JP6676183B2 - Humidifier - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifying device for preventing indoor drying.

  Conventionally, a humidifying device that humidifies air by vaporizing water with a humidifying element has been used. Patent Document 1 discloses a humidifying device that suppresses generation of odor in a humidifying element. In the humidifying device disclosed in Patent Document 1, water supply to the humidifying element is stopped a predetermined time before the scheduled time of stopping the operation of the humidifying device, and only the blower is operated until the scheduled stop time of the operation to operate the humidifying element. Drying suppresses the growth of mold and various bacteria on the humidifying element.

Japanese Patent No. 3948600

  However, in the humidifying device of Patent Literature 1, the water supply to the humidifying element is stopped before the scheduled time to stop the operation of the humidifying device. As the air conditioner approaches, the amount of humidification decreases, and the room falls into a state of insufficient humidification, which may impair user comfort.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a humidifying device capable of performing an operation of drying a humidifying element while maintaining indoor comfort.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a humidifying device according to the present invention includes a main body in which an air passage for communicating an inlet and an outlet is formed, and a humidifier provided in the air passage. A blowing means for generating an air flow from the suction port to the air outlet during operation, a humidifying element provided in the air passage, a water supply means for supplying water to the humidifying element, and a water supply to the humidifying element during operation of the blowing means. A control unit that switches between operation in a humidification mode in which the air supply is performed and operation in a ventilation mode in which water supply to the humidification element is stopped during operation of the ventilation unit, and a storage unit that stores a scheduled stop time of the ventilation unit. And. The control unit sets the operating time in the air blowing mode before the scheduled stop time and the operating time in the air blow mode after the scheduled stop time based on the time required for drying the humidifying element in the air blowing mode.

  The humidifying device according to the present invention has an effect that an operation of drying the humidifying element can be performed while maintaining indoor comfort.

The figure which shows the schematic structure of the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the time transition of the amount of humidification from a humidification device, and the water retention of a humidification element. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by the control unit of the humidifier according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by the control unit of the humidifier according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by the control unit of the humidifier according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by the control unit of the humidifier according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by the control unit of the humidifier according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by the control unit of the humidifier according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the driving | operation possibility determination table used in the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the other example of the operation possibility determination table used in the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by a control unit of the humidifier according to the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by a control unit of the humidifier according to the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by a control unit of the humidifier according to the second embodiment. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by the control unit of the humidifier according to the third embodiment. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by the control unit of the humidifier according to the third embodiment. Diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control device

  Hereinafter, a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the embodiment.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the humidifying device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the humidifying device 100 includes a main body 6 in which an air passage 3 that connects an inlet 1 and an outlet 2 is formed. The air passage 3 is provided with a sirocco fan 4 as a blowing means. The sirocco fan 4 generates an air flow from the suction port 1 to the air outlet 2 in the air passage 3 during operation.

  The air passage 3 is provided with an air cleaning filter 21, a humidity sensor 22, a temperature sensor 23, and a water supply tank 7 in order from the suction port 1 side. The main body 6 is provided with a water supply means 11 for supplying water to the water supply tank 7. The water supply means 11 has a water supply connection port 8 formed in the main body 6, a pipe 5 extending from the water supply connection port 8 toward the water supply tank 7, and a water supply valve 9 for opening and closing the pipe 5. By opening the water supply valve 9, water is supplied to the water supply tank 7 from a water supply port 10 which is one end of the pipe 5.

  A humidifying element 17 for humidifying the air passing through the air passage 3 is provided in the air passage 3 below the water supply tank 7. A plurality of holes (not shown) for dispersing the water supplied by the water supply means 11 to the humidifying element 17 are formed on the bottom surface of the water supply tank 7. The water supplied from the water supply tank 7 permeates and diffuses into the humidifying element 17. The air passing through the air passage 3 is humidified by the water vaporized by the humidifying element 17. Water not vaporized by the humidifying element 17 flows to the drainage tank 12 provided below the humidifying element 17. A drain port 14 is formed on the bottom surface of the drain tank 12. The drainage port 14 is connected to a drainage connection port 13 provided in the main body 6 to constitute a drainage unit 15.

  The main body 6 is provided with operation means 20. By operating the operation means 20, a selection operation of operation and stop of the humidification device 100 can be performed. In addition, the operation of the operation means 20 enables the selection operation of the strong and weak air flow. The main body 6 is provided with a storage unit 16 for storing various information described below. Further, a control device 25 is provided in the main body 6. The control device 25 includes a control unit 19 and a storage unit 16. The control unit 19 controls the operation of the sirocco fan 4 and the water supply valve 9 based on the operation from the operation unit 20 and the information from the humidity sensor 22.

  Note that the sirocco fan 4 may be provided on the upstream side of the humidifying element 17 or may be provided on the downstream side of the humidifying element 17. Alternatively, the duct connection may be provided outside the main body 6. Further, even when provided outside the main body 6, it may be provided on the upstream side of the main body 6 or may be provided on the downstream side of the main body 6.

  Further, the humidity sensor 22 may be provided outside the main body 6 or may be provided other than the air path 3 as long as it detects indoor humidity. For example, it may be installed in the space to be humidified. Further, the operation unit 20 may be provided so that the operation unit 20 acquires the detected humidity. Further, an external device other than the humidifying device 100 and the operating means 20 may function as a temperature sensor.

  When the present invention is applied to a heat exchange ventilator, in addition to the above example, a humidity sensor may be installed in an exhaust air path that connects the indoor suction port and the total heat exchanger. When the present invention is applied to a non-heat exchange ventilator, in addition to the above-described example, a humidity sensor may be provided in an exhaust air path that connects an indoor suction port and an outdoor discharge port. The operation means 20 may be an operation switch provided on the main body 6 instead of the remote control as shown in FIG.

  The temperature sensor 23 only needs to be able to detect the temperature of the air before passing through the humidifying element 17. Therefore, the temperature sensor 23 may be provided outside the main body 6 or may be provided outside the air passage 3. For example, when the present invention is applied to an indoor circulation type humidifier, a temperature sensor may be installed in the humidification target space. Further, a temperature sensor may be provided in the operation means 20. Further, the control unit 19 may perform temperature correction in consideration of the difference between the indoor temperature and the temperature behind the ceiling. An external device other than the humidifier 100 and the operating means 20 may function as a temperature sensor.

