JP2000304311A - Humidifier apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce deposition of a stain onto a boiler inner wall to the utmost. SOLUTION: In a humidifier wherein it includes a boiler 9 for heating water with heating means 12 and a steam guiding passage 10 for guiding steam outside produced from a boiler 9, there is additionally provided water circulation means 46 for circulating water in the boiler 9, and further there is provided filtration means 50 at an adequate position of the water circulation means 46 for filtrating any impurity involved in water whereby any impurity involved in the water in a process is filtrated with the filtration means 50 in a process where the water in the boiler 9 is circulated through the water circulation means 46.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a humidifier of the steam generation type, and more particularly to a humidifier that minimizes the adhesion of dirt to the inner wall of a boiler that generates steam.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various types of humidifiers have been developed as humidifiers for use in humidifying indoor air. The humidifiers are designed to discharge steam obtained by a boiler into a room (or a living space). A steam generating humidifier for humidifying air is also frequently used.

[0003]

In the steam generating humidifier having the above-mentioned structure, tap water is often used as it is as humidifying water for generating steam. In the type that generates water vapor, impurities (for example, minerals such as calcium and magnesium) contained in tap water are mainly precipitated as carbonates, which adhere to the inner wall of the boiler as dirt, and are thus cleaned. There was a problem of making it difficult.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to minimize the adhesion of dirt to the inner wall of a boiler.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means and a water vapor generated by the boiler are provided. In a humidifier provided with a water vapor outlet passage leading to the outside, a water circulating means for circulating water in the boiler is provided, and a filtering means for filtering impurities contained in water is provided at an appropriate position of the water circulating means. It is interposed.

[0006] With the above configuration, impurities contained in water in the process of circulating the water in the boiler through the water circulating means are filtered by the filtering means. Therefore, the amount of impurities contained in the water in the boiler is significantly reduced, and the adhesion of dirt to the inner wall of the boiler can be reduced as much as possible.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means, and a water vapor derivation for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside A humidifier provided with a passage, a bottomed cylindrical boiler guard made of a thin metal plate and having a hole at the bottom is detachably and rotatably housed in the boiler so as to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the boiler. are doing.

[0008] With the above structure, impurities contained in the water in the boiler will adhere to the boiler guard. Therefore, the amount of dirt adhering to the inner wall of the boiler is reduced. It should be noted that the dirt adhering to the boiler guard can be reused if it is taken out and washed and removed.
Further, there is a possibility that dirt may adhere to the inner wall of the boiler. However, by rotating the boiler guard, the dirt adhered to the inner wall of the boiler is removed by friction with the boiler guard.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means, and a water vapor derivation for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. In a humidifier provided with a passage, a bottomed cylindrical protective member made of a heat-resistant material having water permeability is detachably housed in the boiler so as to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the boiler.

[0010] With the above configuration, impurities contained in the water in the boiler will adhere to the protection member. Therefore, the amount of dirt adhering to the inner wall of the boiler is reduced. The protection member is replaced with a new one when the amount of adhered dirt increases.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means, and a water vapor derivation for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. In a humidifier provided with a passage, a filter member for adsorbing impurities contained in water is detachably accommodated in the boiler.

[0012] With the above configuration, impurities contained in the water in the boiler adhere to the filter member. Therefore, the amount of dirt adhering to the inner wall of the boiler is reduced. Note that the filter member is replaced with a new one when the amount of adhered dirt increases.

As in the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention, in the humidifier according to the fourth aspect, when the filter member is formed of a honeycomb structure made of a nonwoven fabric or the like or a bellows-shaped cylinder, Increases the surface area of the substrate, and the amount of adhered impurities increases. Therefore, it is possible to delay the time of replacement with a new one.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means, and a water vapor derivation for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. A humidifier having a passage, wherein a positive charge is charged on the inner wall of the boiler.

[0015] With the above configuration, impurities contained in the water in the boiler are positive ions (for example, C ions).
a ions, Mg ions, etc.), but since the inner wall of the boiler is charged to a positive charge, impurities hardly adhere.

According to the present invention, as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means, and a water vapor derivation for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. In the humidifier provided with a passage, an electric heater having a waterproof structure as the heating means and removably covering a heat transfer plate made of a good conductor is adopted, and the electric heater is provided inside the boiler. It is arranged.

