JP2011012859A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier, configured so that a maximum noise level of operation sound in automatic operation can be selected.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; a water supply tank 3 provided in the case body 1A; a humidifying filter 4 laid over a filter holder 4D with the lower end thereof 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 a filter unit 4A in interlocking when raising the front panel 2 relative to the case body 1A. 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 capable of selecting the maximum noise level of driving sound during automatic driving and performing optimum automatic driving within the range of the driving sound.

Conventionally, for example, a humidifier described in Patent Document 1 is known.
That is, as shown in FIG. 24, the humidifier 100 supplies water to the inside of the tubular moisture permeable membrane 101 having a certain surface area, and applies the wind of the blower 102 to the outside of the moisture permeable membrane 101. In the humidifier that evaporates the water in the moisture permeable membrane 101 and dehumidifies it in the air, the air volume setting unit 103 that sets the air volume of the blower 102, and the setting feed set by the air volume setting unit 103 A blower drive unit 104 that drives the blower 102 according to the air volume and a heater 105 that raises the temperature of the wind that hits the moisture permeable membrane 101 can be adjusted arbitrarily, and the unpleasant feeling that cold wind hits the body. It is configured to eliminate. In the figure, reference numeral 106 denotes a water supply tank, 107 denotes an outlet, 108 denotes a heater, and 109 denotes a blower fan.

JP-A-9-273382

  However, in the case of the humidifier described above, for example, the air flow rate is set by the air flow rate setting unit 103 that sets the air flow rate of the blower 102, and the set air flow rate is changed as appropriate by operating the air flow rate setting unit 103. Thus, since the blower drive unit 104 changes the rotational speed of the blower 102, the change in the rotational speed of the blower 102 causes the amount of air flow to increase and decrease to arbitrarily adjust the humidification amount.

  Further, in this humidifier, the temperature of the moisture permeable membrane 101 is increased by heating the blown air with the heater 108 and sending warm air to the humidifying element 110, and as a result, the moisture permeable membrane 101 is transmitted to the outside. Since the amount of steam to be increased increases, the amount of humidification can be increased. In the case where the heater 108 is provided as described above, the humidification amount can be increased, so that a desired humidification amount may be obtained even if the blower 102 has a small amount of blown air. In that case, it is not necessary to use the blower 102 with a high air flow rate, and the maximum rotational speed of the blower 102 can be kept low in order to reduce the operating noise of the blower.

  Therefore, in this humidifier, when the heater 108 as described above is incorporated, the humidification amount can be increased by warming the blown air, so that the blower can be used without using a blower with a high air flow rate. It is convenient in that the driving noise can be reduced.

  By the way, in general blowers, the amount of blown air can usually be selected, but many other setting modes are not prepared. Therefore, for example, once the air flow rate is set, the rotational speed of the blower is automatically variably controlled according to the set air flow rate. For this reason, for example, when the indoor humidity is low and the set air flow rate is a high air flow rate, at the beginning of the operation, the motor of the blower rotates at high speed so that the ideal humidity value is rapidly reached. For this reason, the operation sound of the blower becomes high, and it becomes difficult to hear the voice, and it becomes difficult to hear the sound on the television, radio and telephone.

  Under these circumstances, select the maximum noise level of the driving sound, in other words, select the driving capacity (humidification capacity) according to the noise level, and the driving capacity switching mode and driving capacity that can perform automatic driving There is a demand for the development of a humidifier having a switching function.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the humidifier which can select the maximum noise level of the driving sound at the time of automatic driving | operation in view of the said situation.

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 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 driving capability switching mechanism that switches driving capability in automatic driving with a driving capability switching button;
A humidifier comprising:
The driving capability in the automatic driving is configured to be switched and selected according to the noise level of the driving sound.
According to this configuration, in the operation with the humidifier, the automatic operation can be performed within the range of the selected operation sound. In other words, the driving operation can be selected and switched in the automatic operation with the humidifier. In addition, the driving ability (humidifying ability) can be selected / switched based on the noise level of the driving sound as a criterion, instead of simply selecting / switching the strength of the driving action.

