WO2013051419A1

WO2013051419A1 - Humidification device

Info

Publication number: WO2013051419A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/074457
Authority: WO
Inventors: 智幸岡野
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2011-10-03
Filing date: 2012-09-25
Publication date: 2013-04-11
Also published as: JP2013079754A; CN103842734A

Abstract

This humidification device is equipped with: a tank; a humidification unit; a blower; a notification unit that issues a notification to prompt for the water stored in the tank to be replaced; a detection unit that detects the air humidity and the amount of stored water; a control unit that controls the humidification unit and the blower on the basis of the detection result from the detection unit; and a recording unit that records time information indicating the operating time for a prescribed operation. In addition, the humidification device is equipped with a switching unit that receives instructions for switching between a first mode, which is an operating mode in which the humidification unit is operated, and a second mode, which is an operating mode in which a blowing operation is performed by means of the blower without operating the humidification unit. When the second mode is in operation, the control unit determines the elapsed time from the commencement of the second mode on the basis of the time information, and when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined standard time, the control unit controls the notification unit so as to issue a notification.

Description

Humidifier

General humidifier is equipped with fan motor and humidifier filter. As the fan motor rotates, indoor air is sucked into the humidifying device, passes through the humidifying filter, and is then sent from the inside of the humidifying device to the indoor.

Humidification filter humidifies when air passes through itself. Specifically, the air sucked into the humidifying device passes through the humidifying filter, whereby the moisture infiltrated into the humidifying filter is evaporated and humidified. When the water for soaking into the humidifying filter falls below a predetermined amount, a water supply alarm is sounded to notify that water supply is necessary.

In recent years, techniques for purifying the air in the living space with positive (plus) and / or negative (minus) ions have been actively used. For example, in an ion generator such as a humidifier, an ion generator that generates positive and / or negative ions is arranged in the middle of an internal ventilation path, and the generated ions are released together with air into an external space. Like to do.

In the space where ions are released, a significant sterilizing effect is obtained against bacteria such as Serratia and Bacillus. Also, ions in the air inactivate suspended particles and denature odor components. Thereby, the air of the whole living space is cleaned.

Some humidifiers equipped with an ion generator as described above have a function of operating the ion generator independently. During the single ion operation, the humidification operation is not performed, and only the operation for generating ions that produce the above-described effects is performed. Such a humidifier not only detects and humidifies the humidity in the room, but also as an ion generator that purifies the room by generating only ions when the humidity is moderately maintained and humidification is not necessary. Can also be used.

In relation to the above, Patent Document 1 discloses that after the water in the tank is drained, the inside of the tank is cleaned with a cleaning liquid to keep it clean, and a purification process is performed prior to the water splitting process. A negative ion generator that performs purification while circulating the gas is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-300139

However, in the humidifying device having both the humidifying function and the ion generating function as described above, if only the ion generating function is used continuously, there is a risk that water in the tank is left unattended. In particular, if left untreated for a long time, the water will rot, causing the tank to turn yellow and odor, leading to early deterioration of the tank. In addition, the humidifying filter may be deteriorated.

¡If humidified operation is performed in a situation where such spoiled water is left untreated, it is very unsanitary. Further, the deteriorated tank and humidification filter need to be cleaned or replaced by the user. Therefore, there is a problem that the trouble and cost of replacement increase as the deterioration occurs in a short period of time.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main purpose is to avoid leaving the water in the tank for a long time in a humidifying device having a plurality of functions including a humidifying function. An object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier capable of maintaining cleanliness in the apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, a humidifier according to the present invention comprises a tank for storing water, a humidifying unit for humidifying using water stored in the tank, and exchange of water stored in the tank. A notification unit for performing notification for prompting, a detection unit for detecting the humidification of air and the amount of water stored in the tank, and the humidification unit controlled based on the detection result of the detection unit A control unit that performs recording, a recording unit that records time information indicating an operation time of a predetermined operation, a first mode that is an operation mode for operating the humidifying unit, and an operation that operates the device unit excluding the humidifying unit A second mode that is a mode, and a switching unit that accepts a switching instruction, and when the control unit is operating in the second mode, the elapsed time from the transition to the second mode is Judgment based on time information, previous Elapsed time is configured to control means controls the notification unit to perform the notification when it exceeds the reference time determined in advance (the first configuration).

