KR102470828B1 - Dehumidification and humidification apparatus, operating method of dehumidification apparatus and operating method of humidification apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A dehumidifier and an operation method thereof are disclosed. The dehumidifier includes a blower fan and a blower motor for driving the blower fan, and includes a blower unit for introducing air from the outside into the inside by forming an air flow by rotation of the blower fan; a humidifier having a first water tank for supplying moisture to the air introduced by the blower and storing moisture to be supplied to the air; a dehumidifying unit having a second water tank which removes moisture contained in the air introduced by the blower and stores the removed moisture; a sensor unit including a humidity sensor for measuring humidity in the air and means for detecting a water level in the first or second water tank; and starting a dehumidifying or humidifying operation by controlling the air blower, and performing the dehumidifying or humidifying operation based on at least one of the humidity measured by the sensor unit and the water level in the first or second water tank during the dehumidifying or humidifying operation. It may be configured to include a control unit that determines whether or not the humidification operation is normally performed.

Description

Dehumidifier, operation method of dehumidifier, and operation method of humidifier

The present application relates to a dehumidifier, a method of operating the dehumidifier, and a method of operating the humidifier.

The dehumidifier is for removing moisture in the air or supplying moisture to the air to properly maintain the humidity of the air.

When the dehumidifier operates normally, it can create a pleasant environment by properly maintaining the humidity of the air, but when it does not operate normally, there may be a risk of damage due to water leakage or fire due to excessive operation.

Therefore, a method for detecting whether the dehumidifier is normally operated is required in the art.

In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a dehumidifier. The dehumidifier includes a blower fan and a blower motor for driving the blower fan, and includes a blower unit for introducing air from the outside into the inside by forming an air flow by rotation of the blower fan; a humidifier having a first water tank for supplying moisture to the air introduced by the blower and storing moisture to be supplied to the air; a dehumidifying unit having a second water tank for removing moisture contained in the air introduced by the blower and storing the removed moisture; a sensor unit including a humidity sensor for measuring humidity in the air and means for detecting a water level in the first or second water tank; and starting a dehumidifying or humidifying operation by controlling the blower, and dehumidifying or humidifying based on at least one of the humidity measured by the sensor unit and the water level in the first or second water tank during the dehumidifying or humidifying operation. It may include a controller that determines whether the humidification operation is normally performed.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of operating a dehumidifier. The method of operating the dehumidifier may include measuring a first humidity; Initiating a dehumidifying operation; measuring a second humidity after a predetermined time elapses after starting the dehumidifying operation; comparing the first humidity and the second humidity; outputting an alarm when the second humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity; and stopping the dehumidifying operation.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of operating a humidifier. The method of operating the humidifier may include measuring a first humidity; Initiating a humidification operation; measuring a second humidity after a predetermined time elapses after starting the humidifying operation; comparing the first humidity and the second humidity; outputting an alarm when the second humidity is equal to or lower than the first humidity; and stopping the humidifying operation.

In addition, the solution to the above problem does not enumerate all the features of the present invention. Various features of the present invention and the advantages and effects thereof will be understood in more detail with reference to specific embodiments below.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, damage due to malfunction of the dehumidifier can be prevented in advance by detecting whether the dehumidifier is normally operating, stopping the operation when it is not normally operating, and providing an alarm to the user.

1 is a configuration diagram of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a flowchart of a method of operating a dehumidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart of a method of operating a dehumidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart of a method of operating a dehumidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart of a method of operating a dehumidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart of a method of operating a dehumidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flowchart of a method of operating a dehumidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in describing a preferred embodiment of the present invention in detail, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for parts having similar functions and actions.

In addition, throughout the specification, when a part is said to be 'connected' to another part, this is not only the case where it is 'directly connected', but also the case where it is 'indirectly connected' with another element in between. include In addition, 'including' a certain component means that other components may be further included, rather than excluding other components unless otherwise stated.

1 is a configuration diagram of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a dehumidifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cleaning unit 110, a blowing unit 120, a control unit 130, a humidifying unit 140, a dehumidifying unit 150, and a sensor. It may include a unit 160, a manipulation unit 170 and an alarm output unit 180.

The cleaning unit 110 is for filtering out contaminants contained in the air flowing into the dehumidifier 100, for example, a method of adsorbing contaminants in the air flowing into the dehumidifier 100. contaminants can be removed.

