CN101802506B - Air purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

An air purifier that prioritizes air purification even in humidity control. In the air purifier (1), since the control unit (6) controls the air blower (5) to dehumidify the unit (3) or humidify unit (4) The air supply volume is high, so it can not only operate according to the set humidity, but also according to the degree of pollution of the air, so that it can dehumidify or humidify with clean air. In addition, when the turbidity detected by the dust sensor (24) and the odor sensor (25) indicates that the air supply volume to the air purification unit (2) needs to be increased, the control unit (6) increases the blower regardless of whether the humidity reaches the set humidity. (5) The rotational speed.

Description

air purifier

technical field

The invention relates to an air purifier with dehumidification function and humidification function.

Background technique

Conventionally, there has been no air purifier having both a dehumidification function and a humidification function, and generally, it is a humidity control device including a filter for removing a relatively large degree of dust. Typical examples of the aforementioned humidity control devices include those using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle (for example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2), and those using an adsorption element (for example, see Patent Document 3).

The humidity control device described in Patent Document 1 performs dehumidification by condensing moisture in the air with an evaporator during a dehumidification operation, and performs humidification with an ultrasonic humidifier during a humidification operation. The humidity control device described in Patent Document 2 performs dehumidification by condensing moisture in the air with an evaporator during a dehumidification operation, and humidifies by heating water in a water storage tank during a humidification operation. In addition, the humidity control device described in Patent Document 3 has a rotating disk-shaped adsorption element, dehumidifies by adsorbing moisture in the air to the adsorption element during dehumidification operation, and blows hot air to the adsorption element during humidification operation. Humidification is performed by expelling moisture.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-152408

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-307677

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-241838

disclosure of invention

The technical problem to be solved by the invention

However, since the humidity control devices described in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3 prioritize maintaining the humidity of the air-conditioned space at a set humidity, they cannot give priority to supplying clean air even if the air is polluted.

The technical problem of this invention is providing the air cleaner which can give priority to cleaning of air even in humidity control.

Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

The air purifier of the first invention performs humidity adjustment and air purification on the air purification object space as the air purification object, including: an air purification part; a dehumidification part; a humidification part; a blower; an air purification degree sensor; a humidity sensor; and a control part . The air purifier purifies the air, the dehumidifier removes water from the air to dehumidify, and the humidifier vaporizes water supplied from the water storage tank to humidify. The blower blows air to the air purification part, the dehumidification part and the humidification part. The air purification degree sensor detects the pollution degree of the air in the air purification target space, and the humidity sensor detects the humidity of the air purification target space. The control unit performs an air purification operation in which the air purification unit operates, a dehumidification operation in which the dehumidification unit operates, and a humidification operation in which the humidification unit operates. Also, the control unit controls the air blowing volume of the blower to the dehumidification unit or the humidification unit based on the values of the air purification degree sensor and the humidity sensor.

In the above-mentioned air purifier, since the air supply volume to the dehumidification part or humidification part is increased or decreased according to the difference between the actual humidity and the set humidity and the degree of air pollution, it can not only operate according to the set humidity, but also according to the humidity of the air. It can dehumidify or humidify with clean air by operating at the degree of pollution.

The air purifier of the second invention is based on the air purifier of the first invention, and the control unit determines the humidity according to the humidity difference between the humidity detected by the humidity sensor and the set humidity or the degree of pollution detected by the air purification degree sensor. The rotation speed of the blower is controlled. When the degree of pollution detected by the air purification sensor indicates that the air supply volume to the air purification unit needs to be increased, the control unit ignores the humidity difference and increases the rotation speed of the blower.

In the above-mentioned air cleaners, the air cleaning operation is performed with priority. For example, when the air is polluted such as after smoking, it is possible to generate clean air as soon as possible to make people feel comfortable.

In the air cleaner of the third invention based on the air cleaner of the first invention, when the control unit determines that the humidity detected by the humidity sensor has reached the set humidity during the dehumidification operation or the humidification operation, The air cleaning operation is performed based on the degree of pollution detected by the degree sensor.

In the above-mentioned air cleaner, for example, when used in a place with few people coming and going, by operating it in advance, even if someone suddenly enters the room, comfortable humidity and clean air can be provided.

In the air cleaner of the fourth invention, based on the air cleaner of the first invention, the control unit performs the dehumidification operation or the humidification operation based on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor after the dehumidification operation or the humidification operation is started until a predetermined time elapses, After a predetermined time elapses, the control unit performs an air cleaning operation based on the degree of pollution detected by the air cleaning degree sensor.

In the above-mentioned air cleaner, for example, when the scheduled use time such as a meeting is clear, by operating it in advance, when entering a room, comfortable humidity and clean air can be provided.

The air cleaner of the fifth invention is based on the air cleaner of the first invention, and further includes automatic air volume setting means for automatically setting the air volume of the blower with priority to air cleaning. In addition, the dehumidification part has: a dehumidification element that captures moisture from passing air; a reproduction fan for reproducing a dehumidification function of the dehumidification element; a heater that heats circulating air generated by the reproduction fan; and a heater temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater. In addition, when the air supply volume is automatically set, the control unit controls the speed of the blower fan according to the degree of pollution detected by the air purification sensor. Even if the air supply volume is automatically set, when the dehumidifier continues to work, the control unit will According to the temperature detected by the heater temperature sensor, the rotation speed of the blower is controlled to adjust the air volume supplied to the dehumidifier, and the temperature detected by the heater temperature sensor is suppressed below a predetermined temperature.

