JP2010060154A - Humidifying device and air cleaner with humidifying function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifying device and an air cleaner with a humidifying function capable of improving humidifying efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: In the air cleaner 1, a part wetted by the water in a pan 22, of a humidifying plate 32 is exposed to the air by its rotation to humidify the air. A boss 33 is rotated with the humidifying plate 32, pumps up the water in the pan 22, and spills and supplies the pumped-up water to the humidifying plate 32. Thus the part wetted by the water of the humidifying plate 32 can be continuously humidified as the boss 33 wets the part again even when the part wetted by the water is dried by humidifying the air in an early stage in one rotation of the humidifying plate 32. Further as the humidifying plate 32 is positioned to the boss 33 so that the humidifying plate 32 is not brought into contact with the boss 33 by a positioning rib 107, the water pumped up by the boss 33 is prevented from unnecessarily spilling out through the humidifying plate 32. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier and an air cleaner with a humidifying function.

  There is known a humidifier that takes in air, humidifies the air, and discharges the air outside the apparatus (see Patent Document 1). In the humidifying device described in Patent Document 1, an air flow path that connects the suction port and the air outlet is formed in the main body having the air inlet and the air outlet, and a blower and a heater are provided in the air channel. Yes. And in the lower part of the main body, a water tank (corresponding to a water storage tank) is provided so that it can be pulled out, and a humidifying filter (corresponding to a humidifying plate) is immersed in the water of the water tank in the water tank. It is provided so as to be rotatable.

When the humidifier described in Patent Document 1 is in an operating state, air outside the apparatus is sucked from the suction port into the air flow path by the blower and then sent to the heater, and is heated by the heater to become warm air. Then, the warm air comes into contact with the rotating humidifying filter while being immersed in the water in the water tank, is humidified by the water adhering to the humidifying filter, and is discharged from the blower outlet to the outside of the apparatus.
JP 2006-200762 A

In the humidifying device described in Patent Document 1, the portion of the humidifying filter that has been immersed in the water in the aquarium first rises while the humidifying filter makes one revolution, and when it reaches the upper limit, it descends to return to the water in the aquarium. Soaked.
Thus, while the humidifying filter rotates, the warm air from the heater is constantly exposed to the humidifying filter, so the portion of the humidifying filter where the water in the water tank has adhered is fast until the humidifying filter finishes one rotation. There is a risk that the air will dry in stages and the air cannot be humidified any more.

In this case, it is difficult to improve the humidification efficiency with the humidifying filter.
The present invention has been made based on such a background, and an object thereof is to provide a humidifier and an air cleaner with a humidification function capable of improving the humidification efficiency.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an inlet for taking in air, a flow path through which air taken in from the inlet flows, an outlet for discharging air flowing through the flow path, and a water storage tank in which water is stored. And the lower part is immersed in the water of the water storage tank, and by rotating, the wetted part of the water of the water storage tank is exposed to the air of the flow path. A humidifying plate for humidifying the water, rotating together with the humidifying plate, pumping up the water in the water storage tank, spilling the pumped water and supplying the humidifying plate to the humidifying plate, so that the humidifying plate does not contact the water supplying portion And a positioning part for positioning the humidifying plate with respect to the water supply part.

The invention according to claim 2 has a holding member that holds the humidifying plates in a stacked state and rotates together with the humidifying plate, and the water supply unit and the positioning unit are provided in the holding member. The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the humidifying plate has an annular shape having an inner space surrounded by an inner peripheral edge, a notch is formed in the inner peripheral edge, and the positioning portion is fitted to the notch. The humidifying device according to claim 2, wherein the humidifying device includes a rib.

  Invention of Claim 4 has the air cleaning means for purifying the air taken in from the said inlet, and the humidification apparatus in any one of Claims 1-3, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. It is an air cleaner with a humidifying function.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in this humidifier, the air taken in from the inlet flows through the flow path and then is discharged from the outlet.
Moreover, this humidifier has a water storage tank in which water is stored, and a humidifying plate. The humidifying plate is rotatably arranged in the flow path, and the lower part is immersed in the water in the water tank. By rotating, the wetted part of the water in the water tank is exposed to the air in the flow path to humidify the air. To do.

  Here, the water supply unit rotates together with the humidifying plate, draws up the water in the water storage tank, spills the pumped water, and supplies it to the humidifying plate. Therefore, when the humidifying plate rotates once, even if the wetted portion of the humidifying plate dries at an early stage by humidifying the air, the water supply unit wets this portion again. You can continue. Thereby, the improvement of humidification efficiency can be aimed at.

And since a positioning part positions a humidification board with respect to a water supply part so that a humidification board does not contact a water supply part, it can prevent that the water pumped up by the water supply part spills unnecessarily early along a humidification board. . Thereby, the water supply unit can spill the pumped water at an appropriate timing and supply the spilled water to the humidifying plate, so that the humidification efficiency can be further improved.
According to the invention of claim 2, since the water supply part and the positioning part are provided in a common member called a holding member that holds and holds a plurality of humidifying plates in a stacked state, the positioning part is The humidifying plate can be accurately positioned with respect to the water supply unit.

According to invention of Claim 3, a humidification board is cyclic | annular which has the inner space enclosed by the inner periphery, and the notch is formed in the inner periphery. And since the positioning part includes a rib that fits into the notch of the inner peripheral edge of the humidifying plate, the humidifying plate is positioned with respect to the water supply unit so that the humidifying plate does not contact the water supply unit with such a simple configuration. it can.
According to invention of Claim 4, it can provide the air cleaner with a humidification function with a high added value by having the humidification apparatus in any one of Claims 1-3.

Below, with reference to drawings, air cleaner 1 as one embodiment of this invention is explained concretely. Since this air cleaner 1 has a humidification function as will be described later, it also functions as a humidifier.
<Overall configuration of the air purifier>
FIG. 1A is a plan view of the air cleaner 1, and FIG. 1B is a front view of the air cleaner 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main body case 2 as a housing of the air cleaner 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is vertically long and thin in the front-rear direction. The main body case 2 has an outer case formed by a front case 3 forming a substantially front half and a rear case 4 forming a substantially rear half (see FIG. 1A). The front side and the front side are synonymous, and the rear side and the back side are synonymous.
An operation panel 5 is provided on the top surface of the front case 3 (see FIG. 1A). The operation of the air cleaner 1 can be controlled by operating an operation key 6 provided on the operation panel 5, and the operating condition and state of the air cleaner 1 are displayed on a display unit 7 provided on the operation panel 5. Is displayed.

  Entrances 8 are formed at positions slightly above the front end of the front case 3 in the width direction (see FIG. 1B). The inlet 8 communicates with the inside of the front case 3. Outlets 9 are formed on each of the top, left, and right sides of the rear case 4 (see FIG. 1A). These outlets 9 communicate with the interior of the rear case 4. Each outlet 9 is provided with a lattice 10. The air cleaner 1 takes in air from the inlet 8 and cleans it, and discharges the cleaned air from the outlet 9 (see the two-dot chain line arrow in FIG. 1A).

In addition, a detachable front cover 23 is provided below the inlet 8 on the front surface of the main body case 2 (front case 3) (see FIG. 1B). The main body case 2 can be accessed by removing the front cover 23 from the front side.
FIG. 2 is a right side view of the air purifier 1 and shows a part thereof in cross section.
As shown in FIG. 2, a partition wall 13 extending in the vertical direction is provided between the front case 3 and the rear case 4, and the interior of the front case 3 and the interior of the rear case 4 are partitioned by the partition wall 13. Yes. A communication hole 14 is formed below the partition wall 13, and the interior of the front case 3 and the interior of the rear case 4 communicate with each other via the communication hole 14. Specifically, the interior of the front case 3 is partitioned into an upper first space 65 (first chamber) that communicates with the inlet 8 and a lower second space 66 that does not communicate with the inlet 8. The first space 65 and the interior of the rear case 4 (the third space 74 as the second chamber) are partitioned, and the communication hole 14 communicates the first space 65 and the third space 74 (details will be described later). ). Note that the first space 65 is located on the front side and the third space 74 is located on the back side with the relative positions of the front case 3 and the rear case 4.

