Humidifier

Abstract

To provide a humidifier capable of improving convenience of a user.SOLUTION: A humidifier 1 comprises a water supply tank 11, a humidification unit 20, a water amount sensor 31, and a notification unit 55. The water supply tank 11 stores water. The humidification unit 20 performs humidification operation using water supplied from the water supply tank 11. The water amount sensor 31 detects a remaining water amount, which is an a remaining amount of water in the water supply tank 11. The notification unit 55 issues a notification on a humidification available time, which is based on the remaining water amount and indicates a remaining time for which humidification operation can be performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a humidifier that notifies the user when there is a small amount of water in the water tank. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a humidifier that detects the presence or absence of water in the water tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 03-158634 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional humidifiers only detect the presence or absence of water, and therefore the user cannot know the amount of time the humidifier can be operated based on the remaining water level, leaving room for improvement in terms of convenience.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier that can improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The humidifier of the present invention includes a water tank, a humidifying unit, a water level sensor, and an alarm unit. The water tank stores water. The humidifying unit performs a humidifying operation using water supplied from the water tank. The water level sensor detects a remaining water level, which is the amount of water remaining in the water tank. The alarm unit alarms a humidifying available time, which is based on the remaining water level and indicates the remaining time for which the humidifying operation can be performed. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the humidifier of the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience for the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a humidifier according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the humidifier shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an external view of the water supply tank shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the periphery of an accommodation space inside the housing shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the state of a magnetic sensor element and the water level in the water level sensor shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a humidification amount table shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a notification process for an operable time in the humidifier shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an automatic adjustment process of the operation intensity in the humidifier shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process for notifying the amount of water supply in the humidifier shown in FIG. [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of a display mode on a display panel. [Figure 11B] 13 is a diagram showing a second example of a display mode on the display panel. 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 characters and detailed description will not be repeated.

[0010] (1) Overall structure Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a humidifier 1 according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the humidifier 1 includes a housing 10, a humidifying section 20, a sensor 30, a microcomputer 40, and a user interface 70. The structure of the housing 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2.

[0011] (1-1) Cabinet 10 Fig. 2 is an external view of the humidifier 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 10 of the humidifier 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. An air outlet 12 and a water supply port 13 are formed on an upper surface 10A of the housing 10. The air outlet 12 is an outlet that discharges humidified air to the outside of the housing 10. Water is poured into the water supply tank 11 through the water supply port 13.

[0012] An operation switch 71 and a display panel 72 are arranged on the top surface 10A of the housing 10 as a user interface 70. The operation switch 71 is an input device for operating the humidifier 1. The display panel 72 is an output device that displays various information related to the operation of the humidifier 1. Note that the various information related to the operation of the humidifier 1 includes, for example, the following: Humidification time -Additional water volume indicating the amount of water that should be supplied

[0013] Here, the available humidification time is a time based on the remaining water amount and the operating intensity of the humidification operation, and indicates the remaining time during which the humidification operation by the humidifier unit 20 can be continued at the operating intensity at the time of evaluation. The user can check the available humidification time displayed on the display panel 72 to confirm the available operating time for the operating intensity that the user has set. Details of the display process on the display panel 72 will be described later.

[0014] A water supply tank 11 is built into the housing 10. Water for humidification is stored in the water supply tank 11. The water supply tank 11 is disposed below the housing 10. Here, the structure of the water supply tank 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an external view of the water supply tank 11.

[0015] The water supply tank 11 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that opens upward. Note that the water supply tank 11 may have any shape as long as it can be stored in the housing 10.

[0016] A filter 22 of the humidifying unit 20, which will be described later, is disposed vertically inside the water supply tank 11. The water supply tank 11 has a pair of side walls 11A. A protruding wall 11B that protrudes inward in a plan view is disposed on the inner side of each of the pair of side walls 11A. The protruding wall 11B is in contact with an end face 22A of the filter 22. The protruding wall 11B is in contact with the end face 22A to prevent leakage of the air flow passing through the filter 22.

