Electric device and method for controlling electric device

Abstract

To provide an electric apparatus capable of acquiring humidity data accurately detected in a wide humidity zone.SOLUTION: The humidifier 1 switches a resistor for adjusting the detection humidity band of the humidity sensor 211, and when the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 fluctuates, the humidifier 1 uses the switched resistor to acquire, from the humidity sensor 211, humidity data detected in a state where the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 is stable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical device or the like equipped with a hygrometer. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Electrical devices such as humidifiers that display humidity detected by a built-in hygrometer are known in the prior art.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a humidifier that corrects the humidity detected by a humidity sensor based on the relationship between the temperature of water in a humidifying water tank and the ambient temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-96428 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques are techniques for correcting the value detected by the humidity sensor, and are not techniques aimed at improving the detection accuracy of the humidity sensor. One aspect of the present disclosure aims to realize an electrical device or the like that can acquire humidity data detected with high accuracy over a wide humidity range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an electrical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a switching control unit that controls the switching of a resistor that adjusts the detection humidity band of a humidity sensor, and an acquisition unit that, when the temperature of the humidity sensor fluctuates, acquires humidity data detected from the humidity sensor when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable, using the resistor switched by the switching control unit.

[0007] In addition, a control method for an electrical device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a switching control step of controlling the switching of a resistor that adjusts the detection humidity band of a humidity sensor, and an acquisition step of, when the temperature of the humidity sensor fluctuates, acquiring humidity data detected from the humidity sensor when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable, using the resistor switched in the switching control step.

[0008] With this configuration, when the temperature of the humidity sensor fluctuates, the resistor that adjusts the humidity detection band of the humidity sensor is switched to acquire humidity data detected when the temperature difference between room temperature and the sensor temperature is stable, thereby enabling accurate humidity data to be acquired over a wide humidity range.

[0009] In an electrical device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the temperature of the humidity sensor rises, the acquisition unit may acquire humidity data detected when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable, using a resistor that adjusts to increase detection accuracy in the low humidity range, switched from the resistor that adjusts to increase detection accuracy in the high humidity range.

[0010] For example, the high humidity zone and the low humidity zone may be humidity zones in terms of relative humidity. Even if the amount of water vapor in the air is the same, the relative humidity decreases as the temperature increases. Furthermore, when an electrical device starts operating, the temperature of the humidity sensor may increase due to an increase in the temperature inside the electrical device.

[0011] According to the above configuration, when the temperature of the humidity sensor rises depending on the operating conditions of the electrical equipment, humidity data detected by an appropriately adjusted humidity sensor can be obtained so that the detection accuracy in the low humidity range is improved.

[0012] An electrical device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a correction unit that corrects humidity data detected when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable using a predetermined correction value.

[0013] According to the above configuration, for example, the humidity data can be corrected to correspond to the room temperature using a correction value according to a certain temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor.

[0014] In an electrical device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when operation of the electrical device is once terminated, the switching control unit may control the switching of the resistor according to the time elapsed since operation of the electrical device was terminated.

[0015] With this configuration, for example, immediately after the end of operation when the temperature of the humidity sensor is high, a resistor can be used to adjust the humidity sensor's detection accuracy to be higher in the low humidity range.Also, when the temperature of the humidity sensor has cooled down after some time has passed since the end of operation, a resistor can be used to adjust the humidity sensor's detection accuracy to be higher in the high humidity range.

[0016] In an electrical device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when operation of the electrical device is terminated, the correction unit may correct the humidity data detected by the humidity sensor using a correction value corresponding to the time elapsed since operation of the electrical device was terminated.

[0017] For example, immediately after the operation has finished, the temperature difference between the humidity sensor temperature and the room temperature is large. If some time has passed since the operation finished, the temperature difference between the humidity sensor temperature and the room temperature is small. Therefore, by using a correction value according to the time that has passed since the operation of the electrical appliance finished, the humidity data can be corrected to correspond to the room temperature.

[0018] An electrical device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a display unit that displays humidity based on humidity data acquired by the acquisition unit, and when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is fluctuating, the display unit may display humidity based on the humidity data acquired before the temperature difference fluctuated.

[0019] When the temperature difference between the room temperature and the humidity sensor temperature fluctuates, the humidity sensor temperature is likely to fluctuate significantly. When the humidity sensor temperature fluctuates, the relative humidity detected by the humidity sensor will fluctuate even if the amount of water vapor in the air remains the same. This configuration prevents erroneous humidity readings due to fluctuations in the detected humidity caused by fluctuations in the humidity sensor temperature.

[0020] An electrical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a heated water tank, and the state in which the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable may be a state in which the temperature of the hot water stored in the water tank has reached a first temperature and a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0021] For example, the first temperature may be 95°C and the predetermined time may be 30 minutes. When the hot water temperature reaches 95°C and 30 minutes have passed, it is highly likely that the water storage tank has been sufficiently heated and the temperature of the humidity sensor, which is affected by the hot water temperature, is stable. Therefore, with the above configuration, humidity data detected when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the humidity sensor temperature is stable can be obtained.

