JP7493123B2 - Liquid atomization equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid atomization device that atomizes water, sucks in air, and then blows out the atomized water.

Conventionally, there have been liquid atomization devices that atomize water and blow out the atomized water into sucked air (for example, Patent Document 1). In such conventional liquid atomization devices, a liquid atomization chamber that atomizes water is provided in an air passage between an intake port that sucks in air and an outlet port that blows out the sucked air. The liquid atomization chamber has a water lifting pipe fixed to the rotating shaft of a rotary motor. When the water lifting pipe is rotated by the rotary motor, the water stored in the water storage section is lifted by the water lifting pipe, and the pumped water is sprayed in the centrifugal direction. When this sprayed water collides with a collision wall, the water is atomized.

In addition, conventional liquid atomization devices perform humidification operation while performing feedback control based on the indoor humidity (humidity of the air being sucked in), so humidification operation is performed when the indoor humidity is below the target humidity and is stopped when the indoor humidity exceeds the target humidity.

Patent No. 6476422

On the other hand, in a conventional liquid atomization device, a gap is formed between the drain pipe (drain outlet) for draining the water stored in the water storage section and the lift pipe (pumping outlet) by rotating the lift pipe, and the water in the water storage section is prevented from being drained from the drain pipe (drain outlet) while the lift pipe is rotating. In other words, in a conventional liquid atomization device, the stopping and draining of water in the water storage section is controlled by the presence or absence of rotation of the lift pipe. For this reason, in a conventional liquid atomization device, if the necessity and unnecessary judgments of humidification operation (states above and below the target humidity) are repeated during humidification operation (water atomization operation), the rotation of the lift pipe is repeatedly started and stopped, and as a result, the draining of water from the water storage section and the supply of water to the water storage section are repeatedly performed. In other words, in a conventional liquid atomization device, when feedback control of the humidification amount in the humidification operation is performed, there is a concern that the amount of water used (amount of water discharged) will increase.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a liquid atomization device that can reduce the amount of water used when performing feedback control of the humidification amount during humidification operation.

In order to achieve this object, the liquid atomization device according to the present invention is a liquid atomization device that contains atomized water in indoor air sucked from an inlet and blows it out from an outlet, and includes a cylindrical lift pipe having a water pumping port vertically downward and discharging the water pumped from the lifting port in a centrifugal direction as a rotating shaft rotates, a water storage section provided vertically downward of the lift pipe for storing the water pumped from the lifting port, a drainage port at the bottom of the water storage section for draining the water, and a control section for controlling the water atomization operation in the liquid atomization device. In this case, the lift pipe generates a vortex in the water in the water storage section inside the lift pipe by rotating during the atomization operation, and forms a gap at the center of the vortex that communicates between the lifting port and the drainage port to stop the water in the water storage section. Then, when the control section determines that the atomization operation should be stopped during the atomization operation, the control section rotates the lift pipe at a first rotation speed capable of stopping the water in the water storage section, delaying the stop of the rotation of the lift pipe for a predetermined period of time.

The present invention provides a liquid atomization device that can reduce the amount of water used when performing feedback control of the humidification amount during humidification operation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a liquid fine production device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger equipped with a liquid atomizer. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a humidification control unit in the liquid atomizing device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output capacity value and the rotation output value used in the process performed by the humidification control unit in the liquid atomizing device. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the humidification operation process by the liquid atomizing device. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the procedure of water atomization treatment by the liquid atomization device.

The liquid atomization device according to the present invention is a liquid atomization device that contains atomized water in indoor air sucked from an inlet and blows it out from an outlet, and includes a cylindrical lift pipe having a water pumping port vertically downward and discharging the water pumped from the lifting port in a centrifugal direction as a rotating shaft rotates, a water storage section provided vertically downward of the lift pipe for storing the water pumped from the lifting port, a drainage port at the bottom of the water storage section for draining the water, and a control section for controlling the water atomization operation in the liquid atomization device. In this case, the lift pipe generates a vortex in the water in the storage section inside the lift pipe by rotating during the atomization operation, and forms a gap at the center of the vortex that communicates between the lifting port and the drainage port to stop the water in the storage section. Then, when the control section determines to stop the atomization operation during the atomization operation, the control section rotates the lift pipe at a first rotation speed capable of stopping the water in the storage section, delaying the stop of the rotation of the lift pipe for a predetermined period of time.

According to this configuration, even if the control unit determines to stop the atomization operation during the humidification operation (water atomization operation), the control unit rotates the pumping pipe at the first rotation speed capable of stopping the water in the water storage unit, delaying the halt of the rotation of the pumping pipe, thereby suppressing the drainage of water from the water storage unit. Therefore, even in a situation where the control unit repeatedly determines whether the humidification operation is necessary or not (states where the humidity is higher than and lower than the target humidity), the control unit can reliably stop the water in the water storage unit and reduce the amount of drained water. In other words, a liquid atomization device that can reduce the amount of water used when feedback control of the amount of humidification in the humidification operation is performed can be provided.

In addition, in the liquid atomization device according to the present invention, the control unit calculates an output capacity value that specifies the amount of humidification in the atomization operation using humidity information related to the humidity of the indoor air and the target humidity of the indoor air, and determines to stop the atomization operation when the calculated output capacity value falls below a reference value. This makes it possible to control the liquid atomization device so as to achieve the target humidity without relying on the performance of the house, such as the airtightness, by increasing the output capacity value using the humidity information when the humidity of the indoor air does not approach the target humidity.

In the liquid atomization device according to the present invention, when the output capacity value exceeds a reference value during a predetermined period, the control unit preferably rotates the water pumping pipe at a second rotation speed that is higher than the first rotation speed. This allows the liquid atomization device to resume the water atomization operation required for humidification operation without delay.

