JP2004044947A - Air humidifying and cleaning device for scuba diving - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air humidifying and cleaning device for scuba diving capable of easily supplying moisture. <P>SOLUTION: This air humidifying and cleaning device for scuba diving includes a humidity adjusting part 22 mounted on a regulator for scuba diving and humidifying the compressed air for breathing, and a filter part 21 for purifying the compressed air for breathing. The humidity adjusting part 22 comprises a moisture supply communication hole 60 communicated to the inside and outside of the humidity adjusting part 22, and a sealing means 62 for sealing the communication hole 60. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an air humidifying and purifying device attached to a scuba diving regulator or built in the scuba diving regulator, and more particularly to an air humidifying and purifying device for scuba diving that facilitates maintenance of a humidifying function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A compressed air cylinder used for scuba diving is filled with compressed air. Therefore, the air in the compressed air cylinder has a moisture content of about 3% because moisture condenses and separates, and is much more dry than the normal moisture content of 50 to 80%. In addition, since there is dust in the cylinder and impurities (for example, exhaust gas of a compressor) mixed when the compressed air is filled, it is not preferable to suck the air taken out of the compressed air cylinder as it is because it may adversely affect health. .
Therefore, an air humidifier for scuba diving provided with a filter for removing impurities such as dust contained in the air supplied from the compressed air cylinder and a humidifier for supplying moisture before the diver sucks the air from the compressed air cylinder. The device is used.
[0003]
Such an air humidifying and purifying device for scuba diving (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an air humidifying and purifying device) uses a water-containing filter in a humidity adjustment unit to humidify air from a compressed air cylinder, and the inside of the water-containing filter is used. This is done by dispersing the water in the air from the compressed air cylinder. Therefore, the water-containing filter always needs moisture, and the water-containing filter of the humidity adjusting unit must be appropriately supplied with water.
To supply water to the water-containing filter, remove a part of the air humidification / cleaning device with a screw, expose the water-containing filter mounted inside the air-humidification / purification device outside the air-humidification / purification device, and then humidify the air. Water was supplied from outside the cleaning device.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In order to supply water to the water-containing filter, it is necessary to remove a part of the main body from an O-ring or the like that seals high-pressure air inside the main body of the air humidifying and purifying apparatus to supply water, resulting in poor workability and sealing. There was a risk of injuries to the part. Furthermore, the replenishment of water must be performed each time a dive is performed. However, the replenishment of water to the water-containing filter is extremely complicated. was there. Such air humidifying and purifying devices are not sufficiently humidified, so that divers breathe very dry air and dry their respiratory system. There was a problem that had a serious impact on health, such as causing illness.
[0005]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an air humidifying and purifying device for scuba diving that facilitates hydration work of an air humidifying and purifying device and can always provide divers with air whose humidity has been adjusted to an appropriate moisture content. is there.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has the following configuration to achieve the above object.
That is, the present invention provides a scuba diving regulator which is attached to a scuba diving regulator and has a built-in humidity adjusting unit for humidifying breathing air from a compressed air cylinder and a filter unit for purifying the breathing air. In the air humidification and cleaning device, the humidity adjustment unit includes a communication hole for supplying water that communicates with the inside of the humidity adjustment unit and the outside of the air humidification cleaning device, and a sealing unit that seals the communication hole. An air humidifying and purifying device for scuba diving, comprising:
[0007]
Further, another invention is formed integrally with a scuba diving regulator, and has a built-in humidity adjusting section for humidifying breathing air from a compressed air cylinder and a filter section for purifying the breathing air. In the air humidifying and purifying device for scuba diving, the humidity adjusting unit includes a communication hole for supplying water that communicates with the inside of the humidity adjusting unit and the outside of the air humidification cleaning device, and a seal that seals the communication hole. And an air humidifying and purifying apparatus for scuba diving.
[0008]
As a result, the water supply operation of the humidity control unit is facilitated, and the humidity control unit can always humidify the air, thereby enabling comfortable scuba diving.
[0009]
Further, it is preferable that the sealing means is a blocking valve provided in the communication hole.
Furthermore, it is preferable that the blocking valve has a bidirectional closing function that requires a pressure of 5 to 100 KPa to open the valve.
