JP2012237459A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier more compact than a conventional one while preventing back flow of hot water to a tank.SOLUTION: This humidifier 100 includes the tank 300, a float storage chamber 253, a vaporizing chamber 255, a first communication path 252 and a second communication path 254. Water is stored in the tank. A float 225 is stored in the float storage chamber. The water is vaporized in the vaporizing chamber. The tank and the float storage chamber are communicated through the first communication path. The float storage chamber and the vaporizing chamber are communicated through the second communication path. Further in this humidifier, a water channel 250 from an outlet of the tank to the vaporizing chamber through the first communication path, the float storage chamber and the second communication path is bent or curved in a plane view or a cross-sectional view.

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-326147 proposes a “humidifier that is small and has excellent portability”. In this small humidifier, a tank connection port, a float storage chamber, a steam generation container, a first communication path for communicating the tank connection port and the float storage chamber, and a float storage chamber and a steam generation container are communicated with the main body base. A second communication path is provided (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as “water channel”). The tank connection port, the float storage chamber, the steam generation container, the first communication path, and the second communication path are arranged on a straight line in plan view (see FIG. 4).

JP 2005-326147 A

  By the way, in the humidifier market, further miniaturization of small humidifiers is required by users. In order to further reduce the size of the small humidifier as described above, it is conceivable to shorten the water channel. However, if the water channel is simply shortened, hot water in the steam generating container may flow back to the tank. Thus, when hot water flows back into the tank, the air in the tank expands. As a result, the water in the tank is pushed into the water channel, and excess water is supplied to the water channel. If it does so, problems, such as a float rising to an upper limit position and the power supply of a humidifier will be interrupted | blocked, will arise.

  The subject of this invention is providing the humidifier smaller than before, suppressing hot water flowing back into a tank.

  The humidifier according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a tank, a float storage chamber, a vaporization chamber, a first communication path, and a second communication path. Water is stored in the tank. A float is accommodated in the float accommodation chamber. In the vaporization chamber, water is vaporized. The vaporization method includes heating and natural evaporation. The first communication passage allows the tank and the float storage chamber to communicate with each other. The second communication path allows the float storage chamber and the vaporization chamber to communicate with each other. In this humidifier, the water channel from the outlet of the tank to the vaporization chamber through the first communication passage, the float storage chamber, and the second communication passage is bent or curved in a plan view or a cross-sectional view.

  For this reason, in this humidifier, size reduction in the width direction can be realized without shortening the water channel. Therefore, this humidifier can be reduced in size in the width direction as compared with the prior art while suppressing hot water from flowing back to the tank.

  The humidifier according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a tank, a float storage chamber, a vaporization chamber, a first communication path, and a second communication path. Water is stored in the tank. A float is accommodated in the float accommodation chamber. In the vaporization chamber, water is vaporized. The first communication passage allows the tank and the float storage chamber to communicate with each other. The second communication path allows the float storage chamber and the vaporization chamber to communicate with each other. In this humidifier, the center line of the first communication path is parallel to the center line of the second communication path in a plan view or a cross-sectional view. In addition, since the center line of the first communication path and the center line of the second communication path are in parallel with each other in this manner, the water flow in the float storage chamber has a certain angle in a plan view or a cross-sectional view. Arise.

  By the way, in the small humidifier described in the column of the background art, as described in the column, the tank connection port, the float storage chamber, the steam generation container (corresponding to the vaporization chamber of the present application), the first communication path, and the second communication path. Are arranged on a straight line in plan view. For this reason, in this small humidifier, the water flow from the first communication path to the second communication path directly collides with the float and pushes the float to the second communication path side. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the float tends to be in contact with the support rod inserted through the inner hole, and the float is less likely to move in the vertical direction.

  The subject of this invention is providing the humidifier which a float tends to move to an up-down direction.

  In the humidifier according to the second aspect, as described above, the center line of the first communication path and the center line of the second communication path are in a parallel relationship. For this reason, in this humidifier, the water flow which goes to the 2nd communicating path from the 1st communicating path becomes difficult to collide with a float directly. Therefore, in this humidifier, the float is easy to move up and down.

  The humidifier according to the third aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the second aspect. In this humidifier, the float storage chamber is a cylindrical chamber. In this humidifier, the center point of the float housing chamber does not exist on at least one of the center line of the first communication path and the center line of the second communication path in a plan view or a cross-sectional view.

  For this reason, in this humidifier, the float is more easily moved in the vertical direction.

  A humidifier according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a humidifier according to any of the first to third aspects, further comprising a heat generating component. The heat generating component is disposed in the vicinity of the outer surface of the wall that forms the first communication path. In the humidifier according to the second aspect or the third aspect, the heat generating component is preferably disposed in the vicinity of the outer surface of the wall on the second communication path side among the walls forming the first communication path.

