JP2013053755A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inform a user of an empty state without fail.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes a water storage container for storing water, a detection unit detecting a water level in the water storage container, an notification unit that indicates an empty state to pour water into the container, a control unit for controlling the notification unit on the basis of the result detected by the detection unit, and a reservation means setting a start time to automatically start a humidifying operation. The control unit controls the notification unit so that in setting the reservation start time, the notification unit indicates the empty state if a water level in the water storage container detected by the detection unit is less than a predetermined height.

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier capable of reserving a time for starting a humidifying operation.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are humidifiers that humidify indoors using water stored in a water storage container. For example, in a humidifier disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-97829), water is supplied from a water supply tank that can be attached to and detached from a water tank part (water storage container) to the water tank part, and is immersed in the water in the water tank part. Humidified air is generated by passing air through the vaporized filter, and the room is humidified by the generated humidified air. In the water tank part, a detecting means for detecting the water surface height is provided, and when it is detected that the water surface height in the water tank part is less than a predetermined height, water is supplied to the user by a buzzer or a lamp. It comes to let you know.

JP 2003-97829 A

  By the way, some humidifiers have a timer function that can reserve a time for starting a humidifying operation. In this humidifier, when the set reservation start time is reached, the user is informed that water supply is necessary according to the water surface height in the water tank section.

  However, the user may not be near the humidifier at the set reservation start time. In this case, since the user does not notice the buzzer or the lamp and the water is not supplied, there arises a problem that the humidifying operation is not started.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the humidifier which can notify a user reliably that it is a state which requires water supply.

  The humidifier according to the first invention includes a water storage container for storing water, a detection means for detecting a water surface height in the water storage container, a notification means for notifying that the water supply is required to be supplied, A control means for controlling the notification means based on a detection result by the detection means; and a reservation means for setting a reservation start time for automatically starting the humidifying operation, the control means at the time of setting the reservation start time, When the water surface height in the water storage container detected by the detection means is less than a predetermined height, the notification means is controlled so as to notify a water supply necessary state.

  In this humidifier, when setting the reservation start time, since the water supply necessity state is notified, it is more sure that the user needs water supply than when notifying the water supply necessity state when the reservation start time is reached. Can let you know.

  The humidifier according to a second invention is the humidifier according to the first invention, wherein the control means controls the notifying means so as to notify the water supply necessity state at the time of setting the reservation start time, and then reaches the reservation start time Moreover, when the water surface height in the water storage container becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined height, the notification means is controlled so as to stop the notification of the water supply necessity state.

  In this humidifier, when water supply is performed before the reservation start time, notification of the water supply necessary state can be stopped.

  The humidifier according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, the notification means includes a sound notification means for notifying a water supply necessary state by voice.

  In this humidifier, since the water supply necessity state is notified by voice, it is possible to inform the user that the water supply is necessary even if the user is not looking at the humidifier.

  The humidifier according to a fourth invention is the humidifier according to the third invention, wherein the control means does not notify the water supply necessity state by voice until the voice guard time has elapsed after notifying the water supply necessity state by voice during operation. As described above, the guard time mode for controlling the voice notification means is provided, and when the reservation start time is set before the voice guard time elapses after the water supply necessary state is notified by voice, the guard time mode is canceled. It is characterized by doing.

In this humidifier, by having the guard time mode, after the water supply necessary state is notified by voice during operation, the water supply necessary state is again notified by voice until the voice guard time elapses. Can be prevented. Therefore, for example, when the airflow tap is manually changed, it is possible to prevent the water level in the water storage container from rising and falling due to the increase / decrease in the fan airflow, so that the water supply necessary state is not repeatedly notified by voice.
Further, when the reservation start time is set during operation, the guard time mode is canceled, so that the user can be informed that the water supply is necessary when setting the reservation.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  In 1st invention, when setting reservation start time, in order to alert | report a water supply required state, compared with the case where a water supply required state is alert | reported at the reservation start time, it is necessary for a user to supply water. You can be sure.

  In 2nd invention, when water supply is performed by the reservation start time, the notification of the water supply necessity state can be stopped.

  In 3rd invention, since a water supply required state is alert | reported with an audio | voice, even if the user does not look at a humidifier, it can notify a user that it is a water supply required state.

In 4th invention, by having a guard time mode, after a water supply necessity state is alert | reported by voice during driving | running | working, until a voice guard time passes, a water supply necessity state is again alert | reported by voice. Can be prevented. Therefore, for example, when the airflow tap is manually changed, it is possible to prevent the water level in the water storage container from rising and falling due to the increase / decrease in the fan airflow, so that the water supply necessary state is not repeatedly notified by voice.
Further, when the reservation start time is set during operation, the guard time mode is canceled, so that the user can be informed that the water supply is necessary when setting the reservation.

