WO2018078782A1

WO2018078782A1 - Humidification device

Info

Publication number: WO2018078782A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/081959
Authority: WO
Inventors: 文夫齋藤; 正史芦野; 勝高田; 俊明河合; 真海安田
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2016-10-27
Filing date: 2016-10-27
Publication date: 2018-05-03
Also published as: JP6847122B2; JPWO2018078782A1

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a body (6) in which an air passage (3) is formed establishing communication between a suction port (1) and a blowout port (2); a blower means (4) that is provided to the air passage (3) and that generates an air flow from the suction port (1) toward the blowout port (2) during operation; a humidification element (17) that is provided to the air passage (3); a water supply means (11) that supplies water to the humidification element (17); and a control unit (25) that switches operation between a humidification mode in which water supply to the humidification element (17) is carried out, and a blowing mode in which water supply to the humidification element (17) is stopped and the blower means (4) is operated. The control unit (25) sets a humidification-mode operation time on the basis of an indoor humidity, which is the humidity in a room into which air blown out from the blowout port (2) is supplied.

Description

Humidifier

The present invention relates to a humidifier for preventing indoor drying.

Conventionally, a humidifier that humidifies air by evaporating water with a humidifying element has been used. Patent Document 1 discloses a humidifier that can increase humidification efficiency. In the humidifying device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the pump is driven during the humidifying operation, and the pump is stopped after moisture reaches the humidifying element. In addition, the time when moisture adhering to the humidifying element evaporates or flows downward, the surface area of the humidifying element contributing to moisture evaporation increases and the amount of humidification increases is determined in advance, and the pump is restarted after this time elapses Like to do. The humidification efficiency is improved by driving the pump intermittently during the humidification operation.

Japanese Patent No. 4676400

However, in the humidifying device of Patent Document 1, when a humidifying element having a property that the surface area is increased by intermittent water supply is mounted, it is possible to improve the humidifying efficiency. However, a humidifying element that does not have a property that the surface area is increased by intermittent water supply is provided. It is difficult to improve the humidification efficiency with the installed humidifier.

In addition, since the pump is stopped after moisture has spread to the humidifying element, if the water retention performance of the humidifying element is high, the humidified air continues to be blown from the humidifying element even after the water supply to the humidifying element is stopped. There was a risk that the room would be over-humidified, impairing user comfort.

In addition, since the humidification amount from the humidifying element greatly depends on the temperature and humidity of the air passing through the humidifying element and the air volume, if an intermittent cycle is set without considering these as in Patent Document 1, wasteful water supply is performed. On the other hand, when a part of the humidifying element is dried, the chalk component may be precipitated to generate white powder, or the life of the humidifying element may be shortened.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to obtain a humidifier that prevents excessive humidification in a room and maximizes the water-saving effect without deteriorating the life of the humidifying element.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a main body in which an air air passage for communicating the suction port and the air outlet is formed, and an air air passage provided in the air air passage, A blowing means for generating an air flow from the mouth to the outlet, a humidifying element provided in the air air passage, a water supplying means for supplying water to the humidifying element, an operation in a humidifying mode in which water is supplied to the humidifying element, A control unit that switches between operation in a blowing mode in which water supply to the humidifying element is stopped and the blowing unit is activated, and the control unit is a room humidity that is indoor humidity supplied with air blown from the outlet A humidifier that sets an operation time in a humidification mode based on humidity.

The humidifier according to the present invention has the effect of preventing excessive humidification in the room and maximizing the water-saving effect without reducing the life of the humidifying element.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the time transition of the humidification amount from the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 1, and the moisture retention of a humidification element. The flowchart which shows an example of the control operation by the control part of the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 1. The flowchart which shows an example of the control operation by the control part of the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 1. The flowchart which shows an example of the control operation by the control part of the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 1. The flowchart which shows an example of the control operation by the control part of the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 1. The flowchart which shows an example of the control operation by the control part of the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 1. The flowchart which shows an example of the control operation by the control part of the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the table which determines the humidification mode target water retention rate used in the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows the other example of the table which determines the humidification mode target water retention rate used in the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of control operation by the control part of the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 2. The figure which shows the table which determines the humidification mode target water retention rate used in the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 2. FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the control action by the control part of the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 3. The figure which shows the table which determines the humidification mode target water retention rate used in the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 3. FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of control operation by the control part of the humidification apparatus concerning Embodiment 4. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the control apparatus in Embodiment 1-4

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

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a humidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the humidifier 100 includes a main body 6 in which an air passage 3 in which an inlet 1 and an outlet 2 are communicated is formed. The air passage 3 is provided with a sirocco fan 4 that is a blowing means. The sirocco fan 4 generates an air flow from the inlet 1 toward the outlet 2 in the air passage 3 during operation.

The air path 3 is provided with an air purification filter 21, a humidity sensor 22, a temperature sensor 23, and a water tank 7 in order from the suction port 1 side. The main body 6 is provided with water supply means 11 for supplying water to the water tank 7. The water supply means 11 has a water supply connection port 8 formed in the main body 6, a pipe 5 extending from the water supply connection port 8 toward the water supply tank 7, and a water supply valve 9 for opening and closing the pipe 5. By opening the water supply valve 9, water is supplied to the water supply tank 7 from the water supply port 10 which is one end of the pipe 5.

A humidifying element 17 for humidifying the air passing through the air passage 3 is provided in the air passage 3 below the water supply tank 7. A plurality of holes (not shown) for dispersing the water supplied by the water supply means 11 to the humidifying element 17 are formed on the bottom surface of the water supply tank 7. The water supplied from the water supply tank 7 permeates and diffuses into the humidifying element 17. The air passing through the air passage 3 is humidified by the water vaporized by the humidifying element 17. The water that has not been retained by the humidifying element 17 flows into the drainage tank 12 provided below the humidifying element 17. A drain port 14 is formed on the bottom surface of the drain tank 12. The drainage port 14 is connected to the drainage connection port 13 provided in the main body 6 to constitute the drainage means 15.

The main body 6 is provided with operation means 20. The operation of the humidifying device 100 can be selected by operating the operation means 20. Further, the operation of the operation unit 20 can be performed to select whether the air volume is strong or weak. The main body 6 is provided with a control device 25. The control device 25 is provided with a control unit 19 and a storage unit 16. The control unit 19 controls the operation of the sirocco fan 4 and the water supply valve 9 based on the operation from the operation means 20 and the information from the humidity sensor 22 and the temperature sensor 23. The storage unit 16 stores various information described below.

The sirocco fan 4 may be provided on the upstream side of the humidifying element 17 or may be provided on the downstream side of the humidifying element 17. Further, it may be provided outside the main body 6 and connected to the duct. Also, when provided outside the main body 6, it may be provided upstream from the main body 6 or may be provided downstream from the main body 6.

Moreover, the humidity sensor 22 which is an indoor humidity detection means may be provided outside the main body 6 as long as it detects the humidity in the room to which the air blown from the humidifying device 100 is supplied. It may be provided other than. For example, you may install in the humidification object space. Further, the operation unit 20 may be provided so that the operation unit 20 acquires the detected humidity. Further, an external device other than the humidifying device 100 and the operation means 20 may function as a humidity sensor.

