JP2005164139A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier to be used independently or in the state of being incorporated in other equipment such as an air-conditioner, capable of spraying fine water droplets in a desired direction without using a fan, a variable guide or louver. <P>SOLUTION: In the humidifier, a high voltage power supply 5 is connected to an injection electrode 3 inside an injection part 1 and fine water droplets are injected from an injection nozzle 2 with electrostatic atomizing operation by using the high voltage power supply 5 for applying high voltage between an counter electrode 4 and the injection electrode 3. The fine water droplets are sprayed into an outside space along a high electric field formed between the counter electrode 4 and the injection electrode 3. The fine water droplets are sprayed in the desired direction by using a drive part 11 for rotating the counter electrode 4 to change the direction of the electric field. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier that is used alone or incorporated in another device such as an air conditioner, and more particularly to a humidifier that uses electrostatic atomization that is refined by applying a high voltage to water.

  A humidifier for maintaining a space at a desired appropriate humidity is used in various places and fields such as a living room, an office, and a factory in a general household. As a humidification method used in such a humidifier, various methods such as a vaporization method, a heater heating method, and an ultrasonic method are used.

  Conventionally, as one of the methods, there is known an electrostatic atomization method in which humidified air is obtained by supplying fine water droplets obtained by applying a high voltage to water to the air (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 16: shows the principal part step view of the conventional humidifier using electrostatic atomization. An inner cylinder 102 that is slightly shorter than the outer cylinder 101 is disposed inside the outer cylinder 101. The outer cylinder 101 and the inner cylinder 102 are disposed so as to connect the upper ends thereof to form a cylindrical double pipe 103 with a bottom, and a water reservoir 104 is formed at the lower part. Water is supplied to the water reservoir 104 from the water tank 111 so that the water surface is always constant. The position of the water surface is set so that the lower end of the inner cylinder 102 is always below the water surface. A notch 105 is provided in a part of the lower portion of the inner cylinder 102 so as to open above the water surface. The upper part of the inner cylinder 102 is opened, and a guide 106 is connected thereto. A cup 107 is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the cylindrical double tube 103 so as to be supported by the bottom surface of the cylindrical double tube 103. The cup 107 is provided with its bottom face facing upward, and has a nozzle 108 made of a metal tube at the center of the bottom face. The cup 107 is installed so that the upper end of the nozzle 108 is always above the water surface. A ring electrode 109 is provided inside the inner cylinder 102 and in a space above the nozzle 108. The nozzle 108 is connected to the negative output terminal of the high voltage power source 112, and the ring electrode 109 is also connected to the positive output terminal of the high voltage power source. Air is blown from the fan 110 into the space between the outer cylinder 101 and the inner cylinder 102.

Here, when a high voltage is applied between the nozzle 108 and the ring electrode 109 from the high voltage power source 112, a strong electric field is formed between the nozzle 108 and the ring electrode 109. In addition, the air blown from the fan 110 circulates in the space between the outer cylinder 101 and the inner cylinder 102 from the upper part to the lower part, then passes through the notch 105 and circulates inside the inner cylinder 102 from the guide 106. It is blown out to the external space. At this time, pressure acts on the water surface by the air flowing from the upper part to the lower part in the space between the outer cylinder 101 and the inner cylinder 102. By this pressure, the water in the cup 107 is pushed up toward the nozzle 108 and discharged as water droplets from the tip of the nozzle 108. These water droplets are negatively charged when passing through the nozzle 108, and some of the water droplets move toward the ring electrode 109 by the action of an electric field. When the charge amount of the water droplet increases and the charge density on the surface of the water droplet reaches a critical value, the electrostatic force cancels the surface tension of the water droplet, and the water droplet is finely divided and atomization occurs. The fine water droplets generated here are blown out to the external space together with the upward airflow that circulates inside the inner cylinder 2, and humidification is performed.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 60-191822

  However, in the humidifier according to the conventional technology as described above, the fan 110 for blowing out humidified air containing fine water droplets is required. In this case, a high-pressure fan 110 is required to discharge water droplets from the tip of the nozzle 108. In order to blow out air containing fine water droplets in a desired direction, the guide 106 can be configured to be variable so that the blowing direction can be changed, or a variable louver or the like is separately provided near the blowing port to change the blowing direction. It is necessary to make it the structure to make it.