[0022] An electrical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a heated water tank, and the state in which the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable may be a state in which the temperature of the hot water stored in the water tank reaches a second temperature.

[0023] For example, the second temperature may be 100°C. When the hot water temperature reaches 100°C, the water tank is likely to be sufficiently heated, and the temperature of the humidity sensor, which is affected by the hot water temperature, is likely to be stable. Therefore, with the above configuration, humidity data detected when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the humidity sensor temperature is stable can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, humidity data detected with high accuracy over a wide humidity range can be obtained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of relative humidity detected before and after boiling water in a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an example of the configuration of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an example of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a humidity circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating resistance of a humidity sensor versus relative humidity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow in a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating details of an example of a transition in temperature of a humidity sensor and a transition in room temperature with respect to the operating status of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating details of an example of a temperature transition of a humidity sensor and a room temperature transition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0027] (Overview of Humidifier 1) First, an overview of this embodiment will be described using FIG. 1. In this embodiment, a humidifier 1 that heats and evaporates water stored in a water storage tank 11 and emits steam will be described as an example of an electrical device of the present disclosure. The humidifier 1 detects the relative humidity in a room using a humidity sensor 211 and displays the relative humidity. Furthermore, a hot water temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature of the water storage tank 11. Note that the electrical device of the present disclosure may be applied to a dehumidifier equipped with a humidity sensor in addition to a humidifier.

[0028] <Adjusting the detection humidity band of the humidity sensor 211> The humidifier 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of resistors that adjust the detection humidity band of the humidity sensor 211. The humidifier 1 switches between the resistors that adjust the detection humidity band to acquire the humidity that the humidity sensor 211 detects with high accuracy.

[0029] Here, we will explain how the relative humidity detected by the humidity sensor 211 changes due to changes in the temperature of the humidity sensor 211. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the relative humidity detected before and after boiling water in the humidifier 1. As shown in Fig. 1, when the room temperature is 20°C and the absolute humidity is 10.4 g / cm 3 If so, the relative humidity in the room is 60%rh.

[0030] Before the water is boiled, the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 is 20°C, which is the same as the room temperature, and the relative humidity detected by the humidity sensor 211 is 60%rh. On the other hand, after the water is boiled, the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 rises due to the influence of the water boiling. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 rises from the room temperature of 20°C to 25°C. When the temperature is 25°C and the absolute humidity is 10.4 g / cm 3 Therefore, the relative humidity detected by the humidity sensor 211 is 45% rh.

[0031] That is, even if the absolute humidity is the same, the relative humidity detected by humidity sensor 211 may differ before and after boiling water. Humidity sensors generally have a bias in the humidity band that they can detect with high accuracy. As described above, humidifier 1 appropriately uses multiple resistors that adjust the humidity band detected by humidity sensor 211 to obtain accurately detected humidity.

[0032] <Detected humidity correction> The humidifier 1 also corrects the detected humidity value in response to the temperature of the humidity sensor that has risen due to the effect of boiling water. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the relative humidity of 45% rh detected by the humidity sensor 211 at 25°C is corrected to approximate a relative humidity of 60% rh at room temperature of 20°C. In other words, the humidifier 1 performs the correction by adding 15% rh, which is a correction value for the temperature (5°C) that has risen from room temperature as measured by the humidity sensor 211, to the detected relative humidity.

[0033] (Example of humidifier 1 configuration) Next, an example of the configuration of the humidifier 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the humidifier 1 according to this embodiment. The left diagram in Fig. 2 is a front view of the humidifier 1. The right diagram in Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the humidifier 1.

[0034] The humidifier 1 shown in FIG. 2 is an example of a humidifier that heats and evaporates water stored in a water storage tank 11 provided inside the humidifier 1 using a heater 13, and discharges steam from a steam discharge port 16.

[0035] As shown in the left diagram of Fig. 2, humidifier 1 includes control unit 10, water storage tank 11, water temperature sensor 12, heater 13, operation unit 14, and display unit 15. Furthermore, as shown in the right diagram of Fig. 2, humidifier 1 includes steam outlet 16 and sensor unit 2. Sensor unit 2 includes a humidity circuit 21 for detecting the relative humidity in the room and a temperature sensor 22 for detecting the room temperature.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an example of the main parts of a humidifier 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, in addition to the configuration described above, the humidifier 1 is also provided with a timer 17 and a storage unit 18. The timer 17 includes a first timer 171, a second timer 172, and a third timer 173. The storage unit 18 includes correction value information 181. Details of the timers and the correction value information 181 will be described later.

[0037] <Water temperature sensor 12> The hot water temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature of the water storage tank 11. In other words, the hot water temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature of the hot water stored in the water storage tank 11. In this embodiment, the hot water temperature sensor 12 is provided so as to be in contact with the outside of the bottom of the water storage tank 11. The hot water temperature sensor 12 transmits temperature data indicating the detected temperature of the water storage tank 11 to the control unit 10. The hot water temperature sensor 12 is not particularly limited as long as it is a sensor that can detect the temperature of the water storage tank 11.

[0038] <Heater 13> The heater 13 heats the water storage tank 11 and heats and evaporates the water stored in the water storage tank 11. In this embodiment, the heater 13 is provided so as to be in contact with the outside of the bottom of the water storage tank 11.

