JP5376033B2 - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier capable of improving a humidification capability. <P>SOLUTION: A humidification unit 4 comprises a hydraulic turbine 42 having a hydraulic turbine body 420 and supplying water from a water storage vessel 40 by rotating, and an aerification part 41 having an aerification filter 44. The hydraulic turbine body 420 comprises: a first member 422 formed with a hole 422a capable of discharging water supplied from the water storage vessel 40; a second member 421 arranged so as to oppose the first member 422; and a water running part 426 extending toward the second member 421 from the hole 422a which is formed at the first member 422. Furthermore, a water receiving space S1 capable of holding the water supplied from the water storage vessel 40 is formed at the hydraulic turbine body 420, and the water receiving space S1 is formed so as to continue from the hole 422a. The aerification filter 44 is positioned at a side opposite to the first member 422 in the second member 421. Then, the water discharged from the water receiving space S1 is led to the aerification part 41 through the water running part 426. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier.

  Conventionally, a part of the vaporizing member is immersed in the water in the water storage container, and air is passed through the vaporizing member that sucks up the water in the water storage container by capillary action to generate high humidity air. There is a humidifier that humidifies the room by supplying to the room.

  For example, there is a humidifier having a rectangular shape and having a vaporizing member that rotates so that both ends thereof are alternately immersed in water in a water tank (corresponding to a water storage container) (see Patent Document 1). In this humidifier, water is supplied to the vaporizing member by alternately immersing both ends of the vaporizing member in the water tank.

Further, there is a humidifier provided with a water scraping portion on the outer peripheral surface of the vaporizing member and provided with a vaporizing member that rotates so that a part of the water scraping portion is immersed in a water tank (corresponding to a water storage container) (see Patent Document 2). . In this humidifier, the water scooping unit pumps up the water as the vaporizing member rotates, and the water pumped up by the water scavenging unit is supplied to the vaporizing member.
JP 2003-302077 A JP 2003-294277 A

  However, in the vaporizing member of the humidifier disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-302077, water in the water storage container is supplied by the capillary phenomenon and the own weight of the vaporizing member, so that water may not be supplied to the entire vaporizing member. There is.

  In addition, in the vaporizing member of the humidifier described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-294277, water that has flowed out from the scraping portion that has risen with the rotation of the vaporizing member is supplied to the vaporizing member. There is a risk that it will not flow out well from the air toward the vaporizing member.

  For this reason, in these humidifiers, water is not sufficiently supplied to the vaporizing member, and the humidifying ability of the humidifier may be reduced.

  Then, the subject of this invention is providing the humidifier which can improve a humidification capability.

  The humidifier according to the first invention includes a water storage container, a water wheel, and a vaporization unit. The water storage container is a container for storing water. The turbine has a turbine body that includes a first side surface portion, a second side surface portion, and a water transfer portion. Further, the water wheel supplies water from the water storage container by rotating. The first side surface portion is provided with an opening through which water supplied from the water storage container can be discharged. Further, the second side surface portion is disposed so as to face the first side surface portion. Further, the water transfer portion extends from the opening provided in the first side surface portion toward the second side surface portion. The vaporization unit includes a vaporization member that vaporizes water supplied from the water transfer unit. The vaporizing member is located on the opposite side of the second side surface portion from the first side surface portion. In addition, the vaporizing unit is disposed above the water level when the water storage container is full. A water receiving space capable of holding the water supplied from the water storage container is formed in the water turbine body. The water receiving space is formed continuously from the opening. Furthermore, the water discharged from the water receiving space is guided to the vaporization section through the water transfer section.

  In the humidifier according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the water wheel for supplying water to the vaporizing member, a water transfer portion extending from the first side surface portion provided with an opening capable of discharging the supplied water to the second side surface portion is provided. Yes. For this reason, for example, compared with the case where the water transfer part is not provided and water is directly supplied to the vaporization member from the opening, the possibility that water does not flow out well toward the vaporization member can be reduced. Therefore, water can be sufficiently supplied to the vaporizing member.

  Thereby, the humidification ability can be improved.

  In this humidifier, a water receiving space capable of holding the water supplied from the water storage container is formed in the water turbine body, and the water receiving space is formed continuously from the opening. For this reason, in this humidifier, the water supplied from the water storage container can be held.

  The humidifier according to the second invention is the humidifier according to the first invention, and the water transfer part supplies water to the vaporization part by transmitting water to the lower part thereof.

  A humidifier according to a third aspect of the invention is the humidifier of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the water wheel and the vaporizing section are separate. Moreover, the vaporization part is arrange | positioned so as to oppose the 2nd side part.

