Liquid micronization device and humidification device

Abstract

A liquid micronization device (1) is provided with: a water storage unit (5) for storing water; a water lifting pipe (16) which has a water lifting opening (17) provided at the lower part, and which, by rotating, lifts water from the water storage unit (5) through the water lifting opening (17) and discharges the water in the centrifugal direction; a groove section (45) provided on the inner surface of the water storage section (5); and a drain port (40) provided in the groove (45), the drain port (40) opening in the advancing direction of the swirling water flow generated by the rotation of the lifting pipe (16), and communicating the inside and outside of the water storage unit (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid micronization device and a humidification device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the increase in airtight residential buildings, the relative humidity in indoor spaces tends to decrease when air conditioning units are operating in heating mode. To cope with the dryness that accompanies the decrease in relative humidity, the demand for humidification devices has increased. As an example of a humidification device, a centrifugal crushing type humidification device is known, which uses centrifugal crushing to atomize water in a water storage section and then imparts it to the air for humidification (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-115918 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Thus, in the liquid micronization device that constitutes the humidification unit and performs centrifugal crushing, water droplets and other moisture adhering to the inner surface of the water storage section dry out, causing scale components such as calcium and magnesium contained in the water to precipitate out. The precipitated scale components are drawn into the water delivery pipe along with the water, but are not released to the outside of the water delivery pipe. They adhere to the inner surface of the water delivery pipe, thus hindering the release of water from the inside of the water delivery pipe, which may reduce the humidification capacity.

[0007] The present invention provides a liquid micronization device that can maintain humidification capacity even during long-term use, and a humidification device having the liquid micronization device.

[0008] The liquid micronization device of the present invention comprises: a water storage section for storing water; a water delivery pipe having a water delivery opening disposed below, which, by rotation, delivers water from the water storage section through the water delivery opening and releases the water in a centrifugal direction; a tank section disposed on the inner surface of the water storage section; and a drain outlet disposed on the tank section, which opens toward the direction of travel of the rotating water flow generated by the rotation of the water delivery pipe and connects the inside and outside of the water storage section.

[0009] In addition, the humidification device of the present invention includes the liquid micronization device described above.

[0010] According to the present invention, a liquid micronization device that can maintain humidification capacity even during long-term use and a humidification device having the liquid micronization device can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a building equipped with the humidification device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the humidifier.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid micronization device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a top-view cross-sectional view of the liquid micronization device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the detailed structure of the drain outlet in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the liquid micronization device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7 (a) is a cross-sectional view from the side showing a modified example of a liquid miniaturization device according to the present invention. Figure 7 (b) is a top sectional view of a liquid miniaturization device illustrating a variation of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view from the side of a liquid miniaturization device illustrating another variation of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments illustrate an example of the liquid micronization device of the present invention and a humidification device equipped with the liquid micronization device. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, and positional relationships of the constituent elements shown in the embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the technical solution. Furthermore, terms such as vertical and parallel, indicating the relationship between elements, not only have a strict meaning but also include substantially equal ranges, such as differences of a few percent. Additionally, the figures are not necessarily strictly illustrative. Sometimes, substantially identical structures are labeled with the same reference numerals in different figures, and repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0020] (Implementation Method)

[0021] First, the air conditioning system 100, which includes the humidification device 10, will be described.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a building 80 equipped with an air conditioning system 100.

[0023] The air conditioning system 100 is suitable for installation between floors or above the ceiling of a building 80. In this embodiment, an example is shown where the air conditioning system 100 is installed above the ceiling 82 of the building 80 and supplies air to a room 81 located below the ceiling 83.

[0024] The air conditioning system 100 has an air supply duct 101 and an exhaust duct 102.

[0025] The air supply duct 101 guides the air (hereinafter, the air supply flow) drawn in from outside through pipes or the like into the living room 81.

[0026] The exhaust duct 102 guides the air (hereinafter, exhaust flow) drawn in from the living room 81 through pipes or the like to the outside through pipes or the like.

[0027] The air conditioning system 100 also includes a heat exchange unit 90 and a humidification device 10.

[0028] The heat exchange section 90 is a heat exchange type ventilation fan that performs heat exchange between air passing through the air supply passage 101 and air passing through the exhaust passage 102.