[0039] <Operation unit 14> The operation unit 14 accepts various operation inputs from the user. For example, the control unit 10 controls the humidifier 1 based on the inputs accepted by the operation unit 14. In particular, the operation unit 14 according to this embodiment accepts operation inputs for starting a humidifying operation in the humidifier 1, operation inputs for ending the humidifying operation, and the like.

[0040] <Humidity circuit 21> The humidity circuit 21 detects the relative humidity around the humidifier 1 and outputs humidity data indicating the detected relative humidity. In this embodiment, the humidity circuit 21 particularly detects the relative humidity in the room in which the humidifier 1 is installed. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the humidity circuit 21. As shown in FIG. 4, the humidity circuit 21 includes a humidity sensor 211, a switch 210, a first resistor (resistor) 212, a second resistor (resistor) 213, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 214.

[0041] The humidity sensor 211 is, for example, a resistance change type humidity sensor. The resistance value of the humidity sensor 211 changes depending on the relative humidity. Therefore, the humidity circuit 21 outputs a voltage corresponding to the relative humidity. The humidity sensor 211 is also connected in series with either a first resistor 212 or a second resistor 213.

[0042] The switch 210 switches between the first resistor 212 and the second resistor 213, which resistor is connected to the humidity sensor 211, in accordance with an instruction from the switching control unit 102 included in the control unit 10. In this example, the humidity circuit 21 in which the humidity sensor 211 is connected to the first resistor 212 is also referred to as the first humidity circuit. Furthermore, the humidity circuit 21 in which the humidity sensor 211 is connected to the second resistor 213 is also referred to as the second humidity circuit. Furthermore, switching from the first resistor 212 connected to the humidity sensor 211 to the second resistor 213 is also referred to as switching to the second humidity circuit. Furthermore, switching from the second resistor 213 connected to the humidity sensor 211 to the first resistor 212 is also referred to as switching to the first humidity circuit.

[0043] The ADC 214 converts analog data indicating the divided voltage of the humidity sensor, which is the output voltage at both ends of the humidity sensor 211, into digital data (AD value).

[0044] <First Resistor 212 and Second Resistor 213> The first resistor 212 and the second resistor 213 adjust the detection humidity band of the humidity sensor 211 .

[0045] 4, the first resistor 212 is a temperature-compensating thermistor having a resistance value of 50 kΩ at 20° C. The first resistor 212 has a resistance value equivalent to 50 kΩ, which is the resistance value of the humidity sensor 211 at a relative humidity of 60% rh. In other words, the resistance value of the first resistor 212 is equivalent to the resistance value of the humidity sensor 211 in the high humidity band.

[0046] 4, the second resistor 213 is a fixed resistor having a resistance value of 1 MΩ. The second resistor 213 has a resistance value equivalent to 1 MΩ, which is the resistance value of the humidity sensor 211 at a relative humidity of 35% rh. In other words, the resistance value of the second resistor 213 is equivalent to the resistance value of the humidity sensor 211 in the low humidity band.

[0047] The resistance values ​​of the first resistor 212 and the second resistor 213 described above are merely examples, and resistors having other resistance values ​​may be used as the first resistor 212 and the second resistor 213 as appropriate.

[0048] <Resistance value of humidity sensor 211 in humidity circuit 21> Next, the resistance value of the humidity sensor 211 connected to the first resistor 212 or the second resistor 213 will be described.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the resistance value of humidity sensor 211 versus relative humidity. The diagram on the left of Fig. 5 shows the resistance value of humidity sensor 211 connected to first resistor 212 in the first humidity circuit. The diagram on the right of Fig. 5 shows the resistance value of humidity sensor 211 connected to second resistor 213 in the second humidity circuit.

[0050] As shown in the left diagram of FIG. 5, in the first humidity circuit, the resistance value of the humidity sensor 211 changes greatly with increasing or decreasing relative humidity in the high humidity band of 50 to 70% rh.

[0051] As shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5, in the second humidity circuit, the resistance value of the humidity sensor 211 changes greatly in response to an increase or decrease in relative humidity in a low humidity band below 50% rh.

[0052] That is, of the first and second humidity circuits, the first humidity circuit has higher detection accuracy in humidity bands with higher relative humidity. In other words, the first humidity circuit has higher detection accuracy in low temperature conditions where the relative humidity is high.

[0053] Furthermore, of the first and second humidity circuits, the second humidity circuit has high detection accuracy in the humidity range where the relative humidity is low. In other words, the second humidity circuit has high detection accuracy in high temperature conditions where the relative humidity is low.

[0054] <Control unit 10> Next, the control unit 10 will be described. The control unit 10 is, for example, a microcomputer including a processor and memory. The control unit 10 controls all parts of the humidifier 1. In particular, the control unit 10 according to this embodiment switches between the first resistor and the second resistor in the humidity circuit 21, corrects the humidity detected by the humidity circuit 21, and so on.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 10 includes an operation reception unit 101, a switching control unit 102, a humidity acquisition unit (acquisition unit) 103, a humidity calculation unit (correction unit) 104, a heater control unit 105, a hot water temperature monitoring unit 106, and an elapsed time determination unit 107.

