JP2010084992A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier capable of efficiently supplying water to a vaporization member. <P>SOLUTION: A humidification unit 4 includes a water storage container 40, a vaporization part 41 and a water turbine 42. The water storage container 40 is a container for storing water. The vaporization part 41 includes a vaporization filter 44 for vaporizing the water carried from the water storage container 40 and a filter frame 45 for holding the vaporization filter 44, and is rotatable. The water turbine 42 can carry the water supplied from the water storage container 40 to the vaporization filter 44 to supply the water to the vaporization filter 44. The filter frame 45 includes a water reservoir part 48 capable of storing the water supplied to the vaporization filter 44. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier.

  Conventionally, a part of the vaporizing member is immersed in the water in the water storage container, and air is passed through the vaporizing member that sucks up the water in the water storage container by capillary action to generate high humidity air. There is a humidifier that humidifies the room by supplying to the room.

  For example, there is a humidifier having a rectangular shape and having a vaporizing member that rotates so that both ends thereof are alternately immersed in water in a water tank (corresponding to a water storage container) (see Patent Document 1). In this humidifier, water is supplied to the vaporizing member by alternately immersing both ends of the vaporizing member in the water tank.

Moreover, there exists a humidifier provided with the water evaporation part in the outer peripheral surface of a vaporization member, and the vaporization member rotated so that a part of water discharge part may immerse in a water tank (equivalent to a water storage container) (refer patent document 2). In this humidifier, the water scooping unit pumps up the water as the vaporizing member rotates, and the water pumped up by the water scavenging unit is supplied to the vaporizing member.
JP 2003-302077 A JP 2003-294277 A

  However, in the vaporizing member of the humidifier disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-302077, water in the water storage container is supplied by the capillary phenomenon and the own weight of the vaporizing member, so that sufficient water is not supplied to the vaporizing member. There is a fear. In addition, in the vaporizing member of the humidifier described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-294277, water that has flowed out from the scraping portion that has risen with the rotation of the vaporizing member is supplied to the vaporizing member. There is a risk that it will not flow out well from the air toward the vaporizing member. For this reason, there exists a possibility that sufficient water may not be supplied to the vaporization member.

  Then, the subject of this invention is providing the humidifier which can supply water to a vaporization member efficiently.

  The humidifier according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a water storage container, a vaporization unit, and water transport means. The water storage container is a container for storing water. The vaporizing unit includes a vaporizing member that vaporizes water carried from the water storage container and a holding frame that holds the vaporizing member. Further, the vaporizing unit is rotatable. The water conveyance means can carry the water supplied from the water storage container to the vaporizing member and supply it to the vaporizing member. Moreover, the holding frame includes a water reservoir that can store water supplied to the vaporizing member.

  In the humidifier according to the first aspect of the present invention, the holding frame that holds the vaporizing member includes a water reservoir that can store water supplied to the vaporizing member. For this reason, for example, when the water stored in the water reservoir flows down toward the vaporizing member due to the rotation of the vaporizing unit, even if the water is not supplied from the water transport unit to the vaporizing member, Water can be supplied. Therefore, more water can be supplied to the vaporizing member as compared with the case where water is supplied to the vaporizing member only from the water conveying means.

  Thereby, water can be efficiently supplied to the vaporizing member.

  The humidifier according to the second invention is the humidifier according to the first invention, wherein the water reservoir is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the vaporizing member. Further, the holding frame is provided with a flow path capable of guiding the water supplied to the vaporizing member to the water reservoir. For this reason, in this humidifier, the water supplied to the vaporizing member can be stored in the water reservoir.

  A humidifier according to a third aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the flow path is formed to have a downward slope toward the water reservoir. For this reason, in this humidifier, it can be made easy to make water flow down from a vaporization member toward a water reservoir.

  A humidifier according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the second or third aspect, wherein a guide groove for guiding water carried to the vaporizing member to the water reservoir is formed in the flow path. . For this reason, in this humidifier, a lot of water can be guided to the water reservoir.

  A humidifier according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the water transport means rotates to supply water from the water storage container and water supplied from the water storage container. Is a water wheel that supplies the gasification member with For this reason, in this humidifier, the water supplied from the water storage container by the water turbine can be supplied to the vaporizing member.

  A humidifier according to a sixth aspect of the invention is the humidifier according to the fifth aspect of the invention, wherein the water wheel has a water wheel main body including a water supply part that supplies water supplied from the water storage container to the vaporizing member. Moreover, the water turbine main body and the vaporizing member are arranged close to each other so as not to contact each other.

  In the humidifier according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the turbine body and the vaporizing member are arranged close to each other so as not to contact each other. For this reason, in this humidifier, a possibility that a watermill main body and a vaporization member may contact can be reduced.

  Thereby, the possibility that the vaporizing member is worn can be reduced.