[0029] The heat exchange section 90 includes a heat exchange element 95, an air supply section 96, and an exhaust section 97.

[0030] The heat exchange element 95 is provided for efficient heat exchange between the supply airflow and the exhaust airflow. The heat exchange element 95 is constructed, for example, by stacking multiple thermally conductive materials at predetermined intervals, so that the supply airflow and the exhaust airflow alternately flow in each adjacent space in the multiple spaces formed by the stacking, thereby exchanging heat energy with each other.

[0031] The air supply and ventilation unit 96 is a so-called air supply fan that introduces outdoor air into the room, such as a Sirocco fan. The air supply and ventilation unit 96 delivers air from outside into the room 81 after it has passed through the heat exchange element 95 and the humidification device 10.

[0032] The exhaust air supply unit 97 is a so-called air supply fan that blows air from inside the room to outside, such as a Sirocco fan. The exhaust air supply unit 97 delivers exhaust air from inside the room to outside after it has passed through the heat exchange element 95.

[0033] A humidifier 10 is installed in the air supply duct 101 downstream of the heat exchange section 90. The humidifier 10 humidifies the air in the air supply duct 101 and blows it into the room 81, thereby humidifying the room 81. The humidifier 10 humidifies the air supply by imparting water atomized by the liquid atomizing device 1 to the air supply airflow, but details will be described later.

[0034] Next, use Figure 2The structure of the humidification device 10 will be described.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the humidification device 10 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The humidifier 10 includes a housing 50, an air intake connector 51, an air outlet connector 52, and a liquid micronization device 1.

[0037] The housing 50 is a box-shaped structure that holds the constituent components within its internal space. Constituent components include the blower 54 and the liquid micronization device 1.

[0038] The intake connector 51 is cylindrical and protrudes from one side of the housing 50, serving as a connection point for a pipe. The supply airflow before humidification flows through the inside of the intake connector 51.

[0039] The blow-out connector 52 is cylindrical and protrudes from the other side of the housing 50, serving as a connection point for pipes. Humidified airflow flows through the inside of the blow-out connector 52.

[0040] The liquid atomizing device 1 is the main part of the humidifying device 10, and is a device that atomizes water and imparts it to the air, but its detailed structure will be described later.

[0041] Next, use Figure 3 The structure of the liquid miniaturization device 1 will be described.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid micronization device 1 in an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side.

[0043] The liquid micronization device 1 includes a water storage section 5, an electric motor 14, a water delivery pipe 16, a drain outlet 40, and a stop valve 41.

[0044] The water storage section 5 is a vessel for storing water and forms the outer contour of the liquid miniaturization device 1. In this embodiment, the water storage section 5 is a hollow hemispherical shape that opens vertically upward, and is formed such that the part corresponding to the vertically lower part of the water delivery pipe 16 is the deepest part.

[0045] The electric motor 14 is a motor used to rotate the water delivery pipe 16, and the water delivery pipe 16 is rotated by a rotating shaft 15 that extends vertically from the center of the electric motor 14 when viewed from above.

[0046] It should be noted that "top view" refers to the viewpoint from above, looking down at the liquid miniaturization device 1 in its set-up state. Specifically, it is... Figure 3 The viewpoint for observing the liquid miniaturization device 1 along the direction of arrow I.

[0047] The water lifting pipe 16 has an inverted conical hollow structure. The water lifting pipe 16 is connected to an electric motor 14 located above the water lifting pipe 16 and rotates with the rotation of the electric motor 14, thereby lifting the water stored in the water storage section 5 and releasing it in a centrifugal direction.

[0048] The water flow R is formed by rotating the water supply pipe 16, thereby creating a rotating water flow R in the water stored in the water storage section 5. It should be noted that the rotating water flow refers to the water flow around the rotation axis 15 of the water supply pipe 16 when viewed from above. It should also be noted that the direction of the rotating water flow R is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the direction of the rotating water flow R is clockwise when viewed from above.

[0049] The water delivery pipe 16 has a water delivery opening 17, a rotating plate 18, and a through hole 19.

