Notification control device, humidifier, and method for controlling notification

Abstract

To provide a notification control device from which a user can recognize timing at which the user has to provide maintenance to a humidifier, and to provide a humidifier and a method for controlling notification.SOLUTION: A notification control device includes: an acquisition part for acquiring a mineral content in the water and a use time of a humidifier; and a processing part for setting a threshold time on the basis of the mineral content in the water and performing processing of issuing a notification of prompting a user to provide maintenance to the humidifier when the use time reaches the threshold time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification control device, a humidifier, and a notification control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air purifier with a humidifying function. In this air purifier, a humidifying filter absorbs water stored in a tray, passes air flowing through an air passage, and humidifies the air by bringing the passing air into contact with the absorbed water (paragraphs 0011, 0024, 0027, 0034, and 0035). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-167022 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the air purifier disclosed in Patent Document 1, the humidifying filter repeatedly absorbs and releases water. As a result, minerals contained in the water accumulate on the humidifying filter. The accumulated minerals cause a decrease in the amount of humidification per unit time of the air purifier, causing the air blown by the air purifier to have an odor. For this reason, the humidifying filter in the air purifier must be cleaned. Meanwhile, the amount of minerals contained in tap water varies depending on the region where the tap water is supplied. Therefore, the period until the humidifying filter of the air purifier needs to be cleaned varies depending on the region where the air purifier is installed. However, it is difficult to determine this period and therefore difficult to know when the filter needs to be cleaned.

[0005] In view of this problem, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a notification control device, a humidifier, and a notification control method that can notify a user when maintenance of the humidifier is required. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A notification control device of a first aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires the mineral content in water and the usage time of a humidifier device, and a processing unit that sets a threshold time based on the mineral content in the water and performs processing to issue a notification urging maintenance of the humidifier device when the usage time reaches the threshold time.

[0007] A humidifying device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes the notification control device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and a humidifying unit that humidifies air.

[0008] A notification control method of a third aspect of the present disclosure comprises acquiring the mineral content of water and the usage time of a humidifier device, setting a threshold time based on the mineral content of the water, and performing processing to issue a notification urging maintenance of the humidifier device when the usage time reaches the threshold time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a humidifying air purifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a humidifying air purifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a humidifying rotor provided in a humidifying air purifier according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram of a notification system including a humidifying air purifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the humidifying air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by a notification control device built into the humidifying air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by a notification control device built into the humidifying air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a control system of a humidifying air purifier according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by a notification control device built into the humidifying air purifier of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by a notification control device built into the humidifying air purifier of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] 1. First embodiment 1.1 Humidifier air purifier Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a humidifying air purifier according to a first embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the humidifying air purifier according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The humidifying air purifier 1 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 blows air. The humidifying air purifier 1 has a humidifying function of humidifying the air blown by the blown air to humidify the surrounding air, and an air cleaning function of purifying the air blown by the blown air to clean the surrounding air. Therefore, the humidifying air purifier 1 is a humidifying device that also functions as an air cleaner. The technology described below may also be employed in a humidifying device that does not also function as an air cleaner.

[0013] The humidifying air purifier 1 issues a notification urging the user to clean the humidifying filter 41 provided in the humidifying air purifier 1. The humidifying air purifier 1 shortens the time it takes to issue the notification as the hardness of the stored water W used to humidify the air increases. As a result, the humidifying air purifier 1 shortens the time it takes to issue the notification as minerals become more likely to accumulate on the humidifying filter 41.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the humidifying air purifier 1 includes a housing 11, a rear panel 12, a deodorizing filter 13, a dust collecting filter 14, a humidifying section 15, and a blowing section 16.

[0015] The housing 11 has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The housing 11 is placed on the floor so that the bottom surface 11a of the housing 11 is in contact with the floor. An intake port 11d is formed in the rear surface 11b of the housing 11. An outlet port 11e is formed in the top surface 11c of the housing 11. An air passage 11f is formed inside the housing 11. The air passage 11f runs from the intake port 11d to the outlet port 11e and guides air from the intake port 11d to the outlet port 11e. The air passage 11f includes a storage space 11g. The storage space 11g is formed along the intake port 11d.