  A humidifier according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the humidifier of the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect, further comprising a drive unit. The drive unit has a drive gear that transmits rotation to the vaporization unit. The holding frame further includes a first gear that meshes with the drive gear. Further, the water wheel further includes a second gear that meshes with the first gear. For this reason, in this humidifier, a water turbine and a vaporization part can be simultaneously rotationally driven by a common drive part.

  A humidifier according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, further comprising a main body that accommodates the water storage container, the water transfer means, and the vaporization section. Moreover, a main body supports the vaporization part rotatably. For this reason, in this humidifier, a vaporization part can be supported.

  In the humidifier according to the first invention, water can be efficiently supplied to the vaporizing member.

  In the humidifier according to the second aspect, the water supplied to the vaporizing member can be stored in the water reservoir.

  In the humidifier according to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to facilitate the flow of water from the vaporizing member toward the water reservoir.

  In the humidifier according to the fourth aspect of the invention, more water can be guided to the water reservoir.

  In the humidifier according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the water supplied from the water storage container by the water wheel can be supplied to the vaporizing member.

  In the humidifier according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the risk that the vaporizing member is worn can be reduced.

  In the humidifier according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the water wheel and the vaporizing unit can be simultaneously driven to rotate by the common driving unit.

  In the humidifier according to the eighth aspect of the invention, the vaporizing section can be supported.

  The air conditioner 1 including the humidification unit 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a humidification function, a dehumidification function, and an air cleaning function, and is used as a humidifier during a humidification operation and as a dehumidifier during a dehumidification operation. Acts as an air purifier during air cleaning operation. In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 1 can be operated not only by a single function but also by combining a plurality of functions at the same time. The plurality of combinations are, for example, a combination of an air cleaning function and a dehumidifying function, and a combination of an air cleaning function and a humidifying function.

<Configuration of air conditioner>
As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes a main body casing 10, a blower 2, a dehumidifying unit 3, an air purifying unit 5, and a control unit 6 in addition to the humidifying unit 4. In the present embodiment, a caster (not shown) is provided on the lower surface of the main casing 10 (the surface facing the indoor floor surface) so that the user can easily move the air conditioner 1. ing.

  The main body casing 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and houses the blower 2, the dehumidifying unit 3, the humidifying unit 4, the air purifying unit 5, the control unit 6, and the like. The main body casing 10 has a pull-out type first door 10a and a rotary type second door 10b. Further, the first door 10 a covers the first opening 12 provided in the main body casing 10 in a state where a water storage container 40 described later is housed in the main body casing 10. Further, the second door 10b is disposed in the vicinity of the second opening 13 provided in the main body casing 10, and is supported so that the second opening 13 can be opened and closed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body casing 10 rotatably supports a guide portion 10 d extending from the second opening 13 toward the inside of the main body casing 10 and a vaporizing portion 41 described later. Bearing part 10e. 10 d of guide parts are extended from the 2nd opening 13 to the approximate center vicinity of the main body casing 10, and when the vaporization part 41 is withdrawn / inserted from the main body casing 10 by a user, it becomes a track | orbit for moving the vaporization part 41. FIG. The bearing portion 10e is continuously formed at the tip end portion (the end portion opposite to the side connected to the second opening 13) of the guide portion 10d, and can rotate the rotation shaft 46a of the vaporizing portion 41. To support. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the convex part 10f is formed in the boundary part of the bearing part 10e and the guide part 10d. Further, the guide portion 10 d and the bearing portion 10 e are formed integrally with the main body casing 10. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 10d and the bearing portion 10e are formed integrally with the main body casing 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the guide portion and the bearing portion may be retrofitted to the main body casing. Good.

  When the blower 2 is accommodated in the main casing 10, the blower 2 is disposed on the side opposite to the air purifying unit 5. Moreover, when this air conditioner 1 is seen from the air purification part 5 side, each internal component is located in order of the air purification part 5, the dehumidification unit 3, the humidification unit 4, and the air blower 2. For this reason, when the air blower 2 is operated, air flow path A1 from the air purification unit 5 side through the dehumidifying unit 3 and the humidifying unit 4 to the air blower 2 is formed (see FIG. 1).

  The control unit 6 is disposed in the upper part of the main body casing 10 and controls the air cleaning unit 5, the dehumidifying unit 3, the humidifying unit 4 and the blower 2.

  In FIG. 1, the water storage container 40, the vaporization unit 41, and the water wheel 42, which are components of the humidifying unit 4, are drawn out from the humidifying unit 4, but are arranged at predetermined positions of the humidifying unit 4 during operation. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the dehumidifying unit 3 includes an adsorption element 31, a heater 32, a second blower 33, and a condenser 39.

  The adsorption element 31 is a disk-shaped honeycomb structure, and is composed of a porous body. For this reason, the adsorption | suction element 31 has high adsorptivity with respect to a water | moisture content. Moreover, the adsorption | suction element 31 is arrange | positioned so that the air which flows through air flow path A1 may be contacted. For this reason, the air flowing through the air flow path A1 is deprived of moisture in the adsorption element 31, and is dry air on the downstream side of the adsorption element 31 in the air flow direction.

