WO2012014637A1

WO2012014637A1 - Humidifier

Info

Publication number: WO2012014637A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/065341
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正人宮上; 良小西; 周防　聖行
Original assignee: ダイキン工業株式会社
Priority date: 2010-07-26
Filing date: 2011-07-05
Publication date: 2012-02-02
Also published as: EP2600072A1; EP2600072A4; CN103080660A; JP2012026658A; JP5333372B2; RU2569771C1; RU2536033C2; CN103080660B; RU2013108068A

Abstract

Provided is a humidifier that utilizes the weight load of a tank to attach the tank, thereby reducing the burden on a user. In the humidifier (1), a tray (14) attaches to the body (10) from the side, and the tank (16) attaches to a tank receiver (14a) of the tray (14) from the side. The tank receiver (14a) is provided with a support section (143) that supports the tank (16). When attaching the tank (16), a user brings a support corner (16a) of the tank (16) into contact with the support section (143), and while rotating the tank (16) around the rotational center in the vicinity of the support section (143), the tank (16) moves toward the body (10). A first protruding section (161), which protrudes toward the body (10), is formed on the top half of the tank (16), so that when the center of gravity of the tank (16) has moved closer to the body (10) than a vertical plane through which the rotational center passes, the tank (16) moves toward the body (10) due to the weight of the tank (16).

Description

humidifier

The present invention relates to a humidifier, and more particularly, to a humidifier that vaporizes water supplied from a tank to a tray with a humidifying element.

Conventionally, humidifiers that supply water to the humidifying element after the water in the tank is once accumulated in a tray have been widely used. For example, in the humidifier disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-39326), the user can move the side of the main body so that the bottom surface of the tank is disposed at the opening of the tray attached to the main body. Mount the tank on the tray from the side.

However, in a humidifier such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user is subjected to the weight load of the tank until the tank filled with water is completely mounted on the tray. This is difficult to use for people with weak muscles, such as the elderly.
The subject of this invention is providing the humidifier which can reduce a user's burden using the weight load of a tank for mounting | wearing of a tank.

The humidifier which concerns on the 1st viewpoint of this invention is equipped with the main body, the humidification means, and the tank. The humidifying means is housed in the main body. The tank is attached to the main body from the side of the main body, and supplies water to the humidifying means. The main body is provided with a support portion for supporting the tank. The support portion contacts a predetermined position of the tank when the tank is mounted. Further, the tank has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the main body from any portion of the lower half in the upper half portion. Further, the tank is attached to the main body by rotating around the vicinity of the support portion.
In this humidifier, when the user moves closer to the main body while turning the tank around the support portion around the rotation center, the center of gravity of the protrusion moves closer to the main body than the vertical plane passing through the rotation center, Since the tank approaches the main body by its own weight, the user's pushing force is reduced, reducing the load when the tank is installed.

The humidifier which concerns on the 2nd viewpoint of this invention is a humidifier which concerns on a 1st viewpoint, Comprising: The humidification means contains the disk-shaped humidification element. The outer peripheral surface of the humidifying element faces the tank. Moreover, the recessed part recessed in the direction away from a center is formed in the part corresponding to the height position of the center of a humidification element among tanks. The protrusion is located above the recess.
In this humidifier, the formation of the concave portion further increases the tendency of the tank to fall in the protruding direction of the protruding portion, so the user's pushing force when rotating the tank closer to the main body is further reduced. I'm going to live.

The humidifier which concerns on the 3rd viewpoint of this invention is a humidifier which concerns on a 2nd viewpoint, Comprising: The 2nd protrusion part which protrudes toward a main body side is formed below the recessed part of a tank.
In this humidifier, since the outer peripheral surface of the humidifying element on the tank side is sandwiched between the protruding portion of the tank and the second protruding portion, the humidifying element is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the humidifying element and the tank facing the outer peripheral surface. Space is reduced, and wasteful space is reduced compared to conventional products that use straight tanks.

