JP2009275925A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier wherein a relaxation effect can be expected in addition to a function of a pilot lamp by illuminating the whole appearance of the humidifier. <P>SOLUTION: The humidifier comprises a water tank 3 formed of a light transmitting material and holding water; an evaporating part 4 heating and evaporating water supplied from the water tank 3 through a water supply passage 6; and a steam cylinder 5 discharging steam produced in the evaporating part 4, to the interior. A light source 28 lighted when operating the humidifier is provided in a position to illuminate the outer peripheral side of the humidifier, and the outer peripheral side of the humidifier is illuminated with the light source 28 lighted when operating the humidifier. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier, and more particularly to a humidifier having a lighting function.

  A humidifier equipped with a steam generator that heats and evaporates water supplied from a water tank and humidifies the room with steam generated in the steam generator has been well known in the past. In this type of humidifier, the humidifier A pilot lamp is provided in the humidifier main body so that the user can visually recognize the operating state of the humidifier, and a configuration is proposed in which the operational state of the humidifier can be visually recognized from the outside by turning on the pilot lamp. (See Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-50563 A

  By the way, in the case of the humidifier currently disclosed by patent document 1, although it has the structure which can visually recognize the driving | running state of a humidifier from the exterior by lighting of a pilot lamp, what can illuminate the external appearance of the whole humidifier? is not.

  This type of humidifier is often used during sleep, and there is a demand for obtaining a relaxation effect by illuminating the appearance of the entire humidifier.

  This invention is made | formed in view of said point, and it aims at making the relaxation effect expectable in addition to the function as a pilot lamp by illuminating the external appearance of the whole humidifier.

  In the present invention, as a first means for solving the above problems, a water tank made of a light-transmitting material that contains water, and an evaporation unit that heats and evaporates water supplied from the water tank via a water supply passage; In the humidifier provided with a steam cylinder for discharging the steam generated in the evaporation section into the room, a light source that is turned on during operation of the humidifier is provided at a position where the outer peripheral side of the humidifier can be illuminated.

  By comprising as mentioned above, the outer peripheral side of a humidifier will be illuminated by the light source which lights at the time of a humidifier driving | operation, and while being able to visually recognize an operating state, the relaxation effect by the external illumination of the whole humidifier can be anticipated. .

  In the present invention, as a second means for solving the above problems, in the humidifier provided with the first means, the water tank is attached to and detached from a base provided with the evaporation section and the water supply passage. The humidifier main body can be freely mounted, and a plurality of light sources for irradiating light toward the bottom of the water tank can be attached to the upper outer peripheral side of the base. In this case, the light from the light source passes through the water tank and illuminates the entire appearance of the humidifier body, so that a more effective relaxation effect can be obtained.

  In the present invention, as a third means for solving the above problem, in the humidifier provided with the second means, water overflowed from the water supply passage is temporarily stored in the upper part of the base. In addition to forming the water storage section, the light source can be disposed in the water storage section. When configured in this manner, the water storage section that temporarily stores the water overflowed from the water supply passage is used. Thus, a compact overall configuration can be obtained.

  In the present invention, as a fourth means for solving the above-described problem, in the humidifier provided with the third means, the light source is arranged to protrude from the bottom surface of the water storage section toward the water tank. In such a configuration, the light source can be disposed close to the bottom of the water tank, and the external appearance of the entire humidifier can be effectively illuminated with a small amount of light.

  In the present invention, as a fifth means for solving the above-mentioned problems, in the humidifier provided with the second, third or fourth means, the outer peripheral side of the water tank is placed on the base. A cover member made of a surrounding light-transmitting material can also be disposed. In such a configuration, the water tank can be protected by the cover member, and the entire cover member is illuminated by light from the light source, which is more effective. Relaxation effect can be obtained.

  In the present invention, as a sixth means for solving the above problems, in the humidifier provided with the first, second, third, fourth or fifth means, the water tank is replaced with the steam. An annular shape surrounding the cylinder can also be used, and in such a configuration, the humidifier can be made compact, and the light from the light source can pass through the water tank to illuminate the appearance of the entire humidifier. Therefore, the function as a pilot lamp and the relaxation effect are greatly increased.

  According to the first means of the present invention, a water tank made of a translucent material that contains water, an evaporation unit that heats and evaporates water supplied from the water tank via a water supply passage, and the evaporation unit are generated. In a humidifier equipped with a steam cylinder that discharges the steam into the room, a light source that is turned on when the humidifier is operated is attached to a position where the outer periphery of the humidifier can be illuminated, and the humidifier is operated by the light source that is turned on when the humidifier is operated. Since the outer peripheral side is illuminated, it is possible to visually recognize the operation state and to expect the relaxation effect by the external illumination of the entire humidifier.