It is an appearance perspective view of the air cleaner concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is an appearance perspective view of the air cleaner concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of an air cleaner for explaining the inside of a casing. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the accommodation state to the main body of a water tray. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the accommodation state to the main body of a water tray. It is a front view of a humidification unit (a water tank and a rotor drive part are abbreviate | omitted). It is sectional drawing of the air cleaner for demonstrating the detection of the water surface height in a water tray. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the state of the detection part when the water tray is accommodated in the main body. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the state of the detection part when the water tray is not accommodated in the main body. It is a control block diagram of the control part of an air cleaner. It is a figure which shows an example of control of an air cleaner when an on-timer is set during an operation stop. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of a humidification driving | operation start in the air cleaner which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. In the air cleaner which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention, it is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the humidification operation after predetermined time passes since the humidification operation start. It is a figure which shows an example of control of an air cleaner in the air cleaner which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of control of an air cleaner when an on-timer is set during humidification operation.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, an air cleaner 1 having a humidifying function will be described as an example of a humidifier to which the present invention is applied. In addition, this invention does not make an air purifying function an essential component, but can be applied also to a humidifier without an air purifying function.

(1) Whole structure of air cleaner The outline | summary of the whole structure of the air cleaner 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the air purifier 1 as viewed from the upper left side toward the back surface. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the water tank 31 is removed in the air cleaner 1 of FIG. 1. The air purifier 1 has a humidifying function and an air purifying function, and can perform an air purifying operation in which only air cleaning is performed without performing humidification, and a humidifying operation in which humidification and air cleaning are performed simultaneously.

  The air cleaner 1 includes a main body 20 and a humidifying unit 30 that can be removed from the main body 20 as necessary. The air cleaner 1 has a detection unit 70 that detects the water surface height in the water tray 40. The air purifier 1 has a compact and integrated structure as shown in FIG. 1 by storing the water tank 31 and the water tray 40 at predetermined positions of the main body 20. The main body 20 mainly includes a casing 21, an air cleaning unit 25, a blower 26, and a control unit 60 (see FIG. 10). Below, each member which comprises the air cleaner 1 is demonstrated.

(2-1) Casing The casing 21 constitutes the outline of the main body 20. The casing 21 accommodates the constituent members of the main body 20 and the control unit 60. Further, the casing 21 constitutes a tank storage portion S1 and a tray storage portion S2 together with a fan casing 29 described later. The tank storage portion S <b> 1 is a space for storing a water tank 31 that can be detached from the main body 20. The tray storage S <b> 2 is a space for storing a drawer-type water tray 40 that can be detached from the main body 20.

  An operation panel 80 is provided on the upper portion of the casing 21. The operation panel 80 is provided with an “operation on / off” switch, an “operation switching” switch, an “on timer” switch, and the like.

  The air cleaner 1 of the present embodiment automatically switches between a humidifying operation and an air purifying operation based on the mode for performing the humidifying operation, the mode for performing the air purifying operation, and the water surface height in the water tray 40. It has an operation mode. The “operation switching” switch is for switching between these three operation modes.

  The “on timer” switch is for setting a reservation start time for automatically starting the humidifying operation or the air cleaning operation. For example, the time until the reserved operation is started can be selected from a plurality of options (for example, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours) depending on the number of times the “on timer” switch is pressed. After setting the reservation start time (hereinafter referred to as “input timer setting”), the reservation operation start time can be changed by operating the “input timer” switch. The operation mode of the timer operation that is started when the reservation start time is reached is the same as the operation mode immediately before the timer operation. The on-timer can be set not only during operation stop but also during operation.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the casing 21 is provided with a notification unit 90 for notifying the user that water supply to the water tank 31 is necessary (water supply necessary state). The notification unit 90 includes an LED that notifies the water supply necessary state by being lit, and a buzzer (voice notification means) that notifies the water supply necessary state by voice.

(2-2) Air Purifying Unit The air cleaning unit 25 mainly includes a prefilter, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, and a deodorizing element. These are arranged in the order of the prefilter, the HEPA filter, and the deodorizing element in the air flow direction. Thereby, in the air purifying unit 25, first, large dust is removed by the prefilter. Next, finer dust is removed by the HEPA filter. Further, the air that has passed through the HEPA filter is decomposed or adsorbed by formaldehyde, odor components, and the like by a deodorizing element including activated carbon.

(2-3) Blower FIG. 3 shows the air cleaner 1 in a state where the casing 21 (excluding the operation panel 80), the water tank 31, and the air cleaning unit 25 are removed from FIG. 4 and 5 show the air cleaner 1 in a state where the humidification rotor 50 and the operation panel 80 are further removed from FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows the positional relationship between the water tray 40 and the fan casing 29 when the water tray 40 is stored in the main body 20.

  The blower 26 is a sirocco fan including a fan 28 driven by a blower drive motor 27 (see FIG. 10) and a fan casing 29, and generates a flow of air from the suction port 21a to the blowout port 21b (FIG. 3, see FIGS. 4 and 5). For example, when the air cleaner 1 is performing a humidifying operation, the indoor air sucked from the suction port 21a is humidified by the humidifying unit 30 after dust and odor components are removed by the air purifying unit 25, Humidified clean air is blown out from the blower 26 into the room through the blowout port 21b. The driving of the blower drive motor 27 is controlled by the control unit 60 described later.