In the liquid atomization device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit stops the rotation of the water lift pipe when the amount of water stored in the water storage unit reaches the lower limit during the predetermined period. This prevents unnecessary water supply to the water storage unit during the predetermined period, thereby further reducing the amount of water used.

The following describes the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each embodiment described below shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement positions, and connection forms shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that show the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional components. In addition, in each figure, substantially identical configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment 1)
First, a liquid micro-emission device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the liquid micro-emission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid atomization device 1 has an intake port 2 for sucking in air and an outlet port 3 for blowing out the air sucked in through the intake port 2. The intake port 2 and the outlet port 3 are each provided on a side of the liquid atomization device 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, air passages 4 to 6 are formed inside the liquid atomization device 1, leading from the suction port 2 to the blowing port 3. The liquid atomization device 1 also has a liquid atomization chamber 7 provided inside the air passages 4 to 6, and the suction port 2, liquid atomization chamber 7, and blowing port 3 are connected to each other.

The liquid atomization chamber 7 is the main part of the liquid atomization device 1, and is where water is atomized. In the liquid atomization device 1, as shown in FIG. 1, air taken in from the suction port 2 is sent to the liquid atomization chamber 7 via the air passage 4. The liquid atomization device 1 is configured to make the air passing through the air passage 4 contain water atomized in the liquid atomization chamber 7, and to blow the water-containing air through the air passage 5 and then the air passage 6 from the outlet 3. Here, the air passage 5 is configured to change the direction of the water-containing air from flowing vertically downward in the liquid atomization chamber 7 to flow vertically upward around its periphery. The air passage 6 is configured to direct the air flowing vertically upward in the air passage 5 toward the outlet 3.

The liquid atomization chamber 7 is provided with a cylindrical collision wall 8 that is open at the top and bottom. The collision wall 8 is fixed inside the liquid atomization chamber 7. The liquid atomization chamber 7 is also provided with a cylindrical lift pipe 9 that rotates to draw up water (pump water) inside the chamber, surrounded by the collision wall 8. The lift pipe 9 has an inverted cone-shaped hollow structure, with a circular lift port 9a at the bottom, and a rotating shaft 10 that is arranged vertically above the lift pipe 9 and at the center of the top surface of the inverted cone is fixed. The rotating shaft 10 is connected to a rotating motor 11 provided on the outer surface of the liquid atomization chamber 7, so that the rotational motion of the rotating motor 11 is transmitted to the lift pipe 9 through the rotating shaft 10, causing the lift pipe 9 to rotate.

The rise pipe 9 is provided with a number of rotating plates 12 formed on the top side of the inverted cone shape so as to protrude outward from the outer surface of the rise pipe 9. The rotating plates 12 are formed so as to protrude outward from the outer surface of the rise pipe 9 with a certain distance between adjacent rotating plates 12 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 10. Since the rotating plates 12 rotate together with the rise pipe 9, it is preferable that they have a horizontal disk shape coaxial with the rotating shaft 10. The number of rotating plates 12 is set appropriately according to the target performance or the dimensions of the rise pipe 9.

The wall surface of the lift pipe 9 is provided with a plurality of openings 13 penetrating the wall surface of the lift pipe 9. Each of the plurality of openings 13 is provided at a position that communicates the inside of the lift pipe 9 with the upper surface of the rotating plate 12 that is formed so as to protrude outward from the outer surface of the lift pipe 9.

At the bottom of the liquid atomization chamber 7, vertically below the lift pipe 9, there is provided a water storage section 14 for storing the water that the lift pipe 9 pumps from the lift port 9a. The depth of the water storage section 14 is designed so that a part of the lower part of the lift pipe 9, for example a length of about one-third to one-hundredth of the cone height of the lift pipe 9, is immersed. This depth can be designed according to the required amount of water to be pumped. In addition, the bottom surface of the water storage section 14 is formed in a mortar shape toward the lift port 9a.

Water is supplied to the water storage unit 14 by a water supply unit (not shown). A water supply pipe (not shown) is connected to the water supply unit, and water is supplied directly from the water mains through the water supply valve 22 (see Figure 3).

The liquid atomization device 1 is also provided with a full water detection unit 17a and a drought detection unit 17b that detect the water level in the water storage unit 14. Both the full water detection unit 17a and the drought detection unit 17b are configured with a float switch.

The float switch of the full water detection unit 17a is turned off when the water in the water storage unit 14 has not reached a certain water level (full water state), and is turned on when the water in the water storage unit 14 reaches a certain water level (full water state). In other words, the full water detection unit 17a uses the float switch to detect whether the water in the water storage unit 14 is full water or not.

The float switch of the drought detection unit 17b is turned off when the water in the water storage unit 14 has not reached a certain water level (drought state), and is turned on when the water in the water storage unit 14 reaches a certain water level (drought state). In other words, the drought detection unit 17b uses the float switch to detect whether the water in the water storage unit 14 is in a drought state.

The full water detection unit 17a and the drought detection unit 17b then output information regarding the on or off state of their respective float switches to the humidification control unit 30 (see FIG. 3). As will be described in detail later, the humidification control unit 30 controls the water supply unit to start supplying water to the water storage unit 14 when the float switch of the drought detection unit 17b turns off, and controls the water supply unit to stop supplying water to the water storage unit 14 when the float switch of the full water detection unit 17a turns on.

A drain pipe 15 is connected to the bottom surface of the water storage section 14. A circular drain outlet (not shown) is provided at the position where the drain pipe 15 is connected, at the lowest position on the bottom surface of the cone-shaped water storage section 14. Water is stopped and drained by the drain pipe 15 by rotating the lift pipe 9. In other words, the drain pipe 15 and the lift pipe 9 constitute the water stop mechanism and the lift mechanism of the water storage section 14. Details will be described later.

