JP2012052700A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the ease of use of a humidifier capable of humidification with electrolyzed water.SOLUTION: In the humidifier 1, there are arranged in a casing 10 a humidification filter 17 which is put in a wetted state with the electrolyzed water in an electrolyzed water generating part 22, and a blower 16 generating an air flow passing through the humidification filter 17. A water supply tank 31 for supplying water to the electrolyzed water generating part 22 is held on a tray 30, and on the under face of the tray 30, there are provided wheels 65 on the near side, first ground-contact legs 66 contacting with the floor of a water supply tank containing space 26 in the casing 10 and second ground-contact legs 67 contacting with the face supporting the casing 10 on the back side. In the first ground-contact legs 66 and the second ground-contact legs 67, when ones of them are in a contacting state, the others are in a floating state. The friction coefficient of the contact faces of the second ground-contact legs 67 is set higher than the friction coefficient of the contact faces of the first ground-contact legs 66.

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier.

As one type of humidifier, there is one that obtains humidified air or cold air by rotating a belt-like filter whose lower part is immersed in water in a water tank and allowing air to pass through the absorbed belt-like filter.
An example of this can be seen in US Pat.

  Some humidifiers can disinfect water for humidification. The humidifier described in Patent Document 2 is an example thereof, in which a pair of electrodes is immersed in water in a water tank, and one is a positive electrode and the other is a negative electrode. Hypochlorous acid is produced from ions to sterilize water.

JP-A-2-217726 (International Patent Classification: F24F1 / 00, F24F6 / 06) JP 2006-57995 A (International Patent Classification: F24F6 / 00)

  Humidifiers are usually used in dry seasons such as winter, but if humidification is performed with electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid and air is sterilized and deodorized at the same time, It can be used to improve the living environment at any time. An object of the present invention is to improve the usability of a humidifier that can be humidified with electrolyzed water.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the humidifier passes through the humidification filter, the electrolytic water generation unit, the humidification filter made wet with the electrolytic water generated by the electrolytic water generation unit, and the humidification filter. An air blower that generates an air flow is disposed, and air humidified with electrolyzed water is blown out of the casing, and a water supply tank storage space is formed in a lower portion of the casing, and a front surface of the water supply tank storage space is An inlet / outlet closed by a vertically movable gate is provided, and a tray to be stored in the water supply tank storage space from the entrance / exit is provided, and the tray generates electrolyzed water of the water supply tank holding unit on the front side and the electrolyzed water generation unit on the back side The electrolytic water generating tank receives water flowing out from the water supply tank held in the water supply tank holding section, and the casing has the endless belt-shaped humidification filter. A filter support is arranged so that it can be moved up and down, and the filter support holds an electrode for generating electrolyzed water and is connected to the gate by a linkage mechanism, and is lowered when the gate is pulled down to a closed position. The lower end of each of the humidifying filter and the electrode is immersed in water in the electrolyzed water generating tank, and when the gate is pulled up to the open position, the lower end of the humidifying filter and the electrode is generated to generate the electrolyzed water. A first ground that is disposed outside the tank, has a wheel on the front side and a grounding leg on the back side on the lower surface of the tray, and the grounding leg is grounded on the floor surface of the water tank storage space. A leg and a second grounding leg that contacts the surface supporting the housing, wherein the first grounding leg and the second grounding leg are in a floating state when one is in a grounded state, Of the ground contact surface of the second ground leg. Friction coefficient is higher than the friction coefficient of the ground surface of the first ground leg.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the humidifier configured as described above, the filter support is configured by a filter unit and a filter unit case that holds the filter unit, and the humidifying filter extends in a direction perpendicular to the filter unit. The filter unit has a driving shaft and a driven shaft around which the humidifying filter is wound, and the driving shaft is connected to the humidifying filter driving motor attached to the filter unit case by a gear.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the humidifier having the above-described configuration, the filter support is configured by a frame, and the humidification filter is driven by a driving shaft and a driven shaft that are spaced apart from each other on the frame. It is wound around a shaft and extends in the vertical direction, and the driving shaft is connected to the humidifying filter drive motor by a gear.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the humidifier configured as described above, a friction coefficient increasing process is performed on the ground contact surface of the second ground leg.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the humidifier configured as described above, the water supply tank is inserted into the water supply tank holding part from above, and the water supply tank is inserted into the water supply tank holding part. A guide portion is formed for guiding in the direction opposite to the generation tank.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the humidifier having the above-described configuration, the tray is provided with a water supply path for flowing water in the water supply tank to the electrolyzed water generation tank, and the water supply path is filled with electrolyte. A substance holding pocket is formed.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the humidifier having the above-described configuration, the tray is formed with a water supply path for flowing the water in the water supply tank to the electrolyzed water generation tank, and the water supply path of the water supply tank A leakage valve that is urged in the closing direction is provided at a location facing the valve, and a valve opening lever that opens the leakage valve against an urging force is provided in the water supply channel, and the valve opening lever is a seesaw type The one end is an action point portion facing the leakage valve, the other end is a force point portion facing the filter unit case, and the lowered filter unit case pushes the force point portion to cause the action point portion to The leakage valve is pushed to open the leakage valve, and a support surface for supporting the fulcrum portion of the valve opening lever from below is formed in the water supply channel. It has been.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the humidifier configured as described above, a float for detecting a water level in the electrolyzed water generating tank is disposed, a magnet is attached to the float, and the housing is provided with the magnet. A magnetic sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the strength of magnetism from the magnet is disposed, and the float includes a frame that moves like a seesaw, and the frame includes a pair of left and right beams connected to the frame at both ends. And the float is supported by a fulcrum shaft that protrudes outward from an intermediate portion of the pair of left and right beams.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the humidifier configured as described above, a U-shaped tray transport handle for transporting the tray is provided, and the tray transport handle rotates the root portion to the left side surface and the right side surface of the tray. When connected movably and not held by a human hand, the water tank is retracted from above the water supply tank holding section and interferes with the electrolyzed water generation tank. A guide portion is formed in the space for retracting the tray carrying handle from above the electrolyzed water generating tank when the tray is pushed into the water supply tank storage space.

