control means is configured to reduce the rotation speed of the rotating means, and the rotating humidifying filter is clogged. When it occurs, the amount of humidification can be increased without changing the power consumption by reducing the number of rotations of the humidification filter, thereby making the pressure loss due to the adhering water of the humidification filter relative to the air flow rate appropriate. .

  Further, a medicine supply means for supplying a weakly acidic medicine is provided on the upper part of the water tank according to claim 6, and when the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B is equal to or less than a reference humidity difference, the control means It is configured to drive the chemical supply means, and it decomposes impurities such as calcium and magnesium adhering to the humidifying filter during the humidifying operation with a weakly acidic chemical, thereby eliminating clogging of the humidifying filter and increasing the humidifying ability. In the case where the humidifying filter rotates, the weakly acidic drug can be permeated into the entire humidifying filter.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the operating time or number of occurrences when the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B is less than the reference humidity difference exceeds the reference upper limit value, the control means automatically performs the humidifying operation. Although it is configured to stop, humidity sensor A and humidity sensor are required to be treated in a timely manner because impurities such as calcium and magnesium contained in the stored water adhere to the humidifying filter and the amount of humidification decreases. When the operating time or number of occurrences when the detected humidity difference of B is less than or equal to the reference humidity difference exceeds the reference upper limit value, the humidifying operation is automatically stopped and the user is notified that the humidifying filter maintenance time has been reached. In addition, the clogging can be prevented from proceeding further.

  In the invention according to claim 8, when the humidifying operation is automatically stopped, the control means drives the notifying means so as to express a different notice, and the humidifying filter cleaning time or replacement time has come. It is configured to notify the user, and when impurities such as calcium or magnesium contained in the accumulated water adhere to the humidifying filter and needs to be cleaned, the humidifying operation is automatically stopped and the indicator lamp is turned on. Thus, the user can visually confirm that the humidifying filter has been cleaned.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a main body 7 in which a blower 5 and a humidifying filter 6 are provided in an air flow path 4 formed by communicating a humidity sensor A1 for detecting indoor humidity, a suction port 2 and a blowout port 3. And a water supply means 9 for supplying the humidification filter 6 via the water tank 8, a humidity sensor B10 provided on the downstream side of the humidification filter 6, and a control means 11 for receiving the output signals of the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10. The control means 11 is configured to be capable of detecting the deterioration state of the humidification filter 6 as compared with the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10.

  In the above configuration, the control means 11 receives the output signals of the humidity sensor A1 for detecting the indoor humidity and the humidity sensor B10 provided on the downstream side of the humidifying filter 6, respectively, and calculates the detected humidity difference. By comparing the humidity difference with the reference humidity difference stored in advance in the control means 11, the deterioration state due to clogging of the humidifying filter 6 can be investigated, and impurities such as calcium and magnesium contained in the water stored in the water tank 8. Although the amount of humidification decreases as a result of adhering to the humidifying filter 6, if the humidity difference between the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10 becomes smaller, it is detected that the amount of humidification has decreased, and the degree of clogging of the humidifying filter 6 Can be automatically grasped.

(Embodiment 2)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, notification means 12 is provided on the surface of the main body 7, and the control means 11 is notified when the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A <b> 1 and the humidity sensor B <b> 10 is equal to or less than the reference humidity difference. To notify that the humidifying filter 6 has approached the cleaning time.

  In the above configuration, when the humidity difference between the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10 is less than or equal to the detected humidity difference, the amount of vaporization from the humidifying filter 6 decreases due to dirt such as clogging of the humidifying filter 6, and the humidifying filter 6 approaches the cleaning time. The dirt display lamp 12 is turned on as a notification means after the determination. For example, when the detected humidity Da of the humidity sensor A1 is 40% and the detected humidity Db of the humidity sensor B10 is 59%, the detected humidity difference (Db−Da) is 19%, and the set value of the reference humidity difference Ds is 20%. Then, the detected humidity difference (Db−Da) <reference humidity difference Ds, and the control means 11 turns on the dirt display lamp 12 to notify that the humidifying filter 6 is approaching the cleaning time, but the humidifying operation is continued as it is. Let

  Thus, since impurities such as calcium and magnesium contained in the accumulated water adhere to the humidifying filter 6, the amount of humidification is reduced, so that timely care is required, but by turning on the dirt display lamp 12, It is possible to notify the user that the humidification filter 6 has become clogged and that the humidification filter 6 is approaching the time for maintenance.

(Embodiment 3)
As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the heating means 14 provided in the upstream of the humidification filter 6 and the control means 11 which controls this heating means 14 and switches ventilation operation and warm air operation are provided, and control means 11 is configured to switch from the blowing operation to the hot air operation when it is detected that the detected humidity difference (Db−Da) between the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10 is equal to or less than the reference humidity difference Ds.