A cylindrical eliminator 16 is provided on the side of the collision wall 8 (the space between the collision wall 8 and the water storage section 14 in the centrifugal direction) to separate the inside and outside of the liquid atomization chamber 7 and to collect some of the atomized water droplets. The eliminator 16 is made of a porous body through which air can flow. The eliminator 16 is fixed so as to be supported above the eliminator holders 16a arranged at a predetermined interval. The eliminator holders 16a form part of the air passage 5 between the adjacent eliminator holders 16a. The eliminator 16 is disposed in the air passage 5 and collects water droplets from the water contained in the air passing through the liquid atomization chamber 7 by flowing through the eliminator 16. As a result, the air flowing through the air passage 5 contains only vaporized water.

A water receiving section 18 is provided on the outside of the water storage section 14, covering the entire bottom surface of the water storage section 14. The water receiving section 18 can temporarily store water that leaks from the device, for example, when an abnormality occurs in the device and water leaks. A drain pipe (not shown) is connected to the water receiving section 18 to drain the water stored inside to the outside.

The liquid atomization device 1 is further provided with a humidification control unit 30. The humidification control unit 30 controls the rotational operation of the rotary motor 11 of the liquid atomization device 1 and the water supply valve 22 (see FIG. 3) to control the humidification operation (atomization operation) and the drainage operation in the humidification process.

The liquid micro-fine-generation device 1 may not include the humidification control unit 30, and the humidification and drainage operations may be controlled by the control unit 60a (see FIG. 3) that controls the heat exchanger 60.

Next, the operating principle of humidification (water atomization) in the liquid atomization device 1 will be explained with reference to FIG.

First, air is blown from the outside (air is sucked in from the suction port 2). Then, with no water in the water storage section 14, the rotary motor 11 rotates the rotary shaft 10 at a first rotation speed R1 (e.g., 2000 rpm), and the water lift pipe 9 rotates accordingly. Then, water is supplied from the water supply section to the water storage section 14. At this time, in the water storage section 14, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the water lift pipe 9 causes the water supplied to the water storage section 14 to be pumped up by the water lift pipe 9, and the water supplied to the water storage section 14 is stopped without being drained from the drain outlet. As a result, the water supplied from the water supply section is stored in the water storage section 14. Then, after the water storage section 14 is filled with water, the supply of water from the water supply section to the water storage section 14 is stopped.

Then, the rotary motor 11 rotates the rotary shaft 10 at the second rotation speed R2, and the lift pipe 9 rotates accordingly, causing the centrifugal force generated by the rotation to cause the water stored in the water storage section 14 to be pumped up by the lift pipe 9. Here, the second rotation speed R2 of the rotary motor 11 (lift pipe 9) is set between 2000 rpm and 4000 rpm depending on the amount of humidification of the air. Since the lift pipe 9 has an inverted cone-shaped hollow structure, the water pumped up by the rotation is pumped up along the inner wall of the lift pipe 9 to the top. The pumped water is then released in the centrifugal direction from the opening 13 of the lift pipe 9 along the rotating plate 12, and scattered as water droplets.

The water droplets scattered from the rotating plate 12 fly through the space surrounded by the collision wall 8 (liquid atomization chamber 7), collide with the collision wall 8, and are atomized. Meanwhile, the air passing through the liquid atomization chamber 7 moves from below to the outside of the collision wall 8, carrying water droplets that have been crushed (atomized) by the collision wall 8. The air containing the water droplets then passes through the eliminator 16. This allows the liquid atomization device 1 to humidify the air sucked in through the suction port 2, and blow out the humidified air from the blowing port 3.

The liquid to be atomized may be something other than water, such as hypochlorous acid water, which has bactericidal or deodorizing properties. The atomized hypochlorous acid water is mixed with the air sucked in through the suction port 2 of the liquid atomization device 1, and the air is then blown out through the blowing port 3, thereby sterilizing or deodorizing the space in which the liquid atomization device 1 is placed.

Next, we will explain the water stop mechanism and drain mechanism of the water storage section 14 using the drain pipe 15 and the lift pipe 9.

In the liquid atomization device 1, when the humidification operation is started and the rotary motor 11 (the water lifting pipe 9) rotates at the second rotation speed R2 (e.g., 3000 rpm), a vortex is generated in the water in the water storage section 14 inside the water lifting pipe 9 due to the centrifugal force of the rotation. Then, the water lifting pipe 9 forms a gap that communicates between the water lifting port 9a and the drainage outlet of the drainage pipe 15 at the center of the vortex generated by the rotation. As a result, the gap blocks the drainage outlet, and the water in the water storage section 14 is prevented from flowing into the drainage outlet of the drainage pipe 15. In other words, in the liquid atomization device 1, it is possible to prevent the water in the water storage section 14 from being drained from the drainage pipe 15 (drainage outlet) during the humidification operation (while the rotary motor 11 is rotating at the second rotation speed R2).

On the other hand, when the rotation of the rotary motor 11 (lift pipe 9) is stopped, the gap disappears along with the vortex, and the water in the water storage section 14 flows into the drainage outlet of the drain pipe 15. In other words, in the liquid atomization device 1, the water in the water storage section 14 can be drained from the drainage pipe 15 (drainage outlet) by stopping the humidification operation (the rotation operation of the rotary motor 11).

In this way, the liquid atomization device 1 can prevent (stop) the water in the water storage section 14 from being discharged from the drainage outlet of the drainage pipe 15 during humidification operation, without using a drain valve in the drainage pipe 15, and can drain the water in the water storage section 14 from the drainage outlet of the drainage pipe 15 after the humidification operation is stopped.

