JP2017067303A - Humidification method and humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidification method and a humidifier capable of attaining an excellent humidification state with stable and efficient atomization action.SOLUTION: A humidification method includes: an atomization process A4 of atomizing water stored inside an atomization tank; and a humidification process A5 of supplying air flow to a space on a water level inside the atomization tank, and discharging mist generated in the atomization process together with the air flow from the atomization tank, wherein a preparation process where the atomization process is executed for a predetermined time in a state where the air flow does not exist inside the atomization tank is included, and the humidification process is started after the preparation process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifying method and a humidifying device, and more particularly, to a procedure and timing of a humidifying method, and a control mode and an operation mode of the humidifying device.

  In general, various humidifiers configured to generate an air flow while atomizing water in a tank and release a humid air flow are known (see Patent Documents 1 to 3 below). For example, in the humidifier disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the power is turned on, the discharge valve 3 is closed and the water supply valve 10 is opened, whereby water begins to accumulate in the water storage tank 1 and at the same time, the ultraviolet lamp 12 is turned on. . Thereafter, when a humidification signal is input, the ultrasonic vibrator 6 and the blower 7 are operated to enter a humidifying operation state. Furthermore, when the power is turned off, the ultraviolet lamp 12 is turned off, the ultrasonic vibrator 6 and the blower 7 are stopped, and at the same time, the drain valve 3 is automatically opened to start draining.

  Further, the humidifier disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes an atomized water tank 5 in which an ultrasonic vibrator 8 is provided at the bottom and an ultraviolet lamp 16 is installed therein. In this apparatus, when the power switch is turned on, the blower 28 and the ultrasonic vibrator 8 are activated, and a humidifying operation state is entered. Moreover, since the germicidal lamp switch 20 is separately provided, the humidified water and the airflow on the water surface can be sterilized by turning on the ultraviolet lamp 16 at an appropriate timing.

  Furthermore, in the humidifying device disclosed in Patent Document 3, water is supplied from a water supply tank 105 disposed above to a water tank 102 provided with an ultrasonic transducer 103 at the bottom, and from the bottom to the top of the water tank 102. A water channel 1 and an air pump 3 for circulating water are provided. Then, the sterilization lamp 2 is disposed in the middle of the water channel 1, and sterilization is performed by irradiating with ultraviolet rays and aeration while circulating water by bubbling with an air pump. Further, in the humidifying operation, the mist generated by the ultrasonic vibrator 103 is discharged together with the air current by supplying the air current from the fan 109 onto the water surface of the water tank 102.

JP 2000-130804 A JP-A-62-210384 JP-A-4-340039

  By the way, in the humidification apparatus of the said conventional patent document 1, since the water of the water storage tank 1 is supplied and drained for every humidification operation, hygienic problems, such as water decay, do not arise easily in the water storage tank 1. However, when the power is turned on, since the ultraviolet lamp 12 is turned on at the same time as the water supply is started, the cooling action due to the water flow destabilizes the lighting state of the ultraviolet lamp 12 until the stable irradiation state is reached. The time will be longer. In addition, since the humidification operation is started immediately after the water supply, a stable atomization action cannot be obtained due to the fluctuation of the water surface and the fluctuation of the water level in the water tank 1, and the fluctuation of the water surface and the fluctuation of the water level are large. May damage the atomizing means such as an ultrasonic vibrator.

  Further, in the conventional humidifiers of Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the air blowing action and the atomizing action are started simultaneously by the humidification signal and the power switch, the water surface is shaken or the air flow is started at the beginning. Disturbances may cause the atomization state and airflow to become unstable at the initial supply stage, failing to achieve good atomization and humidification, and causing splashes and water around the exhaust port. There is.

  Furthermore, in the humidification apparatus of the above-mentioned conventional patent document 3, in order to sterilize the water in the water channel 1 described above, the circulating water flow can be sterilized gradually, but the inside of the water tank 102 can be directly sterilized. In addition, since the atomized mist and the wet air current cannot be sterilized, the sterilizing action may be insufficient particularly at the beginning of air blowing. In order to obtain a sufficient sterilization effect, it is conceivable to sterilize the water in the water channel 1 continuously even during the humidification operation. However, in this case, the water surface of the water tank 102 is shaken by the circulating water flow, and the water level There is a possibility that the atomizing action becomes unstable or the atomizing means is damaged due to the fluctuations in.

  Then, this invention solves the said problem, The subject is providing the humidification method and humidification apparatus which can implement | achieve a favorable humidification state by the stable and efficient atomization effect | action. is there. In addition to the above, another object of the present invention is to provide a humidification method and a humidifier that can easily realize a hygienic humidification action by a stable and reliable sterilization action.

  In view of such circumstances, the humidification method of the present invention provides an atomization stage in which water stored in the atomization tank is atomized, and an air flow is supplied to the space on the water surface inside the atomization tank. And a humidification step in which the mist generated by the atomization step is discharged from the atomization tank together with the airflow. Here, it is preferable that the atomization step is performed over a predetermined time in a state where the airflow is not present in the atomization tank, and the humidification step is started after the preparation step. . In this case, it is preferable to further include a step of irradiating the inside of the atomization tank with ultraviolet rays. In particular, in the preparation stage, it is preferable that ultraviolet rays are applied to the atomized mist inside the atomization tank.

  Further, the humidification method of the present invention includes the water supply stage in which water is supplied to the atomization tank, and the atomization after the water supply to the atomization tank is stopped or the water supply amount is reduced after the water supply stage. It is preferable to further include a standby stage in which the water surface inside the tank is gradually calmed down. Here, it is preferable that the atomization stage (for example, the preparation stage) is started after the standby stage. It should be noted that the above-mentioned decrease in the amount of water supply means that the water flow rate itself is lower than the water supply stage when water supply is continuously performed, and the water supply stage is lower than the water supply stage when water supply is intermittently performed. And a case where at least one of the flow rate and the ratio of the supply period decreases. Here, in the standby stage and the atomization stage, it is desirable that the water inside the atomization tank is maintained in a predetermined water level range. In addition, after the atomization stage is started or after the humidification stage is started, it is preferable that water supply to the atomization tank is restarted or the water supply amount to the atomization tank is increased. .

  Furthermore, the humidification method of the present invention may be a humidification method further comprising a step of irradiating the inside of the atomization tank with ultraviolet rays. Here, after the water supply stage in which the atomization tank is supplied with water, and after the water supply stage, water supply to the atomization tank is stopped or the amount of water supply is reduced, and the water surface inside the atomization tank gradually increases. It is preferable to further include a standby stage to be calmed down. In particular, it is preferable that the irradiation of the ultraviolet light is started after the standby stage. Here, it is preferable that the water in the atomization tank is maintained in a predetermined water level range in the standby stage and the stage of irradiation with the ultraviolet rays. Note that either the start of atomization after the standby stage or the start of irradiation with ultraviolet rays may be performed first or simultaneously. However, at the start of the atomization stage, it is preferable that the water surface inside the atomization tank is further calmed down, and it is desirable to irradiate ultraviolet rays from the initial stage of atomization. It is desirable that the atomization step is started after a certain time (for example, about 3 to 10 seconds) has elapsed. In this case, the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays is preferably started after the standby stage as described above, but may be started at the same time as or before the end of the standby stage. For example, the irradiation of ultraviolet rays may be started before the end of the standby stage, and after a certain period of time has elapsed from this start time, the atomization stage may be started after the standby stage.

  In each of the above cases, in the standby stage, after the water supply stage, the amount of water supplied to the atomization tank decreases and the water level inside the atomization tank is maintained within a predetermined water level range. Is preferred. At this time, it is desirable that the predetermined water level range is maintained by draining water from the atomization tank together with water supply to the atomization tank. The waiting time is preferably in the range of 2 seconds to 10 seconds, and preferably in the range of 3 seconds to 5 seconds.

  In this invention, after the said atomization step is started, it is preferable that the water supply with respect to the said atomization tank is restarted, or the water supply amount with respect to the said atomization tank is increased. In this case, the resumption of water supply or the increase in the amount of water supply may be after the humidification stage is started. In addition, after the water supply stage, the standby stage implemented in a state where water supply is continued, after the water supply to the atomization tank is resumed, or after the water supply amount to the atomization tank is increased, Although the water supply opening of the water supply channel is open to the inner bottom surface of the atomization tank, the water is supplied to the atomization tank in the vicinity of the bottom, so that the atomization tank is supplied. It is advantageous in that the fluctuation of the water surface inside the can be suppressed.

  In the present invention, a drainage stage drained from the atomization tank, and after the atomization tank is drained by the drainage stage, the airflow is supplied to the atomization tank and the airflow from the atomization tank It is preferable to further include a drying step of drying the atomization tank by being discharged. In this drying stage, instead of supplying the airflow to the atomization tank and discharging the airflow from the atomization tank, or supplying the airflow to the atomization tank and from the atomization tank You may make it the said ultraviolet ray irradiate to the said atomization tank simultaneously with the said airflow being discharged | emitted. In the above drying stage, it is not always necessary to completely dry the inside of the atomization tank, the amount of water inside the atomization tank is reduced by the air flow, or the area of the inner surface portion dried in the atomization tank is reduced. If it increases, it is enough.