[0016] The rear panel 12 has a plate-like shape. The rear panel 12 can be attached to and detached from the air inlet 11d of the housing 11. A plurality of holes 12a are formed in the rear panel 12. The plurality of holes 12a penetrate the rear panel 12 in the thickness direction. The plurality of holes 12a allows air drawn into the air inlet 11d to pass through.

[0017] Deodorizing filter 13 has a plate-like shape. Deodorizing filter 13 is stored in storage space 11g of housing 11. Deodorizing filter 13 passes air flowing through air passage 11f of housing 11 and removes odorous components contained in the passing air. The odorous components that are removed include acetaldehyde, ammonia, acetic acid, etc.

[0018] Dust collection filter 14 has a plate-like shape and is stored in storage space 11g of housing 11. Dust collection filter 14 passes air flowing through air passage 11f of housing 11 and removes dust contained in the passing air.

[0019] Humidifying section 15 is disposed in air passage 11f of housing 11. Humidifying section 15 passes air flowing through air passage 11f and humidifies the air passing through.

[0020] Blower 16 is disposed in air passage 11f of housing 11. Blower 16 blows air that flows through air passage 11f of housing 11.

[0021] 1.2 Humidification unit As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the humidifying unit 15 includes a tank 21, a tray 22, a humidifying rotor 23, a motor 24, and a gear 25.

[0022] The tank 21 stores water and supplies the stored water to the tray 22 .

[0023] The tray 22 stores the stored water W, includes the supplied water in the stored water W, and supplies the stored water W to the humidification rotor 23.

[0024] The humidifying rotor 23 passes air flowing through the air passage 11f of the housing 11 and humidifies the passing air with the supplied stored water W. A lower part of the humidifying rotor 23 is disposed within the tray 22. This causes the lower part of the humidifying rotor 23 to be immersed in the stored water W stored in the tray 22. This causes the lower part of the humidifying rotor 23 to absorb the stored stored water W. This causes the stored water W to be supplied to the humidifying rotor 23. An upper part of the humidifying rotor 23 is disposed within the air passage 11f, so that the upper part of the humidifying rotor 23 passes air flowing through the air passage 11f.

[0025] The motor 24 rotates a gear 25 .

[0026] When the gear 25 is rotated, it rotates the humidification rotor 23 .

[0027] As a result, the motor 24 rotates the humidifying rotor 23 via the gear 25. As a result, the lower part of the humidifying rotor 23 that has absorbed the stored water W becomes the upper part of the humidifying rotor 23 that passes air flowing through the air passage 11f of the housing 11. As a result, the humidifying section 15 can humidify the air by bringing the air into contact with the stored water W. The motor 24 may rotate the humidifying rotor 23 directly, or may rotate the humidifying rotor 23 via a transmission mechanism other than the gear 25.

[0028] As a result, the humidifying section 15 moistens the humidifying filter 41 with the stored water W, and releases the stored water W from the moistened humidifying filter 41 into the air to humidify the air.

[0029] The stored water W contains moisture and minerals. When the stored water W is released from the humidifying filter 41 into the air, the moisture is released into the air, and the minerals remain in the humidifying filter 41 without being released into the air. For this reason, the longer the humidifying air purifier 1 is used, the more minerals accumulate in the humidifying filter 41. For this reason, the humidifying filter 41 must be cleaned to remove the minerals that have accumulated in the humidifying filter 41. Aqueous solutions of citric acid, baking soda, etc. are preferably used to clean the humidifying filter 41.

[0030] The humidifying unit 15 may have a structure different from that described above. For example, the humidifying unit 15 may include a pump that draws up the stored water W and supplies the drawn-up stored water W toward the humidifying rotor 23.

[0031] 1.3 Mineral content Tank 21 is filled with tap water supplied in the area where humidifying air purifier 1 is installed. Therefore, the mineral content of the water placed in tank 21 and the mineral content of the stored water W stored in tray 22 are the mineral content of tap water in the area where humidifying air purifier 1 is installed.