Next, a heat exchanger 60 including the liquid atomization device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the heat exchanger 60 including the liquid atomization device 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the heat exchanger 60 is configured to include the liquid atomization device 1, a humidity recovery section 65, and a blower 67. The heat exchanger 60 blows outside air (air from which humidity has been recovered by passing through the humidity recovery section 65) sucked in from the outside air inlet 63 to the inlet 2 (see FIG. 1) of the liquid atomization device 1 via the connecting duct 66. The liquid atomization device 1 humidifies the air sucked in from the inlet 2, blows the humidified air out from the outlet 3 (see FIG. 1), and supplies it to the room via the air supply port 64.

The heat exchanger 60 has a box-shaped main case 50, and is used, for example, while placed on the floor. An inside air intake 61, an exhaust vent 62, an outside air intake 63, and an air supply vent 64 are provided on the top surface of the main case 50 (the surface on which the liquid atomization device 1 is mounted). The liquid atomization device 1 is also installed on the top surface of the main case 50. A humidity recovery section 65 and a blower 67 are provided inside the main case 50.

The indoor air intake 61 is an intake that draws air (indoor air) from inside the building into the heat exchange device 60. Specifically, the indoor air intake 61 is connected in communication with an indoor exhaust port that draws in indoor air via a duct (not shown) that extends to the ceiling or wall of each space in the building.

The exhaust port 62 is an outlet that blows the inside air from the heat exchange device 60 to the outdoors. Specifically, the exhaust port 62 is connected in communication with an outdoor exhaust port that blows out the inside air via a duct (not shown) that extends to the exterior wall surface of the building.

The outside air intake 63 is an intake that draws air outside the building (outside air) into the heat exchange device 60. Specifically, the outside air intake 63 is connected in communication with an outside air supply port that draws in outside air via a duct (not shown) that extends to the exterior wall surface of the building.

The air supply port 64 is an outlet that blows outside air from the heat exchanger 60 into the room via the liquid atomization device 1. Specifically, the air supply port 64 is connected in communication with an indoor air supply port that blows out outside air via a duct (not shown) that extends to the ceiling or wall of each space in the building. The heat exchanger 60 and the suction port 2 of the liquid atomization device 1 are connected via a connecting duct 66.

The humidity recovery section 65 is located upstream of the blower 67 inside the main body case 50. The humidity recovery section 65 has a humidity recovery (humidity exchange) function that recovers (exchanges) the humidity of the air that is sucked in by the operation of the blower 67 and passes through the inside of the heat exchange device 60 (particularly the air supply duct). The humidity recovery section 65 is, for example, a total heat exchange element or a desiccant-type or heat pump-type heat exchanger.

Although not specifically shown, the air supply duct is an air passage that draws in fresh outdoor air (outside air) through the outside air intake 63, passes it through the humidity recovery section 65, the blower 67, the connection duct 66, and the liquid atomization device 1 in that order, and supplies it to the room through the air supply duct 64.

The blower 67 is a device for blowing outside air from the outside air intake port 63 to the air supply port 64. The blower 67 blows air to circulate the outside air inside the humidity recovery section 65. Examples of the blower 67 include a cross-flow fan or a blower fan. The blower 67 is configured to perform the blowing operation based on a control signal from the control section 60a (see FIG. 3) that controls the heat exchange device 60.

The heat exchanger 60 is provided with water supply and drainage piping 51. The water supply and drainage to the liquid atomization device 1 is performed by the water supply and drainage piping 51. Specifically, one end of the water supply and drainage piping 51 is connected to the water supply pipe and drainage pipe 15 (see FIG. 1) of the liquid atomization device 1, respectively. The other end of the water supply and drainage piping 51 is connected to the water supply equipment and drainage equipment of the house or facility, respectively.

The heat exchanger 60 further includes a controller 60a (see FIG. 3) that controls the blowing operation of the blower 67. The controller 60a is electrically connected to the humidification controller 30 of the liquid atomization device 1, and is configured to receive a control signal from the humidification controller 30 and control the blower 67 and the liquid atomization device 1 in conjunction with each other.

As described above, the heat exchanger 60 recovers moisture discharged outdoors during ventilation and returns it to the air supplied to the room. Furthermore, if the moisture recovery section 65 is unable to recover all the moisture, it can compensate or even add more when the air passes through the liquid atomizer 1, so that the room can be humidified and maintained within a comfortable humidity range.

Next, the humidification control unit 30 of the liquid micro-atomization device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the humidification control unit 30 in the liquid micro-atomization device 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output capacity value and the rotation output value used in the process performed by the humidification control unit 30 in the liquid micro-atomization device 1. Note that FIG. 4 shows the correlation by setting the control range of the rotation output value (rotation speed) in the liquid micro-atomization device 1 (rotary motor 11) to 0 rpm to 4000 rpm and the range of the output capacity value to 0 to 4000.

As shown in FIG. 3, the humidification control unit 30 includes an input unit 30a, a memory unit 30b, a timer unit 30c, a processing unit 30d, and an output unit 30e.

The input unit 30a receives first information related to an operation start instruction or operation stop instruction from the operation panel 31, second information related to the indoor air temperature and humidity from the temperature and humidity sensor 32, third information related to the outdoor air temperature from the temperature sensor 33, fourth information related to the on or off state of the float switch from the full water detection unit 17a, and fifth information related to the on or off state of the float switch from the drought detection unit 17b. The input unit 30a outputs the received first to fifth information to the processing unit 30d.