  In this invention, it has a water storage tank which stores water separately from the said atomization tank, and it is preferable to be supplied to the said atomization tank from the said water storage tank in the said water supply stage. In this case, it is desirable to have a standby stage in which the water surface inside the atomization tank is gradually submerged after the water supply to the atomization tank is stopped or the amount of water supply is reduced. In particular, it is preferable that the irradiation of the ultraviolet light is started after the standby stage. Further, it is preferable that the atomization stage (for example, the preparation stage) is started after the standby stage. Here, it is preferable to include a step of irradiating the inside of the water tank with ultraviolet rays. In this case, it is desirable that the ultraviolet light is irradiated to the inside of the water storage tank before the water supply stage.

  Moreover, it is preferable to have a water storage tank which stores water separately from the atomization tank, and to drain from the atomization tank to the water storage tank in the drainage stage. In this case, it is desirable that after the draining stage, there is a drying stage in which the air stream is supplied to the drained atomizing tank and the air stream is discharged from the atomizing tank. In this drying stage, instead of supplying the airflow to the atomization tank and discharging the airflow from the atomization tank, or supplying the airflow to the atomization tank and from the atomization tank It is more desirable that the ultraviolet ray is irradiated to the atomizing tank at the same time as the air flow is discharged. Here, it is preferable to include a step of irradiating the inside of the water tank with ultraviolet rays. In this case, it is preferable that the water drained from the atomization tank to the water storage tank is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. In addition, it is preferable that a water supply step of supplying water from the water storage tank to the atomization tank is provided after the step of irradiating the water storage tank with ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, it is desirable that water is circulated between the water storage tank and the atomization tank in a stage where the inside of the water storage tank is irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  Furthermore, the step of irradiating the inside of the water storage tank with ultraviolet light, the water supply stage for supplying water irradiated with the ultraviolet light from the water storage tank to the atomization tank, and the water supply stage causes the atomization tank to have a predetermined water level. After reaching the range, water is circulated while maintaining the predetermined water level range of the atomization tank by draining from the atomization tank to the water storage tank along with water supply from the water storage tank to the atomization tank And a washing step. In this case, it is desirable to further include a step of irradiating the water drained from the atomization tank to the water storage tank in the cleaning stage. In addition, you may make it perform sequentially the drainage step which drains an atomization tank after this, and the said drying step which dries an atomization tank after drainage.

  The humidifier according to the present invention is suitable for realizing the humidification method described above. The atomization tank can store water therein and can be configured such that a space on the water surface communicates with an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet. In addition, ultraviolet irradiation means for irradiating ultraviolet rays inside the atomizing tank is provided. This ultraviolet irradiation means may be arrange | positioned under the water surface of the said atomization tank, and may be arrange | positioned on the water surface. Moreover, the ultraviolet irradiation means may be arrange | positioned inside the said atomization tank, and may be arrange | positioned outside the said atomization tank. This ultraviolet irradiation means irradiates the water inside the atomization tank with ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet irradiation means irradiates ultraviolet rays to a space on the water surface inside the atomization tank, that is, an air current supplied to the space or a mist generated in the space. Furthermore, it is desirable that the ultraviolet irradiation means is constructed and arranged so as to irradiate both the water inside the atomization tank and the space on the water surface inside the atomization tank. The ultraviolet irradiation means can be constituted by an ultraviolet lamp.

  Furthermore, the atomization means which generates a mist inside the said atomization tank is provided. This atomization means generates mist in the space on the water surface inside the atomization tank by heating the water inside the atomization tank or by vibrating it with ultrasonic vibration. The atomization means may be disposed in water inside the atomization tank. In this case, the atomization means may have a water intake port for taking in water inside the atomization tank and a discharge port through which mist from the atomization is discharged. In this case, there may be a shadow area between the intake port and the discharge port that is not irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation means. However, before the airflow is supplied to the space on the water surface inside the atomization tank, the atomizing means atomizes the water inside the atomization tank, and the ultraviolet irradiation means is the atomization. The mist generated in the space on the water surface inside the tank is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and then the air flow is supplied to the space on the water surface inside the atomization tank, so that the mist generated by the atomizing means is It is discharged together with the airflow. Thereby, even when the above-mentioned shaded area is not irradiated with ultraviolet rays, when the water in the shaded area is atomized to become mist, the mist is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. This makes it possible to reliably discharge a clean wet airflow.

  Moreover, the air flow formation means which forms an air flow and conveys the said air flow in the space on the water surface inside the said atomization tank is provided. The airflow passes through the airflow inlet, is introduced into a space on the water surface inside the atomization tank, passes through the airflow outlet, and is led out to the outside. Although arrangement | positioning of an airflow formation means is not specifically limited, As an example, it can arrange | position so that an airflow may be generated in the vicinity of the exhaust port of the apparatus connected to the said airflow outlet of the said atomization tank. Moreover, it can also arrange | position so that an airflow may be generated between the said airflow exit and the said exhaust port. Furthermore, it is also possible to arrange the air flow to be generated outside the air flow inlet of the atomization tank.

  A water supply means for supplying water to the atomization tank is provided. This water supply means includes a water supply pump and a water supply channel, and supplies water to the atomization tank through the water supply channel by the water supply force of the water supply pump. Furthermore, drainage means for discharging water from the atomization tank is provided. This drainage means is constituted by a drainage pump and a drainage channel, and may be drained through the drainage channel by the drainage force of the drainage pump. However, for example, water may be drained from the inside of the atomization tank through the drainage path by gravity generated between the atomization tank disposed above and the water storage tank disposed below. It is also possible to use both the water supply channel and the drainage channel. It is also possible to provide an overflow structure (overflow structure), which will be described later, as at least a part of the drainage channel.

  The water storage tank is provided as an area where water can be stored separately from the atomization tank. In the case where the water storage tank is provided, the water storage tank only needs to be provided separately from the atomization tank, and the relative positional relationship with the atomization tank is not particularly limited. However, it is preferable that the water storage tank is disposed below the atomization tank. Moreover, it is desirable to provide the water supply means for supplying water from the water storage tank to the atomization tank. Although arrangement | positioning of the said water supply means is not specifically limited, The said water supply means can be arrange | positioned inside the said water storage tank. For example, a water supply pump is disposed near the bottom of the inside of the water tank, and the water supply passage is connected to the bottom of the upper atomizing tank through the inside of the water tank, and opens to the inner bottom surface of the atomizing tank Can be provided. In particular, when an atomization tank is formed adjacent to the upper side of the water storage tank, only the inside of the water storage tank can be passed through the water supply path, and the water supply port can be opened on the inner bottom surface of the atomization tank. Is possible.

  Furthermore, it is desirable to provide the drainage means for draining from the atomization tank to the water storage tank. Further, between the atomization tank and the water storage tank by the water supply path and the drainage path, or by the water supply path and / or the drainage path, and a reflux path having an overflow structure described later. It is preferable to configure so that water can be circulated.

  A second ultraviolet irradiation means for irradiating ultraviolet rays can be provided inside the water tank. It is preferable that the second ultraviolet irradiation means is configured to control lighting and extinguishing separately from the ultraviolet irradiation means. The second ultraviolet irradiation means can be constituted by an ultraviolet lamp. The second ultraviolet irradiation means irradiates the water inside the water tank with ultraviolet rays. In particular, the second ultraviolet irradiation means is preferably constructed and arranged so that there is no shadow area inside the water storage tank. In addition, the second ultraviolet irradiation means includes at least one of a water supply channel for supplying water from the water storage tank to the atomization tank and a water discharge channel for returning water from the atomization tank to the water storage tank (preferably both ) Is preferably configured so that it can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  The humidifying device of the present invention includes, for example, an atomization tank capable of storing water, atomization means for atomizing water inside the atomization tank, and the atomization means while being supplied to the atomization tank. Airflow forming means for forming an airflow for discharging the mist generated by the above-mentioned atomization tank. In this case, a preparatory stage in which atomization is performed for a predetermined time by the atomization means in a state where the airflow does not exist inside the atomization tank is performed, and then formation of airflow by the airflow formation means is started. It is preferable to include a control means. Here, it is preferable that the ultraviolet irradiation means is further provided, and the control means irradiates the ultraviolet rays to the mist formed by the atomization means in the preparation stage.

  Further, the humidifying device of the present invention is supplied to the atomization tank, the atomization means for atomizing the water inside the atomization tank, the atomization means, and the atomization means Airflow forming means for forming an airflow for discharging the mist generated by the above-mentioned atomization tank, and water supply means for supplying water to the atomization tank. Here, after water is supplied to the atomization tank by the water supply means, water supply to the atomization tank is stopped or the amount of water supply is reduced, and then the water surface inside the atomization tank is gradually calmed down. It is preferable to include a control unit that performs the standby stage and starts atomization by the atomizing unit after the standby stage.

  Furthermore, the humidifying device of the present invention is supplied to the atomization tank, the atomization means for atomizing the water inside the atomization tank, the atomization means, and the atomization means Airflow forming means for forming an airflow for discharging the mist generated by the atomization tank, water supply means for supplying water to the atomization tank, and ultraviolet irradiation means for irradiating the inside of the atomization tank with ultraviolet rays. To do. Here, after water is supplied to the atomization tank by the water supply means, water supply to the atomization tank is stopped or the amount of water supply is reduced, and then the water surface inside the atomization tank is gradually calmed down. It is preferable to include a control unit that performs a standby stage and starts irradiation of ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet irradiation unit after the standby stage.

