Electrical device

Abstract

To provide an electrical device capable of efficiently adjusting air quality.SOLUTION: A humidifier 10 of the present invention comprises a measurement unit 20 that measures air quality, an acquisition unit 12 that acquires air quality information regarding the air quality measured by another electrical device, an adjustment unit 21 that adjusts the air quality, a selection unit 13 that selects either measurement information of the measurement unit 20 or the air quality information, and an adjustment control unit 14 that controls the adjustment unit 21 based on the information selected by the selection unit 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical device for regulating air quality. [Background technology]

[0002] The humidifier of Patent Document 1 is designed such that, when there is a discrepancy between the humidities detected by a plurality of humidifiers, an average value is used to promote convection so as to eliminate the discrepancy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-344940 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when multiple humidifiers are used in the same space, the capacity of each humidifier cannot be fully utilized with the humidifier of Patent Document 1. As a result, the humidifier of Patent Document 1 cannot efficiently adjust the air quality in the indoor space.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical device capable of efficiently adjusting air quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electrical device of the present invention comprises a measurement unit that measures air quality, an acquisition unit that acquires air quality information regarding the air quality measured by other electrical devices, an adjustment unit that adjusts the air quality, a selection unit that selects either the measurement information of the measurement unit or the air quality information, and an adjustment control unit that controls the adjustment unit based on the information selected by the selection unit. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electric device capable of efficiently adjusting air quality. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a humidifier according to an embodiment of the electrical device of the present invention and another electrical device are placed in the same room. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the humidifier of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a periodic operation process executed by the humidifier of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a measurement value selection process executed by the humidifier of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a humidity adjustment process executed by the humidifier of FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing an air flow adjustment process executed by the humidifier of FIG. 1. [Figure 7A] 3 is a diagram showing an example of detection values ​​of an operation unit of the humidifier in FIG. 1 and corresponding operations. FIG. [Figure 7B] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the detection values ​​of the operation unit of the humidifier in FIG. [Figure 8A] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation mode (operation of moving a hand from left to right) on an operating section of the humidifier in FIG. 1 and a corresponding action. FIG. [Figure 8B] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation mode (operation of moving a hand from right to left) on an operating section of the humidifier in FIG. 1, and a corresponding action. FIG. [Figure 8C] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation mode (operation of moving a hand from top to bottom) on an operating section of the humidifier in FIG. 1, and a corresponding action. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment A first embodiment of an electric device of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In this embodiment, an example in which the electric device is a humidifier 10 is shown.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a humidifier 10 and another electric device 30 arranged in the same room. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the humidifier 10. Figs. 3 to 6 are flow charts showing operations executed by the humidifier 10. Fig. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a detection value of the operation unit 27 of the humidifier 10 and a corresponding operation. Fig. 7B is a diagram showing another example of a detection value of the operation unit 27 of the humidifier 10 and a corresponding operation. Figs. 8A to 8C are schematic diagrams showing an example of an operation mode of the operation unit 27 of the humidifier 10 and the corresponding operation.

[0012] The humidifier 10 is, for example, a stationary humidifier. The humidifier 10 has a humidification function and humidifies air by an evaporation method. The humidifier 10 of this embodiment is capable of switching between a humidification operation mode and an air blowing operation mode. The humidification operation mode and the air blowing operation mode can be switched, for example, manually. When switching manually, for example, a mode switching button is provided, and the user can manually switch by selecting and pressing either the humidification operation mode button or the air blowing operation mode button. Also, as described later, in the humidifier 10 of this embodiment, even if the humidification operation mode is selected, if the amount of water is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the humidifier 10 operates in the air blowing operation mode.

[0013] The electrical device of the present invention is not limited to a humidifier, and may be an air purifier, a dehumidifier, etc. The electrical device of the present invention may be an air purifier with a humidifying function.

[0014] The humidifier 10 is capable of acquiring humidity (air quality information) measured by another electric device 30. Examples of the other electric device 30 include an air conditioner 40 and another humidifier 10. The humidifier 10 is capable of communicating with the other electric device 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the humidifier 10A is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from another humidifier 10B and an air conditioner 40 installed in the same room. That is, when the humidifier 10A is taken as the center, in this embodiment, the other humidifier 10B and the air conditioner 40 correspond to the other electric device 30. In the following description, the other electric device 30 capable of communicating with the humidifier 10 will be described as the "other electric device 30."