  For this reason, in this humidifier, heat exchange is performed between the heat generating component and water. Therefore, in this humidifier, the heat generating component can be cooled and the water in the first communication path can be preheated. When the heater is installed in the vaporization chamber, the power consumption of the heater is reduced. be able to.

1 is an external perspective view of a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the humidifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the humidifier concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a right view of the humidifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the humidifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a left view of the humidifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a rear view of the humidifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view of the humidifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is AA sectional drawing of the humidifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention (refer FIG. 3). It is a top view of the main body base part of the humidifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure when the bottom part is removed from the humidifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the humidifier is seen from the bottom face side. It is an external appearance perspective view of the waterway cover of the humidifier which concerns on the modification (C) of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the main body base part of the humidifier which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

-First embodiment-
As shown in FIG. 1, the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a resin molded product having a rounded rectangular columnar shape, and mainly includes a main body base 200, a water tank 300, and a steam cylinder 400. It is configured. As shown in FIG. 2, the humidifier 100 can be broken down into three parts: a main body base 200, a water tank 300, and a steam cylinder 400. That is, the humidifier 100 is configured such that each of the water tank 300 and the steam cylinder 400 is detachable from the main body base 200.

Hereinafter, the main body base 200, the water tank 300, and the steam cylinder 400 will be described in detail.
<Configuration of humidifier>
1. Main Body Base The main body base 200 is mainly composed of an exterior body 201, an activation button 221, pilot lamps 222a and 222b, a plug receiver 223, an electrical component 224, a float 225, and a heater 230, as shown in FIGS. Has been. Hereinafter, these components will be described in detail.

(1) Exterior Body As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the exterior body 201 mainly includes a bottom portion 211, a body portion 212, a water channel formation portion 213, and a guide portion 214. Hereinafter, the bottom part 211, the trunk | drum 212, the water channel formation part 213, and the guide part 214 are each explained in full detail.

(1-1) Bottom The bottom 211 is a rounded rectangular plate member as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the bottom portion 211 is formed with a plurality of heat radiation ports 211a and four leg portion attachment portions 211b. Heat generated from the heat generating component in the electrical component 224 and the heater 230 is released to the outside through the heat radiation port 211a. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 to 9, rubber leg portions 215 are attached to the leg portion attaching portion 211b.

(1-2) trunk | drum The trunk | drum 212 is a cylindrical body whose cross-sectional shape is a rounded rectangular shape, as FIG. 8 shows. As shown in FIG. 2, the body 212 has an opening for exposing the start button 221 to the outside (hereinafter referred to as “start button opening”) 212a, and an opening for exposing the pilot lamps 222a and 222b to the outside. (Hereinafter referred to as “lamp opening”) 212b and a plurality of heat radiation holes 212c are formed. In addition, in the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, the activation button opening 212a is formed on the front side of the body portion 212 and on the upper right side as shown in FIGS. The lamp opening 212b is formed below the activation button opening 212a. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, a plurality of heat radiation holes 212 c are formed from the rear right end portion of the trunk portion 212 to the left end portion of the right side surface.

(1-3) Water Channel Forming Unit As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the water channel forming unit 213 has a rounded rectangular shape in plan view, but has a complicated step shape in vertical sectional view. Note that the body portion 212 and the water channel forming portion 213 are integrally formed, and the bottom portion 211 is fitted into the body portion 212 with a seal.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a water receiving chamber 251, a first communication passage 252, a float storage chamber 253, a second communication passage 254, and a vaporization chamber 255 are formed in the water channel forming portion 213. Hereinafter, the water receiving chamber 251, the first communication passage 252, the float storage chamber 253, the second communication passage 254, and the vaporization chamber 255 may be collectively referred to as a water channel 250.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the water receiving chamber 251 is a substantially columnar chamber and is open at the top. The water receiving chamber 251 accommodates a plug 320 of a water tank 300 described later. Then, the water supplied from the water tank 300 flows into the water receiving chamber 251 first. The water receiving chamber 251 is provided with a protrusion 251a extending upward substantially at the center in plan view. As will be described later, the protrusion 251a pushes up the valve body 330 provided in the water tank 300 when the water tank 300 is attached to the main body base 200, thereby allowing the inside of the tank main body 310 to communicate with the water receiving chamber 251. The water in the tank body 310 is drawn into the water channel 250.