  A humidifier according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein the water turbine main body and the vaporizing member are arranged close to each other so as not to contact each other. For this reason, in this humidifier, it can be made easy to supply water to a vaporization member from a water transfer part, and the possibility that a turbine body and a vaporization member may contact can be reduced.

  Thereby, the possibility that the vaporizing member is worn can be reduced.

  A humidifier according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, further comprising a drive unit. The drive unit has a drive gear that transmits rotation to the vaporization unit. The vaporizing unit further includes a first gear that meshes with the drive gear. Further, the water wheel further includes a second gear that meshes with the first gear. For this reason, in this humidifier, a water turbine and a vaporization part can be simultaneously rotationally driven by a common drive part.

  A humidifier according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the turbine body is disposed on the side of the vaporizing member. The first gear is provided with a locking portion. The locking portion locks with the second gear and restricts the movement of the vaporizing portion in the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.

  In the humidifier according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the first gear is provided with a locking portion that restricts the movement of the vaporizing portion in the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. For this reason, a possibility that a vaporization member may contact the waterwheel main body arrange | positioned at the side of a vaporization member can be reduced.

  Thereby, the possibility that the vaporizing member is worn can be reduced.

  A humidifier according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, further comprising a main body that houses the water storage container, the water wheel, and the vaporizing portion. Moreover, a main body supports the vaporization part rotatably. For this reason, in this humidifier, a vaporization part can be supported.

  In the humidifier according to the first invention, the humidifying ability can be improved.

  In the humidifier according to the second aspect of the invention, water can be supplied to the vaporizing unit by transmitting water to the lower part of the water transferring unit.

  In the humidifier according to the third aspect of the present invention, the vaporizing unit separate from the water turbine is disposed so as to face the second side surface.

  In the humidifier according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the risk that the vaporizing member is worn can be reduced.

  In the humidifier according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the water wheel and the vaporizing unit can be simultaneously driven to rotate by the common driving unit.

  In the humidifier according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the risk that the vaporizing member is worn can be reduced.

  In the humidifier according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the vaporizing section can be supported.

  The air conditioner 1 including the humidification unit 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a humidification function, a dehumidification function, and an air cleaning function, and is used as a humidifier during a humidification operation and as a dehumidifier during a dehumidification operation. Acts as an air purifier during air cleaning operation. In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 1 can be operated not only by a single function but also by combining a plurality of functions at the same time. The plurality of combinations are, for example, a combination of an air cleaning function and a dehumidifying function, and a combination of an air cleaning function and a humidifying function.

<Configuration of air conditioner>
As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes a main body casing 10, a blower 2, a dehumidifying unit 3, an air purifying unit 5, and a control unit 6 in addition to the humidifying unit 4. In the present embodiment, a caster (not shown) is provided on the lower surface of the main casing 10 (the surface facing the indoor floor surface) so that the user can easily move the air conditioner 1. ing.

  The main body casing 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and houses the blower 2, the dehumidifying unit 3, the humidifying unit 4, the air purifying unit 5, the control unit 6, and the like. The main body casing 10 has a pull-out type first door 10a and a rotary type second door 10b. Further, the first door 10 a covers the first opening 12 provided in the main body casing 10 in a state where a water storage container 40 described later is housed in the main body casing 10. Further, the second door 10b is disposed in the vicinity of the second opening 13 provided in the main body casing 10, and is supported so that the second opening 13 can be opened and closed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body casing 10 rotatably supports a guide portion 10 d extending from the second opening 13 toward the inside of the main body casing 10 and a vaporizing portion 41 described later. Bearing part 10e. 10 d of guide parts are extended from the 2nd opening 13 to the approximate center vicinity of the main body casing 10, and when the vaporization part 41 is withdrawn / inserted from the main body casing 10 by a user, it becomes a track | orbit for moving the vaporization part 41. FIG. The bearing portion 10e is continuously formed at the tip end portion (the end portion opposite to the side connected to the second opening 13) of the guide portion 10d, and can rotate the rotation shaft 46a of the vaporizing portion 41. To support. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the convex part 10f is formed in the boundary part of the bearing part 10e and the guide part 10d. Further, the guide portion 10 d and the bearing portion 10 e are formed integrally with the main body casing 10. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 10d and the bearing portion 10e are formed integrally with the main body casing 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the guide portion and the bearing portion may be retrofitted to the main body casing. Good.

  When the blower 2 is accommodated in the main casing 10, the blower 2 is disposed on the side opposite to the air purifying unit 5. Moreover, when this air conditioner 1 is seen from the air purification part 5 side, each internal component is located in order of the air purification part 5, the dehumidification unit 3, the humidification unit 4, and the air blower 2. For this reason, when the air blower 2 is operated, air flow path A1 from the air purification unit 5 side through the dehumidifying unit 3 and the humidifying unit 4 to the air blower 2 is formed (see FIG. 1).