  As in the second means of the present invention, in the humidifier having the first means, the water tank is detachably mounted on a base having the evaporation section and the water supply passage, and the humidifier body In addition, a plurality of light sources that irradiate light toward the bottom of the water tank can be provided on the outer periphery of the upper portion of the base. The entire exterior of the humidifier body is illuminated through the tank, and a more effective relaxation effect is obtained.

  As in the third means of the present invention, in the humidifier provided with the second means, a water storage part for temporarily storing the water overflowed from the water supply passage is formed in the upper part of the base, The light source can also be disposed in the water storage unit, and when configured as such, the light source can be disposed using a water storage unit that temporarily stores water overflowed from the water supply passage, A compact overall configuration is obtained.

  As in the fourth means of the present invention, in the humidifier provided with the third means, the light source can be disposed so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the water storage section toward the water tank, and so on. In this case, the light source can be disposed close to the bottom of the water tank, and the entire appearance of the humidifier can be effectively illuminated with a small amount of light.

  As in the fifth means of the present invention, in the humidifier provided with the second, third or fourth means, a cover member made of a translucent material surrounding the outer peripheral side of the water tank on the base. In such a configuration, the water tank can be protected by the cover member, and the entire cover member is illuminated by the light from the light source, so that a more effective relaxation effect can be obtained.

  As in the sixth means of the present invention, in the humidifier equipped with the first, second, third, fourth or fifth means, the water tank has an annular shape surrounding the steam cylinder. In such a configuration, the humidifier can be made compact, and the light from the light source can pass through the water tank to illuminate the appearance of the entire humidifier. The function and relaxation effect are greatly increased.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment FIGS. 1 to 5 show a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  This humidifier is generated in the water tank 3 made of a light-transmitting material that contains water, the evaporation unit 4 that heats and evaporates the water supplied from the water tank 3 through the water supply passage 6, and the evaporation unit 4. A steam cylinder 5 for discharging steam into the room is provided, and the humidifier body 1 is configured by detachably mounting the water tank 3 on a base 2 having the evaporator 4 and the water supply passage 6. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 2 has a circular outer shape, and the evaporation unit 4 is provided at a substantially central portion thereof. The evaporating section 4 is an aluminum alloy evaporating dish 8 provided at the bottom of a circular hole 7 formed in a substantially central part of the base 2 and a heating source disposed on the lower surface of the evaporating dish 8. It consists of a certain electric heater 9. Reference numeral 10 denotes a thermostat for controlling energization to the electric heater 9.

  The steam cylinder 5 is made of a heat-resistant material (for example, heat-resistant synthetic resin), and has a fitting insertion portion 5a fitted into the hole 7 and a cylindrical steam extending upward from the fitting insertion portion 5a. It consists of passage part 5b. At the top of the steam passage portion 5b, a steam discharge port 11 for discharging the steam S rising in the steam cylinder 5 into the room is formed.

  The water supply passage 6 is a groove formed in the base 2 with an open top, and the steam cylinder 5 extends from a water supply portion 6a in which a water supply valve 12 (see FIG. 2) of the water tank 3 is set. It is made into the path | route which reaches the said hole 7 in which is inserted, and is made into the shape which makes a semicircle the outer side of the said hole 7. FIG. By adopting such a shape, it is possible to secure a sufficient volume of the water supply passage 6, but by making such a passage shape, the position of the hole 7 is the center of the base 2. Therefore, the water supply passage 6 must be decentered to the side where the water supply passage 6 does not exist. As a result, in order to erect the steam passage portion 5b in the steam tube 5 at the center of the humidifier body 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the steam tube 5 is connected between the fitting portion 5a and the steam passage portion 5b. The inclined connection portion 5c is formed between them. Reference numeral 13 is provided in the middle of the water supply passage 6, and is a float switch for detecting a state in which water is exhausted in the water supply passage 6 (in other words, an emptying state of the evaporation unit 4), and 14 is a water tank. 3 is an operation protrusion for holding the water supply valve 12 in an open state in a state where 3 is attached.