  In the above configuration, when the detected humidity difference (Db−Da) between the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10 is equal to or less than the reference humidity difference Ds, it is determined that the amount of vaporization from the humidification filter 6 has decreased, and the air blowing operation is performed. If it is, the control means 11 energizes the heating means 14 to temporarily switch to hot air operation to perform a timer operation in which the humidification amount is increased, and then the detected humidity difference (Db−) between the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10. When Da) becomes larger than the predetermined reference humidity difference Ds, the hot air operation is switched to the air blowing operation, and the operation is continued by returning to the conventional humidification operation.

  Thus, even when the humidifying filter 6 is dirty and cannot be washed immediately, the amount of vaporization from the humidifying filter 6 is increased by applying warm air to the humidifying filter 6, and the humidifying amount is not increased without increasing the noise of the blower 5. It will be possible to continue driving while maintaining.

(Embodiment 4)
As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, when the detected humidity difference (Db−Da) between the humidity sensor A 1 and the humidity sensor B 10 becomes equal to or less than the reference humidity difference Ds, the control means 11 controls the air volume of the blower 5. Increase the configuration.

  In the above configuration, when the detected humidity difference (Db−Da) between the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10 is equal to or less than the reference humidity difference Ds, it is determined that the humidification amount has decreased due to dirt such as clogging of the humidification filter 6. Then, the control means 11 switches to the operation of increasing the air volume of the blower 5 for a predetermined time, and when the detected humidity difference (Db−Da) between the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10 becomes larger than the predetermined reference humidity difference Ds. Switches to the operation of reducing the air volume of the blower 5B, and returns to the conventional humidification operation to continue the operation.

  As described above, even when the humidification ability due to the dirt of the humidification filter 6 is reduced, the operation can be performed so that the humidification amount does not decrease without greatly increasing the power consumption.

(Embodiment 5)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 6, the humidifying filter 6 that is hollow and cylindrical and is rotatably supported by always immersing the lower part in the water stored in the water tank 8, and the humidifying filter 6 around the horizontal axis 15. A rotating means 16 that rotates, and the control means 11 reduces the rotational speed of the rotating means 16 when the detected humidity difference (Db−Da) between the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10 is less than or equal to the reference humidity difference Ds. And

  In the above configuration, when the humidification filter 6 is clogged, a water film is not formed on the surface of the humidification filter 6, but the detected humidity difference (Db−Da) between the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10 is the reference humidity difference Ds. When the following conditions are met, the rotational speed of the humidifying filter 6 is switched to low speed rotation, and the area that adheres to the humidifying filter 6 as a water film is reduced to reduce the pressure loss. The amount can be increased.

  In this way, when the rotating humidifying filter 6 is clogged, the pressure loss due to the water adhering to the humidifying filter 6 with respect to the air flow rate is reduced by reducing the number of rotations of the humidifying filter 6, thereby reducing the power consumption. The humidification amount can be increased without changing.

(Embodiment 6)
As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, a medicine supply means 17 for supplying a weakly acidic medicine is provided in the upper part of the water tank 8, and the detected humidity difference (Db−Da) between the humidity sensor A 1 and the humidity sensor B 10 is the reference humidity. The control means 11 is configured to drive the medicine supply means 17 when the difference Ds or less is reached.

  In the above-described configuration, when the accumulated water mixed with the weakly acidic agent permeates the humidifying filter 6 to which impurities such as calcium and magnesium are adhered, the compound of calcium and magnesium is chemically decomposed by the weakly acidic agent. Become.

  In this way, by decomposing impurities such as calcium and magnesium adhering to the humidifying filter 6 during the humidifying operation with a weakly acidic chemical, clogging of the humidifying filter 6 can be eliminated, and the humidifying ability can be restored. When the humidifying filter 6 rotates, the weakly acidic drug can be infiltrated into the entire humidifying filter 6 and the recovery effect can be further enhanced.

(Embodiment 7)
As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, when the operating time or the number of occurrences when the detected humidity difference (Db−Da) between the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10 is less than or equal to the reference humidity difference Ds exceeds the reference upper limit value. The control means 11 is configured to automatically stop the humidification operation.

  In the above configuration, the operation time or the number of occurrences when the detected humidity difference (Db−Da) between the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10 is less than or equal to the reference humidity difference Ds exceeds the reference upper limit value input in advance to the control means 11. When it is determined that the cleaning time of the humidifying filter 6 has been reached, the humidifying operation is automatically stopped.