[0050] The water lifting opening 17 is a hole provided at the lower end of the water lifting pipe 16, through which water stored in the water storage section 5 is lifted into the interior of the water lifting pipe 16.

[0051] The rotating plate 18 is arranged to project outward from the outer surface of the water supply pipe 16. Multiple rotating plates 18 are spaced at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction and connected to the water supply pipe 16. In other words, the rotating plates 18 are arranged overlappingly below the electric motor 14.

[0052] The through hole 19 is a plurality of holes provided on the wall of the water lifting pipe 16. Water lifted into the water lifting pipe 16 is released in the centrifugal direction as water droplets through the through hole 19.

[0053] The drain outlet 40 is an opening that connects the inside and outside of the water storage section 5 and discharges the water stored in the water storage section 5 to the outside of the water storage section 5, as detailed below.

[0054] The stop valve 41 is a plate-shaped member made of, for example, elastic material, installed at the opening of the drain outlet 40, and can switch the drain outlet 40 to an open state where water can pass through and a closed state where water cannot pass through. That is, by setting the stop valve 41 to the open state, the water stored in the water storage section 5 is discharged.

[0055] The liquid micronization device 1 also includes a first separator 21, a second separator 22, an air intake 11, an air outlet 12, and a blower 54.

[0056] The first separator 21 further breaks down water droplets into smaller pieces by causing them to collide with the water droplets released from the water pipe 16 in a centrifugal direction. It also serves to prevent larger water droplets from scattering along with the airflow and is a porous body that allows air to flow through the broken water droplets.

[0057] The first separator 21 is positioned at a certain distance from the outer periphery of the water delivery pipe 16 along the centrifugal direction. This certain distance refers to the distance at which water droplets released through the through hole 19 reach the first separator 21.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first separator 21 surrounds the water delivery pipe 16 in a ring shape.

[0059] The second separator 22 serves to prevent the scattering of larger water droplets that accompany the airflow, and is a porous body that allows air to pass through with the pulverized water droplets.

[0060] The second separator 22 is positioned around the first separator 21 when viewed from the water supply pipe 16. In other words, the second separator 22 surrounds the first separator 21 in a ring shape.

[0061] The air intake 11 is a rectangular opening located at one end above the circumference of the opening on the upper surface of the water storage section 5. Air intended for humidification flows into the air intake 11. In this embodiment, the air intended for humidification refers to the air entering from the heat exchange section 90 (see reference 11). Figure 1 ) The supply airflow is sent into the humidification device 10.

[0062] The blow-out port 12 is a rectangular opening located above the circumference of the water storage section 5 at an end different from the air intake port 11. Humidified air from within the liquid micronization device 1 flows into the blow-out port 12.

[0063] The blower 54 is installed in the air supply passage 101 on the upstream side of the water storage section 5, and is provided to blow air containing water released in the centrifugal direction by the rotation of the water supply pipe 16 from the inside of the water storage section 5 to the outside. The type of blower 54 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment it is a Sirocco fan.

[0064] Next, use Figure 4 The structure of the liquid miniaturization device 1 will continue to be explained.

[0065] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the liquid micronization device 1 at the dashed line A-A'.

[0066] The liquid micronization device 1 also includes a water supply unit 6, a water level detection unit 4, a tank 45, and a control unit 2.

[0067] Water supply unit 6 supplies water to water storage unit 5. It should be noted that the water is not limited to tap water or purified water; it can also be an aqueous solution such as hypochlorous acid solution. Tap water is used in this embodiment.

[0068] The water supply unit 6 is equipped with a water supply port 61 and a solenoid valve 64.

[0069] Water inlet 61 is an opening that supplies tap water from water pipe 62 into the water storage unit 5. It should be noted that the location of water inlet 61 is not particularly limited; it can be anywhere that allows water to be supplied to the water storage unit 5.

[0070] Solenoid valve 64 is installed in water pipe 62 and opens and closes water outlet 61 to adjust at least one of the water volume supplied to water storage unit 5 through water outlet 61 and water supply period.

