JP4935874B2 - Humidity control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidity control apparatus having a dehumidifying function and a humidifying function.

  Conventionally, as a typical humidity control apparatus having a dehumidifying function and a humidifying function in one unit, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-152408), Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-307777). And a humidity control device using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and a humidity control device using an adsorbing element, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-241838).

  The humidity control apparatus described in Patent Document 1 dehumidifies by dehydrating moisture in the air with an evaporator during dehumidifying operation, and humidifies with an ultrasonic humidifier during humidifying operation. In the humidity control apparatus described in Patent Document 2, moisture in the air is condensed by the evaporator during the dehumidifying operation, and the water in the water storage tank is heated and humidified during the humidifying operation. In addition, the humidity control apparatus described in Patent Document 3 has a rotating disk-shaped adsorption element, and dehumidifies the adsorption element by adsorbing moisture in the air during the dehumidifying operation, and during the humidifying operation. The adsorbing element is humidified by releasing warm water.

  However, although the humidity control apparatus described in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3 can maintain the humidity of the humidity control target space at the set humidity, the humidity control target space is actively cleaned by humidity control. Never do.

  The subject of this invention is providing the humidity control apparatus which cleans the humidity control object space by humidity control.

A humidity control apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a humidity control apparatus that adjusts humidity in a humidity control target space where a person lives and is subject to humidity control, and includes a dehumidifying unit, a humidifying unit, a humidity sensor, and a control unit. And. The dehumidifying unit removes moisture from the air to dehumidify, and the humidifying unit has a water tank, and evaporates the water supplied from the water tank to humidify it. The humidity sensor detects the humidity of the humidity adjustment target space. The control unit performs a dehumidifying operation for operating the dehumidifying unit and a humidifying operation for operating the humidifying unit. In addition, the control unit performs a clean operation mode in which moisture is diffused to the humidity adjustment target space under a predetermined condition and then the operation is switched to the dehumidification operation to dehumidify and dry the humidity adjustment target space a plurality of times. Execute. Furthermore, the control unit switches from the humidifying operation in the clean operation mode to the dehumidifying operation when it is determined that the humidity adjustment target space has become high humidity via the humidity sensor. Further, the control unit switches from the dehumidifying operation to the humidifying operation when it is determined that the humidity adjustment target space is dried via the humidity sensor.

  In this humidity control device, water molecules capture odorous components in the humidity control target space (for example, odorous components attached to wallpaper, curtains, and clothes in the room) during humidification, and the water molecules that capture the odorous components during dehumidification dehumidify. Is collected and discarded. Moreover, since it dehumidifies from high humidity, mold | fungi and bacteria can be killed by dry shock.

  A humidity control apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the humidity control apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein when the control unit determines that the humidity control target space has become high humidity via the humidity sensor or from the start of the humidification operation. When the time has elapsed, switch from humidifying operation to dehumidifying operation in clean operation mode. Further, the control unit switches from the dehumidifying operation to the humidifying operation when it is determined that the humidity adjustment target space is dried via the humidity sensor or when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the dehumidifying operation.

  A humidity control apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the humidity control apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising a human body detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person in the humidity control target space. When it is determined that there is no person through the human body detection sensor, the control unit executes the clean operation mode.

  In this humidity control device, the controller monitors the presence or absence of a person in the humidity control target space with a human body detection sensor and does not execute the clean operation mode while a person is present. Giving is prevented.

  A humidity control apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the humidity control apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising an illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance of the humidity control target space. When it is determined that there is no person via the illuminance sensor, the control unit executes the clean operation mode.

  In this humidity control device, the control unit monitors the presence or absence of a person in the humidity control target space with an illuminance sensor, and does not execute the clean operation mode while a person is present and lighting is being used. It is possible to prevent a person from feeling uncomfortable due to replacement.

  In the humidity control apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the invention, water molecules capture the odorous component in the humidity control target space during humidification, and the water molecule that captured the odorous component during dehumidification is recovered by dehumidification and discarded. Moreover, since it dehumidifies from high humidity, mold | fungi and bacteria can be killed by dry shock.