The humidifier which concerns on the 4th viewpoint of this invention is a humidifier which concerns on a 1st viewpoint, Comprising: The fan is further provided. The fan generates an air flow that passes from the front surface to the back surface of the humidifying element. The fan includes a fan rotor and a casing. The fan rotor is located downstream of the humidifying element. The casing surrounds the fan rotor and guides the air blown from the fan rotor in the centrifugal direction to the air outlet above the fan rotor. Further, the casing has a constricted portion that is recessed inwardly before the air outlet. The protruding portion of the tank protrudes toward the constricted portion.
In this humidifier, since the protruding portion protrudes so as to fit into the constricted portion that the casing originally has, there is no need to provide a new space for the protruding portion, and the space is effectively used. .

A humidifier according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a humidifier according to the first aspect, further comprising a tray and a fan. The tray covers the humidifying element together with the main body. The fan generates an air flow that passes from the front surface to the back surface of the humidifying element. The tray has a side plate. The side plate is located between the outer peripheral surface of the humidifying element and the tank. Further, the side plate has a curved portion. The curved portion is curved along the circumferential surface of the humidifying element at least at a position higher than the rotation center of the humidifying element. The curved portion is pushed by the protruding portion of the tank.

In this humidifier, when the protruding part pushes the curved part, the gap between the side plate and the main body becomes even narrower and the ventilation resistance increases, so it enters from the gap between the side plate and the main body and sucks into the fan without passing through the humidifying element Reduced bypass air.

The humidifier which concerns on the 6th viewpoint of this invention is a humidifier which concerns on a 5th viewpoint, Comprising: The elastic member is provided between the curved part and the protrusion part.
In this humidifier, even if there is a gap between the curved portion and the protruding portion, the elastic member fills the space, so that the pushing force of the protruding portion is reliably transmitted to the curved portion.

In the humidifier according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the user rotates the tank and moves it closer to the main body, the center of gravity of the protruding portion moves closer to the main body than the vertical plane passing through the rotation center. Because it approaches the main body with its own weight, the user's pushing force is reduced, and the load when the tank is installed is reduced.
In the humidifier according to the second aspect of the present invention, the tendency of the tank to fall in the protruding direction of the protruding portion is further increased due to the formation of the recess, so that the user can rotate the tank closer to the main body. The pushing force of is further reduced.
In the humidifier according to the third aspect of the present invention, the space between the outer peripheral surface of the humidifying element and the tank facing the outer peripheral surface is reduced, and wasteful space is reduced compared to a conventional product using a straight tank. .

In the humidifier according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the protruding portion protrudes so as to fit into the constricted portion, it is not necessary to provide a new space for the protruding portion, and the space is effectively used.
In the humidifier according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the protruding portion pushes the curved portion, the gap between the side plate and the main body is further narrowed and the ventilation resistance is increased. Therefore, the humidifying element enters through the gap between the side plate and the main body. Bypass air that is sucked into the fan without passing through is reduced.
In the humidifier according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the elastic member fills the gap between the curved portion and the protruding portion, the pushing force of the protruding portion is reliably transmitted to the curved portion.

The perspective view of this humidifier when the humidifier which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is seen from diagonally forward. The perspective view of this humidifier when the humidifier which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is seen from diagonally back. The perspective view of this humidifier when a front panel is removed from the humidifier of FIG. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter unit. The perspective view of this humidifier when a side door is opened from the humidifier of FIG. The perspective view of the humidifier in the state where the front panel, casing, filter unit, and tank were removed from the main body. The front view of the assembly of a humidification element and a tray. The perspective view of the tray seen from the opening side. The perspective view of the tray seen from the bottom side. The perspective view of this humidifier when a humidification element and a tray are removed from the humidifier of FIG. A side view of the tank. The front view of the assembly of a humidification element, a tray, and a tank. Sectional drawing of the tray periphery in the humidifier cut | disconnected by the plane perpendicular | vertical to the insertion direction of a tray. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the humidifier shown in FIG. 5. The rear view of the assembly of the side door and tank in the humidifier of FIG. Sectional drawing of the side plate and tank of a humidifier which concern on a 1st modification. Sectional drawing of the side plate and tank of a humidifier which concern on a 2nd modification.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.
(1) Overall Configuration of Humidifier 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the humidifier when the humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention is viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the humidifier when the humidifier according to the embodiment of the present invention is viewed obliquely from behind. 1 and 2, the humidifier 1 includes a main body 10 that is rounded as a whole. The humidifier 1 has a humidifying function and an air purifying function, and the user can select only the air purifying function, but the air purifying function is always accompanied when the humidifying function is selected.
(2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Main body 10
The main body 10 includes a front panel 110, a casing 120, a bottom plate 130, and a control panel 140. The front panel 110 is held in front of the casing 120 so that it can be attached and detached without using a tool. The bottom plate 130 is screwed to the bottom of the casing 120. The control panel 140 is fixed to the top surface of the casing 120. The control panel 140 is equipped with a power switch 140a for selecting operation and stop of the humidifier 1 and a humidification switch 140b for selecting execution and stop of the humidification function. Is transmitted to a control unit (not shown) incorporated in the computer.

