JPH07310936A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify the piping of a humidifier, to improve the humidifying efficiency, to prevent the pressure loss and to miniaturize the humidifier by serially allowing the water storage spaces of many humidifying modules which contain hydrophobic porous films and are aligned in a direction crossing an air ventilat direction to communicate. CONSTITUTION:Humidifying modules 11 which contain hydrophobia porous films and are aligned in a direction crossing the flowing direction of the air to be humidified are connected to each other, and inner water storage spaces W serially communicate with each other. Thus, a small-diameter screw 132A is engaged with a small-diameter threaded hole H1 to be opposed to each other, and the modules 11 are brought into pressure contact with each other. Then, a sealing material 139 protruding from a large-diameter part 133 is crushed, and further the rods 135B of both water supply joints 13 are so pressed against the energizing force of a compressed coiled spring 138 as to be in plane with the part 133. As a result, the space W of the one module 11 communicates with that W of the other module 11.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a humidifier.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a humidifying device comprises a humidifying module arranged in a path of air to be humidified, and a water supply unit for supplying water to the humidifying module (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-61). 250429, JP-A-62-1
77530, etc.). The humidifying module constitutes a shell and is provided to partition the inside of the shell into a shell for storing water for humidification, a water storage space for storing water and a humidification space for air circulation, and to allow passage of water. And a hydrophobic porous membrane capable of allowing the passage of water vapor.

The water supply unit is connected to such a humidification module via a piping member such as a hose or a pipe so as to supply the water stored therein into the shell of the humidification module.

[0004]

In order to improve the humidifying capacity by arranging a large number of the above-mentioned humidifying modules in a direction intersecting the air circulation direction, conventionally, one of the humidifying modules arranged in parallel is used. The water tank was connected to each one individually. For this reason, at the time of construction, there is a problem that the order for piping and the connecting position of the piping members are complicated, and the piping is troublesome. In addition, since the length of the piping member needs to be changed according to each module, there is a problem that piping mistakes easily occur.

Further, after the construction, since the piping members are projected into the air path by the number of the humidifying modules, there is a problem that the pressure loss of the air becomes large. In particular,
When the shell is formed in a rectangular shape, it is often necessary to connect the pipe member to the side surface that is continuous at right angles to the surface through which air flows, in view of the layout requirement and the prevention of scale. In that case, there is also a problem that a gap for piping is generated between the modules and the humidification efficiency is deteriorated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a humidifying device that can simplify piping and thus contribute to improvement of humidification efficiency, prevention of pressure loss, and size reduction. It is intended to be provided.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the structure according to claim 1 of the present invention constitutes an outer shell and a shell for storing water for humidification therein and a water storage inside the shell. It is provided to be divided into a water storage space for air and a humidification space for air circulation, and includes a hydrophobic porous membrane that prevents passage of water and allows passage of water vapor,
In a humidifying device including a large number of humidifying modules arranged in a direction intersecting a flow direction of air to be humidified, and a water supply tank for supplying water for humidification to a water storage space of the humidifying module The humidifying device is characterized in that a communication means for connecting the water storage spaces of the humidifying modules in series is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the humidifying device according to the first aspect, the communicating means allows the humidifying modules to be juxtaposed in a state of being joined to adjacent ones. is there. Further, the configuration according to claim 3 is
In the humidifying device according to claim 1 or 2, the communication means is a water supply joint capable of both connecting the humidifying modules and connecting the water supply tank.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the humidifying device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the communicating means is attached to both sides of the humidifying module that face each other in the juxtaposed direction of the humidifying module. The water supply joint has the same structure on any of the surfaces so that the humidification module can be connected to the water supply joint of the adjacent partner.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the humidifying apparatus according to the second aspect, there is further provided a fastening member which is attached to the humidifying module and fastens the humidifying modules in the juxtaposed direction.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the humidifying modules are connected in series by the communicating means so that water can be supplied. Further, in the configuration according to the second aspect, the humidification modules are arranged in the air path in a state of being joined to each other.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the water supply joint having one structure can be used as a common specification to connect the humidification modules to each other and to connect the water supply. Also,
In the structure according to the fourth aspect, the water supply joints attached to the one opposing surface and the opposing surface on the opposite side are interchangeably connected to the other water supply joint. In addition, in the structure according to the fifth aspect, as a result of the humidification modules being tightened in the parallel installation direction, the modules are tightly pressed against each other.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a humidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an external appearance of a humidifying module of the humidifying device, and FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing a main part.