In addition, when the present invention is applied to a heat exchange ventilator, in addition to the above example, a humidity sensor may be installed in the exhaust air passage connecting the indoor suction port and the total heat exchanger. When the present invention is applied to a non-heat exchange ventilator, in addition to the above example, a humidity sensor may be installed in the exhaust air passage that connects the indoor suction port and the outdoor discharge port. Further, the operation means 20 may be an operation switch provided in the main body 6 instead of the remote controller as shown in FIG.

The temperature sensor 23 only needs to be able to detect the temperature of the air before passing through the humidifying element 17. Therefore, the temperature sensor 23 may be provided outside the main body 6 or may be provided other than the air passage 3. For example, when the present invention is applied to an indoor circulation type humidifier, a temperature sensor may be installed in the humidification target space. Further, a temperature sensor may be provided in the operation means 20. Further, the control unit 19 may perform temperature correction in consideration of the difference between the indoor temperature and the ceiling temperature. An external device other than the humidifier 100 and the operation means 20 may function as a temperature sensor.

In addition, when the present invention is applied to a heat exchange ventilator, a temperature sensor installed in an exhaust air passage that communicates the indoor suction port and the total heat exchanger, and an air supply that communicates the outdoor suction port and the total heat exchanger. You may make it calculate the temperature of the air before passing through the humidification element 17 from the temperature sensor installed in the air wind path, and the heat exchange efficiency of a total heat exchanger. Further, an external device other than the humidifying device 100 and the operation means 20 may function as a temperature sensor.

In addition, when the present invention is applied to a non-heat exchange ventilator, a temperature sensor may be installed in the air supply air passage that communicates the outdoor suction port and the total heat exchanger, or may be installed outside the room. Further, an external device other than the humidifying device 100 and the operation means 20 may function as a temperature sensor.

Next, a sufficient amount of water is supplied from the water supply tank 7 so that the moisture retention rate of the humidifying element 17 is 100%. After the water has permeated and diffused, the water supply from the water supply means 11 is stopped, and the sirocco fan 4 A description will be given of how the humidification amount from the humidifier 100 and the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 change when an air flow from the inlet 1 to the outlet 2 is generated in the air passage 3 by rotation. .

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a temporal transition of the humidification amount from the humidifying device 100 according to the first embodiment and the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the humidifier 100 is operated with the selected air volume “weak”, it is assumed that the air volume is half that of the selected air volume “strong”.

Here, the graph of FIG. 2A represents the transition of the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 after the stop of water supply when the selected air volume is “strong”, and the graph of FIG. 2B is the graph when the selected air volume is “strong”. The transition of the humidification amount from the humidifier 100 after the water supply stop is shown. Moreover, the graph of FIG.2 (c) represents transition of the water retention rate of the humidification element 17 after the water supply stop when the selected airflow is "weak", and the graph of FIG.2 (d) shows the water supply when the selected airflow is "weak". The change of the humidification amount from the humidification apparatus 100 after a stop is represented. The time on the horizontal axis is 0 when the sirocco fan 4 starts rotating after the water supply is stopped.

First, the transition of the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 and the humidifying amount from the humidifying device 100 when the selected air volume is “strong”, that is, in the case of FIGS. 2A and 2B will be described. At time 0, the moisture retention rate of the humidifying element 17 is 100%, and the humidification amount from the humidifying device 100 is 100%, which is the maximum. The humidification amount is 100% when the sirocco fan 4 is operated in a state where the entire surface of the humidification element 17 is wet and the selected air volume is “strong”.

After this, with the rotation of the sirocco fan 4, the water retained in the humidifying element 17 is vaporized, and the water retention rate gradually decreases. However, even if the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 decreases, in order to keep the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 wet for a while (in the graph, from the stop of water supply to 2.0 [hr]), The humidification amount itself from the humidifier 100 is maintained at almost 100%.

Thereafter, when the water held in the humidifying element 17 is further vaporized, the humidified area of the humidifying element 17 starts to decrease, and the amount of humidification from the humidifying device 100 decreases. When the humidification amount from the humidifying device 100 decreases, the decrease in the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 is slowed down. Thereafter, when the vaporization of the water retained in the humidifying element 17 further proceeds, the water retention rate finally becomes 0%, and the humidifying element 17 is completely dried. This is a time of 3.0 [hr] from the stop of water supply in the graph.

Next, the transition of the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 and the transition of the humidification amount from the humidifier 100 when the selected air volume is “weak”, that is, in the case of FIGS. At time 0, the moisture retention rate of the humidifying element 17 is 100%, and the humidification amount from the humidifier 100 is 50% because the selected air volume is half of “strong”.

Then, with the rotation of the sirocco fan 4, the water retained in the humidifying element 17 is vaporized, and the water retention rate gradually decreases. However, even if the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 decreases, in order to keep the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 wet for a while (in the graph, from the stop of water supply to 4.0 [hr]), The humidification amount itself from the humidifier 100 is kept substantially constant.

In addition, since the humidification amount from the humidifier 100 is halved as compared with the case where the selected air volume is “strong”, the reduction rate of the water retention rate of the humidification element 17 is also halved. As a result, the time during which the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 is wet is also about twice.

Thereafter, when the water held in the humidifying element 17 is further vaporized, the humidified area of the humidifying element 17 starts to decrease, and the amount of humidification from the humidifying device 100 decreases. When the humidification amount from the humidifying device 100 decreases, the decrease in the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 is slowed down.

Thereafter, when the vaporization of the water retained in the humidifying element 17 further proceeds, the water retention rate finally becomes 0%, and the humidifying element 17 is completely dried. This is a time of 6.0 [hr] from the stop of water supply in the graph.

Next, an example of the operation when the user operates the operation means 20 to drive the humidifier 100 will be described. FIGS. 3 to 8 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a control operation performed by the control unit 19 of the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment.

The operation and stop operation of the humidifier 100 performed by the user via the operation unit 20 is performed by directly operating a not-shown operation / stop button provided in the operation unit 20 and the operation unit 20. In some cases, the schedule function is automatically performed.

Further, it is assumed that the next operation / stop schedule information in the schedule function provided in the operation means 20 is periodically transmitted to the control unit 19 of the humidifier 100. Note that the steps shown in the following drawings show the judgment and control performed by the control unit 19. Various information including the operation / stop schedule information is stored in the storage unit 16. The storage unit 16 may be provided in the operation unit 20.

After turning on the power to the humidifier 100, initialization is performed to set the “drying timer” to “drying completion time” in step S1 shown in FIG. 3, and the process proceeds to step S2. In the first embodiment, “drying completion time” is set to “3.0 hr”. That is, in step S1, the count value of the “drying timer” is set to “3.0 hr” which is the “drying completion time”.

In addition, when the “drying timer” is equal to or longer than the “drying completion time”, it is determined that the humidifying element 17 is completely dried. In addition, when the “drying timer” is less than the “drying completion time”, it is determined that the whole or a part of the humidifying element 17 is wet, and the “drying timer” is less than “2.0 hr”. If it is determined that the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 is wet, and if the “drying timer” is “2.0 hr” or more, a part of the humidifying element 17 is wetted. Will be judged. Further, the “drying completion time” set as the initial value of the “drying timer” is a value determined in advance, but may be changed by the operation means 20, and according to the operation time of the humidifying device 100. The correction may be made in consideration of the aging deterioration.