[0032] The mineral content of water is often indicated by its hardness. Water hardness is expressed as the concentration of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in water, converted into calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Water with low hardness is called soft water, and water with high hardness is called hard water. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, water with a hardness of less than 60 mg / L is called soft water, water with a hardness of 60 mg / L to less than 120 mg / L is called medium hard water, water with a hardness of 120 mg / L to less than 180 mg / L is called hard water, and water with a hardness of 180 mg / L or more is called very hard water. Japan's drinking water quality standards set the hardness limit for drinking water at 300 mg / L or less. The water quality management target for drinking water hardness is set at 10 mg / L to 100 mg / L, based on its palatability or taste.

[0033] The hardness of tap water varies greatly depending on the region to which it is supplied. For example, the hardness of tap water supplied in Aomori, Yamagata, Nara, Hiroshima, etc. is approximately 20 mg / liter. However, the hardness of tap water supplied in Saitama, Chiba, etc. is approximately 80 mg / liter, which is approximately four times the hardness of tap water supplied in Aomori, Yamagata, Nara, Hiroshima, etc.

[0034] 1.4 Blower As shown in FIG. 2, the blower 16 includes a motor 31 and a fan 32.

[0035] The motor 31 rotates the fan 32 .

[0036] The fan 32 blows air when rotated.

[0037] 1.5 Humidification rotor FIG. 3 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates a humidifying rotor provided in the humidifying air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the humidifying rotor 23 includes a humidifying filter 41 and a filter frame 42.

[0039] The humidifying filter 41 passes air flowing through the air passage 11f of the housing 11, and humidifies the air passing through with the stored water W that is supplied.

[0040] Humidifying filter 41 has a planar shape with an outline made up of an arc and straight lines connecting both ends of the arc. When the portion of humidifying filter 41 that forms the straight lines is positioned near the bottom, humidifying filter 41 is not immersed in and is not wetted by the stored water W. When this portion of humidifying filter 41 is positioned anywhere other than near the bottom, humidifying filter 41 is immersed in and wetted by the stored water W. Humidifying filter 41 is made of a material that can be penetrated by stored water W, such as a fiber aggregate, and preferably a nonwoven fabric.

[0041] The humidifying filter 41 is a pleated filter. Therefore, the humidifying filter 41 has a sheet-like shape with multiple folds 41a. The multiple folds 41a extend in the same direction. The humidifying filter 41 is folded at each fold 41a. The folding directions of two adjacent folds 41a are opposite to each other. This gives the humidifying filter 41 a zigzag side profile.

[0042] The filter frame 42 holds the humidifying filter 41 .

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the filter frame 42 includes a cylindrical portion 51, a plate-like portion 52, an annular portion 53, and a plurality of rod-like portions 54.

[0044] The cylindrical portion 51 has a cylindrical shape. An accommodation space 51a is formed in the cylindrical portion 51. As shown in FIG. 3 , the cylindrical portion 51 has a plurality of teeth 61. The plurality of teeth 61 are arranged on an outer peripheral surface 51b of the cylindrical portion 51. The plurality of teeth 61 are uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction of the humidification rotor 23. The plurality of teeth 61 are meshed with the gear 25. As a result, the humidification rotor 23 is rotated by the gear 25.

[0045] The plate-like portion 52 has a plate-like shape. The plate-like portion 52 has a planar shape with an outline consisting of an arc and straight lines connecting both ends of the arc. The plate-like portion 52 is arranged radially inside the cylindrical portion 51. The portion of the plate-like portion 52 that forms the arc is connected to the axial end of the cylindrical portion 51. As a result, the plate-like portion 52 blocks a part of the opening surrounded by the axial end of the cylindrical portion 51, and when placed in the tray 22, prevents the stored water W from entering the storage space 51a.

[0046] The annular portion 53 has an annular shape and is disposed radially inside the cylindrical portion 51 and the plate-like portion 52.

[0047] Each rod-shaped portion 54 extends in the radial direction of the humidification rotor 23. One end of each rod-shaped portion 54 is connected to the axial end of the cylindrical portion 51 or to a straight portion of the plate-shaped portion 52. The other end of each rod-shaped portion 54 is connected to the annular portion 53. The multiple rod-shaped portions 54 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction of the humidification rotor 33.

