JP2001330283A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a humidifier to be easily installed even in an existing building and to eliminate a water supplying work by a user. SOLUTION: The humidifier comprises a moisture permeant film unit 2. Only a steam from a potable water (shaded part) stored in the unit 2 is invaded into a wind tunnel 23 through holes 21a of a moisture permeant film. When an air flow is generated in the tunnel 23 by a fan 3, the air flow absorbs the steam to be humidified. This humidified air is supplied into a room. The unit 2 is connected to a potable water tube via a water supply mechanism, and supplied with the water from the water tube.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier for supplying humidified air.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Humidifiers for supplying steam to a room have been used to prevent the room from becoming too dry.
As a humidifier, an inexpensive tabletop type that can be easily installed is usually used. This tabletop humidifier mainly includes a water supply tank and a heater. Then, the water in the water supply tank is heated by the heater, and steam is supplied into the room to humidify the room.

[0003] A built-in type humidifier combined with an air conditioner or a ventilation system has already been provided. When combined with an air conditioner, the humidification unit
At the time of construction, it will be installed together with the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. When combined with a ventilation system, the humidification unit is installed in a ventilation unit provided outside the room at the time of construction. Such a humidifying unit includes a moisture absorbing element and a heater. Then, moisture in the outside air is absorbed by the moisture absorbing element, a part of the moisture absorbing element is heated by the heater, and the extracted moisture is supplied to the room together with the air to humidify the room.

[0004]

Since the above-mentioned tabletop humidifier does not have an automatic water supply function, it is necessary for the user to supply water to the water supply tank. In particular, when a plurality of humidifiers are installed, maintenance is troublesome. On the other hand, the built-in type humidifier has a problem that the installation cost is high to introduce it into an existing building, and it cannot be installed depending on the structure of the building.

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily install a humidifier even in an existing building. Another object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for a user to supply water in a humidifier.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems A humidifier according to the invention 1 comprises:
It supplies humidified air, and includes a permeable membrane unit, a fan, and a water supply mechanism. The moisture-permeable membrane unit has a plurality of tubular bodies formed of a moisture-permeable membrane that allows only water vapor to pass without passing water as a liquid, and can store water between the plurality of tubular bodies. The fan generates an air flow inside the tubular body of the moisture permeable membrane unit. The water supply mechanism supplies water around each cylindrical body of the moisture permeable membrane unit.

In such a humidifier, for example, a water supply mechanism is connected to a water pipe, and tap water is supplied from the water pipe to the moisture permeable membrane unit via the water supply mechanism. The water supplied to the moisture permeable membrane unit is stored around the plurality of cylindrical bodies. At this time, since the moisture permeable membrane of the cylindrical body allows the passage of water vapor, the water vapor enters the inside of the cylindrical body. Then, when the airflow from the fan passes through the inside of the tubular body, the air that has passed through the tubular body is humidified and contains more moisture than before the passage. The room is humidified by supplying the humidified air to the room.

In such a humidifier, there is no need to take in moisture from the outside air, and the humidifier can be easily installed in an existing building only by connecting a water supply mechanism to a water pipe. For this reason, the installation cost is low. Further, in such a humidifier, since water is supplied by the water supply mechanism, the user does not need to supply water.

A humidifier according to a second aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the first aspect, wherein the water supply mechanism includes a water supply pipe connected to the moisture permeable membrane unit, and a water supply provided in the middle of the water supply pipe to the moisture permeable membrane unit. And a pressure reducing valve provided in the middle of the water supply pipe to reduce the water pressure of the supplied water. In this case, since the water pressure is reduced by the pressure reducing valve, the risk of damaging the moisture permeable membrane unit due to excessive water pressure can be prevented. Further, by controlling the degree of opening of the electric valve, it is possible to effectively supply water to the moisture permeable membrane unit.

A humidifier according to a third aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the first aspect, further comprising a water supply tank, a water level detection sensor, and a valve. The water supply tank is disposed above the moisture permeable membrane unit, and stores water to be supplied to the moisture permeable membrane unit. The water level detection sensor detects the water level in the water supply tank. The valve supplies water into the water supply tank based on the detection result of the water level detection sensor.

