JP6431602B2 - Humidifier - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a natural evaporation humidifier.

  There are natural evaporation type, electric heating type, water spray type, ultrasonic type, etc. as devices that generate air in humidified atmosphere, but natural evaporation type humidifier uses less energy and requires a small running cost. It is used especially in places where it is driven for a long time.

  In a natural evaporation type humidifier, air is humidified by passing air through a humidified humidifier. In such a humidifier, there is a case in which a detection unit that detects whether or not the humidifier is wet is provided, and operation control based on a detection result by the detection unit may be performed. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting whether or not the humidifying body is wet based on the value of current supplied to the humidifying body.

JP 2014-137201 A

  However, according to the above conventional technique, it is necessary to bring the detection means into contact with the humidifying body in order to energize the humidifying body. For this reason, there is a problem in that the detection means becomes an obstacle during maintenance, and the humidifier is taken out of the installation location, and it is difficult to re-install and the maintainability deteriorates.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the above, Comprising: It aims at obtaining the humidifier which can aim at improvement of maintainability by detecting the wetness of a humidification body, without making a detection means contact.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a main body casing in which an air air passage in which a suction port and an air outlet communicate are formed, and an air air passage provided in the air air passage. A humidifier that comes into contact with the air passing through the air passage, a water supply means for supplying water to the humidifier, a moisture detection sensor that is provided at a position away from the humidifier and detects capacitance, and an air inlet from the air inlet Control means for controlling the air blowing means and the water supply means for generating an air flow toward the outlet based on the detection result of the moisture detection sensor.

  The humidifying device according to the present invention has an effect that the maintainability can be improved by detecting the wetness of the humidifying body without contacting the moisture detection sensor.

1 is a conceptual diagram of an overall configuration of a humidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The perspective view which shows an example of the humidification element in Embodiment 1. FIG. The perspective view which shows an example of the humidification element in Embodiment 1. FIG. The perspective view with the humidification element installed on the drain pan in the main body casing in Embodiment 1 It is sectional drawing of the humidification element in Embodiment 1, Comprising: The figure which shows the example of installation of an electrode It is sectional drawing of the humidification element in Embodiment 1, Comprising: The figure which shows the other example of installation of an electrode The flowchart explaining the operation | movement procedure in the wetness detection of the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows the modification 1 of the operation | movement procedure in the wetness detection of the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 1. FIG. Flowchart showing a second modification of the operation procedure in the wetness detection of the humidifier according to the first embodiment. Sectional drawing of the humidification element in Embodiment 1 It is sectional drawing of the humidification element in Embodiment 1, Comprising: The figure which shows the other example of installation of an electrode Flowchart for explaining an operation procedure in dry detection of the humidifier according to the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the modification 1 of the operation | movement procedure in the drying detection of the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 1. FIG.

  Hereinafter, a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an overall configuration of a humidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The humidifier 30 includes a main body casing 6 in which an inlet 1 and an outlet 2 are formed. In the main body casing 6, an air air passage 3 that allows the suction port 1 and the air outlet 2 to communicate with each other is formed. The air air passage 3 is provided with a blowing means 5 which is a sirocco fan. By driving the air blowing means 5, an air flow from the suction port 1 toward the blowout port 2 is generated in the air air passage 3. By connecting a duct (not shown) to the inlet 1 and the outlet 2, air can be conveyed by a duct.

  The air air passage 3 is provided with an air purification filter 21 that collects dust contained in the air, a humidifying element 17 that humidifies the air, and a moisture detection sensor 22. The humidifying element 17 is provided with a humidifying body 17a, and the water supply tank 7 is formed above the humidifying body 17a.

  A water supply connection port 8 for supplying water to the water supply tank 7 is formed in the main body casing 6. Inside the main casing 6, water is supplied to the water supply tank 7 through a pipe 10 extending from the water supply connection port 8. A water supply valve 9 is provided in the middle of the pipe 10, and the supply and stop of water supply to the water supply tank 7 can be switched. A water supply means 11 includes the water supply connection port 8, the water supply valve 9, and the pipe 10.

  On the bottom surface of the water supply tank 7, a plurality of holes 7a are formed for dispersing the water 16 supplied by the water supply means 11 in the humidifying body 17a. The water 16 in the water tank 7 is dropped downward through the plurality of holes 7a and supplied to the humidifier 17a. The air passing through the air air passage 3 passes through the surface of the humidifier 17a and contacts the humidifier 17a. The water 16 supplied to the humidifying body 17a is vaporized, so that the air passing through the air air passage 3 is humidified.

  In the main body casing 6, a drain pan 12 is formed below the humidifying element 17. A drain port 14 is formed in the drain pan 12, and a drain connection port 13 is formed in the main body casing 6. The drain port 14 and the drain connection port 13 are connected by a pipe 14a. The water 16 that has reached the lower end of the humidifying body 17a without being vaporized by the humidifying body 17a flows on the drain pan 12 as residual water, and passes through the drain port 14, the pipe 14a, and the drain connection port 13 formed in the main body casing 6. Drained outside. The drainage means 15 includes the drainage port 14, the pipe 14 a, and the drainage connection port 13.