  Further, when the present invention is applied to a heat exchange ventilator, a temperature sensor installed in an exhaust air passage communicating the indoor suction port and the total heat exchanger, and a supply sensor communicating the outdoor suction port and the total heat exchanger. The temperature of the air before passing through the humidifying element 17 may be calculated from the temperature sensor installed in the air passage and the heat exchange efficiency of the total heat exchanger. Further, an external device other than the humidifying device 100 and the operating means 20 may function as a temperature sensor.

  Further, when the present invention is applied to a non-heat exchange ventilator, a temperature sensor may be installed in an air supply passage connecting an outdoor suction port and a total heat exchanger, or may be installed outside a room. Further, an external device other than the humidifying device 100 and the operating means 20 may function as a temperature sensor.

  Next, after the water supplied from the water supply tank 7 has sufficiently penetrated and diffused into the humidifying element 17, the water supply from the water supply means 11 is stopped, and the sirocco fan 4 rotates to move from the suction port 1 to the blowout port 2. How the humidification amount from the humidification device 100 and the water retention of the humidification element 17 change when an air flow is generated in the air passage 3 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a temporal change of the humidification amount from the humidification device 100 and the water retention rate of the humidification element 17. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the humidifying device 100 is operated with the selected air volume “weak”, it is assumed that half the air volume is generated as compared with the selected air volume “strong”.

  Here, the graph of FIG. 2A represents a change in the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 after the supply of water is stopped when the selected air volume is “strong”, and the graph of FIG. The transition of the humidification amount from the humidification device 100 after the stop of water supply is shown. Further, the graph of FIG. 2C shows a change in the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 after stopping the water supply when the selected air volume is “weak”, and the graph of FIG. 2D shows the water supply when the selected air volume is “weak”. The transition of the humidification amount from the humidification device 100 after the stoppage is shown. In the time on the horizontal axis, the time when the rotation of the sirocco fan 4 is started after the water supply is stopped is set to 0.

  First, the water level of the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 and the transition of the humidifying amount from the humidifying device 100 when the selected air volume is “strong” (that is, in the case of FIGS. 2A and 2B) will be described. At time 0, the water retention of the humidifying element 17 is 100%, and the amount of humidification from the humidifying device 100 is 100%, which is the maximum. Note that the humidification amount is 100% when the sirocco fan 4 is operated in a state where the entire surface of the humidification element 17 is moist and the selected air volume is “strong”.

  Thereafter, as the sirocco fan 4 rotates, the water retained in the humidifying element 17 is vaporized, and the water retention rate gradually decreases. However, even if the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 decreases, the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 is kept moist for a while (in the graph, from the stop of water supply to 2.0 [hr]). The humidification amount itself from the humidification device 100 is maintained at almost 100%.

  Thereafter, when the water retained in the humidifying element 17 evaporates further, the humidifying amount from the humidifying device 100 decreases because the wetted area of the humidifying element 17 starts to decrease. When the amount of humidification from the humidification device 100 decreases, the decrease in the water retention of the humidification element 17 slows down. Thereafter, when the vaporization of the water retained in the humidifying element 17 further proceeds, the water retention rate eventually becomes 0% (in the graph, at the time of 3.0 [hr] from the stop of the water supply), and the humidifying element 17 is completely removed. To a dry state.

  Next, the transition of the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 and the transition of the humidifying amount from the humidifying device 100 when the selected air volume is “weak” (that is, in the case of FIGS. 2C and 2D) will be described. At time 0, the water retention of the humidifying element 17 is 100%, and the humidification amount from the humidification device 100 is 50% because the air volume is half of “strong”.

  Thereafter, as the sirocco fan 4 rotates, the water retained in the humidifying element 17 is vaporized, and the water retention rate gradually decreases. However, even if the water retention rate of the humidifying element 17 decreases, the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 is kept moist for a while (in the graph, from the stop of water supply to 4.0 [hr]). The humidification amount itself from the humidification device 100 is kept substantially constant.

  Note that the humidification amount from the humidification device 100 is halved as compared with the case where the selected air volume is “strong”, so that the reduction rate of the water retention rate of the humidification element 17 is also halved. As a result, the time during which the entire surface of the humidifying element 17 is moistened is also approximately doubled.

  Thereafter, when the water retained in the humidifying element 17 evaporates further, the humidifying amount from the humidifying device 100 decreases because the wetted area of the humidifying element 17 starts to decrease. When the amount of humidification from the humidification device 100 decreases, the decrease in the water retention of the humidification element 17 slows down.

  Thereafter, when the vaporization of the water retained in the humidifying element 17 further proceeds, the water retention rate finally becomes 0% (in the graph, 6.0 [hr] from the stop of the water supply), and the humidifying element 17 is completely removed. To a dry state.

  Next, an example of an operation when the user operates the humidifier 100 by operating the operation unit 20 will be described. FIGS. 3 to 8 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a control operation by the control unit 19 of the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The operation of the humidifier 100 by the user via the operation unit 20 is performed by directly operating a start / stop button (not shown) provided on the operation unit 20. In some cases, the automatic execution is performed by the schedule function provided in the means 20.

  The next run / stop schedule information in the schedule function provided in the operation means 20 is periodically transmitted to the control unit 19 of the humidifier 100. The steps shown in the following drawings represent the determination and control performed by the control unit 19. Note that various information including the operation / stop schedule information is stored in the storage unit 16. The storage unit 16 may be provided in the operation unit 20.

  After the power supply to the humidifier 100 is turned on, in step S1 shown in FIG. 3, initialization for setting the “drying timer” to “drying completion time” is performed, and the process proceeds to step S11 shown in FIG. In the first embodiment, the “drying completion time” is set to “3.0 hr”. That is, in step S1, the count value of the “drying timer” is set to “3.0 hr” which is the “drying completion time”.