[0015] The humidifier 10 of this embodiment is capable of communicating with another electrical appliance 30 via a LAN (Local Area Network). The electrical appliance of the present invention may be capable of communicating with a server via an Internet line, and information such as measured values ​​may be centrally managed by the server. The other electrical appliances with which the electrical appliance of the present invention can communicate may include other types of electrical appliances (e.g., air conditioners) in addition to the humidifier as in this embodiment, or may be the same type of electrical appliance (a humidifier in this embodiment).

[0016] In addition, in the humidifier 10 of this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the humidifier 10 is configured to individually determine whether or not humidification is required, but the electrical device of the present invention may also be one that receives specified information from a server and is controlled by the information from the server.

[0017] Furthermore, in the schematic diagram shown as an example in Figure 1, there is shown an example in which there are two other electrical devices 30 that can communicate with the humidifier 10A, namely, an air conditioner 40 and a humidifier 10B, but the number of other electrical devices 30 that can communicate with the humidifier 10 may be one, or three or more.

[0018] Here, the function of the humidifier 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In the schematic diagram shown as an example in Fig. 1, two humidifiers 10 and an air conditioner 40 are installed in the same room. The two humidifiers 10 have the same configuration. Of the two humidifiers 10, the humidifier 10 installed in a position where it is difficult to be exposed to the wind from the air conditioner 40 will be referred to as "humidifier 10A", and the humidifier 10 installed in a position where it is easily exposed to the wind from the air conditioner 40 will be referred to as "humidifier 10B".

[0019] When multiple humidifiers 10 are used in the same space (same room), the detected humidity may differ depending on the location where the humidifiers 10 are installed. For example, in winter, before the air conditioner 40 starts heating operation, the humidity measured by the humidifier 10A is the same as the humidity measured by the other humidifier 10B. However, after the air conditioner 40 starts heating operation, the detected humidity may drop only for the humidifier 10B installed in a position where it is likely to be exposed to the warm air from the air conditioner 40.

[0020] Humidifier 10A, which is located in a position where it is difficult for it to be exposed to the wind of the air conditioner 40, will eventually reach the target humidity. On the other hand, humidifier 10B, which is easily exposed to the wind of the air conditioner 40, may have difficulty reaching the target humidity. The humidifier 10 of this embodiment is capable of sending and receiving information with other electrical appliances 30. That is, humidifier 10A is linked to other humidifiers 10B (other electrical appliances 30), and is able to grasp the humidity it measures and the respective humidity levels of other humidifiers 10B.

[0021] Furthermore, the humidifier 10 operates according to the lower of the humidity detected by itself and the humidity detected by the other electrical device. That is, even if the humidity detected by the humidifier 10A itself has reached the target value, the humidifier 10A continues the humidification operation if the humidity detected by the other humidifier 10B (the other electrical device 30) has not reached the target value. As a result, the humidifier 10 can efficiently humidify the indoor space by fully utilizing the capabilities of the multiple humidifiers 10.

[0022] The following describes a specific configuration of the humidifier 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the humidifier 10 (electrical device) includes a control unit 11, an adjustment unit 21, a tank 24, a water level detection unit 25, a display unit 26, an operation unit 27, and a communication unit 28.

[0023] The control unit 11 has, as its hardware configuration, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory), which are not shown. The CPU is a conventionally well-known calculation means, and controls the operation of the control unit 11 as a whole. The RAM functions as a working area when the CPU processes information. Various programs and data are stored in the ROM. In this hardware configuration, the CPU performs calculations according to a predetermined program, and the control unit 11 is configured with functional blocks corresponding to the loaded program. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 11 is configured with an acquisition unit 12, a selection unit 13, an adjustment control unit 14, and a communication control unit 15.

[0024] The acquisition unit 12 acquires air quality information on the air quality measured by the other electric appliance 30. The air quality includes air quality in a space, temperature, humidity, and polluting factors such as carbon dioxide. The acquisition unit 12 is also capable of periodically acquiring the air quality information. The air quality information includes a second measurement value that is a measurement result of the air quality (humidity) by the other electric appliance 30. The air quality information also includes a target value of humidity for the other electric appliance 30. More specifically, the air quality information also includes information on the operating state of the other electric appliance 30 (e.g., on / off of the humidification operation). In other words, the air quality information includes operating information based on the air quality measured by the other electric appliance 30. For example, when the other electric appliance 30 is performing a humidification operation because the measured humidity does not reach the target value, the humidifier 10 acquires information (air quality information) that the other electric appliance 30 is performing a humidification operation, and performs a humidification operation in the same manner according to the operating information of the other electric appliance 30 when the measured humidity reaches the target value measured by the humidifier 10.

