WO2020136986A1

WO2020136986A1 - Humidifier

Info

Publication number: WO2020136986A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/032522
Authority: WO
Inventors: 岳人山本; 広大横山; 鈴木　康浩; 訓央清本; 智之樋口; 飯田　健太郎; 利行安井; 明徳奥村; 大輔橋野
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2018-12-27
Filing date: 2019-08-21
Publication date: 2020-07-02

Abstract

This humidifier comprises: an intake port (2); a discharge port (3); a humidifying unit (19); a water storage unit (10); a water supply unit (15); a plurality of water level sensing units; and a water level sensing correction unit. The plurality of water level sensing units include at least: a reference water level sensing unit (24) serving as an output value reference; and a non-reference water level sensing unit (25) an output value of which is to be corrected. When the water storage unit is in a water-shortage state, the water level sensing correction unit corrects the output value of the non-reference water level sensing unit on the basis of the output value of the reference water level sensing unit.

Description

Humidifier

The present disclosure relates to a humidifying device.

Conventionally, there is a humidifying device that humidifies the sucked air by containing the water stored in the water storage unit and blows out the humidified air (for example, Patent Document 1). In the humidifier described in Patent Document 1, the water level in the water storage section is detected by a water level sensor and at least the automatic water supply valve is controlled to maintain the water level in the water storage section at a predetermined amount. Further, some of the humidifiers of this type use a plurality of water level sensors to detect the water level in the water storage section.

JP, 2009-279514, A JP-A-6-221617 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-83092 JP, 2009-279514, A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-260547

However, when detecting the water level in the reservoir using multiple water level sensors, there is a problem in the accuracy of water level detection due to variations in the characteristics of each water level sensor.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidifying device that can accurately detect the water level in a water storage section.

In order to achieve this object, the humidifying device of the present disclosure is provided in a suction port that sucks in air, a blowout port that blows out the air that is sucked in from the suction port, and an air passage between the suction port and the blowout port. And a humidifying section for humidifying the air. The humidifier is provided with a water storage unit for storing water for humidifying air by the humidification unit, a water supply unit for supplying water to the water storage unit, and a plurality of water levels provided in the water storage unit for detecting the water level of the water storage unit. A detection unit and a water level detection correction unit are provided. The plurality of water level detection units include at least a reference water level detection unit serving as a reference for the output value and a non-reference water level detection unit serving as a correction target for the output value. Then, the water level detection correction unit corrects the output value of the non-reference water level detection unit based on the output value of the reference water level detection unit when the water storage unit is in a drought state.

According to the humidifier of the present disclosure, the output value of the non-reference water level detection unit can be matched with the output value of the reference water level detection unit, so that it is possible to provide a humidification device that can accurately detect the water level of the water storage unit.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid atomizing apparatus according to Embodiment 1-1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid atomizing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a humidification operation process of the liquid atomization device. FIG. 4 is a vertical schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid atomizing apparatus according to Embodiment 1-2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid atomizing apparatus according to Embodiment 1-3 of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a humidification operation process of the liquid atomization device. FIG. 7 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a liquid atomizing apparatus according to Embodiment 1-4 of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a heat exchange-type ventilation device including the liquid atomization device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the water consumption amount calculation process executed by the water consumption amount calculation unit. FIG. 10 is a front sectional view of a conventional humidifying unit portion. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a liquid fine device according to Embodiment 3-1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid atomizing apparatus. FIG. 13: is a flowchart which shows the humidification operating condition of the same liquid atomization apparatus. FIG. 14 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a liquid atomizing apparatus according to Embodiment 3-2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a liquid atomizing apparatus according to Embodiment 3-3 of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a humidification operation process of the liquid atomization device. FIG. 17 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid atomizing apparatus described in Embodiment 3-4 of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a heat exchange apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a liquid atomization device according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid atomization device. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a humidification operation process of the liquid atomization device. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a humidification operation process of the liquid atomization device. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a full water detection process of the liquid atomization device.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions of constituent elements, connection forms, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, the constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept of the present disclosure are described as arbitrary constituent elements. Further, in each of the drawings, the substantially same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description will be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 includes at least Embodiment 1-1, Embodiment 1-2, Embodiment 1-3 and Embodiment 1-4 below.

(Embodiment 1-1)
First, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a schematic configuration of a liquid atomizing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1-1 of a humidifying device of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the liquid atomization apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid atomization apparatus 1 in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid atomizer 1 includes a suction port 2 that sucks in air, an inner cylinder 5, an outer cylinder 9, and an air outlet 3 that blows out air. The inner cylinder 5 communicates with the suction port 2 and is open at the bottom as a ventilation port 7 (see FIG. 2). The outer cylinder 9 includes the inner cylinder 5. The blow-out port 3 is provided above the outer cylinder 9, blows out the air that has been sucked in through the suction port 2 and has passed through the inner cylinder 5 and the outer cylinder 9.

As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid atomizer 1 has a suction communication air passage 4, an inner cylinder air passage 6, and an outer cylinder air passage 8 formed between the suction port 2 and the air outlet 3. There is. The suction communication air passage 4 is an air passage through which the air sucked in through the suction port 2 flows toward the inner cylinder 5 in communication therewith. The inner cylinder air passage 6 is an air passage formed inside the inner cylinder 5, and the air flowing from the suction communication air passage 4 flows toward the ventilation port 7 of the inner cylinder 5. The outer cylinder air passage 8 is an air passage formed between the inner diameter of the outer cylinder 9 and the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 5, and the air blown out from the ventilation port 7 of the inner cylinder 5 flows inside the outer cylinder 9. It is an air passage that leads to the air outlet 3.

The liquid atomizing device 1 includes a liquid atomizing unit 19 provided in the air passage formed by the suction communication air passage 4, the inner cylinder air passage 6, and the outer cylinder air passage 8. The liquid atomizing apparatus 1 humidifies the air sucked from the suction port 2 by including the water atomized by the liquid atomizing unit 19 in the air flowing in the air passage. The liquid atomizing unit 19 is the humidifying unit of the present disclosure.

The liquid refining unit 19 is a main part of the liquid refining apparatus 1 and is for refining water. In the liquid refining apparatus 1, the air taken in through the suction port 2 is sent to the liquid refining unit 19 via the suction communication air passage 4. Then, the liquid atomization apparatus 1 causes the air passing through the inner tube air passage 6 to include the water atomized by the liquid atomization unit 19 so that the air containing the water passes through the outer tube air passage 8. And is blown out from the outlet 3.

The liquid atomization unit 19 includes a collision wall 5a that is open at the top and bottom. The collision wall 5a is provided by being fixed inside the inner cylinder 5. Further, the liquid atomization unit 19 is provided with a tubular pumping pipe 21 inside the surrounded by the collision wall 5a, which pumps (pumps) water while rotating. The pumping pipe 21 has an inverted conical hollow structure, and the rotary shaft 20 arranged in the vertical direction is fixed to the center of the inverted conical top surface. When the rotary shaft 20 is connected to the rotary motor 23 provided on the outer surface of the liquid atomization unit 19, the rotary motion of the rotary motor 23 is transmitted to the pump pipe 21 through the rotary shaft 20, and the pump pipe 21 rotates. ..

As shown in FIG. 2, the pumping pipe 21 includes a plurality of rotary plates 22 formed so as to project outward from the outer surface of the pumping pipe 21. The plurality of rotary plates 22 are formed at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 20 so as to project outward from the outer surface of the pumping pipe 21. Since the rotary plate 22 rotates together with the pumping pipe 21, a horizontal disk shape coaxial with the rotary shaft 20 is preferable. The number of the rotary plates 22 is appropriately set according to the target performance or the dimensions of the pumping pipe 21.

Also, the wall surface of the pumping pipe 21 is provided with an opening (not shown) penetrating the wall surface of the pumping pipe 21. The opening of the pumping pipe 21 is provided at a position communicating with the rotary plate 22 formed so as to project outward from the outer surface of the pumping pipe 21. The size of the opening in the circumferential direction needs to be designed according to the outer diameter of the portion of the pumping pipe 21 where the opening is provided. For example, the diameter corresponding to 5% to 50% of the outer diameter of the pumping pipe 21. , And more preferably, a diameter corresponding to 5% to 20% of the pumping pipe 21. It should be noted that the sizes of the openings may be the same within the above range.

A water storage unit 10 for storing water pumped by the pumping pipe 21 is provided below the pumping pipe 21 in the vertical direction below the liquid atomization unit 19. The air is humidified by the water pumped by the water pump 21. The depth of the water storage section 10 is designed so that a part of the lower portion of the pumping pipe 21, for example, about one third to one hundredth of the cone height of the pumping pipe 21 is immersed. This depth can be designed according to the required pumping volume.

The water supply unit 15 supplies water to the water storage unit 10. A water supply pipe 16 is connected to the water supply unit 15, and water is directly supplied from the water supply through the water supply valve 17 through the water supply pipe 16, for example. The water supply unit 15 may be configured to pump up only the required amount of water according to the siphon principle from a water tank provided outside the liquid atomization unit 19 and supply the water to the water storage unit 10. The water supply unit 15 is provided vertically above the bottom surface of the water storage unit 10. The water supply unit 15 is preferably provided not only on the bottom surface of the water storage unit 10 but also vertically above the upper surface of the water storage unit 10 (the surface of the maximum water level that can be stored in the water storage unit 10).

A drainage section 11 is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the water storage section 10. The drainage port of the drainage unit 11 is provided at the lowest position of the water storage unit 10. When the operation of refining the water is stopped, the water stored in the water storage section 10 is drained from the water drain section 11 by opening the drain valve 12 provided in the water drain section 11.

Further, the water storage section 10 is provided with an overflow drain port 18. If more water than necessary is stored in the water storage unit 10, the rotation of the pumping pipe 21 may be insufficient due to the resistance of the water, water may leak from the liquid atomizer 1, or the rotary motor 23 may be submerged in water. There is a risk of malfunction. The overflow drain 18 is provided to prevent such a situation, and is opened at a predetermined water level so that the water stored in the water storage unit 10 does not exceed a predetermined water level.

As a result, when water having a predetermined water level is stored in the water storage unit 10, even if water is supplied thereafter, the water is drained from the overflow drain port 18, and the water having a predetermined water level or higher is stored in the water storage unit 10. It is supposed not to be done.

The liquid atomization unit 19 is provided with a reference water level detection unit 24 and a full water level detection unit 25 in order to detect the full water level of the water storage unit 10. The full water level detection unit 25 detects the water level of the water that should be stored in the water storage unit 10 necessary for the liquid micronization by the liquid micronization unit 19 as a full water level, and is determined by an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor. Composed. The full water level detection unit 25 is provided at a first position lower than the position where the overflow drain port 18 is provided and which has a predetermined water level. That is, the position detected as the full water level is set to a position lower than the position where the overflow drain port 18 is provided and the predetermined water level.

On the other hand, the reference water level detection unit 24 is composed of the same NTC thermistor as the full water level detection unit 25, and is provided at a second position higher than the predetermined water level where the overflow drain port 18 is provided. Due to the overflow drain 18, the water is not stored in the water storage unit 10 at a position higher than a predetermined water level, and the reference water level detection unit 24 is always present in the air. Therefore, the output value of the reference water level detection unit 24 is used as a reference for the output value.

▽Here, the output voltage value of the NTC thermistor changes depending on whether it is in water or in air. In the present embodiment, when supplying water to the water storage unit 10, the voltage value output by the full water level detection unit 25 and the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 24 are compared. Then, when the difference between the compared voltage values is in a predetermined range (for example, 0.2 V), it is determined that the full water level detection unit 25 is in the water, and the water is stored in the water storage unit 10 up to the full water level. Assuming that the water has been stored, the water supply valve 17 is closed and the water supply is stopped.

On the other hand, even if the same NTC thermistor is used in the reference water level detection unit 24 and the full water level detection unit 25, variations in the characteristics of the thermistors cause variations in the output voltage value even under the same environment. .. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the voltage value output by the full water level detection unit 25 is corrected using the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 24. That is, the full water level detection unit 25 is an output value correction target, and corresponds to the non-reference water level detection unit of the present disclosure.

For example, correction is performed after the first predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) when the liquid micronization apparatus 1 is first energized and the voltages output from the reference water level detection unit 24 and the full water level detection unit 25 stabilize. To be done. In addition, the correction is performed even after the drying operation is performed every second predetermined time (for example, 24 hours). That is, in a situation where the water storage unit 10 is in a drought state, the reference water level detection unit 24 and the full water level detection unit 25 are in the same environment, and ideally the same voltage value is output, the correction is performed. Be implemented.

The correction is performed by setting the difference in voltage value obtained by subtracting the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 25 from the voltage value output from the reference water level detection unit 24 as the offset voltage value. Then, thereafter, the full water level is detected as a value obtained by adding the offset voltage value to the voltage value actually output from the full water level detection unit 25 as the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 25. Accordingly, the output value of the full water level detection unit 25 can be matched with the output value of the reference water level detection unit 24, so that the water level of the water storage unit 10 can be accurately detected.

The method of correcting the output value of the full water level detection unit 25 based on the output value of the reference water level detection unit 24 is not limited to the above method, and the output value of the full water level detection unit 25 is the reference water level detection unit 24. Other methods may be used as long as they are corrected based on the output value of

Here, the operation principle of water atomization in the liquid atomizer 1 will be described. When the rotary shaft 20 is rotated by the rotary motor 23 and the pumping pipe 21 is rotated in accordance with the rotation, the water stored in the water storage unit 10 is pumped up by the pumping pipe 21 due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation. The rotation speed of the pumping pipe 21 is set between 1000 and 5000 rpm. Since the pumping pipe 21 has an inverted conical hollow structure, the water pumped by the rotation is pumped to the upper part along the inner wall of the pumping pipe 21. Then, the pumped water is discharged from the opening of the pumping pipe 21 through the rotating plate 22 in the centrifugal direction and scattered as water droplets.

The water droplets scattered from the rotating plate 22 fly in the space surrounded by the collision wall 5a, collide with the collision wall 5a, and are atomized. On the other hand, the air passing through the inner cylindrical air passage 6 moves from the upper opening of the collision wall 5a into the collision wall 5a, and includes the water droplets crushed (miniaturized) by the collision wall 5a to the collision wall 5a. 5a Move to the outside. As a result, the air sucked from the suction port 2 of the liquid atomization device 1 is humidified, and the humidified air is blown out from the air outlet 3.

The kinetic energy of the water scattered from the rotary plate 22 is attenuated by the friction with the air inside the collision wall 5a, so the rotary plate 22 is preferably as close to the collision wall 5a as possible. On the other hand, as the collision wall 5a and the rotary plate 22 are brought closer to each other, the amount of airflow passing through the inside of the collision wall 5a decreases, so the lower limit value of the distance is arbitrarily determined by the pressure loss and the amount of airflow passing through the inside of the collision wall 5a.

Note that the liquid to be atomized may be other than water, for example, a liquid such as hypochlorous acid water having bactericidal/deodorant properties. The micronized hypochlorous acid water is contained in the air sucked from the suction port 2 of the liquid micronizer 1, and the air containing the hypochlorous acid water is blown out from the blowout port 3 to obtain the liquid micronizer. The space where 1 is placed can be sterilized/deodorized.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a humidification operation process for executing the humidification operation in the liquid atomization apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the humidification operation process. The humidification operation process is executed by a control unit (not shown) provided in the liquid atomization device 1.

In the humidification operation process, first, the water level detection unit correction process during the first energization is executed (S1). In the first energization water level detection unit correction process, it is determined whether or not the energization to the liquid atomization apparatus 1 is the first time, and if the energization is the first time, first, a first predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) is waited. As described above, the first predetermined time is a time for stabilizing the voltage output from the reference water level detection unit 24 and the full water level detection unit 25. Then, after the lapse of the first predetermined time, the above-mentioned offset voltage value is calculated from the voltage values output from the reference water level detection unit 24 and the full water level detection unit 25 while the water storage unit 10 is in a drought state. After that, the value obtained by adding the offset voltage value to the voltage value actually output from the full water level detection unit 25 is used as the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 25 for detecting the full water level. The process of S1 is executed by the water level detection correction unit of the present disclosure. The water level detection correction unit is provided, for example, in the control unit. The water level detection correction unit corrects the output value of the full water level detection unit 25 based on the output value of the reference water level detection unit 24 when the water storage unit 10 is in a drought state.

If it is determined in the correction process of the water level detection unit during the first energization that the liquid atomization device 1 is not energized for the first time, the process directly proceeds to S2.

Next, in the humidifying operation process, the processes of S2 to S4 are executed to wash the water storage part 10 and the like. That is, in the process of S2, the drain valve 12 is closed, the water supply valve 17 is opened, and water supply to the water storage section 10 is started. Then, in the humidification operation process, it is determined whether or not the water level of the water storage section 10 has reached the full water level (S3).