  The humidifier 30 controls the operation and stop of the air blowing means 5 and the opening and closing of the water supply valve 9 based on information from the operation means 20 and the moisture detection sensor 22 for operating and stopping the humidifier 30. Control means 19 is provided.

  The air blowing means 5 may be provided on the upstream side that is closer to the suction port 1 than the humidifying element 17, or may be provided on the downstream side that is closer to the air outlet 2 than the humidifying element 17. Further, it may be provided outside the main casing 6 and connected to the air air passage 3 through a duct. Further, the operation means 20 is not limited to the remote controller as illustrated, and may be an operation switch provided in the main body casing 6.

  Next, the humidifying element 17 and its peripheral structure will be described in detail. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing an example of the humidifying element 17 in the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the state which looked at the humidification element 17 from the opposite side to FIG. 2 is shown. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the humidifying element 17 installed on the drain pan 12 in the main body casing 6 in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifying element 17 in the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an installation example of the electrode 22a.

  In the humidifying element 17, a plurality of humidifying bodies 17 a are arranged inside the frame body 31. The humidifier 17a has a flat plate shape. An opening 31a is formed in the frame body 31 toward the suction port 1 side and the blower port 2 side, and air passes in the direction indicated by the arrow X in FIG. reference). The water tank 7 is formed in the frame body 31. The frame 31 is formed with a water supply port 32 that connects the pipe 10 and enables water supply to the water supply tank 7.

  As shown in FIG. 4, one or a plurality of humidifying elements 17 are directly installed on the drain pan 12. The drain pan 12 is made of a resin such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), polystyrene (PS, Polystyrene), or polypropylene (PP, Polypropylene) so as not to hinder the capacitance detection by the moisture detection sensor 22. It is desirable to use

When the metal drain pan 12 is employed, in order to prevent electric charges from escaping by joining with other parts, the electrode 22a is laid under the insulation by coating with resin or the like, or metal There are methods such as using the drain pan 12 itself as an electrode. However, it is desirable to employ a resin drain pan from the viewpoint of noise amplification and the like. The humidifying element 17 can be extracted from the main casing 6 and inserted into the main casing 6.

  The water supply means 11 for supplying water to the humidifying element 17 includes a strainer for preventing dust from entering. It is desirable that all the connecting portions of the elements of the water supply means 11 except the connecting portion with the water supply source side are concentrated on the drain pan 12.

  The humidifier 17a is formed of a porous plate material. The material may be resin or metal. As long as it is a resin, polyester such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) resin or PP resin may be used. If it is a metal, titanium, copper, stainless steel, or the like may be used. Cellulose may also be used.

  The frame 31 of the humidifying element 17 is formed by injection molding or the like using a thermoplastic plastic that does not absorb water, such as ABS resin, PS resin, or PP resin. This is to prevent the accuracy of wetness detection of the humidifying body 17a from being deteriorated by absorbing water other than the humidifying body 17a. Since it is difficult to detect the capacitance of the frame 31 by the moisture detection sensor 22, it is desirable to avoid the metal frame 31. When the metal frame 31 is used, it is electrically insulated from other portions by performing a process such as coating the surface with a resin.

The moisture absorption amount of the humidifier 17a is detected by the moisture detection sensor 22. The moisture detection sensor 22 has an electrode 22a. In addition, the moisture detection sensor 22 includes a capacitance detection circuit 22b that detects a change in capacitance between a portion facing the electrode 22a, for example, the humidifier 17a, and the electrode 22a. The output of the capacitance detection circuit 22 b is connected to the control means 19 and used for controlling the water supply means 11 and the air blowing means 5. The control unit 19, the capacitance detection circuit 22 b, the blower unit 5, and the water supply unit 11 are appropriately supplied with necessary power.

  In the humidifier 30 according to the first embodiment, based on the detection result of the moisture detection sensor 22, wetness detection for detecting that the humidifier 17a is sufficiently wet and detection that the humidifier 17a is sufficiently dry are detected. Drying detection is performed. For example, when the operation of the humidifier 30 is started, control based on the result of wetness detection is performed. Further, when the operation of the humidifier 30 is stopped, control based on the result of dry detection is performed.

  The capacitance detection circuit 22 b detects, for example, the capacitance between the electrode 22 a provided corresponding to the humidifier 17 a and the ground potential (reference potential), and outputs the detection result to the control means 19. Water has a high dielectric constant of 80 times that of air and 10 times or more that of general resins. Therefore, when the moisture content of the humidifier 17a in the vicinity of the electrode 22a changes, the capacitance detected by the capacitance detection circuit 22b changes. Based on this change in capacitance, the control means 19 can detect a change in the amount of water absorbed by the humidifier 17a.

