JP2013068385A - Natural evaporation type humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact evaporation type humidifier with improved humidifying performance.SOLUTION: A natural evaporation type humidifier is provided, which uses a sheet member 1 having a capillary structure that can absorb water by a capillary phenomenon, and which humidifies the surroundings by soaking a part of the sheet member 1 in reserved water to absorb the water and then naturally evaporating the water from the sheet member 1. In the humidifier, a tank 2 for storing water and a tray 3 are vertically spaced from each other. The sheet member 1 is disposed in a substantially spherical shape having an inner space, having an upper end portion 1a gathered and inserted into the tank 2, and a lower end portion 1b gathered and disposed above the tray 3 or inserted into the tray 3.

Description

  The present invention relates to a natural evaporation humidifier that humidifies a surrounding space by naturally evaporating water sucked up by a sheet-like member having a capillary structure that sucks up water by capillary action.

  Conventionally, a sheet-like member having a large surface area and having a capillary structure capable of sucking up water by capillary action is used to increase the contact area of water with water by sucking water into the sheet-like member. A natural evaporation humidifier that humidifies the surrounding space by promoting water evaporation is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

International Publication WO2010 / 032438 Pamphlet

By the way, when it is desired to improve the humidification performance due to a demand for humidifying a wide space, it is necessary to increase the surface area of the humidifying portion (portion where water is naturally evaporated).
However, in the natural evaporation humidifier of Patent Document 1, the water supply portion at the lower end portion of the sheet-like member is gathered in one place, and the humidification portion extends radially above the water supply portion. Increasing the amount of the humidifying portion that extends increases the density of the sheet-like members that form the humidifying portion, and the natural evaporation of water is hindered, and when the amount of the upper humidifying portion increases, the weight balance becomes unstable. There's a problem.

  On the other hand, if the water supply unit is spread out without consolidating it in one place and the sheet-like member is provided like a folding screen, the humidification unit also spreads sideways substantially evenly, promoting natural evaporation of water, and the water supply unit and humidification unit The weight balance is also improved. However, if it does in this way, since a sheet-like member spreads in the horizontal direction, there is a problem that a humidifier becomes large and the place which a humidifier occupies becomes wide.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, and it aims at providing the evaporative humidifier which can improve humidification performance, miniaturizing a humidifier.

In order to achieve the above object, the natural evaporation humidifier of the present invention uses a sheet-like member having a capillary structure capable of sucking up water by capillary action, and immerses a part of the sheet-like member in the stored water. A natural evaporation humidifier that sucks up water and humidifies the surrounding space by naturally evaporating water from the sheet-like member,
A tank for storing water and a tray are provided at an interval in the vertical direction,
The sheet-like member is provided in a three-dimensional shape having an internal space, and the upper end portion of the sheet-like member is put together in one place and inserted into the tank, and the lower end portion of the sheet-like member is Is arranged in one place and placed above the saucer or inserted into the saucer,
It is characterized by that.

According to the above configuration, since the sheet-like member is provided in a three-dimensional shape having an internal space, the portion that evaporates water can be arranged without overlapping, so that the exposed surface area of the sheet-like member can be increased. . Furthermore, since the sheet-like member is provided in a three-dimensional shape having an internal space, the sheet-like member can be sufficiently brought into contact with air not only on the outside but also on the inside. Therefore, the humidification performance of the natural evaporation humidifier can be enhanced. In addition, since the upper and lower end portions of the sheet-like member are gathered and narrowed at one place, the sheet-like member can be reduced in size and the weight balance can be increased.
The sheet-like member is formed in, for example, a spherical shape having an internal space or a polygonal shape, but it is not necessary to be completely sealed, and a part thereof may be open.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said sheet-like member is formed by folding a sheet-like material. Thereby, since the sheet-like member which consists of a planar sheet-like material will be handled, conveyance, accommodation, etc. become easy.

  Moreover, in the said structure, it is preferable that the said sheet-like member formed in three dimensions is formed with several slit. Thereby, since it becomes easy for a wind to pass through the inside of the sheet-like member formed in three dimensions and the water | moisture content in internal space evaporates outside, the water evaporation performance of a sheet-like member can be improved.

  Moreover, the said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said tank is provided inside the said sheet-like member formed in three dimensions. As a result, the tank is hidden by the sheet-like member and is difficult to see, so that the appearance is improved. Further, since it is difficult for dust or the like to enter the tank, clogging of the sheet-like member can be suppressed and the humidification ability can be maintained.

