JP2012037144A - Humidification unit, and humidification device mounting the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidification unit efficiently supplying water to an vaporization filter, while securing a clearance around the vaporization filter.SOLUTION: A vaporization filter housing 35 of the humidification unit includes rims 37. The rims 37 surround an occupied space of the vaporization filter 36. Openings 89 are formed to the rims 37. The openings 89 connect the occupied space of the vaporization filter 36 to an external space outside of the rims 37. Buckets 38 form a container by surrounding faces continuous from wall faces 37a of the rims 37 circumferentially spread from specific portions of peripheries of the openings 89. Projection pieces 97 are formed to inner faces of the rims 37. The projection pieces 97 abut on the vaporization filter 36. The water flows along the projection pieces 97 from wall faces 37a, and is supplied to the vaporization filter 36.

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifying unit and a humidifying device equipped with a humidifying unit.

  For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a humidifier using a rotating wheel is widely known. The rotating vehicle includes a rim. A flat cylindrical vaporization filter is held inside the rim. An opening is made in the rim. This opening connects the space occupied by the vaporization filter to the external space outside the rim. The opening opens into a bucket formed on the outer periphery of the rim. When the bucket is positioned at the lowest position in the direction of gravity according to the rotation of the rim, excess water flows out from the space occupied by the vaporization filter into the bucket through the opening. When the bucket reaches the uppermost position in the direction of gravity according to the rotation of the rim, the water accumulated in the bucket is returned again to the space occupied by the vaporization filter.

JP 2010-84991 A JP 2010-54099 A

  The vaporization filter is fitted inside the rim. The outer periphery of the vaporization filter contacts the inner surface of the rim in the entire circumferential direction. As a result, water is easily transmitted from the inner surface of the rim to the vaporization filter. On the other hand, since the vaporizing filter is fitted into the rim without any gap, it takes time for the fitting work.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a humidification unit that can efficiently supply water to the vaporization filter while ensuring a gap around the vaporization filter, and a humidification device using the humidification unit. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the humidifying unit includes a water storage tray that stores water at a specified water level, a rotary shaft that is supported above the water storage tray in the direction of gravity, and a connecting member that extends from the rotary shaft in the centrifugal direction. A rim that is fixed to the rotating shaft and surrounds the space occupied by the vaporization filter, a holding member that holds the vaporization filter in the space occupied inside the rim, and an outer portion outside the rim that is drilled in the rim. Forming a vessel with an opening connecting the occupied space to the space, and a surrounding surface extending from a wall surface of the rim extending in a circumferential direction from a specific portion of the periphery of the opening, and in a gravitational direction according to the rotation of the rim A bucket that positions the opening of the vessel below the water level when positioned at the lowest position, and a surface that extends from the specific portion of the peripheral edge along the opening, protrudes from the inner surface of the rim, and the vaporization And a protrusion that contacts the Iruta.

  In addition, one form of the humidifying unit includes a water storage tray that stores water at a specified water level, a rotary shaft that is supported above the water storage tray in the direction of gravity, and a connecting member that extends in the centrifugal direction from the rotary shaft. A rim that is fixed and encloses the space occupied by the vaporization filter; a holding member that holds the vaporization filter in the space occupied inside the rim; and the space occupied by the outer space outside the rim that is formed in the rim. An opening that narrows in a circumferential direction as it moves away from a virtual vertical plane that bisects the vaporization filter in an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis, and the rim that extends in a circumferential direction from a specific portion of the periphery of the opening Forming a vessel with an enclosure surface continuous from the wall surface of the container, and positioning the vessel opening below the water level when positioned at the lowest position in the direction of gravity according to the rotation of the rim; Serial has a surface extending in conformity to the opening from the specified portion, and a protrusion in contact with the vaporization filter protrudes from the inner surface of the rim.

  Furthermore, one form of the humidifying unit includes a water storage tray that stores water at a specified water level, a rotary shaft that is supported above the water storage tray in the direction of gravity, and a connecting member that extends in the centrifugal direction from the rotary shaft. A rim that is fixed and surrounds the occupation space of the vaporization filter, a holding member that holds the vaporization filter in the occupation space inside the rim, and a hole that is formed in the rim and is external to the outer space of the rim. Forming a vessel with an opening connecting the rim and a wall surface of the rim that extends in a circumferential direction from a specific portion of the periphery of the opening, and is positioned at the lowest position in the gravity direction according to the rotation of the rim Then, a bucket for positioning the opening of the vessel below the water level is provided. At this time, the wall surface of the rim moves away from the rotating shaft as it moves away from the opening in the circumferential direction.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a humidification unit that can efficiently supply water to the vaporization filter while ensuring a gap around the vaporization filter.