The main body 10 has a suction port 10 a on the side, and the suction port 10 a is surrounded by the side of the front panel 110 and the side of the casing 120. Further, the main body 10 has an air outlet 10 b at the upper part, and the air outlet 10 b is located at the upper part of the casing 120 and behind the control panel 140.
(2-2) Filter unit 11
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the humidifier when the front panel is removed from the humidifier shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the air sucked from the suction port 10 a passes through the filter unit 11 mounted on the front surface of the casing 120.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the filter unit. In FIG. 4, in the filter unit 11, the pre-filter 114, the HEPA filter 116, and the deodorizing element 118 are held in the filter casing 112 in this order from the upstream side.

The prefilter 114 is a thin and soft resin net, and removes large dust particles contained in the air. The HEPA filter 116 removes fine dust that cannot be removed by the pre-filter 114. The deodorizing element 118 absorbs unpleasant odor components contained in the air.
(2-3) Side door 13
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the humidifier when the side door of the humidifier in FIG. 2 is opened. In FIG. 5, the casing 120 is formed with an opening 120 a that extends over part of the side surface of the casing 120 and part of the back surface. A space is formed from the opening 120a toward the back side of the casing 120, and the tank 16 is accommodated in the space. Since the tank 16 is screwed to the inner surface side of the side door 13, the side door 13 and the tank 16 move together.

Further, the opening 120a is normally closed by the side door 13 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The side door 13 can rotate in a direction in which the upper end is separated from the casing 120 with the lower end as a fulcrum, and by pulling the handle 13a toward the front, the upper end of the side door 13 is separated from the casing 120 and the tank 16 is exposed.
(2-4) Humidification element 12
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the humidifier with the front panel, casing, filter unit, and tank removed from the main body. FIG. 7 is a front view of the humidifying element and tray assembly. 6 and 7, the disc-shaped humidifying element 12 is disposed above the tray 14.
The humidifying element 12 includes a vaporizing material 125 formed in a disk shape from a non-woven fabric, and a frame 127 that surrounds and holds the outer circumference of the vaporizing material 125. The frame 127 has a gear 128 on its outermost periphery. A rotational force from a motor (not shown) is transmitted to the gear 128, and the humidifying element 12 rotates.

Further, the frame 127 is disposed so that the tooth tip of the gear 128 is close to the bottom surface of the tray 14 at the lowest point. As long as water is supplied from the tank 16 to the tray 14 and there is water in the tank 16, the water level is automatically adjusted to be a predetermined height position from the bottom surface.
Therefore, the frame 127 is immersed in water in a certain range from the lowest point upward in the vertical direction, and the non-immersed portion is also immersed sequentially as the humidifying element 12 rotates. Further, a plurality of cup-shaped water pumps 129 are provided on the side surface of the gear 128, and the water in the tray 14 is pumped up by rotating, and the water in the water pump 129 flows out near the uppermost point. To bathe.
(2-5) Tray 14
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tray as viewed from the opening side. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tray viewed from the bottom side. In FIG. 8, the tray 14 has a tank receiver 14a, a water receiver 14b, and a bearing 14c.

