JP2011012854A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier, configured so that dripping of water can be avoided when a water supply tank is returned to a predetermined position after water supply to the water supply tank, and a liquid tray part can be easily taken out and cleaned.SOLUTION: The humidifier 1 includes: a case body 1A having an air suction port 1B and an outlet port 1C; a front panel 2 installed to be vertically movable relative to the case body 1A; the water supply tank 3 provided within the case body 1A; a humidifying filter 4 laid over a filter holder 4D4A with a lower end portion thereof being dipped in sterilizing liquid in the vicinity of the water supply tank 3; and a sterilizing electrode 6 dipped in sterilizing liquid having a sterilizing effect which is stored in a liquid tray 7B to generate the sterilizing liquid from water in the water supply tank 3. The humidifier further includes an interlocking mechanism 20 which raises the filter holder of a filter unit in interlocking by raising the front panel 2 relative to the case body 1A. Thus, the water supply tank 3 can be drawn out of the case body 1A from the front lower side of the case body 1A opened by raising the front panel 2.

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier that can easily take out a water supply tank, a liquid dish, and a filter, and can easily supply water to the water supply tank, and clean the liquid dish and the filter.

Conventionally, for example, a humidifier described in Patent Document 1 is known.
That is, as shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, the humidifier 100 includes a main frame body 101 having an air outlet 107 formed on the front surface, and a blower device 102 mounted in the main frame body 101 behind the air outlet 107. The water tank 103 detachably stored in the lower part inside the main frame 101, the belt-like filter 104 whose lower part is immersed in the water W stored in the water tank 103, and the vertical direction so as to rotate the belt-like filter 104 to the inner surface. There is known a structure having a lid body 105 that is installed and supported on the rear side of the main frame body 101 so that the rear opening of the main frame body 101 can be opened and closed. Further, the lid 105 is formed with an air inlet 106 in which a belt-like filter 104 is arranged in the vicinity. The main frame 101 and the lid 105 form a humidifier casing, and the belt-like filter A ventilation path provided from the air inlet 106 to the air outlet 107 through 104 is formed in the housing.

Such a humidifier 100 rotates the belt-like filter 104 in a state where it is immersed in the water W of the water tank 103, and sucks air from the air inlet 106 and blows air from the air outlet 107 by driving the air blower 102. ing.
The air blown out from the air outlet 107 passes through the water-containing belt-like filter 104 in the vicinity of the air inlet 106 and is evaporated from the belt-like filter 104 and humidified by the latent heat of vaporization of water. By blowing out the humidified air from the outlet 107, the surrounding space of the humidifier 100 is humidified.
Further, in consideration of use in winter, the humidifier 100 has a heating element 108 arranged in the blower 102 so as to protrude into the air passage, and even if the intake humidity from the intake port 106 is low, The heater 108 heats the air in the air passage to increase the amount of saturated water vapor, and air with high humidity can be obtained.

  By the way, in the humidifier having such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 24, a water supply body 110 that can be pulled out is attached to the opening formed in the right side portion of the main frame 101. Further, a water supply hole is formed in the lid 111 portion of the water supply body 110 with respect to the inner outlet of the main frame 101, and water is supplied from the water supply body 110 to the water tank 103.

  However, in the humidifier configured as described above, when the water supply operation is performed, the transported water is replenished to the water tank 103 from the relatively narrow water supply body 110 by a sprinkler or the like. There is a risk of spilling water when replenishing from the supply body 110. Further, since the water tank 103 cannot be easily taken out, the bottom of the water tank 103 cannot be cleaned.

  Further, as a humidifier equipped with such a humidifying filter, for example, a humidifier equipped with a sterilizing electrode for sterilizing water in the water tank in a water tank in which the humidifying filter is installed is known.

  This type of humidifier has an air suction port and a discharge port, and an outer case provided with a water tank for storing water supplied from a water supply tank at a predetermined level at the bottom, a humidifying filter installed in the water tank, And a blower that vaporizes water that has been blown to the humidification filter and penetrated into the humidification filter, and is provided with a sterilization electrode that performs a sterilization action of water in the water tank at an appropriate position of the water tank.

  Unlike the one described in Patent Document 1, the humidifier described above uses a cartridge-type water supply tank, so that it is easy to supply water, and there is no problem in that respect. However, in general, when cleaning the clog of the humidification filter or replacing the humidification filter with a new one, the water tank or water supply path where the humidification filter is installed is exposed and installed in this water tank or water supply path. There was a concern that the customer touches the disinfected electrode. Usually, because the electrode for sterilization is made of a thin metal plate such as stainless steel or titanium alloy, if the customer touches the sterilization electrode by mistake, there is a concern that the finger may be injured. Further, when the humidifying filter is brought into contact with the sterilization electrode, there is a concern that the sterilization electrode may be damaged.

  Therefore, a humidifier has been proposed in which electrodes such as a sterilization electrode and a water level detection electrode are installed in a water tank for storing water for humidification so that the safety of the humidifier can be improved (for example, Patent Documents). 2).

That is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the case has an air suction port 201 and a discharge port 202, and a water tank 203 for storing water supplied from the water supply tank 210 at a predetermined level at the bottom. A main body 200A, a detachable panel 220 that is detachably attached to the case main body 200A, a humidifying filter 230 installed in the water supply tank 210, and a blower that vaporizes water that is blown to the humidifying filter 230 and permeates the humidifying filter. 240, a humidifier in which the humidifying filter 230 is detachable from the open surface Z (see FIG. 26) of the case body 200A by removing the detachable panel 220 from the case body 200A. A sterilization electrode 211 for sterilizing the water in the water supply tank 210 is provided at an appropriate position of the water supply tank 210, and air permeability is provided between the sterilization electrode 211 and the open surface Z of the case body 200A. It is the structure which provided the protection member 240 (refer FIG. 25) which has.
In the figure, reference numeral 250 denotes an air purification filter, 260 denotes an operation unit, 270 denotes a controller, and 280 denotes a fan.

JP-A-2-217725 JP 2003-35443 A

  In such a humidifier, for example, when water is supplied to the water supply tank 210, as shown in FIG. 26, the tank cover plate 204 is opened and water for humidification such as tap water is accommodated. The tank 210 is set in the exterior case 200 from above. Accordingly, when the water supply tank 210 is taken out to replenish water, the water supply valve 290 containing the sterilizing liquid generated from the tap water is stored in the outer case 200 until just before the water supply tank 210 is pulled up. Since the tip of the water is immersed, even if the water supply valve is closed, the sterilizing liquid adhering to the outside of the water supply valve 210A of the water supply tank 210 may cause dripping.

  In addition, when the tap water, which is a raw material for generating the sterilizing liquid contained in the water receiving unit 290, contains an inorganic substance such as calcium, magnesium, or silica, the water receiving unit becomes white powder. There is a possibility that it adheres to the inside of 290 or is scattered as dust in the room, and the water receiving portion 290 needs to be cleaned. However, in a general humidifier including such a humidifier, the water receiving portion 290 portion is not configured to be easily removed to the outside, so that the cleaning work is also troublesome. ing.

  In view of the above-described circumstances, the present invention is easy to supply water, can avoid dripping water when returning the water supply tank to a predetermined position when supplying water to the water supply tank, and easily takes out the liquid dish portion. It is an object of the present invention to provide a humidifier that can be cleaned.

To achieve the above objectives,
(1) The humidifier of the present invention is
A case body having an air suction port and a discharge port;
A front panel mounted to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the case body;
A water supply tank provided in the case body;
A humidifying filter stretched around a filter holder in a state where the lower end is immersed in the water for humidification supplied from the water supply tank;
A humidifier comprising:
The water tank chamber in which the water tank is installed is opened by raising the front panel with respect to the case body, and the water tank can be pulled out horizontally from the front side of the case body. It is characterized by that.
According to this configuration, the water supply tank can be pulled out in the horizontal direction when water is supplied, and can be pushed back in the same direction after the water supply to the water supply tank and returned to the original direction.

(2) The humidifier of the present invention is
A case body having an air suction port and a discharge port;
A front panel mounted to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the case body;
A water supply tank provided in the case body;
A liquid tray to which water is supplied from the water supply tank;
A humidifying filter installed in the filter holder in a state where the lower end is immersed in the water of the liquid dish;
A humidifier comprising:
An interlocking mechanism in which the filter holder is interlocked and raised by raising the front panel relative to the case body;
The water tank chamber is opened by raising the front panel so that the water tank can be pulled out from the front side of the case body.
According to this configuration, in addition to the effect described in (1), the humidification filter can be taken out and cleaned together with the work of taking out the water supply tank.

