JP2018071819A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier that can improve usability in cleaning a water tank part and a vaporization filter, and is excellent in quality maintenance and safety.SOLUTION: A humidification operation is continued when a water level in a water tank part 6 detected by water level detection means 16 is a first predetermined water level or more after cleaning notification means 21 is activated, and if it is detected that the water level is less than the first predetermined water level, power supply to a heater 11 for warm air is stopped. At the same time, a drought operation to reduce the water level is performed so that by driving an air blower 10, the water level becomes a second predetermined water level or less lower than at least the first predetermined water level.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifying device that humidifies indoor air, and more particularly to a humidifying device that can easily clean a water tank and a vaporization filter.

  Some conventional humidifiers are designed to prompt the user to clean the water tank part and the vaporization filter by judging the cleaning time of the water tank part and the vaporization filter disposed in the water tank part and notifying the user. For example, as in Patent Document 1, an integration unit that integrates the energization time to the heater is provided, and when the integrated value of the energization time reaches a predetermined value, it is informed that it is the cleaning time of the heating tank and prompts cleaning. It is.

  Moreover, when the water level in a water tank part becomes below a predetermined value like patent document 2, by turning on the warm air heater and performing the drying process of the vaporization filter, the water remaining in the water tank part or the vaporization filter is removed. There are things that prevent the propagation of miscellaneous bacteria and the generation of malodors.

JP-A-10-141716 JP 2003-56874 A

  In Patent Document 1, after the cleaning time is notified, it is necessary to remove the water tank part from the humidifying device main body in order to clean the water tank part, but when there is still a sufficient amount of water remaining in the water tank part, the water tank part is removed. Since the water in the aquarium part may be shaken and spilled on the floor due to vibrations given at the time of transportation or transportation, it is not convenient for users who perform cleaning.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, since the water remaining in the water tank part is evaporated, the inconvenience when removing the water tank part is reduced, but the filter drying process is performed every time the water level in the water tank part becomes a predetermined value or less. Since the drying process is unnecessarily performed, and the next humidification operation requires time for water to be absorbed again into the vaporization filter once dried, the rise time of the humidification operation is delayed. It was.

  Furthermore, since the warm air heater is used during the filter drying process, the partially dried water tank section and the vaporization filter are directly exposed to the heat from the warm air heater. For this reason, if the end of the drying process is not properly judged, hot air will continue to be blown in the dry state, and not only will the speed of deterioration and deformation be accelerated by heat damage, but also the water tank There is a possibility that the quality and safety of the product may be impaired because there is a risk of ignition from the part and the vaporization filter.

  This invention is for solving the said subject, and while improving the usability at the time of cleaning a water tank part and a vaporization filter, it aims at providing the humidification apparatus excellent in quality maintenance and safety | security.

  The present invention includes a water tank unit that stores a certain amount of water, a vaporization filter that sucks and wets the water in the water tank unit, and passes indoor air sucked from an intake port through the vaporization filter as humidified air from a blower outlet. A blower that blows out, a heater for hot air that heats air sent from the blower to the vaporization filter, a water level detection means that detects the water level of the water in the water tank, and a cleaning time of the water tank and the vaporization filter are notified. In the humidifying apparatus comprising: a cleaning notification unit; and a controller that controls the drive of the blower and energization of the warm air heater to perform a humidification operation, and operates the cleaning notification unit, the control unit includes: After operating the cleaning notification means, if the water level in the water tank portion detected by the water level detection means is equal to or higher than a first predetermined water level, the humidifying operation is continued, When it is detected that the temperature is lower than the constant water level, the energization to the warm air heater is stopped and the blower is operated to reduce the water level so that the blower is driven to at least a second predetermined water level lower than the first predetermined water level. It is related with the humidifier characterized by performing.

  In addition, when the water level in the water tank unit is detected to be less than a first predetermined water level during the humidifying operation, the water supply notifying unit is provided to prompt water supply, and the control unit operates the water supply notifying unit during the drought operation. First, when the drought operation is finished, the water supply notifying means is operated.

