Humidifier

Abstract

To improve the quietness of a humidifying apparatus.SOLUTION: The humidifying apparatus includes a humidifying part including a humidifying rotor, and a rotation member for rotating the humidifying rotor, and a control part for allowing the rotation member to control first rotation of the humidifying rotor when making the humidifying part perform quiet operation to be less than second rotation of the humidifying rotor when making the humidifying part perform non-quiet operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] ,

[0007] , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a humidifying device.

Background Art

[0002] In a humidifying device, a humidifying rotor that passes air and humidifies the air may be rotated.

[0003] Patent Document 1 relates to a mist generating device. In the mist generating device, a mist motor rotates a rotating body to scatter water. Further, when the mute switch is operated to ON, the control unit reduces the rotational speed of the mist motor from a predetermined value by 200 rpm (paragraphs 0010 and 0031).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a humidifying device is installed near a place where a person is sleeping and the humidifying rotor is rotated, the operating noise generated when the humidifying rotor is rotated may interfere with sleep.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of this problem. One aspect of the present disclosure aims to improve, for example, the quietness of a humidifying device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A humidifier according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a humidifier unit having a humidifier rotor and a rotating unit for rotating the humidifier rotor, and a control unit that causes the rotating unit to perform control such that the first rotation of the humidifier rotor when the humidifier unit is to be operated silently is suppressed more than the second rotation of the humidifier rotor when the humidifier unit is to be operated non-silently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the humidifying rotor provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of the control system provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This graph shows the time change of the rotation speed of the humidifying rotor provided in the humidifying unit of the air purifier of the first embodiment when the humidifying unit is operating in non-silent mode in continuous humidification mode. [Figure 6] This graph shows the time change of the rotation speed of the humidifying rotor provided in the humidifying unit of the air purifier of the first embodiment when the humidifying unit is operating in intermittent humidification mode without making noise. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the humidifier unit in the air purifier of the first embodiment when the humidifier rotor in the humidifier unit stops while the humidifier unit is operating in intermittent humidification mode without silent noise. [Figure 8] This graph shows the time change of the rotation speed of the humidifying rotor provided in the humidifying unit of the air purifier of the first embodiment when the humidifying unit is operating silently in stop mode. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the humidifier unit in the air purifier of the first embodiment when the humidifier rotor in the humidifier unit stops while the humidifier unit is operating silently in stop mode. [Figure 10]This graph shows the time change of the rotation speed of the humidifying rotor provided in the humidifying unit of the air purifier of the first embodiment when the humidifying unit is operating quietly in intermittent rotation mode. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows a first example of the processing flow performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows a second example of the processing flow performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates hysteresis control performed in a second example of the processing flow carried out by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows a third example of the processing flow performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows a fourth example of the processing flow performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows a first example of the process flow for determining whether or not to perform silent operation, which is performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] This flowchart shows a second example of the process flow for determining whether or not to perform silent operation, which is performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] This flowchart shows a third example of the process flow for determining whether or not to perform silent operation, which is performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] This flowchart shows a fourth example of the process flow for determining whether or not to perform silent operation, which is performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] This flowchart shows a fifth example of the process flow for determining whether or not to perform silent operation, which is performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0010] 1 First Embodiment 1.1 Air Cleaner FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an air cleaner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the air cleaner according to the first embodiment.

[0011] The air cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has an air cleaning function of cleaning the air around the air cleaner 1 and a humidifying function of humidifying the air. Therefore, the air cleaner 1 is also a humidifying device.

[0012] The air cleaner 1 can perform non-silent operation and silent operation. When the air cleaner 1 performs silent operation, the operating noise generated by the air cleaner 1 is smaller than the operating noise generated by the air cleaner 1 when it performs non-silent operation. When the air cleaner 1 performs silent operation, in order to reduce the generated operating noise, the air cleaner 1 performs control to suppress the rotation of the humidifying rotor 42 described below. A humidifying device having a humidifying function but not an air cleaning function may perform this control. When the air cleaner 1 performs silent operation, it may perform control other than this control. For example, when the air cleaner 1 performs silent operation, it may perform control to suppress the rotation of the fan provided in the air blowing unit 26 described below.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air cleaner 1 has a suction port 11 and a blowout port 12.

[0014] The air cleaner 1 sucks air from the suction port 11, cleans the sucked air, humidifies the cleaned air, and blows out the humidified air from the blowout port 12.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air purifier 1 comprises a housing 21, a rear panel 22, a deodorizing filter 23, a dust collection filter 24, a humidifying unit 25, and a blower unit 26.

[0016] The housing 21 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 21 is placed on the floor so that its lower surface 21A is in contact with the floor. An intake port 11 is formed on the rear surface 21B of the housing 21. An outlet port 12 is formed on the upper surface 21C of the housing 21. An air passage 21D is formed inside the housing 21. The air passage 21D goes from the intake port 11 to the outlet port 12, guiding air from the intake port 11 to the outlet port 12. The air passage 21D includes a storage space 21E. The storage space 21E is formed along the intake port 11.