(3) The humidifier of the present invention is
A case body having an air suction port and a discharge port;
A front panel mounted to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the case body;
A water supply tank provided in the case body;
A liquid tray to which water is supplied from the water supply tank;
In order to generate a sterilizing liquid having a sterilizing action from the water in the water supply tank, a sterilizing electrode immersed in water stored in the liquid dish;
A lower end is immersed in the sterilizing liquid stored in the liquid dish, and a humidifying filter that is rotatably installed in the filter holder;
A humidifier comprising:
An interlocking mechanism in which the filter holder is interlocked and raised by raising the front panel relative to the case body;
The water tank chamber in which the water tank is installed is opened by raising the front panel, and the water tank can be pulled out from the front side of the case body.
According to this structure, it is the same as the effect described in (2), and in addition to the effect described in (1), the filter can be taken out and cleaned together with the operation of taking out the water supply tank.

(4) In the humidifier according to (1) to (3),
A tray provided integrally with at least the holding portion of the water supply tank and the liquid dish;
A valve opening / closing mechanism for closing the opening / closing valve of the water supply tank in conjunction with the drawer operation of the tray;
An electrode retracting mechanism that allows the disinfecting electrode immersed in the liquid dish of the tray to be retracted by the ascending operation of the filter holder in conjunction with the operation of pulling up the front panel from the case body,
The water supply tank can be pulled out from the front side of the case main body by raising the front panel.
According to this configuration, since the water supply tank can be taken out together with the tray, water can be replenished using the water supply tank, and spillage during transportation can be avoided. Here, even if the sterilization electrode is immersed in the liquid dish of the tray, the tray can be reliably and safely pulled out without hindering the withdrawal of the sterilization electrode. it can.
Furthermore, dripping of water can be avoided when returning the water supply tank to a predetermined position when water is supplied to the water supply tank.
Further, since the tray can be taken out, the liquid dish portion can be taken out at the same time and easily cleaned. Therefore, cleaning of the liquid dish portion, in particular, inorganic substances such as calcium, magnesium, and silica adhering to the bottom and inner wall can be removed. As a result, it is possible to prevent white powder from being scattered as dust in the room.

(5) In the humidifier according to (1) to (4),
The interlocking mechanism is
Slide guide means provided between the case body and the front panel for guiding the front panel to be movable up and down relative to the case body;
Power transmission means for transmitting the lifting force of the front panel to raise and lower the filter holder;
It is characterized by having.
According to this configuration, since the lifting means for the front panel and the lifting means for the filter holder are provided separately, an interlocking mechanism having a configuration that does not require a complicated configuration can be realized.

(6) In the humidifier of (5),
The slide guide means
A guide groove provided on either the front panel or the case body;
A claw that engages with the guide groove provided on the other of the front panel or the case body, and
The power transmission means is provided between the front panel and the filter holder, and includes a link mechanism that rotates in conjunction with a lifting operation of the front panel.
According to this configuration, the slide guide means can be realized with a simple configuration, and the weight can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

(7) In the humidifier according to (1) to (6),
The liquid dish is rotatably disposed in the vicinity of the humidifying filter,
When the interlocking mechanism is activated and the filter holder is raised to a predetermined height in conjunction with the pulling up operation of the front panel, the water supply tank is pulled out from the water supply tank chamber of the case body together with the tray. In conjunction with the drawing operation of the tank, the tray is advanced immediately below the filter holder, and is provided with a feeding mechanism configured to receive water dripping from the humidifying filter accommodated in the filter holder. To do.
According to this configuration, when performing the pulling up operation of the filter holder, there is a possibility that water may drip from the filter immersed in the liquid dish until just before this. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of troubles such as the occurrence of electrical short-circuits or the occurrence of electrical shorts due to the splashing of droplets.

(8) In the humidifier according to (1) to (7),
When the interlock mechanism is actuated to raise the filter holder along with the pulling up operation of the front panel and the closing lid of the case body is opened, the opening operation is detected and the rotation driving motor of the humidifying filter is actuated. Equipped with a safety mechanism that automatically stops,
It is characterized by that.
According to this configuration, when the closing lid is opened by the lifting operation of the filter holder, the opening operation of the lid is detected and the rotation driving motor of the humidifying filter is stopped. Will improve.

(9) In the humidifier according to (1) to (8),
When the interlock mechanism is activated and the front panel is lifted, the filter holder is raised, and when a part of the humidifying filter protrudes from the open lid of the case body, a single lowering action is performed to lower only the filter holder. A first locking mechanism is provided for prevention.
According to this configuration, when the filter is set in the filter holder and returned to the case body, the filter holder is prevented from being lowered by its own weight, so that the filter holder can be slowly and safely returned to a predetermined position. it can.

(10) In the humidifier according to (1) to (9),
It has a second lock mechanism that operates when the front panel is pulled up to a predetermined position, and temporarily locks the front panel at the predetermined pulling position.
According to this configuration, even if the hand is released from the front panel, the front panel does not fall under its own weight, so that the tray and the water supply tank can be safely taken out.

(11) In the humidifier according to (1) to (10),
A damper mechanism is provided that prevents a rapid lowering operation of the front panel or the filter holder when the front panel is pulled down after the front panel is pulled up.
According to this configuration, even if the front panel is inadvertently lowered with an excessive force, the force can be reduced, and the front panel and the filter holder can be prevented from colliding with the lower portion with a strong force.

(12) In the humidifier according to (1) to (11),
Engagement of the case main body side drive gear and the filter holder side driven gear for transmitting the driving force from the rotation driving motor of the humidifying filter mounted on the filter holder when the filter holder is housed in the case main body A gear meshing mechanism having a play for adjusting the state is provided.
According to this structure, when the filter holder is housed in the case body, even if the meshing state between the drive gear on the case body side and the driven gear on the filter holder side is shifted and the gear peaks are locked, the meshing position Can be adjusted to avoid backlash.

(13) In the humidifier according to (1) to (12),
The closing lid installed on the upper surface of the case body is between the upper surface of the case body and a rotational force equal to or greater than the ascending force when the filter holder is lifted by the interlock mechanism from the filter chamber that houses the filter holder. It is characterized by comprising normally closed means that can only be opened.
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the trouble of forcibly removing the filter holder and breaking the normally closed lid.

(14) In the humidifier according to (1) to (13),
The front part of the case body exposed as the front panel is pulled up is housed in a control box and unitized or modularized in an electric system for various controls.
A power line for connecting the electronic component in the control box and a power source, and a signal line for connecting the electronic component in the control box and various sensors in the case main body during pulling operation of the front panel It is installed outside the space of the front part which the said case main body exposes, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent a hand from being pulled up by the front panel from being caught by the wiring cord or from being interrupted or from hindering the lifting operation.

(15) In the humidifier according to (1) to (14),
A water amount visualizing lamp is provided, and the water supply tank is illuminated at least for a predetermined time when the power is turned on and the on timer is set.
According to this configuration, it is possible to check the remaining amount of water in the water supply tank without forgetting it.

(16) In the humidifier according to (1) to (15),
The case main body has an auxiliary suction hole for taking in air from the outside toward the blower fan on a different surface from the back surface provided with a suction hole corresponding to the air filter installation portion facing the humidifying filter. An auxiliary suction mechanism is provided.
According to this configuration, air taken in from a place different from the normal air suction port can be passed through a flow path other than the flow path from the humidification filter to the blower fan. It will be possible to take in additional air. As a result, it is possible to dilute the unpleasant odor concentration to the extent that it does not matter and send it out.
Also, for example, if it is configured to add a flow path that guides air taken in from a place different from the normal air inlet to the humidifying filter, the back side is close to the wall etc. for the convenience of the installation place Even when there is only an installation space, the function as a humidifier can be fully exhibited, so the degree of freedom as an installation location is also increased.

(17) In the humidifier according to (1) to (15),
An ozone generator is provided on a flow path in the case body between the filter chamber and the fan chamber, through which air after passing through the humidifying filter flows.
According to this structure, the odor from the humidification filter adhering to the air when passing through the humidification filter, the smell of cigarettes drifting indoors, the smell of animals, and the like can be removed. In other words, an air deodorizing function can be added.