  Providing a high-pressure fan and variable guides and louvers in this way causes problems that the size and weight of the equipment are increased, the ease of installation and portability is reduced, the configuration is complicated, and the cost is increased.

  In addition, when humidifying the room space, it is possible to reduce the amount of water sprayed by blowing fine water droplets toward the space around the room user and humidifying only the space around the room user. Humidification can be efficiently performed with lower energy than humidifying the entire space. However, in the humidifier according to the above-described conventional technology, since the fine water droplets cannot be blown out only to the space around the room user and the entire space is humidified, there is a problem that efficient humidification cannot be performed. there were.

  The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and an object thereof is to provide a humidifier capable of blowing out fine water droplets in a desired direction without providing a fan, a variable guide, or a louver. It is said. Moreover, it aims at providing the humidifier which can humidify only a person's periphery.

  In order to achieve the above object, the humidifier of the present invention has a charged water droplet generating means for generating charged water droplets, an electric field forming means for forming an electric field for moving the charged water droplets generated by the charged water droplet generating means, An electric field variable means for changing the direction of the electric field formed by the forming means is provided.

  In addition, a space is sandwiched between a spray unit having a spray hole for spraying water, a spray electrode arranged inside the spray unit to charge water, a high-voltage power source for applying a high voltage to the spray electrode, and a position facing the spray unit The charged water droplet generating means is composed of an injection portion, an injection electrode, a high voltage power source, and a counter electrode, and the electric field forming means is composed of the injection electrode and the high voltage power source. And a counter electrode.

  In addition, an electric field is formed between an injection unit having an injection hole for injecting water, a high-voltage power source for applying a high voltage to the injection unit, and a space between the injection unit and a position opposed to the injection unit. It has a counter electrode, the charged water droplet generating means is composed of an ejection part, a high voltage power source and a counter electrode, and the electric field forming means is composed of an ejection part, a high voltage power source and a counter electrode. .

  As a result, the fine water droplets generated by the electrostatic atomization action are blown out into the air by the electric field, and the blowing direction of the fine water droplets can be changed by changing the direction of the electric field, which is desired without providing a fan or a louver. A humidifier capable of blowing out fine water droplets in the direction is obtained. Moreover, in the case of applying a voltage to the injection unit, a humidifier similar to the above can be obtained with a simpler configuration.

  Further, the electric field varying means is configured to be able to move the relative position of the counter electrode with respect to the ejecting portion.

  Thereby, the direction of the electric field formed between the ejection electrode or the ejection section and the counter electrode can be changed.

  Further, the counter electrode is controlled to move periodically.

  Thereby, the humidifier which can change the blowing direction of a fine water droplet periodically can be provided by changing the direction of the electric field formed between an injection electrode or an injection part, and a counter electrode periodically.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the electric field variable means is configured by arranging a plurality of counter electrodes around the ejection portion and selecting one, a plurality, or all of the plurality of counter electrodes. Is.

  Thereby, the direction of the electric field formed between the ejection electrode or the ejection section and the counter electrode can be changed.

  In addition, the number of counter electrodes to be used can be changed.

  Thereby, the blowing range of the fine water droplet can be changed.

  In addition, one or a plurality of counter electrodes are selected while being periodically scanned.

  Thereby, the humidifier which can change the blowing direction of a fine water droplet periodically can be provided by changing the direction of the electric field formed between an injection electrode or an injection part, and a counter electrode periodically.