  Moreover, in the said structure, it is preferable that the said tank is supported by the supporting member which can adjust height. Thereby, the height to humidify can be changed according to uses, such as a place of use.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, humidification performance can be improved, reducing a natural evaporation type humidifier.

It is a figure which shows the natural evaporation type humidifier which concerns on embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a schematic diagram. FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a state excluding the sheet-like member. It is a perspective view of the state where a sheet-like member was removed similarly. It is a perspective view of a tank same as the above. It is a perspective view of a saucer. It is a perspective view of a support | pillar same as the above. It is a perspective view of a support stand. It is an expanded view of a sheet-like member. FIG. 10 is a view showing a state where the sheet-like member of FIG. 9 is folded.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view schematically showing a natural evaporation humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view (outside view). In these figures, the slits (openings) by the folded pieces are not shown.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the natural evaporation humidifier according to the present embodiment includes a sheet-like member 1 having a capillary structure capable of sucking up water by capillary action, a tank 2 for storing water, and a sheet. A tray 3 that receives water dropped from the lower end portion of the member 1, a support column (support member) 4 that supports the tank 2, and a support base 5 that supports the tray 3 are provided.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the tank 2 is formed so as to protrude upward at the center of the bottom wall of the bottomed cylindrical tank body 22 having an open top and the tank body 22. A locking portion 23 and a connection portion 24 formed so as to protrude downward in the center of the bottom wall of the tank body 22 are provided. The locking portion 23 is formed in an elongated bottomed cylindrical shape, and the connecting portion 24 is formed in a thin and short cylindrical shape. The tank 2 is formed by integrally forming a tank main body 22, a locking portion 23, and a connecting portion 24 from a synthetic resin such as polypropylene.
In addition, an elongated slit extending in the vertical direction from the upper end is formed in the locking portion 23 at the center of the tank 2, and a spherical float 56 is provided in the locking portion 23 so as to be movable up and down. The water level in the tank 2 can be understood.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the tray 3 is provided below the tank 2 with an interval. The saucer 3 has a funnel-like saucer 32 having an open top, a locking portion 33 formed so as to protrude upward at the center of the bottom wall of the saucer body 32, and a center of the bottom wall of the saucer body 32. The fitting part 34 formed so that it may protrude below is provided, and the connection part 35 formed so that it may protrude below in the lower end of this fitting part 34 is provided. The locking portion 33 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape. The fitting portion 34 is formed in a thin bottomed cylindrical shape, and its inner hole communicates with the inner hole of the locking portion 33. The connecting portion 35 is formed in a thin and short cylindrical shape. The tray 3 is formed by integrally molding a tray body 32, a locking portion 33, a fitting portion 34, and a connecting portion 35 with a synthetic resin such as polypropylene.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, the support column 4 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape by a synthetic resin such as polypropylene. The upper portion of the inner hole of the support column 4 is widened, and the connecting portion 24 of the tank 2 is inserted into the hole, whereby the tank 2 is supported by the support column 4. A cylindrical connecting portion 42 with a reduced diameter is formed at the lower end of the support column 4, and this connecting portion 42 is fitted inside the locking portion 33 of the receiving tray 3, whereby the supporting column 4 is inserted into the receiving tray 3. It is supported by.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 8, the support base 5 includes a support base body 42 having a frustoconical longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and a funnel shape having an upper opening formed at the upper end of the support base body 52. A support portion 53, a fitting portion 54 formed so as to protrude downward in the center of the bottom wall of the support portion 53, and a connection portion 55 formed so as to protrude downward at the lower end of the fitting portion 54. It has. The insertion portion 54 is formed in a thin cylindrical shape, and the insertion portion 34 of the tray 3 is inserted inside the insertion portion 54, and the lower portion of the tray body 32 of the tray 3 is fitted to the support portion 53. The tray 3 is supported by the support base 5 by being mounted (mounted). The connecting portion 55 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is thinner than the fitting portion 54. The support base 5 is integrally formed of a synthetic resin such as a support base body 52, a support portion 53, a fitting portion 54, and a connection portion 55 polypropylene.