In the above-mentioned air cleaner, not only the temperature rise inside the main body is suppressed to be safe, but also the operating efficiency is improved by preventing stoppage due to abnormal temperature.

In the air cleaner of the sixth invention, in the air cleaner of the fifth invention, the heater includes: a first heater; and a second heater having a higher capacity than the first heater. In addition, the amount of blown air supplied from the blower to the dehumidification unit can be changed depending on when the first heater is on, when the second heater is on, or when both the first heater and the second heater are on.

In the above-mentioned air cleaner, since the blowing air volume can be changed according to the capacity of the heater, it is not necessary to always operate the blower at maximum capacity, thereby reducing noise.

The air cleaner of the seventh invention is the air cleaner of any one of the first to sixth inventions, further comprising a water volume sensor for detecting the water volume of the water storage container. In addition, when the water quantity sensor detects that the water storage container is in a water shortage state during the humidification operation, the control unit stops the humidification operation and performs the air purification operation.

In the above-mentioned air cleaner, after the humidification operation is stopped, the increase of germs due to air drying can be suppressed by suppressing the air cleaning operation.

The air cleaner of the eighth invention is based on the air cleaner of the seventh invention, and the water removed from the air during the dehumidification operation is stored in the water storage container. In addition, when the water volume sensor detects that the water storage container is full of water during the dehumidification operation, the control unit stops the dehumidification operation and performs the air purification operation.

In the above-mentioned air cleaner, at least water overflow caused by the water storage container being full can be prevented.

An air cleaner according to a ninth invention is the air cleaner according to an eighth invention, and further includes a display unit. In addition, the control unit displays the water-full state or the water-short state of the water storage container on the display unit.

In the above-mentioned air purifier, since the state of being full or short of water is known to the user, it is possible to prevent the water storage container from overflowing due to being full of water, or unable to perform humidification operation due to lack of water.

The air purifier of the tenth invention is based on the air purifier of any one of the first to ninth inventions, and the air purification degree sensor is a dust sensor that detects the amount of dust in the air cleaning target space and/or detects the amount of dust in the air cleaning object space. An odor sensor that simplifies the odor of object space.

In the above-mentioned air purifier, since the dust and/or odor can be reduced, the discomfort of the eyes, throat, and nose caused by the dust and/or the discomfort caused by the odor can be eliminated.

Invention effect

In the air purifier of the first invention, since the air supply volume to the dehumidification part or humidification part is increased or decreased according to the difference between the actual humidity and the set humidity and the degree of pollution of the air, it can not only operate at the set humidity, but also Dehumidification or humidification can be performed with clean air by operating according to the degree of pollution of the air.

In the air cleaner according to the second invention, the air cleaning operation is performed with priority, for example, when the air is polluted such as after smoking, the clean air can be quickly generated to make people feel comfortable.

In the air cleaner of the third invention, for example, when used in a place with few people coming and going, by operating it in advance, even if someone suddenly enters the room, comfortable humidity and clean air can be provided.

In the air cleaner according to the fourth invention, for example, when the scheduled use time such as a meeting is clear, it can be operated in advance to provide comfortable humidity and clean air when entering the room.

In the air cleaner according to the fifth invention, not only is it safe by suppressing the temperature rise inside the main body, but also the operation efficiency is improved by preventing stoppage due to abnormal temperature.

In the air cleaner of the sixth invention, since the blowing air volume can be changed according to the capacity of the heater, it is not necessary to always operate the blower at its maximum capacity, thereby reducing noise.

In the air cleaner according to the seventh invention, after the humidification operation is stopped, the increase of germs due to air drying can be suppressed by suppressing the air cleaning operation.

In the air cleaner of the eighth invention, at least water overflow due to the water storage container being full can be prevented.

In the air purifier according to the ninth invention, since the state of being full or short of water is known to the user, it is possible to prevent the water storage container from overflowing due to being full of water, or unable to perform humidification operation due to lack of water.

In the air purifier of the tenth invention, since the dust and/or odor can be reduced, discomfort to the eyes, throat, and nose caused by dust and/or discomfort caused by odor can be eliminated.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an air cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the upper body of the air cleaner.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a state in which the air cleaning unit is removed from the air cleaner.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a dehumidification unit.

Fig. 5 is a front view of the dehumidification unit viewed from the heater side.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the state after the water tank and the vaporizing element are pulled out from the air cleaner.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a humidification unit.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the humidification unit viewed from the downstream side of the airflow of Fig. 6 .

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an operation panel.

Fig. 10 is an operation flow of the dehumidification automatic operation when the humidity is set arbitrarily.

Fig. 11 is an operation flow of the dehumidification automatic operation when the humidity is continuously set.

Fig. 12 is a control flow of air purification priority control.

Fig. 13(a) is a table showing the relationship between the air volume and heater power consumption when both the air volume and the humidity are specified during the dehumidification operation. Fig. 13(b) is a table showing the relationship between the air volume and heater power consumption when the air volume is automatic and the humidity is designated during the dehumidification operation. Fig. 13(c) is a table showing the relationship between the air volume and heater power consumption when the air volume is automatic and the humidity is continuous during the dehumidification operation.

