JP2009222385A - Humidify element of natural evaporation type humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidify element used for a natural evaporation type humidifier and exhibiting sufficient humidifying capability. <P>SOLUTION: This humidify element 12 is used for the natural evaporation type humidifier 10 humidifying air by natural evaporation of water. One sheetlike absorptive member is folded into two along a center folding line 60. The sheetlike member folded into two is subsequently folded in a zigzag manner by sectional fold portions to form a plurality of bellows-type humidify segments 24. The plurality of humidify segments 24 is displaced to be freely extended and contracted with a folded position as a boundary. In the case that the humidify element 12 is put in the case 14 of the natural evaporation type humidifier 10, the plurality of humidify segments 24 is contracted and the humidity element 12 is stored in the case 14 when the case 14 is closed, and the plurality of humidify segments 24 is extended from a contracted state and the plurality of humidify segments is widely brought into contact with air when the case 14 is opened. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifying element of a natural evaporation humidifier used in a natural evaporation humidifier that humidifies air by natural evaporation of water.

  Conventionally, a natural evaporation humidifier that does not use electric power has been used to prevent drying of indoor air by a heating device or the like. As shown in FIG. 12, a conventionally known humidifier 220 includes a humidifying material 222, a water tank 224, a water tank 226, a cover 228, and the like. The humidifying material 222 is made of a synthetic resin or the like that absorbs water. A part of the humidifying material 222 (a suction part 222a) is immersed in water in the water tank 226, so that a capillary phenomenon is used. Then, the water is sucked up so that the entire humidifying material 222 contains water. The water absorbed by the humidifying material 222 naturally evaporates from the surface (humidifying portion 222b) of the humidifying material 222 by contacting with the indoor air passing through the slit 230 provided in the cover 228, thereby bringing moisture into the room.

JP-A-1-102227

  However, the humidifier 220 having the above configuration is a large-scale configuration and is not portable. In order to carry it, the humidifier must be reduced in size and weight, but in order to secure a desired amount of humidification, the number of humidified materials must be increased or the size of the humidified material must be increased. Thus, since miniaturization and weight reduction of a humidifier are contrary to the humidification capability, it is extremely difficult to reduce the size and weight, so it is impossible to carry the humidifier. In addition, the larger the humidifying material, the more difficult it is to wet away from the dipping position, and there is a problem that it takes time until the entire humidifying material is wetted, making it difficult to quickly humidify. In addition, the humidifier 220 configured as described above is expensive in cost and cannot be easily purchased and installed. For example, in business hotels where the accommodation fee is relatively low, there are few rooms equipped with humidifiers, and there are many that cannot be adjusted with air conditioners such as heating devices. There are many examples of health problems such as dry air that hurts the throat. However, such a health hazard can be improved if the guest can carry a humidifier.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said problem, and provides the humidification element of the natural evaporation type humidifier which exhibits sufficient humidification capability.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the humidifying element of the present invention is used in a natural evaporation humidifier that humidifies air by natural evaporation of water. A plurality of humidifying pieces that are folded in two in a shape that is bent twice, and each of the sheet-like members folded in two is folded in turn at a plurality of section folding portions in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folded portion. It is characterized by forming. According to the present invention, the bent portion obtained by bending the sheet-like member into two in a shape in which a straight line is bent left and right many times is used as a central bent portion, and the central bent portion is the section bent portion. The folding direction is changed every time it intersects. The present invention is characterized in that the plurality of humidifying pieces are displaced so as to expand and contract with respect to the partition folding portion. The present invention is characterized in that a slit or notch is formed in the humidifying piece. The present invention is characterized in that the slit is formed along the central bent portion. The present invention is characterized in that the slits or the notches are formed in the section bends. The present invention is characterized in that the slit or notch has a waveform. The present invention is for bundling all one ends of the plurality of humidifying pieces, and is connected to at least one humidifying piece, first engaging means formed on the connecting piece, and at least one It is formed in each humidification piece, It has a 2nd engagement means for engaging with the said 1st engagement means, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The present invention is characterized in that the first engagement means is composed of either an insertion piece or a slit, and the second engagement means is composed of either a slit or an insertion piece.

  The humidifying element of the present invention can be expanded and contracted to increase the number of humidifying pieces per unit volume, increase the humidifying capacity, and realize weight reduction and cost reduction. it can. When the humidifying element of the present invention is not in use, the humidifying element can be retracted by closing the case and housed in the case, and can be miniaturized and carried. On the other hand, when the lid is opened, the humidifying element is stretched and deformed to increase the humidifying surface area and obtain a sufficient humidifying capacity. Moreover, the area which contacts air can be increased by displacing the humidifying element when the lid is opened. Furthermore, by making the humidifying element detachable from the case, when the water evaporation effect is weakened by long-term use, it can be appropriately replaced with the humidifying element, and can be used while maintaining a sanitary condition for a long time. . In addition, by providing slits or notches in the humidifying element, it is possible to improve air flow and improve the humidifying ability. In addition, the humidifying element can be easily bent by providing slits or notches in the bent portion.

