JP2002181359A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide sufficient and stable humidifying capacity with a contact humidifying element 2, without raising ventilation resistance. SOLUTION: A hydrophilic honeycomb 2a is used for the humidifying element 2. Hereby, this humidifier can take surface area to serve as an evaporation face widely, without raising ventilation resistance, and besides a stable water screen is kept there, and this can provide sufficient and stable humidifying capacity with the compact humidifying element 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a humidifying device for humidifying a room or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional humidifier is, for example, an actual humidifier 7-5.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2508, there is known an apparatus in which tap water is absorbed by a humidifying element, and humidified by moisture evaporated from the humidifying element by blowing air.

[0003]

However, in the case of a humidifying element made of non-woven fabric or the like used in a conventional humidifying device, even if the amount of air supplied to the humidifying element is increased in order to increase the humidifying capacity, the humidifying element becomes uncomfortable. There is a problem that the humidifying element cannot be increased, and even if the amount of supplied water is increased, the humidifying element is clogged by the water film, and the humidifying ability is reduced only by increasing the ventilation resistance.

Therefore, it is necessary to cope with the problem by increasing the evaporation area, but there is a problem that the humidifying element and the device become large in order to obtain a sufficient humidifying ability.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier capable of obtaining a sufficient and stable humidifying capacity with a compact humidifying element without increasing ventilation resistance. I do.

[0006]

The present invention employs the following technical means to achieve the above object.

[0007] The first aspect of the invention is characterized in that a hydrophilic honeycomb (2a) is used for the humidifying element (2).

As a result, a large surface area serving as an evaporating surface can be obtained without increasing ventilation resistance, and a stable water film is maintained there, so that a sufficient and stable humidifying ability can be obtained with a compact humidifying element. be able to.

[0009] The water sprayed for evaporation is also
Since the water is collected on the hydrophilic wall surface while passing through the elongated cells of the honeycomb, a conventional eliminator (water droplet trap) for preventing water splash is not required.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the humidifying element (2) is provided with a heating means (2b).

[0011] Thus, by elevating the temperature of the humidifying element during humidification, evaporation is further promoted.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, an electrolysis tank (23) is provided in a path for supplying water to the water supply means (4) to supply reformed water containing hypochlorous acid by electrolysis. It is characterized by doing.

As a result, hypochlorous acid having a strong oxidizing action is produced from chlorine for sterilization usually contained in tap water or the like,
Since germs, organic matter, odor and the like generated in the moistened humidifying element are sterilized, decomposed, and deodorized, humidification can be always performed on the user safely and safely.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the catalyst is supported on the hydrophilic honeycomb (2a), and the ultraviolet irradiation means (6) is provided upstream of the hydrophilic honeycomb (2a) in the air. .

[0015] Thus, the ultraviolet rays to be irradiated and the catalyst activated by the ultraviolet rays sterilize, decompose and deodorize various bacteria, organic substances, odors and the like generated in the moistened humidifying element. Humidification can be performed safely and comfortably.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrode (7) for carrying a catalyst on the hydrophilic honeycomb (2a) and performing corona discharge upstream of the hydrophilic honeycomb (2a) in the air.
Is provided.

[0017] Thus, the corona discharge generated by the electrode (7) and the catalyst activated by ozone generated by the corona discharge sterilize bacteria, organic matter, odor and the like generated in the moistened humidifying element. Because it decomposes and deodorizes, humidification is always safe and comfortable for the user.

Note that the reference numerals in parentheses of the above-mentioned means indicate the correspondence with specific means described in the embodiment described later.

[0019]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an air conditioner 10 in which a humidifier 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is incorporated, and the inside of a circle is a perspective view of the humidifier element 2.

The air conditioner 10 is a heating air conditioner. A blower 12 for blowing air and a heat exchanger for heating the blown air are provided in an air conditioner case 11 having an air inlet 11a and an air blower 11b. 13 are provided.