Inside the main body case 2, a flow path 15 (see a thick solid arrow in FIG. 2) that connects the inlet 8 and the outlet 9 is formed. The communication hole 14 described above is located in the middle of the flow path 15.
A filter 11 as an air cleaning means is provided at a position facing the inlet 8 from the rear side (right side in FIG. 2) in the first space 65 inside the front case 3, specifically, in the middle of the flow path 15. On the rear side of the filter 11 in the space 65, a fan 12 is provided as a blowing means.

The filter 11 has a rectangular shape that is long in the vertical direction and thin in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2), and is formed by stacking a plurality of types of filter films. Only relatively large dust contained in the air is formed. In addition, the filter can capture even very fine dust, such as pollen and tobacco smoke particles.
The fan 12 is a sirocco fan, for example, and generates a suction force by being rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), sucks air on the front side from the inside and discharges it to the outside (here, the outside downward).

  In such an air purifier 1, when the fan 12 is driven, the air outside the air purifier 1 is sucked into the front case 3 (first space 65) from the inlet 8 by the suction force generated by the fan 12. Into the air flow. The air (air flow) flows through the flow path 15 as shown by a thick solid arrow in FIG. 2 and passes through the filter 11 in the middle of the air, so that dust and odor components are removed and cleaned. Cleaned air (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as “air”) is discharged downward by the fan 12 and sent from the communication hole 14 of the partition wall 13 into the rear case 4 (third space 74). The gas is discharged from each outlet 9 to the outside of the air cleaner 1. The air purified in this way reaches every corner of the outside (indoor) of the air purifier 1 and purifies the entire room evenly.

The air purifier 1 includes a humidifying unit 20 in the third space 74 of the rear case 4 in order to humidify the air flowing through the flow path 15. That is, this air cleaner 1 is an air cleaner with a humidifying function.
<Overall configuration of humidification unit>
The humidification unit 20 humidifies the air that has passed through the filter 11 and has been purified. As a result, air containing moisture is discharged from the outlet 9 into the room, and the humidity in the room is compensated.

In relation to the humidification unit 20, a water supply tank 21, a recovery tank 26, and a tray 22 as a water storage tank are provided in the main body case 2.
The water supply tank 21 is a hollow body elongated in the width direction in which water can be stored, and is disposed below the filter 11 and the fan 12 in the front case 3.
Here, the interior of the front case 3 is divided by the partition wall 25 into the upper first space 65 in which the filter 11 and the fan 12 are disposed as described above, and the lower second space 66 in which the water supply tank 21 is disposed. It is divided into and. The partition wall 25 is connected to the front wall of the front case 3 and extends diagonally forward and upward (inclined leftward in FIG. 2) continuously to a portion of the partition wall 13 that borders the lower end of the communication hole 14. The space between 65 and the second space 66 is blocked. In addition, the partition wall 25 partitions a part of the flow path 15.

  The amount of water that can be stored in the water supply tank 21 is, for example, 2.8L. A drain hole (not shown) that is opened and closed by a valve body (not shown) is formed at the bottom of the water supply tank 21. The water supply tank 21 is fixed to the front cover 23 with screws or the like. Therefore, the water supply tank 21 is removed from the front case 3 together with the front cover 23 by removing the front cover 23 from the front case 3 from the front side. Conversely, by attaching the front cover 23 to the front case 3 from the front side, the water supply tank 21 is attached to the front case 3 integrally with the front cover 23. That is, the water supply tank 21 and the front cover 23 are integrally attached to and detached from the front case 3 (main body case 2) from the front side.

  The collection tank 26 has a hollow box shape that is flat in the vertical direction. The recovery tank 26 is disposed below the right side portion (the front side portion in FIG. 2) of the water supply tank 21 in the second space 66. Therefore, at the time of maintenance, it is possible to remove the collection tank 26 after removing the water supply tank 21 first. An inlet 28 that is opened and closed by a valve body 27 is formed at the bottom of the recovery tank 26.

  The tray 22 is accommodated in the bottom of the main body case 2 and has a size (depth) that can accommodate the lower portion of the humidifying unit 20, the lower portion of the water supply tank 21, and the lower portion of the recovery tank 26. Specifically, a partition plate 67 is erected on the bottom of the tray 22, and the partition plate 67 bisects the inside of the tray 22 in the front-rear direction. Inside the tray 22, the lower part of the water supply tank 21 and the lower part of the recovery tank 26 are arranged in a region (front region 22 </ b> A as a second region) on the front side (left side in FIG. 2) from the partition plate 67. The lower part of the humidification unit 20 is arrange | positioned in the area | region (back side area | region 22B as a 1st area | region) of the rear side (right side in FIG. 2). That is, in the tray 22, the front area 22 </ b> A that accommodates the lower part of the water supply tank 21 and the lower part of the recovery tank 26 is disposed in the second space 66 of the front case 3, and the rear area 22 </ b> B is the third space 74 of the rear case 4. Is arranged.

  Here, in the partition wall 13, a through hole 80 (hole) is formed below the communication hole 14 so as to be just plugged by the partition plate 67. The through hole 80 allows the second space 66 of the front case 3 and the third space 74 of the rear case 4 to communicate with each other. In the state where the tray 22 is accommodated in the main body case 2 as described above, in the tray 22, the front region 22A is inserted into the through hole 80 from the back side and disposed in the second space 66, and the rear region 22B. Is disposed in the third space 74 of the rear case 4. In this state, the through hole 80 coincides with the partition plate 67 in the front-rear direction, and is closed by the partition plate 67 from the back side without a gap.

Two through holes, an inflow hole 68 and an outflow hole 69, are formed in the lower end portion of the partition plate 67, and the front region 22A and the rear region 22B communicate with each other through the inflow hole 68 and the outflow hole 69. ing. The inflow hole 68 and the outflow hole 69 appear to overlap in FIG. 2, but are actually separated from each other in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2).
When the water supply tank 21 is accommodated in the front region 22A of the tray 22, the valve body (not shown) at the bottom of the water supply tank 21 is pushed up by a protrusion (not shown) protruding upward from the bottom of the tray 22. Then, a water drain hole (not shown) of the water supply tank 21 is opened. Thereby, the water in the water supply tank 21 is discharged, flows into the rear region 22B of the tray 22 from the inflow hole 68, and accumulates in the rear region 22B.

  When the collection tank 26 is accommodated in the front region 22A of the tray 22, the valve body 27 at the bottom of the collection tank 26 is pushed up by a projection 29 that protrudes upward from the bottom of the tray 22, and the inlet 28 of the collection tank 26. open. Here, out of the water accumulated in the rear region 22B, the water that has become old due to accumulation in the rear region 22B for a long time is overflowed from the outflow hole 69 and then collected from the inlet 28 into the collection tank 26. The

  When water accumulates to the specified water level in the rear region 22B, the water flows back and forth between the front region 22A and the rear region 22B via the inflow hole 68 and the outflow hole 69 in the middle, thereby causing the front region 22A. As a result, the water level of the rear region 22B is connected at the same water level (see the illustrated water surface S). At this time, the inflow hole 68 and the outflow hole 69 are located below the water surface S and are completely immersed in water. Further, as described above, the through hole 80 of the partition wall 13 is closed by the partition plate 67 of the tray 22. Therefore, air does not go back and forth between the front region 22A and the rear region 22B via the inflow hole 68 and the outflow hole 69. Therefore, the air in the first space 65 of the front case 3 and the inside of the rear case 4 (third space 74) does not leak into the second space 66.

The humidifying unit 20 is disposed in the middle of an air flow path 15 (see a thick solid arrow) that passes through the filter 11 and the fan 12 toward the outlets 9. Therefore, the air flow (air flow) purified by the filter 11 always passes through the humidification unit 20.
The humidification unit 20 has a substantially disk shape having a central axis extending in the front-rear direction. The humidifying unit 20 includes a plurality of humidifying plates 32 stacked in the front-rear direction, a front plate 30 (holding member) for holding (holding) the humidifying plates 32 in the stacked state from the front and rear, and the rear. Plate 31. The humidifying plate 32, the front plate 30 and the rear plate 31 have a disk shape having substantially the same outer diameter, and the respective central axes extend along the front-rear direction. The humidifying plate 32 and the front plate 30 are annular.