  In the humidity control apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect of the invention, the clean operation mode is not executed while a person is present, so that it is possible to prevent the person from feeling uncomfortable due to switching of operation.

The perspective view of the humidity control apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the main body upper part of a synchronous humidity apparatus. The perspective view of the state which removed the air purification unit from the humidity control apparatus. The perspective view of a dehumidification unit. The front view which looked at the dehumidification unit from the heater side. The perspective view of the state which pulled out the water tank and the vaporization element from the humidity control apparatus. The perspective view of a humidification unit. The perspective view of the humidification unit seen from the downstream of the air flow of FIG. The perspective view of an operation panel. Control flow for house keeping operation. The graph which shows the driving image of a house keep. Control flow in clean operation mode.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

<Configuration of humidity control device>
The humidity control apparatus according to the present invention has an air cleaning function, a dehumidifying function, and a humidifying function, and operates as a dehumidified air cleaning apparatus during a dehumidifying operation and as a humidified air cleaning apparatus during a humidifying operation. It can also be operated simply as an air purifier.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidity control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, in the humidity control apparatus 1, an air cleaning unit 2, a dehumidifying unit 3, a humidifying unit 4, a blower 5 and a control unit 6 are housed in a main body 10. In the present embodiment, a handle 7 is provided at the upper part of the side surface of the main body 10 so that the user can easily move the humidity control device 1, and the lower surface of the main body 10 (the surface facing the indoor floor surface). A caster 8 (see FIG. 3) is provided.

  The blower 5 is located on the side opposite to the air cleaning unit 2 with respect to the main body 10, and when viewed from the air cleaning unit 2 side, the air cleaning unit 2, the dehumidifying unit 3, the humidifying unit 4, and the blower 5 in this order. Are lined up. When the blower 5 is operating, air is sucked in from the air cleaning unit 2 side, and after passing through the dehumidifying unit 3, an air air path A that passes through the humidifying unit 4 and reaches the blower 5 is formed.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper part of the main body of the humidity control apparatus. In FIG. 2, an air outlet 11 is provided in the upper part of the main body 10, and the air purified and conditioned through the air flow path A is blown out from the air outlet 11. The air blowing direction can be changed by the louver 12 installed at the opening of the air outlet 11.

  The louver 12 includes a partition blade 120, a first wind direction adjusting blade 121, and a second wind direction adjusting blade 122. The partition blade 120 partitions the air outlet 11 into a region through which the first blown air passes and a region through which the second blown air passes. The first wind direction adjusting blade 121 directs the first blown air in the first direction, and the second wind direction adjusting blade 122 directs the first blown air in the second direction. The first wind direction adjusting blade 121 and the second wind direction adjusting blade 122 intersect with the partition blade 120 and are supported by the partition blade 120 so as to be tiltable with respect to the vertical direction. The louver 12 is driven by a motor, and in FIG. 1, the louver 12 is in a closed state. However, when the operation is started, the louver 12 is automatically opened directly above the motor.

  Further, an operation panel 60 (see FIG. 1) is provided on the upper portion of the main body 10 and is protected by the cover 13. The control unit 6 (see FIG. 1) is located below the operation panel 60, and based on a signal input from the operation panel 60, the air cleaning unit 2, the dehumidifying unit 3, the humidifying unit 4, the blower 5, and the louver. 12 is controlled. The operation mode is switched by an operation switching button on the operation panel 60.

<Air purification unit 2>
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the air conditioning unit removed from the humidity control apparatus. In FIG. 3, the air purification unit 2 includes a cover 21, a filter 22, a deodorizing catalyst 23, a dust sensor 24, and an odor sensor 25. The filter 22 and the deodorizing catalyst 23 are detachably accommodated in the accommodating portion 20 provided in the main body 10, and the deodorizing catalyst 23 is located on the downstream side of the air flow of the filter 22.