1 is an overall view of a humidifying device schematically showing the appearance of a humidifying device observed from behind. FIG. 2 is an overall view of the humidifying device corresponding to FIG. 1 and observed from behind with the rear panel and the side panel removed. FIG. 3 is an overall view of the humidifying device corresponding to FIG. 2 and observed from behind with the dust collection filter removed. It is an expansion disassembled perspective view of a deodorizing unit. It is the whole humidification apparatus corresponding to FIG. 3 and observed from the back in the state which removed the deodorizing unit. It is a fragmentary sectional view of a humidification unit. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 5 and is an overall view of the humidifying device observed from behind with the humidifying unit removed. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows a ventilation fan roughly. FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is an overall view of the humidifying device corresponding to FIG. 8 and showing the relationship between the housing body of the humidifying device and the humidifying unit. It is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a water tank schematically showing the structure of the water tank. It is an expansion disassembled perspective view of a vaporization filter unit. It is an expansion perspective view which shows roughly the relationship between a coupling piece and a long hole. It is a see-through | perspective enlarged view of a bucket. FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 6. It is an enlarged side view of a vaporization filter container.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the appearance of the humidifier 11 as seen from behind. The humidifier 11 includes a housing 12. The housing includes a housing body 13 supported on the floor surface, for example. The housing body 13 defines a predetermined accommodation space. The rear surface of the housing space is closed by the rear panel 14. One side surface of the accommodation space is closed by the side panel 15. For example, the rear panel 14 and the side panel 15 are detachably attached to the housing body 13. For such attachment, for example, the elastic deformation force of the rear panel 14 or the side panel 15 itself may be used. The side panel 15 is formed with a long window 16 extending in the gravity direction, that is, in the vertical direction. The user can visually recognize the inside of the accommodation space from the long window 16.

  A blowout port 17 is formed in the top plate of the housing body 13. The outlet 17 is opened and closed by an opening / closing door 18. The open / close door 18 may be attached to the housing body 13 so as to be swingable about a support shaft extending in the horizontal direction. A suction port 19 is formed in the rear panel 14. During operation of the humidifier 11, air is introduced from the suction port 19 into the housing space of the housing body 13. The introduced air passes through the accommodation space and is blown out from the outlet 17 as will be described later. Air is deodorized in the accommodation space. At the same time, in the humidifying device 11 of the present embodiment, air can be humidified in the accommodation space.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows the humidifier 11 as seen from the back, similar to FIG. However, the rear panel 14 and the side panel 15 are removed. A dust collection filter 21 is housed in the housing space. The dust collection filter 21 is comprised from the nonwoven fabric which has air permeability, for example. The dust collection filter 21 is disposed in front of the rear panel 14. The dust collection filter 21 is opposed to the suction port 19 in a wide range.

  The humidifying unit 22 is accommodated in the accommodating space. The humidification unit 22 includes a water tank 23. The water tank 23 is formed from, for example, a translucent plastic. Water is stored in the water tank 23. In addition, the detail of the humidification unit 22 is mentioned later. The water tank 23 is disposed along the inner surface of the side panel 15. As a result, the user can observe the water level in the water tank 23 from the long window 16.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows the humidifier 11 as seen from behind, as in FIG. However, the dust collection filter 21 is removed. The deodorizing unit 24 is accommodated in the accommodating space. The deodorizing unit 24 is disposed in front of the dust collection filter 21. The deodorizing unit 24 faces the dust collection filter 21 over the entire surface.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the deodorizing unit 24 includes a catalyst filter 25. The catalyst filter 25 adsorbs odor components contained in the introduced air. The catalyst filter 25 includes a rectangular plate-shaped honeycomb core. The surface of the honeycomb core is coated with a catalyst with a predetermined thickness. For example, a metal oxide such as manganese oxide or a noble metal such as platinum may be used as the catalyst. In addition, adsorbents such as activated carbon and various ceramic powders may be further added. This type of catalytic filter decomposes and removes adsorbed odor components in response to heating at a predetermined temperature. However, other types of catalyst filter 25 may be used.