In the process of S3, specifically, the voltage value output by the full water level detection unit 25 is compared with the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 24. At this time, as the voltage value output by the full water level detection unit 25, a value obtained by adding the above-mentioned offset voltage value to the actually output voltage value is used. Then, when the difference between the compared voltage values is in a predetermined range (for example, 0.2 V), it is determined that the full water level detection unit 25 is in the water.

Here, the full water level detection unit 25 may be in the air or in the water depending on the water level of the water storage unit 10. On the other hand, since the reference water level detection unit 24 is provided at the second position higher than the predetermined position where the overflow drain port 18 is provided, it is always in the air. Therefore, by comparing the voltage output from the reference water level detection unit 24 that is always in the air with the voltage output from the full water level detection unit 25, the full water level detection unit 25 exists in the water. In this case, the difference in voltage between the two can be reliably determined. As a result, erroneous detection of the water level in the water storage unit 10 can be suppressed.

If, as a result of the processing in S3, the water level in the water storage unit 10 is not at the full water level (S3: No), the processing in S3 is repeated. On the other hand, as a result of the process of S3, when it is determined that the water level of the water storage part 10 has reached the full water level (S3: Yes), the humidification operation process opens the drain valve 12 and closes the water supply valve 17 to close the water storage part. The water supply to 10 is stopped, and the water stored in the water storage section 10 is drained (S4). As a result, the cleaning of the water storage section 10 is completed.

Next, in the humidifying operation process, in order to start the actual humidifying operation, the drain valve 12 is closed, the water supply valve 17 is opened, and water supply to the water storage section 10 is started (S5). Then, in the humidifying operation process, it is determined whether or not the water level of the water storage section 10 has reached the full water level (S6). The determination of S6 is performed in the same manner as the processing of S3.

As a result of the process of S6, when it is determined that the water level of the water storage section 10 has reached the full water level (S6: Yes), the humidification operation process closes the water supply valve 17 and stops the water supply (S7). Then, in the humidification operation process, the rotation of the rotary motor 23 is turned on (S8). As a result, the water stored in the water storage unit 10 is atomized by the above-described operation, and the air sucked from the suction port 2 is humidified.

Next, in the humidifying operation process, the process waits until 30 minutes when it is expected that the amount of water in the water storage unit 10 will decrease (S9), and then the rotation motor 23 is turned off to temporarily stop the humidifying operation. (S10).

Then, in the humidifying operation process, a second predetermined time (24 hours in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the liquid atomization device 1 was energized, or a second predetermined time has elapsed since the previous drying operation was performed. It is determined (S11). As a result, if the second predetermined time has not elapsed (S11: No), the humidifying operation process returns to the process of S5, the water is supplied to the water storage unit 10 again, and the humidifying operation is restarted.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the second predetermined time has elapsed as a result of the process of S11 (S11: Yes), the humidifying operation process performs a dry operation (S12). Specifically, an air blower (not shown) provided inside or outside the liquid micronization apparatus 1 blows air from the suction port 2 to the air outlet 3 without performing a humidifying operation. The inside of 1 is dried. By carrying out this drying operation every second predetermined time, generation of mold inside the liquid atomization apparatus 1 is suppressed. The process of S12 is executed by the drying operation unit of the present disclosure.

After the process of S12, the humidification operation process executes the water level detection unit correction process (S13). The correction in the water level detection unit correction process is performed by calculating the above-mentioned offset voltage value from the voltage values output from the reference water level detection unit 24 and the full water level detection unit 25, as in the first energization water level detection unit correction process in S1. Done. Then, thereafter, using the offset voltage value calculated here, the value obtained by adding the offset voltage value to the voltage value actually output from the full water level detection unit 25 is the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 25. Is used to detect the full water level.

As described above, after the drying operation performed every second predetermined time, the water storage unit 10 is in a drought state, the reference water level detection unit 24 and the full water level detection unit 25 are both in a dry state, and under the same environment. It is in. Therefore, the water level of the water storage section 10 can be accurately detected by performing the correction under such a condition. Further, by periodically performing the correction every second predetermined time, the correction can be reliably performed even if the reference water level detection unit 24 and the full water level detection unit 25 deteriorate with age and their characteristics change. The process of S13 is also executed by the water level detection correction unit of the present disclosure.

After the processing of S13, the humidification operation processing returns to the processing of S5.

Further, as a result of the process of S6, if it is determined that the water level of the water storage unit 10 is not at the full water level (S6: No), then the humidifying operation process is performed for the first time (from the start of water supply by the process of S5). In this embodiment, it is determined whether 5 minutes have passed (S14). As a result, if the first time has not elapsed (S14: No), the humidification operation process returns to the process of S6, and it is determined whether the water level of the water storage unit 10 has reached the full water level.

On the other hand, as a result of the processing in S14, when it is determined that the first time has elapsed (S14: Yes), whether the water supply is not successful or whether the reference water level detection unit 24 and/or the full water level detection unit 25 is out of order. Or, there is a possibility that the detection of full water level is erroneously detected. In particular, when the temperature of the supplied water is high, there is no difference between the voltage value output from the reference water level detection unit 24 and the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 25, and as a result, the full water level detection may not be possible. There is also.

Therefore, in the humidifying operation process, after first closing the water supply valve 17 to stop the water supply (S15), the process is on standby until the second time (30 minutes in the present embodiment) has elapsed (S16). Then, in the humidifying operation process, after the lapse of the second time, it is again determined whether or not the water level of the water storage section 10 is the full water level by the same method as the process of S6 (S17).

If the temperature of the supplied water is high, the temperature of the water will adapt to the surrounding air and become close to the temperature of the air in the water storage unit 10 after the second time period. Then, a clear difference occurs between the voltage value output from the reference water level detection unit 24 and the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 25, and the false detection of the full water level is eliminated.

In the process of S16, while waiting for the second time, a blower (not shown) provided inside or outside the liquid atomization apparatus 1 may be operated to blow air to the water storage section 10. .. Further, during this time, the rotation motor 23 may be rotated to such an extent that the water is not pumped by the water pump 21. As a result, the temperature of the water stored in the water storage unit 10 quickly adjusts, and it is possible to more reliably eliminate the false detection of the full water level.

When it is determined that the water level in the water storage unit 10 is the full water level as a result of the process in S17 (S17: Yes), it can be determined that the erroneous detection has been eliminated, so the humidification operation process shifts to the process in S8. To start humidification. On the other hand, as a result of the processing of S17, when it is determined that the water level of the water storage section 10 is not the full water level (S17: No), there is a problem in the water supply itself, or the reference water level detection section 24 and/or the full water level detection section. Since there is a high possibility that 25 is out of order, an abnormality is notified (S18), and thereafter the processing is looped.

As described above, the liquid atomization device 1 according to the embodiment 1-1 is provided with the overflow drain port 18 at a position where the water stored in the water storage section 10 reaches a predetermined water level. As a result, when water having a predetermined water level is stored in the water storage unit 10, even if water is supplied thereafter, the water is drained from the overflow drain port 18, and the water having a predetermined water level or higher is stored in the water storage unit 10. It is supposed not to be done. Therefore, the full water level detection unit 25 provided at the first position lower than the position of the predetermined water level may be in the air or in the water depending on the water level of the water storage unit 10. On the other hand, the reference water level detection unit 24 provided at the second position higher than the predetermined water level is always in the air. Therefore, by comparing the voltage value output from the reference water level detection unit 24, which is always present in the air, with the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 25, the full water level detection unit 25 is submerged in water. When the existing state is reached, the difference between the two voltages can be reliably determined. As a result, erroneous detection of the water level in the water storage unit 10 can be suppressed.

Also, when the water storage unit 10 is in a drought state, the voltage value of the full water level detection unit 25 is corrected to the voltage value of the reference water level detection unit 24. Accordingly, the output value of the full water level detection unit 25 can be matched with the output value of the reference water level detection unit 24, so that the water level of the water storage unit 10 can be accurately detected.

(Embodiment 1-2)
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a liquid atomization apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1-2 of the humidifying device of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the liquid atomizing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment 1-2.

The liquid atomization device 1 according to the embodiment 1-1 is provided at a position where the reference water level detection unit 24 and the full water level detection unit 25 overlap each other in the vertical direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the liquid atomization apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1-2 has a full water level detection unit having the same configuration and function as the full water level detection unit 25 according to Embodiment 1-1. 36 is arranged at a position that does not overlap the reference water level detection unit 24 in the vertical direction. Since the configuration of the liquid atomization apparatus 1 other than this is the same as that of the embodiment 1-1, detailed description thereof will be omitted and differences from the embodiment 1-1 will be mainly described.

The reference water level detection unit 24 is always present in the air, but due to evaporation of water stored in the water storage unit 10 or passage of humidified air, water droplets adhere to the periphery of the reference water level detection unit 24, Water droplets that have adhered may fall vertically.

In the liquid atomization device 1 according to the embodiment 1-2, the full water level detection unit 36 is arranged at a position that does not overlap the reference water level detection unit 24 in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the full water level detection unit 36 from getting wet with water droplets falling from the reference water level detection unit 24, and to output a voltage value when the water level is present in the water even though it is present in the air. Can be suppressed.

Therefore, the liquid micronization apparatus 1 according to the embodiment 1-2 can more reliably suppress erroneous detection of the water level of the water storage unit 10 in addition to the effect of the liquid micronization apparatus 1 according to the embodiment 1-1. ..

(Embodiment 1-3)
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a liquid atomizing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1-3 of the humidifying device of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid atomizing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1-3.

The liquid micronization apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1-3 includes a reference water level detection unit 24 of the liquid micronization apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1-1 as a water level detection unit for detecting the water level of the water storage unit 10. In addition to the full water level detection unit 25, an overflow water level detection unit 26 is provided. Since the configuration of the liquid atomization apparatus 1 other than this is the same as that of the embodiment 1-1, detailed description thereof will be omitted and differences from the embodiment 1-1 will be mainly described. Also, differences in the humidifying operation process from the embodiment 1-1 will be mainly described.

The overflow water level detection unit 26 is for detecting before the water level of the water storage unit 10 reaches a predetermined water level provided with the overflow drain port 18, and is composed of an NTC thermistor. The overflow water level detection unit 26 is provided at a third position that is higher than the first position where the full water level detection unit 25 is provided and lower than the predetermined water level where the overflow drainage port 18 is provided. That is, the position detected as the overflow water level is set to a position lower than the position where the overflow water drain 18 is provided and the predetermined water level.

In the present embodiment, the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 26 is compared with the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 24. Then, when the difference between the compared voltage values is within a predetermined range (for example, 0.2 V), it is determined that the overflow water level detection unit 26 is in a state of being present in water, and the water is stored in the water storage unit 10 up to the overflow water level. It is judged that the water has been stored.

On the other hand, even if the reference water level detection unit 24 and the overflow water level detection unit 26 use the same NTC thermistor as in the full water level detection unit 25, even in the same environment due to variations in the characteristics of the thermistor. The output voltage value varies. Therefore, in the present embodiment, not only the correction of the full water level detection unit 25 but also the correction of the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 26 using the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 24 is performed. The correction of the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 26 is performed by the same method as the correction of the voltage value of the full water level detection unit 25. Accordingly, not only the output value of the full water level detection unit 25 but also the output value of the overflow water level detection unit 26 can be adjusted to the output value of the reference water level detection unit 24, so that the water level of the water storage unit 10 can be detected accurately. .. In this way, the overflow water level detection unit 26 also becomes a correction target of the output value, and corresponds to the non-reference water level detection unit of the present disclosure.

The method of correcting the output value of the overflow water level detection unit 26 based on the output value of the reference water level detection unit 24 is not limited to the above method, and the output value of the overflow water level detection unit 26 is not limited to the reference water level detection unit 24. Other methods may be used as long as they are corrected based on the output value of

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a humidification operation process for executing the humidification operation in the liquid atomization apparatus 1 according to the embodiment 1-3 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the humidifying operation process according to the embodiment 1-3. The humidifying operation process is executed by a control unit (not shown) provided in the liquid atomization device 1 as in the case of the embodiment 1-1.

The humidifying operation process according to the embodiment 1-3 is different from the humidifying operation process according to the embodiment 1-1 when the water storage unit 10 is determined not to be at the full water level in the process of S6 (S6). : No), that is, the process of S21 is executed instead of the process of S14. In addition, when the negative determination is made in the process of S21, the processes of S22 and S23 are executed. The correction of the voltage value of the overflow water level detection unit 26 is executed in the same manner as the full water level detection unit 25 in the processes of S1 and S13.

First, in the process of S21, it is determined whether or not the water storage section 10 has reached the overflow water level. Specifically, the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 26 is compared with the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 24. At this time, as the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 26, a value obtained by adding the offset voltage value calculated in S1 or S13 to the actually output voltage value is used. Then, when the difference between the compared voltage values is within a predetermined range (for example, 0.2 V), it is determined that the overflow water level detection unit 26 is in the state of being present in water.

Here, the overflow water level detection unit 26 has a state existing in the air and a state existing in the water depending on the water level of the water storage unit 10. On the other hand, since the reference water level detection unit 24 is provided at the second position higher than the predetermined position where the overflow drain port 18 is provided, it is always in the air. Therefore, the overflow water level detection unit 26 exists in water by comparing the voltage output from the reference water level detection unit 24, which is always in the air, with the voltage output from the overflow water level detection unit 26. In this case, the difference in voltage between the two can be reliably determined. As a result, erroneous detection of the water level in the water storage unit 10 can be suppressed.

If it is determined that the water level of the water storage unit 10 is not the overflow water level as a result of the process of S21 (S21: No), the water storage unit 10 has not reached the full water level or the overflow water level at this point. Therefore, in the humidification operation process, it is determined whether or not the first time (5 minutes in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the water supply was started in the process of S5 (S22). As a result, if the first time has not elapsed (S22: No), the humidification operation process returns to the process of S6.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the first time has passed as a result of the processing in S22 (S22: Yes), there is a high possibility that there is a problem with the water supply. Therefore, in the humidifying operation process, first, the water supply valve 17 is closed to stop the water supply (S23), the process proceeds to S18, the abnormality is notified, and then the process is looped.

When it is determined that the water level of the water storage section 10 has become the overflow water level as a result of the processing of S21 (S21: Yes), it is determined that the water level of the water storage section 10 is not at the full water level in the processing of S6. Therefore, there may be some problems in detecting the full water level. Because the overflow water level detection unit 26 is provided at the third position higher than the first position where the full water level detection unit 25 is provided, it is determined that the water storage unit 10 is at the overflow water level. This is because it should be judged before that the water level was full.

As a problem of detecting the full water level, not only the failure of the full water level detection unit 25 but also erroneous detection when the temperature of the water supplied to the water storage unit 10 is high can be considered. In order to isolate the problem, the humidification operation process executes the processes of S16 and S17 as in the case of the embodiment 1-1.

As described above, since the liquid atomization apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1-3 further includes the overflow water level detection unit 26 as well as the full water level detection unit 25, it is possible to detect the water level of the water storage unit 10 more effectively. It can be done accurately.

Further, even if the temperature of the supplied water is high and the full water level detection unit 25 erroneously detects the full water level of the water storage unit 10, the overflow water level detection unit 26 detects that the water storage unit 10 has reached the overflow water level. Thus, the possibility of erroneous detection of the full water level detection unit 25 can be determined. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the frequency with which the liquid micronization apparatus 1 stops operating, which is determined to be abnormal due to the erroneous detection of the full water level detection unit 25.

(Embodiment 1-4)
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a liquid micronization apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1-4 of the humidifying device of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid atomizing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1-4.

In the liquid atomization apparatus 1 according to the first to third embodiments, the reference water level detection unit 24, the full water level detection unit 25, and the overflow water level detection unit 26 are provided at positions that overlap in the vertical direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the liquid atomization apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1-4 has a full water level detection unit having the same configuration and function as the full water level detection unit 25 according to Embodiment 1-3. 36, the overflow water level detection unit 37 having the same configuration and function as the overflow water level detection unit 26 according to the first to third embodiments, and the reference water level detection unit 24 are arranged at positions that do not overlap in the vertical direction. It has a feature.

As described in Embodiment 1-2, the reference water level detection unit 24 is always present in the air. However, the reference water level detection unit 24 detects the reference water level by evaporating the water stored in the water storage unit 10 or passing humidified air. Water droplets may adhere to the periphery of the portion 24. In addition, the overflow water level detection unit 37 is affected by the evaporation of water stored in the water storage unit 10 or the passage of humidified air, and the water stored up to the overflow water level causes the overflow water level detection unit 37 to move around the overflow water level detection unit 37. Water droplets may adhere. Then, these adhered water drops may fall in the vertical direction.

In the liquid atomization device 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments, the full water level detection unit 36, the overflow water level detection unit 37, and the reference water level detection unit 24 are arranged at positions that do not overlap in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the full water level detection unit 36 from getting wet with water droplets falling from the reference water level detection unit 24 or the overflow water level detection unit 37. It is possible to suppress the risk of outputting a voltage value. In addition, the overflow water level detection unit 37 can be prevented from getting wet with water droplets falling from the reference water level detection unit 24, and there is a risk of outputting a voltage value when it is present in the water even though it is present in the air. Can be suppressed.

