JP2017166724A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier capable of preventing erroneous notification caused by formation of a water film at a clearance of a water level sensor.SOLUTION: A water level in a water storage chamber 12 is lowered and a high water level sensor 20b outputs OFF signal to cause a water supply pump 27 to be driven and water is supplied, thereafter if the high water level sensor 20b keeps output of OFF signal, it is waited for a specified time and a water level variable operation for judging whether or not the high water level sensor 20b outputs ON signal is performed, thereby even if water droplets enter into a clearance 25 between a float fixing tool 22 and a float shaft 24 to form a water film and the float fixing tool 22 is hardly moved up and down, the water level in the water storage chamber 12 is moved up or down through water level variable operation, the water film at the clearance 25 is broken by buoyancy of the float 21 and waving of water in the water storage chamber 12 to increase probability in which the float fixing tool 22 is moved up and down, resulting in that it is possible to prevent erroneous notification about formation of water film at the clearance 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to water level control of a humidifier that blows humidified air generated by humidified air generating means into a room.

  Conventionally, in this type of sauna device, a warming humidified air generated in the water storage chamber is blown into the sauna room by a blower fan. Operates and outputs an OFF signal when the water level is low and outputs an ON signal when the water level is high so that a water level sensor that can detect the water level in the reservoir is installed, and when the water level sensor outputs an OFF signal, the water level If the water level is low, the water supply valve is opened to supply water into the water storage chamber, and if the water level sensor outputs an ON signal, the water supply valve is closed and the water supply valve is closed to store water in the sauna bath. There was something to control so that the water in the room would not run out. (For example, Patent Document 1)

Japanese Patent No. 5335624

  In this conventional type, if water enters the gap between the float and the shaft that constitutes the water level sensor, the floats do not move up and down when water is deposited or clogged with dust that floats in the air, supplying water into the reservoir. Therefore, even if the water level sensor should be switched to the ON signal, it is assumed that the water level will continue to be supplied with the OFF signal being output. Based on the output time and the amount of water supplied to the water storage chamber, the water level sensor does not operate normally because it is judged that the water level sensor is not operating normally due to clogging or dust clogging between the float and the shaft. If it is determined that the water level sensor is in error, the water level sensor is informed of the abnormality of the water level sensor, thereby prompting the user to remove the chalk and dust adhering to the float of the water level sensor.

  However, in this conventional error notification, if the shaft of the water level sensor gets wet with water and a water film is formed in the gap between the float and the shaft, the sliding resistance of the float increases, and there is clogging and dirt between the float and the shaft. Since the floats are difficult to move up and down, the float level does not rise when water is supplied to the water storage chamber, even if there is no clogging or dust clogged in the gap between the float and the shaft, and the water level sensor outputs an OFF signal. If the user stops cleaning the water supply and reports an error, the user can clean the space between the float and the shaft, reset the error, and restart the operation. If the water film is formed, it becomes difficult for the float to move up and down again, so that it is conceivable that the same error notification is generated many times and the humidification operation is stopped, and there is room for improvement.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in claim 1 of the present invention, the appliance main body, a water storage chamber in the appliance main body for storing water, and water supplied to the water storage chamber connected to the water storage chamber flows. A water supply pipe, a water supply switching unit that is installed in the middle of the water supply pipe and that permits water supply to the water storage chamber and a water supply switching state that switches between a water supply stop state that stops water supply, and the water supply chamber. A water supply amount calculating means capable of calculating a water amount, and a water level sensor installed in the water storage chamber for outputting a high water level signal when the float around the shaft is raised and lowered to a high water level, and a low water level signal when the water level is low. A humidified air generating means for generating humidified air from the water in the water storage chamber; a blower fan for performing a humidifying operation for supplying the humidified air generated by the humidified air generating means to the room;
When a low water level signal of the water level sensor is detected during the humidifying operation, the water supply switching means is switched to a water supply permission state to start supplying water into the water storage chamber, and when a high water level signal of the water level sensor is detected, A controller for switching the water supply switching means to the water supply stop state,
When the control unit detects a low water level signal of the water level sensor during the humidifying operation, the control unit switches the water supply switching unit to a water supply permission state and starts calculating the amount of water supplied into the water storage chamber by the water supply amount calculation unit. When the water supply amount calculated by the water supply amount calculation means has reached a predetermined integrated value, a water level changing operation is performed in which the water supply switching means is switched to a water supply stop state and waits for a predetermined time, and the predetermined time If a high water level signal from the water level sensor cannot be detected until the time has elapsed, the humidification operation is stopped, and an error is notified of an abnormality of the water level sensor.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control unit switches the water supply switching unit to a water supply permission state if the high water level signal of the water level sensor cannot be detected until the predetermined time has elapsed after the water level variable operation. When calculating the amount of water supplied by the water supply amount calculating means and determining that the amount of water supplied calculated by the water supply amount calculating means has reached a predetermined second integrated value increased by a predetermined amount from the predetermined integrated value, The high water level signal of the water level sensor can be detected until the second predetermined time elapses after the water supply switching means is switched to the water supply stop state and the second water level variable operation for waiting for the second predetermined time is performed. If not, the humidification operation is stopped, and an error is notified of an abnormality of the water level sensor.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the humidified air generating means includes a cylindrical rotating body that submerses the lower end in the water storage chamber and pumps up and disperses water by rotation, a mist motor that rotationally drives the rotating body, and the rotation It is comprised by the collision body which the water scattered by rotation of the body collides.

