JP2012021671A - Humidifying apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To maintain a high humidifying amount capable of cleaning a humidifying filter without troubling a user, by improving a conventional method of cleaning the humidifying filter.SOLUTION: A humidifying apparatus includes a body, a fan for introducing air into the body, the humidifying filter for humidifying the air, a water storage tray for arranging the humidifying filter, a tank for supplying water to the humidifying filter, and a cleaning device for cleaning the humidifying filter. The humidifying apparatus is characterized in that the cleaning device is linked with the tank, and the removal of the tank and the cleaning of the humidifying filter can be performed at the same time. Accordingly, the cleaning of the humidifying filter can be performed without troubling the user, thereby achieving an effect of maintaining the high humidifying amount.

Description

  The present invention relates to a method of cleaning a humidifying filter in a humidifying device that humidifies air using a humidifying filter.

  Conventionally, as a method for cleaning a humidifying filter, one that can clean the humidifying filter by making it possible to easily take out the humidifying filter from the inside of the main body is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Hereinafter, the humidifier will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the humidifying filter 101 can be detached from the main body at the same time as the water storage tray 102 after the tank is removed, and the humidifying filter 101 can be freely attached and detached from the water storage tray 102. Thereby, the user can take out the humidification filter 101 and clean it.

Japanese Patent No. 40111273

  In such a conventional humidifying device, the humidifying filter can be easily taken out from the main body, but it is necessary for the user to periodically perform manual cleaning.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the conventional humidifying filter cleaning method, to clean the humidifying filter without bothering the user, and to maintain a high humidification amount.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a main body, a fan for introducing air into the main body, a humidifying filter for humidifying air, a water storage tray for arranging the humidifying filter, A humidifying device comprising a tank for supplying water to the humidifying filter and a cleaning means for cleaning the humidifying filter, wherein the cleaning means cleans the humidifying filter in conjunction with attachment / detachment of the tank. It is a characteristic and achieves the intended purpose.

  According to the present invention, since the cleaning means is configured to clean the humidification filter in conjunction with the attachment / detachment of the tank, the humidification filter can be cleaned inside the humidification device simultaneously with the operation of the tank. The humidification filter can be cleaned without bothering hands, and the effect of maintaining a high humidification amount can be obtained.

Schematic sectional view showing the structure of the tank installation state of the humidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Schematic sectional view showing the structure of the humidifier when the tank is removed (A) Schematic diagram of a humidifying filter in which a plurality of non-woven fabrics folded into a spring shape according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention are arranged, (b) Schematic diagram of a nonwoven fabric humidifying filter folded so as to be stretchable, Schematic of humidifying filter for knitted fabric (A) Schematic diagram of interlocking method using two shaft fulcrums of tank and cleaning means of embodiment 3 of the present invention, (b) Schematic diagram of interlocking method not using coaxial fulcrum The perspective view which shows the structure of the conventional water storage tray and a humidification filter

  The humidifying device according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a main body, a fan for introducing air into the main body, a humidifying filter for humidifying the air, a water storage tray for arranging the humidifying filter, A humidifying device comprising a tank for supplying water to the humidifying filter and a cleaning means for cleaning the humidifying filter, wherein the cleaning means cleans the humidifying filter in conjunction with attachment / detachment of the tank. . As a result, the humidifying filter can be cleaned inside the humidifying device simultaneously with the removal of the tank, so that it is not necessary for the user to remove the humidifying filter from the main body at the time of cleaning, and the water storage tray is attached or detached. And the humidifying filter can be cleaned. Also, by removing the tank to supply water to the tank and simultaneously cleaning the humidifying filter, the humidifying filter is cleaned before the dirt accumulates, so that the dirt can be removed without applying excessive force. Thus, the humidification filter is not deteriorated, and an effect that a high humidification amount can be maintained can be obtained.

  Further, the cleaning means may be one that deforms and cleans the humidifying filter that can be deformed and expanded. Thereby, since the dirt adhering to the humidifying filter is easily peeled off along with expansion and contraction of the humidifying filter and can be cleaned from the surface to the inside of the humidifying filter, the performance of the humidifying filter can be recovered.

  Further, the cleaning means includes a humidifying filter contact portion that contacts and cleans the humidifying filter during cleaning, a tank contact portion that receives the tank when the tank is installed, and an interlocking portion that interlocks the humidifying filter contact portion and the tank contact portion. And the operation of the tank contact portion may operate the humidifying filter contact portion via the interlocking portion. As a result, if the tank moves the tank contact portion, the humidifying filter contact portion can clean the humidifying filter without directly contacting the humidifying filter, so that the arrangement of the tank and the humidifying filter in the main body can be given flexibility. .