[0025] In addition, in the electrical device of the present invention, the information (air quality information) that can be acquired by the acquisition unit may include, in addition to the measured humidity value measured by other electrical devices, the difference between the measured value of other electrical devices 30 and a target value, operation information of other electrical devices based on air quality (humidification on / off), and information indicating whether the measured humidity has reached the target value.

[0026] The selection unit 13 selects either the measurement information of the measurement unit 20 or the air quality information. The measurement information includes a first measurement value which is the measurement result of the air quality by the measurement unit 20. In the humidifier 10 of this embodiment, the first measurement value and the second measurement value are measured humidity (measured humidity). That is, the selection unit 13 selects either the measurement information measured by the measurement unit 20 or information of another electrical device (air quality information). Specifically, the selection unit 13 selects either the first measurement value or the second measurement value based on the first measurement value, the second measurement value, and the target value.

[0027] For example, when the first measurement value does not reach the target value, the selection unit 13 selects the first measurement value, and when the first measurement value reaches the target value, the selection unit 13 selects the air quality information (second measurement value). When both the first measurement value and the second measurement value do not reach the target value, the selection unit 13 selects the measurement value that has a larger difference from the target value from among the first measurement value and the second measurement value. As a result, the humidifier 10 can efficiently humidify the indoor space by fully utilizing the capabilities of the multiple humidifiers 10.

[0028] The adjustment control unit 14 controls the adjustment unit 21 based on the information selected by the selection unit 13. That is, the adjustment control unit 14 controls the adjustment unit 21 based on either the information detected by itself (first measurement value) or the information detected by another electric device 30 (second measurement value). For example, the adjustment control unit 14 controls at least one of the fan 22 and the louver 23 so that the difference between the measurement value (first measurement value or second measurement value) selected by the selection unit 13 and the target value becomes small. In other words, the adjustment control unit 14 operates with a wind direction and air volume that stirs the air in the room in order to eliminate the discomfort level at the position (worst point) where the achievement degree of the detected humidity is the lowest. In addition, when the adjustment control unit 14 determines the optimal wind direction to eliminate the comfort level at the worst point, it maintains the operation with that wind direction (operates so as not to cause the measurement value to deviate from the target value). As a result, the humidifier 10 can uniformize the humidity in the indoor space and efficiently eliminate the discomfort level.

[0029] The communication control unit 15 transmits predetermined information to the other electric device 30. For example, the communication control unit 15 transmits to the other electric device 30 the humidity measured by the measurement unit 20, the target humidity value, and the like.

[0030] The measurement unit 20 measures the air quality. The measurement unit 20 is, for example, a sensor provided in the humidifier 10 itself. In the humidifier 10 of this embodiment, the measurement unit 20 is a humidity sensor.

[0031] The measurement unit 20 may include other sensors. For example, the measurement unit 20 may include a sensor (dirt sensor) that measures dust, pollen, and the like. That is, the electrical device of the present invention may control the degree of dirt (pollen, dust, and the like) in addition to humidity so as to adjust (remove) it, or may control only the degree of dirt.

[0032] The adjustment unit 21 adjusts the air quality. In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 21 is a humidification unit that humidifies the air. The adjustment unit 21 has a fan 22 that generates an airflow and a louver 23 that adjusts the direction of the airflow. The adjustment unit 21 has, as operation modes, a humidification operation mode in which humidification is performed, and an air blowing operation mode in which air is blown without humidification.

[0033] In the humidification operation mode, the adjustment unit 21 humidifies the air. The adjustment unit 21 has a humidification filter (not shown), and the humidification filter sucks up water from the tank 24. The adjustment unit 21 humidifies the air by passing the airflow generated by the fan 22 through the humidification filter. The adjustment unit 21 can change the direction of the airflow by the louver 23.

[0034] The tank 24 stores water. The water amount detection unit 25 detects the amount of water in the tank 24. The water amount detection unit 25 is, for example, a water level sensor. The water amount detection unit 25 is, for example, a water level sensor such as a float switch or a distance measurement sensor.

[0035] Display unit 26 displays the measurement value selected by selection unit 13. That is, humidifier 10 may display a measurement value detected by itself (first measurement value) or a measurement value measured by other electric appliance 30 (second measurement value). In other words, humidifier 10 may adopt the humidity detected by other electric appliance 30 as the humidity to be displayed on display unit 26.

[0036] The operation unit 27 is a touch key that can be operated by the user. When the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 27, a corresponding operation (humidification operation mode, air blowing operation mode, etc.) is selected. The function of the operation unit 27 will be described later.