  Further, the humidifying device of the present invention is supplied to the atomization tank, the atomization means for atomizing the water inside the atomization tank, the atomization means, and the atomization means An airflow forming means for forming an airflow for discharging the mist generated by the above-mentioned atomization tank, and a drainage means for draining water from the atomization tank. Here, after draining from the atomization tank by the drainage means, it is preferable to provide a control means for supplying the airflow to the atomization tank by the airflow forming means and discharging the airflow from the atomization tank.

  Each of the humidifiers preferably further includes a water level maintaining means for maintaining the water level inside the atomizing tank within a predetermined water level range. The water level maintaining means preferably includes a drainage channel (overflow pipe) having a water intake opening at a predetermined height inside the atomization tank.

  Moreover, in each said humidification apparatus, it is desirable to further comprise the water storage tank which stores the water supplied to the said atomization tank by the said water supply means separately from the said atomization tank.

  In this case, it is preferable to further include a second ultraviolet irradiation means for irradiating the water storage tank with ultraviolet rays. At this time, the control means irradiates the inside of the water storage tank by the second ultraviolet irradiation means before the water supply from the water storage means to the atomization tank is started by the water supply means. It is desirable to start.

  In the humidifying device of the present invention, the atomization tank is disposed adjacent to the upper side of the water tank, and the water supply means includes a water supply pump disposed inside the water tank, and the water tank. It is preferable to have a water supply passage that passes through the inside of the atomization tank and opens to the inner bottom surface of the atomization tank, and the water supply pump and the water supply passage function as a drainage passage when the water supply pump is stopped.

  Furthermore, in the humidifying device of the present invention, the atomization tank is disposed adjacent to the upper part of the water storage tank, and the water intake opening to a predetermined height inside the atomization tank and water discharge to the water storage tank. A reflux path (overflow pipe) having a possible water outlet is preferably provided. This reflux path is preferably arranged inside the atomization tank.

  According to the present invention, a good humidified state can be realized by a stable and efficient atomizing action. Moreover, a hygienic humidification action can be easily realized by a stable and reliable sterilization action.

It is a schematic structure figure showing typically humidification device 10 of an embodiment concerning the present invention. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-sectional structure of the humidifier 10. FIG. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the procedure at the time of apparatus starting (A) and apparatus stop (B) of the 1st humidification method or the 1st operation | movement aspect of the embodiment. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the procedure at the time of apparatus starting (A) and apparatus stop (B) of the 2nd humidification method or 2nd operation | movement aspect of the embodiment. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the procedure at the time of apparatus starting (A) and apparatus stop (B) of the 3rd humidification method or 3rd operation | movement aspect of the embodiment. It is the front perspective view (a) and back perspective view (b) which show the external appearance of the humidification apparatus 100 which shows embodiment of the further detailed apparatus structure of the embodiment. It is the front view (a) which shows the external appearance of the humidification apparatus 100, a top view (b), a right side view (c), a left side view (d), a back view (f), and a bottom view (e).

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, schematic structure of embodiment of the humidification apparatus which concerns on this invention, or schematic structure of the apparatus for implementing embodiment of the humidification method which concerns on this invention is demonstrated.

[Humidifying device 10]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration perspective view schematically showing a schematic structure of a humidifying device 10 of the present embodiment. The humidifier 10 has an atomization tank 11 that stores water to be atomized in the upper stage. This atomization tank 11 comprises the said atomization tank. An atomizer 12 is disposed inside the atomization tank 11. The illustrated atomizer 12 is arranged inside the atomization tank 11 and performs the atomization operation in a state where it is immersed in water accommodated in the atomization tank 11.

  The atomizer 12 is provided with a vibration part 12a on the upper surface of the atomizer body, and has an atomization cylinder 12b (atomization nozzle) arranged on the vibration part 12a. The atomizing cylinder 12b is provided with a water intake port 12c for taking water into the atomizing cylinder 12b at the lower edge, and a discharge port 12e for discharging mist generated by the atomization is provided at the upper part. ing. A filter 12d may be disposed inside the discharge port 12e of the atomizing cylinder 12b. In this atomizer 12, when the water introduced into the atomization cylinder 12b from the water intake port 12c is vibrated by the vibration part 12a, the water surface arrange | positioned inside the atomization cylinder 12b or the upper direction thereof. Mist is released from. Here, in the atomizer 12, the water level in the atomization tank 11 needs to be maintained within a predetermined range, as will be described later. In addition, it is also possible to atomize the vibrating part 12a without exposing it to the atomizing cylinder 12b and exposing it to the water inside the atomizing tank 11. Moreover, the atomization cylinder 12b is not restricted to the cylindrical shape comprised by the same diameter in the axial direction like the example of illustration, You may be comprised as various cylinders of a taper shape or a rectangular tube shape. A plurality of vibrating parts 12a and atomizing cylinders 12b may be provided.

  However, the atomization means of the present invention is not limited to the atomizer 12 as described above, and may have various structures and various atomization methods. For example, the bottom 11d itself of the atomization tank 11 may be vibrated. The method of the atomizing means is not limited to the one that is vibrated by the above-described ultrasonic vibration, but is a heating method such as a steam method, a vaporization method (an air flow is applied to a filter containing water to vaporize), a hybrid method ( Heating the air flow given in the vaporization method, a combination of ultrasonic method and heating method, etc.), electrostatic atomization method (for example, water condensed by cooling with a Peltier element is accumulated at the tip of the electrode to which a high electric field is applied. And those that generate a fine mist by an electrostatic atomization phenomenon).

  In addition, since the said atomization means of this invention corresponding to the atomizer 12 should just have the function to atomize the water inside the atomization tank 11, the inside of the atomization tank 11 as mentioned above It is not restricted to what is arrange | positioned. However, by being arranged inside the atomization tank 11 as shown in the figure, it can be easily attached and maintenance is facilitated, and furthermore, the heating action of water due to the heat generated by the atomizer 12 can be expected, Atomization efficiency can be increased. As shown in FIG. 2, the atomizer 12 of the illustrated example is placed on the bottom portion 11 d via the mounting legs so that the main body including the vibrating portion 12 a is separated from the bottom portion 11 d of the atomization tank 11. It is attached. If it does in this way, the water of the whole circumference | surroundings of the atomizer 12 can be heated efficiently. In addition, although the heating effect | action of the water inside the atomization tank 11 brings about the fault that miscellaneous bacteria will propagate easily, in this embodiment, the said fault can be eliminated by the following sterilization processes.

  Further, inside the atomization tank 11, a light emitting portion of an ultraviolet lamp 13 corresponding to the ultraviolet irradiation means is disposed. However, any ultraviolet irradiation means may be used as long as it can irradiate ultraviolet rays into the inside of the atomization tank 11 as a result, and may be disposed outside the atomization tank 11. In addition to the ultraviolet lamp, any ultraviolet irradiation means such as an ultraviolet LED can be used as long as it can irradiate the required ultraviolet rays (ultraviolet rays having a bactericidal action). Specific examples of the ultraviolet lamp 13 include a low-pressure mercury lamp and an excimer lamp. For example, a low-pressure mercury lamp can emit ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 185 nm or 254 nm, and an excimer lamp can emit ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 172 nm or 222 nm. The low-pressure mercury lamp is easy to produce a high-power lamp, and can heat water by the heat generation action by discharge. In addition, the excimer lamp has an advantage that it has a good lighting startability and is relatively less susceptible to the influence of external temperature.

  The ultraviolet lamp 13 in the illustrated example is inserted from the outside to the inside of the atomization tank 11. Here, the ultraviolet lamp 13 is airtightly attached to the inside of the atomization tank 11 with a cover body capable of transmitting ultraviolet rays. In the example of illustration, the ultraviolet lamp 13 is arrange | positioned in the position which will be completely submerged, if water is accommodated in the atomization tank 11 so that it may become the predetermined water level range 11v. However, in general, the light emitting area of the ultraviolet irradiation means is not limited to the position where the entire area is submerged as described above, and may be located on the surface of the water. The remaining portion may be disposed at a position where it is submerged. Moreover, you may provide both the ultraviolet irradiation means which has a light emission area | region arrange | positioned on the water surface, and the ultraviolet irradiation means which has a light emission area | region arrange | positioned under the water surface.

  The transmittance of ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet lamp 13 with respect to water varies depending on the wavelength. For example, since ultraviolet rays having wavelengths of 185 nm and 172 nm have low transmittance with respect to water, the actual reachable range in water is about 5 to 10 mm, the irradiation range is limited, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the water onto the water surface. It's also difficult. Therefore, in such a case, it is preferable to arrange a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 13 at different positions so that ultraviolet rays are irradiated in a necessary range. Moreover, it is also preferable that the ultraviolet light is irradiated from both the inside of the water 11w and the space 11s on the water surface. Further, ultraviolet light having a wavelength range with high transmittance to water may be used, or an ultraviolet light source having a wavelength range with low transmittance to water may be used in combination with an ultraviolet light source having a wavelength range with high transmittance to water. .