Next, in step S2, the "humidification mode operation timer" and the "air blowing mode operation timer" are cleared to stop, that is, the count is stopped at 0, and then the process proceeds to step S11 shown in FIG.

In step S11, it is determined whether the count value of the “drying timer” is “3.0 hr” or more. If the “drying timer” is equal to or greater than “3.0 hr” (step S11, Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. If it is immediately after the power is turned on, the count value of the “drying timer” is set to “3.0 hr” in step S1, and therefore becomes “3.0 hr” or more, and the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the stop mode is set, and in step S13, the water supply valve 9 is closed, the sirocco fan 4 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step S18. In the following description, a control mode in which the water supply valve 9 is closed and the sirocco fan 4 is stopped is referred to as a stop mode, a control mode in which the water supply valve 9 is closed and the sirocco fan 4 is rotated is referred to as a blow mode, and the water supply valve 9 is opened. The control mode is referred to as a humidification mode.

In step S11, if the “drying timer” is less than “3.0 hr” (No in step S11), the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the air blowing mode is set, and then in step S15, the water supply valve 9 is closed and the sirocco fan 4 is rotated. In step S16, the “drying timer” is counted, and the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S17, the current water retention rate, which is the current water retention rate of the humidifying element 17, is calculated and updated as follows from the characteristics of the humidifying element 17 in FIG. 2 and the value of the “drying timer”, and the process proceeds to step S18. That is, the control unit 19 functions as a water retention rate estimation unit that estimates the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17.
When the drying timer is less than 2.0 hr, that is, when the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 is wet,
Current water retention rate = 100%-40% x drying timer [hr]
When the drying timer is 2.0 hours or more, that is, when the wet area of the humidifying element 17 is reduced,
Current water retention rate = 20%-20% x (drying timer [hr]-2 [hr])

In step S16, the “drying timer” changes the counting method according to the selected air volume. Specifically, when the selected air volume is “strong”, 1 second is counted for every 1 second. Further, when the selected air volume is “weak”, the air volume is halved and the drying speed is also halved as compared with the case where the selected air volume is “strong”. Therefore, every second, 1 second is counted. That is, in the humidifying element 17 in the first embodiment, when the selected air volume is “strong” and the air volume is constant, “3.0 hr” has elapsed and the “drying timer” counts “3.0 hr”. When the selected air volume is “weak” and the air volume is constant, “6.0 hr” has elapsed and “dry timer” counts “3.0 hr”. The “drying timer” may be configured by software by the control device 25, or may be configured as hardware separate from the control device 25.

In step S18, it is determined by the operation means 20 whether the user has operated the humidifier 100. When the operation of the humidifier 100 has not been performed (No at Step S18), the process returns to Step S11. On the other hand, if the operation of the humidifier 100 has been performed (step S18, Yes), the process proceeds to step S21 shown in FIG.

In addition, progressing to step S14 means that the drying operation is not completed when the humidifier 100 is operated. Unless it is determined in step S18 that the humidifying apparatus 100 has been operated, the process returns to step S11 so that the “drying timer” is “drying completion time” when the humidifying apparatus 100 is stopped, that is, “3. The humidifying element 17 is completely dried by continuing the operation in the air blowing mode until “0 hr”.

In step S21, the control mode of the humidifying apparatus 100 is set to the air blowing mode. In step S22, the “air blowing mode operation time” is set to “5 minutes”, and the process proceeds to step S31 shown in FIG.

In step S31, it is determined whether the control mode is the humidification mode or the blower mode. If the control mode is the air blowing mode, the process proceeds to step S41 shown in FIG. 7, and if the control mode is the humidifying mode, the process proceeds to step S61 shown in FIG. The operation from step S41 to step S52 shown in FIG. 7 is an operation in the air blowing mode, and the operation from step S61 to step S70 shown in FIG. 8 is an operation in the humidifying mode.

First, the operation when it is determined as the air blowing mode in step S31, that is, the operation in the air blowing mode shown in FIG. 7 will be described. In step S41, the “air blowing mode operation timer” is counted, and the process proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, it is determined whether the “air blowing mode operation timer” is equal to or longer than the above-described step S22 or “air blowing mode operation time” set in step S70 described later.
When the “air blowing mode operation timer” becomes equal to or longer than the “air blowing mode operation time” (step S42, Yes), the process proceeds to step S43. On the other hand, when the “air blowing mode operation timer” is less than the “air blowing mode operation time” (No in step S42), the process proceeds to step S44.

In addition, after setting to “air blowing mode operation time” = 5 minutes in step S22 and then proceeding to step S42 via step S31 and step S41, the determination in step S42 is that the detection value of the humidity sensor 22 is The purpose is to wait for a certain period of time until stabilization, and the time is adjusted according to the installation environment of the humidifying device 100. In the first embodiment, the fixed time is set to 5 minutes. However, it may be changed as appropriate, and there may be no waiting time, that is, the fixed time may be set to 0. In addition, when the process proceeds from step S14 to step S18 to step S42 for the first time, a certain time may have already passed. Also in this case, the process immediately proceeds to step S43.

In Step S70 described later, since the time during which the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 is kept wet is set as the “air blowing mode operation time”, the “air blowing mode operation timer” is less than the “air blowing mode operation time”. In the case of (No in step S42), even if step S43 is not performed, that is, when “detected humidity <target humidity−5%”, the process proceeds to step S44 without shifting to the humidification mode. In other words, useless water supply is not performed.

In step S43, it is determined whether the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 22 is less than “target humidity—5%” which is the first specified humidity. If the detected humidity is “target humidity−5%” or more (step S43, No), the process proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if the detected humidity is less than “target humidity−5%” (step S43, Yes), the process proceeds to step S49.

The first specified humidity “target humidity −5%” is set to a lower humidity than the second specified humidity “target humidity + 5%” to be described later. This is to suppress the occurrence of so-called chattering in which the control mode frequently switches between the humidification mode and the air blowing mode. Therefore, if the occurrence of chattering can be suppressed, the magnitude relationship between the second specified humidity and the first specified humidity is not questioned. In addition, it is assumed that the target humidity is set in advance by the operation means 20 by the user.

In step S44, the water supply valve 9 is closed while the sirocco fan 4 is rotated, and the process proceeds to step S45. In addition, the water supply valve 9 is closed in this step S44, and the water supply from the water supply port 10 to the water supply tank 7 stops. That is, the water supply to the humidifying element 17 stops.

As a result, when the water is retained by the humidifying element 17, as the vaporization and evaporation proceeds, the humidification amount is maintained for a certain period of time as shown in FIG. 2, but when the humidifying element 17 is gradually dried, the humidification is finally performed. The supplied air is not supplied. In addition, in the humidification apparatus 100 concerning this Embodiment 1, since the air purifying filter 21 is equipped, air cleaning operation is implemented at the time of the ventilation mode after the humidification element 17 will be in the completely dried state. I can say that.

In step S45, the “drying timer” starts counting, and the process proceeds to step S46. Note that the counting of the “drying timer” in step S45 is changed according to the selected air volume, as in step S16.