  The outer diameter of the locking portion 33 of the tray 3, the outer diameter of the fitting portion 34, and the outer diameter of the support column 4 are set to the same dimensions. Therefore, when the lower end portion of the support column 4 is inserted into the center portion of the support base 5 from above, the connection portion 42 of the support column 4 and the upper portion thereof are inserted into the connection portion 55 and the insertion portion 54 of the support base 5, respectively. The step of the support column 4 is supported by the step of the connecting portion 55 and the fitting portion 54. Therefore, the tray 3, the column 4 and the tank 2 are integrally separated from the support base 3, and another column 4 is prepared, and the connecting portion 35 of the tray 3 is inserted into the upper end of the column 4. And if the lower end part of this another support | pillar 4 is inserted and supported in the center of the upper end part of the support stand 5, the height position of the tank 2 and the saucer 3 can be made high. If the number of the support | pillars 4 to connect is increased, the height position of the tank 2 and the saucer 3 can be made still higher.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sheet-like member 1 is provided in a substantially spherical shape (three-dimensional shape) having an internal space. The upper end portion of the sheet-like member is collected in one place and inserted into the water in the tank 2. Moreover, the lower end part of the sheet-like member 1 is put together in one place, and is arrange | positioned just above the receiving tray 3. FIG.

  The sheet-like member 1 formed in a substantially spherical shape is formed as shown in FIG. 9 in the unfolded state, is folded as shown in FIG. 10, and the folded sheet-like member 1 is expanded into a hemispherical shape. The two hemispherical sheet-like members 1 are combined together.

  More specifically, the sheet-like member 1 is basically made of non-woven fabric, but may be, for example, paper or woven fabric, as shown in FIG. It is necessary to have a hardness sufficient to maintain a spherical shape in the form of use. Moreover, it is necessary to have a capillary structure as described above. The non-woven fabric of this example has, for example, antibacterial and antifungal properties. For example, the non-woven fabric is formed of a material containing an inorganic antibacterial / antifungal agent or the like such as metal fine particles. Yes.

  Moreover, the sheet-like member 1 has a shape with irregularities on the surface by being composed of a fine grid-like thick part in the vertical and horizontal directions and a thin part thinner than the thick part between the grids. . Thereby, a surface area increases and an evaporation rate can be raised. In particular, it is possible to increase the evaporation rate per volume due to the thin portion, and to secure the hardness that can stand independently as described above even if the entire sheet-like member 1 is thinned due to the lattice-like thick portion. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the sheet-like member 1 is formed with a plurality of folding lines 11 extending in the vertical direction at intervals in the lateral direction. The sheet-like member 1 is formed with a plurality of zigzag fold lines 12 in a mountain valley at intervals in the vertical direction. In the case of this example, five broken lines 12 (12a to 12e) are formed. The uppermost fold line 12a is formed at a distance from the upper end. The bottom fold line 12e is formed at a distance from the lower end. These fold lines 11 and 12 are formed, for example, so as to be bent immediately. In this example, a plurality of short slits are formed in a line, that is, a broken line shape. Note that the fold lines 11 and 12 are not limited to the slits in the broken line shape. If the fold lines 11 and 12 are in a state in which the fold lines can be folded immediately, those with a crease or a groove-like structure provided in advance. Or the perforation which provided the hole in a line may be sufficient.

  Further, a cut 14 for forming a folded piece 13 that is folded along the folding line 12 is formed. The base end portion 15 of each folded piece 13 is connected to the sheet-like member 1 along the fold line 14 without being cut. The shape of the folded piece 13 can be various shapes such as leaves and animals to enhance the design. In this example, it is formed in the shape of large and small leaves.

  Further, a plurality of holes 16 through which a string (string-like member) passes are formed in a substantially straight line in the lateral direction at an interval immediately above the uppermost folding line 12a. Further, in the vicinity of the lower end of the sheet-like member 1, a plurality of holes 17 through which a string (string-like member) is passed are formed in a substantially straight line in the lateral direction at intervals. Also,

And the sheet-like member 1 shown in FIG. 9 is folded and piled up.
That is, first, each folded piece 13 is folded 180 degrees around each folding line 14. Then, a slit (opening) in the shape of the folded piece 13 is formed in the sheet-like member 1.
Next, the folding line 11 is folded in a mountain valley and overlapped. If it does so, it will become an almost straight short strip shape.
Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the folding line 12a, the folding line 12b, the folding line 12c, the folding line 12d, and the folding line 12e are sequentially folded. Then, it becomes a semicircular shape.

  Thereafter, the two sheet-like members 1 having a substantially semicircular shape are brought into contact with each other, and the two sheet-like members 1 are connected to the hole 16 and the hole 17 through the string 18 and the string 19, respectively. Then, the two substantially semicircular sheet-like members 1 connected to each other have a substantially spherical shape having an internal space that is spread around the locking portion 2 and the support column 4 of the tank 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the upper end portion 1 a of the sheet-like member 1 positioned below the upper string 18 and extending substantially vertically downward is inserted into the tank 2, and this portion is the water in the tank 2. It functions as a water absorption part (or functions as a water supply part that supplies water to the humidification part). In addition, the part of the sheet-like member 1 other than the part in which water is immersed functions as a humidification part which evaporates water. The upper end portion 1a for sucking up the water is formed in a substantially annular shape, and the locking portion 23 of the tank 2 is inserted inside the annular upper end portion 1a, and the string 18 is provided around the locking portion 23. Besiege. Thus, the upper end portion 1 a of the substantially spherical sheet-like member 1 is locked to the tank 2. The tank 2 is covered with a substantially spherical sheet-like member 1.