  A reserve tank (reservoir) 21 corresponding to the water storage tank is disposed below the atomization tank 11. The relative positional relationship between the atomization tank 11 and the reserve tank 21 is not originally limited at all. However, in this embodiment, the atomization tank 11 is arrange | positioned at the upper stage, and the reserve tank 21 is arrange | positioned at the lower stage. Thereby, the occupation area of the humidifier 10 can be reduced. Moreover, since the upper part and the periphery of the atomization tank 11 are not blocked by the reserve tank 21, the air flow inlet 14 and the air flow outlet 15 of the space 11s on the water surface inside the atomization tank 11 are connected to the upper part and the space on the water surface. Since it can be provided on the peripheral side portions, the apparatus configuration is facilitated, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the apparatus can be configured compactly as a whole. In particular, it is desirable that the atomization tank 11 and the reserve tank 21 be arranged adjacent to each other as shown in the illustrated example. The reserve tank 21 is for storing the water 21w supplied to the atomization tank 11 before water supply and collecting the water 11w stored in the atomization tank 11 during drainage. A water supply port 24 having a lid that can be opened and closed is preferably formed on the upper surface of the protruding portion of the reserve tank 21 that protrudes outward from the peripheral wall of the atomization tank 11. The water supply port 24 is used when water is supplied to the reserve tank 21 from the outside. Moreover, it is preferable to provide a drain (drain port and drain valve) (not shown) for drainage at the bottom of the reserve tank 21.

  A water supply path 18 is connected between the atomization tank 11 and the reserve tank 21. The water supply path 18 is connected to a discharge port 22b of a water supply pump 22 housed in the reserve tank 21, and includes a water supply port 18a that extends upward as it is and opens to the inner bottom surface of the bottom portion 11d of the atomization tank 11. . The water supply channel 18 is also used as a drainage channel, and the water supply port 18a also functions as a drainage port. That is, when the water supply pump 22 is stopped, the water 11w in the atomization tank 11 is drained from the water supply port 18a through the water supply path 18, and discharged into the reserve tank 21 from the water intake port 22a of the water supply pump 22. However, instead of using the water supply channel 18 as a drainage channel, a dedicated drainage channel, for example, a drain provided with a drain valve may be formed. In addition, by opening the water supply port 18a on the inner bottom surface of the bottom portion 11d of the atomization tank 11, there is an advantage that the water supply port 18a can function as a drain port as described above. In addition, since the water supply port 18a opens on the inner bottom surface of the bottom portion 11d, there is an advantage that water can be supplied without shaking the water surface inside the atomization tank 11 unless the amount of water supply is excessive. If such an advantage is unnecessary, the water supply path 18 is provided with a water supply structure 18b configured to supply water from above in the atomization tank 11, as shown by a dotted line in FIG. It does n’t matter.

  The reflux path 19 includes a water intake port 19 a that opens at a predetermined height from the bottom 11 d of the atomization tank 11, and extends downward from the water intake port 19 a to reach the inside of the reserve tank 21 from above. It consists of an overflow pipe with 19b. Here, the water intake port 19a has a water intake height substantially coincident with the water level range 11v so that a predetermined water level range 11v of the atomization tank 11 is obtained by the recirculation action through the recirculation path 19. In addition, although the reflux path 19 (overflow pipe | tube) of this invention is not specifically limited, In the example of illustration, the reflux path 19 is comprised by the cylinder extended linearly, and the reflux path 19 is the water discharge port 19b. Is opened to the bottom 11 d and is provided so as to face the inside of the reserve tank 21 as it is from above, so that everything is arranged inside the atomizing tank 11.

  The reflux path 19 functions as a means for adjusting the water level of the water 11w inside the atomization tank 11 together with the water supply pump 22 and the water supply path 18, but is not limited to such a configuration, and various water level adjustment means. Can be provided. For example, instead of the reflux path 19, a water level sensor and a control unit (control means) for controlling a water supply pump, a drain valve, and the like according to a detection signal of the water level sensor may be provided. According to this, it is possible to adjust the atomization tank 11 to be in the predetermined water level range 11v by controlling the water supply means and the drainage means according to the detection signal of the water level sensor.

  Although the water supply pump 22 is disposed in the water inside the reserve tank 21, the water 21 w in the reserve tank 21 is heated by the heat generated by the water supply pump 22, thereby allowing the water supply pump 22 to enter the atomization tank 11. By increasing the temperature of the supplied water, the atomization efficiency of the atomizer 12 can be finally increased. Further, as described above, the water supply path 18 and the water supply pump 22 can be made to function as drainage paths. However, if these effects are unnecessary, the water supply pump 22 may be disposed outside the reserve tank 21.

  The reserve tank 21 is provided with an ultraviolet lamp 23 corresponding to the second ultraviolet irradiation means. In the illustrated example, the ultraviolet lamps 23 are arranged so as to be all located below the water surface inside the reserve tank 21, but are not particularly limited. With respect to the ultraviolet lamp 23, all the descriptions regarding the ultraviolet lamp 13 described above can be applied. For example, it is not restricted to what is arrange | positioned only in the water 21w like the said ultraviolet lamp 23. FIG. That is, one or a plurality of ultraviolet irradiation means arranged in a space on the water surface or partially submerged on the water surface can be arranged. In the reserve tank 21, by providing one or a plurality of ultraviolet irradiation sources such as an ultraviolet lamp 23 and an ultraviolet transparent material or window, not only the water 21 w stored in the reserve tank 21 but also a water supply channel ( It is desirable that the water inside the drainage channel) 18 and / or the water inside the reflux channel 19 can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  In the present embodiment, the airflow inlet 14 is provided on the side wall around the space 11 s on the water surface inside the atomization tank 11. In the illustrated example, in the space 11 s on the water surface inside the atomization tank 11, the air flow inlets 14 are respectively formed at rotationally symmetric positions on a plane passing through the space 11 s around the discharge port 12 e of the atomizer 12. Yes. Further, an airflow outlet 15 is provided at the upper part of the atomization tank 11 at a position directly above the discharge port 12e of the atomizer 12 in the space 11s. An exhaust tube 16 is provided above the air flow outlet 15, and a blower (exhaust fan) 17 corresponding to the air flow forming means is disposed inside the exhaust tube 16. When the blower 17 is operated, an upward air flow toward the outside is formed inside the exhaust pipe 16, and this upward air flow passes through the air flow inlet 14 and is introduced into the space 11 s inside the atomization tank 11. An airflow that is led out to the outside through the airflow outlet 15 from the space 11s is formed. At the base (base) of the exhaust tube 16, one or a plurality of secondary introduction ports 16 a for secondarily introducing an air flow from the outside into the exhaust tube 16 are formed. The secondary introduction port 16a is preferably configured to be openable / closable by an opening / closing means (not shown) or the opening area can be adjusted.

  In the present embodiment, the air is introduced into the space 11s on the water surface inside the atomizing tank 11 from the outside through the air flow inlet 14, and is discharged from the space 11s through the air flow outlet 15 before being discharged. An air flow path is formed such that the gas passes through the cylinder 16 and then is discharged to the outside. Here, when the secondary introduction port 16a is open, external air is secondarily introduced into the exhaust tube 16 from the secondary introduction port 16a, thereby releasing from the discharge port 16b of the exhaust tube 16. The density of the mist and the speed of the airflow are adjusted.

  In the present embodiment, due to the structure of the exhaust pipe 16 and the blower 17 or the rotationally symmetrical arrangement of the airflow inlet 14, a spiral airflow is generated in the space 11s on the water surface inside the atomization tank 11, This air current entrains the mist discharged from the atomizer 12, is discharged from the air flow outlet 15 in a spiral shape, and is discharged from the discharge port 16 b of the exhaust pipe 16 to the outside. In the illustrated example, the length of the exhaust pipe 16 in the axial direction is limited. However, by securing this length to a certain extent as in the humidifying device 100 described later, an excessively large amount of air is discharged when the humid airflow is discharged. It has a mist selection function for preventing splashes of water droplets around the discharge port 16b, such as separating the mist onto the inner surface of the exhaust pipe 16 by the centrifugal force of the spiral airflow and returning it to the atomization tank 11. Can be made.

  Here, the air flow forming means (blower 17) is not limited to being disposed inside the exhaust pipe 16 as in the illustrated example, and may be disposed at any location in the air flow path. As a blower (air supply fan), the air flow inlet 14 may be disposed upstream (outside).

  In the present embodiment, the water supply channel (drainage channel) 18 passes through the inside of the reserve tank 21 and opens on the inner bottom surface of the bottom portion 11d of the atomizing tank 11 adjacent to the upper side. The atomization tank 11 and the reserve tank 21 are disposed inside. Therefore, since it is not necessary to arrange a water supply channel or a drain channel around the outside, particularly around the atomization tank 11 and the reserve tank 21, there is an advantage that the humidifier 10 can be configured more compactly. This also applies to the reflux path 19. The reflux path 19 extends downward from the water intake 19 a inside the atomization tank 11, opens to the bottom 11 d, and opens to the inside of the reserve tank 21 from above. Since the water port 19 b is provided, the entire reflux path 19 is disposed only inside the atomization tank 11. Therefore, even if the reflux path 19 is provided, the compactness of the humidifier 10 is not affected. Furthermore, since the water supply pump 22 is also accommodated in the reserve tank 21, it does not affect the compactness of the humidifier 10 again.

[First humidification method]
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the 1st operation | movement aspect of embodiment of the 1st humidification method which concerns on this invention and embodiment of the said humidification apparatus is demonstrated in detail. This example relates to a procedure or a control mode when the ultraviolet lamps 13 and 23 are simultaneously turned on and off. In the humidifying device, the following procedures or operations are executed by controlling the above-described units by a control unit (for example, a microprocessor unit (MPU) that executes an operation program) that controls the entire device. Is done.