  Moreover, the said control part is related to the humidification apparatus of Claim 1 or 2 which continues drought operation until the said vaporization filter dries.

  Moreover, the said control part is related to the humidification apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3 which drives the said air blower continuously at the time of drought operation.

  By using the above-described configuration, usability when cleaning the water tank section and the vaporization filter is improved, and a humidifier excellent in quality maintenance and safety can be provided.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the humidification apparatus of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional block diagram of the humidification apparatus of this invention. It is a figure explaining the display operation part of the humidification apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram of the control part of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the drought driving | operation of this invention.

  BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The best mode of the present invention, which is considered preferable, will be briefly described by showing the effects of the present invention.

  In the humidifying device of the present invention, after the cleaning time is notified, the control unit determines whether or not the water level in the water tank portion has reached the first predetermined water level, and the operation is switched. If it is detected, the operation is shifted to a drought operation for reducing the water level so that it is at least equal to or lower than the second predetermined water level lower than the first predetermined water level. In other words, the humidification operation is continued as long as water is supplied even after the cleaning time is notified, but the water remaining in the water tank is vaporized when the supply of water is lost and the water level becomes lower than the first predetermined water level. The amount of water is reduced to such an extent that water does not spill even when the water tank is tilted. Thereby, if a water tank part is removed after completion | finish of drought operation, it can prevent that a water spills out of a water tank part with the vibration at that time. Moreover, since the drought operation is performed only when cleaning is necessary, the inconvenience that the start-up of the humidification operation is delayed can be suppressed.

  In addition, during drought operation, water is vaporized only by driving the blower without using a warm air heater, so even if the water volume is reduced and the water tank or vaporization filter is partially dried, Does not cause damage. Thereby, not only can the deterioration and deformation of the water tank part and the vaporization filter be suppressed, but also the danger of ignition from the water tank part and the vaporization filter due to overheating can be avoided.

  Moreover, even if it detects that the water level in a water tank part is less than a 1st predetermined water level, if a water supply alerting | reporting means is shifted to a drought operation, a water supply alerting | reporting means will not be operated immediately but a drought operation will be carried out. It was made to operate after it was finished. In other words, not only can the user notice the end of the drought operation but also does not notify the water supply during the drought operation, so it is possible to prevent the user from replenishing water while reducing the amount of water in the water tank part in advance. Can do.

  The drought operation was continued until the vaporization filter was completely dried. In other words, after the drought operation is complete, the germ filter is in a state where it is difficult for bacteria to propagate, so even if it is forgotten to be cleaned and left for a while, the generation of malodor from the vapor filter can be suppressed.

  In addition, the blower was continuously driven while the drought operation was performed. That is, when the drought operation is started, the blower is continuously driven without stopping until the drought operation is finished, so that the water remaining in the water tank portion can be surely vaporized to reduce the amount of water.

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

  1 and 2 are views showing the external appearance and internal configuration of the humidifier. On the upper surface of the main body 1 of the humidifier, there are provided a display operation unit 2 having various switches for inputting instructions for starting / stopping the operation of the humidifier, setting humidity, and the like, and an outlet 3 for blowing humidified air. Yes. An air inlet 4 for taking indoor air into the main body 1 is provided on the back surface of the main body 1, and a water supply tank 5 for supplying water is detachably provided on the side surface of the main body 1.

  Further, at the bottom of the main body 1, a water tank unit 6 that stores a certain amount of water supplied from the water supply tank 5, and a vaporization filter 7 that is disposed in the water tank unit 6 and absorbs and wets the water stored in the water tank unit 6. Has been placed.

  A blower 10 including a motor 8 and a sirocco fan 9 is provided above the vaporization filter 7, and the blower 10 is driven to blow air to a blower path from the intake port 4 to the blowout port 3. In addition, a warm air heater 11 is provided upstream of the vaporization filter 7 in the air blowing path to heat the air introduced from the intake port 4 to produce warm air.