[0056] <Operation reception unit 101> The operation receiving unit 101 receives an operation input from the user inputted via the operation unit 14 .

[0057] When the operation reception unit 101 receives an operation input to start the humidification operation, it transmits a signal indicating the start of the operation to the switching control unit 102, the humidity acquisition unit 103, and the heater control unit 105.

[0058] When the operation reception unit 101 receives an operation input to end the humidification operation, it transmits a signal indicating the end of the operation to the heater control unit 105. Note that the humidifier 1 may terminate the humidification operation when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the humidification operation. In this case, a signal indicating the end of the operation may be transmitted to the heater control unit 105 at the point when the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0059] <Switching control unit 102> The switching control unit 102 controls the switching of a resistor that adjusts the detection humidity band of the humidity sensor 211. More specifically, when the switching control unit 102 receives a signal indicating the start of operation from the operation receiving unit 101, it instructs the switch 210 to switch the humidity circuit 21 to the first humidity circuit. For example, if the humidity circuit 21 is in the second humidity circuit state, the switch 210 switches the humidity circuit 21 to the first humidity circuit. Also, if the humidity circuit 21 is in the first humidity circuit state, the switch 210 maintains the humidity circuit 21 in the first humidity circuit state. Note that in this example, performing humidification operation again after the humidifier 1 has finished humidification operation is referred to as continuous operation. The switching process performed by the switching control unit 102 when a signal indicating the start of continuous operation is received will be described in detail below.

[0060] Furthermore, when the switching control unit 102 receives a signal from the heater control unit 105 indicating that the heater 13 is on, it instructs the switch 210 to switch the humidity circuit 21 to the second humidity circuit. The timing of switching the humidity circuit 21 is not particularly limited as long as it is within the following period. This timing is any time from when the heater 13 is turned on until the water temperature data indicating the temperature of the hot water stored in the water storage tank 11 reaches a predetermined value, a certain amount of time has passed, and the humidity acquisition unit 103 begins to acquire humidity data from the second humidity circuit. In other words, the timing of switching the humidity circuit 21 is not particularly limited as long as it is from when the heater 13 is turned on until the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 stabilizes, and the humidity acquisition unit 103 begins to acquire humidity data. Details of the humidity data acquisition by the humidity acquisition unit 103 will be described later.

[0061] Furthermore, when switching control unit 102 receives an instruction to switch humidity circuit 21 to the first humidity circuit from elapsed time determination unit 107, it instructs switch 210 to switch humidity circuit 21 to the first humidity circuit. In detail, once the humidification operation of humidifier 1 has finished, switching control unit 102 controls so as to switch second resistor 213 to first resistor 212 according to the time that has elapsed since the operation of humidifier 1 finished.

[0062] According to the above configuration, for example, immediately after the end of operation when the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 is high, the second resistor 213 can be used to adjust the detection accuracy of the humidity sensor 211 to be high in the low humidity range. Also, when the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 has cooled down after some time has passed since the end of operation, the first resistor 212 can be used to adjust the detection accuracy of the humidity sensor 211 to be high in the high humidity range.

[0063] ≪Humidity acquisition section 103≫ The humidity acquisition unit 103 acquires humidity data from the humidity circuit 21. The humidity acquisition unit 103 may acquire humidity data repeatedly at predetermined intervals. Details of how the humidity acquisition unit 103 acquires humidity data are as follows.

[0064] When humidity acquisition unit 103 receives a signal indicating the start of operation from operation reception unit 101, it acquires humidity data from the first humidity circuit.

[0065] Furthermore, the humidity acquisition unit 103 stops acquiring humidity data when it receives a signal indicating that the heater is on from the heater control unit 105. In other words, when the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 rises due to the hot water temperature, the humidity acquisition unit 103 does not acquire humidity data while the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 is not stable.

[0066] Furthermore, upon receiving an instruction to acquire humidity data from the hot water temperature monitoring unit 106, the humidity acquisition unit 103 acquires humidity data from the second humidity circuit. As will be described in detail later, when the hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 determines that hot water temperature data indicating the temperature of the hot water stored in the water storage tank 11 has reached a predetermined value and a certain amount of time has passed, it transmits the instruction to the humidity acquisition unit 103. That is, when the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 rises due to the hot water temperature, the humidity acquisition unit 103 acquires from the humidity sensor 211 humidity data detected when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 is stable. The humidity data is detected using the second resistor 213 that has been switched from the first resistor 212 under switching control by the switching control unit 102.

[0067] As another example, when the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 drops, the humidity acquisition unit 103 may acquire humidity data from the humidity sensor 211 that is detected when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 is stable. The humidity data may be detected using the first resistor 212 that is switched from the second resistor 213 by switching control by the switching control unit 102. For example, when the room temperature is lowered and stabilized by cooling with an air conditioner, the temperatures of the room temperature and the humidity sensor 211 both drop and the temperature difference eventually stabilizes. In such a case, the humidity data may be detected when the temperature difference is stable by using the first resistor 212 that is switched from the second resistor 213 by switching control by the switching control unit 102.