  The humidifier of the present invention includes an interlocking mechanism in which the filter holder is lifted in conjunction with the front panel being lifted with respect to the case body, and the water tank is opened by raising the front panel so that the water tank is in the case. It can be pulled out horizontally from the front side of the main unit. For this reason, even when the water tank is heavier due to full water supply, it is inserted in the horizontal direction from the open front side of the case body and set in place without lifting the heavy water tank. Then, the replenishment work can be completed. As a result, the conventional replenishment work in an unnatural posture such as holding a water supply tank filled with heavy water and dropping the water supply tank containing water from above becomes unnecessary. In addition, water is not spilled during transportation of the water supply tank. This simplifies the work of replenishing water to the water supply tank and improves usability, so that there is an advantage that even elderly people and women can easily handle it.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the whole structure of the humidifier of this invention. It is a sectional side view of the humidifier of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation part of the humidifier of FIG. (A) is the perspective view which shows the external appearance of the humidifier of FIG. 1, (B) is explanatory drawing which looked at the inner side of the front panel of the humidifier from the upper part. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the middle of raising operation of the front panel of the humidifier of FIG. 1, (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the state pulled up to the maximum raise position. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the lower part side in the humidifier of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the water supply tank and tray which are used for the humidifier of this invention. It is a principal part expanded sectional view of FIG. It is a principal part cross section which shows the electrode attachment structure in the humidifier of this invention. It is a principal part cross section which shows the state which looked at the electrode attachment structure of FIG. 9 from the front. (A) is a perspective view which shows the water supply tank and tray which are used for the humidifier of this invention, (B) is a perspective view which shows only the tray which removed the water supply tank. It is explanatory drawing which shows the saucer in the humidifier of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the attachment position of the control box in the humidifier of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the interlocking mechanism in the humidifier of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st locking mechanism in the humidifier of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the damper mechanism in the humidifier of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the damper member of the hydraulic gear used for the damper mechanism of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st locking mechanism in the humidifier of this invention. It is a principle figure explaining the feeding mechanism of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the feeding mechanism of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the gear meshing mechanism of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the conventional humidifier. FIG. It is the exploded view. It is a block diagram which shows the other conventional humidifier. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a humidifier 1 according to the present invention. The humidifier 1 includes a case main body 1A, a front panel 2, a water supply tank 3, a humidifying filter 4, a blower fan 5, and a sterilizing fan. The main component which consists of the electrode 6, the tray 7, the saucer 8, the light source 9, the air filter 10, the control part 11, the ozone generator 12, etc. is provided. In addition, the interlocking mechanism 20, the electrode retracting mechanism 30, the valve opening / closing mechanism 40, the tray feeding mechanism 50, the first and second lock mechanisms 60A and 60B (see FIGS. 15 and 18), the damper, A mechanism 70 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) is also provided.

  Further, although the details will be described later, the humidifier 1 includes, as additional functions, a gear meshing mechanism 81 (see FIG. 21), a normally closed mechanism 82 (see FIG. 2), and a liquid level illumination confirmation mechanism 83 (see FIGS. 2 and 2). 6), an auxiliary suction mechanism 84 (see FIG. 2), and a safety mechanism 90 (see FIG. 4B).

  In the humidifier 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the humidifying filter in which the lower part is immersed in the water stored in the tray 7 from the air that is forcibly taken in by the blower fan 5 from the air suction port 1B. (Hereinafter abbreviated as “filter”) 4 forms a humidified air, and the humidified air is deodorized and sterilized by the ozone generator 12 and then discharged from the outlet 1C to the outside. .

As shown in FIG. 1, the case main body 1 </ b> A is roughly configured to include a water supply tank chamber S ₁ , a blower fan chamber S ₂ , a humidifying filter chamber S ₃ , an air filter chamber S ₄ , a control chamber S ₅ , and a light source chamber. S ₆ and a lock chamber S ₇ are provided. The case body 1A has a mesh-like air suction port 1B on the back surface and an air outlet 1C provided with a louver 1F on the upper surface, and an opening port 1D for taking in and out the water supply tank 3 on the front surface (front surface). Further, an operation panel section 1E (see FIG. 2) is installed on the upper surface.

  Further, on the upper surface of the case main body 1A, the upper part of the filter unit 4A that houses the filter holder 4D to which the filter 4 is attached protrudes near the back surface adjacent to the air outlet 1C where the louver 1F is installed to blow out humidified air. A filter outlet 1H and a closing lid 1G provided at the outlet are provided. The case body 1A is mounted on the base body BS.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel unit 1 E has less residual water amount in the application start switch 1 a, operation switch 1 b, humidity setting switch and lamp 1 c, capacity switch and lamp 1 d, and water supply tank 3. A water supply blinking lamp 1j indicating that this is present, a current humidity / timer 1e, an on timer 1f, a wind direction adjusting switch 1g, a maintenance warning lamp 1h, a reset switch 1i, and the like are provided.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the front panel 2 is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the case main body 1A. In the present embodiment, a substantially arcuate rotation bearing 2A is provided at the lower portion of the inner surface. (Refer FIG.1 and FIG.6) is formed, and the guide groove 2B (refer FIG.1 and FIG.4 (B)) is engraved along the up-down direction at the both right and left sides of the inner surface side.
On the other hand, the case body 1A in the vicinity of the front panel 2 includes a claw 24 (see FIG. 4) that engages with the guide groove 2B as an interlocking mechanism 20 that moves the front panel 2 in the vertical direction. Various components are installed. The configuration of the interlock mechanism 20 will be described later.

The water supply tank 3 generates a sterilizing liquid (hypochlorous acid HClO in the present embodiment) having a sterilizing action by a chemical reaction by a sterilizing electrode 6 described later, and therefore contains water (water supply) containing chlorine (Cl). In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, tap water (such as chlorinated water) is contained in a transparent tank in the water supply tank chamber S ₁ . .
Moreover, as shown in FIG.7 and FIG.8, the normally closed valve | bulb 41 which comprises a part of valve | bulb opening / closing mechanism 40 mentioned later is attached to the lower part at the water supply tank 3 of this embodiment.

The filter 4 is for humidifying to a predetermined humidity and generating sterilized air and sending it out of the humidifier 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, in the humidifying filter chamber S ₃ , the filter ₄ is used. The lower end of the case main body 1A is installed in a disinfecting solution stored in the liquid dish 7B of the tray 7 near the water supply tank 3 in the case main body 1A. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the filter 4 of this embodiment is stretched between a pair of rollers 4B and 4C (only the lower roller 4C is shown in FIG. 6) arranged above and below the filter unit. It is built.

Further, between the filter unit 4A that holds the filter 4 and the case body 1A, a specific description will be given later, but as shown in FIG. 21, the humidifying filter chamber S ₃ (for the humidifying filter chamber S ₃₎ . A gear meshing mechanism 81 is installed between a drive gear 81B attached to the output shaft of a drive motor 81A, which is a filter drive means provided in the upper part in FIG. 1), and a driven gear 4E meshing with the drive gear 81B. The occurrence of backlash between the drive gear 81B and the driven gear 4E is effectively avoided.

As shown in FIG. 1, the blower fan 5 forcibly sucks air that has passed through the filter 4, and sends this air to the outside from the outlet 1 </ b> C. It is installed in S _2.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the sterilization electrode 6 is a liquid in the tray 7 in order to generate a sterilization liquid (hypochlorous acid) having a sterilization action from the water in the water supply tank 3 described above. It is immersed in the disinfectant stored in the dish 7B. The sterilization electrode 6 of the present embodiment is installed in a pair of positive and negative electrodes in a state suspended from the lower part of the filter unit 4A that holds the filter 4 and holds a part of the wiring. Electrical connection to the control unit 11 side is achieved through the conductive metal 6A and the like.

Tray 7, as shown in FIG. 1, at the bottom of the case body 1A, it is installed from the water supply tank chamber S ₁ toward the lower portion of the humidifying filter chamber S _3. As shown in FIG. 11, the tray 7 generates a sterilizing solution (hypochlorous acid) from a tank holding portion 7 </ b> A for storing and holding the water supply tank 3 and tap water sent from the water supply tank 3. And a liquid dish 7B having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape for storing the same, and a wall 7C (a cam surface 51 shown in FIG. )

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the tray 7 according to the present embodiment has a handle 7G so that the front panel 2 can be easily pulled out from the opening 1D at the bottom of the case body 1A in the opened state. Is attached freely. When the tray 7 is stored in the lower part of the case main body 1A, the handle 7G can be stored so as to be buried under the bottom of the tray 7 and can be prevented from protruding from the front side. ing. Further, when the tray 7 is pulled out of the case body 1A, if the handle 7G is rotated upward to a predetermined angle around the rotation fulcrum 7D, a temporary standing state is maintained and the water supply tank 3 is maintained. A pin-like stopper 7E is provided on the side surface of the tray 7 so as not to obstruct the take-out operation.