(2-5-1) Tank receiver 14a
The tank receiver 14a is provided with a support portion 143 and a push-in pin 144. The support part 143 supports the predetermined | prescribed corner of the tank 16 with the water supply valve (refer FIG. 11) mounted downward. The push-in pin 144 pushes and opens the water supply valve when the tank 16 is lowered by its own weight.
As shown in FIG. 9, a handle 145 is provided on the outer wall of the tank receiver 14 a, and the user pulls the tray 14 out of the main body 10 by placing a finger on the handle 145 and pulling it forward.
(2-5-2) Water receiver 14b
The water receiver 14b stores water for immersing the humidifying element 12. The water receiver 14b and the tank receiver 14a are partitioned by a partition wall 150. The partition wall 150 is provided with a hole, and water flowing from the tank 16 to the tank receiver 14a passes through the hole to the water receiver 14b. The water fills up to a predetermined water level in the water receiver 14b.

The water receiver 14b has an elongated shape along the insertion direction of the tray 14, and an elongated plate-like protrusion 141 along the insertion direction is provided on the side surface. The protrusion 141 serves as a guide for guiding the tray 14 to the back side of the main body 10 when the tray 14 is inserted into the main body 10.
As shown in FIG. 9, a rib 149 stands on the outer bottom surface of the water receiver 14b along its contour. Moreover, the recessed part 146 is provided in the part adjacent to the tank receiver 14a among the outer bottom surfaces of the water receiver 14b.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the humidifier when the humidifying element and the tray are removed from the humidifier illustrated in FIG. 6. In FIG. 10, the support table 132 of the bottom plate 130 is a surface that supports the outer bottom surface side of the tray 14, and the end surface of the rib 149 slides on the surface of the support table 132 when the tray 14 is inserted into the main body 10. Since it moves, the surface surrounded by the rib 149 does not rub against the main body 10, and the insertion operation of the tray 14 is smooth.

Further, the support base 132 has a convex portion 106 at a position facing the concave portion 146, and when the tray 14 is completely inserted into the main body 10, the concave portion 146 and the convex portion 106 are fitted in the vertical direction. .
(2-5-3) Bearing 14c
As shown in FIG. 8, a pair of pillars 147 extending vertically upward are fixed to two side walls of the water receiver 14 b that face each other, and a bearing 14 c is provided at the tip of the pillar 147. The bearing 14c is recessed vertically downward from the upper end surface of the column 147, and a C surface 148 is formed at the entrance thereof.
(2-6) Side plate 15
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the side plate 15 is fixed to the tray 14. The side plate 15 extends while curving upward from a partition wall 150 that separates the tank receiver 14a and the water receiver 14b of the tray 14.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the side plate 15 is close to the outermost periphery of the humidifying element 12 mounted on the tray 14 and is curved along the outermost periphery. In FIG. 7, among the curved portions of the side plate 15, a portion above the horizontal line H passing through the rotation center of the humidifying element 12 is an upper curved portion 151, and a portion below the horizontal line H is a lower curved portion 152. . The distal end portion 151 a of the upper curved portion 151 is warped away from the outermost periphery of the humidifying element 12.
When the tray 14 supporting the humidifying element 12 is inserted into the main body 10, the humidifying element 12 is sandwiched between the filter unit 11 and the blower 18. At this time, the side of the outer peripheral surface of the humidifying element 12 is closed by the side plate 15. That is, the side plate 15 closes the side of the space where the humidifying element 12 is disposed. Therefore, even if the side door 13 and the tank 16 are removed, the humidifying element 12 is not exposed due to the side plate 15.

Further, the filter casing 112 of the filter unit 11 and the scroll 22 of the blower 18 are provided with an overlap margin (for example, 22b in FIG. 10) for partially overlapping the side plate 15, Since a soft seal member (not shown) is attached, it is not easy for air to enter the interior through the overlap.
(2-7) Tank 16
FIG. 11 is a side view of the tank. In FIG. 11, a water supply valve 167 is attached to the water inlet 164 of the tank 16. The structure of the water supply valve 167 is a general structure in which the valve body is pressed against the valve port by a spring, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.
In a normal use state, the tank 16 is placed on the tank receiver 14a of the tray 14, and the tank 16 is pressed against the push pin 144 of the tray 14 with the water supply valve 167 being directed vertically downward. The pushing pin 144 opens the water supply valve 167 by its own weight.