  The control unit 6 is disposed in the upper part of the main body casing 10 and controls the air cleaning unit 5, the dehumidifying unit 3, the humidifying unit 4 and the blower 2.

  In FIG. 1, the water storage container 40, the vaporization unit 41, and the water wheel 42, which are components of the humidifying unit 4, are drawn out from the humidifying unit 4, but are arranged at predetermined positions of the humidifying unit 4 during operation. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the dehumidifying unit 3 includes an adsorption element 31, a heater 32, a second blower 33, and a condenser 39.

  The adsorption element 31 is a disk-shaped honeycomb structure, and is composed of a porous body. For this reason, the adsorption | suction element 31 has high adsorptivity with respect to a water | moisture content. Moreover, the adsorption | suction element 31 is arrange | positioned so that the air which flows through air flow path A1 may be contacted. For this reason, the air flowing through the air flow path A1 is deprived of moisture in the adsorption element 31, and is dry air on the downstream side of the adsorption element 31 in the air flow direction.

  The heater 32 is disposed so as to oppose a part on the back side of the adsorption element 31. The heater 32 has a substantially fan shape and is provided at a position covering about one-sixth of the back side of the adsorption element 31.

  The 2nd air blower 33 has a shape which protrudes toward the back side from the upper part of the adsorption | suction element 31. As shown in FIG. The heater 32 and the second blower 33 are connected to each other by a first blower pipe 34a included in the condenser 39 so that air can flow. When the second blower 33 is operated, an air flow is formed, and the air flows in the first sending pipe 34a in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. The air flowing in the vicinity of the heater 32 is heated there to become high-temperature air.

  The condenser 39 is made of resin, and has a common air duct 34 and a condensing unit 20 as shown in FIG.

  The common air duct 34 includes a first air duct 34a, a second air duct 34b, a third air duct 34c, a fourth air duct 34d, and a fifth air duct 34e. The high-temperature air heated by the heater 32 travels from the back side of the opposing adsorption element 31 toward the front side in the thickness direction of the adsorption element 31 and flows to the front side of the adsorption element 31. Here, in the region where the high-temperature air passes among the regions of the adsorption element 31, the adsorption element 31 is warmed by the high-temperature air, so that the retained moisture is released by the air flow by the second blower 33. For this reason, the air that has passed through the adsorption element 31 from the back side toward the front side becomes high-temperature and high-humidity air by containing moisture released from the adsorption element 31, and proceeds to the second blower pipe 34b.

  The 2nd ventilation pipe 34b is exhibiting substantially fan shape in the front view, and is arrange | positioned so that a part of adsorption | suction element 31 may be covered from a front side. Moreover, the 2nd ventilation pipe 34b is provided in the position which pinches | interposes the same part of the adsorption | suction element 31 with the heater 32 mentioned above, and has covered about 1/6 of the front side of the adsorption | suction element 31. FIG.

  The 3rd ventilation pipe 34c has connected the 2nd ventilation pipe 34b and the condensation part 20 so that the distribution | circulation of the air with the 2nd ventilation pipe 34b and the condensation part 20 can be performed. For this reason, the high-temperature, high-humidity air that has passed through the second blower pipe 34 b can be directed to the condensing unit 20.

  The 4th ventilation pipe 34d has connected the condensation part 20 and the 5th ventilation pipe 34e so that the distribution | circulation of the air of the condensation part 20 and the 5th ventilation pipe 34e can be performed.

  The fifth blower pipe 34e communicates the fourth blower pipe 34d and the second blower 33. The air that has passed through the fourth blower pipe 34d is sucked into the second blower 33 through the fifth blower pipe 34e.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the condensing unit 20 connects the third air blowing pipe 34 c and the fourth air blowing pipe 34 d, and has a plurality of condensing pipes 35. Further, the condenser tubes 35 are arranged at a predetermined interval. For this reason, in the condensing part 20, the external air passage part 35a through which the external airflow A1 passes is formed between the condensing pipes 35.

  With such a configuration, the high-temperature and high-humidity air that has flowed from the second blower pipe 34 b through the third blower pipe 34 c flows while contacting the inner wall surface of the condensing pipe 35 of the condensing unit 20. For this reason, the external air that passes outside the condenser 39 exchanges heat with the high-temperature and high-humidity air that flows inside the condenser tube 35 and takes heat away from the air that flows inside the condenser tube 35 without being mixed with each other. . Therefore, the high-temperature and high-humidity air that has contacted the inner wall surface of the condensation tube 35 is cooled, and condensation occurs on the inner wall surface of the condensation tube 35. This condensed water flows downward through the condenser 39 and flows into the water storage container 40 via the drain pan 40b through a drain port (not shown) provided through the lower surface of the condensing unit 20 in the vertical direction. Moreover, the air heat-exchanged in the condensation part 20 is suck | inhaled by the 2nd air blower 33 through the 4th ventilation pipe 34d and the 5th ventilation pipe 34e.