The cleaning unit 110 may include one or more filters, for example, various types of filters such as a prefilter, a functional filter, a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter; HEPA filter), and a deodorization filter. can include Here, the pretreatment filter is for removing relatively large dust, hair, pet hair, etc., the functional filter is for removing antibacterial, pollen, house mites, germs, bacteria, etc., and the HEPA filter is for removing fine dust, indoor mold, etc. It is for removing various bacteria such as, and the deodorizing filter is for removing various odors and harmful gases in the room.

The blower 120 is for forming an air flow so that outside air is introduced into the dehumidifier 100, and may include a blower fan and a blower motor for driving the blower.

The blowing fan may be rotated by the blowing motor to form an air flow, and the driving speed (ie, revolutions per minute (RPM)) of the blowing motor may be controlled by the control unit 130 .

The control unit 130 is for controlling the overall operation of the humidifier 100, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), It can be implemented with a processor such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA).

Specifically, the control unit 130 controls the blower 120 based on the input signal received from the manipulation unit 170 or based on the humidity measured by the sensor unit 160 to start a dehumidifying operation or a humidifying operation. can

In addition, the controller 130 may determine whether the dehumidifying or humidifying operation is normally performed based on at least one of the humidity measured by the sensor unit 160 and the water level of the water tank during the dehumidifying or humidifying operation. have.

In addition, when it is determined that the dehumidifying or humidifying operation is not normally performed, the controller 130 may output an alarm through the alarm output unit 180 and stop the dehumidifying or humidifying operation as necessary.

A method in which the controller 130 determines and controls whether the dehumidification operation or the humidification operation is normally operated based on at least one of the humidity and the water level of the water tank will be described later in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 .

The humidifier 140 is for supplying moisture to the air introduced into the dehumidifier 100 by the blower 120, for example, various methods known to those skilled in the art, such as a natural vaporization method and an ultrasonic method. A bar may be configured to supply moisture to the air by employing a humidification method, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, the humidifier 140 may include a water tank for storing moisture to supply air.

The dehumidifying unit 150 is for removing moisture contained in the air introduced into the dehumidifier 100 by the blowing unit 120, and is known to those skilled in the art, for example, a compressor method or a desiccant method. A bar may be configured to remove moisture in the air by employing various dehumidification methods, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, the dehumidifying unit 150 may include a water tank for storing moisture removed by the dehumidifying unit 150 .

The sensor unit 160 may include a humidity sensor for measuring humidity in the air and a means for detecting a water level in a water tank provided in the humidifier 140 or the dehumidifier 150 . Here, the means for detecting the water level may be implemented as a water level sensor, and the amount of water contained in the tank is detected by a weight sensor provided at the bottom of the tank and the water level is inferred therefrom, or a weight sensor provided at the top of the tank It may be implemented to detect the water level of the water tank by a distance sensor.

The control unit 170 is for receiving a user input in relation to the operation control of the dehumidifier 100, and may be implemented as, for example, a touch-type button or a mechanical button.

For example, an input for starting a dehumidifying operation or a humidifying operation may be received through the control unit 170 .

The alarm output unit 180 outputs an alarm to the user when it is determined that the dehumidification operation or the humidification operation is not normally performed by the control unit 130 .

For example, the alarm output unit 180 may output an alarm visually through a display provided outside the dehumidifier 100 or audibly through a buzzer or the like. In addition, the alarm output unit 180 may additionally have a communication function and output an alarm to a user's portable terminal (not shown).

Although FIG. 1 shows a dehumidifier including both the humidifier 140 and the dehumidifier 150, even in the case of a humidifier or dehumidifier including only one of the humidifier 140 and the dehumidifier 150, as described above The same principle of the present invention can be applied as it is.

2 is a flowchart of an operation method of a dehumidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention, and specifically shows a method of detecting whether the dehumidifier is normally operating using measured humidity when the dehumidifier performs a dehumidification operation. .

Referring to FIG. 2 , first, the dehumidifier may measure the initial humidity (S21) and then start the dehumidifying operation (S22). Here, the dehumidification operation may be initiated according to a user's input or when the measured initial humidity becomes equal to or greater than a preset reference humidity. In addition, the dehumidifier may receive a set humidity for determining the completion point of the dehumidification operation from the user or may use a preset set humidity.

After a predetermined time elapses after starting the dehumidifying operation, the dehumidifier may measure the current humidity (S23).

Thereafter, the dehumidifier compares the current humidity with the initial humidity (S24), and when the current humidity is lower than the initial humidity, the current humidity can be compared with the set humidity (S25).

