Humidifier

Abstract

To provide a humidifier which can efficiently perform maintenance, and can prevent a situation in which a humidification operation cannot be performed due to an operation of overheat detection means during the humidification operation.SOLUTION: A humidifier comprises: a humidification part 3 for generating humidified air; a housing 1 having a suction port P1 for sucking atmospheric air, and a blowout port P2 for blowing out the humidified air; a fan 2 provided in a flow passage reaching the blowout port from the suction port via the humidification part; a heater H for heating air; a tray 5 for storing water for generating the humidified air; water lever detection means for detecting a water level in the tray; overheat detection means TH for detecting an abnormal high temperature in the housing; and a control part 9 for controlling a humidification operation of the humidifier. When the water level detection means detects that the water level becomes lower than a first water level being a water-shortage water level, the control part stops operations of the fan and the heater, and on the other hand, and when a temperature in the housing rises and the overheat detection means operates, the control part determines that clogging occurs at a part of the suction port, and notifies a user of the occurrence of the clogging.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a humidifier that includes a main body case having an inlet for sucking in air and an outlet for blowing out humidified air, a fan disposed within the main body case, a heat source (heater unit) for heating the air, a water tank for storing water, and a humidifying filter for humidifying the air. This humidifier is provided with a temperature detection means (temperature sensor) for detecting an excessive rise in temperature of the heat source, and if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor during humidification operation exceeds an abnormal temperature level, the heater unit is stopped and the fan is operated at a low speed to perform a cooling operation. Furthermore, a safety measure display is provided to notify the user of the abnormally high temperature. The fan is stopped after operating for a predetermined time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-157617 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the humidifier described in Patent Document 1, after the temperature becomes abnormally high and the device stops, the user can remove the cause of the abnormally high temperature to restart the device. However, a possible cause other than a malfunction of the device is partial clogging (blockage) of the intake port due to dust or the like. If the dust clogging can be removed by cleaning in advance, the inside of the device can be prevented from becoming abnormally high temperature, and the humidifier operation can be prevented from stopping at an unintended time. However, it is difficult for the user to accurately determine the degree of dust clogging, and the increased frequency of cleaning maintenance makes it a cumbersome task. In addition, using a dedicated sensor or the like to determine the accumulation of dust or the degree of clogging of the intake port leads to increased costs for the humidifier. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the humidifier of the present invention comprises a humidifying section that generates humidified air, a housing having an inlet for drawing in outside air and an outlet for blowing out the humidified air, a fan for circulating air and provided in a flow path from the inlet through the humidifying section to the outlet, a heater provided in the flow path for heating the air, a tray for storing water for generating the humidified air, a water level detection means for detecting the water level in the tray, and an overheat detection means for detecting abnormally high temperatures in the housing, and has a control unit that controls the humidification operation of the humidifier, and when the water level detection means detects that the water level has fallen below a first water level which is a water shortage level, the control unit stops operation of the fan and the heater, while when the temperature inside the housing rises and the overheat detection means operates, it determines that a portion of the inlet is blocked and alerts the user. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the user can know whether or not the suction port needs to be cleaned according to the timing of the water supply operation, and if necessary, can perform the maintenance efficiently in one opportunity. In addition, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the overheat detection means is activated during the humidification operation and the humidification operation cannot be performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the humidifier according to the embodiment with a front panel and a beam portion removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating insertion of a tray holder into a housing according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tray and the tray holder on which the tray is placed according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are schematic cross-sectional views of the water supply tank and the like according to the embodiment, in which FIG. 5A shows a state with a tray and FIG. 5B shows a state without a tray. [Figure 9] 5A and 5B are partial perspective views of the partition plate and the like according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 5A shows a state with a tray and FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the humidifying unit, the partition structure unit, the tray, and the tray holder according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the partition structure according to the above embodiment, seen from the bearing side. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the relationship between the water level detection float and a magnetic sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the receiving member and the antibacterial agent case according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing water flowing from the water supply tank to the tray according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a timing chart illustrating the control of the fan rotation speed and the first predetermined time period after a drop in the water level is detected according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the temperature inside the housing when the fan rotation speed is controlled for a first predetermined time according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating the control of the fan rotation speed and the second predetermined time period after a drop in the water level is detected according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a diagram illustrating the temperature inside the housing when the fan rotation speed is controlled for a second predetermined time according to the embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] As shown in appropriate figures of Figures 1 to 14, the humidifier 100 includes a housing 1, a fan 2, a humidifier section 3, an ultraviolet ray irradiation section 4, a tray 5, a tray holder 6, a water tank 7, a partition structure section 8, a control section 9, and a magnetic sensor S.

[0010] In the following description, the directions of the humidifier 100 are defined as up-down, front-back, and left-right directions as shown in Fig. 2. In other figures, directions corresponding to the directions defined in Fig. 2 are shown. Note that while the up-down direction may be defined as the direction of the humidifier 100 during use, the front-back and left-right directions are relative directions to facilitate understanding of the description.

[0011] The housing 1 includes a front panel 1F, a rear panel 1B, a left panel 1L, a right panel 1R, and an upper panel 1U, and a casing 10 surrounded by these panels.

[0012] The left panel 1L connected to the upper panel 1U reaches the bottom 10D of the casing 10. On the other hand, the right panel 1R connected to the upper panel 1U has a shorter vertical length than the left panel 1L. As a result, an insertion opening 1a through which the tray holder 6 is inserted is formed between the right panel 1R of the housing 1 and the bottom 10D. As shown in FIG. 4, when the tray holder 6 is inserted from the insertion opening 1a and the tray holder 6 is attached to the housing 1 as shown in FIG. 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "holder attached state"), the insertion opening 1a is blocked by the holder panel 6R fixed to the tray holder 6. In the holder attached state, the outer surfaces of the holder panel 6R and the right panel 1R are approximately flush with each other. The outer shape of the housing 1 in the holder attached state is approximately rectangular.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 10 comprises a holder accommodating section 11 that accommodates the tray holder 6, a side wall section 12 that is erected relative to the holder accommodating section 11 and faces the right panel 1R in the left-right direction, and a fan accommodating section 13 that is located above the holder accommodating section 11 and accommodates the fan 2.