[0017] With the above configuration, impurities contained in the water in the boiler mainly adhere to the heat transfer plate of the electric heater, which is a high-temperature portion. Therefore,
The amount of dirt adhering to the inner wall of the boiler is reduced. Note that the dirt attached to the heat transfer plate is removed by washing by removing the heat transfer plate.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means, and a water vapor derivation for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. A humidifier having a passage and drainage means for discharging water in the boiler to the outside when the humidification operation is stopped.

With the above configuration, when the humidification operation is stopped, the water in the boiler 9 is discharged to the outside by the drainage means. Therefore, the concentration of impurities contained in the water in the boiler 9 can be maintained at about the same level as tap water, and the adhesion of dirt to the inner wall of the boiler 9 can be reduced.

[0020] In the humidifier according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, the boiler is detachable. In this case, the dirt adhering to the inner wall of the boiler is removed by washing the boiler at an appropriate time. Therefore,
It is possible to eliminate sticking of dirt to the inner wall of the boiler.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The humidifier comprises a water supply section 2 and a steam generation section 3
And a humidifier body 1 having the following. Humidifier body 1
Are a synthetic resin lid cover 4 forming an upper surface, a cylindrical synthetic resin main body case 5 forming a side surface, and a synthetic resin bottom case 6 closing a lower end opening of the main body case 5.
The lid cover 4 is detachably attached to the main body case 5.

The water supply section 2 includes a water supply tank 7 which is detachable and a storage container 8 for temporarily storing water W supplied from the water supply tank 7.

On the other hand, the steam generating section 3 includes a boiler 9 acting as a steam generating means, and a steam outlet passage 10 for extracting steam S obtained by the boiler 9.
And The boiler 9 includes the main body case 5.
It is detachably supported in a hermetically sealed state via a heat-resistant sealing material 11 with respect to a support wall 5a (the storage container 8 is formed in a part thereof) integrally formed in the upper and lower middle portions of the support wall 5a. .

Reference numeral 12 denotes an electric heater. The electric heater 12 has a screw 1 at the bottom of a bottomed cylindrical heater support 14 fixed to the support wall 5a by a screw 13.
It is fixed at 5. The boiler 9 is placed on the upper surface of the electric heater 12.

The water vapor outlet passage 10 is detachably supported on an upper end opening of the boiler 9 by a first passage forming tube 16 and an upper end of the first passage forming tube 16. A second passage-forming tube 17 having an air inlet 18 attached thereto is provided, and a funnel-shaped plate 19 is provided at the upper end of the second passage-forming tube 17.

At the lower end of the first passage-constituting tube 16, a screw tube 40B screwed to a screw portion 40A formed on the support wall 5a is integrally formed. That is, the first passage constituting tube 16 is connected to the screw tube 40B to the screw portion 40A.
It is made detachable by screwing on and off. A skirt-shaped air introduction cover 20 is attached to an upper portion of the first passage constituting tube 16. Further, the first
The air introduction cover 20
An air inlet 21 communicating with the inside is formed. Furthermore, the upper end opening of the first passage-constituting tube 16 and the air inlet 18 of the second passage-constituting tube 17 are communicated with the perforated plate 19.

With this configuration, the temperature of the steam generated in the boiler 9 is lowered by mixing with the air introduced from the air inlet 18 and the air inlet 21 by riding the rising airflow.

At the upper end of the second passage forming tube 17, a steam discharging tube 22 protruding upward from an opening 4a formed in the lid cover 4 is detachably attached. At the center, an herb storage case 23 for storing an aromatic agent such as herb is formed. The herb storage case 23 is provided with an umbrella-shaped cover 24 for preventing a user from directly contacting water vapor. Reference numeral 25 denotes a steam outlet formed in the steam discharge tube 22, 26 denotes a steam inlet formed in the herb storage case 23, and 27 denotes a steam outlet formed in the cover 24.

The water supply tank 7 includes a tank body 28,
The water supply cap 30 is detachably screwed into the water supply opening 29 of the tank body 28. The water supply cap 30 is provided with a water supply nozzle 31 provided with an on-off valve 32. The on-off valve 32 includes:
The bearing is slidably supported vertically by a bearing 33 provided in the water supply nozzle 31, and is urged by a spring 34 in a valve closing direction.