  Inside the filter 22, a prefilter, an ionization unit that charges dust positively, and a pleat filter charged negatively are arranged in order from the upstream side of the air flow. Dust in the air is removed by the prefilter, and small dust that cannot be completely removed by the prefilter is charged positively by the ionization unit and adsorbed by the negatively charged pleated filter.

  The deodorization catalyst 23 absorbs odors and harmful gases from the air that has passed through the filter 22 and decomposes them. The dust sensor 24 is provided at the upper part of the side surface of the main body 10, and the odor sensor 25 is provided above the storage unit 20.

<Dehumidification unit 3>
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dehumidifying unit. In FIG. 4, the dehumidifying unit 3 includes an adsorption element 31, a heater 32, a regeneration fan 33, a blower pipe 34, and a heat exchange unit 35. The adsorbing element 31 is a honeycomb structure, and is formed into a disk-like and porous shape by a material kneaded by mixing zeolite powder, a binder, and an expansion agent. The binder is selected from thermoplastic resins such as modified PPE, polypropylene, polystyrene, and ABS resin, for example. The expansion agent expands at the time of forming the honeycomb structure and forms innumerable bubbles. For this reason, the adsorption | suction element 31 has high adsorptivity with respect to a water | moisture content.

  The heater 32 is disposed at a location facing the downstream side surface of the adsorption element 31 with respect to the air flow path A, and is provided by a fan-shaped mounting member that can cover about one-sixth of the side surface of the adsorption element 31. It is attached.

  The regeneration fan 33 is a blower that regenerates the adsorption performance of the adsorption element 31, and is attached so as to protrude from the upper side of the adsorption element 31 to the downstream side of the adsorption element 31 with respect to the air flow path A. The heater 32 and the regeneration fan 33 are communicated with each other by a first air duct 34a so that air can flow. The air generated by the operation of the regeneration fan 33 reaches the heater 32 through the first blower pipe 34a and is heated there to become high-temperature air.

  The blower pipe 34 includes a first blower pipe 34a, a second blower pipe 34b, a third blower pipe 34c, and a fourth blower pipe 34d. The high-temperature air heated by the heater 32 travels along the thickness direction of the adsorption element 31 from the opposite side surface of the adsorption element 31 and emerges from the opposite side surface. The region through which the high-temperature air of the adsorption element 31 passes is heated by the high-temperature air and releases moisture to the high-temperature air.

  The high-temperature air that has passed through the adsorption element 31 becomes high-temperature and high-humidity air and enters the second blower pipe 34b. The 2nd ventilation pipe 34b is arrange | positioned so that the upstream side surface of the adsorption | suction element 31 may be covered with respect to the air flow path A so that the high temperature high humidity air which has passed the adsorption | suction element 31 can be collect | recovered completely. The second blower pipe 34b has a fan shape and covers about one-sixth of the side surface.

  The 3rd ventilation pipe 34c flows the high temperature, high humidity air which flows from the 2nd ventilation pipe 34b along the outer periphery of the radial direction outer side of the adsorption | suction element 31. FIG. The third blower pipe 34c is provided with a plurality of long holes 35a penetrating in the same direction as the air flow path A, and the air flowing through the air flow path A passes through the long holes 35a. Since the high-temperature and high-humidity air flowing through the third blower pipe 34c flows while contacting the wall surface of the long hole 35a, the air passing through the long hole 35a takes away heat from the high-temperature and high-humidity air. For this reason, the high-temperature and high-humidity air that has contacted the wall surface of the long hole 35a is cooled, and the wall surface of the long hole 35a is condensed. The condensed water passes through a predetermined outlet and enters a water tank 40 described later.

  The fourth air duct 34d communicates the third air duct 34c and the regeneration fan 33. The high-temperature and high-humidity air flowing through the third blower pipe 34c is sucked into the regeneration fan 33 through the fourth blower pipe 34d after contacting the wall surfaces of the plurality of long holes 35a and deprived of heat and moisture.

  The long holes 35 a are provided so as to surround the outer side in the radial direction of the adsorption element 31, and the plurality of long holes 35 a form the heat exchange part 35. The dehumidifying unit 3 is formed with a flat region 3a in which the dimension in the thickness direction is set to substantially the same value, and the third blower pipe 34c and the heat exchange part 35 are included in the flat region 3a.

