JP2009281677A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent omission of attachment of an steam tube by integrally engaging a water tank and the steam tube, and providing attachment and detachment of the steam tube also when attaching and detaching the water tank. <P>SOLUTION: In a humidifier equipped with the water tank 3 housing water, an evaporation part 4 heating and evaporating water supplied from the water tank 3 via a water supply passage 6, and the steam tube 5 discharging steam S generated in the evaporation part 4 into a room, the water tank 3 and the steam tube 5 are integrally engaged by engagement parts (to be specific, annular protrusions 18, 19 and engagement protrusions 20, 21) while securing a heat insulating space 17 between the two such that transfer of heat of the steam S passing through the steam tube 5 to the water tank 3 becomes difficult, and the omission of attachment of the steam tube at attachment of the water tank 3 is suppressed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier, and more particularly, by integrally engaging a steam cylinder for discharging steam and a water tank, it is possible to prevent overheating of the water tank due to forgetting to install the steam cylinder. It relates to a humidifier.

  A humidifier that includes a steam generator for heating and evaporating water supplied from a water tank and that humidifies the interior of the room with the steam generated in the steam generator is well known, and in this type of humidifier, And the steam cylinder that guides the steam obtained by evaporating the water supplied from the water tank, the entire water tank is warmed by the steam passing through the steam cylinder, and the air temperature in the water tank rises. This causes a problem that water is pushed out. Therefore, in a structure in which the steam cylinder is surrounded by the water tank due to design restrictions, the water tank is warmed by the steam passing through the steam cylinder by securing a predetermined heat insulation space between the steam cylinder and the water tank. There has already been proposed a humidifier that does not occur (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-7-324785

  By the way, in the case of the humidifier currently disclosed by patent document 1, since the water tank and the steam pipe | tube have a separate attachment structure, there exists a possibility of operating a humidifier, forgetting attachment of a steam pipe | tube. is there. Then, the water tank is directly warmed by the steam obtained by evaporating the water supplied from the water tank, which may cause a problem that the air temperature in the water tank rises and pushes out the water.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points. By integrally engaging the water tank and the steam cylinder, the steam cylinder is also attached and detached when the water tank is attached and detached. The purpose is to prevent forgetting.

  In the present invention, as a first means for solving the above-described problems, a water tank that stores water, an evaporation unit that heats and evaporates water supplied from the water tank via a water supply passage, and the evaporation unit In a humidifier having a steam cylinder for discharging the generated steam into the room, the water tank and the steam cylinder are integrally engaged by an engaging portion in a state in which a predetermined heat insulation space is secured between them. ing.

  By configuring as described above, the water tank and the steam cylinder are integrally engaged by the engaging portion in a state in which a predetermined heat insulation space is secured between them, and the heat of the steam passing through the steam cylinder. Will not be transmitted to the water tank. Therefore, the water in the water tank is not pushed out from the point where the temperature in the water tank is difficult to rise. In addition, since the water tank and the steam cylinder are integrally engaged, the steam cylinder is always attached and detached when the water tank is attached / detached, so that the forgetting to attach the steam cylinder is eliminated when the water tank is attached.

  In the present invention, as a second means for solving the above-described problem, in the humidifier provided with the first means, in the state where the water tank and the steam cylinder are engaged, the steam It can be configured so that the steam outlet in the cylinder does not protrude from the top surface of the water tank, and in this case, when the water tank is empty, the steam cylinder is engaged with the water tank. When removing the water tank and supplying water to the water tank, turn the water tank upside down, but at that time the steam outlet of the steam cylinder does not protrude from the top of the water tank, so it will be in the way There is no.

  In the present invention, as a third means for solving the above problem, in the humidifier provided with the first or second means, a cover member surrounding the outer peripheral side and the upper part of the water tank is provided with the cover. A hot air discharge port for discharging hot air trapped in the member can also be formed, and in such a case, the hot air trapped in the cover member surrounding the outer peripheral side and upper part of the water tank is hot air discharge port Therefore, the temperature rise inside the cover member is suppressed, and the occurrence of condensation on the inner surface of the cover member can be prevented.

  In the present invention, as a fourth means for solving the above-mentioned problems, in a humidifier comprising the first or second means, a cover member surrounding the outer peripheral side and the upper part of the water tank and the cover member A gap for discharging hot air for discharging hot air trapped in the cover member can be provided between the base and the base for inserting and fixing the outer periphery of the water tank. The hot air trapped in the cover member surrounding the side and upper part will be discharged outward from the gap for discharging hot air, the temperature rise inside the cover member will be suppressed, and condensation on the inner surface of the cover member will be prevented Can do.