Therefore, the liquid atomizing apparatus 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments can more reliably suppress erroneous detection of the water level of the water storage section 10 in addition to the effect of the liquid atomizing apparatus 1 according to the first to third embodiments. ..

Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. It can be easily guessed. For example, the numerical values mentioned in the above embodiment are examples, and it is naturally possible to adopt other numerical values.

For example, an abnormality counter may be provided in the liquid atomizing apparatus 1 according to each of the above embodiments. The liquid atomization apparatus 1 counts the number of negative determinations in the determination process of full water level in S17 by the abnormality counter, and when the number of abnormality counters is equal to or more than a predetermined number (for example, 3), informs of the abnormality in S18. May be performed. In this case, even if a negative determination is made in the process of determining the full water level in S17, if the number of abnormality counters is less than the predetermined number, the water in the water storage unit 10 is once drained, and the process of S5 is retried again. May be. Thereby, even if there is no abnormality as a result, the notification of the abnormality can be suppressed.

The liquid atomization device 1 according to each of the above-described embodiments may be mounted on, for example, a heat exchange device. The heat exchange device includes an indoor intake port and an air supply port provided inside the building, an exhaust port and an external air intake port provided outside the building, and a heat exchange element provided inside the main body. It is a thing.

　The indoor suction port sucks in the indoor air, and the sucked air is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust port. Further, the outside air suction port sucks in outside air, and the sucked outside air is supplied to the room through the air supply port. At this time, heat exchange is performed by the heat exchange element between the air sent from the indoor suction port to the exhaust port and the external air sent from the outdoor air suction port to the air supply port.

As one of the functions of the heat exchange air device, there is one that incorporates a device that vaporizes liquid such as a water vaporizer for humidification or a hypochlorous acid vaporizer for sterilization/deodorization. The heat exchange gas device may incorporate the liquid atomization device 1 according to each of the above embodiments as a device for vaporizing a liquid. Specifically, the liquid atomization device 1 may be provided on the air supply port side of the heat exchange air device.

The heat exchange air device provided with the liquid atomization device 1 includes an air supply port including the water or hypochlorous acid moistened by the liquid atomization device 1 with respect to the outside air that has undergone heat exchange by the heat exchange element. Supply more indoors. By using the liquid atomization device 1 as a mechanism for vaporizing these liquids, it is possible to obtain a heat exchange gas device having a smaller size and higher energy efficiency.

Further, the liquid atomization device 1 according to each of the above embodiments may be provided in an air purifier or an air conditioner. As one of the functions of an air purifier or an air conditioner, there is one that incorporates a device for vaporizing a liquid such as a water vaporizer for humidification or a hypochlorous acid vaporizer for sterilization/deodorization. By using the liquid atomization device 1 as this device, it is possible to obtain a smaller and more energy-efficient air purifier or air conditioner.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the liquid micronization device 1 is described as an example of the humidifying device, but the humidifying device is not necessarily limited to this, and a water storage unit is provided and water is supplied while determining the water level of the water storage unit. The present disclosure can be applied to any device.

(Embodiment 2)
Conventionally, as a ventilation device, as described in Patent Document 2, a ventilation device with a humidifying function is known that humidifies outdoor air taken in from the outside and then supplies it to the room to control the humidity of the indoor air. ..

As a ventilation device having a humidifying function, as described in Patent Document 3, a water supply method using a water level sensor is known as a method for automatically supplying water to a water storage unit that stores water used for humidification. ..

In the ventilation device described in Patent Document 2, the purpose is to store water in the water storage section in the tank and drive the humidification unit to humidify the room, but the method of supplying water to the water storage section is not clear. On the other hand, in the ventilation device according to Patent Document 3 described in FIG. 10, water is supplied by detecting the water level by the water level sensor 401 provided in the humidification unit 400, but water cannot be supplied when the water level sensor 101 fails. Alternatively, there is a problem that the sensor cost is high.

Therefore, the present disclosure is to solve the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a ventilation device that can perform water supply to a water storage section at an appropriate timing without using a water level sensor.

Then, in order to achieve this object, a heat exchange type ventilation device according to the present disclosure includes a housing, an air supply air passage, an exhaust air passage, a heat exchange element, an air supply fan, an exhaust fan, and a humidifier. And a control unit and a temperature and humidity sensor. The housing has an outdoor inlet, an outdoor outlet, an indoor inlet, and an indoor outlet. The exhaust air passage blows outdoor air from the outdoor suction port to the indoor air outlet. The exhaust air passage blows indoor air from the indoor suction port to the outdoor air outlet. The heat exchange element is provided in the air supply air passage and the exhaust air passage to exchange heat between the outdoor air and the indoor air. The air supply fan is provided in the air supply air passage, and guides air from the outdoor suction port to the indoor air outlet. The exhaust fan is provided in the exhaust air passage, and guides air from the indoor suction port to the outdoor air outlet. The humidifying unit is provided in the air supply air passage and humidifies the air sucked from the outdoor suction port. The control unit controls the operation of the air supply fan, the exhaust fan, and the humidification unit. The temperature/humidity sensor calculates the temperature/humidity of the gas supplied to the humidifying unit from the outdoor suction port. The humidifying section includes a water storage section for storing water to be humidified and a water supply section for supplying water to the water storage section. The control unit includes a water consumption amount calculation unit that calculates the water consumption amount consumed in the humidification unit based on the information acquired by the temperature/humidity sensor and the amount of air blown by the air supply fan. When the water consumption amount calculated by the water consumption amount calculation unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the water supply unit supplies water. This achieves the intended purpose.

According to the present disclosure, the water consumption amount calculation unit that calculates the water consumption amount based on the information acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor that calculates the temperature and humidity of the gas supplied to the humidification unit from the outdoor suction port is provided. Thus, the water level in the water storage section can be properly detected without using the water level sensor. Further, when the water consumption amount calculated by the water consumption amount calculation unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the water supply unit supplies water so that water can be supplied at appropriate timing without using the water level sensor.

A heat exchange type ventilation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, an air supply air passage, an exhaust air passage, a heat exchange element, an air supply fan, an exhaust fan, a humidifying unit, a control unit, And a temperature/humidity sensor. The housing has an outdoor inlet, an outdoor outlet, an indoor inlet, and an indoor outlet. The air supply air passage blows outdoor air from the outdoor suction port to the indoor air outlet. The exhaust air passage blows indoor air from the indoor suction port to the outdoor air outlet. The heat exchange element is provided in the air supply air passage and the exhaust air passage to exchange heat between the outdoor air and the indoor air. The air supply fan is provided in the air supply air passage, and guides air from the outdoor suction port to the indoor air outlet. Exhaust fan. It is provided in the exhaust air passage and guides air from the indoor suction port to the outdoor air outlet. The humidifying unit is provided in the air supply air passage and humidifies the air sucked from the outdoor suction port. The control unit controls the operation of the air supply fan, the exhaust fan, and the humidification unit. The temperature/humidity sensor calculates the temperature/humidity of the gas supplied to the humidifying unit from the outdoor suction port. The humidifying section includes a water storage section for storing water to be humidified and a water supply section for supplying water to the water storage section. The control unit includes a water consumption amount calculation unit that calculates the water consumption amount consumed in the humidification unit based on the information acquired by the temperature/humidity sensor and the amount of air blown by the air supply fan. When the water consumption amount calculated by the water consumption amount calculation unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the water supply unit supplies water.

With this configuration, the water consumption calculation unit calculates the amount of water consumption based on the information acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor that calculates the temperature and humidity of the gas supplied to the humidification unit from the outdoor suction port. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately detect the water level of the water storage unit without using the water level sensor. Further, when the water consumption amount calculated by the water consumption amount calculation unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the water supply unit supplies water so that water can be supplied at appropriate timing without using the water level sensor.

In addition, the moisture consumption calculation unit may calculate the absolute humidity for each predetermined time based on the information acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor, and may calculate the water consumption amount based on each difference of the absolute humidity for each predetermined time. ..

With this configuration, by feeding back the calculation result for each predetermined time to the control, the accuracy of the calculation of the water consumption amount can be improved, and the water can be supplied at an appropriate timing without using the water level sensor.

A heat exchange type ventilation device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, an air supply air passage, an exhaust air passage, a heat exchange element, an air supply fan, an exhaust fan, and a humidifying unit. A control unit and a temperature/humidity sensor are provided. The housing has an outdoor inlet, an outdoor outlet, an indoor inlet, and an indoor outlet. The air supply air passage blows outdoor air from the outdoor air inlet to the indoor air outlet. The exhaust air passage blows indoor air from the indoor suction port to the outdoor air outlet. The heat exchange element is provided in the air supply air passage and the exhaust air passage to exchange heat between the outdoor air and the indoor air. The air supply fan is provided in the air supply air passage, and guides air from the outdoor suction port to the indoor air outlet. The exhaust fan is provided in the exhaust air passage, and guides air from the indoor suction port to the outdoor air outlet. The humidifying unit is provided in the air supply air passage and humidifies the air sucked from the outdoor suction port. The control unit controls the operation of the air supply fan, the exhaust fan, and the humidification unit. The temperature/humidity sensor calculates the temperature/humidity of the gas supplied to the humidifying unit from the outdoor suction port. The humidifying section includes a water storage section for storing water to be humidified and a water supply section for supplying water to the water storage section. The control unit includes a water consumption amount calculation unit that calculates the water consumption amount consumed in the humidification unit based on the information acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor and the information on the size of the space to be ventilated. When the water consumption amount calculated by the water consumption amount calculation unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the water supply unit supplies water.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement and connection form of constituent elements, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. ..

A heat exchange type ventilation device 101 including the humidifying device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a heat exchange type ventilation device including a humidifying device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. The heat exchange type ventilation device 101 has an outdoor air outlet 104 and an outdoor air inlet 105 on a side surface of a casing 102 which is a box-shaped body, and an indoor air inlet 106 and an indoor air inlet 106 on a side surface facing the side surface. It has an indoor air outlet 107.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the heat exchange type ventilation device 101 includes an air supply air passage 108 for blowing air from the outdoor suction port 105 to the indoor air outlet 107, and an indoor air suction port 106 to the outdoor air outlet 104. An exhaust air passage 109 for blowing air is provided. Fresh outdoor air (outside air, supply air) introduced from the outdoor suction port 105 and contaminated indoor air (exhaust air) introduced from the indoor suction port 106 are supplied to the air supply fan 112 and the exhaust fan 113. By the operation of, the air flows in the supply air passage 108 and the exhaust air passage 109, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 8, the air supply fan 112 configures an air supply unit of the present disclosure, and guides the air supply air sucked from the outdoor air intake port 105 to the indoor air outlet 107 through the air supply air passage 108. is there. The supply air guided to the indoor air outlet 107 is supplied indoors. On the other hand, the exhaust fan 113 constitutes an exhaust unit of the present disclosure and guides exhaust air sucked from the indoor suction port 106 to the outdoor air outlet 104 through the exhaust air passage 109. The exhaust air guided to the indoor air outlet 107 is exhausted to the outside of the room. An air supply fan 112 is provided between the humidification unit 115 and an air supply port (not shown) on the downstream side of the heat exchange element 114 in the air supply air passage 108 in FIG. 8.

Further, an exhaust fan 113 is provided between the exhaust port (not shown) on the downstream side of the heat exchange element 114 and the outdoor air outlet 104 in the exhaust air passage 109 of FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a heat exchange element 114 is arranged at a position where the supply air passage 108 and the exhaust air passage 109 intersect. The heat exchange element 114 constitutes a heat exchange section of the present disclosure, and heat exchange by a total heat exchange system between the supply air passing through the supply air passage 108 and the exhaust air passing through the exhaust air passage 109. I do. By the heat exchange element 114, the total heat of the temperature and humidity of the exhausted air is supplied to the supplied air, or the total heat of the supplied air is supplied to the exhausted air.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a humidifying unit 115 is arranged between the heat exchange element 114 and the indoor air outlet 107 in the air supply air passage 108. The humidifying unit according to the present disclosure includes a humidifying unit 115, a water supply unit 116, a water storage unit 117, and a liquid atomization device 118. The humidifying unit 115 includes a water storage unit 117 for storing water for humidification, a water supply unit 116 for supplying water to the water storage unit, and a liquid for atomizing the water stored in the water storage unit 117 to be included in the supply air. A miniaturization device 118 is provided. The humidifying unit 115 humidifies the supply air sucked from the outdoor suction port 105. That is, the supply air humidified by the humidification unit 115 is supplied to the room from the indoor side outlet 107. Further, the heat exchange type ventilation device 101 controls the amount of humidification in the humidifying unit 115 so that the indoor humidity is controlled to be the target indoor humidity. The control of the amount of humidification in the humidifying unit 115 is performed by calculating the amount of water consumed in the humidifying unit 115.

Here, the humidification unit 115 in the present embodiment is a water-crushing type humidifying unit that sprays water crushed by, for example, a centrifugal crushing method onto air. The water crushing type humidifying unit can easily adjust the amount of humidification by adjusting the amount of crushed water.

Further, a temperature/humidity sensor 119 is arranged in the space where the air supply fan 112 is arranged. The temperature/humidity sensor 119 can detect the temperature and humidity of the supply air after total heat exchange with the room air by the heat exchange element 114.

The heat exchange type ventilation device 101 is provided with a control unit 120 that controls the operation of the heat exchange type ventilation device 101. The control unit 120 is not limited to the configuration incorporated in the heat exchange type ventilation device 101, but is provided outside the heat exchange type ventilation device 101, and is controlled by communication between the heat exchange type ventilation device 101 and the control unit 120. It is possible to The control unit 120 controls, for example, the current and/or the rotation speed of the air supply motor of the air supply fan 112 or the exhaust motor of the exhaust fan 113. By using the DC motor as the air supply motor and the exhaust motor, it is possible to control the rotation speed with high accuracy.

The control unit 120 also includes a water consumption amount calculation unit 121 that calculates the water consumption amount consumed in the water storage unit 117 of the humidification unit 115. The consumed water amount calculation unit 121 calculates the consumed water amount by executing the steps described below with reference to FIG. 9. Further, by executing the additional step, the water supply unit 116 of the humidifying unit 115 is controlled, and the water supply to the water storage unit 117 is controlled as necessary.

Next, the water consumption amount calculation processing executed by the water consumption amount calculation unit 121 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the consumed water amount calculation processing. In the water consumption calculation process, the water consumption calculation unit 112 calculates the water consumption based on the temperature and humidity information detected by the temperature/humidity sensor 119. The water consumption calculation process is started by the water consumption calculation unit 121 when the heat exchange type ventilation device 101 starts the driving operation. The moisture consumption calculation process is executed during the operation of the heat exchange ventilation device 101.

In the water consumption amount calculation process, since the water consumption amount is calculated every predetermined time T (sec), it is first determined whether or not the predetermined time T (sec) has elapsed since the previous calculation of the water consumption amount (S1). .. The predetermined time T (sec) is an arbitrary time preset by the program. Further, if the predetermined time T (sec) is too long, the feedback time becomes long, so that the timing of water supply by calculating the water consumption amount cannot be accurately performed. Therefore, it is preferable to set the predetermined time T (sec) to a short time such as 60 to 300 (sec). When the predetermined time T (sec) has elapsed from the previous calculation of the water consumption (S1: Yes), the process proceeds to S2. If the predetermined time T (sec) has not elapsed since the previous calculation of the consumed water (S1: No), the process of S1 is repeated until the predetermined time T (sec) has elapsed. When the process of S1 is executed for the first time after the execution of the water consumption calculation process is started, the process of S1 is skipped and the process directly proceeds to S2.

In the process of S2, the weight absolute humidity HSA1 (unit: g/kg) before passing through the humidification unit 115 is calculated from the temperature and humidity of the supply air acquired by the temperature/humidity sensor 119. The humidity acquired from the temperature/humidity sensor 119 indicates relative humidity (unit: %). Unless otherwise specified, the description of humidity indicates relative humidity.

In the process of S3, the target weight absolute humidity HRA (unit: g/kg) is set from the target target temperature and target humidity. It should be noted that the target temperature and the target humidity are set in advance in the heat exchange type ventilation device 101 and stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the control unit 120.

In the process of S4, the weight absolute humidity HC (unit: g/kg) flowing out from the room through the gap area of the living space is added to the target weight absolute humidity HRA determined in S3 to obtain the target weight. Calculate the absolute humidity HSA2. Note that the HC data is stored in the program in advance by experiments. That is, since it is necessary to consider the amount of moisture HC in order to actually flow out from the gap area of the living space with respect to the target weight absolute humidity determined in S3, the target weight absolute humidity is set to a large amount. I do.