  A heater 26 is overlaid on the catalyst filter 25. A sheath heater is used as the heater 26. The heater 26 heats the catalyst filter 25. In response to the heating, the catalytic filter 25 accelerates the decomposition of the adsorbed odor components. The heater 26 is held on a support plate 27. A metal plate is used for the support plate 27. The metal plate serves to spread the heat of the heater 26. Thus, the catalyst filter 25 is heated in a wide range. However, the catalyst filter 25 may be heated by another form of heater.

  The catalyst filter 25 and the support plate 27 are fitted into a heat insulator frame 28. The frame body 28 extends without interruption along the peripheral edges of the catalyst filter 25 and the support plate 27. Inside the frame body 28, the catalyst filter 25 and the support plate 27 are sandwiched between a pair of heat insulating material plates 29. Thus, the heat of the heater 26 is confined by the frame body 28 and the heat insulating material plate 29. The frame body 28 is non-breathable. On the other hand, the heat insulating material plate 29 has air permeability. As a result, the frame body 28 defines an airflow passage that sequentially passes through the heat insulating material plate 29, the catalyst filter 25, the support plate 27, and the heat insulating material plate 29. A large number of punch holes are formed in the support plate 27. The flow of air passing through the support plate 27 based on the punch holes is ensured.

  The frame 28, the heat insulating material plate 29, the catalyst filter 25 and the support plate 27 are sandwiched between a pair of heat shield plates 31. The heat shield plate 31 is screwed to the support plate 27, for example. Thus, the frame body 28, the heat insulating material plate 29, the catalyst filter 25, the support plate 27, and the heat shield plate 29 are unitized. These can be handled as one member. The heat shield plate 31 blocks heat leakage. A temperature rise around the deodorizing unit 24 can be avoided as much as possible. A number of punch holes are formed in the heat shield plate 31. Air circulation is ensured based on the punch holes.

  FIG. 5 schematically shows the humidifier 11 as seen from behind, as in FIG. However, the deodorizing unit 24 is removed. The humidifying unit 22 includes a water storage tray 33. A vaporization filter unit 34 and a water tank 23 are attached to the water storage tray 33. The vaporization filter unit 34 is disposed in front of the deodorizing unit 24. The vaporization filter unit 34 is supported by the water storage tray 33 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis. A constant water level is secured in the water storage tray 33.

  The vaporization filter unit 34 includes a vaporization filter container 35. A vaporization filter 36 is accommodated in the vaporization filter container 35. The vaporization filter 36 is opposed to the deodorizing unit 24 over the entire surface. The vaporization filter container 35 includes a rim 37. The rim 37 extends seamlessly around the axis. The axial center corresponds to the central axis of the rim 37. A vaporization filter 36 is supported inside the rim 37.

  A bucket 38 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rim 37. For example, the buckets 38 are installed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rim 37. Individual buckets 38 form a vessel. A drive motor unit 39 is coupled to the rim 37. The drive motor unit 39 causes the rim 37 to rotate around the rotation axis. When the individual buckets 38 are positioned at the lowest position in the direction of gravity according to the rotation of the rim 37, the individual buckets 38 position the opening of the vessel below the specified water level line in the water storage tray 33. When the bucket 38 rises from the lowest position in accordance with the rotation of the rim 37, water is scooped into the vessel through the opening of the vessel. When the bucket 38 passes through the uppermost position in the direction of gravity according to the rotation of the rim 37, water is supplied from the bucket 38 to the vaporization filter 36. The vaporization filter 36 gets wet with water.

  The water tank 23 is detachably supported by the water storage tray 33. When the side panel 15 is removed from the housing body 13, the water tank 23 can be removed from the water storage tray 33. In this way, the water tank 23 can be replenished with water. Water is supplied from the water tank 23 to the water storage tray 33. The water tank 23 has a function of maintaining a constant water level in the water storage tray 33. Details of the water tank 23 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the vaporization filter container 35 includes a first rotation shaft 41 and a second rotation shaft 42 that protrude in opposite directions. The 1st rotating shaft 41 and the 2nd rotating shaft 42 are comprised from a hollow cylindrical body, for example. The outer diameter of the first rotating shaft 41 is different from the outer diameter of the second rotating shaft 42. However, the axis of the first rotating shaft 41 and the axis of the second rotating shaft 42 are arranged coaxially.