  The humidifier element of the present invention can form a plurality of humidifying pieces at low cost by bending a sheet-like element to form a plurality of humidifying pieces. In addition, by enabling the plurality of humidifying pieces to be displaced by an external force around the bending position, the humidifier element can be automatically brought into contact with air when the case lid is opened. Two sheets of humidified pieces are alternately arranged at different positions by folding the sheet-like material into two at the central folding portion and folding the two into a bellows shape at a plurality of compartment folding portions. Can be provided with many humidifying pieces per unit volume. Moreover, even if it is a sheet of a thick humidifier element, a central folding part that is bent in two is formed in a zigzag shape instead of a straight line, and a slit is formed in the central folding part. It can be easily folded in two at the bent portion position. By forming a slit in the humidifying piece or the compartment folding part, air can pass through the slit to increase the humidification efficiency, and the compartment folding part can be easily folded. By making the slit formed in the humidifying piece or the compartment folding part into a waveform, the amount of air passing through the slit can be increased. By bundling a part of all the humidifying pieces with the connecting piece, if the position where the connecting piece is bundled is placed at the bottom of the case, even if the water in the case is reduced, all the humidifying pieces are distributed and water is good. The humidification efficiency can be maintained for a long time. Furthermore, by connecting one end of a plurality of humidifying pieces with a connecting part, if the connecting part location is arranged at the bottom of the case, even if the water in the case is reduced, water spreads to all the humidifying pieces, which is good The humidification efficiency can be maintained for a long time.

It is a partial section front view showing the natural evaporation type humidifier using the humidification element concerning the present invention. It is a top view at the time of use of the natural evaporation type humidifier shown in FIG. It is a partial cross section front view at the time of non-use of the natural evaporation type humidifier shown in FIG. It is a front view which shows an example of the humidification element of this invention. It is the graph which compared the humidification amount of the humidification element which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view at the time of use of the natural evaporation type humidifier which used one humidification element 12 concerning the present invention. It is a front view which shows the other Example of the humidification element which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which bent and assembled the humidification element of FIG. It is a principal part enlarged front view of the humidification element of FIG. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the state which attached the humidification element of FIG. 8 to the case and the lid | cover. It is a perspective view which shows the use condition of the natural evaporation type humidifier using the humidification element of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the conventional natural evaporation type humidifier.

  The present invention relates to a humidifying element for use in a natural evaporation humidifier that humidifies air by natural evaporation of water, for example, to prevent drying of indoor air by an air conditioner or the like.

  First, Example 1 of the humidifying element according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view from the front of a natural evaporation humidifier equipped with a humidifying element in Example 1, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the natural evaporation humidifier shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a partial section front view at the time of non-use of a natural evaporation type humidifier shown. The natural evaporation humidifier 10 using the humidifying element of the first embodiment mainly includes a humidifying element 12 and a case 14.

  Here, an example of the humidifying element 12 used in the natural evaporation humidifier shown in FIG. 1 is shown in a front view in FIG. The humidifying element 12 is made of a material having water absorption, and is composed of a substantially rectangular one. In the humidifying element 12 having a rectangular shape, slits 20 are formed in parallel with the short side 18 at equal intervals over the length of the long sides 16a and 16b. A notch may be formed instead of the slit 20. Hereinafter, “slit 20” includes not only slits but also notches. The slit 20 may be a waveform instead of a straight line. The humidifying element 12 is bent in a zigzag manner alternately at a position where the slits 20 are formed to form an elastic bellows, and the bent portion 22 forms a plurality of humidifying pieces (humidifying regions) 24. The bending part 22 connects the some humidification piece 24, and plays the role as a connection part. The slit 20 is used for facilitating the evaporation of the liquid by making the humidifying element 12 easy to bend and allowing air to pass through the position of the slit 20. In FIG. 4, the number of slits 20 formed in the bent portion 22 is two, but the number of slits 20 is not limited to two.

  The humidifying element 12 becomes a bellows-like shape that can be expanded and contracted by alternately bending a plurality of locations in a zigzag manner at the position of the bent portion 22 provided with the slit 20. By bending the humidifying element 12 at a plurality of locations in a zigzag manner, both the long side 16a and the long side 16b are bent ridge lines. The plurality of humidifying pieces 24 bent in a stretchable bellows form end humidifying pieces 24a and 24b at both ends, and the plurality of humidifying pieces 24 bent in a bellows shape between the end humidifying piece 24a and the end humidifying piece 24b. These locations are referred to as intermediate humidification pieces 24c. One end humidifying piece 24 a is detachably attached to the case 14, and the end humidifying piece 24 a is provided with holes 26 a (for example, two places) used for attaching to the case 14. The other end humidifying piece 24b is connected to a protruding piece 24d protruding outward from the long side, and the protruding piece 24d has holes 26d (for example, two places) used for mounting to the case 14. Is provided. The protruding piece 24d is set so as to be easily bent with respect to the end humidifying piece 24b. Moreover, the hole 26b (for example, two places) utilized in order to attach the connection member 48 mentioned later is provided in the edge part vicinity on the opposite side to the connection position with the protrusion piece 24d in the edge part humidification piece 24b.