  The heater 32 is disposed so as to oppose a part on the back side of the adsorption element 31. The heater 32 has a substantially fan shape and is provided at a position covering about one-sixth of the back side of the adsorption element 31.

  The 2nd air blower 33 has a shape which protrudes toward the back side from the upper part of the adsorption | suction element 31. As shown in FIG. The heater 32 and the second blower 33 are connected to each other by a first blower pipe 34a included in the condenser 39 so that air can flow. When the second blower 33 is operated, an air flow is formed, and the air flows in the first sending pipe 34a in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. The air flowing in the vicinity of the heater 32 is heated there to become high-temperature air.

  The condenser 39 is made of resin, and has a common air duct 34 and a condensing unit 20 as shown in FIG.

  The common air duct 34 includes a first air duct 34a, a second air duct 34b, a third air duct 34c, a fourth air duct 34d, and a fifth air duct 34e. The high-temperature air heated by the heater 32 travels from the back side of the opposing adsorption element 31 toward the front side in the thickness direction of the adsorption element 31 and flows to the front side of the adsorption element 31. Here, in the region where the high-temperature air passes among the regions of the adsorption element 31, the adsorption element 31 is warmed by the high-temperature air, so that the retained moisture is released by the air flow by the second blower 33. For this reason, the air that has passed through the adsorption element 31 from the back side toward the front side becomes high-temperature and high-humidity air by containing moisture released from the adsorption element 31, and proceeds to the second blower pipe 34b.

  The 2nd ventilation pipe 34b is exhibiting substantially fan shape in the front view, and is arrange | positioned so that a part of adsorption | suction element 31 may be covered from a front side. Moreover, the 2nd ventilation pipe 34b is provided in the position which pinches | interposes the same part of the adsorption | suction element 31 with the heater 32 mentioned above, and has covered about 1/6 of the front side of the adsorption | suction element 31. FIG.

  The 3rd ventilation pipe 34c has connected the 2nd ventilation pipe 34b and the condensation part 20 so that the distribution | circulation of the air with the 2nd ventilation pipe 34b and the condensation part 20 can be performed. For this reason, the high-temperature, high-humidity air that has passed through the second blower pipe 34 b can be directed to the condensing unit 20.

  The 4th ventilation pipe 34d has connected the condensation part 20 and the 5th ventilation pipe 34e so that the distribution | circulation of the air of the condensation part 20 and the 5th ventilation pipe 34e can be performed.

  The fifth blower pipe 34e communicates the fourth blower pipe 34d and the second blower 33. The air that has passed through the fourth blower pipe 34d is sucked into the second blower 33 through the fifth blower pipe 34e.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the condensing unit 20 connects the third air blowing pipe 34 c and the fourth air blowing pipe 34 d, and has a plurality of condensing pipes 35. Further, the condenser tubes 35 are arranged at a predetermined interval. For this reason, in the condensing part 20, the external air passage part 35a through which the external airflow A1 passes is formed between the condensing pipes 35.

  With such a configuration, the high-temperature and high-humidity air that has flowed from the second blower pipe 34 b through the third blower pipe 34 c flows while contacting the inner wall surface of the condensing pipe 35 of the condensing unit 20. For this reason, the external air that passes outside the condenser 39 exchanges heat with the high-temperature and high-humidity air that flows inside the condenser tube 35 and takes heat away from the air that flows inside the condenser tube 35 without being mixed with each other. . Therefore, the high-temperature and high-humidity air that has contacted the inner wall surface of the condensation tube 35 is cooled, and condensation occurs on the inner wall surface of the condensation tube 35. This condensed water flows downward through the condenser 39 and flows into the water storage container 40 via the drain pan 40b through a drain port (not shown) provided through the lower surface of the condensing unit 20 in the vertical direction. Moreover, the air heat-exchanged in the condensation part 20 is suck | inhaled by the 2nd air blower 33 through the 4th ventilation pipe 34d and the 5th ventilation pipe 34e.

  Further, the adsorption element 31 is rotatable. For this reason, the adsorption | suction element 31 can repeat adsorption | suction and desorption of a water | moisture content.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a selection panel 11 for selecting an air cleaning operation, a dehumidifying operation and a humidifying operation is provided on the uppermost surface of the main body casing 10, and this selection panel 11 is connected to the control unit 6. ing.

  Next, the humidification unit 4 will be described in detail.

<Humidification unit>
The humidifying unit 4 is disposed so as to overlap below the second blower 33 of the dehumidifying unit 3 during operation, and mainly includes a water storage container 40, a water wheel 42, and a vaporizing unit 41.

(1) Water storage container The water storage container 40 is a water source of moisture given to the air flowing through the air flow path A1, and is detachably accommodated in the main casing 10 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the water storage container 40 is taken out from the first opening 12 of the main body casing 10 by pulling out the pull-out type first door 10 a of the main body casing 10. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a convex portion 40 c is formed in the water storage container 40, and this convex portion 40 c is formed in a window portion 10 c that is a hole provided in the first door 10 a of the main body casing 10. Mating. For this reason, the user can confirm the water level reflected on the convex part 40c from the window part 10c. Therefore, when the water in the water storage container 40 is insufficient, the user pulls out the water storage container 40 from the first opening 12 of the main body casing 10 and replenishes the water.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, a bearing 40 a having an open top is provided inside the water storage container 40, and this bearing 40 a rotatably supports a rotating shaft 424 described later.