  According to the first means of the present invention, a water tank that stores water, an evaporation unit that heats and evaporates water supplied from the water tank via a water supply passage, and vapor generated in the evaporation unit into the room. In the humidifier having a discharge steam cylinder, the water tank and the steam cylinder are integrally engaged with each other by an engaging portion in a state in which a predetermined heat insulation space is secured therebetween. Since the heat of steam passing through the water tank is difficult to be transmitted to the water tank and the temperature in the water tank is difficult to rise, there is an effect that the water in the water tank is not pushed out. In addition, since the water tank and the steam cylinder are integrally engaged, the steam cylinder is always attached and detached when the water tank is attached and detached, and there is also an effect that the steam cylinder is not forgotten to be attached when the water tank is attached. is there.

  As in the second means of the present invention, in the humidifier provided with the first means, in a state where the water tank and the steam cylinder are engaged, the steam outlet in the steam cylinder is the water It can also be configured not to protrude from the top of the tank. In such a case, when the water tank becomes empty, the water tank is removed with the steam cylinder engaged with the water tank, and the water tank When water is supplied to the water tank, the water tank is turned upside down. At that time, the steam discharge port of the steam cylinder does not protrude from the top surface of the water tank.

  As in the third means of the present invention, in the humidifier provided with the first or second means, hot air trapped in the cover member is applied to the cover member surrounding the outer peripheral side and the upper part of the water tank. A hot air outlet for discharging can be formed, and in such a case, hot air trapped in the cover member surrounding the outer peripheral side and upper part of the water tank is discharged from the hot air outlet to the outside. Thus, the temperature rise inside the cover member can be suppressed, and condensation on the inner surface of the cover member can be prevented.

  As in the fourth means of the present invention, in the humidifier provided with the first or second means, a cover member surrounding the outer peripheral side and upper part of the water tank and a base for inserting and fixing the cover member A gap for discharging hot air for discharging hot air trapped in the cover member can be provided between the base and the cover member, and in such a case, in the cover member surrounding the outer peripheral side and the upper part of the water tank. The hot air that is trapped in the air is discharged outward from the gap for discharging hot air, the temperature rise inside the cover member is suppressed, and the occurrence of condensation on the inner surface of the cover member can be prevented.

  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 (see FIG. 1). 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. As a result, the water tank 3 and the steam cylinder 5 are integrated by the engaging protrusions 20 and 21 and the annular protrusions 18 and 19 that act as engaging portions. The steam cylinder 5 is always attached, and forgetting to attach the steam cylinder 5 does not occur. In addition, although four engagement protrusions 20 and 21 are respectively formed, one of the engagement protrusions 20 on the lower water tank 3a side has a different shape to prevent rotation (see FIG. 5).

  Further, when the water tank 3 and the steam cylinder 5 are engaged, the steam discharge port 11 in the steam cylinder 5 is configured not to protrude from the top surface of the water tank 3. In this way, when the water tank 3 is empty, the water tank 3 is removed with the steam cylinder 5 engaged with the water tank 3, and when water is supplied to the water tank 3, the water tank 3 is turned upside down. However, since the steam outlet 11 of the steam cylinder 5 does not protrude from the top surface of the water tank 3 at that time, it does not get in the way.

  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.

  By the way, as described above, when the water tank 3 and the steam cylinder 5 are attached in an integrally engaged state, the positions of the water tank 3 and the steam cylinder 5 are the same when the water supply valve 12 and the steam cylinder 5 are at the same height. It is necessary to align them at the same time, which may cause a problem that the installation work becomes difficult. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the steam cylinder 5 is longer than the water supply valve 12 by a predetermined dimension D (for example, 10 mm). In this way, when the water tank 3 and the steam cylinder 5 are attached in an integrally engaged state, the steam cylinder 5 is first inserted into the hole 7-324785 of the base 2, and then the water supply valve 12 can be set in the water supply section 6a of the water supply passage 6, and the water tank 3 and the steam cylinder 5 can be easily attached to the base 2.

  On the base 2, a cylindrical cover 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 is arranged in the state. A porcelain dish-like body 25 is detachably attached to the upper opening of the cover 23, and an opening 26 is formed at the center of the dish-like body 25 so that the steam cylinder 5 faces. Yes. 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. That is, the cover member A that surrounds the outer peripheral side and the upper part of the water tank 3 is constituted by the cover 23 and the dish-like body 25. 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. Furthermore, the dish-like body 25 is formed with hot air outlets 34 and 34 for discharging hot air H trapped in the cover member A (see FIGS. 1 and 7). In this way, the hot air H trapped in the cover member A surrounding the outer peripheral side and the upper part of the water tank 3 is discharged outward from the hot air discharge ports 34, 34, and the temperature inside the cover member A is increased. It can be suppressed and the occurrence of condensation on the inner surface of the cover member A can be prevented. Further, in the present embodiment, the engagement step portion 24 is formed with ribs 35, 35,... At equal intervals in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ribs 35, 35,... Are located between the cover member A surrounding the outer peripheral side and upper part of the water tank 3 and the base 2 for fitting and fixing the cover member A. This contributes to providing a hot air discharge gap 36 for discharging the hot air H trapped in the cover member A. If it does in this way, the hot air H trapped in the cover member A will be discharged | emitted outward from the clearance gap 36 for hot air discharge | release, the temperature rise inside the cover member A will be suppressed, and the dew condensation to the cover member A inner surface will be carried out. Occurrence can be prevented.