  For the material of the humidifying element 12, it is desirable to use a synthetic resin having water absorption properties such as polyester and phenol resin which are lightweight and resistant to friction. In addition, it is desirable to mix an antibacterial / antifungal agent with the synthetic resin so that germs and molds are not generated even when water is adsorbed. The humidifying element 12 used in this embodiment is light and small in size, and here, for example, the plate thickness is 0.5 mm and the length of the short side 18 is about 110 mm. If the length of the short side 18 is 50 mm or less, the humidifying ability is insufficient. On the other hand, if the length of the short side 18 is 150 mm or more, the water sucking ability becomes insufficient and early humidification becomes difficult. It is preferable to set the size. The material of the humidifying element 12 is not limited to the above, and any material that can absorb and evaporate water can be applied to the present invention.

  The case 14 is preferably made of a water-repellent material, for example, a synthetic resin such as plastic. The case 14 includes a container-like first case portion 28 and a second case portion 30, and the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30 are attached via a hinge 32 so as to be opened and closed. Further, in order to hold and fix the opened state of the case 14 on the opposing surfaces of the case portions 28 and 30 on the hinge 32 side, as shown in FIG. The second case portion 30 is provided with a convex portion 36 as a second opening holding engaging means that can be engaged with the concave portion 34. As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30 are linearly expanded, the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30 can be moved close to and away from each other in the horizontal direction. Thus, the concave portion 34 of the first case portion 28 and the convex portion 36 of the second case portion 30 can be engaged and disengaged.

  In the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30, recessed portions, that is, internal spaces 38 are formed at locations facing each other when the case 14 is closed. The internal space 38 is a liquid reservoir for storing humidifying water (or various liquids) that wets the humidifying element 12. The volume of the internal space 38 is set to a size that can accommodate the folded humidifying element 12 when the case 14 is closed. It is preferable that the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30 have the same shape and the same size, and are set so that the internal space 38 is hermetically closed when the openings are closed. If packing or the like (not shown) is used at the joint between the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30 in order to improve the airtightness of the internal space 38, the humidifying element is used when the humidifier 10 is folded and carried. Even when 12 contains water, there is no worry of water leaking.

  One humidifying element 12 is attached to each of the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30 to use a total of two humidifying elements 12. Since the attachment of the humidifying element 12 to the first case portion 28 and the attachment of the humidifying element 12 to the second case portion 30 are the same, only the attachment of the humidifying element 12 to the first case portion 28 will be described. A description of the attachment to the two case portions 30 is omitted. The end humidifying piece 24a and the protruding piece 24d in the humidifying element 12 are fixed to the wall surface of the first case portion 28 on the inner space 38 side. For this reason, in the 1st case part 28, the two protrusion parts 40a for contacting the edge part humidification piece 24a and the protrusion piece 24d contact from the wall surface by the side of the internal space 38 in the internal space 38. For this purpose, one protrusion 40b is formed (see FIG. 3). A hole (not shown) for matching with the hole 26a of the end humidifying piece 24a is provided from the tip of the protrusion 40a toward the back side, and the hole of the protrusion 24d from the tip of the protrusion 40b toward the back side. A hole (not shown) is provided at a location for matching with 26d. Note that holes (not shown) formed at the tips of the protrusions 40 a and 40 b are prevented from penetrating the case 14.

  In the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30, fins 42 are formed at predetermined or arbitrary intervals from the wall surface on the inner space 38 side toward the inner space 38 (FIG. 2). The fin 42 prevents water from spilling from the first case portion 28 or the second case portion 30 due to vibration or the like when water is poured into the internal space 38 of the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30. It is. A space such as an internal space 38 (not shown) may be provided on the outside of the case 14 (not shown), and a configuration other than the humidifying element 12 (for example, a toothbrush or a comb that is a necessity during a business trip) may be accommodated.

  The humidifying element 12 is detachably attached to the inner space 38 side of the first case portion 28. Specifically, the end humidifying piece 24a of the humidifying element 12 is brought into contact with the two protrusions 40a of the first case portion 28, and the position of the hole 26a of the end humidifying piece 24a and the hole (not shown) of the protrusion 40a. The pin 44 is inserted into a hole 26a of the end humidifying piece 24a and a hole (not shown) of the protrusion 40a, and the end humidifying piece is fixed with the pin 44. 24a is fixed to the protrusion 40a (see FIG. 3). Thus, the end humidifying piece 24 a of the humidifying element 12 is fixed to the first case portion 28. The pin 44 is detachable from the protrusion 40a. Further, the protruding piece 24d communicating with the end humidifying piece 24b of the humidifying element 12 is brought into contact with the protruding portion 40b, and the position of the hole 26d of the protruding piece 24d and the position of the hole (not shown) of the protruding portion 40b are determined. An umbrella-shaped pin (fixing means) 46 with a wide head is inserted into the hole 26d of the protruding piece 24d and the hole (not shown) of the protruding portion 40b, and the protruding piece 24d is inserted into the protruding portion 40b by the pin 46. (See FIG. 3). Since the long side 16b side of the end humidifying piece 24b is connected to the protruding piece 24d, the long side 16b side of the end humidifying piece 24b is fixed to the first case portion 28. The pin 46 is detachable from the protrusion 40b. When the projecting piece 24d is fixed to the projecting portion 40b, if the washer 50 such as silicon rubber is bitten between the head of the pin 46 and the projecting piece 24d of the humidifying element 12, the fixing force is improved, and vibration is also caused. The pin 46 is difficult to loosen.