(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 unit with the lower end immersed in the water of the liquid dish;
An interlocking mechanism in which the water supply tank chamber is opened by raising the front panel with respect to the case body, and the water supply tank can be pulled out from the front side of the case body and the filter unit is interlocked to rise.
A driving capability switching mechanism that switches driving capability in automatic driving with a driving capability switching button;
A humidifier comprising:
The driving capability in the automatic driving is configured to be switched and selected according to the noise level of the driving sound.
According to this configuration, the effect described in (1) can be obtained in the humidifier having a configuration in which the humidifying filter can be taken out and cleaned together with the operation 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 humidifying filter installed in the filter unit with the lower end immersed in the water of the liquid dish;
An interlocking mechanism in which the water supply tank chamber is opened by raising the front panel with respect to the case body, and the water supply tank can be pulled out from the front side of the case body and the filter unit is interlocked to rise.
A driving capability switching mechanism that switches driving capability in automatic driving with a driving capability switching button;
A humidifier comprising:
The driving capability in the automatic driving is configured to be switched and selected according to the noise level of the driving sound.
According to this configuration, the effect described in (1) can be obtained in a humidifier of a type that pulls out a water supply tank and a filter unit and has an electrode.

(4) 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 humidifying filter installed in the filter unit with the lower end immersed in the water of the liquid dish;
An interlocking mechanism in which the water supply tank chamber is opened by raising the front panel with respect to the case body, and the water supply tank can be pulled out from the front side of the case body and the filter unit is interlocked to rise.
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 unit in conjunction with the operation of pulling up the front panel from the case body;
A driving capability switching mechanism that switches driving capability in automatic driving with a driving capability switching button;
A humidifier comprising:
The driving capability in the automatic driving is configured to be switched and selected according to the noise level of the driving sound.
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. Even if it is immersed, the tray can be pulled out reliably and safely without hindering the removal of the sterilization electrode. When returning to the position, the effect described in (1) can be obtained in a humidifier capable of avoiding dripping of water.
Further, according to this configuration, since the tray can be taken out, the liquid dish part can be taken out at the same time and easily cleaned, and the liquid dish part can be easily cleaned, particularly calcium, magnesium or silica adhering to the bottom or inner wall. As a result of removing inorganic substances such as the above, the effect described in (1) can be obtained in a humidifier that can prevent white powder from being scattered in the room as dust.

(5) In the humidifier of (1) to (4),
The driving ability to be switched and selected in the automatic driving is selected in a selection mode corresponding to the noise level of the driving sound,
Each of the selection modes is configured to perform automatic driving in accordance with the maximum noise level of the driving sound.
According to this configuration, in the operation with the humidifier, the automatic operation can be performed according to the maximum noise level of the operation sound. In other words, the driving operation can be selected and switched in the automatic operation with the humidifier. In addition, the driving ability can be selected / switched based on the maximum noise level of the driving sound as a criterion instead of simply selecting / switching the driving intensity.

(6) In the humidifier of (1) to (5),
Each of the selection modes has at least a standard mode, a weak mode, a silent mode, or a manual mode for manually selecting the maximum noise level of the driving sound in order from the largest of the maximum noise level of the driving sound,
When the manual mode is set, the maximum noise level of the driving sound is changed according to the number of operations with the up / down switch.
According to this configuration, not only selection / switching with three types of maximum allowable driving sound, but also setting to manual mode, the maximum driving sound can be achieved with the up / down switch according to the user's preference. The noise level can be selected and switched by finely setting the noise level.

  The humidifier of the present invention includes an operation switching mechanism that switches the driving capability of the automatic driving by the driving capability switching button, and the driving capability in the automatic driving can be switched and selected according to the noise level of the driving sound. . As a result, in the conventional automatic operation, when the indoor humidity is too low, if the difference from the predetermined humidity value is large, the automatic operation is performed with the maximum number of revolutions, and a loud driving sound is generated around the operation. Even if it is a case where an unpleasant situation is caused by standing up, according to the present invention, the automatic operation is performed within the noise level of the driving sound selected by the user. There is an advantage that the other party's voice can be heard by watching TV and radio in the vicinity.

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 delivery mechanism in the humidifier of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the delivery mechanism in the humidifier of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the gear meshing mechanism in the humidifier of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows structures, such as a control part, in the humidifier of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure about the automatic driving capability switching mechanism in the humidifier of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the conventional humidifier.