[0017] An accommodation space 15 is formed between the protruding wall 11B on one side and the side wall 11A of the water supply tank 11. A part of a water level sensor 31 for detecting the water level of the water stored in the water supply tank 11 is accommodated in the accommodation space 15.

[0018] (1-2) Humidification unit 20 The humidifying section 20 shown in FIG. 1 performs a humidifying operation using water supplied from a water supply tank 11. The humidifying section 20 is housed inside the housing 10. The humidifying section 20 includes a fan 21 and a filter 22. The fan 21 blows air toward the filter 22 by driving a motor. The operating strength of the fan 21 is controlled by an operation control section 51, which will be described later, and has three levels, for example, "strong," "medium," and "weak." The fan 21 blows air at a strength corresponding to the operating strength.

[0019] The filter 22 absorbs water in the water supply tank 11 and evaporates it by receiving air blown by the fan 21. As a result, the water in the water supply tank 11 is released into the air and humidified.

[0020] (1-3) Sensor 30 The sensor 30 includes a water level sensor 31, a thermometer 32, and a hygrometer 33. The water level sensor 31 detects the level of water stored in the water supply tank 11. The structure of the water level sensor 31 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the periphery of the accommodation space 15 inside the housing 10. As shown in this figure, the water level sensor 31 includes a float portion 34 and a sensor portion 35.

[0021] The float portion 34 is accommodated inside the accommodation space 15. The float portion 34 has a magnet 34A. The float portion 34 is configured to float on the water stored in the water supply tank 11, and rises and falls in the vertical direction according to fluctuations in the water level. The shape of the float portion 34 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped. However, the shape of the float portion 34 may be any shape.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, when the water supply tank 11 is placed inside the housing 10, a sensor unit 35 is attached to the inner surface 18 of the water supply tank 11.

[0023] The sensor unit 35 has a substrate 36 that is long in the vertical direction, and a plurality of magnetic sensor elements 37. Each of the plurality of magnetic sensor elements 37 detects the magnetism of the magnet 34A of the float unit 34. Any magnetic sensor element can be used as the magnetic sensor element 37 as long as it can detect the magnetism of the magnet 34A provided in the float unit 34. As the magnetic sensor element 37, for example, a Hall IC (Integrated Circuit) can be used.

[0024] The magnetic sensor elements 37 are arranged in a line in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, nine magnetic sensor elements 37 are arranged at regular intervals in the vertical direction. The vertical intervals between the magnetic sensor elements 37 are set to be sufficient to detect the magnet 34A of the float part 34 regardless of the height of the float part 34.

[0025] Also, a plurality of magnetic sensor elements 37 adjacent to each other may be able to detect the magnet 34A simultaneously. Thereby, the water level in the water supply tank 11 can be detected as the height position of the magnet 34A.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the state of the magnetic sensor element 37 and the water level in the water amount sensor 31. In FIG. 5, the black circles indicate that the magnetic sensor element 37 is in the ON state, and the white circles indicate that the magnetic sensor element 37 is in the OFF state.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, the water amount sensor 31 detects the water level in the water supply tank 11 based on the position of the magnetic sensor element 37 that has detected the magnet 34A. Specifically, when a plurality of magnetic sensor elements 37 are turned ON, or when two magnetic sensor elements 37 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction are each turned ON, the water level is detected based on the magnetic sensor element 37 that has been turned ON.

[0028] Note that when all the magnetic sensor elements 37 become white circles, it is determined that the water supply tank 11 is not set in the humidifier 1. The detection result of the magnetic sensor element 37 is transmitted to a water amount detection unit 52 described later.

[0029] The thermometer 32 shown in FIG. 1 measures the temperature of the space where the humidifier 1 is disposed. The value of the temperature measured by the thermometer 32 is transmitted to an environment detection unit 53 described later. The hygrometer 33 measures the humidity of the space where the humidifier 1 is disposed. The value of the humidity measured by the hygrometer 33 is transmitted to the environment detection unit 53 described later.

