Water supply / drainage device

Abstract

To inhibit overflowing of a liquid in a second container in a water supply / drainage device which supplies the liquid from a first container to the second container.SOLUTION: A water supply / drainage device includes: a first container 11 having a first storage space S1; and a second container 12 having a second storage space S2. The first container 11 is provided with a discharge port 34 and a supply port 36. The first storage space S1 includes: a first area R1 communicating with the supply port 36; a third area R3; and a second area R2 communicating with the discharge port 34. The first container 11 includes: a first partition wall 41 serving as a border between the first area R1 and the third area R3; and a second partition wall 42 serving as a border between the second area R2 and the third area R3. The first partition wall 41 is provided with a first communication port 43 which allows communication between the first area R1 and the third area R3, and the second partition wall 42 is provided with a second communication port 44 which allows communication between the second area R2 and the third area R3 at a position higher than the first communication port 43. A lower end of the discharge port 34 is disposed at a lower position than a maximum liquid level of the second storage space S2 in the second storage space S2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water supply and drainage system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a humidifier that supplies water stored in a water supply tank to a heating tank, evaporates the water in the heating tank, and releases it to the outside. A supply port that is opened and closed by a water supply valve is formed at the bottom end of the water supply tank, and the water supply valve opens and closes according to the water level in the heating tank. Specifically, the water supply valve is biased in the closing direction by a spring, and the heating tank is provided with a float that moves up and down depending on the water level, and a pressing operation unit that opens the water supply valve in conjunction with the float. When the water level in the heating tank decreases due to a decrease in water and the float descends, the pressing operation unit opens the water supply valve against the spring in conjunction with this, and water is supplied to the heating tank from the supply port of the water supply tank. When the water level in the heating tank rises again, the opening operation of the pressing operation unit is released in conjunction with the rise of the float, and the supply port is closed by the water supply valve due to the bias of the spring. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-2797 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, if foreign matter such as dirt adheres between the supply inlet and the water supply valve, the water supply valve will not close completely, and water leaking from the supply inlet of the water tank will flow into the heating tank, causing it to overflow from the heating tank.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to prevent liquid from overflowing from a second container in a water supply and drainage device that supplies liquid from a first container to a second container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The water supply and drainage device of the present disclosure is A first container having a first storage space surrounded by a bottom surface, a side surface, and a top surface; A second container having a second storage space surrounded by a bottom surface and a side surface, The first container is formed with a discharge port for discharging the liquid stored in the first storage space to the second storage space, and a supply port that is located at a position higher than the discharge port and for supplying the liquid to the first storage space, The first storage space includes a first region communicating with the supply port and a second region horizontally adjacent to the first region, the first container includes a first partition wall disposed at a boundary between the first region and the second region, the first partition wall has a communication port formed therein, the communication port being located at a position lower than the supply port and communicating between the first region and the second region; An upper end of the communication port and a lower end of the discharge port are disposed inside the second storage space below a maximum liquid level of the second storage space.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the liquid supplied from the supply port is stored in the first region of the first storage space, and is also stored in the second region through the communication port. The liquid discharged from the discharge port of the first container is stored in the second storage space of the second container. When the liquid level in the second storage space is equal to or higher than the upper ends of the discharge port and the communication port, the second region is sealed with the liquid in the first region, and the second region is in a sealed state. Therefore, the liquid is not discharged from the discharge port to the second storage space, and the liquid overflows from the second container. When the liquid level in the second storage space becomes lower than the upper ends of the discharge port or the communication port, the seal of the second region is released, and the liquid in the first storage space is supplied from the discharge port to the second storage space.

[0008] (2) The water supply and drainage device of the present disclosure is A first container having a first storage space surrounded by a bottom surface, a side surface, and a top surface; A second container having a second storage space surrounded by a bottom surface and a side surface, The first container is formed with a discharge port for discharging the liquid stored in the first storage space to the second storage space, and a supply port that is located at a position higher than the discharge port and for supplying the liquid to the first storage space, the first storage space includes a first region communicating with the supply port, a third region horizontally adjacent to the first region, and a second region horizontally adjacent to the third region and communicating with the discharge port, the first container includes a first partition wall disposed at a boundary between the first region and the third region, and a second partition wall disposed at a boundary between the second region and the third region, a first communication port that communicates the first area with the third area is formed in the first partition wall; a second communication port is formed in the second partition wall, the second communication port being located at a higher position than the first communication port and communicating between the second area and the third area; A lower end of the discharge port is disposed inside the second storage space and below a maximum liquid level of the second storage space.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the liquid supplied from the supply port is stored in the first region of the first storage space, further stored in the third region through the first communication port, and stored in the second region through the second communication port. The liquid discharged from the discharge port of the first container is stored in the second storage space of the second container. When the liquid level in the second storage space is equal to or higher than the lower end of the discharge port, the second region is sealed with the liquid in the first and third regions, and the second region is in a sealed state. Therefore, the liquid is not discharged from the discharge port to the second storage space, and the overflow of water in the second container can be suppressed. When the liquid level in the second storage space becomes lower than the lower end of the discharge port, the seal of the second region is released, and the liquid in the first storage space is supplied from the discharge port to the second storage space.