  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.

  By configuring as described above, the water tank 3 and the steam cylinder 5 can be engaged with each other with the predetermined heat insulating space 17 between them (specifically, the engaging protrusions 20 and 21 and the annular protrusion). 18, 19) and the water tank 3, the heat of the steam S passing through the steam cylinder 5 is not easily transmitted to the water tank 3, and the temperature in the water tank 3 is not easily raised. There is an effect that water in 3 is not pushed out. In addition, since the water tank 3 and the steam cylinder 5 are integrally engaged with each other, the steam cylinder 5 is always attached and detached when the water tank 3 is attached and detached, and the steam cylinder 5 is attached when the water tank 3 is attached. It also has the effect of forgetting.

  Moreover, in this humidifier, the water accommodated in the water tank 3 and supplied to the water supply part 6a of the water supply path 6 via the water supply valve 12 is introduced into the evaporation part 4 via the water supply path 6 and is evaporated. In the section 4, it is evaporated by the evaporating dish 8 heated by the electric heater 9 to become the steam S, and the steam S rises up the steam cylinder 5 and is discharged into the room through the steam discharge port 11, and is used for humidification in the room. It goes without saying that the original function of the humidifier is exhibited, but in the present embodiment, the following function is 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 FIGS. 8 and 9 show a humidifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, in a state where the water tank 3 and the steam cylinder 5 are integrally engaged, the water supply valve 12 of the water tank 3 and the lower end of the steam cylinder 5 are configured to be at the same position. In this case, if it is going to attach to the base 2 in the state in which the water tank 3 and the steam pipe | tube 5 were integrally engaged, the water supply valve 12 and the water supply part 6a of the water supply path 6 will contact, and it will become difficult to attach. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a larger R portion 37 is formed at the upper edge of the water supply portion 6a so that contact with the water supply valve 12 can be avoided. In this way, even if the water supply valve 12 and the lower end of the steam cylinder 5 are configured at the same position, the water supply valve 12 does not come into contact with the water supply portion 6a when the water tank 3 is attached, and the installation work Becomes easy.

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

Third Embodiment FIG. 10 shows a humidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, an engagement step portion 38 is formed at the lower end of the cover 23 in the cover member A so that the upper end of the peripheral wall 16 of the base 2 is engaged from the outside. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the peripheral wall 16 of the base 2 is engaged with the engagement step portion 38 formed at the lower end of the cover 23 constituting the cover member A from the outside, and the cover member A Even when condensation W occurs on the inner surface (for example, the inner surface of the cover 23), the condensation W moves downward as indicated by an arrow W, and then passes through the water storage portion 15 at the top of the base 2. It will flow into the water supply passage 6. That is, all the condensed water W condensed on the inner surface of the cover member A flows into the water storage unit 15 and the water supply passage 6, and the risk of dripping onto the table on which the humidifier is placed can be avoided. is there.

  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 a disassembled perspective view which shows the relationship between the water tank and steam cylinder in the humidifier concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the water tank (state which attached the steam pipe | tube) in the humidifier concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the dish-shaped body which comprises the cover member in the humidifier concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the water tank (state which attached the steam pipe | tube) in the humidifier concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the base in the humidifier concerning a 2nd embodiment of the invention in this application. It is a half-cut longitudinal sectional view of a humidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 is a base 3 is a water tank 4 is an evaporating part 5 is a steam cylinder 6 is a water supply passage 11 is a steam outlet 15 is a water storage part 17 is a heat insulating space 18 and 19 is an engaging part (annular protrusion)
Reference numerals 20 and 21 denote engaging portions (engaging protrusions).
34 is a hot air discharge port 36 is a gap A is a cover member H is hot air S is steam

Claims (4)

  A humidifier comprising: a water tank that contains water; an evaporation unit that heats and evaporates water supplied from the water tank via a water supply passage; and a steam cylinder that discharges steam generated in the evaporation unit into the room. The humidifier is characterized in that the water tank and the steam cylinder are integrally engaged by an engaging portion in a state in which a predetermined heat insulation space is secured between them.   2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein in a state where the water tank and the steam cylinder are engaged, a steam discharge port in the steam cylinder is configured not to protrude from a top surface of the water tank. .   3. The hot air discharge port for discharging hot air trapped in the cover member is formed in the cover member surrounding the outer peripheral side and the upper part of the water tank. 4. The humidifier described.   A gap for discharging hot air for discharging hot air trapped in the cover member between a cover member surrounding the outer peripheral side and upper part of the water tank and a base for inserting and fixing the cover member The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the humidifier is provided.

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