In this humidifier, water is filled in the moisture permeable membrane unit, and the water supply tank is also filled with water at a certain water level. The water supply to the moisture permeable membrane unit is controlled by keeping the water level in the water supply tank constant by a water level detection sensor and a valve. Specifically, when the water in the moisture permeable membrane unit decreases, the water level in the water supply tank decreases. Then, when the water level in the water supply tank falls below a certain value, the water level sensor detects this, and water is supplied into the water supply tank by controlling the valve. In this way, a fixed amount of water is always supplied into the moisture permeable membrane unit.

According to such a configuration, water can be supplied to the moisture permeable membrane unit without providing a pressure reducing valve.
A humidifier according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a drainage mechanism for discharging water from the moisture-permeable membrane unit. In this case, even if the inside of the water supply tank or the inside of the moisture permeable membrane unit is contaminated by impurities (scale) contained in tap water or the like, water is supplied by the water supply mechanism and drained from the drainage mechanism, so that the water supply tank and the moisture permeable membrane are removed. The dirt in the unit can be removed.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the efficiency of the humidifying operation from decreasing.

A humidifier according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to any of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a wall mountable housing in which the moisture permeable membrane unit and the fan are arranged. In this case, the humidifier can be easily installed by installing the housing on which the moisture permeable membrane unit and the fan are installed on the wall. A humidifier according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that
In any of the humidifiers, a humidifier body including a moisture permeable membrane unit and a fan, and a water supply unit including a water supply mechanism are configured separately and connected by a water supply pipe. In this case, maintenance work becomes easy.

A humidifier according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the sixth aspect, wherein the water supply unit is configured to be connectable to a plurality of humidifier bodies. In this case, it is possible to reduce the size of the humidifier body.

[0015]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a humidifier 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view. The humidifier 1 includes a moisture permeable membrane unit 2, a fan 3 arranged to face the moisture permeable membrane unit 2, a water supply mechanism 4 connected to an upper portion of the moisture permeable membrane unit 2, and a moisture permeable membrane unit 2. And a control unit (not shown). In addition, there is provided a wall-mountable housing 9 that houses the moisture permeable membrane unit 2, the fan 3, the water supply mechanism 4, and the drainage mechanism 5. The housing 9 is provided with a suction port 9a for sucking room air into the housing and a blowout port 9b for returning the sucked air to the room.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, five moisture permeable membrane units 2 are arranged in a horizontal row.
The moisture permeable membrane unit 2 includes a jacket 1 as shown in FIG.
1, a pair of tube sheets 12, and a tubular body 21 (shown in FIG. 4). The jacket 11 is a substantially rectangular frame member, and a water supply unit 13 is provided on one side surface thereof. The water supply unit 13 is formed of a tubular member so as to connect the inside and the outside of the frame. Further, a drainage unit 14 is provided at a position facing the water supply unit 13 with the same configuration.

The tube sheet 12 is a flat member having a shape corresponding to the opening of the jacket 11. In addition, a pair of tube sheets 12
Has a plurality of through holes 12a that match each other. The tubular body 21 is formed of a moisture-permeable membrane such as, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). As shown in FIG. 4, the moisture permeable membrane has countless holes 21a. The holes 21a do not allow liquid water molecules to pass, but allow only gas water molecules (water vapor) to pass. The cylindrical body 21
Are fixed to through-holes 12 a of the tube sheet 12, the ends of which are aligned with each other.

The assembly of the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 is performed by using one of the tube sheets 1.
2 is fixed to the jacket 11, the tubular body 21 is fixed to the plurality of through holes 12 a of the tube sheet 12, and then the other tube sheet 12 is fixed so as to match the tubular body 21 and the jacket 11. In the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 assembled in this manner, as shown in FIG. 4, a water storage space (hatched portion) 22 is formed between the jacket 11 and the plurality of tubular bodies 21. The water storage space 22 is electrically connected to the outside by the water supply unit 13 and the drainage unit 14, can store water supplied from the water supply unit 13, and can discharge the stored water from the discharge unit 14. Further, the through-holes 12a of the pair of tube sheets 12 and the cylindrical body 21 form an air tunnel 23 through which the air flows.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fan 3 is disposed so as to face the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 and on the opposite side (wall side) of the suction port 9a with the moisture permeable unit 2 interposed therebetween. The fan 3 sucks room air from the suction port 9a, generates an air flow passing through the moisture permeable membrane unit 2, and generates an air flow such that the air flow is blown out from the blowing port 9b.