  In a state in which the end humidifying piece 24a and the protruding piece 24d of the humidifying element 12 are fixed to the first case portion 28, the one long side 16b side of the humidifying element 12 bent in a stretchable bellows shape is substantially fan-shaped. Set it so that it does not open at the critical position. In addition, one long side 16b side, which is a position of the fan, is disposed at a deep position in the internal space 38. That is, when a liquid such as water is supplied to the internal space 38, even if the water evaporates to some extent, the long side 16b side, which is the main position of the fan, is always set to be below the water surface. On the other hand, the other long side (ridgeline) 16a side of the humidifying element 12 is set so as to be fan-shaped (described later). Further, all the intermediate humidification pieces 24 c in the humidification element 12 are not fixed to the first case portion 28.

  The vicinity of the long side 16 a side of the end humidifying piece 24 b is not fixed to the first case portion 28. Similarly, in the humidifying element 12 attached to the second case portion 30, the vicinity of the long side 16 a side of the end humidifying piece 24 b is not fixed to the second case portion 30. In order to open and close the two humidifying elements 12, the vicinity of the long side 16 a side of the end humidifying piece 24 b of the humidifying element 12 attached to the first case portion 28 and the end of the humidifying element 12 attached to the second case portion 30. The part humidifying piece 24b is connected to the vicinity of the long side 16a side by a deformable connecting member 48. Specifically, in both the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30, a hole (not shown) is formed in the connecting member 48, and a hole (not shown) of the connecting member 48 and a hole of the end humidifying piece 24b are formed. 26b, and a pin (fixing means) 52 is passed through these holes to fix the connecting member 48 and the vicinity of the long side 16a side of the end humidifying piece 24b. The two humidifying elements 12 are connected by the connecting member 48. The connecting member 48 is made of an elastic material such as silicon rubber, has a predetermined strength and has variability, and maintains a shape (for example, a fan shape) when the humidifying element 12 is extended when the humidifier 10 is used. When the humidifier 10 is not in use, the humidifier 10 is housed in the internal space 38 of the case 14 closed together with the humidifying element 12.

  Next, the usage method of the natural evaporation type humidifier 10 is demonstrated. When the natural evaporation humidifier 10 is used, the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30 are opened from the state where the case 14 is closed (FIG. 3), and the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30 Are extended in the same linear direction, and the convex portion 36 of the second case portion 30 is fitted into the concave portion 34 of the first case portion 28 (FIG. 1). As a result, the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30 are held in a fixed state. The long side 16 a side of the end humidifying piece 24 b of the humidifying element 12 accommodated in the internal space 38 of the first case portion 28 and the end of the humidifying element 12 accommodated in the internal space 38 of the second case portion 30. Since the long side 16a side of the humidifying piece 24b is connected by the connecting member 48, the end humidifying piece 24b of each humidifying element 12 attached to the first case portion 28 in the state of FIG. The end humidifying pieces 24b of the humidifying elements 12 attached to the second case portion 30 are pulled together by the connecting member 48 to deform their shapes, and the two humidifying elements 12 form a fan shape.

  When the natural evaporative humidifier 10 with the case 14 opened and in the state of FIG. 1 is installed at an appropriate location such as a desk, the internal space (water storage portion) 38 of the first case portion 28 and the interior of the second case 34 A liquid such as water is supplied to the space (water reservoir) 38. The liquid may be tap water or a dedicated liquid containing a preservative or a fragrance. The liquid such as water supplied to the internal space 38 of the first case portion 28 and the internal space 38 of the second case 34 is higher than the side of the long side 16b bent in a zigzag manner of the humidifying element 12 which is the main position of the fan. And As a result, the entire end humidifying piece 24a and a part of the end humidifying piece 24b (in communication with the protruding piece 24d) and a part of all the intermediate humidifying pieces 24c (long side 16b side) are immersed in water. Is done. Accordingly, in all the humidifying pieces 24a, 24b, and 24c, the water is wet above the humidifying pieces 24a, 24b, and 24c by the capillary phenomenon from the portion immersed in water. When the dry indoor air comes into contact with the surface of the humidifying element 12 wetted with water, moisture evaporates from the wet humidifying element 12 to humidify the indoor air. In the present embodiment, since one end of each humidifying piece 24a, 24b, 24c in the humidifying element 12 is immersed in water, the distance to the tip portion not immersed in water in each humidifying piece 24a, 24b, 24c is shortened. Capillary action works effectively to improve the ability to absorb water, enabling early humidification. In addition, for example, the case where the long side 16b side of each of the plurality of intermediate humidifying pieces 24c is not immersed in water is also applicable. In this case, water can be moistened from the end humidifying pieces 24a, 24b at both ends toward the plurality of intermediate humidifying pieces 24c at the center.