  In the tank holding portion 7A, as shown in FIG. 7, a valve operation chamber 7F in which a valve opening / closing member 42 for opening a normally closed valve 41, which will be described later, is installed is formed at the center. In the valve operation chamber 7F, when the water supply tank 3 is set on the tray 7, a lower portion of the normally closed valve 41 is disposed, and a valve opening / closing member 42 and a float member 43 are attached.

  In the liquid dish 7B, a sterilizing liquid is generated and stored from tap water sent out from the water supply tank 3, and any lower region of the endless belt-like filter 4 that is rotationally driven at an appropriate timing is provided. It is always immersed in this sterilization solution.

State saucer 8 is installed in the lower part of the humidifying filter chamber S _3, usually, in a state where the filter unit 4A is housed in the humidification filter chamber S _3, as shown in FIG. 6, which is erected in the vertical direction in is accommodated in the humidifying filter chamber S _3.

  6 and 12, the tray 8 of the present embodiment is integrally formed with an arm 8A having a substantially triangular plate shape that is installed outside the filter unit 4A so as to sandwich the filter unit 4A from both sides. It is installed so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 8C attached to the lower part of the case body 1A.

  Therefore, although details will be described later, it is assumed that the interlocking mechanism 20 operates in conjunction with the lifting operation of the front panel 2 and the filter unit 4A is pulled up to a predetermined height. Then, the saucer 8 attached to the lower part of the filter unit 4A rises in the same manner, and the saucer 8 also rotates downward along with this. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12, when the ascending position reaches a position higher than the tray 7, the engaging operation with the tray 7 that has pushed the tray 8 upward is released. For this reason, the saucer 8 advances just below the filter unit 4A and stops in a horizontal state.

  As a result, water dripping from the filter 4 accommodated in the filter unit 4A can be received by the receiving tray 8 immediately below, so that even if the tray 7 is not pulled out, the liquid can be separated from the tray 7 by moving upward. It is possible to avoid the droplets dropping from the filter 4 away from the surface from being scattered on the liquid surface of the liquid dish 7B of the tray 7. As a result, it is possible to prevent the disinfecting liquid from splashing at a predetermined position inside the case main body 1A and causing various inconveniences such as internal contamination, conductor corrosion, or short circuit.

Further, from the water supply tank chamber S ₁ of the case main body 1A, the water supply tank 3 per tray 7 is pulled out, as in the case where the filter unit 4A is raised, engages operation of a tray 7 which had pushed up the pan 8 upwards The tray 8 is released from the above. As a result, in conjunction with the pulling-out operation of the water supply tank 3, the receiving tray 8 also advances immediately below the filter unit 4A and stabilizes in a horizontal state. Accordingly, in this case as well, water dripping from the filter 4 accommodated in the filter unit 4A can be received by the tray 8 and the disinfecting liquid is scattered at a predetermined position inside the case main body 1A. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of internal contamination, conductor corrosion, or short circuit.

  The light source 9 constitutes a lamp for visually confirming the amount of water that illuminates the water in the water supply tank 3 with a specific color. The light source 9 of this embodiment is installed in the back side of the water supply tank 3, as shown in FIG. 6, and is comprised by LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light source 9 of the present embodiment is set to illuminate the water supply tank 3 for a predetermined time at least when the humidifier 1 is turned on and when the on-timer is set. Thereby, attention can be urged to confirm the amount of remaining water in the tank from the outside through the visual recognition window 2 </ b> C provided on the front panel 2.

Air filter 10, as shown in FIG. 1, is intended for purifying the air before passing through the filter 4 is taken from the outside, the rear side of the inner case body 1A that faces the humidifying filter chamber S _3, the air inlet Opposing to the mouth 1B.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 11 includes various electronic components in the electric system that perform various controls in the control box 11 </ b> A at the front portion where the lower portion of the case body 1 </ b> A is exposed as the front panel 2 is pulled up. And is unitized (or modularized).

In particular, in the control unit 11, so that such signal lines and power lines to achieve a connection, such as the various sensors and the control unit 11 inside the CPU provided inside the humidifier 1 is not exposed in a bare state to the internal control chamber S _5, All the electric wires are wired from the back surface of the partition plate to the control box 11A. Therefore, when the front panel 2 is pulled up by a hand or the like, it is possible to prevent a hand or the like from being caught on the signal line or the power line and causing a dangerous accident such as disconnection or electric shock.

The ozone generator 12 is uncomfortable by disinfecting the air even if the filter 4 that is periodically immersed in the sterilizing solution is contaminated with bacteria and releases air containing unpleasant odors. It removes odors. Further, the ozone generator 12 can remove, for example, the scent of cigarettes drifting in the room or the scent of animals, and can also function as a deodorizer.
Incidentally, the ozone generator 12 of the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, of the inner case body 1A, between the humidifying filter chamber S ₃ and the blower fan chamber S _2, air flows after passing through the filter 4 It is installed on the flow path.

  Next, each mechanism of the present invention, that is, the interlocking mechanism 20, the electrode retracting mechanism 30, the valve opening / closing mechanism 40, the tray feeding mechanism 50, the first and second lock mechanisms 60A and 60B, and the damper mechanism 70 Further, the configuration and operation of the gear meshing mechanism 81, the normally closed mechanism 82, the liquid level illumination confirmation mechanism 83, the auxiliary suction mechanism 84, and the safety mechanism 90 will be described.

(I) About interlocking mechanism 20:
The interlocking mechanism 20 can supply water (tap water) to the water supply tank 3 and clean the liquid dish 7B (in this embodiment, the filter 4 can also be cleaned or replaced. Therefore, the filter unit 4 </ b> A can be pulled out in conjunction with the operation of pulling up the front panel 2. As described above, when the water supply tank 3 is replenished with water (tap water), the filter unit 4A is configured to be pulled out (exactly pulled up). On the other hand, the lower part of the filter unit 4A enters the liquid plate 7B of the tray 7, and this becomes an obstacle unless the lower part of the filter unit 4A is lifted upward. It is because it cannot be pulled out.

  Thus, in particular, in the interlocking mechanism 20 of the present invention, the water supply tank 3 is not pulled up and taken out as in the prior art, but is taken out by being pulled out in the horizontal direction so that water can be replenished. The take-out operation of the water supply tank 3 can be easily performed. In the present embodiment, when the front panel 2 is pulled up, the fingertip can be inserted into the front central portion of the base body BS as shown in FIG. An opening BS1 is provided.

Still further, this interlocking mechanism 20, the extraction (withdrawal) can upper portion of the filter unit 4A is been projected from the humidifying filter chamber S ₃ of the inner case body 1A. As a result, as described above, the filter 4 can be cleaned or replaced at the same time.

  The interlocking mechanism 20 is configured so that the filter unit 4A, on which the filter 4 is stretched, rises in conjunction with the operation of pulling up the front panel 2 from the case main body 1A, and the upper surface of the case main body 1A is raised by the ascent operation of the filter unit 4A. The installed closure lid 1G is pushed up and opened, and the upper part of the filter unit 4A (filter 4) protrudes from the upper surface of the case body.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the interlock mechanism 20 of the present embodiment is a slide provided between the case body 1A and the front panel 2 in order to guide the front panel 2 to be movable up and down relative to the case body 1A. As shown in FIG. 14, the guide means 20 </ b> A and lifting force transmission means 20 </ b> B for lifting and lowering the filter unit 4 </ b> A by transmitting the lifting operation of the front panel 2 are provided.

  Among these, the slide guide means 20 </ b> A constituting a part of the interlocking mechanism 20 of the present embodiment is installed between the case body 1 </ b> A and the front panel 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the slide guide means 20A is disposed at the lower part on the inner surface side of the front panel 2 by the cooperative action with the rotary bearing 2A (see FIG. 4B) described above. A guide groove 2B is formed along the vertical direction as a guide for moving the panel 2 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, to correspond to this, a claw 24 (see FIG. 4B) that engages with the guide groove 2B is projected from both ends in the width (Y) direction of the case body 1A.