The storage container 8 has a cylindrical projection 3 at the center.
When the water supply tank 7 is set, the water supply nozzle 31 of the water supply tank 7 is
Is externally inserted, and the on-off valve 32 is pushed up by the protruding portion 35 to be opened. In this state, the water level is maintained slightly above the tip of the water supply nozzle 31.

At the center of the bottom of the boiler 9, a downwardly projecting connecting cylinder 9a is integrally provided, and one end of the connecting cylinder 9a is connected to the bottom of the storage container 8. The other end of the communication pipe 36 is detachably connected. That is, when the boiler 9 is attached / detached, the connection tube portion 9a is attached / detached to / from the other end of the communication pipe 36. The water level of the boiler 9 and the water level of the storage container 8 are the same. When the water level is reduced by the generation of steam from the boiler 9 and becomes lower than the lower end of the water supply nozzle 31 of the water supply tank 7 in the storage container 8, Water is to be supplied from the water supply tank 7. Reference numeral 37 denotes a float switch provided in the middle of the connecting pipe 36, which functions as an empty-fire prevention switch that detects that the water supply tank 7 is empty and stops energizing the electric heater 12. . Reference numeral 38 denotes an O-ring fitted on the outer periphery of the connection tube portion 9a, and reference numeral 39 denotes a viewing window through which the water level in the water supply tank 7 can be seen.

In the boiler 9, a filter member 41 for adsorbing impurities (for example, minerals such as calcium and magnesium and calcium) contained in water is detachably accommodated. As shown in FIG. 2, the filter member 41 is formed of a honeycomb structure made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric.

The humidifier configured as described above operates as follows.

The water supplied to the boiler 9 is supplied to the electric heater 1
2 to form steam, and the steam outlet passage 10
And mixed with the air from the air inlet 18 and the air inlet 21 to be discharged from the steam outlet 25 into the room and used for indoor air humidification. At this time, herb storage case 2
The fragrance is provided by contact with the fragrance contained in 3.

The impurities contained in the water in the boiler 9 adhere to the filter member 41, and the amount of dirt adhered to the inner wall of the boiler 9 is reduced. The filter member is replaced with a new one when the amount of adhered dirt increases. In the case of the present embodiment, since the filter member 41 is formed of a honeycomb structure, the surface area of the filter member 41 is reduced. Increases, and the amount of adhered impurities increases. Therefore, it is possible to delay the time of replacement with a new one. The replacement of the filter member 41 is performed with the first and second passage-forming cylinders 16 and 17 removed.

Even if the filter member 41 is stored, impurities may adhere to the inner wall of the boiler 9 as dirt. However, in the case of the present embodiment, the boiler 9 is configured so that it can be removed. 9 may be removed to clean the inner wall. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, if a large R portion is formed between the side surface and the bottom surface of the boiler 9 and the bottom surface is formed as a curved surface that is convex downward, the inner wall can be easily cleaned. In this case, the electric heater 12 is attached to the outer surface of the boiler 9.

The replacement of the filter is performed by turning on an indicator light (for example, an LED) provided on an operation panel (not shown). There was a problem that it was difficult to understand. Therefore, for example, if the off-timer key (not shown) is kept pressed for 5 seconds in the operation stop state, if five dirt indicator lamps are turned on in a number corresponding to the degree of dirt, the filter replacement timing can be estimated. Can be notified to the user, which is convenient.

Second Embodiment FIG. 4 shows a filter member in a humidifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the filter member 41 housed in the boiler 9 is constituted by a bellows-shaped cylindrical body. Even in this case, the surface area of the filter member 41 increases, and the amount of adhered impurities increases. Therefore, it is possible to delay the time of replacement with a new one. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