[0048] 1.6 Notification System FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a notification system including the humidifying air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the notification system 71 includes the humidifying air purifier 1, a smartphone 81, and a server 82.

[0050] The humidifying air purifier 1, smartphone 81, and server 82 are connected to a network 83. This allows the server 82 to communicate with the humidifying air purifier 1 and smartphone 81. The smartphone 81 and server 82 perform communication conforming to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, communication conforming to the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, cellular communication, etc.

[0051] The smartphone 81 is a smartphone used by a user U of the humidifying air purifier 1. The smartphone 81 is associated with the humidifying air purifier 1 and registered in the server 82. An application capable of operating and monitoring the humidifying air purifier 1 is installed on the smartphone 81.

[0052] The server 82 stores the mineral content of tap water in a plurality of regions. Each region included in the plurality of regions is a prefecture. Each region may be a region other than a prefecture. For example, each region may be a country, city, county, town, village, etc., or may be a region further subdivided than a country, city, county, town, village, etc.

[0053] 1.7 Control System FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system of the humidifying air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the humidifying air purifier 1 includes the above-mentioned humidifying unit 15 and blowing unit 16, and further includes a positioning unit 91, a communication unit 92, an operation control unit 93, a timing unit 94, an alarm unit 95, an acquisition unit 96, and a processing unit 97.

[0055] The positioning unit 91 locates the installation area where the humidifying air purifier 1 is installed. The positioning unit 91 performs satellite positioning. The positioning unit 91 is configured with a receiver of a satellite positioning system, etc. The positioning unit 91 may perform positioning other than satellite positioning. For example, the positioning unit 91 may perform Wi-Fi positioning, cell positioning, etc.

[0056] The communication unit 92 is connected to the network 83 and communicates with the server 82 via the network 83. The communication unit 92 performs communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard. The communication unit 92 is configured with an electronic circuit, an antenna, etc. The communication unit 92 may perform communication other than communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard. For example, the communication unit 92 may perform communication in accordance with the Ethernet standard, cellular communication, etc.

[0057] The operation control unit 93 controls the humidifier unit 15 and the blower unit 16, causing the humidifier unit 15 to humidify the air and the blower unit 16 to blow air. The operation control unit 93 calculates the usage time 103 of the humidifier air purifier 1. The calculated usage time 103 of the humidifier air purifier 1 is the time during which the humidifier unit 15 humidifies the air and the blower unit 16 blows air. The time during which the humidifier unit 15 humidifies the air and the blower unit 16 blows air is the time during which the motor 24 rotates the humidification rotor 23 and the motor 31 rotates the fan 32. The usage time 103 of the humidifier air purifier 1 may be a time other than the time during which the motor 24 rotates the humidification rotor 23 and the motor 31 rotates the fan 32. For example, the usage time 103 of the humidifier air purifier 1 may be the time during which the humidifying filter 41 is immersed in the stored water W.

[0058] The timekeeping unit 94 keeps time and is configured with a real-time clock or the like.

[0059] The notification unit 95 issues a notification. The notification unit 95 issues a notification by emitting light. The notification unit 95 is configured with a lamp. The notification unit 95 may issue a notification by a method other than emitting light. For example, the notification unit 95 may issue a notification by emitting a sound, displaying a screen, or the like.

[0060] The acquisition unit 96 acquires area information 101 relating to the positioned installation area from the positioning unit 91. The acquired area information 101 may be area information other than the area information indicating the installation area positioned by the positioning unit 91. For example, the area information 101 may be area information indicating the installation area registered in the server 82.

[0061] The acquisition unit 96 causes the communication unit 92 to transmit the acquired regional information 101 to the server 82. The server 82 receives the transmitted regional information 101 and transmits the mineral content 102 of tap water in the installation region indicated by the received regional information 101 to the humidifying air purifier 1. The acquisition unit 96 causes the communication unit 92 to receive the transmitted mineral content 102 of tap water in the installation region and acquires the received mineral content 102 of tap water in the installation region. In this way, the acquisition unit 96 acquires the mineral content 102 of tap water in the installation region based on the regional information 101. The humidifying air purifier 1 may be equipped with a sensor that detects the mineral content of the water stored in the tank 21 or the mineral content of the stored water W stored in the tray 22. If the humidifying air purifier 1 is equipped with such a sensor, the acquisition unit 96 may acquire the mineral content from the sensor.