The humidification unit 20 is rotatably held by a shaft 51 that extends forward from a part of the rear wall of the rear case 4 (referred to as a rear cover 120) and passes through the circle centers of the humidification plate 32, the front plate 30, and the rear plate 31. Yes. In this state, the lower portion of the humidifying plate 32 is immersed in water (see the water surface S) accumulated in the rear region 22B of the tray 22 up to a predetermined water level.
As described above, when the air cleaned by the filter 11 continues to flow through the flow path 15 and passes through the humidification unit 20, the humidification unit 20 rotates. As the humidifying unit 20 rotates, a plurality of humidifying plates 32 are also rotated together with the front plate 30 and the rear plate 31. At this time, the humidifying plate 32 is immersed in the water in the rear region 22B. Move between this and the state that rose from the water. And the humidification board 32 is exposed to the flow of the cleaned air (refer the thick solid line arrow of FIG. 2), when it is in the state where it rose from water. Specifically, the portion of the humidifying plate 32 that is wetted by the water in the rear region 22B is exposed to the purified air flow in the flow path 15 until the humidifying unit 20 completes one rotation. As a result, the moisture adhering to the humidifying plate 32 humidifies the purified air and is released together with the air from the outlet 9 in a predetermined direction, thereby contributing to indoor humidification.

In this state, as described above, since the air in the first space 65 of the front case 3 and the third space 74 of the rear case 4 does not leak into the second space 66, the air flowing through the flow path 15 leaks into the second space 66. There is nothing.
<Humidification unit maintenance>
The humidifying unit 20 can be attached to and detached from the main body case 2 from the rear side integrally with a shaft 51 and a rear cover 120 that rotatably hold the humidifying unit 20 for maintenance such as cleaning and replacement of the humidifying plate 32. . Accordingly, the rear cover 120 is separated from the rear wall of the rear case 4. Further, since the rear wall of the tray 22 is attached to the rear cover 120, the tray 22 is also attached and detached together with the humidifying unit 20. Here, the humidifying unit 20, the shaft 51, the rear cover 120, and the tray 22 are collectively referred to as a drawing unit 81.

  An opening 82 is formed in the rear wall (rear surface) of the rear case 4 so as to be just closed by the rear cover 120. The opening 82 communicates with the inside of the rear case 4 (third space 74). When the drawer unit 81 is attached to and detached from the main body case 2, a part other than the rear cover 120 in the drawer unit 81 passes through the opening 82. When the drawer unit 81 is attached to the main body case 2, as described above, the front region 22A of the tray 22 is disposed in the second space 66 of the front case 3, and the rear region 22B and the humidifying unit 20 of the tray 22 are placed. Is disposed in the third space 74 of the rear case 4. At this time, the opening 82 is closed from the rear side by the rear cover 120 without any gap, and the through hole 80 of the partition wall 13 is closed from the rear side by the partition plate 67 of the receiving tray 22 without gap.

  Since the opening 82 is closed without any gap by the rear cover 120, the inside (third space 74) of the rear case 4 is blocked from the outside on the back side. Since the through hole 80 of the partition wall 13 is closed without a gap by the partition plate 67, the air in the first space 65 of the front case 3 and the third space 74 of the rear case 4 does not leak into the second space 66 as described above. .

FIG. 3 is a diagram in which a comparative example is applied to FIG.
When the drawer unit 81 is attached to the main body case 2, the upper part 120 </ b> A of the rear cover 120 is pushed from the back side by the user's hand H as shown in FIG. 3. Although not shown, after the upper portion 120A of the rear cover 120 is pushed from the back side in this way, the upper portion 120A of the rear cover 120 is fixed to the main body case 2 by a fixing pin (not shown) or the like.

In this state, in the rear cover 120, the upper part 120 </ b> A pushed from the rear side is in contact with a portion (upper edge part 82 </ b> A) that borders the upper part of the opening 82 on the rear wall of the rear case 4 without a gap from the rear side.
However, in this state, in the rear cover 120, the lower portion 120B that is not pushed from the rear side is separated from the rear side of the rear wall of the rear case 4 with respect to the portion that borders the lower portion of the opening 82 (lower edge portion 82B). In some cases, a gap α is formed between the lower portion 120B of the rear cover 120 and the lower edge portion 82B. In this case, the opening 82 is not closed without a gap by the rear cover 120.

  Further, in the drawer unit 81, the partition plate 67 located in the vertical direction near the lower portion 120B not pushed from the back side is on the back side with respect to the portion (edge portion 80A) that borders the through hole 80 in the partition wall 13. There is a case where a gap β is formed between the partition plate 67 and the edge portion 80A. In this case, the through hole 80 is not closed without a gap by the partition plate 67.

When the air purifier 1 is operated in such a state that the through hole 80 and the opening 82 are not blocked without any gaps, a part of the air flowing through the flow path 15 does not go to the outlet 9 and passes through the gap α. Or leak into the second space 66 of the front case 3 from the gap β (see thick dotted arrows in FIG. 3).
When air leaks from the gaps α and β, the amount of air flowing through the flow path 15 decreases, and accordingly, the amount of air discharged from the outlet 9 decreases. In this case, in the air cleaner 1, the malfunction which the efficiency of air purification and humidification falls arises.

  Further, when air leaks from the gaps α and β, a part of the water stored in the rear region 22B of the tray 22 and a part of the water adhering to the humidifying plate 32 ride on the air, and the gap α, There is a risk of leakage from β (in FIG. 3, moisture W leaking from the gap β is shown). The water leaking from the gap α reaches the outside of the machine, causing a problem that the mounting surface on which the air purifier 1 is mounted is submerged. Although the water leaked from the gap β is present in the machine, it is applied to the top surface portion of the recovery tank 26 and the like, and there is a problem that the user's hand accessing the top surface portion of the recovery tank 26 is wetted to replace the recovery tank 26. Arise.

In order to solve these problems, the air cleaner 1 is provided with guide ribs 101 as drawing means and ribs (see FIG. 2).
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an essential part of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the guide rib 101 is integrally provided at the lower end of the front cover 23 or at the lower end (bottom surface) of the water supply tank 21 fixed to the front cover 23 as described above, and protrudes downward. ing. The front surface (the left surface in FIG. 4) of the guide rib 101 has a vertical surface 101A extending vertically downward continuously from the front cover 23 and the water supply tank 21 side, and a slanting rear lower side continuously from the lower end of the vertical surface 101A (FIG. 4). And an inclined surface 101B extending obliquely to the lower right side of FIG.

  First, with the front cover 23 and the water supply tank 21 removed from the front case 3, the drawer unit 81 is attached to the main body case 2 (see FIG. 3). As a result, when the gaps α and β are formed as described above and the through hole 80 and the opening 82 are not closed without any gap (see FIG. 3), as shown in FIG. 23 and the water supply tank 21 are pushed into the front case 3 from the front side to the back side. FIG. 4A shows a state in which the guide rib 101 is about to pass above the front wall 22C of the tray 22 to the rear side as the front cover 23 and the water supply tank 21 are pushed back. At this time, the water supply tank 21 is slightly lifted with respect to the recovery tank 26.

  When the front cover 23 and the water supply tank 21 are continuously pushed back, as shown in FIG. 4B, the front cover 23 and the water supply tank 21 move down to the back side and are lowered by their own weight. At this time, the guide rib 101 tries to get over the upper end of the front wall 22C of the tray 22 to the rear side, and the inclined surface 101B of the guide rib 101 contacts the upper end of the front wall 22C of the tray 22. Here, with the movement of the front cover 23 and the water supply tank 21, the guide rib 101 moves obliquely rearward and downward, and the inclined surface 101B of the guide rib 101 presses the upper end of the front wall 22C of the tray 22 rearward. . That is, when the front cover 23 and the water supply tank 21 are attached to the front case 3, the inclined surface 101 </ b> B of the guide rib 101 is engaged (contacted) with the front wall 22 </ b> C of the tray 22, and the tray 22 and the tray 22. The entire drawing unit 81 including the above is drawn to the front side.