  According to this invention, even if a water film is formed in the gap between the float and the shaft and the float of the water level sensor becomes difficult to move up and down, the water level is increased by supplying water into the water storage chamber for a predetermined time. The possibility of the water film formed in the gap between the float and the shaft is broken by performing the water level variable operation that increases or decreases the water level in the water storage chamber by using the fact that the water level is lowered by the humidification operation while only waiting. If it is determined that the water supply amount calculated by the water supply amount calculating means has reached a predetermined integrated value after supplying water into the water storage chamber by detecting the low water level signal of the water level sensor, the water supply switching means Is switched to the water supply stop state and the water level variable operation is performed to wait for a predetermined time.If the high water level signal of the water level sensor cannot be detected before the predetermined time elapses, the humidification operation is interrupted and an error is notified. Because, the water level sensor by the water film formed in the gap of the float and the shaft can be prevented error notification in it may not work properly.

  In addition, if the high water level signal of the water level sensor cannot be detected until after the lapse of a predetermined time in the water level variable operation, the water supply switching means is switched to the water supply permission state and the water supply amount is calculated by the water supply amount calculation means. The second water level variable operation that waits for a second predetermined time by switching the water supply switching means to the water supply stop state when it is determined from the calculation result that the predetermined second integrated amount is increased by a predetermined amount from the predetermined integrated amount. If the high water level signal of the water level sensor cannot be detected before the second predetermined time elapses, the humidification operation is stopped and the water level sensor abnormality is reported as an error. If the low water level signal remains detected, the probability that the water film formed between the float and the shaft will be broken by performing the second variable water level operation to increase or decrease the water level in the reservoir For a more increased, the water level sensor by the water film formed in the gap of the float and the shaft can be prevented error notification in it may not work properly.

  The humidified air generating means includes a cylindrical rotating body that submerses the lower end of the water storage chamber, pumps up water by rotation, and scatters, a mist motor that rotationally drives the rotating body, and water scattered by rotation of the rotating body. Since it is configured with a colliding body that collides with water, a large amount of humidified air can be generated with a simple configuration that pumps the water in the water storage chamber with a rotating body and collides with the colliding body, so assembly is easy The humidified air generating means can be configured at low cost.

The perspective view explaining the external appearance of one Embodiment of this invention Schematic configuration diagram of the embodiment Sectional drawing explaining the structure of the water level sensor of the embodiment Control block diagram of the embodiment The figure explaining the operation part of the embodiment The flowchart explaining the operation | movement from the driving | operation start of the embodiment to completion | finish. The flowchart explaining the control regarding the water level at the time of normal operation of the embodiment

Next, a mist generator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 is an instrument main body, 2 is the ventilation opening formed in the upper part of the instrument main body 1, and the louver 3 is installed, 4 is an operation part provided with a plurality of switches, and various operation commands are formed, 5 is formed in the instrument body 1 front center part A suction port for taking air into the instrument main body 1, a drain tank storage door 6 installed at the lower part of the instrument main body 1, and allowing the drain tank 7 installed inside to be taken out by pulling a handle, 8 is stored in the drain tank A water supply door that is located next to the door 6 and accommodates a water supply port of the water supply tank 9 installed therein, and a water level window 10 is formed at the lower portion of the water supply door 8 so that the amount of water remaining in the water supply tank 9 can be visually observed. , 11 is a tire portion that is installed at the bottom of the instrument body 1 and allows the instrument body 1 to move.