  The humidifier according to the present invention further includes a detecting unit that detects the position of the humidified object, and the electric field changing unit changes the direction of the electric field formed by the electric field forming unit according to the position of the object detected by the detecting unit. The charged water droplets generated by the charged water droplet generating means are blown out toward the object.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of humidified objects detected by the detecting means, the counter electrode is controlled to move periodically.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of objects to be humidified detected by the detection means, control is performed so that one or a plurality of counter electrodes are selected while being periodically scanned.

  As a result, the direction of the electric field formed between the ejection electrode or the ejection unit and the counter electrode is periodically changed, and the direction in which the fine water droplets are blown out is periodically changed to reach the existence range of the humidified object. Thus, a humidifier capable of blowing out fine water droplets can be provided.

  In addition, it is effective that the detection means is a human sensor.

  It is also effective to keep the distance between the counter electrode and the ejection part constant.

  According to said means, the humidifier which can blow out humidified air in a desired direction, without providing a ventilation fan and a louver is obtained.

  Moreover, the humidifier which can blow out humidified air only to the humidification target object vicinity by the said means is obtained.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a humidifier that can blow out fine water droplets in a desired direction without providing a fan, a variable guide, or a louver. Thereby, an apparatus dimension and weight can be made small and installation property and easiness to carry can be improved. Furthermore, since the device configuration can be simplified, the cost can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a humidifier capable of concentrating and humidifying only the periphery of a person by blowing out fine water droplets only in the space around the person. As a result, energy required for humidification can be reduced and efficient humidification can be performed.

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

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a humidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an injection part 1 has a substantially cylindrical hollow shape with one end formed in a tapered shape like a capillary, and has an injection hole 2 for injecting water at one end on the pointed shape side. ing. Moreover, the injection part 1 is installed horizontally. Inside the injection unit 1, a needle-like injection electrode 3 is installed with its tip directed toward the injection hole 2. The injection electrode 3 is installed along the central axis of the injection unit 1, and the injection hole 2 is located on an extension line of the injection electrode 3. In addition, a cylindrical and metal counter electrode 4 is disposed at a position facing the injection unit 1 via a space. The counter electrode 4 is normally disposed so that the extension line of the ejection electrode 3 is the central axis of the counter electrode 4. The injection electrode 3 is connected to the positive output terminal of the high-voltage power source 5 and the counter electrode 4 is grounded. By applying a high voltage between the counter electrode 4 and the injection electrode 3, the counter electrode 4 and the injection electrode 3 are connected. A strong electric field is formed between them. The injection unit 1 and the water tank 6 are connected in communication by a water supply pipe 7, and an electromagnetic valve 8 is installed in the water supply pipe 7. The water surface in the water tank 6 is installed above the injection hole 2, and water is supplied from the water tank 6 to the injection unit 1 by the water head between the water surface and the injection hole 2 by opening the electromagnetic valve 8. Is done. The counter electrode 4 is fixed to the rotating plate 9, and the rotating plate 9 is connected to the drive unit 11 via the connecting unit 10. The rotating plate 9, the connecting part 10, and the driving part 11 constitute electric field variable means. Further, the jetting unit 1, the jet electrode 3, the high voltage power source 5, and the counter electrode 4 constitute a charged water droplet generating means, and the jet electrode 3, the high voltage power source 5 and the counter electrode 4 constitute an electric field forming means. These components are housed in the casing 15 to form a humidifier.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the electric field varying means in the humidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive unit 11 rotates the connecting unit 10 forward and backward by a built-in motor or the like (not shown), and the driving force is transmitted to the rotating plate 9, so that the counter electrode 4 is It is rotated and moved as shown by the arrow shown in FIG. Here, the counter electrode 4 is configured to circularly move horizontally around the injection hole 2.

  The basic operation of the humidifier of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration is as follows.