(2) Water wheel As shown in FIG. 5, the water wheel 42 has a water wheel body 420 and a gear 425, and can rotate inside the water storage container 40.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the water turbine main body 420 is configured by combining a first member 421 and a second member 422.

  The first member 421 is a disk-shaped member, and is an outer peripheral portion 421c that forms the vicinity of the outer periphery, a central portion 421e that forms the vicinity of the center, and an intermediate portion disposed between the outer peripheral portion 421c and the central portion 421e. Part 421d. Further, the outer peripheral portion 421c and the central portion 421e of the first member 421 have a predetermined thickness t1.

  Further, the first member 421 is formed with a plurality of recesses 421a and a plurality of trapezoidal openings 421b so as to draw a circle. Specifically, the recess 421a is formed so as to be recessed from one side surface of the outer peripheral portion 421c toward the opposite side surface. Moreover, the 2nd member 422 mentioned later is combined so that the opening side of this recessed part 421a may be covered. As a result, a water receiving space S1 (see FIG. 12) for temporarily holding the water supplied from the water storage container 40 by the water wheel 42 is formed inside the recess 421a. Furthermore, the trapezoidal opening 421b is formed closer to the center of the first member 421 than the recess 421a. Specifically, the trapezoidal openings 421b are provided in the intermediate portion 421d in the same number as the number of the concave portions 421a.

  The second member 422 is a disk-shaped plate member having substantially the same size as the first member 421, and a substantially circular opening 422b is formed in the vicinity of the center thereof. Specifically, the area of the opening 422b of the second member 422 is substantially the same as the total area of the intermediate portion 421d and the central portion 421e of the first member 421. For this reason, in the state where the first member 421 and the second member 422 are combined, substantially all of the intermediate portion 421d and the center portion 421e of the first member 421 are formed on the first side surface described later from the opening 422b of the second member 422. It is exposed on the 420a side.

  The second member 422 is formed with a substantially L-shaped hole 422a so as to draw a circle at a position facing the concave portion 421a of the first member 421. The size of the substantially L-shaped hole 422a is about one third of the opening of the recess 421a. For this reason, when the 1st member 421 and the 2nd member 422 are combined, the opening of the recessed part 421a will be in the state opened about 1/3. When the second member 422 is combined with the first member 421, the water receiving space S1 of the recess 421a and the outer space of the water turbine body 420 communicate with each other through a substantially L-shaped hole 422a.

  The second member 422 is disposed in the vicinity of the substantially L-shaped hole 422a and has a substantially triangular prism-shaped water transfer portion 426 extending from the vicinity of the opening 422b of the second member 422 in the thickness direction of the water turbine 42. is doing. Further, the water transfer portion 426 is formed to draw a circle at a position facing the opening 421b of the first member 421. For this reason, in the state where the first member 421 and the second member 422 are combined, the water transfer portion 426 extends from the vicinity of the substantially L-shaped hole 422a and protrudes from the opening 421b of the first member 421 (FIG. 8). Accordingly, the water transfer portion 426 is disposed so as to face the first side surface 420a (the surface including the second member 422) of the water turbine body 420 in a state where the first member 421 and the second member 422 are combined. It extends toward the second side surface 420b of the water turbine body 420.

  In the present embodiment, in the water turbine main body 420, the surface corresponding to the first side surface 420a is configured by the first member 421 and the second member 422, and the surface corresponding to the second side surface 420b is the second member. 422. Instead, for example, the turbine body has a first member that integrally forms a surface corresponding to the first side surface, and a second member that integrally forms the surface corresponding to the second side surface. May be.

  The second member 422 is provided with guide grooves 427 a and 427 b for guiding water flowing out from the substantially L-shaped hole 422 a to the vaporization filter 44 through the lower surface of the water transfer portion 426. The guide grooves 427a and 427b are composed of a first guide groove 427a and a second guide groove 427b. The first guide groove 427 a is provided from the vicinity of the substantially L-shaped hole 422 a to the lower surface of the water transfer portion 426. Further, the second guide groove 427 b is provided on the lower surface of the water transfer portion 426. Further, the first guide groove 427a and the second guide groove 427b are formed continuously.

  The gear 425 has a rotating shaft 424 that is shared with the turbine body 420 at the center thereof. With the rotation shaft 424 as the same axis, the second member 422, the first member 421, and the gear 425 are sequentially stacked and combined. The rotating shaft 424 is rotatably supported by the bearing 40a of the water storage container 40 as described above. For this reason, when the water storage container 40 is pulled out from the main body casing 10, the user can take out the water wheel 42 from the water storage container 40 and wash it. Note that the height from the bottom surface of the water storage container 40 to the axis of the bearing 40a is such that the recess 421a at the lowest position of the water turbine 42 is submerged even when the water stored in the water storage container 40 is at the lowest water level. It is set to be.