  Reference numeral 12 denotes a water storage chamber that is installed in the apparatus main body 1 and stores a predetermined amount of water. The water storage chamber 12 is provided with a cylindrical rotating body 13 that is submerged in water and supported by a drive shaft. ing.

  The rotating body 13 has a hollow inverted conical shape and gradually increases in diameter upward, and is driven by a mist motor 14 that is connected to a drive shaft and rotationally drives the rotating body 13 to rotate the rotating body 13. The water in the water storage chamber 12 is pumped up by the centrifugal force of rotation, and the water is pushed up along the outer wall and the inner wall of the rotating body 13, and the pushed up water is scattered around the outer wall of the rotating body 13. Then, the water pushed up along the inner wall of the rotating body 13 is scattered from a plurality of scattering ports (not shown) formed at the upper end of the rotating body 13 to the surroundings.

  Reference numeral 15 denotes a cylindrical porous body that is located on the outer periphery of the rotating body 13 at a predetermined interval and rotates together with the rotating body 13. The porous body 15 includes a large number of slits, a metal mesh, and punching metal on its entire peripheral wall. A porous portion 16 is installed as a colliding body composed of, etc., and the rotating body 13, the mist motor 14 and the porous portion 16 constitute humidified air generating means. The water in the water storage chamber 12 is pumped up and air is scattered, and the water droplets that have passed through the porous portion 16 are crushed, so that the water particles are refined and nanometer (nm) mist is generated. A large amount of negative ions is generated by the Leonard effect due to finer particles.

  Reference numeral 17 denotes a blower fan that causes air to flow by being driven at a predetermined number of revolutions. The blower blows out indoor air sucked from a suction port 5 formed on the front surface of the instrument body 1, and connects the water storage chamber 12 and the blower passage 18. By allowing the air to pass through and blowing from the air outlet 2, humidified air containing nanomist and negative ions generated in the water storage chamber 12 is supplied to the room.

  A heater 18 is installed in the water storage chamber 12 and heats the water storage. The heater 18 is installed on the outer wall of the water storage chamber 12 and is turned ON / OFF so that the temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 19 detects the water storage temperature. Switch the state appropriately.

  A water level sensor 20 is installed in the water storage chamber 12 and detects the water level by the upper and lower sides of the float 21. The water level sensor 20 outputs an ON signal which is a high water level signal when the heater 18 exists below the water surface. When the heater 18 is exposed above the water surface, the low water level sensor 20a that outputs an OFF signal, which is a low water level signal, and the bottom of the rotating body 13 are in the water of the water storage chamber 12 and can suck up water. A high water level sensor 20b that outputs an ON signal that is a high water level signal at the time of the water level, and that outputs an OFF signal that is a low water level signal when the bottom of the rotating body 13 is exposed from the water and cannot suck up the water. The low water level sensor 20a controls the heater 18 so that the heater 18 is always below the water surface during operation of the apparatus body 1 so that the water storage chamber 12 is not emptyed. Sa 20b is a purpose of the instrument body 1 is the bottom of the rotary body 13 during operation is controlled not exposed from the water surface of the water storage chamber 12.

  Here, the structure of the water level sensor 20 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the low water level sensor 20 a and the high water level sensor 20 b include a float 21 having a buoyancy that floats on water, and a float fixture that sandwiches the float 21. 22, a donut-shaped magnet 23 installed above the float fixture 22, and a float shaft 24 that pivotally supports the float fixture 22 so that it can move up and down within a predetermined range. When the float 21 and the float fixture 22 move up and down in conjunction with the change in the water level in the water storage chamber 12, the position of the magnet 23 changes, and a reed switch (not shown) built in the float shaft 24 is attached to the magnet 23. When the magnetic force is detected, an ON signal is output when the water level is high, and an OFF signal is output when the water level is low.