First, with reference to these drawings, the humidifying device of this embodiment is arranged in parallel in a direction (hereinafter referred to as a side-by-side direction B) orthogonal to a flow direction A of air to be humidified. A large number of humidifying modules 11 and a well-known water supply tank 12 for supplying water to the humidifying modules 11 are provided. With reference to FIG. 2, the humidification module 11 has a shell 111 having a rectangular outer appearance. A large number of humidifying pipes 112 are inserted into both surfaces 111A and 111B of the shell 111 which face each other in the air flow direction A. Humidification pipe 112
Is a moisture-permeable porous film formed in a tubular shape, and both ends thereof are fixed to the corresponding surfaces 111A and 111B, whereby the inside of the shell 111 is filled with a water storage space W for storing water therein. And a humidification space V for circulating air to humidify the air.

Next, as shown in FIG. 2, both side walls 111H and 1H of the humidifying module 11 facing each other in the juxtaposed direction B are provided.
The water supply joint 13 is attached to 11H. Figure 4
With reference to FIGS. 8 to 8, the water supply joint 13 includes an annular main body 131. The main body portion 131 has a small diameter portion 13.
2 and the large-diameter portion 133 are concentrically formed integrally with each other, and a small-diameter screw 132A is formed on the outer periphery of the small-diameter portion 132 so as to be entirely formed in the center line direction. Further, a large-diameter screw 133A is screwed on the outer periphery of the large-diameter portion 133 on the tip end side.

An annular inward flange 134 is integrally formed on the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 133 on the small diameter portion 132 side, and the main body portion 131 is formed by the inward flange 134.
Is the inner peripheral space S1 that defines the inner periphery of the small diameter portion 132.
And an inner diameter space S2 that divides the distal end side of the large diameter portion 133. The inner space S1 of the former is set to have a smaller diameter than the inner space S2 of the latter.
2 is a small diameter portion 13 via mutually inward flanges 134.
A communication passage S that connects the second side and the large diameter portion 133 side is defined.

A valve body 135 is inserted into the main body 131 from the small diameter portion 132 side. The valve element 135 includes a circular opening / closing plate 135A arranged in the small diameter portion 132, and a rod 135B extending from the opening / closing plate 135A to the free end side of the large diameter portion 133 and having a tip protruding outward from the large diameter portion 133. Is integrally provided concentrically, and a grid 136 enclosed at the tip of the inner peripheral portion of the small diameter portion 132 prevents the slippage in a state where displacement in the centerline direction is allowed.

An O-ring 137 is provided between the opening / closing plate 135A of the valve body 135 and the inward flange 134, and between the opening / closing plate 135A and the grid 136.
The compression coil spring 138 is contracted. Due to the urging force of the compression coil spring 138, the valve body 135 can normally press the O-ring 137 between itself and the inward flange 134 to seal the inward flange 134 while maintaining liquid tightness. Is configured. At this time, the rod 135B of the valve body 135 is set to slightly project outside the large diameter portion 133. On the other hand, the rod 135
When the tip of B is pushed in, the opening / closing plate 135A is separated from the O-ring 137, the inner circumference of the inward flange 134 is opened, and the small diameter portion 132 and the large diameter portion 133 can be communicated.

An annular seal material 139 is press-fitted into the internal space S2 of the large diameter portion 133. Seal material 139
Penetrates the rod 135B inside, and slightly protrudes outward from the large-diameter portion 133 in a state where it can be bent in the radial direction. Here, the inner diameter of the sealing material 139 is set to be considerably larger than that of the rod 135B, so that water flows through the gap between the two.

In order to fix such a water supply joint 13, the side wall 11 of the shell 111 of the humidification module 11 is fixed.
1H has a bottomed small-diameter screw hole H1 into which the small-diameter screw 132A of the small-diameter part 132 is screwed, and a large-diameter screw 13 of the large-diameter part 133.
Large-diameter screw holes H2 into which 3A can be screwed are respectively screwed. A communication hole H3 slightly eccentric to the water supply joint 13 is formed in the bottom of the small diameter screw hole H1.