[0030] (1-4) Microcomputer 40 The microcomputer 40 shown in FIG. 1 includes a control unit 50 and a storage unit 60. The control unit 50 controls the humidifying unit 20. The control unit 50 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor is hardware for executing a set of instructions described in a program and is composed of an arithmetic unit, a register, a peripheral circuit, and the like.

[0031] The storage unit 60 includes a storage device and stores data and computer programs. Specifically, the storage unit 6012 includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and an auxiliary storage device such as a semiconductor memory, a solid-state drive, and / or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 6012 may include removable media. The storage unit 60 corresponds to an example of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0032] The storage unit 60 stores, for example, the following information: Humidification amount table Various programs for controlling the humidifier 1

[0033] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a humidification amount table. As shown in Fig. 6, the humidification amount table is a data table in which the amount of humidification per unit time for each operation intensity is set. In the humidification amount table, the amount of moisture that is a guideline for the amount of humidification per hour for each humidity range and each operation intensity in an environment of a reference temperature is set. The reference temperature is, for example, 20°C. The reference temperature can be changed arbitrarily.

[0034] Here, the amount of humidification refers to the amount of moisture discharged by the humidifier 1 into the space to be humidified. For example, if the humidity in the room to be humidified is 50%, and the humidifier 1 is operated at medium power for one hour, the humidifier 1 will discharge 280 mL of water. In other words, in this case, 280 mL of water will be used up from the water supply tank 11. Generally, with an evaporative humidification method, the higher the humidity, the more difficult it is to humidify, and the lower the humidity, the easier it is to humidify.

[0035] 6 are merely examples, and the humidification amount values ​​are changed as appropriate depending on factors such as the size of the room in which the humidifier 1 is expected to be used. In addition, the number of stages of operation intensity and the size of the humidity range can also be changed as desired.

[0036] The control unit 50 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 60 to realize each function as a functional module of the humidifier 1. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 50. As shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 501 executes each function as an operation control unit 51, a water volume detection unit 52, an environment detection unit 53, a numerical calculation unit 54, and an alarm unit 55 as functional modules.

[0037] The operation control unit 51 controls the humidification operation of the humidifying unit 20. Specifically, the operation control unit 51 controls the operation intensity of the fan 21 of the humidifying unit 20 in accordance with the operation intensity set by the user.

[0038] The operation control unit 51 also controls a timer function that specifies the time until the humidification operation is stopped (operation stop time). Specifically, the operation control unit 51 stops the operation of the fan 21 of the humidification unit 20 based on the timer setting time set by the user.

[0039] The operation control unit 51 also automatically adjusts the operation intensity in the humidifying unit 20. The operation control unit 51 adjusts the operation intensity of the humidifying unit 20 based on the remaining water volume, which is the amount of water remaining in the water supply tank 11, so that the water supply tank 11 does not run out of water. The operation control unit 51 controls the humidifying unit 20 so that the humidification possible time is equal to or longer than the humidification end time. Therefore, the operation intensity can be automatically adjusted so that a water shortage does not occur until the operation stop time set by the timer function. The method of adjusting the operation intensity by the operation control unit 51 may be a control that changes the stage of the operation intensity, or a thinning operation that temporarily stops the operation itself.

[0040] In other words, even if the user has set the operating conditions to continuous operation, if there is only a small amount of water remaining in the water tank 11, the available humidification time will be determined based on the amount of remaining water unless water is supplied.

[0041] On the other hand, the humidification end time indicates the remaining time until the humidification operation ends. For example, if the user inputs a timer setting to stop operation after 2 hours, the timer setting is specified as the humidification end time.

[0042] The operation control unit 51 then refers to the humidification amount table and adjusts the operation intensity of the humidification operation based on the humidification amount per unit time for the operation intensity of the humidification operation so that the humidification possible time is equal to or longer than the humidification end time. Therefore, the operation intensity can be accurately adjusted using the humidification amount table.