  A first bearing frame 43 and a second bearing frame 44 are formed on the water storage tray 33. A first bearing 45 and a second bearing 46 are formed at the upper ends of the first and second bearing frames 43 and 44, respectively. The first and second bearings 45 and 46 receive the first and second rotating shafts 41 and 42, respectively, so as to be rotatable. The first and second bearings 45 and 46 are cylindrical surfaces extending at a central angle of 180 ° at the maximum, and support the first and second rotating shafts 41 and 42 from the lower side in the gravity direction. Therefore, the vaporization filter container 35 can be easily detached from the first and second bearings 45 and 46. The vaporization filter container 35 is held on the first and second bearings 45 and 46 by its own weight.

  The vaporization filter container 35 forms a gear 47. When the gear 47 is formed, a plurality of meshing teeth 48 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the vaporization filter container 35. As shown in FIG. 7, the meshing teeth 48 are arranged at an equal pitch in the circumferential direction of the rim 37.

  The drive motor unit 39 has a drive gear 49. The driving gear 49 meshes with the meshing teeth 48. Since the driving gear 49 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the vaporizing filter container 35, the rotation of the driving gear 49 is decelerated and transmitted to the vaporizing filter container 35. The vaporization filter container 35 rotates at a low speed of, for example, 2 rotations per minute or less. For example, a synchronous motor (not shown) is incorporated in the drive motor unit 39. The rotation of the synchronous motor is decelerated by a built-in reduction gear group (not shown) and transmitted to the drive gear 49.

  FIG. 8 schematically shows the humidifier 11 as seen from behind, as in FIG. However, the humidification unit 22 is removed. A partition wall 51 is formed in the housing body 13 in the housing space. A vent hole 52 is defined in the partition wall 51. The vent 52 is disposed in front of the vaporization filter unit 34. The vent 52 is at least partially opposed to the vaporization filter 36. A drive motor unit 39 is fixed to the partition wall 51.

  A blower fan is disposed in front of the partition wall 51. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, a sirocco fan is used as the blower fan 53. The sirocco fan includes blades 54 that spread radially in parallel with the rotation axis. The sirocco fan sucks air along the rotation axis according to the rotation. The sucked air flows outward from the blades 54.

  FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, an air flow path is formed in the housing body 13. The airflow path extends from the suction port 19 to the blowout port 17. In the airflow path, a dust collection filter 21, a deodorizing unit 24, a vaporization filter unit 34, a vent 52 and a blower fan 53 are arranged in order from the suction port 19. When the blower fan 53 is activated, an air flow is generated from the suction port 19 to the blowout port 17. The air flowing from the suction port 19 passes through the dust collection filter 21. The dust collection filter 21 removes dust from the inflowing air. The air that has passed through the dust collection filter 21 passes through the deodorizing unit 24. Odor is adsorbed by the deodorizing unit 24. That is, the air is deodorized. The deodorized air passes through the vaporization filter 34. Air promotes vaporization of moisture in the vaporization filter 34. Air humidity is increased. Thus, the air is humidified. The humidified air is sucked into the blower fan 53 from the vent 52. The blower fan 53 blows air from the blowout port 17. The air thus purified, deodorized and humidified is discharged from the outlet 17 to the external space.

  Next, the structure of the humidification unit 22 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 11, the water storage tray 33 is supported on the bottom plate so as to be slidable on the bottom plate of the housing body 13. Thus, the humidification unit 22 is detachably accommodated in the housing body 13. When the side panel 15 is removed from the housing body 13, the humidifying unit 22 can be attached and detached. In this way, the vaporizing filter unit 34 can be detached from the housing body 13.

  Next, the structure of the water tank 23 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 12, the tank main body 55 includes a container port 56. A container lid 57 is attached to the container port 56. The container lid 57 seals the container port 56. The space in the tank body 55 is sealed by the action of the container lid 57.