(2-4) Humidification unit The humidification unit 30 mainly includes a water tank 31, a water tray 40, a humidification rotor 50, and a rotor drive unit 38. Further, since the humidification rotor 50 is disposed at a predetermined position of the water tray 40, when the water tray 40 is pulled out from the main body 20, the humidification rotor 50 is similarly pulled out from the main body 20.

(2-4-1) Water Tank The water tank 31 is detachable from the main body 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and when mounted on the main body 20, is stored in the tank storage portion S1 of the main body 20. The In addition, a water inlet (not shown) is provided in the lower part of the water tank 31, and the water in the water tank 31 passes through the water inlet 40 in the water tray 40 due to a decrease in the water surface height in the water tray 40. To leak.

(2-4-2) Water Tray FIG. 6 is a front view of the humidifying unit 30 when the air purifier 1 is viewed from the front, and is a view in which the water tank 31 and the rotor drive unit 38 are omitted from the humidifying unit 30. It is. FIG. 7A is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the air cleaner 1 when the water tray 40 is housed in the main body 20, and the float 45 included in the water tray 40 is floating in water, that is, It is a figure which shows the state of the float 45 when the water in the water tray 40 is not insufficient. FIG. 7B is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the air cleaner 10 when the water tray 40 is stored in the main body 20, and the state of the float 45 when the water in the water tray 40 is insufficient. FIG.

  The water tray 40 stores water to be supplied to the air passing through the humidification rotor 50. The supply source of water stored in the water tray 40 is the water tank 31 described above.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7, the water tray 40 includes a water receiving portion 41, a rotor immersion portion 42, a partition wall 43, a bearing portion 44, and a float 45. .

  The water receiver 41 is disposed below the water tank 31. The rotor immersion part 42 is disposed at the lower part of the humidification rotor 50, and when the water accumulated in the rotor immersion part 42 is equal to or higher than the limit water level described later, the lower part of the humidification rotor 50 is located at the rotor immersion part 42. Soaked in water. Further, the water receiving part 41 and the rotor immersion part 42 are partitioned by a partition wall 43 that partitions the water stored in the water tray 40. An opening (not shown) leading from the water receiving part 41 to the rotor immersion part 42 is provided at the lower part of the partition wall 43, and water supplied from the water tank 31 to the water receiving part 41 is passed through the opening. It is supplied to the rotor immersion unit 42. Thereby, the water surface height of the water receiving part 41 and the water surface height of the rotor immersion part 42 become substantially the same.

  The bearing portion 44 extends upward from the side wall of the rotor immersion portion 42 and is provided so as to receive the rotating shaft 50 a of the humidifying rotor 50.

  The float 45 is disposed in the water receiving portion 41 of the water tray 40 and can float on the water stored in the water receiving portion 41. In addition, one end 45 a of the float 45 is rotatably supported by the support shaft 46 in the water receiving portion 41, and the support shaft 46 is centered according to the water surface height in the water receiving portion 41. Rotate. For this reason, in the float 45, the end 45b opposite to the end 45a supported by the support shaft 46 moves in the vertical direction according to the water surface height in the water receiver 41 ( (See FIG. 7).

(2-4-3) Humidification rotor The humidification rotor 50 has a function of supplying water supplied from the water tray 40 to air passing through the air. Thereby, the air sucked from the suction port 21a and purified by the air purification unit 25 passes through the humidification rotor 50, whereby the humidified clean air can be supplied into the room. In the present embodiment, when the air that has passed through the deodorizing element passes through the humidification rotor 50, the air is humidified by releasing moisture from the humidification rotor 50 into the air.

  Further, the humidification rotor 50 is detachably and rotatably supported by the bearing portion 44 via a rotation shaft 50a located at the center thereof. In the present embodiment, the humidification rotor 50 is rotated only when the humidifying operation is performed in the air cleaner 1. That is, when the air cleaner 10 is performing the air cleaning operation, the rotation of the humidification rotor 50 is stopped, and water is not supplied from the water tray 40 to the humidification rotor 50. For this reason, after the rotation of the humidification rotor 50 is stopped, the water adsorbed by the humidification rotor 50 is vaporized and the humidification rotor 50 is dried.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the humidification rotor 50 includes a vaporization filter 51 and a frame 52, and can pump up the water stored in the water tray 40 by rotating.

  The frame 52 includes a circular frame 53 and a plurality of water supply units 54. The frame 53 is provided with an opening (not shown) at a position that coincides with the position where the water supply unit 54 is provided. The water supply unit 54 is provided at the outer edge of the frame 53. The plurality of water supply units 54 are arranged at equal intervals on the outer edge of the frame 53. Further, the water supply portions 54 are formed in a concave shape so that water can be stored therein, and the water supply portions 54 are raised after being sequentially immersed in the water tray 40 by the rotation of the humidification rotor 50. In addition, the operation of submerging is repeated. When the water supply unit 54 is submerged, water flows into the water supply unit 54, and when the water supply unit 54 moves up, the water accumulated in the water supply unit 54 passes through the opening formed in the frame 53. Flows toward the vaporization filter 51. Thereby, water is supplied to the vaporization filter 51.