  The natural evaporative humidifier 10 folds the bellows-shaped humidifying element 12 when not in use and stores it in the internal space 38 of the first case portion 28 and the internal space 38 of the second case portion 30, thereby naturally evaporating humidifier. Since the container 10 can be made compact (see FIG. 3), it can be carried and installed in any place. Since the humidifying element 12 is deformed and widened into a wide fan shape during use, a wide humidifying surface area can be secured (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In use, the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30 are simply opened and the convex portion 36 of the second case portion 30 is engaged with the concave portion 34 of the first case portion 28. It does not take time and effort. By engagement between the concave portion 34 and the convex portion 36, the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30 can be brought into a stable fixed state.

  It should be noted that, due to long-term use, chalk and the like contained in the water may accumulate in the humidifying element 12, and the ability to suck up water may decrease. In addition, the humidifying element 12 may fade or miscellaneous bacteria may propagate on the humidifying element 12 and may become unsanitary. In such a case, in the present embodiment, the humidifying element 12 can be easily attached to and detached from the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 30, so that the humidifier can be used for a long period of time and is very economical. Is.

  Moreover, since the humidification element 12 of the present invention is provided with a plurality of slits 20 and the room air can pass through the slits 20 to promote the evaporation of water, a high humidification capability can be expected. By forming the slit 20 at the folding portion 22 that is the folding position, the room air can easily pass through the slit 20 and the humidification efficiency can be further improved. If the slit 20 has a waveform, the air passage area can be further increased. Hereinafter, (A) one using the humidifying element 12 provided with the slit 20, (B) one using the humidifying element 12 not provided with the slit 20, and (C) one not using the humidifying element 12 (simply case) FIG. 5 shows a comparative experimental example of the amount of humidification with 14). In this experiment, the amount of humidification was measured by changing the wind speed hitting the humidifying element 12 under the conditions of a temperature of 26 ± 1 ° C. and a humidity of 23.4 ± 2%. The other conditions such as the plate thickness, size and number of humidifying elements are the same for both (A), (B) and (C).

When the experimental results (A) and (B), (B) and (C), and (A) and (C) are compared, as the wind speed increases, the humidification amount increases and the difference also increases. I understand that. For example, when the wind speed is 0.3 m / s, the humidification amount is (A) about 22 g / h, (B) about 16.5 g / h, and (C) about 4 g / h. When (B) and (C) are compared, the amount of humidification in (B) is about 4.1 times that of (C), and when (A) and (C) are compared, (A) is ( The humidification amount is about 5.5 times that of C). That is, there is a great difference in the humidification amount between the case where the humidifying element 12 according to the present invention is used and the case where the humidifying element is not used. Further, when comparing (A) and (B), the humidification amount of (A) is about 1.33 times that of (B), and the case where the slit 20 is provided in the humidification element 12 is It can be seen that the humidifying ability is improved as compared with the case where the slit 20 is not provided. Furthermore, even when the wind speed is 0.5 m / s, (A) is about 29 g / h, (B) is about 21 g / h, and (A) is about 1.38 times as humidified as (B). The amount has arisen. Accordingly, in general, there is an air flow of 0.3 m / s to 0.5 m / s in a room such as an office or a hotel. Therefore, in an environment where the humidifier 10 is normally used, the humidifying element 12 has a slit 20. It can be seen that the humidifying ability is improved by about 30 to 40% by providing the above.

  Next, another usage example of the humidifying element 12 according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a perspective view at the time of use of the natural evaporation humidifier having one humidifying element 12 according to the present invention. In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 4 denote the same members. The natural evaporation humidifier 54 also serves as a first case portion (one case portion) 28 that forms an internal space 38 that is a water storage portion, and a lid that can be opened and closed via a hinge (not shown). And a second case portion (the other case portion) 56. In this natural evaporation type humidifier 54, one humidifying element 12 is used, and one having the same dimensions and shape as those used in the first embodiment is used. One end humidifying piece 24 a of the humidifying element 12 is attached to the first case portion 28, and the other end humidifying piece 24 b is attached to the second case portion 56. A method for attaching the end humidifying piece 24b to the second case portion 56 is detachable in the same manner as in the first embodiment, but the description thereof is omitted here. Since the natural evaporation humidifier 54 shown in FIG. 6 uses one humidifying element 12, it can be made more compact and inexpensive than the natural evaporation humidifier 10 shown in FIG. Note that the natural evaporation humidifier 54 shown in FIG. 6 may use the two humidifying elements 12 via the connecting member 48 as in the natural evaporation humidifier 101 shown in FIG.