Third Embodiment FIGS. 5 and 6 show a humidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, in the boiler 9, a bottomed cylindrical boiler guard 42 made of a thin metal plate and having holes 43 at the bottom is detachably attached to the inner peripheral surface of the boiler 9. And it is stored rotatably. A handle 44 is formed integrally with the upper end of the boiler guard 42. In this way, impurities contained in the water in the boiler 9 will adhere to the boiler guard 42. Therefore, the amount of dirt adhering to the inner wall of the boiler 9 is reduced. It should be noted that dirt adhering to the boiler guard 42 can be reused if it is taken out and washed and removed.
Further, there is a possibility that dirt may adhere to the inner wall of the boiler 9. However, by rotating the boiler guard 42 with the handle 44, the dirt adhered to the inner wall of the boiler 9 is removed by friction with the boiler guard 42. . The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 7 shows a humidifier according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, in the boiler 9, a bottomed cylindrical protective member 45 made of a heat-resistant material having water permeability (for example, oil paper) is detachably attached so as to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the boiler 9. It is stored in. This way,
The impurities contained in the water in the boiler 9 are protected by the protection member 45.
Will adhere to the surface. Therefore, the amount of dirt adhering to the inner wall of the boiler 9 is reduced. The protection member 45 is replaced with a new one when the amount of adhered dirt increases.
The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

Fifth Embodiment FIG. 8 shows a humidifier according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, a water circulating means 46 for circulating the water W in the boiler 9 is additionally provided. The water circulation means 46
Is a water recirculation port 4 formed in the middle of the first channel tube 13.
7, a reflux passage 48 having one end connected to the bottom of the boiler 9 and the other end facing the water return port 47;
8 and a circulating pump 49 interposed in the middle of 8. The water recirculation port 47 has a filter 50 acting as a filtering means for filtering impurities contained in the water.
Are arranged. In this case, the electric heater 12 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the boiler 9 and the boiler 9
In addition, the first passage-constituting tube 16 has a structure that cannot be removed. In this way, impurities contained in the water in the process of circulating the water in the boiler 9 through the water circulating means 46 are filtered by the filter 50 as the filtering means. Therefore, the amount of impurities contained in the water in the boiler 9 is greatly reduced, and the adhesion of dirt to the inner wall of the boiler 9 can be reduced as much as possible. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

Sixth Embodiment FIG. 9 shows a humidifier according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, a water circulation means 46 for circulating the water W in the boiler 9 is additionally provided. The water circulation means 46
Is a water recirculation port 4 formed in the middle of the first channel tube 13.
7, a recirculation passage 48 having one end connected to the bottom of the boiler 9 and the other end connected to the water recirculation port 47, and a circulation pump 49 interposed in the recirculation passage 48. I have. Inlet portion 48 in the reflux passage 48
In a, a filter 50 acting as a filtering means for filtering impurities contained in water is detachably provided. The filter 50 is attached and detached by attaching and detaching a screw member 52 that is screwed into an extraction hole 51 formed at a lower portion of the inlet portion 48a. A part of the bottom case 6 of the humidifier body 1 is formed as a removable cover 53 for the screwing operation of the screw member 52, and the cover 53 is detachably attached to the bottom case 6 by screws 54. I try to attach it. In this case, the electric heater 1
2 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the boiler 9 and
The boiler 9 and the first passage-constituting tube 16 have a structure that cannot be removed. In this way, impurities contained in the water in the process of circulating the water in the boiler 9 through the water circulating means 46 are filtered by the filter 50 as the filtering means. Therefore, the amount of impurities contained in the water in the boiler 9 is greatly reduced, and the adhesion of dirt to the inner wall of the boiler 9 can be reduced as much as possible. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

Seventh Embodiment FIG. 10 shows a main part of a humidifier according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, a water circulating means 46 for circulating the water W in the boiler 9 is additionally provided. The water circulation means 46
Is a water recirculation port 4 formed in the middle of the first channel tube 13.
7, a recirculation passage 48 having one end connected to the bottom of the boiler 9 and the other end connected to the water recirculation port 47, and a circulation pump 49 interposed in the recirculation passage 48. (See FIG. 9). In the middle of the reflux passage 48 (for example, on the downstream side of the circulation pump 49), a filter 50 acting as a filtering means for filtering impurities contained in water is detachably provided. The filter 50 is arranged in a filter case 79 attached to a connecting pipe 78 provided in the middle of the circulation passage 48. The connecting pipe 78 is connected to the partition 8.
The filter case 79 includes an inlet chamber 81 and an outlet chamber 82, and an inlet 79a and an outlet 79b of the filter case 79 are connected to the inlet chamber 81 and the outlet chamber 82, respectively. That is, the inlet side 4 of the circulation passage 48
The water W passing from the filter pipe 8a through the connecting pipe inlet chamber 81 and the filter case inlet 79a is filtered in the course of passing through the filter 50, and the impurities are filtered. The water W passes through the connecting pipe outlet chamber 82 from the filter case outlet 79b through the connecting pipe outlet chamber 82b. And then return to the boiler 9.