  FIG. 5 is a front view of the dehumidifying unit as viewed from the heater side. In FIG. 5, the dehumidifying unit 3 further includes a drive motor 36. The drive motor 36 has a pinion gear 361, and a driven gear 311 that meshes with the pinion gear 361 is provided on the outer periphery of the adsorption element 31. While the drive motor 36 is in operation, the adsorption element 31 is rotating, contacts the air passing through the air flow path A, adsorbs moisture, releases the moisture at a position facing the heater 32, and again Contact with air passing through the air flow path A. For this reason, the adsorption | suction element 31 can repeat adsorption | suction and discharge | release of a water | moisture content.

<Humidification unit 4>
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a state in which the water tank and the vaporizing element are pulled out from the main body of the humidity control apparatus, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the humidification unit. 6 and 7, the humidification unit 4 includes a water tank 40, a vaporizing element 41, a water wheel 42, and a drive unit 43. The water tank 40 is a water source of moisture given to the air passing through the air flow path A, and is housed in the main body 10 so as to be removable. When the water in the water tank 40 is insufficient, the user pulls out from the outlet of the main body 10 and replenishes the water. In the humidity control apparatus of the present embodiment, the water captured by the dehumidifying unit 3 during the dehumidifying operation is stored in the water tank 40 and discarded during the humidifying operation. Can also be reduced.

  The vaporizing element 41 is a vaporizing member that is formed into a disk shape with a nonwoven fabric and evaporates the water sent from the water tank 40 by rotating. The vaporizing element 41 has a first gear 411 on the outer periphery, and the first gear 411 is rotated by the drive unit 43. Since the vaporizing element 41 is disposed above the water level when the water tank 40 is full, the vaporizing element 41 is not in direct contact with the water in the water tank 40.

  The water amount sensor 44 is a sensor that detects the amount of water in the water tank 40, and is provided to prevent the water tank 40 from being full or drought. The water amount sensor 44 can be replaced with a float switch.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the humidification unit viewed from the downstream side of the air flow of FIG. In FIG. 8, the water wheel 42 is rotatably supported by the water tank 40, pumps up water in the water tank 40 and discharges it toward the vaporizing element 41. In order to reduce the dimension of the humidifying unit 4 in the thickness direction, the vaporizing element 41 and the water wheel 42 face each other in close proximity to each other with their rotation axes in parallel.

  Accordingly, the water turbine 42 needs to pump water from the side surface and discharge it from the side surface toward the side surface of the vaporizing element 41, and a plurality of recesses 421 a having trapezoidal openings are provided near the outer periphery of the side surface of the water turbine 42. Yes.

  As the water wheel 42 rotates, the concave portions 421a sequentially pass through the water in the water tank 40 and rise. When the recess 421a is submerged, water enters the inside, so that the inside of the recess 421a that has come out of the water is filled with water.

  As the concave portion 421a approaches the uppermost position, water in the concave portion 421a gradually flows out, and almost all of the water flows out when the uppermost position is passed. Since some momentum is added by gravity when water flows out, the water flows out toward the side surface of the vaporizing element 41 adjacent to the concave portion 421a.

  In FIG. 8, the rotating shaft of the water turbine 42 is rotatably supported by the bearing 40a of the water tank 40, and the height from the bottom surface of the water tank 40 to the shaft core of the bearing 40a is as follows. Even when the water tank 40 is at the lowest water level, the recess 421a at the lowest position of the water wheel 42 is set to be submerged.

  Further, since the upper half of the bearing 40a is open, when the water tank 40 is pulled out from the main body 10, the user can take out the water wheel 42 from the water tank 40 and clean it.

  The water tank 40 can be taken out from the drawer opening 14 of the main body 10 by pulling out the drawer-type first door 10a, and the vaporizing element 41 can be opened by opening the rotary second door 10b. 15 can be taken out. Thus, the user can take out the water tank 40 to replenish water and wash the water wheel 42, and can take out the vaporizing element 41 and replace it.