  On the other hand, the lifting force transmitting means 20B constituting the remaining part of the interlocking mechanism 20 of the present embodiment is installed between the front panel 2 and the filter unit 4A, and is mainly interlocked with the lifting operation of the front panel 2. The link mechanism rotates. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the lifting force transmitting means 20B is pivotally connected to the pivot bearing 2A of the front panel 2 (see FIG. 4B). A connecting member 21 (see FIG. 14) having a shaft 21A attached in the width (Y) direction of the case body 1A, and a pair of triangular plates 22 fixed to both ends of the connecting member 21 by screws or the like so as not to rotate. The arm 23 is connected to a connecting shaft 23A provided at the upper corner of the triangular plate 22 in a state where one end is rotatable, and the multi-end connecting shaft 23B is connected to the filter unit 4A in a rotatable state. And. One set of the lifting force transmission means 20B is installed on each of the left and right side surfaces of the case body 1A, and the lifting force transmission means 20B on both the left and right sides are simultaneously operated by the connecting member 21.

  The triangular plate 22 is provided with a rotation shaft 22A at an end portion (right end portion in FIG. 14) opposite to an end portion (left end portion in FIG. 14) which is a connection portion with the connection member 21. The triangular plate 22 and the arm 23 are connected via a shaft 22A in a rotatable state.

  Further, between the triangular plate 22 and the case main body 1A, as shown in FIG. 16, when the front panel 2 is pulled down after the front panel 2 is pulled up, the front panel 2 and the filter unit 4A are rapidly moved. A damper mechanism 70 for preventing the lowering operation is provided. The specific configuration of the damper mechanism 70 of this embodiment will be described in detail later.

  Therefore, according to the interlocking mechanism 20 of the present embodiment, a finger of a hand or the like is inserted into the opening BS1 of the base body BS to grip the lower portion of the front panel 2 and lifted upward. Then, the rotating shaft 21A pivotally supported by the rotating bearing 2A at the lower part of the front panel 2 rises with the raising operation of the front panel 2, and the raising operation at this time is configured by a link mechanism via the connecting member 21. The left and right lifting force transmitting means 20B, as shown in FIG. 14, transmits to the filter unit 4A to perform the ascending operation. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5 from the state of FIG. 4, the front panel 2 and the filter unit 4A protrude from the upper surface of the case body 1A.

  When it finally rises to the uppermost position, the guide claw 24 (see FIG. 4) of the case main body 1A engages with the lowermost portion of the guide groove 2B of the front panel 2, and the leaf spring 13 (first step) of the case main body 1A 2 lock mechanism 60B (refer to FIG. 18) is fitted into a leaf spring member having a spring property so that the locked state is temporarily maintained. Therefore, even if the front panel 2 is not held by hand, it can be lowered. It remains as it is.

Thus, since the tray 7 equipped with a water supply tank 3 from the tank chamber S ₁ for opening by an increase of the front panel 2 is enabled drawer, allows replenishment of water into the water supply tank 3. At the same time, the filter unit 4A can be pulled out and the filter 4 can be cleaned or replaced.

  On the other hand, in order to lower the front panel 2, the locked state may be released. By releasing the lock, the front panel 2 and the filter unit 4A are lowered by their own weights, but the sudden lowering operation is suppressed by the damper mechanism 70 and the lowering operation is performed slowly, so that impact is avoided and safety is ensured. Is also secured.

Further, the interlock mechanism 20 is provided with a first lock mechanism 60A and a second lock mechanism 60B as shown in FIGS.
Among these, the first lock mechanism 60A, which will be described in detail later, operates the interlocking mechanism 20 to raise the filter unit 4A as the front panel 2 is pulled up, and the filter 4 from the closed lid 1G opened in the case body 1A. This prevents the single descent operation in which only the filter unit 4A descends after a part of the projection protrudes.

  On the other hand, as will be described in detail later, the second lock means 60B prevents the front panel 2 from descending when water is supplied to the water supply tank 3 (or when the liquid dish 7B and the filter 4 are cleaned). The tray 7 can be safely moved in and out, and is activated when the front panel 2 is pulled up to a predetermined raised position, and the front panel 2 is temporarily locked at the raised position. Yes.

(II) Regarding the electrode retracting mechanism 30:
Electrode retracting mechanism 30, by raising the front panel 2, this from the water supply tank chamber S ₁ of the lower front of the opened case body 1A from the shield state (front side), when pulling out the per tray 7 water tank 3 This is intended not to obstruct the operation of pulling out the water supply tank 3. In the present invention, the electrode 6 (see FIG. 9 and FIG. 10) that has entered the liquid dish 7B of the tray 7 in the immersed state is retracted upward by the electrode retracting mechanism 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the electrode retracting mechanism 30 of the present embodiment is installed in a state of being suspended from the lower end of the filter unit 4 </ b> A on which the filter 4 is stretched. That is, the electrode retracting mechanism 30 according to the present embodiment is configured by a simple structure in which the electrode 6 is physically suspended below the filter unit 4A, and the electrode 6 is also interlocked with the lifting operation of the filter unit 4A. Since it moves up and down in the same way, if the filter unit 4A is raised, the electrode 6 can be retracted from the immersion state in the liquid dish 7B.

  Accordingly, when the front panel 2 is pulled up from the case main body 1A, the filter unit 4A is lifted in conjunction with the operation of pulling up the front panel 2, and along with this, the filter unit 4B of the tray 7 is immersed in the liquid dish 7B. The fungus electrode 6 also rises. Finally, when the filter unit 4A is raised to a predetermined height, the sterilization electrode 6 is also raised to at least a height that can exceed the wall 7C provided around the tray 7. Finally, the lowermost part of the sterilization electrode 6 reaches a position where the height is higher than the wall 7C of the tray 7. Therefore, the tray 7 can be pulled out in the horizontal direction without being locked to the sterilization electrode 6 when the water supply tank 3 is taken out, for example.

(III) Regarding the valve opening / closing mechanism 40:
As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 11, the valve opening / closing mechanism 40 automatically closes when the water supply tank 3 is lifted and removed from the tray 7, and automatically when the water supply tank 3 is returned to a predetermined position on the tray 7. This is for starting the water supply operation. Further, the valve opening / closing mechanism 40 is provided with a water level detection float 43 that constitutes a water detection means, and a magnet and proximity sensor (not shown) that are not shown, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 11 for the water level. At the same time, the control unit 11 activates the water supply blinking lamp 1j of the operation unit 1E when the water level is equal to or lower than a predetermined level. Illuminate the liquid surface for arousal).

  The valve opening / closing mechanism 40 of the present embodiment includes a normally closed valve 41 at the lower portion of the water supply tank 3 and a valve that opens the normally closed valve 41 in the valve operation chamber 7F of the tray 7 shown in FIGS. An opening / closing member 42 and a water level detection float 43 that detects and displays the water level are disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the normally closed valve 41 includes a screw lid 41A screwed into a water supply port 3A provided in the lower portion of the water supply tank 3, and a substantially dish-shaped valve installed at the center of the screw lid 41A. A plug body 41B and a pin member 41C, which is installed in a hole at the center of the screw lid 41A so as to be vertically movable and has a plug body 41B integrally fixed to the upper part thereof. A tension spring (not shown) is interposed between the screw lid 41A and the plug body 41B, and the valve is closed unless it is mounted on the tray 7 and opened by the valve opening / closing member 42 (normally closed). Type).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, the valve opening / closing member 42 has a substantially square frame housed in the valve operation chamber 7F, and both ends of the valve opening / closing member 42 have a rotation shaft 42B provided at an intermediate portion as a rotation fulcrum. A lever body 42A that can be operated seesaw up and down, and a water level detection float 43 for water level detection that is loosely inserted with respect to the lever body 42A in the vicinity of the pivot shaft 42B of the lever body 42A. It is equipped with. In this embodiment, the water level detection float 43 is loosely inserted in the center of the lever main body 42A. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this configuration. For example, the water level detection float 43 may be provided near the lever main body 42A. .