  When the natural evaporation humidifier 54 is used, the second case portion 56 of the first case portion 28 is opened. Thereby, the humidifying element 12 accommodated in the internal space 38 is pulled and deformed in the opposite direction by the first case portion 28 and the second case portion 56, and the humidifying element 12 opens in a fan shape. Thereafter, a liquid such as water is supplied to the internal space 38 of the first case portion 28. As in FIG. 2, one end of all the humidifying pieces 24 a, 24 b, 24 c is located at the position of the fan shape in the humidifying element 12, and when the water is supplied to the internal space 38, all the humidifying pieces 24 a, Even if water is immersed in one end on the long side 16b side of 24b, 24c and the water evaporates to some extent, one end on the long side 16b side is always set to be located below the water surface. As a result, in the natural evaporation humidifier 54 as well as in the natural evaporation humidifier 10, water is moistened in a short time above the humidifying pieces 24a, 24b, and 24c by capillarity from a portion immersed in water. Can do. Further, since the natural evaporation humidifier 54 is compact, it can be carried and installed at an arbitrary place.

  Next, another embodiment of the humidifying element used in the natural evaporation humidifier according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a front view showing another embodiment of the humidifying element according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a state in which the humidifying element of FIG. 7 is folded and assembled. The humidifying element 58 is formed of a sheet-like material having water absorption, and is constituted by a single sheet whose one side is longer than the other side. The material of the humidifying element 58 is the same as that of the humidifying element 12 shown in FIG. The humidifying element 58 is bent several times from the planar state of FIG. 7 and folded up to the state shown in FIG. In the humidifying element 58, a central bent portion 60 is formed to be bent substantially in half, that is, in two along the center in the longitudinal direction. The central bent portion 60 is not linear, but has a shape in which the straight line is bent left and right many times. In the humidifying element 58, a plurality of divided bent portions 62 that are parallel to the central bent portion 60 at equal intervals in a substantially perpendicular direction are set in each of the two regions divided by the central bent portion 60. Are bent so as to change the folding direction in order along the section folding section 62. That is, it is desirable that the central folding portion 60 changes the folding direction every time it intersects with the compartment folding portion 62. As shown in FIG. 9, a slit 64 is formed along the central bent portion 60. This slit 64 is for making it easy to bend a sheet-like thing into two along the center folding part 60. A slit 66 is formed in a part of the length of the compartment bend 62 along the compartment bend 62. This slit 66 is for facilitating the folding at the partition folding section 62 and for allowing air to pass through the position of the slit 66. The slit 66 may have a waveform. By making the slit 66 corrugated, more air can pass through the position. A notch may be formed instead of the slit 66. Hereinafter, the “slit 66” includes not only a slit but also a notch. The humidifying element 58 is formed, for example, by punching with a press. At this time, the slits 64 and 66 are formed, and the center folded portion 60 and the compartment folded portion 62 are folded. Moreover, you may make it form a dent or a groove | channel in the thickness in the position of the center bending part 60 and the division | segmentation bending part 62 of the humidification element 58. FIG.

  A plurality of humidifying pieces (humidifying regions) 68 are formed by bending the humidifying element 58 at the central bent portion 60 and the compartment bent portion 62. If one of the humidifying elements 58 is divided into two portions at the central bent portion 60 by the humidifying piece 68aa and the humidifying piece 68ab, the horizontal width of the humidifying piece 68aa and the humidifying piece 68ab is larger than that of the other humidifying pieces 68ab. Set widely. One humidifying piece 68aa is formed with a second engagement means (engagement slit) 70 and a hole 72 as a first positioning means for engaging with a pin 106 described later.

  On the other end side of the humidifying element 58, a connecting piece 74 separated from the humidifying piece 68ba formed at the end is provided on one side of the portion divided into two at the central bent portion 60, and the humidifying element 58 is humidified. A folded piece 76 connected to the piece 68ba is formed. On the other end side of the humidifying element 58, a folded piece 78 connected to the humidified piece 68bb formed at the end is formed on the other side of the portion divided into two at the central bent portion 60. Yes. The connecting piece 74 is connected to the humidifying piece 68bb through the central bent portion 60. For example, a semicircular cut line 80 is formed in the center of the connecting piece 74, and the first engagement means (insert piece) 82 is formed by the cut line 80. The insertion piece 82 is set to a size and shape that can be engaged with the engagement slit 70 formed in the humidifying piece 68aa. Although the first engagement means is the insertion piece 82 and the second engagement means is the engagement slit 70, the first engagement means may be the engagement slit and the second engagement means may be the insertion piece. In the humidifying piece 68ba connected to the folded piece 76, an engagement hole 84 is formed at a part of the connection portion with the folded piece 76. In the humidifying piece 68bb, an engagement hole 86 is formed at a part of the connection portion with the folded piece 78. The humidifying piece 68bb is formed with an engagement hole 88 that spans both the humidifying piece 68bb and the humidifying piece 68 that is adjacent to the humidifying piece 68bb and located on the opposite side of the folded piece 78.