  The vaporization filter 51 is a circular honeycomb structure and adsorbs water supplied by the water supply unit 54. Further, the frame 52 is arranged outside the vaporization filter 51 so that the rotation shaft 50 a provided on the frame 52 is positioned at the center of the vaporization filter 51. Note that the lowermost portion of the vaporization filter 51 is located above the full water position in the water tray 40 in a state where the rotating shaft 50 a of the humidification rotor 50 is supported by the bearing portion 44. Thus, the vaporization filter 51 is designed so as not to be submerged in the water tray 40.

(2-4-4) Rotor Drive Unit The rotor drive unit 38 includes the rotor drive motor 32 (see FIG. 10) and the drive gear (not shown), and is arranged on the main body 20 side as described above. Has been. Specifically, the rotor drive motor 32 and the drive gear are fixed at predetermined positions of the fan casing 29. The rotor drive motor 32 is driven and controlled by a control unit 60 described later. The drive gear is rotated by driving the rotor drive motor 32. The drive gear is a gear tooth 53 a provided on the outer periphery of the drive gear teeth and the frame 53 in a state where the water tray 40 is stored in the tray storage portion S <b> 2 of the casing 21 (see FIG. 3). Are arranged at positions where they engage with each other. For this reason, the humidification rotor 50 rotates around the rotating shaft 50a when the drive gear rotates by driving of the rotor drive motor 32.

(2-5) Detection Unit The detection unit 70 detects the water surface height in the water tray 40 and also detects the attachment / detachment state of the water tray 40 with respect to the main body 20. As shown in FIG. 6, the detection unit 70 includes a moving body 71 that moves as the water tray 40 moves, and a detection element 72 that is fixed at a predetermined position of the main body 20.

  FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the air purifier 1 and shows the positional relationship between the detection element 72 and the moving body 71 when the water tray 40 is stored in the main body 20. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the air purifier 1 and shows a positional relationship between the detection element 72 and the moving body 71 when the water tray 40 is not accommodated in the main body 20. 8 and 9, two locations of the water tray 40 and the main body 20 (fan casing 29) are provided to facilitate explanation of the storage state of the water tray 40 and the positional relationship between the detection element 72 and the moving body 71. The cross section of is shown.

  The moving body 71 is a magnet and is fixed to the end 45 b of the float 45. Accordingly, the position of the water tray 40 with respect to the main body 20 changes, so that the position of the moving body 71 with respect to the detection element 72 changes, and the water surface height in the water tray 40 decreases, so that the end 45b of the float 45 decreases. By changing the position, the position of the moving body 71 with respect to the detection element 72 changes.

  The detecting element 72 is a reed switch that detects the moving body 71 depending on the distance from the moving body 71, and is a contact portion (not shown) that is turned on / off under the influence of the magnetic field from the moving body 71. including. In addition, the detection element 72 can detect the moving body 71 in the main body 20 when the water tray 40 is stored in the tray storage portion S2 of the main body 20 and the float 45 is floating in water. Yes (see FIG. 7 (a)), when the end 45b of the float 45 is in a lowered state, the movable body 71 is disposed at a position where it cannot be detected (see FIG. 7 (b)). Further, the detection element 72 is designed to be disposed at a position where the movable body 71 cannot be detected in the main body 20 when the water tray 40 is not stored in the tray storage portion S2 ( (See FIG. 9). 7, 8, and 9, a boundary portion of a region where the detection element 72 can detect the moving body 71 is indicated by a one-dot chain line.

  With such a configuration, the detection element 72 is turned on when the water tray 40 is stored in the tray storage section S2 of the main body 20 and the water level in the water tray 40 is equal to or higher than a predetermined height. When the water surface height in the water tray 40 is less than a predetermined height, or when the water tray 40 is not stored in the tray storage portion S2 of the main body 20, An off signal is transmitted to the control unit 60.

(2-6) Control part The control part 60 is comprised from several electrical components, and controls operation | movement of the various apparatuses with which the air cleaner 1 is provided so that an air purifying operation and a humidification operation may be performed. Specifically, the control unit 60 controls driving of the fan 28 and the humidification rotor 50 based on a control signal input via the operation panel 80. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 60 includes a determination unit 61 and a drive control unit 62.

  The determination unit 61 determines whether or not to notify the water supply necessity state based on the on / off signal transmitted from the detection unit 70 (detection element 72) during the humidification operation and when the humidification operation is to be started. To do. Specifically, the determination unit 61 determines that the water supply necessity state is to be notified when the off signal from the detection unit 70 continues for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds), and the on signal from the detection unit 70 is determined for a predetermined time ( For example, when it is continued for 20 seconds, it is determined that the notification of the water supply necessity state is canceled.