  Further, the gear 425 is provided with a second gear 423 that is a gear that meshes with a first gear 411 of the vaporization unit 41 described later.

(3) Vaporization Unit As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the vaporization unit 41 is disposed so as to face the water turbine 42 and the rotation axis in parallel. The vaporization filter 44 of the vaporization unit 41 is disposed in the vicinity of the water turbine body 420 so that the side surface thereof does not contact the second side surface 420b of the water wheel main body 420. In the present embodiment, the side surface of the vaporization filter 44 and the second member 422 (second side surface 420b) of the water turbine main body 420 are disposed with an interval of 1 mm. Moreover, the vaporization part 41 is arrange | positioned above the water level at the time of the water storage container 40 being full, as shown in FIG. Further, the vaporization unit 41 includes a vaporization filter 44, a filter frame 45, and a rotor 46, and can rotate like the water turbine 42.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the vaporization filter 44 is a vaporization element that is formed into a disk shape from a non-woven fabric and evaporates the water sent from the water storage container 40 by rotating.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the filter frame 45 is a frame that holds the vaporization filter 44. The filter frame 45 includes a first filter frame 45a that covers the outer peripheral edge of the vaporization filter 44, and a second filter frame 45b that covers one side surface of the vaporization filter 44, and the first filter frame 45a and the second filter frame 45b. The vaporizing filter 44 is fitted into the first. In this way, the filter frame 45 holds the vaporization filter 44.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the first filter frame 45a includes a first filter frame main body 45c, a first gear 411, and a locking portion 411a.

  The first filter frame main body 45c is an annular member that can accommodate the vaporization filter 44 inside. For this reason, when the filter frame 45 and the vaporization filter 44 are fitted together, the inner side of the first filter frame main body 45c and the outer peripheral edge of the vaporization filter 44 come into contact with each other.

  The first gear 411 is supported by meshing with a drive gear 431 and a second gear 423 that rotate by driving of the drive unit 43 (see FIG. 5). In addition, the drive gear 431 and the second gear 423 are located below the rotation shaft 46 a of the first gear 411, and are located on opposite sides of the vertical center line of the vaporizing unit 41.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the locking portion 411 a extends on the circumference from the end portion of the first gear 411. For this reason, in the state where the vaporization part 41 is accommodated in the main body casing 10 and the first gear 411 of the vaporization part 41 and the second gear 423 of the water wheel 42 are engaged with each other, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 44, movement in the direction of the rotation axis is limited by the bearing portion 10e and the locking portion 411a provided in the main body casing 10. As a result, contact between the side surface of the vaporization filter 44 and the second member 422 of the turbine body 420 can be prevented. Moreover, the meshing | locking of gears can be stabilized by the latching | locking part 411a, and stability of water supply can be maintained. Here, the state in which the vaporizing portion 41 is housed in the main body casing 10 is a state in which a rotating shaft 46a of the vaporizing portion 41 described later is rotatably supported by the bearing portion 10e of the main body casing 10. That is.

  Further, the first filter frame 45a can store water that has not been absorbed by the vaporizing filter 44 out of the water supplied to the vaporizing filter 44, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, 13, and 14. A water reservoir 48 is provided.

  The water reservoir 48 is formed integrally with the first filter frame 45a, and has a first upper surface 48a, a first side 48c, and a second side 48d. As shown in FIG. 15 which is an enlarged view of the water reservoir 48 when the first filter frame main body 45c is viewed from the outside of the first filter frame main body 45c, the first upper surface portion 48a and the first side surface portion 48c are provided with a locking portion 411a. Is provided so as to extend in a direction from the third side surface portion 411b, which is a part of the first side surface portion, toward the second filter frame 45b. The second side surface portion 48d is disposed so as to face the third side surface portion 411b, and is formed continuously with the first upper surface portion 48a and the first side surface portion 48c. The first upper surface portion 48a has a substantially rectangular shape, and is disposed at a position facing the bottom surface portion 45d that is a part of the first filter frame main body 45c. The first side surface portion 48c has a substantially square shape. Furthermore, the second side surface portion 48d has a substantially rectangular shape, and the length of the second side surface portion 48d in the longitudinal direction is substantially the same as the length of the first upper surface portion 48a in the longitudinal direction. Further, in the bottom surface portion 45d, FIG. 16 which is an enlarged view of the water reservoir 48 when the first filter frame main body 45c is viewed from the inside of the first filter frame main body 45c, and FIG. 17 which is a cross-sectional view of the water reservoir 48 As shown in FIG. 18, a channel opening 48b is formed.