  A procedure for assembling the humidifying element 58 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. First, the humidifying element 58 is bent along the central bent portion 60, and the two bent regions are overlapped. A superposition of the two regions is made into a bellows shape that can be expanded and contracted by sequentially bending the plurality of section bent portions 62. Thereafter, the connecting piece 74 is bent toward the humidifying piece 68aa, and the insertion piece 82 of the connecting piece 74 is inserted into the engagement slit 70 of the humidifying piece 68aa. This completes the assembly (FIG. 8). In the humidifying element 58 in the assembled state, one end of the humidifying pieces 68aa, 68ab, 68ba, 68bb and one end of all the humidifying pieces 68 sandwiched between them are bundled by the connecting piece 74. For this reason, if the connecting piece 74 is positioned below the water surface, water can be absorbed by one end of the humidifying pieces 68aa, 68ab, 68ba, 68bb and one end of all the humidifying pieces 68. By making the center folding part 60 a zigzag instead of a straight line, as shown in FIG. 8, the compartment folding parts 62 can be alternately arranged in order, and a plurality of the compartment folding parts 62 facing the same side can be cleaned cleanly. Can be aligned in two rows. In addition, it is possible to easily fold the folded section 62 of the thick humidifying element 58 in parallel. When the center bent portion 60 is not a zigzag but a straight line, the section bent portion 62 facing the same side cannot be neatly aligned, and the section bent portion 62 of the thick humidifying element 58 is bent. Can't be done easily.

  The natural evaporative humidifier 90 includes a humidifying element 58 assembled as shown in FIG. 8 and a case 92 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The case 92 includes a container 96 as a first case part (one case part) that forms an internal space 94 that is a water storage part, and a second case part (the other case) attached to the container 96 via a hinge 98 and the container 96. Part 100). The container 96 is formed by fitting a base portion 102 and a protruding portion 104 protruding from the base portion 102 toward the internal space 94 (in FIG. 10, the protruding portions 104a and 104b are used for explanation) and fixing them by adhesion or the like. A gap is formed between the lower ends of the overhang portions 104 a and 104 b and the bottom surface of the base portion 102. The overhanging portion 104 serves as a holding means for holding the humidifying element 58 in the container 96. However, the holding means for holding the humidifying element 58 in the container 96 is not limited to the overhanging portion 104. On the bottom surface of the base portion 102, a pin 106 is formed as second positioning means that protrudes into the internal space 94. Here, in order to attach one end of the humidifying element 58 to the container 96, as shown in FIG. 10, the outer edge of the humidifying piece 68aa (the outer edge on the side opposite to the partition folding part 62) is connected to the lower end of one overhanging part 104a. The hole 96 is inserted into the gap between the bottom surface of the container 96, and the hole 72 of the humidifying piece 68 aa is engaged with the pin 106 of the container 96. Further, the outer edge of the humidifying piece 68ab (the outer edge on the side opposite to the partition folding part 62) is inserted into the gap between the lower end of the other overhanging part 104b and the bottom surface of the container 96. Thus, one end of the humidifying element 58 can be attached to the container 96. On the contrary, the hole 72 of the humidifying piece 68aa is removed from the pin 106, the humidifying piece 68aa is removed from the gap between the lower end of one overhanging portion 104a and the bottom surface of the container 96, and the humidifying piece 68ab is removed from the other overhanging portion 104b. One end of the humidifying element 58 can be easily detached from the container 96 by removing it from the gap between the lower end and the bottom surface of the container 96.

  The humidified piece 68aa and the humidified piece 68ab are pressed from above with a flexible elongated plate (not shown), and the elongated plate is passed through the slit 66 (FIG. 7). You may make it insert in a clearance gap between the lower end of overhang | projection part 104a, 190b, and the bottom face of the container 96. FIG. If this elongated plate (not shown) is used, one end of the humidifying element 58 can be fixedly attached to the container 96.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, left and right holding arms 108 a and 108 b are integrally formed on the lid 100. A gap is formed between the left and right holding arms 108a and 108b and the inner surface of the lid 100 so that about 1 to 3 humidifying pieces can be inserted. When the other end of the humidifying element 58 is attached to the lid 100, the partition folding portion 110 (FIGS. 8 and 10) between the humidifying piece 68 ba and the folded piece 78 is placed between the holding arm 108 a and the lid 100. Inserted into the gap, the engagement hole 84 formed in the humidifying piece 68ba and the holding arm 108a are engaged. Accordingly, the folded piece 76 communicating with the humidifying piece 68ba can be attached to the lid 100. The partition bent portion 112 (FIG. 10) between the humidifying piece 68bb and the folded piece 78 is inserted into the gap between the other holding arm 108b and the lid 100, and the engaging bent formed on the humidifying piece 68bb or the like. The holding arm 108 b is engaged with the hole 86 and the engagement hole 88. Thus, the folded piece 78 communicating with the humidifying piece 68bb can be attached to the lid 100. As a result, the other end of the humidifying element 58 is attached to the lid 100 without being removed. Moreover, the other end of the humidifying element 58 can be easily removed from the lid 100 by removing the humidifying pieces that engage with the holding arms 108a and 108b. When one end of the humidifying element 58 is attached to the container 96 and the other end of the humidifying element 58 is attached to the lid 100, the connecting piece 74 at the fan-shaped key position of the humidifying element 58 is connected to the container 96. The size and shape of the humidifying element 58 are set so as to be positioned below the internal space 94.