[0014] The holder accommodation section 11 has the bottom section 10D described above. A humidifier accommodation chamber R3 that accommodates the humidifier section 3 is formed above the bottom section 10D inside the housing 1 on the left side of the side wall section 12, and a tank accommodation chamber R7 that accommodates the water supply tank 7 is formed on the right side of the side wall section 12. A communication hole 12a that communicates between the humidifier accommodation chamber R3 and the tank accommodation chamber R7 is formed in the side wall section 12. When the tray holder 6 in which the partition structure section 8 is arranged is in a holder-attached state, the communication hole 12a is blocked by a partition plate 81 described below.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, an openable and closable lid 17 is attached above the tank storage chamber R7 in the upper panel 1U. The lid 17 allows the water supply tank 7 to be stored in the tank storage chamber R7 from above the housing 1. The water supply tank 7 is used in a state in which the partition structure 8 is installed on the tray holder 6 via the tray 5. The casing 10 is, for example, separable in the front-rear direction and is composed of two members that can be combined with each other.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the rear panel 1B is formed with an inlet P1 for drawing in outside air. The fan housing section 13 of the casing 10 is formed with an inlet Q1 through which the fan 2 draws in the humidified air generated in the humidifier 3, and an exhaust port Q2 through which the fan 2 exhausts the humidified air. The upper panel 1U is formed with an outlet P2 through which the humidified air exhausted from the exhaust port Q2 is discharged to the outside of the housing 1. That is, the housing 1 has the inlet P1, the humidifier 3, the inlet Q1, the exhaust port Q2, and the outlet P2. When the fan 2 rotates, air passes through a flow path W that proceeds in the order of the inlet P1, the humidifier 3, the inlet Q1, the exhaust port Q2, and the outlet P2, and the humidified air generated in the humidifier 3 is blown out of the housing 1 from the outlet. In addition, a heater H is provided between the inlet P1 and the humidifier 3 in the flow path W (i.e., on the upstream side) to operate according to conditions and send warm air. By providing the heater H on the upstream side, hot air can be effectively sent to the humidifier part 3. In addition, an overheat detection means TH is provided near the heater H to detect an abnormally high temperature inside the housing 1. The overheat detection means TH will be described in detail later.

[0017] The fan 2 is a centrifugal fan, such as a sirocco fan. The fan 2 rotates with the rotation of a fan motor 2a attached to the casing 10. As described above, the fan 2 is configured to make air flow through the flow path W that runs from the intake port P1 through the humidifier 3 to the outlet port P2.

[0018] The humidifier 3 is located inside the housing 1 and is configured to generate humidified air. As shown in Fig. 2, the humidifier 3 includes a humidifying filter 30 (evaporation filter) and a frame 31 that holds the humidifying filter 30. In other words, the humidifier 100 is of an evaporation type that generates humidified air by the humidifying filter 30.

[0019] The humidifier 3 is provided in the housing 1 so as to be rotatable about an axis AX shown in Fig. 1. The axis AX extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of Fig. 1 (i.e., extends in the left-right direction of the housing 1). As shown in Fig. 10, a pair of shafts 31R, 31L are provided on the frame 31, and the humidifier 3 has one shaft 31R supported by a partition structure 8 (bearing 8R, described in detail below) and the other shaft 31L supported by a tray holder 6 (bearing 6L, described in detail below). The humidifier 3 is rotatable about the axis AX when the shaft 31L is rotationally driven by a turn motor (not shown) attached to the casing 10.

[0020] The humidifier 3 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the direction of the axis AX, and among the six faces constituting the rectangular parallelepiped, the parts corresponding to the pair of faces having the largest areas function as the first ventilation section 3a and the second ventilation section 3b that allow air to pass through. Note that, of the humidifier 3, the two side faces that are located in the radial direction of the axis AX and connect the first ventilation section 3a and the second ventilation section 3b are formed in curved shapes so as not to impede the rotation of the humidifier 3.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the state in which the first ventilation section 3a and the second ventilation section 3b of the humidifying section 3 face the front-rear direction is a "water-absorbable state" in which the humidifying filter 30 can absorb water in the tray 5. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the air that enters the humidifying filter 30 from the second ventilation section 3b is discharged as humidified air from the first ventilation section 3a (hereinafter, the first state), but a state in which the humidifying section 3 rotates 180 degrees from the first state and the air that enters the humidifying filter 30 from the first ventilation section 3a is discharged as humidified air from the second ventilation section 3b (hereinafter, the second state) is also a water-absorbable state. In other words, there are two states of the humidifying section 3 that realize the water-absorbable state: the first state and the second state. During the operation of the humidifying device 100, under the control of the control section 9, the humidifying section 3 changes from one of the first state and the second state to the other at a predetermined cycle.

[0022] On the other hand, when the control unit 9 receives an instruction to stop the operation of the humidifier 100, it places the humidifier 3 in a state in which the first ventilation section 3a and the second ventilation section 3b are oriented vertically (i.e., the humidifier 3 in the first or second embodiment is rotated 90°). This state is a "separated state" in which the humidifying filter 30 is separated from the water in the tray 5. This separated state prevents the humidifying filter 30 from being constantly immersed in the water in the tray 5, and suppresses the growth of bacteria.

[0023] The ultraviolet irradiating unit 4 irradiates ultraviolet rays to the inside of the housing 1. Specifically, the ultraviolet irradiating unit 4 is composed of an LED module equipped with a deep ultraviolet LED that emits deep ultraviolet rays (UV-C) that have a high disinfecting and sterilizing effect.

[0024] The ultraviolet irradiation unit 4 is attached to a beam 14 fixed to the front side of the casing 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the beam 14 is located between the side wall 12 and a wall 15 facing the side wall 12, and provides the casing 10 with a beam structure extending in the left-right direction. That is, one end (right end) of the beam 14 is fixed to the side wall 12, and the other end (left end) is fixed to the wall 15. The beam 14 thus provided is located behind the front panel 1F and contacts the front panel 1F, as shown in FIG. 1. This makes it possible to suppress distortion of the front panel 1F that occurs during assembly, etc.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the beam 14 is located behind the front panel 1F. A module case 14a that houses the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 4 is formed in the beam 14. The ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 4 housed in the module case 14a is located at a position higher than the axis line AX, and irradiates ultraviolet ray U (deep ultraviolet ray) toward the humidifier 3 (humidifier filter 30). Specifically, the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 4 irradiates ultraviolet ray U toward the axis line AX of the humidifier 3. As described above, during operation of the humidifier 100, the humidifier 3 changes from one of the first state and the second state to the other at a predetermined cycle, so that the ultraviolet ray U can be irradiated evenly toward both the first ventilation portion 3a and the second ventilation portion 3b.