  As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the first communication passage 252 is a rectangular parallelepiped passage extending from the water receiving chamber 251 to the float storage chamber 253, and is open upward. That is, the first communication passage 252 allows the water receiving chamber 251 and the float storage chamber 253 to communicate with each other. The bottom surface of the first communication path 252 is designed to be lower than the bottom surface of the water receiving chamber 251 as shown in FIG. For this reason, the water flowing into the water receiving chamber 251 inevitably flows into the first communication path 252. The first communication passage 252 is formed with guide portions 252a on both walls for guiding the leg portion 271 (see FIG. 2) of the water channel cover 270. Then, when the water channel cover 270 is put on the first communication channel 252, the passage area of the first communication channel 252 is narrowed in the middle by the legs 271 (see FIG. 2) of the water channel cover 270. As shown in FIG. 2, the water channel cover 270 is formed with a rib 272 extending on the opposite side of the leg portion 271. The rib 272 not only functions as a knob when the user removes the water channel cover 270 from the main body base 200 but also functions as a heat radiating plate that releases heat transmitted from the water channel 250. In the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, it is preferable that the rib 272 on the vaporization chamber side be smaller than the rib 272 on the tank side. In this way, not only the thermal efficiency of the heater 230 can be improved, but also the water in the water tank 300 can be prevented from being unnecessarily heated.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the float storage chamber 253 is a substantially columnar chamber and is open at the top. As described above, the float storage chamber 253 communicates with the water receiving chamber 251 through the first communication path 252. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the float storage chamber 253 communicates with the vaporization chamber 255 through the second communication passage 254. The float accommodation chamber 253 literally accommodates the float 225. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, a support columnar portion 253a is provided in the float storage chamber 253 upward. The float 225 is accommodated in the float accommodating chamber 253 so that the inner hole thereof is inserted into the support column portion 253a. In addition, a disk portion 226 that defines the upper limit position of the float 225 is attached to the upper end of the support column portion 253a. Further, the bottom surface of the float housing chamber 253 is designed to be lower than the bottom surface of the first communication passage 252 as shown in FIG. For this reason, the water that has flowed into the first communication path 252 inevitably flows into the float storage chamber 253. In addition, when the above-described water channel cover 270 is attached to the float storage chamber 253, the upper opening is covered with the water channel cover 270.

  As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the second communication passage 254 is a rectangular parallelepiped passage extending from the float accommodation chamber 253 to the vaporization chamber 255, and the upper side is open. That is, the second communication passage 254 allows the float storage chamber 253 and the vaporization chamber 255 to communicate with each other. The bottom surface of the second communication passage 254 has a staircase structure that rises toward the vaporization chamber 255 as shown in FIG. The bottom surface of any step is designed to be higher than the bottom surface of the float storage chamber 253. For this reason, if a certain level of water does not accumulate in the float storage chamber 253, the water does not flow into the second communication passage 254. The second communication passage 254 is formed with guide portions 254a on both walls for guiding a leg portion 271 (see FIG. 2) of a water channel cover 270 described later. Then, when the water channel cover 270 is put on the second communication channel 254, the leg area 271 (see FIG. 2) of the water channel cover 270 narrows the channel area of the second communication channel 254 in the middle.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the vaporization chamber 255 is a substantially columnar chamber and is open at the top. A heater 230 is disposed at the lower end of the vaporization chamber 255 as shown in FIG. That is, the bottom surface of the vaporizing chamber 255 is formed by the heater 230. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the cylindrical wall 255a constituting the vaporizing chamber 255 extends upward, and the upper end thereof is designed to be higher than the upper end of the guide portion 214 of the main body base 200 described later. Has been. The cylindrical wall 255a is provided with a hot water cut portion 255b. The hot water cutting portion 255b extends upward from a part of the upper end of the cylindrical wall 255a. A groove 255c is formed along the vertical direction at a location corresponding to the hot water cut portion 255b of the cylindrical wall 255a. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the bottom surface of the vaporizing chamber 255 is designed to be lower than the bottom surface of the second communication path 254 on the vaporizing chamber side. For this reason, the water flowing into the passage on the vaporization chamber side of the second communication passage 254 inevitably flows into the vaporization chamber 255. The water flowing into the vaporizing chamber 255 is heated by the heater 230 to be steam. The water vapor is released to the external space through an inner hole of an inner cylinder portion 420 (described later) of the steam cylinder 400, and increases the humidity of the outer space. As the water vapor is generated, the water level in the vaporizing chamber 255 decreases. However, the vaporizing chamber 255 has a water level in the water tank 300 so that the water level in the vaporizing chamber 255 is the same as the water level in the water receiving chamber 251. Water continues to be supplied.