  Further, the adsorption element 31 is rotatable. For this reason, the adsorption | suction element 31 can repeat adsorption | suction and desorption of a water | moisture content.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a selection panel 11 for selecting an air cleaning operation, a dehumidifying operation and a humidifying operation is provided on the uppermost surface of the main body casing 10, and this selection panel 11 is connected to the control unit 6. ing.

  Next, the humidification unit 4 will be described in detail.

<Humidification unit>
The humidifying unit 4 is disposed so as to overlap below the second blower 33 of the dehumidifying unit 3 during operation, and mainly includes a water storage container 40, a water wheel 42, and a vaporizing unit 41.

(1) Water storage container The water storage container 40 is a water source of moisture given to the air flowing through the air flow path A1, and is detachably accommodated in the main casing 10 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the water storage container 40 is taken out from the first opening 12 of the main body casing 10 by pulling out the pull-out type first door 10 a of the main body casing 10. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a convex portion 40 c is formed in the water storage container 40, and this convex portion 40 c is formed in a window portion 10 c that is a hole provided in the first door 10 a of the main body casing 10. Mating. For this reason, the user can confirm the water level reflected on the convex part 40c from the window part 10c. Therefore, when the water in the water storage container 40 is insufficient, the user pulls out the water storage container 40 from the first opening 12 of the main body casing 10 and replenishes the water.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, a bearing 40 a having an open top is provided inside the water storage container 40, and this bearing 40 a rotatably supports a rotating shaft 424 described later.

(2) Water wheel As shown in FIG. 5, the water wheel 42 has a water wheel body 420 and a gear 425, and can rotate inside the water storage container 40.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the water turbine main body 420 is configured by combining a first member 421 and a second member 422.

  The first member 421 is a disk-shaped member, and is an outer peripheral portion 421c that forms the vicinity of the outer periphery, a central portion 421e that forms the vicinity of the center, and an intermediate portion disposed between the outer peripheral portion 421c and the central portion 421e. Part 421d. Further, the outer peripheral portion 421c and the central portion 421e of the first member 421 have a predetermined thickness t1.

  Further, the first member 421 is formed with a plurality of recesses 421a and a plurality of trapezoidal openings 421b so as to draw a circle. Specifically, the recess 421a is formed so as to be recessed from one side surface of the outer peripheral portion 421c toward the opposite side surface. Moreover, the 2nd member 422 mentioned later is combined so that the opening side of this recessed part 421a may be covered. As a result, a water receiving space S1 (see FIG. 12) for temporarily holding the water supplied from the water storage container 40 by the water wheel 42 is formed inside the recess 421a. The trapezoidal opening 421b is formed closer to the center of the first member 421 than the recess 421a. Specifically, the trapezoidal openings 421b are provided in the intermediate portion 421d in the same number as the number of the concave portions 421a.

  The second member 422 is a disk-shaped plate member having substantially the same size as the first member 421, and a substantially circular opening 422b is formed in the vicinity of the center thereof. Specifically, the area of the opening 422b of the second member 422 is substantially the same as the total area of the intermediate portion 421d and the central portion 421e of the first member 421. For this reason, in the state where the first member 421 and the second member 422 are combined, substantially all of the intermediate portion 421d and the center portion 421e of the first member 421 are formed on the first side surface described later from the opening 422b of the second member 422. It is exposed on the 420a side.

  The second member 422 is formed with a substantially L-shaped hole 422a so as to draw a circle at a position facing the concave portion 421a of the first member 421. The size of the substantially L-shaped hole 422a is about one third of the opening of the recess 421a. For this reason, when the 1st member 421 and the 2nd member 422 are combined, the opening of the recessed part 421a will be in the state opened about 1/3. When the second member 422 is combined with the first member 421, the water receiving space S1 of the recess 421a and the outer space of the water turbine body 420 communicate with each other through a substantially L-shaped hole 422a.

  The second member 422 is disposed in the vicinity of the substantially L-shaped hole 422a and has a substantially triangular prism-shaped water transfer portion 426 extending from the vicinity of the opening 422b of the second member 422 in the thickness direction of the water turbine 42. doing. Further, the water transfer portion 426 is formed to draw a circle at a position facing the opening 421b of the first member 421. For this reason, in the state where the first member 421 and the second member 422 are combined, the water transfer portion 426 extends from the vicinity of the substantially L-shaped hole 422a and protrudes from the opening 421b of the first member 421 (FIG. 8). Accordingly, the water transfer portion 426 is disposed so as to face the first side surface 420a (the surface including the first member 421) of the turbine body 420 in a state where the first member 421 and the second member 422 are combined. It extends toward the second side surface 420b of the water turbine body 420.