  Furthermore, the water reservoir 48 has a flow path 49 as shown in FIGS. 16, 17 and 18. The flow path portion 49 is continuously formed from the end of the flow path opening 48b so as to have a downward slope from the bottom surface portion 45d toward the first upper surface portion 48a. Note that the inclination angle of the gradient in the flow path portion 49 is set to be equal to or larger than the angle at which water can flow from the peripheral portion of the vaporization filter 44 toward the water storage space S2 described later. Further, a guide groove 49a for guiding water flowing from the channel opening 48b to the water reservoir space S2 is formed in the channel portion 49.

  For this reason, in a state where the vaporization filter 44 is fitted to the filter frame 45, the water reservoir 48 is disposed outside the outer peripheral edge of the vaporization filter 44, that is, on the outer peripheral side of the vaporization filter 44.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality (six in this embodiment) of water reservoirs 48 are formed. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the surface of the water reservoir 48 that faces the first side surface 48 c is open, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the water reservoir is opposed to the first side surface. The surface may be shielded.

  With such a configuration, a water storage space S <b> 2 (see FIGS. 17 and 18) for storing a part of the water supplied to the vaporization filter 44 is formed inside the water storage portion 48. Further, the water reservoir 48 repeats rising and lowering as the vaporizing unit 41 rotates. For this reason, when the water reservoir 48 descends with the rotation of the vaporizer 41, a part of the water supplied to the vaporization filter 44 is stored in the water reservoir 48 from the flow channel opening 48b via the flow channel 49. It is temporarily stored in the space S2. Further, the water reservoir 48 rises with the rotation of the vaporizer 41, so that the water stored in the water reservoir space S <b> 2 flows out toward the vaporization filter 44. Therefore, water is supplied to the vaporization filter 44 from the water reservoir 48 in addition to water supplied from the water storage container 40 via the water wheel 42.

  The drive unit 43 rotates the vaporization unit 41 at a predetermined speed. This predetermined speed is determined on the basis of the water penetration speed of the vaporization filter 44 capable of allowing water to reach the vicinity of the rotation shaft 46a of the vaporization filter 44 and the descent speed due to the weight of the water. The water penetration rate in the vaporization filter 44 is determined by, for example, a capillary phenomenon due to the fineness of the vaporization filter 44.

  A rotation shaft 46a shared by the rotor 46, the vaporization filter 44, and the filter frame 45 is provided at the rotation center of the rotor 46 (see FIG. 10). The rotor 46, the vaporization filter 44, and the filter frame 45 are sequentially stacked and combined with the rotation shaft 46a as the same axis. The rotating shaft 46a is rotatably supported by the bearing portion 10e of the main body casing 10 as described above. It should be noted that the height from the bottom surface of the main body casing 10 to the shaft center of the bearing portion 10e is such that the lowest position of the vaporizing portion 41 is not submerged even when the water stored in the water storage container 40 is at the highest water level. Is set to

  With such a configuration, in the humidification unit 4, as shown in FIG. 5, the drive unit 43 is driven to rotate the vaporization unit 41 and the water wheel 42. As the water wheel 42 rotates, the concave portion 421a passes through the water in the water storage container 40 in order and rises. When the concave portion 421a is submerged, water enters the water receiving space S1 of the concave portion 421a from the substantially L-shaped hole 422a. For this reason, when the recessed part 421a comes out of the water, the water receiving space S1 of the recessed part 421a is filled with water. And as the recessed part 421a approaches the uppermost position, most of the water in the water receiving space S1 of the recessed part 421a flows from the substantially L-shaped hole 422a to the lower surface of the first guide groove 427a and the water transfer part 426. When it flows out through the provided second guide groove 427b and the recess 421a passes through the uppermost position, almost all of the water flows out through the first guide groove 427a and the second guide groove 427b. At this time, the water flowing out from the substantially L-shaped hole 422a through the first guide groove 427a and the second guide groove 427b is generated by the force applied by gravity and the lower surface of the water transfer portion 426. Due to the momentum applied by the surface tension, the gas flows out toward the side surface of the vaporization filter 44 disposed oppositely. For this reason, most of the water flowing out from the substantially L-shaped hole 422a can be blown toward the side surface of the vaporization filter 44 close to the water transfer portion 426.

  In this way, in the humidification unit 4, the water stored in the water storage container 40 is supplied from the water wheel 42 to the vaporization filter 44.

  Of the water flowing out from the water wheel 42 toward the side of the vaporization filter 44, the water that has not been absorbed by the vaporization filter 44 flows toward the lower part of the vaporization filter 44 according to gravity and descends as the vaporization unit 41 rotates. The water reservoir 48 is led from the channel opening 48 b of the water reservoir 48 to the water reservoir space S 2 through the channel 49. At this time, water is stored in the water storage space S2 of the water storage section 48. Further, the water reservoir 48 rises with the rotation of the vaporizer 41. At this time, when water is stored in the water storage space S <b> 2 of the water storage part 48, the water contained in the water storage space S <b> 2 passes through the flow path part 49 as the water storage part 48 approaches the uppermost position. When it flows out to the outer periphery of 44 and the water reservoir 48 passes the uppermost position, almost all the water flows out from the water reservoir space S2.