In step S46, the “current water retention rate” of the humidifying element 17 is updated from the value of the “drying timer” in the same manner as in step S17, and the process proceeds to step S47.

In step S47, the “detected humidity change rate” of “15 minutes” in the first embodiment is updated in a state where the drying timer is less than 2.0 hr, that is, the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 is wet. The process proceeds to step S48.

In addition, the calculation of “detected humidity change rate” in step S47 is compared with the detected humidity 15 minutes before, but the case where the humidification operation is performed immediately after the power is turned on or the operation state 15 minutes before is “stop mode”. In this case, or when the drying timer 15 minutes ago is 2.0 hours or more, the comparison process is not performed and the “detected humidity change rate” is set to “4%”.

In the case where the humidification operation is performed immediately after the power is turned on by the above processing, first, the lower limit value is set for the “humidification mode target water retention rate”, in other words, the shortest time “15 minutes” is set for the “full-humidity operation time” Will be. In other words, in cases where humidification is performed immediately after the power is turned on, in order to determine the influence of other environmental factors in the room, the “detected humidity change rate” is determined after supplying the minimum required amount of water, and the next humidification mode. During operation, it is possible to set an optimum value for the “humidification mode target water retention rate” in consideration of the influence of other environmental factors in the room, so that unnecessary water supply is not performed.

In step S48, it is determined by the operation means 20 whether or not the user has stopped the humidifying device 100. When the operation of stopping the humidifier 100 has been performed (Yes in step S48), the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, when the operation of stopping the humidifier 100 has not been performed (No at Step S48), the process returns to Step S31.

Next, the processing after step S49, which proceeds to the case where the detected humidity is lower than “target humidity—5%” (step S43, Yes), will be described. In step S49, the control mode is changed to “humidification mode”, and the process proceeds to step S50.

In step S50, the “air blowing mode operation timer” is cleared, that is, the count is stopped at 0, and then the process proceeds to step S51.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a table for determining the humidification mode target water retention rate used in the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In step S51, the “humidification mode target water retention ratio” is set according to the table of FIG. 9, and the process proceeds to step S52. The “humidification mode target water retention rate” is updated in step S47, which will be described later, and the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is “water detection rate change rate” in a state where the moisture retention rate is 20% or more, that is, the entire surface of the humidification element 17 is wet. Is determined based on

Here, how to determine the “humidification mode target water retention rate” in FIG. 9 will be described. When the “detected humidity change rate” is high, if the air blowing mode operation time in a state where the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 is wet becomes long, the room may become excessively humidified. Therefore, the “humidification mode target water retention rate” Is kept as small as possible. In the following description, the air blowing mode operation time in a state where the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 is wet is referred to as “full surface wet operation time”.

For example, in FIG. 9, when the selected air volume is “strong” and the “detected humidity change rate” is as high as “+ 4%”, the “humidification mode target water retention ratio” is set low as 30%, Since the “whole operation time” after reaching the “water retention rate” is 15 minutes, it is possible to prevent excessive humidification. As in the prior art, when the “humidification mode target water retention ratio” is set to 100%, the “whole operation time” after reaching the “humidification mode target water retention ratio” is 120 minutes. There is a risk.

On the other hand, when the “detection humidity change rate” is low, the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is relatively high because the possibility of over-humidification is low even when the “overall wet operation time” is prolonged. Set. For example, in FIG. 9, when the selected air volume is “strong” and the “detected humidity change rate” is as low as “−1%”, the “humidification mode target water retention rate” can be set by setting the “humidification mode target water retention rate” to 60%. Since the “overall wet operation time” after reaching is 60 minutes, it is not necessary to supply water for a relatively long period of time, and the water-saving effect is enhanced.

In addition, when the “detection humidity change rate” is low, there is the following concern when the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is set to 100% as in the prior art. When the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is set to 100%, the “whole operation time” is 120 minutes when the selected air volume is “strong” and 240 minutes when the selected air volume is “weak”. In addition to the humidifying device 100 according to the first aspect, when there is a factor that affects the indoor humidity, the possibility of falling into an overhumidified situation increases.

Specifically, when the operation of another humidifier exemplified by the portable humidifier is started during the “full wet operation time” period, the amount of exhalation and sweating increases as the number of people in the room increases. In some cases, or when the outside air introduced by ventilation changes to high humidity due to rain, a situation of excessive humidification may occur. In consideration of the above points, in the first embodiment, an upper limit is set for the “humidification mode target water retention rate”, in other words, an upper limit is set for the “whole operation time for the entire surface”. It is low.

Moreover, in order to improve followability to indoor humidity environmental factors other than the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment as described above, a lower “humidified target water retention rate” is set, in other words, shorter. Although it is possible to set “full wet operation time”, there are the following concerns. For example, when ON / OFF of the water supply valve 9 constituting the water supply means 11 is realized by relay control mounted on the control device 25, the relay ON / OFF can be set by setting a shorter “whole operation time”. It occurs frequently and may reduce the life of the relay.

Further, after the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is reached, the “full-humidity operation time” is shortened, so that it is necessary to shorten the calculation cycle of the “detected humidity change rate” in step S47 described later. As a result, the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is determined based on the instantaneous humidity change, and there is a possibility that the optimum value cannot be set. In consideration of the above points, in the first embodiment, a lower limit is provided for the “humidification mode target water retention rate”, in other words, a lower limit is provided for the “whole operation time for the entire surface”. It becomes possible to prevent the lifetime reduction of the control apparatus 25 which controls components and the water supply means 11. FIG. In addition, since it is not necessary to extremely shorten the calculation cycle of the “detected humidity change rate”, an optimum value can be set for the “humidification mode target water retention rate” even when an instantaneous humidity change occurs.

In step S52, based on the “humidification mode target water retention ratio” determined in step S51 and the “current water retention ratio” determined in step S17, step S46, and step S65 described later, the “humidification mode operation time” is as follows. After setting, the process returns to step S31.
If the “Humidity mode target water retention rate” is less than the “Current water retention rate”,
Humidification mode operation time [minutes] = 0 [minutes]
age,
If the “Humidity mode target water retention rate” is greater than or equal to the “Current water retention rate”
Humidification mode operation time [minutes] = (Humidity mode target water retention rate-current water retention rate) ÷ 10
And

In addition, this calculation formula is based on the property that the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 in the first embodiment is increased by 10% every 1 minute of operation (1 minute of water supply) in the humidification mode. It is a determined value. The calculation method may be determined based on the nature of the humidifying element to be mounted.

Next, the operation in the humidification mode shown in FIG. 8 will be described. In step S61, the “humidification mode operation timer” is counted, and the process proceeds to step S62.

In step S62, it is determined whether the “humidification mode operation timer” has reached the “humidification mode operation time” set in step S52 described above. When the “humidification mode operation timer” becomes equal to or longer than the “humidification mode operation time” (step S62, Yes), the process proceeds to step S68. On the other hand, when the “humidification mode operation timer” is less than the “humidification mode operation time” (No in step S62), the process proceeds to step S63.

In step S63, it is determined whether the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 22 is “target humidity + 5%” or more. If the detected humidity is less than “target humidity + 5%” (No in step S63), the process proceeds to step S64. If the detected humidity is “target humidity + 5%” or more (step S63, Yes), the process proceeds to step S68.