In the process of S5, the absolute weight humidity ΔX (unit: g/kg) is calculated every predetermined time T (sec) from the difference between the absolute weight humidity HSA1 and the target absolute weight humidity HSA2. The weight absolute humidity HSA1 calculated in S2 is updated every predetermined time T (sec). Here, since the supply air to be calculated is subjected to total heat exchange with the exhaust air, which is the room air after the humidification process by the humidification unit 115, through the heat exchange element 114, the weight absolute humidity HSA1 by the operation of the humidification unit 115 is It will gradually increase. Therefore, since the target absolute weight humidity HSA2 is constant, the absolute weight humidity ΔX gradually decreases.

In the process of S6, the weight absolute humidity ΔX (unit: g/kg) obtained in the process of S5, the air flow rate Q (unit: m ³ /h) which is the air flow amount by the air supply fan, and the air density ρ (unit: The water consumption amount Z per unit time (unit: g/h) is calculated by multiplying by kg/m ³ ). In addition, since the actual calculation of the amount of water consumption is performed every predetermined time T (sec) shorter than the unit time (1 hour), Z is divided by 3600 seconds and the value obtained by multiplying the predetermined time T (sec) is added. Zg (unit: g) is used for control.

In the process of S6, the consumed water amount Z (unit: g/h) is calculated, and therefore, instead of the air amount Q (unit: m ³ /h) of the heat exchange type ventilation device 101, the space to be ventilated is Information of the size V (unit: m ³ ) can be used. The air volume Q (m ³ /h) is defined by the fan output for replacing the air in the space of size V (m ³ ) in 2 hours (h) according to the Building Standards Method, so the space size V (m 3 It is possible to calculate the air flow rate Q (m ³ /h) by dividing ³ ) by 2 hours (h). Therefore, similarly calculate the water consumption amount Z (unit: g/h). You can Information on the size of the ventilation target space is stored in the memory of the control unit 120. When the user inputs information on the size of the ventilation target space to the control unit 120, the control unit 120 can acquire the information on the size of the ventilation target space.

In the process of S7, when it is determined that the water consumption amount Zg calculated in S6 is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value Zl (S7: Yes), the water supply unit 116 is controlled to supply water to the water storage unit 117 (S8). ). When it is determined that the water consumption amount Zg is smaller than the predetermined threshold value Zl (S7: No), the process directly proceeds to S9. It should be noted that the predetermined threshold value Zl is set to an arbitrary value in advance by a program. Further, when the threshold Zl is set to the water storage capacity limit with respect to the water storage capacity of the water storage section 117, if a calculation error or a delay in feedback occurs, the water storage section 117 will be in a water-depleted state, and the humidification function will be Since it may be temporarily unusable, it is preferable to set a threshold value with a margin from the limit, for example, setting it to 80% of the water storage capacity.

As described above, in the heat exchange type ventilation device 101 according to the second embodiment, the water consumption amount calculation unit 121 executes the water consumption amount calculation process, whereby the water consumption amount consumed in the water storage unit 117 of the humidification unit 115. Control is performed to calculate Zg and compare the consumed water amount Zg with a predetermined threshold value Zl. Therefore, the water can be supplied to the water storage unit 117 at an appropriate timing, and the water storage amount can be maintained at a certain amount or more without causing the water storage unit 117 to be in a dry state.

(Embodiment 3)
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a humidifying device that humidifies the sucked air by containing water stored in a water storage unit and blows out the humidified air (for example, Patent Document 4). In the humidifying device described in Patent Document 4, the water level in the water storage section is detected by a water level sensor and at least the automatic water supply valve is controlled to maintain the water level in the water storage section at a predetermined amount.

Also, as a water level sensor for detecting the water level, one using an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor (self-heating type thermistor) is known (for example, Patent Document 5). This type of water level sensor applies a current to the NTC thermistor and detects the water level by utilizing the self-heating of the NTC thermistor.

Specifically, in the self-heating of the NTC thermistor, it is used that the thermal diffusion constant (constant representing the power required to raise the temperature of the NTC thermistor element by 1°C by self-heating in the thermal equilibrium state) is different in air and water. To do. That is, since it is difficult to generate heat in water having a high thermal diffusion constant, the resistance value of the NTC thermistor is high, and as a result, the voltage across the NTC thermistor is high. On the other hand, since heat is easily generated in the air having a low thermal diffusion constant, the resistance value of the NTC thermistor is lower than that in the water, and as a result, the voltage across the NTC thermistor appears low.

A water level sensor using an NTC thermistor detects that the water level sensor is installed at the position where the water level sensor is provided based on the change in the voltage across the water level sensor that appears when the water level sensor changes from being in the air to being in the water. It detects whether or not it exists.

The water level detection described in Patent Document 5 is performed by observing the change over time in the voltage across one NTC thermistor. However, the voltage across the NTC thermistor becomes lower as the environmental temperature becomes higher. As a result, when the temperature of the water supplied to the water storage part is high, even if the NTC thermistor changes from being in the air to being in water, the voltage across the NTC thermistor changes greatly over time. There may be cases where it does not appear. Therefore, in this case, there is a problem that the water level in the water storage section cannot be detected correctly.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidifying device that can suppress erroneous detection of the water level in a water storage section.

In order to achieve this object, a humidifying device of the present disclosure includes a suction port that sucks in air, a blowout port that blows out the air sucked from the suction port, a humidifying section, a water storage section, a water supply section, and an overflow drainage port. And a first water level detection unit, a second water level detection unit, and a first determination unit. The humidifying unit is provided in the air passage between the suction port and the air outlet and humidifies the air. The water storage unit stores water for humidifying the air by the humidification unit. The water supply section supplies water to the water storage section. The overflow drainage port is provided at a position where the water stored in the water storage section has a predetermined water level. The first water level detection unit is composed of an NTC thermistor and is provided at a first position lower than the position of a predetermined water level. The second water level detection unit is composed of an NTC thermistor and is provided at a second position higher than the position of the predetermined water level. The first determination unit determines whether or not water is stored in the water storage unit up to the first position based on the voltage output from the first water level detection unit and the voltage output from the second water level detection unit.

According to the humidifying device of the present disclosure, the overflow drainage port is provided at a position where the water stored in the water storage unit has a predetermined water level. As a result, when the water with a predetermined water level is stored in the water storage unit, even if water is supplied after that, the water will be drained from the overflow drain port, and the water above the predetermined water level will not be stored in the water storage unit. Has become. Therefore, the first water level detection unit provided at the first position lower than the position of the predetermined water level may be in the air or in the water depending on the water level of the water storage unit. On the other hand, the second water level detector provided at the second position higher than the predetermined water level is always in the air. Therefore, by comparing the voltage output from the second water level detection unit, which is always in the air, with the voltage output from the first water level detection unit, the first water level detection unit exists in water. In this case, the difference in voltage between the two can be reliably determined. As a result, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a humidifying device capable of suppressing erroneous detection of the water level in the water storage section.

Also, the first water level detection unit and the second water level detection unit may be arranged at positions that do not overlap in the vertical direction.

The humidifying device may further include a third water level detection unit and a second determination unit. The third water level detection unit is composed of an NTC thermistor, and is provided at a third position higher than the first position and lower than the predetermined water level position. The second determination unit determines whether or not water is stored in the water storage unit up to the third position, based on the voltage output from the third water level detection unit and the voltage output from the second water level detection unit.

Also, the first water level detection unit, the second water level detection unit, and the third water level detection unit may be arranged at positions that do not overlap in the vertical direction.

In addition, when the first determination unit determines that the water has not been stored up to the first position in the water storage unit even after the first time has elapsed since the water supply unit started supplying the water to the water storage unit. Then, based on the voltage output from the first water level detection unit and the voltage output from the second water level detection unit at a second time interval, whether water was stored in the water storage unit up to the first position. May be determined again.

Further, the first determination unit determines that the water has been stored in the water storage unit up to the third position when it is determined that the water has not been stored in the water storage unit up to the first position. At some time, the water is stored up to the first position in the water storage unit based on the voltage output from the first water level detection unit and the voltage output from the second water level detection unit at intervals of the second time. You may judge again whether it was high.

The humidifying part is a liquid atomizing part that atomizes water.The air sucked from the suction port contains the water atomized by the liquid atomizing part, and the air containing water is blown out from the air outlet. May be. The liquid atomization unit includes a rotation shaft, a pump pipe, and a collision wall. The rotating shaft is rotated by a motor and is arranged in the vertical direction. The pumping pipe has a tubular shape, is fixed to the rotary shaft, and is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the rotary shaft to pump the water stored in the water storage portion and discharge the pumped water in the centrifugal direction. The collision wall collides with the water discharged from the pumping pipe, thereby atomizing the water.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions of constituent elements, connection forms, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, the constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept of the present disclosure are described as arbitrary constituent elements. Further, in each of the drawings, the substantially same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description will be omitted or simplified. Embodiment 3 includes at least Embodiment 3-1, Embodiment 3-2, Embodiment 3-3 and Embodiment 3-4 below.

(Embodiment 3-1)
First, with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a schematic configuration of the liquid micronization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-1 of the humidifying device of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the liquid atomization device 201. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid atomization apparatus 201 in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 11, the liquid atomizer 201 includes a suction port 202 that sucks in air, an inner cylinder 205, an outer cylinder 209, and a blowout port 203 that blows out air. The inner cylinder 205 communicates with the suction port 202, and the lower part is opened as a ventilation port 207 (see FIG. 12). The outer cylinder 209 includes the inner cylinder 205. The blowout port 3 is provided above the outer cylinder 209, and blows out the air that has been sucked in through the suction port 202 and has passed through the inner cylinder 205 and the outer cylinder 209.

As shown in FIG. 12, the liquid atomization device 201 has a suction communication air passage 204, an inner cylinder air passage 206, and an outer cylinder air passage 208 formed between the suction port 202 and the air outlet 203. ing. The suction communication air passage 204 is an air passage through which the air sucked in by the suction port 202 flows toward the inner cylinder 205 which is in communication. The inner cylinder air passage 206 is an air passage formed inside the inner cylinder 205, and is an air passage in which the air flowing from the suction communication air passage 204 flows toward the ventilation port 207 of the inner cylinder 205. The outer cylinder air passage 208 is an air passage formed between the inner diameter of the outer cylinder 209 and the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 205, and the air blown out from the ventilation port 207 of the inner cylinder 205 moves inside the outer cylinder 209. It is an air passage that leads to the air outlet 203.

The liquid atomization device 201 includes a liquid atomization unit 219 provided in an air passage formed by the suction communication air passage 204, the inner cylinder air passage 206, and the outer cylinder air passage 208. The liquid atomization device 201 humidifies the air sucked from the suction port 202 by including the water atomized by the liquid atomization unit 219 in the air flowing in the air passage. The liquid atomizing unit 219 is the humidifying unit of the present disclosure.

The liquid atomization unit 219 is a main part of the liquid atomization device 201, and is where the water is atomized. In the liquid micronization apparatus 201, the air taken in by the suction port 202 is sent to the liquid micronization unit 219 via the suction communication air passage 204. Then, the liquid atomization apparatus 201 causes the air passing through the inner tube air passage 206 to include the water atomized by the liquid atomizing unit 219 and passes the air containing the water through the outer tube air passage 208. Then, the air is blown out from the air outlet 203.

The liquid atomization unit 219 includes a collision wall 205a that is open on the upper side and the lower side. The collision wall 205a is provided by being fixed inside the inner cylinder 205. Further, the liquid atomization unit 219 is provided with a tubular pumping pipe 221 inside the surrounding of the collision wall 205a, which pumps (pumps) water while rotating. The pumping pipe 221 has an inverted conical hollow structure, and the rotating shaft 220 arranged in the vertical direction is fixed to the center of the top surface of the inverted conical shape. When the rotary shaft 220 is connected to the rotary motor 223 provided on the outer surface of the liquid atomization unit 219, the rotary motion of the rotary motor 223 is transmitted to the pump pipe 221 through the rotary shaft 220, and the pump pipe 221 rotates. ..

As shown in FIG. 12, the pumping pipe 221 includes a plurality of rotary plates 222 formed so as to project outward from the outer surface of the pumping pipe 221. The plurality of rotary plates 222 are formed at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 220 so as to project outward from the outer surface of the pumping pipe 221. Since the rotary plate 222 rotates together with the pumping pipe 221, a horizontal disk shape coaxial with the rotary shaft 220 is preferable. The number of rotating plates 222 is appropriately set according to the target performance and the dimensions of the pumping pipe 221.

Also, the wall surface of the pumping pipe 221 is provided with an opening (not shown) that penetrates the wall surface of the pumping pipe 221. The opening of the pumping pipe 221 is provided at a position communicating with the rotary plate 222 formed so as to project outward from the outer surface of the pumping pipe 221. The size of the opening in the circumferential direction needs to be designed in accordance with the outer diameter of the portion of the pumping pipe 221 where the opening is provided. For example, a diameter corresponding to 5% to 50% of the outer diameter of the pumping pipe 221. More preferably, the diameter corresponding to 5% to 20% of the pumping pipe 221 is used. It should be noted that the sizes of the openings may be the same within the above range.

A water storage unit 210 that stores water pumped by the pumping pipe 221 is provided below the pumping pipe 221 in the vertical direction below the liquid atomization unit 219. The depth of the water storage section 210 is designed so that a part of the lower part of the pumping pipe 221 is immersed, for example, about one third to one hundredth of the cone height of the pumping pipe 221. This depth can be designed according to the required pumping volume. The air is humidified by the water pumped by the pump pipe 221.

The water supply unit 215 supplies water to the water storage unit 210. A water supply pipe 216 is connected to the water supply unit 215, and for example, water is directly supplied from a water supply through a water supply valve 217 to the water supply pipe 216. The water supply unit 215 may be configured to pump up only the required amount of water according to the siphon principle from a water tank provided outside the liquid atomization unit 219 and supply water to the water storage unit 210. The water supply unit 215 is provided vertically above the bottom surface of the water storage unit 210. The water supply unit 215 is preferably provided not only on the bottom surface of the water storage unit 210 but also vertically above the upper surface of the water storage unit 210 (the surface of the maximum water level that can be stored in the water storage unit 210).

A drainage part 211 is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the water storage part 210. The drainage port of the drainage unit 211 is provided at the lowest position of the water storage unit 210. When the operation of water refining is stopped, the water stored in the water storage section 210 is drained from the drain section 211 by opening the drain valve 212 provided in the drain section 211.

Further, the water storage section 210 is provided with an overflow drain port 218. If more water than necessary is stored in the water storage unit 210, the rotation of the pumping pipe 221 may be insufficient due to the resistance of the water, water may leak from the liquid atomization device 201, or the rotary motor 223 may be submerged in water. There is a risk of malfunction. The overflow drain port 218 is provided to prevent such a situation from occurring, and is opened at a predetermined water level position so that the water stored in the water storage section 210 does not exceed a predetermined water level. ..

As a result, when the water having a predetermined water level is stored in the water storage unit 210, the water is drained from the overflow drain 218 even if the water is supplied thereafter, and the water having a predetermined water level or higher is stored in the water storage unit 210. It is supposed not to be done.

The liquid atomization unit 219 is provided with a reference water level detection unit 224 and a full water level detection unit 225 in order to detect the full water level of the water storage unit 210. The full water level detection unit 225 detects the water level of the water that should be stored in the water storage unit 210 necessary for the liquid micronization by the liquid micronization unit 219 as a full water level, and is composed of an NTC thermistor. The full water level detection unit 225 is provided at a first position lower than the position where the overflow drain port 218 is provided and which has a predetermined water level. That is, the position detected as the full water level is set to a position lower than the position where the overflow drainage port 218 is provided and the predetermined water level. The full water level detection unit 225 corresponds to the first water level detection unit of the present disclosure.

On the other hand, the reference water level detection unit 224 is composed of the same NTC thermistor as the full water level detection unit 225, and is provided at a second position higher than the position where the overflow drain port 218 is provided at a predetermined water level. Due to the overflow drain port 218, water is not stored in the water storage unit 210 at a position higher than a predetermined water level, and the reference water level detection unit 224 always exists in the air. Therefore, the output value of the reference water level detection unit 224 is used as a reference for the output value. The reference water level detection unit 224 corresponds to the second water level detection unit of the present disclosure.

▽Here, the output voltage value of the NTC thermistor changes depending on whether it is in water or in air. In this embodiment, when supplying water to the water storage unit 210, the voltage value output by the full water level detection unit 225 is compared with the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 224. Then, when the difference between the compared voltage values is in a predetermined range (for example, 0.2 V), it is determined that the full water level detection unit 225 is in the water, and the water is stored in the water storage unit 210 up to the full water level. Assuming that the water has been stored, the water supply valve 217 is closed and the water supply is stopped.

On the other hand, in the reference water level detection unit 224 and the full water level detection unit 225, even if the same NTC thermistor is used, variations in the characteristics of the thermistor cause variations in the output voltage value even in the same environment. .. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the voltage value output by the full water level detection unit 225 is corrected using the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 224.

For example, when the liquid atomization apparatus 201 is first energized and the voltage output from the reference water level detection unit 224 and the full water level detection unit 225 becomes stable for a first predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes), the correction is performed. To be done. In addition, the correction is performed even after the drying operation is performed every second predetermined time (for example, 24 hours). That is, in a situation where the water storage unit 210 is in a drought state, the reference water level detection unit 224 and the full water level detection unit 225 are in the same environment, and ideally the same voltage value is output, the correction is performed. Be implemented.