[0071] The water level detection unit 4 detects the water level in the water storage unit 5 and sends the detection result to the control unit 2. Specifically, the water level detection unit 4 detects whether the water level in the water storage unit 5 is at the upper limit (or below, full water state) and whether the water level in the water storage unit 5 is at the lower limit (or below, low water state) and sends the detection result to the control unit 2. The water level detection unit 4 is a so-called water level sensor, such as a float sensor or a thermistor sensor. In this embodiment, a float sensor is used. It should be noted that the water level detection unit 4 may also be a structure in which each independent water level sensor detects the full water state and the low water state.

[0072] The trough 45 is provided on the inner surface of the water storage section 5 and in Figure 4 The B-B' section is a roughly U-shaped groove, which, when viewed from above, extends from the bottom surface of the water storage section 5, or more precisely, the deepest part of the inner surface of the water storage section 5, which is vertically below the water outlet 17, to the drain outlet 40. Furthermore, the groove 45 is arranged in a downwardly sloping manner from the deepest part of the inner surface of the water storage section 5 to the drain outlet 40.

[0073] The groove 45 has an upstream edge 43 and a downstream edge 44.

[0074] The upstream edge 43 is one end portion of the generally U-shaped opening formed by the channel 45. In other words, the upstream edge 43 is the edge of the channel 45 located upstream of the rotating water flow R. The upstream edge 43 is positioned lower than the downstream edge 44 in side view (see reference). Figure 4 (The B-B' sectional view shown in the lower right corner). It should be noted that the side view here refers to the view at the bottom right of the view. Figure 4 The viewpoint for observing the liquid miniaturization device 1 along the direction of arrow L.

[0075] The downstream edge 44 is the other end portion of the generally U-shaped opening formed by the channel 45. In other words, the downstream edge 44 is the edge of the channel 45 located downstream of the rotating water flow R. The downstream edge 44 is positioned higher than the upstream edge 43 in side view (see reference). Figure 4 (The B-B' sectional view shown in the lower right corner).

[0076] Control unit 2 is connected to electric motor 14 (see reference) Figure 3 The water level detection unit 4, solenoid valve 64, and blower 54 are each communicatively connected. It should be noted that as long as communication is possible, it is not limited to wired or wireless communication. The configuration of the control unit 2 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably located in a position where the water supplied to the water storage unit 5 and the atomized water will not seep in. In this embodiment, the control unit 2 is located at a position separated from the liquid atomization device 1 by the partition wall 68 (part of the housing 50). The control unit 2 includes a solenoid valve control unit 85, an air supply control unit 86, and a water delivery pipe control unit 87.

[0077] The solenoid valve control unit 85 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 64. Specifically, the solenoid valve control unit 85 controls the solenoid valve 64 to open during water supply and to close during other times.

[0078] The air supply control unit 86 controls the operation of the blower 54. Specifically, the air supply control unit 86 executes a scale removal air supply operation mode that controls the air supply to the interior of the water storage unit 5 by means of the blower 54 even when the water storage unit 5 is not filled with water.

[0079] The water supply pipe control unit 87 controls the rotational speed of the electric motor 14, or more precisely, the water supply pipe 16. Specifically, as the operating mode for controlling the rotational speed of the water supply pipe 16, it executes a scale removal operating mode and a scale stripping operating mode.

[0080] The scale-free operation mode is an operation mode in which the water supply pipe 16 is rotated at a speed that forms a rotating water flow R but does not release water in a centrifugal direction (hereinafter, low-speed rotation) for a specified period of time during the initial stage of humidification operation. It should be noted that humidification operation refers to operation in which the water supply pipe 16 rotates at a speed that releases water in a centrifugal direction. Furthermore, the initial stage of humidification operation refers, for example, the period during which water is supplied by the water supply unit 6.

[0081] On the other hand, the scale removal operation mode is an operation mode in which the water supply pipe 16 rotates even when the water storage section 5 is not filled with water.

[0082] The above is the usage Figure 4 A description of the structure of the liquid miniaturization device 1.

[0083] Next, use Figure 5 The detailed structure of the drain outlet 40 is described below.

[0084] Figure 5 This is a magnified top view of drain outlet 40. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, [the following text is incomplete and requires further context: "in..."] Figure 5 The illustration of the water stop valve 41 is omitted.