  As the drawer unit 81 is drawn to the front side by the guide rib 101, the rear cover 120 of the drawer unit 81 is also drawn to the front side, and the lower part 120B of the rear cover 120 borders the lower part of the opening 82 on the rear wall of the rear case 4. It approaches from a back side with respect to a part (lower side edge part 82B) (refer FIG. 2). Further, as the drawer unit 81 is drawn to the front side by the guide rib 101, the partition plate 67 of the tray 22 in the drawer unit 81 is also drawn to the front side, and the partition plate 67 borders the through hole 80 in the partition wall 13. The part (edge 80A) approaches from the back side (see FIG. 2). That is, the gap α (see FIG. 3) between the lower portion 120B and the lower edge portion 82B of the rear cover 120 and the gap β (see FIG. 3) between the partition plate 67 and the edge portion 80A become smaller.

  When the front cover 23 and the water supply tank 21 are further pushed to the back side, the front cover 23 and the water supply tank 21 descend while continuing to move to the back side. Accordingly, the inclined surface 101B of the guide rib 101 presses the upper end of the front wall 22C of the tray 22 to the rear side, and the entire drawer unit 81 is continuously pulled to the front side, and the gaps α and β (see FIG. 3) are further reduced. Become.

  When the pushing of the front cover 23 and the water supply tank 21 is completed, the bottom surface of the water supply tank 21 comes into contact with the top surface of the recovery tank 26 from above as shown in FIG. The top end of the front wall 22C is completely climbed to the rear side. In this state, the gaps α and β (see FIG. 3) are completely eliminated, the through hole 80 of the partition wall 13 is closed without a gap by the partition plate 67, and the opening 82 in the rear wall of the rear case 4 is opened by the rear cover 120. It is completely blocked (see Fig. 2). Further, in this state, in the guide rib 101, as described above, the entire drawing unit 81 is drawn to the front side by the inclined surface 101B, so that the gaps α and β are completely eliminated. The surface 101A comes into contact with the front wall 22C of the tray 22 from the back side, and thereby the horizontal position is determined in a state where the tray 22 (that is, the drawer unit 81) is pulled to the front side. Therefore, the drawer unit 81 does not shift to the back side and the gaps α and β are completely eliminated (the through hole 80 of the partition wall 13 and the opening 82 of the rear wall of the rear case 4 are closed without a gap). Maintained (see FIG. 2).

  That is, even if the drawer unit 81 is not completely attached to the main body case 2 and the gaps α and β are present, the guide rib 101 is attached to the rear cover by attaching the front cover 23 and the water supply tank 21 to the main body case 2. 120 and the partition plate 67 (see FIG. 2) are pulled in to the front side. Thereby, in the state where the drawer unit 81 is mounted on the main body case 2, as shown in FIG. 2, the rear cover 120 can block the opening 82 from the back side without any gap, and the partition plate 67 penetrates the partition wall 13. The hole 80 can be closed from the back side without any gap, and the above-described gaps α and β (see FIG. 3) can be automatically eliminated. Note that when the gaps α and β are automatically eliminated, the flow path 15 is automatically completed, so that all the air flowing through the flow path 15 is discharged from the outlet 9. Moreover, since the leakage of water can be prevented when the gaps α and β are eliminated, the flow of water in the tray 22 can be secured.

As a result, in the air cleaner 1 in which the drawer unit 81 can be attached to and detached from the main body case 2, the water in the main body case 2 and the main body case 2 flow while the drawer unit 81 is attached to the main body case 2. Air can be prevented from leaking from the opening 82 on the back surface of the main body case 2 and the through hole 80 of the partition wall 13.
Further, by providing the guide rib 101 having such a simple configuration, the operation of simply mounting the front cover 23 and the water supply tank 21 to the main body case 2 from the front side is possible, and in other words, the tray 22, in other words, the rear cover 120 and the partition plate. 67 can be drawn to the front side, and the opening 82 and the through hole 80 of the partition wall 13 can be closed without any gap from the back side.

  Specifically, as described above, when the water supply tank 21 is attached to the main body case 2 from the front side, the inclined surface 101B of the guide rib 101 first pulls the tray 22 (that is, the rear cover 120 and the partition plate 67) into the front side. In addition, the opening 82 and the through hole 80 of the partition wall 13 can be closed without a gap from the back side. Thereafter, the vertical surface 101A is positioned in the horizontal direction with the tray 22 pulled in to the front side, so that the opening 82 and the through hole 80 of the partition wall 13 can be maintained closed without any gap from the back side. .

That is, the guide rib 101 having the vertical surface 101A and the inclined surface 101B can close the opening 82 and the through hole 80 of the partition wall 13 from the back side without any gap, and can maintain the state where the gap is closed without any gap. it can.
FIG. 5 is a plan sectional view of the air cleaner 1 in a state in which the drawer unit 81 is pulled out from the main body case 2. FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view of the air cleaner 1 in a state where the drawer unit 81 is mounted on the main body case 2.

Instead of using the guide rib 101 to draw the drawer unit 81 to the front side as described above, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, a neodymium magnet 103 having a strong magnetic force may be used as the drawing means. . In FIG. 5, the magnet 103 is shown in black (the same applies to FIG. 6).
The magnets 103 are attached to the left and right ends of the front surface of the rear cover 120 (the upper surface in FIG. 5 and the surface that covers the opening 82 of the rear wall of the rear case 4) in the drawer unit 81. The magnet 103 attached to the rear cover 120 is distinguished from the magnet 103A.

The magnet 103 is also attached to the rear wall of the rear case 4 at a position facing the magnet 103A of the rear cover 120 from the front. The magnet 103 attached to the rear case 4 is distinguished from the magnet 103B. That is, the magnet 103 is provided in each of the rear case 4 (main body case 2) and the rear cover 120.
The magnet 103A of the rear cover 120 and the magnet 103B of the rear case 4 are attracted to each other. Therefore, when the drawer unit 81 is attached to the main body case 2 (rear case 4) from the back side, the drawer unit 81 including the rear cover 120 is drawn to the front side. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the opening 82 in the rear wall of the rear case 4 is closed without a gap from the rear side by the rear cover 120. At this time, although not shown in FIG. 6, the through hole 80 of the partition wall 13 is closed from the back side by the partition plate 67 without any gap (see FIG. 2).

That is, by simply attaching the drawer unit 81 to the main body case 2 from the back side, the magnet 103B on the main body case 2 side and the magnet 103A on the rear cover 120 side attract each other, whereby the rear cover 120 and the partition plate 67 are moved to the front side. Thus, the opening 82 and the through hole 80 of the partition wall 13 can be closed without a gap from the back side.
As described above, when the magnet 103 is used, unlike the case where the guide rib 101 (see FIG. 2) is used, the front cover 23 and the water supply tank 21 are mounted on the main body case 2 in addition to mounting the drawer unit 81 on the main body case 2. Save time and effort. However, if the magnet 103 and the guide rib 101 are used in combination, the drawer unit 81 can be reliably pulled to the front side (the gaps α and β described above are eliminated). Further, if the magnets 103 on the rear case 4 (main body case 2) side and the rear cover 120 side are arranged at positions close to the gaps α and β in the vertical direction (see FIG. 3), the gaps α and β are surely eliminated. be able to.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 6, in the rear case 4 (third space 74), the rear case 4 is erected between a portion bordering the opening 82 on the back surface (rear wall) of the rear case 4 and the rear surface of the partition wall 13. An inner wall 105 (first wall) is provided. In other words, the inner wall 105 extends from the partition wall 13 to the edge of the opening 82 toward the back side. In FIG. 6, inner walls 105 are provided on both the left and right sides inside the rear case 4. In the state where the drawer unit 81 is attached to the main body case 2, the humidifying unit 20 is disposed between the left and right inner walls 105 in the rear case 4.