[0043] The water level detection unit 52 detects the remaining water amount based on the water level detected by the water level sensor 31. The water level detection unit 52 may calculate the remaining water amount based on the water level and the cross-sectional area of ​​the water supply tank 11. The water level detection unit 52 may also detect the remaining water amount from the water level by referring to a remaining water amount table in which the water level and the remaining water amount are associated with each other.

[0044] The environment detection unit 53 detects the temperature and humidity based on the values ​​measured by the thermometer 32 and the hygrometer 33 .

[0045] The numerical calculation unit 54 calculates the available humidification time based on the remaining water amount detected by the water amount detection unit 52. Specifically, the numerical calculation unit 54 refers to the humidification amount table, identifies the value of the humidification amount for the current humidity and operation intensity, and calculates the time required to completely humidify the amount of water equivalent to the remaining water amount.

[0046] The numerical calculation unit 54 further updates the humidification amount table. Specifically, the numerical calculation unit 54 calculates the actual value of the humidification amount based on the elapsed time and the amount of water actually decreased in the water supply tank 11 during the elapsed time. The numerical calculation unit 54 can then correct the value of the humidification amount table with the actual value of the humidification amount. In this case, the humidification amount per unit time specified in the humidification amount table indicates a value calculated based on the amount of change over time in the amount of remaining water. In this way, by correcting the humidification amount table based on the amount of change over time, it is possible to accurately adjust the operating intensity. Note that the correction of the humidification amount table may be omitted.

[0047] Furthermore, the numerical calculation unit 54 may perform correction based on the humidity value detected by the environment detection unit 53. Specifically, when the humidity changes from 40% to 50% during humidification operation and the actual humidification amount is 200 ml / h, 90% of the actual value of 200 ml may be set as the humidification amount per unit time. In this case, the humidification amount per unit time specified in the humidification amount table is a value calculated based on the measurement result of the hygrometer 33. That is, by updating the humidification amount in consideration of the humidity change, it is possible to grasp the humidification amount more accurately.

[0048] The numerical calculation unit 54 calculates the necessary amount of water to be supplied. The numerical calculation unit 54 calculates the amount of water in the water supply tank 11 that is based on the available humidification time and the end time of humidification and is necessary to make the available humidification time equal to or longer than the end time of humidification.

[0049] The numerical calculation unit 54 also calculates the amount of water required to add to the water supply tank 11 based on the remaining water amount, the available humidification time, and the end time of humidification, so that the available humidification time is equal to or longer than the end time of humidification.

[0050] The notification unit 55 notifies the user of the remaining water amount. In this case, the notification unit 55 notifies the user of the remaining water amount detected by the water amount detection unit 52 as the amount of water contained in the water supply tank 11, by outputting the remaining water amount detected by the water amount detection unit 52 to the display panel 72 described later. The notification unit 55 can further notify the amount of water supply required to fill the water supply tank 11. In this case, the numerical calculation unit 54 subtracts the remaining water amount from the full water amount of the water supply tank 11 to obtain the amount of water supply required to fill the tank. Notification of the amount of water supply required to fill the tank is performed, for example, when the timer function described later is not used.

[0051] The notification unit 55 further notifies the user of the available humidification time. The notification unit 55 notifies the user of the available humidification time calculated by the numerical calculation unit 54 by outputting the available humidification time to the display panel 72 (described later). In this way, the notification unit 55 notifies the user of the available operation time based on the remaining amount of water, so that the user can know when a drought will occur. As a result, the user's convenience can be improved.

[0052] The notification unit 55 further notifies the user of the amount of water required to make the humidification possible time equal to or longer than the humidification end time, which is based on the humidification possible time and the humidification end time calculated by the numerical calculation unit 54. This allows the user to know the amount of water required to make the humidification possible time equal to or longer than the humidification end time.

[0053] The notification unit 55 further notifies the user of the amount of water required to make the humidification possible time equal to or longer than the humidification end time, which is based on the remaining water amount, the humidification possible time, and the humidification end time calculated by the numerical calculation unit 54. This allows the user to know the amount of water to be added depending on the level of the remaining water amount.