  In addition, the excess or deficiency of the water in the water tank 40 can be visually confirmed from the window part 10c provided in the 1st door 10a. In the present embodiment, the window portion 10c is a rectangular hole, and a convex portion 40c (see FIG. 8) formed in advance in the water tank 40 is fitted in this hole. The user can see the water level reflected on the convex part 40c through the hole of the window part 10c.

  As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the vaporizing element 41 is formed in a shape that does not project the rotating shaft in order to facilitate removal from the main body 10. Therefore, the vaporizing element 41 is supported by the first gear 411 meshing with the drive gear 431 and the second gear 423. In order for the first gear 411 to maintain a stable posture, the drive gear 431 and the second gear 423 are positioned below the rotation axis of the first gear 411 and are relative to the vertical center line of the vaporizing element 41. They are located on opposite sides. For this reason, even if the vaporizing element 41 is not supported by the shaft, the vaporizing element 41 can rotate stably. When the vaporizing element 41 is taken out from the main body 10, there is no protruding shaft, so that it can be easily taken out without being caught inside the main body 10. .

<Operation panel 60>
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the operation panel. In FIG. 9, on the operation panel 60, an operation on / off button 61, an operation switching button 62, an air volume selection button 63, a humidity selection button 64, a course selection button 65, a timer selection button 66, an auto louver button 67, and a recommendation Buttons 68 are provided, and by pressing each button, a signal corresponding to the pressed button is input to the control unit 6 disposed below the operation panel 60. The control unit 6 includes a microcomputer and a memory.

(Description of each button)
The operation on / off button 61 is a button for turning on / off the power supply to the humidity control device 1. After the power plug is inserted into the outlet, the operation starts when the button is pressed and stops when the button is pressed again. .

  The operation switching button 62 is a button for selecting an operation mode, and one of “air cleaning”, “humidification”, and “dehumidification” can be selected. The “humidification” described here is a humidification operation while purifying air. When the set humidity is reached, the humidification operation is stopped, but the air purification operation is performed as it is. Similarly, “dehumidification” is a dehumidifying operation while purifying the air. When the set humidity is reached, the dehumidifying operation is stopped, but the air cleaning operation is performed as it is.

  The air volume selection button 63 is a button for selecting an air volume level, and can select any one of “automatic”, “shizuka”, “standard”, “turbo”, and “pollen”. When “Automatic” is selected, the air volume is automatically adjusted according to the dirt of the air. When “Turbo” is selected, the air is quickly removed with a large air volume. When “pollen” is selected, the air volume is switched between “standard” and “shizuka” every 5 minutes, and a gentle air current is generated to capture the pollen before it falls to the floor.

  The humidity selection button 64 is a button for selecting a humidity level, and can select any one of “lower”, “standard”, “higher”, and “continuous”. As a standard of humidity, “low” is 40%, “standard” is 50%, and “high” is 60%.

  The course selection button 65 is a button for selecting an operation corresponding to the season and the living environment, and one of “internal drying”, “housekeeping”, “laundry drying”, and “throat / humidification” is selected. Can be selected.

  The timer selection button 66 is a button for setting an operation time, and one of 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours can be selected. The installation time can be selected even during timer operation.

  The auto louver button 67 is a button for swaying the louver 12, and when pressed when the louver 12 is swaying, stops at the position at that time. The recommendation button 68 is a button for automatically selecting operation details.

<Operation Example of Operation Panel 60>
(Recommended)
When the recommendation button 68 is pressed after the operation on / off button 61 is pressed, the control unit 6 performs an operation suitable for the air state at that time, and the air volume is automatic. However, after that, even if the indoor temperature / humidity changes, the operation details are not reviewed. To review the operation details, the recommendation button 68 is pressed again.

(Air cleanliness)
After pressing the operation ON / OFF button 61, the operation switching button 62 is pressed to select “air clean”. The air volume is switched by an air volume selection button 63.