  As a wetness detection method, for example, the amount of change in the signal of the capacitance detection circuit 22b after the start of water supply to the humidifying body 17a is observed, and the amount of change in the capacitance signal over time exceeds a certain threshold. Later, when the change in capacitance signal with time changes below a certain threshold, that is, when the humidifier 17a sufficiently absorbs water and the change in capacitance is saturated, when the humidifier 17a becomes sufficiently wet. Can be understood as

  As a drying detection method, the amount of change in the signal of the capacitance detection circuit 22b after the start of drying of the humidifying body 17a is observed, and the time when the amount of change in the capacitance signal over time falls below a certain threshold. It can be grasped as the time when the humidifying body 17a is dried.

  By using the change in electrostatic capacity after the start of water supply or the change in electrostatic capacity after the start of drying, the misalignment of the humidifying element 17 and when dust or deposits adhere to the humidifying body 17a. Even if it exists, wetness detection and dryness detection can be performed. In order to make these changes easy to read, the signal from the capacitance detection circuit 22b may be separately processed for noise due to the environment or the like.

  Next, the arrangement of the electrode 22a suitable for wetness detection will be described. The electrode 22a is preferably provided at a position where the moisture content of the humidified body 17a that is difficult to wet can be detected. If a sufficient moisture content can be detected in a portion that is difficult to wet, it can be determined that the entire humidifying body 17a is sufficiently wet. In the humidifying device 30 according to the first embodiment, water is supplied from the water supply tank 7 provided above to the humidifying body 17a, so that the vertical lower portion of the humidifying body 17a is difficult to get wet. Therefore, the electrode 22a may be laid at a position below the vertical center of the humidifying body 17a, particularly at a position facing the vertical lower portion. In addition, the lower part of the humidification body 17a can be rephrased as the end part of the water transmission path in the humidification body 17a when water is supplied from above. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a mesh-like or linear electrode 22a can be laid in a sheet shape at a position below the humidifier 17a on the back surface of the drain pan 12 where the humidifying element 17 is installed. . In this case, the electrode 22a faces the lower surface of the humidifier 17a. By laying on the back surface of the drain pan 12, it is difficult to get in the way of maintenance and is not exposed to the air air passage 3, so that it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the electrode 22 a. In this case, the moisture of the humidifier becomes the counter electrode with respect to the electrode 22a, and the electrode 22a can be detected as a change in capacitance.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifying element 17 in the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating another installation example of the electrode 22a. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of electrodes 22a may be provided so as to oppose each other so as to sandwich the humidifier 17a vertically. In this case, the water content change between the electrodes 22a can be measured as a change in capacitance. At this time, it is preferable to arrange the electrode 22a so as to sandwich the upstream side of the humidifying body 17a. The upstream side of the humidifying body 17a is less likely to get wet because the amount of evaporation increases when air is flowing compared to the downstream side. If a sufficient water content can be detected on the upstream side where it is difficult to get wet, it can be determined that the entire humidifying body 17a is sufficiently wet. Also in this case, by arranging the electrode 22a on the back surface of the drain pan 12, the lower surface of the humidifier 17a and the electrode 22a face each other. In addition, even if it is a position different from the illustrated installation position, it is possible to capture the change in the capacitance of the humidifier 17a by providing the electrode 22a so as to sandwich the humidifier 17a.

  Next, the control based on the wetness detection when the operation unit 20 is operated and the operation of the humidifier 30 is started in such a configuration will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation procedure in wetness detection of the humidifier 30 according to the first embodiment. The operation of each step will be described below. In the description of each step, the description of the A part and the B part shown in FIG.

  The operation of the humidifying device 30 may be performed by operating a humidifying button (not shown) provided in the operating unit 20 or by a schedule function provided in the operating unit 20. .

  In step S <b> 201, the control unit 19 stops the water supply unit 11 and stops the blower unit 5. In step S202, when the driving operation of the humidifier 30 is performed (S202, Yes), the process proceeds to step S203. It does not progress to step S203 until the driving | operation operation of the humidifier 30 is made (S202, No). Note that stopping the water supply means 11 means closing the water supply valve 9.

  In step S203, the control means 19 sets the “preparation time timer” to clear stop, and proceeds to step S204. The clear stop means that the count value is stopped by setting the measured value of the preparation time timer to 0.

  In step S204, the control means 19 supplies the water by operating the water supply means 11 while the air blowing means 5 is stopped. Thereby, tap water is supplied to the water tank 7 through the pipe 10. In addition, operating the water supply means 11 means opening the water supply valve 9 and passing water through the pipe 10.

  The water 16 in the water supply tank 7 is supplied to the humidifying body 17a through the holes 7a formed in the bottom surface of the water supply tank 7, and moistens the humidifying body 17a. In step S205, the “preparation operation timer” starts counting, and the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S206, the control means 19 performs wetness detection based on the detection result of the moisture detection sensor 22, and determines whether the humidifier 17a is sufficiently wet. When sufficient wetness is detected (S206, Yes), the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, when sufficient dampness is not detected (S206, No), it returns to Step S204.