A humidifier 20 is provided on the downstream side of the air flow of the heat exchanger 13. The humidifier 20 includes a humidifying blower 28, a humidifying element 2, a supply pipe 22, an electrolysis tank 23 in a case 29. And so on.

The case 29 is provided with a humidification inlet 29a on the upstream side of the air flow and a humidification blower port 29b on the downstream side of the air flow, and a humidification blower 28 for introducing air is provided on the humidification inlet 29a side. ing.

As the humidifying element 2 for evaporating the supplied water, a hydrophilic honeycomb 2a is used. The hydrophilic honeycomb 2a is formed by forming a ceramic material such as alumina into a honeycomb shape and firing it, and has a high surface hydrophilicity. The size of the honeycombs and cells is calculated from the required surface area according to the maximum required humidification.

A plate heater 2b as a heating means is attached to the upper side of the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a. In addition, a drain pan and a drain pipe (not shown) are provided below the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a to collect and discharge extra water.

A supply pipe 22 for supplying water for evaporating to the humidifying element 2 is provided. On the upstream side, a pressure reducing valve 26 for reducing the water pressure from the water supply, and a supply pipe 22
An electromagnetic valve 25 is provided as a flow control valve for varying (0 to 3 L / min) the flow rate of tap water inside.

At the end of the supply pipe 22, a water supply nozzle 4 is provided as a water supply means for supplying water to the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a. The water supply nozzle 4 is located near the center of the upstream of the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a in the air. Water supply nozzle 4
Is sprayed on the air inflow side surface of the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a from the front end of the honeycomb.

In the middle of the supply pipe 22, an electrolysis unit 23 forming an electrolysis tank is provided. The electrolysis unit 23 is provided with two titanium electrodes 23b coated with platinum in a tank 23a, and a power supply 23c (using 12 to 18 V DC) having a power switch 23d is connected to both electrodes 23b.

Further, in the vicinity of the air inlet 11a of the case 11, a humidity sensor 24 is provided as humidity detecting means for detecting the humidity of the introduced air, and this detection signal is sent to an electronic control unit (hereinafter, referred to as control means). ECU 27).

The ECU 27 opens and closes the electromagnetic valve 25 and turns on and off the humidifying blower 28, the plate heater 2b, and the power switch 23d based on the detection signal. During the operation of the humidifier 20, the solenoid valve 25 is not opened at all times, but is repeatedly opened and closed at set time intervals.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

During operation of the air conditioner 10, if the humidity of the introduced air is detected by the humidity sensor 24 to be lower than a predetermined humidity, it is determined that humidification is necessary, and the ECU 27 opens the solenoid valve 25, and the humidification blower 28, The plate heater 2b and the power switch 23d are turned on to operate.

The tap water depressurized by the pressure reducing valve 26 is supplied to the solenoid valve 2.
After the flow rate is reduced in 5, the water is supplied from the supply pipe 22 to the water supply nozzle 4 as water supply means.

Then, water is sprayed from the water supply nozzle 4 onto the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a serving as a humidifying element, and air is supplied from the humidifying blower 28 to the wetted hydrophilic honeycomb 2a. Blow port 29
b and the air blowing port 11b is blown out as humidified air.

As described above, by making the humidifying element 2 a hydrophilic honeycomb 2a, a large surface area serving as an evaporation surface can be obtained without increasing ventilation resistance, and a stable water film is maintained there. , Compact humidifying element 2
And a sufficient and stable humidifying ability can be obtained.

The water sprayed for evaporation is also
Since the water is collected on the hydrophilic wall surface while passing through the elongated cells of the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a, a conventional eliminator (water droplet trap) for preventing water splash is not required.

The plate heater 2b which operates simultaneously
Thus, the temperature of the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a is heated and the evaporation is further promoted.

In the electrolytic unit 23 provided in the middle of the supply pipe 22, a potential is applied to the two electrodes 23b to perform electrolysis of tap water passing through the tank 23a, and react with chlorine ions normally contained in tap water. To produce hypochlorous acid. Then, the water is supplied from the electrolysis unit 23 to the humidifying element 2 as tap water containing hypochlorous acid.