  A flow passage 58 is defined in the container lid 57. The flow path 58 connects the sealed space in the tank body 55 and the external space to each other. An opening / closing valve 59 is disposed in the flow passage 58. The on-off valve 59 is assembled to the container lid 57. The on-off valve 59 includes a valve body 61. The valve body 61 is disposed in a sealed space of the tank body 55. The opening of the flow passage 58 is closed in the sealed space. The valve body 61 may be molded from an elastic material such as rubber or resin. A valve shaft 62 is attached to the valve body 61. The valve shaft 62 passes through the flow passage 58. A flange 63 is formed in the outer space at the tip of the valve shaft 62. An extension spring 64 is sandwiched between the flange 63 and the outer surface of the container lid 57. The extension spring 64 exhibits an elastic force that keeps the flange 63 away from the outer surface of the container lid 57. Accordingly, the valve element 61 is pressed against the opening of the flow passage 58 by the action of the extension spring 64. At this time, the flow path 58 is closed. Even if the tank body 55 is held in the inverted posture, the outflow of water from the tank body 55 is prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the tank body 55 is set on the water storage tray 33 in an inverted posture, a predetermined portion of the water storage tray 33 pushes up the flange 63 of the valve shaft 62 in the vertical direction. As a result, the valve body 61 moves away from the opening of the flow passage 58. The flow path 58 is opened. Water flows into the water storage tray 33 by the action of gravity. At this time, when the water level rises from the prescribed water level line, the flow path 58 is blocked with water. The air inflow path is closed. Therefore, even if the valve body 61 is away from the opening of the flow passage 58, the pressure in the main body tank 55 and the pressure in the external space are antagonized. The outflow of water from the water tank 23 is avoided. When the water level falls from the specified water level line, the water surface is separated from the inlet of the flow path 58. An air entry path is secured in the flow path 58. As a result, water flows out of the water tank 23 according to the weight of the water. Thus, the water level is maintained at the specified water level line.

  FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the vaporization filter unit 34. The first rotating shaft 41 is integrated with the hub 66. The first rotation shaft 41 protrudes from the hub 66 in a first direction (a direction away from the vaporization filter 36). A plurality of (here, eight) spokes 67 are integrated with the hub 66. The spoke 67 extends in the centrifugal direction of the first rotating shaft 41. A ring body 68 is integrated with the outer end of the spoke 67 in the radial direction. The rim 37 is integrated with the ring body 68. In this way, the rim 37 is fixed to the first rotating shaft 41 by the spoke 67, that is, the connecting member. The rim 37 extends from the ring body 68 in a second direction opposite to the first direction in parallel to the axis of the first rotation shaft 41. That is, the rim 37 is formed in a flat cylindrical body. The rim 37 surrounds the space occupied by the vaporization filter 36.

  The rim 37 extends in the second direction and is interrupted at an arbitrary virtual plane. The virtual plane is orthogonal to the axis of the first rotation shaft 41. The flange 69 is integrated with the end portion of the rim 37 that is interrupted in this way. The flange 69 extends from the rim 37 radially outward in a virtual plane. The flange 69 is formed as a flat plate. A plurality of long holes 71 are formed in the flange 69. The long holes 71 are arranged in the circumferential direction at an equal pitch, for example. The individual buckets 38 are integrated with the rim 37 and the flange 69. The first rotating shaft 41, the hub 66, the spoke 67, the ring body 68, the rim 37, the flange 69, and the bucket 38 may be integrally molded as a hard synthetic resin member, that is, a rim molded part.

  The vaporization filter container 34 further includes a holding member 72. The holding member 72 is formed with the second rotation shaft 42 of the vaporization filter container 35. A hub 73 is integrated with the second rotating shaft 42. The second rotating shaft 42 protrudes from the hub 73 in the second direction.

  A plurality of (eight in this case) spokes 74 are integrated with the hub 73. The spoke 74 extends in the centrifugal direction of the second rotation shaft 42. A ring body 75 is integrated at the radially outer end of the spoke 74. A cylindrical body 76 is formed integrally with the ring body 75. The cylinder 76 extends from the ring body 75 in the first direction in parallel with the axis of the second rotation shaft 42. The cylinder 76 surrounds the space occupied by the vaporization filter 36. Engagement teeth 48 are formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 76.

  The cylinder 76 extends in the first direction and is interrupted at an arbitrary virtual plane. The virtual plane is orthogonal to the axis of the second rotation shaft 42. The flange 77 is integrated with the end portion of the cylindrical body 76 that is interrupted in this way. The flange 77 extends in a virtual plane from the cylindrical body 76 outward in the radial direction. The flange 77 is formed as a flat plate. A coupling piece 78 is integrated with the flange 77. The coupling pieces 78 are arranged in the circumferential direction at an equal pitch, for example. The arrangement of the binding pieces 78 reflects the arrangement of the long holes 71. The second rotating shaft 42, the hub 73, the spoke 74, the ring body 75, the cylindrical body 76, the meshing teeth 48, the flange 77, and the coupling piece 78 may be integrally molded as a hard synthetic resin member, that is, a holding member part.