  When the use of the humidifier is started, a high voltage is applied to the injection electrode 3 by the high voltage power source 5 and the electromagnetic valve 8 is opened. Thus, water is pushed out from the injection hole 2 by the water pressure of the water tank 6. The water that passes through the injection unit 1 is charged by a strong electric field formed between the counter electrode 4 and the injection electrode 3. In the present embodiment, since a positive voltage is applied to the ejection electrode 3, water is charged positively, and is attracted from the ejection hole 2 toward the counter electrode 4 by the formed electric field and becomes conical. When the charge amount of water rises and the surface charge density reaches a critical value, the electrostatic force cancels the surface tension of the water, and the water is finely divided and atomization occurs. The generated fine water droplets move along the electric field, pass through the counter electrode 4 and blown out to the external space, and are used for air humidification.

  And when changing the blowing direction of a fine water droplet, the rotating plate 9 is rotated by the drive part 11, and the counter electrode 4 is rotated. Since the charged fine water droplets sprayed from the ejection hole 2 are ejected along the electric field formed between the ejection electrode 3 and the counter electrode 4, the direction of the electric field is determined by rotating the counter electrode 4 as described above. Can be changed to change the blowing direction of the charged fine water droplets. Here, in order to rotate the counter electrode 4, for example, a signal is sent to the drive unit 11 by operating a changeover switch (not shown), and the counter electrode 4 is moved in a desired direction according to the signal. What is necessary is just to comprise so that rotation can be carried out.

  Although not shown, a signal is sent to the drive unit 11 by operating a separately provided changeover switch, and the counter electrode 4 is periodically rotated according to the signal, so that the blowing direction is periodically swung. It is also possible to control it.

  As described above, the conventional humidifier shown in FIG. 16 requires a high-pressure fan 110 for discharging water droplets from the tip of the nozzle 108 and blowing out humidified air containing fine water droplets. In order to blow out air containing fine water droplets in a desired direction, the guide 106 can be configured to be variable so that the blowing direction can be changed, or a variable louver or the like is separately provided near the blowing port to change the blowing direction. It is necessary to make it the structure to make it.

  Providing a high-pressure fan and variable guides and louvers in this way causes problems that the size and weight of the equipment are increased, the ease of installation and portability is reduced, the configuration is complicated, and the cost is increased.

  In contrast, the humidifier of the present embodiment blows out fine water droplets charged only by electrostatic force due to a strong electric field without using a high-pressure fan, and without using a variable guide or louver. The direction of the electric field is changed by moving the position 4 to change the direction of blowing out the fine water droplets. In this way, fine water droplets can be blown out in a desired direction using only the components provided for generating electrostatic atomization without separately providing a fan, a louver, or the like.

  As a result, the size and weight of the device can be reduced, and the ease of installation and portability can be improved. Furthermore, since the device configuration can be simplified, the cost can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the injection electrode 3 is provided inside the injection unit 1. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the entire injection unit 1 or a portion near the injection hole 2 is provided. The present embodiment has no problem even if it is composed of a conductive material, and a high voltage is applied to this conductive portion and a high voltage is applied, that is, the spray unit 1 itself is replaced with the spray electrode 3. The same effect can be obtained. By doing so, the number of parts is reduced, leading to cost reduction, and foreign matter is less likely to be clogged inside the injection unit 1.

  In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the shape of the counter electrode 4 is a cylindrical shape, but this is a ring shape, or a flat plate is perforated as shown in FIG. Also, there is no problem with other shapes as long as an electric field is formed between the ejection electrodes 3 and the atomization and the discharge of charged water droplets can be performed, such as a structure composed of two parallel flat plates as shown in FIG. The same effect as this embodiment can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the counter electrode 4 is configured to move horizontally around the injection hole 2, but the direction of movement is not limited to this, and the electric field As long as the direction can be changed, there is no problem even in other configurations or other moving directions. For example, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 5, it may be configured to move linearly in the horizontal direction, vertical direction, or diagonal direction, or move in all directions on a plane including these. Further, for example, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 6, not only the horizontal rotational movement, but also the vertical rotational movement, or it may be configured to move on a spherical surface centered on the injection hole 2. There is no problem and the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained.