The tank 16 is located in a space sandwiched between the side door 13 and the side plate 15, the surface facing the side door 13 is formed in a shape along the inner surface of the side door 13, and the surface facing the side plate 15 is on the side plate 15. It is formed in a shape along. In particular, since the tank 16 is screwed to the side door 13, a recess 165 corresponding to the handle 13a of the side door 13 is formed on the surface facing the side door 13, so that the tank 16 is easily integrated.
FIG. 12 is a front view of the humidifying element, tray and tank assembly. 11 and 12, in the tank 16, a first protrusion 161, a second protrusion 162, and a recess 163 are formed on a surface facing the side plate 15. The first protruding portion 161 protrudes so as to be close to the upper portion of the upper curved portion 151 of the side plate 15, and the maximum protruding portion is close to the distal end portion 151 a of the side plate 15. The second protruding portion 162 protrudes so as to be close to the lower portion of the lower curved portion 152 of the side plate 15. The concave portion 163 is recessed along the upper curved portion 151 and the lower curved portion 152 of the side plate 15.

Since the first protrusion 161 protrudes toward the side plate 15 with respect to the second protrusion 162, the center of gravity of the tank 16 is closer to the side plate 15 when the tank 16 stands upright with the water injection port 164 facing downward. Therefore, a force tilted toward the side plate 15 is acting on the tank 16.
(2-8) Blower 18
As shown in FIG. 10, not only the tray 14 is disposed on the support stand 132, but also the lower portion of the blower 18 is fixed at a position downstream of the tray 14. The blower 18 is a sirocco fan and includes a fan rotor 20 and a scroll 22.
The fan rotor 20 includes a hub part 201 and a plurality of blades 202 arranged in a cylindrical shape on the periphery of the hub part 201. As the hub portion 201 and the blade 202 rotate, air is sucked in along the rotation axis direction and blown out from the blade 202 in the centrifugal direction.

The scroll 22 has an air passage for guiding the air blown from the blades 202 to the blower outlet 10b located above the fan rotor 20. In order to efficiently guide the air to the air outlet 10b, the scroll 22 extends upward while the wall in front of the air outlet 10b curves inward and then further upwards while curving outward. 22a is formed.
(3) Operation of the humidifier 1 (3-1) Air cleaning operation The operation of the humidifier configured as described above will be described below. The humidifier 1 according to the present embodiment has an air cleaning function and a humidifying function. When the power switch 140a of the control panel 140 is turned on, the humidifier 1 operates the blower 18 and sucks air from the suction port 10a. The sucked air passes through the filter unit 11.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the filter unit 11, dust having relatively large particles contained in the air is first removed by the upstream pre-filter 114, and then dust having small particles is removed by the downstream HEPA filter 116. Is removed. When the air that has passed through the HEPA filter 116 further passes through the deodorizing element 118 on the downstream side, unpleasant odor components contained in the air are adsorbed by the deodorizing element 118.
The air that has passed through the filter unit 11 reaches the humidifying element 12 on the downstream side, but the humidifier 1 does not perform the humidifying function only by turning on the power switch 140a, and the humidifying element 12 is stopped. The air passes through the humidifying element 12 without being humidified, is sucked into the blower 18, and then blown out from the air outlet 10 b.
(3-2) Humidification Operation When the humidification switch 140b is turned on while the power switch 140a of the humidifier 1 is turned on, the humidification element 12 rotates. As the humidifying element 12 rotates, the water pump 129 draws water from the tray 14 and sprinkles the vaporizing material 125 in the vicinity of the uppermost point of the humidifying element 12, so that the water spreads over the entire vaporizing material 125.

The air that has passed through the filter unit 11 evaporates the water that has soaked into the vaporizer 125 when passing through the vaporizer 125, and becomes humidified air. This humidified air is sucked into the blower 18 and blown out from the outlet 10b.
(4) Removable operation of tray 14 The tank 16 is mounted on the tank receiver 14a of the tray 14, and when the tray 14 is removed from the main body 10, it is assumed that the tank 16 has been removed from the main body 10 first. It becomes. The following content is described under the condition that the tank 16 has already been removed from the main body 10.
(4-1) Removal of Tray 14 from Main Body 10 The user can maintain the humidifying element 12 and the tray 14 by pulling out the tray 14 from the main body 10. However, other than maintenance, for example, the locking mechanism is operated so that an infant or the like does not easily pull out the tray 14.