[0037] The communication unit transmits and receives information to and from the other electric appliances 30. In the humidifier 10, the communication control unit 15 and the acquisition unit 12 transmit and receive air quality information via the communication unit .

[0038] The humidifier 10 periodically acquires information from the other electric appliance 30, selects one of a measurement value measured by itself (a first measurement value) and a measurement value acquired from the other electric appliance 30 (a second measurement value), and performs an operation (periodic operation) based on the selected measurement value. That is, the humidifier 10 performs a process (periodic operation process) for performing a periodic operation at a predetermined period.

[0039] The period (period of periodic operation processing) at which the humidifier 10 acquires information from the other electric appliance 30 can be appropriately selected, for example, every 5 minutes, every 10 minutes, etc. The electric appliance of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the electric appliance of the present invention may be one that constantly acquires air quality information and updates its operation as needed.

[0040] Hereinafter, the periodic operation process executed by the humidifier 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 3, in step S100, the humidifier 10 performs a measurement value selection process. In the measurement value selection process, the humidifier 10 selects a first measurement value or a second measurement value. The measurement value selection process will be described later with reference to Fig. 4. When the process of step S100 ends, the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S200.

[0042] In step S200, the humidifier 10 determines whether or not the fan operation mode is selected. If the fan operation mode is selected (step S200=Yes), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S400, and if the fan operation mode is not selected (step S200=No), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S300. The adjustment unit 21 has, as operation modes, a humidification operation mode in which humidification is performed, and a fan operation mode in which air is blown without humidification. "If the fan operation mode is not selected" means that the humidification operation mode is selected.

[0043] In step S300, the humidifier 10 performs a humidity adjustment process. In the humidity adjustment process, the humidifier 10 performs a humidification operation based on the first measurement value or the second measurement value. The humidity adjustment process will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. When the process of step S300 ends, the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S400.

[0044] In step S400, the humidifier 10 performs an airflow adjustment process. In the airflow adjustment process, the humidifier 10 performs a process of adjusting the airflow direction, etc. The airflow adjustment process will be described later with reference to Fig. 6. When the process of step S400 ends, the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S500.

[0045] In step S500, the humidifier 10 performs a humidity display process. In the humidity display process, the humidifier 10 performs a process of displaying, on the display unit 26, the measurement value selected in the measurement value selection process (the first measurement value or the second measurement value).

[0046] Next, the measurement value selection process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0047] In step S101, the humidifier 10 (measurement unit 20) acquires a first measurement value. Specifically, the humidifier 10 acquires the humidity measured by the measurement unit 20. When the process of step S101 ends, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S102.

[0048] In step S102, the humidifier 10 (acquisition unit 12) acquires a second measurement value. Specifically, the humidifier 10 acquires the humidity measured by the other electric appliances 30. When there are multiple other electric appliances 30, the humidifier 10 acquires the detected humidity (second measurement value) from each of the multiple electric appliances 30. When the process of step S102 ends, the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S103.

[0049] In step S103, the humidifier 10 determines whether the first measurement value has reached the target value. If the first measurement value has reached the target value (step S103=Yes), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S107, and if the first measurement value has not reached the target value (step S103=No), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S104.

[0050] In step S104, the humidifier 10 determines whether the second measurement value has reached the target value. If the second measurement value has reached the target value (step S104=Yes), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S106, and if the second measurement value has not reached the target value (step S104=No), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S105.

[0051] Here, if only one second measurement value is acquired, the humidifier 10 judges whether or not the second measurement value has reached the target value. If two or more second measurement values ​​are acquired, the humidifier 10 judges whether or not there is a second measurement value that has not reached the target value, and selects the measurement value that is furthest from the target value (the measurement value with the lowest degree of achievement). In other words, if the first measurement value has reached the target value (if the humidifier 10's own measurement value satisfies the target value), the humidifier 10 selects the measurement value of another electric device 30 that is furthest from the target value (the worst numerical value) and operates based on that measurement value.

[0052] In step S105, the humidifier 10 performs a process of selecting a measurement value according to the degree of achievement. Specifically, the humidifier 10 (selection unit 13) selects the measurement value with a lower degree of achievement between the degree of achievement of the first measurement value relative to the target value and the degree of achievement of the second measurement value relative to the target value. Specifically, when both the first measurement value and the second measurement value have not reached the target value, the humidifier 10 (selection unit 13) selects the measurement value with a larger difference from the target value from the first measurement value and the second measurement value.