  FIG. 3A is a schematic flowchart showing a process at the time of transition to the humidification stage of the humidification method or an operation procedure at the time of starting the humidifier. First, the feed water pump 22 is activated (A1). Thereby, the water 21w inside the reserve tank 21 passes through the water supply path 18 and is supplied into the atomization tank 11, and the water level inside the atomization tank 11 gradually increases. In this embodiment, the period during which the water level of the atomization tank 11 increases is referred to as a “water supply stage”. Here, when the water level in the atomization tank 11 reaches the predetermined water level range 11v, the water supply pump 22 is stopped or the water supply amount is reduced (A2). Here, the water level in the atomization tank 11 is detected by, for example, an appropriate water level sensor or a water level sensor built in the atomizer 12. In addition, when the reflux path (overflow pipe) 19 that defines the predetermined water level is provided as described above, the increase in the water level is stopped instead of the water level sensor, or the water flows into the reflux path 19. You may comprise so that it can detect.

  Moreover, since the predetermined water level range 11v is maintained inside the atomization tank 11 by providing the reflux path 19 at the end of the water supply period, the water supply pump 22 is not stopped and the water supply state is maintained. Good. However, in this case, it is preferable to reduce the water supply amount of the water supply pump 22 if the predetermined water level range 11v is maintained. This increases the amount of water supply in the water supply stage and shortens the water supply time to the atomization tank 11, and after the water supply stage, the water level inside the atomization tank 11 is quickly or at a high level. To achieve. If the water supply channel 18 is also used as a drainage channel as described above, the water 11w inside the atomization tank 11 returns to the reserve tank 21 through the water supply channel 18 when the water supply pump 22 stops. In this case, the water supply pump 22 is maintained in an operating state so that the atomization tank 11 is not drained through the water supply path 18. Even in this case, it is preferable that the water supply amount of the water supply pump 22 is reduced as long as the predetermined water level range 11v can be maintained in the atomization tank 11.

  In this water supply stage, water supply via the water supply channel 18 may be performed continuously or intermittently. However, in order to finish the water supply stage in a short time, it is preferable that water supply is performed continuously, and it is desirable that the amount of water supply be constant. Further, even in a state where the amount of water supply after the water supply stage has ended, water supply may be performed continuously or intermittently.

  The water level in the atomization tank 11 is maintained in the predetermined water level range 11v so that the atomization action by the atomizer 12 can be performed. The predetermined water level range 11v may be a water level range in which the atomizer 12 can be atomized. In particular, in order to improve the humidifying performance of the humidifier 10, the predetermined water level range 11v is changed to the atomizer 12 mist. It is preferable to set in a range with good conversion efficiency. In addition, if it is the structure of the atomizer 12 shown in FIG. 2, it needs to be more than the water level which can supply water in the atomization cylinder 12b through the water intake 12c. Moreover, since the atomization efficiency falls when the water surface height is excessive, or the generation of mist may be hindered in relation to the filter 12d, the water level is below the level that does not cause these problems. Is preferred.

  In the illustrated example, the maintenance of the predetermined water level range 11v in the atomization tank 11 is realized by cooperation between the water supply by the water supply pump 22 and the return (drainage) to the reserve tank 21 by the return path 19. In this case, a certain amount of water is circulated from the reserve tank 21 to the atomization tank 11 and from the atomization tank 11 to the reserve tank 21. However, when it is configured so that unintended drainage from the atomization tank 11 does not occur, the predetermined water level range 11v can be maintained by simply stopping the water supply before the atomizer 12 is operated.

  As described above, after the water supply pump 22 is stopped or the amount of water supply is reduced (A2), the water level inside the atomization tank 11 is maintained in the predetermined water level range 11v, and the atomization tank 11 The inner water surface is calmed down. The time for calming the water surface (hereinafter simply referred to as “waiting time”) varies depending on the conditions such as the amount of water supply and the tank capacity, but is generally preferably in the range of 2 to 10 seconds. , Preferably in the range of 3-5 seconds. If the waiting time is less than the above range, there is a high possibility that the effect of calming will not be obtained, and even if the waiting time exceeds the above range, the time until the humidifying operation starts There is a high possibility that it will only be longer and no further improvement in the effect can be expected. Here, the period in which the standby time is set is referred to as a “standby stage”. This standby stage is a stage in which the water surface inside the atomization tank 11 gradually subsides.

  Note that this standby stage does not have to be a period until the water surface inside the atomization tank 11 does not move at all. As will be described later, the lighting state of the ultraviolet lamp 13, the operation state of the atomizer 12, etc. If the water surface calms down to the extent that it does not affect the water level, the standby stage can be terminated. In addition, when reducing the water supply amount after the water supply stage, it is sufficient to reduce the water supply amount to such an amount that the water surface can be subsided, and the water surface is completely shaken by continuing the water supply. There is no need to reduce it to the point where it disappears.

  After the standby stage, the ultraviolet lamp 13 is turned on (A3). When the ultraviolet lamp 13 is turned on as described above (A3), the inside of the atomization tank 11 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the water 11w inside the atomization tank 11 is sterilized. Since the degree and range of the bactericidal effect depend on the reach distance of ultraviolet rays, it is preferable to install a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 13 as necessary. In this embodiment, as an example, the control unit controls the ultraviolet lamp 23 for the reserve tank 21 to be turned on and off simultaneously with the ultraviolet lamp 13 for the atomizing tank 11. Therefore, the atomization tank 11 and the reserve tank 21 are simultaneously irradiated with ultraviolet rays to be sterilized, and at the same time, the irradiation of ultraviolet rays is stopped.

  The lighting of the ultraviolet lamp 13 in this way after the standby stage prevents the cooling state of the ultraviolet lamp 13 from becoming unstable due to the fluctuation of the water surface, and the flow of the water 11 w inside the atomization tank 11. This is to stabilize the irradiation state of the ultraviolet lamp 13 in a short time by preventing the supercooled state of the ultraviolet lamp 13 due to the high performance. For example, when at least a part of the ultraviolet lamp 13 is disposed in water, the amount of water in contact with the ultraviolet lamp 13 increases due to the fluctuation of the water surface during water supply, and the cooling tends to be excessive. In addition, since the amount of water in contact with the ultraviolet lamp 13 varies with time, the cooling state is not stable. On the other hand, even when the entire ultraviolet lamp 13 is disposed on the water surface, there is a possibility that water may come into contact with the ultraviolet lamp 13 due to the fluctuation of the water surface. It can happen as well. Since the inside of the atomization tank 11 is maintained in the predetermined water level range 11v and the water surface is also calmed by waiting for the passage of time in the standby stage and then turning on the ultraviolet lamp 13, as described above, The time when is stabilized is earlier than when the light is turned on without waiting for the progress of the water supply stage and when the light is turned on without waiting for the progress of the standby stage. Further, the life of the ultraviolet lamp 13 is extended by the lighting operation in a stable cooling state.

  Next, the atomizer 12 is started after the standby stage (A4). Here, in FIG. 3, the atomizer 12 is started after the ultraviolet lamp 13 is turned on. This is because, in general, the atomization efficiency and atomization state of the atomizer 12 are more susceptible to the fluctuation of the water surface than the irradiation state of the ultraviolet lamp 13. Further, it is more desirable in terms of hygiene that ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the initial stage in which the mist is generated by the atomizer 12, and that the irradiation time of the ultraviolet rays until the start of the humidification stage described later is as long as possible. It is also from. However, if there is no problem in the atomization efficiency and atomization state of the atomizer 12, the atomizer 12 may be activated simultaneously with the ultraviolet lamp 13, or may be activated before the ultraviolet lamp 13 is turned on. Since the atomizer 12 corresponds to the predetermined water level range 11v as described above, it is possible to obtain a stable atomization state at an appropriate water level by starting it after the standby stage, which is efficient. An atomization state can be realized and damage to the atomizer 12 can be prevented. As shown in the illustrated example, the water supply port 18a of the water supply channel 18 is open to the inner bottom surface of the bottom portion 11d of the atomizing tank 11, so that water can be supplied in the water supply stage, the standby stage, the preparation stage described later, and the humidification stage. Even if it is continuously implemented, the advantage that the fluctuation of the water surface can be suppressed is obtained.

  When the atomizer 12 is activated, in the case of the illustrated example, the water that has entered the inside of the atomizing cylinder 12b from the water intake 12c is vibrated by the vibrating portion 12a, so that the inside of the atomizing cylinder 12b or Mist is generated from the top, and fine mist is discharged from the discharge port 12e. When the ultraviolet lamp 13 is lit, the emitted mist is irradiated with ultraviolet rays and sterilized together with the surrounding air. In the present embodiment, a period in which the atomizer 12 is operating in a state where the blower 17 is not activated, that is, in a state where no airflow exists inside the atomization tank 11 is referred to as a “preparation stage”. In particular, in the present embodiment, the ultraviolet lamp 13 is also lit in this preparation stage. In this preparatory stage, the blower 17 is not activated and the airflow does not exist inside the atomization tank 11, following the standby stage, the fluctuation of the water surface inside the atomization tank 11 continues to calm down. This brings the advantage that no new shaking of the water surface due to the airflow occurs.