  In the present embodiment, in the water turbine main body 420, the surface corresponding to the first side surface 420a is configured by the first member 421 and the second member 422, and the surface corresponding to the second side surface 420b is the second member. 422. Instead, for example, the turbine body has a first member that integrally forms a surface corresponding to the first side surface, and a second member that integrally forms the surface corresponding to the second side surface. May be.

  The gear 425 has a rotating shaft 424 that is shared with the turbine body 420 at the center thereof. With the rotation shaft 424 as the same axis, the second member 422, the first member 421, and the gear 425 are sequentially stacked and combined. The rotating shaft 424 is rotatably supported by the bearing 40a of the water storage container 40 as described above. For this reason, when the water storage container 40 is pulled out from the main body casing 10, the user can take out the water wheel 42 from the water storage container 40 and wash it. Note that the height from the bottom surface of the water storage container 40 to the axis of the bearing 40a is such that the recess 421a at the lowest position of the water turbine 42 is submerged even when the water stored in the water storage container 40 is at the lowest water level. It is set to be.

  Further, the gear 425 is provided with a second gear 423 that is a gear that meshes with a first gear 411 of the vaporization unit 41 described later.

(3) Vaporization unit As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the vaporization unit 41 is disposed opposite to each other with the water turbine 42 and the rotation axis in parallel. The vaporization filter 44 of the vaporization unit 41 is disposed in the vicinity of the water turbine body 420 so that the side surface thereof does not contact the second side surface 420b of the water wheel main body 420. In the present embodiment, the side surface of the vaporization filter 44 and the second member 422 (second side surface 420b) of the water turbine main body 420 are disposed with an interval of 1 mm.

  Moreover, the vaporization part 41 is arrange | positioned above the water level at the time of the water storage container 40 being full, as shown in FIG. Further, the vaporization unit 41 includes a vaporization filter 44, a filter frame 45, and a rotor 46, and is rotatable like the water wheel 42.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the vaporization filter 44 is a vaporization element that is formed into a disk shape from a non-woven fabric and evaporates the water sent from the water storage container 40 by rotating.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the filter frame 45 is a frame that holds the vaporization filter 44. The filter frame 45 includes a first filter frame 45a that covers the outer peripheral edge of the vaporization filter 44, and a second filter frame 45b that covers one side surface of the vaporization filter 44, and the first filter frame 45a and the second filter frame 45b. The vaporizing filter 44 is fitted into the first. In this way, the filter frame 45 holds the vaporization filter 44.

  The first filter frame 45a is provided with a first gear 411. The first gear 411 is supported by meshing with a drive gear 431 and a second gear 423 that rotate by driving of the drive unit 43 (see FIG. 5). In addition, the drive gear 431 and the second gear 423 are located below the rotation shaft 46 a of the first gear 411, and are located on opposite sides of the vertical center line of the vaporizing unit 41.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the first gear 411 is provided with a locking portion 411 a extending from the end of the first gear 411 on the circumference. For this reason, in the state where the vaporization part 41 is accommodated in the main body casing 10 and the first gear 411 of the vaporization part 41 and the second gear of the water turbine 42 are engaged with each other, as shown in FIGS. The movement in the direction of the rotation axis is restricted by the bearing portion 10e and the locking portion 411a provided in the main body casing 10. As a result, contact between the side surface of the vaporization filter 44 and the second member 422 of the turbine body 420 can be prevented. Moreover, the meshing | locking of gears can be stabilized by the latching | locking part 411a, and stability of water supply can be maintained.

  Further, the first filter frame 45a is provided with a water reservoir 48 for storing water that has not been absorbed by the vaporization filter 44 out of the water supplied to the vaporization filter 44 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). . The water reservoir 48 rises with the rotation of the vaporization unit 41, and when it reaches the uppermost position, the water stored inside flows out toward the vaporization filter 44. For this reason, water that has not been absorbed by the vaporization filter 44 is supplied to the vaporization filter 44 again.

  The drive unit 43 rotates the vaporization unit 41 at a predetermined speed. This predetermined speed is determined on the basis of the water penetration speed of the vaporization filter 44 capable of allowing water to reach the vicinity of the rotation shaft 46a of the vaporization filter 44 and the descent speed due to the weight of the water. The water penetration rate in the vaporization filter 44 is determined by, for example, a capillary phenomenon due to the fineness of the vaporization filter 44.