The correction is performed by setting the difference in voltage value obtained by subtracting the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 225 from the voltage value output from the reference water level detection unit 224 as the offset voltage value. Then, thereafter, the full water level is detected as the value obtained by adding the offset voltage value to the voltage value actually output from the full water level detection unit 225 as the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 225. Accordingly, the output value of the full water level detection unit 225 can be matched with the output value of the reference water level detection unit 224, so that the water level of the water storage unit 210 can be accurately detected.

The method of correcting the output value of the full water level detection unit 225 based on the output value of the reference water level detection unit 224 is not limited to the above method, and the output value of the full water level detection unit 25 is the reference water level detection unit 24. Other methods may be used as long as they are corrected based on the output value of

Here, the operation principle of water atomization in the liquid atomization apparatus 201 will be described. When the rotation shaft 220 is rotated by the rotation motor 223 and the pumping pipe 221 is rotated accordingly, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation causes the pumping pipe 221 to pump up the water stored in the water storage unit 210. The rotation speed of the pumping pipe 221 is set between 1000 and 5000 rpm. Since the pumping pipe 221 has an inverted conical hollow structure, the water pumped by the rotation is pumped to the upper part along the inner wall of the pumping pipe 221. Then, the pumped water is discharged from the opening of the pump pipe 221 through the rotary plate 222 in the centrifugal direction and scattered as water droplets.

The water droplets scattered from the rotating plate 222 fly in the space surrounded by the collision wall 205a, collide with the collision wall 205a, and are atomized. On the other hand, the air passing through the inner cylinder air passage 206 moves from the upper opening of the collision wall 205a into the collision wall 205a, and includes the water droplets crushed (miniaturized) by the collision wall 205a to the collision wall 205a from the lower opening. 205a Move to the outside. As a result, the air sucked from the suction port 202 of the liquid atomization device 201 is humidified, and the humidified air is blown out from the air outlet 203.

The kinetic energy of the water scattered from the rotary plate 222 is attenuated by the friction with the air inside the collision wall 205a, so it is preferable that the rotary plate 222 be as close to the collision wall 205a as possible. On the other hand, as the collision wall 205a and the rotary plate 222 are brought closer to each other, the amount of airflow passing through the inside of the collision wall 205a decreases, so that the lower limit value of the distance is arbitrarily determined by the pressure loss and the amount of airflow passing inside the collision wall 205a.

Note that the liquid to be atomized may be other than water, for example, a liquid such as hypochlorous acid water having bactericidal/deodorant properties. The micronized hypochlorous acid water is contained in the air sucked from the suction port 202 of the liquid micronization apparatus 201, and the air containing the hypochlorous acidous water is blown out from the blowout port 203 to obtain the liquid micronization apparatus. The space where 201 is placed can be sterilized/deodorized.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, a humidification operation process for executing the humidification operation in the liquid atomization device 201 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the humidification operation process. The humidification operation process is executed by a control unit (not shown) provided in the liquid atomization device 201.

In the humidification operation process, first, the water level detection unit correction process during the first energization is executed (S1). In the water level detection unit correction process during the first energization, it is determined whether or not the energization to the liquid atomization device 201 is the first time, and if the energization is the first time, the first predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) is waited. As described above, the first predetermined time is a time for stabilizing the voltage output from the reference water level detection unit 224 and the full water level detection unit 225. Then, after the lapse of the first predetermined time, the above-mentioned offset voltage value is calculated from the voltage values output from the reference water level detection unit 224 and the full water level detection unit 225 while the water storage unit 210 is in a drought state. After that, the value obtained by adding the offset voltage value to the voltage value actually output from the full water level detection unit 225 is used as the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 225 for detecting the full water level.

In the correction process of the water level detection unit during the first energization, when it is determined that the liquid micronization apparatus 201 is not energized for the first time, the process directly proceeds to S2.

Next, in the humidifying operation process, the processes of S2 to S4 are executed to wash the water storage part 210 and the like. That is, in the process of S2, the drain valve 212 is closed, the water supply valve 217 is opened, and water supply to the water storage section 210 is started. Then, in the humidifying operation process, it is determined whether or not the water level of the water storage unit 210 has reached the full water level (S3).

In the process of S3, specifically, the voltage value output by the full water level detection unit 225 is compared with the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 224. At this time, as the voltage value output by the full water level detection unit 225, a value obtained by adding the above-mentioned offset voltage value to the actually output voltage value is used. Then, when the difference between the compared voltage values is within a predetermined range (for example, 0.2 V), it is determined that the full water level detection unit 225 is in the water.

Here, the full water level detection unit 225 has a state existing in the air and a state existing in the water depending on the water level of the water storage unit 210. On the other hand, since the reference water level detection unit 224 is provided at the second position higher than the predetermined position where the overflow drain port 218 is provided, it is always in the air. Therefore, by comparing the voltage output from the reference water level detection unit 224 that is always present in the air with the voltage output from the full water level detection unit 225, the full water level detection unit 225 exists in water. In this case, the difference in voltage between the two can be reliably determined. As a result, erroneous detection of the water level in the water storage unit 210 can be suppressed.

Note that the process of S3 is executed by the first determination unit of the present disclosure.

If, as a result of the processing in S3, the water level of the water storage unit 210 is not at the full water level (S3: No), the processing in S3 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, as a result of the process of S3, when it is determined that the water level of the water storage unit 210 has reached the full water level (S3: Yes), the humidification operation process opens the drain valve 212 and closes the water supply valve 217 to close the water storage unit. The water supply to 210 is stopped and the water stored in the water storage unit 210 is drained (S4). As a result, the cleaning of the water storage section 210 is completed.

Next, in the humidifying operation process, in order to start the actual humidifying operation, the drain valve 212 is closed, the water supply valve 217 is opened, and water supply to the water storage section 210 is started (S5). Then, in the humidifying operation process, it is determined whether or not the water level of the water storage section 210 has reached the full water level (S6). The determination of S6 is performed in the same manner as the processing of S3. The process of S6 is also executed by the first determination unit of the present disclosure.

As a result of the process of S6, if it is determined that the water level of the water storage unit 210 has reached the full water level (S6: Yes), the humidification operation process closes the water supply valve 217 and stops the water supply (S7). Then, in the humidifying operation process, the rotation of the rotary motor 223 is turned on (S8). As a result, the water stored in the water storage unit 210 is atomized by the above-described operation, and the air sucked from the suction port 202 is humidified.

Next, in the humidifying operation process, the process waits until 30 minutes when it is expected that the amount of water in the water storage unit 210 will decrease (S9), and then the rotation motor 223 is turned off to temporarily stop the humidifying operation. (S10).

Then, in the humidifying operation process, a second predetermined time (24 hours in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the liquid micronization apparatus 201 was energized, or a second predetermined time has elapsed since the previous drying operation was performed. It is determined whether it has been done (S11). As a result, if the second predetermined time has not elapsed (S11: No), the humidifying operation process returns to the process of S5, the water is supplied to the water storage unit 210 again, and the humidifying operation is restarted.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the second predetermined time has elapsed as a result of the process of S11 (S11: Yes), the humidifying operation process performs a dry operation (S12). Specifically, a blower (not shown) provided inside or outside the liquid micronization apparatus 201 blows air from the suction port 202 to the air outlet 203 without performing a humidification operation. The inside of 201 is dried. By carrying out this drying operation every second predetermined time, generation of mold inside the liquid micronization apparatus 201 is suppressed.

After the process of S12, the humidification operation process executes the water level detection unit correction process (S13). The correction in the water level detection unit correction process is performed by calculating the above-described offset voltage value from the voltage values output from the reference water level detection unit 224 and the full water level detection unit 225, as in the case of the first energization water level detection unit correction process in S1. Done. Then, thereafter, using the offset voltage value calculated here, the value obtained by adding the offset voltage value to the voltage value actually output from the full water level detection unit 225 is the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 225. Is used to detect the full water level.

As described above, after the drying operation performed every second predetermined time, the water storage unit 210 is in a drought state, the reference water level detection unit 224 and the full water level detection unit 225 are both in a dry state, and under the same environment. It is in. Therefore, by performing the correction under such a condition, the water level of the water storage unit 210 can be accurately detected. Further, by periodically performing the correction every second predetermined time, even if the reference water level detection unit 224 and the full water level detection unit 225 deteriorate with age and their characteristics change, the correction can be reliably performed.

Further, as a result of the process of S6, when it is determined that the water level of the water storage unit 210 is not the full water level (S6: No), the humidifying operation process is performed for the first time (from the start of water supply by the process of S5). In this embodiment, it is determined whether 5 minutes have passed (S14). As a result, if the first time has not elapsed (S14: No), the humidification operation process returns to the process of S6, and it is determined whether the water level of the water storage unit 210 has reached the full water level.

On the other hand, as a result of the processing in S14, when it is determined that the first time has elapsed (S14: Yes), whether the water supply is not successful, or whether the reference water level detection unit 224 and/or the full water level detection unit 225 has failed. Or, there is a possibility that the detection of full water level is erroneously detected. In particular, when the temperature of the supplied water is high, there is no difference between the voltage value output from the reference water level detection unit 224 and the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 225, and as a result, the full water level detection may not be possible. There is also.

Therefore, in the humidifying operation process, first, after closing the water supply valve 217 to stop the water supply (S15), the process waits until the second time (30 minutes in the present embodiment) has elapsed (S16). Then, in the humidifying operation process, after the lapse of the second time, it is again determined whether or not the water level of the water storage section 210 is the full water level by the same method as the process of S6 (S17).

If the temperature of the supplied water is high, the temperature of the water will adapt to the surrounding air and become close to the temperature of the air in the water storage unit 210 after the second time elapses. Then, a clear difference occurs between the voltage value output from the reference water level detection unit 224 and the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 225, and the false detection of the full water level is eliminated.

In the process of S16, while waiting for the second time, a blower (not shown) provided inside or outside the liquid atomization device 201 may be operated to blow air to the water storage unit 210. .. Further, during this period, the rotation motor 223 may be rotated to such an extent that the pumping by the pumping pipe 221 is not performed. As a result, the temperature of the water stored in the water storage unit 210 is quickly adjusted, and the false detection of the full water level can be more reliably resolved.

As a result of the process of S17, when it is determined that the water level of the water storage unit 210 is the full water level (S17: Yes), it can be determined that the erroneous detection is eliminated, so the humidification operation process shifts to the process of S8. To start humidification. On the other hand, as a result of the process of S17, when it is determined that the water level of the water storage unit 210 is not the full water level (S17: No), there is a problem in the water supply itself, or the reference water level detection unit 224 and/or the full water level detection unit. Since there is a high possibility that 225 is out of order, an abnormality is reported (S18), and the processing is looped thereafter.

As described above, the liquid atomization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-1 is provided with the overflow drain port 218 at a position where the water stored in the water storage section 10 has a predetermined water level. As a result, when the water having a predetermined water level is stored in the water storage unit 210, the water is drained from the overflow drain 218 even if the water is supplied thereafter, and the water having a predetermined water level or higher is stored in the water storage unit 210. It is supposed not to be done. Therefore, the full water level detection unit 225 provided at the first position lower than the position of the predetermined water level may be in the air or in the water depending on the water level of the water storage unit 210. On the other hand, the reference water level detection unit 224 provided at the second position higher than the predetermined water level is always in the air. Therefore, by comparing the voltage value output from the reference water level detection unit 224, which is always present in the air, with the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 225, the full water level detection unit 225 enters the water. When the existing state is reached, the difference between the two voltages can be reliably determined. As a result, erroneous detection of the water level in the water storage unit 210 can be suppressed.

Further, when the water storage unit 210 is in a drought state, the voltage value of the full water level detection unit 225 is corrected to the voltage value of the reference water level detection unit 224. Accordingly, the output value of the full water level detection unit 225 can be matched with the output value of the reference water level detection unit 224, so that the water level of the water storage unit 210 can be accurately detected.

(Embodiment 3-2)
Next, with reference to FIG. 14, a liquid micronization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-2 of the humidifying apparatus of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 14 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid micronization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-2.

The liquid atomization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-1 is provided in a position where the reference water level detection unit 224 and the full water level detection unit 225 overlap in the vertical direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14, the liquid micronization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-2 has a full water level detection unit having the same configuration and function as the full water level detection unit 225 according to Embodiment 3-1. 236 is arranged at a position that does not overlap the reference water level detection unit 224 in the vertical direction. Since the configuration of the liquid micronization apparatus 201 other than this is the same as that of the embodiment 3-1, a detailed description will be omitted and differences from the embodiment 3-1 will be mainly described.

The reference water level detection unit 224 is always present in the air, but due to evaporation of water stored in the water storage unit 210, passage of humidified air, or the like, water droplets adhere to the vicinity of the reference water level detection unit 224, Water droplets that have adhered may fall vertically.

In the liquid atomizer 201 according to Embodiment 3-2, the full water level detection unit 236 is arranged at a position that does not overlap the reference water level detection unit 224 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the full water level detection unit 236 can be prevented from getting wet with the water droplets falling from the reference water level detection unit 224, and there is a possibility that the voltage value is output when the water level is present in the air although it is present in the air. Can be suppressed.

Therefore, the liquid micronization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-2 can more reliably suppress erroneous detection of the water level of the water storage section 210, in addition to the effect of the liquid micronization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-1. ..

(Embodiment 3-3)
Next, with reference to FIG. 15, a liquid atomization device 201 according to Embodiment 3-3 of the humidification device of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 15 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid atomizing apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-3.

The liquid micronization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-3 includes a reference water level detection unit 224 of the liquid micronization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-1 as a water level detection unit for detecting the water level of the water storage unit 210. In addition to the full water level detection unit 225, an overflow water level detection unit 226 is provided. Since the configuration of the liquid micronization apparatus 201 other than this is the same as that of the embodiment 3-1, a detailed description will be omitted and differences from the embodiment 3-1 will be mainly described. Also, differences in the humidifying operation process from the embodiment 3-1 will be mainly described.

The overflow water level detection unit 226 is for detecting before the water level of the water storage unit 210 reaches a predetermined water level provided with the overflow drain port 218, and is composed of an NTC thermistor. The overflow water level detection unit 226 is provided at a third position that is higher than the first position where the full water level detection unit 225 is provided and lower than the position where the overflow water discharge port 218 is provided at a predetermined water level. That is, the position detected as the overflow water level is set to a position lower than the position where the overflow drainage port 218 is provided and which has a predetermined water level. The overflow water level detection unit 26 corresponds to the third water level detection unit of the present disclosure.

In the present embodiment, the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 226 is compared with the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 224. Then, when the difference between the compared voltage values is within a predetermined range (for example, 0.2 V), it is determined that the overflow water level detection unit 226 is in the water, and the water is stored in the water storage unit 210 up to the overflow water level. It is judged that the water has been stored.

On the other hand, even if the same NTC thermistor is used for the reference water level detection unit 224 and the overflow water level detection unit 226, even if the same NTC thermistor is used, even in the same environment due to variations in the thermistor characteristics. The output voltage value varies. Therefore, in the present embodiment, not only the correction of the full water level detection unit 225 but also the correction of the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 226 using the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 224 is performed. The correction of the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 226 is performed by the same method as the correction of the voltage value of the full water level detection unit 225. Accordingly, not only the output value of the full water level detection unit 225 but also the output value of the overflow water level detection unit 226 can be adjusted to the output value of the reference water level detection unit 224, so that the water level of the water storage unit 210 can be accurately detected. .. In this way, the overflow water level detection unit 226 is also a target for correcting the output value.

The method of correcting the output value of the overflow water level detection unit 226 based on the output value of the reference water level detection unit 224 is not limited to the above method, and the output value of the overflow water level detection unit 226 is not limited to the reference water level detection unit 224. Other methods may be used as long as they are corrected based on the output value of

Next, with reference to FIG. 16, a humidification operation process for executing the humidification operation in the liquid micronization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-3 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the humidification operation process in the embodiment 3-3. The humidifying operation process is executed by a control unit (not shown) provided in the liquid atomization device 201, as in the case of Embodiment 3-1.

The humidifying operation process according to the embodiment 3-3 is different from the humidifying operation process according to the embodiment 3-1 when the water storage unit 210 is determined not to be at the full water level in the process of S6 (S6). : No), that is, the process of S21 is executed instead of the process of S14. In addition, when the negative determination is made in the process of S21, the processes of S22 and S23 are executed. The correction of the voltage value of the overflow water level detection unit 226 is executed in the same manner as the full water level detection unit 225 in S1 and S13.

First, in the process of S21, it is determined whether or not the water storage unit 210 has reached the overflow water level. Specifically, the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 226 is compared with the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 224. At this time, as the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 226, the value obtained by adding the offset voltage value calculated in S1 or S13 to the actually output voltage value is used. Then, when the difference between the compared voltage values is within a predetermined range (for example, 0.2 V), it is determined that the overflow water level detection unit 226 is in the state of being underwater.