As a result of the comparison, when the current humidity is higher than the set humidity, the dehumidifying operation may be maintained (S26) and the process may be returned to the above-described step S23. On the other hand, if the current humidity is lower than or equal to the set humidity, the dehumidification operation may be stopped (S28) because the humidity is sufficiently lowered by the dehumidification operation.

On the other hand, if the current humidity is higher than or equal to the initial humidity, since the dehumidification operation is not normally performed, an alarm may be output (S27) and the dehumidification operation may be stopped (S28).

3 is a flow chart of a method of operating a dehumidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, when the dehumidifier performs a dehumidifying operation, the normal operation of the dehumidifier is detected using the water level of the water tank provided in the dehumidifier. show how to do it

Referring to FIG. 3, first, the dehumidifier starts a dehumidifying operation (S31), and after a preset time has elapsed, detects the water level of the water tank provided in the dehumidifier (S32), and sets the detected water level to a preset value. value can be compared (S33). Here, the water tank is used to store moisture removed from the air during the dehumidification operation by the dehumidifier, and when the dehumidification operation is normally performed, the water level of the water tank should be increased. In addition, the preset value may be a water level value of the water tank expected when the dehumidification operation is performed for a preset time, and may be preset in consideration of the performance of the dehumidifier and the like.

As a result of the comparison, if the water level is lower than the preset value (S33), since the dehumidification operation is not normally performed, an alarm may be output (S34) and the dehumidification operation may be stopped (S35). On the other hand, when the water level is higher than or equal to the preset value, the dehumidifying operation may be maintained (S36).

4 is a flow chart of a method of operating a dehumidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention. In detail, when the dehumidifier performs a dehumidifying operation, the dehumidifier operates normally using the measured humidity and the water level of the water tank provided in the dehumidifier. Shows how to detect if it's working.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the dehumidifier may first measure the initial humidity and detect the initial water level of the water tank provided in the dehumidifier (S41), and then start the dehumidification operation (S42).

After a predetermined time elapses after starting the dehumidifying operation, the dehumidifier may measure the current humidity and detect the current water level in the water tank (S43).

Thereafter, the dehumidifier compares the current humidity with the initial humidity (S44), and when the current humidity is lower than the initial humidity, the current water level may be compared with a preset value (S45). Here, the preset value may be preset in consideration of the initial water level and performance of the dehumidifier.

As a result of the comparison, when the current humidity is lower than the initial humidity and the current water level is higher than the preset value, it is determined that the dehumidification operation is normally performed and the dehumidification operation may be maintained (S46). On the other hand, if the current water level is not higher than the preset value even though the current humidity is lower than the initial humidity, it is determined that the water tank leak is suspected, an alarm is output (S47), and the dehumidification operation can be stopped (S48). .

Meanwhile, even when the current humidity is higher than or equal to the initial humidity, the current water level may be compared with a preset value (S49).

As a result of the comparison, if the current humidity is higher than or equal to the initial humidity and the current water level is lower than the preset value, an alarm is output (S47) and the dehumidification operation can be stopped (S48) because the dehumidification operation is not normally performed. On the other hand, if the current humidity is higher than or equal to the initial humidity and the current water level is higher than or equal to the preset value, the dehumidification operation is normally performed, but the humidity does not drop, and the performance of the dehumidifier is insufficient compared to the space where the dehumidifier is installed. Alternatively, it can be determined as a situation in which moisture is supplied abnormally around the dehumidifier, and accordingly, an alarm can be output (S50) so that the user can recognize the corresponding situation.

5 is a flowchart of a method of operating a dehumidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention, and specifically shows a method of detecting whether the dehumidifier is normally operating using measured humidity when the dehumidifier performs a humidifying operation. do.

Referring to FIG. 5 , first, the dehumidifier may measure the initial humidity (S51) and then start a humidifying operation (S52). Here, the humidifying operation may be initiated according to a user's input or when the measured initial humidity becomes equal to or less than a preset reference humidity. In addition, the dehumidifier may receive a set humidity for determining the completion point of the humidification operation from the user or may use a preset set humidity.

After a predetermined time elapses after starting the humidification operation, the dehumidifier may measure the current humidity (S53).

Thereafter, the dehumidifier compares the current humidity with the initial humidity (S54), and when the current humidity is higher than the initial humidity, the current humidity can be compared with the set humidity (S55).