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the valve opening / closing member 42 is formed with a push-up portion 42 </ b> C protruding upward at one end portion (left end portion in FIG. 11) of the lever main body 42 </ b> A.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the valve opening / closing member 42 is formed with a pressing portion 42D at the other end portion (the right end portion in FIG. 11) of the lever main body 42A. The pressing portion 42D serves as a filter unit. It is pushed downward by a push pin 44 (see FIG. 6) provided at a part of the lower end of 4A.
Note that the pressing operation to the pressing portion 42D by the pressing pin 44 at the lower end of the filter unit 4A is released by the lifting operation of the filter unit 4A accompanying the lifting operation of the front panel 2, and thereafter the normally closed valve 41 is closed. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the water level detection float 43 is inserted in the central portion where the valve opening / closing member 42 is opened, and the control unit 11 detects when the water in the tray 7 drops to the set minimum water level. Then, the water supply lamp 1j of the operation panel unit 1E (see FIGS. 1 and 3) is blinked to notify the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the water level detection float 43 of the present embodiment has a floating body 43 </ b> A at the top so as to move up and down according to the water level in the tray 7 (more precisely, rotate) and an intermediate leg. A part (a magnet in the present embodiment) 43C of the sensor is provided in the lower part via the part 43B. In the water level detection float 43 having such a configuration, the guide shaft 43D provided in the leg portion 43B serves as a fulcrum according to the increase or decrease of the water level, and the leg portion 43B extends along the guide wall 7H provided in a part of the valve operation chamber 7F. It can be turned. That is, in FIG. 8, the water level detection float 43 becomes upright when the highest water level is reached, but when the water level falls, the magnet 43C rotates counterclockwise along the guide wall 7H as the water level falls.

  Note that the floating body 43A having a specific gravity lighter than the water above the water level detection float 43 and the magnet 43C having a specific gravity heavier than water are balanced in weight so that the floating body 43A is always drafted. When the water level of the tray 7 decreases to a predetermined level (minimum allowable water level) as the amount of stored water decreases, a proximity sensor (for example, a Hall element) (not shown) is activated as the magnet 43C rises. A detection signal is output to the control unit 11.

  Accordingly, when the water supply tank 3 is set in the tank holding portion 7 </ b> A of the tray 7, the valve opening / closing member 42 is pushed down by the pressing pin 44 at the pressing portion 42 </ b> D at the other end. As a result, the valve opening / closing member 42 performs a seesaw operation around the rotation fulcrum, so that the push-up portion 42C at one end is raised to push up the pin member 41C. Accordingly, the normally closed valve 41B is opened, so that water can be supplied from the inside of the water supply tank 3 into the tray 7.

(VI) Regarding the tray feeding mechanism 50:
The tray feeding mechanism 50 is for receiving water dripping from the filter 4 accommodated in the filter unit 4A. The interlocking mechanism 20 is activated, and the filter unit 4A is moved to a predetermined height in conjunction with the pulling operation of the front panel 2. after rising in summary, from a water supply tank chamber S ₁ of the case main body 1A, the tray 7 by the water supply tank 3 is pulled out, in conjunction with the pull-out operation of the water supply tank 3, pan 8 immediately below the filter unit 4A moves forward In this way, the inside of the humidifier 1 due to the sterilizing liquid is prevented from being contaminated or electrically troubled.

The tray feeding mechanism 50 of the present embodiment is provided on the innermost wall surface portion of the tray 7 surrounded by the wall 7C, as shown in FIGS. It is comprised by the cam surface 51 and the saucer 8 suspended so that rotation to the case main body 1A was possible.
Of these, the cam surface 51 is composed of an inclined surface 51A inclined toward the inner part and a horizontal surface 51B provided continuously from the inclined surface 51A. Normally, unless the tray 7 and the filter unit 4A are pulled out, The engagement pin 52 of the tray 8 is engaged with any one of these surfaces.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19, the tray 8 is integrally fixed to a pair of arms 8A having a substantially triangular shape that is pivotably suspended at both ends of the filter unit 4A, and the pair of arms 8A. And a main body 8B spanned between the pair of arms 8A. The arm 8A is provided with an engagement pin 52 described later.

Pan 8 of the present embodiment, in a humidified filter chamber S ₃ which accommodates the filter unit 4A shown in FIG. 1, in a state as the both sides of the filter unit 4A sandwich the filter unit 4A, attached to the lower filter unit 4A The main body 8B is rotatably installed around the rotation shaft 8C.

  The engagement pin 52 engages with the cam surface (the inclined surface 51 </ b> A and the horizontal surface 51 </ b> B extending rearward) 51 on the back side of the tray 7, thereby performing a rotation operation for the feeding operation of the tray 8.

  Therefore, according to the tray feeding mechanism 50 of the present embodiment, when the front panel 2 is pulled up and the filter unit 4A is also moved upward in conjunction therewith, the filter unit regardless of whether or not the tray 7 is pulled out. The saucer 8 pivotally attached to the lower part by the upward movement of 4A is pulled up.

  Accordingly, the engaging pin 52 of the tray 8 is released from the standing state by being pushed up by the cam surface 51 of the tray 7 by being engaged, and the engaging pin 52 is not locked anywhere. As shown in FIG. 20B, the filter unit 4A moves upward together with the filter unit 4A in a state of being hung directly below the filter unit 4A.

On the other hand, when the tray 7 is inserted to the back of the predetermined position, the filter unit 4A is lowered to the lowermost position, so that the engaging pin 52 of the tray 8 is pushed up to the cam surface 51 of the tray 7 while being engaged. The main body 8B is stored in the innermost part of the tray 7 in a vertically upright state (see FIG. 6).
The water collected in the tray 8 is returned to the liquid tray 7B of the tray 7 immediately below when returning to the standing state. That is, it is collected in the liquid dish 7B of the tray 7 and can be reused. Thereby, it is comprised so that an economic effect may be acquired.

  In order to lower the filter unit 4 </ b> A to the lowest position, it is necessary to lower the front panel 2 by the interlocking mechanism 20. However, even if the filter unit 4A can be forcibly pushed down and lowered to the lowermost part without accommodating the tray 7 by any means, the tray 7 to which the engaging pin 52 of the tray 8 is engaged can be obtained. When it does not exist, the receiving tray 8 stands vertically and does not retract from directly below the filter unit 4A, and even if the sterilizing liquid drops from the filter 4 stored in the filter unit 4A, it can be received by the receiving tray 8. it can.

(VII) Regarding the first lock mechanism 60A:
The first lock mechanism 60A of the present embodiment prevents the filter unit 4A from being raised any more when the filter unit 4A is raised to the top, and forcibly depresses and lowers the filter unit 4A by any chance. Even so, the filter unit 4A cannot be lowered unless the lock state of the second lock mechanism 60B described later is released and the front panel 2 is lowered by hand. Further, when the filter unit 4A is left as it is up to the top, it can be avoided that the filter unit 4A naturally descends due to its own weight.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the connecting shaft 23 </ b> A of the arm 23 reaches the right region from a line (neutral line) L connecting at least the rotating shaft 22 </ b> A of the triangular plate 22 and the connecting shaft 23 </ b> B of the arm 23. In other words, in other words, the right edge (or the right edge of the arm 23) of the triangular plate 22 after passing through the neutral point rotates to the rightmost position. Then, since the later-described pawl 24 reaches the lowermost part 2B ′ of the groove 2B and cannot be lowered further, it cannot be rotated further to the right, and the triangular plate 22 and the arm 23 are locked in the final position ( Final lock state). Further, even before the claw 24 as described above reaches the lowermost part of the groove 2B and the final locked state for double safety (double safe) is performed, details will be described later. By the locking operation of the two-lock mechanism 60B, the triangular plate 22 and the arm 23 are in a simple primary locked state. In addition, when the front panel 2 is further raised by hand from this temporarily locked state, the above-described final locked state is obtained.

  Specifically, at least when the connecting shaft 23A of the arm 23 reaches the right region from the line L connecting the rotating shaft 22A of the triangular plate 22 and the connecting shaft 23B of the arm 23, as shown in FIG. The lowermost part 2B '(see FIG. 15) of the groove 2B of the front panel 2 is locked to the claw 24 projecting from the front surface of the case body 1A, and cannot be further raised. Accordingly, the triangular plate 22 and the arm 23 that constitute a part of the interlocking mechanism 20 (connected to the connecting member 21 having the rotating shaft 21A engaged with the rotating bearing 2A (see FIG. 6) of the front panel 2). However, at least at a predetermined position beyond the neutral line L, it can no longer be rotated to the right, and a locked state (first locked state) is established.