[0062] The acquisition unit 96 acquires the usage time 103 of the humidifying air purifier 1 from the operation control unit 93.

[0063] The acquisition unit 96 acquires the date and time 104 from the clock unit 94 .

[0064] The processing unit 97 sets the threshold time 105 based on the acquired mineral content 102 in the tap water in the installation area. The higher the mineral content 102 in the tap water in the installation area, the shorter the threshold time 105. For example, the processing unit 97 sets the threshold time 105 to 25 days when the mineral content 102 in the tap water in the installation area is lower than a set lower limit, sets the threshold time 105 to 30 days when the mineral content 102 in the tap water in the installation area is equal to or higher than the set lower limit and equal to or lower than an set upper limit, and sets the threshold time 105 to 35 days when the acquired mineral content 102 in the tap water in the installation area is higher than the set upper limit.

[0065] When the acquired usage time 103 of the humidifying air purifier 1 reaches a set threshold time 105, the processing unit 97 performs a first process 107 to issue a first notification 106 prompting the user to clean the humidifying filter 41. As a result, the more easily minerals accumulate on the humidifying filter 41, the shorter the time until the first notification 106 is issued. The issued first notification 106 may be a notification prompting the user to maintain the humidifying air purifier 1 other than a notification prompting the user to clean the humidifying filter 41. For example, the first notification 106 may be a notification prompting the user to replace the humidifying filter 41. The first process 107 to be performed is a process of causing a lamp provided in the notification unit 95 to emit light. The first process 107 may be a process other than a process of causing a lamp provided in the notification unit 95 to emit light. For example, the first process 107 may be a process of making a speaker provided in the notification unit 95 emit a message, a process of making a display provided in the notification unit 95 display a message, a process of making a smartphone 81 display a message, or the like.

[0066] If the acquired date and time 104 belongs to a set period 108, the processing unit 97 performs the first process 107 described above, regardless of whether the acquired usage time 103 of the humidifying air purifier 1 has reached a set threshold time 105. The set period 108 is a period during which people generally clean their home over the New Year holidays, etc. This makes it possible to prevent the humidifying filter 41 from being left uncleaned during such periods.

[0067] The processing unit 97 performs a second process 110 to issue a second notification 109 encouraging the purchase of citric acid, baking soda, or the like used to clean the humidifying filter 41 based on the acquired mineral content 102 of the tap water in the installation area. The processing unit 97 shortens the time until issuing the second notification 109 as the mineral content 102 of the tap water in the installation area increases. Alternatively, the processing unit 97 increases the amount of citric acid, baking soda, or the like that is encouraged to be purchased as the mineral content 102 of the tap water in the installation area increases. The issued second notification 109 may be a notification regarding the purchase of consumables used in the humidifying air purifier 1 other than a notification encouraging the purchase of citric acid, baking soda, or the like used to clean the humidifying filter 41. For example, the second notification 109 may be a notification encouraging the purchase of a new humidifying filter 41 to be used to replace the humidifying filter 41. The second process 110 is a process of causing a lamp provided in the notification unit 95 to emit light. The second process 110 may be a process other than a process of emitting light from a lamp provided in the notification unit 95. For example, the second process 110 may be a process of emitting a message from a speaker provided in the notification unit 95, a process of displaying a message on a display provided in the notification unit 95, a process of displaying a message on a smartphone 81 used by a user of the humidifying air purifier 1, or the like.

[0068] The processing unit 97 may adjust the set threshold time 105 depending on the season to which the acquired date and time 104 belongs. For example, the processing unit 97 may shorten the threshold time 105 when the season to which the date and time 104 belongs is summer, when the amount of chlorine in tap water increases.

[0069] The operation control unit 93, the acquisition unit 96, and the processing unit 97 are configured by a microcontroller and peripheral circuits. The microcontroller includes a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory to cause the microcontroller and peripheral circuits to operate as the operation control unit 93, the acquisition unit 96, and the processing unit 97. All or part of the operation control unit 93, the acquisition unit 96, and the processing unit 97 may be configured by dedicated electronic circuits.