The filter case 79 faces outward from a window hole 83 formed in the main body case 5.
The outer end opening is covered by a case cover 84 which can be detachably attached from outside. Therefore, if the filter 50 is clogged, it can be replaced with a new one by unscrewing the case cover 84. 85 is O
It is a ring.

As described above, impurities contained in the water in the process of circulating the water in the boiler 9 through the water circulating means 46 are filtered by the filter 50 as the filtering means. Therefore, the amount of impurities contained in the water in the boiler 9 is greatly reduced, and the adhesion of dirt to the inner wall of the boiler 9 can be reduced as much as possible. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

Eighth Embodiment FIG. 11 shows a humidifier according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the positive electrode 5 is provided on the inner wall of the boiler 9.
5 is connected, and in the water W in the boiler 9,
A negative electrode 56 made of a non-metallic conductor such as a carbon rod is provided. That is, the inner wall of the boiler 9 is charged with a positive charge. Reference numeral 57 denotes a lead wire of the negative electrode 56, and reference numeral 58 denotes a sealing member for sealing a lead portion of the lead wire 56. By doing so, the impurities contained in the water W in the boiler 9 are present as + ions (for example, Ca ions, Mg ions, etc.).
Impurities hardly adhere to the inner wall of the boiler 9 charged with positive charges. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

Ninth Embodiment FIG. 12 shows a main part of a humidifier according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, as a heating means, an electric heater 12 having a waterproof structure and having a heat transfer plate 59 made of a good conductor detachably covered is adopted. The electric heater 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes a space between the heater support 87 having a cylindrical portion 87a coupled to a cylindrical body 86 formed at the bottom of the boiler 9 and a heater cover 88 having an outer peripheral portion caulked to the heater support 87. The heat transfer plate 59 is detachably fitted to the heater cover 88. That is, the electric heater 12 is disposed inside the boiler 9. Lead wire 89 of the electric heater 1
Is formed in the connecting pipe 36, passes through the inside of the cylindrical portion 87 a of the heater support 87, and is led out through the inside of a guide tube 90 whose upper end is connected to the heater support 87. Reference numeral 91 denotes a water flow hole formed in the cylindrical portion 87a of the heater support 87. In this way, the impurities contained in the water in the boiler 9 mainly adhere to the heat transfer plate 59 of the electric heater 12, which is a high-temperature portion.
Therefore, the amount of dirt adhering to the inner wall of the boiler 9 is reduced. Note that the dirt attached to the heat transfer plate 59 is removed by washing by removing the heat transfer plate 59. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

Tenth Embodiment FIG. 13 shows a humidifier according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, a drainage means 60 for discharging the water W in the boiler 9 to the outside when the humidification operation is stopped is additionally provided. The drainage means 60 includes a drainage passage 61 having one end connected to the bottom of the boiler 9 and the other end facing the outside of the humidifier body 1.
And a drain pump 62 provided in the middle of the drain passage 61.
The drive of the drain pump 62 is started when the humidification operation is stopped. At the start of the operation of the drain pump 62, the water supply tank 7 is removed.
Reference numeral 63 denotes a drain tank for storing drain water. in this case,
The electric heater 12 is attached to an outer peripheral surface of the boiler 9. In this way, when the humidification operation is stopped, the water in the boiler 9 is discharged to the outside by the drainage means. Therefore, the concentration of impurities contained in the water in the boiler 9 can be maintained at about the same level as tap water, and the adhesion of dirt to the inner wall of the boiler 9 can be reduced. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

Eleventh Embodiment FIG. 14 shows a humidifier according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the storage vessel 8 in the water supply section 2 and the boiler 9 in the steam generation section 3 are formed in communication with each other on a support wall 5a integrally formed in the main body case 5 of the humidifier body 1. . In addition, a communication hole 64 is formed at a lower end of the first passage constituting tube 16 that constitutes the steam outlet passage 10. A disc-shaped heating element 65 made of a magnetic material is detachably housed in the boiler 9. The heating element 6 is provided below the boiler 9.
An electromagnetic induction coil 66 for generating an induced eddy current in 5 is arranged on a support plate 68 attached to a lower surface of the support wall 5a by a screw 67. That is, in the present embodiment, an electromagnetic induction coil 66 is employed as a heating means, and an induced eddy current is generated in the heating element 65 by the electromagnetic induction coil 66 so that the resistance heat of the induced eddy current is used. It is. The first and second passage-forming tubes 16 and 17 are not provided with holes for introducing air, and the second passage-forming tube 17 is provided with a steam discharge port 25. In this case, since the water in the boiler 9 is heated by the heat generated by the heating element 65, the impurities contained in the water adhere to the heating element 65 having a high temperature, and the impurities adhere to the inner wall of the boiler 9. Dirt adhesion is reduced. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