[0017] The rear panel 22 has a plate-like shape. The rear panel 22 can be attached to and detached from the air outlet 12. Multiple holes 22A are formed in the rear panel 22. The holes 22A penetrate the rear panel 22 in the thickness direction. The holes 22A allow the air drawn into the intake port 11 to pass through.

[0018] The deodorizing filter 23 has a plate-like shape. The deodorizing filter 23 is housed in the storage space 21E. The deodorizing filter 23 passes air flowing through the air passage 21D and removes odor components contained in the air that passes through. The odor components to be removed include acetaldehyde, ammonia, acetic acid, etc.

[0019] The dust collection filter 24 has a plate-like shape. The dust collection filter 24 is housed in the storage space 21E. The dust collection filter 24 passes air flowing through the air passage 21D and removes dust contained in the air passing through.

[0020] The humidifying unit 25 is located within the air passage 21D. The humidifying unit 25 passes the air flowing through the air passage 21D through it, bringing the passing air into contact with water 31 to humidify the air.

[0021] The air blower unit 26 is positioned within the air passage 21D. The air blower unit 26 generates an airflow that is drawn in at the intake port 11, flows through the air passage 21D, and is blown out at the outlet port 12. The air blower unit 26 includes a fan, a fan motor, etc. The fan rotates to generate the airflow. The fan motor rotates the fan.

[0022] 1.2 Humidification section As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the humidification unit 25 comprises a tray 41, a humidification rotor 42, and a rotating part 43.

[0023] Tray 41 holds water 31.

[0024] The humidifying rotor 42 has a disc shape. The lower part of the humidifying rotor 42 is placed inside the tray 41. As a result, the lower part of the humidifying rotor 42 is immersed in the water 31 stored in the tray 41. As a result, the lower part of the humidifying rotor 42 absorbs the stored water 31. The upper part of the humidifying rotor 42 is placed inside the air passage 21D, so that the upper part of the humidifying rotor 42 passes through the air flowing in the air passage 21D.

[0025] The rotating part 43 rotates the humidifying rotor 42. As a result, the lower part of the humidifying rotor 42 that has absorbed water 31 becomes the upper part of the humidifying rotor 42 that passes the air flowing through the air passage 21D. This allows the humidifying unit 25 to humidify the air by bringing it into contact with the water 31.

[0026] 1.3 Humidifying Rotor Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the humidifying rotor provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the humidifying rotor 42 includes a filter frame 51 and a humidifying filter 52.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the filter frame 51 comprises a cylindrical portion 61, a plate-shaped portion 62, an annular portion 63, and a plurality of rod-shaped portions 64.

[0029] The cylindrical portion 61 has a cylindrical shape. A housing space 61A is formed in the cylindrical portion 61. As shown in Figure 3, the cylindrical portion 61 is provided with a plurality of teeth 71. The plurality of teeth 71 are arranged on the outer circumferential surface 61B of the cylindrical portion 61. The plurality of teeth 71 are uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction of the humidifying rotor 42.

[0030] The plate-like portion 62 has a plate-like shape. The plate-like portion 62 has a planar shape with a contour consisting of an arc and a straight line connecting both ends of the arc. The plate-like portion 62 is positioned radially inward of the cylindrical portion 61. The portion of the plate-like portion 62 that forms the arc is connected to the axial end of the cylindrical portion 61. As a result, the plate-like portion 62 blocks a part of the opening surrounded by the axial end of the cylindrical portion 61, preventing water 31 from entering the containment space 61A when placed inside the tray 41.

[0031] The annular portion 63 has an annular shape. The annular portion 63 is positioned radially inward of the cylindrical portion 61 and the plate-shaped portion 62.

[0032] Each rod-shaped portion 64 extends radially to the humidifying rotor 42. One end of each rod-shaped portion 64 is connected to the axial end of the cylindrical portion 61 or to the portion forming the straight line of the plate-shaped portion 62. The other end of each rod-shaped portion 64 is connected to the annular portion 63. The multiple rod-shaped portions 164 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction of the humidifying rotor 42.

[0033] The humidifying filter 52 has a planar shape with a contour consisting of an arc and a straight line connecting the two ends of the arc. If the portion of the humidifying filter 52 that forms the straight line is located near the bottom, it is not immersed in the water 31 and is not moistened by the water 31. If the portion of the humidifying filter 52 that forms the straight line is located anywhere other than near the bottom, it is immersed in the water 31 and moistened by the water 31. The humidifying filter 52 is made of a material that can permeate the water 31, for example, a fiber aggregate, preferably a nonwoven fabric.

[0034] The humidifying filter 52 is a pleated filter. Therefore, the humidifying filter 52 has a sheet-like shape with multiple folds 81. The multiple folds 81 extend in the same direction. The humidifying filter 52 is bent at each fold 81. The bending directions at two adjacent folds 81 are opposite to each other. As a result, the humidifying filter 52 has a zigzag side shape.

[0035] 1.4 Rotating part As shown in Figure 2, the rotating part 43 includes a motor 91 and a gear 92.

[0036] The motor 91 rotates the gear 92.

[0037] Gear 92 meshes with teeth 71. When gear 92 is rotated, it rotates the humidifier rotor 42.