  As described above, the calcium and magnesium impurities contained in the water stored in the water tank 8 adhere to the humidifying filter 6, so that the amount of humidification is reduced, so that timely care is required. However, the humidity sensor A1 and the humidity sensor B10 are required. When the operating time or number of occurrences when the detected humidity difference (Db-Da) is less than the reference humidity difference Ds exceeds the reference upper limit value (Ts or Ns), the humidification operation is automatically stopped and the humidification filter 6 is cleaned. It is possible to notify the user that the time has come and to prevent further clogging from proceeding.

(Embodiment 8)
As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, when the control means 11 automatically stops the humidification operation, the dirt display lamp 12 as the notification means is blinked and displayed so as to make a different notification expression. It is set as the structure which alert | reports that it became the washing | cleaning time of 6 or replacement | exchange time.

  In the above configuration, when the control means 11 detects the cleaning time of the humidifying filter 6 and automatically stops the humidifying operation, the dirt display lamp 12 is simultaneously changed from lighting display to blinking display.

  In this way, when impurities such as calcium and magnesium contained in the water stored in the water tank 8 adhere to the humidifying filter 6 and maintenance is required, the humidifying operation is automatically stopped and a dirt display lamp as a notification means is provided. By blinking 12, the user can visually confirm that the time for cleaning the humidifying filter 6 has been reached.

  In each of the embodiments, the humidifying filter is configured to rotate using a cylindrical one. However, as shown in FIG. 8 except for the fifth embodiment, a stationary vaporizing humidifying filter installed in the water tank 8 is used. Needless to say, even if 6A is used, the same effects can be obtained.

  By using the humidity sensor A that detects the indoor humidity and the humidity sensor B that detects the blowout humidity to control the dehumidifying means based on the humidity difference, the present invention can also be applied to the use of the dehumidifier.

The back surface perspective view of the humidification apparatus of Embodiment 1-8 of this invention Side perspective view of the humidifier External perspective view of the humidifier The flowchart of the humidification apparatus of Embodiment 4 of this invention Flowchart of Embodiment 5 of the present invention Flowchart of Embodiment 6 of the present invention Flowcharts of Embodiments 7 and 8 of the present invention The perspective view of the humidification apparatus of other embodiment of this invention Schematic configuration diagram of a conventional vaporizing humidifier

Explanation of symbols

1 Humidity sensor A
2 Inlet 3 Outlet 4 Air channel 5 Blower 6 Humidification filter 6A Humidification filter 7 Body 8 Water tank 9 Water supply means 10 Humidity sensor B
11 Control means 12 Notification means (dirt display lamp)
14 Heating means 15 Horizontal axis 16 Rotating means 17 Drug supply means

Claims (8)

A humidity sensor A for detecting indoor humidity, a main body provided with a blower and a humidifying filter in an air channel formed by communicating an inlet and an outlet, water supply means for supplying water to the humidifying filter, A humidity sensor B provided on the downstream side of the humidification filter; and a control means for receiving the output signal of the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B, wherein the control means detects a difference in detected humidity between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B. And a humidifier capable of detecting a deterioration state of the humidification filter. A notification means is provided on the surface of the main body, and the control means drives the notification means when the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B is equal to or less than a reference humidity difference, and the humidifying filter approaches the cleaning time. The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the humidifying device is configured to notify that. Heating means provided on the upstream side of the humidifying filter, and control means for controlling the heating means to switch between the air blowing operation and the hot air operation, the control means are humidity sensor A and humidity sensor B during the air blowing operation. The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein when the detected humidity difference is detected to be equal to or less than the reference humidity difference, the air blowing operation is switched to the hot air operation. The humidifying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B becomes equal to or less than the reference humidity difference, the control means increases the air volume of the blower. A humidifying filter that is hollow and cylindrical and is supported so as to be rotatable by always immersing the lower part in the water stored in the aquarium, and a rotating means for rotating the humidifying filter around a horizontal axis. Detection of humidity sensor A and humidity sensor B 3. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein when the humidity difference becomes equal to or less than a reference humidity difference, the control unit reduces the rotation speed of the rotation unit. A medicine supply means for supplying a weakly acidic medicine to the upper part of the water tank is provided, and the control means drives the medicine supply means when the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B is equal to or lower than a reference humidity difference. The humidifying device according to claim 1. The control means is configured to automatically stop the humidification operation when the operation time or the number of occurrences when the detected humidity difference between the humidity sensor A and the humidity sensor B exceeds the reference upper limit value. Humidifier. 8. The control unit according to claim 7, wherein when the humidifying operation is automatically stopped, the notifying unit is driven so that a different notification expression is generated to notify that the humidifying filter has been cleaned or replaced. Humidifier.

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