[0085] A drain outlet 40 is provided at one end of the trough 45 and is an opening that connects the inside and outside of the water storage section 5. The drain outlet 40 is designed such that water can flow from a position above the reference line X, which is the extension line of the horizontal direction of the drain outlet 40, towards the lower side, that is, water can flow from the inside of the water storage section 5 towards the outside. This direction is defined as the opening direction.

[0086] In other words, the drain outlet 40 opens towards the direction of travel of the rotating water flow R (in a manner opposite to the direction of travel of the rotating water flow R). Here, the direction of travel of the rotating water flow R at each point of the water storage section 5 is the tangential direction of a concentric circle centered on the rotation axis 15 when viewed from above. Specifically, in Figure 5 When a drain outlet 40 is provided at the location shown, the direction of travel of the rotating water flow R at the approximate center point O (including the center point) of the drain outlet 40 becomes... Figure 5 The direction indicated by the arrow in the rotating water flow R.

[0087] Here, drainage surface 48 is defined. Drainage surface 48 is an imaginary surface with the periphery of the opening of drain port 40 shaped to allow discharged water to pass through. Drain port 40 is positioned such that the angle θ1 between the direction perpendicular to drainage surface 48, i.e., the direction in which the reference line Y extends from approximately the center point O, and the direction of travel of the rotating water flow R is less than 90 degrees, is less than 90 degrees.

[0088] It should be noted that, up to this point, the description has taken the rotating water flow R passing through the approximate center point O of the drain outlet 40 as an example. However, the drain outlet 40 is preferably set such that the angle between the direction perpendicular to the drain surface 48 (the direction in which the reference line Y extends) at any point on the drain outlet 40 and the direction of travel of the rotating water flow R is less than 90 degrees.

[0089] It should be noted that the drain designed to have a rotating water flow R along the travel direction of the baseline X and a rotating water flow R from the opposite direction to the opening direction of the drain 40 toward the travel direction of the drain 40 does not conform to the statement in this application that "the drain 40 opens toward the travel direction of the rotating water flow".

[0090] Next, use Figure 6 The operation of the humidification device 10, the structure of this embodiment, and the effects obtained from the operation will be explained.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the humidifier 10. It should be noted that... Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) and respectively Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 correspond.

[0092] First, the basic operation of the humidifier 10 and the expected effects of this basic operation will be explained.

[0093] For example, when the humidifier 10 starts operating through user operation, the solenoid valve 64 opens, and the water supply unit 6 supplies water to the water storage unit 5.

[0094] When the water level 71 of the water supply pipe 16 is reached, the water supply pipe control unit 87 controls the rotation speed of the electric motor 14, and more precisely, the water supply pipe 16. Specifically, the water supply pipe control unit 87 controls the electric motor 14 to rotate at a speed that creates a rotating water flow but does not release water in a centrifugal direction (hereinafter, low-speed rotation) and maintains this speed for a predetermined time to prevent scale buildup. In other words, the water supply pipe control unit 87 rotates the water supply pipe 16 at a low speed for a predetermined time before the humidification operation begins. It should be noted that the predetermined time refers to the time required to remove scale residue that has accumulated in the deepest part of the water storage section 5, i.e., the vertically lower part of the water supply pipe 16, from the vertically lower part of the water supply pipe 16; specifically, for example, about 15 seconds.

[0095] The structure and operation described above reduce the amount of scale residue remaining below the vertical section of the water supply pipe 16, thus preventing scale from being drawn up into the water supply pipe 16 during humidification operation. In other words, scale buildup on the inner surface of the water supply pipe 16 is prevented, thereby maintaining humidification capacity even during prolonged use.

[0096] Here, scale components, excluding those vertically below the water supply pipe 16, are captured by the tank section 45 due to the rotation of the water supply pipe 16. The tank section 45 is positioned higher than the upstream edge 43 via its downstream edge 44, thereby preventing scale components attached to the rotating water flow R and moving within the water storage section 5 from crossing the downstream edge 44 and re-entering the water storage section 5. (Ref) Figure 4 (B-B' sectional view).

[0097] Through the aforementioned structure and operation, scale that was previously excluded from the vertical area below the water supply pipe 16 is prevented from flowing back down to the vertical area below the water supply pipe 16. As a result, scale is prevented from being drawn up into the water supply pipe 16, maintaining humidification capacity even during prolonged use.