[0054] The notification unit 55 notifies the amount of water by using an icon resembling a container. This allows the user to intuitively grasp the amount of water dispensed. The specific display mode of the display panel 72 at this time will be described later.

[0055] (1-5) User Interface 70 1 includes an operation switch 71 and a display panel 72. The operation switch 71 and the display panel 72 are disposed on the outer surface of the housing 10, as shown in FIG.

[0056] The operation switch 71 is an input interface that accepts input from the user of operation conditions related to the humidification operation of the humidification unit 20. Examples of operations that the user performs on the operation switch 71 include the following. Humidification operation start operation - Humidification operation end operation - Humidification operation timer function for setting the operation stop time - Start operation of automatic adjustment function of humidification operation - Display and operation of remaining water level -Displays the amount of additional water required

[0057] The display panel 72 is an output interface that displays to the user the notification contents from the notification unit 55. Examples of the contents displayed on the display panel 72 include the following. Humidification operation conditions Timer function settings Auto adjustment function settings ·Residual water amount Additional water required The operation buttons and the display panel 72 may be configured as a single unit using the touch panel type user interface 70.

[0058] (2) Operation of Humidifier 1 Next, a description will be given of the operation of the humidifier 1. First, a notification process of the available humidification time in the humidifier 1 will be described.

[0059] (2-1) Notification of available humidification time Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a process flow of the process of notifying the remaining operation time. As shown in Fig. 8, the humidifier 1 first starts the humidification operation in response to a start operation input from the user (step S101). Specifically, the operation switch 71 of the humidifier 1 accepts an input from the user to start the humidification operation. At this time, the user selects and inputs the operation intensity.

[0060] While the humidifier 1 is performing a humidification operation, the humidifier 1 detects the amount of water remaining in the water tank 11 (step S102). The detection of the amount of water remaining is performed at preset time intervals, such as every 30 minutes. Specifically, the water amount detection unit 52 of the humidifier 1 detects the amount of water remaining based on the water level detected by the water amount sensor 31.

[0061] After the remaining water amount is detected, the humidifier 1 calculates the humidification amount (step S103). Specifically, the numerical calculation unit 54 calculates the actual value of the humidification amount per unit time from the change in the remaining water amount over time. At this time, the numerical calculation unit 54 may correct the value of the humidification amount table using the calculated actual value of the humidification amount.

[0062] After calculating the amount of humidification, the humidifier 1 calculates the available humidification time (step S104). Specifically, the numerical calculation unit 54 calculates the available humidification time using the calculated actual value of the amount of humidification based on the amount of remaining water.

[0063] After calculating the available humidification time, the humidifier 1 notifies the user of the available humidification time (step S105). Specifically, the notification unit 55 of the humidifier 1 displays the available humidification time calculated by the numerical calculation unit 54 on the display panel 72. By checking the available humidification time displayed on the display panel 72, the user can know the remaining time for which humidification operation can be continued based on the remaining water amount in the water supply tank 11. With the above, the notification process of the available humidification time is completed.

[0064] (2-2) Automatic adjustment of driving intensity Next, the automatic adjustment process of the operation intensity by the humidifier 1 will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the process flow of the automatic adjustment process of the operation intensity. As shown in Fig. 9, in the automatic adjustment process of the operation intensity, the humidifier 1 first accepts a timer setting from the user (step S201). Specifically, the user operates the operation switch 71 to input the humidification end time. At this time, the user may input the humidification end time indicating the remaining time.

[0065] After the timer is set, the humidifier 1 starts the humidification operation (step S202). Specifically, the operation control unit 51 of the humidifier 1 starts the humidification operation so as to stop the humidification operation at the set humidification end time.

[0066] After starting operation, the humidifier 1 detects the remaining water amount (step S203). The detection of the remaining water volume is performed at preset time intervals, for example, every 30 minutes. Specifically, the water volume detection unit 52 of the humidifier 1 detects the remaining water volume based on the water level detected by the water volume sensor 31.