[0026] The tray 5 stores water for generating humidified air. The tray 5 placed on the tray holder 6 is located inside the housing 1 when the tray is attached to the tray holder 6. Hereinafter, the state in which the tray 5 is placed on the tray holder 6 will be referred to as a "tray-present state," and the state in which the tray 5 is removed from the tray holder 6 will be referred to as a "tray-absent state."

[0027] The tray 5 is made of stainless steel, and is prevented from deteriorating even when exposed to ultraviolet rays U. The material of the tray 5 will be described in detail later.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 5, the tray 5 has an edge 50, and a main water tank section 51, a tank facing section 52, and a float water tank section 53, which are located below the edge 50. The main water tank section 51 is located below the humidifying section 3, and is a section where water to be absorbed by the humidifying section 3 is stored. The tank facing section 52 is a flat section that faces the water supply tank 7 in the vertical direction, sandwiching a receiving member 80 described below. The float water tank section 53 is a section that is recessed below the tank facing section 52, and is a section where water on which a water level detection float 83 described below floats is stored. The float water tank section 53 has a flat bottom section 53a that is a flat bottom.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 6 , the tray holder 6 includes a tray accommodating section 60 in which the tray 5 is accommodated, a standing wall section 61 standing around the tray accommodating section 60, and an outer peripheral wall section 62 standing around the standing wall section 61.

[0030] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tray 5 and the tray holder 6 on which the tray 5 is placed. The cross-sectional view shows a section of the portion corresponding to the main water tank section 51 along an imaginary plane determined by an axis extending in the front-rear direction and an axis extending in the up-down direction. Note that in Fig. 7 and Figs. 8 and 12 described below, hatching indicating cross sections has been omitted as appropriate for ease of viewing the drawings.

[0031] 7, an edge portion 50 of the tray 5 is supported by a standing wall portion 61 of the tray holder 6. The edge portion 50 has a supported portion 50a that abuts against and is supported by the standing wall portion 61 when the tray 5 is placed on the tray holder 6, and a longitudinal portion 50b that is connected to the supported portion 50a and extends along the outer surface of the standing wall portion 61.

[0032] The tray accommodating portion 60 of the tray holder 6 is provided with two openings 6a and 6b through which a part of the underside of the tray 5 can be seen. The openings 6a and 6b are provided with a gap between them in the front-rear direction (first direction). A user can easily remove the tray 5 from the tray holder 6 by pushing up the underside of the tray 5 through the openings 6a and 6b.

[0033] The tray storage section 60 has a saucer section 601 between the two openings 6a, 6b. The main water tank section 51 of the tray 5 is formed in a curved plate shape that bulges toward the saucer section 601. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the main water tank section 51 is formed in a curved plate shape that bulges downward at the center and follows the arc-shaped path that the outer periphery of the humidifier section 3 describes when the humidifier section 3 rotates around the axis line AX. This shape of the main water tank section 51 makes it possible to minimize the amount of water stored in the tray 5. The main water tank section 51 of this embodiment is formed in a curved plate shape that is symmetrical in the front and rear. The main water tank section 51 has a bottom plate section 51a that faces the saucer section 601 in the up-down direction.

[0034] The tray 601 has bars 601a protruding toward the bottom plate 51a at one end and the other end in the front-rear direction (first direction). As shown in FIG. 6, the bars 601a are provided extending in the left-right direction (second direction). The bars 601a allow water droplets that drip when condensation occurs on the underside of the tray 5 to be collected in the tray 601. As shown in FIG. 7, in the tray-present state in which the tray 5 is placed on the tray holder 6, a gap is generated between the bars 601a and the bottom plate 51a. This gap allows water droplets on the underside of the tray 5 to pass smoothly toward the tray 601.

[0035] 2, the water supply tank 7 is accommodated in a tank accommodation chamber R7 in the housing 1, and stores water to be supplied to the tray 5. As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and (b), the water supply tank 7 includes a tank body 70 and a tank cap 71 attached to the lower end of the tank body 70. The tank cap 71 has a water supply port 71a and a valve mechanism 72 that opens and closes the water supply port 71a.

[0036] 10, the partition structure 8 includes a receiving member 80, a partition plate 81, and a float support portion 82, which are integrally formed. The partition structure 8 is configured separately from the tray 5 and the tray holder 6. The partition structure 8 (i.e., the integral receiving member 80, partition plate 81, and float support portion 82) is detachable from the tray 5.

[0037] 8(a), the receiving member 80 is a tray-shaped member that receives the water supply tank 7. The receiving member 80 receives the tank cap 71 of the water supply tank 7 at its edge, and has a pin-shaped portion 80a that protrudes toward the valve mechanism 72 from a bottom surface that is recessed from the edge.

[0038] When the water supply tank 7 is accommodated in the tank accommodation chamber R7, the tank cap 71 is in a state in which it is received (supported) by the receiving member 80. At this time, the valve mechanism 72 of the water supply tank 7 is pushed up relatively to the pin-shaped portion 80a. As a result, the valve mechanism 72 is opened, the flow path from the water supply port 71a to the receiving member 80 is opened, and water is supplied from the water supply tank 7 to the tray 5 through the receiving member 80. When the water level in the tray 5 reaches the lower end of the water supply port 71a, outside air cannot enter the tank body 70 from the water supply port 71a, so that the supply of water from the water supply tank 7 to the tray 5 stops. Then, when the water in the tray 5 decreases and the water level becomes lower than the lower end of the water supply port 71a, outside air enters the tank body 70 from the water supply port 71a and water comes out from the water supply port 71a. With this mechanism, the water level in the tray 5 is kept at a constant water level L (steady water level). The partition plate 81 is formed with water passage holes 81a (see FIGS. 10 and 11) for allowing the water accumulated in the receiving member 80 to pass to the humidifying section 3 side.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the partition plate 81 is a plate-like member that separates the humidifying unit 3 and the water tank 7. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, a notch 61a is formed in the vertical wall portion 61 of the tray holder 6. Although not shown in FIG. 6, a pair of notches 61a are provided facing each other in the front-rear direction. The pair of notches 61a are located below the partition plate 81 across the edge portion 50 of the tray 5 in a state in which the partition structure portion 8 is further placed on the tray 5 placed on the tray holder 6. In addition, the outer peripheral wall portion 62 of the tray holder 6 is provided with a pair of partition plate guides 62a into which the left and right ends of the partition plate 81 are inserted. The partition plate guides 62a are groove-like portions that are recessed toward the outer periphery of the outer peripheral wall portion 62 and extend in the up-down direction.