Whether or not the determination unit 61 informs the user that the water supply is to be supplied is based on the on / off signal transmitted from the detection unit 70 (detection element 72) when the on-timer is set. Determine whether. Specifically, the determination unit 61 determines to notify the water supply necessity state when the off signal from the detection unit 70 continues for a predetermined time T1 (for example, 20 seconds) from the time when the on timer is set. The determination unit 61 determines to cancel the notification of the water supply necessary state when the ON signal from the detection unit 70 continues for a predetermined time T2 (for example, 20 seconds).
Note that the determination by the determination unit 61 described above is not only when setting the on-timer while the operation is stopped, but also when resetting the on-timer with the on-timer already set, or during the humidifying operation or the air cleaning operation. This is also done when setting an on timer.

  The drive control unit 62 controls driving of the blower 26 (fan 28) and the humidification unit 30 (humidification rotor 50) so that the air purifier 1 performs an air purification operation and a humidification operation.

  Further, the drive control unit 62 controls the notification unit 90 based on the determination by the determination unit 61. When the determination unit 61 determines that the water supply necessity state is to be notified, the notification unit 90 notifies the water supply necessity state by turning on the LED, and also notifies the water supply necessity state by sound of a buzzer.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the air purifier 1 in an example when the on-timer is set during the operation stop will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the on-timer is set at time t <b> 1, the determination unit 61 determines whether to notify the water supply necessary state based on the on / off signal from the detection unit 70. In FIG. 8, the determination unit 61 continues for a predetermined time T <b> 1 from time t <b> 1 and receives an off signal from the detection unit 70. Then, at time t2 (t2 = t1 + T1), the notification unit 90 notifies the water supply necessity state.

  In FIG. 8, the water is supplied to the tank by the user at time t3, and the detection unit 70 outputs an ON signal at time t4. Since the determination unit 61 continuously receives the ON signal from the detection unit 70 for a predetermined time T2 from the time t3, the notification of the water supply necessary state is canceled at the time t5 (t5 = t4 + T2). Thereafter, at time t6 which is the reservation start time, the humidification operation or the air cleaning operation is started.

<Characteristics of the air cleaner of the present embodiment>
In the air purifier 1 of the present embodiment, when the reservation start time is set, the water supply necessity state is notified. Therefore, compared to the case where the water supply necessity state is notified when the reservation start time is reached, the user is supplied with water. You can be sure of what you need.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when the water surface height in the water tray 40 becomes more than a predetermined height after notifying the water supply necessary state at the time of setting the on-timer and before reaching the reservation start time, Notification of the necessary state is stopped. Therefore, when the water supply is performed before the reservation start time, the notification of the water supply necessary state can be stopped.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the water supply necessity state is alert | reported by LED and a buzzer sound. By notifying by voice, it is possible to notify the user that the water supply is required even if the user does not look at the humidifier.

  When the water level in the water tray 40 is less than a predetermined height and the on-timer setting is performed immediately after the water is supplied to the water tank 31 by the user, the water tray 40 is set when the on-timer is set. The water level inside may not reach the predetermined height. In the present embodiment, when the determination unit 61 receives the OFF signal from the detection unit 70 continuously for a predetermined time T1 from the time when the on-timer is set, the water supply necessary state is notified. Can be accurately determined.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when the judgment part 61 continues for predetermined time T2 and receives the ON signal from the detection part 70, since notification of a water supply required state is cancelled | released, in a water supply required state It can be accurately determined that it has disappeared.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the detection part 70 can detect the attachment or detachment state of the water tray 40 with respect to the main body 20, it can prevent performing a humidification operation in the state where the water tray 40 is not accommodated in the main body 20. .

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably using the same code | symbol.

  The air cleaner of the present embodiment is different from the controller 60 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the control unit, and the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  When determining that the water supply necessity state is to be notified, the determination unit according to the present embodiment starts the humidification operation (until a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed from the start of the humidification operation) and the humidification operation (starts the humidification operation). After a predetermined time elapses), a different judgment is made. That is, at the start of the humidifying operation, the determination unit determines to notify the water supply necessary state when the off signal from the detection unit 70 continues for the first determination time T3 (for example, 20 seconds). Further, in the humidifying operation after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the humidifying operation (hereinafter referred to as the humidifying operation after the predetermined time has elapsed), the determination unit determines that the off signal from the detection unit 70 is greater than the first determination time T3. When it lasts for a long second determination time T4 (for example, 5 minutes), it is determined to notify the water supply necessity state. As described above, the determination unit determines that the water supply necessity state is notified when the off signal from the detection unit 70 continues for a longer time in the humidification operation after the elapse of the predetermined time than when the humidification operation is started. .

  On the other hand, when the determination unit determines to cancel the notification of the water supply necessary state, the same determination is made at the start of the humidification operation and at the time of the humidification operation after the elapse of a predetermined time, as in the first embodiment. I do. That is, at the start of the humidification operation and at the time of the humidification operation after the elapse of a predetermined time, the determination unit notifies the water supply necessity state when the ON signal from the detection unit 70 continues for the third determination time T5 (for example, 20 seconds). Is determined to be released.