  And in this water channel 250, as FIG. 10 shows, the centerline CL1 of the 1st communicating path 252 is parallel to the centerline CL2 of the 2nd communicating path 254 in planar view. Further, in plan view, the center point CP1 of the water receiving chamber 251 exists on the extension line of the center line CL1 of the first communication passage 252, but the center point CP2 of the float accommodation chamber 253 is the center of the first communication passage 252. It does not exist on the extended line of the line CL1, but is offset to the back side. The center point CP3 of the vaporization chamber 255 exists on the extension line of the center line CL2 of the second communication path 254, but the center point CP2 of the float accommodation chamber 253 is on the extension line of the center line CL2 of the second communication path 254. Is not present and is offset to the back side. For this reason, in the humidifier 100 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the flow of the water which flows through the water channel 250 becomes like the arrow FL of FIG.

(1-4) Guide part The guide part 214 is comprised from the outer periphery guide part 214a, the partition guide part 214b, and the inner side guide part 214c, as FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 shows.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the outer circumferential guide portion 214 a extends upward from the upper end of the entire circumference of the body portion 212. And this outer periphery guide part 214a accommodates the guide part (after-mentioned) provided in the water tank 300 and the steam pipe | tube 400 inside, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the partition guide portion 214 b extends upward from the top surface of the water channel forming portion 213. As shown in FIG. 10, the partition guide portion 214b has a boundary line (in plan view) between the water tank 300 and the steam tube 400 when the water tank 300 and the steam tube 400 are mounted on the main body base 200. Is provided at a position corresponding to.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the inner guide portion 214c is formed on the float housing chamber side of the partition guide portion 214b and extends upward in the vicinity of the partition guide portion 214b. As shown in FIG. 10, the inner guide portion 214c is formed so as to be parallel to the neighboring outer periphery guide portion 214a and perpendicular to the partition guide portion 214b in plan view. When the water tank 300 is mounted on the main body base 200, the guide part 315 of the water tank 300 is inserted between the inner guide part 214c and the neighboring outer periphery guide part 214a.

  In other words, the guide portion 214 serves to guide the mounting position of the water tank 300 and the steam tube 400 and to gently fix the water tank 300 and the steam tube 400 to the main body base 200.

(2) Start Button As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the start button 221 is provided on the front side of the main body base 200 and on the upper right side. The activation button 221 is inserted through an activation button opening 212a formed in the exterior body 201 and can be pressed by the user. The start button 221 is connected to the electrical component 224 and the heater 230, and when a plug (not shown) connected to an external power source is pressed by the user with the plug receiver 223 mounted, the heater 230 resists the heater 230. Let it heat. As a result, the heater 230 heats the water supplied from the water tank 300 to the vaporization chamber 255 to generate water vapor.

(3) Pilot lamp The pilot lamps 222a and 222b are for informing the user of the state of the humidifier 100, and are provided on the front side of the main body base 200, on the lower right side, that is, below the start button 221. ing. The pilot lamps 222a and 222b can be viewed through a lamp opening 212b formed in the exterior body 201. The humidifier 100 is provided with a red pilot lamp 222a and a green pilot lamp 222b. The green pilot lamp 222b is lit during normal operation, and the red pilot lamp 222a is lit when an abnormality occurs (when the float 225 reaches the lower limit position (that is, when the amount of water is insufficient), when the float 225 reaches the upper limit position (that is, when the float 225 reaches the upper limit position). When the water is about to overflow from the main body base 200))).

(4) Plug receptacle The plug receptacle 223 is a member which receives the plug (not shown) connected to an external power supply. The plug receiver 223 is connected with a plug by a magnet. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the plug receiver 223 is provided outside the side wall on the back surface side of the side wall of the first communication path 252.

(5) Electrical component The electrical component 224 performs ON / OFF control of the heater 230, float position detection, lighting control of the pilot lamps 222a and 222b, and the like. In the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, the electrical component 224 is provided in the vicinity of the outer surface of the front side wall among the side walls of the first communication path 252. For this reason, the heat generating component in the electrical component 224 is cooled by relatively low-temperature water flowing through the first communication path 252. As a result, the water flowing through the first communication path 252 is heated by the heat generating component.

(6) Float As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the float 225 is a cylindrical foamed resin molded body that floats when water is supplied to the float housing chamber 253. It moves up and down along the support column part 253a depending on the amount of water. The float 225 contains a magnet (not shown). In addition, a reed switch (not shown) is built in the support column portion 253a. The reed switch is configured such that when the float 225 reaches the lower limit position (that is, when the amount of water is insufficient), or when the float 225 reaches the upper limit position (that is, water is likely to overflow from the main body base 200). In response to the magnet built in the float 225, the power supply to the heater 230 and the like is cut off, and the red pilot lamp 222a is turned on.