  The vaporization filter 36 is formed in a flat cylindrical shape. As the material for the vaporization filter 36, a material having water retention and air permeability such as a non-woven fabric is used. For example, in a non-woven fabric, moisture is thinly clinging to the surface of the fiber, and at the same time, a ventilation space is secured between the intertwined fibers. The nonwoven fabric is repeatedly bent into a bellows shape and then formed into a cylindrical shape. As a result, the occupation ratio of the nonwoven fabric per unit space can be increased and at the same time sufficient air permeability can be ensured.

  When the flange 77 is overlapped with the flange 69, the occupied space of the vaporization filter 36 in the rim 37 and the occupied space of the vaporization filter 36 in the holding member 72 are coupled to each other. The vaporization filter 36 is disposed in the occupied space. The vaporization filter 36 is sandwiched between the hub 66, the spoke 67 and the ring body 68 and the hub 73, the spoke 74 and the ring body 75. At the same time, the vaporization filter 36 is surrounded by the rim 37 and the cylinder 76. The axis of the first rotating shaft 41 and the axis of the second rotating shaft 42 are arranged coaxially. As will be described later, each coupling piece 78 enters the corresponding slot 71. The holding member 72 is coupled to the rim 37 by the action of the coupling piece 78. As a result, the holding member 72 holds the vaporization filter 36 in the occupied space of the rim 37.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the coupling piece 78 includes a plate piece 79 that extends along a cylindrical surface that is coaxial with the axis of the second rotation shaft 42. A wall piece 81 extending in the circumferential direction parallel to the surface of the flange 77 is integrally formed on the surface of the plate piece 79. A distance d corresponding to the plate thickness of the flange 69 is established between the surface of the flange 77 and the wall piece 81. Thus, a gap 82 is formed between the flange 77 and the wall piece 81. A contact piece 83 is disposed in the gap 82 at one end in the circumferential direction. The abutting piece 83 is integrated with the flange 77, the plate piece 79 and the wall piece 81. The abutting piece 83 closes one end in the circumferential direction of the gap 82 and at the same time reinforces the attachment strength of the plate piece 79 and the wall piece 81 with respect to the flange 77. The guide piece 84 is integrated with the wall piece 81 at the other end in the circumferential direction of the gap 82. The guide piece 84 extends in parallel with the radial line of the cylindrical body 76 and faces the surface of the flange 77 at a surface gradually moving away from the flange 77 as it moves away from the wall piece 81 in the circumferential direction. The guide piece 84 is formed integrally with the plate piece 79. At the same time, the reinforcing piece 85 is formed integrally with the guide piece 84 and the plate piece 79. Thus, the mounting strength of the guide piece 84 with respect to the flange 77 is increased.

  As is clear from FIG. 14, the long hole 71 has an entrance 86. The entrance 86 is sized to allow the coupling piece 78 to enter when the flange 77 is superimposed on the flange 69. A moving port 87 continues to the entrance 86 in the circumferential direction. The moving port 87 allows the plate piece 79 to enter from the entrance 86 when the flanges 69 and 77 rotate relative to each other around the axis of the first and second rotating shafts 41 and 42. A coupling area 88 is defined in the flange 69 adjacent to the moving port 87. The coupling area 88 enters the gap 82 between the flange 77 and the wall piece 81 when the plate piece 79 moves through the moving port 87. The flange 69 is sandwiched between the flange 77 and the wall piece 81 at the coupling area 88. In this way, the holding member 72 is coupled to the rim 37.

  FIG. 15 shows a perspective enlarged view of the bucket 38. As shown in FIG. 15, the rim 37 has openings 89 corresponding to the individual buckets 38. The opening 89 is defined between a front edge 91 that extends on the bus of the rim 37 and a rear edge 92 that is inclined with respect to the bus of the rim 37 at a predetermined inclination angle. Accordingly, the opening 89 narrows in the circumferential direction as it moves away from the flange 69 in parallel with the axis of the first rotation shaft 41. The opening 89 connects the space occupied by the vaporization filter 36 to the external space outside the rim 37.