[0040] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the partition plate 81 has an engageable portion 81b that can engage with the cutout 61a, and an insertion rib 81c that is inserted into the partition plate guide 62a. The insertion rib 81c is located on the outer side of the partition plate 81 than the engageable portion 81b. There are a pair of engageable portions 81b corresponding to the pair of cutouts 61a. There are also a pair of insertion ribs 81c corresponding to the pair of partition plate guides 62a. The partition structure 8 is attached to the tray holder 6 with the partition plate 81 standing upright relative to the tray holder 6 by inserting the insertion rib 81c into the partition plate guide 62a.

[0041] Figures 8(a) and 9(a) show the relationship of each part in the "tray-present state." In the tray-present state, as shown in Figure 9(a), the notch 61a is covered by the edge 50 of the tray 5 and does not fit with the fittable part 81b. As shown in Figure 8(a), the water supply tank 7 is received by the receiving member 80 and the valve mechanism 72 is pressed against the pin-shaped part 80a. This allows water to be supplied from the water supply tank 7 to the tray 5, as described above.

[0042] 8(b) and 9(b) show the relationship of each part in the "tray-less state". In the tray-less state, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the tray 5 and the edge portion 50 are absent, and the engageable portion 81b engages with the notch 61a. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the receiving member 80 and the pin-shaped portion 80a are lower than in the tray-present state (that is, the entire partition structure portion 8 is lower than in the tray-present state), and the pin-shaped portion 80a separates from the valve mechanism 72. Therefore, the valve mechanism 72 is in a closed state, the flow path from the water supply port 71a to the receiving member 80 is blocked, and the water supply from the water supply tank 7 is stopped. This makes it possible to prevent water from flowing out from the water supply tank 7 to the tray holder 6 even if the user forgets to attach the tray 5 to the tray holder 6 and attaches the tray holder 6 with the partition structure portion 8 placed thereon to the housing 1.

[0043] Here, the tank body 70 of the water supply tank 7 has an opposing portion 70a that faces the standing wall portion 61 in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 8(a), in the tray-present state, the tank cap 71 of the water supply tank 7 is supported by the receiving member 80, and the opposing portion 70a is supported by the edge portion 50 of the tray 5. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8(b), in the tray-less state, the tank cap 71 of the water supply tank 7 is separated from the receiving member 80, and the opposing portion 70a is directly supported by the standing wall portion 61. As a result, in the tray-less state, the water supply tank 7 is slightly lowered by the thickness of the edge portion 50 of the tray 5 than in the tray-present state. On the other hand, as can be seen by comparing FIG. 8(a) and FIG. 8(b), in the tray-less state, the engageable portion 81b (i.e., the entire partition structure portion 8) is lowered by the sum of the thickness of the edge portion 50 and the depth (vertical length) of the notch 61a. Therefore, in the absence of a tray, the pin-shaped portion 80a can be separated from the valve mechanism 72 of the water supply tank 7 by a distance corresponding to the depth of the notch 61a.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the tray holder 6 has a base portion 602 that abuts against a portion of the tray 5 facing the receiving member 80 when the tray is present (the tank facing portion 52 of the tray 5 described above), a low floor portion 603 that is located lower than the base portion 602, and a rib 604 that surrounds the base portion 602. As shown in FIG. 6, the low floor portion 603 is connected to the bottom of the receiving dish portion 601. The base portion 602 rises upward from the low floor portion 603 and is formed in a circular shape in this embodiment. The base portion 602 can stabilize the tray 5 and the partition structure portion 8 located on the tray 5. The rib 604 is formed in a ring shape with a portion that is notched. The notched portion of the rib 604 can ensure ventilation, and water that has accumulated between the rib 604 and the base portion 602 can be easily dried.

[0045] The receiving member 80 has legs 80b that are supported by the tray 5 (specifically, the tank facing portion 52) in the tray-present state shown in FIG. 8(a). The legs 80b correspond to the lower end of the outer periphery of the receiving member 80 that is formed in a roughly disk-like shape, as shown in FIG. 10. As a result, the lower end of the legs 80b is ring-shaped, and in the tray-absent state, it is fitted between the base portion 602 and the rib 604 shown in FIG. 6. That is, in the tray-absent state shown in FIG. 8(b), as described above, the legs 80b of the partition structure 8, which is lower in position than in the tray-present state, are supported by the low floor portion 603. As a result, the partition structure 8 is reliably supported by the tray 5 at the legs 80b in the tray-present state, while in the tray-absent state, it is reliably supported by the low floor portion 603 of the tray holder 6.

[0046] Furthermore, the rib 604 of the tray holder 6 comes into contact with a portion of the tray 5 that does not face the receiving member 80 in the tray-present state shown in Fig. 8(a). In the tray-absent state shown in Fig. 8(b), the legs 80b are supported by the low floor portion 603 between the base portion 602 and the rib 604. Here, in the tray-present state, the tray 5 receives the load of the water supply tank 7 via the legs 80b of the receiving member 80, but the presence of the rib 604 allows the periphery of the portion of the tray 5 that is supported by the base portion 602 to be supported by the rib 604 as well. In other words, the rib 604 can prevent the load of the water supply tank 7 from concentrating locally on the tray 5, and can prevent the tray 5 from being deformed.