(7) Heater The heater 230 is a surface heater such as a so-called mica heater (insulated by sandwiching nichrome wire around a core plate with mica), and forms the bottom surface of the vaporizing chamber 255. That is, in the vaporization chamber 255, water supplied from the water tank 300 is heated by the heater 230 to generate water vapor.

  A thermostat (not shown) is attached to the lower surface of the heater 230. Then, when the detected temperature value exceeds the upper limit value (that is, when the water is depleted and enters an empty state), this thermostat cuts off the power supply to the heater 230 and the like.

2. Water Tank The water tank 300 is a container for storing water, and mainly includes a tank body 310 and a plug body 320 as shown in FIGS. 2, 9 and 12. Hereinafter, the tank main body 310 and the plug body 320 will be described in detail.

(1) Tank main body The tank main body 310 is a container for storing water. As shown in FIG. 9, an opening 312 is formed in a semicircular portion, that is, an end portion of the bottom wall portion 311 of the tank main body 310. Further, the bottom wall portion 311 is formed with a plug attachment portion 313 extending downward from the lower edge of the opening 312. In the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, a male screw part 314 is formed on the outer periphery of the plug body attaching part 313. Further, the bottom wall portion 311 is partially provided with a guide portion 315 extending downward from a position slightly inside the outer periphery. The guide portion 315 is accommodated inside the guide portion 214 of the main body base 200 when the water tank 300 is attached to the main body base 200.

(2) Plug body The plug body 320 is a resin molded body. As shown in FIG. 9, the plug body 320 mainly includes a substantially cylindrical plug portion 324, a substantially cylindrical first inner cylinder portion 322, and a bottom wall portion. 323, support leg 321, substantially cylindrical second inner cylinder 325, valve body 330, coil spring 340, and packing 350. In addition, this plug 320 is accommodated in the water receiving chamber 251 of the main body base 200 as described above.

  The plug portion 324 constitutes the outer peripheral wall of the plug body 320. A female screw portion 326 is formed on the inner periphery of the plug portion 324. The female screw portion 326 is screwed into the male screw portion 314 of the plug attachment portion 313.

  The first inner cylinder part 322 is arranged inside the plug part 324 so that the axis thereof coincides with the axis of the plug part 324.

  The bottom wall portion 323 is an annular plate portion that extends from the lower end of the plug portion 324 to the lower end of the first inner cylinder portion 322, and forms a space between the plug portion 324 and the first inner cylinder portion 322. It is blocked at the lower end.

  The support leg portion 321 has a partial cylindrical shape and extends two from the lower end of the first inner cylinder portion 322. The support leg portions 321 face each other.

  The second inner cylinder part 325 is disposed inside the first inner cylinder part 322 so that the axis thereof coincides with the axis of the first inner cylinder part 322. The second inner cylinder part 325 is supported by the first inner cylinder part 322 by three support parts 327 extending from the inner peripheral surface of the first inner cylinder part 322 to the outer peripheral surface of the second inner cylinder part 325. Yes. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, a round bar portion 332 (described later) of the valve body 330 is inserted into the inner hole of the second inner cylinder portion 325.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the valve body 330 includes a round bar portion 332, a disk portion 333, and a valve portion 331. As shown in FIG. 9, the disk portion 333 extends in the radial direction at one end of the round bar portion 332. The valve portion 331 is a round plate-like molded body made of silicone rubber, and is arranged at the end of the round bar portion 332 opposite to the mounting side of the disc portion 333 as shown in FIG. . Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the valve portion 331 has a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first inner cylinder portion 322. As shown in FIG. 9, the valve body 330 is disposed such that the disk portion 333 is located on the support leg portion side and the valve portion 331 is located on the upper end side of the first inner cylinder portion 322. ing.

  The coil spring 340 is disposed between the disc portion 333 of the valve body 330 and the upper end of the first inner cylinder portion 322, and biases the disc portion 333 of the valve body 330 toward the support leg. At this time, the upper end opening of the first inner cylinder portion 322 is closed by the valve portion 331. That is, in the water tank 300, the tank main body 310 is sealed in a state where it is removed from the main body base 200. When the water tank 300 is attached to the main body base 200, the valve body 330 is pushed up by the protrusion 251a provided at the center of the water receiving chamber 251 of the main body base 200, and the interior of the tank main body 310 and the water receiving chamber are separated. It will be in a state of communication. For this reason, when the water tank 300 is attached to the main body base 200, the water in the tank main body 310 is necessarily supplied to the water channel 250 of the main body base 200.