  Even if the distance between the jetting unit 1 and the counter electrode 4 is changed, there is no problem as long as an electric field is formed between the jet electrode 3 and the counter electrode 4 to atomize and blow out charged water droplets. However, it is preferable to keep the distance constant because the change in the strength of the electric field formed is reduced.

  In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, only the counter electrode 4 is moved. However, the relative positional relationship between the injection unit 1 and the counter electrode 4 is fixed, and the injection unit 1 and the counter electrode 4 are fixed. There is no problem even if the direction of the electric field is changed by moving it as a unit, and the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the connecting portion 10 is rotated forward and backward by the driving portion 11, and the driving force is transmitted to the rotating plate 9. As a result, the counter electrode 4 is as shown by the arrow in FIG. However, there is no problem even if the counter electrode 4 is manually moved, such as by moving the counter electrode 4 by a lever that can be operated from the outside of the casing 15. The same effect can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the positive output terminal of the high-voltage power supply 5 is connected to the ejection electrode 3, but there is no problem even if this is connected to the negative output terminal. In this case, the charge of the sprayed water droplet is negative.

  In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the injection unit 1 and the counter electrode 4 are horizontally installed. However, the installation direction is not limited to this, and it may be installed at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane. No problem.

  In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the water injection pipe 1 is connected to the water tank 6 via the electromagnetic valve 8 through the water supply pipe 7, and the water surface in the water tank 6 is injected by opening the electromagnetic valve 8. Although water is supplied from the water tank 6 to the injection unit 1 by the water head between the holes 2, there is no problem even if water is supplied to the injection unit 1 by water supply means such as a pump. In this case, the installation height of the water tank 6 can be set arbitrarily.

  In addition, what is necessary is just to set suitably the distance between the injection part 1 and the counter electrode 4, the voltage applied to the injection electrode 3, and the number of the injection parts 1 and the counter electrodes 4 according to a required humidification amount.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the humidifier according to the present embodiment, instead of forming the electric field variable means by configuring the counter electrode 4 to be movable, a plurality of counter electrodes 4 are arranged around the injection unit 1, and the plurality of counter electrodes 4 are arranged. Although it differs from the humidifier according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the electric field variable means is configured by selecting one or a plurality or all of the electrodes 4 and using them, most of the effects are obtained. Is similar to the first embodiment. Accordingly, the present embodiment will be described mainly with respect to different points, the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B are configuration diagrams showing an outline when the electric field varying means in the humidifier according to Embodiment 2 is viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality (five in the present embodiment) of counter electrodes 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) sandwiching a space at a position facing the injection unit 1 installed horizontally. It is arranged. The plurality of counter electrodes 4 are disposed on a horizontal circumference centering on the injection hole 2.

  In normal use, as shown in FIG. 7A, the counter electrode 4 c located in front of the ejection unit 1 among the plurality of counter electrodes 4 is used, and fine water droplets are ejected to the front of the ejection unit 1. When changing the blowing direction of fine water droplets, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, by selecting and using the counter electrode 4b, a blowing direction different from that in normal use can be obtained. Similarly, a desired blowing direction can be appropriately selected by selecting the counter electrodes 4a, 4d, and 4e. In order to select a desired blowing direction in actual use, for example, an appropriate electrode is selected from the plurality of counter electrodes 4 according to the signal by operating a separately provided changeover switch (not shown). You can do it.