(Symbol Description)

1 air purifier

2 Air purification unit (air purification unit)

3 dehumidification unit (dehumidification part)

4 humidification units (humidification section)

5 Blower

6 control department

24 dust sensor (air purification sensor)

25 odor sensor (air purification sensor)

29 heater temperature sensor

31 adsorption element (dehumidification element)

32 heater

33 The second blower (reproduction fan)

40 tanks

44 water sensor

63 air volume rotation button (air volume automatic setting part)

69 Display

321 first heater

322 second heater

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following embodiments are all specific examples of the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

<Structure of air cleaner>

The air cleaner of the present invention has an air purification function, a dehumidification function, and a humidification function, and operates as a dehumidification air cleaner during a dehumidification operation, and as a humidification air cleaner during a humidification operation. In addition, it can also work only as an air purifier.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an air cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 , in an air cleaner 1 , an air cleaner unit 2 , a dehumidifier unit 3 , a humidifier unit 4 , a blower 5 , and a control unit 6 are accommodated in a main body 10 . In this embodiment, a handle 7 is provided on the upper side of the main body 10, and casters 8 (see FIG. 3 ) are provided on the lower surface of the main body 10 (the surface opposite to the indoor floor), so that the user can The air cleaner 1 can be easily moved.

The blower 5 is located on the side opposite to the air purification unit 2 on the main body 10, and is arranged in the order of the air purification unit 2, the dehumidification unit 3, the humidification unit 4, and the blower 5 when viewed from the air purification unit 2 side. When the air blower 5 is in operation, the air is sucked from the air cleaning unit 2 side and formed in the air path A passing through the dehumidification unit 3 and then the humidification unit 4 to the air blower 5 .

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the upper body of the air cleaner. In FIG. 2 , an air outlet 11 is provided on the upper portion of the main body 10 , and air purified and humidity-conditioned through the air flow path A is blown out from the air outlet 11 . The blowing direction of the air can be changed by a louver 12 provided at the opening of the air outlet 11 .

The louver 12 has: a split blade 120 ; a first wind direction adjustment blade 121 ; and a second wind direction adjustment blade 122 . The partition blade 120 partitions the outlet 11 into a region through which the first blown air passes and a region through which the second blown air passes. The first wind direction adjusting blade 121 directs the first blown air toward a first direction, and the second wind direction adjusting blade 122 directs the first blown air toward a second direction. The first wind direction adjusting blade 121 and the second wind direction adjusting blade 122 intersect the split blade 120 and are supported by the split blade 120 so as to be freely tiltable in the vertical direction. The louver 12 is driven by a motor. In Fig. 1, the louver 12 is in a closed state, but after starting to run, it is automatically opened directly above as the motor drives.

Furthermore, an operation panel 60 (refer to FIG. 1 ) is provided on the upper portion of the main body 10 , and the operation panel 60 is protected by the cover 13 . Control unit 6 (see FIG. 1 ) is located below operation panel 60 and controls air cleaning unit 2 , dehumidification unit 3 , humidification unit 4 , blower 5 , and shutters 12 based on signals input from operation panel 60 . The operation mode can be switched by the operation switching button on the operation panel 60 .

<Air purification unit 2>

Fig. 3 is a perspective view after the air cleaning unit is removed from the air cleaner. In FIG. 3 , the air cleaning unit 2 has: a cover 21 ; a filter 22 ; a deodorizing catalyst 23 ; a dust sensor 24 ; The filter 22 and the deodorizing catalyst 23 are detachably accommodated in the housing portion 20 provided in the main body 10 , and the deodorizing catalyst 23 is located on the airflow downstream side of the filter 22 .

Inside the filter 22, a pre-filter, an ionization unit for positively charging dust, and a negatively charged pleated filter are arranged in order from the upstream side of the airflow. The dust in the air is removed by the pre-filter, and the small dust that cannot be removed by the pre-filter is positively charged by the ionization part, and is adsorbed by the negatively charged pleated filter.

The deodorizing catalyst 23 absorbs and decomposes odors and harmful gases from the air passing through the filter 22 . The dust sensor 24 is provided on the upper side of the main body 10 , and the odor sensor 25 is provided above the storage portion 20 .

<Dehumidification unit 3>

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a dehumidification unit. In FIG. 4 , the dehumidification unit 3 has: an adsorption element 31 ; a heater 32 ; a reproduction fan 33 ; an air duct 34 ; The adsorption element 31 is a honeycomb structure, which is porous and formed in a disk shape by mixing zeolite powder, a binder, and an expansion agent. The binder can be selected from thermoplastic resins such as denatured PPE, polypropylene, polystyrene, ABS resin, and the like. The expansion agent expands when the honeycomb structure is formed to form numerous air cells. Therefore, the adsorption member 31 has a high adsorption property for moisture.

The heater 32 is disposed on the side facing the downstream side of the adsorption element 31 in the air flow path A, and is attached by a fan-shaped mounting member capable of covering about one-sixth of the side surface of the adsorption element 31 .

The reproduction fan 33 is a blower for reproducing the adsorption performance of the adsorption element 31 , and is installed so as to protrude from above the adsorption element 31 toward the downstream side of the adsorption element 31 in the air flow path A. The heater 32 and the reproducing fan 33 communicate through the first air supply duct 34a so that air can circulate. The air generated by the operation of the playback fan 33 reaches the heater 32 through the first air duct 34a, where it is heated to become high-temperature air.