Further, it is preferable that the blocking valve is formed of an elastic body.
With these, water can be easily replenished from the outside of the air humidification and purification device body to the water-containing filter of the humidity control unit, and the valve is automatically closed by the pressure in the air humidification device before starting the dive. Foreign matter from the outside does not enter the inside of the air humidifier. In addition, it is possible to prevent foreign substances from entering the inside of the air humidifying and cleaning device even when performing a salt removal operation after diving.
[0010]
Note that the valve opening pressure of the blocking valve may have a slight difference in height from 5 to 100 KPa. For example, in the case where the pressure is lower than 5 to 100 KPa, the pressure may be slightly larger than the sum of the hydrostatic pressure and the dynamic pressure during the desalting operation. On the other hand, when the pressure is higher than 100 KPa, it is sufficient that the pressure does not hinder the operation of supplying water. As a guide, it is particularly preferable to set the range of about 20 KPa to about 50 KPa.
[0011]
Furthermore, it is preferable that the humidity adjustment unit and the filter unit are housed in the same container, and the communication hole and the sealing device are provided on a cap that is detachable from the container.
According to this, it is possible to periodically inspect and replace the sealing means, the humidity control unit and the filter, so that comfortable air can always be supplied to the diver.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications are made within the technical scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a half sectional view showing an embodiment of an air humidifying and purifying apparatus for scuba diving according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a state in which moisture is supplied to a humidity adjusting section.
[0013]
In FIG. 1, the left side of the air humidifying and purifying device 10 is a primary side portion 15, and one end thereof is connected to a first stage regulator (hereinafter, referred to as a primary regulator) 11. The primary side portion 15 functions as a connection fitting provided for connection to the primary regulator 11. In the present embodiment, the male screw part 16 provided on the primary side part 15 is screwed and fixed to the female screw part 14 of the primary regulator 11. The 'O'-ring 12 seals the space between the primary regulator 11 and the primary side portion 15, and the primary regulator 11 and the primary side portion 15 communicate with each other through the ventilation path 13.
[0014]
In FIG. 1, the right side of the air humidifying and purifying device 10 is a secondary side portion 20. The secondary side portion 20 includes a humidifying cylinder 25, a cap 26 screwed to the humidifying cylinder 25, and a primary side portion 15. And a connecting tube 27 that rotatably connects the humidifying tube 25 to the humidifying tube 25. A container is formed by the humidifying cylinder 25, the connecting cylinder 27, and the cap 26. In the container, a filter section 21 for purifying air from the compressed air cylinder and a humidity adjusting section 22 for humidifying the air from the compressed air cylinder are provided. And built-in.
One end of the secondary side portion 20 is connected to a hose 40 communicating with a secondary regulator (not shown). In the present embodiment, a male screw joint (not shown) provided on the hose 40 is screwed and fixed to the female screw cylinder 24 of the cap 26 provided on the secondary side portion 20. It is sealed by airtight means and communicates.
[0015]
Each connection between the humidifying cylinder 25 and the cap 26 and between the humidifying cylinder 25 and the connecting cylinder 27 is sealed by a known airtight means such as an 'O'-ring. Here, the detailed description is omitted.
The humidity adjusting section 22 is provided on the cap 26 side, and the filter section 21 is provided on the connecting cylinder 27 side.
[0016]
The filter unit 21 includes a layer of activated carbon 21a and dust filters 21b disposed on both upstream and downstream sides. The filter unit 21 is a cartridge in which activated carbon 21a and a dust filter 21b are incorporated in a mesh filter frame 21c having a handle 21d formed therein. Therefore, the filter part 21 is formed detachably in the connecting cylinder 27. According to this, the breathing air supplied from the compressed air cylinder passes through the filter unit 21 to remove dust and odor from inside the compressed air cylinder, and passes through the humidity adjustment unit 22 to add humidity. Are supplied to the diver via a secondary regulator.