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, the humidifier 1 will be described in detail later. As additional functions, a gear meshing mechanism 81 (see FIG. 21), a normally closed mechanism 82 (see FIG. 2), and a liquid level illumination mechanism 83 (see FIGS. 6), an auxiliary suction mechanism 84 (see FIG. 2), a safety mechanism 85 (see FIG. 4B), and a driving ability switching mechanism 90.

  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 body 1A, a filter outlet 1H from which an upper portion of the filter unit 4A to which the filter 4 is attached projects close to the back surface adjacent to the outlet 1C where the louver 1F is installed and blows out the humidified air. A closing lid 1G provided at the outlet is provided. The case body 1A is mounted on the base body BS.

  In the operation panel unit 1E, as shown in FIG. 3, the amount of remaining water in the operation start power switch 1a, operation changeover switch 1b, humidity setting switch and lamp 1c, capacity changeover switch and lamp 1d, and water supply tank 3 is reduced. Water supply flashing lamp 1j, humidity / (timer) remaining time display section 1e, on timer 1f, wind direction adjusting switch 1g, maintenance warning lamp 1h, reset switch 1i, on timer time adjusting switch 1k, maximum UP / DOWN A switch 11 (see FIG. 22) 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 the present embodiment is between a pair of rollers 4B and 4C (only the lower roller 4C is shown in FIG. 6) arranged above and below the filter holder 4D. It is stretched.

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 has two positive and negative electrodes paired in a suspended state from the lower part of the filter unit 4A that holds the filter 4, and is a conductive part of the wiring. Electrical connection to the control unit 11 side is made through a conductive metal 6A or 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, the humidifier 1 humidity sensor 94 provided inside (see FIG. 22) such as signal lines and power lines to achieve a connection, such as the various sensors and the control unit 11 inside the CPU control chamber containing S ₅ All the electric wires are wired from the back surface of the partition plate to the control box 11A so as not to be exposed inside in an exposed state. 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 mechanism 83, the auxiliary suction mechanism 84, the safety mechanism 85, and the driving ability switching 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.

  In the interlocking mechanism 20, the operation of pulling up the front panel 2 from the case body 1 </ b> A causes the filter holder 4 </ b> D on which the filter 4 is stretched and the filter unit 4 </ b> A that accommodates the filter holder 4 </ b> A to rise in conjunction with each other. By operation, the closing lid 1G installed on the upper surface of the case body 1A 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 portion of the filter holder 4 </ b> D 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. When the water in the tray 7 falls to the set minimum water level, the control unit 11 detects this. 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:
In the first lock mechanism 60A of the present embodiment, when the filter unit 4A is raised to the top, the filter unit 4A cannot be raised any more, and should be pushed down by force. However, 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. 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 it is lowered, the driven gear 4E of the filter holder 4D is always in mesh with the drive gear 81B, and is separated from the filter unit 4A for moving up and down. 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 mechanism 83:
The liquid level illumination mechanism 83 is used to alert the user 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 this embodiment, if the remaining water amount is small when the entry timer is set, even if the humidifier operates at a predetermined time, the amount of water 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 level illumination mechanism 83 of the present embodiment is installed on the back side of the water supply tank 3 and is controlled 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 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 this liquid level illumination mechanism 83, 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. Note that the control method of the liquid level illumination mechanism 83 will be described together with the entering timer mechanism 90.

(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 85:
The safety mechanism 85 detects the opening operation when the interlock 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 motor for rotation drive is automatically stopped to ensure the safety when the tray 4 is taken out.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the safety mechanism 85 of the present embodiment detects the magnetic force of the magnet 85A when the magnet 85A fixed to the inner surface of the closing lid 1G and the closing lid 1G are closed, and outputs a predetermined detection signal. It is comprised with the hall | hole sensor 85B output to the control part 11. FIG.