The air blowing pipe 34 is comprised from the 1st air blowing pipe 34a, the 2nd air blowing pipe 34b, the 3rd air blowing pipe 34c, and the 4th air blowing pipe 34d. The high-temperature air heated by the heater 32 advances along the thickness direction of the adsorption member 31 from the opposite side of the adsorption member 31 and is discharged from the opposite side. The region of the adsorption element 31 through which the high-temperature air passes is heated by the high-temperature air to discharge moisture to the high-temperature air.

The high-temperature air passing through the adsorption element 31 becomes high-temperature and high-humidity air and enters the second air supply pipe 34b. The second air supply pipe 34b is arranged to cover the upstream side of the adsorption element 31 in the air flow path A, so that the second air supply pipe 34b can completely recover the high-temperature and high-humidity air obtained by the adsorption element 31 . The shape of the second air supply pipe 34b is fan-shaped and the second air supply pipe 34b covers one-sixth of the side surface.

The third air blowing pipe 34 c flows the high-temperature and high-humidity air flowing in from the second air blowing pipe 34 b along the radially outer periphery of the adsorption element 31 . The third air duct 34c is provided with a plurality of long holes 35a penetrating in the same direction as the air flow path A, and the air flowing in the air flow path A passes through the long holes 35a. Since the high-temperature, high-humidity air flowing through the third blowing duct 34c flows while contacting the wall surface of the elongated hole 35a, the air passing through the elongated hole 35a removes heat from the high-temperature, high-humidity air. Therefore, the high-temperature and high-humidity air contacting the wall surface of the long hole 35a is cooled, and dew is condensed on the wall surface of the long hole 35a. The dew condensation water enters the water tank 40 described later through a predetermined outlet.

The fourth air duct 34d communicates the third air duct 34c with the playback fan 33 . The high-temperature and high-humidity air flowing through the third blowing pipe 34c is sucked into the playback fan 33 through the fourth blowing pipe 34d after contacting the walls of the plurality of long holes 35a to remove heat and moisture.

The long holes 35 a are provided to surround the radially outer side of the adsorption element 31 , and the plurality of long holes 35 a form the heat exchange portion 35 . The dehumidification unit 3 is formed with a flat area 3 a whose dimensions in the thickness direction are set to approximately the same value, and the third air duct 34 c and the heat exchange unit 35 are included in the flat area 3 a.

Fig. 5 is a front view of the dehumidification unit viewed from the heater side. In FIG. 5 , the dehumidification unit 3 further has a drive motor 36 . The drive motor 36 has a pinion 361 , and the outer periphery of the adsorption member 31 is provided with a driven gear 311 meshing with the pinion 361 . During the operation of the driving motor 36, the adsorption element 31 rotates, contacts the air passing through the air flow path A to absorb moisture, discharges the moisture at a position opposite to the heater 32, and then contacts the air passing through the air flow path A. Therefore, the adsorption element 31 can repeatedly perform adsorption and discharge of moisture.

<Humidification unit 4>

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a state in which a water tank and a vaporization element are pulled out from the main body of the air cleaner, and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a humidifying unit. In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , the humidification unit 4 has a water tank 40 , a vaporization element 41 , a water wheel 42 and a drive unit 43 . The water tank 40 is a water source for supplying moisture to the air passing through the air passage A, and is detachably accommodated in the main body 10 . When the water in the water tank 40 is insufficient, the user draws out the water tank 40 from the outlet of the main body 10 to replenish water. In addition, in the air cleaner of this embodiment, the water captured by the dehumidification element 3 is stored in the water tank 40 during the dehumidification operation, and is discarded during the humidification operation. However, the frequency of water replenishment can be reduced after reuse.

The vaporization element 41 is a vaporization member that is formed in a disk shape from a nonwoven fabric and evaporates water sent from the water tank 40 by rotation. The vaporization element 41 has a first gear 411 on its outer periphery, and the first gear 411 is rotated by the action of the drive unit 43 . Since the vaporizing element 41 is disposed above the water level when the water tank 40 is full, it does not directly contact the water in the water tank 40 .

The water volume sensor 44 is a sensor for detecting the water volume of the water tank 40, and is provided in order to prevent the water tank 40 from being in a full water state or a water shortage state in advance. In addition, the water amount sensor 44 can be replaced by a float switch.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the humidification unit viewed from the downstream side of the airflow of Fig. 7 . In FIG. 8 , the water wheel 42 is rotatably supported by the water tank 40 , and discharges the water in the water tank 40 to the vaporization element 41 after being sucked. In order to reduce the size of the humidification unit 4 in the thickness direction, the shafts on which the vaporization element 41 and the water wheel 42 rotate are arranged in parallel, approach each other, and face each other.

Therefore, the water wheel 42 needs to use the side to draw water and discharge it from the side toward the side of the vaporization element 41 , and a plurality of recesses 421 a with trapezoidal openings are provided near the outer periphery of the side of the water wheel 42 .

As the waterwheel 42 rotates, the recessed part 421a passes through the water in the water tank 40 sequentially and rises. When the recessed part 421a is immersed in water, since water flows into the inside, the inside of the recessed part 421a coming out of the water is filled with water.