  Next, the blower 17 is started (A5). The activation of the blower 17 may be performed simultaneously with the activation of the atomizer 12 if the above-described advantage is not required. However, as in the illustrated example, the atomizer 12 has already been activated and the mist has been released. After a certain period of time has passed (the preparation stage has passed), that is, after the preparation stage, the blower 17 is preferably activated. This is for preventing the atomization action and the destabilization of the airflow described below by simultaneously starting the formation of the mist by the atomization and the formation of the wet airflow. For example, when air blowing by the blower 17 is started, the air flow that has started to flow from the air flow inlet 14 may temporarily shake the water surface inside the atomization tank 11. The fluctuation of the water surface increases as the amount of air blown by the blower 17 increases. Then, the fluctuation of the water surface caused by the temporary disturbance of the air flow that occurs when the blower 17 is started destabilizes the atomizing action of the atomizer 12. In addition, when the atomizer 12 is activated, the vibration state may become unstable, and if this is affected by the turbulence of the air current, an inappropriate mist may be generated. If the blower 17 is activated at this time, an inappropriate mist may be released in the airflow, but if there is no airflow when the atomizer 12 is activated, the inappropriate mist is discharged to the outside. There is no danger of it.

  In particular, it is desirable that the blower 17 is started after the preparatory stage (predetermined time) has elapsed with the atomizer 12 already started and the ultraviolet lamp 13 is lit. As described above, when there is a shadow area that is not irradiated with ultraviolet rays inside the atomizer 12, the atomizer 12 atomizes the area even if the area is not irradiated with ultraviolet rays. This is because the mist generated by the above is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to be sterilized, so that the problem of hygiene due to the absence of ultraviolet rays being irradiated onto the shadowed area is solved. Therefore, it is preferable that the predetermined time in the preparation stage is a time that can eliminate the harmful effects (spreading of germs) caused by the fact that the shaded area is not irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Although the said time is not specifically limited, For example, it is preferable to exist in the range of 3-30 seconds, and it is further more desirable to exist in the range of 5-20 seconds.

  When the blower 17 is activated, an airflow is introduced into the atomization tank 11 from the airflow inlet 14, and an airflow (wet airflow) comes out from the airflow outlet 15 together with the mist, and finally passes through the exhaust pipe 16 to be discharged. Is done. In this way, the humidification stage in which the humid airflow is released from the humidifier 10 to the outside is started. As described above, the wet airflow released at this time is formed after the mist generated in the preparation stage and the surrounding air are sufficiently irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Release to the outside of the device is avoided.

  In the humidification stage, the atomizer 12 generates mist from the water 11w inside the atomization tank 11, and this mist is discharged from the space 11s through the air flow outlet 15 together with the air flow. Therefore, when new water is not supplied into the atomization tank 11 through the water supply path 18, the water 11w in the atomization tank 11 gradually decreases. For this reason, when the water supply pump 22 is stopped in the operation of A2, the water supply pump 22 is restarted here (A6), and water supply through the water supply path 18 is resumed. On the other hand, when the water supply is not stopped in the operation of A2 (for example, when the water supply amount is reduced), the water supply amount is increased here. Here, the restart of the water supply pump 22 or the increase in the amount of water supply may be performed simultaneously with the start of the atomization stage (preparation stage), or may be performed simultaneously with the start of the humidification stage (start of the blower 17). Alternatively, it may be performed at an appropriate timing after the start of the atomization stage or the humidification stage (after the start of the blower 17).

  The water supply in this humidification stage is already set by supplementing the amount of water lost by atomization, unlike the water supply in the water supply stage (supplying water to the atomization tank 11 and increasing the water level). This is water supply for maintaining the predetermined water level range 11v. Therefore, since the water supply amount only needs to maintain the water level, the water supply amount may be smaller than the water supply amount in the water supply stage or may be switched intermittently. For example, a signal from a water level sensor inside the atomization tank 11 or the amount of circulating water in the reflux path 19 may be detected, and the water supply pump 22 may be controlled on and off so as to maintain the water level within the predetermined water level range 11v.

  In the operation of A2, when the water supply amount of the water supply pump 22 is not stopped and the water supply amount of the water supply pump 22 is reduced, the water supply amount of the water supply pump 22 is increased as necessary. That is, when the water supply pump 22 is not stopped in the operation of A2, but the reduction of the water 11w due to the operation of the atomizer 12 cannot be compensated as a result of reducing the water supply amount, the predetermined water level range 11v The amount of water supplied by the water supply pump 22 is increased to such an extent that can be maintained. However, in the humidification stage, when the predetermined water supply amount is sufficient to maintain the predetermined water level range 11v, it is only necessary to maintain the water supply amount as it is. Here, the water supply mode in the above-described standby stage and preparation stage, or the water supply mode in this humidification stage may be continuous or intermittent.

  In the above procedure, when a reserve tank 21 different from the atomization tank 11 is provided and water is supplied from the reserve tank 21 to the atomization tank 11 as in the present embodiment, the atomization tank The advantage that the cleanliness of the water 11w in 11 can be improved is obtained. That is, since there is less need to arrange a member for providing a shaded area when irradiated with ultraviolet rays, such as the atomizer 12 and the reflux path 19, in the reserve tank 21 than in the case of the atomization tank 11. The ultraviolet lamp 23 can sterilize the water 21w in the entire inside of the reserve tank 21 efficiently and sufficiently. Therefore, by supplying such water 21w into the atomization tank 11, the water 11w can also be easily cleaned, and finally a clean moist air current can be released.

  Next, a procedure for stopping the humidifying apparatus that has been in the humidifying stage as described above will be described. FIG. 3B is a schematic flowchart showing an operation procedure when the humidifier is stopped. First, in the humidification stage described above, the atomizer 12 is stopped (B1). As a result, the atomization action (mist formation) stops inside the atomization tank 11. Thereafter, the water supply pump 22 is stopped (B2). In addition, the stop of the atomizer 12 and the stop of the feed water pump 22 may be performed simultaneously. At this time, as will be described later, the ultraviolet lamp 13 (23) remains lit, and the blower 17 is also in operation.

  In the above state, drainage of the atomization tank 11 is started (B3), and the water 11w is drained to the reserve tank 21 (drainage stage). When the water supply channel 18 is also used as a drainage channel as described above, drainage is started by stopping the water supply pump 22 (B2) (B3), and the water in the atomization tank 11 passes through the water supply channel 18. 11w is drained from the water supply port 18a, passes through the inside of the water supply pump 22, and is returned to the reserve tank 21 from the water intake port 22a. If comprised in this way, the energy consumption at the time of drainage will become unnecessary. On the other hand, when a drainage channel such as a drain other than the water supply channel 18 is provided in the atomization tank 11, the other drainage channel may be opened to drain the water 11w. Although the end point of this drainage stage is not particularly limited, in this embodiment, when the water 11w inside the atomization tank 11 is completely drained, the drainage stage ends.

  Even after the drainage step is completed, the blower 17 remains in operation as described above. Therefore, the airflow flowing in from the airflow inlet 14 flows into the emptied atomization tank 11, and the airflow is It flows out from the airflow outlet 15. Therefore, since the inside of the atomization tank 11 is dried by the said airflow, this is made into a drying step. In this drying stage, since the ultraviolet lamp 13 is also lit, the inside of the atomization tank 11 is sterilized by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. Irradiation of ultraviolet rays in this drying stage has a higher sterilizing effect on the inner surface of the atomization tank 11 than in the other stages because the reach of the ultraviolet rays is widened because there is no water 11w. On the other hand, the ultraviolet lamp 23 sterilizes the water 21 w including the water 11 w drained from the atomization tank 11 inside the reserve tank 21.

  The drying step described above is performed until a necessary dry state or sterilized state is obtained. Although the time of this drying stage is not specifically limited, For example, it is preferable to be in the range of 1 to 30 minutes, and it is desirable to be in the range of 5 to 15 minutes. After sufficient time has passed in this way, the ultraviolet lamp 13 (23) is turned off (B4), and thereafter, or simultaneously, the blower 17 is stopped (B5), whereby the humidifier 10 is completely stopped. . The ultraviolet lamps 13 and 23 may be turned off after the blower 17 is stopped. Drying and sterilization in the atomization tank 11 prevents the propagation of germs over time when the humidifier 10 is not used.

[Second humidification method]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the 2nd operation | movement aspect of embodiment of the 2nd humidification method which concerns on this invention and embodiment of the said humidification apparatus is demonstrated in detail. This example shows a case where the ultraviolet lamp 13 and the ultraviolet lamp 23 are turned on separately or turned off separately. In addition, the matter demonstrated in the 1st humidification method (1st operation | movement aspect) can be applied and comprised about the applicable range also about this example.

  In this method, at the time of startup shown in FIG. 4A, the ultraviolet lamp 23 is turned on first in the reserve tank 21 (A1). Thereby, the water 21w in the reserve tank 21 is sterilized by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays. In this example, it is preferable that not only the water 21 w but also the inner surface of the reserve tank 21 and the water supply pump 22 are sterilized by the ultraviolet lamp 23. In order to sufficiently sterilize the reserve tank 21, it is desirable to ensure a sufficient time until the next start (A2) of the water supply pump 22. However, in many cases, since the water 21w inside the reserve tank 21 is sufficiently sterilized by the ultraviolet lamp 23 after the previous activation and until the stop, the ultraviolet irradiation time by the operation A1 is as follows. It does not require as much time as needed to treat the water 21w from the beginning. The effect of ultraviolet irradiation on the reserve tank 21 by the ultraviolet lamp 23 is as described above. That is, since it is not necessary to arrange the atomizer 12 and the reflux path 19, it is difficult to form a shaded area when the ultraviolet rays are irradiated, so that the effect of the ultraviolet lamp 23 is enhanced in the reserve tank 21.