Incidentally, in the humidifier according to each of the above embodiments, the concentration of impurities contained in the water in the boiler 9 gradually increases as the humidification operation is continued.
It is convenient if it is possible to inform the user whether or not the concentration of the impurities has reached a limit that requires maintenance of the boiler 9.

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
When an electrode 69 connected to the ground in an insulated state is attached to the bottom of the boiler 9 and the bottom of the boiler 9 is connected to the anode, if water W is present in the boiler 9, the electrode 69 is placed Since a resistance is generated, a change in the resistance is detected by the microcomputer 70. Code 7
1 is an insulating member, and 72 is a notifying means such as a buzzer. With this configuration, when the impurity concentration in the water W in the boiler 9 increases, the resistance value decreases. When the resistance value becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the notification unit 72 operates, and the user is notified. It can be notified that the boiler 9 needs maintenance.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the electrode 73 is attached to the bottom of the boiler 9, if water W exists in the boiler 9, an electric connection is established between the inner wall of the boiler 9 and the electrode 73. Since an electric capacity is generated, an oscillation circuit 74 is constituted by the electric capacity and an external resistor.
The microcomputer 75 detects the change in the oscillation frequency of No. 4. Reference numeral 76 denotes an insulating member, and 77 denotes a notifying means such as a buzzer. With this configuration, when the impurity concentration in the water W in the boiler 9 increases, the oscillation frequency changes. When the oscillation frequency reaches a predetermined threshold value, the notification unit 77 operates, and the user is notified. It can be notified that the boiler 9 needs maintenance.

[0065]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a humidifier provided with a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means and a water vapor outlet passage for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. In the vessel, a water circulating means for circulating the water in the boiler is provided, and a filter means for filtering impurities contained in the water is provided at an appropriate position of the water circulating means, so that the water in the boiler is circulated in the water circulating means. Since the impurities contained in the water are filtered by the filtration means in the process of circulating through the boiler, the amount of impurities contained in the water in the boiler is greatly reduced, and the adhesion of dirt to the boiler inner wall is reduced. There is an effect that it can be reduced as much as possible.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a humidifier provided with a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means and a water vapor outlet passage for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. In the boiler, a bottomed cylindrical boiler guard made of a thin metal plate and having a hole at the bottom is detachably and rotatably housed so as to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the boiler. Since the contained impurities adhere to the boiler guard, the amount of dirt adhering to the inner wall of the boiler can be reduced. It should be noted that the dirt adhering to the boiler guard can be reused if it is taken out and washed and removed. Further, there is a possibility that dirt may adhere to the inner wall of the boiler. However, by rotating the boiler guard, the dirt adhered to the inner wall of the boiler is removed by friction with the boiler guard.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a humidifier provided with a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means, and a water vapor outlet passage for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. In the boiler, a bottomed cylindrical protective member made of a heat-resistant material having water permeability is detachably housed so as to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the boiler, and impurities contained in water in the boiler are removed. Since it adheres to the protection member, the amount of dirt adhering to the inner wall of the boiler is reduced. In addition,
The protection member is replaced with a new one when the amount of adhered dirt increases.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a humidifier provided with a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means, and a water vapor outlet passage for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. In the boiler, a filter member for adsorbing impurities contained in water is removably housed, and impurities contained in water in the boiler are attached to the filter member. This has the effect of reducing the amount of adhesion. Note that the filter member is replaced with a new one when the amount of adhered dirt increases.