[0067] After the remaining water volume is detected, the humidifier 1 calculates the humidification amount (step S204). Specifically, the numerical calculation unit 54 calculates the actual value of the humidification amount per unit time from the change in the remaining water volume over time. At this time, the numerical calculation unit 54 corrects the value in the humidification amount table using the calculated actual value of the humidification amount.

[0068] After calculating the humidification amount, the humidifier 1 automatically adjusts the operation intensity (step S205). Specifically, the operation control unit 51 of the humidifier 1 adjusts the operation intensity of the humidification operation so that the humidification possible time is equal to or greater than the humidification end time input in the timer setting. At this time, the operation control unit 51 refers to the humidification amount table and adjusts the operation intensity based on the humidification amount per unit time for the operation intensity defined in the humidification amount table. Thus, the automatic adjustment process of the operation intensity ends.

[0069] (2-3) Notification process of required water supply amount Next, the notification process of the required water supply amount by the humidifier 1 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the processing flow of the notification process of the required water supply amount. As shown in FIG. 10, in the notification process of the required water supply amount, the humidifier 1 first receives the input of the operation intensity from the user, whereby the operation intensity is set (step S301).

[0070] After the operation intensity is set, the humidifier 1 receives the timer setting (step S302). Specifically, the user operates the operation switch 71 to input the humidification end time. Thereby, the humidification end time is defined.

[0071] After the timer is set, the humidifier 1 calculates the amount of water to be supplied (step S303). Specifically, first, the water amount detection unit 52 of the humidifier 1 detects the amount of remaining water based on the water level detected by the water amount sensor 31. Next, the numerical calculation unit 54 refers to the humidification amount table and calculates the amount of water required to exceed the humidification end time specified by the timer setting. Then, the numerical calculation unit 54 calculates the amount of water to be added by subtracting the amount of remaining water from the amount of required water.

[0072] After calculating the amount of water supply, the humidifier 1 notifies the user of the amount of water supply (step S304). Specifically, the notification unit 55 of the humidifier 1 displays the amount of water supply calculated by the numerical calculation unit 54 on the display panel 72. By checking the amount of water supply displayed on the display panel 72, the user can ascertain the amount of water supply required to perform continuous humidification operation for the time set by the timer at the operation intensity desired by the user. This ends the notification process of the required amount of water supply.

[0073] Next, a description will be given of the display mode of the water supply amount on the display panel 72. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display mode of the water supply amount on the display panel 72. Fig. 11A is a diagram illustrating a first example of the display mode on the display panel 72. Fig. 11B is a diagram illustrating a second example of the display mode on the display panel 72.

[0074] 11A, in the display mode according to the first example, the notification unit 55 notifies the amount of water using an icon resembling a container. In the illustrated example, the notification unit 55 notifies the amount of water using an icon resembling a 2L plastic bottle container. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand that it is sufficient to supply water two and a half times (supplying 5L of water) using a 2L plastic bottle.

[0075] In addition, the capacity of the container used in the icon can be changed arbitrarily. For example, an icon imitating a 500 ml plastic bottle container may be used, or an icon imitating a container of a capacity selected by the user may be used. For example, if the user normally uses a 750 ml pitcher, the volume of water to be supplied can be notified in a display mode appropriate for the user's water supply work by setting the icon capacity to 750 ml. This can prevent excess or shortage of water after water supply, and improve the efficiency of the water supply work.

[0076] Furthermore, the notification unit 55 may notify the amount of water to be dispensed by a seven-segment display, as in the display mode according to the first example shown in Fig. 11B. In this case, the amount of water to be dispensed can be quantitatively notified, and the user can be accurately notified of the amount of water required to be dispensed.

[0077] (3) Variations Next, a modification of the humidifier 1 will be described.