  A donut-shaped gap 25 is formed between the float fixture 22 and the float shaft 24 so that the float fixture 22 can move up and down within a predetermined range. When dust such as water droplets pumped up at 13 and generated by the porous portion 16 or fine dust in the air entering through the suction port 5 enters the gap 25, the salt contained in the water droplets precipitates or dust is collected in the gap. Since the float fixing tool 22 is difficult to move up and down, the water level cannot be detected accurately.

  In such a state, the water level control during normal operation, which will be described later, stops the humidification operation and notifies an error indicating that the water level sensor 20 is malfunctioning. It is possible to prevent a situation in which water continues to be supplied into the chamber 12 and water overflows from the water storage chamber 12 or the drain tank 7.

  26 is a water supply pipe having one end connected to the water storage chamber 12 and the other end provided with a predetermined clearance at the bottom of the water supply tank 9. A water supply pump 27 serving as a water supply switching means for flowing into the water storage chamber 12 and a flow rate sensor 28 for detecting the flow rate of water flowing in the water supply pipe 26 are installed.

  Reference numeral 29 denotes a drainage pipe having one end connected to the bottom of the water storage chamber 12 and the other end installed at the upper part of the drainage inlet 30 of the drainage tank 7. A drain valve 31 for controlling drainage of water in the chamber 12 is provided.

  32 is a blower temperature sensor that is installed on the wall surface of the blower port 2 and detects the temperature of the humidified air blown into the room. 33 is a blower temperature sensor that is installed in the vicinity of the blower fan 17 and sucks in the air from the suction port 5. An intake air temperature sensor 34 is a humidity sensor that is installed in the vicinity of the intake air temperature sensor 33 and detects the humidity in the room in which the appliance body 1 is installed. The mist motor is based on the temperature and humidity detected by each sensor. 14 and the rotation speed of the blower fan 17 are changed, and the ON / OFF state of the heater 18 is switched.

  Reference numeral 35 denotes a filter installed in the air passage 18, which replenishes large water droplets in the humidified air containing nanomist and negative ions generated in the water storage chamber 12 so as not to reach the air outlet 2. Further, the vicinity of the air blowing port 2 and the installation surface of the instrument body 1 are prevented from getting wet.

  36 is an overflow pipe having one end connected to the wall surface of the water storage chamber 12 and the other end installed at the upper part of the water supply inlet 37 of the water supply tank 9. When the water level sensor 20 fails and no full water detection is possible, Even if the water supply pump 27 continues to be driven and water supply into the water storage chamber 12 does not stop, water can be returned to the water supply tank 9 through the overflow pipe 36, so that water can surely overflow from the water storage chamber 12. Can be prevented.

  38 is a drainage float installed in the drainage tank 7, 39 is a magnet that moves up and down by operating the drainage float 38, and 40 is a proximity sensor that determines ON / OFF based on the presence or absence of magnetic force of the magnet 39. As the amount of water in the drain tank 7 increases, the drain float 38 gradually rises and the distance between the magnet 39 and the proximity sensor 40 decreases, and when the drain tank 7 is nearly full, the proximity sensor 40 outputs an ON signal. By closing the drain valve 31, the situation where water leaks from the drain tank 7 is reliably prevented.

  Reference numeral 41 denotes a louver motor that is connected to a support shaft (not shown) of the louver 3 and rotates the louver 3 to a predetermined angle, and rotates the louver 3 to a predetermined angle when the humidification operation is started or stopped.

  The operation unit 4 includes an operation switch 42 for instructing start and stop of operation, a hikarie switch 43 for performing silent operation for reducing the operation sound by reducing the rotation speed of the mist motor 14 by a predetermined value, and humidified air. A timer on / off switch 44 for setting whether or not to perform a timer operation for starting or stopping the humidifying operation, a clock adjusting switch 45 for setting the current time, and a humidifying operation for supplying humidified air to the room Timer adjustment switch 46 for setting the start time and stop time, humidification switch 47 for selecting the amount of humidified air supplied to the room from three stages of humidification levels, and the amount of humidified air supplied to the room from the three levels of airflow levels An air volume switch 48 to be selected, and a display unit 49 that displays the humidification level and the air volume level set by the humidification switch 47 and the air volume switch 48. The display switch 50 changes the display item on the display unit 49 from humidification, airflow level to humidity, current time, etc., and when the switch is pressed for 3 seconds, the drain valve 31 is opened to force the water in the water storage chamber 12 A drain switch 51 for draining automatically and a child lock switch 52 for prohibiting operations other than operation stop are provided.