  Here, in the drawer unit 81, a blocking wall 106 (second wall) is integrally provided on the rear cover 120 that closes the opening 82 from the back side. The blocking wall 106 continuously extends from the front surface of the rear cover 120 to the front side (front side), and is spaced from the rear surface of the partition wall 13 by a slight gap γ when the drawer unit 81 is mounted on the main body case 2. Opposite. Further, the blocking walls 106 are provided on both the left and right sides of the rear cover 120, respectively. Each blocking wall 106 is located between the corresponding inner wall 105 and the humidifying unit 20 in the rear view inside the opening 82 in the rear wall of the rear case 4 in a state where the drawer unit 81 is attached to the main body case 2. Be placed. Specifically, the blocking wall 106 has a communication hole 14 (see FIG. 2) that faces the inner wall 105, the humidifying plate 32, and the inner space 57 of the humidifying plate 32 in a rear view when the drawer unit 81 is attached to the main body case 2. ) And extend to the front side to the partition wall 13.

  When the blocking wall 106 is not provided, the air flowing in the rear case 4 and the water in the humidifying unit 20 when the air purifier 1 is operated in a state where the drawer unit 81 is attached to the main body case 2 are thick as illustrated. As indicated by a broken line arrow, the rear wall of the rear case 4 may reach a portion that borders the opening 82 (the edge of the opening 82) in a relatively short time, and may leak to the outside.

  However, when there is the blocking wall 106, the air and water in the rear case 4 reach the edge of the opening 82 once along the blocking wall 106 as shown by the thick solid arrow shown in the figure. Head toward the gap γ on the front side, and then face the partition wall 13 and change the direction toward the back side, and flow between the blocking wall 106 and the inner wall 105 to the back side via the gap γ.

  That is, when the blocking wall 106 is present, the time (or path) required for the air and water in the rear case 4 to reach the edge of the opening 82 is longer than when the blocking wall 106 is not present. Furthermore, since the air flow and water that traveled toward the partition wall 13 along the blocking wall 106 collide with the partition wall 13 through the gap γ, the momentum in which the air and water flow decreases and it is difficult to reach the edge of the opening 82.

Therefore, by providing the blocking wall 106 in the air cleaner 1 in which the drawer unit 81 can be attached to and detached from the main body case 2, the main body case 2 (in detail, the third case is described in detail) with the drawer unit 81 mounted on the main body case 2. It is possible to prevent the water in the space 74) and the air flowing in the main body case 2 from leaking from the opening 82 to the outside. In order to further prevent leakage of water and air, it is desirable to make the gap γ as small as possible.
<Assembly of humidification unit>
Fig.7 (a) is a right view of the humidification unit 20 periphery, Comprising: A part is shown with a cross section, FIG.7 (b) is AA arrow sectional drawing of Fig.7 (a). . FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the humidifying unit 20.

Next, the assembly of the humidifying unit 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 7A, an annular first rib 37 concentric with the front plate 30 is integrally provided on the front surface of the front plate 30 (the left surface in FIG. 7A). The first rib 37 protrudes forward from the front plate 30, and the peripheral edge of the rear end of the first rib 37 is connected to the inner peripheral edge of the front plate 30 over the entire periphery. Gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first rib 37.

  A plurality of (here, eight) bosses 33 (water supply portions) are integrally provided on the rear surface of the front plate 30 (see also FIG. 7B). These bosses 33 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the front plate 30 along the outer peripheral edge of the front plate 30. The boss 33 is a hollow body and protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the front plate 30. As shown in FIG. 7B, the boss 33 bulges in an arc shape toward the inside in the radial direction of the front plate 30 when viewed from the back. A portion of the boss 33 that bulges in an arc shape in this manner is a storage portion 34. An insertion hole 35 is formed on the rear end surface of the boss 33 (see FIG. 7A), and a notch 36 is formed on the downstream side surface of the boss 33 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the back. Has been. The rear end of the notch 36 and the insertion hole 35 are continuous (see FIG. 8). The inside of the boss 33 is exposed by the insertion hole 35 and the notch 36. Such a boss 33 has a substantially C shape with a downstream side cut away in the clockwise direction when viewed from the back. In addition, on the rear surface of the front plate 30, insertion holes 43 are formed at positions where the bosses 33 are connected (see FIG. 2). The insertion hole 43 faces the inside of the corresponding boss 33 and is exposed from the insertion hole 35 and the notch 36 (see FIG. 8).

  As shown in FIG. 7A, an annular second rib 38 concentric with the front plate 30 is integrally provided on the rear surface of the front plate 30. Specifically, the second rib 38 protrudes rearward from the front plate 30, and the peripheral edge of the front end of the second rib 38 is connected to the inner peripheral edge of the front plate 30 over the entire periphery. . A plurality of passage holes 56 are formed along the circumferential direction of the second rib 38 (see also FIG. 8), and these passage holes 56 have an inner side and an outer side in the radial direction of the second rib 38. Communicate. On the inner peripheral edge of the rear end of the second rib 38, first gear teeth 55 are formed that are arranged over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction (also the rotation direction of the humidifying unit 20) (see FIG. (See also 8).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the circumferential surface of the second rib 38 (specifically, the portion between the adjacent passage holes 56) projects outward in the radial direction of the second rib 38, and the front-rear direction (the second rib 38 has Rail-like positioning ribs 107 (positioning portions, ribs) extending along the axial direction are integrally provided. A plurality of (here, two) positioning ribs 107 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the second rib 38. The positioning rib 107 is thinner toward the outer side in the radial direction of the second rib 38.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, a through hole 39 that is partitioned into a cylindrical shape extending forward is formed at the center of the circle of the rear plate 31. As shown in FIG. 8, a number (eight) of insertion holes 40 corresponding to the bosses 33 of the front plate 30 are formed in the outer peripheral edge of the rear plate 31. These insertion holes 40 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rear plate 31 along the outer peripheral edge of the rear plate 31, and penetrate the rear plate 31.

On the front surface of the rear plate 31, a protrusion 44 that protrudes forward is formed at a position adjacent to each insertion hole 40 on the inner side in the radial direction of the rear plate 31. The protrusion 44 bulges in an arc shape inward in the radial direction of the rear plate 31 so as to follow the peripheral edge of the insertion hole 40 when viewed from the front.
On the rear surface of the rear plate 31, a rib 41 protruding rearward is formed around each insertion hole 40 so as to surround the insertion hole 40, and a corresponding insertion hole 40 is formed inside the rib 41. A continuous recess 42 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the humidifying plate 32 is an annular plate as described above, and thus has an inner space 57 surrounded by the inner peripheral edge thereof. The inner diameter (inner peripheral diameter) of the humidifying plate 32 is larger than the outer diameter of the annular second rib 38 of the front plate 30 (see FIG. 7A).
A number (eight) notches 45 corresponding to the bosses 33 of the front plate 30 are formed on the outer peripheral edge of the humidifying plate 32 (see also FIG. 8). These notches 45 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the humidifying plate 32. Each notch 45 is formed in an arc shape that bulges inward in the radial direction of the humidifying plate 32.

A plurality of cuts 46 are formed on the inner peripheral edge of the humidifying plate 32 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the humidifying plate 32. Each notch 46 is formed in a substantially triangular shape that narrows toward the outside in the radial direction of the humidifying plate 32.
A first ridge 47 and a second ridge 48 project outward in the front-rear direction (in the thickness direction of the paper surface in FIG. 7B) in the vicinity of each notch 45 on each of the front and rear surfaces of the humidifying plate 32. Is provided. The first protrusions 47 extend linearly from the vicinity of the innermost portion (the deepest portion of the notch 45) in the radial direction of the humidifying plate 32 in the corresponding notch 45 to the inner peripheral edge of the humidifying plate 32. When viewed from the back (that is, the rear second ridge 48), the second ridge 48 is positioned adjacent to the corresponding first ridge 47 on the downstream side in the clockwise direction, and the humidifying plate 32. It extends in a straight line so as to connect the outer periphery and the inner periphery. The first protrusion 47 and the second protrusion 48 in each notch 45 extend so as to approach each other toward the inner side in the radial direction of the humidifying plate 32.