Here, the overflow water level detection unit 226 has a state existing in the air and a state existing in the water depending on the water level of the water storage unit 210. On the other hand, since the reference water level detection unit 224 is provided at the second position higher than the predetermined position where the overflow drain port 218 is provided, it is always in the air. Therefore, by comparing the voltage output from the reference water level detection unit 224 that is always in the air with the voltage output from the overflow water level detection unit 226, the overflow water level detection unit 226 exists in the water. In this case, the difference in voltage between the two can be reliably determined. As a result, erroneous detection of the water level in the water storage unit 210 can be suppressed.

Note that the process of S21 is executed by the second determination unit of the present disclosure.

When the water level of the water storage unit 210 is determined not to be the overflow water level as a result of the process of S21 (S21: No), the water storage unit 10 has not reached the full water level or the overflow water level at this point. Therefore, in the humidification operation process, it is determined whether or not the first time (5 minutes in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the water supply was started in the process of S5 (S22). As a result, if the first time has not elapsed (S22: No), the humidification operation process returns to the process of S6.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the first time has passed as a result of the processing in S22 (S22: Yes), there is a high possibility that there is a problem with the water supply. Therefore, in the humidifying operation process, after first closing the water supply valve 217 to stop the water supply (S23), the process proceeds to the process of S18 to notify the abnormality, and thereafter, the process is looped.

When it is determined that the water level of the water storage unit 210 has become the overflow water level as a result of the process of S21 (S21: Yes), it is determined that the water level of the water storage unit 210 is not the full water level in the process of S6. Therefore, there may be some problems in detecting the full water level. This is because the overflow water level detection unit 226 is provided at the second position higher than the first position where the full water level detection unit 225 is provided, so that it is determined that the water storage unit 210 has the overflow water level. This is because it should be judged before that the water was full.

As the problem of detecting the full water level, not only the failure of the full water level detection unit 225 but also erroneous detection when the temperature of the water supplied to the water storage unit 210 is high is considered. In order to isolate the problem, the humidification operation process executes the processes of S16 and S17 as in the case of the embodiment 3-1.

As described above, since the liquid atomization apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3-3 further includes the overflow water level detection unit 26 as well as the full water level detection unit 25, it is possible to detect the water level of the water storage unit 10 more effectively. It can be done accurately.

Further, even if the temperature of the supplied water is high and the full water level detection unit 225 erroneously detects the full water level of the water storage unit 210, the overflow water level detection unit 226 can detect that the water storage unit 210 has reached the overflow water level. Thus, the possibility of erroneous detection of the full water level detection unit 225 can be determined. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the frequency at which the liquid micronization apparatus 201 stops operating because it is determined to be abnormal due to the erroneous detection of the full water level detector 225.

(Embodiment 3-4)
Next, with reference to FIG. 17, a liquid atomization device 201 according to Embodiment 3-4 of the humidifying device of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 17 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid micronization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-4.

The liquid atomization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-3 is provided at a position where the reference water level detection unit 224, the full water level detection unit 225, and the overflow water level detection unit 226 overlap in the vertical direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, the liquid atomization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-4 has a full water level detection unit having the same configuration and function as the full water level detection unit 225 according to Embodiment 3-3. 236, the overflow water level detection unit 237 having the same configuration and function as the overflow water level detection unit 226 according to Embodiment 3-3, and the reference water level detection unit 224 are arranged at positions that do not overlap in the vertical direction. It has a feature.

As described in Embodiment 3-2, the reference water level detection unit 224 is always present in the air, but the reference water level detection unit 224 detects the reference water level by evaporating the water stored in the water storage unit 210 or passing humidified air. Water droplets may be attached around the portion 224. In addition, the overflow water level detection unit 237 may not be affected by evaporation of water stored in the water storage unit 210, passage of humidified air, or the like, and the overflow water level detection unit 237 may be caused by the water stored up to the overflow water level. Water droplets may adhere. Then, these adhered water drops may fall in the vertical direction.

In the liquid atomizer 201 according to Embodiment 3-4, the full water level detection unit 236, the overflow water level detection unit 237, and the reference water level detection unit 224 are arranged at positions that do not overlap in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the full water level detection unit 236 from getting wet with water drops falling from the reference water level detection unit 224 and the overflow water level detection unit 237, and in the case where the water level detection unit 236 exists in the water although it exists in the air. It is possible to suppress the risk of outputting a voltage value. Further, the overflow water level detection unit 237 can be prevented from getting wet with water droplets falling from the reference water level detection unit 224, and there is a risk of outputting a voltage value in the case where the overflow water level detection unit 237 exists in the water although it exists in the air. Can be suppressed.

Therefore, the liquid micronization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-4 can more reliably suppress erroneous detection of the water level of the water storage section 210, in addition to the effect of the liquid micronization apparatus 201 according to Embodiment 3-3. ..

For example, an abnormality counter may be provided in the liquid micronization apparatus 201 according to each of the above embodiments. The liquid atomization apparatus 201 counts the number of negative determinations in the full water level determination process of S17 using the abnormality counter, and when the number of abnormality counters is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 3), notifies the abnormality of S18. I do. In this case, even if a negative determination is made in the process of determining the full water level in S17, if the number of abnormality counters is less than the predetermined number, the water in the water storage unit 10 is once drained, and the process of S5 is retried again. May be. Thereby, even if there is no abnormality as a result, the notification of the abnormality can be suppressed.

The liquid atomization device 201 according to each of the above-described embodiments may be mounted on, for example, a heat exchange device. The heat exchange device includes an indoor intake port and an air supply port provided inside the building, an exhaust port and an external air intake port provided outside the building, and a heat exchange element provided inside the main body. It is a thing.

As one of the functions of the heat exchange air device, there is one that incorporates a device that vaporizes liquid such as a water vaporizer for humidification or a hypochlorous acid vaporizer for sterilization/deodorization. The heat exchange gas device may incorporate the liquid atomization device 201 according to each of the above embodiments as a device for vaporizing a liquid. Specifically, the liquid atomization device 1 may be provided on the air supply port side of the heat exchange air device.

The heat exchange air device provided with the liquid atomization device 201 includes an air supply port including the water or hypochlorous acid humidified by the liquid atomization device 201 with respect to the outside air that has undergone heat exchange by the heat exchange element. Supply more indoors. By using the liquid atomization device 201 as a mechanism for vaporizing these liquids, it is possible to obtain a heat exchange gas device having a smaller size and higher energy efficiency.

Further, the liquid atomization device 201 according to each of the above embodiments may be provided in an air purifier or an air conditioner. As one of the functions of an air purifier or an air conditioner, there is one that incorporates a device for vaporizing a liquid such as a water vaporizer for humidification or a hypochlorous acid vaporizer for sterilization/deodorization. By using the liquid atomization device 201 as this device, it is possible to obtain a smaller and more energy efficient air cleaner or air conditioner.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the liquid micronization device 201 is described as an example of the humidifying device, but the humidifying device is not necessarily limited to this, and a water storage unit is provided and water is supplied while determining the water level of the water storage unit. The present disclosure can be applied to any device.

(Embodiment 4)
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a humidifying device that humidifies the sucked air by containing the water stored in a water storage unit and blows out the humidified air (for example, Patent Document 3). In the humidifying device described in Patent Document 3, the water level in the water storage section is detected by a water level sensor and at least the automatic water supply valve is controlled to fill the water level in the water storage section up to a predetermined amount.

However, in the humidifier described in Patent Document 3, unless the automatic water supply valve outputs its own failure to the humidifier, even if the automatic water supply valve fails, it cannot be detected. Therefore, even if there is an abnormality in which water cannot be stored in the water storage unit due to a failure of the automatic water supply valve, it is difficult for the user who uses the humidifying device to grasp the abnormality.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidifying device and a ventilation device capable of notifying a user of an abnormality due to a failure of a water supply unit.

In order to achieve this object, the humidifying device of the present disclosure includes a suction port that sucks in air, an air outlet that blows out the air sucked from the suction port, a humidifying section, a water storage section, a water supply section, and a first water level. A detection unit and a notification unit are provided. The humidifying unit is provided in the air passage between the suction port and the air outlet and humidifies the air. The water storage unit stores water for humidifying the air by the humidification unit. The first water level detection unit is provided in the water supply unit that supplies water to the water storage unit and the water storage unit, and detects the first water level of the water storage unit. The notification unit reports a water supply abnormality when the first water level detection unit does not detect the first water level after a lapse of the first predetermined time after the water supply unit starts water supply.

The humidifying device may also include a second water level detection unit that detects the second water level in the water storage unit that is higher than the first water level. Then, the humidifier stops the water supply after the water supply unit starts the water supply and the second water detection unit detects the second water level before the first water level detection unit detects the first water level. ..

Further, the humidifier may stop the water supply after the water supply unit starts the water supply and after a second predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time has elapsed.

Further, the humidifying device, after the water supply unit starts water supply, after the third predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time and longer than the second predetermined time, the first water level detection unit does not detect the water level. In the case of water supply, water may be supplied again by the water supply section.

Also, the humidifying section may be provided with a drainage section for draining the water in the water storage section. Then, when the water level detection unit detects the water level after the fourth predetermined time has elapsed after the drainage unit started draining, the notification unit notifies the drainage abnormality.

Further, the ventilation device of the present disclosure includes a housing, an air supply air passage, an exhaust air passage, an air supply fan, an exhaust fan, and an indoor humidity sensor. The housing has an outdoor inlet, an outdoor outlet, an indoor inlet, and an indoor outlet. The air supply air passage connects the outdoor suction port and the indoor air outlet. The exhaust air passage connects the indoor suction port and the outdoor air outlet. The air supply fan is provided in the air supply air passage, and guides air from the outdoor suction port to the indoor air outlet. The exhaust fan is provided in the exhaust air passage, and guides air from the indoor suction port to the outdoor air outlet. The indoor humidity sensor detects the humidity of the air sucked from the indoor suction port. The humidifying device of the present disclosure is provided in the air supply passage, and the humidifying device humidifies the air sucked from the outdoor suction port.

According to the humidifier and the ventilation device of the present disclosure, after the water supply unit starts supplying water to the water storage unit, after the first predetermined time has elapsed, the first water level detection unit that detects the first water level of the water storage unit changes the water level. If not detected, the notification unit notifies of the water supply abnormality. As a result, the present disclosure has an effect of providing a humidifying device and a ventilation device that can notify the user of an abnormality due to a failure of the water supply unit.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions of constituent elements, connection forms, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, the constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept of the present disclosure are described as arbitrary constituent elements. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and overlapping description will be omitted or simplified.

First, with reference to FIG. 18 to FIG. 20, an outline of a heat exchange air device 350 according to an embodiment of a ventilation device of the present disclosure and a liquid atomization device 301 according to an embodiment of a humidification device of the present disclosure. The configuration will be described. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchange apparatus 350 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the liquid micronization apparatus 301 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid micronization apparatus 301 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 18, the heat-exchanger device 350 has a housing 352 having an outdoor-side suction port 355, an outdoor-side air outlet 354, an indoor-side suction port 356, and an indoor-side air outlet 357. In addition, the heat exchange air device 350 includes an air supply air passage 358 that connects the outdoor suction port 355 and the indoor air outlet 357, and an exhaust air passage 359 that communicates the indoor air suction port 356 and the outdoor air outlet 354. Is equipped with.

The fresh outdoor air (outside air, supply air) introduced from the outdoor suction port 355 and the contaminated indoor air (exhaust air) introduced from the indoor suction port 356 are supplied to the air supply fan 362 and the exhaust fan 363. And the exhaust air passage 359, respectively.

The air supply fan 362 is provided in the air supply air passage 358 on the downstream side of a heat exchange element 364, which will be described later, and guides the air supply air sucked from the outdoor suction port 355 to the indoor air outlet 357 through the air supply air passage 358. The air guided to the indoor air outlet 357 is supplied indoors. On the other hand, the exhaust fan 363 is provided in the exhaust air passage 359 on the downstream side of the heat exchange element 364, and guides the exhaust air sucked from the indoor suction port 356 to the outdoor air outlet 354 through the exhaust air passage 359. The air guided to the outdoor air outlet 354 is exhausted to the outside.

A heat exchange element 364 is arranged at a position where the supply air passage 358 and the exhaust air passage 359 intersect. The heat exchange element 364 performs heat exchange by the total heat exchange method between the supply air passing through the supply air passage 358 and the exhaust air passing through the exhaust air passage 359. By the heat exchange element 364, the total heat (temperature and humidity) of the exhausted air is supplied to the supplied air, or the total heat of the supplied air is supplied to the exhausted air.

In the supply air passage 358, an outdoor humidity sensor 367 is disposed closer to the outdoor suction port 355 side than the heat exchange element 364, and in the exhaust air passage 359, an indoor humidity sensor closer to the indoor suction port 356 side than the heat exchange element 364. 366 is provided.

The outdoor humidity sensor 367 detects the humidity of the supply air (outdoor air) sucked from the outdoor suction port 355. The indoor humidity sensor 366 detects the humidity of exhaust air (indoor air) sucked from the indoor suction port 356.

Further, in the air supply air passage 358, the liquid atomization device 301 is arranged downstream of the air supply fan 362 (on the side of the indoor-side outlet 357). The liquid atomization device 301 humidifies the supply air sucked from the outdoor suction port 355. That is, the supply air humidified by the liquid atomization device 301 is supplied to the room from the indoor side outlet 357. The heat exchange air device 350 controls the humidification amount in the liquid atomization device 301 so that the amount of water contained in the room air becomes a target amount of water, which is a target amount of water.

As shown in FIG. 19, the liquid atomization device 301 includes a suction port 302 that sucks in air, an inner cylinder 305, an outer cylinder 309, and an air outlet 303 that blows out air. The inner cylinder 305 communicates with the suction port 302, and the lower part is opened as a ventilation port 307 (see FIG. 20). The outer cylinder 309 includes the inner cylinder 5. The air outlet 3 is provided above the outer cylinder 209, and blows out the air that has been sucked in through the suction opening 2 and has passed through the inner cylinder 5 and the outer cylinder 9.

As shown in FIG. 20, the liquid atomizer 301 has a suction communication air passage 304, an inner cylinder air passage 306, and an outer cylinder air passage 308 between the suction port 302 and the air outlet 303. ing. The suction communication air passage 304 is an air passage through which the air sucked in by the suction port 302 flows toward the inner cylinder 305 which is in communication. The inner cylinder air passage 306 is an air passage formed inside the inner cylinder 305, and the air flowing from the suction communication air passage 304 flows toward the ventilation port 307 of the inner cylinder 305. The outer cylinder air passage 308 is an air passage formed between the inner diameter of the outer cylinder 309 and the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 305, and the air blown out from the ventilation port 307 of the inner cylinder 305 moves inside the outer cylinder 309. It is an air passage that leads to the air outlet 303.

The liquid atomizing device 301 includes a liquid atomizing unit 319 provided in the air passage formed by the suction communication air passage 304, the inner cylinder air passage 306, and the outer cylinder air passage 308. The liquid atomizer 301 humidifies the air sucked from the suction port 302 by including the water atomized by the liquid atomizer 319 in the air flowing through the air passage. The liquid atomization unit 319 is the humidification unit of the present disclosure.

The liquid refining unit 319 is a main part of the liquid refining apparatus 301, and is for refining water. In the liquid micronization apparatus 301, the air taken in by the suction port 302 is sent to the liquid micronization unit 319 via the suction communication air passage 304. Then, the liquid micronization apparatus 301 causes the air passing through the inner tube air passage 306 to include the water atomized by the liquid atomizing unit 319, and the air containing the water passes through the outer tube air passage 308. Then, the air is blown out from the air outlet 303.

The liquid atomization unit 319 includes a collision wall 305a that is open at the top and the bottom. The collision wall 305a is provided by being fixed inside the inner cylinder 305. Further, the liquid atomization unit 319 is provided with a tubular pumping pipe 321 that is pumped (pumped up) while rotating while being surrounded by the collision wall 305a. The pumping pipe 321 has a hollow structure of an inverted conical shape, and a rotating shaft 320 arranged in the vertical direction is fixed to the center of the upper surface of the inverted conical shape. When the rotary shaft 320 is connected to the rotary motor 323 provided on the outer surface of the liquid atomization unit 319, the rotary motion of the rotary motor 323 is transmitted to the pump pipe 321 through the rotary shaft 320, and the pump pipe 321 rotates. ..

As shown in FIG. 20, the pumping pipe 321 includes a plurality of rotating plates 322 formed so as to project outward from the outer surface of the pumping pipe 321. The plurality of rotary plates 322 are formed at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 320 so as to project outward from the outer surface of the pumping pipe 321. Since the rotating plate 322 rotates together with the pumping pipe 321, a horizontal disk shape coaxial with the rotating shaft 320 is preferable. The number of rotating plates 322 is appropriately set according to the target performance and the dimensions of the pumping pipe 321.

