JPH06323580A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent adverse effects due to water scale by detecting water scale produced by concentration of calcium contained in water. CONSTITUTION:As water evaporates in an evaporating vessel 4, a calcium content in the water is concentrated. Since a high-concentration calcium water solution Wa is greater in specific gravity than water, it will collect on a bottom of a connection tube 13. As the surroundings are increased in specific gravity, a float 15 is increased in buoyancy to rise. When a magnet 17 integral with the float 15 is separated from a reed switch 16, the reed switch 16 is made off to suspend supplying of electricity to a heater 5.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a humidifier for increasing indoor humidity.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional humidifier, tap water supplied to an evaporation tank is heated by a heater to evaporate the water, thereby maintaining an appropriate indoor humidity.

By the way, in the tap water, inorganic salts such as calcium and magnesium are dissolved, and these are concentrated as water evaporates, and finally deposited as scale. If scales are deposited, they adhere to the inner wall of the evaporation tank and heat transfer efficiency decreases. Therefore, the heater is overheated, and the overheat prevention device is activated at this point to stop energization of the heater. As a result, water stains were strongly adhered to the evaporation tank, and cleaning could not be performed easily, and the parts had to be replaced.

Therefore, as a technique for preventing the adhesion of water stains to the evaporation tank, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-98029 discloses a heater in which the water level in the water tank is detected using a float and the heating pot is always filled with water. Controlling energization is disclosed.

On the other hand, a water filter such as an ion exchange resin or activated carbon for removing inorganic salts in water is installed in a water supply tank or an evaporation tank. In addition, regular cleaning is necessary to maintain the function of the water filter, but at present, only the request for cleaning is stated in the instruction manual.

[0006]

In the above prior art, since the heater is energized every time the water level in the water tank fluctuates, when the humidifier is vibrated, the heater energization is frequently stopped. As a result, the heating ability is lowered and water cannot be evaporated, so that the function as a humidifier cannot be fully exerted. Moreover, when used for a long period of time, scales are deposited and accumulated, but the conventional technique cannot detect the degree of scale accumulation.

Further, since the matter concerning cleaning of the water filter is only described in the instruction manual, there is a problem that the predetermined cleaning time is missed or the heater is overheated without cleaning.

In view of the above, the present invention has as its object the provision of a humidifier which prevents the harmful effects of the deposition of scale.

[0009]

The means for solving the problems according to claim 1 of the present invention is, as shown in FIG. 1, an evaporation tank 4 for generating steam.
And a water supply tank 2 for supplying water to the evaporation tank 4 and a heating unit 5 for heating the water in the evaporation tank 4, and a water quality detecting means 7 for detecting the degree of accumulation of scale in the evaporation tank 4. When,
Stopping means for stopping the operation of the heating part 5 when the scale of water detected by the water quality detecting means 7 exceeds an allowable amount is provided.

The water quality detecting means 7 is provided in the evaporation tank 4
It is composed of a float 15 that moves up and down due to a change in the specific gravity of the water inside, and a detector 16 that detects the vertical position of the float 15.

The means for solving the problem according to claim 3 is shown in FIGS.
As described above, the water supply counting means for counting the number of times of water supply to the water supply tank 2 and the operation of the heating unit 5 are stopped when the number of times of water supply reaches a predetermined number corresponding to when the scale of water in the evaporation tank 4 exceeds the allowable amount. Stop means is provided.

As shown in FIG. 6, the problem solving means according to claim 4 is a time integrating means for integrating the operating time of the heating section 5 and a total operating time when the scale of water in the evaporation tank 4 exceeds an allowable amount. When the corresponding predetermined total operating time has passed, the heating unit 5
And a stop means for stopping the operation of.