  When the “drying timer” is equal to or longer than the “drying completion time”, it is determined that the humidifying element 17 is completely dried. If the “drying timer” is less than the “drying completion time”, it is determined that the humidifying element 17 is wet. The “drying completion time” set as the initial value of the “drying timer” is a value determined in advance, but may be changed by the operation unit 20.

  In step S11, it is determined whether the count value of the “drying timer” is equal to or more than “3.0 hr”. If the "drying timer" is equal to or longer than "3.0 hr" (step S11, Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. Immediately after the power is turned on, since the count value of the “drying timer” is set to “3.0 hr” in step S1, it becomes “3.0 hr” or more, and the process proceeds to step S12.

  After the stop mode is set in step S12, the water supply valve 9 is closed and the sirocco fan 4 is stopped in step S13, and the process proceeds to step S17. In the following description, a control mode in which the water supply valve 9 is closed and the sirocco fan 4 is stopped is referred to as a stop mode, a control mode in which the water supply valve 9 is closed and the sirocco fan 4 is rotated is referred to as a ventilation mode, and the water supply valve 9 is opened. The control mode for rotating the sirocco fan 4 is called a humidification mode.

  If the "drying timer" is less than "3.0 hr" in step S11 (step S11, No), the process proceeds to step S14. After setting the air blow mode in step S14, the water supply valve 9 is closed and the sirocco fan 4 is rotated in step S15, and a "drying timer" is counted in step S16, and the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S16, the “drying timer” changes the counting method according to the selected air volume. Specifically, when the selected air volume is “strong”, one second is counted every time the speed is advanced by one second. Further, when the selected air volume is “weak”, the air volume becomes half and the drying speed becomes half as compared with the case where the selected air volume is “strong”, so 1 second is counted every 2 seconds. In other words, the humidifying element 17 in the first embodiment counts “3.0 hr” and “dry timer” counts “3.0 hr” when the selected air volume is “strong” and the air volume is constant. If the selected air volume is “weak” and the air volume is constant, the “drying timer” counts “3.0 hr” after “6.0 hr” has elapsed. The “drying timer” may be configured as software by the control device 25, or may be configured as hardware separate from the control device 25.

  Further, proceeding to step S14 means that the drying operation is not completed when the humidifying device 100 is operated, and the “drying timer” is set to “drying completion time” (in the present embodiment, “drying completion time”) when the humidifying device 100 is stopped. By continuing the operation in the air blowing mode until the pressure reaches 3.0 hr "), the humidifying element 17 is completely dried.

  In step S17, it is determined whether or not the user has operated the humidifier 100 by the operation means 20. If the operation of the humidifier 100 has not been performed (step S17, No), the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, when the driving operation of the humidifying device 100 has been performed (step S17, Yes), the process proceeds to step S21 shown in FIG.

  In step S21, the control mode of the humidifier 100 is set to the blow mode, and in step S22, the sirocco fan 4 is rotated while the water supply valve 9 is closed. Next, in step S23, the count of the "drying timer" is performed, and in step S24, it is determined whether or not the user has stopped the humidifier 100 by the operation unit 20.

  In step S24, if the stop operation of the humidifier 100 has been performed (step S24, Yes), the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, when the stop operation of the humidifying device 100 has not been performed (step S24, No), the process proceeds to step S25. Note that the count of the “drying timer” in step S23 changes the counting method according to the selected air volume, as in step S16.

  In step S25, it is determined whether five minutes, which is a fixed time, has elapsed since the mode was changed to the air blowing mode. If the predetermined time has not elapsed in step S25 (step S25, No), the determination in step S24 is repeated. On the other hand, if the certain time has elapsed (step S25, Yes), the process proceeds to step S26. The purpose of the determination in step S25 is to wait for a certain period of time until the detection value of the humidity sensor 22 becomes stable, and the time is adjusted depending on the installation environment of the humidifier 100. In the first embodiment, the fixed time is set to 5 minutes. However, the fixed time may be changed as appropriate, and there may be no waiting time, that is, the fixed time may be set to 0. In addition, when the process first proceeds to step S25 from step S14 through step S17, a certain time may have already passed. In this case as well, the process immediately proceeds to step S26.

  In step S26, the "drying operation time during device operation" is initialized to "0", and the process proceeds to step S31 shown in FIG.

  In step S31, it is determined whether the "remaining time until the scheduled stop time" is equal to or longer than the "drying operation time during operation of the apparatus". If the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is equal to or longer than the “drying operation time during device operation” (step S31, Yes), the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is less than the “drying operation time during operation of the apparatus” (No at Step S31), the process proceeds to Step S33.

  In addition, in Step S31, when the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is less than the “drying operation time during the operation of the device”, it means that the humidifying device 100 is performing the drying operation during the operation of the device. . If the process first reaches step S31 after step S26, the “drying operation time during device operation” is initialized to “0” in step S26, and the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, "drying operation time during operation of the apparatus" is set as follows. That is, when the selected air volume is “strong”, “drying operation time during device operation” = “appropriate humidification amount keeping time” − “drying timer”. When the selected air volume is “weak”, “drying operation time during device operation” = (“appropriate humidification amount keeping time” − “drying timer”) × 2.

  Here, the “appropriate humidification amount keeping time” in the first embodiment is set to “2.0 hr” in which the humidification element 17 maintains the humidification amount immediately after stopping the water supply in FIG. 2B. Note that the “appropriate humidification amount keeping time” may be set so that the humidity in the humidification target space (room) is kept appropriate at the scheduled stop time. In FIG. If it is possible to secure the comfort in the above, the humidification amount may be set to “2.5 hr” which can keep 50%.

  When the mode is switched from the humidification mode to the air blowing mode and the process enters the step S32 for the first time, the “drying timer” is cleared in step S46 described below, that is, the count is stopped at 0. In the “operation time”, “appropriate humidification amount keeping time” is set.

  In step S33, it is determined whether the control mode is the humidification mode or the ventilation mode. If the control mode is the humidification mode, the process proceeds to step S41 shown in FIG. 7, and if the control mode is the ventilation mode, the process proceeds to step S51 shown in FIG. The operations from step S41 to step S47 shown in FIG. 7 are operations in the humidification mode, and the operations from step S51 to step S57 shown in FIG. 8 are operations in the air blowing mode.