[0098] Furthermore, by keeping the drain outlet 40 open during the aforementioned scale removal operation, the scale components captured in the tank 45 can be discharged to the outside of the water storage unit 5. Here, the drain outlet 40 opens in the direction of travel of the rotating water flow R, thus effectively utilizing the momentum of the rotating water flow R to efficiently discharge the scale components. It should be noted that when the drain outlet 40 is kept open during scale removal operation, it is necessary to prevent the water level from dropping due to drainage from the drain outlet 40 and reaching a level where the water supply pipe 16 will not be submerged. For this purpose, it is preferable to set the water supply volume to the water storage unit 5 per unit time to be greater than the drainage volume per unit time. The stop valve 41 closes the drain outlet 40, for example, after the scale removal operation has ended.

[0099] Through the aforementioned structure and operation, the scale residue remaining in the water storage section 5 can be efficiently reduced, thus preventing scale residue from being drawn up into the water supply pipe 16. As a result, humidification capacity can be maintained even during prolonged use.

[0100] Next, after the scale removal operation is completed, the water supply pipe control unit 87 controls the rotation speed of the electric motor 14 to match the rotation speed of the water pumped from the water storage unit 5 by the water supply pipe 16 in the centrifugal direction, and starts the humidification operation. In addition, the water supply provided by the water supply unit 6 stops when the water level detection unit 4 detects that the water level in the water storage unit 5 has reached the full water level 73.

[0101] Next, after the humidification operation has been running for a certain period of time, the water level in the water storage section 5 decreases accordingly to the humidification level, reaching the low water level 72. When the water level detection unit 4 detects that the water level in the water storage section 5 has reached the low water level 72, the drain outlet 40 opens and drainage begins. When drainage begins, the water pipe control unit 87 performs scale removal operation controlled by rotating the water pipe 16 at a low speed for a predetermined time. It should be noted that the predetermined time here refers to the time required to fully drain the scale components in the water storage section 5 from the drain outlet 40, for example, 60 seconds.

[0102] With the structure and operation described above, similar to the scale removal operation during water supply, scale components can be efficiently discharged from the water storage section 5 during drainage. As a result, scale components can be prevented from being drawn into the water supply pipe 16, and humidification capacity can be maintained even during long-term use.

[0103] The above describes the basic operation of the humidifier 10 and the effects that can be expected from this basic operation. It should be noted that this basic operation is repeated, for example, until the operation of the humidifier 10 ends due to user operation.

[0104] Next, the drying operation of the humidifier 10 will be explained. The humidifier 10 performs the above basic operation a certain number of times or for a certain period of time, followed by a drying operation in which no water is stored in the water storage section 5 for a certain period of time. This drying operation is used to inhibit mold growth in the water storage section 5.

[0105] For example, when drainage is completed in the basic operation, the drying operation begins. When the drying operation begins, the water supply pipe control unit 87 performs a scale removal operation that rotates the water supply pipe 16 during continuous drainage. In other words, the water supply pipe control unit 87 rotates the water supply pipe 16 even when water is not stored in the water storage unit 5. That is, it rotates the water supply pipe 16 in a drier state than during humidification operation.

[0106] Through the aforementioned structure and operation, scale deposits, such as those adhering to the through-hole 19 of the water supply pipe 16 or those with a tendency to adhere, can be easily removed by drying. Furthermore, the scale is removed by the force generated by the rotation of the water supply pipe 16. As a result, humidification capacity can be maintained even during prolonged use.

[0107] Furthermore, during drying operation, the air supply control unit 86 performs scale removal air supply operation by sending air into the water storage unit 5 using the air supply fan 54. In other words, the air supply control unit 86 sends air into the water storage unit 5 using the air supply fan 54 even when the water storage unit 5 is not filled with water.

[0108] Through the aforementioned structure and operation, the water supply pipe 16 can be dried more efficiently, and scale components such as those in the through-hole 19 can be removed more effectively. As a result, humidification capacity can be maintained even during long-term use.

[0109] The above is a description of the implementation method.