  According to the present invention, the tray holding the water supply tank can be taken in and out by opening the gate at the entrance / exit of the water supply tank storage space. In the process of taking the tray into and out of the water tank storage space, the tray can be smoothly moved using the wheels and the first grounding legs having a low friction coefficient. When the tray is pulled out of the water tank storage space, the second grounding leg having a high coefficient of friction is grounded so that the tray does not easily displace, and then the water tank is removed from the tray, It is possible to stably perform the work of attaching to the.

It is a perspective view of the humidifier which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a vertical sectional view of the humidifier of FIG. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the humidifier of FIG. 1, showing a state different from FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the humidifier in FIG. 1, showing a state different from those in FIGS. 2 and 3. It is a perspective view of a tray and a water supply tank attached to it. It is a perspective view of the tray which attached the water supply tank. It is the perspective view which looked at the tray which attached the water supply tank from the downward direction. It is an enlarged front view which shows a part of water tray storage space and the tray accommodated there. It is a top view of a tray. It is the perspective view which looked at the tray from the upper part. It is a perspective view of a float. It is a perspective view of the humidifier of the state which raised the gate and removed one side plate from the housing. It is a fragmentary perspective view of a filter unit case, and shows the state where the lid of the humidification filter holding space was opened. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the attachment mechanism of a filter unit case. It is a disassembled perspective view of a humidification filter drive motor and its attachment. It is sectional drawing of a humidification filter drive motor attachment location in a filter unit case. It is a perspective view which shows the partial structure in a housing | casing. It is a figure which shows what is the connection mechanism of a gate and a filter unit case, and is arrange | positioned at the housing | casing right side surface. It is a figure which shows the connection mechanism of a gate and a filter unit case, and is arrange | positioned at the housing | casing left side surface. It is a figure which shows the state which the connection mechanism of FIG. 18 took the attitude | position different from FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the linkage mechanism in FIG. 19 takes a posture different from that in FIG. 19. It is the perspective view which looked at the humidifier from the back side, and shows the form of the intake filter and the guard grille in the form of an exploded perspective view. It is the perspective view which looked at the guard grille from the inner surface side. It is the perspective view which looked at the humidifier from the back side, and shows the state which removed the intake filter and the guard grille. It is a perspective view of an electrode unit. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the blower outlet of a case top surface. It is a perspective view of a louver drive motor and its accessory parts. It is a block block diagram of a humidifier.

  Hereinafter, the structure and operation of the humidifier according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The humidifier 1 includes a housing 10 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The orientation expression used for the description of the housing 10 is defined as the left on the front of the housing 10 and the right on the right. The azimuth | direction expression used for description of another component shall also follow this.

  The housing 10 has an air inlet 11 (see FIGS. 2 and 22) on the back surface and an air outlet 12 on the top surface. The intake port 11 is composed of a set of horizontally long small holes. The blower outlet 12 is provided with a lid 13 that opens and closes with the edge on the back side as a fulcrum, and a louver 14 (see FIG. 26) that changes the direction of the blown airflow.

  An air passage 15 extending from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12 is formed inside the housing 10, and a blower 16 is disposed therein. The blower 16 is a combination of a cross flow fan and a motor, and generates an airflow that is sucked from the air inlet 11 and blown out from the air outlet 12.

  A humidification filter 17 is disposed in the ventilation path 15 at a position between the air inlet 11 and the blower 16. The humidifying filter 17 has an endless belt shape and is vertically supported inside a filter support H that is disposed in the housing 10 so as to be vertically movable. In the present embodiment, the filter support H is constituted by a filter unit case 18 and a filter unit 71 held therein. The structures of the filter unit case 18 and the filter unit 71, the driving mechanism of the humidifying filter 17, the upper and lower mechanisms of the filter unit case 18, and the like will be described later.

  The filter unit case 18 holds the electrode unit 19. The electrode unit 19 has a pair of electrodes 20. The electrode 20 protrudes downward, and its lower end is immersed in the water in the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 whose upper surface is an opening. The electrode 20 and the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 constitute an electrolyzed water generation unit 22.

  The lower end of the humidification filter 17 is also immersed in the water in the electrolyzed water generation tank 21. If the water in the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 is electrolyzed water, the humidifying filter 17 is wetted with electrolyzed water. Here, when the blower 16 is operated, the air flow passing through the humidifying filter 17 is humidified with the electrolyzed water, and air is sterilized and deodorized with the electrolyzed water. The air is blown out of the housing 10 from the blower outlet 12. The above is the basic configuration of the humidifier 1. Then, the structure of each part of the humidifier 1 is demonstrated.

  On the left and right side surfaces of the housing 10, a carrying handle 23 is formed. On the top surface of the housing 10, an operation / display unit 24 is disposed in a space between the front edge and the air outlet 12. A plurality of operation keys 25 of various switches are arranged in a row in the operation / display unit 24, and the user inputs a command by pressing the necessary operation keys 25.

  A water tank storage space 26 is formed in the lower portion of the housing 10. The front surface of the water tank storage space 26 is an entrance 27. The entrance 27 is closed by a vertically movable gate 28. At the center lower part of the gate 28, a handle portion 29 for vertical operation is formed.