  First, the operation in the humidification mode shown in FIG. 7 will be described. In step S41, it is determined whether the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is less than the “drying operation time during device operation” determined in step S32. When the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is shorter than the “drying operation time during operation of the apparatus” (step S41, Yes), the process proceeds to step S42. On the other hand, when the "remaining time until the scheduled stop time" is equal to or longer than the "drying operation time during the operation of the apparatus" (step S41, No), the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S42, it is determined whether or not the control mode can be shifted to the operation in the air blowing mode using the operation availability determination table described later. When it is determined that the operation in the air blowing mode is "impossible" (step S42, No), the process proceeds to step S43. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation in the blowing mode is “possible” (step S42, Yes), the process proceeds to step S44, switches the control mode to the blowing mode, and returns to step S31.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation availability determination table used in the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment. In the operation feasibility determination table, “remaining time until scheduled stop time”, “detected humidity”, and feasibility of operation in the air blowing mode are associated.

  By referring to this operation availability determination table, specifically, the detected humidity is lower than “target humidity−5%” which is the second specified humidity used for the determination of switching from the ventilation mode to the humidification mode. Even in this case, when the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is short (for example, 3 minutes), it is determined that the user's comfort is not significantly impaired, and the operation in the air blowing mode is enabled. I have.

  On the other hand, when the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is long (for example, 1 hour), it is determined that the user's comfort is greatly impaired. Is made impossible.

  In step S43, it is determined whether the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 22 is equal to or higher than “target humidity + 5%”. If the detected humidity is less than “target humidity + 5%” (step S43, No), the process proceeds to step S45. If the detected humidity is equal to or more than “target humidity + 5%” (Step S43, Yes), the control mode is changed to the blow mode in Step S44, and then the process returns to Step S31.

  If the operation in the air blowing mode is “impossible” in step S42, the detected humidity is always determined to be “target humidity + less than 5%” in step S43, and the process proceeds to step S45. It is also assumed that the target humidity is set in advance by the user using the operation unit 20.

  In step S45, the water supply valve 9 is opened while the sirocco fan 4 is rotating. Thereby, water is supplied from the water supply port 10 to the water supply tank 7. Then, water is supplied to the humidifying element 17 via the water supply tank 7. At this time, since the sirocco fan 4 is rotating, the air sucked from the suction port 1 passes through the humidifying element 17 in the air passage 3, flows to the air outlet 2, and is blown into the room. When the air passes through the humidifying element 17, the water on the humidifying element 17 evaporates, and the humidified air can be supplied to the room. That is, the operation in the humidification mode is performed.

  In the humidifying device 100 according to the first embodiment, since the tap water containing chlorine is directly supplied from the water supply means 11 to the humidifying element 17, the humidifying element 17 has a structure in which mold and various germs are hardly generated on the humidifying element 17. Has become. The water supply capacity of the water supply means 11 is assumed to be able to supply a water amount of about three times the amount of evaporative water during the humidification operation, and the volume of the water supply tank 7 and the density of the holes formed on the bottom surface of the water supply tank 7 are determined by the following equation. It is assumed that it is designed not to overflow from the water tank 7. Further, if the bottom surface of the water supply tank 7 is clogged and overflows, the drainage tank 12 is configured to receive the overflowed water, thereby preventing water leakage outside the machine.

  During the humidification mode, the remaining water of the humidification supply water that has not been vaporized by the humidification element 17 flows to the drainage tank 12. The residual water is drained from a drain port 14 formed on the bottom surface of the drain tank 12 through a drain connection port 13 provided in the main body 6. Further, in the humidifying device 100 according to the first embodiment, since the residual water that has not been vaporized by the humidifying element 17 does not circulate through the humidifying element 17, the residual water stays inside the machine, so that mold and germs can be removed. It is unlikely that problems such as breeding will occur. In addition, since the residual water is not reused, the calcium component is not concentrated.

  In step S46, the "drying timer" is cleared to stop, that is, stopped at 0, and the process proceeds to step S47. In step S47, it is determined whether the user has performed a stop operation of the humidifier 100 by the operation means 20. If the humidifying device 100 has been stopped (step S47, Yes), the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if the stop operation of the humidifier 100 has not been performed (No at Step S47), the process returns to Step S31.

  Next, an operation in the case where it is determined in the air blowing mode in step S33, that is, an operation in the air blowing mode shown in FIG. 8 will be described. In step S51, it is determined whether the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is less than the “drying operation time during device operation” set in step S32. When the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is shorter than the “drying operation time during the operation of the apparatus” (step S51, Yes), the process proceeds to step S53. On the other hand, when the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is equal to or longer than the “drying operation time during operation of the apparatus” (step S51, No), the process proceeds to step S52.

  In step S52, it is determined whether or not the detected humidity of the humidity sensor 22 is less than the second specified humidity, “target humidity−5%”. If the detected humidity is equal to or higher than “target humidity−5%” (step S52, No), the process proceeds to step S53. On the other hand, if the detected humidity is less than "target humidity-5%" (step S52, Yes), the process proceeds to step S54, changes the control mode to the humidification mode, and returns to step S31.

  It should be noted that the second specified humidity “target humidity−5%” is set to a lower humidity than the first specified humidity “target humidity + 5%” when the detected humidity fluctuates near the target humidity. This is to prevent occurrence of so-called chattering in which the control mode is frequently switched between the humidification mode and the air blowing mode. That is, as long as chattering can be suppressed, the magnitude relationship between the first specified humidity and the second specified humidity does not matter. For example, when the first specified humidity and the second specified humidity are set to the same target humidity, that is, the “target humidity”, the operation in the humidification mode is continued for a certain time when the process proceeds from step S43 to step S44. If the setting is made so as to determine whether or not to switch to the air blowing mode afterwards, occurrence of chattering can be suppressed.

  Further, when proceeding from step S53 to step S54, if it is set so as to determine whether or not to change to the humidification mode after continuing the operation in the air blowing mode for a certain period of time, it is possible to suppress occurrence of chattering. it can. An example of a certain time for continuing the humidification mode and the air blowing mode is 30 minutes.