[0110] (Modified example)

[0111] The present invention has been described above based on embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this embodiment is an example, and various modifications exist among the constituent elements shown in the embodiment; furthermore, such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0112] Hereinafter, variations of the implementation method will be described. Explanations of structures and other repetitive content that are the same as those in the implementation method will be omitted; however, explanations of structures that differ from those in the implementation method will be the focus of the description.

[0113] First of all, Figure 7 One example of a variation is shown below.

[0114] Figure 7 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the liquid micronization device 1s used in the humidification device 10s, viewed from the side. Figure 7(b) is a top-view cross-sectional view of the liquid miniaturization device 1s. Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 (b) and respectively Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 correspond.

[0115] This variation differs from the previous embodiment in that it includes a partition plate 23 on the inner surface of the water storage section 5s. The partition plate 23 is a porous body erected from the inner surface of the water storage section 5s, with its front end positioned below the dry water level 72 in the erected direction. This is to prevent a situation where there is no water below the vertically extending water pipe 16 when the water level in the water storage section 5s is higher than the dry water level 72. In other words, it avoids a situation where the water pipe 16 cannot pump water despite the water level being higher than the dry water level 72, resulting in the inability to perform humidification operation.

[0116] Furthermore, the partition plate 23 is arranged to surround the water outlet 17 when viewed from above. In other words, the partition plate 23 is arranged along the outer periphery of the water outlet 17 when viewed from above. It should be noted that "along the outer periphery" here does not only mean that the partition plate 23 is arranged along the outer periphery of the water outlet 17 in a strict sense. For example, it also includes the case where the partition plate 23 is arranged a few mm to tens of mm away from the outer periphery of the water outlet 17 as "along the outer periphery". That is, the partition plate 23 can be arranged at a position outside the water outlet 17 when viewed from above.

[0117] The structure described above can prevent scale particles floating in the water storage section from entering the space below the vertical water supply pipe 16 within 5 seconds. As a result, it can prevent scale particles from being drawn into the interior of the water supply pipe 16, and maintain humidification capacity even during long-term use.

[0118] Next, in Figure 8 Another example of a variation of the implementation is shown below.

[0119] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid micronization device 1t used in the humidification device 10t, viewed from the side, and compared with... Figure 3 correspond.

[0120] This variation differs from the embodiment in that it has a protrusion 24 on the inner surface of the water storage section 5t. The protrusion 24 is dome-shaped, protruding vertically upward from the inner surface of the water storage section 5t below the water outlet 17. The protrusion 24 is positioned such that the boundary line M between the protrusion 24 and the inner surface of the water storage section 5t is located on the outer periphery of the water outlet 17 when viewed from above. That is, the inclined point of the protrusion 24, starting from the inner surface of the water storage section 5t, is located on the outer periphery of the water outlet 17.

[0121] With the structure described above, it is possible to prevent scale from penetrating vertically below the water outlet 17. As a result, it is possible to prevent scale from being drawn into the interior of the water pipe 16, thus maintaining humidification capacity even during prolonged use.

[0122] Industrial applicability

[0123] This invention can be applied to humidification devices for general buildings, etc.

[0124] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0125] 1. 1s, 1t Liquid Micronization Device