The water in the concave portion 421a flows out slowly as the concave portion 421a approaches the highest position, and almost all the water flows out when passing the highest position. The water flows out toward the side surface of the vaporization element 41 that is close to the concave portion 421 a because a certain amount of momentum is applied by gravity when the water flows out.

In Fig. 8, the rotating shaft of waterwheel 42 is rotatably supported on the bearing 40a of water tank 40, and the height from the bottom surface of water tank 40 to the shaft core of bearing 40a is set to: even when waterwheel 42 is configured, water tank 40 is at the lowest water level. , can also submerge the concave portion 421a at the lowest position of the water wheel 42 .

In addition, since the upper half of the bearing 40a is opened, when the water tank 40 is pulled out from the main body 10, the user can take out the water wheel 42 from the water tank 40 and clean it.

The water tank 40 can be taken out from the outlet 14 of the main body 10 by pulling out the first door 10a of the withdrawable type, and the vaporizing element 41 can be taken out of the outlet 15 of the main body 10 by opening the second rotary door 10b. Thereby, the user can take out the water tank 40 to replenish water and clean the water wheel 42, and also take out the vaporizing element 41 for replacement.

Moreover, the amount of water in the water tank 40 can be confirmed visually from the window part 10c provided in the 1st door 10a. In this embodiment, the window part 10c is a rectangular hole, and the convex part 40c previously formed in the water tank 40 is fitted into this hole (refer FIG. 8). The user can visually observe the water level appearing in the convex part 40c from the hole of the window part 10c.

As shown in FIG. 6 , FIG. 7 , and FIG. 8 , in order to facilitate removal from the main body 10 , the vaporization element 41 is shaped so that the rotating shaft does not protrude. Therefore, the vaporization element 41 is supported by the meshing of the first gear 411 with the drive gear 431 and the second gear 423 . In order to maintain a stable posture of the first gear 411 , the drive gear 431 and the second gear 423 are located below the rotation axis of the arm first gear 411 and on opposite sides with respect to the vertical center line of the vaporization element 41 . Therefore, the vaporization element 41 can rotate stably without being supported by a shaft, and when taken out from the main body 10, since there is no protruding shaft, it can be easily taken out without being caught inside the main body 10 .

<Operation panel 60>

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an operation panel. In Fig. 9, an operation on/off button 61, an operation switching button 62, an air volume selection button 63, a humidity selection button 64, a path (course) selection button 65, a timer selection button 66, and an automatic shutter button 67 are provided on the operation panel 60. As well as the recommendation button 68 , when each button is pressed, a signal corresponding to the pressed button is input to the control unit 6 arranged below the operation panel 60 . In addition, the control unit 6 incorporates a microcomputer and a memory.

(Explanation of each button)

The operation on/off button 61 is a button for turning on and off the power supply to the air cleaner 1. After the power plug is inserted into the socket, it starts to operate when it is pressed, and it stops when it is pressed again.

The operation switching button 62 is a button for selecting an operation mode, and one of "air purification", "humidification" and "dehumidification" can be selected. In addition, the "humidification" mentioned here refers to the humidification operation that performs humidification while performing air purification, and when the set humidity is reached, the humidification operation is stopped, but the air purification operation is still performed. Similarly, "dehumidification" refers to a dehumidification operation in which dehumidification is performed while air purification is performed, and when the set humidity is reached, the dehumidification operation is stopped, but the air purification operation is still performed.

The air volume selection button 63 is a button for selecting the air volume level, and one of "automatic", "static", "standard", "turbo" and "pollen" can be selected. When "Auto" is selected, the air volume is automatically adjusted according to the degree of pollution of the air. When "Turbo Boost" is selected, the dirt in the air is removed as soon as possible with a large air volume. When "Pollen" is selected, switch between "Standard" and "Static" every five minutes to generate a slow airflow to catch the pollen before it hits the ground.

The humidity selection button 64 is a button for selecting a humidity level, and one of "low", "standard", "high", and "continuous" can be selected. As a standard of humidity, "low" is 40%, "standard" is 50%, and "high" is 60%.

The route selection button 65 is a button for selecting an operation according to the season and living environment, and one of "inside drying", "housekeeping", "laundry drying" and "throat and skin humidification" can be selected.

Timing selection button 66 is a button for setting the running time, and can choose one from one hour, two hours and four hours. You can also choose to set the time even during timekeeping operation.

The automatic shutter button 67 is a button for swinging the shutter 12, and when pressed while the shutter 12 is swinging, it stops at the current position. The recommendation button 68 is a button for automatically selecting operation details.

<Operation Example of Operation Panel 60>

(recommend)

When the recommendation button 68 is pressed after the operation ON/OFF button 61 is pressed, the control unit 6 performs an operation suitable for the air condition at that time, and the air volume is automatically set. However, after that, the operation content is not changed even if the indoor temperature and humidity change. Therefore, to change the operation content, the recommendation button 68 is pressed again.

(Air purification)

After pressing the operation on/off button 61, press the operation switching button 62 to select "air cleaning". The air volume is switched with the air volume selection button 63 .

(humidification)

After pressing the operation on/off button 61, press the operation switching button 62 to select "humidification". The air volume is switched with the air volume selection button 63 , and the humidity is switched with the humidity selection button 64 . If the water tank 40 is empty, a buzzer sounds, the water supply lamp on the display unit 69 lights up, and the humidification operation is stopped, but the air purification operation is continued.