[0047] 10 supports a water level detection float 83, which floats on the water stored in the tray 5, so that the float can be displaced in response to the displacement of the water. Specifically, the water level detection float 83 floats on the water in the float water tank portion 53 described above. The float support portion 82 of this embodiment supports the water level detection float 83 so that the float can rotate about an axis BX extending in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when the water in the tray 5 is displaced, the water level detection float 83 is displaced in an arc shape about the axis BX.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 12, the water level detection float 83 holds a magnet M at its lower end. A magnetic sensor S for detecting a magnetic field (magnetic flux density) caused by the magnet M is provided on the opposite side of the flat bottom 53a of the float water tank 53 in the tray 5. The magnetic sensor S is embedded, for example, inside the bottom 10D of the casing 10. The magnetic sensor S is composed of a reed switch, a Hall element, an MR (Magneto Resistive Sensor) element, etc., and detects the magnetic flux of the magnet M that changes when the magnet M approaches the magnetic sensor S due to the displacement of the water level detection float 83. The control unit 9 detects the water level in the tray 5 based on the detection signal output by the magnetic sensor S. The water level detection float 83 holding the magnet M and the magnetic sensor S constitute a water level detection means.

[0049] Here, the tray 5 of this embodiment is formed by cold working SUS304, which is an austenitic stainless steel. The tray 5 may also be made of SUS301, SUS316, or the like.

[0050] The control unit 9 shown in FIG. 2 is composed of a microcomputer that controls the overall operation of the humidifier 100, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The control unit 9 is mounted on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) (not shown). The PCB is provided, for example, between the upper panel 1U and the casing 10. The control unit 9 is electrically connected to various electronic components provided in the humidifier 100. The control unit 9 receives operations performed by a user on an operation panel (not shown) provided on the upper panel 1U, and controls each unit of the humidifier 100 according to the received operation. The control unit 9 controls the operations of the heater H, the fan motor 2a, and a turn motor (not shown) that rotates and drives the humidifier unit 3, and performs a humidification operation to generate humidified air. The control unit 9 also controls the operations of each of the ultraviolet ray irradiation units 4. The control unit 9 also detects the water level in the tray 5 based on the output of the magnetic sensor S.

[0051] The overheat detection means TH detects an abnormally high temperature inside the housing 1, and is composed of, for example, a thermostat, a temperature fuse, a thermistor, etc. When the overheat detection means TH detects an abnormally high temperature during humidification operation, the humidifier 100 stops the operation of the heater H, controls the operation of the fan 2 and the turn motor (not shown) by the control unit 9, and notifies the user of the occurrence of the abnormally high temperature.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 13, the antibacterial agent case 200 is located around the pin-shaped portion 80a. The antibacterial agent case 200 contains an antibacterial agent 201 inside. In this embodiment, the antibacterial agent 201 is a pellet-shaped inorganic antibacterial agent made of water-soluble glass with silver affixed thereto. The antibacterial agent case 200 is provided with a plurality of openings 200a for allowing water to flow through. The opening area of ​​the openings 200a is smaller than the pellets of the antibacterial agent 201 inside so that each pellet does not flow out to the outside.

[0053] The antibacterial agent case 200 is disposed so as to surround the pin-shaped portion 80a on a bottom surface 801 formed by recessing from the edge of the receiving member 80. The antibacterial agent case 200 is disposed lower than the surface on which the tank cap 71 is received by the receiving member 80 when the water supply tank 7 is accommodated in the tank accommodation chamber R7. Here, the water level in the tray 5 is maintained at the stationary water level L at the lower end of the water supply port 71a by the water from the water supply tank 7 flowing through the water supply port 71a, but the antibacterial agent 201 in the antibacterial agent case 200 is positioned lower than the stationary water level L and is submerged through the opening 200a. At this time, silver ions are eluted from the antibacterial agent 201 into the water, thereby inactivating bacteria in the water and exerting an antibacterial effect.

[0054] When water is supplied from the water supply tank 7 to the tray 5, the water flows in the direction of the arrows shown in Fig. 8(a) and Fig. 14. Specifically, the water flows from the water supply port 71a, around the pin-shaped portion 80a, to the bottom surface 801 of the receiving member 80. The water then flows through the opening 200a of the antibacterial agent case 200 while coming into contact with the antibacterial agent 201. The water that leaves the antibacterial agent case 200 then flows through the water passage hole 81a and is supplied to the tray 5. Meanwhile, a portion of the water that flows from the water supply port 71a to the bottom surface 801 is supplied to the tray 5 from the bottom hole 801a.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 13, the claw portion 200b of the antibacterial agent case 200 and the engagement hole 801b of the receiving member 80 are provided in a pair, and the antibacterial agent case 200 is positioned relative to the receiving member 80 by engaging with each other. This allows the antibacterial agent case 200 to be fixed at a position where the water flowing through the antibacterial agent 201 most efficiently exerts the antibacterial effect. In addition, the claw portion 200b engaged with the engagement hole 801b can be easily removed by the user. That is, since the antibacterial agent case 200 is detachable from the receiving member 80, the antibacterial agent case 200 can be removed from the receiving member 80, and the partition structure portion 8 including the receiving member 80 can be easily cleaned. Note that a plurality of pairs of the claw portion 200b and the engagement hole 801b may be provided, and two pairs are provided in this embodiment.

[0056] As the humidifying operation continues, in which the humidifying filter 30 absorbs the water stored in the tray 5 and generates humidified air, the water in the water tank 7 runs out, causing the water level in the tray 5 to drop below the steady water level L. Thereafter, when the magnetic sensor S, which is the water level detection means, detects that the water level has dropped to a predetermined water level L1 (first water level), the control unit 9 stops the humidifying operation. Furthermore, the control unit 9 notifies the user to replenish water to the water tank 7. Here, even in the state of the first water level L1, a part (lower part) of the antibacterial agent 201 is immersed in the water in the tray 5. As a result, even if the humidifying device 100 remains stopped for a long time and the water tank 7 is not replenished for a long time, the water in the tray 5 can continue to receive the antibacterial effect of the antibacterial agent 201.

[0057] In the embodiment of the present invention, the antibacterial agent case 200 is configured in a substantially circular shape surrounding the pin-shaped portion 80a, but a configuration in which multiple antibacterial agent cases 200 are arranged around the pin-shaped portion 80a may also be used.

[0058] In the embodiment of the present invention, the pin-shaped portion 80a is integral with the receiving member 80, but may be a separate member. For example, the pin-shaped portion 80a may be provided separately on the receiving member 80.

[0059] In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, the tank cap 71 and the receiving member 80 come into contact with each other, so that the water supply tank 7 is supported by the receiving member 80, but the receiving member 80 may not be necessary. In other words, when the water supply tank 7 is accommodated in the tank accommodation chamber R7, the water supply tank 7 may be supported only by the edge portion 50 of the tray 5 or the vertical wall portion 61 of the tray holder 6, rather than by the receiving member 80.

