JP3589342B2 - humidifier - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a humidifier having a heater and an evaporating dish for humidifying an atmosphere in a use place such as a room with water, and having an electric circuit for displaying a time for cleaning the evaporating dish body on a display panel. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 5 is a principle sectional view showing the structure of a conventional electric heater heating type humidifier.
In the humidifier shown in FIG. 5, reference numeral 1 denotes a water supply tank of a cartridge type, reference numeral 2 denotes a water outlet which is opened and closed by a valve, and a tank cap attached to the water supply tank 1; A water receiver, which is supplied with water in a tank and is maintained at a constant water level, 4 is an evaporating dish in which water is supplied from a water receiver 3 through a rubber hose 5, and 6 is a heating element comprising an electric heater for heating the evaporating dish 4. Reference numerals 8 denote steam outlets for discharging the steam guided by the steam guide tube 7 adjacent to the evaporating dish 4 to the outside.
[0003]
Next, the operation of the humidifier will be described. In the humidifier, when the user sets the cartridge type water supply tank 1 in the water receiving portion 3, the water in the water supply tank 1 is supplied to the water receiving portion 3 through the water outlet of the tank cap 2. The water in the water receiver 3 held at a constant water level is supplied to the evaporating dish 4 through the rubber hose 5, and the inside of the evaporating dish 4 is also held at the same water level as the water receiver 3. The evaporating dish 4 is heated by a heater 6 such as a heater, and converts water in the evaporating dish 4 into steam.
[0004]
By the way, the water in the evaporating dish 4 is heated, boiled and evaporated by the heating element 6, but impurities of the water remain in the evaporating dish 4 and the water receiving portion 3 and when used for a long time, calcium in the underwater component becomes And the concentration of magnesium and the like becomes high, and water scale adheres to the evaporating dish 4 and the water supply path, and the adhesion accumulates and accumulates.
In order to remove such deposits, a descaling filter has been put into the evaporating dish 4 and floated on the water surface.
[0005]
However, conventional descaling filters are made of various types of filter materials such as felt and non-woven fabric, such as cylindrical and disc-shaped, and are sold as accessories that differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. The side has to purchase a filter specified by the manufacturer, which is difficult to handle.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the conventional humidifier is configured as described above, there are unexpectedly many scales adhering to the main body, especially to the evaporating dish, and there are adverse effects such as fluctuations in humidification characteristics, water leakage due to penetration into the packing, and further deterioration. In addition, the scale once adhered and hardened is hardly removed. Therefore, if the humidification time is prolonged, water scale adheres to the evaporating dish, and the amount of humidification decreases, and also adversely affects the main body. However, the fact was that it could not be completely removed.
[0007]
Therefore, when the cleaning time is used for a certain period of time, a message is displayed to notify the user of the cleaning (see JP-A-10-141716, JP-A-08-270990, etc.).
However, since the amount of scale generated varies depending on the use conditions and the water used, there is a problem that the display of the related art does not indicate the cleaning time according to the actual use.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier capable of cleaning an evaporating dish in accordance with a use entity and reducing troubles against water scale. .
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The humidifier of the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and has the following configuration.
The present invention, heating and water supply tank of the cartridge type, a water receiving portion for water water supply tank is held constant level is supplied, the evaporating dish water Ru is supplied from the water receiving portion, the the evaporated Hatsusara A heating element for converting the water in the evaporating dish into steam, and discharging the steam to the outside by blowing with a blower , in a proper position in the main body, detecting the drainage of water from the water receiving portion. Providing a drainage detecting means and integrating means for integrating the energizing time to the heating element, and a control section for controlling the energization of the heating element and the operation of the blower, a water quality selection switch , A first correction unit that performs a first correction based on the humidification amount operation on the integrated value of the energization time, and performs a second correction based on the water quality selected by the selection switch on the integrated value of the energization time to the heating element. Second correction means and first correction means Preliminary second correction means is one having a first correction and a second display means for displaying the cleaning information of the evaporating dish based on correction has been energized time integrated value.