  The packing 350 is an O-ring, and seals between the lower surface of the plug body attaching portion 313 of the tank body 310 and the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 323 of the plug body 320 as shown in FIG. 9.

3. As shown in FIG. 9, the steam cylinder 400 mainly includes an outer cylinder part 410, an inner cylinder part 420, an upper wall part 430, an accessory mounting part 450, a guide part 440 and a rib 460. Yes.

  The outer cylinder portion 410 is a cylinder having a D-shaped cross section.

  The inner cylinder part 420 is a cylindrical body and is inserted through the outer cylinder part 410. In addition, the lower end of this inner cylinder part 420 is extended to the position lower than the lower end of the outer cylinder part 410, as FIG. 9 shows. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, when the steam cylinder 400 is mounted on the main body base 200, the inner cylinder part 420 is inserted so that the outer surface is in contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 255a.

  The upper wall part 430 extends from the upper end of the outer cylinder part 410 to the upper end of the inner cylinder part 420, and closes the space between the outer cylinder part 410 and the inner cylinder part 420 at the upper end.

  The rib 460 extends downward from the inner surface of the upper wall portion 430 and extends from the outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion 420 to the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 410. In the steam cylinder 400 according to the first embodiment, four ribs 460 are arranged in a cross shape in a bottom view.

  The guide part 440 is provided in the lower end part of the outer cylinder part 410, and is extended toward the downward direction from the inner peripheral part of the lower end of an outer cylinder part. The guide portion 440 is accommodated inside the guide portion 214 of the main body base 200.

  The accessory mounting part 450 has a disk shape and is supported near the center of the inner cylinder part 420 by four support legs 450a. Note that four steam ports (not shown) are formed between the accessory mounting part 450 and the inner cylinder part 420 adjacent to the four support legs 450a. The water vapor generated in the vaporization chamber 255 is discharged to the external space through these four steam ports.

  In addition, accessory parts such as the aroma pot 500 are placed on the accessory part placement unit 450. Aroma oil AR is poured into the aroma pot 500 as shown in FIG. In addition, the aroma pot 500 is sized to cover the above-described steam port in plan view. For this reason, it becomes easy for the steam to hit the aroma pot 500, and the aroma oil AR is efficiently vaporized.

<Assembly of humidifier>
The user first removes the plug body 320 from the tank body 310 and then supplies water to the tank body 310 from the opening 312. When the user fills the tank body 310 with a desired amount of water, the stopper body 320 is screwed into the stopper body attaching portion 313 of the tank body 310 to seal the tank body 310.

  Next, the user attaches the water tank 300 and the steam cylinder 400 to the main body base 200. As described above, when the water tank 300 is mounted on the main body base 200, the valve body 330 is pushed up by the protrusion 251a provided at the center of the water receiving chamber 251 of the main body base 200, and the water inside the tank main body 310 and the water receiving water are received. The chamber 251 is in communication.

Finally, the user connects the plug connected to the external power source to the plug receptacle 223. The humidifier 100 can operate in this state.
The above assembling procedure is only an example and does not limit the present invention. For example, the user may supply water to the tank main body 310 after connecting the plug to the plug receiver 223, or may attach the steam cylinder 400 to the main body base 200.

<Operation of humidifier>
When the activation button 221 is pressed by the user with the humidifier 100 assembled as described above, the heater 230 is heated, and the water in the vaporization chamber 255 is vaporized to become water vapor. And the water vapor | steam is discharge | released to external space through the inner cylinder part 420 and the steam port of the steam cylinder 400. FIG. As a result, the humidity in the external space increases. Further, when the user presses the start button 221 during the operation of the humidifier 100, the energization to the humidifier 100 is cut off, and the humidifier 100 stops.

  As described above, when the humidifier 100 is operating normally, the green pilot lamp 222b is turned on. On the other hand, when the water level abnormality is recognized in the humidifier 100, that is, when the float 225 reaches the lower limit position, or when the float 225 reaches the upper limit position, the reed switch is connected to the magnet built in the float 225. In response to the open state, the power supply to the heater 230 and the like is cut off, and the red pilot lamp 222a is turned on.

  Further, as described above, when an air blow abnormality is recognized in the humidifier 100, that is, when the detected temperature value of the thermostat exceeds the upper limit value, the thermostat cuts off the power supply to the heater 230 and the like.

<Characteristics of the humidifier according to the first embodiment>
(1)
The humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment is configured such that each of the water tank 300 and the steam cylinder 400 is detachable from the main body base 200. For this reason, this humidifier 100 is convenient to carry.