The operation panel 31 is a terminal through which the user inputs user input information (e.g., air volume, set humidity, blowing temperature, etc.) related to the liquid atomization device 1 and the heat exchanger 60, and is connected to the humidification control unit 30 wirelessly or via a wired connection so as to be able to communicate with the humidification control unit 30. The temperature and humidity sensor 32 is a sensor that senses the temperature and humidity of the indoor air immediately after it has been taken in through the indoor air inlet 61 (see FIG. 2). The temperature sensor 33 is a sensor that senses the temperature of the outdoor air immediately after it has been taken in through the outdoor air inlet 63 (see FIG. 2).

The memory unit 30b stores sixth information related to setting information corresponding to user input information. The memory unit 30b also stores past humidity information, past output capacity values, and calculation parameters as seventh information, and accepts and stores current indoor humidity information and current output capacity values output from the processing unit 30d. Furthermore, the memory unit 30b also stores information related to the correlation between the output capacity values and rotation output values shown in FIG. 4 as eighth information. Each piece of stored information (sixth information to eighth information) is output from the memory unit 30b to the processing unit 30d in response to a request from the processing unit 30d.

The timing unit 30c outputs the ninth information regarding the current time to the processing unit 30d.

The processing unit 30d receives the first to fifth information from the input unit 30a, the sixth to eighth information from the memory unit 30b, and the ninth information from the timing unit 30c. The processing unit 30d uses the received first to ninth information to identify control information related to the humidification operation based on the humidification setting.

Specifically, the processing unit 30d first calculates the output capacity value based on each piece of information received. Note that the calculation formula used for updating may be, for example, the speed-type PID (Proportional Integral Differential) control formula shown in the following formula (1).

R = R + Kp * [(ΔX0 - ΔX1)
+ (1/Ti) * ΔX0 + Td * {(ΔX0-ΔX1)-(ΔX1-ΔX2)}}
...Equation (1)
where R is the output capacity value, Kp, Ti, and Td are PID parameters, and ΔX0, ΔX1, and ΔX2 are values based on the current, previous, and second previous "target humidity - indoor humidity", respectively. The target humidity corresponds to the set humidity included in the sixth information.

Then, the processing unit 30d judges whether the reference value stored in the memory unit 30b is larger than the calculated output capacity value. If the output capacity value exceeds the reference value, the processing unit 30d judges that the humidification operation is "necessary" and identifies a rotation output value (first rotation output value shown in FIG. 4) corresponding to the output capacity value exceeding the reference value. On the other hand, if the output capacity value is equal to or less than the reference value, the processing unit 30d judges that the humidification operation is "not required" and identifies a rotation output value (second rotation output value shown in FIG. 4) corresponding to an output capacity value equal to or less than the reference value. Here, the reference value is a value specified corresponding to the minimum rotation speed (corresponding to the first rotation speed R1) that can be set during the humidification operation (water atomization operation) in the liquid atomization device 1.

The first rotation output value is the rotation output value obtained by directly using the output capacity value as shown in FIG. 4. On the other hand, the second rotation output value is the rotation output value obtained by using the rotation speed (first rotation speed R1 or third rotation speed R3 described later) that can stop the water in the water storage section 14 in the liquid atomization device 1, regardless of the output capacity value. The first rotation speed R1 or the third rotation speed R3 corresponds to the "first rotation speed" in the claims.

Then, the processing unit 30d identifies control information related to the humidification operation based on the humidification setting that includes the identified rotation output value.

Finally, the processing unit 30d outputs the identified control information to the output unit 30e.

The output unit 30e receives control information from the processing unit 30d. The output unit 30e is electrically connected to the heat exchanger 60 (control unit 60a, blower 67), the rotary motor 11, and the water supply valve 22. Based on the received control information, the output unit 30e outputs a signal (control signal) that controls the blowing operation of the blower 67, the humidification operation in the liquid atomization chamber 7 (the rotation operation of the rotary motor 11), and the opening and closing operation of the water supply valve 22.

The heat exchanger 60 (controller 60a, blower 67) receives a signal from the output unit 30e, and the controller 60a controls the blower 67 based on the received signal. The rotary motor 11 and the water supply valve 22 each receive a signal from the output unit 30e, and each control the corresponding unit based on the received signal.

In this manner, the humidification control unit 30 controls the humidification operation during the humidification process.

Next, the processing procedure in the humidification operation by the liquid atomization device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the humidification operation processing by the liquid atomization device 1. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the water atomization processing by the liquid atomization device 1. Note that, in the following, it is described that the blower 67 performs the blowing operation according to a control signal from the humidification control unit 30, not a control signal from the control unit 60a.

As shown in FIG. 5, when a control signal for starting the humidification process of the liquid atomization device 1 is input to the humidification control unit 30, the humidification control unit 30 first operates the blower 67 and starts blowing air from the blower 67 (step S01). This causes air to circulate inside the liquid atomization device 1 (liquid atomization chamber 7). Then, the humidification control unit 30 calculates an output capacity value that specifies the amount of humidification of the liquid atomization device 1 based on the second information on the temperature and humidity of the indoor air from the temperature and humidity sensor 32 and the eighth information on the setting information corresponding to the user input information (step S02).

The humidification control unit 30 then determines whether the calculated output capacity value is greater than a preset value (reference value) (step S03). As a result, if the output capacity value exceeds the reference value (Yes in step S03), the humidification control unit 30 determines that humidification processing is "necessary" and identifies a first rotation output value corresponding to the output capacity value (step S04). Then, the humidification control unit 30 executes a water fine-fine processing (step S05). On the other hand, if the output capacity value is equal to or less than the reference value (No in step S03), the humidification control unit 30 determines that humidification processing is "not required" and executes the processing from step S10 onwards, which will be described later.