  In step S207, the control means 19 operates the air supply means 5 while operating the water supply means 11, performs air supply, and proceeds to the humidifying operation in step S208. In the above operation procedure, in steps S203 to S207, water is supplied to the humidifying body 17a, but no air is blown, and a humidifying preparation operation is performed. Then, after it is determined that the humidifying body 17a is sufficiently moistened, a humidifying operation is performed in which the air blowing means 5 is operated to humidify the air passing through the air air passage 3 with the humidifying body 17a.

  According to the humidifier 30 described above, air can be prevented from passing over the humidifier 17a while the humidifier 17a is not sufficiently wet. When air passes over the humidifying body 17a while the humidifying body 17a is not sufficiently wet, the water tends to evaporate from the humidifying body 17a, so that the evaporation residue easily adheres to the humidifying body 17a and the life of the humidifying body 17a is increased. May be shortened. On the other hand, in the humidifying device 30 according to the first embodiment, since the humidifying body 17a is sufficiently moistened, the operation proceeds to the humidifying operation in which the blowing means is operated. Therefore, the attachment of the evaporation residue is suppressed and the life of the humidifying body 17a is extended. Can be achieved. Further, by sufficiently moistening the humidifying body 17a by the humidifying preparation operation, it is possible to shift to the humidifying operation after washing out the odor and dirt attached to the humidifying body 17a more reliably with water.

  Further, as a method of sufficiently humidifying the humidifying body 17a and shifting to the humidifying operation, a method of shifting to the humidifying operation after performing the humidifying preparation operation for a preset time can be considered. However, the time required for the humidifying body 17a to be sufficiently wet varies depending on many factors such as the temperature and humidity of the air and the difference in the amount of water supply. Moreover, it is also conceivable that the time required for sufficient humidification is increased due to a decrease in water absorption performance due to deterioration over time of the humidifying body 17a. Therefore, when the time for performing the humidifying preparation operation is set in advance, the time with a certain margin is set. Therefore, although the humidifying body 17a is actually sufficiently moistened, a state that does not shift to the humidifying operation is likely to occur, and the energy saving performance of the humidifying device 30 may be reduced.

On the other hand, in the humidifying device 30 according to the first embodiment, the moisture content of the humidifying body 17a is actually detected and the timing for shifting to the humidifying operation is determined. Can be improved.

  Moreover, since the moisture detection sensor 22 detects the wetness of the humidifying body 17a based on the change in capacitance, the moisture detection sensor 22 can detect the wetness without directly contacting the humidifying body 17a. Therefore, the moisture detection sensor 22 is less likely to become an obstacle during maintenance, and the maintainability of the humidifying device 30 can be improved.

  In addition, in the operation procedure shown in FIG. 7, in preparation for the case where the moisture detection sensor 22 becomes abnormal such as a failure, a part A including steps S301 to S302 and a part B including steps S303 to S304 are added. May be.

  Part A is added between step S205 and step S206. In step S <b> 301, the control unit 19 confirms whether an abnormal signal is transmitted from the capacitance detection circuit 22 b of the connected moisture detection sensor 22. That is, the capacitance detection circuit 22b functions as an abnormality detection unit. When an abnormality is detected (S301, Yes), the process proceeds to step S302, and it is determined whether the count of the preparation time timer exceeds a maximum preparation time described later. When the count of the preparation time timer exceeds the maximum preparation time (S302, Yes), the process proceeds to step S207 and the humidification operation is started. You may add the operation | movement which reports abnormality outside at this stage. When the count of the preparation time timer does not exceed the maximum preparation time (S302, No), the process returns to step S204 and the humidification preparation operation is continued. If no abnormality is detected in the moisture detection sensor 22 (S301, No), the process proceeds to step S206.

  Part B is added between step S207 and step S208. In step S <b> 303, the control unit 19 compares the count of the preparation time timer at that time with the value of the maximum preparation time stored in the control unit 19. When the count of the preparation time timer is longer than the maximum preparation time (S303, Yes), the process proceeds to step S304, and the maximum preparation time stored in the control means 19 is rewritten with the count of the preparation time timer. That is, the maximum preparation time indicates the time during which the humidification preparation operation is performed for the longest time in the past humidification preparation operation.

  If the count of the preparation time timer is shorter than the maximum preparation time (S303, No), the process proceeds to step S208 and the humidification operation is performed. The control unit 19 functions as a storage unit that stores the maximum preparation time.

  By providing the A part and the B part, when an abnormality occurs in the moisture detection sensor 22, the humidifying preparation operation is performed at least for the maximum preparation time at that time. There is a high possibility of shifting from humidification to humidification. Further, even if an abnormality occurs in the moisture detection sensor 22, the humidification operation can be continued.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a first modification of the operation procedure in the wetness detection of the humidifier 30 according to the first embodiment.