  A water supply tank 31 held on a tray 30 is placed in the water supply tank storage space 26. As for the tray 30, the water supply tank holding | maintenance part 32 is used for the near side, and the part which protruded in the back becomes the above-mentioned electrolyzed water production tank 21. FIG. By the way, if the lower end of the humidification filter 17 and the lower end of the electrode 20 are immersed in the water in the electrolyzed water generation tank 21, the tray 30 cannot be pulled out from the water supply tank storage space. This problem is solved as follows.

  The gate 28 and the filter unit case 18 are connected by a connecting mechanism 33 (see FIGS. 12 and 18). The linkage mechanism 33 includes a pair of levers 34 provided symmetrically in the housing 10. The lever 34 is bent in a square shape, one end is a fulcrum portion 35 connected to the housing 10, the other end is a force point portion 36 connected to the gate 28, and an intermediate bent portion is connected to the filter unit case 18 with a connecting rod 37. It becomes the action point part 38 connected through this.

  The gate 28 moves up and down between a closed position (see FIG. 2) for closing the entrance / exit 27 of the water supply tank storage space 26 and an open position (see FIG. 3) for opening the entrance / exit 27. When the gate 28 is pulled down to the closed position, the filter unit case 18 is also lowered by the linkage mechanism 33, and the lower end of the humidifying filter 17 and the lower end of the electrode 20 enter the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 as shown in FIG. . In this state, the tray 30 cannot be pulled out from the water supply tank storage space 26. When the gate 28 is pulled up to the open position, the filter unit case 18 is also raised by the linkage mechanism 33, and the lower end of the humidifying filter 17 and the lower end of the electrode 20 go out of the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 as shown in FIG. As a result, the lower end of the humidifying filter 17 and the lower end of the electrode 20 are not caught on the edge of the electrolyzed water generation tank 21, and the tray 30 can be pulled out from the water supply tank storage space 26 as shown in FIG.

  The tray 30 has a front width that fits in the water supply tank storage space 26, and the water supply tank 31 has a front width comparable to that of the tray 30. The water supply tank 31 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is inserted into the water supply tank holding part 32 of the tray 30 from above.

  The correct holding position of the water supply tank 31 is that the front edge of the water supply tank 31 is aligned with the front edge of the water supply tank holding part 32. In order to keep the water supply tank 31 always in the correct position, as shown in FIG. 5, the water supply tank 31 is placed on the inner surface of the water supply tank holding part 32 at a location corresponding to the boundary with the electrolyzed water generation tank 21. A guide portion 39 that guides in the direction opposite to the generation tank 21 is formed. The guide portion 39 includes a slope that hits a corner on the back side of the water supply tank 31.

  When the water supply tank 31 is lowered from above, the corner on the back side of the water supply tank 31 hits the guide portion 39, and the water supply tank 31 is brought closer to the front side of the tray 30. When the hand is released from the water supply tank 31, the water supply tank 31 settles at a predetermined position in the water supply tank holding part 32 as shown in FIG. 6.

  The water supply tank 31 has a handle 40 on the upper surface and a water supply port 41 on the lower surface. The water supply port 41 is sealed with a screw cap 42. The screw cap 42 is provided with a leak valve 43 that leaks water inside the water supply tank 31 to the outside. The leak valve 43 is always urged in the closing direction by a spring (not shown).

In the tray 30, a water supply path 44 through which the water in the water supply tank 31 flows out to the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 is formed. As shown in FIG. 5, a circular recess 45 that receives the screw cap 42 is formed at the end of the water supply channel 44. With the screw cap 42 received in the recess 45, the leak valve 43 faces the water supply path 44.

  The leakage valve 43 is opened by pushing a shaft 46 protruding outward from the inside of the water supply tank 31, and a valve release lever 47 for pushing the shaft 46 is provided in the water supply passage 44. The valve opening lever 47 is a seesaw type, one end is an action point 48 facing the leakage valve 43, and the other end is a force point that enters under the filter unit case 18 when the tray 30 is pushed into the water tank storage space 26. Part 49. A fulcrum part 50 is provided between the action point part 48 and the force point part 49. The valve opening lever 47 engages a fulcrum shaft (not shown) protruding from the outer surface of the fulcrum part 50 with a bearing hole 44a (see FIG. 10) formed in the inner surface of the water supply channel 44, thereby centering the fulcrum part 50. It is attached so that it can swing.

  The valve opening lever 47 has a center of gravity between the fulcrum part 50 and the action point part 48. If left unattended, the action point part 48 is lowered and the force point part 49 is raised, resulting in the state shown in FIGS. Even if the water supply tank 31 is held in the tray 30 in this state, the valve opening lever 47 does not push the leakage valve 43, and water does not leak. When the tray 30 in this state is pushed into the water supply tank storage space 26 where the gate 28 is pulled up and the gate 28 is pulled down, the lowered filter unit case 18 pushes the force point portion 49 of the valve opening lever 47. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the action point 48 is lifted, the shaft 46 is pushed up, and the leakage valve 43 is opened. Thereby, water flows out from the inside of the water supply tank 31, and the water flows through the water supply path 44 and flows into the electrolyzed water generation tank 21.

  As described above, the valve release lever 47 is supported by the fulcrum shaft of the fulcrum 50, but the pressure received from the filter unit case 18 may not be supported by the fulcrum shaft alone. Therefore, a support surface 51 that supports the fulcrum 50 from below is formed in the water supply channel 44. Since most of the force pressing the valve opening lever 47 from above is received by the support surface 51, there is no need to worry about the fulcrum shaft coming off from the bearing hole 44a.