[0126] 2. Control Department

[0127] 4. Water Level Monitoring Department

[0128] 5, 5s, 5t water storage part

[0129] 6. Water Supply Department

[0130] 10, 10s, 10t humidification devices

[0131] 11. Intake port

[0132] 12 Blowout

[0133] 14 Electric motors

[0134] 15 Rotation axis

[0135] 16 Water supply pipes

[0136] 17. Water pumping opening

[0137] 18 Rotating Plate

[0138] 19 Through holes

[0139] 21 First Separator

[0140] 22 Second Separator

[0141] 23. Divider

[0142] 24 convex part

[0143] 40 Drain outlet

[0144] 41. Stop valve

[0145] 43. Upstream edge

[0146] 44 Downstream edge

[0147] 45 Groove

[0148] 48 Drainage surface

[0149] 50 Housing

[0150] 51 Suction Connector

[0151] 52 Blowout connector

[0152] 54. Blower

[0153] 61 Water supply outlet

[0154] 62 Water pipes

[0155] 64 Solenoid valve

[0156] 68 Next door

[0157] 71. Submerged water level

[0158] 72 Low water level

[0159] 73 Full water level

[0160] 80 buildings

[0161] 81 rooms

[0162] 82 Above the ceiling

[0163] 83 Top Slab

[0164] 85 Solenoid Valve Control Unit

[0165] 86 Air Supply Control Department

[0166] 87. Water supply pipe control department

[0167] 90 Heat Exchange Section

[0168] 95 Heat exchange elements

[0169] 96 Gas Supply and Air Supply Department

[0170] 97 Exhaust and air supply section

[0171] 100 Air Conditioning System

[0172] 101 Gas Supply Air Path

[0173] 102 Exhaust air path

[0174] I and L arrows

[0175] M dividing line

[0176] O Approximately the center point

[0177] R Rotating water flow

[0178] X and Y baselines

[0179] θ1 Angle.

Claims

1. A liquid micronization device, wherein, The liquid micronization device comprises: The water storage section stores water. A water delivery pipe has a water delivery opening located at the bottom, and by rotating, water is delivered from the water storage section through the water delivery opening and the water is released in a centrifugal direction; A trough is provided on the inner surface of the water storage section; as well as A drain outlet is provided in the trough and opens in the direction of the rotating water flow generated by the rotation of the water pipe, and connects the inside and outside of the water storage section.

2. The liquid micronization device according to claim 1, wherein, Regarding the drain outlet, when viewed from above, the angle between the direction perpendicular to the drainage surface formed by the drain outlet and the direction of travel of the rotating water flow is less than 90 degrees.

3. The liquid micronization device according to claim 1, wherein, The groove portion includes: The upstream edge is the edge of the trough located upstream of the rotating water flow generated by the rotation of the water delivery pipe; as well as The downstream edge is the edge of the trough located on the downstream side of the rotating water flow. The upstream edge is set lower than the downstream edge when viewed from the side.

4. The liquid micronization device according to claim 1, wherein, The trough, viewed from above, extends vertically from below the water inlet to the outlet.

5. The liquid micronization device according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid micronization device also includes a control unit for controlling the rotation of the water delivery pipe. The control unit performs scale removal operation. In the initial stage of humidification operation, the scale removal operation forms a rotating water flow but does not release the water in the centrifugal direction, causing the water delivery pipe to rotate for a specified time. After the specified time, the water delivery pipe is rotated at a rotational speed that releases the water in the centrifugal direction.

6. The liquid micronization device according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid micronization device also features: A control unit that controls the rotation of the water delivery pipe; and The water supply unit supplies water to the water storage unit. The control unit performs scale removal operation, which, during the period when the water supply unit supplies water to the water storage unit, forms the rotating water flow but does not release the water in the centrifugal direction, causing the water delivery pipe to rotate for a predetermined time.

7. The liquid micronization device according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid micronization device also includes a control unit for controlling the rotation of the water delivery pipe. The control unit performs scale removal operation, which, during the drainage from the water storage unit, forms the rotating water flow but does not release the water in the centrifugal direction, causing the water pipe to rotate for a predetermined time.

8. The liquid micronization device according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid micronization device also includes a control unit for controlling the rotation of the water delivery pipe. The control unit operates to remove scale from the water supply pipe even when the water storage section is empty.

9. The liquid micronization device according to claim 8, wherein, The liquid micronization device also includes a blower for blowing air containing the water released along the centrifugal direction from the inside of the water storage section to the outside. The control unit operates the blower to deliver air towards the interior of the water storage compartment for scale removal even when the water storage compartment is empty.

10. The liquid micronization device according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid micronization device also includes a partition plate that is erected from the inner surface of the water storage section. The partition plate is a porous body arranged along the outer periphery of the water inlet when viewed from above.

11. The liquid micronization device according to claim 1, wherein, The water storage section is a hollow hemispherical shape that opens vertically upwards, and has a protrusion located vertically below the water dispensing opening and protruding vertically upwards from the inner surface of the water storage section.

12. The liquid micronization device according to claim 11, wherein, The boundary between the protrusion and the inner surface of the water storage section, when viewed from above, is located on the outer periphery of the water dispensing opening.

13. A humidifying device, wherein, The humidification device includes the liquid micronization device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images