  Further, the determination by the determination unit when setting the on-timer is the same as in the first embodiment.

  The air cleaner of the present embodiment has an automatic operation mode as in the first embodiment, and in the automatic operation mode, the humidifying operation and the emptying operation in which no humidification is performed are detected by the detection unit 70. Switching is performed based on the water level in the water tray 40. That is, when the air purifier 1 is operated in the automatic operation mode, when the water supply necessary state is notified during the humidifying operation, the air purifier 1 is switched to the air purifying operation, and after that, when the water supply state is canceled during the air purifying operation, the humidification is performed. Switch to driving. In the air cleaner 1, the fan rotation speed during the humidification operation and the fan rotation speed during the air cleaning operation are set. The fan rotation speed during the humidification operation is greater than the fan rotation speed during the air cleaning operation. It is set large. Therefore, for example, the rotation speed corresponding to the first tap to the fifth tap is set as the rotation speed of the fan 28, the rotation speed of the first tap is the largest, the second tap, the third tap, the fourth tap, the fifth tap. When the rotation speed decreases in this order, the second tap is set as the fan rotation speed during the humidifying operation, and the rotation speed of any of the third to fifth taps is set as the fan rotation speed during the air cleaning operation. Is set.

  Therefore, the drive control unit controls the rotation speed of the fan 28 to the second tap (the rotation speed during the humidification operation) during the humidification operation, and any of the third to fifth taps during the air cleaning operation. The rotational speed of the fan 28 is controlled to (the rotational speed during the emptying operation). Here, the drive control unit switches the fan rotational speed during the humidifying operation to the fan rotational speed during the emptying operation when the water supply necessary state is notified during the humidifying operation and the operation is switched to the emptying operation. In addition, when the water supply necessity state is canceled during the emptying operation and the drive control unit switches to the humidification operation, a preset fan guard time T6 (for example, 3 minutes) elapses after the water supply necessity state is released. When this occurs, the fan speed during the air cleaning operation is switched to the fan speed during the humidification operation. In other words, the drive control unit switches the fan rotation speed during the air cleaning operation to the fan rotation speed during the humidification operation until the fan guard time T6 elapses when the water supply state is canceled during the air cleaning operation and the humidification operation is switched. Absent.

  The drive control unit rotates the humidification rotor 50 when receiving an ON signal from the detection unit 70 after the humidification operation is started, and the humidification rotor 50 when receiving an OFF signal from the detection unit 70 during the humidification operation. Stop rotating. Further, the drive control unit rotates the humidification rotor 50 when the water surface height in the water tray 40 exceeds a predetermined height after the rotation of the humidification rotor 50 is stopped upon receiving the off signal.

  The drive control unit controls the notification unit 90 based on the determination by the determination unit, as in the first embodiment.

  Below, operation | movement of the air cleaner 1 is demonstrated using FIG.12, FIG.13 and FIG.14.

  An example of the operation at the start of the humidification operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the humidifying operation is started at time t1 (step S101), the rotation of the fan 28 is started (step S102). And it is judged whether the OFF signal from the detection part 70 was received (step S103). Here, when the OFF signal from the detection part 70 is not received, rotation of the humidification rotor 50 is started (step S110). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14, when the off signal is received from the detection unit 70, it is repeatedly judged whether or not the off signal is continued for the first judgment time T3 (step S104).

  When the OFF signal from the detection unit 70 is continuously received for the first determination time at time t2, the notification unit 90 notifies the water supply necessary state (step S105), and the rotational speed of the fan 28 decreases. (Step S106). Thereafter, it is repeatedly determined whether or not an ON signal is received from the detection unit 70 (step S107). And when the ON signal from the detection part 70 is received, rotation of the humidification rotor 50 is started (step S108). Here, in FIG. 14, when water is supplied to the tank by the user at time t <b> 3, the signal from the detection unit 70 changes from the off signal to the on signal at time t <b> 4, for example, 2 seconds after time t <b> 4. At time t5, the rotation of the humidification rotor 50 is started.

  Thereafter, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the ON signal from the detection unit 70 is continuously received for the third determination time T5 (step S109). In FIG. 14, when the ON signal from the detection unit 70 is continuously received at the time t <b> 6 for the third determination time T <b> 5, the notification of the water supply necessary state is canceled (step S <b> 110). Then, it is determined whether or not the fan guard time T6 has elapsed after the notification of the water supply necessary state is canceled (step S111). Here, when the fan guard time T6 has elapsed at time t7, the rotation speed of the fan 28 is changed so as to increase (step S112).

  An example of the operation during the humidifying operation after a predetermined time has elapsed will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

  During the humidification operation after a predetermined time has elapsed, the humidification rotor 50 rotates and the fan 28 rotates (step S201). Then, it is repeatedly determined whether or not an off signal is received from the detection unit 70 (step S202). Here, as shown in FIG. 14, when the OFF signal is received from the detection unit 70 at time t8, the rotation of the humidification rotor 50 is stopped at time t9 (step S203). Then, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the off signal is continued for the second determination time T4 (step S104).