(Humidification)
After pressing the operation ON / OFF button 61, the operation switching button 62 is pressed to select “humidification”. The air volume is switched with the air volume selection button 63, and the humidity is switched with the humidity selection button 64. When the water tank 40 becomes empty, a buzzer sounds and the water supply lamp on the display unit 69 is turned on to stop the humidifying operation, but the air cleaning operation continues.

(Dehumidification)
After pressing the operation ON / OFF button 61, the operation switching button 62 is pressed to select “dehumidification”. The air volume is switched with the air volume selection button 63, and the humidity is switched with the humidity selection button 64. When the water tank 40 is full, a buzzer sounds and the full water lamp on the display unit 69 is turned on to stop the dehumidifying operation, but the air cleaning operation continues.

(Internal drying)
After pressing the operation ON / OFF button 61, the course selection button 65 is pressed to select “internal drying”. In this course, the air blowing operation is performed for about 3 hours and the inside of the main body 10 is dried, so that generation of mold can be suppressed.

(House keep)
After pressing the operation ON / OFF button 61, the course selection button 65 is pressed to select “HOUSE KEEP”. Since this course performs a dehumidifying operation in order to remove moisture that is no longer necessary after the humidifying operation, the occurrence of dew condensation can be suppressed by applying it in the winter when condensation is likely to occur. In this course, control to switch from the humidifying operation to the dehumidifying operation is performed, and details will be described later.

(Laundry drying)
After pressing the operation ON / OFF button 61, the course selection button 65 is pressed to select “Laundry Drying”. This course operation is suitable for the rainy season when humidity is high, because the indoor air is cleaned while the laundry is dried by a large air volume of about 12 hours, dehumidification operation, and the swing of the auto louver.

(Dust / Hada humidification)
After pressing the ON / OFF button 61, the course selection button 65 is pressed to select “throat / humidification”. This course is suitable for the winter season when it is easy to dry because it is moisturized to a humidity suitable for throat and skin according to the room temperature.

<Control to switch from humidification operation to dehumidification operation>
When “house keeping” is selected by the course selection button 65, the humidifying operation is started first. By this humidification operation, the humidity of the room is maintained at a preset humidity. However, when the detected value of the humidity sensor 26 reaches a predetermined value, the operation is automatically switched to the dehumidification operation.

  Hereinafter, the control flow will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a control flow of housekeeping. In FIG. 10, when the house keep is selected, the humidification automatic operation is started in step S1. In step S2, it is determined from the detection value of the humidity sensor 26 whether the humidity in the room has reached the set humidity. When the determination in step S2 is No, the humidification automatic operation in step S1 is continued until the set humidity is reached.

  When the determination in step S2 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S3, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (30 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the humidification automatic operation. In the present embodiment, the predetermined time is set to 30 minutes.

  When the determination in step S3 is No, the process proceeds to step S5, and the air cleaning operation is performed until 30 minutes have elapsed. For example, when the humidification automatic operation is started, if the humidity of the room is already equal to or higher than the set humidity, the air cleaning operation for 30 minutes is performed. When the set humidity is reached 15 minutes after the start of the humidification automatic operation, the air cleaning operation is performed for the remaining 15 minutes.

  When the determination in step S3 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S4, and the dehumidification automatic operation is started.

  FIG. 11 is a graph showing an operation image of housekeeping. As shown in FIG. 11, when the user stops the operation of a heating appliance such as an air conditioner for going to bed in the state where the house keep is selected, the temperature of the room is lowered and the relative humidity is raised. At this time, by switching to the dehumidification automatic operation, excess moisture in the room is recovered and the occurrence of condensation is suppressed.

<First Modification>
In the house keeping control, the detection value of the humidity sensor 26 reaches the set humidity as a condition for switching from the humidification automatic operation to the dehumidification automatic operation. In the first modification, in addition to the condition, the temperature sensor When the detected value of 27 falls below a predetermined temperature, the value is switched.

  As a result, even if a situation occurs in which a large amount of steam is generated and the humidity temporarily rises, such as cooking in a pot, the automatic dehumidification operation is not switched.