The means for solving the problems according to claims 5 and 6 are, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an evaporation tank 4 for generating steam, a water supply tank 2 for supplying water to the evaporation tank 4, and an inside of the evaporation tank 4. A water quality detecting unit 7 that includes a heating unit 5 that heats water and a water filter 14 that removes scales in the evaporation tank 4, and a water quality detection unit 7 that detects the degree of accumulation of scales in the evaporation tank 4, and the water quality detection unit 7 And a heating unit 5 for notifying that the time to replace the water filter 14 or the time to clean the evaporation tank 4 has come when the scale detected by the above exceeds the allowable amount.
And a stop means for stopping the operation of.

[0014]

In the above means for solving the problem, as the water is heated in the evaporation tank 4 to evaporate, the calcium content in the water is concentrated and deposited as scale. The deposition of a large amount of scale can be detected based on the difference in specific gravity between the high-concentration calcium aqueous solution and pure water, the number of times of water supply, or the amount of water evaporated due to the operating time of the heating unit 5.

When the scale of water deposits exceeds the allowable amount, the operation of the heating unit 5 is stopped to prevent the heating unit 5 from overheating and to prevent the scale of water from sticking to the evaporation tank 4.

Further, when the operation of the heating unit 5 is stopped, the fact that scales are deposited is notified by a lamp, a buzzer or the like to urge the user to clean the evaporation tank 4 or replace the water filter 14.

[0017]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, the humidifier of the present embodiment comprises a water supply tank 2 detachably attached to a humidifier body 1, a water tank 3 for storing water from the water supply tank 2, and a water tank 3. Calcium and magnesium are provided with an evaporation tank 4 that generates steam by the supplied water, a heater 5 that heats water in the evaporation tank 4, and a steam cylinder 6 that discharges the steam generated in the evaporation tank 4 to the outside of the main body. Water quality detection means 7 for detecting the degree of accumulation of scales, which is a deposit of inorganic salts, in the evaporation tank 4, and the operation of the heater 5 is stopped when the scales detected by the quality control means 7 exceed an allowable amount. The control unit 8 is provided.

The water supply tank 2 is mounted on a mounting portion 10 formed on the upper surface of the humidifier main body 1, a water supply port is formed on the lower surface of the water supply tank 2, and has a water supply valve structure. It is closed by the water supply cap 11. And
When the water tank 2 is attached to the humidifier body 1, the water tank 3
The pin 12 projecting from is inserted into the water supply cap 11, and the water supply valve is opened so that the water supply tank 2 can be supplied with water. The water supply port is also a water supply port to the water supply tank 2 removed from the humidifier body 1.

The evaporation tank 4 is arranged below the vapor cylinder 6 and is in communication with the water tank 3 via a connecting pipe 13. The bottom wall of the connecting pipe 13 is an inclined surface that descends from the evaporation tank 4 side toward the water tank 3 side. Then, on the outlet side of the connecting pipe 13,
A water filter 14 for removing scales such as ion exchange resin, activated carbon, and porous ceramics in the evaporation tank 4 is provided. A heater 5 is attached to the outer surface of the bottom wall of the evaporation tank 4. The evaporation tank 4 is provided with a thermostat that detects an abnormal temperature rise.

The water quality detecting means 7 detects the deposition of scale by utilizing the difference in specific gravity between the aqueous solution Wa containing calcium and the pure water. The floating member 15 and the detection body 16 for detecting the vertical position of the floating member 15.

The float 15 is formed in an annular shape, and a magnet 17 is integrally attached to its inner surface side. And
The float 15 is a hollow shaft 1 projecting from the bottom wall of the connecting pipe 13.
8, a stopper 19 for preventing the float 15 from coming off is attached to the upper end of the hollow shaft 18. This float 1
The specific gravity of 5 is set to be larger than the specific gravity of pure water 1 and smaller than the specific gravity of the high-concentration calcium aqueous solution Wa. By changing this setting, the allowable value of the accumulation degree of scale can be arbitrarily selected.

The detector 16 is composed of a reed switch,
It is installed inside the hollow shaft 18. And float 1
When the magnet 17 integrated with the float 15 moves up and down due to a change in the specific gravity of water around 5, the reed switch 16 is turned on and off to output a signal to the controller 8.