[0053] In step S106, the humidifier 10 selects the first measurement value. That is, if the first measurement value has not reached the target value and the second measurement value has reached the target value, the humidifier 10 selects the first measurement value.

[0054] In step S107, the humidifier 10 determines whether the second measurement value has reached the target value. If the second measurement value has reached the target value (step S107=Yes), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S109, and if the second measurement value has not reached the target value (step S107=No), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S108.

[0055] In step S108, the humidifier 10 selects the second measurement value. In step S109, the humidifier 10 stops the humidification operation. That is, when both the first measurement value and the second measurement value have reached their target values, the humidifier 10 stops the humidification operation and continues to operate in the fan operation mode to agitate the air.

[0056] In this way, the humidifier 10 (selection unit 13) selects the first measurement value when the first measurement value has not reached the target value. Also, the humidifier 10 (selection unit 13) selects the second measurement value (air quality information) when the first measurement value has reached the target value. Furthermore, the humidifier 10 (selection unit 13) stops the humidification operation and continues operation in the fan operation mode when both the first measurement value and the second measurement value have reached their target values.

[0057] Furthermore, in the humidifier 10, the acquisition unit 12 periodically acquires air quality information (second measurement value), and the selection unit 13 periodically selects either the measurement information (first measurement value) from the measurement unit 20 or the air quality information (second measurement value). As a result, the humidifier 10 can flexibly respond to changes in the degree of humidity achievement caused by operation, and can efficiently improve the indoor humidity.

[0058] Next, the humidity adjustment process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0059] In step S301, the humidifier 10 determines whether or not a first measurement value has been selected. If the first measurement value has been selected (step S301=Yes), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S302, and if the first measurement value has not been selected (step S301=No), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S304.

[0060] In step S302, the humidifier 10 determines whether the amount of water is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. If the amount of water is equal to or less than the predetermined amount (step S302=Yes), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S304, and if the amount of water is not equal to or less than the predetermined amount (step S302=No), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S303.

[0061] In step S303, the humidifier 10 (adjustment unit 21) performs a humidification operation based on the first measurement value. In step S304, the humidifier 10 (adjustment unit 21) performs an air blowing operation based on the first measurement value. In this way, when the amount of water is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the humidifier 10 performs an air blowing operation without performing a humidification operation. In other words, when the amount of water in the humidifier 10's tank 24 becomes low, the humidifier 10 performs an air blowing operation without performing a humidification operation. With this configuration, the air in the room can be agitated to make the humidity closer to uniform. As a result, the air in the room can be agitated to improve the humidity in the vicinity of the humidifier 10.

[0062] In step S305, the humidifier 10 determines whether the amount of water is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. If the amount of water is equal to or less than the predetermined amount (step S305=Yes), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S307, and if the amount of water is not equal to or less than the predetermined amount (step S305=No), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S306.

[0063] In step S306, the humidifier 10 (adjustment unit 21) performs a humidification operation based on the second measurement value. In this manner, when the first measurement value reaches the target value and the selection unit 13 selects the second measurement value, the humidifier 10 performs a humidification operation based on the second measurement value.

[0064] The electric device of the present invention may operate the adjustment unit 21 in the fan operation mode when the first measurement value reaches the target value and the selection unit 13 selects the second measurement value. That is, the electric device of the present invention may stop humidification at a predetermined timing and perform the fan operation when the measurement value (first measurement value) detected by the electric device itself reaches the target value. With this configuration, the air in the room can be agitated to make the humidity closer to uniform. As a result, the air in the room can be agitated to improve the humidity in the vicinity of the electric device itself.

[0065] Furthermore, the electrical appliance of the present invention may be configured to perform an air blowing operation at maximum air volume when another electrical appliance (for example, an air conditioner) is turned on.

[0066] In step S307, the humidifier 10 (adjustment unit 21) performs an air blowing operation based on the second measurement value. In this way, when the selection unit 13 selects the second measurement value (air quality information) and the detection result of the water volume detection unit 25 is equal to or less than a predetermined volume (the water volume is equal to or less than a predetermined volume), the humidifier 10 operates the adjustment unit 21 in the air blowing operation mode. With this configuration, the air in the room can be agitated to make the humidity closer to uniform. As a result, the air in the room can be agitated to improve the humidity in the vicinity of the humidifier itself.

[0067] Next, the air flow adjustment process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0068] In step S401, the humidifier 10 determines whether the achievement level has improved. Specifically, the humidifier 10 compares the previous achievement level with the current achievement level to determine whether the current achievement level is better than the previous achievement level. If the achievement level has improved (step S401=Yes), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S402, and if the achievement level has not improved (step S401=No), the humidifier 10 proceeds to step S403.