  In the first modification, step S401 is performed instead of step S204. In step S401, the control unit 19 operates the water supply unit 11 to supply water, and performs a weak air blowing operation in which the air blowing unit 5 is operated with an output (first output) smaller than that in the humidifying operation performed in step S208. carry out. That is, in the first modification, the air blowing means 5 is operated during the humidifying preparation operation so that the air is passed through the air air passage 3. In addition, the air volume which passes the humidification body 17a becomes smaller than the time of humidification operation because the ventilation means 5 performs weak ventilation operation. After completion of the humidifying preparation operation, the air blowing means 5 is operated with a larger output (second output) than during the weak air blowing operation.

By performing the weak air blowing operation during the humidifying preparation operation, air is blown out immediately after the user performs the operation of the humidifying device 30. Therefore, since air is not blown out even though the driving operation is performed, it is possible to prevent misunderstanding that the humidifier 30 is out of order. In addition, since the evaporation amount of the water from the humidification body 17a will increase if the air volume by the air blowing means 5 during the humidification preparation operation is too large, it takes time until the humidification body 17a is sufficiently wetted, and the humidification preparation operation is performed. It will be long. In addition, if the amount of air blown by the air blowing means 5 during the humidifying preparation operation is too small, it becomes difficult for the user to feel air blowing. Therefore, the air volume during the weak air blowing operation needs to be set in consideration of the balance between the humidifying preparation operation time and the ease of feeling the air blowing.

  Further, although the capacity is lower than that during the humidifying operation, the air blowing means 5 performs the weak air blowing operation even during the humidifying preparatory operation, so that the humidifying preparatory operation while humidifying the air can be performed. The average humidification amount can be increased over the entire operation time.

  In addition, it is also possible to add A part and B part in preparation for when the moisture detection sensor 22 breaks down. Thereby, even when the moisture detection sensor 22 breaks down, the minimum operation of the device is possible and the redundancy can be increased.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a second modification of the operation procedure in the wetness detection of the humidifier 30 according to the first embodiment. 7 and 8 is that the two preparation times of preparation time 1 and preparation time 2 are measured in the humidifying preparation operation. Therefore, the humidifier 30 includes a preparation time 1 timer (not shown) for measuring the preparation time 1 and a preparation time 2 timer (not shown).

  In the second modification, step S501 is performed in place of step S203 shown in FIG. In step S501, both the preparation time 1 timer and the preparation time 2 timer are cleared and stopped.

  In step S204, the water supply means is operated while the air supply is stopped to start water supply. In step S502, the preparation time 1 timer starts counting. Next, in step S503, it is determined whether the preparation time 1 exceeds a predetermined set time. If the preparation time 1 does not exceed the set time (S503, No), the process returns to step S204. Further, when the preparation time 1 exceeds the set time (S503, Yes), the process proceeds to step S401, and the air blowing unit is caused to perform the weak air blowing operation.

  The set time compared with the preparation time 1 in step S503 may be stored in the control means 19 in advance before shipping, or the user may use the operation means 20 after the humidifier 30 is installed in the control means 19. May be stored. The control means 19 has a memory (not shown) that stores the set time.

  After letting the air blowing means 5 perform weak air blowing operation in step S401, in step S504, the preparation time 2 timer starts counting. Thereafter, when an abnormality of the moisture detection sensor 22 is detected in the part A (S301, Yes), the preparation time 2 is compared with the maximum preparation time (S302), and the time for humidification preparation in the weak air blowing operation is performed. At least the maximum preparation time is controlled to be secured. In step S303, the maximum preparation time is compared with the count of the preparation time 2 timer. If the preparation time 2 is larger (Yes in S303), the maximum preparation time is counted in the preparation time 2 timer in step S304. Rewritten. By setting it as such driving | operation, since air blows out from the humidification apparatus 30 earlier than the example shown in FIG. 7, the possibility that it may be mistaken for a failure of an apparatus can be reduced. Moreover, since the time of the humidification preparation operation which supplies water with the ventilation means 5 stopped is also provided, it is possible to shorten the time until the humidifier 17a is sufficiently moistened.

  Next, control based on dryness detection when the operation unit 20 is operated and the humidifier 30 is stopped in such a configuration will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifying element 17 in the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating another installation example of the electrode 22a. In the dryness detection, it is preferable to provide the electrode 22a at a position where the moisture content of the humidified body 17a that is difficult to dry can be detected. If it can be detected that the moisture content is sufficiently reduced at a portion that is difficult to dry, it can be determined that the entire humidifying body 17a is sufficiently dry. The humidifier 17a is less likely to dry on the downstream side than on the upstream side. Also, water tends to drop downward due to gravity. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, it is preferable to provide the electrode 22a at a position where the moisture content on the downstream side of the humidifying body 17a can be detected and opposed to the vertical lower portion of the humidifying body 17a. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifying element 17 in the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating another installation example of the electrode 22a. As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of electrodes 22a may be provided so as to face each other so as to sandwich the downstream side of the humidifying body 17a vertically. Moreover, by providing on the back surface of the drain pan 12, it is possible to improve maintenance and prevent dust adhesion. Further, the lower surface of the humidifying body 17a and the electrode 22a face each other. As in the case of wetness detection, it is possible to detect that the humidifier 17a has been dried based on the change in capacitance detected by the moisture detection sensor 22.