On each of the front surface and the rear surface of the humidifying plate 32, a convex portion 49 that protrudes outward in the front-rear direction is formed between the notches 45 adjacent in the circumferential direction of the humidifying plate 32. The convex portion 49 has a circular shape when viewed from the front-rear direction.
In order to assemble the humidifying unit 20, first, referring to FIG. 7A, the front plate 30, the humidifying plate 32, and the rear plate 31 are arranged concentrically in this order from the front side. Here, the humidifying plates 32 are arranged in a state where a plurality (for example, 17) of the humidifying plates 32 are overlapped in the front-rear direction. Between the adjacent humidifying plates 32, a first protrusion 47, a second protrusion 48, and a convex portion 49 (see FIG. 7B) provided on each humidifying plate 32 are interposed. Among the adjacent humidifying plates 32, the first and second protrusions 47, 48 and the convex portion 49 of one humidifying plate 32 abut on the front surface or the rear surface of the other humidifying plate 32, thereby adjacent humidifying plates. The interval 32 is maintained at a predetermined interval (for example, 1.4 mm), and a gap X corresponding to the predetermined interval is formed between the adjacent humidifying plates 32.

  The plurality of humidifying plates 32 are assembled to the front plate 30 from the rear side. At this time, each humidifying plate 32 is externally fitted to the second rib 38 of the front plate 30, and the corresponding boss 33 in the front plate 30 is fitted into the notch 45 of each humidifying plate 32 (FIG. 7B). reference). Thereby, the humidification board 32 is hold | maintained by the front plate 30 in the state where several sheets overlapped. In this state, the notches 36 (see FIG. 7B) of the bosses 33 communicate with the gaps X in the adjacent humidifying plates 32.

  At this time, the two positioning ribs 107 (see FIG. 8) of the second rib 38 are fitted from the radially inner side to the nearest notch 46 in each humidifying plate 32 (FIG. 7B). reference). Accordingly, all the humidifying plates 32 are positioned in the circumferential direction and the radial direction with respect to the front plate 30 (specifically, the boss 33). In detail, in each humidification board 32, the part which borders the notch 45 is not contacting the boss | hub 33 in all the notches 45 (refer FIG.7 (b)). In other words, each humidifying plate 32 is positioned so as not to be in contact with all the bosses 33. Here, since the boss 33 and the positioning rib 107 are provided on a common member called the front plate 30, the positioning rib 107 can accurately position the humidifying plate 32 with respect to the boss 33 (see FIG. 8).

  Next, the rear plate 31 is assembled from the rear side with respect to the front plate 30 in a state where the humidifying plate 32 is assembled. At this time, the projection 44 of the rear plate 31 is inserted into the boss 33 through the insertion hole 35 of the corresponding boss 33 in the front plate 30, and in the storage portion 34 of the boss 33 in the radial direction of the front plate 30. It arrange | positions at the rear side of the storage part 34 so that the outer side surface (inner side surface in the storage part 34 of the boss | hub 33) may be followed. As a result, the front side portion of the inner side surface of the storage portion 34 of the boss 33 is recessed inward in the radial direction of the front plate 30 with respect to the rear side portion where the projections 44 are disposed, and serves as a flow-down area 54. Further, in this state, each insertion hole 40 of the rear plate 31 faces the corresponding insertion hole 43 in the front plate 30 from the rear side (see FIG. 2).

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2, the screw-shaped pin 50 is inserted into each insertion hole 40 from the rear surface side of the rear plate 31 and passed through the inside of the boss 33, and then the tip 50 </ b> A (front end) of the pin 50 is inserted. Insert into the corresponding insertion hole 43. When the pin 50 is twisted after insertion, the tip 50A of the pin 50 is caught by the front plate 30. Therefore, the front plate 30 and the rear plate 30 are arranged with a plurality of humidifying plates 32 sandwiched between the front plate 30 and the rear plate 31. The plate 31 is integrated. At this time, the head 50 </ b> B of the pin 50 is accommodated in the corresponding recess 42 (see FIG. 8) in the rear plate 31 and does not protrude from the rear plate 31.

  Finally, the shaft 51 described above is inserted into the through hole 39 of the rear plate 31 from the rear side. The front end portion of the shaft 51 inserted through the through hole 39 is exposed to the front side from the through hole 39. Then, a cylindrical collar 53 is fitted from the front to the exposed front end portion of the shaft 51 and integrated with the shaft 51, so that the shaft 51 does not come out of the through hole 39. Attached to.

Thus, the assembly of the humidifying unit 20 is completed.
Here, as shown in FIG. 7A, the motor 60 is attached to the partition wall 13, and the gear 61 attached to the output shaft of the motor 60 is connected to the first rib 37 of the front plate 30 of the humidifying unit 20. It meshes with the gear teeth on the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, when the motor 60 is driven, the gear 61 rotates in a predetermined direction, and accordingly, the entire humidification unit 20 is rotated in a predetermined direction, specifically, a clockwise direction when viewed from the back (FIG. 7 ( Rotate to b) (see dotted arrow).

When the humidification unit 20 rotates in this way, the eight bosses 33 also rotate together with the humidification unit 20 (including the humidification plate 32). Below, with reference to FIG.7 (b), the mode of the one boss | hub 33 until the humidification unit 20 carries out 1 rotation is demonstrated.
First, when the boss 33 is immersed in the water of the tray 22 (specifically, the rear region 22B described above), the boss 33 is fully filled with water through the notch 36 (see the boss 33A). . At this time, the portion around the boss 33 </ b> A in the humidifying plate 32 is also immersed in the water of the tray 22 and gets wet. This time is assumed to be when the humidifying unit 20 starts to rotate.

  Then, as the humidifying unit 20 rotates, the boss 33 immersed in the receiving tray 22 rises away from the water surface S of the receiving tray 22, and thereby the water in the receiving tray 22 is pumped up by the boss 33 (the boss 33 </ b> B, the boss 33 </ b> C and the boss 33 </ b> C). (See Boss 33D). At this time, the first ridge 47 and the second ridge 48 around the boss 33 also draw up water. The humidifying unit 32 is in a state where the wetted part 32 (including the first protrusion 47 and the second protrusion 48) is immersed in the water of the tray 22 until the humidifying unit 20 makes a half turn. 20 moves upward and is exposed to air flowing through the flow path 15 (see thick solid arrows in FIG. 2). As a result, the moisture adhering to the humidifying plate 32 becomes fine particles, rides on the cleaned air (in other words, humidifies the air), and is discharged to the outside from each outlet 9. As a result, the room is humidified as described above.

Along with this, until the humidifying unit 20 makes a half rotation, the moisture from the humidifying plate 32 is almost lost. However, when the humidifying unit 20 makes a half rotation, the uppermost boss 33 is stored. The water W pumped from the tray 22 remains inside the portion 34 (see the boss 33E), and this water is spilled from the boss 33 and supplied to the humidifying plate 32.
Specifically, as shown by the boss 33 </ b> D, the moisture W remains in the storage portion 34 of the boss 33 before the humidification unit 20 makes a half rotation. Here, referring to the boss 33C and the boss 33D, the notch 36 in the boss 33C faces upward, whereas the notch 36 in the boss 33D faces in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Yes. Therefore, when the boss 33 moves from the boss 33C to the boss 33D with the rotation of the humidifying unit 20, the moisture W remaining in the storage portion 34 moves to the notch 36 so as to spill out from the notch 36. However, the portion V in the vicinity of the notch 36 of the surface of the moisture W slightly bulges upward due to surface tension, and dams the moisture W moving to the notch 36 (see the boss 33D). However, if the boss 33 is moved from the state of the boss 33D to the state of the boss 33E by the half rotation of the humidifying unit 20, the water surface of the water W in the vicinity of the notch 36 moves to the notch 36. The moisture W cannot be dammed up, and the moisture W in the reservoir 34 spills out from the notch 36. The spilled water W penetrates each gap X (see FIG. 7A) in the adjacent humidifying plates 32 and is supplied to the humidifying plates 32 by the capillary phenomenon, and the humidifying plates 32 are wetted again.

When the humming unit 20 further rotates and the boss 33 moves from the boss 33E to the boss 33F or boss 33G, the notch 36 faces downward, so that the water W in the reservoir 34 is completely spilled off. Is supplied to the humidifying plate 32 to wet the humidifying plate 32.
The portion of the humidifying plate 32 that has been wetted by the water W in the storage portion 34 until the humidifying unit 20 completes one revolution (see the boss 33G and the boss 33H) (see FIG. 2) (see thick solid arrow 2). Thereby, the water | moisture content adhering to the humidification board 32 is discharge | released indoors with the clean air similarly to until the humidification unit 20 carries out 1/2 rotation, and contributes to indoor humidification.