According to the present invention, the first correction means based on the humidification amount operation is provided on the integrated value of the energization time to the heating element and the integrated value of the energization time to the heating element (heater). The first correction based on the humidification amount operation ( humidification generation amount mode ) can be performed based on the difference in the amount of generated (adhered), and the time to clean the evaporating dish can be notified, so that the shape is close to actual use. In addition, there is no variation in cleaning time.
Further, the present invention are those selected switch water quality is provided, relative to the integrated value of the energizing time to the heating body (heater) is provided with a second correction means for performing a second correction based on the selected quality der Ru. By this way, by the correction based on the difference further water quality on the integrated value of the energization time of the heating body (heater), to inform when to clean evaporating dish is made equal to the actual use, evaporating dish The display of the cleaning time of the item becomes accurate.
In the present invention, an auxiliary tank for temporarily storing water to be supplied from the water receiving section to the evaporating dish, and a lid for a drain port for draining the water in the auxiliary tank are provided. A switch that performs ON / OFF operation when the lid is attached to / removed from the camera can be used. Thus, when removing the lid of the auxiliary tank, the switch is Ri Do to OFF, operation is simplified.
Further , in the present invention, there may be provided a scale detecting means for detecting a temperature of the evaporating dish and detecting that scale is attached to the evaporating dish based on the detected temperature . In this case, immediate execution of cleaning due to the adhesion of water scale is encouraged, and failure of the appliance can be promptly prevented.
Further, in the present invention, the display information of the cleaning information may blink a display lamp when the water scale detecting means detects that water scale has adhered to the evaporating dish as a display for notifying the cleaning time. Further, the cleaning information display means may turn on a display lamp when the cumulative energization time of the heating body (heater) reaches a predetermined time as a display for notifying the cleaning time . In this case, the division between enlightenment (prompting) of cleaning to the user and warning (warning of failure due to water scale) can be clarified, and cleaning can be performed in a timely manner, which is hygienic and reduces the performance of the evaporating dish. Can be prevented.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Regarding the configuration of the humidifier provided with the evaporating dish according to the embodiment, the overlapping part with the humidifier shown in FIG. 5 described in the section of the related art is omitted, and in the description of this embodiment, the same components are not included. The same reference numbers are used below.
[0011]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the humidifier according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a second correction table of the water quality and the energization time.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 1, the humidifier has a main body 10 of a housing that covers the entire outer peripheral surface, and the following is accommodated and arranged in the main body 10.
A water supply tank 1 of a cartridge type is provided on the upper front side of the main body 10, and a tank cap 2 having a water outlet opened and closed by a valve is attached to a lower part of the water supply tank 1. Have been. In addition, the water supply tank 1 is supported at a lower portion on the front side of the main body 10 with the tank cap 2 positioned below, and the water in the water supply tank 1 is supplied via the tank cap 2 and is maintained at a constant water level. A water receiver 3 is provided.
[0013]
An auxiliary tank 9 in which water from the water receiving portion 3 is temporarily stored through a hose 5 made of an elastic material such as rubber, and a drain port for draining water from the auxiliary tank 9 are provided at a lower rear portion of the main body 10. A lid 11, an evaporating dish 4 for boiling and evaporating water, and a heating element 6 provided around the evaporating dish 4 and made of an electric heater for heating the evaporating dish 4 are provided.
In the upper rear part of the main body, a steam discharge opening 8 for discharging the steam guided by the steam guide tube 7 adjacent to the evaporating dish 4 upward is opened, and this steam guide tube 7 is not shown. The steam is forcibly discharged from the discharge port 8 to the outside by blowing air from the blower.