[0069] In step S402, the humidifier 10 (adjustment unit 21) maintains the current air volume and air direction. That is, the humidifier 10 searches for the optimal air volume and air direction capable of improving humidity, and when the optimal air volume and air direction are found, the humidifier 10 maintains the optimal air volume and air direction.

[0070] In step S403, the humidifier 10 (adjustment unit 21) changes at least one of the current air volume and air direction. Specifically, the humidifier 10 (adjustment control unit 14) controls at least one of the fan 22 and the louver 23 so as to reduce the difference between the measurement value (first measurement value or second measurement value) selected by the selection unit 13 and the target value. With this configuration, the air in the room can be agitated to make the humidity closer to uniform. As a result, the air in the room can be agitated to improve the humidity in the vicinity of the humidifier itself.

[0071] When the first measurement value reaches the target value (when the humidifier 10's own measurement value satisfies the target value), the humidifier 10 selects the measurement value (the worst numerical value) of the other electrical device 30 that is furthest from the target value and operates based on that measurement value.

[0072] Here, when a user turns on the air conditioner and multiple humidifiers when waking up in the morning, the humidity detected by these electrical devices will be almost the same. After that, due to the heating of the air conditioner, the humidity around the humidifiers where the air conditioner's wind hits does not increase, but rather decreases. Meanwhile, the humidity around the humidifiers in positions where the air conditioner's wind does not hit increases steadily. With conventional humidifiers, the air volume of humidifiers in positions where the air conditioner's wind does not hit decreases near the target value, and eventually the target value is reached and humidification stops. Meanwhile, the humidity of the humidifiers where the air conditioner's wind hits continues to not increase, so they continue to operate at high power.

[0073] On the other hand, the humidifier 10 of this embodiment is adapted to continue humidification operation even for the humidifier 10 located far from the air conditioner 40 (the humidifier whose detected humidity has reached the target value) in accordance with the lower detected humidity. Therefore, if the humidifier 10 is located in a position where it is difficult to be exposed to the wind from the air conditioner and the other electrical appliance 30 is located in a position where it is easily exposed to the wind from the air conditioner, the humidifier 10 continues operation based on the measurement value (second measurement value) of the other electrical appliance 30 whose humidity is far from the target value. As a result, the humidifier 10 can efficiently humidify the air in the room by fully utilizing the capabilities of the multiple electrical appliances.

[0074] <Functions of the control panel> The function of the operation unit 27 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, and 8C.

[0075] The operation unit 27 is a capacitive touch key. Therefore, the operation unit 27 can detect contact with a user's finger or the like as a "touch state." In addition to the "touch state," the operation unit 27 can detect a state in which the user's hand or the like is not in contact with the operation unit 27 but is at a predetermined distance as a "proximity state." Note that a state that does not fall under either the "touch state" or the "proximity state" is a "non-pressed state."

[0076] Here, conventional electrical appliances such as humidifiers and air purifiers may be provided with a child lock to prevent malfunction. The child lock can be set or released by pressing and holding the button (turning the child lock on and off) so that children cannot easily change the settings. However, if a cat is on the electrical appliance, for example, it may be determined that a long press has been performed, and the child lock setting may be released.

[0077] The humidifier 10 of this embodiment is capable of detecting multiple types of operations (multiple states) on the operation unit 27. As a result, the humidifier 10 can avoid erroneous operation by increasing the difficulty of key operations that need to be avoided. Furthermore, the humidifier 10 can increase the variety of operations even with a small number of keys. For example, although the keys usually function as touch keys, for specific operations (such as releasing the child lock), the operation is confirmed by a specific operation (such as a long press with the hand held about 1 cm above the key) rather than by a touch state.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7A, the operation unit 27 can grasp three states: a "touch state", a "proximity state", and a "non-pressed state". The distance (proximity distance) at which the operation unit 27 judges the state to be "proximity" can be, for example, about 1 cm to 5 cm. The control unit 11 can distinguish between a "short touch press" and a "long touch press" based on the duration of the "touch state". Furthermore, the humidifier 10 judges the state to be a "long proximity press" when the "proximity state" continues for a predetermined period of time or more. That is, a plurality of patterns are provided as operations for the operation unit 27, including a "short press in a touch state (short touch press)", a "long press in a touch state (long touch press)", and a "long press in a proximity state (long proximity press)".