  The edge 93 of the bucket 38 defines a vessel opening or intake 94. The edge 93 of the bucket 38 is continuous with the ridgeline of the front edge 91 of the opening 89. An internal space of the bucket 38, that is, a container internal space 95 extends in the circumferential direction from the water intake 94. The container inner space 95 is surrounded by a specific area 37 a on the outer wall surface of the rim 37 and a surrounding surface 96 of the bucket 38. The specific area 37 a of the outer wall surface of the rim 37 extends in a circumferential direction from a specific portion of the periphery of the opening 89, that is, the rear edge 92. The enclosure surface 96 of the bucket 38 continues from the specific area 37 a of the outer wall surface of the rim 37. The specific area 37a of the outer wall surface moves away from the axis of the first rotating shaft 41 as it moves away from the opening 89 in the circumferential direction. The container internal space 95 is connected to the external space at the water intake 94 of the bucket 38. The container inner space 95 is connected to the space occupied by the vaporization filter 36 through the opening 89 of the rim 37.

  At the rear edge 92 of the opening 89, a protruding piece 97 protrudes from the inner surface of the rim 37 in the centripetal direction. The projecting piece 97 constitutes a rib extending along the rear edge 92 of the opening 89. The projecting piece 97 has a surface 97 a that extends from the rear edge 92 of the opening 89 along the opening 89. The surface 97a continues from the rear edge 92 of the opening 89 to at least the tip of the protruding piece 97. The enclosure surface 96 of the bucket 38 is flush with the inner wall surface of the opening 89 with a pair of circumferential portions 98 extending circumferentially from both ends of the rear edge 92 of the opening 89 at the periphery of the opening 89. Ribs 99 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rim 37 along the front edge 91 of the opening 89.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the front edge 91 of the opening 89 is farther from the axis of the first rotation shaft 41 than the virtual extension surface 101 that virtually extends from the specific area 37 a of the outer wall surface of the rim 37. As a result, the inner wall surface of the opening 89 is further away from the axis of the first rotating shaft 41 than the virtual extension surface 101 at the other end of the circumferential portion 98. Here, as apparent from FIG. 16, the outer diameter of the vaporization filter 36 is formed smaller than the inner diameter of the rim 37. In this way, a predetermined interval is secured between the inner surface of the rim 37 and the outer periphery of the vaporization filter 36. At this time, the tip of the protruding piece 97 contacts the vaporizing filter 36.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the vaporization filter container 35, a virtual vertical plane 102 can be defined on the surface of the flange 69 of the rim 37. The virtual vertical plane 102 is orthogonal to the axis of the first and second rotating shafts 41 and 42. The virtual vertical plane 102 bisects the space occupied by the vaporization filter 36. When the vaporization filter 36 is disposed at a predetermined position in the occupied space, the vaporization filter 36 is divided into two halves in the axial direction by the virtual vertical plane 102. The opening 89 of the rim 37 is the largest in the circumferential direction on the virtual vertical plane 102. The opening 89 of the rim 37 gradually narrows in the circumferential direction as the distance from the virtual vertical surface 102 increases.

  Next, the operation of the humidifying unit 22 will be briefly described. First, water is stored in the water storage tray 33. The water level is maintained at the specified water level line. When the drive motor unit 39 starts operation, the vaporization filter container 35 rotates at a low speed of, for example, two rotations per minute or less. When the bucket 38 is positioned at the lowest position in the direction of gravity according to the rotation of the rim 37, the bucket 38 causes the water intake 94 to be submerged in water. As the rim 37 rotates, the bucket 38 gradually rises. Water is scooped up by the bucket 38. When the bucket 38 passes through the uppermost position in the direction of gravity according to the rotation of the rim 37, water flows into the opening 89 through the specific area 37 a on the outer wall surface of the rim 37. The water transmitted through the specific area 37 a of the outer wall surface of the rim 37 reaches the tip of the projecting piece 97 through the surface 97 a of the projecting piece 97. Water is efficiently supplied to the vaporization filter 36 from the tip of the projecting piece 97 by the action of surface tension.

  When the blower fan 53 operates, air passes through the vaporization filter 36. Air promotes vaporization of moisture in the vaporization filter 36. Thus, the air is humidified based on the moistened vaporization filter 36.

  In the humidification unit 22, as described above, the front edge 91 of the opening 89 is further away from the axis of the first rotation shaft 41 than the virtual extension surface 101 that virtually extends from the specific area 37 a of the outer wall surface of the rim 37. According to such a configuration, even if water travels along the circumferential surface 98 of the opening 89 along the surrounding surface 96, the water collides with the inner wall surface of the opening 89 at the front edge 91 of the opening 89. Guided into 89. Compared with the case where the inner wall surface of the opening 89 is closer to the axial center of the first rotation shaft 41 than the virtual extension surface 101 at the other end of the circumferential portion 98, the amount of water jumping out from the water intake port 94 through the enclosure surface 96 is reduced. To do. The water pumped up by the bucket 38 can be efficiently used to wet the vaporization filter 36.