(dehumidification)

After pressing the operation on/off button 61, press the operation switching button 62 to select "dehumidification". The air volume is switched with the air volume selection button 63 , and the humidity is switched with the humidity selection button 64 . If the water tank 40 is full of water, a buzzer will sound, and the full water light on the display unit 69 will be on, and the dehumidification operation will be stopped, but the air purification operation will continue.

(inside dry)

After pressing the operation on/off button 61, press the path selection button 65 to select "internal drying". Since this path performs air blowing operation for about three hours, the inside of the main body 10 is dried, thereby suppressing the generation of mold.

(indoor maintenance)

After pressing the operation on/off button 61, press the path selection button 65 to select "indoor maintenance". Since this route performs dehumidification operation to remove unnecessary moisture after humidification operation, it can suppress the occurrence of dew condensation by using it in winter when dew condensation is likely to occur. In this route, control for switching from the humidification operation to the dehumidification operation is performed, and details will be described later.

(laundry drying)

After pressing the operation on/off button 61, press the route selection button 65 to select "washing and drying". Since this path operation performs about 12 hours of high air volume, dehumidification operation, and swing of the shutters 12, indoor air purification is carried out while drying the laundry, so it is suitable for the rainy season with high humidity.

(humidification of throat and skin)

After pressing the operation on/off button 61, press the path selection button 65 to select "throat and skin humidification". Since this route combines room temperature humidification to the humidity suitable for the throat and skin, it is suitable for winter seasons that are prone to dryness.

<Air purification priority control>

The control unit 6 includes control to give priority to air purification when the dust sensor 24 and the odor sensor 25 detect air pollution even during the dehumidification operation or the humidification operation.

(Operation flow with air purification priority)

Fig. 10 is an operation flow of the dehumidification automatic operation when the humidity is set arbitrarily. In Fig. 10, when the user selects dehumidification with the operation switching button 62, selects automatic with the air volume selection button 63, and selects "low (40%)", "standard (50%)", and "high (60%) with the humidity selection button 64". )" humidity, the control unit 6 determines the temperature of the air blower 5 based on the humidity difference between the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 26 and the set humidity and the degree of turbidity detected by the odor sensor 25 and the dust sensor 24. The air volume, the reproduction fan 33 is turned on or off, the drive motor 36 for the adsorption member 31 is turned on or off, the first heater 321 is turned on or off, and the second heater 322 is turned on or off.

But when the degree of turbidity detected by the odor sensor 25 and the dust sensor 24 reaches a level that has to increase the air volume of the air blower 5, the control section 6 ignores the humidity difference between the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 26 and the set humidity, The rotation speed of the blower 5 is increased, so that the air volume blown to the air cleaning unit 2 is increased.

In addition, when the user selects humidification with the operation switching button 62, selects automatic with the air volume selection button 63, and selects "low (40%)", "standard (50%)", and "high (60%)" with the humidity selection button 64 When any one of the humidity, also carry out the control according to the flow chart shown in Figure 10.

Fig. 11 is an operation flow of the dehumidification automatic operation when the humidity is continuously set. In Fig. 11, when the user selects dehumidification with the operation switching button 62, selects automatic with the air volume selection button 63, and selects continuous humidity with the humidity selection button 64, the control unit 6 will automatically dehumidify based on the turbidity detected by the odor sensor 25 and the dust sensor 24. and the temperature detected by the heater temperature sensor to determine the air volume of the blower 5, the opening or closing of the reproduction fan 33, the opening or closing of the driving motor 36 for the adsorption element 31, the opening or closing of the first heater 321 and the second The heater 322 is turned on or off.

However, even when the degree of pollution detected by the odor sensor 25 and the dust sensor 24 reaches a level at which the air volume of the air blower 5 can be reduced, the rotational speed of the air blower 5 is still controlled so that the temperature detected by the heater temperature sensor 29 reaches a predetermined level. Temperature below, thereby adjusting the air volume sent to the dehumidification unit 3. The air volume can be according to when the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 are all turned on, when the first heater 321 is turned on, when the second heater 322 is turned on, and when the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 are all turned off. stages to change.

When the user selects humidification with the operation switching button 62, automatic selection with the air volume selection button 63, and continuous humidity selection with the humidity selection button 64, the control according to the flow shown in FIG. 11 is also carried out. However, during the humidification operation, the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 of the dehumidification unit 3 may be activated and the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 may not be activated. When the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 operate, the air volume of the blower 5 is determined based on the degree of pollution detected by the odor sensor 25 and the dust sensor 24 .

In addition, "streamer high/low" described in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 is a member that decomposes ions adsorbed by the deodorant core (not shown) of the air purification unit 2 and reproduces the deodorant core. Ability levels are expressed as "streamer high/low".

(Air purification priority control flow)

Fig. 12 is a control flow of air purification priority control. In FIG. 12 , control unit 6 determines whether “dehumidification” or “humidification” has been selected by operation switching button 62 in step S1. When the determination in step S1 is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2, and it is determined whether or not "automatic" is selected by the air volume selection button 63 . When the determination in step S2 is "YES", the process proceeds to step S3, and it is determined whether "continuous" is selected by the humidity selection button 64 or not. When the determination in step S3 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step S4, and the air volume of the air blower 5 is determined based on the degree of pollution detected by the dust sensor 24 and the odor sensor 25 .