  In step S53, as in step S42, the propriety of operation in the air blowing mode is determined using the operation propriety determination table shown in FIG. If it is determined that the operation in the blow mode is “possible” (step S53, Yes), the process proceeds to step S55. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation in the air blowing mode is “impossible” (No in step S53), the control mode is switched to the humidification mode in step S54, and the process returns to step S31. The propriety of operation in these ventilation modes is determined based on the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” and the “detected humidity” in consideration of whether the user's comfort is greatly impaired. it can.

  If the detected humidity is equal to or higher than “target humidity−5%” in step S52, it is determined in step S53 that “operation in the air blowing mode is possible”, and the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S55, the water supply valve 9 is closed while the sirocco fan 4 is rotating, and the process proceeds to step S56. In addition, the water supply from the water supply port 10 to the water supply tank 7 is stopped by closing the water supply valve 9 in step S55. That is, the supply of water to the humidifying element 17 is stopped.

  As a result, the humidification element 17 maintains the humidification amount for a certain period of time as shown in FIG. 2 as the vaporization and evaporation proceeds, but when the humidification element 17 is gradually dried, the humidified air is finally supplied. Disappears. In the humidifying device 100 according to the first embodiment, since the air cleaning filter 21 is provided, the air cleaning operation is performed in the air blowing mode after the humidifying element 17 is completely dried. It can be said that.

  In step S56, the count of the “drying timer” is started, and the process proceeds to step S57. When the mode is switched from the humidification mode to the air blowing mode and the process enters the step S56 for the first time, since the clear stop in the step S46 has been performed, the “drying timer” starts counting from 0. When step S56 is entered while the air blowing mode is continued, the “drying timer” continues counting. In addition, the counting of the “drying timer” in step S56 changes the counting method according to the selected air volume, similarly to step S16.

  In step S57, it is determined whether or not the user has performed a stop operation of the humidifier 100 by the operation unit 20. If the humidifying device 100 has been stopped (step S57, Yes), the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, when the stop operation of the humidifying device 100 has not been performed (step S57, No), the process returns to step S31.

  As described above, the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment sets the “appropriate humidifying amount keeping time” based on the characteristics of the humidifying element 17 shown in FIG. If the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is less than the “drying operation time during device operation” in step S41, the process proceeds from step S42 to the humidification mode. Since the mode can be switched to the blowing mode, the drying operation can be started without waiting for the scheduled stop time of the humidifier 100. Since the control unit 19 sets the operation time in the ventilation mode before the scheduled stop time and the operation time in the ventilation mode after the scheduled stop time based on the time required for drying the humidifying element 17 in the ventilation mode, The drying operation time after the humidifying device 100 is stopped can be minimized, and the appropriate humidity at the scheduled stop time can be ensured.

  In step S42 and step S53, the propriety of the operation in the air blowing mode is determined based on the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” and the “detected humidity”. In other words, in consideration of whether the user's comfort is greatly impaired, it can be said that the determination as to whether or not the operation in the ventilation mode is possible is made. Here, if it is determined that the user's comfort is impaired, it is possible to control the user's comfort by switching from the drying operation to the humidifying operation, while the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is For example, when the time is short, such as three minutes, even if the operation is switched to the humidification operation, the improvement in the indoor humidity cannot be expected, and it is determined that the operation is uneconomical, and the drying operation is continued. That is, it is possible to maintain a balance between comfort and energy saving.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation availability determination table used in the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment. In step S42 and step S53, if the humidifying device 100 is configured to be able to acquire the information of the human sensor provided in the operation unit 20 or the external device, the information on the presence / absence of the user is determined as “detected humidity”. And the like, may be determined based on the operation permission / inhibition determination table shown in FIG. If there is no user in the room, there is no need to maintain the humidity in the room, so that operation in a wasteful humidification mode can be suppressed and energy can be saved.

  When the “drying timer” is less than the “drying completion time” in step S11, the operation in the air blowing mode is enabled in steps S14 to S16. Is not completed, it is possible to completely dry the humidifying element 17 while the humidifying device 100 is stopped, and it is possible to suppress the growth of mold and bacteria and the generation of odor.

  Further, in the humidifying device 100 according to the first embodiment, various determinations may be performed based on the relative humidity, or various determinations may be performed based on the absolute humidity.

  In the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, the counting method of the “drying timer” is changed in steps S16, S23, and step 56 in consideration of the change in the humidification amount due to the selected air volume shown in FIG. Further, the calculation formula of “drying operation time during device operation” in step S32 has been changed. However, since the humidification amount also fluctuates due to “difference between dry bulb humidity and wet bulb humidity”, “dry bulb humidity” The method of counting the “drying timer” and the formula for calculating the “drying operation time during operation of the apparatus” may be changed in accordance with the “difference between the wet-bulb humidity”.

  Specifically, when the selected air volume is “strong” and the “difference between dry bulb humidity and wet bulb humidity” at which the humidification amount becomes 100% is “10 ° C.”, the selected air volume is “strong” and “ If the difference between the dry bulb humidity and the wet bulb humidity is “5 ° C.”, the humidification amount is 50%, so the “drying timer” counts 1 second every 2 seconds, and The formula for calculating the “drying operation time at the time” is “drying operation time during device operation” = (“appropriate humidification amount keeping time” − “drying timer”) × 2.

  When the selected air volume is “weak” and “difference between dry bulb humidity and wet bulb humidity” is “5 ° C.”, the count of the “dry timer” is set to 1 second every 4 seconds, and “ The formula for calculating the “drying operation time during operation of the apparatus” is “drying operation time during operation of the apparatus” = (“keeping time for proper humidification amount” − “drying timer”) × 4.

  Further, the wet bulb temperature may be individually provided with a sensor, or may be calculated from the dry bulb temperature detected by the temperature sensor 23 and the relative humidity detected by the humidity sensor 22.

  It is desirable that various temperature sensors and humidity sensors for measuring or calculating the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature be disposed immediately before the humidifying element 17. For this reason, the sensor for “indoor humidity” detection used in the determinations of step S42, step S43, step S52, and step S53 is separately provided from various sensors for measuring or calculating the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature. It may be provided.