This locking mechanism is a state in which the concave portion 146 of the tray 14 and the convex portion 106 of the support base 132 are fitted in the vertical direction when the tray 14 is attached to the main body 10. Then, the user cannot pull out the tray 14 horizontally.
This locking mechanism is released by slightly lifting the handle 145 of the tray 14. That is, by slightly lifting the handle 145, the concave portion 146 moves vertically upward with the back end of the rib 149 of the water receiver 14b as a fulcrum, so that the fitting between the concave portion 146 and the convex portion 106 is easily released, The tray 14 can be moved in the horizontal direction.
(4-2) Insertion of the tray 14 into the main body 10 As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the projecting portion 141 has an intermediate portion 141a extending along the longitudinal direction of the water receiver 14b, and a deeper side than the intermediate portion 141a. It has two parts of the front-end | tip part 141b located in. A notch 142 is formed behind the intermediate portion 141a.

When the tray 14 is placed horizontally, the intermediate portion 141a is substantially horizontal, but the tip portion 141b is inclined slightly downward with respect to the intermediate portion 141a. For example, when the tray 14 is inserted into the main body 10, there is a concern that the end portion of the regulating portion 101 and the tip portion 141 b collide and it becomes difficult to insert the tray 14, but the tip portion 141 b is inclined. Thus, even if the end portion of the restricting portion 101 and the tip portion 141b collide, the end portion of the restricting portion 101 rides on the inclined surface of the tip portion 141b, so that the insertion of the tray 14 is not hindered. Once the tray 14 is inserted even a little, the projecting portion 141 proceeds along the lower surface of the restricting portion 101, so that the insertion operation proceeds smoothly.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view around the tray of the humidifier cut along a plane perpendicular to the tray insertion direction. In FIG. 13, a vertical gap is provided between the restricting portion 101 and the protruding portion 141. This gap differs depending on the position of the intermediate portion 141a of the protruding portion 141, and the gap becomes narrower as it goes farther.

In FIG. 12, the restricting portion 101 is originally invisible, but the restricting portion 101 is drawn with a two-dot chain line for convenience of explaining the positional relationship with the protruding portion 141. As shown in FIG. 12, the gap between the restricting portion 101 and the protruding portion 141 is the largest on the front side of the intermediate portion 141a (the side where the notch 142 is present), and the back side of the intermediate portion 141a (the intermediate portion 141a and the tip portion). 141b) is the smallest.
This is because when the tray 14 is inserted into the main body 10, the tray 14 is likely to swing up and down on the near side in the insertion direction, and therefore insertion is easier when the gap between the restricting portion 101 and the protruding portion 141 is set larger. It is. Further, if the tip of the tray 14 is inserted into the main body 10 even a little, the protruding portion 141 advances while guiding itself along the lower surface of the restricting portion 101, so that insertion is hindered even if the gap on the back side is small. There is nothing.

In the position where the tray 14 is completely inserted, the corner 132a (see FIG. 10) of the support base 132 is close to the corner 150a (see FIG. 12) on the near side of the rib 149, and the concave portion 146, the convex portion 106, Mesh again. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12, when the tank 16 is placed on the tank receiver 14a, the tank receiver 14a side is overwhelmingly heavier than the water receiver 14b side. It rotates as a fulcrum, and the inner side of the water receiver 14b tries to float up.
However, since the gap between the restricting portion 101 and the protruding portion 141 is the smallest on the back side of the intermediate portion 141a (the boundary portion between the intermediate portion 141a and the tip portion 141b), the tank 16 is placed on the tray 14 correspondingly. The lift on the back side of is kept small.
Further, at the rear side position in the insertion direction of the tray 14, the end of the protruding portion 141 in the protruding direction is close to the wall surface 10 z that supports the root of the restricting portion 101. Similarly, at the rear side position in the insertion direction of the tray 14, the end in the protruding direction of the restricting portion 101 is close to the wall surface 14 z of the tray 14 that supports the root of the protruding portion 141. For this reason, the positional deviation in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the tray 14 is suppressed, and the posture of the tray 14 is prevented from becoming unstable due to impact or vibration when the full water tank 16 is mounted.