[0070] The acquisition unit 96 and the processing unit 97 constitute a notification control device 121 that controls notifications. The notification control device 121 may be built into a device other than the humidifying air purifier 1, or may be implemented separately in the humidifying air purifier 1 and a device other than the humidifying air purifier 1. For example, the notification control device 121 may be built into the server 82, or may be implemented separately in the humidifying air purifier 1 and the server 82.

[0071] 1.8 Processing flow 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing performed by the notification control device built into the humidifying air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0072] The notification control device 121 executes steps S101 to S110 shown in FIGS.

[0073] In step S101, the acquisition unit 96 acquires the area information 101 relating to the installation area from the positioning unit 91.

[0074] In the next step S102, the acquisition unit 96 acquires from the communication unit 92 the mineral content 102 of the tap water in the installation area.

[0075] In the next step S103, the processing unit 97 sets a threshold time 105 based on the mineral content 102 in the tap water in the installation area.

[0076] In the next step S104, processing unit 97 performs second processing 110 to issue second notification 109 urging the purchase of citric acid, baking soda, etc., used to clean humidifying filter 41, based on mineral content 102 of tap water in the installation area. As a result, notification unit 95 issues second notification 109 urging the purchase of citric acid, baking soda, etc., used to clean humidifying filter 41.

[0077] In the following step S105, the acquisition unit 96 acquires the usage time 103 of the humidifying air purifier 1 from the operation control unit 93.

[0078] In the following step S106, the acquisition unit 96 acquires the date and time 104 from the clock unit 94.

[0079] In the following step S107, the processing unit 97 determines whether the usage time 103 of the humidifying air purifier 1 has reached the threshold time 105. If it is determined that the usage time 103 of the humidifying air purifier 1 has reached the threshold time 105, steps S109 and S110 are executed, and then S102 is executed. If it is determined that the usage time 103 of the humidifying air purifier 1 has not reached the threshold time 105, step S108 is executed.

[0080] In step S108, the processing unit 97 determines whether the date and time 104 belongs to the set period 108. If it is determined that the date and time 104 belongs to the set period 108, steps S109 and S110 are executed, and then S102 is executed. If it is determined that the date and time 104 does not belong to the set period 108, step S105 is executed.

[0081] In step S109, the processing unit 97 performs a first process 107 for issuing a first notification 106 prompting the user to clean the humidifying filter 41.

[0082] By steps S105 to S109, the usage time 103 and the date and time 104 are repeatedly acquired, and the latest usage time 103 and date and time 104 are acquired. Furthermore, if the date and time 104 does not belong to the set period 108, the first notification 106 is not issued until the usage time 103 reaches the threshold time 105, and the first notification 106 is issued in synchronization with the usage time 103 reaching the threshold time 105. Furthermore, if the date and time 104 belongs to the set period 108, the first notification 106 is issued even if the usage time 103 has not reached the threshold time 105.

[0083] In step S110, the processing unit 97 determines whether a reset has been performed for the state in which the first notification 106 was issued. If it is determined that a reset has been performed, step S102 is executed. If it is determined that a reset has not been performed, step S109 is executed. As a result, if a reset has been performed, the issuance of the first notification 106 is not continued, the mineral content 102 of the tap water in the installation area is reacquired, and the threshold time 105 is reset. If a reset has not been performed, the first process 107 is continued.

[0084] According to steps S101 to S110, when threshold time 105 is set in step S103, the set threshold time 105 is maintained until it is reset in step S109. However, before it is reset in step S109, the mineral content 102 of the tap water in the latest installation area may be acquired, and threshold time 105 may be updated based on the acquired mineral content 102 of the tap water in the latest installation area.

[0085] 2. Second embodiment The following describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment. For points that are not described, the second embodiment also employs the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment.

[0086] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a control system of the humidifying air purifier of the second embodiment.