[0014]
Further, an operation unit 13 provided with various switches such as a switch 13a for selecting the quality of water in the water supply tank 1 and a humidification amount selection switch 13b is provided on a front surface of the main body 10 of the humidifier. Further, a temperature detecting means 14 such as a thermostat is provided adjacent to the evaporating dish 4. A switch 12 that is turned on / off by attaching / detaching the lid 11 is provided at a drain port of the auxiliary tank 9 as a drain detecting unit that detects drain from the water receiving unit 3.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 2, the electric control system of the humidifier receives a water quality selection switch 13a, a humidification amount setting switch 13b, and the like, and outputs the driving of the heating element 6, the display of the display unit 23, and the like. An accumulating unit 21 for accumulating the energizing time to the body (heater) 6 and a control for detecting the presence / absence of cleaning of the evaporating dish 4 via the switch 12 and energizing the heating body 6 and controlling a blower (not shown). The microcomputer 20 includes a unit 22 and a display unit 23 for displaying a humidification operation state.
[0016]
The humidifying operation of the humidifier according to the embodiment will be described.
When the cartridge type water supply tank 1 is set in the water receiver 3, the water in the water supply tank 1 is supplied to the water receiver 3 through the water outlet of the tank cap 2, and is maintained at a constant water level. The water in the water receiver 3 is supplied to the evaporating dish 4 through the hose 5, and the inside of the evaporating dish 4 is maintained at the same water level as the water receiver 3.
The evaporating dish 4 is heated by the heating element 6 and converts water in the evaporating dish 4 into steam. The steam generated by the evaporating dish 4 is discharged to the outside from the steam discharge port 8 by, for example, being blown by a blower (not shown) through the steam guide tube 7.
[0017]
Also, as shown in FIG. 2, in the humidifier, when the energization to the heating element (heater) 6 starts, the integration unit 21 starts to accumulate the energization time, and when the integrated value reaches, for example, 150 hours, the control is started. The unit 22 illuminates (continuously illuminates) the “care lamp” 24 provided on the display unit 23 (an example of a cleaning information display) to urge the cleaning of the evaporating dish 4.
However, since the amount of scale generated depends on the amount of humidification, even if only the energization time to the heating element 6 is simply integrated, the operating conditions are different. Therefore, the first correction of the time is required depending on the operation mode of the humidification amount. Based on the data, the humidification amount and the energization time to the heating element 6 are multiplied by, for example, a first correction value shown in FIG. 3 to obtain an energization time (A). In the example of FIG. 3, the first correction values in the humidification amount operation mode of “large”, “normal”, and “low” are “1.2”, “1.0”, and “0.8”. However, this is merely an example, and other correction values can be appropriately set according to the operating capacity of the humidifier, the humidifier operating environment, and the like.
[0018]
Further, since the amount of scale attached to the evaporating dish 4 varies depending on the water quality, not only the above-mentioned correction of the humidification amount but also the correction of the water quality is necessary. The quality of the water used for the vessel was selected by selecting from the three levels of "large", "normal" and "small", such as the amount of impurities such as magnesium and calcium contained in the water. For the water quality, the energization time (B) is calculated by multiplying the energization time (A) by, for example, the second correction (“1.3”, “1.0”, “0.7”) in FIG. The value of the time (B) is integrated as a true integrated value of the cleaning time of the evaporating dish 4. Note that the second correction value in FIG. 4 is an example, and it is needless to say that other correction values can be appropriately set according to the humidifier operating capability, the humidifier operating environment, and the like.
[0019]
The user notices the lighting of the “care lamp” 24 on the display unit 23, removes the steam discharge port 8 and the steam guide tube 7 from the main body 10, cleans the scale of the evaporating dish 4, and removes the evaporating dish 4. The scales accumulated in the auxiliary tank 9 and the water receiving section 3 are removed by removing the lid 11 of the auxiliary tank 9 and discharging the water containing the scale. At this time, the switch 12 which is being operated in conjunction with the lid 11 is operated to initialize the integrated value obtained by integrating the energization time (B) to the heating element 6 and to clean the evaporating dish 4. The display of the “care lamp” 24 on the display unit 23 that has been prompted is also released.
[0020]
When the accumulated value of the energizing time (B) of the heating element 6 is 150 hours or less, a large amount of water scale adheres to the evaporating dish 4, the evaporating performance is reduced, and the humidifying operation is evaporated while the humidifying amount is excessive or insufficient. The continuous operation is performed without cleaning up to the accumulated time (B) of 150 hours of the energization time (B) of the heating element 6 indicating the cleaning time of the plate 4.