(5) Attaching / detaching operation of the tank 16 Since the tank 16 is a member that functions on the tank receiver 14a of the tray 14, the attaching / detaching operation of the tank 16 is based on the premise that the tray 14 is inserted into the main body 10. Will be described.
(5-1) Removal of Tank 16 FIG. 14 is a rear view of the humidifier shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, when the user takes out the tank 16 from the main body 10, it is only necessary to open the side door 13 so as to incline outward and pull the side door 13 obliquely upward. Since the tank 16 and the side door 13 are screwed and move like an integrated product, the side door 13 and the tank 16 are separated from the main body 10 at the same time.
15 is a rear view of the assembly of the side door and the tank in the humidifier of FIG. In FIG. 15, when adding water to the tank 16 removed from the main body 10, the user turns the water supply valve 167 upward, removes the water supply valve 167, and opens the water inlet 164 (see FIG. 11). The water supply valve 167 and the water injection port 164 are screwed to be engaged with each other, and the water supply valve 167 is twisted with respect to the water injection port 164 to be attached and detached.

(5-2) Attaching the Tank 16 When the user attaches the tank 16 to the main body 10, as shown in FIG. 14, the tip of the first projecting portion 161 is directed obliquely upward and the water supply valve 167 is The tank 16 is placed on the support portion 143 of the lowermost corner of the tank 16 (hereinafter referred to as a support corner 16 a) in a posture directed obliquely downward.
When the user pushes the tank 16 lightly toward the main body 10, the tank 16 rotates toward the main body 10 while slidingly rotating the support corner 16 a on the surface of the support portion 143. Because, in the tank 16, the center of gravity G exists closer to the main body 10 due to the weight of the first projecting portion 161 (see FIG. 15), and once it starts to move toward the main body 10, it rotates with its own weight. be able to. This rotation of the tank 16 stops when the side door 13 closes the opening 120a.

(6) Features (6-1)
In the humidifier 1, the tray 14 is mounted on the main body 10 from the side, and the tank 16 is mounted on the tank receiver 14 a of the tray 14 from the side. The tank receiver 14 a is provided with a support portion 143 that supports the tank 16. The user brings the support corner 16a of the tank 16 into contact with the support part 143 when the tank 16 is mounted, and moves the tank 16 closer to the main body 10 while rotating the tank 16 around the support part 143. In the upper half of the tank 16, a first projecting portion 161 that projects toward the main body 10 is formed, so when the center of gravity of the tank 16 moves closer to the main body 10 than a vertical plane passing through the rotation center, The tank 16 approaches the main body 10 side by its own weight. Therefore, the load when the user installs the tank is reduced.

(6-2)
In the humidifier 1, the concave portion 163 is formed in the tank 16, and the first projecting portion 161 is positioned above the concave portion 163, so that the tendency for the tank 16 to fall in the direction of the first projecting portion 161 is further increased. , The user's pushing force is even smaller.
(6-3)
In the humidifier 1, a second projecting portion 162 projecting toward the main body 10 side is formed below the concave portion 163 of the tank 16, and the outer peripheral surface of the humidifying element 12 on the tank 16 side is The structure is sandwiched between the first protrusion 161 and the second protrusion 162. As a result, a space between the outer peripheral surface of the humidifying element 12 and the tank 16 facing the outer peripheral surface is reduced, and a useless space is reduced as compared with a conventional product using a straight tank.

(6-4)
In the humidifier 1, the scroll 22 of the blower 18 has a constricted portion 22 a that is recessed inward before the air outlet 10 b. Since the 1st protrusion part 161 of the tank 16 protrudes toward the constriction part 22a, it is not necessary to provide the new space for the 1st protrusion part 161, and space is utilized effectively.
(7) Modified Example In the above embodiment, the filter casing 112 of the filter unit 11 and the scroll 22 of the blower 18 are provided with an overlap margin for partially overlapping the side plate 15, thereby allowing air to enter. Has the effect of making it difficult. Here, a modified example in which the effect is further enhanced will be described.