  Moreover, the structure which has a loading means which applies a load to a cleaning means in a humidification filter contact part or a tank contact part among cleaning means may be sufficient. Thereby, the user can use the load and move the cleaning means more easily.

  In addition, the interlocking unit may support the vicinity of the center of the cleaning unit, and the cleaning unit may rotate around the interlocking unit by attaching and detaching the tank. As a result, if the tank contact part is lengthened from the shaft fulcrum, the force applied at the tank contact part can be reduced to facilitate the cleaning work, and if the working distance of the tank contact part is shortened, the tank contact part can be reduced. The force applied to the part can be increased and adjusted.

  Further, a lock mechanism for keeping the tank in the main body may be attached to the main body. Thereby, even when the balance of force between the tank and the loading means attached to the cleaning means is lost, the tank can be stored inside the main body.

  Moreover, the humidification filter may return to the shape before cleaning after cleaning. Thereby, since the humidification filter which deform | transformed at the time of cleaning returns to the shape suitable for humidification, a high humidification amount can be maintained even after cleaning.

  Further, the humidifying filter may be configured to return to the installation position before cleaning after cleaning. Thereby, since the humidification filter which deform | transformed or moved at the time of cleaning returns to the position suitable for humidification, a high humidification amount can be maintained even after cleaning.

  Further, the cleaning means has a water retention means for supplying water in the water storage tray to the humidifying filter, and when the tank is pulled out, at least a part of the water retention means is immersed in the water in the water storage tray to retain the water. A configuration may be adopted in which water is supplied to the humidifying filter. Thereby, since water can be supplied to a humidification filter immediately after cleaning, high humidification performance can be obtained immediately.

  Moreover, you may have a water level holding | maintenance means which keeps the water level in a water storage tray constant. As a result, the dirt peeled off from the humidifying filter during cleaning of the humidifying filter can be dropped into the water and kept in the water storage tray. It can be kept clean.

  Moreover, the humidification filter may have water absorption. Thereby, if water touches a humidification filter after cleaning, water can be supplied quickly and high humidification performance can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
The humidifier shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is for humidifying air in a main body 12 having an air inlet (not shown) and an outlet 11 and an air passage communicating the inlet and the outlet 11. There is a humidifying filter 13 made of non-woven fabric, and the humidifying filter 13 carries silica gel on the surface of the material in order to provide water absorption.

  Further, there is a water storage tray 14 for arranging the humidifying filter 13, and a guide (not shown) for determining the position is attached around the humidifying filter 13.

  Further, the water storage tray 14 has a float (not shown) as water level holding means for keeping the water level constant, and detects the water level in the water storage tray 14. When the float detects a certain water level, the fan 15 that sends air to the humidifying filter 13 stops its operation.

  Moreover, the tank 16 for supplying water to the humidification filter 13, and the cleaning part 17 of the humidification filter 13 are arrange | positioned inside the main body 12, and the cleaning part 17 is V-shaped, and is a humidification filter via an interlocking | linkage part. It consists of a humidifying filter push rod 18 as a contact portion and a tank receiving rod 19 as a tank contact portion. The tank 16 containing water applies a load to the tank receiving rod 19.

  A shaft fulcrum 20 is provided on the wall between the tank 16 and the humidification filter 13 as an interlocking portion between the humidifying filter push rod 18 and the tank receiving rod 19, and the cleaning portion 17 rotates with the shaft fulcrum 20 as a fulcrum. For example, by the operation of removing the tank 16 from the main body 12, the humidifying filter push rod 18 presses the humidifying filter 13 in conjunction with the tank receiving rod 19 and cleans it.

  Further, a spring 21 as a loading means is provided between the tank receiving rod 19 and the shaft fulcrum 20, and when the tank 16 is installed, the spring 21 is compressed and the humidifying filter 13 is released, and when the tank 16 is taken out, the spring 21 is It expands and the humidification filter 13 is compressed.

  Further, in order to keep the tank 16 in the main body 12 when the tank 16 does not have a weight for pressing the spring 21 attached to the tank receiving rod 19, the main body 12 is provided with a protrusion 22 as a lock mechanism. Is mounted on the main body 12, the protrusion 22 fits into the groove of the tank 16 to fix the tank 16.

  Further, the humidifying filter push rod 18 is provided with a sponge 23 as a water retaining means, so that when the tank 16 is pulled out, it is immersed in the water in the water storage tray 14 and water is supplied to the humidifying filter 13 when the tank 16 is installed. To do.