The water supply mechanism 4 includes a water supply pipe 30 and a water supply pipe 30.
And a motor-operated valve 31 and a pressure-reducing valve 32 arranged in the middle. One end of the water supply pipe 30 is connected to a water supply pipe, and the other end is connected to the water supply section 13 of the moisture permeable membrane unit 2. Further, the drainage mechanism 5 has a drainage pipe 35 and a drainage pump 36. One end of the drain pipe 35 is connected to the drain section 14 of the moisture permeable membrane unit 2, and the other end is connected to a drain pipe such as a toilet. The motor-operated valve 31 is a device for increasing or decreasing the area of the water supply flow path based on a signal from a control unit (not shown). The pressure reducing valve 32 is a device that reduces the pressure of the water flowing through the water supply mechanism 4, and is disposed closer to the water pipe than the electric valve 31. The drainage pump 36 is disposed in the middle of the drainage pipe 35 so as to discharge the water in the moisture permeable membrane unit 2.

[Humidification principle] I of the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 in FIG.
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line -I ′. As shown by the hatched portion in the figure, the water storage space 22 of the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 is filled with tap water. As described above, the tubular body 21 allows only water vapor to pass therethrough. Therefore, water vapor evaporating from the tap water in the water storage space 22 enters the wind tunnel 23 of the tubular body 21. In such a state, when air is passed by the fan 3 in the direction of the arrow in the figure, the passing air absorbs the water vapor in the wind tunnel 23, and the air after passing contains more moisture than before passing. . This air is supplied into the room to humidify the room.

[Humidifying Operation] The humidifying operation is performed by the control unit driving the fan 3, the electric valve 31, and the pressure reducing valve 32 based on the detected humidity value detected by the humidity sensor. When the fan 3 is driven based on a signal from the control unit, room air is drawn into the housing 9 from the suction port 9a. The sucked air passes through the wind tunnel 23 of the moisture permeable membrane unit 2. At the time of this passage, as described above, the water vapor that has penetrated into the wind tunnel portion 23 from the moisture permeable hole 21a is absorbed, and becomes air containing more moisture than before the passage. The air containing a large amount of water is blown out from the outlet 9b, thereby humidifying the room. At this time, the air volume of the fan 3 is adjusted according to the detected humidity value, the humidification amount is adjusted, and the indoor humidity is controlled.

The supply of water to the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 is performed by supplying tap water when the water level detected by a water level sensor (not shown) falls below a certain value. Specifically, when the detected value of the water level falls below a certain value, the pressure of the tap water is reduced by the pressure reducing valve 32, the flow rate is adjusted by the electric valve 31, and the water is supplied to the moisture permeable membrane unit 2.

On the other hand, the water in the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 is discharged by a drain pump 36. That is, the drainage pump 36 is driven by the control unit, whereby the water in the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 is discharged through the drainage pipe 35. At this time, if the above-mentioned water supply to the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 is also performed at the same time,
Clean tap water passes through the moisture permeable membrane unit 2, and dirt in the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 can be removed.

In the humidifier of this embodiment, it is not necessary to take in moisture from the outside air, and the humidifier can be easily installed in an existing building only by connecting the water supply pipe 30 and the drain pipe 35 to a water pipe or the like. In addition, since it can be easily installed, the cost is low. Further, according to the humidifier of the present embodiment, tap water is automatically supplied from the water pipe based on the detection value of the water level sensor, so that the user does not need to supply water.

[Other Embodiments] (a) As shown in FIG. 5, a water supply tank 40 and a valve 41 may be provided in place of the motor-operated valve 31 and the pressure reducing valve 32 of the above embodiment. The water supply tank 40 is installed above the moisture permeable membrane unit 2. In the water supply tank 40, a float switch 42 as a water level detection sensor is provided. The valve 41 is driven by the float switch 42. The valve 41 connects and disconnects the water supply tank 40 and the water pipe.

In the humidifier 1, the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 is filled with tap water, and the water supply tank 40 is also filled with tap water at a certain water level. The water supply to the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 is performed by keeping the level of the tap water in the water supply tank 40 constant by the float switch 42. Specifically, when the tap water in the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 decreases, the water level in the water supply tank 40 also decreases. When the water level in the water supply tank 40 falls below a certain value, the valve 41 is opened by the float switch 42, whereby tap water is supplied into the water supply tank 40. In this way, the tap water is supplied into the moisture permeable membrane unit 2.