<Second Modification>
Further, when it is determined that the person is not in the room using the human detection sensor 28, the automatic dehumidifying operation may be switched. That is, while the person is in the room, the humidification automatic operation is continued, so that the human nasal mucosa can be moistened and virus infection can be prevented.

<Third Modification>
Furthermore, when the illumination sensor 29 is used and it is determined that there are no people in the room, the automatic dehumidification operation may be switched. That is, while the person is in the room, the humidification automatic operation is continued, so that the human nasal mucosa can be moistened and virus infection can be prevented.

<Fourth Modification>
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the control part 6 is switched to dehumidification automatic driving | operation based on the humidity which the humidity sensor 26 detected, and the predetermined time which passed since the humidification automatic driving | operation start, it is not limited to it. Alternatively, it may be switched to the dehumidifying automatic operation when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the humidifying automatic operation. For example, if humidification automatic operation is performed in a room where wallpaper is used on the wall, the automatic switching from humidification automatic operation to dehumidification automatic operation after a predetermined time has passed, so excess moisture in the room Is automatically collected, and the wallpaper in the room is prevented from being deformed or discolored due to excessive humidity.

<Fifth Modification>
The humidity control apparatus 1 can repeat the operation of dehumidifying and drying the room a plurality of times after diffusing moisture into the room by the humidification automatic operation and then switching to the dehumidification automatic operation. The operation mode is referred to as a clean operation mode for convenience. In this clean operation mode, water molecules capture odorous components adhering to the curtains and clothes in the room during humidification, and the water molecules captured odorous components during dehumidification are collected by dehumidification and discarded. Moreover, since it dehumidifies from high humidity, mold | fungi and bacteria can be killed by dry shock.

  FIG. 12 is a control flow in the clean operation mode. In FIG. 12, in step S <b> 1, the control unit 6 determines whether or not there is a person in the room by the human body detection sensor 28. If it is determined in step S1 that there is no person, the process proceeds to step S2 and the humidification automatic operation is performed. If it is determined that there is a person, the detection is continued.

  In step S <b> 3, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the room has become high humidity by the humidity sensor 26. If it is determined in step S3 that the humidity has become high, the process proceeds to step S4 to start the dehumidification automatic operation. If it is determined that the humidity is not high, detection continues.

  In step S <b> 5, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the room has been dried by the humidity sensor 26. When it determines with having dried at step S5, it progresses to step S6 and counts the frequency | count N which switched from the humidification automatic driving | operation to the dehumidification automatic driving | operation. If it is determined that it is not dry, detection is continued.

  In step S7, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the number N has reached a predetermined number (three times). When it is determined in step S7 that the predetermined number of times has been reached, the operation is stopped. If it is determined that the predetermined number of times has not been reached, the process returns to step S2.

  As a method for determining whether or not the room has become high humidity, the humidity sensor 26 and the humidifying operation time may be used in combination. Similarly, as a method for determining whether or not the room has been dried, the humidity sensor 26 and the dehumidifying operation time may be used in combination.

  The determination of whether or not there is a person in the room may use a sensor other than the human body detection sensor 28. For example, when the illumination sensor 29 is used and the illumination is turned off at night, it is determined that there is no person. You may make it do.

<Features>
(1)
In the humidity control apparatus 1, the control unit 6 determines switching from the humidifying operation to the dehumidifying operation based on the detection result of the humidity sensor 26, and thus can automatically switch to the dehumidifying operation after the humidifying operation. . For this reason, when the user stops the operation of the heating device for going to bed, the room temperature decreases and the relative humidity increases, the dehumidifying operation is automatically started, and the excess water after the humidifying operation is recovered. Moreover, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of dew condensation at a time when dew condensation tends to occur. In addition, since the temperature sensor 27 is further provided, a transition to the dehumidifying operation is performed by monitoring the temperature sensor 27 for a transient humid situation such as cooking where a large amount of water vapor is temporarily generated. Can not be.