In the water fine-particle processing, as shown in FIG. 6, the humidification control unit 30 determines whether the water level in the water storage unit 14 is in a drought state based on the fifth information from the drought detection unit 17b regarding whether the float switch is on or off (step S21). As a result, if the water level in the water storage unit 14 is not in a drought state (No in step S21), the humidification control unit 30 executes the processing of step S26 described below. On the other hand, if the water level in the water storage unit 14 is in a drought state (Yes in step S21), the humidification control unit 30 rotates the rotary motor 11 at a first rotation speed R1 (e.g., 2000 rpm) to start supplying water to the water storage unit 14 (step S22). Then, the humidification control unit 30 opens the water supply valve 22 of the water supply unit to start supplying water to the water storage unit 14 (step S23).

Then, the humidification control unit 30 determines whether the water level in the water storage unit 14 is full or not based on the fourth information from the full water detection unit 17a regarding whether the float switch is on or off (step S24). As a result, if the water level in the water storage unit 14 is not full (No in step S24), the humidification control unit 30 continues to supply water to the water storage unit 14 (return to step S24). On the other hand, if the water in the water storage unit 14 is full (Yes in step S24), the humidification control unit 30 closes the water supply valve 22 and stops the supply of water to the water storage unit 14 (step S25).

Then, the rotary motor 11 is rotated at the second rotation speed R2 to start the humidification operation (humidification operation) based on the humidification setting (step S26). Here, the second rotation speed R2 is the rotation speed (first rotation output value) identified in step S04. If the output capacity value exceeds the reference value, the second rotation speed R2 is set to a rotation speed greater than the first rotation speed R1 (for example, any rotation speed in the range of 2000 to 4000 rpm). Return to Figure 5.

When the water fine-particle processing (step S05) is completed and the humidification processing is started, a determination is made as to whether or not a predetermined time (first time T1) has elapsed, measured from the time when the rotary motor 11 is operated in step S26 (step S06). As a result, if the first time T1 has not elapsed (No in step S06), the humidification control unit 30 continues the water fine-particle processing operation as is (return to step S06). On the other hand, if the first time T1 has elapsed (Yes in step S06), the humidification control unit 30 proceeds to the next step (step S07) while continuing the water fine-particle processing operation as is. Here, the first time T1 is an interval time for feedback control of humidification, and is set to, for example, 5 minutes.

In step S07, the humidification control unit 30 judges whether or not a control signal for stopping the humidification process of the liquid micro-production device 1 has been input. As a result, if a control signal for stopping the humidification process has not been input (No in step S07), the humidification control unit 30 returns to step S02 and calculates again the output capacity value that specifies the humidification amount of the liquid micro-production device 1. On the other hand, if a control signal for stopping the humidification process has been input (Yes in step S07), the humidification control unit 30 stops the rotary motor 11 (step S08) and the blower 67 (step S09). Then, the humidification control unit 30 ends the operation of the humidification process of the liquid micro-production device 1. As a result, the liquid micro-production device 1 is in a state of waiting for an operation start instruction from the operation panel 31.

As described above, if the output capacity value is equal to or less than the reference value (No in step S03), the humidification control unit 30 executes the processing from step S10 onward.

In step S10, the humidification control unit 30 determines whether the rotary motor 11 is stopped. As a result, if the rotary motor 11 is stopped (Yes in step S11), the process returns to step S02, and the calculation of the output capacity value that specifies the humidification amount of the liquid micro-production device 1 is performed again. On the other hand, if the rotary motor 11 is rotating (No in step S11), the humidification control unit 30 specifies a second rotation output value corresponding to the output capacity value (step S11). Then, the humidification control unit 30 rotates the rotary motor 11 at a third rotation speed R3 to set the state in which at least the water stop mechanism functions (step S12). Here, the third rotation speed R3 is the rotation speed (second rotation output value) specified in step S04. As the third rotation speed R3, for example, a rotation speed (the same rotation speed as the first rotation speed R1) that can stop the water in the water storage unit 14 in the liquid micro-production device 1 is set. Note that, if the rotary motor 11 is already rotating at the third rotation speed R3, the third rotation speed R3 is maintained.

Then, a determination is made as to whether or not the time measured from the time when the rotary motor 11 is operated or maintained in operation in step S12 has elapsed a predetermined time (second time T2) (step S13). As a result, if the second time T2 has not elapsed (No in step S13), the humidification control unit 30 continues the water stop state by rotating at the third rotation speed R3 (return to step S13). On the other hand, if the second time T2 has elapsed (Yes in step S13), the humidification control unit 30 proceeds to the next step (step S14). Here, the second time T2 is an interval time for feedback control of humidification, and is set to, for example, 5 minutes.

Next, it is determined whether the time measured from the time when the rotary motor 11 is operated in step S12 as the start time has passed a predetermined time (third time T3) (step S14). As a result, if the third time T3 has not passed (No in step S14), the humidification control unit 30 returns to step S02 with the rotary motor 11 rotating at the third rotation speed R3, and calculates the output capacity value that specifies the humidification amount of the liquid micro-fine-generation device 1 again. On the other hand, if the third time T3 has passed (Yes in step S14), the humidification control unit 30 stops the rotary motor 11 (step S15). This starts draining the water in the water storage unit 14. Then, the humidification control unit 30 returns to step S02 and calculates the output capacity value that specifies the humidification amount of the liquid micro-fine-generation device 1 again. Here, the third time T3 is set to, for example, 2 hours. The third time T3 corresponds to the "predetermined period" in the claims.

In this manner, the heat exchanger 60 performs each process in the humidification process (water atomization operation) by the liquid atomization device 1.