  Further, in the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the “scheduled stop time” is set by the next operation / stop schedule information in the schedule function provided in the operation unit 20. Instead, the past operation / stop history information may be accumulated by the humidifier 100 or the operating unit 20 and the next “scheduled stop time” may be estimated.

Embodiment 2.
FIGS. 11 to 13 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a control operation by the control unit of the humidifying device according to the second embodiment. Note that items that are not particularly described are the same as in the first embodiment, and the same functions and configurations are described using the same reference numerals. The description of the same function and configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that when the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” reaches the “drying operation preparation time”, the determination threshold for the humidification mode and the air blowing mode is set to the first regulation in the first embodiment. The "target humidity + 5%" which is the humidity is changed to the "target humidity + 8%" which is the third specified humidity, and the "target humidity-5%" which is the second specified humidity is set as the fourth specified humidity " By changing to the “target humidity + 2%”, the indoor humidity can be changed from the target humidity + 2% as high as possible within the range that does not impair the user's comfort before reaching the “drying operation time during device operation”. The point is that the control is performed to increase the humidity to “+ 8%”.

  Hereinafter, steps that are different from the above embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, in step S32, "drying operation time during device operation" is set, and in step S231, "drying operation preparation time" is set by the following equation. That is, “drying operation preparation time” = “drying operation time during device operation” + first specified time. In the second embodiment, the first specified time is set to “60 min”.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when it is determined in step S43 that the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 22 is equal to or higher than the first specified humidity “target humidity + 5%”, the process proceeds to step S241. In step S241, it is determined whether the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is less than the “drying operation preparation time” set in step S231. When the "remaining time until the scheduled stop time" is less than the "drying operation preparation time" (step S241, Yes), the process proceeds to step S242. On the other hand, when the "remaining time until the scheduled stop time" is equal to or longer than the "drying operation preparation time" (step S241, No), the control mode is changed to the blow mode in step S44, and the process returns to step S31.

  In step S242, it is determined whether the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 22 is equal to or higher than a third specified humidity, “target humidity + 8%”. If the detected humidity is less than “target humidity + 8%” (step S242, No), the process proceeds to step S45. On the other hand, if the detected humidity is equal to or higher than “target humidity + 8%” (step S242, Yes), the control mode is changed to the air blowing mode in step S44, and the process returns to step S31.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined in step S51 that the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is equal to or longer than the “drying operation time during operation of the apparatus” (step S51, No), the process proceeds to step S251.

  In step S251, it is determined whether the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is less than the “drying operation preparation time” set in step S231. When the "remaining time until the scheduled stop time" is less than the "drying operation preparation time" (step S251, Yes), the process proceeds to step S252. On the other hand, when the "remaining time until the scheduled stop time" is equal to or longer than the "drying operation preparation time" (step S251, No), the process proceeds to step S52.

  In step S252, it is determined whether the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 22 is less than the fourth specified humidity, “target humidity + 2%”. If the detected humidity is equal to or higher than “target humidity + 2%” (step S252, No), the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if the detected humidity is less than “target humidity + 2%” (step S252, Yes), the control mode is changed to the humidification mode in step S54, and the process returns to step S31.

  As described above, the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment sets the "drying operation preparation time" in step S231, and the "remaining time until the scheduled stop time" has reached the "drying operation preparation time". In this case, the determination threshold for switching between the humidification mode and the ventilation mode is switched. Specifically, the first specified humidity “target humidity + 5%” and the second specified humidity “target humidity−5%” in the first embodiment are each set to the third specified humidity “target humidity”. + 8% "and" the target humidity + 2% ", which is the fourth specified humidity, before reaching the" drying operation time during the operation of the apparatus "as far as possible without compromising the user's comfort. Since the indoor humidity is controlled to increase from the high "target humidity + 2%" to the "target humidity + 8%", even if the humidification amount starts to decrease after starting the "drying operation during device operation", it will be stopped Until the time comes, comfort will be ensured.

Embodiment 3.
FIGS. 14 and 15 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a control operation performed by the control unit of the humidifying device according to the third embodiment. Note that items that are not particularly described are the same as those in the second embodiment, and the same functions and configurations are described using the same reference numerals. The description of the same functions and configurations as those of the second embodiment is omitted.

  The difference from the second embodiment is that the “humidity change rate at the time of strong air flow” and the “humidity change rate at the time of low air flow” are calculated, and the “humidity change rate at the time of humidification 0 is estimated”. And "drying operation time during operation of the apparatus" can be corrected for a longer time. Hereinafter, steps that are different from the second embodiment will be described.

  First, a control flow for estimating the “humidity change rate at humidification amount 0” in steps S361 to S376 shown in FIG. 15 will be described. In step S361, it is determined whether the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is longer than the “drying operation preparation time” set in step S231 shown in FIG. When the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is less than the “drying operation preparation time” (step S361, No), the process proceeds to step S367. On the other hand, when the “remaining time until the scheduled stop time” is equal to or longer than the “drying operation preparation time” (step S361, Yes), the “humidity change rate at low air flow” is cleared in step S362, and in step S363, "Operation timer in weak air flow and humidification mode" is cleared. In step S364, "humidity change rate in strong air flow" is cleared. In step S365, "operation timer in strong air flow and humidification mode" is cleared. Then, in step S366, the "humidity change rate at humidification amount of 0" is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S367, it is determined whether the "humidity change rate at low airflow" is stored. If the “humidity change rate at the time of the weak air volume” is stored (Yes at Step S367), the process proceeds to Step S371. On the other hand, when the “humidity change rate at the time of the weak air volume” is not stored (No at Step S367), the process proceeds to Step S368.

  In step S368, it is changed to "weak air volume", and in step S369, "the operation timer in the weak air volume and humidification mode" is counted, and the count value is equal to or longer than a specified time (20 minutes in the third embodiment). Is determined. If the “low air flow and operation timer in the humidification mode” is less than 20 minutes (step S369, No), the process proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, if the “operation timer in the weak air flow and humidification mode” is equal to or longer than 20 minutes (Yes in step S369), in step S370, the “detected humidity 10 minutes ago” and the “current detected humidity” are compared. The difference is stored as the “humidity change rate at the time of low air flow”, and the process proceeds to step S371.