[0060] Next, the control after the water stored in the tray 5 has fallen to a predetermined water level L1 (first water level) due to the humidification operation will be described with reference to the timing charts of FIGS.

[0061] As the water level in the tray 5 drops due to the humidification operation of the humidifier 100, the water level detection float 83 is displaced, and as a result, the water level drops to the first water level. The magnetic sensor S detects this drop in the water level and outputs it to the control unit 9. The drop to the first water level means that the water supply tank 7 has run out of water and there is a water shortage in the tray 5. Here, in the humidification operation, when the rotation speed of the fan 2 is relatively low, the operation is weak, and when the rotation speed of the fan 2 is relatively high, the operation is strong. The weak operation is an operation mode in which the amount of humidified air generated is relatively small, and the strong operation is an operation mode in which the amount of humidified air generated is relatively large.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 15, after detecting that the water level has dropped to the first water level, the control unit 9 stops the humidifying operation, and thus stops the operation of the fan 2 and the heater H. As a result, due to the overrunning operation of the fan motor 2a, the rotation speed of the fan 2 gradually decreases, and the rotation completely stops, that is, the rotation speed becomes zero. At this time, the period from the start of the decrease in the rotation speed of the fan 2 until it completely stops is defined as Xa (during weak operation) and Xb (during strong operation). Note that since the weak operation with a low rotation speed reaches rotation stop earlier, Xa < Xb. Thereafter, the control unit 9 secures Ya (during weak operation) and Yb (during strong operation) as the periods for maintaining the state where the rotation of the fan 2 has stopped. Thereafter, in order to exhaust the air associated with the residual heat of the heater H accumulated inside the housing 1 to the outside of the housing 1, a first purge operation PG1 for operating the fan 2 is executed. The rotation speed and the operation time of the fan 2 in the first purge operation PG1 may be anything as long as the exhaust heat is sufficiently performed. For example, the fan 2 is operated at a rotation speed equivalent to that of the weak operation for about 1 minute.

[0063] The period from the start of the decrease in the rotation speed of the fan 2 until the first purge operation PG1 is executed is the period during which the control unit 9 stops the operation of the fan 2, and this is defined as period A. And period A is set to a predetermined time (first predetermined time) regardless of the rotation speed of the fan 2. That is, period A, that is, the first predetermined time, becomes Xa + Ya when the fan 2 is in weak operation, and becomes Xb + Yb when the fan 2 is in strong operation. Also, since Xa + Ya = Xb + Yb and Xa < Xb, the relationship Ya > Yb holds. The first predetermined time is, for example, about 6 seconds.

[0064] Here, since the fan 2 is stopped during period A, the temperature rise inside the housing 1 due to the preheating of the heater H is promoted. As a result, when the overheat detection means TH detects an abnormally high temperature and operates, the control unit 9 executes a second purge operation PG2 for operating the fan 2 in order to exhaust the air inside the housing 1 to the outside and lower the temperature. Further, the user is notified of the occurrence of an abnormally high temperature. FIG. 15 shows a case where the overheat detection means TH detects an abnormally high temperature and operates at Yb, which is the period for maintaining the rotation stop state.

[0065] Here, the rotation speed of the fan 2 in the second purge operation PG2 is higher than that in the first purge operation PG1, and the operation time of the fan 2 in the second purge operation PG2 is longer than that in the first purge operation PG1. Here, since the second purge operation PG2 is an operation caused by the operation of the overheat detection means TH, the air temperature to be exhausted by the second purge operation PG2 (the temperature inside the housing 1 immediately before the second purge operation PG2 is executed) is higher than the air temperature in the first purge operation (the temperature inside the housing 1 immediately before the first purge operation PG1 is executed). Therefore, the second purge operation PG2 needs to have a higher rotation speed and a longer operation time than the first purge operation PG1. The rotation speed and operation time of the fan 2 in the second purge operation PG2 are, for example, operated at the same rotation speed as the strong operation for about 3 minutes.

[0066] Here, we will explain the reason for providing period A during which the operation of fan 2 is stopped after the water level detection means detects the water level of a water shortage. As mentioned in the problem of the prior art, in conventional humidifiers, the humidification operation stops suddenly and unintentionally when the inside of the device becomes abnormally hot. To avoid this, it is necessary for the user to check the degree of dust clogging in advance each time, but it is difficult to accurately determine the degree of clogging that leads to abnormally high temperatures, and regular cleaning maintenance is also a cumbersome task.

[0067] Therefore, after the water level detection means has notified the user of a water shortage, the operation of the fan 2 and heater H is stopped for a predetermined period of time as a means of indirectly determining the degree of dust clogging in the suction port P1. If the temperature inside the housing 1 rises due to the residual heat of the heater H and reaches an abnormally high temperature, it is determined that the degree of dust clogging is significant.

[0068] FIG. 16 shows the temperature transition inside the housing 1 when the rotation speed control based on the first predetermined time period described in FIG. 15 is performed. As shown in FIG. 16, the temperatures Ta and Tb inside the housing 1 in low and high operation are Ta1 in low operation and Tb1 in high operation after the period Xa or Xb in which the rotation speed decreases when the operation of the fan 2 is stopped. Here, during the periods Xa and Xb, the rotation due to the overrun operation slightly promotes the exhaust of heat to the outside of the housing 1, so Ta1 and Tb1 are lower than the temperature immediately before the fan 2 is stopped. However, depending on the rotation speed of the fan 2 and the degree of clogging of the intake port P1, the exhaust of heat may not be promoted and the temperature may rise.

[0069] After the period Xa or Xb, there are periods Ya and Yb in which the rotation is stopped, and the temperature inside the housing 1 rises from Ta1 and Tb1. This is because the ambient temperature of the overheat detection means TH rises due to the residual heat of the heater H, while the amount of heat discharged to the outside of the housing 1 only by natural convection of air is relatively small. The temperature rises during the periods Ya and Yb as the area that can be ventilated to the outside of the housing 1 is smaller, the convection is not promoted, and the temperature rises as the degree of clogging of the intake port P1 increases. Here, if the degree of clogging of the intake port P1 in the housing 1 is large, when the operation is stopped from low operation, the temperature rises within the period Ya and becomes abnormally high, reaching the detection temperature Tm of the overheat detection means TH. After that, the user is notified of the occurrence of the abnormally high temperature, and the above-mentioned second purge operation PG2 is executed. On the other hand, when the high operation is stopped, the temperature rises, but does not reach the detection temperature Tm of the overheat detection means TH during the period Yb, and the above-mentioned first purge operation is executed after it reaches Tb2.