  As shown in FIG. 10, an electrolyte filling substance holding pocket 52 is formed in the middle of the water supply channel 44. The electrolyte filling substance holding pocket 52 is used to store a substance for filling an electrolyte in water, specifically, a sodium chloride tablet (salt tablet).

  Normally, tap water contains chlorine, but the amount varies depending on the region. If one salt tablet is put into the electrolyte filling substance holding pocket 52 every time water is supplied to the water supply tank 31, the electrolyzed water can be stably generated regardless of the water quality. Further, by forming the electrolyte filling substance holding pocket 52 in the shape of a recess, the salt tablet does not move to other places, and the salt concentration of the electrolyzed water generation unit 22 becomes non-uniform. Inconvenient situations such as hindering the opening and closing of the valve 43 can be prevented.

  Next to the water supply path 44, a float storage recess 53 that communicates with the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 is formed. When the float 54 provided in the float housing recess 53 rises and sinks, the water level in the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 is detected.

  The float 54 includes a frame 55 having the shape shown in FIG. The frame 55 is a molded product of a synthetic resin, and holds a foamed polystyrene block 56 that generates buoyancy.

  Each frame 55 includes a pair of left and right beams 57 connected to the frame 55 at both ends, and a bearing hole 53a (FIG. By being engaged with each other, a seesaw-like movement is supported around the fulcrum shaft 58. Thus, by providing the fulcrum shaft 58 at the intermediate portion of the beam 57 connected to the frame 55 at both ends, a sufficient amount of deflection of the beam 57 when the fulcrum shaft 58 is engaged with the bearing hole 53a is ensured. Can do.

  A bracket 59 extends from one side of the frame 55. A magnet 60 is attached to the tip of the bracket 59. The center of gravity and buoyancy of the float 54 are set between the fulcrum shaft 58 and the magnet 60. For this reason, the tip of the bracket 59 is lowered when water is not contained in the float housing recess 53, and the tip of the bracket 59 is lifted when water flows from the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 into the float housing recess 53. If a magnetic sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 60 is arranged inside the housing 10, the attitude of the float 54 can be known from the signal from the magnetic sensor, and the inside of the electrolyzed water generation tank 21. The water level can be determined. The location of the magnetic sensor can be set, for example, near the outside of the tray 30 and just below the float storage recess 53.

  The water in the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 becomes dirty over time. It is necessary to discard the dirty water and keep the inside of the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 clean. Therefore, a tray carrying handle 61 is provided on the tray 30. The tray carrying handle 61 is a U-shaped synthetic resin molded product, and the root portion is connected to the left side surface and the right side surface of the tray 30. Specifically, support shafts 62 are respectively formed on the left side surface and the right side surface of the tray 30, and holes 63 at both ends of the tray transport handle 61 are engaged with the support shaft 62. The tray carrying handle 61 can change the angle with respect to the tray 30 within a certain angle range.

  When the tray carrying handle 61 is grasped and pulled up, if the water supply tank 31 is not held in the water supply tank holding portion 32 at that time, the tray 30 can be lifted in a substantially horizontal state. Thus, the tray 30 can be transported to the water disposal site without spilling the water therein.

  The support shaft 62 is disposed outside the water supply tank holding unit 32. When the tray carrying handle 61 is not held by a human hand, it takes the posture shown in FIG. 5, that is, the posture that retracts from above the water supply tank holding portion 32 and interferes with the electrolyzed water generation tank 21. Thereby, the water supply tank 31 can be inserted into and removed from the water supply tank holding part 32 without being obstructed by the tray carrying handle 61.

  On the other hand, if the tray transport handle 61 is in a position where it interferes above the electrolyzed water generation tank 21, the tray transport handle interferes with the fan case in the housing 10 when the tray 30 is pushed into the water supply tank storage space 26. End up. Therefore, a guide portion 64 is formed inside the water supply tank storage space 26 where the root portion of the tray carrying handle 61 hits. When the tray 30 is pushed into the water supply tank storage space 26, the tray transport handle 61 hits the guide portion 64 and is lifted, and the tray transport handle 61 is retracted from above the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 as shown in FIG. As a result, the tray carrying handle 61 can be accommodated in a dead space in the housing 10 and the housing 10 can be downsized.

  The water supply tank 31 that is full of water has a considerable weight, and pushing the tray 30 on which the water supply tank 31 is placed into the water supply tank storage space 26 is a labor-intensive operation. In order to reduce the labor, the tray 30 is devised as follows.

  The tray 30 is molded from a slippery synthetic resin. On the lower surface of the tray 30, wheels on the front side and grounding legs on the back side are arranged. The wheels 65 are fixed wheels whose directions do not change, and one wheel 65 is provided on each side. The ground legs include a first ground leg 66 that contacts the floor surface of the water tank storage space 26 and a second ground leg 67 that contacts the surface that supports the housing 10. Two first grounding legs 66 and two second grounding legs 67 are provided, and the first grounding legs 66 are arranged in a horizontal row so that the first grounding legs 66 are on the outside and the second grounding legs 67 are on the inside.