According to the water supply joint 13 having this structure, the following actions are exhibited. First, when connecting the humidifying modules 11 to each other and connecting the internal water storage spaces W in series, as shown in FIG. 4, the small diameter screw 13 is inserted into the small diameter screw hole H1.
Screw 2A. Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the attached parts as shown in FIG. 4 are opposed to each other, and the humidifying modules 11 and 11 are pressed against each other.
The sealing material 139 protruding from 33 is crushed,
Further, the rods 135B of the both water supply joints 13 and 13 resist each other against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 138, and the large diameter portion 133.
It is pushed in so that it becomes smooth. As a result, the inner circumference of the inward flange 134 is opened, and the one humidification module 11 is passed through the inner space S1 of the small neck portion 132, the inner circumference of the inward flange 134, and the inner circumference of the sealing material 139.
And the respective water storage spaces W of the other humidification module 11 communicate with each other.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the shell side wall 11
When the large-diameter screw 133A is screwed into the large-diameter screw hole H2 of 1H, the rod 135B is pushed into the bottom of the small-diameter screw hole H1 so that the opening / closing plate 135A opens the inner circumference of the inward flange 134. The small diameter portion 132 slightly protrudes from the side wall 111H of the shell 11. As a result, it becomes possible to use the small diameter portion 132 as a joint of the water supply hose 14 and connect the water supply hose 14 to the water supply tank 12.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the water supply joint 13 described above is used.
By adopting, the water storage space W of each humidification module 11 is connected in series. As a result, in the present embodiment, only the humidification module 11 arranged at the inlet-side end in the juxtaposed direction B is connected to the water supply tank 12 by the water supply hose 14 described above. As described above, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the humidification modules 11 are connected to each other by the water supply joint 1.
Since they are connected in series (crossover connection) via 3, the water supply tank 12 supplies water to the humidification module 11, any one of the desired humidification modules 11 arranged in parallel.
All the humidification modules 1 installed side by side just by supplying water to
It becomes possible to supply water to 1. As a result, the piping of the humidification module 11 and the water supply tank 12 can be simplified as much as possible, and there is an advantage that the piping work can be easily performed at the time of construction. Further, after the construction, since the water supply tank 12 can be connected to the desired humidification module 11, it is possible to prevent the pressure loss of air due to the piping member (the water supply hose 14 in this embodiment).

In particular, in this embodiment, since the water supply joint 13 is employed and the humidification modules 11 are arranged in parallel with each other so as to be adjacent to each other, the side surface of the rectangular shell 111 is connected to the humidification module 12 from the water supply tank 12. Even when the piping is performed, there is no gap for the piping between the modules 11, and as a result, there is an advantage that the humidification efficiency does not deteriorate. Also, in that case, the outermost humidification module 1
As a result of piping for only one, the hose 14 can be provided at a position deviated from the air passage to further prevent pressure loss.

Moreover, in the case where the water supply joint 13 that can be used for both the connection between the humidification modules 11 and the connection with the water supply tank 12 is employed as in this embodiment, the water supply joint 13 having one structure is used. Will be standardized as a common specification, and it will be possible to design and manufacture products. Therefore, there is an advantage that the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the cost of the product can be reduced.

Next, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Each of the water supply joints 13 is fixed to a specific position of the side walls 111H and 111H.
H and 111H are also constructed in the same structure so that the humidifying module 11 can be connected to the adjacent water supply joint 13 of the other party. More specifically, each water supply joint 13 is
The heights H are set to be equal to each other, and the length D of the side wall H of the humidifying module 11 in the air circulation direction A is set.
It is attached to the position that bisects. As a result, the water supply joints 13, 13 attached to the one side wall 111H and the side wall 111H on the opposite side thereof are connected to the water supply joint 13 of the other party so as to be compatible with each other.