  In this way, the boss 33 rotates together with the humidifying plate 32 to pump up the water in the tray 22 and spills the pumped water and supplies it to the humidifying plate 32. Therefore, when the humidifying plate 32 rotates once, even if the portion wetted with water in the humidifying plate 32 dries at an early stage by humidifying the air, the boss 33 wets this portion again. Humidification can continue. Thereby, the improvement of humidification efficiency can be aimed at.

  Here, as described above, with the simple configuration in which the two positioning ribs 107 of the second ribs 38 are fitted into the notches 46 in the humidifying plates 32, all the humidifying plates 32 are attached to all the bosses 33. It is positioned with respect to the boss 33 by the positioning rib 107 so as to be non-contact. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the moisture W in the storage portion 34 of the boss 33 from being unnecessarily spilled down through the humidifying plate 32 that is still wet at an early stage until the humidifying unit 20 rotates 1/2. In other words, when the humidifying unit 20 rotates 1/2 and the humidifying plate 32 is dried at an appropriate timing, the humidifying plate 32 can be wetted by spilling the water W in the storage portion 34 of the boss 33. Further, the humidification efficiency can be further improved.

Conversely, when the humidifying plate 32 is in contact with the vicinity of the notch 36 of the boss 33, the portion V (see the boss 33D) near the notch 36 on the water surface of the water W accumulated in the boss 33 does not swell due to surface tension. . Therefore, the moisture W that moves to the notch 36 in the boss 33 spills down along the humidifying plate 32 at an early stage until the humidifying unit 20 makes a half rotation without being blocked. In this case, even if the humidification unit 20 rotates 1/2 and the humidification plate 32 dries, the humidification plate 32 cannot be wet until the humidification unit 20 completes one rotation, and the humidification efficiency is improved. I can't.
<Electrolytic water unit>
As shown in FIG. 7, in the air cleaner 1, in the humidifying unit 20, an electrolyzed water unit is placed in the inner space 57 of the humidifying plate 32 (strictly, the space surrounded by the second ribs 38 of the front plate 30). 70 is provided. The electrolyzed water unit 70 is for placing electrolyzed water on the air flowing through the flow path 15 after being purified by passing through the filter 11. Therefore, this air purifier 1 not only cleans the outside air taken in as described above with the filter 11, but also dissipates the electrolyzed water in the electrolyzed water unit 70 to sterilize and deodorize the outside air with this electrolyzed water. can do.

Specifically, the electrolyzed water unit 70 includes a water receiving container 71 having an open upper surface, a diffusion plate 72, a gear 73, and an electrode unit 98.
The interior of the water receiving container 71 is partitioned into an overflow chamber 111 and a storage chamber 121 by a partition wall 110 (see FIG. 7B).
The diffusion plate 72 has a disk shape in which a large number of through holes are formed. As shown to Fig.7 (a), the diffusion plate 72 is hold | maintained at the water receiving container 71 in the storage chamber 121 in the state inclined in the diagonally forward downward direction.

  The gear 73 has a disk shape having a central axis extending in the vertical direction, and second gear teeth 92 are formed on the outer peripheral portion thereof. Further, an upper end portion of a gear shaft 93 extending vertically is connected to a circular center position on the bottom surface of the gear 73. The lower end portion of the gear shaft 93 is connected from above to the center of the circle of the diffuser plate 72 that is inclined as described above, whereby the diffuser plate 72 and the gear 73 are integrated. In this state, the diffusion plate 72 and the gear 73 are rotatable together with the gear shaft 93. Note that the diffusion plate 72 always maintains a state in which it is inclined obliquely forward and downward, even during rotation.

The electrode unit 98 is accommodated in the storage chamber 121 of the water receiving container 71 and includes a pair of electrodes 100. The pair of electrodes 100 extends downward toward the bottom of the storage chamber 121. Lead wires (not shown) of the pair of electrodes 100 are connected to a main body power supply (not shown) outside the electrolyzed water unit 70.
The electrolyzed water unit 70 is supported by the partition wall 13 of the main body case 2. In this state, the electrolyzed water unit 70 is surrounded by the second rib 38 of the front plate 30 in the humidifying unit 20 and disposed in a space above the shaft 51. Here, in the electrolyzed water unit 70, the second gear teeth 92 of the gear 73 mesh with the first gear teeth 55 at the upper end portion of the second rib 38, but the other portions are the humidifying unit 20. Not touching. The electrolyzed water unit 70 (at least the water receiving container 71) is in the same position as the flow-down area 54 of the humidifying unit 20 in the front-rear direction.

  Here, when the humidification unit 20 rotates as described above, as shown in FIG. 7B, the moisture W remaining in the storage portion 34 of the uppermost boss 33 (boss 33E) flows into the flow-down area 54 ( The notch 36 in FIG. 7A) penetrates into the gaps X (see FIG. 7A) in the adjacent humidifying plates 32 and wets the humidifying plates 32. The moisture W descends to the inner peripheral edge of the humidifying plate 32 through a portion sandwiched between the front and rear surfaces of the humidifying plate 32 and the first and second protrusions 47 and 48. And the water | moisture content W which reached | attained the inner periphery of the humidification board 32 falls from the inner periphery of the humidification board 32 via the passage hole 56 (refer FIG. 8) of the 2nd rib 38, and is located under the boss | hub 33E. It is received by the water receiving container 71 of the electrolyzed water unit 70 and collected in the storage chamber 121 of the water receiving container 71. Here, the first ridge 47 and the second ridge 48 guide the water W transmitted through the surface of the humidifying plate 32 to the electrolyzed water unit 70. Even if the moisture W that has reached the inner peripheral edge of the humidifying plate 32 through the surface of the humidifying plate 32 does not immediately fall and flows along the inner peripheral edge of the humidifying plate 32, the moisture W continues to be removed. Can be dropped into the electrolyzed water unit 70 at the cut 46. In the water dropped in this way, the water that has not reached the electrolyzed water unit 70 is received by the tray 22.

  Thus, when the water level stored in the storage chamber 121 of the water receiving container 71 rises to a predetermined water level (predetermined water level T), the pair of electrodes 100 of the electrode unit 98 is stored in the storage chamber 121. Soak in. When water is received in the storage chamber 121 until the water level in the storage chamber 121 exceeds the predetermined water level T, the water exceeding the predetermined water level T passes over the partition wall 110 and flows into the overflow chamber 111.

  In the electrode unit 98, when a voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes 100 via lead wires (not shown), the water in the storage chamber 121 is electrolyzed to become electrolyzed water. Since tap water is usually used as the water, and the tap water contains chlorine, the electrode unit 98 is electrolyzed so that hypochlorous acid (HClO) or active oxygen having a bactericidal action and a deodorizing action is obtained. Electrolyzed water containing can be generated.

  Here, when water has accumulated in the storage chamber 121 up to the predetermined water level T described above, the diffusion plate 72 is inclined obliquely forward and downward with respect to the water surface of the storage chamber 121 as shown in FIG. The front side portion (substantially the front half) of the diffusion plate 72 is immersed in water (electrolyzed water) stored in the storage chamber 121. As described above, in the electrolyzed water unit 70, the second gear teeth 92 of the gear 73 mesh with the first gear teeth 55 of the second rib 38 of the humidifying unit 20. When rotating, the gear 73 receives the rotational force of the humidifying unit 20 and rotates.