On the contrary, when the determination in step S1 is "No", since the user has selected "air cleaning", the process proceeds to step S5, and the air cleaning operation is performed. Since the air volume of the air blower 5 is originally determined based on the degree of pollution detected by the dust sensor 24 and the odor sensor 25 during the air cleaning operation, it is not necessary to specifically perform air cleaning priority control.

When the determination in step S2 is "No", since the user has selected a preferred air volume, it is not necessary to specifically perform air cleaning priority control. When the determination in step S3 is "No", the humidity is set to any one of "low (40%)", "standard (50%)", and "high (60%)". At this time, the process proceeds to step S7, and first, it is determined whether the dust sensor 24 and the odor sensor 25 have detected air pollution. When the determination in step S7 is "Yes", go to step S4 and perform air purification with priority.

When the determination in step S7 is "No", the process proceeds to step S8, and it is determined whether the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 26 has reached the set humidity. When the determination in step S8 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step S4, and the air volume of the air blower 5 is determined based on the degree of pollution detected by the dust sensor 24 and the odor sensor 25 . When the determination in step S8 is "No", the air volume of the air blower 5 is determined based on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 26 .

<Power consumption of the heater during dehumidification operation and humidification operation>

Here, the relationship among the humidity difference, heater power consumption, and air volume will be described. In this embodiment, since the power consumption of the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 are 180W and 320W respectively, when both the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 are turned off, it is 0W, and the first heater 180W when the heater 321 is turned on, 320W when the second heater 322 is turned on, and 500W when both the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 are turned on.

Figure 13(a) is a table showing the relationship between the air volume and heater power consumption when both the air volume and humidity are specified during the dehumidification operation, and Figure 13(b) is a table showing the relationship between the air volume and the heating when the air volume is automatic and the humidity is specified during the dehumidification operation Figure 13(c) is a table showing the relationship between the air volume and the heater power consumption when the air volume is automatic and the humidity is continuous during the dehumidification operation.

In FIG. 13( a ), since the air volume is specified, if the humidity difference is more than 5%, the greater the specified air volume, the higher the power consumption of the heater. In FIG. 13( b ), since the air volume is automatically set, the greater the humidity difference, the higher the power consumption of the heater and the increase in the air volume. In Fig. 13(c), since the air volume is set to be automatic and the humidity is continuous, regardless of the humidity difference, the higher the power consumption of the heater, the greater the air volume.

In addition, during the humidification operation, when the air volume is automatic and the humidity is specified, if the humidity difference is more than 20%, the power consumption of the heater will be 180W, and the air volume will be increased or turbocharged. In addition, when the air volume is automatic and the humidity is continuous during the humidification operation, if the humidity of the humidification target space is less than 40%, the power consumption of the heater will be 180W, and the air volume will be increased or turbocharged.

<feature>

(1)

In the air cleaner 1, since the control unit 6 controls the air supply volume of the air blower 5 to the dehumidification unit 3 or the humidification unit 4 based on the values of the dust sensor 24, the odor sensor 25, and the humidity sensor 26, it can not only carry out the dehumidification according to the set humidity. It can also operate according to the pollution of the air, so that it can enter dehumidification or humidification with clean air. In addition, since the degree of turbidity detected by the dust sensor 24 and the odor sensor 25 shows that it is necessary to increase the air supply volume to the air cleaning unit 2, the control unit 6 increases the speed of the blower 5 regardless of whether the humidity has reached the set humidity, Therefore, when the air is polluted, such as after smoking, people feel comfortable because clean air can be produced quickly.

(2)

In the air cleaner 1, when the air volume selection button 63 selects the air volume automatically, the speed of the air blower 5 is controlled according to the degree of turbidity detected by the dust sensor 24 and the odor sensor 25. When the button 63 selects continuous, the rotating speed of the air blower 5 can also be controlled according to the temperature detected by the heater temperature sensor 29 to adjust the air supply volume provided to the dehumidification unit 3, and the temperature detected by the heater temperature sensor 29 can be suppressed at the specified temperature. below temperature. As a result, not only the temperature rise inside the main body 10 is suppressed for safety, but also the operation efficiency is improved by preventing stoppage due to temperature abnormality. In addition, since the blowing air volume provided from the air blower 5 to the dehumidification unit 3 can be changed according to when the first heater 321 operates, when the second heater 322 operates, and when both the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 operate, There is therefore no need to keep the blower running at maximum capacity all the time, thereby reducing noise.

(3)

In the air purifier 1, when the water quantity sensor 44 detects that the water tank 40 is in a state of water shortage during the humidification operation, the control unit 5 stops the humidification operation and performs the air purification operation, so after the humidification operation is stopped, the air can pass through. Purification operation suppresses the increase of germs caused by air drying. In addition, when the dehumidification operation is performed, the water removed from the air is stored in the water tank 40. Since the water sensor 44 detects that the water tank 40 is full of water during the dehumidification operation, the control unit 6 stops the dehumidification operation and performs air dehumidification. Purification operation, therefore at least can prevent the overflow of water caused by the full water of the water storage container. In addition, since the control unit 6 sounds the buzzer (not shown) and displays the full water state or the water shortage state of the water tank 40 on the display unit 69, it is possible to prevent overflow of water due to the full water of the water tank 40, and water shortage due to water shortage. As a result, humidification operation cannot be performed.