The control unit 8 is provided with a microcomputer, and the heater 5 is detected based on the temperature detection from the thermostat.
Is provided with a drive function of controlling energization to the heater 5 to adjust the humidifying capacity and a stop function of stopping energization of the heater 5 when an off signal is output from the reed switch 16 and deposition of scale is detected. There is.

In the above structure, when the water supply tank 2 is mounted on the mounting portion 10 of the humidifier body 1, the pin 12 opens the water supply valve in the water supply cap 11, and the water in the water supply tank 2 is connected from the water tank 3 to the connecting pipe. It enters into the evaporation tank 4 through 13 and is supplied to a predetermined height. Then, by energizing the heater 5, the water in the evaporation tank 4 becomes steam and is discharged to the outside through the steam cylinder 6.

At this time, impurities such as inorganic salts in the water remain in the evaporation tank 4. With the passage of time, the calcium content in the water is concentrated and turns into scale, which is deposited on the inner surface of the evaporation tank 4. Since the specific gravity of the high-concentration calcium aqueous solution Wa is heavier than that of pure water, the water having a high calcium concentration flows along the inclination of the connecting pipe 13 to the lower side where the float 15 exists and settles at the bottom of the connecting pipe 13.

Then, the specific gravity of water in the vicinity of the float 15 becomes larger than the specific gravity of pure water 1, and initially, as shown in FIG. 2, the float 15 heavier than the specific gravity of pure water sinks to the bottom of the connecting pipe 13. However, the specific gravity of water in the vicinity of the float 15 increases as the amount of scale deposit increases. When this specific gravity becomes larger than the specific gravity of the float 15, the buoyancy of the float 15 increases and the float 15 rises. Finally, when the accumulation degree of scale exceeds an allowable value, the magnet 17 moves away from the reed switch 16 due to the rise of the float 15, and the reed switch 16 is turned off, as shown in FIG.

In the control section 8, when an OFF signal is input,
The power supply to the heater 5 is stopped. As a result, the energization of the heater 5 is stopped before a large amount of scale is deposited and the heater 5 is overheated due to the deterioration of the evaporation capacity, so that scale of scale can be prevented from sticking to the evaporation tank 4. Can be easily removed, and failure due to scale can be prevented.

(Second Embodiment) In the humidifier of this embodiment, the water quality detecting means 20 is provided in the water tank 3 as shown in FIG. This water quality detecting means 20 utilizes that the concentration of calcium in water is proportional to the amount of evaporated water, and like the first embodiment, the float 22 and the detector (reed switch) in which the magnet 21 is integrated. ) 23, the specific gravity of the float 22 is set to be smaller than the specific gravity of the water supplied from the water supply tank 2. Therefore, the float 22 moves up and down depending on the water level of the water tank 3, and when the water tank 3 becomes empty, the reed switch 2 installed in the upper part of the hollow shaft 24.
3 is turned off, the number of times of water supply to the water supply tank 2 is known from the number of times the reed switch 23 is turned off, and the amount of evaporated water is obtained from the tank capacity × the number of times of water supply.

Then, the controller 8 controls the reed switch 23.
A water supply counting function for counting the number of times of water supply to the water supply tank 2 by an OFF signal output from the water stain detection circuit 25, and when the number of water supply exceeds a preset amount of water stain in the evaporation tank 4. It has a stop function of stopping the energization of the heater 5 when a predetermined number of times when the water amount becomes equivalent is reached. Since the deposition of scale is not directly detected here, the connecting pipe 24 has a straight shape, and the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the above structure, as shown in FIG. 5, when the water supply tank 2 is mounted, the reset switch is turned on (Q1). When water is supplied from the water supply tank 2 to the water tank 3 and accumulates up to the lower surface of the water supply cap 11, the float 2
Since 2 has a smaller specific gravity than water, it rises to the upper part of the hollow shaft 24 and comes into contact with the stopper 26. At this time, the magnet 21 and the reed switch 23 are close to each other,
The reed switch 23 is on.