[0070] Therefore, even if the temperature Ta inside the housing 1 does not reach the detection temperature Tm of the overheat detection means TH during humidification operation, if it reaches the detection temperature Tm within the period A (first predetermined time) after the operation of the fan 2 and heater H is stopped, it is determined that the dust in the intake port P1 is significantly clogged and that the temperature will soon reach an abnormally high temperature during the subsequent humidification operation, and a notification is issued to encourage the user to clean the intake port P1, and the second purge operation PG2 is performed to exhaust heat. On the other hand, if the temperature does not reach the detection temperature Tm of the overheat detection means TH, it is determined that the dust in the intake port P1 is not significantly clogged, and the first purge operation is performed to exhaust heat.

[0071] FIG. 17 shows a timing chart in the case where Ya and Yb, which are periods in which the rotation is stopped in FIG. 15, are set to a predetermined time (second predetermined time Y2). That is, the period A in which the operation of the fan 2 is stopped after the water level detection means detects the water level of the water shortage is set to the period Xa and Xb from when the rotation speed of the fan 2 starts to decrease until it completely stops, plus the period until the second predetermined time for which the rotation is stopped has elapsed. That is, the period A varies depending on the rotation speed of the fan 2 during the humidification operation, and the period A is shorter in the weak operation with a low rotation speed, and longer in the strong operation with a high rotation speed. After the period A, the first purge operation PG1 is performed in which the fan 2 is operated to exhaust heat from the air inside the housing 1 to the outside of the housing 1, as in FIG. 15. The second predetermined time is, for example, about 2 seconds.

[0072] FIG. 18 shows the temperature transition inside the housing 1 when the rotation speed control based on the second predetermined time described in FIG. 17 is performed. When the fan 2 stops operating, the temperature Ta inside the housing 1 in the low operation mode transitions to Ta1 after the period Xa during which the rotation speed decreases, as in FIG. 16, and reaches the detection temperature Tm of the overheat detection means TH within the second predetermined time Y2 during which the rotation stop state is maintained. On the other hand, the temperature Tb inside the housing 1 in the high operation mode becomes Tb1 after the period Xb during which the rotation speed decreases, but since the second predetermined time Y2 is longer than the period Yb in FIG. 16, the temperature rise due to the residual heat of the heater H progresses, and as a result, it reaches the detection temperature Tm of the overheat detection means TH. Thereafter, the user is notified of the occurrence of an abnormally high temperature, and the above-mentioned second purge operation PG2 is executed.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 16, when the rotation speed of the fan 2 is controlled based on the first predetermined time in which the period A is a constant value, the temperature reaches the detection temperature Tm of the overheat detection means TH when the fan is stopped from low operation, but does not reach the detection temperature Tm when the fan is stopped from high operation. In other words, even if the degree of clogging of the intake port P1 with dust is the same, the result of the determination of the degree of clogging may differ depending on the rotation speed during humidification operation. This is because the period Yb during which the rotation is stopped during high operation is shorter than the period Ya during low operation, and therefore the temperature rise value during the period Yb is smaller.

[0074] 18, by controlling the rotation speed of fan 2 based on a second predetermined time in which the period during which the rotation stop state is maintained is set to a constant value, it is possible to ensure a sufficient temperature rise value after fan 2 completely stops, regardless of the speed of fan 2. As a result, if the degree of dust clogging at intake port P1 is the same, the same judgment result can be obtained even if the operation mode during humidification operation is different.

[0075] The first and second specified times are set so that the degree of clogging of the intake port P1 is such that the temperature inside the housing 1 reaches an abnormal temperature during humidification operation, and the temperature rise caused by the rotation of the fan 2 stopping at that time reaches the detection temperature Tm of the overheat detection means TH.

[0076] Moreover, the first purge operation PG1 and the second purge operation PG2 do not necessarily have to be performed. In other words, the first purge operation PG1 does not have to be performed after the period A during which the fan 2 is stopped, and the second purge operation PG2 does not have to be performed after the temperature reaches the detection temperature Tm of the overheat detection means TH. In both cases, it is sufficient that the temperature inside the housing 1 is discharged by natural convection.

[0077] The humidifier 100 described above can be described from the following viewpoint α.

[0078] (Point of View α) The main objective of viewpoint α is to provide a humidifier that allows the user to perform efficient maintenance on a single occasion and that can prevent a situation in which humidification operation is disabled due to the overheat detection means being activated during humidification operation.

[0079] (α1) The humidifier (100) according to the aspect α is A humidifying section (3) that generates humidified air; A housing (1) having an inlet (P1) for drawing in outside air and an outlet (P2) for blowing out the humidified air; a fan (2) provided in a flow path extending from the intake port through the humidifier to the exhaust port for blowing air; A heater (H) provided in the flow path for heating air; A tray (5) for storing water for generating the humidified air; A water level detection means for detecting the water level in the tray; An overheat detection means (TH) for detecting an abnormally high temperature in the housing, A control unit (9) for controlling a humidification operation of the humidifier, When the control unit detects that the water level detection means has dropped below a first water level, which is the water shortage level, the control unit stops operation of the fan and heater, and when the temperature inside the housing rises and the overheat detection means operates, the control unit determines that part of the intake port is blocked and alerts the user. According to this configuration, after the water level detection means reports a water shortage, the operation of the fan and heater is stopped, and the presence or absence of the overheat detection means due to the temperature rise inside the housing 1 is detected, thereby indirectly determining the degree of clogging of the suction port with dust. Also, the user can know whether or not it is necessary to clean the clogged suction port in accordance with the timing of the water supply operation to the water tank, and if necessary, can perform maintenance efficiently in a single opportunity. Also, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the overheat detection means operates during humidification operation and humidification operation cannot be performed.