  The operation unit 4 is provided with a lamp corresponding to each switch. The operation lamp 53 that is turned on when the operation switch 42 is operated, and the timer on / off switch 44 is operated to operate the timer on / off control. A timer lamp 54 that turns on a lamp in a mode set by any of the controls, and a display that turns on a predetermined lamp corresponding to the detected humidity displayed on the display unit 49 and the morning and afternoon items of the current time An item lamp 55, a drain lamp 56 that lights when the drain switch 51 is operated and the drain valve 31 is opened, and a child lock lamp 57 that lights when the child lock switch 52 is operated and the child lock is set. It has been.

  58 is a control unit composed of a microcomputer for controlling the operation content and the opening / closing of the valve based on the detection value detected by each sensor and the setting content of each switch provided on the operation unit 4. The mist motor control means 59 for driving at a predetermined rotational speed, the blower fan control means 60 for driving the blower fan 17 at a predetermined rotational speed, and the water temperature in the water storage chamber 12 by changing the ON / OFF state of the heater 18. The heater control means 61 for controlling the time, the time measuring means 62 for counting the time elapsed from the start of a specific operation, and the integrated water amount supplied to the water storage chamber 12 by integrating the flow rate values detected by the flow sensor 28. A water supply amount calculating means 63 for calculating is provided.

Next, the operation from the start to the end of operation in one embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
First, when the operation switch 42 of the operation unit 4 is operated or the operation start time set by the timer on / off switch 44 is reached, the control unit 58 opens the drain valve 31 and water in the water storage chamber 12. When the OFF signal is detected by the low water level sensor 20a and the high water level sensor 20b, the water supply pump 27 is started to drain the water in the water supply pipe 26, and the drain valve 31 is closed when a predetermined time has elapsed. A water replacement mode is performed (step S101).

  When the water replacement mode in step S101 is completed, the control unit 58 supplies the water in the water supply tank 9 into the water storage chamber 12 through the water supply pipe 26 and starts calculating the amount of water supplied by the water supply amount calculation means 63. When the ON signal of the high water level sensor 20b is detected, it is assumed that a predetermined amount of water has been supplied into the water storage chamber 12, and then the feed pump 27 is stopped. A startup mode for dropping water droplets is performed (step S102), and if the ON signal of the high water level sensor 20b is not detected even if 0.6 L is calculated by the water supply amount calculation means 63, the operation proceeds to a water level variable operation described later.

  When the start-up mode in step S102 is completed, the control unit 58 drives the louver motor 41 to stop the louver 3 at a position perpendicular to the upper surface of the instrument body 1, and is set by the humidification switch 47 and the air volume switch 48. Based on the humidification level and the air flow level, the mist motor control means 59 and the blower fan control means 60 control the respective rotational speeds so that the mist motor 14 and the blower fan 17 are driven at a predetermined rotational speed, and the water storage temperature Based on the detection value of the sensor 19, the heater 18 is switched and controlled by the heater control means 61, so that the water storage temperature in the water storage chamber 12 is a predetermined temperature that matches the humidification level and the air flow level. A normal operation mode for performing a humidifying operation within the range is performed (step S103).

  Here, the normal operation mode will be described in detail. The mist motor control means 59 changes the rotational speed of the mist motor 14 within the range of 800 to 1400 rpm, and the blower fan control means 60 sets the blower fan 17 within the range of 400 to 800 rpm. In the water storage chamber 12 so that the temperature detected by the blast temperature sensor 32 becomes a value that matches the humidification level. The water heater temperature is changed, and the heater heater 18 switches the ON / OFF state of the heater 18 so that the temperature detected by the water reservoir temperature sensor 19 changes within a range of about 30 to 40 ° C.