  A state in which the humidifying element 58 is attached to the container 96 and the lid 100 is shown in FIG. When the humidifier 90 is used, the lid 100 is opened with respect to the container 96. Thus, both ends of the humidifying element 58 accommodated in the internal space 94 are pulled in opposite directions by the container 96 and the lid 100, and the humidifying element 58 is deformed and opened in a fan shape. That is, the humidifying piece 68 communicated with the humidifying element 58 via the compartment folding portion 62 is displaced by the external force with the compartment folding portion 62 as a boundary. At the time of assembly, the humidifying element 58 is folded along the central folding portion 60 to overlap the two regions, and then folded into a bellows shape that can expand and contract along the plurality of compartment folding portions 62. Therefore, at the time of use shown in FIG. 11, the humidifying pieces 68 of the humidifying element 58 are arranged so that the humidifying pieces 68 composed of two regions are arranged in two rows and the positions of the petals are alternately changed. That is, all the humidifying pieces 68 are separated from each other, and the evaporation of moisture from each humidifying piece 68 can be promoted.

  Further, when a liquid such as water is put into the internal space 94 of the container 96, the connecting piece 74 (FIG. 8) at the fan-shaped key position in the humidifying element 58 is positioned at the bottom of the internal space 94 of the container 96. Therefore, even if one end of the humidifying pieces 68aa, 68ab, 68ba, 68bb and one end of all the humidifying pieces 68 are soaked in water and the water in the container 96 evaporates to some extent, the humidifying pieces 68aa, 68ab, 68, 68ba, 68bb. One end is always located below the water surface. Thereby, water can be wetted in a short time above each humidification piece 68aa, 68ab, 68, 68ba, 68bb by the capillary phenomenon from the place immersed in water. Furthermore, since the humidifier 90 is compact, the humidifier 90 can be carried and installed at an arbitrary location.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Natural evaporation type humidifier 12 Humidification element 14 Case 20 Slit 22 Connection part 24 Humidification piece 24a End humidification piece 24b End humidification piece 24c Intermediate humidification piece 28 First case part 30 Second case part 34 Concave part 36 Convex part 38 Inside Space 48 Connecting member 54 Natural evaporating humidifier 56 Second case portion 58 Humidifying element 60 Center bent portion 62 Partition bent portion 64 Slit 66 Slit 68 Humidifying piece 70 Slit for engagement 72 Hole 74 Connecting piece 82 Insertion piece 90 Natural evaporation Type humidifier 92 Case 94 Internal space 96 Container 100 Lid 106 Pin 108a Holding arm 108b Holding arm

Claims (9)

  It is used for a natural evaporation humidifier that humidifies air by natural evaporation of water, and a sheet-like member having water absorption is bent into two in a shape in which a straight line is bent left and right several times. A naturally evaporating humidifier characterized in that a plurality of humidifying pieces are formed by bending each of a folded sheet-like member into a folded portion that is folded in two at a plurality of section folded portions in a substantially perpendicular direction. Humidification element.   Each time the sheet-like member is bent into two in a shape in which a straight line is bent to the left and right many times, the bent portion is defined as a central bent portion, and each time the central bent portion intersects the compartment bent portion. The humidifying element of a natural evaporation humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the bending direction is changed. The humidifying element of a natural evaporation humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of humidifying pieces are displaced in a stretchable manner with respect to the section folding portion.   The humidifying element of the natural evaporation humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a slit or a notch is formed in the humidifying piece.   The humidifying element of a natural evaporation humidifier according to claim 4, wherein the slit is formed along the central bent portion.   The humidifying element of a natural evaporation humidifier according to claim 4, wherein the slit or the notch is formed in the section bending portion.   The humidifying element of a natural evaporation humidifier according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the slit or notch is corrugated.   A connecting piece for bundling all one ends of the plurality of humidifying pieces and communicating with at least one humidifying piece, first engaging means formed on the connecting piece, and at least one humidifying piece The natural evaporation humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising second engaging means for engaging with the first engaging means. Humidification element.   9. The natural evaporative humidifier according to claim 8, wherein the first engagement means comprises either an insertion piece or a slit, and the second engagement means comprises either a slit or an insertion piece. Humidification element.

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