[0038] These components cause the rotating part 43 to rotate the humidifying rotor 42. The motor 91 may directly rotate the humidifying rotor 42. The motor 91 may rotate the humidifying rotor 42 via a transmission mechanism other than the gear 92. For example, the motor 91 may rotate the humidifying rotor 42 via a pulley and a belt.

[0039] 1.5 Control System Figure 4 is a block diagram of the control system provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the air purifier 1 includes a humidity sensor 101, an illuminance sensor 102, an operation unit 103, a communication unit 104, and a control unit 105.

[0041] The humidity sensor 101 detects the humidity 111 of the air surrounding the air purifier 1.

[0042] The illuminance sensor 102 detects the illuminance 112 around the air purifier 1.

[0043] The control unit 103 receives silent operation start operation 131, silent operation end operation 132, eco operation start operation 133, and eco operation end operation 134 performed by the user 121. Silent operation start operation 131 and silent operation end operation 132 are operations that instruct the start and end of silent operation, respectively. Eco operation start operation 133 and eco operation end operation 134 are operations that instruct the start and end of eco operation, respectively. Silent operation is an operation that reduces the operating noise emitted by the air purifier 1. Silent operation is performed when the user 121 sleeps near the location where the air purifier 1 is installed, etc. Eco operation is an operation that reduces the power consumed by the air purifier 1. The control unit 103 consists of buttons, dials, sliders, touch panels, touch pads, etc.

[0044] The communication unit 104 communicates with the server 141 via the network and receives the setting 151 for the installation location of the air purifier 1 from the server 141. The communication unit 104 is composed of electronic circuits. The communication unit 104 communicates with the server 141 using Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0045] The control unit 105 acquires the humidity 111, illuminance 112, and installation location settings 151, as well as whether or not the silent operation start operation 131, silent operation end operation 132, eco operation start operation 133, and eco operation end operation 134 have been received, and controls the rotating unit 43 based on these acquired values. The control unit 105 is composed of a microcontroller, peripheral circuits, etc. The microcontroller includes a processor and memory. The microcontroller executes a control program stored in memory, thereby causing the microcontroller and peripheral circuits to operate as the control unit 105 that controls the rotating unit 43.

[0046] 1.6 Rotation of the humidifier rotor when non-silent operation is performed The control unit 105 can cause the humidification unit 25 to perform silent operation. Silent operation includes a continuous humidification mode in which humidification is performed at all times and / or an intermittent humidification mode in which humidification is performed intermittently.

[0047] Figure 5 is a graph showing the time change of the rotation speed of the humidifying rotor provided in the humidifying unit of the air purifier of the first embodiment when the humidifying unit is operating in a non-silent mode in continuous humidification mode.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, when the control unit 105 wants the humidification unit 25 to operate silently in continuous humidification mode, it causes the rotating unit 43 to rotate the humidification rotor 42 at a second rotational speed R2. As a result, the humidification filter 52 is repeatedly immersed in the water 31 stored in the tray 41. This causes the water 31 to permeate the humidification filter 52. In addition, the air passing through the humidification filter 52 is humidified by the permeated water 31.

[0049] Figure 6 is a graph showing the time change of the rotation speed of the humidifying rotor provided in the humidifying unit of the air purifier of the first embodiment when the humidifying unit is operating in non-silent mode in intermittent humidification mode.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, when the control unit 105 wants the humidification unit 25 to perform non-silent operation in intermittent humidification mode, it instructs the rotating unit 43 to alternately rotate the humidification rotor 42 at a second rotational speed R2 and stop it.

[0051] When the humidifying rotor 42 is set to rotate at a second rotational speed R2, the humidifying filter 52 is repeatedly immersed in the water 31 stored in the tray 41. This causes the water 31 to permeate the humidifying filter 52. In addition, the air passing through the humidifying filter 52 is humidified by the permeated water 31.

[0052] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the humidifier unit in the air purifier of the first embodiment when the humidifier rotor in the humidifier unit stops while the humidifier unit is operating in intermittent humidification mode without silent noise.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, the humidifying rotor 42 stops at a position where the humidifying filter 52 is not immersed in the water 31 stored in the tray 41. This prevents the water 31 from permeating the humidifying filter 52. In addition, the air passing through the humidifying filter 52 is not humidified.

[0054] 1.7 Rotation of the humidifier rotor when silent operation is performed The control unit 105 can cause the humidification unit 25 to operate silently. Silent operation includes a stop mode in which the humidification rotor 42 is stopped and / or an intermittent rotation mode in which the humidification rotor 42 is rotated intermittently.

[0055] Figure 8 is a graph showing the change in rotational speed of the humidifying rotor provided in the humidifying unit of the air purifier of the first embodiment when the humidifying unit is operating silently in stop mode.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, when the control unit 105 wants the humidifier unit 25 to operate silently in stop mode, it causes the rotating unit 43 to stop the humidifier rotor 42.

[0057] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the humidifier unit in the air purifier of the first embodiment when the humidifier rotor in the humidifier unit stops while the humidifier unit is operating silently in stop mode.

[0058] As shown in Figure 9, the humidifying rotor 42 stops at a position where the humidifying filter 52 is immersed in the water 31 stored in the tray 41. This allows the water 31 to permeate the humidifying filter 52. In addition, the air passing through the humidifying filter 52 is humidified by the permeated water 31.