  When one of the first ground leg 66 and the second ground leg 67 is in a grounded state, the other is in a floating state. That is, the second ground leg 67 protrudes below the first ground leg 66, and when the tray 30 is placed on the floor, the second ground leg 67 is grounded but the first ground leg 66 is not grounded. The tray 30 is supported at four points by two wheels 65 and two second grounding legs 67. On the other hand, on the floor surface of the water supply tank storage space 26, as shown in FIG. Therefore, in the water tank storage space 26, the first ground leg 66 is grounded, but the second ground leg 67 is not grounded. That is, the tray 30 is supported at four points by the two wheels 65 and the two first grounding legs 66 inside the housing 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the floor surface of the water supply tank storage space 26 is a slope where a portion close to the entrance 27 is lowered to the near side. For this reason, the first grounding leg 66 of the tray 30 placed in front of the water supply tank storage space 26 can be easily ridden on the floor surface of the water supply tank storage space 26. Thereafter, the tray 30 is pushed to the rear side, and the first grounding leg 66 is slid on the floor surface of the water supply tank storage space 26, and the wheel 65 also has the first grounding leg 66 on the floor surface of the water supply tank storage space 26. Let's get on. Accordingly, the tray 30 and the water supply tank 31 are stored in the water supply tank storage space 26.

  A shallow depression 69 is formed on the floor surface of the water supply tank storage space 26 at a position where the wheel 65 should be positioned (see FIGS. 4 and 12), and when the tray 30 is pushed into the water supply tank storage space 26 to the end. The wheel 65 fits into the recess 69. This prevents the tray 30 from moving around in the water supply tank storage space 26.

  The friction coefficient of the ground contact surface of the second ground leg 67 is set higher than the friction coefficient of the ground contact surface of the first ground leg 66. That is, the first ground leg 66 is made of a slippery synthetic resin, which is a raw material, as it is, but the ground surface of the second ground leg 67 is subjected to a friction coefficient increasing process. Specifically, the rubber pad 70 is affixed to the grounding surface of the second grounding leg 67.

  When the tray 30 is pulled out from the water supply tank storage space 26, the second grounding leg 67 having a high friction coefficient is grounded, and the tray 30 is not easily displaced. For this reason, the operation | work which removes the water supply tank 31 from the tray 30, or attaches it to the tray 30 can be performed stably.

  The sticking of the rubber pad 70 is not all of the friction coefficient increasing process. It is also possible to adopt a method of increasing the friction coefficient by forming a knurled pattern composed of a collection of quadrangular pyramidal projections on the ground contact surface.

  Next, the structure around the filter unit case 18 will be described. The filter unit case 18 is flat in the front-rear direction and holds the filter unit 71 inside. In the filter unit 71, a horizontal driving shaft 72 and a driven shaft 73 that extend in the left-right direction are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. The endless belt-shaped humidifying filter 17 is wound around and held by a driving shaft 72 and a driven shaft 73 so as to extend in the vertical direction. The humidifying filter 17 needs to have both water absorption and ventilation, and a yarn made of synthetic fibers knitted in a net shape or the like is used. In order to move the humidifying filter 17 without causing a slip, a shaft of a synthetic resin molded product having an uneven surface in the axial direction on the outer surface is used for the driving shaft 72 and the driven shaft 73.

  As shown in FIG. 13 (FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the filter unit case 18 viewed from the back side), a ventilation port 74 for passing air through the humidifying filter 17 is provided on the back side and the front side of the filter unit case 18. , 75 are formed. The ventilation port 74 is made up of a group of small holes whose upper part is horizontally long. The ventilation opening 75 consists of a set of horizontally long small holes as a whole.

  A humidifying filter drive motor storage space 77 is provided at the upper right corner of the filter unit case 18 so as to be separated from the internal space of the filter unit 71 by a partition wall 76 (see FIG. 16). A humidifying filter driving motor 78 is accommodated in the humidifying filter driving motor accommodating space 77 and is fixed to the filter unit case 18 with a screw (not shown).

  The humidifying filter drive motor 78 has a built-in speed reduction mechanism, and rotates the output shaft 79 protruding from one end face at a reduced speed. A gear 80 is fixed to the output shaft 79. As shown in FIG. 13, the gear 80 is exposed in the internal space of the filter unit 71, and the gear 81 fixed to the driving shaft 72 meshes with the gear 80. When the humidifying filter drive motor 78 is driven to rotate the gear 80, the rotation is transmitted to the driving shaft 72 via the gear 81, and the humidifying filter 17 moves.

  Thus, since the humidifying filter drive motor 78 for moving the humidifying filter 17 is attached to the filter unit case 18 itself holding the endless belt-shaped humidifying filter 17, the vertical movement of the filter unit case 18 can be realized without difficulty. it can. Since the power for moving the humidifying filter 17 is not transmitted from the outside of the filter unit case 18, a power transmission interface with the outside is not required, and the structure can be simplified. Then, the gears 80 and 81 can be firmly meshed inside the filter unit case 18 so that abnormal noise due to poor meshing can be prevented.

  The humidification filter 17 needs to be replaced when it becomes old. Therefore, the filter unit 71 can be inserted and removed from the upper opening of the filter unit case 18.

  When the filter unit 71 is taken out from the upper opening of the filter unit case 18, water that wets the humidifying filter 17 may be applied to the humidifying filter drive motor 78. If the water enters the humidifying filter drive motor 78, there is a risk of electric leakage. Therefore, the end face of the humidifying filter drive motor 78 on the side from which the output shaft 79 protrudes is covered with a water shielding cover 82 (see FIG. 15). The water shielding cover 82 is a molded product of synthetic resin, and is fixed with the same screw as the humidifying filter drive motor 78 is attached to the filter unit case 18. By being covered with the water shielding cover 82, the humidifying filter drive motor 78 is not exposed to water, and the risk of electric leakage is avoided.

  Since the filter unit case 18 holds electric components that consume electric power, such as the electrode unit 19 and the humidifying filter drive motor 78, power must be supplied from the housing 10 side to the filter unit case 18. Electric power is supplied through a power supply cable 83 shown in FIG. The power supply cable 83 is wired as follows. That is, a fan-shaped fixing guide 85 having an open end on the filter unit case 18 side is formed on the fixing member 84 inside the housing 10, and the power supply cable 83 passes through the fixing guide 85 and passes to the filter unit case 18. Led. With this configuration, the power supply cable 83 moves only in the fixed guide 85, and the bending and twisting of the power supply cable 83 is minimized.