[0079] The operation unit 27 is capable of distinguishing between a plurality of states (touch state, proximity state, non-pressed state) based on the detection value of the sensor. The detection values ​​of the sensor are in the order of "touch state>proximity state>non-contact state." In other words, the humidifier 10 determines that the "touch state" is present if the detection value of the sensor is equal to or greater than the first threshold value N1. The humidifier 10 determines that the "proximity state" is present if the detection value is less than the first threshold value N1 and equal to or greater than the second threshold value N2. The humidifier 10 determines that the "non-pressed state" is present if the detection value is less than the second threshold value N2. In this way, the operation unit 27 is capable of detecting a plurality of states based on the detection value of the sensor.

[0080] This increases the difficulty of key operations, particularly when erroneous operation must be avoided, and increases the variety of operations even with a small number of keys. In other words, while a conventional touch key only allows the functions of one key to be a "short press" or a "long press," the humidifier 10 of this embodiment allows the functions of one key to be a "short press," a "long press," and a "long close press."

[0081] For example, a function to return to the default can be assigned to "long proximity press." For example, in a setting in which a "short touch press" switches between sequential operations such as "automatic airflow → pollen removal → sleep mode → silent mode → medium operation → automatic strong operation → strong operation," a function to return to the default can be assigned to "long proximity press." This eliminates the need to operate the operation unit 27 multiple times, improving the convenience of operation.

[0082] The function of "proximity long press" may be divided according to the proximity distance. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the distance from the operation unit 27 is less than 1 cm (proximity 1 cm), "weak operation" can be assigned, when the distance from the operation unit 27 is 1 cm or more and less than 3 cm (proximity 3 cm), "medium operation" can be assigned, and when the distance from the operation unit 27 is 3 cm or more and less than 5 cm (proximity 5 cm), "strong operation" can be assigned. The distance from the operation unit 27 corresponding to each operation can be appropriately selected according to the type and capability of the sensor.

[0083] In addition, the function of the "long press close" may be divided according to the speed of approach. For example, when the button is pressed slowly, "weak operation" can be assigned, when the button is pressed close at a normal speed, and when the button is pressed quickly, "strong operation" can be assigned.

[0084] Furthermore, by providing a proximity function to multiple operation units 27 (buttons), the functions can be divided according to "the direction from which the operation unit approached" (operation direction) and "the button to which the hand was moved." The operation direction can be detected, for example, by arranging multiple sensors in the operation unit 27 and monitoring the order of detection by each sensor.

[0085] An example of detection based on the operation direction and assignment of the corresponding operation will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A as an example, when an operation of moving a hand from left to right and stopping on the air volume button 27a (operation unit 27) is detected, "quiet" can be assigned as the corresponding operation. Also, as shown in FIG. 8B as an example, when an operation of moving a hand from right to left and stopping on the air volume button 27a is detected, "medium operation" can be assigned as the corresponding operation. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8C as an example, when an operation of moving a hand from top to bottom and stopping on the air volume button 27a is detected, "strong operation" can be assigned as the corresponding operation.

[0086] Furthermore, a user may be able to select a complex operation and register it as a favorite operation by combining the "approach distance," "approach speed," and "approach direction." The approach function of the operation unit 27 may also be applied to electrical appliances other than humidifiers.

[0087] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, a certain component among all the components shown in one embodiment may be added to a component of another embodiment, or some components among all the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0088] In addition, the drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of each component to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. In addition, the configurations of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

[0089] This application discloses the following supplementary notes, which are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0090] (Appendix 1) A measurement unit for measuring air quality; an acquisition unit that acquires air quality information regarding air quality measured by another electrical device; An adjustment unit for adjusting air quality; a selection unit that selects either the measurement information of the measurement unit or the air quality information; an adjustment control unit that controls the adjustment unit based on the information selected by the selection unit; An electrical device comprising:

[0091] (Appendix 2) The measurement information includes a first measurement value that is a measurement result of the air quality by the measurement unit, The selection unit is If the first measurement value does not reach the target value, selecting the first measurement value; 2. The electrical device of claim 1, further comprising: selecting the air quality information if the first measurement value reaches the target value.

[0092] (Appendix 3) The measurement information includes a first measurement value that is a measurement result of the air quality by the measurement unit, The air quality information includes a second measurement value that is a measurement result of the air quality by the other electrical device, The electrical device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the selection unit selects one of the first measurement value and the second measurement value based on the first measurement value, the second measurement value, and a target value.

[0093] (Appendix 4) The electrical device of claim 3, wherein when neither the first measurement value nor the second measurement value has reached the target value, the selection unit selects one of the first measurement value and the second measurement value that has a larger difference from the target value.