[0059] If the humidifying rotor 42 stops at a position where the humidifying filter 52 is immersed in the water 31, the fold 81 of the humidifying filter 52 intersects with the water surface 31A of the water 31, preferably at an angle of 80° to 100°, and more preferably at an angle of 90°. By the fold 81 intersecting with the water surface 31A of the water 31 at an angle of 80° to 100°, the water 31 permeates almost parallel to the fold 81 of the humidifying filter 52 as it permeates upward. This shortens the distance the water 31 must travel as it permeates upward. This allows the water 31 to permeate the humidifying filter 52 more quickly.

[0060] When the humidifying unit 25 is set to silent operation in stop mode, the rotation frequency of the humidifying rotor 42 is lower than when the humidifying unit 25 is set to non-silent operation. Also, when the humidifying unit 25 is set to silent operation in stop mode, the rotation speed of the humidifying rotor 42 is slower than when the humidifying unit 25 is set to non-silent operation. Therefore, by setting the humidifying unit 25 to silent operation in stop mode, the operating noise emitted by the humidifying unit 25 can be reduced. This improves the quietness of the air purifier 1.

[0061] Furthermore, when the humidifying unit 25 is set to silent operation in stop mode, the amount of water 31 absorbed by the humidifying rotor 42 is less than the amount of water 31 absorbed by the humidifying rotor 42 when the humidifying unit 25 is set to non-silent operation, but it is not zero. Therefore, when the humidifying unit 25 is set to silent operation in stop mode, the humidifying power of the humidifying unit 25 is lower than the humidifying power of the humidifying unit 25 when the humidifying unit 25 is set to non-silent operation, but it is not zero. As a result, by setting the humidifying unit 25 to silent operation in stop mode, humidification can be continued while reducing the noise emitted by the humidifying unit 25.

[0062] Figure 10 is a graph showing the time change of the rotation speed of the humidifying rotor provided in the humidifying unit of the air purifier of the first embodiment when the humidifying unit is operating quietly in intermittent rotation mode.

[0063] As shown in Figure 10, when the control unit 105 causes the humidifying unit 25 to operate quietly in intermittent rotation mode, it causes the rotating unit 43 to alternately rotate the humidifying rotor 42 at a first rotation speed R1, which is slower than the second rotation speed R2 described above, and to stop. When the humidifying rotor 42 is rotating at the second rotation speed R2, the humidifying filter 52 is repeatedly immersed in the water 31 stored in the tray 41. This causes the water 31 to permeate the humidifying filter 52. In addition, the air passing through the humidifying filter 52 is humidified by the permeated water 31. When the humidifying rotor 42 is stopped, it may be stopped at a position where the humidifying filter 52 is not immersed in the water 31, as shown in Figure 7, or at a position where the humidifying filter 52 is immersed in the water 31, as shown in Figure 9.

[0064] When the humidifying unit 25 is set to silent operation in intermittent rotation mode, the rotation frequency of the humidifying rotor 42 is lower than when the humidifying unit 25 is set to non-silent operation mode. Also, when the humidifying unit 25 is set to silent operation in stop mode, the rotation speed of the humidifying rotor 42 is slower than when the humidifying unit 25 is set to non-silent operation mode. Therefore, by setting the humidifying unit 25 to silent operation in intermittent rotation mode, the noise emitted by the humidifying unit 25 can be reduced. This improves the quietness of the air purifier 1.

[0065] Furthermore, when the humidifying unit 25 is operated silently in intermittent rotation mode, the amount of water 31 absorbed by the humidifying rotor 42 is less than the amount of water 31 absorbed by the humidifying rotor 42 when the humidifying unit 25 is operated non-silent, but it is not zero. Therefore, when the humidifying unit 25 is operated silently in intermittent rotation mode, the humidifying power of the humidifying unit 25 is lower than the humidifying power of the humidifying unit 25 when the humidifying unit 25 is operated non-silent, but it is not zero. As a result, by operating the humidifying unit 25 silently in intermittent rotation mode, humidification can be continued while reducing the noise emitted by the humidifying unit 25.

[0066] If the control unit 105 needs to prioritize reducing the noise emitted by the humidifier unit 25 over increasing the humidifying power of the humidifier unit 25, it will cause the humidifier unit 25 to operate quietly in stop mode or intermittent rotation mode.

[0067] In both the stop mode and the intermittent rotation mode, the control unit 105 suppresses the first rotation of the humidifying rotor 42 when the humidifying unit 25 is to operate silently by both reducing the rotation frequency and slowing the rotation speed, thereby suppressing the first rotation compared to the second rotation of the humidifying rotor 42 when the humidifying unit 25 is to operate non-silent. However, the control unit 105 may suppress the first rotation compared to the second rotation by only reducing the rotation frequency and slowing the rotation speed.

[0068] 1.8 Processing performed by the control unit Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a first example of the processing flow performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0069] In this first example, the control unit 105 performs steps S101 to S103 shown in Figure 11.

[0070] In step S101, the control unit 105 determines whether or not to allow the humidifier unit 25 to operate silently. If it is determined that the humidifier unit 25 should be allowed to operate silently, step S102 is executed. If it is determined that the humidifier unit 25 should not be allowed to operate silently, step S103 is executed.