(VII) About the driving ability switching mechanism 90:
The driving capability switching mechanism 90 switches the driving capability of automatic driving by the driving capability switching switch 1d. In the present embodiment, the standard sound mode (hereinafter referred to as the maximum sound level) is increased in descending order of the maximum noise level during driving. , “Standard”), weak sound mode (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as “weak”), silent mode (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as “silent”), and three basic selection modes; , Manual mode that allows you to finely set the driving ability corresponding to the noise level of the driving sound during manual operation from a wide range (for example, select in 10% units) (hereinafter abbreviated as “Manual”) Is provided). Note that these modes can be confirmed by the lighting operation of each lamp (standard lamp, weak lamp, silent lamp, manual lamp) provided on the operation panel 1E corresponding to the capability changeover switch 1d. .

  Further, in this driving ability switching mechanism 90, as shown in FIG. 22, a control unit 11 provided with at least a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91 and a memory 92, an operating switch 1a, an operating switch 1b, humidity An operation panel 1E provided with a setting switch 1c, a capacity changeover switch 1d, a current humidity / timer display unit 1e, and a maximum up / down switch 1l, and at least a fan motor 93 and a humidity sensor 94 are provided.

  The operation changeover switch 1b is provided to select either automatic operation or continuous operation. The operation changeover switch 1b of the present embodiment switches between the automatic operation mode and the continuous operation mode every time the switch 1b is pressed, and the set mode corresponds to each mode in the vicinity thereof. It can be visually confirmed by the lighting of the provided lamp.

  The humidity setting switch 1c is used to select and set the target humidity value in the room from, for example, a standard mode (humidity 55%) or higher and a higher mode (humidity 65%). Is. Each time the humidity setting switch 1c is pressed, the standard mode and the high mode are alternately switched, and the set mode corresponding to each mode in the vicinity is turned on, thereby visually Can be confirmed.

  As described above, the capacity changeover switch 1d has three types of basic modes, “standard”, “weak”, and “silent”, in order from the highest noise level based on the noise level of the driving sound, and “manual” Mode. In these modes, the state of the selected mode can be visually confirmed by the lighting operation of each lamp (standard lamp, weak lamp, silent lamp, manual lamp) provided in the vicinity of the capacity changeover switch 1d. When the “manual” mode is selected, the maximum humidification capacity corresponding to the noise level of the driving sound during operation is gradually increased by pressing the maximum up / down switch 11 (for example, in units of 10%). The humidification amount (unit: cc / h) can be changed within the capacity range (for example, 90% to 10%) of the maximum / minimum humidification amount (unit: cc / h) of the humidifier 1 itself.

  The maximum up / down switch 1l is for finely adjusting the maximum allowable operation sound. Each time the switch is pressed, the maximum humidification capacity corresponding to the maximum noise level of the operation sound during operation is gradually increased / (However, as described above, it is limited to within the capacity range of the maximum and minimum humidification amount of the humidifier 1 itself).

Next, the driving capability switching mechanism of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 24 using the humidifier 1 provided with the driving capability switching mechanism 90 according to the present embodiment.
First, the operation switch 1a and the operation changeover switch 1b are turned on to start the operation.
(1) At this time, when the automatic operation is selected by the operation changeover switch 1b, the CPU 92 of the control unit 11 determines whether or not the ability changeover switch 1d is turned on (first step S1).
(2) When the ability changeover switch 1d is turned on, four basic modes of “standard”, “weak”, “silent”, and “manual” are selected in order to select the maximum permissible operating sound level. In order to select any of the above, the switch pressing operation is repeated. Thus, a desired mode is selected from these four types of modes (second step S2). On the other hand, when the ability changeover switch 1d is not turned on, the process proceeds to the next third step S3.

(3) Next, the CPU 92 of the controller 11 determines whether or not the “manual” mode is selected in step S2 (third step). If it is determined that the “manual” mode is selected, the process proceeds to the fourth step S4.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the “manual” mode is not selected, the process proceeds to the tenth step S10.
(4) Next, the CPU 92 of the control unit 11 determines whether or not the up switch of the maximum up / down switch 11 is turned on (fourth step S4). If it is determined that the up switch is turned on, the process proceeds to the next fifth step S5. On the other hand, if it is determined that the up switch is not turned on, the process proceeds to a seventh step S7.
(5) If it is determined that the up switch has been turned on, then the CPU 92 of the control unit 11 has the humidification capacity selected by fine adjustment in the on operation of the up switch being less than 90% of the maximum operating capacity of the humidifier. It is determined whether or not.