  Then, at time t10, when the OFF signal from the detection unit 70 is continuously received for the second determination time T4, the notification unit 90 notifies the water supply necessary state (step S205), and the rotational speed of the fan 28 decreases. (Step S206). Thereafter, it is repeatedly determined whether or not an ON signal is received from the detection unit 70 (step S207). And when the ON signal from the detection part 70 is received, rotation of the humidification rotor 50 is started (step S208). Here, in FIG. 14, the rotation speed of the fan 28 decreases at time t <b> 10, so that the signal from the detection unit 70 changes from the off signal to the on signal at time t <b> 11. The rotation has started.

  Thereafter, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the ON signal from the detection unit 70 is continuously received for the third determination time T5 (step S209). Here, in FIG. 14, when the ON signal from the detection unit 70 is continuously received for the third determination time T5 at time t13, the notification of the water supply necessary state is canceled (step S210). Then, after the notification of the water supply necessity state is canceled, it is determined whether or not the fan guard time T6 has elapsed (step S211). Here, when the fan guard time T6 has elapsed at time t14, the rotation speed of the fan 28 is changed so as to increase (step S212).

  Another example of the operation during the humidifying operation after a predetermined time has elapsed will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 15, the operation from time t1 to time t9 is the same as FIG. In FIG. 15, the on-timer setting is performed at time t10 before the second determination time T4 elapses from time t8 when the detection unit 70 starts outputting the off signal. When an OFF signal is received from the detection unit 70 continuously for a predetermined time T1 from the time when the on-timer is set, the notification unit 90 notifies the water supply necessity state and changes the rotation speed of the fan 28 to decrease. Thereafter, when the ON signal is received from the detection unit 70 at time t11, the rotation of the humidification rotor 50 is started. In FIG. 15, the rotation speed of the fan 28 decreases at time t11, so that the signal from the detection unit 70 changes from the off signal to the on signal at time t12, and the humidification rotor 50 rotates at time t13. Has been started.

  Thereafter, when the ON signal from the detection unit 70 is continuously received for the third determination time T5, the notification of the water supply necessary state is canceled at time t14. And it changes so that the rotation speed of the fan 28 may increase at the time t15 after fan guard time T6 progress after notification of a water supply required state is cancelled | released.

<Characteristics of the air cleaner of the present embodiment>
In the air cleaner of this embodiment, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the humidifying operation, the state in which the water surface height in the water tray 40 is less than the predetermined height continues for a longer time than when the humidifying operation is started. When this happens, the water supply necessity state is notified. Therefore, since the water absorbed in the humidification rotor 50 is vaporized after the water surface height in the water tray 40 becomes less than the predetermined height and before the water supply necessary state is notified, the water supply necessary state is set. Even when the humidification operation is stopped by notification, it is possible to prevent the water supply necessity state from being released due to the water covering from the humidification rotor 50.

  In the present embodiment, the humidification operation is automatically performed when the water surface height in the water tray 40 becomes a predetermined height or higher after the humidification operation is stopped when the water supply necessary state is notified during the humidification operation. Even when the operation is started, it is possible to prevent the notification and cancellation of the water supply necessary state due to the water covering from the humidification rotor 50 from being repeated.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the humidification rotor 50 rotationally driven at the time of humidification driving | operation is provided, and while the water tray 40 is not accommodated in the main body 20, rotation of the humidification rotor 50 is stopped, and the water tray 40 is main body. The humidification rotor 50 can be rotated in the state of being housed in 20. Therefore, when the water tray 40 is not accommodated in the main body 20, the rotation of the gear unit that rotates the humidification rotor 50 can be stopped, and the user can be prevented from touching the gear unit and being injured.

  Further, in the present embodiment, after the water supply necessity state is canceled and the humidification operation is switched after the water supply necessity state is canceled and the humidification operation is switched after the water supply necessity state is notified during the humidification operation and switched to the emptying operation, the fan The rotation speed of the fan 28 is not increased until the guard time T6 has elapsed. Therefore, when the water supply necessity state is canceled and the air purification operation is switched to the humidification operation, the humidification operation can be suppressed from being stopped, and the water absorbed by the vaporizing member can be efficiently vaporized.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described based on drawing, it should be thought that a specific structure is not limited to these embodiment. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the first and second embodiments, when the determination unit 61 receives an off signal from the detection unit 70 continuously for a predetermined time (for example, after 20 seconds) from the time when the on-timer is set, the determination unit 61 notifies the water supply necessity state. However, the predetermined time is not limited to 20 seconds. For example, 5 to 60 seconds are preferable, and 10 to 30 seconds are particularly preferable.

  Moreover, in 1st and 2nd embodiment, the determination part 61 is determined to alert | report a water supply required state, when the OFF signal from the detection part 70 is received for a predetermined time continuously from the time of an on-timer setting. However, when an off signal is received from the detection unit 70 when the on-timer is set, it may be determined to notify the water supply necessity state.