  Moreover, the blowing range can be changed by changing the number of the counter electrodes 4 to be used. As shown in FIG. 8A, when the counter electrodes 4b, 4c, and 4d are selected, an electric field is formed in a wider range, and fine water droplets are blown out in a wider range than in normal use shown in FIG. 7A. be able to. As shown in FIG. 8B, if all the counter electrodes 4 are selected, it is possible to blow out fine water droplets in a wider range than in the case shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, if the counter electrodes 4a, 4b, and 4c are selected, the blowing direction can be changed with the same blowing range as that shown in FIG. 8A. In each of the above cases, the amount of humidification increases compared to the normal use shown in FIG. Here, in order to select a desired blowing range in actual use, for example, an appropriate electrode is selected from a plurality of counter electrodes 4 according to the signal by operating a separately provided changeover switch (not shown). It should be done. In addition, the number and position of the counter electrodes 4 to be used are not limited to the above, and may be configured to be selectable according to desired humidification conditions.

  Although not shown, by operating a separately provided changeover switch, one or a plurality of counter electrodes 4 are selected while periodically scanning according to the signal, and the blowing direction is periodically swung. It is also possible to control as described above. That is, as shown in FIG. 9A, from the state in which the counter electrode 4a is selected, the counter electrode 4b is then selected (FIG. 9B), and the counter electrode 4c is further selected (FIG. 9C). As in (1)), by selecting the counter electrode 4 to be used while periodically scanning, the blowing direction can be swung periodically. The scanning period and pattern are not limited to the above, and may be configured to be selectable according to desired humidification conditions. For example, there is no problem if every other scan is performed. As shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b), if the scanning is performed periodically while simultaneously selecting a plurality of counter electrodes 4 adjacent to each other, the blowing direction is periodically changed while maintaining a wide blowing range. Can swing to.

  As described above, according to the humidifier of the present embodiment, a plurality of counter electrodes 4 are arranged, and one, a plurality, or all of these counter electrodes 4 are selected and used, so that Without providing a louver or the like, fine water droplets can be blown out in a desired direction using only the components provided for generating electrostatic atomization.

  Furthermore, it is possible to change the blowing range and the humidification amount by increasing or decreasing the number of the counter electrodes 4 to be selected.

  In the present embodiment, the number of the counter electrodes 4 is five, but there is no problem as long as it is plural, and it may be set as appropriate according to the desired humidification performance.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of counter electrodes 4 are arranged on the horizontal circumference centering on the injection hole 2, but the positions and patterns of the plurality of counter electrodes 4 are not limited to this. However, there is no problem as long as the direction of the electric field can be changed, such as a linear shape, a planar shape, or a spherical shape, and the same effect as the present embodiment can be obtained. Further, the arrangement interval may be uniform or non-uniform, and there is no problem, and it may be configured to be selectable according to desired humidification performance and conditions.

(Embodiment 3)
In addition to the configuration of the humidifier of the first embodiment, the present embodiment includes detection means for detecting a person's position, and an electric field is generated by moving the counter electrode 4 according to the person's position detected by the detection means. The direction of this is changed, and it is set as the structure which can blow off a fine water droplet toward a humidification target object, and most of an effect is similar to Embodiment 1. FIG. Accordingly, the present embodiment will be described mainly with respect to different points, the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a humidifier according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 13 denotes a human sensor as detection means for detecting the position of a person. Reference numeral 14 denotes a control unit that controls the drive unit 11 serving as an electric field varying unit in accordance with the position of the person detected by the human sensor 13.

  When the human sensor 13 detects the position of a person, a signal is sent to the control unit 14. Based on this signal, the control unit 14 issues a command to the drive unit 11 and moves the counter electrode 4 so that fine water droplets are blown toward the detected person. Here, as the human sensor 13, for example, an infrared sensor or the like can be used.

  If a person moves, the human sensor 13 detects the movement destination, and a signal is sent to the control unit 14. Based on this signal, the control unit 14 issues a command to the drive unit 11 to move the counter electrode 4 so as to blow out fine water droplets toward the destination. In this way, fine water droplets can always be blown toward the person.

  Further, when a plurality of persons are present in a wide range, the human sensor 13 detects the range and sends a signal to the control unit 14. Based on this signal, the control unit 14 issues a command to the drive unit 11 and periodically rotates the counter electrode 4 so that fine water droplets can be blown out while swinging periodically over the human presence range detected by the human sensor 13. Move. In this way, while swinging the counter electrode 4 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 12, fine water droplets are blown out to the human presence range detected by the human sensor 16, but only toward the vicinity of the human presence range. Water droplets can be blown out.