[0087] 8, the server 82 transmits the mineral contents 111 of tap water in a plurality of regions to the humidifying air purifier 2. The transmitted mineral contents 111 of tap water in a plurality of regions include the mineral contents 102 of tap water in the installation region and also include the mineral contents of tap water in regions other than the installation region. The acquisition unit 96 causes the communication unit 92 to receive the transmitted mineral contents 111 of tap water in a plurality of regions, and acquires the received mineral contents 111 of tap water in a plurality of regions.

[0088] The processing unit 97 sets the threshold time 105 based on the relationship between the mineral content 111 in tap water in a plurality of regions and the mineral content 102 in tap water in the installation region.

[0089] For example, the processing unit 97 calculates an average value of the mineral content 111 in tap water in a plurality of regions from the mineral content 111 in tap water in a plurality of regions, and identifies the region having the mineral content in tap water closest to the calculated average value as the reference region, thereby identifying the mineral content in tap water in the reference region. If the mineral content 102 in tap water in the installation region is the same as the mineral content in tap water in the reference region, the processing unit 97 sets the threshold time 105 to 30 days, if the mineral content 102 in tap water in the installation region is lower than the mineral content in tap water in the reference region, the processing unit 97 sets the threshold time 105 to 25 days, and if the mineral content 102 in tap water in the installation region is higher than the mineral content in tap water in the reference region, the processing unit 97 sets the threshold time 105 to 35 days.

[0090] Furthermore, when the multiple regions are multiple prefectures, the processing unit 97 groups the multiple prefectures according to the hardness of their tap water. For example, the processing unit 97 assigns Saitama Prefecture and Chiba Prefecture, whose tap water hardness is approximately 80 mg / liter, to Group A, Kumamoto Prefecture, whose tap water hardness is approximately 70 mg / liter, to Group B, Tokyo, Kagawa Prefecture, etc., whose tap water hardness is approximately 60 mg / liter, to Group C, Nagano Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, etc., whose tap water hardness is approximately 50 mg / liter, to Group D, Osaka Prefecture, Fukuoka Prefecture, etc., whose tap water hardness is approximately 40 mg / liter, to Group E, Hokkaido Prefecture, Aichi Prefecture, etc., whose tap water hardness is approximately 30 mg / liter, to Group F, and Aomori Prefecture, Yamagata Prefecture, etc., whose tap water hardness is approximately 20 mg / liter, to Group G. Furthermore, Nagano Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, etc., which belong to Group D and have tap water hardness close to the average value of tap water hardness in multiple prefectures, are set as reference regions. The processing unit 97 calculates threshold time 105 by dividing the reference threshold time by the ratio of the tap water hardness in the installation region to the tap water hardness in the reference region, which is approximately 50 mg / liter. For example, if the installation region is a prefecture belonging to Group A, the processing unit 97 calculates threshold time 105 (30 days / 1.6 = 18.75 days) by dividing the reference threshold time (30 days) by the ratio (80 / 50 = 1.6) of the tap water hardness in the reference region, which is approximately 50 mg / liter, of the tap water hardness in Saitama Prefecture and Chiba Prefecture, which is 80 mg / liter. Furthermore, if the installation area is a prefecture belonging to group G, the processing unit 97 divides the standard threshold time (30 days) by the ratio (20 / 50=0.4) of the tap water hardness in the reference area (approximately 50 mg / liter) to the tap water hardness in Aomori prefecture, Yamagata prefecture, etc. (20 mg / liter) to calculate the threshold time 105 (30 days / 0.4=75 days).

[0091] If threshold time 105 is kept constant regardless of the mineral content 102 of tap water in the installation area, the greater the mineral content 102 of tap water in the installation area, the greater the amount of citric acid, baking soda, etc. used to clean humidifying filter 41. For example, the ratio of the tap water hardness in the installation area to the tap water hardness in the reference area, which is approximately 50 mg / liter, is multiplied by the standard amount of citric acid, baking soda, etc. to calculate the amount of citric acid, baking soda, etc. used to clean humidifying filter 41. For example, if the installation area is a prefecture belonging to Group A, the ratio of the tap water hardness in the reference area, which is approximately 50 mg / liter, to the tap water hardness of 80 mg in Saitama Prefecture and Chiba Prefecture (80 / 50=1.6) is multiplied by the standard amount of citric acid, baking soda, etc. to calculate the amount of citric acid, baking soda, etc. used to clean humidifying filter 41. Furthermore, if the installation area is a prefecture belonging to Group G, the ratio of the tap water hardness of 20 mg in Aomori Prefecture, Yamagata Prefecture, etc. to the tap water hardness of approximately 50 mg / liter in the reference area (20 / 50 = 0.4) is multiplied by the standard amounts of citric acid, baking soda, etc. to calculate the amount of citric acid, baking soda, etc. to be used to clean the humidifying filter 41.