(7-1) First Modification FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a side plate and a tank of a humidifier according to a first modification. Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the above embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same members, and the description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 16, the side plate 15 has an upper curved portion 151 and a lower curved portion 152 that are located between the outer peripheral surface of the humidifying element 12 and the tank 16 and are curved along the circumferential surface of the humidifying element 12. Yes. The first projecting portion 161 of the tank 16 rests on the upper part of the upper curved portion 151, and the side plate 15 is pushed by the first projecting portion 161. As a result, the gap in the overlap margin between the side plate 15 and the filter casing 112 and the scroll 22 (for example, 22b in FIG. 10) becomes narrow, and bypass air (air sucked into the blower 18 without passing through the humidifying element 12). Decrease.

(7-2) Second Modification FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a side plate and a tank of a humidifier according to a second modification. Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the above embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same members, and the description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 17, an elastic member 24 is provided between the upper curved portion 151 and the first projecting portion 161. For this reason, even if there is a gap between the upper curved portion 151 and the first protruding portion 161, the elastic member 24 fills the gap, so that the pressing force of the first protruding portion 161 is reliably transmitted to the upper curved portion 151. .
Further, even when the gap between the upper curved portion 151 and the first protrusion 161 varies due to dimensional variation during manufacturing, the elastic member 24 absorbs the dimensional variation, and the first protrusion 161 is independent of the gap size. Can be transmitted to the upper curved portion 151.

As a result, the side plate 15 is reliably pushed by the first projecting portion 161, and the gap in the overlap margin (for example, 22 b in FIG. 10) between the side plate 15, the filter casing 112, and the scroll 22 becomes narrow, and bypass air (humidification element) Air that is sucked into the blower 18 without passing through 12) is reduced.

As described above, according to the present invention, the bypass air sucked into the blower without passing through the normal air path is reduced, so that not only the humidifier but also a dehumidifier is useful.

1 Humidifier 10 Body 12 Humidification element (humidification unit)
14 Tray 15 Side plate 16 Tank 18 Blower (fan)
20 Fan rotor 22 Scroll (casing)
22a Constricted portion 24 Elastic member 143 Support portion 161 Projecting portion 162 Second projecting portion 163 Recessed portion

JP 2008-39326 A

Claims

A body (10);
Humidification means (12) housed in the body (10);
A tank (16) mounted on the main body (10) from the side of the main body (10) and supplying water to the humidifying means (12);
With
The main body (10) is provided with a support part (143) for supporting the tank (16) by contacting a predetermined position of the tank (16) when the tank (16) is mounted.
The tank (16) has a protrusion (161) that protrudes toward the main body (10) from any part of the lower half in the upper half, and rotates around the vicinity of the support (143). Is attached to the body (10) by moving;
humidifier.
The humidifying means (12) includes a disc-shaped humidifying element (12) whose outer peripheral surface faces the tank (16),
A concave portion (163) recessed in a direction away from the center is formed in a portion corresponding to the height position of the center of the humidifying element (12) in the tank (16),
The protrusion (161) is located above the recess (163).
The humidifier according to claim 1.
A second projecting portion (162) projecting toward the main body (10) is formed below the concave portion (163) of the tank (16).
The humidifier according to claim 2.
A fan (18) for generating an air flow passing from the front surface to the back surface of the humidifying element (12);
The fan (18)
A fan rotor (20) located downstream of the humidifying element (12);
A casing (22) that surrounds the fan rotor (20) and guides the air blown from the fan rotor (20) in a centrifugal direction to a blower outlet above the fan rotor (20);
Including
The casing (22) has a constricted portion (22a) that is recessed inwardly before the air outlet,
The protruding portion (161) of the tank (16) protrudes toward the constricted portion (22a).
The humidifier according to claim 1.
A tray (14) covering the humidifying element (12) together with the body (10);
A fan (18) for generating an air flow passing from the front surface to the back surface of the humidifying element (12);
Further comprising
The tray (14) has a side plate (15) located between the outer peripheral surface of the humidifying element (12) and the tank (16),
The side plate (15) has a curved portion (151) that curves along the circumferential surface of the humidifying element (12) at least at a position higher than the rotational center of the humidifying element (12).
The protruding portion (161) of the tank (16) pushes the curved portion (151),
The humidifier according to claim 1.
An elastic member (24) is provided between the curved portion (151) and the protruding portion (161).
The humidifier according to claim 5.