  In the humidifier according to the conventional technique shown in FIG. 16, since the fine water droplets cannot be blown out only to the space around the person and the entire space is humidified, there is a problem that efficient humidification cannot be performed. there were.

  On the other hand, in the humidifier according to the present embodiment, by spraying fine water droplets toward the person as described above, only the space around the person can be concentrated and humidified, so the amount of water spray can be reduced, Humidification can be efficiently performed with lower energy.

(Embodiment 4)
In addition to the configuration of the humidifier of the second embodiment, the present embodiment includes a detection unit that detects the position of the person, as in the third embodiment, and according to the position of the person detected by the detection unit, By selecting and using one, a plurality or all of the plurality of counter electrodes 4 arranged around the jetting unit 1, the direction of the electric field can be changed and fine water droplets can be blown out toward a person. Most of the operational effects are similar to those of the second and third embodiments. Accordingly, the present embodiment will be described mainly with respect to different points, the same parts as those of the second and third embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  When the human sensor 13 detects the position of a person, a signal is sent to the control unit 14. Based on this signal, the control unit 14 selects the optimum counter electrode 4 for blowing out fine water droplets toward the detected person's position so that the fine water droplets are blown out toward the detected person's position. Here, as the human sensor 13, for example, an infrared sensor or the like can be used.

  If a person moves, the human sensor 13 detects the movement destination, and a signal is sent to the control unit 14. Based on this signal, the control unit 14 selects the counter electrode 4 that is optimal for blowing out fine water droplets toward the destination. In this way, fine water droplets can always be blown toward the person. An outline of this control is shown in FIG. In FIG. 13 (a), there is a person in the front direction of the ejection unit 1, and the counter electrode 4c is selected. As shown in FIG. 13 (b), the electrode to be selected is selected as the person moves. Is changed to the counter electrode 4e.

  Further, when a plurality of persons are present in a wide range, the human sensor 13 detects the range and sends a signal to the control unit 14. Based on this signal, the control unit 14 selects a plurality of counter electrodes 4 that are optimal for allowing fine water droplets to be blown out over the human presence range detected by the human sensor 13. An outline of this control is shown in FIG. When a person is in front of the ejection unit 1, only the counter electrode 4c is selected as shown in FIG. When a person exists in a wide range, all the counter electrodes 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4e are selected as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14C, when the person is present in different directions, for example, the counter electrodes 4a and 4c are selected.

  As another method, one or a plurality of counter electrodes 4 are selected while periodically scanning so that fine water droplets can be blown out while periodically swinging over a human presence range. An outline of this control is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, when a person is present in a wide range, the electrode to be selected is swung between the counter electrodes 4a and 4e as indicated by an arrow in the figure.

  In this way, it is possible to blow out fine water droplets only toward the periphery of the human existence range while blowing out fine water droplets all over the human existence range detected by the human sensor 13. As a result, humidification can be efficiently performed with lower energy because only the space around the person can be concentrated and humidified.

  The humidifier according to the present invention can blow out fine water droplets in a desired direction without providing a fan, a variable guide or a louver. Therefore, the humidifier is excellent in compactness and cost, and only the space around the humidifying object is used. By blowing out fine water droplets, it is possible to concentrate and humidify only the periphery of a person, so that it is highly efficient and can be used in various places and fields such as living rooms, offices, factories, etc. in ordinary homes.