As described above, the liquid micro-fine generation device 1 according to the first embodiment provides the following advantages:

(1) In the liquid atomization device 1, when the humidification control unit 30 determines to stop the atomization operation during the humidification operation (water atomization operation), the humidification control unit 30 controls the water pumping pipe 9 to rotate for a predetermined period (third time T3) at a rotation speed (third rotation speed R3) that can stop the water in the water storage unit 14. According to this configuration, even when the humidification control unit 30 determines to stop the atomization operation during the humidification operation (water atomization operation), the humidification control unit 30 rotates the water pumping pipe 9 at a rotation speed that can stop the water in the water storage unit 14, delaying the stop of the rotation of the water pumping pipe 9, so that the drainage of water in the water storage unit 14 can be suppressed. Therefore, even in a situation where the humidification control unit 30 repeats the determinations of necessity and non-necessity of the humidification operation (a state where the humidity is higher than the target humidity and a state where the humidity is lower than the target humidity), the humidification control unit 30 can reliably stop the water in the water storage unit 14 and reduce the amount of water drained. In other words, the liquid atomization device 1 can be configured to reduce the amount of water used when feedback control of the humidification amount in the humidification operation is performed.

(2) In the liquid atomization device 1, the humidification control unit 30 calculates an output capacity value that specifies the amount of humidification in the water atomization operation using humidity information related to the humidity of the indoor air and the target humidity of the indoor air, and determines to stop the water atomization operation when the calculated output capacity value falls below a reference value. As a result, when the humidity of the indoor air does not approach the target humidity, the output capacity value is increased using the humidity information, and the liquid atomization device 1 can be controlled to achieve the target humidity without relying on the performance of the house, such as the airtightness.

(3) In the liquid atomization device 1, when the output capacity value exceeds the reference value during the predetermined period (third time T3), the humidification control unit 30 rotates the water pumping pipe 9 at the second rotation speed which is higher than the third rotation speed (=first rotation speed). This allows the liquid atomization device 1 to resume the water atomization operation required for the humidification operation without delay.

(4) In the liquid atomization device 1, the humidification control unit 30 is controlled to make a determination as to whether humidification is necessary by comparing the magnitude relationship between the output capacity value and the reference value at predetermined intervals (first time T1 or second time T2). As a result, when feedback control of the humidification amount in the humidification operation is performed, the humidification amount is adjusted at predetermined intervals. Therefore, even if the humidity of the air sucked in from the suction port 2 changes suddenly due to some factor (e.g., use of the bathroom), the humidification amount can be effectively adjusted to the target humidity.

(5) In the liquid atomization device 1, the humidification control unit 30 controls the rotation of the water pumping pipe 9 (rotary motor 11) to stop if the state in which it is determined that the calculated output capacity value is equal to or lower than the reference value continues for the third time T3. As a result, if the state in which it is determined that humidification processing is "unnecessary" continues for the third time T3, the rotary motor 11 is stopped and humidification of the air sucked in through the suction port 2 is stopped. In other words, during the period from when humidification is stopped to when humidification is restarted, the amount of water used can be reduced by the amount of water (humidification amount) consumed by humidification through rotation at the third rotation speed R3 (2000 rpm).

(6) In the heat exchanger 60, the humidity recovery section 65 is disposed upstream of the liquid atomization device 1 in the flow of air passing through the liquid atomization device 1 and the humidity recovery section 65. That is, in the liquid atomization device 1, the humidity recovery section 65 is disposed so that the air from which humidity has been recovered by the humidity recovery section 65 flows into the suction port 2. As a result, the air from which humidity has been recovered by the humidity recovery section 65 flows into the liquid atomization device 1 (suction port 2), so that the humidity in the room can be controlled more appropriately. In addition, by controlling humidity at two locations, the humidity recovery section 65 and the liquid atomization device 1, a sufficient amount of humidification can be ensured even if a heater or the like is not installed in the humidity recovery section 65 or the liquid atomization device 1. In addition, energy savings can be achieved by eliminating the need for a heater to ensure the amount of humidification.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it can be easily imagined that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the numerical values given in the above embodiments are merely examples, and it is of course possible to adopt other numerical values.

In the liquid atomization device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the humidification control unit 30 determines that the calculated output capacity value is equal to or lower than the reference value, the humidification control unit 30 controls to delay the stop of rotation of the water pumping pipe 9 (rotary motor 11) for a predetermined period (third time T3). In contrast, the humidification control unit 30 may immediately stop the rotation of the water pumping pipe 9 (rotary motor 11) when the amount of water stored in the water storage unit 14 reaches the lower limit during this predetermined period (third time T3) (when the float switch of the drought detection unit 17b is turned off). In this way, the liquid atomization device 1 can further reduce the amount of water used because unnecessary water supply to the water storage unit 14 during the predetermined period (third time T3) is suppressed.

In addition, in the liquid atomization device 1 according to this embodiment, when the humidification control unit 30 determines that the calculated output capacity value is equal to or lower than the reference value, the humidification control unit 30 controls the water pumping pipe 9 to rotate at a rotation speed (third rotation speed R3) at which the water in the water storage unit 14 can be stopped. In contrast, the humidification control unit 30 may control the water pumping pipe 9 to rotate at a rotation speed (a rotation speed that makes the drainage speed slower than the drainage speed when rotation is stopped) lower than the rotation speed (third rotation speed R3) at which the water in the water storage unit 14 can be stopped. In this way, the liquid atomization device 1 can suppress unnecessary humidification while stopping the water in the water storage unit 14, while slowing down the drainage speed of the water in the water storage unit 14 and reducing the amount of water used.