  Next, the feed water pump 22 is started (A2). Thereby, the water 21w in the reserve tank 21 is supplied into the atomization tank 11 through the water supply path 18 (water supply stage). The water supply pump 22 may be activated at the same time as the ultraviolet lamp 23 is turned on unless the prior sterilization effect is enhanced. Even in such a case, since it takes a certain amount of time to supply water from the reserve tank 21 to the atomization tank 11, the effect of prior ultraviolet irradiation on the reserve tank 21 can be obtained during this water supply. . In particular, by configuring the water supply channel 18 with an ultraviolet ray permeable tube, ultraviolet rays can be irradiated to the inside of the water supply channel 18.

  In the water supply stage, while the water 21w in the reserve tank 21 is supplied through the water supply path 18, the water level of the atomization tank 11 gradually rises. When the water level reaches a predetermined water level range 11v, the water 21w is drained through the reflux path 19, By repeatedly returning to the reserve tank 21, the water 21 w stored in the reserve tank 21 circulates between the reserve tank 21 and the atomization tank 11. This state occurs only before the water supply pump 22 is stopped, and continuously occurs when the water supply amount is only reduced. In such a state, the inside of the atomization tank 11 is washed with water 21 w sterilized by the ultraviolet lamp 23. In this cleaning process, unlike the above-described first method, even if the water 11w in the atomization tank 11 becomes the predetermined water level range 11v, the water supply and the circulation of water are continued to ensure a long cleaning time. be able to. When a drainage channel is provided separately from the water supply channel 18, the drainage for circulating the water may be performed not through the reflux channel 19 but through the other drainage channel. In addition, the said washing | cleaning process is not only as a procedure of the initial process at the time of starting of the humidification method for finally implementing a humidification stage like this embodiment, but only in order to wash | clean the inside of the atomization tank 11. It can be carried out independently or as a procedure of a cleaning method including a cleaning step different from the procedure of the humidifying method as a process preceding the humidifying method. Such a cleaning method may be provided as a procedure specially performed when the inside of the atomization tank 11 is contaminated when it has been unused for a long period of time.

  Thereafter, the water supply pump 22 is stopped or the amount of water supply is reduced (A3). In this state, the water surface inside the atomization tank 11 is calmed down by setting the state of waiting for a certain time (standby stage). This is the same as the first humidification method or the first operation mode. Thereafter, the lighting of the ultraviolet lamp 13 (A4) and the activation of the atomizer (A5) can be performed in the same manner as in the first humidification method or the first operation mode. And after that, it is preferable to ensure the above-mentioned preparation stage. This preparatory step can also be performed in the same manner as the first humidification method or the first operation mode described above. Furthermore, the start-up of the blower 17 (A6) and the restart of the water supply pump or the increase of the water supply amount (A7) can be performed in the same manner as in the first humidification method or the first operation mode. In this way, the humidification step is performed as described above.

  Also for the second humidification method or the second operation mode, the apparatus can be stopped as described above. FIG. 4B is a schematic flowchart showing a procedure when the apparatus is stopped. In this method, the atomizer 12 is stopped (B1), the feed water pump 22 is stopped (B2), and the drainage is started, as in the first humidification method or the first operation mode described above ( B3) Water 11w is drained into the reserve tank 21 (drainage stage). As a result, the water 11w inside the atomization tank 11 disappears. The start of drainage (B3) can also be performed by stopping the feed water pump 22 or opening a separately provided drainage channel as in the first humidification method or the first operation mode.

  Next, the ultraviolet lamp 23 is turned off (B4). At this time, the ultraviolet lamp 23 may be turned off simultaneously with the stop (B2) of the water supply pump 22 described above. In addition, after the drainage stage is completed, the water 11w inside the atomization tank 11 is exhausted, and even after the drainage is completed, the ultraviolet lamp 23 is continuously turned on for a predetermined period, thereby returning the atomization tank 11. Sufficient sterilization can be performed on water.

  On the other hand, in the atomization tank 11, after the water 11w is completely discharged, the ultraviolet lamp 13 is turned on (or the ultraviolet lamp 13 is continuously turned on), and the blower 17 blows air (or the blower 17 is turned on). By continuing to blow, drying and sterilization are performed (drying stage). The time of this drying stage depends on the degree to which sterilization inside the atomization tank 11 is required. In any case, after sufficiently drying and sterilizing, the ultraviolet lamp 13 is turned off (B5), and the blower 17 is stopped (B6). The timing for turning off the ultraviolet lamp 13 and stopping the blower 17 in this case is the same as that described in the first humidification method or the first operation mode.

  In this embodiment, since the ultraviolet lamp 13 and the ultraviolet lamp 23 can be turned off at different timings, the sterilization effect in the atomization tank 11 and the sterilization effect in the reserve tank 21 are considered separately. The turn-off timing can be determined separately as necessary. Therefore, unlike the first humidification method or the first operation method, it is possible to suppress the energy consumption related to the irradiation of ultraviolet rays and to increase the sterilization efficiency by the irradiation of ultraviolet rays. In the example shown in the figure, the ultraviolet lamp 23 can be turned off as soon as possible in accordance with the next operation (for example, the lighting time of the ultraviolet lamp 23 before water supply by the operation A1) and the atomization tank. The lighting time of the ultraviolet lamp 13 can be extended within a range necessary for the 11 drying stages.

[Third humidification method]
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the 3rd humidification method embodiment which concerns on this invention and the 3rd operation | movement aspect of embodiment of the said humidification apparatus are demonstrated in detail. In this example, the ultraviolet lamp 13 and the ultraviolet lamp 23 are turned on when the humidifier 10 is turned on, and both the lamps 13 and 23 are turned off when the humidifier 10 is turned off. Note that the items described in the first humidification method (first operation mode) and the second humidification method (second operation mode) are applied to the applicable range in this example as well and configured. Can do.

  In this example, at the time of starting the apparatus shown in FIG. 5A, first, the ultraviolet lamp 13 and the ultraviolet lamp 23 are turned on by turning on the power of the humidifier (A1). In this case, the lamps 13 and 23 may be turned on by detecting the power-on by the control of the control unit, but the power switch and the lighting switches of both the lamps 13 and 23 may be directly connected. Since the ultraviolet lamps 13 and 23 are turned on at the beginning of the procedure, the period during which the ultraviolet rays are irradiated in the atomizing tank 11 and the reserve tank 21 can be extended, so that the sterilizing action of the humid air current can be enhanced. In particular, it is possible to ensure a long irradiation time of the ultraviolet rays in the atomization tank 11 until the start of the humidification stage (the irradiation time for the mist is also the same). The cleanliness of the flow can be increased.

Thereafter, the water supply stage by the start (A2) of the water supply pump 22 and the transition to the standby stage by the stop of the water supply pump 22 or the reduction of the water supply (A3) are the same as in the first humidification method or the first operation mode. To be implemented. However, when the standby stage is completed, since the ultraviolet lamps 13 and 23 are already lit in this example, the atomizer 12 is started as it is (A4), and the process proceeds to the preparation stage. Thereafter, after the preparation stage, the start of the blower 17 (A5) and the restart of the water supply pump 22 or the increase of the water supply amount (A6) are performed in the same manner as in the first humidification method or the first operation mode. .

  On the other hand, when the apparatus is stopped, as shown in FIG. 5B, the procedure of stopping the atomizer 12 (B1), stopping the feed water pump 22 (B2) and starting drainage (B3), the drainage stage, The drying step is performed in the same manner as the first humidification method or the first operation mode described above. Thereafter, the blower 17 is stopped (B4). Further, after the blower 17 is stopped or at the same time, the ultraviolet lamps 13 and 23 are turned off (B5). The lamps 13 and 23 may be turned off by turning off the power switch of the apparatus. In this case, since the ultraviolet lamps 13 and 23 are lit until the final stage, the irradiation of ultraviolet rays can be continued for a long time, so that although the energy consumption increases, it is easy to keep the inside of the apparatus clean. There are advantages.

[Humidifying device 100]
Next, FIGS. 6 and 7 show a more specific structure and appearance of the humidifier 100. The humidifier 100 has a lower structure 110 having an internal structure for storing water and generating mist, and an upper structure 120 protruding above the lower structure 110. The lower structure 110 has a substantially cubic housing 111, and a door 111 a that can be opened and closed is provided on the front surface of the housing 111. A part of the door 111a is provided with a window, and the window 111 is configured to expose the operation panel 111b in a state where the door 111a is closed. A breaker switch 111c of a power breaker protrudes from the lower back of the casing 111. A pair of bar-shaped gripping portions 111 e is attached to the top of the housing 111. In addition, four moving casters 111 f are mounted on the bottom of the casing 111.

  The upper structure 120 of the humidifying device 100 includes an octagonal columnar base portion 116A protruding upward from the center of the upper surface of the casing 111, a cylindrical tube portion 116B protruding upward from the base portion 116A, and the tube portion 116B. An exhaust pipe 116 having a connected octagonal columnar upper end part 116C is provided. The base portion 116A is provided with a vent port 116p that allows introduction of airflow from a secondary inlet port (provided inside the base portion 116A) having the same function as the above-described secondary inlet port 16a. The cylindrical portion 116B is cylindrical in the illustrated example, and has a smaller cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area along the horizontal plane) than the base portion 116A and the upper end portion 116C. It is preferable that the cylinder part 116B is comprised with transparent materials, such as an acrylic resin, and the airflow can be visually recognized now from the outside. A blower (exhaust fan) 117 having a function similar to that of the blower 17 (exhaust fan) is disposed in the upper end portion 116 </ b> C, and the blower 117 forms an upward air flow in the exhaust cylinder 116. A pair of struts 121 and 121 are attached between the base portion 116A and the upper end portion 116C to increase the rigidity of the exhaust stack 116 as a whole and to support the weight of the blower 117.