  Thus, in this humidification unit 4, a part of the water supplied to the vaporization filter 44 is temporarily stored in the water reservoir 48, and the water stored in the water reservoir 48 is supplied again to the vaporization filter 44. .

  For this reason, in this humidification unit 4, water is supplied from the water wheel 42 and the water reservoir 48 to the vaporization filter 44.

  Further, in the humidifying unit 4, the user can take out the vaporizing unit 41 to the outside of the main body casing 10 in order to perform maintenance such as replacing the vaporizing filter 44 of the vaporizing unit 41. At this time, the user opens the second door 10b provided in the main body casing 10 and moves the vaporizing portion 41 in the horizontal direction along the guide portion 10d, thereby moving the second opening 13 to the outside of the main body casing 10. The vaporization part 41 can be taken out. Further, when the vaporizing part 41 is housed in the main body casing 10, the vaporizing part 41 is moved in the horizontal direction along the guide part 10d from the second opening 13, and the rotation shaft 46a of the vaporizing part 41 is moved to the bearing part 10e. The vaporization part 41 is inserted until it reaches.

  With this configuration, in the air conditioner 1, the user can put the vaporizer 41 in and out of the main body casing 10. Moreover, in this embodiment, the vaporization part 41 is inserted until the rotating shaft 46a of the vaporization part 41 reaches | attains the bearing part 10e, and thereby the 1st gearwheel 411 of the vaporization part 41 and the 2nd gearwheel 423 of the water turbine 42 become. It becomes in mesh.

<Features>
(1)
Conventionally, a part of the vaporizing member is immersed in the water in the water storage container, and air is passed through the vaporizing member that sucks up the water in the water storage container by capillary action to generate high humidity air. There is a humidifier that humidifies the room by supplying to the room. For example, a humidifier disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-302077 is provided with a vaporizing member that is rectangular and rotates so that both ends thereof are alternately immersed in water in a water tank (corresponding to a water storage container). . In this humidifier, water is supplied to the vaporizing member by alternately immersing both ends of the vaporizing member in the water tank. Moreover, in the humidifier disclosed by Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2003-294277, a water scraping part is provided in the outer peripheral surface of a vaporization member, and it rotates so that a part of water scraping part may be immersed in a water tank (equivalent to a water storage container). A vaporizing member is provided. In this humidifier, the water scooping unit pumps up the water as the vaporizing member rotates, and the water pumped up by the water scavenging unit is supplied to the vaporizing member.

  However, in the vaporizing member of the humidifier disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-302077, water in the water storage container is supplied by the capillary phenomenon and the own weight of the vaporizing member, so that sufficient water is not supplied to the vaporizing member. There is a fear. In addition, in the vaporizing member of the humidifier described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-294277, water that has flowed out from the scraping portion that has risen with the rotation of the vaporizing member is supplied to the vaporizing member. There is a risk that it will not flow out well from the air toward the vaporizing member. For this reason, there exists a possibility that sufficient water may not be supplied to the vaporization member.

  Therefore, in the above embodiment, the first filter frame 45a covering the outer peripheral edge of the vaporization filter 44 can store water that has not been absorbed by the vaporization filter 44 out of the water supplied to the vaporization filter 44. 48. Further, the water reservoir 48 rises with the rotation of the vaporizer 41, so that the water accumulated in the water reservoir space S <b> 2 flows out toward the vaporization filter 44. For this reason, even when water is not supplied from the water wheel 42 to the vaporization filter 44, water can be supplied to the vaporization filter 44. Therefore, more water can be supplied to the vaporization filter 44 than when water is supplied only from the water wheel.

  As a result, water can be efficiently supplied to the vaporization filter 44.

(2)
In the above embodiment, in a state where the vaporization filter 44 is fitted into the filter frame 45, the water reservoir 48 is disposed outside the outer peripheral edge of the vaporization filter 44. Further, the flow path portion 49 is formed continuously from the end of the flow path opening 48b so as to have a downward slope from the bottom surface portion 45d toward the first upper surface portion 48a. For this reason, it is possible to facilitate the flow of water from the vaporization filter 44 toward the water reservoir 48.

  As a result, the water supplied to the vaporization filter 44 can be easily stored in the water storage space S <b> 2 of the water storage part 48.

(3)
In the above embodiment, the channel portion 49 is formed with a guide groove 49a for guiding water flowing from the channel opening 48b to the water reservoir space S2. For this reason, compared with the case where the guide groove is not formed, more water can be led to the water reservoir 48.

(4)
In the above embodiment, water stored in the water storage container 40 is supplied from the water wheel 42 to the vaporization filter 44. Further, the vaporizing unit 41 is disposed above the water level when the water storage container 40 is full. For this reason, for example, the vaporization filter 44 can be easily dried as compared with a humidification unit configured to supply water stored in the water storage container directly to the vaporization filter.

  As a result, the risk of mold growing on the vaporization filter 44 can be reduced.