In step S64, the water supply valve 9 is opened while the sirocco fan 4 is rotating. Thereby, water is supplied from the water supply port 10 to the water supply tank 7. Then, water is supplied to the humidifying element 17 through the water supply tank 7. When the sirocco fan 4 rotates after the water is supplied to the humidifying element 17, the air sucked from the suction port 1 passes through the humidifying element 17 in the air passage 3, flows to the blower outlet 2, and is blown into the room. When the air passes through the humidifying element 17, the water on the humidifying element 17 is vaporized, and the humidified air can be supplied into the room.

In step S64, the water supply valve 9 is opened while the sirocco fan 4 is rotated, but the sirocco fan 4 may be stopped. By stopping the sirocco fan 4, it becomes possible to reliably permeate water throughout the humidifying element 17 without being affected by the blowing.

In the humidifying device 100 according to the first embodiment, tap water containing chlorine is directly supplied from the water supply means 11 to the humidifying element 17 so that mold and bacteria are unlikely to occur on the humidifying element 17. It has become. It is assumed that the volume of the water tank 7 and the density of the holes formed in the bottom surface of the water tank 7 are designed not to overflow from the water tank 7. In addition, if the bottom surface of the water supply tank 7 is clogged and overflows, leakage of water to the outside of the machine can be prevented by adopting a structure that receives the overflowed water in the drain tank 12.

Further, the remaining water of the humidified supply water that has not been retained by the humidifying element 17 flows to the drainage tank 12. The remaining water is drained from a drain port 14 formed in the bottom surface of the drain tank 12 through a drain connection port 13 provided in the main body 6. Further, in the humidifying device 100 according to the first embodiment, since the residual water that has not been retained by the humidifying element 17 is not circulated to the humidifying element 17, mold and It is difficult for problems such as germs to propagate. In addition, since the residual water is not reused, the chalk component is not concentrated.

In step S65, every time the “humidification mode operation timer” increases by 6 seconds, the “current water retention rate” is updated by 1%, and then the process proceeds to step S66. In this update process, the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 in the first embodiment is increased by 10% every 1 minute of operation in the humidification mode (1 minute of water supply), that is, 6 seconds of operation in the humidification mode ( Although it is determined by the property that it increases by 1% every 6 seconds of water supply), the update process may be determined based on the property of the humidifying element to be mounted.

In step S66, based on the “current water retention rate” determined in step S65, the “drying timer” is updated as follows, and the process proceeds to step S67.
When “Current water retention rate” is 20% or more Drying timer = 120 [minutes]-(Current water retention rate-20%) x 1.5 [minutes]
age,
When “Current water retention rate” is less than 20% Drying timer = 120 [minutes] + (20%-Current water retention rate) × 3.0 [minutes]
And
In this calculation formula, when the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 in the first embodiment is as shown in FIG. 2 and the selected air volume “strong” and the “current water retention rate” is 20% or more, the air blowing mode is used. When the current water retention rate is less than 20%, it is a value determined by the property that it decreases by 1% every 3.0 minutes of operation in the air blowing mode. However, a calculation formula should just be determined based on the property of the humidification element to mount.

In step S67, it is determined by the operation means 20 whether the user has stopped the humidifier 100. When the stop operation of the humidifier 100 has been performed (step S67, Yes), the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, when the operation of stopping the humidifier 100 has not been performed (No at Step S67), the process returns to Step S31.

Next, after step S68, when the “humidification mode operation timer” is equal to or greater than the “humidification mode operation time” (step S62, Yes), or when the detected humidity is equal to or greater than “target humidity + 5%” (step S63, Yes). The process will be described. In step S68, after the control mode is changed to the air blowing mode, the process proceeds to step S69.

In step S69, the “humidification mode operation timer” is set to a clear stop (that is, the count is stopped at 0), and then the process proceeds to step S70.

In step S70, based on the “current water retention ratio” determined in step S65, the “air blowing mode operation time” is set as follows, and the process returns to step S31.
When the “current water retention rate” is less than “20%” Air blow mode operation time [minutes] = 0 [minutes]
age,
When “Current water retention rate” is “20%” or more Air blow mode operation time [minutes] = (Current water retention rate-20%) × 1.5 [minutes]
And
In addition, as for this calculation formula, when the water retention rate of the humidification element 17 in this Embodiment 1 is more than "20%" as shown in FIG. 2, operation in ventilation mode is 1.5. Although it is a value determined by the property of decreasing by 1% every minute, the calculation formula may be determined based on the property of the humidifying element to be mounted.

As described above, the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment determines the “humidification mode target water retention rate” in step S51 based on the “detected humidity change rate” determined in step S47 and the selected air volume. . For this reason, when the “detection humidity change rate” is high, the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is kept as small as possible, in other words, the “overall moist operation time” is shortened as much as possible. Can be prevented.

In addition, when the “detected humidity change rate” is low, the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is set relatively high, in other words, the “whole operation time” is set relatively long, thereby delaying the water supply timing, The water saving effect can be enhanced.

In addition, since the “humidification mode target water retention ratio” is set according to the selected air volume, wastewater is supplied or, conversely, when a part of the humidification element 17 is dried, the chalk component is precipitated and white powder is formed. It is possible to prevent problems that occur or the life of the humidifying element 17 decreases.

Further, in step S51, as shown in FIG. 9, an upper limit is set for the “humidification mode target water retention rate”, in other words, an upper limit is set for the “whole operation time for the entire surface”. In addition to the humidifier, when there is a factor that affects indoor humidity, the possibility of falling into an overhumidified situation is suppressed. Specifically, it is introduced when the operation of other humidifiers is started during the “full wet operation time” period, when exhalation or sweating increases as the number of people in the room increases, or by ventilation. Even when the outside air changes to high humidity due to rain or the like, the “overall wet operation time” is set to 60 minutes or less, so the possibility of excessive humidification can be suppressed.

Further, by setting an upper limit on the “humidification mode target water retention rate”, in the first embodiment, the “humidification mode target water retention rate” of the conventional technology is set to 100% for the drying operation time performed when the humidification device 100 is stopped. Compared with the case where it is set, it is possible to reduce it to half or less, and it is possible to greatly reduce power consumption.

Further, in step S51, as shown in FIG. 9, a lower limit is provided for the “humidification mode target water retention rate”, in other words, a lower limit is provided for the “whole operation time for the entire surface”. It is possible to prevent the life of the control device 25 that controls the water supply means 11 from being reduced. Further, since it is not necessary to extremely shorten the calculation cycle of the “detected humidity change rate”, an optimum value can be set for the “humidification mode target water retention rate” even when an instantaneous humidity change occurs.

In step S11, when the “drying timer” is less than the “drying completion time”, the operation in the air blowing mode is enabled by steps S14 to S16, and thus the drying operation is performed at the stop time of the humidifier 100. Even when the humidification device 100 is not completed, the humidification element 17 can be surely completely dried while the humidification device 100 is stopped, and the growth of mold and bacteria and the generation of odor can be suppressed.