  In the humidification unit 22, the outer diameter of the vaporization filter 36 is formed smaller than the inner diameter of the rim 37 as described above. As a result, as compared with the case where the vaporization filter 36 is fitted inside the rim 37 without a gap, the vaporization filter 36 can be fitted inside the rim 37 smoothly and relatively easily.

  Moreover, in the humidifying unit 22, as described above, the specific area 37 a of the outer wall surface of the rim 37 inside the bucket 38 moves away from the axis of the first rotating shaft 41 as it moves away from the opening 89 in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, before the bucket 38 reaches the uppermost position in the direction of gravity, the water flows into the opening 89 from the specific area 37a of the outer wall surface of the rim 37. Water is reliably supplied from the bucket 38 to the vaporization filter 36 when the bucket 38 is positioned at the uppermost position in the gravity direction. Since water flows in the direction of gravity at the uppermost position of the bucket 38, the water can flow along the radial line of the rim 37. The vaporization filter 36 can be uniformly moistened from the individual openings 89 toward the center.

  Further, in the humidifying unit 22, as described above, the opening 89 moves away from the virtual vertical plane 102 that bisects the vaporization filter 36 in the axial direction parallel to the axial center of the first and second rotating shafts 41 and 42. Narrow in the circumferential direction. That is, the opening 89 widens most in the circumferential direction at the center position in the axial direction. Thus, water supply to the vaporization filter 36 is urged to the maximum at the axial center position. Water spreads from the axial center to the surroundings. In this way, the vaporization filter 36 can be uniformly wetted. Efficient humidification can be realized.

  In addition, the humidification unit 22 may be incorporated and used in the humidifier 11 that functions as a so-called deodorizer as described above, and may be incorporated in an air purifier or an air conditioner.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Humidifier, 22 Humidification unit, 33 Water storage tray, 35 Evaporation filter container, 36 Evaporation filter, 37 Rim, 37a Wall surface (specific area), 38 Bucket, 41 Rotating shaft (1st rotating shaft), 47 For drive Gear, 48 meshing teeth, 67 spoke as connecting member, 72 holding member, 89 opening, 92 trailing edge as specific part of peripheral edge, 96 enclosure surface, 97a surface, 97 projecting piece, 98 circumferential portion, 101 virtual extension Plane, 102 Virtual vertical plane.

Claims (5)

A water storage tray for storing water at a specified water level;
A rotating shaft supported above the water storage tray in the direction of gravity;
A rim fixed to the rotary shaft by a connecting member extending in a centrifugal direction from the rotary shaft, and surrounding a space occupied by the vaporization filter;
A holding member for holding the vaporization filter in the occupied space inside the rim;
An opening formed in the rim to connect the occupied space to an external space outside the rim;
When a vessel is formed by a surrounding surface extending from the wall surface of the rim extending in the circumferential direction from a specific portion of the peripheral edge of the opening, and positioned at the lowest position in the direction of gravity according to the rotation of the rim, it is below the water level. A bucket to position the opening of the vessel;
A humidifying unit comprising: a protrusion having a surface extending from the specific portion of the peripheral edge along the opening, protruding from an inner surface of the rim and contacting the vaporizing filter.   2. The humidification unit according to claim 1, wherein the opening narrows in a circumferential direction as the distance from a virtual vertical plane that bisects the vaporization filter in an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis.   3. The humidification unit according to claim 2, wherein the enclosure surface of the bucket is a pair of circumferential portions extending in the circumferential direction from both ends of the specific portion at the peripheral edge of the opening. The humidifying unit is characterized in that it is continuous to the same plane, and the inner wall surface of the opening at the other end of the circumferential portion is further away from the rotation axis than a virtual extension surface of the wall surface of the rim.   The humidification unit of Claim 3 WHEREIN: The said wall surface of the said rim | limb is distanced from the said rotating shaft as it distances from the said opening in the circumferential direction, The humidification unit characterized by the above-mentioned. The humidification apparatus which mounts the humidification unit of any one of Claims 1-4.

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