As a result, hypochlorous acid having a strong oxidizing action is produced from chlorine for sterilization usually contained in tap water and the like.
Since germs, organic substances, odors and the like generated in the moistened humidifying element 2 are sterilized, decomposed, and deodorized, the humidification can be performed on the user safely and comfortably at all times.

When the humidity sensor 24 detects that the humidity of the introduced air is higher than a predetermined humidity, it is determined that humidification is unnecessary, and the ECU 27 closes the solenoid valve 25 and sets the humidifier 2
8. Turn off the plate heater 2b and power switch 23d
To stop humidification.

The tap water remaining in the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a eventually evaporates, and the dropped water passes through a drain pan and a drain pipe (not shown), and the humidifier 20 and the air conditioner 1
It is discharged out of 0.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram around a humidifying element 2 of a humidifying device 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

A photocatalyst comprising a metal oxide such as titanium dioxide is carried on the surface of the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a.
In addition, near the center of the air inflow side surface of the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a, an ultraviolet lamp 6 as an ultraviolet irradiation means is provided adjacent to the water supply nozzle 4. The ultraviolet lamp 6 is turned on simultaneously with the operation of the humidifying device 20, and irradiates ultraviolet light from the air inflow side surface of the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a and performs heating by the lamp.

Thus, the ultraviolet rays to be irradiated and the photocatalyst activated by the ultraviolet rays sterilize and decompose various bacteria, organic substances, odors and the like generated in the moistened humidifying element 2.
Since it deodorizes, humidification that is safe and comfortable for the user can always be performed.

In addition, heating is performed by a lamp from the air inflow side sprayed with water to further promote evaporation.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram around a humidifying element of a humidifying device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

On the surface of the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a, an oxidation catalyst of copper or manganese metal is carried. Further, an electrode 7 for performing corona discharge is arranged on the air inflow side surface of the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a. A negative ground and a positive high voltage are alternately applied to the electrode 7 simultaneously with the operation of the humidifier 20.

As a result, the ozone generated by the corona discharge is supplied from the air inflow side of the hydrophilic honeycomb 2a, and the germs generated on the moistened humidifying element 2 by the corona discharge and the oxidation catalyst activated by the ozone. In order to sterilize, decompose and deodorize organic substances, odors and the like, humidification can be always performed on the user safely and comfortably.

(Other Embodiments) In the above embodiment,
Although the water supply nozzle 4 is of a spray type, it may be of a type in which water is supplied dropwise. Although the air conditioner 10 has been described as being for heating, it may be applied to a device having a cooling heat exchanger.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an air conditioner incorporating a humidifier in a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view and FIG. 2B is a configuration diagram around a humidifying element of a humidifying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a perspective view and a configuration diagram around a humidifying element of a humidifying device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIGS.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Humidifying Element 2a Hydrophilic Honeycomb 2b Plate Heater (Heating Means) 4 Water Supply Nozzle (Water Supply Means) 6 Ultraviolet Lamp (Ultraviolet Irradiation Means) 7 Electrode 23 Electrolysis Unit (Electrolysis Tank) 28 Blowing Fan (Blowing Means)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A water supply means (4) for supplying water for evaporation, a humidification element (2) for evaporating water supplied by the water supply means (4) and humidifying passing air; A humidifier provided with a blowing means (28) for supplying air to the element (2), wherein a hydrophilic honeycomb (2a) is used for the humidifier element (2). 2. The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the humidifying element is provided with a heating means. 3. An electrolysis tank (23) is provided in a path for supplying water to the water supply means (4) to supply reformed water containing hypochlorous acid by electrolysis. The humidifier according to claim 1. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a catalyst is supported on the hydrophilic honeycomb (2a), and ultraviolet irradiation means (6) is provided upstream of the hydrophilic honeycomb (2a) in the air. Humidification equipment. 5. An electrode (7) for supporting a catalyst on the hydrophilic honeycomb (2a) and performing a corona discharge upstream of the hydrophilic honeycomb (2a) on the air side. The humidifying device according to item 1.