  The degree of dryness of the humidifying body 17a varies depending on the temperature and humidity of the air passing through the humidifying body 17a and the air volume. With this method, the threshold value for the time variation of the capacitance can be determined in advance by performing a drying test. That's fine. It is simpler than the method of measuring temperature and temperature / humidity and calculating the dryness by calculating the temperature, temperature and humidity, and it can dry reliably to the dryness that can be achieved with the air at that time, and shorten the drying time. Can do.

  Next, an operation procedure in dryness detection will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an operation procedure in dry detection of the humidifier 30 according to the first embodiment. In the following description of the operation procedure, step S47 of the D part and the E part shown in FIG. 12 will be omitted and will be described later.

  In step S <b> 22, the control unit 19 stops the water supply unit 11 and stops the blower unit 5. In step S23, when the driving operation of the humidifier 30 is performed (S23, Yes), the process proceeds to step S205. Until the operation of the humidifier 30 is performed, the process does not proceed to step S205 (No in S23).

  In step S205, the control means 19 supplies the water by operating the water supply means 11 while operating the air blowing means 5. Thereby, tap water is supplied to the water tank 7 through the pipe 10. In step S206, the control means 19 sets the “drying timer” to a clear stop, and proceeds to step S207.

  In step S <b> 207, the control unit 19 determines whether the operation unit 20 has stopped the humidifier 30. When the stop operation of the humidifier 30 is performed (S207, Yes), the process proceeds to step S42. When the stop operation of the humidifier 30 is not performed (S207, No), the process returns to step S205.

  In step S42, the control means 19 stops the water supply means 11 while operating the air blowing means 5, and proceeds to step S46 after counting the drying timer in step S217. In addition, the water supply to the water supply tank 7 stops by having stopped the water supply means 11 at this step. That is, water supply to the humidifying body 17a is stopped. As a result, as the vaporization and evaporation proceeds in the humidifying body 17a, the humidifying body 17a is dried and eventually the humidified air is not supplied to the living room.

  In step S <b> 46, the control unit 19 confirms whether an abnormal signal is transmitted from the capacitance detection circuit 22 b of the connected moisture detection sensor 22. When abnormality is detected (step S46, Yes), it returns to step S22, the water supply means 11 and the ventilation means 5 are stopped, and the driving | operation of the humidification apparatus 30 is complete | finished. At this time, an error signal may be issued to the outside. If no abnormality is detected (S46, No), the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the control means 19 determines whether or not drying of the humidifying body 17a is detected by the capacitance detection circuit 22b of the connected moisture detection sensor 22. When drying of the humidifying body 17a is detected (S43, Yes), the process returns to step S22, the water supply means 11 and the air blowing means 5 are stopped, and the operation of the humidifying device 30 is ended. When drying is not detected (S43, No), the process returns to step S42. In the above operation procedure, a drying operation for drying the humidifier 17a is performed in the process from step S42 to step S22.

  Here, D part provided while returning from step S43 to step S22 will be described. The control of this portion is a portion for handling when an abnormality of the moisture detection sensor 22 is detected, and is added as necessary.

  In step S <b> 44, the control unit 19 compares the count of the drying timer at that time with the value of the longest drying time stored in the control unit 19. If the count of the drying timer is longer than the longest drying time (S44, Yes), the process proceeds to step S45, and the longest drying time stored in the control means 19 is rewritten to the count of the drying timer. That is, the longest drying time has shown the time when the drying operation was performed the longest in the past drying operation. If the value of the drying timer is shorter than the longest drying time (S44, No), the process returns to step 22 without rewriting the longest drying time, stops the water supply means 11 and the air blowing means 5, and ends the operation of the humidifier 30. To do.

  Next, the E part provided with step S47 will be described. In step S <b> 47, the control unit 19 compares the count of the drying timer at that time with the longest drying time stored in the control unit 19. If the count of the drying timer is longer than the longest drying time (S47, Yes), the process proceeds to step S22, the water supply means 11 and the air blowing means 5 are stopped, and the operation of the humidifier 30 is terminated. If the count of the drying timer is shorter than the longest drying time (S47, No), the process returns to step S42 and the drying operation is continued.

  By providing this E section, even if an abnormality occurs in the moisture detection sensor 22, it is possible to perform the drying operation at least at the longest drying time without immediately ending the drying operation. Since the drying operation is performed at least for the longest drying time, there is a high possibility that the humidifier 30 is stopped after the humidifier 17a is sufficiently dried.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a first modification of the operation procedure in the dryness detection of the humidifier 30 according to the first embodiment.

  In the first modification, switching between the humidification mode in which the water supply means 11 and the blower means 5 are operated and the blower mode in which the water supply means 11 is stopped and the blower means 5 is operated are performed during the humidification operation. In the air blowing mode, since the water supply means 11 is stopped, the humidifier 17a is dried. That is, the first modification is different from the example shown in FIG. 12 in that the humidifying body 17a is dried during the humidifying operation.