  The drive control unit 62 controls the notifying unit 90 so as not to notify the water supply necessary state by voice until a preset voice guard time has elapsed after notifying the water supply necessary state during operation. You may have guard time mode. When the air volume of the fan 28 is changed manually or automatically, the negative pressure in the main body 20 increases or decreases, so that the water surface height in the water tray 40 rises and falls, the water supply necessity state and its release are repeated, The buzzer may sound many times, but in this example, the water supply necessity state is not notified by voice until the voice guard time elapses after the water supply necessity state is notified by voice. Even if the air volume of the fan 28 fluctuates, it is possible to prevent the water supply necessary state from being repeatedly notified by voice.

  In the above modification example, when the on-timer setting is performed before the voice guard time elapses after notifying the water supply necessary state by voice, the guard time mode is canceled, regardless of the voice guard time, It is preferable to notify the water supply necessary state when the on-timer is set (specifically, after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the on-timer was set). Thereby, it can inform a user that it is in a state where water supply is necessary at the time of setting an on-timer.

  In the second embodiment, in the automatic operation mode in which the humidification operation and the emptying operation are switched based on the water surface height in the water tray 40, the water supply state is canceled during the emptying operation during the humidification operation after a predetermined time has elapsed. Thus, when switching to the humidifying operation, the case where the fan rotation speed during the air cleaning operation is not switched to the fan rotation speed during the humidifying operation until the fan guard time elapses has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Therefore, when the water supply state is canceled during the air cleaning operation and the operation is switched to the humidification operation, the fan rotation speed during the air cleaning operation may be switched to the fan rotation speed during the humidification operation before the fan guard time elapses.

  In the second embodiment, similarly, when the humidification operation is started, when the water supply state is canceled during the air cleaning operation and the operation is switched to the humidification operation, the fan rotational speed during the air cleaning operation is humidified until the fan guard time elapses. Although the case of not switching to the fan speed during operation is explained, when the water supply state is canceled during the air cleaning operation and the operation is switched to the humidification operation, the fan speed during the air cleaning operation is changed to the fan speed during the humidification operation. It may be switched.

  Moreover, in 2nd Embodiment, when the judgment part 61 judges canceling | reporting the notification of a water supply required state, the case where the same judgment is performed at the time of humidification operation start at the time of humidification operation, and predetermined time progress is demonstrated. However, different judgments may be made at the start of the humidification operation and at the time of the humidification operation after a predetermined time. Therefore, the third determination time at the start of the humidifying operation may be different from the third determination time at the time of the humidifying operation after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Moreover, in 1st and 2nd embodiment, even if the operation mode of a timer operation is a humidification operation or an emptying operation, a water supply state is alert | reported at the time of an on-timer setting, but an operation mode is humidification Only in the case of driving | operation, it may be comprised so that a water supply state may be alert | reported at the time of an entrance timer setting.

  Moreover, in 1st and 2nd embodiment, although the alerting | reporting part 90 demonstrated the case where it had LED which alert | reports a water supply required state by lighting, and the buzzer which alert | reports a water supply required state with an audio | voice, it is limited to this. Not. Therefore, the notification unit may have only an LED that notifies the water supply necessary state by being lit, or may have only a buzzer that notifies the water supply necessary state by voice.

  In the first and second embodiments, the detection unit 70 detects the moving body 71 based on the moving body 71 that moves as the water surface height in the water tray 40 changes and the distance from the moving body 71. Although the case where it comprised with the detection element 72 to perform was demonstrated, the detection part should just be what can detect the water surface height in the water tray 40. FIG.

  By utilizing the present invention, it is possible to reliably notify the user that water supply is necessary.

1 Air purifier (humidifier)
40 Water tray (water storage container)
60 Control part (control means)
70 Detection part (detection means)
80 Operation panel (reservation means)
90 Notifying part (notifying means)

Claims (4)

A water storage container for storing water;
Detecting means for detecting a water surface height in the water storage container;
An informing means for informing that the water supply is in a necessary state;
Control means for controlling the notification means based on a detection result by the detection means;
Reservation means for setting a reservation start time for automatically starting humidification operation,
The control means controls the notifying means so as to notify a water supply necessary state when the water surface height in the water storage container detected by the detecting means is less than a predetermined height at the time of setting the reservation start time. A humidifier characterized by that.   The control means controls the notifying means so as to notify the water supply necessary state at the time of setting the reservation start time, and before reaching the reservation start time, the water surface height in the water storage container is not less than a predetermined height. 2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is controlled so as to stop the notification of the water supply necessity state when the water supply is necessary.   3. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit includes a voice notification unit that notifies a water supply necessary state by voice. 4.   The control means has a guard time mode for controlling the voice notification means so as not to notify the water supply necessary state by voice until the voice guard time has elapsed after notifying the water supply necessary state by voice, and requires water supply. The humidifier according to claim 3, wherein when the reservation start time is set before the voice guard time elapses after the state is notified by voice, the guard time mode is canceled.

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