In the humidifying device having the first configuration, the control unit determines the accumulated time of the elapsed time based on the time information, and performs the notification when the accumulated time exceeds the reference time. It is good to make it the structure (2nd structure) characterized by controlling the said alerting | reporting part.

In the humidifying device having the second configuration, the control unit compares the water storage amount with a predetermined reference water amount, and when it is determined that the water storage amount is smaller than the reference water amount, The notification unit may be controlled to perform the notification (third configuration).

Note that the humidifying device having the third configuration is such that, even when the control unit exceeds the reference time set in advance for the elapsed time or the accumulated time, the water storage amount is greater than the reference water amount. When it is determined that there are few, it is good to set it as the structure (4th structure) characterized by controlling the said alerting | reporting part so that the said alerting | reporting is not performed.

In addition, the humidification apparatus which consists of said 4th structure is equipped with the air blower which generate | occur | produces an airflow, and said 2nd mode is an operation mode which performs the ventilation operation | movement by the said air blower, without operating the said humidification part. A configuration (fifth configuration) is preferable.

Note that the humidifying device having the fifth configuration may have a configuration (sixth configuration) in which the recording unit is a nonvolatile memory.

Note that the humidifying device having the sixth configuration may have a configuration (seventh configuration) in which the notification unit includes an acoustic device that emits an alarm sound.

The humidifying device having the seventh configuration may have a configuration (eighth configuration) in which the notification unit includes a light emitting device including an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

According to the present invention, the operation integration time in the second mode in which only the blower is operated independently without operating the humidifying unit is measured, and notification is given when the operation integration time exceeds a predetermined reference time. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the water in the tank from being left for a long time due to the fact that the humidifying unit does not operate. As a result, the cleanliness of the water in the tank can be maintained and a clean humidification operation can be performed.

It is a front side perspective view of the humidification apparatus concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a back side perspective view of the humidification device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows a part of upper surface of the humidification apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the humidification apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the normal driving | operation process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the ventilation operation process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment shown here is an example and this invention is not limited to embodiment shown here.

1 is a front perspective view of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the humidifier shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a top view of the humidifier shown in FIG. is there.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the humidifying device 1 has a main body casing 2 including a front cabinet 2a and a rear cabinet 2b. The front cabinet 2 a is attached to the main body casing 2 so as to cover a part of the front surface and the side surface of the main body casing 2.

A handle portion 5 is provided on the bottom surface of the main casing 2 in consideration of convenience when the humidifying device 1 is lifted and conveyed. Further, a tank 3 for storing water used for humidification is provided adjacent to the main casing 2. The water level stored in the tank 3 can be measured by the float 6.

A suction port 9 for sucking air from the outside is provided on the rear surface of the rear cabinet 2b. At the upper part of the main casing 2, there is provided a blow-out port 4 for humidifying the air sucked from the suction port 9 and then blowing it out.

Also, a humidifying filter 8 (= humidifying portion) for humidifying the air sucked from the suction port 9 and a blower (not shown) are provided inside the main body casing 2. The blower includes a fan that generates an airflow for sucking air from the suction port 9 and blowing it out, and a motor 15 (see FIG. 4) that rotationally drives the fan.

The front cabinet 2a functions as a sound insulation member for suppressing noise generated by the blower from leaking out of the humidifier 1 (inside the room) during operation of the humidifier 1. Moreover, it has the function of ensuring the aesthetic appearance of the humidifier 1.

A temperature / humidity sensor 7 (= detection unit) is provided above the suction port 9 on the back side. The temperature / humidity sensor 7 detects the temperature and humidity of the air. The more moisture in the air, the higher the humidity.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a panel 11 is provided on the upper surface of the main casing 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the panel 11 is provided with a display unit 12, an operation switch 13, and a mode switch 14 (= switch unit).

The display unit 12 includes a plurality of lamps that indicate various operating states of the humidifier 1. Each lamp emits light by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 12 includes a water supply lamp 12a (= notification unit), a water treatment lamp 12b, a humidity display lamp 12c, a humidifying operation lamp 12d, and a blower operation lamp 12e. Although a plurality of humidifying operation lamps 12d are provided, the corresponding lamps are turned on due to the difference in air volume.

The mode changeover switch 14 includes a humidification operation changeover switch 14a and a blower operation switch 14b for operating in a mode in which the humidification operation is not performed.