  On the other hand, the lower end portion 1b of the sheet-like member 1 extending substantially horizontally is positioned immediately above the tray 3 and is formed in a substantially annular shape. The lower end portion of the support column 4 and / or the engaging portion 33 of the tray 3 is inserted inside the annular lower end portion 1b, and the string 19 is surrounded by the lower end portion of the support column 4 and / or the engaging portion 23. Besiege. Thereby, the lower end portion 1 b of the substantially spherical sheet-like member 1 is locked to the tank 2.

Next, a method for assembling the natural evaporation humidifier will be described.
First, the insertion portion 34 of the tray 3 is inserted into the insertion portion 54 side of the support base 5, and the lower portion of the tray main body 32 is fitted (mounted) on the support portion 53, whereby the tray 3 is placed on the support base 5. Support.

Next, the string 19 is connected to the hole 17 and the two substantially semicircular sheet-like members 1 are connected to each other below, so that the inside of the string 19 and the lower end portions 1b of the two substantially semicircular sheet-like members 1 are formed. In between, the support | pillar 4 is inserted.
Next, the support 4 is supported by the receiving tray 3 by fitting the connecting portion 42 of the support 4 into the engaging portion 33 of the receiving tray 3.
Next, the tank 2 is supported by the support column 4 by fitting the connecting portion 24 of the tank 2 into the upper hole of the support column 4. The tank 2 may be connected to the upper end of the support column 4 in advance.

Next, the two substantially semicircular sheet-like members 1 are slightly lifted along the support pillars 4 and then lowered, and the upper end portion 1 a extending substantially vertically downward is inserted into the tank body 22 of the tank 2.
Next, the string 16 is passed through the hole 16 and the two substantially semicircular sheet-like members 1 are connected together. If it does in this way, the latching | locking part 23 of the tank 2 will be located between the inner side of the string 18, and the upper end part 1a of the two substantially semicircular sheet-like members 1. FIG. Note that the string 18 may be passed through the hole 16 in advance and not tied.
Next, the two substantially semicircular sheet-like members 1 are connected to the tank 2 in the state where the two substantially semicircular sheet-like members 1 are connected to each other by the strings 18 and 19 respectively. The part 2 and the support column 4 are expanded in the circumferential direction. If it does so, the two substantially semicircle-shaped sheet-like members 1 will become a substantially spherical shape which has internal space.

  In addition, in a state where the string 18 is connected to the hole 16 and the two substantially semicircular sheet-like members 1 are connected on the upper side, the inner side of the string 18 and the upper end portion 1a of the two substantially semicircular sheet-like members 1 In between, the locking part 23 of the tank 2 is inserted, and then the string 19 is passed through the hole 17 and the two substantially semicircular sheet-like members 1 are connected underneath, whereby the inside of the string 19 and 2 The support column 4 may be positioned between the lower end portions 1b of the two substantially semicircular sheet-like members 1.

  In this natural evaporation humidifier, the water in the tank 2 is sucked up from the upper end portion 1 a of the sheet-like member 1 and moves until the sucked water moves to the lower end portion 1 b of the sheet-like member 1. In the meantime, water evaporates and the surrounding space is humidified. Since water is supplied at the upper end portion 1a of the sheet-like member 1, the sucked-up water moves to the lower end portion 1b not only by the capillary phenomenon but also by the principle of siphon. If the water does not evaporate until it reaches the end of the lower end portion 1b, the water drops into the tray 3.

  In such a natural evaporation type humidifier, since the sheet-like member 1 is formed in a substantially spherical shape having an internal space, the portions for evaporating water can be arranged without overlapping, The exposed surface area of the member 1 can be increased. Furthermore, since the sheet-like member is provided in a substantially spherical shape having an internal space, the sheet-like member 1 can be sufficiently brought into contact with air not only on the outside but also on the inside. Therefore, the humidification performance of the natural evaporation humidifier can be enhanced. In addition, since the upper and lower end portions of the sheet-like member 1 are gathered and narrowed at one place, the sheet-like member 1 can be miniaturized and the weight balance can be increased.