(4)

In the air cleaner 1, the following mode may also be adopted: when the dehumidification operation or the humidification operation is performed, after determining that the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 26 reaches the set humidity, the control unit 6 uses the dust sensor 24 and the odor sensor to 25 The detected degree of pollution performs air cleaning operation. Therefore, for example, when using it in a place with few people coming and going, by running it in advance, even if someone suddenly enters the room, comfortable humidity and clean air can be provided.

(4)

In the air cleaner 1, it is also possible to perform a dehumidification operation or a humidification operation based on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 26 when a predetermined time elapses after the start of the dehumidification operation or humidification operation. Thereafter, the control unit 6 performs the air cleaning operation based on the degree of pollution detected by the dust sensor 24 and the odor sensor 25 . Therefore, for example, when the scheduled use time such as a meeting is clear, by operating it in advance, comfortable humidity and clean air can be provided when entering the room.

Industrial availability

As described above, according to the present invention, even in the dehumidification operation or the humidification operation, when air pollution is detected, the air flow rate is increased to improve the air purification capability, so it is suitable for an air conditioner that prioritizes air purification.

Claims (9)

1. An air purifier, which carries out humidity adjustment and air purification to the air cleaning object space as the air purification object, is characterized in that, comprising: an air purification unit (2), the air purification unit (2) purifies air; a dehumidification section (3) that removes moisture from the air for dehumidification; a humidification unit (4) for humidifying by vaporizing water supplied from a water storage container (40); A blower (5), the blower (5) blows air to the air purification unit (2), the dehumidification unit (3) and the humidification unit (4); Air purification degree sensors (24, 25), the air purification degree sensors (24, 25) detect the pollution degree of the air in the air cleaning object space; a humidity sensor (26) that detects the humidity of the air-cleaning object space; and A control unit (6) that performs an air purification operation that operates the air purification unit (2), a dehumidification operation that operates the dehumidification unit (3), and operates the humidification unit (4) humidification operation, The control unit (6) controls the dehumidification unit (3) or the humidification unit by the air blower (5) based on the values of the air purification degree sensors (24, 25) and the humidity sensor (26). (4) the air supply volume, Further, the control unit (6) according to the humidity difference between the humidity detected by the humidity sensor (26) and the set humidity or the degree of pollution detected by the air purification degree sensors (24, 25) To control the speed of the blower (5), When the degree of pollution detected by the air purification degree sensors (24, 25) indicates that the air supply volume to the air purification unit (2) needs to be increased, the control unit (6) ignores the humidity difference and makes the The speed of the blower (5) increases. 2. The air cleaner (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, After the control unit (6) determines that the humidity detected by the humidity sensor (26) has reached a set humidity during the dehumidification operation or the humidification operation, based on the air purification degree sensor (24 , 25) The detected degree of pollution is used to perform the air cleaning operation. 3. The air cleaner (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The dehumidification operation or the humidification operation is performed based on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor (26) during a predetermined period of time after the control unit (6) starts the dehumidification operation or the humidification operation. run, After the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit (6) performs the air purification operation based on the degree of pollution detected by the air purification degree sensors (24, 25). 4. The air cleaner (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an automatic air volume setting component (63), which automatically sets the air volume automatically with priority for air purification. The air supply volume of the blower fan (5), The dehumidifier (3) has: a dehumidification element (31) which captures moisture from the passing air; Reproducing the fan (33), the reproducing fan (33) is used to reproduce the dehumidification function of the dehumidification element (31); a heater (32) that heats the circulating air generated by said reproduction fan (33); and a heater temperature sensor (29), which detects the temperature of said heater (32), When the air supply volume is automatically set, the control unit (6) controls the speed of the air blower (5) according to the degree of pollution detected by the air purification degree sensors (24, 25), Even if the air supply volume is automatically set, when the dehumidification unit (3) continues to operate, the control unit (6) controls the temperature detected by the heater temperature sensor (29). The rotation speed of the air blower (5) is used to adjust the air volume supplied to the dehumidification unit (3), and to suppress the temperature detected by the heater temperature sensor (29) below a specified temperature. 5. The air cleaner (1) as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, Described heater (32) comprises: a first heater (321); and a second heater (322), the capacity of the second heater (322) is stronger than that of the first heater (321), The amount of air supplied from the air blower (5) to the dehumidifier (3) can be determined according to when the first heater (321) is working, when the second heater (322) is working, when the first Both the heater (321) and the second heater (322) change when they are on. 6. The air cleaner (1) according to claim 1, further comprising: a water volume sensor (44), which detects the water volume of the water storage container (40), During the humidification operation, when the water volume sensor (44) detects that the water storage container (40) is in a water-deficient state, the control unit (6) stops the humidification operation and performs the air purification run. 7. The air cleaner (1) as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The water removed from the air during the dehumidification operation is stored in the water storage container (40), During the dehumidification operation, when the water volume sensor (44) detects that the water storage container (40) is full of water, the control unit (6) stops the dehumidification operation and performs the air purification run. 8. The air cleaner (1) according to claim 7, further comprising a display portion (69), The control unit (6) displays on the display unit (69) the full water state or the water shortage state of the water storage container (40). 9. The air cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The air purification degree sensor (24, 25) is a dust sensor (24) for detecting the amount of dust in the air cleaning target space and/or an odor sensor (25) for detecting the smell of the air cleaning target space.

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