(6) If it is determined that the value is less than 90%, the CPU 92 makes a setting within the range to increase the maximum driving capacity of the fan motor in 10% increments (fifth step). S5).
On the other hand, if the CPU 92 of the control unit 11 determines that the humidifying capacity selected by fine adjustment by turning on the up switch is 90% or more of the maximum operating capacity of the humidifier, the tenth step S10 Migrate to
(7) If it is determined in the fourth step S4 that the up switch is not turned on, it is determined whether or not the down switch of the maximum up / down switch 1l is turned on (seventh step S7). If it is determined that the down switch is turned on, the process proceeds to the next eighth step S8. On the other hand, if it is determined that the down switch is not turned on, the process proceeds to the tenth step S10.

(8) When it is determined that the down switch is turned on in the seventh step S7, the CPU 92 of the control unit 11 next determines that the humidifying capacity selected by fine adjustment in the on operation of the down switch is the maximum of the humidifier. It is determined whether or not the driving ability is 20% or more (eighth step S8).
(9) Next, when it is determined in the seventh step S7 that the value is 20% or more, the CPU 92 sets such that the maximum operating capacity of the fan motor 93 in 10% increments is reduced within that range. This is done (eighth step S8). On the other hand, if it is determined by the CPU 92 of the control unit 11 that the humidifying capacity selected by fine adjustment by turning on the down switch is not 20% or more of the maximum operating capacity of the humidifier, the process proceeds to the tenth step S10. Transition.

(10) Next, the CPU 92 of the control unit 11 calculates the humidification amount based on the two data of the set target humidity and the current humidity detected by the humidity sensor 94 (tenth step S10).
(11) Next, the CPU 92 determines whether or not the humidification amount calculated in the tenth step S10 is greater than or equal to the limit of the selected capability (11th step S11). And when exceeding a restriction | limiting, while moving to 12th step S12, when not exceeding a restriction | limiting, a series of driving ability switching operations so far are completed.

(12) When it is determined in the eleventh step S11 that the humidification amount calculated in the tenth step S10 is equal to or greater than the limit of the selected capacity, the humidification amount is finally corrected by the following arithmetic expression. That is,
(Correction) Humidification amount = limit value × (maximum humidification amount−minimum humidification amount) + minimum humidification amount For example, when the humidification processing amount calculated in the tenth step S10 is 70%, the limit value is 60%, When the maximum humidification amount is 1200 cc / h and the minimum humidification amount is 100 cc / h, the following calculation formula is obtained.
(Correction) Humidification amount = 0.6 × 1100 + 100
= 870 (cc / h)
Thereby, the driving operation is started with the calculated humidification amount of 870 (cc / h) as the maximum driving capacity (maximum driving sound).
(13) Thus, when the maximum driving sound (maximum noise level) during automatic driving, that is, the maximum driving capacity during automatic driving is set, a series of driving capacity switching operations is completed. Then, the process proceeds to the next process.

  Therefore, according to the automatic driving ability switching mechanism 90 of the present embodiment, in the operation with the humidifier, the automatic driving can be performed with the maximum humidifying ability corresponding to the maximum noise level of the driving sound selected by the user. In other words, in the automatic operation with the humidifier, the operation operation can be selected and switched. In addition, the driving ability can be selected / switched based on the judgment level based on the maximum noise level of the driving sound during automatic driving, instead of simply selecting / switching the strength of the driving operation.

  Furthermore, according to the automatic driving capability switching device of the present embodiment, not only selection / switching with three types of allowable maximum driving sounds, but also if manual mode is selected, according to the preference of the user, With the up / down switch, the maximum noise level of the driving sound can be set finely from among a wide range of driving capabilities, and can be selected and switched.

  The automatic driving ability switching mechanism 90 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof.

  That is, in the present embodiment, chlorine contained in tap water is used to generate hypochlorous acid (sanitized liquid) by an electrical chemical reaction using an electrode. For example, a sterilizing liquid is used. The automatic driving capability switching mechanism of the present invention may be applied to a humidifier that supplies from a tank. In addition, the present invention is not limited to a method in which air is forced to pass through a humidifying filter partly immersed in the sterilizing liquid as in the present embodiment, but also in various types of humidifiers such as a method of sending steam of heated water. An automatic driving capability switching mechanism is applicable.