  A rotation shaft 46 a shared by the rotor 46, the vaporization filter 44 and the filter frame 45 is provided at the rotation center of the rotor 46. The rotor 46, the vaporization filter 44, and the filter frame 45 are sequentially stacked and combined with the rotation shaft 46a as the same axis. The rotating shaft 46a is rotatably supported by the bearing portion 10e of the main body casing 10 as described above. It should be noted that the height from the bottom surface of the main body casing 10 to the shaft center of the bearing portion 10e is such that the lowest position of the vaporizing portion 41 is not submerged even when the water stored in the water storage container 40 is at the highest water level. Is set to

  With such a configuration, in the humidification unit 4, as shown in FIG. 5, the drive unit 43 is driven to rotate the vaporization unit 41 and the water wheel 42. As the water wheel 42 rotates, the concave portion 421a passes through the water in the water storage container 40 in order and rises. When the concave portion 421a is submerged, water enters the water receiving space S1 of the concave portion 421a from the substantially L-shaped hole 422a. For this reason, when the recessed part 421a comes out of the water, the water receiving space S1 of the recessed part 421a is filled with water. Then, as the concave portion 421a approaches the uppermost position, water in the water receiving space S1 of the concave portion 421a flows out from the substantially L-shaped hole 422a through the water transfer portion 426, and the concave portion 421a passes through the uppermost position. Almost all the water flows out through the water transfer section 426. At this time, when the water flows out from the substantially L-shaped hole 422a, the water transfer portion 426 is caused by the force added by gravity and the force added by the surface tension generated by being transmitted through the water transfer portion 426. It flows out toward the side surface of the vaporization filter 44 that is in close proximity.

  In this way, in the humidification unit 4, water is supplied from the water wheel 42 to the vaporization unit 41.

  Further, in the humidifying unit 4, the user can take out the vaporizing unit 41 to the outside of the main body casing 10 in order to perform maintenance such as replacing the vaporizing filter 44 of the vaporizing unit 41. At this time, the user opens the second door 10b provided in the main body casing 10 and moves the vaporizing portion 41 in the horizontal direction along the guide portion 10d, thereby moving the second opening 13 to the outside of the main body casing 10. The vaporization part 41 can be taken out. Further, when the vaporizing part 41 is inserted into the main body casing 10, the vaporizing part 41 is moved in the horizontal direction along the guide part 10d from the second opening 13, and the rotating shaft 46a of the vaporizing part 41 is moved to the bearing part 10e. The vaporizer 41 is inserted until it reaches.

  With this configuration, in the air conditioner 1, the user can put the vaporizer 41 in and out of the main body casing 10.

<Features>
(1)
Conventionally, a part of the vaporizing member is immersed in the water in the water storage container, and air is passed through the vaporizing member that sucks up the water in the water storage container by capillary action to generate high humidity air. There is a humidifier that humidifies the room by supplying to the room.

  For example, the humidifier disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-302077 includes a vaporizing member that is rectangular and rotates so that both ends thereof are alternately immersed in water in a water tank (corresponding to a water storage container). . In this humidifier, water is supplied to the vaporizing member by alternately immersing both ends of the vaporizing member in the water tank.

  Moreover, in the humidifier disclosed by Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2003-294277, a water scraping part is provided in the outer peripheral surface of a vaporization member, and it rotates so that a part of water scooping part may be immersed in a water tank (equivalent to a water storage container). A vaporizing member is provided. In this humidifier, the water scooping unit pumps up the water as the vaporizing member rotates, and the water pumped up by the water scavenging unit is supplied to the vaporizing member.

  However, in the vaporizing member of the humidifier disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-302077, water in the water storage container is supplied by the capillary phenomenon and the own weight of the vaporizing member, so that water may not be supplied to the entire vaporizing member. There is.

  In addition, in the vaporizing member of the humidifier described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-294277, water that has flowed out from the scraping portion that has risen with the rotation of the vaporizing member is supplied to the vaporizing member. There is a risk that it will not flow out well from the air toward the vaporizing member.

  For this reason, in these humidifiers, sufficient water is not supplied to the vaporizing member, and the humidifying ability of the humidifier may be reduced.

  Therefore, in the above-described embodiment, the water wheel main body 420 is provided with the water transfer portion 426 extending toward the second side surface 420b disposed so as to face the first side surface 420a. When the first member 421 and the second member 422 are combined, the water transfer portion 426 extends from below the substantially L-shaped hole 422 a and protrudes from the opening 421 b of the first member 421. Further, the water inside the recess 421a flows out from the substantially L-shaped hole 422a, is supplied to the side surface of the vaporization filter 44 that is close to the water transfer portion 426. Thus, by providing the supply means for supplying water from the water wheel 42 to the vaporization unit 41, it is possible to reduce the possibility that sufficient water is not supplied to the vaporization filter 44 as compared with the humidifier as described above. Therefore, more water can be supplied to the vaporization filter 44.