  In addition, when a large amount of water comes out of the water tank 3 due to some cause (for example, overheating of the water tank 3), the water that overflows beyond the capacity of the water supply passage 6 is temporarily placed on the upper portion of the base 2. A water storage portion 15 is formed as a space surrounded by a peripheral wall 16 having a predetermined height integrally formed on the upper outer periphery of the base 2. The volume of the water supply passage 6 and the water storage section 15 is such that the water supply passage 6 and the water storage section are not leaked from the humidifier body 1 even when all the water in the water tank 3 has been discharged. 15 is a size capable of storing water.

  The water tank 3 has a circular annular shape surrounding the steam cylinder 4, and is attached in a state of being positioned on the outer peripheral side of the water storage portion 15, and its inner peripheral surface and the outer periphery of the steam cylinder 5 A predetermined heat insulating space 17 is secured between the surface and the surface so that the heat of the steam cylinder 5 is not transmitted to the water tank 3. Further, the water tank 3 is integrated by combining a lower water tank 3a and an upper water tank 3b, and the steam cylinder 5 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the lower water tank 3a and the upper water tank 3b. Engaging projections 20 and 21 are respectively integrally projected from above and below to annular projections 18 and 19 projecting integrally at the upper and lower positions on the outer peripheral surface of the outer circumferential surface. By doing so, the water tank 3 and the steam cylinder 5 are integrated, and the steam cylinder 5 is always attached when the water tank 3 is attached, so that the forgetting to attach the steam cylinder 5 does not occur. . Furthermore, an engagement step portion 22 is formed on the outer periphery of the lower water tank 3a to engage with the upper portion of the peripheral wall 16 of the water storage portion 15. Therefore, a predetermined space is secured between the water tank 3 and the bottom of the water storage unit 15. Note that the outer peripheral surface of the upper water tank 3b is slightly inclined inward as it goes upward. Further, the height of the steam cylinder 5 is slightly lower than the height of the water tank 3.

  On the base 2, a cylindrical cover member 23 made of a translucent material surrounding the outer peripheral side of the water tank 3 is fitted into an engagement step portion 24 formed on the upper outer periphery of the base 2. It has been arranged in the state. A ceramic dish-like body 25 is detachably attached to the upper opening of the cover member 23, and an opening 26 is formed at the center of the dish-like body 25 so that the steam cylinder 5 faces. ing. Further, the upper surface of the dish-like body 25 is an inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the opening 26 so as to guide the condensed water generated on the upper surface to the steam cylinder 5 side. Further, the dish-like body 25 is formed with a recess 27 (see FIG. 2) for containing a fragrance for adding a fragrance to the steam S discharged from the steam cylinder 5.

  A pair of mountings for mounting a pair of light sources 28, 28 for irradiating light toward the bottom of the water tank 3 on the upper outer peripheral side of the base 2 (that is, the outer peripheral side of the bottom of the water storage unit 15). The holes 29 and 29 are formed with a phase difference of 180 °. Each of the light sources 28 includes a plurality of (for example, four) LEDs 31, 31... That are implanted on the substrate 30, and a transparent cover that is attached to the substrate 30 and covers the LEDs 31, 31. 32. A flange portion 32a is integrally projected from the lower end of the outer periphery of the transparent cover 32 at a predetermined dimension, and a fastener (for example, a bolt) is connected to the flange portion 32a and the substrate 30. By using and fastening, the transparent cover 32 is attached to the substrate 30 in a state in which the LEDs 31, 31. Further, in the present embodiment, each of the light sources 28 is configured so that the flange 32 a of the transparent cover 32 is brought into contact with the annular rib 33 that is integrally suspended from the lower surface of the peripheral edge of the mounting hole 29. It is to be attached to the lower surface of the part 15 from below (see FIG. 1). That is, each light source 28 is mounted from below in the mounting hole 29, and in the mounted state, the transparent cover 32 protrudes from the bottom surface of the water storage unit 15 so as to be close to the bottom of the water tank 3. It is supposed to be done. Note that the bottom of the water reservoir 15 and the transparent cover 32 are sealed by a seal member (not shown). If it does in this way, the water which overflowed to the water storage part 15 will not leak from the attachment hole 29 below.

  With the above configuration, the water stored in the water tank 3 and supplied to the water supply unit 6a of the water supply passage 6 through the water supply valve 12 is introduced into the evaporation unit 4 through the water supply passage 6, The evaporating unit 4 is evaporated by the evaporating dish 8 heated by the electric heater 9 to become steam S. The steam S ascends the steam cylinder 5 and is discharged from the steam discharge port 11 into the room to be humidified in the room. Of course, the humidifier's original function is exhibited, but in the present embodiment, the following functions are further exhibited.