[0071] In step S102, the control unit 105 suppresses the rotation of the humidifying rotor 42, causing the humidifying unit 25 to operate quietly in either stop mode or intermittent rotation mode.

[0072] In step S103, the control unit 105 does not suppress the rotation of the humidifying rotor 42, and allows the humidifying unit 25 to operate without noise.

[0073] After step S102 or S103 is executed, step S101 is executed again.

[0074] In steps S101 to S103, the control unit 105 suppresses the first rotation of the humidifying rotor 42 when the humidifying unit 25 is to be operated silently, compared to the second rotation of the humidifying rotor 42 when the humidifying unit 25 is to be operated non-silently. This makes it possible to suppress the noise emitted by the humidifying unit 25 when the humidifying unit 25 is to be operated silently.

[0075] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a second example of the processing flow performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0076] In this second example, the control unit 105 performs steps S111 to S114 shown in Figure 12.

[0077] In step S111, the control unit 105 determines whether or not to allow the humidifier unit 25 to operate silently. If it is determined that the humidifier unit 25 should operate silently, step S112 is executed. If it is determined that the humidifier unit 25 should not operate silently, step S114 is executed.

[0078] In step S112, the control unit 105 determines whether the humidity difference between the target humidity and the acquired humidity 111 is less than or equal to a set humidity difference. If it is determined that the humidity difference is less than or equal to the set humidity difference, step S113 is executed. If it is determined that the humidity difference is not less than or equal to the set humidity difference, step S114 is executed. The set humidity difference is, for example, 10% of the target humidity.

[0079] In step S113, the control unit 105 suppresses the rotation of the humidifying rotor 42.

[0080] In step S114, the control unit 105 does not suppress the rotation of the humidifying rotor 42.

[0081] After step S113 or S114 is executed, step S111 is executed again.

[0082] In steps S111 to S114, the control unit 105 suppresses the first rotation of the humidifying rotor 42 when the humidifying unit 25 is to operate silently, compared to the second rotation of the humidifying rotor 42 when the humidifying unit 25 is to operate non-silent, if the humidity difference is less than or equal to the set humidity difference. However, if the humidity difference is not less than or equal to the set humidity difference, the control unit 105 does not suppress the first rotation more than the second rotation.

[0083] This allows for prioritizing reducing the noise emitted by the humidifier 25 over increasing its humidifying power when the humidity difference is below a set level and there is little need for humidification. Conversely, when the humidity difference is not below a set level and there is a high need for humidification, prioritizing increasing the humidifying power of the humidifier 25 over reducing the noise emitted by the humidifier 25.

[0084] In the second example, hysteresis control may be performed such that the threshold applied when the humidity difference increases is greater than the threshold applied when the humidity difference decreases.

[0085] Figure 13 illustrates hysteresis control performed in a second example of the processing flow carried out by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0086] As explained in Figure 13, when hysteresis control is performed, the control unit 105 changes the first rotation of the humidifying rotor 42 when the humidifying unit 25 is in silent operation from a rotation that is less suppressed than the second rotation of the humidifying rotor 42 when the humidifying unit 25 is in non-silent operation to a rotation that is more suppressed than the second rotation, in synchronization with the humidity difference decreasing beyond the first humidity difference 161. On the other hand, the control unit 105 changes the first rotation from a rotation that is more suppressed than the second rotation to a rotation that is less suppressed than the second rotation, in synchronization with the humidity difference increasing beyond the second humidity difference 162.

[0087] The second humidity difference 162, which is the threshold applied when the humidity difference decreases, is made greater than the first humidity difference 161, which is the threshold applied when the humidity difference increases.

[0088] When hysteresis control is performed, it is possible to suppress the frequent switching of the first rotation between suppressed and unsuppressed rotation when the humidity difference changes near the set humidity difference.

[0089] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing a third example of the processing flow performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0090] In this third example, the control unit 105 performs steps S121 to S124 shown in Figure 14.

[0091] In step S121, the control unit 105 determines whether or not to allow the humidifier unit 25 to operate silently. If it is determined that the humidifier unit 25 should operate silently, step S122 is executed. If it is determined that the humidifier unit 25 should not operate silently, step S124 is executed.

[0092] In step S122, the control unit 105 determines whether a set time has elapsed since the humidification unit 25 started silent operation. If it is determined that the set time has elapsed, step S124 is executed. If it is determined that the set time has not elapsed, step S123 is executed. The set time is, for example, 60 minutes.

[0093] In step S123, the control unit 105 suppresses the rotation of the humidifying rotor 42.

[0094] In step S124, the control unit 105 does not suppress the rotation of the humidifying rotor 42.

[0095] After step S123 or S124 is executed, step S121 is executed again.

[0096] In steps S121 to S124, the control unit 105 suppresses the first rotation of the humidifying rotor 42 when the humidifying unit 25 is operating silently, compared to the second rotation of the humidifying rotor 42 when the humidifying unit 25 is operating non-silent, until a set time has elapsed since the start of silent operation of the humidifying unit 25. However, after the set time has elapsed since the start of silent operation of the humidifying unit 25, the control unit 105 does not suppress the first rotation compared to the second rotation.