[0092] 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing performed by the notification control device built into the humidifying air purifier of the second embodiment.

[0093] In the second embodiment, the notification control device 121 executes steps S201 to S210 shown in FIGS.

[0094] In the second embodiment, in step S202, the acquisition unit 96 acquires the mineral content 111 of tap water in a plurality of regions from the communication unit 92. In addition, in step S203, the processing unit 97 sets the threshold time 105 based on the relationship between the mineral content 111 of tap water in a plurality of regions and the mineral content 102 of tap water in the installation region. In steps S201 and S204 to S210, the same processing as that performed in steps S101 and S104 to S110 shown in Figures 6 and 7, respectively, is performed.

[0095] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-described embodiments, a configuration that has the same effect, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1. Humidifier air purifier 11. Housing 11a Bottom side 11b Rear 11c Top side 11d Intake port 11e Air outlet 11f wind path 11g Storage Space 12 Rear panel 12a hole 13 Deodorizing filter 14 Dust collection filter 15 Humidification unit 16. Blower 21 Tank 22 Tray 23 Humidification rotor 24 motor 25 Gears 31 Motor 32 fans 41 Humidification filter 41a crease 42 Filter Frame 51 Cylindrical part 51a Containment space 51b Outer surface 52 Plate-shaped part 53 Annular section 54 Rod-shaped part 61 teeth 71 Notification System 81 Smartphones 82 servers 83 Network 91 Positioning unit 92 Communications Department 93 Operation control unit 94 Timing section 95 Information Department 96 Acquisition Department 97 Processing section 101 Local Information 102 Mineral content of tap water in the installation area 103 Usage time 104 Date and Time 105 Threshold Time 106 First Notice 107 First Processing 108 Setting Period 109 Second Notice 110 Second Processing 111 Mineral Content of Tap Water in Several Regions 121 Notification Control Device U User W Reservoir water

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires the mineral content of the water and the usage time of the humidifier; a processing unit that sets a threshold time based on the mineral content of the water, and that issues a notification to prompt maintenance of the humidifier when the usage time reaches the threshold time; A notification control device comprising:

2. the acquisition unit acquires regional information relating to an installation region where the humidifier is installed, and acquires the mineral content of tap water in the installation region based on the regional information; The mineral content in the water is the mineral content in the tap water in the installation area. The notification control device according to claim 1 .

3. the acquiring unit acquires mineral contents in tap water in a plurality of regions; Setting the threshold time based on the mineral content of the water includes setting the threshold time based on a relationship between the mineral content of tap water in the plurality of regions and the mineral content of tap water in the installation region. The notification control device according to claim 2 .

4. The humidifier releases stored water into the air, The mineral content in the water is the mineral content in the stored water. The notification control device according to claim 1 .

5. The humidifier releases the moistened humidified air from the humidifying filter, The maintenance includes cleaning or replacing the humidification filter. The notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Setting the threshold time based on the mineral content of the water includes shortening the threshold time as the mineral content of the water increases. The notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The acquisition unit acquires a date and time, The processing unit performs the processing if the date and time belong to a set period. The notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. the notification is a first notification, The processing unit performs processing to issue a second notification regarding the purchase of consumables used in the humidification device based on the mineral content of the water. The notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. A notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a humidifying unit that humidifies the air; A humidifying device comprising:

10. Obtaining the mineral content of the water and the usage time of the humidifier; setting a threshold time based on the mineral content of the water, and issuing a notification to prompt maintenance of the humidifier when the usage time reaches the threshold time; A notification control method comprising:

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