In addition, in the heat exchanger 60 according to this embodiment, the humidity recovery section 65 may be configured to have a function of recovering (exchanging) not only humidity but also temperature. Specifically, the humidity recovery section 65 is a total heat exchange element, and an exhaust fan is provided inside the main body case 50 to form an exhaust air duct. The exhaust air duct is an air duct that draws indoor air from the inside air intake port 61 by the exhaust fan, and exhausts the air to the outside through the exhaust port 62 through the humidity recovery section 65. At this time, the humidity recovery section 65 is disposed at a position where the exhaust air duct and the supply air duct intersect. The humidity recovery section 65 then exchanges humidity as well as heat between the air passing through the exhaust air duct and the air passing through the supply air duct. This makes it possible to supply more comfortable air to the room.

In addition, the heat exchange ventilation device 60 according to this embodiment may be configured so that the air after moisture recovery by the moisture recovery unit 65 is supplied to the room, bypassing the liquid atomization device 1, so that it does not flow through the liquid atomization device 1. This allows the air after moisture recovery to be efficiently supplied to the room when the liquid atomization device 1 is not in operation and the device is operated only by the heat exchange ventilation. In addition, the increase in pressure loss caused by the liquid atomization device 1 is suppressed, so energy-saving operation can be achieved throughout the year.

In addition, in the heat exchanger 60 according to the present embodiment, the blowing of air from the blower 67 is stopped by stopping the operation of the blower 67, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the blowing of air to the liquid atomization device 1 may be prevented by switching to the bypass as described above. This allows the drying operation in the drying process to be performed independently while air is being supplied to the room.

The liquid atomization device according to the present invention can be applied to devices that vaporize liquids, such as water vaporization devices for humidification purposes and hypochlorous acid vaporization devices for sterilization or deodorization purposes. The liquid atomization device according to the present invention can also be applied to water vaporization devices or hypochlorous acid vaporization devices that are incorporated as one of the functions of heat exchangers, air purifiers, or air conditioners.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Liquid atomization device 2 Intake port 3 Outlet port 4 Air passage 5 Air passage 6 Air passage 7 Liquid atomization chamber 8 Collision wall 9 Water lift pipe 9a Water lift port 10 Rotating shaft 11 Rotating motor 12 Rotating plate 13 Opening 14 Water storage section 15 Drain pipe 16 Eliminator 16a Eliminator holding section 17a Full water detection section 17b Drought detection section 18 Water receiver 22 Water supply valve 30 Humidification control section 30a Input section 30b Memory section 30c Timekeeping section 30d Processing section 30e Output section 31 Operation panel 32 Temperature and humidity sensor 33 Temperature sensor 50 Body case 51 Water supply and drainage piping 60 Heat exchanger 60a Control section 61 Inside air intake port 62 Exhaust port 63 Outside air intake 64 Air supply 65 Humidity recovery section 66 Connection duct 67 Blower

Claims (4)

A liquid atomization device that sucks in indoor air from an inlet, mixes the air with atomized water, and blows the air out from an outlet,
a lift pipe having an inverted cone-shaped hollow structure that has a lift port located vertically downward and releases pumped water from the lift port in a centrifugal direction as the rotating shaft rotates;
A water storage section is provided vertically below the water lift pipe and stores the water pumped from the water lift port.
A drain outlet for draining water at a bottom surface of the water storage portion;
A control unit for controlling the water atomization operation in the liquid atomization device;
Equipped with
The water pumped from the pumping port as the rotating shaft rotates is pumped upward along the inner wall of the pumping pipe ,
During the atomization operation, the lift pipe generates a vortex in the water of the water storage section inside the lift pipe by the rotation, and forms a gap communicating between the lift port and the drain port at the center of the vortex to stop the water in the water storage section,
The liquid micro-atomization device is characterized in that when the control unit determines to stop the micro-atomization operation during the micro-atomization operation, it rotates the lifting pipe at at least a first rotation speed capable of stopping the water in the water storage section, thereby delaying the cessation of rotation of the lifting pipe for a predetermined period of time. The control unit calculates an output capability value that specifies a humidification amount in the refinement operation using humidity information related to the humidity of the air in the room and a target humidity of the air in the room, and when the calculated output capability value becomes equal to or less than a reference value, determines to stop the refinement operation;
The liquid atomization device according to claim 1, characterized in that if, during the specified period, the output capacity value exceeds a reference value, the lifting pipe is rotated at a second rotation speed which is higher than the first rotation speed, thereby restarting the water atomization operation. A liquid atomization device that sucks in indoor air from an inlet, mixes the air with atomized water, and blows the air out from an outlet,
a lift pipe having an inverted cone-shaped hollow structure that has a lift port located vertically downward and releases pumped water from the lift port in a centrifugal direction as the rotating shaft rotates;
A water storage section is provided vertically below the water lift pipe and stores the water pumped from the water lift port.
A drain outlet for draining water at a bottom surface of the water storage portion;
A control unit for controlling the water atomization operation in the liquid atomization device;
Equipped with
The water pumped up by the rotation of the rotating shaft is pumped upward along the inner wall of the lifting pipe ,
During the atomization operation, the lift pipe generates a vortex in the water of the water storage section inside the lift pipe by the rotation, and forms a gap communicating between the lift port and the drain port at the center of the vortex to stop the water in the water storage section,
This liquid atomization device is characterized in that, when it is determined that the atomization operation should be stopped, the pumping pipe is rotated at a rotation speed that is lower than at least a first rotation speed at which the water in the water storage section can be stopped, thereby slowing down the drainage speed of the water in the water storage section. The liquid atomization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit stops the rotation of the lift pipe when the amount of water stored in the water storage unit reaches a lower water storage limit during the predetermined period.

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