[0097] This allows prioritizing reducing the noise emitted by the humidifier unit 25 over increasing the humidifying power of the humidifier unit 25 during the initial period of silent operation, when the noise emitted by the humidifier unit 25 is relatively likely to disturb the user's sleep, etc. Furthermore, during the period after that, when the noise emitted by the humidifier unit 25 is relatively less likely to disturb the user's sleep, etc., prioritizing increasing the humidifying power of the humidifier unit 25 over reducing the noise emitted by the humidifier unit 25.

[0098] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the processing flow performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0099] In this fourth example, the control unit 105 performs steps S131 to S135 shown in Figure 15.

[0100] In step S131, the control unit 105 determines whether or not to allow the humidifier unit 25 to operate silently. If it is determined that the humidifier unit 25 should be allowed to operate silently, step S132 is executed. If it is determined that the humidifier unit 25 should not be allowed to operate silently, step S135 is executed.

[0101] In step S132, the control unit 105 determines whether a set time has elapsed since the humidification unit 25 started silent operation. If it is determined that the set time has elapsed, step S133 is executed. If it is determined that the set time has not elapsed, step S134 is executed. The set time is, for example, 60 minutes.

[0102] In step S133, the control unit 105 determines whether the humidity 111 has increased since the humidification unit 25 started silent operation. If it is determined that the humidity 111 has increased, step S134 is executed. If it is determined that the humidity 111 has not increased, step S135 is executed.

[0103] In step S134, the control unit 105 suppresses the rotation of the humidifying rotor 42.

[0104] In step S135, the control unit 105 does not suppress the rotation of the humidifying rotor 42.

[0105] After step S134 or S135 is performed, step S131 is performed again.

[0106] In steps S131 to S135, if the humidity 111 has risen after a set time has elapsed since the humidifier 25 started silent operation, the control unit 105 suppresses the first rotation of the humidifier rotor 42 when the humidifier 25 is in silent operation compared to the second rotation of the humidifier rotor 42 when the humidifier 25 is in silent operation. However, if the humidity 111 does not rise even after a set time has elapsed since the humidifier 25 started silent operation, the control unit 105 does not suppress the first rotation compared to the second rotation.

[0107] This allows for prioritizing reducing the noise emitted by the humidifier unit 25 over increasing its humidifying capacity when the humidifying capacity of the humidifier unit 25 is sufficiently high. Conversely, when the humidifying capacity of the humidifier unit 25 is not sufficiently high, prioritizing increasing its humidifying capacity over reducing the noise emitted by the humidifier unit 25.

[0108] 1.9 Determination of whether or not to perform quiet operation Figure 16 is a flowchart showing a first example of the process flow for determining whether or not to perform silent operation, which is performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0109] In this first example, the control unit 105 performs steps S141 to S144 shown in Figure 16.

[0110] In step S141, the control unit 105 determines whether or not the silent operation start operation 131 has been received by the operation unit 103. If it is determined that the silent operation start operation 131 has been received, step S142 is executed. If it is determined that the silent operation start operation 131 has not been received, step S143 is executed.

[0111] In step S142, the control unit 105 starts the humidification unit 25 to perform silent operation.

[0112] In step S143, following step S142, the control unit 105 determines whether or not the silent operation termination operation 132 has been received by the operation unit 103. If it is determined that the silent operation termination operation 132 has been received, step S144 is executed. If it is determined that the silent operation termination operation 132 has not been received, step S141 is executed.

[0113] In step S144, the control unit 105 terminates the silent operation of the humidification unit 25.

[0114] After step S144 is executed, step S141 is executed again.

[0115] In steps S141 to S144, the control unit 105 initiates silent operation of the humidifier unit 25 in conjunction with the operation unit 103 receiving a silent operation start operation 131 instructing silent operation. The control unit 105 also terminates silent operation of the humidifier unit 25 in conjunction with the operation unit 103 receiving a silent operation end operation 132.

[0116] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing a second example of the process flow for determining whether or not to perform silent operation, which is performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0117] In this second example, the control unit 105 performs steps S151 to S153 shown in Figure 17.

[0118] In step S151, the control unit 105 determines whether the acquired illuminance 112 is less than or equal to the set illuminance. If it is determined that the illuminance 112 is less than or equal to the set illuminance, step S152 is executed. If it is determined that the illuminance 112 is not less than or equal to the set illuminance, step S153 is executed.

[0119] In step S152, the control unit 105 causes the humidification unit 25 to operate silently.

[0120] In step S153, the control unit 105 causes the humidification unit 25 to perform non-silent operation.

[0121] After step S152 or S153 is executed, step S151 is executed again.

[0122] In steps S151 to S153, the control unit 105 causes the humidifier unit 25 to operate silently when the illuminance 112 is below the set illuminance. On the other hand, the control unit 105 causes the humidifier unit 25 to operate non-silent when the illuminance 112 is not below the set illuminance.

[0123] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing a third example of the process flow for determining whether or not to perform silent operation, which is performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0124] In this third example, the control unit 105 performs steps S161 to S164 shown in Figure 18.