The controller 8 energizes the heater 5 when the reed switch 23 outputs an ON signal. The water in the evaporation tank 4 is heated, steam is generated and humidification is performed,
As the water evaporates, the water in the water supply tank 2 is supplied. Then, all the water in the water supply tank 2 is supplied,
When the water tank 3 becomes empty, the float 22 descends as the water level decreases. As a result, the magnet 21 moves away from the reed switch 23, and the reed switch 23 is turned off.

When the OFF signal from the reed switch 23 is input to the control section, this is input to the memory IC such as RAM or flash memory (A2), and the number of times of water supply is counted with ON / OFF as one cycle (A4). . Then, water is supplied to the water supply tank 2 and the humidifier body 1 is again supplied.
Then, the heater 5 is restarted to be energized to operate the humidifier.

When the number of times of water supply reaches the predetermined number of times of water supply by repeating the above operation (Q2), the control unit 8 judges that the water scale has deposited and outputs a water scale detection signal (A3) to the heater 5. The energization is stopped (A5) and a message prompting the cleaning of the evaporation tank 4 is displayed.

After cleaning the evaporation tank 4, the reset switch is turned on (Q1) to turn off the scale detection signal and keep the water supply count to zero (A1). After that, when the heater 5 is energized, counting of the number of times of water supply is started. In this way, since the deposition of scale can be detected before the heater 5 overheats, the scale can be prevented from sticking to the evaporation tank 4, and the scale can be easily removed.

(Third Embodiment) In this embodiment, as a method for obtaining the amount of evaporated water instead of the number of times of water supply in the second embodiment, the time for energizing the heater 5 is used as shown in FIG. Yes, the amount of evaporated water can be obtained from the humidifying capacity (l / h) × total integration time (h). Therefore, the control unit has a time integration function of integrating the time when the heater 5 is energized, and a predetermined total amount of time, which is a predetermined amount of water corresponding to the amount of water in the evaporation tank 4 that exceeds a permissible amount. It has a stop function of stopping the energization of the heater 5 when the accumulated time is reached. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the same effects are obtained.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a scale detection device having a switch circuit 30 such as a power switch and a reset switch and a reed switch 16 of the water quality detection means 7 on the input side of the control unit 8. A fall detection circuit 3 that detects a fall of the circuit 31 and the humidifier body 1 and outputs a fall detection signal.
2. An empty cooking detection circuit 33 which detects the empty cooking of the evaporation tank 4 and outputs an empty cooking signal is connected, and it is time to clean the evaporation tank 4 by inputting the heater 5 and the scale detection signal to the output side. Notification device (LED, buzzer, etc.) 34
Are connected.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8, when the power switch is turned on (Q1) and the scale detection signal is not output (Q2), the heater 5 is energized, and the cleaning LED notifying the cleaning necessity is displayed. If it is turned off (A1) but the scale detection signal is output (Q2, Q4), the power supply to the heater 5 is stopped, and the cleaning LED is turned on or blinks to notify the necessity of cleaning.

In this way, the cleaning time can be known according to the deposition state of the scale, the cleaning of the evaporation tank 4 is not missed, the humidifying ability is prevented from being lowered, and the scale can be removed before the scale is fixed. The life of the humidifier can be extended. In addition, it can be prevented that the stop of energization of the heater 5 is mistaken for a failure of the main body.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that many modifications and changes can be made to the above embodiment within the scope of the present invention.

In the first embodiment, the evaporation tank 4 may be formed in a funnel shape as shown in FIG. 9 so as to smooth the flow of the high concentration calcium aqueous solution to the vicinity of the float 15. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the cleaning timing of the evaporation tank 4 is notified by the output of the scale detection signal, but the replacement timing of the water filter 14 may be notified. The installation location of the water filter 14 is not limited to the inside of the connecting pipe, and may be inside the water tank 2 or inside the water tank 3 immediately below the water tank 2.