In the embodiment, a thermostat 14 for detecting temperature is provided around the evaporating dish 4 as a scale detecting means for this measure. In other words, if water scale adheres or accumulates inside the evaporating dish 4, the heat transfer to water becomes poor and the evaporating performance decreases, and conversely, the heat dissipation from the evaporating dish 4 to the outside increases. The temperature is detected by a thermostat 14 which distributes heat near the evaporating dish 4. The control unit 22 causes the detection signal to be a scale detection signal, and when the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, causes the “care lamp” 24 of the display unit 23 to blink as a warning display urging the user to clean the display. To stop the humidification operation automatically.
[0021]
As described above, in the humidifier according to the embodiment, the control unit 22 integrates the integration of the energization time to the heating element 6 and corrects the integrated value of the energization time to the heating element 6 based on the humidification amount operation. Because the means is provided, the first correction can be performed in the humidification generation mode based on the fact that the amount of scale generated (adhered) differs depending on the amount of humidification generated, and the time for cleaning the evaporating dish can be notified. The shape is close to use, and there is no variation in cleaning time.
[0022]
Further, a water quality selection switch 13a is provided so that a second correction based on the water quality can be performed on the integrated value of the energizing time to the heating element 6 so that the difference in water quality can be calculated by integrating the energizing time to the heating element 6. By further correcting the value, notifying the cleaning time of the evaporating dish 4 becomes equivalent to actual use, and the display of the cleaning time of the evaporating dish 4 becomes accurate.
[0023]
Further, a switch 12 is used as the drainage detecting means, and the switch 12 is provided in a discharge portion of the auxiliary tank 9 so that the switch 12 is turned off when the lid 11 of the auxiliary tank 9 is removed, so that the resetting operation is omitted. Can be operated easily.
[0024]
When detecting the drainage of water from the auxiliary tank 9 or the water receiving portion 3, the integrated value of the energizing time of the heating element 6 is initialized when draining water containing scale from the water receiving portion 3. In order to remove the lid 11, the switch 12 is turned off, the integrated value of the energizing time to the heating element 6 is cleared, and when the lid is attached again, the switch is turned on and the integrated value becomes zero. Since it starts from, there is no operation of cancellation, and the complexity of operation is eliminated.
[0025]
Further, when drainage of water from the auxiliary tank 9 or the water receiving section 3 is detected, the display urging the cleaning of the evaporating dish is canceled, and the scale containing the scale from the auxiliary tank 9 or the water receiving section 3 is included. When draining the water, the switch is turned off to remove the lid 11, and the display for prompting the cleaning of the evaporating dish is automatically turned off.
[0026]
Further, a scale detecting means for detecting that scale is attached to the evaporating dish 4 is provided. The thermostat 14 detects heat dissipation to the outside of the evaporating dish 4, and automatically stops the humidifying operation. By flashing the display lamp to display a warning prompting cleaning, prompting the immediate execution of cleaning can promptly prevent equipment failure.
[0027]
In addition, in the display for urging the cleaning, a display notifying the cleaning time is provided, and when the accumulated time of energization of the heater reaches a predetermined time, the display lamp ("care lamp" 24) is turned on (continuously turned on), When the detecting means detects that the scale has adhered to the evaporating dish, the display lamp blinks to notify the user of the difference in the scale of the scale. The lighting of the lamp is a warning of cleaning, and the blinking of the lamp is a warning that prompts the user to clean the evaporating dish immediately, because the ability of the lamp is not functioning due to the reduced evaporation performance. Can be clarified and cleaning can be performed in a timely manner. Therefore, the humidifier is always sanitary and the performance of the evaporating dish is prevented from deteriorating.