  With such a configuration, the humidifying filter 13 can be cleaned at the same time as the operation of the tank 16 and inside the humidifying device, so that it is not necessary for the user to take out the humidifying filter 13 from the main body 12 at the time of cleaning. The humidifying filter 13 can be cleaned at the same time as removing the tank 16 without attaching or detaching the tray 14. By performing the cleaning operation of the humidifying filter 13 simultaneously with the removal of the tank 16 by supplying water to the tank 16, the humidifying filter 13 is cleaned before the dirt accumulates, so that the dirt is removed without applying excessive force. Thus, the humidifying filter 13 is not deteriorated, and an effect of maintaining a high humidification amount can be obtained.

  The positional relationship between the tank 16 and the cleaning means and the insertion direction of the tank 16 may be anywhere as long as the tank 16 and the cleaning means are interlocked. For example, the tank 16 may be inserted smoothly from the side of the main body 12.

  In addition, when the tank 16 is installed, water can be supplied to the humidifying filter 13 from the sponge 23 as a water retaining means attached to the humidifying filter push rod 18, so that high humidification performance can be obtained immediately. The term “water retention” as used herein refers to water that can hold water for several seconds. As the water retaining means, a material such as a cloth having a hydrophilic surface may be used, or a material that moistens the surface of the humidifying filter 13 with a porous material such as a resin or ceramic that retains water using surface tension may be used. Further, water may be pumped up like a handle and the water is released at a predetermined position in conjunction with the cleaning means.

  Further, by keeping the water level in the water storage tray 14 constant by the float, the dirt peeled off from the humidification filter 13 during the cleaning of the humidification filter 13 can be dropped into the water and kept in the water storage tray 14. What detects a water level may judge not only with a float but with the weight of the water contained in the tank 16 or the water storage tray 14 grade | etc.,.

  Moreover, if the humidification filter 13 has water absorbency, if water touches the humidification filter 13 even after cleaning, water can be supplied quickly and high humidification performance can be obtained. The humidifying filter 13 having water absorption refers to a filter in which water is naturally spread and supplied to the humidifying filter 13 when part of the humidifying filter 13 is attached to water. The humidifying filter 13 may be made of a water-absorbing material such as acrylic or rayon, or an inorganic compound such as silica gel or zeolite, or a thread piece such as cotton linter, etc., is attached to a substrate that does not have water absorption such as polyester. You may have the ability. Further, in order to cause capillary action, the surface of the substrate having fine voids may be hydrophilized. As an example for hydrophilizing, there is a method of applying a polymer such as polyethylene glycol to the surface of the material.

  The loading means on the cleaning unit 17 is not limited to the tank 16, and can be realized by installing a weight having an appropriate weight on the humidifying filter push rod 18. Note that the loading means can use not only the weight, but also the repulsive force of a spring or rubber, the power of a motor or the like.

  As a means for returning the humidifying filter 13 to the installation position before cleaning after the cleaning, the position of the humidifying filter 13 may be determined using the shape of the water storage tray 14 in addition to the guide bar for determining the position. It is good as long as there is no obstacle to cleaning. Further, the surface of the humidifying filter 13 that does not move at the time of cleaning may be fixed, and the structure may naturally return to the humidifying position as the shape recovers, or the portion where the humidifying filter 13 and the humidifying filter 13 are installed is joined, and the cleaning unit A structure may be employed in which the position of the humidifying filter 13 is returned when the cleaning of the humidifying filter 13 is completed by 17.

  As means for locking the tank 16, in addition to the protrusion 22, the tank 16 may be fixed by a lid after the tank 16 is inserted, or a load may be applied to the tank 16 itself. Further, a member such as a magnet or rubber packing that can temporarily connect and fix the tank 16 and the tank contact portion may be installed, and a fixing means such as a screw hole for screwing and fixing the tank 16 is used as the water storage tray 14 or the like. It is not limited as long as the structure can be released by the user.

  Further, the humidifying filter contact portion of the cleaning means is not limited to a push rod, and there is no limitation on the shape of a plate, a protrusion, a brush or the like, as long as it can contact the humidifying filter 13 and clean the humidifying filter 13. Good.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 shows an example of an expandable / contractible humidifying filter. The extendable humidifying filter refers to a humidifying filter that can change the volume of the entire filter. For example, (a) in FIG. 3 is a plurality of non-woven fabrics folded in a spring shape, (b) is a non-woven fabric folded in a pleat form so as to be stretchable, and (c) is a knitted fabric made of fibers. It is ground, and the volume can be changed by pushing and pulling the filter.