  Here, the reason why the "detected humidity 10 minutes ago" was referred to instead of the "detected humidity 20 minutes ago" which is the prescribed time when calculating the "humidity change rate" is that the air volume was changed from "strong" to " This is because the time until the humidity change rate becomes stable when there is a change to "weak" is considered.

  In step S371, it is determined whether the “humidity change rate at the time of strong air flow” is stored. When the “humidity change rate at the time of strong wind” is stored (step S371, Yes), the process proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, when the “humidity change rate at the time of the strong wind” is not stored (step S371, No), the process proceeds to step S372.

  In step S372, the value is changed to "strong air volume". In step S373, the "operation timer in the strong air volume and humidification mode" is counted, and the count value is set to a specified time (20 minutes in the third embodiment). It is determined whether or not this is the case. If the “operation timer in strong air volume and humidification mode” is less than 20 minutes (step S373, No), the process proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, when the “operation timer in the strong air volume and humidification mode” is equal to or longer than 20 minutes (Step S373, Yes), in Step S374, the “detected humidity 10 minutes ago” and the “current detected humidity” are compared. The difference is stored as the “humidity change rate at the time of strong air flow”, and the process proceeds to step S375.

  In step S375, the “humidity change rate at humidification amount 0” is estimated by the following equation and stored. It is assumed that “humidity change rate when humidification is 0” = “humidity change rate when light air flow” − (“humidity change rate when strong air flow” − “humidity change rate when light air flow”).

  Specifically, when the “humidity change rate at the time of strong air flow” is “+ 0.5% at 10 minutes” and the “humidity change rate at the time of light air flow” is “−0.5% at 10 minutes”, The “humidity change rate at humidification 0 hour” is “−1.5% in 10 minutes”. When the “humidity change rate at the time of strong air flow” is “+ 2.0% at 10 minutes” and the “humidity change rate at the time of light air flow” is “+ 0.5% at 10 minutes”, the “humidification amount 0 The humidity change rate at the time is "-1.0% in 10 minutes".

  The humidity change rate is, in addition to the amount of humidification from the humidifier 100, the temperature and humidity of the outdoor air flowing into the space to be humidified by ventilation and the amount of air supply, and the amount of exhaust of indoor air exhausted from the space to be humidified by ventilation. In a ventilator having a total heat exchanger, the amount of humidity recovered by the total heat exchanger fluctuates due to various factors. However, if the above factors other than the humidifying device 100 do not significantly change, the present invention is implemented. By operating the humidifier with at least two humidification amounts as in the embodiment, it is possible to estimate the “humidity change rate when the humidification amount is 0”.

  After storing the “humidity change rate when the humidification amount is 0” in step 375, in step S376, the “selected air volume” set by the user is set.

  In step S331 shown in FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not the “humidity change rate at humidification amount 0” is stored. When the “humidity change rate at the time of humidification is 0” is stored (step S331, Yes), the process proceeds to step S332. On the other hand, if the “humidity change rate at the time of humidification is 0” is not stored (step S331, No), the process proceeds to step S32, and then, in step S335, the “drying operation time during operation of the device” is “uncorrected”. ”, The process proceeds to step S231.

  In step S332, it is determined whether the correction of the "drying operation time during operation of the apparatus" has been completed. If the correction has been completed (Step S332, Yes), the process proceeds to Step S231. On the other hand, if the correction has not been completed (Step S332, No), the process proceeds to Step S333.

  In step S333, the "drying operation time during operation of the apparatus" is corrected as follows. First, the humidity at the “end of the humidification amount fixed period” in FIG. 2 is estimated using the “humidity change rate at the time of strong air flow” and the “humidity change rate at the time of light air flow”.

  In addition, "at the end of the fixed period of humidification amount" is, specifically, "2.0 hr" in FIGS. 2A and 2B and "4. 0 hr ".

  When the selected air volume is “strong”, “calculation result at strong air volume” = current humidity + (“drying operation time during device operation” −current time) × “humidity change rate at strong air volume” The magnitude relationship with the specified humidity “target humidity + 2%” is compared. If the “calculation result at the time of strong air flow” is “target humidity + 2%” or more, “estimated humidity at the end of the fixed humidification period” = If "the target humidity + 2%" is less than "target humidity + 2%", then "estimated humidity at the end of the fixed humidification period" = "calculation result at high air flow" .

  If the selected air volume is “weak”, “calculation result at low air volume” = current humidity + (“drying operation time during device operation” −current time) × “humidity change rate at low air volume” The magnitude relationship with “target humidity + 2%”, which is the specified humidity of 4, is compared. If the “calculation result at low airflow” is “target humidity + 2%” or more, “estimated humidity at the end of fixed period of humidification amount” "=" Target humidity + 2% ", and if the" calculation result at low airflow "is less than" target humidity + 2% "," estimated humidity at the end of a fixed humidification period "=" calculation result at low airflow " And

  Next, in the “period where the amount of humidification decreases” in FIG. 2, the “correction time” at which the detected humidity becomes equal to or more than the “second target humidity” “target humidity−5%” is calculated. The “period during which the amount of humidification decreases” is specifically the period from “2.0 hr” to “3.0 hr” in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). This is a period from “4.0 hr” to “6.0 hr” in (d).

  If the “estimated humidity at the end of the fixed humidification period” is less than the second specified humidity “target humidity−5%”, the correction of the “drying operation time during device operation” is not performed. In this processing, in an environment where an appropriate humidity (here, “target humidity −5%”, which is the second specified humidity) cannot be secured, by performing correction to extend “drying operation time during device operation”, In other words, it can be said that the indoor humidity is prevented from further worsening.

  If the “estimated humidity at the end of the constant humidification period” is equal to or greater than the second specified humidity “target humidity−5%” and the “humidity change rate at zero humidification” is 0 or greater, the drying timer Is updated as a new "drying operation time during device operation", and in step S334, "drying operation time during device operation" is set to "correction completed". The process proceeds to step S231. In this process, in an environment where the humidity increases even when the humidification amount is 0, an appropriate humidity (here, the second specified humidity, “target humidity−5%”) can be secured even when the humidification amount is 0. In other words, it can be said that the drying operation after the stop of the humidifying device 100 is omitted and the power consumption can be suppressed.