[0017]
The humidity adjusting unit 22 has a tubular water-containing filter 28 removably disposed between a humidifying cylinder 25 as an outer cylinder and a pipe 29 as an inner cylinder. The pipe 29 is provided with a plurality of holes 29 a communicating with the internal ventilation path 13. In particular, at the end of the pipe 29, a portion where the ventilation passage 13 is narrowed is formed. From the hole 29a provided in this portion, the pressure becomes lower than that of the other ventilation passage 13 due to the Venturi effect, so The moisture of the filter 28 is preferably drawn into the ventilation path 13. According to this, moisture can be suitably given to the dry air supplied from the compressed air cylinder (not shown) to which the air humidifying and purifying apparatus 10 is connected. Therefore, the diver can use the appropriately humidified air as the breathing air, and can enjoy the diving comfortably.
[0018]
Next, the cap will be described in more detail. 3A and 3B are detailed explanatory views of the cap, FIG. 3A is a front view from the humidity adjustment unit side, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.
The cap 26 is provided with a communication hole 60 for supplying water to the water-containing filter 28 and a blocking valve 62 for sealing the communication hole 60. The communication hole 60 is formed in the wall portion 26 a of the cap 26 near the female screw cylinder 24, and is formed so as to enter obliquely from the outside of the cap 26 in a direction intersecting the axis of the cap 26.
Further, the blocking valve 62 is formed with a protrusion 62 a that fits into the communication hole 60 in accordance with the position of the communication hole 60. The blocking valve 62 is formed of an elastomer resin-based elastic member, and is disposed on the inner surface side of the cap 26. The protruding portion 62a of the blocking valve 62 is provided integrally with the branch piece 62b at the center of the branch piece 62b that bifurcates so as to straddle the ventilation path 13 of the cap 26. Both ends of the branch piece 62b are screwed to the cap 26.
[0019]
With such a configuration of the communication hole 60 and the blocking valve 62, when water is supplied from the communication hole 60, there is no possibility that a container such as a dropper filled with water comes into contact with the female screw cylinder 24 or the like. Water supply can be easily performed.
On the other hand, since the blocking valve 62 is in the form of a cantilever having the portion screwed to the cap 26 as a fulcrum, the projection 62 a of the blocking valve 62 is urged in the direction of the communication hole 60 and can be fitted into the communication hole 60. Thus, the communication hole 60 can be suitably sealed by cooperation of the elasticity of the blocking valve 62 and the air pressure from the compressed air cylinder. In addition, when the elasticity of the block valve 62 is deteriorated, the block valve 62 can be replaced by a simple operation simply by operating a screw, so that the sealing performance from the beginning can be maintained for a long time. .
[0020]
The water-containing filter 28 of the humidity adjusting unit 21 must be replenished with water for each dive. However, according to the air humidifying / cleaning apparatus 10 of the present invention, the closing valve 62 is closed by the dropper 70 from the communication hole 60. The water in the dropper 70 can be directly supplied to the water-containing filter 28 by being pushed into the inside of the humidity adjusting unit 22 to communicate the inside and the outside of the humidity adjusting unit 22. The container portion of the dropper 70 is made of a transparent material so that the water-containing filter 28 can be replenished with water in an appropriate amount, and if a scale is attached, the replenished water can be checked at a glance. So it is convenient.
[0021]
The communication hole 60 is urged to the communication hole 60 by the air pressure from the compressed air cylinder, and the communication valve 60 is elastically deformed so as to enter the communication hole 60 and automatically seals the communication hole 60. Forgetting the sealing work of the hole 60, when diving is started, there is no possibility that external water flows into the humidity adjustment unit 22 from the communication hole 60, so that it is safe.
[0022]
As described above, even if air is not supplied from the compressed air cylinder, the blocking valve 62 is formed of an elastic body, so that it is elastically deformed and enters the communication hole 60, and Since it is in the form of a beam, it is urged in the direction of entering the communication hole 60, so that it has a closing function even in the opening direction (the direction in which the dropper 70 is inserted). It is preferable to consider the selection of the elastic member of the block valve 62 and the shape of the block valve 62, and to set the pressure so as to require a pressure of 500 KPa to open the valve.
This is because, after diving in the sea, a set of respirators such as a regulator must be immersed in a tank containing fresh water to desalt. At this time, the set of respirators may be shaken in the water tank. At the time of desalting, the complete breathing apparatus is not connected to the compressed air cylinder, so that there is no pressure difference between the humidity adjustment unit 22 and the outside. Then, it is to prevent the water-containing filter 28 from being submerged by opening the valve 62 for closing the water in the water tank by the hydrostatic pressure or the dynamic water pressure.