In addition, in the humidification apparatus 100 concerning this Embodiment 1, various determinations may be implemented by relative humidity and various determinations may be implemented by absolute humidity.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the table for determining the humidification mode target water retention rate used in the humidification apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the “drying timer” counting method is changed in steps S16, S45, and S66 in consideration of the variation in the humidification amount due to the selected air volume shown in FIG. It was. Here, the humidification amount also varies depending on the “difference between dry bulb humidity and wet bulb humidity” of the air passing through the humidification element 17. Therefore, the counting method of “dry timer” may be changed according to “difference between dry bulb humidity and wet bulb humidity”, and the “humidification mode target water retention ratio” set in step S51 is a table shown in FIG. You may set according to.

Specifically, when the selected air volume is “strong” and the “difference between dry bulb humidity and wet bulb humidity” at which the humidification amount is 100% is “10 ° C.”, the selected air volume is “strong” and “ When the “difference between dry bulb humidity and wet bulb humidity” is “5 ° C.”, the humidification amount is 50%. Therefore, the count of the “dry timer” is counted as 1 second every 2 seconds, and the process proceeds to step S51. The “humidification mode target water retention rate” to be set in accordance with FIG. 10 is set according to the column of “selected air volume“ strong ”and“ difference between dry bulb temperature and wet bulb temperature = 5 ° C. ”.

If the selected air volume is “Weak” and the “Difference between dry bulb humidity and wet bulb humidity” is “5 ° C.”, the “Dry timer” counts for 1 second every 4 seconds. The “humidification mode target water retention rate” set in S51 is set according to the columns of “low air flow” and “difference between dry bulb temperature and wet bulb temperature = 5 ° C.” according to FIG.

Also, the wet bulb temperature may be provided separately, or may be calculated from the dry bulb temperature detected by the temperature sensor 23 and the relative humidity detected by the humidity sensor 22.

It should be noted that various temperature sensors and humidity sensors for measuring or calculating the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature are preferably arranged immediately before the humidifying element 17. For this reason, the “indoor humidity” detection sensor used in the determinations in step S43, step S47, and step S63 is provided separately from the various sensors for measuring or calculating the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature. May be.

In addition, since the characteristics of the humidifying element 17 shown in FIG. 2 may change due to aging, in each step of the control flow shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 according to the operation time of the humidifying device 100 or the like. The specified value may be corrected. For example, the correction of the drying completion time “3.0 hr” in step S11, the correction of the calculation formula of “current water retention ratio” in step S17 and the like, the water retention ratio “when the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 is wet” 20% "and the accompanying" humidification mode target water retention rate "in step S51 and the like.

In the humidifying device 100 according to the first embodiment, the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 is estimated based on the count value of the drying timer from the characteristics of the humidifying element 17 shown in FIG. A mechanism for measuring the weight of 17 may be provided to estimate the water retention rate.

Further, in the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, in step S70, the "current air retention rate" and the water retention rate "20%" in a state where the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 is wetted are "blow mode operation time". However, the present invention is not limited to this. Considering the accuracy of estimating the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17, instead of determining the “air blowing mode operation time” with the aim of the water retention rate “20%” when the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 is moistened, it is reliably humidified. The “air blowing mode operation time” may be calculated using a value where the entire surface of the element 17 is wet, for example, “25%”. In this case, the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is also set higher by 5%. As a result, even if an error occurs between the estimated value and the actual value of the water retention rate, a part of the humidifying element 17 is not dried, and a chloro component is precipitated to generate white powder, or the life of the humidifying element is increased. It is possible to prevent the decrease.

Further, in the humidifying device 100 according to the first embodiment, the drying completion time of 3.0 hr is set in the drying timer in step S1, but the drying timer value is set while the humidifying device 100 is turned on. You may make it memorize | store in the memory | storage part 16 and read from the memory | storage part 16 at the time of power activation.

Further, in the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, the “humidification mode operation time” is set after estimating the water retention rate of the humidification element 17, but the “moisture retention rate of the humidification element 17 is not estimated but“ detection ”is performed. The “humidification mode operation time” may be set only by “humidity change rate”. Specifically, when the “detection humidity change rate” is “3.0% or more”, “humidification mode operation time” = 3 minutes, and when the “detection humidity change rate” is “1.5% or more”, When “humidification mode operation time” is 4 minutes and “detection humidity change rate” is “0.0% or more”, “humidification mode operation time” is 5 minutes, and “detection humidity change rate” is “less than 0.0%”. In this case, “humidification mode operation time” = 6 minutes. That is, the present moisture retention rate of the humidifying element 17 is treated as 0%.

Compared with the case where the moisture retention rate of the humidifying element 17 is estimated, in the case where the moisture retention rate of the humidifying element 17 is 0%, that is, when the humidifying mode is set before it is completely dried, the humidifying element is maintained even after the “air blowing mode operation time”. Since there is a time when the entire surface of 17 is wet, there is a high possibility that the room will be excessively humidified. However, when the “detected humidity change rate” is high compared to the conventional technology, the “humidification mode target water retention rate” "Can be kept as small as possible. In other words, it is possible to prevent the room from becoming excessively humid by shortening the “whole operation time” as much as possible. When the “detected humidity change rate” is low, the “humidification mode target water retention rate” can be set relatively high. In other words, by setting the “whole operation time for the entire surface” to be relatively long, an effect of delaying the water supply timing and enhancing the water-saving effect can be obtained.

In addition, in the humidifying device 100 according to the first embodiment, the “humidification mode operation time” is set according to the “detected humidity change rate”, but the “humidification element” does not depend on the “detected humidity change rate”. The “humidification mode operation time” may be set only by “17 water retention ratio”. Specifically, assuming that the “detected humidity change rate” in FIG. 9 is “2.0%”, “humidification mode operation” is performed in step S52 so that “humidification mode target water retention rate” = “40%”. Set time. Compared to the case where the “humidification mode operation time” is set according to the “detection humidity change rate”, the “air blowing mode operation time” is compared in the case where the “detection humidity change rate” is “over 2.0%”. However, when compared with the conventional technology, there is an upper limit for the “Humidity mode target water retention rate”, in other words, an upper limit for the “Wet operation time for the entire surface”. Therefore, in addition to the humidifying device 100 described in the first embodiment, the possibility of falling into an overhumidified situation when there is a factor that affects indoor humidity is suppressed. Specifically, it is introduced when the operation of other humidifiers is started during the “full wet operation time” period, when exhalation or sweating increases as the number of people in the room increases, or by ventilation. Even when the outside air changes to high humidity due to rain or the like, since the “whole operation time” is set to 30 minutes or less, the possibility of excessive humidification can be suppressed.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by the control unit 19 of the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a table for determining the humidification mode target water retention rate used in the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment. In addition, about the structure similar to the said Embodiment 1, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted using the same code | symbol.

The difference from the first embodiment is that when determining the “humidification mode target water retention rate”, in addition to the selected air volume and “detected humidity change rate”, the indoor detected humidity is taken into account, When the upper limit of the “humidification mode target water retention ratio” is variable, and when the “humidification mode target water retention ratio” is set to 100%, the “humidification mode operation time” is set to 100%. The point is to set it longer than the required time.

Hereinafter, steps that are different from the above embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, in step S <b> 81, the “humidification mode target water retention ratio” is determined according to FIG. 12, and the process proceeds to step S <b> 82.