  When the operation switch 42 is turned OFF in the middle of the normal operation mode after starting the normal operation mode in step S103 or when the humidification operation stop time set by the timer ON / OFF switch 44 is reached, the control unit 58 The louver motor 41 is driven to make the louver 3 stand still in an open state of about 20 ° with respect to the upper surface of the instrument body 1, the heater 18 is turned on to heat the water, and the detected value by the water storage temperature sensor 19 The sterilization operation for sterilizing the water in the water storage chamber 12 by switching the ON / OFF state of the heater 18 so that the temperature changes between 63 ° C. and 65 ° C. is executed for a predetermined time of 10 minutes, and 10 minutes After a lapse of time, a cooling operation for cooling the inside of the water storage chamber 12 is performed, and then a cleaning mode is performed in which the drain valve 31 is opened to drain the water in the water storage chamber 12 (step S104). .

  When the cleaning mode in step S104 is completed, the control unit 58 causes the mist motor control unit 59 and the blower fan control unit 60 to drive the mist motor 14 and the blower fan 17 at a predetermined number of revolutions for a predetermined period of time, thereby A drying mode is performed to dry the air (step S105). When a predetermined time has elapsed, the mist motor 14 and the blower fan 17 are stopped to end the drying mode, and the louver motor 41 is driven to close the louver 3. It will be stopped.

Next, the failure determination operation of the water level sensor 20 in the normal operation mode of the present invention will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
First, when the normal operation mode is started, the control unit 58 determines whether an OFF signal of the high water level sensor 20b has been detected (step S201), and if it is determined that an OFF signal of the high water level sensor 20b has been detected, the feed pump 27 Is switched to the ON state to supply water into the water storage chamber 12, and a water level variable operation is started in which the water supply amount calculation means 63 calculates the integrated water amount supplied into the water storage chamber 12 based on the detection value of the flow sensor 28. (Step S202).
If it is determined that the ON signal of the high water level sensor 20b is detected, the normal operation is continued assuming that the amount of water in the water storage chamber 12 is sufficient (step S203).

When the water supply pump 27 is switched to the ON state in step S202 and calculation of the integrated water amount supplied into the water storage chamber 12 is started by the water supply amount calculation means 63, the control unit 58 detects the OFF signal of the high water level sensor 20b. (Step S204), and if it is determined that the OFF signal has been detected, it is determined whether the amount of water supplied to the water storage chamber 12 is a predetermined integrated value of 0.6L or more or the calculation result of the water supply amount calculation means 63 ( Step S205) When it is determined that the amount of water to be supplied is 0.6L or more, the water pump 27 is switched to the OFF state to stop the water supply, and the time elapsed since the time measuring means 62 switched the water pump 27 to the OFF state is counted. Is started (step S206), and if it is determined that the amount of supplied water is less than 0.6 L, the determination in step S204 is repeated.
If it is determined in step S204 that the ON signal of the high water level sensor 20b has been detected, it is determined that the amount of water in the water storage chamber 12 is sufficient, and the water supply pump 27 is switched to the OFF state to stop water supply into the water storage chamber 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S203 and the normal operation is continued.

When the feed water pump 27 is switched to the OFF state in step S206 and the elapsed time is started to be counted by the time measuring means 62, the control unit 58 determines whether an OFF signal of the high water level sensor 20b is detected (step S207), and the OFF signal. Is detected, the count time in the time measuring means 62 is a predetermined time of 6 minutes which is a predetermined time for blowing air into the room as humidified air with a volume of about 0.3 L where the lower part of the rotating body 13 is not exposed from the water surface of the water storage chamber 12. (Step S208), if 6 minutes have elapsed, the water level variable operation is terminated, the water pump 27 is turned on again, and the second water level variable operation for supplying water into the water storage chamber 12 is performed. Start (step S209), and if 6 minutes have not elapsed, the process returns to step S207 to determine whether the high water level sensor 20b is in an OFF state.
If it is determined in step S207 that the ON signal of the high water level sensor 20b has been detected, it is determined that the amount of water in the water storage chamber 12 is sufficient, and the process proceeds to step S203 to continue normal operation.