  The upper part of the filter unit 71 is exposed from the top surface of the filter unit case 18. A lid 86 covering the top surface of the filter unit case 18 hides the filter unit 71. The lid 86 is opened and closed with the front side as a fulcrum, and constitutes a part of the outer shape of the housing 10.

  When the filter unit case 18 is lowered by pulling down the gate 28, if the filter unit case 18 is suddenly lowered, the impact at the time of landing is great, there is a risk of breakage of parts, and the impact sound also surprises the user. Therefore, a buffering mechanism is provided in the linkage mechanism 33 so that the filter unit case 18 does not drop rapidly.

  The buffer mechanism is realized by rotary dampers 87 (see FIG. 18) attached to the left and right levers 34, respectively. A pinion 88 is fixed to the shaft end of the rotary damper 87, and this pinion 88 is engaged with an arc-shaped rack 89 fixed inside the housing 10. The center of the arc of the rack 89 coincides with the fulcrum portion 35 of the lever 34, so that the pinion 88 can move along the rack 89.

  When the gate 28 is pulled up, the lever 34 rotates and the pinion 88 rolls the rack 89 from the bottom to the top. In the rotation at this time, the rotary damper 87 does not show a large rotational resistance, so that the gate 28 and the filter unit case 18 can be pulled up with a light force.

  When the raised gate 28 is pulled down, the lever 34 rotates in the opposite direction, and the pinion 88 rolls the rack 89 from the top to the bottom. However, the rotary damper 87 has a large rotational resistance against the rotation at this time. Indicates. For this reason, the lowering of the gate 28 and the filter unit case 18 becomes slow, and no big impact is generated when the gate 28 and the filter unit case 18 are completely lowered.

  When the gate 28 and the filter unit case 18 rise, the lever 34 on the right side of the housing 10 rotates clockwise in FIG. 18, and the lever 34 on the left side of the housing 10 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. When the gate 28 and the filter unit case 18 descend, the right lever 34 of the housing 10 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 20, and the left lever 34 of the housing 10 rotates clockwise in FIG. If the rack 89 has a tooth profile only on the outer peripheral side of the arc, for example, the rotary damper 87 disposed on the right lever 34 exhibits a large rotational resistance when the pinion 88 rotates counterclockwise, The rotary damper 87 disposed on the lever 34 must exhibit a large rotational resistance when the pinion 88 rotates clockwise. That is, two types of rotary dampers 87 are required, resulting in an increase in cost. To deal with this problem, we did the following:

  That is, the rack 89 has teeth on both the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side of the arc, and the left rotary damper 87 meshes the pinion 88 with the outer peripheral tooth profile as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the pinion 88 was engaged with the tooth profile on the inner peripheral side. Thereby, in both the left rotary damper 87 and the right rotary damper 87, the rotation direction when the gate 28 and the filter unit case 18 are lowered is clockwise, and it is only necessary to show a large rotational resistance only in the rotation in this direction. Become. This means that it is only necessary to prepare one type of component as the rotary damper 87, which is advantageous in terms of cost and does not cause a mounting error. Since the rack 89 can use the same parts on both the left and right sides, this is also advantageous in terms of cost, and there is no risk of mounting errors.

  The intake port 11 on the back surface of the housing 10 is covered with an intake filter 90 (see FIG. 22). The intake filter 90 is a rectangular grid frame with a polypropylene net, and collects dust such as fibers from the air sucked into the intake port 11. The intake filters 90 are held by holding portions 91 that are formed three each above and below the intake port 11.

  After the intake port 11 is covered with the intake filter 90, the outside is further covered with a rectangular guard grill 92. The guard grill 92 has a vent hole 93 formed of a set of horizontally long small holes, and constitutes a part of the outer shape of the housing 10.

  As shown in FIG. 23, three engaging projections 94 are formed on the lower edge of the guard grill 92, and on the upper side of the surface facing the housing 10 (hereinafter referred to as “inner surface”). A pair of left and right elastic hooks 95 are formed. Correspondingly, the housing 10 is formed with an engagement recess 96 for engaging the engagement protrusion 94 and a hook receiver 97 for engaging the elastic hook 95, as shown in FIG. When the engagement protrusion 94 is engaged with the engagement recess 96 and the elastic hook 95 is engaged with the hook receiver 97, the guard grill 92 is attached to the housing 10 and constitutes a part of the outer shape of the housing 10. It will be.

  A magnet 98 is attached to the inner surface of the guard grill 92 below the elastic hook 95 on the right side. The magnet 98 exerts a magnetic force on a proximity switch (not shown) disposed behind a recess 99 (see FIG. 22) formed in the housing 10. If the proximity switch detects the magnet and determines that the guard grill 92 is attached, it is possible to supply power to the filter unit case 18 through the power supply cable 83. When the guard grille 92 is removed, the proximity switch does not detect the magnet 98 and cannot supply power to the filter unit case 18.

  The electrode unit 19 has a structure shown in FIG. Reference numeral 19a denotes a base made of a synthetic resin molded product, and two plate-like electrodes 20 are attached to the lower end thereof at intervals. A knob portion 19b is formed on the upper portion of the base 19a. Since the electrode 20 is a consumable item, the electrode unit 19 must be periodically replaced. In order to allow the user himself to easily replace the electrode unit 19, the humidifier 1 is configured as follows.