As described above, the water supply joints 13 are attached to both surfaces of the humidification module 11 which face each other in the juxtaposed direction of the humidification module 11, and any of the side walls 111H, 111H.
In the case where the humidifying module 11 has the same structure so that the humidifying module 11 can be connected to the adjacent water supply joint 13 of each other, the humidifying modules 11 without considering the front-rear direction in the juxtaposed direction B of the humidifying modules 11 Can be connected, and the workability is improved accordingly.

It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, as the water supply joint, it is possible to adopt the one having the configuration shown in FIG. Referring to the figure, this water supply joint 23 is provided with an insertion protrusion 231 formed on one side wall 111H and a joining boss portion 232 formed on the other side wall 111H into which the insertion protrusion 231 is fitted. is there. The fitting boss 232 has an opening / closing plate 233.
By pivoting, the water in the water storage space W is prevented from leaking in the unconnected state, and the insertion boss portion 232 can be opened by pushing the insertion protrusion 231. An O-ring 234, which is concentric with the fitting boss 232, is attached to the side wall 111H to prevent water leakage during connection. Further, a seal material 231A for maintaining liquid tightness with the fitting boss portion 232 is integrally formed on the outer periphery of the insertion protrusion 231. The insertion protrusion 231 of the present embodiment is formed in a tapered shape with a thin tip in order to facilitate the connection.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, an engaging hook 111C is fixed to the upper surface of the shell 111. The engaging hook 111C has a base end portion 111E fixed to the upper surface, and a tip end portion 111F protruding in one direction along the juxtaposed direction B. Next, shell 11
On the upper surface of 1, the engaging hooks 11 of the adjacent shells 111
A locking tool 111G for locking 1C is fixed. The engagement hook 111C and the locking tool 111G
Is a fastening member in the embodiment of FIG.
The moisturizing modules 11 are fastened to each other in the juxtaposed direction B by locking the engaging hooks 111C to the corresponding locking tools 111G.

As described above, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, since the humidifying modules 11 are tightened in the arranging direction B, the modules 11 are tightly pressure-contacted with each other.
The sealing property between the two is improved, and the humidification efficiency is improved. Moreover, the water supply joint 13 of the humidification module 11 provided on the side has an advantage that it is possible to ensure liquid tightness.

Next, the water supply joint 3 shown in FIGS.
You may adopt 0. The water supply joint 30 also serves as a connecting member for the humidifying modules 11 and 11, and is a hollow member formed in a substantially U-shape. The water supply joint 30
The ends of the humidifying modules 11, 11 that are adjacent to each other are inserted from the upper surfaces to communicate the water storage spaces W in the respective humidifying modules 11. By using this water supply joint 30 as shown in the figure, it becomes possible to combine the connection for water supply and the connection of the mechanical humidification modules 11, 11.
10A and 10B, reference numeral 31 is a fitting hole for fitting the end of the water supply joint 30. Part of the fitting hole 31 is the water storage space W of the humidification module 11.
Also serves as the air vent hole. In addition, a pair of fitting holes 31 that are in a positional relationship of being closed by one end and the other end of one water supply joint 30 are formed on the upper surface of the humidifying module 11 on the one end side in the juxtaposed direction, and the other end side. The upper surface is provided at one position where one end of the water supply joint 30 attached to the upper surface on one end side can be fitted.

As the fastening member, one having the structure shown in FIG. 11 may be adopted. This fastening member includes a substantially U-shaped toggle handle 41 whose ends are pivotally supported, and a toggle handle 4
Each of the humidifying modules 1 is configured by forming a fastening member with the locking projections 42 for locking 1 and locking each toggle handle 41 with the corresponding locking projection 42.
1 are fastened to each other in the parallel direction B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, recesses 50 for fitting are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the humidifying modules 11, 11 and a connecting plate 51 is fitted into the recesses 50 for fitting to connect the respective humidifying modules 11. May be adopted. In addition, it goes without saying that various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0034]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention.
In the configuration described, since the humidifying modules are connected in series so that water can be supplied between the humidifying modules by the communicating means, when supplying water from the water tank to the humidifying modules, it is only necessary to supply water to any one of the desired humidifying modules arranged in parallel. Thus, it becomes possible to supply water to all the humidifying modules arranged in parallel. As a result, the piping of the humidification module and the water supply tank can be simplified as much as possible, and there is an advantage that the piping work can be easily performed at the time of construction. Further, after the construction, since it is possible to connect the water supply tank to the desired humidification module, it is possible to install a member for piping at a position deviated from the path of the air. It is possible to prevent the loss.