  In step S24 in which the humidifying operation is performed, the control unit 19 sets the air blowing mode or the humidifying mode according to the setting of the operation unit 20, and proceeds to step S25. In step S25, the control means 19 operates the air blowing means 5 to blow air, and proceeds to step S28.

  In step S28, it is determined whether the set mode is a humidifying mode or a blower mode. When it becomes determination of humidification mode, it progresses to step S201 and the control means 19 determines whether there exists switching operation from the operation means 20 to ventilation mode. If there is an operation for switching to the air blowing mode (S201, Yes), the process proceeds to step S202, the setting is changed to the air blowing mode, and the process returns to step S28. If there is no operation for switching to the air blowing mode (S201, No), the process proceeds to step S203.

  In step S <b> 203, the control unit 19 determines whether the “wetting timer start time” has elapsed from the “wetting timer” count. When the count of the “wetting timer” has passed the “forced air blow mode start time” (step S203, Yes), the process proceeds to step S202. If the “wetting timer” count has not passed the “forced air blow mode start time” (No in step S203), the process proceeds to step S204. The forced air blowing mode start time may be set at the time of shipment, or may be set by the user using the operation means 20.

  In step S204, the “wet timer” count is started, and the process proceeds to step S205. Note that the “wet timer” starts counting from 0 when the operation enters the step S204 for the first time after the moisture detection sensor 22 detects dryness in the air blowing mode. Before the moisture detection sensor 22 detects drying, that is, when the humidifying body 17a is moistened, and enters this step S204, the “wetting timer” continues counting.

  In step S205, the control means 19 supplies the water by operating the water supply means 11 while operating the air blowing means 5, and proceeds to step S206. In step S206, the control means 19 clears and stops the “drying timer” and proceeds to step S207.

  In step S <b> 207, the control unit 19 determines whether or not the operation unit 20 has stopped the humidifying device 30. When the stop operation of the humidifier 30 has been performed (S207, Yes), the process proceeds to step S41. When the stop operation of the humidifier 30 is not performed (S207, No), the process returns to step S201.

  Next, an operation when it is determined in step S28 that the air blowing mode is performed will be described. In step S314, the control unit 19 determines whether there is an operation for switching from the operation unit 20 to the humidification mode. If there is an operation for switching to the humidification mode (S314, Yes), the process proceeds to step S215, the control mode is changed to the humidification mode in step S215, and the process returns to step S28. If there is no switching operation to humidification mode (S314, No), it will progress to step S216.

  In step S216, the control means 19 stops the water supply means 11 while operating the air blowing means 5, and proceeds to step S217. In step S217, the “drying timer” is counted, and the process proceeds to step S219. In addition, when switching from humidification mode to ventilation mode and entering this step S217 for the first time, the "drying timer" will start counting from zero. When the step S217 is entered while the air blowing mode is being continued, the “drying timer” continues counting.

  In step S219, the control means 19 determines whether the moisture detection sensor 22 has detected the drying of the humidifying body 17a. If drying has been detected (S219, Yes), the process proceeds to step S220, the “wetting timer” is cleared and the process proceeds to step S215. In step S215, after changing the control mode to the humidification mode, the process returns to step S28. When the drying is not detected (S219, No), the process proceeds to step S218.

  In step S <b> 218, the control unit 19 determines whether or not the operation unit 20 has stopped the humidifying device 30. When the stop operation of the humidifier 30 has been performed (S218, Yes), the process proceeds to step S41. When the stop operation of the humidifier 30 is not performed (S218, No), the process returns to step S314.

  In step S41, the control means 19 determines whether the operation of the humidifier 30 has been performed. When the operation of the humidifier 30 has been performed (S41, Yes), the process proceeds to step S24. When the operation of the humidifier 30 is not performed (S41, No), the process proceeds to step S42. From step S41, the process has shifted from the humidification mode or the air blowing mode to the drying operation. The determination of whether or not there is a driving operation in step S41 is an operation that takes into account the case where the driving operation of the humidifier 30 is performed again during the drying mode.

  In step S42, the control means 19 stops the water supply means 11 while operating the air blowing means 5, and proceeds to step S43. The contents of this step S42 are the same as those in step S216. In step S43, the control means 19 determines whether the moisture detection sensor 22 has detected the drying of the humidifying body 17a. When drying has been detected (S43, Yes), the process proceeds to step S22, the water supply means 11 and the air blowing means 5 are stopped, and the operation of the humidifying device 30 is terminated. When drying is not detected (S43, No), the process returns to step S41 and the humidification operation is continued.

  As described above, in the operation procedure according to the first modification, even when the humidifying operation is being performed, the humidifying body 17a is dried when the humidified body 17a continues to be wet for the forced air blowing mode start time or longer. Can be prioritized. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the growth of mold, germs and the like and prevent the generation of malodor. In addition, when the moisture detecting sensor 22 detects that the humidifying body 17a has been dried, the mode is shifted to the humidifying mode. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time during which the humidifying operation is not performed even during the humidifying operation.