  Furthermore, the control board 13 provided with the control part 12 for controlling operation | movement of a humidifier is provided in the upper part of the air blower 10, and this control board 13 is humidity which detects the humidity of various electronic components and indoor air. A sensor 14 is arranged and fixed to the main body 1 with the mounting surface of the electronic component facing down.

  A water tank detection unit 16 that detects the water level in the water tank unit 6 is provided in the water tank unit 6 and the water tank storage unit 15 in which the water tank unit 6 is stored. In this embodiment, a float sensor that determines the water level by detecting magnetism from the float that rotates according to the water level is used as the water level detection means 16.

  A first predetermined water level indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 is a water level serving as a reference for determining whether or not water supply is required in the water tank unit 6, and is determined by the water level detection means 16. In addition, the second predetermined water level is a water level that should be lowered by a drought operation to be described later. This is because the water remaining in the water tank portion 6 remains even if the water tank portion 6 is detached from the main body 1 and tilted or shaken. The water level is such that it does not spill out beyond the top of the top.

  The water level detection means 16 detects whether or not the water level in the water tank unit 6 is equal to or higher than the first predetermined water level and sends a signal to the control unit 12. Further, when it is detected that the water level has dropped below the first predetermined water level, the control unit 12 stops energizing the warm air heater 11. Although the float sensor is used in the present embodiment, the water level detection means 16 is not limited to the above. For example, the presence or absence of liquid is detected by a change in light depending on the presence or absence of liquid on the prism reflection surface provided with a light emitting element and a light receiving element. An optical liquid level sensor may be used.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the display operation unit 2. Each operation switch is provided in the display operation unit 2, and after the operation switch 17 for instructing start / stop of operation of the humidifier, the humidity setting switch 18 for setting the target humidity, and the vaporizing filter 7 are cleaned. A maintenance reset switch 19 for turning off a maintenance lamp 21 described later is provided.

  In addition, each display lamp is provided in the display operation unit 2, and cleaning that blinks when it is time to clean the humidity setting lamp 20 that turns on the target humidity set by the humidity setting switch 18 and the vaporizing filter 7. It has a maintenance lamp 21 as a notification means and a water supply lamp 22 as a water supply notification means that blinks when the water in the water supply tank 5 runs out. Further, the display operation unit 2 includes a humidity display unit 23 that displays the current humidity in the room detected by the humidity sensor 14 in a segmented manner. In addition, what is comprised by the group of several lamps is shown with the broken-line enclosure.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 12. Reference numeral 12 denotes a control unit. On the input side of the control unit 12, each operation switch such as an operation switch 17 is connected, and a humidity sensor 14 and a water level detection means 16 are also connected. Further, display lamps such as a care lamp 21 and a humidity display unit 23, a blower 10, and a warm air heater 11 are connected to the output side of the control unit 12.

  Next, the operation of the humidifier in the above configuration will be described. When the operation switch 17 of the display operation unit 2 is operated to start operation, and when the target humidity is selected by the humidity setting switch 18, the blower 10 is driven. The taken-in air becomes humidified air when passing through the vaporizing filter 7 and is discharged from the blowout port 3 to perform a humidifying operation. Moreover, since the inside of the main body 1 becomes negative pressure when the blower 10 is driven, indoor air is taken in around the humidity sensor 14 provided on the control board 13, and the humidity sensor 14 detects the indoor humidity. Then, a signal is sent to the control unit 12.