In the determination table of “humidification mode target water retention rate” shown in FIG. 12, when the indoor detected humidity is extremely lower than the target humidity, a larger value is set for “humidification mode target water retention rate” than in the first embodiment. It is different in that it is set.

Even if there is a factor that affects the indoor humidity other than the humidifying device 100 described in the second embodiment, if the indoor detected humidity is extremely lower than the target humidity, The purpose is to delay the water supply timing and obtain a higher water-saving effect by determining that the possibility of humidification is low and setting a larger value for the “humidification mode target water retention rate”.

In the case of the selected air volume “weak”, the “whole operation time” is twice as long as the selected air volume “high” at the same “humidification mode target water retention rate”. In addition to the humidifying device 100 shown in FIG. Considering this point, the conditions for increasing the “humidification mode target water retention rate” are made stricter than the selected air volume “strong”.

Next, in step S82, as in step S52, based on the “humidification mode target water retention rate” and “current water retention rate” determined in step S81, the “humidification mode operation time” is set as follows, and then step S31 is performed. Return to.
When “Humidity mode target water retention rate” is less than “Current water retention rate” Humidification mode operation time [minutes] = 0 [minutes]
age,
When “Humidity mode target water retention rate” is equal to or higher than “Current water retention rate” Humidification mode operation time [minutes] = (Humidification mode target water retention rate-Current water retention rate) ÷ 10 [minutes]
And

However,
Only when the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is “100%”, the humidification mode operation time [minutes exceeding the time required for achieving a water retention rate of 100% (maximum 10 minutes in the second embodiment)] ] = 20 [minutes] is set.

Humidification mode operation time [minutes] = 20 [minutes], sufficient water supply even if the concentration of the water component in the water retained by the humidification element 17 increases as the number of operations in the humidification mode increases By performing the above, it becomes possible to wash away the chlorine component or reduce the concentration of the chlorine component, and it is possible to extend the life of the humidifying element 17. In the following description, an operation in which sufficient water supply is performed to wash away the chalk component is referred to as a cleaning operation.

As described above, the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment has the “humidification mode” compared to the first embodiment when the indoor detected humidity is extremely lower than the target humidity in step S81 according to FIG. Since a large value is set for the “target water retention rate”, it is possible to delay the water supply timing and obtain a higher water-saving effect.

Further, in step S82, only when the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is “100%”, the time necessary for setting the water retention rate to 100% in the “humidification mode operation time” (in the second embodiment). Is set to 20 minutes exceeding the maximum 10 minutes), so that sufficient water supply can be provided even when the concentration of the chlorinated components of the water retained in the humidifying element 17 increases with the increase in the number of operations in the humidifying mode. By doing so, it becomes possible to wash away the chlorine component or reduce the concentration of the chlorine component, and it is possible to extend the life of the humidifying element 17.

In the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is set in consideration of the “detection humidity change rate” in FIG. 12, but the “detection humidity change rate” is significantly increased. In an environment that does not fluctuate, the “humidification mode target water retention rate” may be set only with the detected humidity in the room.

Specifically, assuming that the “detected humidity change rate” in FIG. 12 is “1.0%”, when the indoor detected humidity is “target humidity−less than 20%”, “humidification mode target water retention rate” = 100 %, “Humidity mode target water retention rate” = 70% when the indoor detection humidity is “target humidity – less than 15%” = “Humidity mode target water retention rate” when the indoor detection humidity is “Target humidity – 15% or more” = 50%, the same effect can be obtained.

Embodiment 3.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by the control unit 19 of the humidifier 100 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14: is a figure which shows the table which determines the humidification mode target water retention rate used in the humidification apparatus 100 concerning Embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. In addition, about the structure similar to the said

Embodiment

1, 2, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

The difference from the first embodiment is that when determining the “humidification mode target water retention rate”, in addition to the selected air volume and “detected humidity change rate”, the number of operations in the humidification mode is taken into account, and the humidification mode If the number of operations exceeds the specified number of times, set the “humidification mode target water retention rate” to 100%, and if the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is set to 100%, set the “humidification mode operation time” to It is in the point set longer than the time required in order to make "water retention" 100%.

Hereinafter, steps that are different from the above embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, after “+1” is added to the “humidification mode operation count” in step S91, the process proceeds to step S92 via step S50.

In step S92, the “humidification mode target water retention ratio” is determined according to FIG. 14, and the process proceeds to step S93.

In the determination table of the “humidification mode target water retention rate” shown in FIG. 14, when the “humidification mode operation frequency” is equal to or more than the specified number, the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is set to 100%. This is different from the first embodiment.

This is because when the operation frequency in the humidifying mode increases, the concentration of the chlorinated component in the humidifying element 17 gradually increases, and there is a possibility that the life of the humidifying element 17 may be adversely affected. It is intended to be implemented.

The specified number of times is changed according to the “detected humidity change rate”. Specifically, when the “detected humidity change rate” is low, there is a higher possibility of excessive humidification even when there is a factor that affects the indoor humidity other than the humidifying device 100 shown in the third embodiment. Judgment is low and the specified number of times is reduced.

In addition, in the case of the selected air volume “weak”, the “whole operation time” is twice as long as the selected air volume “strong” at the same “humidification mode target water retention rate”. In addition to the humidifier shown in Fig. 5, it becomes more susceptible to the influence of factors that affect indoor humidity. Considering this point, the condition for setting the “humidification mode target water retention rate” to “100%” is made stricter than the selected air volume “strong”.

Next, in step S93, as in step S52, based on the “humidification mode target water retention rate” and the “current water retention rate” determined in step S92, the “humidification mode operation time” is set as follows, Return to S31.
When “Humidity mode target water retention rate” is less than “Current water retention rate” Humidification mode operation time [minutes] = 0 [minutes]
age,
When “Humidity mode target water retention rate” is equal to or higher than “Current water retention rate” Humidification mode operation time [minutes] = (Humidification mode target water retention rate-Current water retention rate) ÷ 10 [minutes]
And
However, only when the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is “100%”, the humidification mode operation time exceeding the time required for achieving a water retention rate of 100% (maximum 10 minutes in the third embodiment) [ After setting [minute] = 20 [minute], the humidification mode operation count is initialized to zero.

Humidification mode operation time [minutes] = 20 [minutes], sufficient water supply even if the concentration of the water component in the water retained by the humidification element 17 increases as the number of operations in the humidification mode increases By performing the above, it becomes possible to wash away the chlorine component or reduce the concentration of the chlorine component, and it is possible to extend the life of the humidifying element 17.

As described above, the humidifying device 100 according to the third embodiment counts the “humidification mode operation count” in step S91, and in step S92, the “humidification mode operation count” becomes equal to or more than the specified number according to FIG. In this case, since the “humidification mode target water retention rate” is set to 100%, the concentration of the chlorinated components of the water retained by the humidification element 17 increases as the number of operations in the humidification mode increases. However, by supplying sufficient water, it becomes possible to wash away the chlorine component or lower the concentration of the chlorine component, and to extend the life of the humidifying element 17.