Also, the wall surface of the pumping pipe 321 is provided with an opening (not shown) penetrating the wall surface of the pumping pipe 321. The opening of the pumping pipe 321 is provided at a position communicating with the rotary plate 322 formed so as to project outward from the outer surface of the pumping pipe 321. The size of the opening in the circumferential direction needs to be designed in accordance with the outer diameter of the portion of the pumping pipe 321 where the opening is provided. For example, a diameter corresponding to 5% to 50% of the outer diameter of the pumping pipe 321. More preferably, the diameter corresponding to 5% to 20% of the pumping pipe 321 is mentioned. It should be noted that the sizes of the openings may be the same within the above range.

A water storage unit 310 that stores water pumped by the pumping pipe 321 is provided below the pumping pipe 321 in the vertical direction below the liquid atomization unit 319. The air is humidified by the water pumped by the pump pipe 321. The depth of the water storage section 310 is designed so that a part of the lower portion of the pumping pipe 321 is immersed, for example, about one third to one hundredth of the cone height of the pumping pipe 321. This depth can be designed according to the required pumping volume.

The water supply unit 315 supplies water to the water storage unit 310. A water supply pipe 316 is connected to the water supply unit 315, and water is directly supplied from the water supply through the water supply valve 317 through the water supply pipe 316, for example. The water supply unit 315 may be configured to pump up only the required amount of water according to the siphon principle from a water tank provided outside the liquid atomization unit 319 and supply water to the water storage unit 310. The water supply unit 315 is provided vertically above the bottom surface of the water storage unit 310. The water supply unit 315 is preferably provided not only on the bottom surface of the water storage unit 310 but also vertically above the upper surface of the water storage unit 310 (the surface of the maximum water level that can be stored in the water storage unit 310).

A drainage unit 311 is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the water storage unit 310. The drainage port of the drainage unit 311 is provided at the lowest position of the water storage unit 310. When the operation of water refining is stopped, the water stored in the water storage unit 310 is drained from the drainage unit 311 by opening the drainage valve 312 provided in the drainage unit 311.

Note that the drain valve 312 does not necessarily have to be provided. In this case, stopping and draining water in the drainage unit 311 is realized by rotating the pumping pipe 321. That is, when the pump pipe 321 is rotated, a vortex is generated in the water in the water storage unit 310 inside the pump pipe 321 due to the centrifugal force of the rotation. The pumping pipe 321 forms a gap between the vortex center bottom portion generated by the rotation and the drainage port of the drainage unit 311. This can prevent the water in the water storage unit 310 from being drained from the drainage unit 311. On the other hand, when the rotation of the pumping pipe 321 is stopped, the water in the water storage unit 310 flows into the drainage port of the drainage unit 311. Thereby, the water in the water storage unit 310 can be drained from the drainage unit 311.

The water storage section 310 is provided with an overflow drain 318. If more water than necessary is stored in the water storage unit 310, the rotation of the pumping pipe 321 may be insufficient due to the resistance of the water, water may leak from the liquid atomization device 301, or the rotation motor 323 may be submerged in the water. There is a risk of malfunction. The overflow drain 318 is provided to prevent such a situation from occurring, and is opened at a predetermined water level so that the water stored in the water storage unit 310 does not exceed a predetermined water level. ..

As a result, when the water having a predetermined water level is stored in the water storage unit 310, the water is drained from the overflow drain port 318 even if the water is supplied thereafter, and the water having a predetermined water level or higher is stored in the water storage unit 310. It is supposed not to be done.

The liquid atomizer 301 is provided with a reference water level detection unit 324 and a full water level detection unit 325 in order to detect the full water level as the first water level of the water storage unit 310. In addition, the liquid atomization apparatus 301 is provided with an overflow water level detection unit 326 in addition to the reference water level detection unit 324 in order to detect the overflow water level as the second water level of the water storage unit 310.

The full water level detection unit 325 detects the water level of the water to be stored in the water storage unit 310 necessary for the liquid micronization by the liquid micronization unit 319 as the full water level (first water level), and the NTC thermistor. It is composed of The full water level detection unit 325 is provided at a position lower than the position where the overflow drainage port 318 is provided and which has a predetermined water level. That is, the position detected as the full water level is set to a position lower than the position where the overflow drainage port 318 is provided and which has a predetermined water level.

The overflow water level detection unit 326 is for detecting the overflow water level (second water level) before the water level of the water storage unit 310 reaches a predetermined water level provided with the overflow drainage port 318, and the full water level detection unit It is composed of the same NTC thermistor as 325. The overflow water level detection unit 326 is provided at a position higher than the full water level provided with the full water level detection unit 325 and lower than a predetermined water level provided with the overflow drainage port 318. That is, the second water level detected as the overflow water level is set to a position higher than the full water level and lower than the predetermined water level at which the overflow drain port 318 is provided.

On the other hand, the reference water level detection unit 324 is composed of the same NTC thermistor as the full water level detection unit 325 and the overflow water level detection unit 326, and has a water level higher than the predetermined water level at which the overflow drainage port 318 is provided. It is provided. Due to the overflow drain port 318, water is not stored in the water storage unit 310 at a water level higher than a predetermined water level, and the reference water level detection unit 324 is always present in the air. Therefore, the output value of the reference water level detection unit 324 is used as a reference for the output value.

▽Here, the output voltage value of the NTC thermistor changes depending on whether it is in water or in air. In this embodiment, when water is supplied to the water storage unit 310, the voltage value output by the full water level detection unit 325 is compared with the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 324. Then, when the difference between the compared voltage values is within a predetermined range (for example, 0.2 V), it is determined that the full water level detection unit 325 is in the water, and the water is stored in the water storage unit 310 up to the full water level. Assuming that the water has been stored, the water supply valve 317 is closed and the water supply is stopped.

When supplying water to the water storage unit 310, the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 326 is also compared with the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 324. Then, when the difference between the compared voltage values is in a predetermined range (for example, 0.2 V), it is determined that the overflow water level detection unit 326 is in the water, and the water is stored in the water storage unit 310 up to the overflow water level. It is judged that the water has been stored.

If the water level is detected and the water level is stopped when water is supplied to the water storage unit 310, the water storage unit 310 will not reach the overflow water level. On the other hand, when the overflow water level detection unit 326 detects that the water storage unit 310 has reached the overflow water level while the full water level detection unit 325 has not detected that the water storage unit 310 has reached the full water level, There is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the detection of the full water level by the water level detection unit 325, or the full water level detection unit 325 may be out of order. Although the details will be described later, in this case, the water supply valve 317 is closed to stop the water supply, and after the elapse of a predetermined time, the full water level detection unit 325 is used again to determine whether or not the water storage unit 310 is at the full water level. To do.

Here, even if the reference water level detection unit 324, the full water level detection unit 325, and the overflow water level detection unit 326 use the same NTC thermistor, due to variations in the characteristics of the thermistor, they are output even in the same environment. Voltage values vary. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 324 is used to correct the voltage value output by the full water level detection unit 325 and the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 326.

For example, when the liquid atomization device 301 is first energized and the voltage output from the reference water level detection unit 324, the full water level detection unit 325, and the overflow water level detection unit 326 stabilizes (for example, 5 minutes), the correction is performed. Carry out. In addition, the correction is performed even after the drying operation that is performed at regular time intervals (for example, 24 hours) is performed. That is, the water storage unit 310 is in a drought state, the reference water level detection unit 324, the full water level detection unit 325, and the overflow water level detection unit 326 are in the same environment, and ideally the same voltage value is output. In, the correction is carried out.

The correction is to set the difference in voltage value obtained by subtracting the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 325 from the voltage value output from the reference water level detection unit 324 as the offset voltage value related to the full water level detection unit 325. Done in. Further, the correction is the difference in voltage value obtained by subtracting the voltage value output from the overflow water level detection unit 326 from the voltage value output from the reference water level detection unit 324 and the offset voltage value related to the overflow water level detection unit 326. It is done by doing.

Then, after that, the value obtained by adding the offset voltage value related to the full water level detection unit 325 to the voltage value actually output from the full water level detection unit 325 is the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 325 as the full water level. Detection is done. Further, the value obtained by adding the offset voltage value related to the overflow water level detection unit 326 to the voltage value actually output from the overflow water level detection unit 326 is used as the voltage value output from the overflow water level detection unit 326 to detect the overflow water level. Done. Accordingly, the output value of the full water level detection unit 325 and the output value of the overflow water level detection unit 326 can be matched with the output value of the reference water level detection unit 324, so that the water level of the water storage unit 310 can be accurately detected.

The method of correcting the output value of the full water level detection unit 325 and the output value of the overflow water level detection unit 326 based on the output value of the reference water level detection unit 324 is not limited to the above method. Other methods may be used as long as the output value of the full water level detection unit 325 and the overflow water level detection unit 326 are corrected based on the output value of the reference water level detection unit 324.

Here, the operation principle of water atomization in the liquid atomizer 301 will be described. When the rotary shaft 320 is rotated by the rotary motor 323 and the pumping pipe 321 is rotated accordingly, the water stored in the water storage unit 310 is pumped up by the pumping pipe 321 by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation. The number of rotations of the pumping pipe 321 is set between 1000 and 5000 rpm. Since the pumping pipe 321 has an inverted conical hollow structure, the water pumped up by the rotation is pumped up along the inner wall of the pumping pipe 321. Then, the pumped water is discharged from the opening of the pump pipe 321 through the rotating plate 322 in the centrifugal direction and scattered as water drops.

The water droplets scattered from the rotating plate 322 fly in the space surrounded by the collision wall 305a, collide with the collision wall 305a, and are atomized. On the other hand, the air passing through the inner cylinder air passage 306 moves from the upper opening of the collision wall 305a to the inside of the collision wall 305a, and includes the water droplets crushed (miniaturized) by the collision wall 305a to the collision wall 305a. 305a Move to the outside. As a result, the air sucked through the suction port 302 of the liquid atomization device 301 is humidified, and the humidified air is blown out through the air outlet 303.

The kinetic energy of the water scattered from the rotary plate 322 is attenuated by the friction with the air inside the collision wall 305a, so it is preferable that the rotary plate 322 be as close to the collision wall 305a as possible. On the other hand, as the collision wall 305a and the rotary plate 322 are brought closer to each other, the amount of airflow passing through the inside of the collision wall 305a decreases, so the lower limit value of the distance is arbitrarily determined by the pressure loss passing through the inside of the collision wall 305a and the amount of airflow.

Note that the liquid to be atomized may be other than water, for example, a liquid such as hypochlorous acid water having bactericidal/deodorant properties. The micronized hypochlorous acid water is contained in the air sucked from the suction port 302 of the liquid micronizer 301, and the air containing the hypochlorous acid water is blown out from the blowout port 303, thereby the liquid micronizer The space where 301 is placed can be sterilized/deodorized.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23, a humidification operation process executed by the liquid micronization apparatus 301 to execute the humidification operation will be described. 21 and 22 are flowcharts showing the humidifying operation processing. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a full water detection process which is one of the humidification operation processes. The humidification operation process is executed by a control unit (not shown) provided in the liquid atomization device 301.

In the humidification operation process, first, the water level detection unit correction process during the first energization is executed (S1). In the water level detection unit correction process during the first energization, it is determined whether or not the liquid micronization apparatus 301 is energized for the first time. As described above, the standby time is a time for stabilizing the voltage output from the reference water level detection unit 324, the full water level detection unit 325, and the overflow water level detection unit 326.

Then, after the elapse of a certain period of time, while the water storage unit 310 is in a drought state, the above-mentioned full water level detection unit 325 is changed from the voltage values output from the reference water level detection unit 324, the full water level detection unit 325 and the overflow water level detection unit 326. The offset voltage value and the offset voltage related to the overflow water level detector 326 are calculated.

After that, the value obtained by adding the offset voltage value related to the full water level detection unit 325 to the voltage value actually output from the full water level detection unit 325 is used as the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 325 to detect the full water level. used. Further, the value obtained by adding the offset voltage value related to the overflow water level detection unit 326 to the voltage value actually output from the overflow water level detection unit 326 is used as the voltage value output from the overflow water level detection unit 326 to detect the full water level. used.

In the correction process of the water level detection unit during the first energization, if it is determined that the liquid micronization apparatus 301 is not energized for the first time, the process directly proceeds to S2.

Next, in the humidification operation process, the processes of S2 to S4 are executed to supply water to the water storage unit 310. First, in the process of S2, the drain valve 312 is closed to stop the water in the water storage section 310, and then the water supply valve 317 is opened. As a result, the water supply unit 315 starts supplying water to the water storage unit 310. When the drain valve 312 is not provided, as described above, the rotation motor 323 is turned on and the pumping pipe 321 is rotated to suppress drainage from the drainage unit 311.

Next, in the humidification operation process, a full water detection process is executed (S3). The full water detection process is a process for detecting whether or not the water is stored up to the full water level in the water storage unit 310. Here, details of the full water detection process will be described with reference to FIG.

In the full water detection process, first, it is determined whether or not the water level of the water storage unit 310 has reached the full water level (S20). Specifically, in the process of S20, the voltage value output by the full water level detection unit 325 is compared with the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 324. At this time, as the voltage value output by the full water level detection unit 325, a value obtained by adding the above-mentioned offset voltage value to the actually output voltage value is used. Then, when the difference between the compared voltage values falls within a predetermined range (for example, 0.2 V), it is determined that the full water level detection unit 325 is in the water.

Here, the full water level detection unit 325 may be in the air or in the water depending on the water level of the water storage unit 310. On the other hand, since the reference water level detection unit 324 is provided at a position higher than the predetermined position where the overflow drainage port 318 is provided, it is always in the air. Therefore, by comparing the voltage output from the reference water level detection unit 324 that is always in the air with the voltage output from the full water level detection unit 325, the full water level detection unit 325 exists in water. In this case, the difference in voltage between the two can be reliably determined. As a result, erroneous detection of the water level in the water storage unit 310 can be suppressed. The process of S20 is executed by the first water level detection unit of the present disclosure.

If, as a result of the processing in S20, the water level in the water storage unit 310 has reached the full water level (S20: Yes), the full water detection processing is terminated and the humidification operation processing is returned to. On the other hand, as a result of the process of S20, when the water level of the water storage unit 310 is not the full water level (S20: No), then after the water supply unit 315 starts the water supply, the second predetermined time (the present embodiment). Then, it is determined whether 5 minutes have passed (S21).

Also, in the process of S21, it is also determined whether or not the water storage unit 310 has reached the overflow water level. Specifically, the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 326 is compared with the voltage value output by the reference water level detection unit 324. At this time, as the voltage value output by the overflow water level detection unit 326, the value obtained by adding the offset voltage value related to the overflow water level detection unit 26 to the actually output voltage value is used. Then, when the difference between the compared voltage values is within a predetermined range (for example, 0.2 V), it is determined that the overflow water level detection unit 326 is in the state of being present in water.

Here, the overflow water level detection unit 326 has a state existing in air and a state existing in water depending on the water level of the water storage unit 310. On the other hand, since the reference water level detection unit 324 is provided at a position higher than the predetermined position where the overflow drainage port 318 is provided, it is always in the air. Therefore, by comparing the voltage output from the reference water level detection unit 324 that is always in the air with the voltage output from the overflow water level detection unit 326, the overflow water level detection unit 326 exists in water. In this case, the difference in voltage between the two can be reliably determined. As a result, erroneous detection of the water level in the water storage unit 310 can be suppressed.

Note that the process of S21 is executed by the second water level detection unit of the present disclosure.

As a result of the process of S21, if the second predetermined time has not elapsed after the water supply unit 315 starts water supply and the water storage unit 310 is not at the overflow water level (S21: No), the full water detection process is S20. Returning to the processing, it is determined again whether the water level of the water storage unit 310 has reached the full water level.

On the other hand, as a result of the process of S21, it is determined that the second predetermined time has elapsed after the water supply unit 315 started to supply water, or that the water storage unit 310 reached the overflow water level before it was detected as the full water level in the process of S20. When it is determined (S21: Yes), it is determined that the water supply to the water storage section 310 is abnormal, and the water supply valve 317 is closed to stop the water supply (S22).

Next, in the full water detection process, 1 is added to the abnormality counter stored in the RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown) (S23). The RAM is provided in the control unit (not shown) of the liquid micronization apparatus 301 and stores various variables used in the processing executed by the control unit. The abnormality counter is one of the variables stored in the RAM, and is used to count the abnormality of water supply to the water storage unit 310. The abnormality counter is initialized to "0" every time the execution of the full water detection process is started, and in the full water detection process, each time the process of S21 determines that there is an abnormality in the water supply to the water storage unit 310, the abnormality counter of S23 is selected. One is added by the processing.

After the processing of S23, the full water detection processing waits until a fixed time (25 minutes in the present embodiment) has passed (S24). Then, after the elapse of a certain time, the full water detection process determines whether or not the water level of the water storage unit 310 has reached the full water level by the same method as S20 (S25). It should be noted that the time (30 minutes in the present embodiment) obtained by adding the second predetermined time elapsed by the processing of S21 and the constant time elapsed by the processing of S24 corresponds to the third predetermined time of the present disclosure. To do. Further, the process of S25 is also executed by the first water level detection unit of the present disclosure.