[0023]
Since the cap 26 is detachable from the air humidifying and purifying apparatus 10 in this manner, the water-containing filter 28 can be taken out of the humidity adjusting unit 22 and dried, and the filter unit 21 can be easily replaced. Since it can be performed, it has a remarkable effect that comfortable air can always be supplied to the diver.
[0024]
In the above embodiment, the independent type air humidifying and purifying device connected to the regulator has been described in detail. However, it is naturally possible to use an air humidifying and purifying device integrated with the regulator.
In addition, the supply of moisture to the humidity adjusting unit is constituted by the communication hole and the blocking valve, but may be configured by simply plugging the communication hole. However, in this case, it is needless to say that a mechanism must be employed for securely inserting the stopper so that the stopper does not come off.
Further, the blocking valve seals the communication hole by cooperating with the pressure of the air supplied from the compressed air cylinder and the elasticity of the blocking valve, but the biasing means such as a leaf spring is arranged on the blocking valve. The configuration may be such that the blocking valve is urged in the direction of the communication hole by providing.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
According to the air humidifying and purifying device for scuba diving according to the present invention, since the communication hole that connects the inside and the outside of the air humidifying and purifying device is provided, it is possible to supply moisture to the humidity adjusting unit without disassembling the main body. As a result, there is no need to skip the hydration operation due to the troublesome hydration as in the prior art, and it is possible to always supply comfortable breathing air to the diver.
In addition, by adopting a block valve as a sealing means, even if you forget to seal the block valve after rehydration, before the dive starts, the block valve is automatically turned on by the air pressure from the compressed air cylinder. Can be sealed.
Furthermore, by providing a sealing function also in the opening direction of the blocking valve, when there is no supply of air from the compressed air cylinder during work such as desalting the complete respirator, water will flow into the air humidifying and purifying device. It is possible to prevent intrusion and prevent damage to the filter and the like.
Furthermore, by arranging the blocking valve on the cap that is detachable from the main body, maintenance of the blocking valve and filters can be performed easily, and performance maintenance at the beginning of use can be performed very easily. It has a remarkable effect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a half sectional view showing an embodiment of an air humidifying and purifying apparatus for scuba diving according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which moisture is supplied to a humidity adjustment unit.
FIG. 3 is a detailed explanatory view of a cap.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Air humidification cleaning apparatus 11 Primary regulator 12 'O'-ring 13 Ventilation path 15 Primary side part 20 Secondary side part 21 Filter part 22 Humidity adjustment part 24 Female screw cylinder 26 Cap 28 Water containing filter 29 Pipe 29a Hole 40 Hose 60 communication hole 62 closing valve 70 dropper

Claims (6)

Attached to the scuba diving regulator,
In a humidity adjustment unit for humidifying compressed air for breathing and an air humidifying and purifying device for scuba diving that has a built-in filter unit for purifying compressed air for breathing,
The humidity adjustment unit is provided with a communication hole for supplying water that communicates with the inside and the outside of the humidity adjustment unit, and a sealing unit that seals the communication hole, for scuba diving. Air humidification cleaning device. In a scuba diving air humidification and purification device that is formed integrally with a scuba diving regulator and has a humidity adjustment unit that humidifies the compressed air for respiration and a filter unit that cleans the compressed air for respiration,
The humidity adjustment unit is provided with a communication hole for supplying water that communicates with the inside and the outside of the humidity adjustment unit, and a sealing unit that seals the communication hole, for scuba diving. Air humidification cleaning device. The air humidifying and purifying apparatus for scuba diving according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing means is a blocking valve provided in a communication hole. The air humidifying and purifying apparatus for scuba diving according to claim 3, wherein the blocking valve has a bidirectional closing function that requires a pressure of 5 to 100 KPa to open the valve. 5. The air humidifying and purifying apparatus for scuba diving according to claim 3, wherein the blocking valve is formed of an elastic body. The said humidity adjustment part and the said filter part are accommodated in the same container, and the said communication hole and the said sealing device are provided in the cap which can be attached or detached to the said container, The Claims 1 thru | or 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. The air humidifying and purifying device for scuba diving according to any one of the preceding claims.

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