(2)
In the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, the center line CL1 of the first communication path 252 is parallel to the center line CL2 of the second communication path 254 in plan view. Further, the center point CP2 of the float storage chamber 253 does not exist on the extension line of the center line CL1 of the first communication path 252 or on the extension line of the center line CL2 of the second communication path 254 in plan view. For this reason, in this humidifier 100, a fixed angle arises in a water flow in the float accommodation chamber 253 in planar view. In addition, it is preferable that this angle is an angle of 90 degrees or less. Therefore, in the humidifier 100, the water flow from the first communication path 252 to the second communication path 254 does not easily collide with the float 225 directly. Therefore, in this humidifier 100, the float 225 is easy to move up and down.

(3)
In the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, the electrical component 224 is provided in the vicinity of the outer surface of the front side wall among the side walls of the first communication path 252. For this reason, the heat generating component in the electrical component 224 is cooled by relatively low-temperature water flowing through the first communication path 252. On the other hand, the water flowing through the first communication path 252 is heated by the heat generating component. Therefore, in this humidifier 100, while being able to cool a heat-emitting component, the water in the 1st communicating path 252 can be preheated, and the power consumption of the heater 230 can be made small.

(4)
In the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, the center line CL1 of the first communication path 252 is parallel to the center line CL2 of the second communication path 254, and the leg portion 271 of the water channel cover 270 (see FIG. 2). The passage areas of the first communication passage 252 and the second communication passage 254 are narrowed in the middle. For this reason, in the humidifier 100, it is possible to suppress the hot water generated by being heated in the vaporization chamber 255 from flowing back to the water tank 300.

(5)
In the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, in a state where the water tank 300 is mounted on the main body base 200, the stopper 320 is disposed in the vicinity of the left side and the vaporization chamber 255 is disposed in the vicinity of the right side. In other words, in the humidifier 100, the plug 320 is arranged as far as possible from the vaporization chamber 255. For this reason, in this humidifier 100, the water channel 250 is designed longer than the conventional humidifier.

<Modification>
(A)
Although not specifically mentioned in the first embodiment, the female screw portion 326 of the plug body 320 is screwed not only into the male screw portion 314 of the plug body attachment portion 313 but also into a male screw portion of a commercially available beverage bottle or the like. It may be designed to. In this way, the user can use the humidifier if he / she purchases a beverage bottle at the destination without carrying the water tank 300. In addition, if a user discards the drink bottle after using a humidifier, it will not need to increase baggage.

(B)
Although not particularly mentioned in the first embodiment, a seal packing may be attached to the lower end of the rib 460 of the steam cylinder 400 to seal the upper end of the cylindrical wall 255a and the lower end of the steam cylinder 400.

(C)
In the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, the float 225 is fixed to the float storage chamber 253 so as to be movable up and down. However, the float 225 is attached to the water channel cover 270A provided with the claw portion 273 as shown in FIG. It may be fixed so as to be movable up and down. In such a case, the float 225 is accommodated in a space surrounded by the plurality of claws 273 so as to be movable up and down as shown in FIG. Further, in this water channel cover 270A, the user can take out the float 225 from the water channel cover 270A by spreading the claw portion 273 outward. For this reason, the user can wash | clean the float 225 easily. If the user forgets to attach the float 225 to the water channel cover 270A, it is preferable to prevent the humidifier 100 from operating because the safety of the humidifier 100 is improved.

(D)
In the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, the float 225 is fixed to the float storage chamber 253 so as to be vertically movable. However, the float 225 may be fixed to the bottom wall portion 311 of the water tank 300 so as to be vertically movable. . In this way, whenever the user removes the water tank 300 from the main body base 200, the float 225 is also removed. For this reason, the careability of the float 225 improves.

(E)
In the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, the center point CP2 of the float housing chamber 253 is neither on the extension line of the center line CL1 of the first communication path 252 nor on the extension line of the center line CL2 of the second communication path 254. Did not exist. However, the center point CP2 of the float storage chamber 253 may exist on an extension line of the center line CL1 of the first communication path 252. However, in such a case, it is necessary that the center point CP2 does not exist on an extension line of the center line CL2 of the second communication path 254. Further, the center point CP2 of the float storage chamber 253 may exist on an extension line of the center line CL2 of the second communication path 254. However, at that time, the center point CP2 needs not to be on an extension line of the center line CL1 of the first communication path 252.

(F)
In the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, the center point CP1 of the water receiving chamber 251 exists on the extension line of the center line CL1 of the first communication path 252. However, the center point CP1 of the water receiving chamber 251 does not have to be on the extension line of the center line CL1 of the first communication path 252.

(G)
In the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, the center point CP3 of the vaporization chamber 255 exists on the extension line of the center line CL2 of the second communication path 254. However, the center point CP3 of the vaporization chamber 255 may not exist on the extension line of the center line CL2 of the second communication path 254.