(XI) Regarding the second lock mechanism 60B:
The second lock mechanism 60B prevents the front panel 2 from descending when water is supplied to the water supply tank 3 (or cleaning of the liquid dish 7B and the filter 4), and the tray 7 can be safely inserted and removed. For this purpose, it operates when the front panel 2 is pulled up to a predetermined lifted position, and the front panel 2 is temporarily locked at the lifted position.

When the front panel 2 is pulled up to the state shown in FIG. 15, the second lock mechanism 60 </ b> B of the present embodiment engages with the rotary bearing 2 </ b> A (see FIG. 6) provided at the lower portion of the inner side surface of the front panel 2 and rises. coupling member 21 the rotating shaft 21A projecting from the (see FIG. 17), as shown in FIG. 18, is engaged with the leaf spring 13 provided on the top of the lock chamber S ₇ of the water supply tank chamber S _1.

Specifically, in FIG. 18, the leaf spring 13 is pivotally supported in a state where the base portion is fixed to the upper right corner of the lock chamber S ₇ , and a convex portion 11 </ b> A protruding upward from the intermediate portion to the tip is formed. In addition, the portion from the intermediate portion where the convex portion 13A is formed to the tip portion has an elastic force directed upward. On the other hand, the connecting member 21 is formed with a recess 21 </ b> B following the protrusion 13 </ b> A of the leaf spring 13 at the bottom.

  Accordingly, when the front panel 2 is raised to a predetermined position and the connecting member 21 is rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle in accordance with the raising operation, the concave portion 21B enters and fits the convex portion 13A. A locked state is performed. In order to release this locked state, the locked state may be released by lowering the front panel 2 with a force larger than the elastic force of the leaf spring 13 and pushing down the leaf spring 13.

(VIII) Damper mechanism 70:
As shown in FIG. 16, the damper mechanism 70 according to the present embodiment meshes with a damper member 71 (see FIG. 17) fixed on the substantially central side of the triangular plate 22 and a gear 71 </ b> A provided on the damper member 71. An arc-shaped external tooth 72A is provided, and a sector gear 72 is rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft 22A.

  The damper member 71 is filled with damper oil. Even if a large rotational force is applied to the gear 71A, the rotational force is reduced by utilizing the viscosity of the damper oil. 4A rapid descent operation can be prevented.

  The sector gear 72 is pivotally assembled to the pivot shaft 22A of the triangular plate 22 at the center side, but the two locations 72B and 72C on the outer peripheral edge side provided with the external teeth 72A are fixed to the case body 1A with screws or the like. Thus, the case main body 1A is in an immobile state.

  Therefore, according to the damper mechanism 70 of the present embodiment, when the front panel 2 is pulled down after the front panel 2 is pulled up, the front panel 2 is lowered by an excessive force or the filter unit 4A is forcedly pushed. Even so, the rapid lowering operation of the front panel 2 and the filter unit 4 </ b> A can be braked by the damper force of the damper member 71. Therefore, the front panel 2 and the filter unit 4A can be effectively prevented from being damaged by the rapid lowering operation of the front panel 2 and the filter unit 4A.

(IX) About the gear meshing mechanism 81:
Gear meshing mechanism 81, as shown in FIG. 21, a filter unit 4A, when or videos or drawers from the humidifying filter chamber S _3, the drive gear 81B which is provided on the filter for motor 81A of the case main body 1A and the filter unit This is for adjusting the meshing state with the driven gear 4E for rotating operation of the filter 4 installed in the filter holder 4D of 4A (see FIG. 1). In other words, as shown in FIG. 21, the gear meshing mechanism 81 is designed to absorb backlash by providing a slight play (gap) δ between the filter unit 4A and the filter holder 4D. . In the gear meshing mechanism 81 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 21, the lower side is inclined toward the front by an angle θ with respect to the case body 1A.

Therefore, according to the gear meshing mechanism 81, when the filter unit 4A is moved up and down, the fitting operation between the filter unit 4A and the filter holder 4D provided for installing the driven gear 4E can be performed as follows. It becomes like this.
That is, when the filter unit 4A is raised, the filter unit 4A is lifted first, and the filter holder 4D is lifted slightly later, so that the meshing with the drive gear 81B (on the drive motor side) by the driven gear 4E is smoothly released. . On the other hand, when lowering the filter unit 4A, after the driven gear 4E and the drive gear 81B are engaged, the filter unit 4A is further lowered and separated from the filter holder 4D. That is, when the vehicle is lowered, the driven gear 4E provided in the filter holder 4D inside the filter unit 4A and the drive gear 81B are always in mesh with each other and separated from the filter unit 4A for moving up and down. ing. Therefore, a play (gap) δ for separation is provided. With this configuration, it is not necessary to consider the presence of the filter unit 4A for transmission of the gear, so that the driven gear 4E and the drive gear 81B can be reliably engaged.

(VIII) Regarding the normally closed mechanism 82:
Normally closed mechanism 82 is for to make it impossible to close the lid 1G from the humidifying filter chamber S ₃ for accommodating the filter unit 4A that is installed on the upper surface of the case main body 1A forced open draw the filter unit 4A with, such as is there. In other words, the closing lid 1G can be opened only with a rotational force equal to or higher than the ascending force when the filter unit 4A is lifted at least by the interlock mechanism 20, and is installed exclusively for preventing tampering. is there.

  In the normally closed mechanism 82 of the present embodiment, specifically, a normally closed spring using a torsion spring or a coil spring as shown in FIG. 2 is provided between the upper surface of the case body 1A and the closing lid 1G. It consists of.

(XIII) Liquid level illumination confirmation mechanism 83:
The liquid level illumination confirmation mechanism 83 is for calling attention to illuminate the liquid level of the water supply tank at least when the power is turned on and when the on-timer is set to prompt confirmation of the amount of remaining water in the water supply tank 3. . In particular, in the present embodiment, if the remaining water amount is small when the entry timer is set, even if the humidifier operates at a predetermined time, the water amount becomes insufficient in a short time, and the operation stops immediately after that. Since there is a possibility, it is for preventing such a trouble.

  As described with reference to FIG. 6, the liquid surface illumination confirmation mechanism 83 of the present embodiment is installed on the back side of the water supply tank 3, and at least when the humidifier 1 is turned on and when the on timer is set, By illuminating the water supply tank 3 for a predetermined time by a control signal from the control unit 11, confirmation of the remaining water amount in the tank is promoted, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is provided as the light source 9.

  According to the liquid level illumination mechanism 110, the LED as the light source 9 illuminates the water in the water supply tank 3 with a specific color (here, for example, blue), so that the water in the water supply tank 3 has a specific color (for example, blue) The water can be easily confirmed from the outside through a viewing window 2C (see FIG. 4A) provided on the front panel 2.

(XIV) About the auxiliary inhalation mechanism 84:
The auxiliary suction mechanism 84 is uncomfortable even when the air that has passed through the filter 4 cannot sufficiently remove the odor by the ozone generator by taking in air from a place different from the air inlet 1B on the back side. This is to dilute the odor concentration to the extent that you do not mind and send it out.

  In the auxiliary suction mechanism 84 of the present embodiment, an opening for taking in air from the outside toward the blower fan 5 in a part of the case main body 1A other than the portion where the air filter 10 facing the filter 4 is installed (auxiliary air suction). Mouth) 84A (see FIG. 2) is installed. By this auxiliary suction mechanism 84, unpleasant odorless air is additionally passed through a flow path other than the flow path from the filter 4 to the blower fan 5 from a place different from the main air inlet 1B on the back side. It can be taken in.

  Further, such an auxiliary suction mechanism 84 may be configured to add a flow path that guides air taken from a place different from the air suction port 1B on the back side to the filter 4. In this way, the various functions of the humidifier of the present invention can be fully exerted even when there is an installation space only in a state where the back side is close to a wall or the like for the convenience of the installation location. The degree of freedom as an installation location is also increased.

(VII) About the safety mechanism 90:
The safety mechanism 90 detects the opening operation when the interlocking mechanism 20 is activated and the filter unit 4A is lifted together with the pulling-up operation of the front panel 2 and the closing lid 1G of the case body 1A is opened. The operation of the rotation drive motor is automatically stopped to ensure safety during the take-out operation of the tray 7.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the safety mechanism 90 of the present embodiment detects the magnetic force of the magnet 91 when the magnet 91 fixed to the inner surface of the closing lid 1G and the closing lid 1G are closed, and outputs a predetermined detection signal. The hall sensor 92 outputs to the control unit 11.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary, it can implement with a various form.