As a result of the comparison, when the current humidity is lower than the set humidity, the humidifying operation may be maintained (S56) and the process may be returned to the above-described step S53. On the other hand, if the current humidity is equal to or higher than the set humidity, the humidification operation may be stopped (S58) because the humidity has become sufficiently high.

On the other hand, if the current humidity is lower than or equal to the initial humidity, since the humidification operation is not normally performed, an alarm may be output (S57) and the humidification operation may be stopped (S58).

6 is a flowchart of a method of operating a dehumidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, when the dehumidifier performs a humidifying operation, it is possible to determine whether the dehumidifier is normally operating using the water level of a water tank provided in the dehumidifier. Shows how to detect

Referring to FIG. 6, first, the dehumidifier starts a humidifying operation (S61), and after a preset time has elapsed, detects the water level in the water tank provided in the dehumidifier (S62), and sets the detected water level value can be compared (S63). Here, the water tank is used to store moisture to be supplied to the air during the humidification operation by the dehumidifier, and when the humidification operation is normally performed, the water level in the water tank must be lowered. In addition, the preset value may be preset as a water level value of the water tank expected when the humidification operation is performed for a preset time in consideration of the performance of the dehumidifier and the like.

As a result of the comparison, if the water level is higher than the preset value (S63), since the humidification operation is not normally performed, an alarm may be output (S64) and the humidification operation may be stopped (S65). On the other hand, when the water level is lower than or equal to the preset value, the humidifying operation may be maintained (S66).

7 is a flowchart of a method of operating a dehumidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, when the dehumidifier performs a humidification operation, the dehumidifier is operated using the measured humidity and the water level of the water tank provided in the dehumidifier. Shows how to detect normal operation.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the dehumidifier may first measure the initial humidity and detect the initial water level of the water tank provided in the dehumidifier (S71), and then start the humidification operation (S72).

After a predetermined time elapses after starting the humidification operation, the dehumidifier may measure the current humidity and detect the current water level in the water tank (S73).

Thereafter, the dehumidifier compares the current humidity with the initial humidity (S74), and when the current humidity is higher than the initial humidity, determines that the humidification operation is normally performed and maintains the humidification operation (S75).

Meanwhile, when the current humidity is lower than or equal to the initial humidity, the current water level may be compared with a preset value (S76). Here, the preset value may be preset in consideration of the initial water level and performance of the dehumidifier.

As a result of comparison, if the current humidity is lower than or equal to the initial humidity and the current water level is lower than the preset value, the humidification operation is normally performed, but the performance of the dehumidifier is insufficient compared to the space where the dehumidifier is installed or the water tank leak is suspected. situation, and accordingly, an alarm can be output (S77) so that the user can recognize the situation. On the other hand, if the current humidity is lower than or equal to the initial humidity and the current water level is higher than or equal to the preset value, an alarm is output (S78) and the humidification operation can be stopped (S79) because the humidification operation is not normally performed.

The method of operating the dehumidifier described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 may be performed by a processor and a sensor mounted in the dehumidifier.

The present invention is not limited by the foregoing embodiments and accompanying drawings. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the components according to the present invention can be substituted, modified, and changed without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

100: humidifier
110: cleaning unit
120: blower
130: control unit
140: humidifying unit
150: dehumidifying unit
160: sensor unit
170: control panel
180: alarm output unit

Claims (18)