  A rectangular recess 100 is formed in the air inlet 11 (see FIG. 24). The recess 100 has an area enough to receive the electrode unit 19 with a certain degree of clearance. The bottom of the recess 100 is an opening 101, and the filter unit case 18 is formed with an electrode unit mounting portion 102 that protrudes below the opening 101 (see FIG. 2). The electrode unit mounting portion 102 holds the electrode unit 19 inserted from above by appropriate elastic engagement means. Although not shown, a power supply means such as a plug and a socket is provided between the electrode unit mounting portion 102 and the electrode unit 19.

  When the filter unit case 18 is lowered as shown in FIG. 2, the electrode unit 19 attached to the electrode unit attaching portion 102 cannot reach it. As shown in FIG. 3, when the filter unit case 18 is raised, the knob portion 19 b of the electrode unit 19 protrudes from the opening 101. That is, the knob portion 19 b of the electrode unit 19 appears at an accessible position in the air inlet 11. If the guard grill 92 and the intake filter 90 are removed, the electrode unit 19 can be pulled up to the position shown in FIG.

  As described above, when the guard grill 92 is removed, the power supply to the electrode unit 19 is cut off at that time. For this reason, the electrode unit 19 can be safely exchanged without particularly operating the switch to cut off the energization.

  The louver 14 provided at the outlet 12 is swung by the louver drive motor 103 and automatically changes the blowing direction. Similar to the humidifying filter drive motor 78, the louver drive motor 103 has a built-in speed reduction mechanism, and rotates the output shaft 104 protruding from one end face at a reduced speed. The louver 14 is connected to the output shaft 104 and swings.

  The output shaft 104 has some play in the direction of rotation. Therefore, rattling occurs during the swing operation of the louver 14. To solve this problem, the following was done. That is, the O-ring 105 was fitted to the outside of the output shaft 104 and the O-ring 105 was held by the holder 106. The holder 106 is fixed to the housing 10 with the same screw that attaches the louver drive motor 103 to the housing 10.

  By configuring as described above, moderate friction is given to the output shaft 104 through the O-ring 105, and the louver 14 does not rattle during the swing operation. The O-ring 105 is a general part, is easily available, is low in cost, and has excellent durability, so there is no need to worry about replacement.

  The control system of the humidifier 1 has a configuration shown in FIG. The control unit 110 that controls the humidifier 1 is configured with a microcomputer as a core, receives output signals from various components, and outputs control signals to various components.

  Constituent elements that output signals to the control unit 110 include an operation / display unit 24, a magnetic sensor 111 that detects the movement of the float 54, a proximity switch 112 that detects a magnet 98 attached to the guard grill 92, an external switch A temperature sensor 113 that detects temperature and a humidity sensor 114 that detects external humidity are included. The temperature sensor 113 and the humidity sensor 114 are provided at one corner of the ventilation path 15.

  Constituent elements that operate in response to a control signal from the control unit 110 include a blower 16, an electrode unit 19, a humidifying filter drive motor 78, a louver drive motor 103, and a display unit 115 provided in the operation / display unit 24. Is included. The display unit 115 includes a 7 segment display.

  Next, the operation of the humidifier 1 will be described. As long as there is water in the water supply tank 31, the water level inside the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 is kept constant. However, when the water supply tank 31 becomes empty, the water level inside the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 decreases. . As the water level falls, the attitude of the float 54 changes, and at a certain point, the magnetic field of the magnet 60 causes the magnetic sensor 111 to operate. Receiving the output signal from the magnetic sensor 111, the control unit 110 displays on the display unit 114 that water supply to the water supply tank 31 is necessary. If the blower 16, the electrode unit 19, the humidifying filter drive motor 78, the louver drive motor 103, and the like are in operation, the control unit 110 stops their movement.

  The user who sees the display requesting water supply raises the gate 28 and pulls out the tray 30. Then, the water supply tank 31 is pulled out from the tray 30, water is replenished thereto, and the tray 30 is reset. If the salt tablet in the electrolyte replenishment substance holding pocket 52 is not dissolved, a new salt tablet is put therein.

  When the tray 30 is placed in the water supply tank storage space 26 and the gate 28 is lowered, the filter unit case 18 is lowered, and water supply from the water supply tank 31 to the electrolyzed water generation tank 21 is started. This water immerses the lower end of the humidifying filter 17 and the lower end of the electrode 20. When a predetermined operation key 25 in the operation / display unit 24 is pressed, a predetermined voltage (for example, 10 V) is applied to the electrode 20, and the water in which the electrode 20 is immersed is electrolyzed to become electrolyzed water.

The voltage is applied so that the pair of electrodes 20 are alternately reversed in polarity (for example, about 3 to 10 minutes every hour). When chlorine is contained in water, the following electrochemical reaction occurs.
<Anode side>
4H ₂ O-4e ⁻ → 4H ⁺ + O ₂ ↑ + 2H ₂ O
2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ + 2e ⁻
H ₂ O + Cl ₂ ← → HClO + H ⁺ + Cl ⁻
<Cathode side>
4H ₂ O + 4e ⁻ → 2H ₂ ↑ + 4OH ⁻
<Between electrodes>
H ⁺ + OH ⁻ → H ₂ O
By the above reaction, electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid (HClO) and active oxygen having sterilizing action and deodorizing action is born.

  When the lid 13 is opened and the blower 16, the humidifying filter driving motor 78, and the louver driving motor 103 are operated, the humidifying filter 17 is wetted with the electrolytic water and pulled up. The room air sucked from the air inlet 11 is humidified by the electrolyzed water wetted with the humidifying filter 17, sterilized and deodorized, and blown out from the air outlet 12. In this way, humidification, sterilization, and deodorization are simultaneously performed on room air.