  That is, when the power is turned on, the light sources 28 and 28 (specifically, LEDs 31, 31...) Are turned on, and the light L is emitted from the bottom of the water tank 3 as shown in FIG. The light passes through the inside, passes through the cover member 23 from the side of the water tank 3, and is radiated to the outside. Therefore, the light L affected by the fluctuation of the water in the water tank 3 irradiates the entire cover member 23, and a light that is blurred like a row lamp (that is, indirect lighting) can be obtained. Become. Usually, a humidifier is often used while sleeping, so that a relaxation effect can be obtained. Moreover, the outer peripheral side of the humidifier is illuminated by the light sources 28, 28 that are turned on when the humidifier is in operation, and the operating state can be visually confirmed. In addition, since the light sources 28 are provided using the water storage unit 15 that temporarily stores the water overflowed from the water supply passage 6, a compact overall configuration can be obtained. In addition, by arranging the light sources 28 and 28 close to the bottom of the water tank 3, the appearance of the entire humidifier can be effectively illuminated even with a small amount of light. Further, since the water tank 3 has an annular shape surrounding the steam cylinder 5, the humidifier can be made compact, and the light from the light sources 28 and 28 is transmitted through the water tank 3 so that the entire humidifier is Since the appearance can be illuminated, the function as a pilot lamp and the relaxation effect are greatly increased.

  Note that one or a plurality of colors can be automatically or manually selected for the light source, and the color can be automatically changed according to the room temperature, the humidity, and the amount of remaining water in the tank.

  Further, the light source may include a plurality of LEDs as one unit and be disposed at least on the front surface and the other surface of the humidifier body.

  Further, in the above embodiment, a predetermined gap is formed between the light source (specifically, the transparent cover) and the bottom of the water tank, but the transparent cover is completely in contact with the bottom of the water tank. The transparent cover can also be arranged to support the bottom of the water tank from below. If it does in this way, the space which earns the water storage capacity in a water storage part can be secured.

Second Embodiment FIG. 6 shows a humidifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, the light sources 28, 28 are lower ends of the engaging step portions 24 formed on the upper outer periphery of the base 2, and are formed of a cylindrical cover member 23 made of a translucent material surrounding the outer peripheral side of the water tank 3. It arrange | positions in the position (for example, the front side and back side of the humidifier main body 1) which has a phase difference of 180 degrees between the lower ends. Accordingly, the light sources 28, 28 irradiate the side surface of the humidifier body 1 from the lower part of the cover member 23, and do not pass through the water tank 3 as in the first embodiment. We cannot expect the effect of the influence of. In this case, the bottom of the water tank 3 is in contact with the bottom of the water storage unit 15, and the overflow water is temporarily stored in the center of the water storage unit 15 (that is, around the steam cylinder 5). It has become. In this case, the water tank 3 and the steam cylinder 5 are not integrated, and can be attached and detached separately.

  Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is of course possible to change the design as appropriate without departing from the scope of the invention.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is II-II sectional drawing of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the relationship between the base and light source in the humidifier concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the base in the humidifier concerning a 1st embodiment of the invention in this application. It is an expansion disassembled perspective view of the light source in the humidifier concerning a 1st embodiment of the invention in this application. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the humidifier concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 is a humidifier body 2 is a base 3 is a water tank 5 is a steam cylinder 6 is a water supply passage 15 is a water storage part 23 is a cover member 28 is a light source

Claims (6)

  A water tank made of a light-transmitting material that contains water, an evaporation section that heats and evaporates water supplied from the water tank via a water supply passage, and a steam cylinder that discharges the steam generated in the evaporation section into the room A humidifier equipped with a light source that is lit during operation of the humidifier at a position where the outer peripheral side of the humidifier can be illuminated.   The water tank is detachably mounted on a base provided with the evaporation section and the water supply passage to constitute the humidifier body, and on the upper outer peripheral side of the base toward the bottom of the water tank. The humidifier according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of light sources that emit light.   3. The humidification according to claim 2, wherein a water storage part that temporarily stores water overflowed from the water supply passage is formed in an upper part of the base, and the light source is disposed in the water storage part. vessel.   The humidifier according to claim 3, wherein the light source is disposed so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the water storage section toward the water tank.   The humidifier according to any one of claims 2, 3, and 4, wherein a cover member made of a translucent material surrounding the outer peripheral side of the water tank is disposed on the base.   The humidifier according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, wherein the water tank has an annular shape surrounding the steam cylinder.

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