  The humidifying filter that can be expanded and contracted is not only a humidifying filter itself, but also a repulsive force such as a spring in the humidifying filter, and a humidifying filter on a member other than the humidifying filter such as a frame housing the humidifying filter. Means for expanding and contracting may be provided.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 4 shows an example of the operation of the humidifying filter cleaning means. There is a main body 12 having an air inlet (not shown) and an outlet (not shown), and a humidifying filter 13 in an air passage communicating the inlet and the outlet, and the humidifying filter 13 is disposed on the water storage tray 14. The The tank receiving rod 19 constituting the cleaning unit 17 is moved by attaching and detaching a tank (not shown). For example, when the tank is removed, the humidifying filter push rod 18 moves by moving the tank to the tank receiving rod 19 and cleans the humidifying filter 13. 4 (a) and 4 (b) both show the case where the tank receiving rod 19 is not loaded by the tank.

  In FIG. 4A, a belt 24 that rotates around two pivots 20 and rotates is an interlocking portion. The belt 24 is provided with a humidifying filter push rod 18 and a tank receiving rod 19. A spring 21 is provided between the tank receiving rod 19 and the water storage tray 14, and the tank receiving rod 19 is supported by the spring 21. For example, when a downward force is applied to the tank receiving rod 19, the belt 24 is rotated, and the humidifying filter push rod 18 is interlocked and moved upward. If the downward force on the tank receiving bar 19 is eliminated, the tank receiving bar 19 is moved upward by the spring 21 and the humidifying filter push bar 18 is moved downward by rotating the belt 24 to clean the humidifying filter 13. .

  FIG. 4B is an example of interlocking in which there is no shaft fulcrum 20 and the tank and the cleaning means move in the same direction. The upper surface of the humidifying filter 13 is detachably fixed to the main body 12 with a magnet or the like. The humidifying filter 13 always receives an upward load from the spring 21 and is crushed by the main body 12 and the cleaning unit 17, thereby a tank or the like. When there is no load on the cleaning means, the contracted state occurs. For example, when the tank receiving rod 19 is lowered by the tank, the humidifying filter push rod 18 is lowered in conjunction with it, and the humidifying filter 13 is expanded to have a humidified shape. In order to return the humidifying filter 13 to the shape at the time of humidification, the humidifying filter 13 may return by its own weight or a repulsive force, or may be interlocked with other parts such as a component such as a humidifying filter contact portion extending the humidifying filter 13. . Further, if the humidifying filter 13 itself is provided with a contracting means, the spring 21 of the loading means may be omitted.

  The installation of the cleaning means is not limited to the inner wall of the main body 12 but may be provided in the water storage tray 14 or the humidifying filter 13 itself as long as it cleans the humidifying filter 13 in conjunction with the tank. Further, the number of the shaft support points 20 is not particularly limited.

  Since the humidifier according to the present invention enables simplification of filter cleaning, it is useful as a method for cleaning a humidity control filter used in a humidifier and a humidified air purifier.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Outlet 12 Main body 13 Humidification filter 14 Water storage tray 15 Fan 16 Tank 17 Cleaning part 18 Humidification filter push rod 19 Tank receiving rod 20 Shaft support 21 Spring 22 Protrusion 23 Sponge 24 Belt 101 Humidity filter 102 Water storage tray

Claims (11)

  A main body, a fan for introducing air into the main body, a humidifying filter for humidifying the air, a water storage tray for arranging the humidifying filter, and a tank for supplying water to the humidifying filter, A humidifying device comprising a cleaning means for cleaning the humidifying filter, wherein the cleaning means cleans the humidifying filter in conjunction with attachment / detachment of the tank.   The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning unit performs cleaning by deforming a humidifying filter that is deformable to expand and contract.   The cleaning means comprises a humidifying filter contact portion that contacts and cleans the humidifying filter during cleaning, a tank contact portion that receives the tank when the tank is installed, and an interlocking portion that interlocks the humidifying filter contact portion and the tank contact portion. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the tank contact portion operates the humidifying filter contact portion via the interlocking portion.   The humidifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a loading unit that applies a load to the cleaning unit at the humidifying filter contact portion or the tank contact portion.   The humidifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the interlocking portion pivotally supports the vicinity of the center of the cleaning means, and the cleaning means rotates around the interlocking portion when the tank is attached or detached.   The humidifying device according to claim 5, wherein a lock mechanism for keeping the tank in the main body is attached to the main body.   The humidifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the humidifying filter returns to a shape before cleaning after cleaning.   The humidification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the humidification filter returns to an installation position before cleaning after cleaning.   The cleaning means has a water retention means for supplying the water in the storage tray to the humidification filter, and when the tank is pulled out, at least a part of the water retention means is immersed in the water in the storage tray to retain the moisture. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein water is supplied to the filter.   The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a water level holding means for keeping a water level in the water storage tray constant.   The humidification device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the humidification filter has water absorption.

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