As in the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, in the humidifier according to the fourth aspect, when the filter member is formed of a honeycomb structure made of a nonwoven fabric or the like or a bellows-shaped cylindrical body, Increases the surface area of the substrate, and the amount of adhered impurities increases. Therefore, it is possible to delay the time of replacement with a new one.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a humidifier provided with a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means, and a water vapor outlet passage for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. By positively charging the inner wall of the boiler, impurities present as + ions (for example, Ca ions, Mg ions, etc.) in water in the boiler are less likely to adhere to the boiler inner wall charged to a positive charge. This has the effect of reducing the amount of dirt adhering to the inner wall of the boiler.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a humidifier provided with a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means, and a water vapor outlet passage for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. And an electric heater having a waterproof structure as the heating means and having a heat transfer plate made of a good heat conductor removably covered, and the electric heater is disposed in the boiler. Since the impurities contained in the water mainly adhere to the heat transfer plate of the electric heater, which is a high-temperature portion, there is an effect that the amount of dirt adhering to the inner wall of the boiler is reduced. Note that the dirt attached to the heat transfer plate is removed by washing by removing the heat transfer plate.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a humidifier provided with a boiler for generating water vapor by heating water by a heating means and a water vapor outlet passage for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. A drain means for discharging water in the boiler to the outside when the humidification operation is stopped is provided. When the humidification operation is stopped, the water in the boiler 9 is discharged to the outside by the drain means. The concentration of impurities contained in the water can be maintained at about the same level as tap water, and there is an effect that the adhesion of dirt to the inner wall of the boiler 9 can be reduced.

[0073] As in the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the humidifier according to any one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth aspects, the boiler is made detachable. In this case, the dirt adhering to the inner wall of the boiler is removed by washing the boiler at an appropriate time. Therefore,
It is possible to eliminate sticking of dirt to the inner wall of the boiler.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a filter member in the humidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of the boiler in the humidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a filter member in a humidifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a humidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a boiler guard in a humidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a humidifier according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a humidifier according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a humidifier according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a main part of a humidifier according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a humidifier according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a main part of a humidifier according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a humidifier according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of a humidifier according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of a boiler care notification system in the humidifier according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing another example of a boiler maintenance notification system in the humidifier according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

9 is a boiler, 10 is a steam outlet passage, 41 is a filter member, 42 is a boiler guard, 43 is a hole, 45 is a protection member, 46 is a water circulation means, 50 is a filtration means (filter),
59 is a heat transfer plate, 60 is a drainage means.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A humidifier comprising: a boiler for heating water to generate water vapor by heating means; and a water vapor outlet passage for discharging water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. A humidifier further comprising a water circulating means for circulating water, and a filtering means for filtering impurities contained in the water at an appropriate position of the water circulating means. 2. A humidifier comprising: a boiler for heating water to generate water vapor by heating means; and a water vapor outlet passage for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. Is a humidifier characterized in that a bottomed cylindrical boiler guard made of a thin metal plate and having a hole at the bottom is detachably and rotatably housed in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the boiler. 3. A humidifier comprising: a boiler for heating water to generate steam by heating water; and a steam outlet passage for discharging steam generated by the boiler to the outside. Is a humidifier characterized in that a bottomed cylindrical protective member made of a heat-resistant material having water permeability is detachably housed so as to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the boiler. 4. A humidifier comprising: a boiler for heating water to generate water vapor by heating means; and a water vapor outlet passage for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. Is a humidifier characterized in that a filter member for adsorbing impurities contained in water is detachably stored. 5. The humidifier according to claim 4, wherein the filter member is formed of a honeycomb structure made of a nonwoven fabric or the like. 6. The humidifier according to claim 4, wherein said filter member is constituted by a bellows-shaped cylindrical body. 7. A humidifier comprising: a boiler for heating water to generate water vapor by heating means; and a water vapor outlet passage for discharging the water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. A humidifier characterized by being charged with a positive charge. 8. A humidifier comprising: a boiler for heating water to generate water vapor by heating means; and a water vapor outlet passage for discharging water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. A humidifier, which comprises an electric heater having a waterproof structure and a heat transfer plate made of a good conductor which is detachably covered, and wherein the electric heater is disposed in the boiler. 9. A humidifier comprising a boiler for heating water to generate water vapor by heating means, and a water vapor outlet passage for discharging water vapor generated by the boiler to the outside. A humidifier further comprising drainage means for discharging water in the boiler to the outside. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said boiler is detachable.
The humidifier according to any one of 7, 8, and 9.