[0080] (α2) In the humidifier according to α1, A period A during which the operation of the fan is stopped after it is detected that the water level has fallen below the first water level is a period from when the control unit stops the operation of the fan until a first predetermined time has elapsed, and including a period during which the rotation of the fan is maintained in a stopped state, After the period A, a first purge operation is performed to exhaust heat from inside the housing. According to this configuration, the period during which the fan is stopped is set to the first predetermined time, which is a period during which the degree of clogging of the intake port can be appropriately determined, and the temperature inside the housing that has risen due to the fan being stopped can be reliably discharged by the first purge operation.

[0081] (α3) In the humidifier according to α1, A period A during which the operation of the fan is stopped after it is detected that the water level has fallen below the first water level is a period from when the control unit stops the operation of the fan until the rotation of the fan stops, plus a period until a second predetermined time during which the rotation stop state of the fan is maintained has elapsed, After the period A, a first purge operation is performed to exhaust heat from inside the housing. According to this configuration, by setting the time for which the fan is stopped to the second predetermined time, the degree of blockage of the intake port can be determined uniformly even if the fan rotation speed during humidification operation is different, and the temperature inside the housing that has risen due to the fan being stopped can be reliably discharged by the first purge operation.

[0082] (α4) In the humidifier according to α2 or α3, If the overheat detection means is activated during the period A, a second purge operation is performed to exhaust heat from inside the housing when the overheat detection means is activated. According to this configuration, if the overheat detection means operates during period A and the inside of the housing becomes abnormally hot, the heat can be reliably discharged by the second purge operation.

[0083] (α5) In the humidifier according to α4, The rotation speed of the fan during the second purge operation is higher than that during the first purge operation, The period of the second purge operation is longer than the period of the first purge operation. According to this configuration, the second purge operation caused by the operation of the overheat detection means TH is performed at a higher rotation speed and for a longer operating time than the first purge operation, so that heat can be safely and reliably exhausted from the inside of the housing, which has become abnormally hot.

[0084] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and drawings. It is possible to make appropriate changes (including deletion of components) within the scope of the present invention. For example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 4 may be any unit that emits light in the ultraviolet region, and is not limited to one that emits deep ultraviolet light (UV-C). In addition, the humidification unit 3 is not limited to a configuration that can rotate with respect to the housing 1. The humidification unit 3 may be one that does not rotate with respect to the housing 1 and is installed above the tray 5. In this case, instead of the bearing 8R provided on the partition plate 81, a support unit of any shape that supports a part of the humidification unit 3 may be provided. It is preferable that this support unit determines the relative position of the humidification unit 3 with respect to the tray 5. In addition, the engageable portion 81b is not limited to an example that is a part of the partition plate 81, and may be a configuration that is formed integrally with at least the receiving member 80.

[0085] In the above description, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, descriptions of well-known technical matters have been omitted as appropriate.

[0086] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 100...humidifier, W...flow path 1. Housing 1a...insertion port, P1...intake port, P2...outlet 1F: front panel, 1B: rear panel 1L…left panel, 1R…right panel, 1U…upper panel 10…Casing 10D…Bottom 11...Holder accommodation section 12...Side wall part, 12a...Communication hole 13... Fan housing, Q1... Intake port, Q2... Exhaust port 14...beam portion, 14a...module case 15...wall, 17...lid R3: Humidification unit housing chamber, R7: Tank housing chamber 2... Fan, 2a... Fan motor 200: antibacterial agent case; 200a: opening; 200b: tab 201...Antibacterial agents L: steady water level, L1: falling water level 3. Humidification section 3a: first ventilation section, 3b: second ventilation section 30...Humidification filter 31...frame body, 31R,31L...shaft part, AX...axis line 4...Ultraviolet irradiation section, U...Ultraviolet light 5…Tray 50... Edge, 50a... Supported part, 50b... Alongside part 51...Main water tank part, 51a...Bottom plate part 52…Tank facing part 53...float water tank section, 53a...flat bottom section 6…Tray holder 6a, 6b...Opening, 6R...Holder panel, 6L...Bearing 60…Tray storage area 601... tray portion, 601a... crosspiece 602: base, 603: low floor, 604: rib 61...standing wall portion, 61a...notch 62... outer peripheral wall portion, 62a... partition plate guide 7. Water tank 70...tank body, 70a...opposing portion 71...tank cap, 71a...water inlet, 72...valve mechanism 8...Partition structure 8R…Bearing (support part) 80: receiving member, 80a: pin-shaped portion, 80b: leg portion 801...bottom surface, 801a...bottom hole, 801b...engaging hole 81…Partition 81a... water passage hole, 81b... matable portion, 81c... insertion rib 82…Float support 83...Float for detecting water level, M...Magnet, BX...Axis 9...Control section S: Magnetic sensor H: Heater TH: Overheat detection means

Claims

1. A humidifying unit that generates humidified air; a housing having an inlet for drawing in outside air and an outlet for blowing out the humidified air; a fan provided in a flow path from the air inlet through the humidifier to the air outlet for blowing air; a heater provided in the flow path for heating air; A tray for storing water for generating the humidified air; A water level detection means for detecting the water level in the tray; and an overheat detection means for detecting an abnormally high temperature inside the housing. A control unit for controlling the humidification operation of the humidifier, This humidifier is characterized in that when the water level detection means detects that the water level has dropped below a first water level, which is the water shortage level, the control unit stops operation of the fan and the heater, and when the temperature inside the housing rises and the overheat detection means is activated, it determines that a portion of the intake port is blocked and alerts the user.

2. A period A during which the operation of the fan is stopped after it is detected that the water level has fallen below the first water level is a period from when the control unit stops the operation of the fan until a first predetermined time has elapsed, and including a period during which the rotation of the fan is maintained stopped, 2. The humidifier according to claim 1, further comprising: a first purge operation for exhausting heat from inside the housing after the period A.

3. A period A during which the operation of the fan is stopped after it is detected that the water level has fallen below the first water level is a period from when the control unit stops the operation of the fan until the rotation of the fan stops, plus a period until a second predetermined time during which the rotation stop state of the fan is maintained has elapsed; 2. The humidifier according to claim 1, further comprising: a first purge operation for exhausting heat from inside the housing after the period A.

4. 4. The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein, when the overheat detection means is activated during the period A, a second purge operation is performed to exhaust heat from inside the housing when the overheat detection means is activated.

5. The rotation speed of the fan during the second purge operation is higher than that during the first purge operation, 5. The humidifier according to claim 4, wherein a period of the second purge operation is longer than a period of the first purge operation.

Images