  Moreover, since the lower end part 1b of the substantially spherical sheet-like member 1 is narrowed, the tray 3 can be made smaller, so that the humidifier can be further downsized. Since the upper end portion 1a of the substantially spherical sheet-like member 1 is narrowed, the lateral dimension of the tank 2 can be reduced, so that the humidifier can be further downsized.

  Further, the engaging portion 23 of the tank 2 is inserted inside the annular upper end portion 1a, and the string 18 surrounds the surrounding of the engaging portion 23, so that the substantially spherical sheet-like member 1 is provided. The upper end portion 1 a is locked to the tank 2. In addition, the lower end portion of the support column 4 and / or the locking portion 33 of the tray 3 is inserted inside the annular lower end portion 1 b, and the string 19 surrounds the lower end portion of the support column 4 and / or the locking portion 23. Therefore, the lower end portion 1 b of the substantially spherical sheet-like member 1 is locked to the tank 2. Therefore, the upper end portion 1a and the lower end portion 1b of the substantially spherical sheet-like member 1 can be firmly fixed not only by the fastening force of the string 18 and the string 19 but also by the pulling resistance, and the substantially spherical shape is sufficiently obtained. Can be maintained.

  Further, since the sheet-like member 1 is formed by folding a sheet-like material, the sheet-like member made of a planar sheet-like material is handled, so that transportation and storage can be facilitated. . In addition, since the sheet-like member 1 is formed by folding a sheet-like material, unevenness is formed on the sheet-like member 1 formed in a substantially spherical shape, so that the strength can be improved.

  In addition, since a plurality of slits (openings) are formed in the sheet-like member 1 formed in a substantially spherical shape, it is easy for air to pass through the inside of the sheet-like member 1 formed in a substantially spherical shape. Since the water in the space is easily evaporated to the outside, the water evaporation performance of the sheet-like member 1 can be enhanced. Further, since the slit is formed by the folded piece 13, the surface area of the sheet-like member 1 can be increased by the amount of the folded piece 13, so that the water evaporation performance of the sheet-like member 1 is further enhanced. Can do.

  Moreover, since the tank 2 is located inside the sheet-like member 1 formed in a substantially spherical shape, the tank 1 is hidden by the sheet-like member 1 and is difficult to see, so that the appearance is improved and the design property is excellent. Become a thing. For this reason, it can be used as an interior. Moreover, since it is difficult for dust etc. to enter into the tank 2, clogging of the sheet-like member 1 can be suppressed and the humidifying ability can be maintained.

  A slit extending in the vertical direction is formed in the bottomed cylindrical locking portion 23 provided at the center of the tank 2, and a float 56 is provided in the locking portion 23 so as to be movable up and down. Therefore, the water level in the tank 2 can be easily grasped visually.

  Moreover, since the height of the tank 2 can be adjusted by adding the support | pillar 4, the height to humidify can be changed according to uses, such as a use place.

In the above-described embodiment, a folded member is used as the sheet-like member 1, but it may not be a folded member. Further, the sheet-like member 1 can be composed of one or a plurality of sheet-like members.
In the embodiment described above, the tank 2 is provided inside the sheet-like member 1 formed in a three-dimensional shape. However, a part or all of the tank 2 may be provided outside.
In the embodiment described above, the lower end portion 1b of the sheet-like member 1 is arranged above the receiving tray 3. However, it may be inserted into the receiving tray 3.

In the embodiment described above, the sheet-like member 1 is provided with a slit through which wind passes, but other types of openings may be provided. Moreover, it is not necessary to provide a slit.
Further, other types of liquid may be mixed in the water, or other elements may be added to the water.

1 sheet-like member 2 tank 3 saucer 4 prop

Claims (5)

Using a sheet-like member having a capillary structure capable of sucking up water by capillary action, soaking part of the sheet-like member in stored water to suck up water and allowing the water to spontaneously evaporate from the sheet-like member Is a natural evaporation humidifier that humidifies the surrounding space,
A tank for storing water and a tray are provided at an interval in the vertical direction,
The sheet-like member is provided in a three-dimensional shape having an internal space, and the upper end portion of the sheet-like member is put together in one place and inserted into the tank, and the lower end portion of the sheet-like member is Is arranged in one place and placed above the saucer or inserted into the saucer,
Natural evaporative humidifier characterized by that.   The natural evaporation humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the sheet-like member is formed by folding a sheet-like material.   The natural evaporation humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of slits are formed in the sheet-like member formed in a three-dimensional shape.   The natural evaporation humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tank is provided inside the sheet-like member formed in a three-dimensional shape.   The natural evaporation humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tank is supported by a support member whose height can be adjusted.

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