The water quality detecting means for detecting the degree of accumulation of scale may be one that directly measures the calcium concentration in water, for example, an ion sensor that measures the calcium ion concentration by measuring the potential difference corresponding to the ion activity in water. You may use.

Further, the water quality detecting means in the fourth embodiment may be one that utilizes any one of the difference in specific gravity of water, the number of times of water supply, and the energization time of the heater.

[0043]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, scales produced by concentrating inorganic salts such as calcium in water are detected based on the specific gravity of the aqueous solution, the number of times of water supply, or the operating time of the heating section. Then, by stopping the operation of the heating unit, it is possible to prevent the heating unit from overheating due to the deposition of a large amount of scale. Therefore, since the water stains do not stick to the evaporation tank, the water stains can be easily removed, the failure due to the water stains can be prevented, the humidifying ability can be prevented from lowering, and the life of the humidifier can be extended.

Further, since the change in the specific gravity of water due to the generation of scales is detected above and below the float, scales can be detected by an inexpensive means without using an expensive sensor.

Further, since the fact that the scale has been deposited is reported, it is possible to know the cleaning time of the evaporation tank or the time of replacement of the water filter, and the cleaning of the evaporation tank will not be missed. It is possible to extend the service life of the humidifier by removing it before it is fixed. Moreover, it can be prevented that the operation stop of the heating unit is mistaken for the failure of the main body.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part of a humidifier showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state during normal operation of the water quality detection means of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state when water scale is detected by the water quality detection means of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a main part of a humidifier according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of scale detection in the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation when detecting scale in the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of a humidifier according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of scale detection in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of main parts of a humidifier according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Humidifier Main Body 2 Water Supply Tank 3 Water Tank 4 Evaporation Tank 5 Heater 6 Steam Cylinder 7 Water Quality Detection Unit 8 Control Section 13 Connection Pipe 14 Water Filter 15 Float 16 Reed Switch 17 Magnet Wa High Concentration Calcium Aqueous Solution

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A humidifier comprising: an evaporation tank for generating steam; a water supply tank for supplying water to the evaporation tank; and a heating unit for heating water in the evaporation tank. The humidifier is provided with water quality detecting means for detecting the degree of accumulation of water, and stop means for stopping the operation of the heating unit when the amount of scale detected by the water quality detecting means exceeds an allowable amount. 2. The water quality detection means comprises a float that moves up and down according to a change in the specific gravity of water in the evaporation tank, and a detector that detects the vertical position of the float. Humidifier as described. 3. A humidifier provided with an evaporation tank for generating steam, a water supply tank for supplying water to the evaporation tank, and a heating unit for heating water in the evaporation tank, wherein water supply to the water supply tank is performed. Water supply counting means for counting the number of times and stop means for stopping the operation of the heating unit when the number of times of water supply reaches a predetermined number corresponding to when the scale of water in the evaporation tank exceeds an allowable amount are provided. A characteristic humidifier. 4. A humidifier provided with an evaporation tank for generating steam, a water supply tank for supplying water to the evaporation tank, and a heating unit for heating water in the evaporation tank. And a stop means for stopping the operation of the heating unit when a predetermined total operating time corresponding to the time when the total operating time exceeds the permissible amount of scale in the evaporation tank. A humidifier characterized by that. 5. An evaporation tank that generates steam, a water supply tank that supplies water to the evaporation tank, a heating unit that heats water in the evaporation tank, and a water filter that removes scales in the evaporation tank. In a humidifier provided with, a water quality detecting means for detecting a degree of accumulation of scale in the evaporation tank, and when the scale detected by the quality detecting means exceeds an allowable amount, the water filter replacement time or the evaporation tank A humidifier provided with a notifying means for notifying that it is time to clean the. 6. The humidifier according to claim 5, further comprising stop means for stopping the operation of the heating unit.