[0068] According to the above configuration, when the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 fluctuates, multiple resistors that adjust the detection humidity band of the humidity sensor 211 are switched to acquire humidity data detected in a state where the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 is stable. Therefore, the humidity acquisition unit 103 can acquire humidity data detected with high accuracy over a wide humidity range.

[0069] As described above, the first resistor 212 is adjusted to increase the detection accuracy of the humidity sensor 211 in the high humidity range, and the second resistor 213 is adjusted to increase the detection accuracy in the low humidity range.

[0070] For example, the high humidity zone and the low humidity zone may be humidity zones in terms of relative humidity. Even if the amount of water vapor in the air is the same, the relative humidity decreases as the temperature increases. Furthermore, when the humidifying operation of the humidifier 1 is started, the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 may increase due to an increase in the temperature inside the humidifier 1. With the above configuration, when the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 increases depending on the operating conditions of the humidifier 1, the humidity acquisition unit 103 can acquire humidity data detected by the humidity sensor 211 that has been adjusted to improve detection accuracy in the low humidity zone.

[0071] The humidity acquisition unit 103 transmits the acquired humidity data to the humidity calculation unit 104 .

[0072] ≪Humidity calculation unit 104≫ The humidity calculation unit 104 calculates the relative humidity using the humidity data received from the humidity acquisition unit 103 .

[0073] Humidity calculation unit 104 corrects the relative humidity using a predetermined value in accordance with the correction instruction received from water temperature monitoring unit 106. As will be described in detail later, when water temperature monitoring unit 106 determines that the temperature indicated by the water temperature data has reached a predetermined value and a certain amount of time has passed, it transmits the instruction to humidity calculation unit 104. In other words, humidity calculation unit 104 corrects humidity data detected when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of humidity sensor 211 is stable using a predetermined correction value. With the above configuration, for example, humidity data can be corrected to correspond to room temperature using a correction value corresponding to a certain temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of humidity sensor 211.

[0074] Furthermore, once the humidifying operation of the humidifier 1 has ended, the humidity calculation unit 104 corrects the humidity data detected by the humidity sensor 211 using a correction value corresponding to the time that has elapsed since the humidifying operation of the humidifier 1 ended. Specifically, the humidity calculation unit 104 receives a signal from the elapsed time determination unit 107 indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed since the heater 13 was turned off. The humidity calculation unit 104 corrects the humidity using the correction value corresponding to the predetermined time. For example, the storage unit 18 stores correction value information 181 that indicates values, etc., that the humidity calculation unit 104 uses to correct the humidity. The humidity calculation unit 104 may correct the humidity by referring to the correction value information 181.

[0075] For example, immediately after the operation is finished, the temperature difference between the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 and the room temperature is large. If some time has passed since the operation was finished, the temperature difference between the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 and the room temperature is small. Therefore, by using a correction value according to the time that has passed since the operation of the electrical appliance was finished, the humidity calculation unit 104 can correct the humidity data to correspond to the room temperature.

[0076] The humidity calculation unit 104 controls the display unit 15 to display the calculated relative humidity. Note that when the humidity acquisition unit 103 stops acquiring humidity data and reception of humidity data from the humidity acquisition unit 103 stops, the humidity calculation unit 104 may control the display unit 15 to display the most recently calculated relative humidity.

[0077] That is, when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 is fluctuating, the display unit 15 displays the humidity based on the humidity data acquired before the temperature difference fluctuated.

[0078] When the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of humidity sensor 211 fluctuates, there is a high possibility that the temperature of humidity sensor 211 is fluctuating significantly. When the temperature of humidity sensor 211 fluctuates, the relative humidity detected by humidity sensor 211 fluctuates even if the amount of water vapor in the air remains the same. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent erroneous humidity readings due to detected humidity caused by fluctuations in the temperature of humidity sensor 211.

[0079] <Heater control unit 105> When the heater control unit 105 receives a signal indicating the start of operation from the operation reception unit 101, it controls the heater 13 to be on after a predetermined time has elapsed by referring to the first timer 171. The first timer 171 measures the elapsed time from the reception of the signal indicating the start of operation.

[0080] When heater control unit 105 controls heater 13 to be on, it transmits a signal indicating that the heater is on to switching control unit 102, humidity acquisition unit 103, and hot water temperature monitoring unit .

[0081] When the heater control unit 105 receives a signal indicating the end of operation from the operation receiving unit 101, it controls the heater 13 to turn off. When the heater control unit 105 controls the heater 13 to turn off, it transmits a signal indicating that the heater has been controlled to turn off to the elapsed time determination unit 107.

[0082] <Water temperature monitoring unit 106> When the hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 receives a signal from the heater control unit 105 indicating that the heater is on, it acquires hot water temperature data indicating the temperature of the hot water stored in the water storage tank 11 from the hot water temperature sensor 12. The hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 monitors the hot water temperature. Specifically, the hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 determines whether the temperature indicated by the hot water temperature data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the temperature indicated by the hot water temperature data is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 determines whether the elapsed time since the temperature indicated by the hot water temperature data reached the predetermined value is equal to or greater than a predetermined first time. For example, the hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 may make this determination by referring to a second timer 172 that measures the elapsed time since the temperature indicated by the hot water temperature data reached the predetermined value.

[0083] When it is determined that the time elapsed since the temperature indicated by the hot water temperature data reached a predetermined value is equal to or longer than the first hour, the hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 instructs the humidity acquisition unit 103 to acquire humidity data from the second humidity circuit.

[0084] In addition, when it is determined that the time elapsed since the temperature indicated by the hot water temperature data reached a predetermined value is equal to or longer than the first hour, the hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 sends an instruction to the humidity calculation unit 104 to correct the humidity using the predetermined value.

[0085] <Elapsed time determination unit 107> When elapsed time determination unit 107 receives a signal from heater control unit 105 indicating that heater 13 has been controlled to be turned off, it references third timer 173 and determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since heater 13 was turned off. Third timer 173 measures the elapsed time from the time heater 13 was turned off. Third timer 173 can also be expressed as measuring the elapsed time from the end of the humidifying operation of humidifier 1.

[0086] The elapsed time determination unit 107 determines whether or not a predetermined second time has elapsed that is set for switching the humidity circuit 21. If it determines that the second time has elapsed, the elapsed time determination unit 107 sends an instruction to the switching control unit 102 to switch the humidity circuit 21 to the first humidity circuit.

[0087] Humidity circuit 21 may also have a plurality of different resistance values. The number of the plurality of resistance values ​​can be changed as appropriate. The second time period may be set to a plurality of times corresponding to the plurality of different resistance values. Elapsed time determination unit 107 may send an instruction to switching control unit 102 to switch the resistance value of humidity circuit 21 to a resistance value corresponding to the elapsed time.

[0088] Furthermore, the elapsed time determination unit 107 determines whether a predetermined third time set for selecting a correction value to be used for humidity correction has elapsed. For example, the third time may be set to a plurality of times corresponding to a plurality of correction values. If it determines that the third time has elapsed, the elapsed time determination unit 107 transmits to the humidity calculation unit 104 a signal indicating that the predetermined third time has elapsed since the heater 13 was turned off. Note that the predetermined second time and the predetermined third time may be the same time.

[0089] <Display section 15> Display unit 15 displays the humidity based on the humidity data acquired by humidity acquisition unit 103. Display unit 15 also displays the room temperature and any errors in humidifier 1, etc.

[0090] (Processing flow in humidifier 1) Next, an example of the processing flow in the humidifier 1 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in the humidifier 1. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the temperature Q1 of the humidity sensor 211 and the transition of the room temperature Q2 with respect to the operating status of the humidifier 1. In this specification, the temperature Q1 of the humidity sensor 211 is also referred to as the sensor temperature Q1.

[0091] (Processing until boiling water begins) First, we will explain the flow of processing during period A from when the humidifier 1 is turned on until the water boiling starts, as shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, during period A from time P0 when the power is turned on to time P1 when the heater 13 is turned on, there is no difference between the room temperature Q2 and the sensor temperature Q1.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 6, during period A, when the humidifier 1 is powered on, the humidity circuit 21 becomes the first humidity circuit in which the humidity sensor 211 is connected to the first resistor 212 (S1). Then, the humidification operation starts (S2), and the display unit 15 displays the relative humidity detected by the first humidity circuit (S3). Next, the heater control unit 105 controls the heater 13 to turn on (S4). The process then continues to S5.

[0093] (Processing from the start of boiling water until the temperature difference between the room temperature and the humidity sensor temperature stabilizes) Next, we will explain the processing during period B, from when the water boiling starts until the temperature difference between the room temperature and the sensor temperature stabilizes. As shown in Figure 7, from time P1 when heater 13 turns on to time P2 when the hot water temperature reaches 95°C, sensor temperature Q1 rises and the temperature difference between the room temperature Q2 and sensor temperature Q1 gradually increases. Thereafter, by time P3, 30 minutes after the hot water temperature reaches 95°C, the temperature difference between the room temperature Q2 and sensor temperature Q1 becomes constant and stabilizes.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 6, during period B, display unit 15 continues to display the relative humidity detected by the first humidity circuit before heater 13 was turned on (S5). That is, during period B, display unit 15 displays the relative humidity detected by the first humidity circuit during period A. During period B, humidity acquisition unit 103 does not acquire humidity data from humidity circuit 21. Next, hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 determines whether hot water temperature W indicated by the hot water temperature data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value W1 (S6). In this example, the predetermined value W1 is 95°C, but the predetermined value W1 can be changed as needed and is not particularly limited. If hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 determines that hot water temperature W is equal to or greater than the predetermined value W1 (YES in S6), second timer 172 starts measuring elapsed time t1 (S7). That is, the elapsed time t1 is measured after hot water temperature W reaches the predetermined value W1. Next, the hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 determines whether the elapsed time t1 is equal to or greater than the first time T1 (S8). In this example, the first time T1 is 30 minutes, but the first time T1 can be changed as appropriate and is not particularly limited.

[0095] If the hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 determines that the elapsed time t1 is equal to or greater than the first time T1 (YES in S8), the switching control unit 102 controls the humidity circuit 21 to switch to the second humidity circuit in which the humidity sensor 211 is connected to the second resistor 213 (S9: switching control step). Note that the switching of the humidity circuit 21 may be performed at any time between S4 and S10. Then, the process continues to S10.

[0096] If the hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 determines that the hot water temperature W is less than the predetermined value W1 (NO in S6), S6 is repeated. If the hot water temperature monitoring unit 106 determines that the elapsed time t1 is less than the first time T1 (NO in S8), S8 is repeated.

[0097] (Processing from when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the humidity sensor temperature stabilizes to when humidification operation ends) Next, we will explain the processing during period C from when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the sensor temperature stabilizes until the humidification operation ends. As shown in FIG. 7, during period C, from time P3, when 30 minutes have passed since the hot water temperature reached 95°C, to time P4, when the humidification operation ends, the temperature difference between the room temperature Q2 and the sensor temperature Q1 is stable. FIG. 8 is a detailed diagram showing an example of the transitions in the room temperature Q2 and the temperature Q1 of the humidity sensor 211. As shown in FIG. 8, during period C, the room temperature Q2 gradually rises due to steam generated by the humidifier 1. Furthermore, the sensor temperature Q1 gradually rises due to the rise in the room temperature Q2. Meanwhile, the temperature difference between the room temperature Q2 and the sensor temperature Q1 is stable. In this example, the temperature difference is 5°C.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 6, during period C, the humidity acquisition unit 103 acquires relative humidity data from the second humidity circuit (S10: acquisition step), and the display unit 15 displays the relative humidity detected by the second humidity circuit (S11). For example, the displayed relative humidity may be a relative humidity corrected by the humidity calculation unit 104. Specifically, the humidity calculation unit 104 may correct the relative humidity to correspond to the room temperature using a correction value corresponding to the temperature difference between the room temperature Q2 and the sensor temperature Q1. For example, the humidity calculation unit 104 may perform the correction by adding a correction value corresponding to a temperature difference of 5°C between the room temperature Q2 and the sensor temperature Q1 in this example to the value indicated by the humidity data detected by the second humidity circuit. Next, the humidifying operation by the humidifier 1 ends (S12). Then, the process continues to S13.

[0099] In this example, the state in which the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 has stabilized is described as the state in which a predetermined time, 30 minutes, has passed since the temperature of the hot water stored in the water tank 11 reached a predetermined value of 95°C.

[0100] When the hot water temperature reaches 95°C and 30 minutes have passed, it is highly likely that the water tank has been sufficiently heated and the temperature of the humidity sensor, which is affected by the hot water temperature, is stable. Therefore, with the above configuration, humidity data detected when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 is stable can be obtained.

[0101] Another example of a state in which the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 is stable may be a state in which the temperature of the hot water stored in the water tank 11 reaches a predetermined value of 100°C.

[0102] When the temperature of the hot water reaches 100°C, it is highly likely that the water tank is being heated sufficiently and the temperature of the humidity sensor 211, which is affected by the hot water temperature, is stable. Therefore, with the above configuration, humidity data detected when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor 211 is stable can be obtained.

[0103] (Processing after humidification operation) Next, the processing during period D after the humidification operation ends will be described. As shown in Fig. 7, during period D after time P4 when the humidification operation ends, the sensor temperature Q1 drops, and the temperature difference between the room temperature Q2 and the sensor temperature Q1 gradually decreases. In this example, when a second time T2 (15 minutes) has elapsed since time P4 when the humidification operation ends, the temperature difference between the room temperature Q2 and the sensor temperature Q1 decreases to half of the stable temperature difference during period C. As time passes, the temperature difference between the room temperature Q2 and the sensor temperature Q1 disappears.

[0104] 6, during period D, third timer 173 starts measuring elapsed time t2 (S13). That is, the elapsed time t2 from the end of the humidification operation is measured. Next, elapsed time determination unit 107 determines whether elapsed time t2 is equal to or greater than second time T2 (S14). In this example, second time T2 is 15 minutes, but second time T2 can be changed as appropriate and is not particularly limited.

[0105] If elapsed time determination unit 107 determines that elapsed time t2 is equal to or greater than second time T2 (YES in S14), switching control unit 102 controls humidity circuit 21 to switch to the first humidity circuit (S15). Subsequently, when continuous operation starts (S16), the process returns to S3.

[0106] Furthermore, if the elapsed time determination unit 107 determines that the elapsed time t2 is less than the second time T2 (NO in S14), the humidity circuit 21 is maintained in the second humidity circuit (S17). Subsequently, when continuous operation starts (S18), the display unit 15 displays the relative humidity detected by the second humidity circuit (S19). Then, the process continues to S4. The relative humidity displayed in S19 may be a relative humidity corrected by the humidity calculation unit 104 according to the elapsed time since the end of operation. For example, if the elapsed time t2 is less than the predetermined time Ta, a humidity correction value Xa may be added to correct the value indicated by the humidity data. Alternatively, if the elapsed time t2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined time Ta but less than the predetermined time Tb, a humidity correction value Xb may be added to correct the value indicated by the humidity data. Alternatively, if the elapsed time t2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined time Tb but less than T2, a humidity correction value Xc may be added to correct the value indicated by the humidity data. The humidity correction value may decrease as the elapsed time t2 increases.