The block diagram which showed the outline of the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The block diagram which showed the outline of the electric field variable means in the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. Sectional drawing which showed another structure of the injection part in the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. (A) The perspective view which showed another structure of the counter electrode in the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention (b) The perspective view which showed the same structure The perspective view which showed another moving direction of the counter electrode in the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The perspective view which showed another moving direction of the counter electrode in the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. (A) In the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, explanatory drawing of a normal blowing direction (b) In the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, explanatory drawing at the time of changing a blowing direction (A) In the humidifier according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, (b) Same as in the state of selecting the three counter electrodes in the middle, (c) Same as in the state of selecting all the counter electrodes Explanatory drawing of the state that selected three counter electrodes from (A) In the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, the explanatory drawing of the state which scanned the counter electrode and selected one (b) Same as FIG. Explanatory diagram of selected state (c) Explanatory diagram of selected state by scanning a counter electrode different from (a) and (b) (A) In the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, explanatory drawing of the state which scanned and selected two adjacent counter electrodes (b) Same as the above, two adjacent counter electrodes different from (a) Explanatory drawing of the state selected by scanning The block diagram which showed the outline of the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. In the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, explanatory drawing of the state which moves a counter electrode periodically (A) In the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, explanatory drawing of the blowing direction when a person exists in the front (b) Same as the above, (a) Explanation of the blowing direction when a person is in a different position from (a) Figure (A) In the humidifier according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, the explanatory diagram of the blowing direction when there is a person on the front (b), the explanatory diagram of the blowing direction when there is a person in a wide range (c) Explanatory drawing of the blowing direction when there are two people at separate positions Explanatory drawing of the state which scans and selects a counter electrode periodically in the humidifier which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. Cross section of the main part of a humidifier according to the prior art

Explanation of symbols

(Write the components described (explained) in the claims. Nothing else is required)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Injection part 3 Injection electrode 4 Opposite electrode 5 High voltage power supply 9 Rotating plate 10 Connection part 11 Drive part 13 Human sensor

Claims (13)

Charged water droplet generating means for generating charged water droplets, electric field forming means for forming an electric field for moving the charged water droplets generated from the charged water droplet generating means, and changing the direction of the electric field formed by the electric field forming means. A humidifier comprising electric field varying means. An injection unit having an injection hole for injecting water, an injection electrode arranged inside the injection unit for charging water, a high-voltage power source for applying a high voltage to the injection electrode, and a space facing the injection unit The charged water droplet generating means is composed of the jet part, the jet electrode, the high-voltage power source, and the counter electrode, and the electric field forming means includes: The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the humidifier includes the spray electrode, the high-voltage power source, and the counter electrode. An electric field is formed between an injection unit having an injection hole for injecting water, a high-voltage power source that applies a high voltage to the injection unit, and a space between the injection unit and a position opposed to the injection unit. It comprises a counter electrode, the charged water droplet generating means is composed of the jet part, the high voltage power source and the counter electrode, and the electric field forming means is composed of the jet part, the high voltage power source and the counter electrode. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein The humidifier according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the electric field varying means is configured to be able to move a relative position of the counter electrode with respect to the ejection portion. The humidifier according to claim 4, wherein the counter electrode is controlled to move periodically. The electric field variable means is configured by arranging a plurality of counter electrodes around the injection portion and selecting one or a plurality or all of the plurality of counter electrodes for use. Or the humidifier of 3. The humidifier according to claim 6, wherein the number of counter electrodes used can be changed. The humidifier according to claim 6 or 7, wherein one or a plurality of counter electrodes are selected while being periodically scanned. A detecting means for detecting the position of the person, the direction of the electric field formed by the electric field forming means is changed by the electric field varying means according to the position of the person detected by the detecting means, and the charged water droplet generating means The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the generated water droplets are blown out toward a person. The humidifier according to claim 9, wherein when there are a plurality of persons detected by the detecting means, the counter electrode is controlled to move periodically. 16. The humidifier according to claim 15, wherein when there are a plurality of persons detected by the detecting means, control is performed so as to select one or a plurality of counter electrodes while periodically scanning. The humidifier according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the detecting means is a human sensor. The humidifier according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the distance between the counter electrode and the ejection portion is always kept constant.

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