  In addition, for example, in the case of a humidification unit that is not provided with a water transfer portion and includes a water turbine configured such that water is directly supplied to the vaporization filter from the opening that discharges the water pumped up from the water storage container, the vaporization is performed from the opening. There is a possibility that water does not flow well toward the filter. For this reason, in this humidification unit, water may not be sufficiently supplied to the vaporization filter.

  However, in the above-described embodiment, the water wheel main body 420 is provided with the water transfer portion 426 extending toward the second side surface 420b arranged to face the first side surface 420a. For this reason, more water can be supplied to the vaporization filter 44 compared with the case where the water transfer part is not provided.

  Thereby, the humidification ability can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the water inside the recess 421a flows out from the substantially L-shaped hole 422a provided in the first side surface 420a of the turbine body 420, and the turbine body from below the substantially L-shaped hole 422a. The water is supplied to the side surface of the vaporization filter 44 that is close to the water transmission portion 426 that extends toward the second side surface 420b of the 420. For this reason, for example, the distance between the water turbine body and the vaporization filter is the same as that in the above embodiment, and a discharge opening through which water supplied from the water storage container is discharged is provided on the second side surface of the water wheel main body. Compared with a water turbine in which the portion extends from the discharge opening toward the vaporization filter, the distance that water travels through the water transfer portion can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to apply momentum to the water that travels from the tip of the water transfer portion 426 toward the vaporization filter 44.

  Thereby, the flying distance of water flying from the water transfer portion 426 can be extended.

  Further, the turbine body 420 is provided with a substantially L-shaped hole 422a that allows the water receiving space S1 of the recess 421a to communicate with the external space of the turbine body 420. For this reason, when the recessed part 421a is immersed in the water of the water storage container 40, water penetrates into the inside of the recessed part 421a from the substantially L-shaped hole 422a. Further, when the recess 421a comes out of the water, the water receiving space S1 of the recess 421a is filled with water. Then, as the concave portion 421a approaches the uppermost position, the water inside the concave portion 421a flows out from the substantially L-shaped hole 422a through the water transfer portion 426, and when the concave portion 421a passes the uppermost position, almost all Water flows out through the water transfer section 426. Thus, the water receiving space S1 is formed, so that the water supplied from the water storage container 40 can be temporarily held.

(2)
In the above embodiment, the vaporization filter 44 is formed by the bearing portion 10e and the locking portion 411a provided in the main body casing 10 in a state where the first gear 411 of the vaporization portion 41 and the second gear of the water wheel 42 are engaged with each other. The movement in the direction of the rotation axis is restricted. For this reason, the possibility that the vaporization filter 44 may come into contact with the turbine body 420 can be reduced.

  As a result, the risk of the vaporization filter 44 being worn can be reduced.

(3)
In the above embodiment, the drive unit 43 has the drive gear 431. Further, when the drive gear 431 rotates, the first gear 411 that meshes with the drive gear 431 rotates, and when the first gear 411 rotates, the second gear 423 that meshes with the first gear 411 rotates. For this reason, the vaporization part 41 and the water wheel 42 can be simultaneously rotated by the common drive part 43.

<Modification>
(A)
In the above-described embodiment, the water in the water receiving space S1 of the recess 421a flows out from the substantially L-shaped hole 422a through the water transfer portion 426 toward the side surface of the vaporization filter 44.

  Instead of this, the water transfer portion may be formed so that the water supplied from the water wheel to the vaporization portion is transmitted along the lower surface thereof.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, an air conditioner including a water turbine 542 having a water transfer portion 526 in which a guide groove 526a is formed on the lower surface will be described. In the air conditioner described below, the structure other than the water transfer portion 526 of the water wheel 542 is the same as that in the above embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The second member 522 has a substantially triangular prism-shaped water transfer portion 526 that extends from the vicinity of the substantially L-shaped hole and protrudes in the thickness direction of the water wheel 542. The water transfer portion 526 is formed to draw a circle at a position facing the opening 521 b of the first member 521. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 13, the water transfer portion 526 extends from the vicinity of the substantially L-shaped hole in the state where the first member 521 and the second member 522 are combined, and the opening 521 b of the first member 521. Protrude from.

Further, the second member 522 is provided with a guide groove 526a for guiding water flowing out from the substantially L-shaped hole to the vaporization filter through the lower surface of the water transfer portion 526. The guide groove 526a
It is provided on the lower surface of the water transfer portion 526 and is provided up to the tip of the water transfer portion 526.