[0125] In step S161, the control unit 105 determines whether the acquired installation location setting 151 is a bedroom. If it is determined that the setting 151 is a bedroom, step S162 is executed. If it is determined that the setting 151 is not a bedroom, step S164 is executed.

[0126] In step S162, the control unit 105 determines whether the acquired illuminance 112 is less than or equal to the set illuminance. If it is determined that the illuminance 112 is less than or equal to the set illuminance, step S163 is executed. If it is determined that the illuminance 112 is not less than or equal to the set illuminance, step S164 is executed.

[0127] In step S163, the control unit 105 causes the humidification unit 25 to operate silently.

[0128] In step S164, the control unit 105 causes the humidification unit 25 to perform non-silent operation.

[0129] After step S163 or S164 is executed, step S161 is executed again.

[0130] In steps S161 to S164, the control unit 105 causes the humidifier 25 to operate silently if setting 151 is a bedroom and the illuminance 112 is below the set illuminance. On the other hand, the control unit 105 causes the humidifier 25 to operate non-silent if setting 151 is not a bedroom, or if setting 151 is a bedroom but the illuminance 112 is not below the set illuminance.

[0131] As a result, the control unit 105 causes the humidifier unit 25 to operate silently when there is a high probability that the user 121 is asleep. This prevents the operating noise emitted by the humidifier unit 25 from disturbing the user 121's sleep.

[0132] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the process flow for determining whether or not to perform silent operation, which is performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0133] In this fourth example, the control unit 105 performs steps S171 to S174 shown in Figure 19.

[0134] In step S171, the control unit 105 determines whether the acquired installation location setting 151 is a bedroom. If it is determined that the setting 151 is a bedroom, step S172 is executed. If it is determined that the setting 151 is not a bedroom, step S174 is executed.

[0135] In step S172, the control unit 105 determines whether the time falls within the set time period. If it is determined that the time falls within the set time period, step S173 is executed. If it is determined that the time does not fall within the set time period, step S174 is executed. The set time period is, for example, the time period from 10pm to 8am.

[0136] In step S173, the control unit 105 causes the humidification unit 25 to operate silently.

[0137] In step S174, the control unit 105 causes the humidification unit 25 to perform non-silent operation.

[0138] After step S173 or S174 is executed, step S171 is executed again.

[0139] In steps S171 to S174, the control unit 105 causes the humidifier 25 to operate silently if setting 151 is a bedroom and the time falls within the set time period. On the other hand, the control unit 105 causes the humidifier 25 to operate non-silent if setting 151 is not a bedroom, or if setting 151 is a bedroom but the time does not fall within the set time period.

[0140] As a result, the control unit 105 causes the humidifier unit 25 to operate silently when there is a high probability that the user 121 is asleep. This prevents the operating noise emitted by the humidifier unit 25 from disturbing the user 121's sleep.

[0141] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing a fifth example of the process flow for determining whether or not to perform silent operation, which is performed by the control unit provided in the air purifier of the first embodiment.

[0142] In this fifth example, the control unit 105 performs steps S181 to S184 shown in Figure 20.

[0143] In step S181, the control unit 105 determines whether or not the eco-driving start operation 133 has been received by the operation unit 103. If it is determined that the eco-driving start operation 133 has been received, step S182 is executed. If it is determined that the eco-driving start operation 133 has not been received, step S183 is executed.

[0144] In step S182, the control unit 105 puts the air purifier 1 into eco mode and starts the humidifier unit 25 to operate silently. This suppresses the rotation of the humidifier rotor 42 and reduces the power consumed by the rotating part 43.

[0145] In step S183, following step S182, the control unit 105 determines whether or not the eco-driving termination operation 134 has been received by the operation unit 103. If it is determined that the eco-driving termination operation 134 has been received, step S184 is executed. If it is determined that the eco-driving termination operation 134 has not been received, step S181 is executed again.

[0146] In step S184, the control unit 105 switches the air purifier 1 to normal mode and terminates the silent operation of the humidifier unit 25.

[0147] In steps S181 to S184, the control unit 105 initiates silent operation of the humidifier unit 25 in conjunction with the operation unit 103 receiving an eco-operation start operation 133, which instructs the air purifier 1 to suppress power consumption. The control unit 105 also terminates silent operation of the humidifier unit 25 in conjunction with the operation unit 103 receiving an eco-operation end operation 134.

[0148] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be replaced with configurations that are substantially the same as those shown in the embodiments, configurations that produce the same effects, or configurations that can achieve the same purpose. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0149] 1 Air purifier, 11 Intake port, 12 Outlet port, 21 Housing, 21A Bottom, 21B Rear, 21C Top, 21D Air passage, 21E Storage space, 22 Rear panel, 22A Hole, 23 Deodorizing filter, 24 Dust collection filter, 25 Humidifying unit, 26 Air blower, 31 Water, 31A Water surface, 41 Tray, 42 Humidifying rotor, 43 Rotating part, 51 Filter frame, 52 Humidifying filter, 61 Cylindrical part, 61A Storage space, 61B Outer circumference, 62 Plate-shaped part, 63 Annular part, 64 Rod-shaped part, 71 Teeth, 81 Fold, 91 Motor, 92 Gear, 101 Humidity sensor, 102 Illuminance sensor, 103 Operation unit, 104 Communication unit, 105 Control unit, 111 Humidity, 112 Illuminance, 121 User, 131 Silent operation start operation, 132 Silent operation end operation, 133 Eco operation start operation, 134 Eco operation end operation, 141 Server, 151 Settings, 161 First humidity difference, 162 Second humidity difference.