  That is, in this embodiment, the chlorine contained in the tap water is used to generate hypochlorous acid (sanitized liquid) by an electrical chemical reaction using an electrode. A method of supplying from a tank may be used. Further, it is applicable to various types of humidifiers such as a method of sending steam of heated water instead of a method of forcibly passing air through a humidifying filter partly immersed in a sterilizing solution as in this embodiment. .

  Further, in the present embodiment, the water supply tank is pulled out from the tray that is pulled out together with the tray, but the water supply tank is taken out from the drawn tray.

  In the humidifier of the present invention, the front panel is raised with respect to the case body, so that the water tank chamber in which the water tank is installed is opened and the water tank can be pulled out from the front side of the case body in the horizontal direction. The conventional water supply operation of holding a natural posture and heavy water and dropping it from the top is unnecessary, and the usability is improved, so that it is easy for elderly people and women to handle it.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Humidifier 1A Case main body 1B Air inlet 1C Air outlet 1D Opening port 1E Operation panel part 1F Louver 1G Closure lid 1H Filter outlet 1j Water supply lamp 2 Front panel 2B Groove 2B 'Bottom of groove 3 Water supply tank 3A Water supply port 4 Humidification filter 4A Filter unit 4D Filter holder 5 Blower fan 6 Disinfection electrode 7 Tray 7C Wall 7A Tank holding part 7B Liquid dish 7D Rotating fulcrum 7E Stopper 7F Valve operation chamber 7G Handle 7H Guide wall 8 Receptacle 8A Arm 8B Main body 8C Time Driving axis 9 Light source (LED)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Air filter 11 Control part 11A Control box 12 Ozone generator 13 Leaf spring 13A Convex part 20 Interlocking mechanism 2A Rotating bearing 2B Guide groove 20A Slide guide means 20B Lifting force transmission means 21 Connecting member 21A Rotating shaft 21B Concave 22 Triangular plate 22A Rotating shaft 23 Arm 23A Connecting shaft 23B Connecting shaft 24 Claw 30 Electrode retracting mechanism 40 Valve opening / closing mechanism 41 Normally closed valve 41A Screw cover 41B Plug body 41C Pin member 42 Valve opening / closing member 42A Lever body 42B Rotating shaft 42C Pushing portion 42D Press-down part 43 Water level detection float 43A Floating body 43B Leg part 43C Part of sensor (magnet)
43D Guide shaft 50 Dish feeding mechanism 51 Cam surface 51A Slope 51B Horizontal surface 52 Engagement pin 60A First lock mechanism 60B Second lock mechanism 70 Damper mechanism 70 Damper mechanism 71 Damper member 71A Gear 72A External teeth 72 Sector gear 81 Gear engagement mechanism 81A Filter Motor 81B drive gear 82 normally closed mechanism 83 liquid level illumination confirmation mechanism 84 auxiliary suction mechanism 90 safety mechanism 91 magnet 92 Hall sensor BS base body BS1 opening L line (neutral line)
δ play

Claims (17)

A case body having an air suction port and a discharge port;
A front panel mounted to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the case body;
A water supply tank provided in the case body;
A humidifying filter stretched around a filter holder in a state where the lower end is immersed in the water for humidification supplied from the water supply tank;
A humidifier comprising:
A humidification unit configured to raise the front panel with respect to the case body to open a water supply tank chamber in which the water supply tank is installed so that the water supply tank can be pulled out horizontally from the front side of the case body. vessel. A case body having an air suction port and a discharge port;
A front panel mounted to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the case body;
A water supply tank provided in the case body;
A liquid tray to which water is supplied from the water supply tank;
A humidifying filter installed in the filter holder in a state where the lower end is immersed in the water of the liquid dish;
A humidifier comprising:
An interlocking mechanism in which the filter holder is interlocked and raised by raising the front panel relative to the case body;
A humidifier configured to open the water supply tank chamber by raising the front panel so that the water supply tank can be pulled out from the front side of the case body. A case body having an air suction port and a discharge port;
A front panel mounted to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the case body;
A water supply tank provided in the case body;
A liquid tray to which water is supplied from the water supply tank;
In order to generate a sterilizing liquid having a sterilizing action from the water in the water supply tank, a sterilizing electrode immersed in water stored in the liquid dish;
A lower end is immersed in the sterilizing liquid stored in the liquid dish, and a humidifying filter that is rotatably installed in the filter holder;
A humidifier comprising:
An interlocking mechanism in which the filter holder is interlocked and raised by raising the front panel relative to the case body;
A humidifier configured such that when the front panel is raised, a water tank chamber in which the water tank is installed is opened so that the water tank can be pulled out from the front side of the case body. A tray provided integrally with at least the holding portion of the water supply tank and the liquid dish;
A valve opening / closing mechanism for closing the opening / closing valve of the water supply tank in conjunction with the drawer operation of the tray;
An electrode retracting mechanism that allows the disinfecting electrode immersed in the liquid dish of the tray to be retracted by the ascending operation of the filter holder in conjunction with the operation of pulling up the front panel from the case body,
The humidifier according to claim 3, wherein the water supply tank can be pulled out from the front side of the case body by raising the front panel. The interlocking mechanism is
Slide guide means provided between the case body and the front panel for guiding the front panel to be movable up and down relative to the case body;
Power transmission means for transmitting the lifting force of the front panel to raise and lower the filter holder;
A humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The slide guide means
A guide groove provided on either the front panel or the case body;
A claw that engages with the guide groove provided on the other of the front panel or the case body, and
The humidification according to claim 5, wherein the power transmission means includes a link mechanism that is installed between the front panel and the filter holder and rotates in conjunction with the lifting operation of the front panel. vessel. The liquid dish is rotatably disposed in the vicinity of the humidifying filter,
When the interlocking mechanism is activated and the filter holder is raised to a predetermined height in conjunction with the pulling up operation of the front panel, the water supply tank is pulled out from the water supply tank chamber of the case body together with the tray. In conjunction with the drawing operation of the tank, it is provided with a feeding mechanism configured to receive the water dripping from the humidifying filter accommodated in the filter holder by the advancement of the tray immediately below the filter holder. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   When the interlock mechanism is actuated to raise the filter holder along with the pulling up operation of the front panel and the closing lid of the case body is opened, the opening operation is detected and the rotation driving motor of the humidifying filter is actuated. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a safety mechanism that automatically stops.   When the interlock mechanism is activated and the front panel is lifted, the filter holder is raised, and when a part of the humidifying filter protrudes from the open lid of the case body, a single lowering action is performed to lower only the filter holder. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a first locking mechanism for preventing the first locking mechanism.   10. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a second lock mechanism that operates when the front panel is pulled up to a predetermined position, and temporarily locks the front panel at the predetermined pull-up position. humidifier.   11. The damper mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a damper mechanism that prevents a rapid lowering operation of the front panel or the filter holder when the front panel is pulled down after the front panel is lifted. The humidifier according to any one of claims.   Engagement of the case main body side drive gear and the filter holder side driven gear for transmitting the driving force from the rotation driving motor of the humidifying filter mounted on the filter holder when the filter holder is housed in the case main body The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a gear meshing mechanism having a play for adjusting a state.   The closing lid installed on the upper surface of the case body is between the upper surface of the case body and a rotational force equal to or greater than the ascending force when the filter holder is lifted by the interlock mechanism from the filter chamber that houses the filter holder. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a normally closed means that can be opened only. The front part of the case body exposed as the front panel is pulled up is housed in a control box and unitized or modularized in an electric system for various controls.
A power line for connecting the electronic component in the control box and a power source, and a signal line for connecting the electronic component in the control box and various sensors in the case main body during pulling operation of the front panel The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the humidifier is installed outside a space of a front portion where the case main body is exposed.   The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a water amount visualizing lamp, wherein the water supply tank is illuminated at least for a predetermined time when the power is turned on and the on timer is set.   The case main body has an auxiliary suction hole for taking in air from the outside toward the blower fan on a different surface from the back surface provided with a suction hole corresponding to the air filter installation portion facing the humidifying filter. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising an auxiliary suction mechanism.   The ozone generator is provided on a flow path in the case main body, between the filter chamber and the fan chamber, through which the air after passing through the humidifying filter flows. The humidifier according to item.

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