(H)
Although not specifically mentioned in the first embodiment, the float accommodation chamber 253 may be formed so that the float 225 is detachable. In such a case, it is preferable to prevent the user from erroneously setting the float 225 by adding a groove to the float 225 or displaying a letter “we” on the upper surface of the float 225.

-Second Embodiment-
The humidifier 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment except for the shape of the water channel 250 in plan view. Therefore, here, the same reference numerals are given to the same members as the members of the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted, and the difference from the members of the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment is omitted. Only will be described.

  In the humidifier 101 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the water receiving chamber 251 </ b> B is disposed on the front side of the float housing chamber 253 in a plan view. In the humidifier 101, in plan view, the first communication path 252B is inclined from the front side to the back side as it goes from the water receiving chamber 251B to the float storage chamber 253, and the second communication path 254B is Further, as it goes from the float storage chamber 253 to the vaporization chamber 255, it is inclined from the back side toward the front side. That is, in the humidifier 101, the water channel 250B is bent in a “<” shape. That is, in the humidifier 101, as shown in FIG. 13, the extension line of the center line CL1 'of the first communication path 252B and the extension line of the center line CL2' of the second communication path 254B intersect.

<Features of the humidifier according to the second embodiment>
The humidifier 101 according to the second embodiment has the following characteristics in addition to the characteristics of the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment.

  In the humidifier 101 according to the second embodiment, the water channel 250 </ b> B is bent in a “<” shape. For this reason, in this humidifier 101, size reduction in the width direction can be realized without shortening the water channel. Therefore, this humidifier 101 can be reduced in size in the width direction as compared with the conventional one while suppressing hot water from flowing back to the water tank 300. Moreover, when the humidifier 101 is configured as described above, the space on the back side is widened and the plug receiver 223 is easily attached.

<Modification>
(A)
In the humidifier 101 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the water receiving chamber 251 </ b> B is disposed on the front side of the float storage chamber 253 in plan view, and the first communication path 252 </ b> B is configured to receive water. The second communication path 254B is inclined from the back side to the front side as it goes from the float storage chamber 253 to the vaporization chamber 255 as it goes from the chamber 251B to the float storage chamber 253. It was. However, in plan view, the float storage chamber is disposed on the front side, the water receiving chamber is disposed on the back side of the float storage chamber, and the first communication path is arranged on the back as it goes from the water receiving chamber to the float storage chamber. The second communication path may be inclined from the front side to the back side as it goes from the float storage chamber to the vaporization chamber. In this case, the shape of the water channel in a plan view is a reverse “<” shape with respect to the “<” character-shaped water channel 250 </ b> B of the humidifier 101 according to the second embodiment. Moreover, in such a humidifier, the space on the front side is widened, and electrical components are easily attached.

(B)
In the humidifier 101 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the water channel 250 </ b> B is bent in a “<” shape, but the water channel may be curved in an arc shape. Such a humidifier also has the same characteristics as the humidifier 101 according to the second embodiment.

  In such a case, the water channel may be curved on the front side or curved on the back side. In such a case, the first communication path and the second communication path may be curved to the opposite sides.

100, 101 Humidifier 300 Water tank (tank)
225 Float 250, 250B Water channel 253 Float storage chamber 255 Vaporization chamber 252, 252B First communication path 254, 254B Second communication path CL1, CL1 ′ Center line CL2, CL2 ′ of first communication path Center line CP2 of second communication path Float containment center

Claims (4)

A tank containing water,
A float storage chamber for storing the float;
A vaporizing chamber for vaporizing the water;
A first communication path communicating with the tank and the float storage chamber;
A second communication path for communicating the float storage chamber and the vaporization chamber;
A humidifier in which a water channel from the outlet of the tank to the vaporization chamber through the first communication passage, the float housing chamber, and the second communication passage is bent or curved in a plan view or a cross-sectional view. A tank containing water,
A float storage chamber for storing the float;
A vaporizing chamber for vaporizing the water;
A first communication path communicating with the tank and the float storage chamber;
A second communication path for communicating the float storage chamber and the vaporization chamber;
A humidifier in which a center line of the first communication path is parallel to a center line of the second communication path in a plan view or a cross-sectional view. The float storage chamber is a columnar chamber,
3. The humidification according to claim 2, wherein a center point of the float accommodation chamber does not exist on a center line of at least one of a center line of the first communication path and a center line of the second communication path in a plan view or a cross-sectional view. vessel. It further includes a heat generating component,
The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat generating component is disposed near an outer surface of a wall forming the first communication path.

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