Claims

1. A humidifying unit comprising a humidifying rotor having a humidifying filter and a rotating part for rotating the humidifying rotor, A blower unit that generates airflow passing through the humidifying filter, The system comprises a control unit that controls the humidifying unit and the blowing unit, The control unit causes the rotating unit to perform control such that the first rotation of the humidifying rotor when the humidifying unit is to be operated silently is suppressed more than the second rotation of the humidifying rotor when the humidifying unit is to be operated non-silently. The control unit operates the air blower and intermittently rotates the humidifier rotor during silent operation. humidifier.

2. The humidifying rotor is equipped with a humidifying filter, The humidifying unit includes a tray for storing water to moisten the humidifying filter, When the control unit is to allow the humidifier to perform the silent operation, it will instruct the rotating unit to stop the humidifier rotor at a position where the humidifier filter is immersed in the water. The humidifier according to claim 1.

3. The humidifying filter is a pleated filter having folds, When the humidifying rotor stops in the aforementioned position, the fold intersects the water surface at an angle of 80° to 100°. The humidifier according to claim 2.

4. The humidifying rotor is equipped with a humidifying filter, The humidifying unit includes a tray for storing water to moisten the humidifying filter, When the control unit causes the humidifier to perform silent operation, it causes the rotating unit to rotate the humidifying rotor to immerse the humidifying filter in the water, and either or both of the following: the rotation frequency of the humidifying rotor when the humidifier is performing silent operation is lower than the rotation frequency of the humidifying rotor when the humidifier is performing non-silent operation, and the rotation speed of the humidifying rotor when the humidifier is performing silent operation is slower than the rotation speed of the humidifying rotor when the humidifier is performing non-silent operation. The humidifier according to claim 1.

5. The control unit acquires the humidity, and if the humidity difference between the target humidity and the acquired humidity is less than or equal to a set humidity difference, it suppresses the first rotation more than the second rotation; if the humidity difference is greater than the set humidity difference, it does not suppress the first rotation more than the second rotation. The humidifier according to claim 1.

6. A humidifying unit comprising a humidifying rotor and a rotating part for rotating the humidifying rotor, The system includes a control unit that controls the rotating part to suppress the first rotation of the humidifying rotor when the humidifying part is to be operated silently, compared to the second rotation of the humidifying rotor when the humidifying part is to be operated non-silently, The humidifying rotor is equipped with a humidifying filter, The humidifying unit includes a tray for storing water to moisten the humidifying filter, When the control unit causes the humidifier to perform silent operation, it causes the rotating unit to rotate the humidifier rotor to immerse the humidifier filter in the water, and it performs both or either of the following: the rotation frequency of the humidifier rotor when the humidifier is performing silent operation is lower than the rotation frequency of the humidifier rotor when the humidifier is performing non-silent operation, and the rotation speed of the humidifier rotor when the humidifier is performing silent operation is slower than the rotation speed of the humidifier rotor when the humidifier is performing non-silent operation. When the humidifier is to perform the non-silent operation, the control unit will instruct the rotating unit to rotate the humidifier rotor at a second rotational speed, and when the humidifier is to perform the silent operation, the control unit will instruct the rotating unit to alternately rotate the humidifier rotor at a first rotational speed slower than the second rotational speed and stop. humidifier.

7. A humidifying unit comprising a humidifying rotor and a rotating part for rotating the humidifying rotor, The system includes a control unit that controls the rotating part to suppress the first rotation of the humidifying rotor when the humidifying part is to be operated silently, compared to the second rotation of the humidifying rotor when the humidifying part is to be operated non-silently, The control unit acquires the humidity, and if the humidity difference between the target humidity and the humidity is less than or equal to a set humidity difference, it suppresses the first rotation more than the second rotation; if the humidity difference is greater than the set humidity difference, it does not suppress the first rotation more than the second rotation. The control unit changes the first rotation from a rotation that is less restricted than the second rotation to a rotation that is more restricted than the second rotation when the humidity difference decreases beyond the first humidity difference, and changes the first rotation from a rotation that is more restricted than the second rotation to a rotation that is less restricted than the second rotation when the humidity difference increases beyond the second humidity difference. The second humidity difference is greater than the first humidity difference. humidifier.

8. A humidifying unit comprising a humidifying rotor and a rotating part for rotating the humidifying rotor, The system includes a control unit that controls the rotating part to suppress the first rotation of the humidifying rotor when the humidifying part is to be operated silently, compared to the second rotation of the humidifying rotor when the humidifying part is to be operated non-silently, The control unit suppresses the first rotation compared to the second rotation until a set time has elapsed since the start of the silent operation of the humidifier, and does not suppress the first rotation compared to the second rotation after the set time has elapsed since the start of the silent operation of the humidifier. humidifier.

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