(5)
In the above embodiment, when the vaporizing part 41 is accommodated in the main body casing 10, the vaporizing filter 44 is moved in the rotation axis direction by the bearing part 10 e and the locking part 411 a provided in the main body casing 10. Limited. For this reason, the possibility that the vaporization filter 44 may come into contact with the turbine body 420 can be reduced.

  As a result, the risk of contact noise between the vaporization filter 44 and the turbine body 420 can be reduced. In addition, the risk that the vaporizing filter 44 is worn can be reduced.

(6)
In the above embodiment, the drive unit 43 has the drive gear 431. Further, when the drive gear 431 is rotated, the first gear 411 meshed with the drive gear 431 is rotated, and when the first gear 411 is rotated, the second gear 423 meshed with the first gear 411 is rotated. For this reason, the vaporization part 41 and the water wheel 42 can be simultaneously rotated by the common drive part 43.

(7)
In the above embodiment, the surface of the water reservoir 48 that faces the first side surface 48c is open. For this reason, when the water stored in the water storage space S2 flows out toward the vaporization filter 44, it is possible to reduce the possibility of water remaining at the end of the flow path opening 48b due to the surface tension. Therefore, for example, even when the flow path opening 48b is small, the water stored in the water storage space S2 can be easily discharged toward the vaporization filter 44.

<Modification>
In the above embodiment, the water supplied from the water wheel 42 to the vaporization filter 44 is stored in the water storage space S <b> 2 of the water reservoir 48, and the water stored in the water storage space S <b> 2 is supplied toward the vaporization filter 44. Instead of this, water may be directly supplied from the water wheel to the water reservoir.

  Since the humidification unit of this invention can supply water to a vaporization filter efficiently, application to a humidifier or an air conditioner is effective.

The external appearance perspective view of an air conditioner provided with the humidification unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the state by which the vaporization part is accommodated in the main body casing (a 2nd door is abbreviate | omitted). Sectional drawing of the guide part and bearing part which are formed in the main body casing. The external appearance perspective view of a dehumidification unit. The external appearance perspective view of a humidification unit (a part of drain pan and the 1st gearwheel are omitted). The exploded perspective view of a water wheel. The exploded perspective view of a water wheel. FIG. Sectional drawing of the vaporization part and water turbine of the state which the 1st gearwheel and the 2nd gear meshed | engaged. The disassembled perspective view of a vaporization part. The perspective view of a vaporization part (a part of vaporization filter is abbreviate | omitted). The fragmentary sectional view which expanded the state where the 1st gear and the 2nd gear meshed. The perspective view of a filter frame. The perspective view of a filter frame. The enlarged view of a water reservoir. The enlarged view of a water reservoir. Sectional drawing of a water reservoir (equivalent to the XVII-XVII cross section of FIG. 16). Sectional drawing of a water reservoir part (equivalent to the XVIII-XVIII cross section of FIG. 16).

Explanation of symbols

4 Humidification unit (humidifier)
10 Main body casing (main body)
40 Water storage container 41 Evaporation part 42 Water wheel (water conveyance means / water wheel)
43 Drive unit 44 Evaporation filter (vaporization member)
45 Filter frame (holding frame)
48 Water reservoir 49 Channel (channel)
49a Guide groove 411 First gear 420 Turbine body 423 Second gear 426 Water transfer part (water supply part)
431 Drive gear

Claims (8)

A water storage container (40) for storing water;
A vaporizing member (44) for vaporizing water carried from the water storage container and a holding frame (45) for holding the vaporizing member are disposed above the water level when the water storage container is full. A rotatable vaporization section (41);
Water transport means (42) capable of transporting water supplied from the water storage container to the vaporizing member and supplying the water to the vaporizing member,
The holding frame includes a water reservoir (48) capable of storing water supplied to the vaporizing member,
Humidifier (4). The water reservoir is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the vaporizing member,
The holding frame is provided with a flow path (49) capable of guiding water supplied to the vaporizing member to the water reservoir.
The humidifier according to claim 1. The flow path is formed to have a downward slope toward the water reservoir,
The humidifier according to claim 2. In the channel, a guide groove (49a) is formed for guiding the water carried to the vaporizing member to the water reservoir.
The humidifier according to claim 2 or 3. The water conveying means is a water wheel that rotates to supply water from the water storage container and supply water supplied from the water storage container to the vaporizing member.
The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The water wheel has a water wheel main body (420) including a water supply part (426) for supplying water supplied from the water storage container to the vaporizing member,
The water wheel main body and the vaporizing member are disposed close to each other so as not to contact each other.
The humidifier according to claim 5. A drive unit (43) having a drive gear (431) for transmitting rotation to the vaporization unit;
The holding frame further includes a first gear (411) that meshes with the drive gear,
The water wheel has a second gear (423) that meshes with the first gear,
The humidifier according to claim 5 or 6. Further comprising a main body (10) for accommodating the water storage container, the water transfer means, and the vaporizing unit therein, and rotatably supporting the vaporizing unit;
The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images