Next, the control configuration of the humidifier 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the humidifier according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the humidifier 1 includes a float 6, a temperature / humidity sensor 7, a display unit 12, an operation switch 13, a mode switch 14, a motor 15, a control unit 16, and a memory unit 17 (= recording unit, nonvolatile memory). ), And an audio output unit 18 (= notification unit, acoustic device).

The temperature / humidity sensor 7, the operation switch 13, and the mode change switch 14 are connected to the control unit 16 that is the center of the control configuration, and signals from the switches and sensors are input. Further, the display unit 12, the motor 15, and the audio output unit 18 are connected to the control unit 16, and a drive signal is output from the control unit 16.

Further, a memory unit 17 and an audio output unit 18 are connected to the control unit 16. The control unit 16 transmits / receives information to / from the memory unit 17. The sound output unit 18 is a buzzer device, and generates a buzzer sound, for example, by vibrating the diaphragm using an electromagnet. The control unit 16, the memory unit 17, and the audio output unit 18 are built in the main body casing 2.

However, the audio output unit 18 is not limited to the buzzer device. For example, the voice output unit 18 may be configured by a voice speaker in which a predetermined voice or a melody is recorded, and the recorded voice or the like may be output from the speaker. The audio output unit 18 may be capable of switching output audio. For example, it may be configured to be able to switch between an output of a buzzer sound that is easy to call the user's attention due to an annoyance, and an output of a melody or the like that is not annoyance and does not unnecessarily surprise the user.

In particular, if a guidance voice is output from the voice output unit 18 or light is emitted by an LED included in the display unit 12, even a user who uses the humidifier 1 for the first time needs to perform water treatment. Can be easily understood.

The control unit 16 is a control center of the humidifier 1. In the control unit 16, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in the control unit 16 uses a RAM (not shown) as a work area, controls each part of the humidifying device 1 according to a computer program stored in a ROM (not shown), and executes various processes. To do.

For example, the control unit 16 changes and controls the rotation speed of the motor 15 connected to the blower. Thereby, the amount of air sucked from the suction port 9 and allowed to pass through the humidifying filter 8 is adjusted to adjust the humidifying capacity. Moreover, the control part 16 determines whether the humidification of air is higher than predetermined humidification based on the detection result of the temperature / humidity sensor 7. When the humidification of the air is higher than the predetermined humidification, it is determined that the indoor humidification is sufficient. When the humidification of the air is less than or equal to the predetermined humidification, it is determined that the indoor humidification is insufficient.

When it is determined that the humidification in the room is insufficient, the control unit 16 increases the amount of air passing through the inside of the humidifying device 1 by increasing the rotation speed of the motor 15 and increasing the rotation speed. . This increases the humidification capacity and shortens the time until the completion of humidification. On the other hand, if it is determined that the humidification in the room is sufficient, the amount of air passing through the inside of the humidifier 1 is reduced by reducing the rotation speed of the motor 15 and slowing down the rotation speed. Thereby, a humidification capability is made low.

The user operates the mode switch 14 after operating the operation switch 13 when desiring normal operation (= first mode), which is a mode for operating the humidification function. The operation switch 13 is also operated when it is desired to end the normal operation.

The operation switch 13 outputs a predetermined control signal (hereinafter referred to as “operation signal”) to the control unit 16 every time it is operated by the user. When the operation signal is input when the humidifier 1 is not operated, the control unit 16 starts the operation of the humidifier 1. When the operation signal is input in the operating state, the control unit 16 ends the operation of the humidifying device 1. That is, the control unit 16 controls the operation / stop of the humidifier 1 by the operation switch 13.

The humidifying device 1 has a function of performing a blowing operation (= second mode) in which only the blowing is performed without operating the humidifying function in addition to the above-described normal operation. The user operates the mode switch 14 when switching between the normal operation and the air blowing operation is desired.

The mode switch 14 outputs a predetermined control signal (hereinafter referred to as “switching signal”) to the control unit 16 every time it is operated by the user. The controller 16 switches between the normal operation and the air blowing operation each time a switching signal is input. The mode changeover switch 14 is configured to include a humidification operation changeover switch 14a and a blower operation switch 14b.