  In the operation procedure shown in FIG. 13, the D part and the E part may be added in preparation for the occurrence of an abnormality in the moisture detection sensor 22. Thereby, even when an abnormality occurs in the moisture detection sensor 22, the minimum operation of the humidifier 30 is possible, and the redundancy can be increased.

  5 and 6 illustrate the installation position of the electrode 22a suitable for wetness detection, and FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the installation position of the electrode 22a suitable for dryness detection. In the operation of the humidifier 30, depending on whether priority is given to wetness detection or dryness detection, the electrode 22a is placed at the position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, or the electrode 22a is placed at the position shown in FIGS. You may decide whether to install. Further, the electrode 22a is installed at both the position shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 and the position shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11, and the electrode 22a for detecting the capacitance is switched between wetness detection and dryness detection. You may comprise as follows.

  The configuration described in the above embodiment shows an example of the contents of the present invention, and can be combined with another known technique, and can be combined with other configurations without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is also possible to omit or change the part.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inlet, 2 Outlet, 3 Air ventilation path, 5 Air supply means, 6 Main body casing, 7 Water supply tank, 7a Hole, 8 Water supply connection port, 9 Water supply valve, 10 Piping, 11 Water supply means, 12 Drain pan, 13 Drain connection Port, 14a Piping, 14 Drainage port, 15 Drainage means, 16 Water, 17 Humidification element, 17a Humidifier, 19 Control means, 20 Operation means, 21 Air cleaning filter, 22 Moisture detection sensor, 22a Electrode, 22b Capacitance detection Circuit, 30 humidifier, 31 frame, 31a opening, 32 water inlet.

Claims (8)

A main body casing in which an air air passage that communicates the inlet and the outlet is formed;
A humidifier provided in the air air passage and in contact with air passing through the air air passage;
Water supply means for supplying water to the humidifier;
A moisture detection sensor that is provided at a position separated from the humidifier and detects capacitance;
Control means for controlling the air blowing means and the water supply means for generating an air flow from the suction port toward the air outlet in the air air passage based on the detection result of the moisture detection sensor;
With
The control means includes
At the start of operation, water is supplied by operating the water supply means while the air blowing means is stopped,
Thereafter, when it is determined that the humidifier is wet based on the detection result of the moisture detection sensor, the humidifier is configured to operate the blowing unit while supplying water. A main body casing in which an air air passage that communicates the inlet and the outlet is formed;
A humidifier provided in the air air passage and in contact with air passing through the air air passage;
Water supply means for supplying water to the humidifier;
A moisture detection sensor that is provided at a position separated from the humidifier and detects capacitance;
Control means for controlling the air blowing means and the water supply means for generating an air flow from the suction port toward the air outlet in the air air passage based on the detection result of the moisture detection sensor;
With
The control means includes
At the start of operation, water is supplied by operating the water supply means while operating the air blowing means at the first output,
Thereafter, when it is determined that the humidifier is wet based on the detection result of the moisture detection sensor, the air blowing means is operated at a second output larger than the first output while water is supplied. Humidifying device characterized. A main body casing in which an air air passage that communicates the inlet and the outlet is formed;
A humidifier provided in the air air passage and in contact with air passing through the air air passage;
Water supply means for supplying water to the humidifier;
A moisture detection sensor that is provided at a position separated from the humidifier and detects capacitance;
Control means for controlling the air blowing means and the water supply means for generating an air flow from the suction port toward the air outlet in the air air passage based on the detection result of the moisture detection sensor;
With
The control means includes
At the start of operation, water is supplied by operating the water supply means while the air blowing means is stopped,
Then, the air blowing means is operated at the first output while water is supplied after a preset time has elapsed,
Thereafter, when it is determined that the humidifier is wet based on the detection result of the moisture detection sensor, the air blowing means is operated at a second output larger than the first output while water is supplied. Humidifying device characterized. The moisture detection sensor has a conductive electrode,
The said electrode is a part which becomes an upstream in the said air flow among the said humidifiers, Comprising: It arrange | positions in the position facing the lower surface of the said humidifier. Humidifier as described in one. The moisture detection sensor has a conductive electrode,
The said electrode is arrange | positioned facing the terminal part of the transmission path of the water supplied by the said water supply means among the said humidification bodies, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Humidifier. The moisture detection sensor has a conductive electrode,
The humidification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrode is arranged to face a portion that is below the vertical center of the humidifier. A drain pan provided below the humidifier and receiving drainage flowing out of the humidifier;
The humidifying device according to claim 6, wherein the electrode is disposed below the drain pan. The control means includes
When the operation is stopped, the water supply means is stopped while operating the air blowing means to stop water supply,
After that, when it is determined that the humidifying body is dried based on the detection result of the moisture detection sensor, the air blowing unit is stopped. Humidifier.

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