When the water supply pump 27 is switched to the ON state in step S209 and the second water level variable operation is started, the control unit 58 determines whether an OFF signal of the high water level sensor 20b is detected (step S210) and detects the OFF signal. If it is determined that the amount of water supplied to the water storage chamber 12 is a predetermined amount that compensates for the amount of water of about 0.3 L of the predetermined amount consumed by blowing the water in the water storage chamber 12 as humidified air for 6 minutes in step S208. The second integrated value of 0.9L or more is determined from the calculation result of the water supply amount calculation means 63 (step S211), and if the supply water amount is determined to be 0.9L or more, the water supply pump 27 is switched to the OFF state. The water supply is stopped and the counting of the time elapsed since the water supply pump 27 is switched off by the time measuring means 62 is started (step S212). If determined to be smaller than .9L, it repeats the determination of the step S210.
If it is determined in step S210 that the ON signal of the high water level sensor 20b has been detected, it is determined that the amount of water in the water storage chamber 12 is sufficient and the water supply pump 27 is switched to the OFF state to stop water supply into the water storage chamber 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S203 and the normal operation is continued.

When the water supply pump 27 is switched to the OFF state in step S212 and the elapsed time is started to be counted by the time measuring means 62, the control unit 58 determines whether the OFF signal of the high water level sensor 20b is detected (step S213), and the OFF signal. Is detected for a second predetermined time in which the count time in the time measuring means 62 is blown into the room as humidified air with a volume of about 0.3 L where the lower part of the rotating body 13 is not exposed from the water surface of the water storage chamber 12. It is determined whether or not 6 minutes have passed (step S214), and if 6 minutes have passed, the second water level variable operation is terminated, and it is displayed that some abnormality has occurred in the high water level sensor 20b and the water level cannot be detected. An error is notified by displaying an abnormality of the water level sensor 20 on the portion 49 (step S215), and the drain valve 31 is opened to drain the water in the water storage chamber 12. Then, it flows into the drainage tank 7 and continues to drive the blower fan 17 for a predetermined time, thereby shifting to the drying operation of the water storage chamber 12 and the rotating body 13 to end the humidification operation. It returns to step S213 and it is judged whether the high water level sensor 20b is an OFF state.
If it is determined in step S213 that the ON signal of the high water level sensor 20b has been detected, it is determined that the amount of water in the water storage chamber 12 is sufficient, and the process proceeds to step S203 to continue normal operation.

  As described above, after the water level in the water storage chamber 12 is lowered and the high water level sensor 20b outputs an OFF signal, the water supply pump 27 is driven to supply a predetermined amount of water, and then the high water level sensor 20b is turned off. If the signal remains output, the water level in the water storage chamber 12 waits for a predetermined time during which the bottom of the rotating body 13 is not exposed by the humidification operation, and the water level variable operation is performed to determine whether the high water level sensor 20b outputs an ON signal. As a result, during the humidification operation, water droplets enter the gap 25 between the float fixture 22 and the float shaft 24 to form a water film, and the slide resistance increases, making it difficult for the float fixture 22 to move up and down. Even so, the water level in the water storage chamber 12 rises and falls due to the variable water level operation, and the float fixture 22 moves up and down by breaking the water film in the gap 25 due to the buoyancy of the float 21 and the undulation of water in the water storage chamber 12. Since the rate rises, it is possible to prevent the error notification of the high water level sensor 20b caused by a water film is formed in the gap 25.

  If the high water level sensor 20b continues to output an OFF signal after completion of the water level variable operation in which water is supplied to the water storage chamber 12 and waits for a predetermined time, water is supplied again into the water storage chamber 12 for a predetermined time. By performing the second water level variable operation for standby, water droplets enter the gap 25 between the float fixing tool 22 and the float shaft 24 during the humidification operation, thereby forming a water film, increasing the sliding resistance and fixing the float. Even if the tool 22 becomes difficult to move up and down, the second water level variable operation is performed to increase the time during which the water level in the water storage chamber 12 rises and falls. Since the probability that the float fixing device 22 moves up and down by breaking the water film in the gap 25 is further increased, the error notification of the high water level sensor 20b due to the formation of the water film in the gap 25 can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, if the water level sensor 20 outputs an ON signal, the water level is high, and if the water level sensor 20 outputs an OFF signal, the water level is low. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an OFF signal is output. If the high water level and the ON signal are output, the control may be performed so that the water level is low, and can be changed depending on the characteristics of the water level sensor 20 and the installation environment.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a standby time after supplying a predetermined integrated amount into the water storage chamber 12 in the water level variable operation and a standby after supplying a predetermined second integrated amount of water in the second water level variable operation. Although the second predetermined time has been described as 6 minutes, which is the same time, it is not necessary to be the same time. For example, the predetermined time is 6 minutes, and the second predetermined time is set to 3 minutes. Control may be performed to determine whether or not there is a failure, and the predetermined time and the second predetermined time can be set within a range in which the bottom of the rotating body 13 is not exposed from the water in the water storage chamber 12 during the standby time.