  If the “estimated humidity at the end of the fixed period of humidification amount” is equal to or more than the second specified humidity “target humidity−5%” and the “humidity change rate at zero humidification amount” is less than 0, “correction” Time ”= (“ Target humidity−5% ”−“ Estimated humidity at the end of a fixed humidification amount period ”) ÷“ Humidity change rate when humidification amount is 0 ”is calculated, and“ Drying operation time during device operation ”+“ The "correction time" is updated as a new "drying operation time during device operation", and in step S334, the "drying operation time during device operation" is set to "correction completed", and the process proceeds to step S231. When updating the “drying operation time during operation of the apparatus”, an update value is set so that the remaining time until the drying timer reaches the “drying completion time” is set as an upper limit.

  If it is determined in step S33 that the operation mode is the air blowing mode, the operation timer in the weak air flow and humidification mode is cleared in step S336, and the operation timer in the strong air flow and humidification mode is cleared in step S337. The process proceeds to step S51. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that the mode is the humidification mode, the process proceeds to step S361.

  As described above, the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment calculates the “humidity change rate at low air flow” in step S370, and calculates the “humidity change rate at high air flow” in step S374. Since the “humidity change rate when the humidification amount is 0” is estimated in step S375, the room is kept in the proper humidity (in the present embodiment) even in a period in which the humidification amount starts to decrease as the humidification element 17 dries in step S333. In No. 3, it is possible to estimate the time during which the second specified humidity (“target humidity−5%”) can be maintained, and the “drying operation time during device operation” can be set longer. “Drying operation time when the apparatus is stopped” is shorter, which can contribute to reduction of power consumption. This control is, in other words, a control for extending the operating time in the air blowing mode before the scheduled stop time and shortening the operating time in the air blowing mode after the scheduled stop time based on the estimated humidity change rate. This makes it possible to set the “drying operation time when the apparatus is stopped” to 0 on a rainy day or the like.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the control device 25 according to the first embodiment. The control device 25 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer 33 in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 and a memory 32 are mounted. In the microcomputer 33, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 functions as the control unit 19 by executing a program. Further, a memory 32 such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) functions as the storage unit 16. The program executed by the CPU 31 may be stored in the storage unit 16 or may be stored in another storage medium.

  The configurations described in the above embodiments are merely examples of the contents of the present invention, and can be combined with other known technologies, and can be combined with other known technologies without departing from the gist of the present invention. Parts can be omitted or changed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inlet, 2 outlets, 3 airways, 4 sirocco fan (blowing means), 5 piping, 6 main body, 7 water supply tank, 8 water supply connection port, 9 water supply valve, 10 water supply port, 11 water supply means, 12 drainage tank , 13 drainage connection port, 14 drainage port, 15 drainage means, 16 storage section, 17 humidifying element, 19 control section, 20 operation means, 21 air cleaning filter, 22 humidity sensor, 23 temperature sensor, 25 control device, 31 CPU, 32 memories, 33 microcomputers, 100 humidifiers.

Claims (8)

A main body in which an air inlet and an air outlet are formed, and an air passage that connects the air inlet and the air outlet is formed therein;
Blowing means that is provided in the air passage and generates an airflow from the suction port toward the blowout port during operation.
A humidifying element provided in the air passage,
Water supply means for supplying water to the humidifying element,
And operation in the humidification mode actuating said blowing means in a state where the water supply is performed to the humidifying element, and a operation of the air blowing mode actuating said blowing means in a state where the water supply is stopped to the humidifying element A control unit for switching,
A storage unit in which the scheduled stop time of the humidifier is stored,
The control unit sets an operation time in the air blowing mode before the scheduled stop time and an operation time in the air blow mode after the scheduled stop time based on a time required for drying the humidifying element in the air blowing mode. And
The setting of the operation time in the blow mode before the scheduled stop time by the control unit includes setting the start time of the blow mode based on a remaining time until the scheduled stop time and a humidification amount necessary for the scheduled stop time. Humidification device characterized by being performed by . Further comprising a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the air passing through the humidifying element,
The control unit, if the humidity detected during the humidification mode is higher than a first specified humidity, switch to the air blowing mode,
The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the mode is switched to the humidification mode when the humidity detected during the air blowing mode is lower than a second specified humidity. 3. The humidifier according to claim 2 , wherein when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is lower than the second specified humidity, switching to the air blowing mode is disabled. 4. 4. The humidifier according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit changes the second specified humidity to a lower value according to a decrease in remaining time until the scheduled stop time. 5. The control unit sets the first specified humidity to the first specified humidity when the remaining time until the scheduled stop time is smaller than the sum of the time required for drying the humidifying element in the air blowing mode and a first specified time. The humidifier according to any one of claims 2 to 4 , wherein the humidity is changed to a third specified humidity higher than the first specified humidity. The control unit sets the second specified humidity to the second specified humidity when the remaining time until the scheduled stop time is smaller than a sum of a time required for drying the humidifying element in the air blowing mode and a first specified time. The humidifier according to any one of claims 2 to 5 , wherein the humidity is changed to a fourth specified humidity higher than the second specified humidity. When the remaining time until the scheduled stop time is smaller than the sum of the time required for drying the humidifying element in the air blowing mode and a first specified time, the control unit sets at least two different humidifying amounts. The operation is performed, a humidity change rate which is a change rate of the detected humidity during the operation at different humidification amounts is calculated, and a humidity change rate when the humidification amount becomes 0 is estimated from the calculated humidity change rate. The humidifier according to any one of claims 2 to 6 , wherein: The controller is configured to determine, based on the humidity change rate calculated from at least one humidification amount and the humidity change rate when the humidification amount is zero, a time period during which the detected humidity can maintain the second specified humidity. 8. The humidifier according to claim 7 , wherein the operating time in the air blowing mode before the scheduled stop time is extended, and the operating time in the air blowing mode after the scheduled stop time is shortened.

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