[0094] (Appendix 5) The adjustment unit has a fan that generates an air flow and a louver that adjusts the direction of the air flow, The electrical device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the adjustment control unit controls at least one of the fan and the louver so as to reduce a difference between the measurement value selected by the selection unit and the target value.

[0095] (Appendix 6) 5. The electrical device according to claim 3, further comprising a display unit that displays the measurement value selected by the selection unit.

[0096] (Appendix 7) The adjustment unit has, as operation modes, a humidification operation mode in which humidification is performed and an air blowing operation mode in which air is blown without humidification, the first measurement and the second measurement are measured humidity; The electrical device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the adjustment control unit operates the adjustment unit in the fan operation mode when the first measurement value reaches a target value and the selection unit selects the second measurement value.

[0097] (Appendix 8) A tank for storing water; A water volume detection unit detects the amount of water in the tank. The adjustment unit has, as operation modes, a humidification operation mode in which humidification is performed and an air blowing operation mode in which air is blown without humidification, The electrical device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the adjustment control unit operates the adjustment unit in the air blowing operation mode when the selection unit selects the air quality information and the detection result of the water volume detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined amount.

[0098] (Appendix 9) The acquisition unit periodically acquires the air quality information, 9. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit periodically selects either the measurement information of the measurement unit or the air quality information. [Industrial Applicability]

[0099] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electric device that can efficiently adjust the air quality in an indoor space. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10 Humidifier (electrical equipment) 11 Control section 12 Acquisition Department 13 Selection section 14 Adjustment control section 20 Measuring part 21 Adjustment part 22 Fan 23 Louver 24 Tank 25 Water volume detector 26 Display section 30 Other Electrical Equipment

Claims

1. A measurement unit for measuring air quality; an acquisition unit that acquires air quality information regarding air quality measured by another electrical device; An adjustment unit for adjusting air quality; a selection unit that selects either the measurement information of the measurement unit or the air quality information; an adjustment control unit that controls the adjustment unit based on the information selected by the selection unit; An electrical device comprising:

2. The measurement information includes a first measurement value that is a measurement result of the air quality by the measurement unit, The selection unit is If the first measurement value does not reach the target value, selecting the first measurement value; selecting the air quality information if the first measurement reaches the target value; 2. The electrical device according to claim 1.

3. The measurement information includes a first measurement value that is a measurement result of the air quality by the measurement unit, The air quality information includes a second measurement value that is a measurement result of the air quality by the other electrical device, The electrical device according to claim 1 , wherein the selection unit selects one of the first measurement value and the second measurement value based on the first measurement value, the second measurement value, and a target value.

4. The measurement information includes a first measurement value that is a measurement result of the air quality by the measurement unit, The air quality information includes a second measurement value that is a measurement result of the air quality by the other electrical device, The selection unit is selecting one of the first measurement value and the second measurement value based on the first measurement value, the second measurement value, and a target value; 3 . The electrical device according to claim 1 , wherein when both the first measurement value and the second measurement value have not reached the target value, a measurement value that has a larger difference from the target value is selected from the first measurement value and the second measurement value.

5. The adjustment unit includes a fan that generates an air flow, and a louver that adjusts the direction of the air flow. having The electrical device according to claim 1 , wherein the adjustment control unit controls at least one of the fan and the louver so that a difference between the measurement value selected by the selection unit and the target value becomes smaller.

6. The electrical device according to claim 1 , further comprising a display unit that displays the measurement value selected by the selection unit.

7. The adjustment unit has, as operation modes, a humidification operation mode in which humidification is performed and an air blowing operation mode in which air is blown without humidification, The measurement information includes a first measurement value that is a measurement result of the air quality by the measurement unit, The air quality information includes a second measurement value that is a measurement result of the air quality by the other electrical device, the first measurement and the second measurement are measured humidity; The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjustment control unit operates the adjustment unit in the air blowing operation mode when the first measurement value reaches a target value and the selection unit selects the second measurement value.

8. A tank for storing water; a water amount detection unit that detects the amount of water in the tank; Further equipped with The adjustment unit is As an operation mode, a humidification operation mode for humidification; A fan operation mode that blows air without humidifying. having The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjustment control unit operates the adjustment unit in the air blowing operation mode when the selection unit selects the air quality information and the detection result of the water volume detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined amount.

9. The acquisition unit periodically acquires the air quality information, The electrical device according to claim 1 , wherein the selection unit periodically selects either the measurement information from the measurement unit or the air quality information.

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