[0028]
【The invention's effect】
In the humidifier according to the present invention, a humidifying unit is provided which integrates the energizing time to the heating element and integrates the accumulated value of the energizing time to the heating element (heater) based on the humidification operation. Based on the amount of scale generated (adhered) depending on the amount, the first correction based on the humidification amount operation can be applied to inform the cleaning time of the evaporating dish. The variation disappears. Further, a water quality selection switch is provided so that a second correction based on water quality can be performed on the integrated value of the energization time to the heating element (heater). by the integrated value further corrected based on the difference in the water quality, to inform when to clean evaporating dish is made equal to the actual use, the display of the cleaning timing of the evaporation pan is accurately.
Moreover, the use of a switch as waste detection means, using which operates ON-OFF at the mounting and dismounting of the lid of the waste to Mizuguchi draining water this switch auxiliary tank, when removing the lid of the auxiliary tank, the switch It turns off and operation becomes simple.
Further , a scale detecting means for detecting that scale is attached to the evaporating dish is provided, and heat dissipation to the outside of the evaporating dish is detected by a temperature detector, and the humidifying operation is automatically stopped, By flashing the display lamp to display a warning prompting cleaning, prompting the immediate execution of cleaning can promptly prevent equipment failure.
In the display means for prompting the cleaning, when the cumulative time of energization of the heater reaches a predetermined time as a display for notifying the cleaning time, a display lamp is turned on. When it is detected, the indicator lamp blinks to notify the user of the difference in the scale adhesion, so that turning on the lamp has the meaning of enlightenment of cleaning, and blinking of the lamp reduces the evaporation performance and reduces the performance. Since it has not been demonstrated, it has the significance of a warning to prompt the cleaning of the evaporating dish.It is hygienic because it clarifies the user's enlightenment of cleaning and the classification of warning, and can perform cleaning in a timely manner. At the same time, deterioration of the performance of the evaporating dish is prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a humidifier according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a first correction table of the humidification amount and the energization time of the humidifier according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a second correction table of water quality and energizing time of the humidifier according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a schematic structure of a conventional humidifier.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water supply tank 2 Tank cap 3 Water receiving part 4 Evaporating dish 5 Hose 6 Heating body (heater)
7 steam guide tube 8 steam discharge port 9 auxiliary tank 10 humidifier main body 11 discharge port lid 12 switch 13 operation unit 13a, 13b water quality selection switch, humidification amount setting switch 14 thermostat 20 microcomputer 21 integration unit 22 control unit 23 display unit 24 Maintenance lamp

Claims (5)

A water supply tank cartridge type, a water receiving portion for water water supply tank is held constant level is supplied, the evaporating dish water Ru is supplied from the water receiving unit, the evaporating dish and heated the evaporated Hatsusara A heating element for converting water in the inside into steam, and a humidifier that discharges the steam to the outside by blowing by a blower ,
At an appropriate position in the main body, a drainage detecting unit that detects drainage of water from a water receiving unit is provided, and an integrating unit that integrates an energizing time to the heating unit, and controls energization of the heating unit and operation of the blower. And a control unit.
Water quality selection switch,
First correction means for performing a first correction based on the humidification amount operation to the integrated value of the energization time to the heating element,
A second correction unit that performs a second correction based on the water quality selected by the selection switch on the integrated value of the energization time to the heating element,
Humidifier characterized by having a display means for displaying the cleaning information of the evaporating dish based on the first correction means and the first correction and the second correction has been energized time integrated value by the second correction means. An auxiliary tank for temporarily storing water to be supplied to the evaporating dish from the water receiving portion, and a drain port lid for draining water from the auxiliary tank are provided,
2. The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the drainage detection unit uses a switch that is turned on / off by attaching / detaching a lid to / from the drainage port . 3. The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a scale detecting means for detecting a temperature of the evaporating dish and detecting that scale is attached to the evaporating dish based on the detected temperature . 4. The humidifier according to claim 3 , wherein the display unit for displaying the cleaning information blinks a display lamp when the water scale detection unit detects that water scale adheres to the evaporating dish, as a display for notifying a cleaning time . 5. . The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the display unit for displaying cleaning information turns on a display lamp when a cumulative time of energization of the heating element reaches a predetermined time as a display for notifying a cleaning time. Humidifier as described.

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