With the rotation of the gear 73, the diffusion plate 72 integrated with the gear 73 via the gear shaft 93 is inclined obliquely forward and downward by the gear shaft 93 as described above, and the front portion is the storage chamber 121. It rotates so as to synchronize with the rotation of the humidifying unit 20 while being maintained in a state of being immersed in water.
In the front side portion of the diffusion plate 72 immersed in the water (electrolyzed water) stored in the storage chamber 121, a film of electrolytic water is formed in the above-described through hole (not shown) of the diffusion plate 72 by surface tension. When the diffusion plate 72 rotates in a state, a through hole (not shown) in which the electrolyzed water film is stretched moves to the rear side of the diffusion plate 72 and the electrolyzed water in the water receiving container 71 (reservoir chamber 121). Is taken out continuously. Then, a through hole (not shown) covered with a membrane of electrolyzed water is sequentially exposed to the air flowing through the flow path 15 (see the thick solid line arrow in FIG. 2) in the rear portion of the diffusion plate 72. The film of electrolyzed water is broken into a mist and peeled from a through hole (not shown) of the diffuser plate 72, so that the electrolyzed water is continuously diffused. Thereafter, the mist-like electrolyzed water (electrolyzed water mist) rises on the air, passes through the gap X between the stacked humidifying plates 32, and is then discharged into the room together with the purified air (FIG. 2). (See the thick solid arrow). Thus, the diffusion plate 72 puts the generated electrolyzed water on the air flowing through the flow path 15.

Here, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the storage chamber 121 of the water receiving container 71 of the electrolyzed water unit 70, when the electrolyzed water is generated more than necessary or when the amount of water exceeding the predetermined water level T is received. If it is, an unnecessary amount of water (water exceeding the predetermined water level T) flows into the overflow chamber 111 as described above. Then, the water that has flowed into the overflow chamber 111 is overflowed by the overflow pipe 112 connected to the bottom surface of the overflow chamber 111. A drain valve 114 is attached to the overflow port 113 at the lower end of the overflow pipe 112 so as to be freely opened and closed. When the drain valve 114 opens the overflow port 113, the water overflowed by the overflow tube 112 flows down the overflow tube 112 and falls downward from the opened overflow port 113 toward the tray 22 (rear region 22B). .
<Wind direction change rib>
FIG. 9 is a rear view of the air cleaner 1 with the rear cover 120 removed. FIG. 10 is a plan sectional view of the air cleaner 1 at a position where the communication hole 14 of the partition wall 13 can be seen.

  The air flowing through the flow path 15 (see FIG. 2) is slanted in the rear view mainly due to the rotation direction of the fan 12 (counterclockwise direction in the rear view) as indicated by a thick solid line arrow in FIG. It flows downward to the right and passes through the communication hole 14 of the partition wall 13. In other words, the fan 12 directs the air flow (air flow) in a predetermined direction (downwardly on the right side in the rear view) from the communication hole 14 to the third space 74 (specifically, the humidifying plate 32 of the humidifying unit 20). It feeds into the inner space 57). Therefore, in each humidifying plate 32, this air is concentrated and bathed only in a part of the inner peripheral edge on the diagonally lower right side. In that case, in each humidification board 32, air can be humidified only in a part of the lower right side where air is exposed. This hinders the improvement of the humidification efficiency of the humidification unit 20.

  Therefore, a wind direction changing rib 123 as a wind direction changing means is attached to the partition wall 13. The wind direction changing rib 123 has a plate shape extending in the vertical direction, and is provided between a portion of the partition wall 13 that borders the communication hole 14 from above and a portion that borders from below. That is, the wind direction changing rib 123 is disposed in the communication hole 14. The position in the width direction of the wind direction changing rib 123 is, for example, the left portion of the communication hole 14 in the rear view, and is a position that hinders the flow of air through the communication hole 14.

As shown in FIG. 10, the wind direction changing rib 123 is inclined so as to extend to the left side toward the rear side.
When the wind direction changing rib 123 is provided, as described above, the air flow sent to the third space 74 from the communication hole 14 toward the predetermined direction (downwardly obliquely downward in the rear view) by the fan 12 (see the thick solid arrow) Among them, a part of the air strikes against the wind direction changing rib 123, so that it is changed so as to be directed to the left side which is a direction different from the predetermined direction (see thick broken line arrows). Therefore, in each humidifying plate 32, not only a part of the inner peripheral edge on the diagonally lower right side but also the left part is exposed to air, and air can be humidified in each of the diagonally lower right part and left part (the thick broken line in FIG. 9). (See also arrow). That is, the entire air flow is not concentrated on a predetermined portion of the humidifying plate 32, and can be exposed to a wide area in the humidifying plate 32. Thereby, the improvement of humidification efficiency can be aimed at.

  Of course, the air direction changing rib 123 may not only guide the air that has passed through the communication hole 14 to the left side, but also diffuse it so that all the portions on the inner peripheral edge of each humidifying plate 32 are uniformly bathed. Thereby, in each humidification board 32, since air can be humidified in the whole area | region in the circumferential direction, the further improvement of humidification efficiency can be aimed at. In addition, since the flow velocity of air decreases due to the diffusion of air, this suppresses the momentum of air or water that is likely to leak from the gaps α, β, γ (see FIGS. 3 and 6) described above, Air and water leakage can be prevented.

  Further, the humidifying plate 32 has an annular shape having an inner space 57 surrounded by an inner peripheral edge, and the fan 12 sends an air flow into the inner space 57 of the humidifying plate 32 in the third space 74. Thereby, an air flow can be exposed to the whole area | region from the inner periphery in the humidification board 32 to an outer periphery. Therefore, in the humidification board 32, since air can be humidified in the whole area | region from an inner periphery to an outer periphery, the improvement of humidification efficiency can be aimed at.

  Further, since the wind direction changing rib 123 is disposed in the communication hole 14 (see also FIG. 9), even if the drawer unit 81 is pulled out and a hand is inserted into the communication hole 14 from the third space 74 side, The hand is prevented from being inserted into the communication hole 14 by being blocked by the wind direction changing rib 123. Thereby, it can prevent that a hand is inserted in the communicating hole 14 and the fan 12 (refer FIG. 2) of the 1st space 65 is touched.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the air cleaner 1 with a humidification function having high added value.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1A is a plan view of the air cleaner 1, and FIG. 1B is a front view of the air cleaner 1. It is a right view of the air cleaner 1, and has shown one part in the cross section. It is the figure which applied the comparative example to FIG. It is the figure which extracted and showed the principal part of FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view of the air cleaner 1 in a state in which a drawer unit 81 is pulled out from the main body case 2. FIG. 2 is a plan sectional view of the air cleaner 1 in a state in which a drawer unit 81 is mounted on the main body case 2. FIG. Fig.7 (a) is a right view of the humidification unit 20 periphery, Comprising: A part is shown with a cross section, FIG.7 (b) is AA arrow sectional drawing of Fig.7 (a). . 4 is an exploded perspective view of the humidifying unit 20. FIG. It is a rear view of the air cleaner 1 in the state where the rear cover 120 was removed. It is a plane sectional view of the air cleaner 1 in the position where the communication hole 14 of the partition wall 13 can be seen.

Explanation of symbols

1 Air purifier (humidifier)
8 Inlet 9 Outlet 11 Filter (Air cleaning means)
15 flow path 22 saucer (water tank)
30 Front plate (holding member)
32 Humidifying plate 33 Boss (water supply part)
46 Cutting 57 Internal space 107 Positioning rib (positioning part, rib)

Claims (4)

An inlet for taking in air;
A flow path through which air taken in from the inlet flows,
An outlet for discharging the air flowing through the flow path;
A water reservoir for storing water,
It is rotatably arranged in the flow path, and the lower part is immersed in the water of the water tank. By rotating, the wetted part of the water of the water tank is exposed to the air of the flow path, and this air is humidified. A humidifying plate,
Rotating together with the humidifying plate, pumping up the water in the water storage tank, spilling the pumped water and supplying it to the humidifying plate,
A positioning unit for positioning the humidifying plate with respect to the water supply unit so that the humidifying plate does not contact the water supply unit;
A humidifying device comprising: Holding a plurality of the humidifying plates stacked, and having a holding member that rotates together with the humidifying plate,
The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the water supply part and the positioning part are provided on the holding member. The humidifying plate is an annular shape having an inner space surrounded by an inner periphery,
A cut is formed in the inner peripheral edge,
The humidifying device according to claim 2, wherein the positioning portion includes a rib that fits into the notch. An air cleaning means for cleaning air taken in from the inlet;
The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An air cleaner with a humidifying function, comprising:

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