[0078] In this embodiment, the humidifier 1 employs a configuration in which the water in the filter 22 is vaporized by air blown from the fan 21, but this is not a limitation. The humidifier 1 may be configured to include, for example, an ultrasonic vibrator and vaporize the water in the water supply tank 11 by vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator. The humidifier 1 may also be configured to include a heater and vaporize the water in the water supply tank 11 by heat from the heater.

[0079] In this embodiment, the water level sensor 31 is configured to measure the water level using the magnetic sensor element 37, but this is not limiting. In other words, the water level sensor 31 may be a distance sensor, a microwave sensor, a pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor, or the like.

[0080] In this embodiment, the humidification amount table shows a configuration in which the humidification amount is set for the operation intensity for each humidity range, but this is not limited to the above. That is, in the humidification amount table, the humidification amount may be set for the operation intensity for each temperature range. Specifically, in this embodiment, the humidification amount at the reference temperature (20°C) is specified in the humidification amount table, but in the humidification amount table, the humidification amount for each temperature range under the reference humidity environment may be set for each operation intensity. In general, the higher the temperature, the easier it is to humidify, and the lower the temperature, the more difficult it is to humidify. Also, in the humidification amount table, the humidification amount may be set for the operation intensity for each temperature range and humidity range.

[0081] In this embodiment, the humidifier 1 is configured to notify the remaining humidification time and the amount of water to be added to the display panel 72, but this is not limiting. That is, the humidifier 1 may notify the remaining humidification time and the amount of water to be added to a terminal device used by a user. The terminal device includes personal computers such as smartphones and tablet terminals. In this case, the control unit 50 of the humidifier 1 includes a communication unit and transmits the remaining humidification time and the amount of water to be added to the terminal device via wireless communication.

[0082] In this embodiment, the control unit 50 of the microcomputer 40 controls the humidifier 1, but this is not limiting. In other words, various control processes performed by the control unit 50 may be executed by a server configured remotely from the humidifier 1, and may be input to the humidifier 1 via wireless communication, for example.

[0083] 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 forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of each component for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings are different from the actual ones due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0084] The present invention provides a humidifier 1, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 humidifier 10 Water tank 20 Humidification unit 30 Sensors 31 Water sensor 40 Microcomputer 50 Control section 60 Storage section 70 User Interface 71 Operation Panel 72 Display Panel

Claims

1. A water tank for storing water; a humidification unit that performs a humidification operation using the water supplied from the water supply tank; a water level detection unit that detects the amount of water remaining in the water supply tank; a notification unit that notifies a humidification available time indicating a remaining time during which the humidification operation can be continued, the time being based on the remaining water amount; A humidifier comprising:

2. The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the humidification possible time is a time based on the remaining water amount and an operation intensity of the humidification operation.

3. A control unit for controlling the humidification unit is further provided. The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the humidifier unit so that the humidification possible time is equal to or longer than a humidification end time indicating a remaining time until the humidification operation is ended.

4. The humidifier according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit adjusts an operating intensity of the humidification operation based on a humidification amount per unit time for the operating intensity of the humidification operation so that the humidification possible time is equal to or longer than the humidification end time.

5. The humidifier according to claim 4 , wherein the amount of humidification per unit time is a value calculated based on an amount of change over time in the amount of residual water.

6. 5. The humidifier according to claim 4, wherein the amount of humidification per unit time is a value calculated based on a measurement result of a hygrometer.

7. 3. The humidifier according to claim 1, further comprising an alarm unit that notifies an amount of water in the water tank required to make the humidification possible time equal to or longer than the humidification end time, the amount of water being based on the humidification possible time and a humidification end time indicating the remaining time until the humidification operation is ended.

8. 3. The humidifier according to claim 1, further comprising an alarm unit that notifies an amount of water required to be added to the water tank in order to make the humidification time equal to or longer than the humidification end time, the amount of water being based on the remaining water amount, the available humidification time, and a humidification end time indicating the remaining time until the humidification operation is ended.

9. The humidifier according to claim 7 , wherein the notification unit notifies the amount of water by using an icon resembling a container.

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