  An atomization tank 111, a reserve tank 121, and a control unit 130 are housed inside the casing 111 of the lower structure 110 of the humidifier 100 (all not shown). The control unit 130 includes an atomizer 112 that atomizes water in the atomization tank 111, an ultraviolet lamp 113 that irradiates ultraviolet rays inside the atomization tank 111, the blower 117, and the reserve tank 121, which are not shown in the figure. A water supply pump 122 that supplies water to the atomization tank 111 and an ultraviolet lamp 123 that irradiates ultraviolet light into the reserve tank 121 are controlled. Such a configuration of the control unit 130 has an advantage that the control mode can be easily changed by changing or switching the operation program. For example, the control unit 130 can include an operation program that can realize any one of the first to third operation modes described above. Here, the atomization tank 111, the atomizer 112, the ultraviolet lamps 113 and 123, the reserve tank 121, the water supply pump 122, and the water supply path 118 and the reflux path 119 (not shown) formed therebetween are connected to the humidification. Since the atomization tank 11, the atomizer 12, the ultraviolet lamps 13 and 23, the reserve tank 21, the water supply pump 22, the water supply path 18, and the return path 19 of the apparatus 10 can be basically configured in the same manner, illustration and description thereof are provided. Is omitted.

  In addition, the humidification method and humidification apparatus of this invention are not limited to the structure as described in the said embodiment, The various different aspect based on the meaning of this invention is included. For example, in the above embodiment, the mist formed by the atomizing action by the atomizing means is configured to be discharged by the airflow generated by the blower arranged at the outlet of the airflow path. As long as it is configured so that the mist is discharged together with the airflow, the present invention is not limited to the above form. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the ultraviolet lamp is provided in each of the atomization tank and the reserve tank, it should just be comprised so that an ultraviolet-ray may be irradiated to either one. Furthermore, even in a preferred embodiment particularly for the sterilization action of ultraviolet rays, it is sufficient that ultraviolet rays are irradiated to both the atomization tank and the reserve tank as a result, and the arrangement and number of physical lamps are not particularly limited. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,100 ... Humidifier 110 ... Lower structure, 120 ... Upper structure, 11, 111 ... Atomization tank, 11d, ... Bottom part, 11s ... Space on the water surface, 11v ... Predetermined water level, 11w ... Water, 12, 112 ... Atomizer, 12a ... vibrating part, 12b ... atomization cylinder, 12c ... water intake, 12d ... filter, 12e ... discharge outlet, 13,113 ... ultraviolet lamp, 14 ... air flow inlet, 15 ... air flow outlet, 16, 116 ... exhaust pipe, 16a ... secondary inlet, 16b, 116b ... discharge port, 17, 117 ... blower, 18, 118 ... water supply channel (drainage channel), 18a ... water supply port (drainage port), 19,119 ... reflux Road, 19a ... Intake port, 19b ... Water discharge port, 21, 121 ... Reserve tank, 21w ... Water, 22, 122 ... Water supply pump, 22a ... Water intake port, 22b ... Discharge port, 23, 123 ... Ultraviolet lamp, 130 ... Control Part

In general, various humidifiers configured to generate an air flow while atomizing water in a tank and release a humid air flow are known (see Patent Documents 1 to 3 below). For example, in the humidifier disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the power is turned on, the discharge valve 3 is closed and the water supply valve 10 is opened, whereby water begins to accumulate in the water storage tank 1 and at the same time, the ultraviolet lamp 12 is turned on. . Thereafter, when a humidification signal is input, the ultrasonic vibrator 6 and the blower 7 are operated to enter a humidifying operation state. Furthermore, when the power is turned off, the ultraviolet lamp 12 is turned off, the ultrasonic vibrator 6 and the blower 7 are stopped, and at the same time, the drain valve 3 is automatically opened to start draining.

Claims (24)

An atomization stage in which water stored in the atomization tank is atomized, and an air current is supplied to the space on the water surface inside the atomization tank, and mist generated by the atomization stage is combined with the air stream. A humidification method having a humidification stage discharged from the atomization tank,
A humidification step, wherein the atomization step is performed for a predetermined time in a state where the airflow is not present in the atomization tank, and the humidification step is started after the preparation step. Method.   After the water supply stage for supplying water to the atomization tank and after the water supply stage, the water surface inside the atomization tank is gradually calmed down after the water supply to the atomization tank is stopped or the water supply amount is reduced. The humidification method according to claim 1, further comprising: a standby stage, wherein the atomization stage is started after the standby stage. A humidifying method further comprising the step of irradiating ultraviolet rays inside the atomization tank,
The humidification method according to claim 2, wherein the ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the atomized mist inside the atomization tank in the preparation stage.   The humidification method according to claim 3, wherein the atomization step is started after a certain time has elapsed since the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays was started.   The humidification method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the irradiation with ultraviolet rays is started after the standby stage.   A drainage stage drained from the atomization tank, and after the atomization tank is drained by the drainage stage, the airflow is supplied to the atomization tank and the airflow is discharged from the atomization tank. The humidification method according to claim 1, further comprising: a drying step of drying the atomization tank. A humidifying method further comprising the step of irradiating ultraviolet rays inside the atomization tank,
The humidification method according to claim 6, wherein in the drying step, the ultraviolet ray is irradiated into the atomization tank.   It has a water storage tank which stores water separately from the said atomization tank, and is supplied to the said atomization tank from the said water storage tank in the said water supply stage, It is any one of Claims 2 thru | or 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. Humidification method. A humidifying method further comprising the step of irradiating ultraviolet rays inside the water tank,
The humidification method according to claim 8, wherein the ultraviolet ray is irradiated to the inside of the water storage tank before the water supply stage is started.   In the humidification stage, water is supplied from the water storage tank to the atomization tank and drained from the atomization tank to the water storage tank, whereby the water level inside the atomization tank is maintained within a predetermined water level range. The humidifying method according to claim 8.   The humidification method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a water storage tank for storing water separately from the atomization tank, wherein the water is drained from the atomization tank to the water storage tank in the drainage stage. A humidifying method further comprising the step of irradiating ultraviolet rays inside the water tank,
The humidification method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the ultraviolet light is irradiated to water drained from the atomization tank to the water storage tank. An atomization tank capable of storing water;
Atomizing means for atomizing water inside the atomization tank;
Airflow forming means for forming an airflow that is supplied to the atomization tank and causes the mist generated by the atomization means to be discharged from the atomization tank;
A control means for carrying out a preparatory stage in which atomization is performed for a predetermined time by the atomization means in a state where the airflow is not present inside the atomization tank; and thereafter, control means for starting the formation of the airflow by the airflow formation means; ,
A humidifying device comprising: It further comprises water supply means for supplying water to the atomization tank,
The control means includes: a water supply stage for supplying water to the atomization tank by the water supply means; and after the water supply stage, after stopping the water supply to the atomization tank or reducing the water supply amount, the inside of the atomization tank The humidifying device according to claim 13, further comprising a standby stage in which the water surface of the water is gradually calmed, and the atomization stage is started after the standby stage. Further comprising ultraviolet irradiation means for irradiating ultraviolet rays inside the atomization tank;
The humidifying device according to claim 14, wherein the control means irradiates the atomized mist inside the atomization tank by the ultraviolet irradiation means in the preparation stage.   The humidifying device according to claim 15, wherein the control means starts the atomization step after a predetermined time has elapsed since the ultraviolet irradiation by the ultraviolet irradiation means.   The humidifying device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the control means starts the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet irradiation means after the standby stage. Further comprising drainage means for draining the atomization tank,
The control means includes a drainage stage for draining the atomization tank by the drainage means, and after the atomization tank is drained by the drainage stage, the airflow is formed by the airflow formation means, The humidification device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a drying stage is performed in which the air flow is supplied and the air flow is discharged from the atomization bath to dry the atomization bath. Further comprising ultraviolet irradiation means for irradiating ultraviolet rays inside the atomization tank;
The humidifying device according to claim 18, wherein the control means irradiates the inside of the atomization tank with the ultraviolet rays in the drying stage by the ultraviolet irradiation means. In addition to the atomization tank, further comprises a water storage tank capable of storing water,
The humidifying device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the control means supplies water from the water storage tank to the atomization tank in the water supply stage by the water supply means. A second ultraviolet irradiation means for irradiating the inside of the water tank with ultraviolet rays;
The humidifying device according to claim 20, wherein the control means irradiates the inside of the water storage tank with ultraviolet rays before the water supply stage is started by the second ultraviolet irradiation means. It further comprises drainage means for draining from the atomization tank to the water storage tank,
In the humidification stage, the control means supplies water from the water storage tank to the atomization tank by the water supply means, and drains the atomization tank from the atomization tank to the water storage tank by the drainage means. 21. The humidifier according to claim 20, wherein the internal water level is maintained within a predetermined water level range. In addition to the atomization tank, further comprises a water storage tank capable of storing water,
The humidifying device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the control means drains the atomizing tank to the water storage tank in the draining stage by the draining means. A second ultraviolet irradiation means for irradiating the inside of the water tank with ultraviolet rays;
The humidifying device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the control means irradiates the water drained from the atomization tank to the water storage tank by the second ultraviolet irradiation means.

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