  Further, even if the water level variable operation and the second water level variable operation are performed, the water level in the water storage chamber 12 does not rise significantly, so the humidification operation is continued during the water level variable operation and the mist motor 14 is driven to store the water. When the water in the chamber 12 is continuously pumped by the rotating body 13, the increase in the viscous resistance of the water received by the rotating body 13 due to the increase in the water level in the water storage chamber 12 can be minimized, so that the rotating body 13 is driven to rotate. It is possible to minimize the increase in the load of the mist motor 14 at the time and contribute to the extension of the life of the parts and the suppression of the increase in power consumption.

  Further, the water level in the water storage chamber 12 after the water level variable operation and the second water level variable operation are not significantly increased compared to the water level in the water storage chamber 12 after the end of the normal humidifying operation. Thus, even if the water in the water storage chamber 12 flows into the drainage tank 7 through the drainage pipe 29, the water in the water storage chamber 12 can be sufficiently received by a single drainage if the drainage tank 7 is empty. Therefore, there is no need for an operation of causing the water in the water storage chamber 12 to flow into the drainage tank 7 multiple times and draining the water in the drainage tank 7 to a washroom or the like, thereby preventing usability from being lowered.

  Further, the configuration and control contents in the present embodiment are presented as examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and can be implemented in various other forms. Various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Instrument body 12 Water storage chamber 13 Rotating body 14 Mist motor 16 Porous part (impact body)
17 Blower fan 20 Water level sensor 21 Float 26 Water supply pipe 27 Water supply pump (water supply switching means)
58 control unit 63 water supply amount calculation means

Claims (3)

A device body, a water storage chamber in the device body for storing water, a water supply pipe connected to the water storage chamber for flowing water to be supplied to the water storage chamber, and installed in the water supply pipe in the middle of the water supply chamber A water supply switching means for switching between a water supply permission state for permitting water supply and a water supply stop state for stopping water supply, a water supply amount calculating means capable of calculating the amount of water supplied to the water storage chamber, and installed in the water storage chamber A water level sensor that outputs a high water level signal when the float around the shaft moves up and down to a high water level, and a low water level signal when the float is low, and a humidified air generating means for generating humid air from the water in the water storage chamber And a blower fan that performs a humidifying operation for supplying humidified air generated by the humidified air generating means into the room,
When a low water level signal of the water level sensor is detected during the humidifying operation, the water supply switching means is switched to a water supply permission state to start supplying water into the water storage chamber, and when a high water level signal of the water level sensor is detected, A controller for switching the water supply switching means to the water supply stop state,
When the control unit detects a low water level signal of the water level sensor during the humidifying operation, the control unit switches the water supply switching unit to a water supply permission state and starts calculating the amount of water supplied into the water storage chamber by the water supply amount calculation unit. When the water supply amount calculated by the water supply amount calculation means has reached a predetermined integrated value, a water level changing operation is performed in which the water supply switching means is switched to a water supply stop state and waits for a predetermined time, and the predetermined time If the high water level signal of the water level sensor cannot be detected before the time elapses, the humidification operation is stopped and an abnormality of the water level sensor is reported as an error.   If the high water level signal of the water level sensor cannot be detected until the predetermined time has elapsed after the water level variable operation is performed, the control unit switches the water supply switching unit to a water supply permission state and supplies the water supply amount calculation unit. When it is determined that the supplied water amount calculated by the water supply amount calculating means has reached a predetermined second integrated value increased by a predetermined amount from the predetermined integrated value, the water supply switching means is in a water supply stop state. If the high water level signal of the water level sensor cannot be detected before the second predetermined time elapses, the humidifying operation is performed. A humidifying device characterized by stopping and notifying an error of the water level sensor.   The humidified air generating means is scattered by the rotation of the cylindrical rotating body that submerges the lower end in the water storage chamber, draws water by rotation and scatters, the mist motor that rotationally drives the rotating body, and the rotating body. The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the humidifying device is configured by a collision body that collides with water.

Images