Specifically, for example, the normal operation is set as the default (at the start of operation) of the humidifier 1, and when the normal operation is to be switched to the air blowing operation, the user operates the air blowing operation switch 14b. When switched to the blowing operation, the humidifier 1 operates as an ion generator that generates ions. Conversely, when the user wants to switch the blowing operation to the normal operation, the user operates the humidifying operation switching switch 14a. As described above, the mode selector switch 14 functions as a switching unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

In addition, when the normal operation is switched to the air blowing operation, the control unit 16 turns on the air blowing operation lamp 12e disposed in the vicinity of the air blowing operation switch 14b among the lamps provided in the display unit 12. On the other hand, when the blower operation is switched to the normal operation, the control unit 16 turns off the blower operation lamp 12e. That is, the control unit 16 notifies the user whether the humidifying device 1 is operating in the normal operation or the air blowing operation by turning on / off the air blowing operation lamp 12e.

Next, the procedure of the operation process executed by the humidifier 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of normal operation processing in the humidifying device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, FIG. 6 is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the ventilation operation process performed with the humidification apparatus 1 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

The processing flow shown in FIG. 5 is assumed to start processing from a state where the humidifying device 1 is not operated. In this state, the control unit 16 determines whether or not an operation signal is input from the operation switch 13 (step S11). When the operation signal is not input (step S11: NO), the process of step S11 is repeated.

When the operation signal is input (step S11: YES), the control unit 16 starts the operation of the humidifier 1 (step S12). When the operation is started, the control unit 16 sets the normal operation as a default and controls the operation of each unit. In normal operation, the blower operation lamp 12e is not lit. In normal operation, the rotational speed of the motor 15 is changed and controlled based on the detection result of the temperature / humidity sensor 7.

Next, the control unit 16 determines whether or not a switching signal is input from the mode switch 14 (step S13). When the switching signal is input (step S13: YES), the control unit 16 performs normal operation. Switching between blowing operation is performed (step S14).

Specifically, when the switching operation in step S14 is set to the normal operation and the switching signal instructing the switching to the air blowing operation is input, the control unit 16 switches to the air blowing operation, and FIG. The execution of the air blowing operation shown is started. At this time, the control unit 16 turns on the air blowing operation lamp 12e of the display unit 12.

On the other hand, when the switching operation in step S14 is executed and the air blowing operation is set, and the switching signal instructing the switching to the normal operation is input, the control unit 16 switches to the normal operation. At this time, the control unit 16 turns off the blowing operation lamp 12e, further interrupts the execution of the blowing operation process shown in FIG. 6, and starts executing the normal operation.

When the process of step S14 is completed or when the switching signal is not input (step S13: NO), the control unit 16 determines whether or not the operation signal is input from the operation switch 13 (step S15). If not input (step S15: NO), the process proceeds to step S13.

When the operation signal is input (step S15: YES), the control unit 16 ends the operation of the humidifier 1 (step S16). Specifically, the control unit 16 turns off the various lamps that are turned on or blinking on the display unit 12 and stops the normal operation or the blowing operation that is being performed. After the process of step S16 ends, the control unit 16 returns the process to step S11.

In addition, when it sets to ventilation operation at the time of complete | finishing the driving | operation of the humidification apparatus 1 in step S16, in step S12 at the time of the next driving | operation start, the control part 16 sets blowing operation instead of normal operation as a default. You may comprise as follows.

Next, the blowing operation will be described with reference to FIG. In the air blowing operation, first, since it is not desirable to erroneously notify the water treatment when there is no water in the tank 3, the presence or absence of water in the tank 3 is confirmed by the float 6 (step S21). When there is no water (step S21: NO), the process proceeds to step S25 described later.

When there is water (step S21: YES), the control unit 16 determines whether or not the accumulated operation time of the air blowing operation has exceeded a predetermined reference time, for example, 72 hours that is a general tap water storage period. Is determined (step S22).

In addition, the operation integration time in this embodiment refers to the integration time of the operation time measured intermittently by ON / OFF of the air blowing operation. The calculation of the accumulated time is performed, for example, by recording time information indicating the operation time of various operations in the memory unit 17 as needed. The accumulated operation time is reset when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the water stored in the tank 3 is replaced.

When the accumulated operation time exceeds the reference time (step S22: YES), the control unit 16 operates the audio output unit 18 to generate a buzzer sound and performs notification (step S23). Further, the water treatment lamp 12b is turned on (step S24). As described above, the audio output unit 18 functions as acoustic means in one embodiment of the present invention.

Thereafter, the control unit 16 determines whether or not water treatment has been performed using the float 6 (step S25). Specifically, for example, when water is discharged from the tank 3 or when it is replaced with new water, it is considered that water treatment has been performed.