Embodiment 4.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by the control unit 19 of the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment. In addition, about the structure similar to the said Embodiment 1-3, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

The difference from the first embodiment is that there is a factor that affects the indoor humidity other than the humidifying device 100 described in the fourth embodiment during the air blowing mode operation. When the airflow fluctuates and it is determined that the humidification is insufficient or overhumidified, the air volume is changed.

Hereinafter, steps that are different from the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, in step S <b> 101, after “air volume change determination” is performed, the process proceeds to step S <b> 44.

The “air volume change determination” in step S101 is performed as follows. When operating with "strong" airflow, change the airflow to "weak" when all of the following conditions are satisfied.
[Condition 1] Detected humidity ≧ Target humidity [Condition 2] Air blow mode operation time ≥ Air blow mode operation timer (that is, operating with the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 wet)
[Condition 3] Detected humidity change rate x (blow mode operation time-blow mode operation timer)> target humidity + 5%
In other words, if it is predicted that “over-humidification” will be reached when the “air blowing mode operation time” is reached, the air volume is changed to “weak” to suppress the humidification amount in half and prevent “over-humidification”. is doing.

On the other hand, when the airflow is operating at “weak”, the airflow is changed to “strong” when all of the following conditions are satisfied.
[Condition 1] Detected humidity <Target humidity [Condition 2] Air blow mode operation time ≥ Air blow mode operation timer (that is, operating with the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 wet)
[Condition 3] Detected humidity change rate x (Blower mode operation time-Blower mode operation timer) <Target humidity-5%
That is, when it is predicted that “humidification is insufficient” when the “air blowing mode operation time” is reached, changing the air volume to “strong” will double the humidification amount and prevent “insufficient humidification”. ing.

As described above, the humidifying device 100 according to the fourth embodiment has factors that affect the indoor humidity other than the humidifying device 100 described in the fourth embodiment during the air blowing mode operation in step S101. Therefore, when the “detected humidity change rate” fluctuates due to these effects and it is predicted that the humidification will be insufficient or excessive, it is possible to prevent insufficient or excessive humidification by appropriately changing the air volume. Become.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the control device 25 according to the first to fourth embodiments. The control device 25 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer 33 on which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 and a memory 32 are mounted. In the microcomputer 33, the CPU 31 functions as the control unit 19 by executing a program. A memory 32 such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) functions as the storage unit 16. The program executed by the CPU 31 may be stored in the storage unit 16 or may be stored in another storage medium.

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

1 inlet, 2 outlet, 3 airway, 4 sirocco fan, 5 piping, 6 body, 7 water supply tank, 8 water supply connection port, 9 water supply valve, 10 water supply port, 11 water supply means, 12 water supply tank, 13 water discharge connection Mouth, 14 Drainage port, 15 Drainage means, 16 Storage section, 17 Humidification element, 19 Control section, 20 Operation means, 21 Air purification filter, 22 Humidity sensor, 23 Temperature sensor, 25 Control device, 31 CPU, 32 Memory, 33 Microcomputer, 100 humidifier.

Claims

A main body in which an air air passage for communicating the suction port and the air outlet is formed;
A blower means provided in the air air passage for generating an air flow from the suction port toward the blowout port during operation;
A humidifying element provided in the air air passage;
Water supply means for supplying water to the humidifying element;
A controller that switches between an operation in a humidification mode in which water supply to the humidification element is performed and an operation in an air blowing mode in which water supply to the humidification element is stopped and the air blowing means is operated,
The said control part sets the operating time in the said humidification mode based on the indoor humidity which is the indoor humidity which the air blown off from the said blower outlet is supplied, The humidification apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.
A main body in which an air air passage for communicating the suction port and the air outlet is formed;
A blower means provided in the air air passage for generating an air flow from the suction port toward the blowout port during operation;
A humidifying element provided in the air air passage;
Water supply means for supplying water to the humidifying element;
A control unit that switches between an operation in a humidification mode in which water supply to the humidification element is performed and the air blowing unit is operated, and an operation in an air supply mode in which water supply to the humidification element is stopped and the air supply unit is operated; With
The said control part sets the operation time in the said humidification mode based on the change rate of the indoor humidity which is the indoor humidity supplied with the air blown off from the said blower outlet, The humidification apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.
A main body in which an air air passage for communicating the suction port and the air outlet is formed;
A blower means provided in the air air passage for generating an air flow from the suction port toward the blowout port during operation;
A humidifying element provided in the air air passage;
Water supply means for supplying water to the humidifying element;
A control unit that switches between an operation in a humidification mode in which water supply to the humidification element is performed and the air blowing unit is operated, and an operation in an air supply mode in which water supply to the humidification element is stopped and the air supply unit is operated; With
The said control part estimates the water retention rate of the said humidification element, and sets the operation time in the said humidification mode based on the water retention rate of the said humidification element, The humidification apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.
The control unit sets the operation time in the humidification mode based on a change rate of indoor humidity, which is indoor humidity to which air blown from the blowout port is supplied, and a water retention rate of the humidification element. The humidifying device according to claim 3, wherein
The humidifier according to claim 3, wherein the control unit sets an operation time in a humidification mode based on the indoor humidity and a water retention rate of the humidification element.
The humidifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit stops the air blowing means in the humidification mode.
The control unit has a rate of change of indoor humidity, which is the humidity of the room to which air blown from the air outlet is supplied, only when the water retention rate of the humidifying element is greater than a specified value and the air blowing means is operating. The humidifying device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the humidifying device is calculated.
The humidification device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the control unit does not operate in the humidification mode when a water retention rate of the humidification element is equal to or higher than a specified value.
The said control part shortens the operation time in the said humidification mode, so that the change rate of the indoor humidity which is the indoor humidity supplied with the air blown off from the said blower outlet is high. The humidification apparatus as described in any one of Claims 4-8.
The said control part sets the operating time in the said humidification mode, after setting the upper limit in the target water retention rate which is the target of the water retention rate of the said humidification element, The any one of Claims 3-9 characterized by the above-mentioned. The humidification apparatus as described in one.
The said control part sets the operation time in the said humidification mode, after setting the minimum in the target water retention rate which is the target of the water retention rate of the said humidification element, The any one of Claims 3-10 characterized by the above-mentioned. The humidification apparatus as described in one.
The control unit is configured to change an upper limit value of a target water retention rate, which is a target of the water retention rate of the humidifying element, based on indoor humidity that is indoor humidity to which air blown from the air outlet is supplied. The humidifying device according to claim 10 or claim 11.
The said control part memorize | stores the frequency | count of operation in the said humidification mode, and when the said frequency | count of operation becomes more than a regulation frequency, setting the target water retention rate which is the target of the moisture retention rate of the said humidification element to 100%. The humidifying device according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the humidifying device is characterized in that:
When the target water retention rate is set to 100%, the control unit performs a cleaning operation in which water supply is performed for a time exceeding the minimum necessary time to make the moisture retention rate of the humidifying element 100%. The humidifying device according to claim 12 or 13.
The control unit changes the air volume of the air blowing means based on the rate of change of indoor humidity, which is indoor humidity to which air blown from the air outlet is supplied, and the indoor humidity when operating in the air blowing mode. The humidifying device according to any one of claims 5 to 14, wherein the humidifying device is characterized in that: