humidifier

Abstract

To provide a humidifier which takes a feeling temperature of a user caused by the air quantity of the air supplied into a humidification object space into consideration, and which can humidify the humidification object space in a way that is comfortable for a user.SOLUTION: A humidifier includes: a sensor 36 for detecting a temperature and humidity in a humidification object space; an air quantity control part 45 for controlling the air quantity; a feeling temperature calculation part 42 for calculating a current feeling temperature by using the temperature and humidity detected by the sensor 36; a feeling temperature comparison part 43 for comparing a current feeling temperature calculated by the feeling temperature calculation part 42 and a preset target feeling temperature; and a temperature limiter part 44 which actuates a temperature limiter function, in the case where the feeling temperature comparison part 43 has determined that the current feeling temperature is equal to or lower than the target feeling temperature. The air quantity control part 45 controls the air quantity so as to surpass the target feeling temperature, in the case where the temperature limiter function is actuated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier equipped with a blower that supplies air into a space to be humidified. [Background technology]

[0002] Humidifiers are widely used to maintain a comfortable indoor humidity level. Humidifiers humidify air by bringing it into contact with a humidification module containing moisture for humidification. Humidifiers are equipped with a blower that draws in air from the space to be humidified and expels it toward the humidification module.

[0003] During operation of the humidifier, the water supply device supplies moisture for humidification to the humidification module. The moisture supplied to the humidification module by the water supply device comes into contact with the gas and humidifies the gas. The humidified gas is then released into the space to be humidified. In this way, the humidity in the space to be humidified is maintained at the user's desired humidity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6611823 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-003205 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-281241 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In such conventional humidifiers, the operating conditions required to achieve the target relative humidity value set by the user are preset, and the blower is operated based on these operating conditions, water is supplied to the humidification module, and the volume of air supplied to the space to be humidified is adjusted.

[0006] However, conventional technologies that simply operate a humidifier based on these operating conditions have the problem that the user in the humidified space does not necessarily perceive the humidified space as having an appropriate temperature. For example, the humidified air released into the humidified space flows within the humidified space and inevitably comes into contact with the user's body. However, if the temperature in the humidified space is low, the released air may come into contact with the user's body, causing the user to feel cold and uncomfortable. It is said that the sensible temperature perceived by a person decreases by about 1°C, even if the air temperature remains the same, for example, if the wind speed increases by 1 m / s. Therefore, even if humidification is performed based on preset operating conditions that simply achieve the humidity set by the user, as in conventional technologies, it is impossible to provide a comfortable space for the user.

[0007] The present invention has been proposed to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. The object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier that can humidify a space to be humidified in a comfortable manner for the user, taking into consideration the user's perceived temperature due to the volume of air supplied into the space to be humidified. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The humidifier of the present invention comprises a sensor for detecting the temperature and humidity of a space to be humidified, a blower for applying energy to air and supplying the air to the space to be humidified, an air volume control unit for controlling the volume of the air supplied by the blower, a sensible temperature calculation unit for calculating a current sensible temperature using the wind speed of the air and the temperature and humidity detected by the sensor, a sensible temperature comparison unit for comparing the current sensible temperature calculated by the sensible temperature calculation unit with a preset target sensible temperature, and a temperature limiter unit for activating a temperature limiter function when the sensible temperature comparison unit determines that the current sensible temperature is equal to or lower than the target sensible temperature. When the temperature limiter function is activated, the air volume control unit controls the air volume so that the air volume exceeds the target sensible temperature.

[0009] The temperature limiter unit has a minimum air volume setting unit that sets a minimum air volume that is the lower limit of the air volume, a target sensible temperature air volume calculation unit that calculates the target sensible temperature air volume at the target sensible temperature, and a minimum air volume comparison unit that compares the target sensible temperature air volume with the minimum air volume, and the air volume control unit may be configured to control the air volume so that it is equal to the minimum air volume when the minimum air volume comparison unit determines that the target sensible temperature air volume is less than the minimum air volume.

[0010] The device may further include an application temperature comparison unit that compares the temperature detected by the sensor with a preset application temperature, and the temperature limiter unit may activate the temperature limiter function when the application temperature comparison unit determines that the temperature detected by the sensor is equal to or lower than the application temperature.

[0011] The user may be able to switch between a manual mode and an automatic mode for the airflow rate, and the temperature limiter unit may activate the temperature limiter function when the automatic mode is selected.

[0012] The sensible temperature calculation unit calculates a virtual sensible temperature, which is a hypothetical sensible temperature that would be experienced if the humidifier were operated normally without activating the temperature limiter function while the temperature limiter function is activated, the sensible temperature comparison unit compares the target sensible temperature with the virtual sensible temperature, and the temperature limiter unit may stop the temperature limiter function if the virtual sensible temperature exceeds the target sensible temperature.

[0013] The temperature limiter unit has a normal air volume calculation unit that calculates the normal air volume when the humidifier is operated in the normal operation mode, and a normal air volume comparison unit that compares the target sensible temperature air volume calculated by the target sensible temperature air volume calculation unit with the normal air volume calculated by the normal air volume calculation unit, and the air volume control unit may be configured to control the target sensible temperature air volume to be equal to the normal air volume when the normal air volume comparison unit determines that the target sensible temperature air volume is greater than the normal air volume. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, a humidifier can be obtained that is capable of humidifying a space to be humidified in a way that is comfortable for the user, while also taking into consideration the user's perceived temperature, which is caused by the volume of air supplied into the space to be humidified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an evaporative humidifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a temperature limiter unit. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the temperature limiter section in the first embodiment activates a temperature limiter function. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for adjusting the airflow rate by the temperature limiter unit while the temperature limiter function is activated. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature limiter unit in a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for adjusting the airflow rate by the temperature limiter unit while the temperature limiter function is operating in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] [1. First embodiment] [1-1. Configuration of the first embodiment] A humidifier according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the humidifier will be described as an evaporative humidifier 100. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of evaporative humidifier 100 of this embodiment. Note that in FIG. 1, housing 1 is shown as transparent to show the internal configuration. In each drawing, thickness, dimensions, positional relationships, proportions, shape, etc. may be exaggerated to facilitate understanding, but the present invention is not limited to such exaggeration.

[0017] Evaporative humidifier 100 is a device that humidifies by blowing air over a moisture-soaked filter to vaporize and release the moisture. Evaporative humidifier 100 of this embodiment is installed on the ceiling of a building. That is, evaporative humidifier 100 has humidifier main body 10 embedded in the ceiling, and air intake 21 and air outlet 22 attached to the ceiling surface. However, evaporative humidifier 100 is not limited to being installed on the ceiling, and may also be installed on the floor or a table.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, evaporative humidifier 100 comprises a humidifier main body 10 and a control unit 4. Control unit 4 may be built into humidifier main body 10 or may be provided external to humidifier main body 10. Humidifier main body 10 comprises a housing 1, a decorative grill 2, and a humidifying device 3. Humidifying device 3 comprises a blower 31, a humidifying module 32, a water supply device 33, a drain pan 34, an electrical component 35, and a sensor 36. Control unit 4 controls the amount of humidification by evaporative humidifier 100 by controlling each component of humidifier main body 10.

[0019] (housing) The housing 1 is a box-shaped component placed inside the ceiling of a building. The housing 1 houses a blower 31, a humidification module 32, a water supply device 33, a drain pan 34, an electrical component 35, and a sensor 36. A rectangular opening is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 1. Each component is housed inside the housing 1 through this opening.

[0020] (decorative grill) The decorative grill 2 is a rectangular decorative plate that covers an opening provided on the underside of the housing 1. The decorative grill 2 has approximately the same shape and size as the opening of the housing 1. The decorative grill 2 is fixed to the housing 1 so as to be able to open and close. The decorative grill 2 has an intake port 21 and an outlet port 22.

[0021] Air intake 21 is a roughly rectangular opening provided on one end side of decorative grille 2. Air intake 21 takes in air from inside the building into the housing. Air intake 21 supplies the taken-in air to blower 31. A filter (not shown) is provided between air intake 21 and blower 31 so as to cover the back surface of air intake 21.

[0022] The air outlet 22 is a generally rectangular opening provided on the other end side of the decorative grille 2. After the air taken in through the air intake 21 is humidified by the humidification module 32, the humidified air is supplied from the air outlet 22 to the space to be humidified.

[0023] (Blower) The blower 31 is a device that imparts kinetic energy to air and sends it out. For example, a fan can be used as the blower 31. The blower 31 is provided inside the housing 1 on the side of the air inlet 21 of the decorative grille 2. The blower 31 is disposed above the air inlet 21 and draws in the air taken in by the air inlet 21. Both side surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the air inlet 21 are the intake ports of the blower 31. The outlet port of the blower 31 is provided to face one side surface of the humidifying module 32. The blower 31 supplies the air drawn in through the air inlet 21 to one side surface of the humidifying module 32. An intermediate spacer may be provided on the outlet side of the blower 31 so that the air supplied to the humidifying module 32 spreads over the entire side surface of the humidifying module 32.

[0024] (Humidification module) The humidifying module 32 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member formed by laminating multiple plate-like humidifying materials with corrugated cross sections, formed from, for example, nonwoven fabric. The humidifying module 32 temporarily retains moisture supplied from the water supply device 33 and uses this retained moisture to humidify the air supplied from the blower 31. That is, air supplied from the blower 31 to one side of the humidifying module 32 is humidified as it passes through the humidifying module 32, and the humidified air is discharged from the other side of the humidifying module 32. The humidifying module 32 is removably fixed to a drain pan 34.

[0025] (water supply device) The water supply device 33 includes a water supply header and the like, and the water supply header is disposed on top of the humidification module 32. The water supply device 33 supplies moisture to the humidification module 32. The water supply device 33 is provided with a solenoid valve and the like (not shown), and by controlling the solenoid valve and the like, water supply can be started, stopped, and the amount of water supply can be adjusted.

[0026] (Drain pan) The drain pan 34 is provided below the humidification module 32. The drain pan 34 has a box-like shape with an open top. The dimensions of the drain pan 34 are greater than the width and depth of the humidification module 32, but shorter than its height. The drain pan 34 receives and stores water that flows down from the humidification module 32.

[0027] The drain pan 34 is designed to receive and store leaking water even if it leaks from the solenoid valve of the water supply device 33. The drain pan 34 is removably fixed to a support member provided on the housing 1. A drain outlet is provided on the bottom surface of the drain pan 34. The bottom surface of the drain pan 34 is inclined toward the drain outlet. A pipe extending downward is provided at the drain outlet, and a drain cap is inserted into this pipe.

[0028] (Electrical Equipment Department) The electrical component 35 is a rectangular parallelepiped member provided between the air intake 21 and the blower 31. The electrical component 35 is configured to be connectable to a connector of the sensor 36. The electrical component 35 receives detection information detected by the sensor 36.

[0029] (sensor) The sensor 36 detects the temperature and relative humidity of the space to be humidified. The sensor 36 may be constantly operating to detect the temperature and relative humidity that fluctuate from moment to moment, or may detect the temperature and relative humidity at predetermined intervals, such as every minute. The sensor 36 may be a module type in which a sensor body, such as a humidity sensor or temperature sensor, is mounted on a circuit board. The detected temperature and humidity information is sent to the electrical component 35.

[0030] The sensor 36 is provided inside the humidifier main body 10. In this embodiment, the sensor 36 is provided upstream of the air flow path, and is provided on the side of the electrical component section 35 as shown in Fig. 1. The sensor 36 is fixed to the electrical component section 35 with fixing devices such as screws. However, the sensor 36 does not necessarily have to be provided inside the humidifier main body 10, and may be installed in the space to be humidified.

[0031] The sensor 36 in this embodiment is housed in a protective cover. The protective cover has a plurality of slits to prevent air from accumulating inside the cover. Note that the sensor 36 does not necessarily have to be housed in a protective cover.

[0032] (Control unit) The control unit 4 is composed of a computer, a driver circuit, etc. The computer is composed of storage such as flash memory, RAM, a CPU, etc. The control unit 4 controls the various components of the evaporative humidifier 100. In particular, the control unit 4 of this embodiment activates a temperature limiter function to automatically control the airflow when the temperature falls below a predetermined sensible temperature. The temperature limiter function is a function that adjusts the airflow when the temperature reaches a predetermined sensible temperature so that the temperature remains above the predetermined sensible temperature. Note that a state in which the temperature limiter function is not activated is sometimes referred to as normal operation.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 4. The control unit 4 activates a temperature limiter function when the current sensible temperature falls below the target sensible temperature. As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 4 has a sensor information acquisition unit 41, a sensible temperature calculation unit 42, a sensible temperature comparison unit 43, a temperature limiter unit 44, and an airflow control unit 45.

[0034] The sensor information acquisition unit 41 acquires the temperature information and humidity information detected by the sensor 36. The acquisition method may be any method, whether wired or wireless. The sensor information acquisition unit 41 updates the temperature information and humidity information each time it acquires the information. The temperature information and humidity information acquired by the sensor information acquisition unit 41 is stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0035] The sensible temperature calculation unit 42 calculates the current sensible temperature. The current sensible temperature indicates the temperature that the user feels based on the current wind speed. The sensible temperature calculation unit 42 calculates the sensible temperature based on, for example, the following equations (1) and (2).

[0036]

number

number

[0037] The sensible temperature calculation unit 42 receives temperature information and humidity information detected by the sensor 36 from the sensor information acquisition unit 41. The wind speed may be detected by the sensor 36, or may be calculated based on the following formula (3) on a preset air volume that achieves a target humidity set by the user.

[0038]

number

[0039] The sensible temperature comparison unit 43 compares the current sensible temperature calculated by the sensible temperature calculation unit 42 with the target sensible temperature. The target sensible temperature is a sensible temperature that is set in advance as the lower limit value at which the user feels cold. The target sensible temperature is, but is not limited to, 15°C, for example. The target sensible temperature is stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown).

[0040] When the temperature limiter function is not activated, the sensible temperature comparison unit 43 compares the current sensible temperature with the target sensible temperature. When the sensible temperature comparison unit 43 determines that the current sensible temperature is equal to or lower than the target sensible temperature, the temperature limiter unit 44 activates the temperature limiter function, as described below.

[0041] Furthermore, while the temperature limiter function is operating, the sensible temperature comparison unit 43 compares the ever-changing current sensible temperature with the target sensible temperature. If the current sensible temperature becomes higher than the target sensible temperature, the temperature limiter unit 44 stops the temperature limiter function.

[0042] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the temperature limiter unit in the first embodiment. While the temperature limiter function is active, temperature limiter unit 44 adjusts the airflow rate of evaporative humidifier 100 so that the current sensible temperature is higher than the target sensible temperature. Temperature limiter unit 44 has a minimum airflow rate comparison mode that compares the target sensible temperature airflow rate with the minimum airflow rate, and an automatic airflow rate comparison mode that compares the target sensible temperature airflow rate with the automatic mode airflow rate. Temperature limiter unit 44 has a minimum airflow rate setting unit 441, a target sensible temperature airflow rate calculation unit 442, and a minimum airflow rate comparison unit 443.

[0043] Minimum airflow setting unit 441 sets the minimum airflow of evaporative humidifier 100. The minimum airflow is the lower limit of the airflow, below which it cannot be reduced. If the airflow is reduced too much, it will be impractical in terms of humidification performance, and so the minimum airflow is set in advance. For this reason, the minimum airflow is set in advance in minimum airflow setting unit 441. The minimum airflow is, but is not limited to, 20%. Minimum airflow setting unit 441 may also calculate the minimum airflow from the air speed or the like. For example, a minimum airspeed may be set in advance, and the minimum airflow may be calculated from this minimum airspeed based on the above formula (3).

[0044] The target sensible temperature airflow calculation unit 442 calculates the target sensible temperature airflow. If the target sensible temperature is set to 15°C, the target sensible temperature airflow calculation unit 442 substitutes 15 for Tm in the above formula (1). The target sensible temperature airflow calculation unit 442 also calculates the wind speed from the above formulas (1) and (2) based on the temperature and relative humidity detected by the sensor 36. Then, the target sensible temperature airflow calculation unit 442 calculates the airflow at the target sensible temperature from the above formula (3) based on the calculated wind speed.

[0045] Minimum air volume comparison unit 443 compares the minimum air volume set in minimum air volume setting unit 441 with the target sensible temperature air volume calculated by target sensible temperature air volume calculation unit 442. When the target sensible temperature air volume is smaller than the minimum air volume, minimum air volume comparison unit 443 controls the target sensible temperature air volume to be equal to the minimum air volume. On the other hand, when the target sensible temperature air volume is equal to or larger than the minimum air volume, minimum air volume comparison unit 443 controls the target sensible temperature air volume to be the minimum air volume.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2 , air volume control unit 45 controls the volume of air supplied to the space to be humidified. Air volume control unit 45 controls the volume of air supplied to the space to be humidified by controlling blower 31. Evaporative humidifier 100 has manual and automatic modes for the air volume, which the user can switch between using various operations such as a remote control. In manual mode, the user can freely select the air volume, and it is set to three levels, for example, "weak," "medium," and "strong." In automatic mode, the optimal air volume is automatically adjusted to achieve the set humidity in the space to be humidified, depending on the difference between the set humidity and the humidity detected by sensor 36. Note that air volume control unit 45 controls the volume of air supplied to the space to be humidified, taking into account the load caused by the air supplied from blower 31 passing through humidification module 32, etc.

[0047] When evaporative humidifier 100 is in normal operation, i.e., when the temperature limiter function is not activated, air volume control unit 45 controls the air volume based on a preset air volume. On the other hand, when the temperature limiter function is activated, air volume control unit 45 controls the air volume based on the air volume calculated and adjusted by temperature limiter unit 44.

[0048] The control unit 4 has an application temperature comparison unit 46. An application temperature is stored in advance in a memory unit (not shown). The application temperature indicates a temperature range in which the temperature limiter function is applied. The application temperature is, for example, 15°C or lower, but is not limited to this. The application temperature comparison unit 46 compares the application temperature with the temperature detected by the sensor 36. The temperature limiter unit 44 activates the temperature limiter function when the application temperature comparison unit 46 determines that the temperature detected by the sensor 36 is lower than the application temperature.

[0049] [1-2. Operation of the First Embodiment] The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. (1) Operation of the control unit 4 FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure by which the temperature limiter unit 44 activates the temperature limiter function.

[0050] First, the control unit 4 confirms that a target sensible temperature is set in the storage unit (not shown) (step 01). Note that the following description will be given on the assumption that the target sensible temperature is set to 15°C.

[0051] The sensible temperature calculation unit 42 calculates the current sensible temperature based on the wind speed or air volume and the temperature and humidity information acquired by the sensor information acquisition unit 41 (step 02). The control unit 4 determines whether the temperature limiter function is enabled or disabled (step 03). The evaporative humidifier 100 can switch the temperature limiter function between enabled and disabled, and the temperature limiter function operates only when enabled. In other words, if the temperature limiter function is disabled, the temperature limiter function does not operate even if the current sensible temperature falls below the target sensible temperature. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 04 only if the control unit 4 determines in step 03 that the temperature limiter function is enabled (step 03: Yes). On the other hand, if the control unit 4 determines that the temperature limiter function is disabled (step 03: No), the process proceeds to step 08.

[0052] Furthermore, the applicable temperature comparison unit 46 determines whether the temperature is equal to or lower than the temperature at which the temperature limiter function is applied (step 04). The applicable temperature comparison unit 46 compares the applicable temperature with the temperature information acquired by the sensor information acquisition unit 41. For example, if the applicable temperature is set to 15°C or lower, and the temperature detected by the sensor 36 is 10°C, the applicable temperature comparison unit 46 determines that the temperature is equal to or lower than the applicable temperature (step 04: Yes), and proceeds to step 05. On the other hand, if the temperature detected by the sensor 36 is 20°C, the applicable temperature comparison unit 46 determines that the temperature is higher than the applicable temperature (step 04: No), and proceeds to step 08. The reason for setting the applicable temperature is that if the temperature in the space to be humidified is equal to or higher than the applicable temperature, it is unlikely that the user will feel cold even if the airflow is strong.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 4 determines the air volume mode (step 05). The user can select between automatic and manual air volume modes. The temperature limiter function is activated only when the air volume mode is automatic. Since the perceived temperature varies from person to person, if the user sets the air volume in manual mode, operating the unit at the air volume set by the user will result in a perceived temperature that is more suitable for that user.

[0054] The sensible temperature comparison unit 43 compares the target sensible temperature with the current sensible temperature calculated by the sensible temperature calculation unit 42 in step 03. If the current sensible temperature is equal to or lower than the target sensible temperature (step 06: Yes), the temperature limiter unit 44 activates the temperature limiter function (step 07). On the other hand, if the current sensible temperature is higher than the target sensible temperature (step 06: No), the process proceeds to step 08.

[0055] Air volume control unit 45 controls the air volume according to whether the unit is operating normally or when the temperature limiter function is activated. Information about the air volume is sent from air volume control unit 45 to humidifier main body 10, and evaporative humidifier 100 emits air according to the air volume from air outlet 22 into the space to be humidified.

[0056] When step 08 is reached, the process returns to step 02 and repeats. During this repetition, in step 02, with the temperature limiter function activated, sensible temperature calculation unit 42 calculates the current sensible temperature, and sensible temperature comparison unit 43 continues to compare this current sensible temperature with the target sensible temperature. Then, when sensible temperature comparison unit 43 determines that the current sensible temperature exceeds the target sensible temperature, temperature limiter unit 44 stops the temperature limiter function and resumes normal operation.

[0057] (2) Operation of the temperature limiter unit 44 Next, the operation of the temperature limiter function performed by the temperature limiter unit 44 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a method for adjusting the airflow rate by the temperature limiter unit 44 while the temperature limiter function is operating.

[0058] A minimum air volume is set in minimum air volume setting section 441 (step 21). In this embodiment, the explanation will be given on the assumption that the minimum air volume is set to 20%.

[0059] The target sensible temperature airflow calculation unit 442 calculates the target sensible temperature airflow (step 22). In this embodiment, the target sensible temperature is set to 15°C, so the airflow at 15°C is calculated based on the above formulas (1) to (3).

[0060] Minimum air volume comparison unit 443 compares the minimum air volume set in minimum air volume setting unit 441 with the target sensible temperature air volume calculated by target sensible temperature air volume calculation unit 442 (step 23). If the target sensible temperature air volume is, for example, 25% and is equal to or greater than the minimum air volume (No in step 23), the process proceeds to step 25, and the target sensible temperature air volume is applied as the air volume when the temperature limiter function is activated.

[0061] On the other hand, if the target sensible temperature airflow is, for example, 15%, which is less than the minimum airflow (Yes in step 23), the process proceeds to step 24. If the minimum airflow comparison unit 443 determines that the target sensible temperature airflow is less than the minimum airflow, it adjusts the target sensible temperature airflow to be equal to the minimum airflow (step 24). That is, the target sensible temperature airflow is adjusted to 20%. If the target sensible temperature airflow is less than the minimum airflow, it is not practical in terms of humidification performance, so it is adjusted to be equal to or greater than the minimum airflow. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 25, and the target sensible temperature airflow is applied as the airflow when the temperature limiter function is activated.

[0062] [1-3. Effects of the First Embodiment] As described above, evaporative humidifier 100 of this embodiment comprises sensor 36 that detects the temperature and humidity of the space to be humidified, air volume control unit 45 that controls the air volume, sensible temperature calculation unit 42 that calculates the current sensible temperature using the temperature and humidity detected by sensor 36, sensible temperature comparison unit 43 that compares the current sensible temperature calculated by sensible temperature calculation unit 42 with a preset target sensible temperature, and temperature limiter unit 44 that activates a temperature limiter function when sensible temperature comparison unit 43 determines that the current sensible temperature is equal to or lower than the target sensible temperature. When the temperature limiter function is activated, air volume control unit 45 controls the air volume so that the sensible temperature exceeds the target sensible temperature.

[0063] Conventional humidifiers have had the problem of not always making the user feel that the temperature in the space to be humidified is appropriate. For example, the humidified air released into the space to be humidified inevitably flows within the space and comes into contact with the user's body. When this happens, the humidified air cools down due to the heat of vaporization, and the released air can make the user feel cold and uncomfortable when it comes into contact with the user's body. Furthermore, low temperatures in the space to be humidified reduce the amount of water vaporized, making efficient humidification difficult. Therefore, simply humidifying the space based on preset operating conditions to achieve the humidity set by the user, as in conventional humidifiers, fails to provide a comfortable space for the user. Therefore, the evaporative humidifier 100 of this embodiment controls the airflow when the temperature falls below the target sensible temperature. This reduces the user's sense of cold and discomfort.

[0064] Temperature limiter unit 44 has minimum airflow setting unit 441 that sets a minimum airflow that is the lower limit of the airflow, target sensible temperature airflow calculation unit 442 that calculates the target sensible temperature airflow at the target sensible temperature, and minimum airflow comparison unit 443 that compares the target sensible temperature airflow with the minimum airflow. When minimum airflow comparison unit 443 determines that the target sensible temperature airflow is less than the minimum airflow, airflow control unit 45 controls the airflow so that it is equal to the minimum airflow.

[0065] As a result, the airflow rate will not fall below the minimum airflow rate even when the temperature limiter function is activated. Setting the airflow rate too low can cause vibrations and noise, and also makes it difficult to achieve humidifying performance. Therefore, as in this embodiment, by controlling the airflow rate so that it does not fall below the minimum airflow rate even when the temperature limiter function is activated, the humidifying function can be achieved and the user's discomfort caused by feeling cold can be reduced.

[0066] The device further includes an application temperature comparison unit 46 that compares the temperature detected by the sensor 36 with a preset application temperature, and the temperature limiter unit 44 activates the temperature limiter function when the application temperature comparison unit 46 determines that the temperature detected by the sensor 36 is equal to or lower than the application temperature.

[0067] For example, if the temperature of the space to be humidified is high, the user will not feel cold even if the airflow is high. Also, lowering the airflow reduces the amount of humidification. Therefore, if the temperature is higher than the application temperature, the temperature limiter function will not be activated. This allows the humidification performance to be fully utilized without causing discomfort to the user.

[0068] The user can switch between manual mode and automatic mode for controlling the airflow rate, and the temperature limiter unit 44 activates the temperature limiter function when the automatic mode is selected.

[0069] This allows the user's selection to take priority. Because sensible temperatures vary from person to person, some users may not feel cold even when the temperature drops below the target sensible temperature. Therefore, when the user selects the airflow volume in manual mode, the temperature limiter function is not activated, and the user's selection takes priority. This allows the evaporative humidifier 100 to be provided in accordance with the preferences of each individual user.

[0070] Evaporative humidifier 100 can switch the temperature limiter function between enabled and disabled, and the temperature limiter function operates only when enabled. For example, when performing a test run at the time of installation or maintenance of evaporative humidifier 100, the temperature limiter function can be disabled to prevent the temperature limiter function from activating and interfering with the test run.

[0071] [2. Second Embodiment] An evaporative humidifier 100 according to a second embodiment will now be described. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the above embodiment, the temperature limiter unit 44 stopped the temperature limiter function when the current sensible temperature exceeded the target sensible temperature. In the second embodiment, the temperature limiter function is stopped when not only the current sensible temperature but also the virtual sensible temperature exceeds the target sensible temperature.

[0072] The virtual sensible temperature is the sensible temperature when evaporative humidifier 100 is operated in normal operation (automatic mode or manual mode) without the temperature limiter function being activated. In other words, the virtual sensible temperature is the virtual sensible temperature at the airflow rate when evaporative humidifier 100 is operated in normal operation, even though the temperature limiter function is actually activated and no humidification is being performed in normal operation. Sensible temperature calculation unit 42 may calculate the virtual sensible temperature in the same manner as the current sensible temperature. Specifically, in evaporative humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment, when the temperature limiter function is activated, sensible temperature calculation unit 42 calculates the virtual sensible temperature based on the above formulas (1) to (3).

[0073] While the temperature limiter function is operating, sensible temperature comparison unit 43 not only compares the current sensible temperature with the target sensible temperature, but also compares the virtual sensible temperature calculated by sensible temperature calculation unit 42 with the target sensible temperature. That is, in this embodiment, sensible temperature comparison unit 43 compares the current sensible temperature and virtual sensible temperature with the target sensible temperature in step 06 of Fig. 4. If the current sensible temperature and virtual sensible temperature both exceed the target sensible temperature, temperature limiter unit 44 stops the operating temperature limiter function, switches to automatic mode or manual mode, and resumes normal operation.

[0074] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of temperature limiter unit 44 of the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, temperature limiter unit 44 further has a normal air volume calculation unit 444 and a normal air volume comparison unit 445. Normal air volume calculation unit 444 calculates the normal air volume when evaporative humidifier 100 is operated in automatic mode or manual mode (when evaporative humidifier 100 is operated normally). Normal air volume calculation unit 444 calculates the normal air volume from the humidity detected by sensor 36 and the set humidity.

[0075] Normal air volume comparison unit 445 compares the target sensible temperature air volume calculated by target sensible temperature air volume calculation unit 442 with the normal air volume calculated by normal air volume calculation unit 444. When minimum air volume comparison unit 443 determines that the target sensible temperature air volume is less than the minimum air volume, normal air volume comparison unit 445 compares the target sensible temperature air volume, which is the same as the minimum air volume, with the normal air volume.

[0076] When the target sensible temperature airflow rate is higher than the normal airflow rate, normal airflow rate comparison unit 445 controls the target sensible temperature airflow rate to be equal to the normal airflow rate. Note that the normal airflow rate is preset so as not to be lower than the minimum airflow rate set in minimum airflow rate setting unit 441. On the other hand, when the target sensible temperature airflow rate is equal to or lower than the normal airflow rate, normal airflow rate comparison unit 445 controls the target sensible temperature airflow rate to be the target sensible temperature airflow rate.

[0077] Next, the operation of the temperature limiter unit 44 in the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for adjusting the airflow rate by the temperature limiter unit 44 while the temperature limiter function is operating. The steps up to step 24 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0078] After determining that the target sensible temperature airflow is equal to or greater than the minimum airflow (step S23 No), or after adjusting the target sensible temperature airflow to be equal to the minimum airflow (step S24), normal airflow calculation unit 444 calculates the normal airflow (step S26). Normal airflow comparison unit 445 compares the normal airflow calculated by normal airflow calculation unit 444 with the target sensible temperature airflow (step S27). If the target sensible temperature airflow is equal to or less than the normal airflow (step S27 No), the process proceeds to step S25, where the target sensible temperature airflow is applied as the airflow when the temperature limiter function is activated (step S25).

[0079] On the other hand, if the target sensible temperature airflow rate is greater than the normal airflow rate (Yes in step 27), the target sensible temperature airflow rate is adjusted to be equal to the normal airflow rate (step 28). Then, this adjusted target sensible temperature airflow rate is applied as the airflow rate when the temperature limiter function is activated (step 25). The temperature limiter unit 44 transmits the target sensible temperature airflow rate applied through each step to the airflow rate control unit 45, and the airflow rate is controlled by the airflow rate control unit 45.

[0080] As described above, in evaporative humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment, sensible temperature calculation unit 42 calculates the current sensible temperature and virtual sensible temperature, and sensible temperature comparison unit 43 compares the current sensible temperature and virtual sensible temperature with the target sensible temperature. If sensible temperature comparison unit 43 determines that the current sensible temperature and virtual sensible temperature each exceed the target sensible temperature, temperature limiter unit 44 stops the temperature limiter function in operation and returns to automatic mode.