When water treatment is not performed (step S25: NO), buzzer sound output (step S23) and LED lighting (step S24) are continuously executed. When the water treatment is performed (step S25: YES), the notification is terminated (step S26), and the air blowing operation is continued.

When the tank 3 is empty, or when the tank 3 has water even after 72 hours have elapsed, or when the float 6 is activated when the tank 3 is not properly attached, the control unit 16 informs by a predetermined method. I do.

In the above embodiment, the notification is given when the operation integration time exceeds 72 hours. However, if the float 6 does not operate for a predetermined time after the notification is started, it is determined that the water treatment has been performed, and the operation integration is performed. The form which resets time may be sufficient. In this case, notification is not performed even if the tank 3 becomes empty during the air blowing operation.

As described above, according to the humidifying device 1 of the present embodiment, the state of the water in the tank 3, particularly the water left for a long time, in a state in which the room is sterilized by a blowing operation without humidification. Since the presence can be notified, a clean humidification operation can be performed.
[Other embodiments]

The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments and examples. However, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is not intended to include the above-described meanings, but is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims.

Therefore, the present invention can be applied to the following modes.

(A) In the said embodiment, although the humidification apparatus 1 is illustrated as one Embodiment of this invention, this invention is not limited to this form, It can apply also to the apparatus which humidifies other than this. is there. Mainly applicable to equipment that humidifies, such as humidified air conditioner, ion generator with humidifying function.

(B) In the above-described embodiment, the buzzer sound is emitted by the audio output unit 18 when the notification is performed. However, for example, a predetermined warning message may be issued by the audio guidance. Further, a light emitting means (lamp or the like) that emits powerful light may be provided to notify the user.

(C) In the above embodiment, the operation integration time and the reference time are compared in S22. However, the continuous operation time of the fan operation continuously measured is compared with the reference time, and the continuous operation time is set to the reference time. You may make it alert | report when exceeding.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Humidifier 2a Front cabinet 2b Rear cabinet 3a Tank 3b Tank handle 3c Tank cap 4 Air outlet 5 Handle part 6 Float (water detection part)
7 Temperature / humidity sensor (detector)
8 Humidification filter (humidification part)
9 Air filter 10 Tray 11 Panel 12 Display part (notification part)
12a Water supply lamp 12b Water treatment lamp 12c Humidity display lamp 12d Humidification operation lamp 12e Blower operation lamp 13 Operation switch 14 Mode switch (switching unit)
14a Humidification operation switch 14b Blower operation switch 15 Motor
16 Control unit 17 Memory unit (recording unit, non-volatile memory)
18 Audio output unit (notification unit, sound device)

Claims

A tank for storing water;
A humidifying unit for performing humidification using water stored in the tank;
An informing unit for informing to promote exchange of water stored in the tank;
A detection unit for detecting the humidification of air and the amount of water stored in the tank;
A control unit that controls the humidification unit based on a detection result of the detection unit;
A recording unit for recording time information indicating an operation time of a predetermined operation;
A switching unit that receives a switching instruction between a first mode that is an operation mode for operating the humidification unit and a second mode that is an operation mode for operating the device unit excluding the humidification unit;
When the control unit is operating in the second mode, the control unit determines an elapsed time from the transition to the second mode based on the time information, and sets a predetermined reference time for the elapsed time. The humidifying device, wherein the notification unit is controlled so as to perform the notification when exceeding.
The said control part determines the integration time of the said elapsed time based on the said time information, and controls the said alerting | reporting part to perform the said notification when the said integration time exceeds the said reference time. Item 2. A humidifier according to Item 1.
The control unit compares the water storage amount with a predetermined reference water amount, and controls the notification unit to perform the notification when it is determined that the water storage amount is smaller than the reference water amount. The humidifying device according to claim 2, wherein
The control unit does not perform the notification when it is determined that the water storage amount is smaller than the reference water amount even when the elapsed time or the accumulated time exceeds a predetermined reference time. The humidifying device according to claim 3, wherein the notification unit is controlled.
The humidifier includes a blower that generates an airflow,
The humidifying device according to claim 4, wherein the second mode is an operation mode in which the air blowing operation is performed by the blower without operating the humidifying unit.
The humidifying device according to claim 5, wherein the recording unit is a nonvolatile memory.
The humidifying device according to claim 6, wherein the notification unit includes an acoustic device that emits an alarm sound.
The humidifying device according to claim 7, wherein the notification unit includes a light emitting device including an LED (Light Emitting Diode).