delete a blower including a blower fan and a blower motor for driving the blower fan, and forming an air flow by rotation of the blower fan to introduce outside air into the inside;
a humidifier having a first water tank for supplying moisture to the air introduced by the blower and storing moisture to be supplied to the air;
a dehumidifying unit having a second water tank for removing moisture contained in the air introduced by the blower and storing the removed moisture;
a sensor unit including a humidity sensor for measuring humidity in the air and means for detecting a water level in the first or second water tank;
an alarm output unit that outputs an alarm visually or audibly; and
Controlling the air blower to start a dehumidifying or humidifying operation, and dehumidifying or humidifying based on at least one of the humidity measured by the sensor unit and the water level of the first or second water tank during the dehumidifying or humidifying operation Including a control unit for determining whether the operation is normally performed,
The control unit outputs an alarm through the alarm output unit when it is determined that the dehumidification operation or the humidification operation is not normally performed. According to claim 2,
The control unit stops the dehumidifying or humidifying operation when it is determined that the dehumidifying or humidifying operation is not normally performed. The method of claim 2, when performing the dehumidifying operation,
The control unit compares a first humidity measured before starting the dehumidifying operation with a second humidity measured after a predetermined time elapses after starting the dehumidifying operation, and when the second humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity, A dehumidifier that determines that the dehumidification operation is not normally performed. The method of claim 2, when performing the dehumidifying operation,
The control unit compares the detected water level of the second water tank with a predetermined value after a predetermined time elapses after starting the dehumidifying operation, and when the water level of the second water tank is lower than the predetermined value, the dehumidifying operation is normally performed. A dehumidifier judged to be unable to perform. The method of claim 2, when performing the dehumidifying operation,
The control unit compares the first humidity measured before starting the dehumidifying operation with the second humidity measured after a predetermined time elapses after starting the dehumidifying operation, and when the second humidity is higher than or equal to the first humidity, Alternatively, when the second humidity is lower than the first humidity and the measured water level of the second water tank is not higher than the preset value after a predetermined time elapses after starting the dehumidification operation, the dehumidification operation is not normally performed. It is judged to be a low humidity. The method of claim 2, when performing the humidifying operation,
The control unit compares the first humidity measured before the start of the humidification operation with the second humidity measured after a predetermined time elapses after starting the humidification operation, and when the second humidity is lower than or equal to the first humidity, A dehumidifier that determines that the humidification operation is not normally performed. The method of claim 2, when performing the humidifying operation,
The control unit compares the detected water level of the second water tank with a predetermined value after a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the humidifying operation, and when the water level of the second water tank is higher than the predetermined value, the humidifying operation is normally performed. A dehumidifier judged to be unable to perform. The method of claim 2, when performing the humidifying operation,
The control unit compares the first humidity measured before the start of the humidification operation with the second humidity measured after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the humidification operation, and the second humidity is equal to or lower than the first humidity. The dehumidifier for determining that the humidifying operation is not normally performed when the measured water level of the first water tank is higher than or equal to a preset value after a preset time has elapsed after starting the operation. measuring a first humidity;
Initiating a dehumidifying operation;
measuring a second humidity after a predetermined time elapses after starting the dehumidifying operation;
comparing the first humidity and the second humidity;
outputting an alarm when the second humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity; and
A method of operating a dehumidifier comprising stopping the dehumidifying operation. Initiating a dehumidifying operation;
detecting a water level in a water tank provided in the dehumidifier after a predetermined time elapses after the dehumidification operation is started;
comparing the water level with a preset value;
outputting an alarm when the water level is lower than the preset value; and
A method of operating a dehumidifier comprising stopping the dehumidifying operation. Measuring a first humidity and sensing a first water level in a water tank provided in the dehumidifier;
Initiating a dehumidifying operation;
measuring a second humidity and sensing a second water level in the water tank after a predetermined time elapses after starting the dehumidifying operation;
comparing the first humidity and the second humidity;
comparing the second water level with a preset value when the second humidity is lower than the first humidity;
outputting an alarm when the second water level is not higher than the predetermined value; and
A method of operating a dehumidifier comprising stopping the dehumidifying operation. According to claim 12,
comparing the second water level with a preset value when the second humidity is equal to or higher than the first humidity;
outputting an alarm when the second water level is lower than the preset value; and
The method of operating the dehumidifier further comprising stopping the dehumidifying operation. According to claim 13,
and outputting an alarm when the second water level is equal to or higher than the predetermined value. measuring a first humidity;
Initiating a humidification operation;
measuring a second humidity after a predetermined time elapses after starting the humidifying operation;
comparing the first humidity and the second humidity;
outputting an alarm when the second humidity is equal to or lower than the first humidity; and
A method of operating a humidifier comprising stopping the humidifying operation. Initiating a humidification operation;
detecting a water level of a water tank provided in the humidifier after a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the humidifying operation;
comparing the water level with a preset value;
outputting an alarm when the water level is higher than the preset value; and
A method of operating a humidifier comprising stopping the humidifying operation. Measuring a first humidity and detecting a first water level in a water tank provided in the humidifier;
Initiating a humidification operation;
measuring a second humidity and sensing a second water level in the water tank after a predetermined time has elapsed since the humidifying operation was initiated;
comparing the first humidity and the second humidity;
comparing the second water level with a preset value when the second humidity is equal to or lower than the first humidity; and
and outputting an alarm when the second water level is lower than the predetermined value. 18. The method of claim 17,
outputting an alarm when the second water level is equal to or higher than the predetermined value; and
A method of operating a humidifier comprising stopping the humidifying operation.

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