  With such a configuration, water inside the recess flows out from the substantially L-shaped hole through the guide groove 526a, and when the recess passes through the uppermost position, almost all of the water flows out through the guide groove 526a. . At this time, the water flows out toward the side surface of the vaporization filter close to the water transfer portion 526 because a certain amount of momentum is added by gravity when flowing out. Thus, in this humidification unit, water is supplied from the water wheel 542 to the vaporizing section.

  In addition, the surface tension works by the water traveling along the lower surface of the water transfer portion 526, and the water transmitted through the water transfer portion 526 does not flow immediately below the tip of the water transfer portion 526, but from the tip of the water transfer portion 526. It flies along the flow direction, and then flows downward. In this manner, in this humidification unit, water can be blown further away from the tip of the water transfer portion 526. Therefore, more water can be supplied to the vaporization filter.

  Thereby, the humidification capability can be further improved.

  In FIG. 13, reference numeral 523 denotes a second gear, reference numeral 524 denotes a rotating shaft, and reference numeral 525 denotes a gear.

(B)
In the above embodiment, water is supplied from the water wheel 42 to the vaporization unit 41.

  Instead of this, water may be pumped up and the water pumped up by the pump may be supplied to the vaporizer. In addition, a moving mechanism may be provided so that the vaporization filter can move in the vertical direction, and water may be supplied to the vaporization unit by directly immersing the vaporization filter in the water storage container. Furthermore, the semicircular vaporization filter may be rotated so that the vaporization filter is immersed in the water in the water storage container.

  In such a configuration, by supplying water to the vaporization filter only during the humidifying operation, it is possible to prevent a state in which water is always supplied to the vaporization filter.

  This can reduce the possibility of mold and bacteria breeding on the vaporization filter.

  Since the present invention can improve the humidifying ability, it is effective to apply to a humidifier.

The external appearance perspective view of an air conditioner provided with the humidification unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the state by which the vaporization part is accommodated in the main body casing (a 2nd door is abbreviate | omitted). Sectional drawing of the guide part and bearing part which are formed in the main body casing. The external appearance perspective view of a dehumidification unit. The external appearance perspective view of a humidification unit (a part of drain pan and the 1st gearwheel are omitted). The exploded perspective view of a water wheel. The exploded perspective view of a water wheel. FIG. Sectional drawing of the vaporization part and water turbine of the state which the 1st gearwheel and the 2nd gear meshed | engaged. The disassembled perspective view of a vaporization part. The perspective view of a vaporization part (a part of vaporization filter is abbreviate | omitted). The fragmentary sectional view which expanded the state where the 1st gear and the 2nd gear meshed. The external appearance perspective view of the water wheel which concerns on a modification.

4 Humidification unit (humidifier)
10 Main body casing (main body)
40 Water storage container 41 Vaporization part 42 Water wheel 43 Drive part 44 Vaporization filter (vaporization member)
411 First gear 411a Locking portion 420 Turbine body 421 Second member (second side surface portion)
422 1st member (1st side part)
422a Substantially L-shaped hole (opening)
423 Second gear 426 Water transfer portion 431 Drive gear S1 Water receiving space

Claims (7)

A water storage container (40) for storing water;
A first side surface portion (422) provided with an opening (422a) capable of discharging water supplied from the water storage container, and a second side surface portion (421) disposed so as to face the first side surface portion. A water wheel (42) having a water wheel main body (420) including a water transfer part (426) extending from the opening toward the second side surface part side, and supplying water from the water storage container by rotating, a water wheel (42),
The second side surface portion is located on the opposite side of the first side surface portion, has a vaporizing member (44) for vaporizing water supplied from the water transfer portion, and a water level when the water storage container is full A vaporization part (41) arranged on the upper side,
With
A water receiving space (S1) capable of holding the water supplied from the water storage container is continuously formed from the opening in the water wheel main body,
The water discharged from the water receiving space is guided to the vaporization section through the water transfer section.
Humidifier (4). The water transfer portion supplies water to the vaporization portion by transferring water to the lower portion thereof.
The humidifier according to claim 1. The water wheel and the vaporization unit are separate bodies,
The vaporizing portion is disposed so as to face the second side surface portion.
The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2. The water wheel main body and the vaporizing member are disposed close to each other so as not to contact each other.
The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A drive unit (43) having a drive gear (431) for transmitting rotation to the vaporization unit;
The vaporizer further includes a first gear (411) that meshes with the drive gear,
The water wheel further includes a second gear (423) that meshes with the first gear.
The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The turbine body is disposed on the side of the vaporizing member,
The first gear is provided with a locking portion (411a) that locks with the second gear and restricts the movement of the vaporizing portion in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.
The humidifier according to claim 5. The water storage container, the water wheel, and the vaporization unit are housed inside, and further includes a main body (10) that rotatably supports the vaporization unit,
The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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