According to such a configuration, the pressure reducing valve 32 becomes unnecessary as compared with the above embodiment. In addition, an inexpensive valve can be used as the valve 41. Furthermore, if a configuration in which the float switch and the valve are mechanically connected is adopted, a very simple and inexpensive water supply mechanism can be configured. (B) In the above embodiment, five moisture-permeable membrane units 2 are arranged, but the number of moisture-permeable membrane units 2 is not limited to five. If a large room requires a large humidification capacity, the number of the moisture permeable membrane units 2 may be increased. If a small humidification capacity is sufficient, the number of the moisture permeable membrane units 2 may be reduced. (C) As shown in FIG. 6, the water supply tank 40 and the valve 41 may be housed in a casing separated from the humidifier main body 1 to constitute a unitized water supply mechanism 4.
The water supply tank 40 of the water supply mechanism 4 and the water supply pipe 30 are connected by a water supply pipe 45. In this case, the unitized water supply mechanism 4 needs to be mounted above the mounting position of the humidifier body 1.

When the water supply mechanism 4 is composed of the motor-operated valve 31 and the pressure reducing valve 32, it is possible to similarly form a unit. In this case, the maintenance work of the humidifier body 1 or the water supply mechanism 4 can be easily performed. (D) When the water supply mechanism 4 is made into a unit, the humidifier body 1 including the moisture permeable membrane unit 2 and the fan 3 can be connected to the plurality of water supply mechanisms 4 to humidify a plurality of rooms. .

[0030]

According to the humidifier of the present invention, there is no need to take in moisture from the outside air, and the humidifier can be easily and inexpensively installed in an existing building only by connecting a water supply mechanism to a water pipe or the like. Further, according to the humidifier of the present invention, since the water can be automatically supplied to the moisture permeable unit, the user does not need to supply water.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a humidifier employing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view thereof.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the moisture permeable membrane unit.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a moisture permeable membrane unit.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a humidifier employing another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a humidifier employing another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Humidifier 2 Moisture permeable membrane unit 3 Fan 4 Water supply mechanism 5 Drainage mechanism 9 Housing 21 Cylindrical body 30 Water supply pipe 31 Electric valve 32 Pressure reducing valve 40 Water supply tank 41 Valve 42 Float switch

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A humidifier for supplying humidified air, comprising: a plurality of tubular bodies (21) formed of a moisture-permeable membrane that allows only water vapor to pass without passing water as a liquid; A moisture permeable membrane unit (2) capable of storing water between the plurality of tubular bodies (21); and a fan for generating an air flow inside the tubular body (21) of the moisture permeable membrane unit (2). A humidifier comprising: (3) a water supply mechanism (4) for supplying water around each tubular body (21) of the moisture permeable membrane unit (2). 2. A water supply pipe (30) connected to the moisture permeable membrane unit (2).
An electric valve or a solenoid valve (31) provided in the middle of the water supply pipe (30) to control the supply of water to the moisture permeable membrane unit (2); and in the middle of the water supply pipe (30). The humidifier according to claim 1, further comprising: a pressure reducing valve (32) provided in the hood and configured to reduce a pressure of supplied water. 3. A water supply tank (40) disposed above the moisture permeable membrane unit (2) for storing water to be supplied to the moisture permeable membrane unit (2); and a water level in the water supply tank (40). The water level detection sensor (42) which detects a water level, The valve (41) which supplies water in the water supply tank (40) based on the detection result of the water level sensor (40) is further provided. humidifier. 4. The humidifier according to claim 1, further comprising a drainage mechanism (5) for discharging water from the moisture permeable membrane unit (2). 5. The humidifier according to claim 1, further comprising a housing (9) on which the moisture permeable membrane unit (2) and the fan (3) are arranged and which can be hung on a wall. vessel. 6. The humidifier body including the moisture permeable membrane unit and the fan, and a water supply unit including the water supply mechanism are formed separately and connected by a water supply pipe. The humidifier described in the crab. 7. The humidifier according to claim 6, wherein the water supply unit is configured to be able to connect a plurality of humidifier bodies.