[0081] As a result, even when the temperature limiter function is switched back to automatic mode, the temperature will not fall below the target sensible temperature, reducing the user's perceived coldness. For example, if the temperature limiter function is stopped and the airflow volume is switched back to normal operation in automatic mode or manual mode, the airflow volume may suddenly increase, causing the user's perceived temperature to drop and feel cold. However, in this embodiment, the system compares not only the current sensible temperature but also the virtual sensible temperature that would be achieved in normal operation with the target sensible temperature. If both the current sensible temperature and the virtual sensible temperature exceed the target sensible temperature, the temperature limiter function is stopped and the system is switched back to automatic mode. Therefore, even after the temperature limiter function is switched back to normal operation in automatic mode or manual mode, the target sensible temperature is exceeded, reducing the user's perceived coldness.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the target sensible temperature airflow rate is higher than the normal airflow rate, the target sensible temperature airflow rate is controlled to be equal to the normal airflow rate. As the current sensible temperature approaches the target sensible temperature, the airflow rate tends to increase. In some cases, the target sensible temperature airflow rate may be greater than the normal airflow rate. In such a situation, if the temperature limiter function is stopped and the unit is switched to normal operation in automatic mode or manual mode, the airflow rate may suddenly change. However, in this embodiment, as described above, when the target sensible temperature airflow rate is higher than the normal airflow rate, the target sensible temperature airflow rate is controlled to be equal to the normal airflow rate, thereby preventing discontinuities in the airflow rate when the temperature limiter function is switched.

[0083] 3. Other Embodiments Although the present specification describes an embodiment of the present invention, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-described embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

[0084] The target sensible temperature and the applicable temperature may be freely set by the user, so that the temperature can be adjusted to suit the sensible temperature of each user.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the humidifier has been described as an evaporative humidifier 100, but it is not limited to an evaporative humidifier.

[0086] When the target sensible temperature airflow rate is greater than the normal airflow rate, the control to make the target sensible temperature airflow rate equal to the normal airflow rate is configured in the second embodiment in which the virtual sensible temperature is calculated, but it may also be configured in the first embodiment in which only the current sensible temperature is calculated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 100 Evaporative Humidifier 10 Humidifier body 1. Housing 2 decorative grills 21 Air intake 22 Air outlet 3 Humidifier 31 Blower 32 Humidification module 33 Water supply equipment 34 Drain pan 35 Electrical Equipment Department 36 sensors 4. Control Unit 41 Sensor information acquisition unit 42 Sensible temperature calculation section 43 Sensible temperature comparison section 44 Temperature limiter section 441 Minimum airflow setting unit 442 Target sensible temperature air volume calculation section 443 Minimum air volume comparison section 444 Normal air volume calculation section 445 Normal air volume comparison section 45 Air volume control unit 46 Applicable temperature comparison section

Claims

1. a sensor for detecting the temperature and humidity of a space to be humidified; a blower that imparts energy to air and supplies the air to the space to be humidified; an air volume control unit that controls the volume of the air supplied by the blower; a sensible temperature calculation unit that calculates a current sensible temperature using the wind speed of the air and the temperature and humidity detected by the sensor; a sensible temperature comparison unit that compares the current sensible temperature calculated by the sensible temperature calculation unit with a preset target sensible temperature; a temperature limiter unit that activates a temperature limiter function when the sensible temperature comparison unit determines that the current sensible temperature is equal to or lower than the target sensible temperature; Equipped with When the temperature limiter function is activated, the air volume control unit controls the air volume so that the air volume exceeds the target sensible temperature. Humidifier.

2. The temperature limiter unit a minimum air volume setting unit that sets a minimum air volume that is a lower limit of the air volume; a target sensible temperature airflow calculation unit that calculates a target sensible temperature airflow at the target sensible temperature; a minimum airflow comparison unit that compares the target sensible temperature airflow rate with the minimum airflow rate; and When the minimum air volume comparison unit determines that the target sensible temperature air volume is smaller than the minimum air volume, the air volume control unit controls the air volume so that the air volume is equal to the minimum air volume. The humidifier of claim 1.

3. The apparatus further includes an application temperature comparison unit that compares the temperature detected by the sensor with a preset application temperature, the temperature limiter unit activates the temperature limiter function when the temperature detected by the sensor by the application temperature comparison unit is equal to or lower than the application temperature; 3. The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The user can switch between a manual mode and an automatic mode regarding the airflow rate, the temperature limiter unit activates the temperature limiter function when the automatic mode is selected; 3. The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the sensible temperature calculation unit calculates a virtual sensible temperature, which is a hypothetical sensible temperature that would be experienced if the humidifier were operated normally without activating the temperature limiter function while the temperature limiter function is activated; the sensible temperature comparison unit compares the target sensible temperature with the virtual sensible temperature, the temperature limiter unit stops the temperature limiter function when the virtual sensible temperature exceeds the target sensible temperature; 3. The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The temperature limiter unit a normal airflow calculation unit that calculates a normal airflow when the humidifier is operated in the normal operation mode; a normal air volume comparison unit that compares the target sensible temperature air volume calculated by the target sensible temperature air volume calculation unit with the normal air volume calculated by the normal air volume calculation unit; and When the normal air volume comparison unit determines that the target sensible temperature air volume is greater than the normal air volume, the air volume control unit controls the target sensible temperature air volume to be equal to the normal air volume.

6. The humidifier according to claim 5.

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