  When the humidification operation is started in this manner, the control unit 12 calculates the difference between the set humidity set by the humidity setting switch 18 and the detected humidity detected by the humidity sensor 14, and the rotational speed of the blower 10 and the hot air are calculated. The humidification amount is adjusted so that the energization rate to the heater 11 is controlled to approach the set humidity. For example, when the detected humidity is smaller than the set humidity and the difference is large, the humidification operation is performed so that the rotational speed of the blower 10 and the energization ratio to the warm air heater 11 are maximized and the set humidity is quickly brought close to. Thereafter, if the detected humidity becomes a predetermined value or more with respect to the set humidity, or if the detected humidity is maintained for a certain period of time, it is determined that the detected humidity has entered the stable region, and the rotational speed of the blower 10 and the hot air heater 11 are determined. The humidification operation is continued until the detected humidity falls below a predetermined value with respect to the set humidity.

  Further, when water is consumed by the operation of the humidifier and the water in the water supply tank 5 runs out, the water level in the water tank unit 6 decreases, and when the control unit 12 detects that the water level is lower than the first predetermined water level, the water supply lamp 22 is blinked to notify that water supply to the water supply tank 5 is necessary.

  Further, since the water tank unit 6 and the vaporization filter 7 require regular maintenance against the growth of dirt and germs due to long-term use, the control unit 12 is powered on regardless of the operation time. Thereafter, the cleaning determination time t1 is measured, and when a predetermined time T1 (eg, 336 hours (= 14 days)) has elapsed, the maintenance lamp 21 blinks to notify the user that the cleaning time has come. When the maintenance lamp 21 flashes, the user removes the water tank unit 6 from the main body 1 and cleans the water tank unit 6 and the vaporization filter 7, then installs the water tank unit 6 in the main body 1 and operates the maintenance reset switch 19. The maintenance lamp 21 is turned off. The determination of the notification timing of the cleaning time is not limited to the above, and for example, it may be determined based on the integrated value of the energization time to the blower 10 and the warm air heater 11.

  In the humidifying device of the present invention, when the water level falls below the first predetermined water level after the cleaning time is notified, the normal humidifying operation shifts to a drought operation for reducing the water remaining in the water tank section 6. The operation of this drought operation will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the cleaning determination time t1 has passed the predetermined time T1, the control unit 12 determines that the cleaning time for the water tank unit 6 and the vaporization filter 7 has been reached, causes the care lamp 21 to flash, and informs the user that the cleaning time has come. Notification is made (step 1).

  After the cleaning time is notified, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the water level in the water tank unit 6 is lower than the first predetermined water level based on a signal from the water level detection means 16 (step 2), and if it is equal to or higher than the first predetermined water level. If judged, normal humidification operation is continued.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 2 that the water in the water tank 5 and the water tank unit 6 has gradually disappeared and the water level in the water tank unit 6 has dropped below the first predetermined water level, the control unit 12 uses the heater for hot air. 11 is stopped, and only the blower 10 is driven to shift to a drought operation that vaporizes and reduces the water remaining in the water tank 6 (step 3).

  When the drought operation is started, the control unit 12 starts measuring the drought operation time t2 (step 4). The blower 10 is continuously driven during the drought operation time t2. Meanwhile, it is determined whether the drought operation time t2 has passed the predetermined time T2 (step 5). When the predetermined time T2 has passed, the driving of the blower 10 is stopped and the drought operation is ended (step 6). Here, the predetermined time T2 is set in the control unit 12 in advance as a driving time (for example, 30 minutes) of the blower 10 required until the water level of the water tank unit 6 is lowered to at least the second predetermined water level or less. In the present embodiment, the end of the drought operation is determined based on the elapse of the predetermined time T2. However, the determination method is not limited to the above. For example, the second predetermined water level may be detected by the water level detection means 16.

  Further, even when the detected humidity rises to a predetermined value or higher after the start of the drought operation, the control unit 12 continuously drives the blower 10 until the predetermined time T2 elapses without stopping. . Further, even when the humidification operation is stopped due to the excessive humidification state, when it is determined that the water level has decreased to less than the first predetermined water level due to natural vaporization after the cleaning time is notified, the control unit 12 forces the blower 10 to Drive again and start drought operation. By this control, water remaining in the water tank 6 can be surely vaporized to reduce the amount of water.