  Further, in the humidifier of the present embodiment, the water supply tank is pulled out from the tray with the tray and the water tank is taken out from the tray, but the automatic operation capability switching of the present invention is also applied to the humidifier configured to take out only the water tank. Mechanism is applicable.

  The humidifier of the present invention is designed so that the driving capability in automatic operation can be selected by using the maximum noise level of the driving sound as a criterion, and the range of the operation sound selected at the time of start-up in automatic driving is selected Because it can perform automatic driving operation in the inside, troubles such as inability to hear voices due to loud driving sounds when using a TV, radio or telephone in the surroundings can be solved, and there are no restrictions on the installation location, so it is convenient is there.

1 Humidifier 1A Case body 1B Air inlet 1C Air outlet 1D Opening port 1E Operation panel 1F Louver 1G Closure lid 1H Filter outlet 1a Operation switch 1b Operation switch 1c Humidity setting switch 1d Capability switch 1e Current humidity / timer display 1 l (maximum) up / down switch 2 front panel 3 water supply tank 3A water supply port 4 humidifying filter 4A filter unit 4D filter holder 5 blower fan 6 sanitizing electrode 7 tray 7C wall 7A tank holding part 7B liquid dish 7D rotation fulcrum 7E Stopper 7F Valve operation chamber 7G Handle 7H Guide wall 8 Sauce pan 8 Sauce pan (樋)
8A Arm 8B Body 8C Rotating shaft 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 2A Rotating bearing 2B Guide groove 20 Interlocking mechanism 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 Depressing part 43 Float member 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 mechanism 84 Auxiliary suction mechanism 85 Safety mechanism 85A Magnet 85B Hall sensor 90 Driving ability switching mechanism 91 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
92 Memory 93 Fan motor 94 Humidity sensor BS Base body BS1 Opening L line (neutral line)

Claims (6)

A case body having an air suction port and a discharge port;
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 driving capability switching mechanism that switches driving capability in automatic driving with a driving capability switching button;
A humidifier comprising:
The driving capacity switching mechanism is a humidifier configured to switch and select the driving capacity in automatic driving according to the noise level of driving sound. 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 unit with the lower end immersed in the water of the liquid dish;
An interlocking mechanism in which the water supply tank chamber is opened by raising the front panel with respect to the case body, and the water supply tank can be pulled out from the front side of the case body and the filter unit is interlocked to rise.
A driving capability switching mechanism that switches driving capability in automatic driving with a driving capability switching button;
A humidifier comprising:
The driving capacity switching mechanism is a humidifier configured to switch and select the driving capacity in automatic driving according to the noise level of driving sound. 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 humidifying filter installed in the filter unit with the lower end immersed in the water of the liquid dish;
An interlocking mechanism in which the water supply tank chamber is opened by raising the front panel with respect to the case body, and the water supply tank can be pulled out from the front side of the case body and the filter unit is interlocked to rise.
A driving capability switching mechanism that switches driving capability in automatic driving with a driving capability switching button;
A humidifier comprising:
The driving capacity switching mechanism is a humidifier configured to switch and select the driving capacity in automatic driving according to the noise level of driving sound. 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 humidifying filter installed in the filter unit with the lower end immersed in the water of the liquid dish;
An interlocking mechanism in which the water supply tank chamber is opened by raising the front panel with respect to the case body, and the water supply tank can be pulled out from the front side of the case body and the filter unit is interlocked to rise.
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 unit in conjunction with the operation of pulling up the front panel from the case body;
A driving capability switching mechanism that switches driving capability in automatic driving with a driving capability switching button;
A humidifier comprising:
The driving capacity switching mechanism is a humidifier configured to switch and select the driving capacity in automatic driving according to the noise level of driving sound. The driving ability to be switched and selected in the automatic driving is selected in a selection mode corresponding to the noise level of the driving sound,
Each of the selection modes is configured to perform automatic driving in accordance with the maximum noise level of driving sound.
The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Each of the selection modes has at least a standard mode, a weak mode, a silent mode, or a manual mode for manually selecting the maximum noise level of the driving sound in order from the largest noise level of the driving sound,
When the manual mode is set, the maximum noise level of the driving sound is changed according to the number of operations with the up / down switch.
The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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