Further, in the structure according to the second aspect, since the humidifying modules are arranged in the air path in a state of being joined to each other, no gap is generated between the modules, and as a result, the humidifying efficiency is deteriorated. There is an advantage that can be prevented. Further, in the configuration according to claim 3, since the water supply joint having one structure can be used as a common specification to connect the humidification modules to each other and to connect the water supply, it is possible to design or manufacture a product. become. Therefore, there is an advantage that the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the cost of the product can be reduced.

Further, in the structure according to the fourth aspect, since the water supply joints attached to the one opposing surface and the opposite surface opposite thereto are connected to the counterpart water supplying joints interchangeably, the humidifying module Each humidification module can be connected without considering the front-back direction in the parallel installation direction,
The workability is improved accordingly. Further, in the structure according to the fifth aspect, since the humidification modules are tightened in the direction in which they are arranged side by side, the modules are tightly pressed against each other, and as a result, the sealing property between the modules is improved and the humidification efficiency is improved. In addition, with respect to the humidifying module provided with the communication means on the side portion, there is an advantage that the liquid tightness can be secured.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to simplify the piping, and it is possible to improve the humidification efficiency, prevent the pressure loss, and contribute to the miniaturization.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a humidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an external appearance of a humidifying module of the humidifying device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing a main part of the humidifying device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidification module and a water supply joint adopted therein.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the humidification module and a water supply joint adopted therein.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidification module and a water supply joint adopted therein.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidification module and a water supply joint adopted therein.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidification module and a water supply joint adopted therein.

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a water supply joint in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view in which another water supply joint of the present invention is adopted, (A) showing before connection and (B) showing after connection.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing still another fastening member of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing still another fastening member of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Humidification Module 12 Water Supply Tank 13 Water Supply Joint 23 Water Supply Joint 30 Water Supply Joint (Casting Member) 41 Toggle Handle 42 Protrusions for Locking 50 Recesses for Fitting 51 Connection Plates 111 Shell Side Walls 111H Humidification Pipes (Repellent Porous) Membrane) 111C Engagement hook (fastening member) 111G Locking tool (fastening member)

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Toru Fujimoto No. 1 Nishiichitsuya, Settsu City, Osaka Prefecture Daikin Industries, Ltd. Yodogawa Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (72) Nobuyuki Nishioka No. 1 Nishiichitsuya, Settsu City, Osaka Daikin Industries Co., Ltd. Yodogawa Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A shell (111) for constructing an outer shell and storing water for humidification therein, and a shell (11).
1) A hydrophobic porous body that is provided so as to partition the inside into a water storage space (W) for storing water and a humidification space (V) for air circulation, while preventing passage of water and permitting passage of water vapor A large number of humidification modules (11) that include a membrane (112) and are arranged in parallel in a direction that intersects the flow direction of air to be humidified, and for humidifying the water storage space (W) of the humidification module (11). In the humidifying device provided with the water supply tank (12) for supplying the water, the communication means (13, 23, 30, 31) for communicating the water reservoir space (W) of each humidification module (11) in series is provided. A humidifying device characterized by being provided. 2. The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the communicating means (13, 23, 30, 31) are arranged in parallel in a state where the respective humidifying modules (11) are joined to those adjacent to each other. It is acceptable. 3. The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication means is a water supply joint (13) capable of both connecting the humidifying modules (11) to each other and connecting the water supply tank (12). is there. 4. The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the communication means includes both sides (111) of the humidifying module (11) facing each other in the juxtaposed direction of the humidifying module (11).
H, 111H), which is attached to any surface (111H, 1H).
11H) also has the same structure so that the humidification module (11) can be connected to the adjacent water supply joint (13). 5. The humidifying device according to claim 2, wherein the fastening members (111C, 111G, 41, 42, 50, 51) are attached to the humidifying module (11) and fasten the humidifying modules (11) to each other in a juxtaposed direction. ) Is further provided.