  Although the humidifier 1 that is not designed as an air purifier has been presented as an embodiment of the present invention, there is no inconvenience in carrying out the present invention with an air purifier that is intended to purify air.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the filter support H is configured by the filter unit 71 and the filter unit case 18 that holds the filter unit 71. However, the filter support is formed by a single frame having the functions of the filter unit 71 and the filter unit case 18. It is also possible to configure H.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is widely applicable to humidifiers.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Humidifier 10 Case 11 Intake port 12 Outlet 14 Louver 16 Blower H Filter support body 17 Humidification filter 18 Filter unit case 19 Electrode unit 20 Electrode 21 Electrolyzed water production tank 22 Electrolyzed water production | generation part 26 Supply water storage space 27 Entrance / exit 28 Gate 30 Tray 31 Water supply tank 32 Water supply tank holding part 33 Linking mechanism 34 Lever 35 Support point part 36 Power point part 37 Connecting rod 38 Action point part 39 Guide part 43 Leakage valve 44 Water supply path 47 Valve release lever 48 Action point part 49 Force point part 50 Support point portion 51 Support surface 52 Electrolyte filling material holding pocket 54 Float 57 Beam 58 Support shaft 60 Magnet 61 Tray carrying handle 64 Guide portion 65 Wheel 66 First ground leg 67 Second ground leg 70 Rubber pad 71 Filter uni Door

Claims (9)

In the housing, an electrolyzed water generating unit, a humidifying filter that is wetted by the electrolyzed water generated by the electrolyzed water generating unit, and a blower that generates an air flow passing through the humidifying filter are disposed, and the electrolyzed water is used. In a humidifier that blows humidified air out of the housing,
A water supply tank storage space is formed in a lower portion of the housing, and a front surface of the water supply tank storage space is an entrance / exit closed by a vertically movable gate, and a tray that is stored in the water supply tank storage space from the entrance / exit is provided, Has a water supply tank holding part on the front side and an electrolyzed water generation tank of the electrolyzed water generation part on the back side, and receives the water flowing out from the water supply tank held in the water supply tank holding part in the electrolyzed water generation tank Is,
A filter support body having the endless belt-like humidifying filter is disposed in the casing so as to be vertically movable. The filter support body holds an electrode for generating electrolyzed water and is connected to the gate by a mechanism. When the gate is pulled down to the closed position, the gate is lowered to immerse the lower ends of the humidifying filter and the electrode in the water in the electrolyzed water generation tank, and when the gate is pulled up to the open position, the gate is raised. The humidification filter and the electrode are respectively brought out from the inside of the electrolyzed water generation tank,
Wheels on the front side and grounding legs on the back side are arranged on the lower surface of the tray, and the grounding legs are a first grounding leg that contacts the floor surface of the water tank storage space, and a surface that supports the housing A first ground leg and a second ground leg. When one of the first ground leg and the second ground leg is in a grounded state, the other is in a floating state. The humidifier is characterized in that the coefficient is higher than the friction coefficient of the ground contact surface of the first ground contact leg.   The filter support is constituted by a filter unit and a filter unit case for holding the filter unit, the humidifying filter is held in a shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the filter unit, and the filter unit is a driving shaft around which the humidifying filter is wound. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the driving shaft is connected to the humidifying filter drive motor attached to the filter unit case with a gear.   The filter support is configured by a frame, and the humidifying filter is wound around a driving shaft and a driven shaft that are arranged on the frame with a space therebetween in the vertical direction, and extends in a vertical direction. The driving shaft is The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the humidifier is connected to the humidifying filter drive motor with a gear.   The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein a friction coefficient increasing process is performed on a ground contact surface of the second ground leg.   The water supply tank is inserted into the water supply tank holding part from above, and a guide part for guiding the water supply tank in a direction opposite to the electrolyzed water generation tank is formed in the water supply tank holding part. The humidifier according to claim 2.   3. The tray according to claim 2, wherein a water supply path for discharging water in the water supply tank to the electrolyzed water generation tank is formed in the tray, and an electrolyte supplement material holding pocket is formed in the water supply path. The humidifier described. The tray is formed with a water supply path for flowing water in the water supply tank to the electrolyzed water generation tank, and a leakage valve urged in a closing direction is provided at a location facing the water supply path of the water supply tank. The water supply path is provided with a valve opening lever that opens the leakage valve against an urging force,
The valve opening lever is a seesaw type, one end is an action point portion facing the leakage valve, the other end is a force point portion facing the filter unit case, and the lowered filter unit case pushes the force point portion. And pushing the leak valve at the action point to open the leak valve,
The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein a support surface for supporting a fulcrum portion of the valve opening lever from below is formed in the water supply passage. A float for detecting the water level in the electrolyzed water generation tank is disposed, a magnet is attached to the float, and a magnetic sensor for outputting a signal corresponding to the magnetic strength from the magnet is provided in the housing. As well as
The float includes a seesaw-like frame, each of the frames having a pair of left and right beams connected to the frame at both ends, and the fulcrum shafts projecting outward from intermediate portions of the pair of left and right beams, respectively. The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein the float is supported.   A U-shaped tray carrying handle for carrying the tray is provided, and the tray carrying handle is pivotally connected to the left and right sides of the tray and is not held by a human hand. Is a posture that retracts from above the water supply tank holding part and interferes with the electrolyzed water generation tank above, and when the tray is pushed into the water supply tank storage space in the water supply tank storage space, The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein a guide portion for retracting the tray carrying handle from above the electrolyzed water generation tank is formed.