  By carrying out the above drought operation, the amount of water can be reduced to the extent that it does not spill out beyond the upper end of the wall surface of the water tank section 6 even if the water tank section 6 is tilted. Therefore, cleaning the water tank section 6 and the vaporization filter 7 Even if vibration is given, for example, by removing or transporting the water tank part 6, water can be prevented from spilling from the water tank part 6. Since this drought operation is performed only when the water tank 6 or the vaporization filter 7 needs to be cleaned, the start of the next humidification operation is delayed due to the time required to perform the drought operation and absorb water. Inconvenience can be suppressed.

  Further, since the warm air heater 11 is not used during drought operation, the amount of water is reduced, and the water tank 6 and the vaporization filter 7 in a partially dried state are not damaged by heat. 7 can be prevented from progressing, and the risk of ignition from the water tank 6 or the vaporization filter 7 due to overheating can also be avoided.

  Further, the drought operation may be performed until the water amount is further reduced to a level lower than the second predetermined water level, or the drought operation time t2 may be continued until the vaporization filter 7 is completely dried. As a result, the vaporization filter 7 is in a state where it is difficult for germs to propagate. Even if the humidification device is not used without forgetting to clean even after the cleaning time has passed, The generation of malodor from 7 can be suppressed. In the unlikely event that you forget to clean up and use the humidifier, the foul odor will not occur.

  After completing the drought operation in Step 6, the control unit 12 blinks the water supply lamp 22 to notify the user that there is no water in the water supply tank 5 and the water tank unit 6 (Step 7). In addition to the water supply lamp 22, notification may be made by sounding a buzzer or the like. That is, while notifying the user of water supply, the user is also informed that the drought operation has ended. Thereby, the user can clean the water tank part 6 and the vaporization filter 7 as soon as it notices the water supply notification. In addition, since the water supply notification is not performed during the drought operation, it is possible to prevent the user from replenishing water while reducing the amount of water in the water tank unit 6 in advance.

  If the user replenishes the water supply tank 5 during the drought operation in Step 5, water is supplied into the water tank 6 and the water level rises. When it is detected again that the water level is equal to or higher than the first predetermined water level (step 8), the control unit 12 interrupts the drought operation and resumes the normal humidification operation (step 9). Thereafter, the process returns to step 2 to determine whether the water level has fallen again below the first predetermined water level.

6 Water tank section 7 Vaporization filter 10 Blower 11 Heater for hot air 12 Control section 16 Water level detection means 21 Cleaning notification means (care lamp)
22 Water supply notification means (water supply lamp)

Claims (4)

  A water tank unit that stores a certain amount of water, a vaporization filter that sucks up and wets the water in the water tank unit, a blower that blows indoor air sucked from an intake port through the vaporization filter and blows out as humid air from a blowout port, A warm air heater for heating the air sent from the blower to the vaporization filter, a water level detection means for detecting the water level in the water tank section, and a cleaning notification means for informing the cleaning timing of the water tank section and the vaporization filter; A humidifying apparatus comprising: a controller that controls driving of the blower and energization of the heater for hot air to perform a humidifying operation, and operates the cleaning notification unit; and the control unit includes the cleaning notification unit When the water level in the water tank portion detected by the water level detecting means is equal to or higher than the first predetermined water level, the humidifying operation is continued and the first predetermined water level is not If it is detected, the current supply to the warm air heater is stopped and the blower is driven to perform a drought operation to reduce the water level to be at least a second predetermined water level lower than the first predetermined water level. A humidifier characterized by.   Provided with water supply notification means for urging water supply when it is detected that the water level in the water tank portion is lower than a first predetermined water level during humidification operation, the control unit does not operate the water supply notification means during drought operation, 2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the water supply notification means is activated when the drought operation is completed.   The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit continues drought operation until the vaporizing filter is dried.   The humidifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit continuously drives the blower during drought operation.

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