[0107] [Software implementation example] The functions of the humidifier 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "device") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the control unit 10).

[0108] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and storage device execute the program to realize each function described in each of the above embodiments.

[0109] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0110] In addition, some or all of the functions of each control block can be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each control block is formed is also included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the functions of each control block can be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0111] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0112] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0113] 〔summary〕 An electrical device according to aspect 1 of the present disclosure includes a switching control unit that controls switching of a resistor that adjusts the detection humidity band of a humidity sensor, and an acquisition unit that, when the temperature of the humidity sensor fluctuates, acquires humidity data from the humidity sensor that is detected when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable, using the resistor switched by the switching control unit.

[0114] In the electrical device of aspect 2 of the present disclosure, in aspect 1, when the temperature of the humidity sensor rises, the acquisition unit may acquire humidity data detected when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable, using a resistor that adjusts to increase detection accuracy in the low humidity range, switched from the resistor that adjusts to increase detection accuracy in the high humidity range.

[0115] An electrical device according to aspect 3 of the present disclosure may be, in aspect 1 or 2, further include a correction unit that corrects humidity data detected when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable using a predetermined correction value.

[0116] In the electrical device according to aspect 4 of the present disclosure, in any one of aspects 1 to 3, when operation of the electrical device is once terminated, the switching control unit may control the switching of the resistor according to the time elapsed since the operation of the electrical device was terminated.

[0117] In an electrical device according to aspect 5 of the present disclosure, in aspect 3, when operation of the electrical device is once terminated, the correction unit may correct the humidity data detected by the humidity sensor using a correction value corresponding to the time elapsed since operation of the electrical device was terminated.

[0118] An electrical device according to aspect 6 of the present disclosure is any one of aspects 1 to 5, and is provided with a display unit that displays humidity based on humidity data acquired by the acquisition unit, and when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is fluctuating, the display unit may display humidity based on the humidity data acquired before the temperature difference fluctuated.

[0119] An electrical device according to aspect 7 of the present disclosure is any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the electrical device is provided with a heated water tank, and the state in which the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable may be a state in which the temperature of the hot water stored in the water tank has reached a first temperature and a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0120] An electrical device according to aspect 8 of the present disclosure is any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the electrical device is provided with a heated water tank, and the state in which the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable may be a state in which the temperature of the hot water stored in the water tank has reached a second temperature.

[0121] A control method for an electrical device according to aspect 9 of the present disclosure includes a switching control step of controlling the switching of a resistor that adjusts the detection humidity band of a humidity sensor, and an acquisition step of, when the temperature of the humidity sensor fluctuates, acquiring humidity data detected from the humidity sensor when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable, using the resistor switched in the switching control step. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1 Humidifier (electrical equipment) 11 Water Tank 15 Display section 102 Switching control unit 103 Humidity acquisition section (acquisition section) 104 Humidity calculation section (correction section) 211 Humidity Sensor 212 1st resistance (resistance) 213 Second resistor (resistance)

Claims

1. a switching control unit that controls switching of a resistor that adjusts the detection humidity band of the humidity sensor; an acquisition unit that, when the temperature of the humidity sensor fluctuates, acquires from the humidity sensor humidity data detected when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable, using the resistor switched by the switching control unit; An electrical device comprising:

2. When the temperature of the humidity sensor rises, the acquisition unit acquires humidity data detected in a state where the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable, using the resistor that is adjusted to increase the detection accuracy in the low humidity range, which has been switched from the resistor that is adjusted to increase the detection accuracy in the high humidity range.

2. The electrical device according to claim 1.

3. A correction unit is provided that corrects humidity data detected when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable using a predetermined correction value.

3. The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Once the operation of the electrical equipment has been terminated, The switching control unit controls the switching of the resistor in accordance with the time elapsed since the operation of the electrical device was terminated.

3. The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Once the operation of the electrical equipment has been terminated, The correction unit corrects the humidity data detected by the humidity sensor using a correction value according to the time elapsed since the operation of the electrical appliance ended.

4. The electrical device according to claim 3.

6. a display unit that displays humidity based on the humidity data acquired by the acquisition unit, When the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is fluctuating, the display unit displays the humidity based on the humidity data acquired before the temperature difference fluctuates.

3. The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the electrical appliance comprises a heated water tank; The state in which the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable is a state in which the temperature of the hot water stored in the water storage tank has reached a first temperature and a predetermined time has elapsed.

3. The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the electrical appliance comprises a heated water tank; The state in which the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable is a state in which the temperature of the hot water stored in the water storage tank has reached a second temperature.

3. The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. a switching control step of controlling switching of a resistor for adjusting a detection humidity band of the humidity sensor; an acquisition step of acquiring, from the humidity sensor, humidity data detected when the temperature difference between room temperature and the temperature of the humidity sensor is stable, using the resistor switched in the switching control step, when the temperature of the humidity sensor fluctuates; 10. A method for controlling an electrical device, comprising:

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