(2)
In the humidity control apparatus 1, since the air cleaning operation is performed during the humidifying operation and the dehumidifying operation, the air can be always kept clean. Further, if the user has just set the humidity, the user is likely to be still in the space. Therefore, from the viewpoint of protecting the human nasal mucosa and preventing virus infection, the control unit 6 detects the detection result of the humidity sensor 26. Even if is a value that can permit switching to the dehumidifying operation, switching to the dehumidifying operation is not performed for a predetermined time. In addition, when the humidity reaches the set humidity within a predetermined time, the control unit 6 stops the humidification operation and performs the air cleaning operation until the predetermined time is reached.

(3)
In the humidity control apparatus 1, since the human body detection sensor 28 or the illuminance sensor 29 is provided, the presence or absence of a person in the humidity adjustment target space can be monitored by the human body detection sensor 28 or the illuminance sensor. Even if the value exceeds the set value, switching to the dehumidifying operation is not performed, and the human nasal mucosa can be protected and virus infection can be prevented, and comfort can be maintained.

  On the other hand, when priority is given to preventing excessive moisture or dew condensation, moisture recovery can be performed at the same time when it is determined that no one is present based on the detection result of the human body detection sensor 28 or the illuminance sensor 29. .

<Others>
The control described in the embodiment, the first modification, the second modification, the third modification, the fourth modification, and the fifth modification has a dehumidifying function as well as a humidity control device and a humidity control air cleaner. It can be applied to air conditioners that have. As a specific example, the embodiment, the first modified example, the second modified example, by installing the humidifying unit as disclosed in JP 2004-069174 A and having a dehumidifying function, The same effects as those described in the third modification, the fourth modification, and the fifth modification can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the present invention, humidification or dehumidification is performed while air cleaning is performed, and switching from the humidification operation to the dehumidification operation is performed while confirming the presence of the resident. Air is provided. Therefore, it is useful for an air conditioner having a dehumidifying function and a humidifying function.

1 Humidity control device 2 Air purification unit (air purification unit)
3 Dehumidification unit (dehumidification part)
4 Humidification unit (humidification part)
6 Control Unit 26 Humidity Sensor 27 Temperature Sensor 28 Human Body Detection Sensor 29 Illuminance Sensor 40 Water Tank (Water Storage Container)

JP-A-4-152408 JP-A-6-307777 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-241838

Claims (4)

A humidity control device that adjusts the humidity of a humidity control space where a person lives and is subject to humidity control,
A dehumidifying section (3) for removing moisture from the air and dehumidifying;
A humidifying section (4) having a water tank (40) and evaporating water supplied from the water tank (40) to humidify;
A humidity sensor (26) for detecting the humidity of the humidity control target space;
A controller (6) for performing a dehumidifying operation for operating the dehumidifying unit (3) and a humidifying operation for operating the humidifying unit (4);
With
The controller (6) performs a plurality of operations for dehumidifying and drying the humidity control target space by switching to the dehumidification operation after diffusing moisture into the humidity control target space by the humidification operation under a predetermined condition. Run a clean operation mode that repeats
Furthermore, the control unit (6)
Switching from the humidifying operation to the dehumidifying operation in the clean operation mode when it is determined that the humidity adjustment target space has become high humidity via the humidity sensor (27);
Switching from the dehumidifying operation to the humidifying operation when it is determined via the humidity sensor (27) that the humidity control target space is dry;
Humidity control device (1). The control unit (6)
Switching from the humidifying operation to the dehumidifying operation in the clean operation mode when it is determined via the humidity sensor (27) that the humidity control target space has become high humidity or when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the humidifying operation;
Switching from the dehumidifying operation to the humidifying operation when it is determined that the humidity control target space has been dried via the humidity sensor (27) or when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the dehumidifying operation;
The humidity control apparatus (1) according to claim 1. A human body detection sensor (28) for detecting the presence or absence of a person in the humidity control target space;
The controller (6) executes the clean operation mode when it is determined that there is no person via the human body detection sensor (28).
The humidity control apparatus (1) according to claim 1. An illuminance sensor (29) for detecting the illuminance of the humidity control target space;
The controller (6) executes the clean operation mode when it is determined that there is no person via the illuminance sensor (29).
The humidity control apparatus (1) according to claim 1.

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