Here, the significance of waiting for a certain period of time in the process of S24 and determining whether the water level of the water storage unit 310 has reached the full water level again in the process of S25 will be described.

By the process of S21, it is determined that the second predetermined time has elapsed after the water supply unit 315 started the water supply, or that the water storage unit 310 reached the overflow water level before it was detected as the full water level in the process of S20. In this case, there is a possibility that the detection of full water level has been erroneously detected. Particularly, when the temperature of the supplied water is high, there is no difference between the voltage value output from the reference water level detection unit 324 and the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 325, and as a result, the full water level detection may not be possible. There is also.

If the temperature of the supplied water is high, the temperature of the water will adapt to the surrounding air after a certain period of time, and will be close to the temperature of the air in the water storage unit 310. Then, a clear difference occurs between the voltage value output from the reference water level detection unit 324 and the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 325, and erroneous detection of the full water level may be eliminated.

Therefore, after waiting for a predetermined time by the process of S24, and after the water supply unit 315 starts the water supply by the process of S25, the water level of the water storage unit 310 becomes the full water level again after the third predetermined time elapses. Determine whether or not As a result, if the water level in the water storage unit 310 is the full water level (S25: Yes), the false detection of the water level in the water storage unit is resolved, and it can be determined that the water level in the water storage unit 310 is the full water level. The process is ended, and the process returns to the humidifying operation process.

On the other hand, as a result of the process of S25, when it is determined that the water level of the water storage unit 310 is not the full water level (S25: No), it is not immediately determined that the water supply valve 317 is in failure, and the full water detection process is performed by the abnormality counter. Is determined to be 3 or more (S26). Then, when the abnormality counter is less than 3 (S26: No), the water supply valve 317 is opened again, water supply to the water storage section 310 by the water supply section 315 is started (S27), and the process returns to S20.

This is because the water supply section 315 does not reach the full water level after the water supply section 315 starts supplying water to the water storage section 310 because the water pressure supplied to the water supply section 315 is momentarily decreased, This is because there is a possibility that the erroneous detection of the full water level by the full water level detecting unit 325 may not be eliminated even after the third predetermined time has elapsed after the start of water supply. Therefore, if the water supply section 315 performs water supply to the water storage section 310 again, and if the water storage section 310 reaches the full water level thereafter, it is determined that the water supply section 315 has not failed, and the humidification operation is performed as it is.

After the negative determination in S26 and before the processing of S27, the drain valve 312 is opened, or if the drain valve 312 is not present, the rotation of the pump pipe 321 is stopped and the water stored in the water storage unit 310 is once drained. You may. In this case, in the process of S27, the drain valve 312 is closed again, or if there is no drain valve 312, the pump pipe 321 is rotated to control the drainage from the drainage unit 311.

On the other hand, as a result of the process of S26, when it is determined that the abnormality counter is 3 or more (S26: Yes), even if 90 minutes have elapsed since the water supply unit 315 started to store water in the water storage unit 310, the water storage unit still remains. Since it means that 310 is not detected as the full water level, there is a high possibility that the water supply unit 315 is out of order or the full water level detection unit 325 is out of order. Therefore, in this case, in the full water detection process, an abnormality due to a failure of the water supply unit 315 or the like is notified (S28), and then the process is looped. Thereby, the user can be notified of an abnormality due to a failure of the water supply unit 315 or the like. Note that the above 90 minutes corresponds to the first predetermined time of the present disclosure. Further, the process of S28 is executed by the notification unit of the present disclosure.

Return to FIG. 21 and return to the explanation of the humidification operation process. After the water storage section 310 is filled with water by the full water detection process of S3, the water supply valve 317 is closed and the water supply is stopped in the humidification operation process (S4).

Next, in the humidifying operation processing, the processing of S5 to S7 is executed to perform the humidifying operation. In the process of S5, the rotation of the rotary motor 323 is turned on to rotate the pumping pipe 321. As a result, the water stored in the water storage unit 310 is atomized by the above-described operation, and the air sucked from the suction port 302 is humidified.

Next, in the humidifying operation process, the process waits until 30 minutes when it is expected that the amount of water in the water storage unit 310 will decrease (S6), and then the rotation motor 323 is turned off to temporarily stop the humidifying operation. (S7).

Next, in the humidification operation process, it is determined whether a specific time (24 hours in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the liquid atomization device 301 was energized, or whether a specific time has elapsed since the previous drying operation was performed. A judgment is made (S8). As a result, if the measurement time has not elapsed (S8: No), the humidifying operation process returns to the process of S2, water is again supplied to the water storage unit 310, and the humidifying operation is restarted.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the specific time has passed as a result of the process of S8 (S8: Yes), then the processes of S9 to S11 shown in FIG. 22 for performing the cleaning operation of the water storage unit 310 are executed. In the process of S9, the water supply valve 317 is opened, and the water supply unit 315 starts water supply to the water storage unit 310. Next, in the humidifying operation process, the same full water detection process as the process of S3 is executed (S10), and the full water level of the water storage unit 310 is detected. The details of the full water detection process are as described above with reference to FIG.

When the full water level of the water storage unit 310 is detected by the full water detection process of S10, the humidification operation process closes the water supply valve 317 to stop water supply by the water supply unit 315, opens the drain valve 312, and stores water in the water storage unit 310. The drainage of the removed water is started (S11). As a result, the dust and the like attached to the water storage unit 310 is flushed with the drained water from the drainage unit 311 to wash the water storage unit 310. Therefore, the water storage unit 310 is cleaned every time a specific time elapses, so that the water can be humidified cleanly for a long time.

Here, in the humidifying operation process, after the process of S11, it is determined whether or not the full water level is detected as the water level of the water storage unit 310 and the overflow water level is not detected (S12). This determination is performed by the method described above using the reference water level detection unit 324, the full water level detection unit 325, and the overflow water level detection unit 326.

As a result of the process of S12, when the full water level is detected as the water level of the water storage unit 310 or when the overflow water level is detected (S12: No), after the process of S11, the fourth predetermined time (the present implementation It is determined whether or not 3 hours have passed in the above embodiment (S13).

As a result of the processing in S13, if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S13: No), the processing returns to S12. On the other hand, as a result of the process of S13, when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S13: Yes), the full water level is detected as the water level of the water storage unit 310, or the predetermined level is detected in a situation where the overflow water level is detected. This means that time has passed, and the drainage unit 311 has not drained the water storage unit 310. That is, there is a high possibility that the drainage valve 312 fails and does not open, or the drainage port or the drainage pipe that configures the drainage unit 311 is clogged with dust or the like, causing a drainage abnormality in which drainage is not performed. Therefore, in this case, the drainage abnormality is notified (S14), and thereafter, the process is looped. Thereby, the user can be notified of an abnormality due to a failure or clogging of the drainage unit 311. The process of S14 is also executed by the notification unit of the present disclosure.

On the other hand, as a result of the process of S12, when the full water level is not detected as the water level of the water storage unit 310 and the overflow water level is not detected (S12: Yes), the drainage of the water storage unit 310 is surely completed. Wait for the time (45 minutes in the present embodiment) to elapse (S15). Then, after the processing of S15, the drying operation processing is started (S16).

In this drying operation process, the air passing through the air supply air passage 358 of the heat exchange air device 350 is introduced into the liquid atomizing device 301 from the suction port 302 of the liquid atomizing device 301 and supplied to the water storage unit 310. As a result, the water storage unit 310 is quickly dried. In the drying operation process, the liquid atomization unit 319 is driven for the first predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes), that is, the rotation motor 323 is turned on to rotate the pumping pipe 321 to remove a large water droplet. To do. Then, the liquid atomization unit 319 is stopped, that is, the rotation motor 323 is turned off, and the water storage unit 310 is naturally dried only by the air supplied to the water storage unit 310. As a result, the drying time of the water storage unit 310 can be shortened, and the liquid micronization unit 319 is prevented from being driven more than necessary, so that energy can be saved.

The air volume of the air supplied to the water storage unit 310 in the dry operation process may be set based on the humidity of the air sucked from the outdoor suction port 355.

For example, when the humidity of the air sucked from the outdoor suction port 355 is low, the water storage unit 310 can be sufficiently dried even if the amount of air supplied to the water storage unit 310 is reduced. Therefore, in this case, energy saving can be achieved by reducing the amount of air supplied to the water storage unit 310. On the other hand, when the humidity of the air sucked from the outdoor suction port 355 is low, by increasing the air volume of the air supplied to the water storage unit 310, the water storage unit 310 is surely dried even if the air with high humidity is used. be able to.

Further, the air supplied to the water storage unit 310 in the dry operation process is heat-exchanged with the air passing through the exhaust air passage 359 by the heat exchange element 364 based on the humidity of the air sucked from the outdoor suction port 355. The air may be selected from the air passing through the supply air passage 358 after being heated and the air passing through the supply air passage 358 in which the heat exchange element 364 has not performed heat exchange.

For example, when the humidity of the air sucked from the outdoor suction port 355 is low, the air passing through the air supply air passage 358 is directly supplied to the water storage unit 310 without heat exchange by the heat exchange element 364. Further, when the humidity of the air sucked from the outdoor suction port 355 is high, the heat exchange element 364 exchanges heat with the air passing through the exhaust air passage 359 to reduce the humidity, and thus the supply air passage 358 is provided. The air passing through is supplied to the water storage unit 310. Accordingly, even if the humidity of the air sucked from the outdoor suction port 355 is high, the water storage section 310 can be dried reliably.

After the processing of S16, it is determined whether or not a sufficient time (1 hour in the present embodiment) for drying the water storage unit 310 has elapsed since the start of the drying operation (S17). Then, while the time has not elapsed (S17: No), the process of S17 is repeated, and if the time sufficient for the water storage section 310 to dry has elapsed (S17: Yes), then the humidification operation process is performed. , Water level detection unit correction processing is executed (S18).

The correction in the water level detection unit correction process is performed based on the voltage values output from the reference water level detection unit 324, the full water level detection unit 325, and the overflow water level detection unit 326 in the same manner as the water level detection unit correction process during the first energization in S1. This is performed by calculating the offset voltage value related to the water level detection unit 325 and the offset voltage value related to the overflow water level detection unit 326.

Then, after that, the offset voltage value related to the full water level detection unit 325 is added to the voltage value actually output from the full water level detection unit 325 by using the offset voltage value related to the full water level detection unit 325 calculated here. The value is used as the voltage value output from the full water level detection unit 325 to detect the full water level. Further, by using the offset voltage value related to the overflow water level detection unit 326 calculated here, a value obtained by adding the offset voltage value related to the overflow water level detection unit 326 to the voltage value actually output from the overflow water level detection unit 326 is obtained. The voltage value output from the overflow water level detection unit 326 is used to detect the full water level.

As described above, after the drying operation, the water storage unit 310 is in a drought state, and the reference water level detection unit 324, the full water level detection unit 325, and the overflow water level detection unit 326 are all in a dry state and in the same environment. .. Therefore, by performing the correction under such a condition, the water level of the water storage unit 310 can be accurately detected. Further, by performing the correction periodically, even if the reference water level detection unit 324, the full water level detection unit 325, and the overflow water level detection unit 326 deteriorate over time and the characteristics change, the correction can be reliably performed.

After the processing of S18, the humidification operation processing returns to the processing of S2.

As described above, according to the liquid atomization apparatus 301 and the heat exchange apparatus 350 according to the present embodiment, after the water supply unit 315 starts supplying water to the water storage unit 310, the first predetermined time (the present embodiment). After 90 minutes), if the full water level detection unit 325 that detects the full water level of the water storage unit 310 does not detect the water level, a water supply abnormality is notified. This allows the user to be notified of an abnormality due to a failure of the water supply unit 315.

Further, when the overflow water level detection unit 326 detects the overflow water level after the water supply unit 315 starts the water supply and before the full water level detection unit 325 detects the full water level, the water supply is stopped. In this case, there is a possibility that the detection of the full water level by the full water level detection unit 325 has malfunctioned or the full water level detection unit 325 has malfunctioned. Therefore, once the water supply is stopped, the water storage unit 310 is unnecessarily excessive. It can suppress that water is supplied to the.

Further, after the water supply unit 315 starts the water supply, the water supply is stopped after a second predetermined time (5 minutes in the present embodiment) shorter than the first predetermined time has elapsed. Thereby, even if the first water level detection unit does not detect the first water level, it is possible to suppress excessive supply of water to the water storage unit 310.

In addition, after the water supply unit 315 starts the water supply, after a third predetermined time (30 minutes in the present embodiment) shorter than the first predetermined time and longer than the second predetermined time elapses, the full water level detection unit 325 Does not detect the water level, water is again supplied by the water supply unit 315. As a result, if the full water level detection unit 325 does not detect the full water level even after the elapse of the third predetermined time, it is not immediately determined that the water supply unit 315 is out of order, and the water supply is performed again. As a result, when the full water level detection unit 325 can detect the full water level, the humidification operation is performed, so that it is possible to suppress unnecessary notification of a failure of the water supply unit 315.

Further, after the drainage unit 311 starts draining, the full water level detection unit 325 or the overflow water level detection unit 326 detects the full water level or the overflow water level after a fourth predetermined time (3 hours in the present embodiment) has elapsed. In this case, drainage abnormality is reported. Thereby, the user can be notified of an abnormality due to a failure or clogging of the drainage unit 311.

For example, the liquid atomization device 301 according to the above-described embodiment may be included in an air purifier or an air conditioner. As one of the functions of an air purifier or an air conditioner, there is one that incorporates a device for vaporizing a liquid such as a water vaporizer for humidification or a hypochlorous acid vaporizer for sterilization/deodorization. By using the liquid atomization device 301 as this device, it is possible to obtain a smaller and more energy efficient air cleaner or air conditioner.

In the above-described embodiment, the liquid micronization device 301 is described as an example of the humidifying device, but the humidifying device is not necessarily limited to this. The humidifying device is provided with a water storage unit and supplies water while determining the water level of the water storage unit. If so, the present disclosure can be applied.

The humidifying device according to the present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a device that humidifies indoor air. Further, the humidifying device according to the present disclosure can be applied to a water vaporizing device, a hypochlorous acid vaporizing device, or the like incorporated as one of its functions in a heat exchange air device, an air purifier, or an air conditioner.

1, 118, 201, 301

Liquid atomizing device

2, 202, 302

Suction port

3, 203, 303 Blow-out

port

4, 204, 304 Suction

communication air passage

5, 205, 305

Inner cylinder

5a, 205a,

305a Collision wall

6, 206, 306 Inner

cylinder air passage

7, 207, 307

Ventilation port

8, 208, 308 Outer

cylinder air passage

9, 209, 309

Outer cylinder

10, 117, 210, 310

Water storage unit

11, 211, 311

Drainage unit

12, 212, 312

Drain valve

15, 116, 215, 315

Water supply part

16, 216, 316

Water supply pipe

17, 217, 317

Water supply valve

18, 218, 318

Overflow drainage port

19, 219, 319 Liquid atomization

part

20, 220, 320 Rotating

shaft

21, 221, 321

Pumping pipe

22, 222, 322

Rotating plates

23, 223, 323

Rotating motors

24, 224, 324 Reference water

level detecting units

25, 225, 325 Full water

level detecting units

26, 226, 326 Overflow water

level detecting unit

36, 236 Full

water level detector

37, 237 Overflow water level detector

Claims

A suction port that sucks in air,
An outlet that blows out the air sucked in from the inlet,
A humidifying unit provided in the air passage between the suction port and the air outlet, for humidifying the air,
A water storage portion for storing water for humidifying the air by the humidification portion,
A water supply unit for supplying water to the water storage unit,
A plurality of water levels that are provided in the water storage unit and include at least a reference water level detection unit that serves as a reference for the output value and a non-reference water level detection unit that is an output value correction target, and that detects the water level of the water storage unit. A detector,
A water level detection correction unit that corrects the output value of the non-reference water level detection unit based on the output value of the reference water level detection unit when the water storage unit is in a drought state.
The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the water level detection/correction unit performs the correction after a first predetermined time has elapsed after power is first supplied.
A drying operation unit that performs an operation of drying the water storage unit every second predetermined time;
The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water level detection correction unit performs the correction after the water storage unit is dried by the drying operation unit.
The humidification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of water level detection units are configured by NTC thermistors.
The humidifying unit is a liquid atomizing unit that atomizes water, and causes the air sucked from the suction port to include the water atomized by the liquid atomizing unit to remove the air containing the water. Which is blown out from the outlet,
The liquid atomization unit,
A rotary shaft that is rotated by a rotary motor and is arranged vertically.
A tubular pumping pipe that is fixed to the rotary shaft, pumps water stored in the water storage unit by being rotated according to the rotation of the rotary shaft, and discharges the pumped water in a centrifugal direction,
The humidification device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a collision wall that atomizes the water by colliding the water discharged from the pumping pipe.