[0010] (3) In the water supply and drainage device according to (1) or (2), an opening is formed in the first container to open the second region to the atmosphere, The container further includes a lid for opening and closing the opening.

[0011] According to the above configuration, by opening the lid and opening the second area to the atmosphere, it is possible to supply liquid from the supply port and store the liquid in the first storage space, and by closing the lid, it is possible to seal the second area.

[0012] (4) In the water supply and drainage device of (3) above, the opening is preferably smaller than the supply port.

[0013] According to the above configuration, by making the opening smaller than the supply port, it is possible to easily close the opening with the lid and to easily seal the second region. By making the supply port larger than the opening, it is possible to easily supply liquid to the first storage space.

[0014] (5) In the water supply and drainage device of (3) or (4) above, the lid preferably closes the opening and covers the supply port.

[0015] According to the above configuration, by covering the supply port while closing the opening with the lid, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the first storage space through the supply port.

[0016] (6) In the water supply and drainage device according to any one of (3) to (5), preferably, the supply port and the opening are formed adjacent to each other, The supply port and the opening are partitioned by the first partition wall.

[0017] According to the above configuration, even if the liquid exceeds the first partition wall and leaves the supply port when the liquid is supplied to the supply port, the liquid can be supplied from the opening into the first container.

[0018] (7) In the water supply and drainage device according to any one of (3) to (6) above, the lid has a sealing portion that is in close contact with the opening, and a supporting portion that supports the sealing portion.

[0019] (8) The water supply and drainage system according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising a valve device for opening and closing the drain outlet, The valve device includes a valve body that opens and closes the discharge port, and an opening / closing mechanism that operates the valve body, The opening and closing mechanism opens the valve body when the first container is in a first position for discharging liquid into the second container, and closes the valve body when the first container is in a second position inclined relative to the first position, or in a third position in which the first container is raised higher than the first position.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the outlet is closed by the valve body by tilting the first container, so that liquid can be supplied from the supply port into the first container without the liquid in the first container leaking from the outlet.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the opening can be sealed by the seal portion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of a water supply and drainage device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the water supply and drainage device. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic front view of the water supply and drainage device showing a state in which water is being supplied to the heating tank. FIG. [Figure 4] 11 is a schematic front view of the water supply and drainage device when water supply to the heating tank is completed. FIG. [Figure 5A] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a supply port and an air opening port with the lid closed. FIG. [Figure 5B] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a supply port and an air opening port with the lid open. FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a water supply and drainage device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the outlet is closed. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a water supply and drainage device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic front view of the water supply and drainage device showing a state in which water is being supplied to the heating tank. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a water supply and drainage device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic front view of the water supply and drainage device showing a state in which water is being supplied to the heating tank. FIG. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a water supply and drainage device according to a modified example. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a water supply and drainage device according to another modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of the lid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a water supply and drainage device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the water supply and drainage device. The water supply and drainage device 10 is incorporated in, for example, a humidifier, and stores water W to be used for humidification. The water supply and drainage device 10 includes a heating tank (second container) 12 and a water supply tank (first container) 11. The heating tank 12 and the water supply tank 11 are housed in a casing of the humidifier. The heating tank 12 is a container that stores water W to be released as steam. The heating tank 12 has a storage space (second storage space) S2 for storing the water W. The humidifier humidifies an indoor space, etc., by releasing the water W in the heating tank 12, which has been heated by a heating means such as an electric heater, as steam.

[0024] The water supply tank 11 has a storage space (first storage space) S1 for storing water to be supplied to the heating tank 12. When the water W in the heating tank 12 evaporates and decreases by more than a predetermined amount, water is supplied from the water supply tank 11, and when the water W in the heating tank 12 accumulates to more than the predetermined amount, the supply of water is stopped. The water supply tank 11 has an outlet 34 for discharging water into the heating tank 12.

[0025] The water supply and drainage device 10 has a valve device 13 that opens and closes the drain port 34 of the water supply tank 11. When the valve device 13 opens the drain port 34, water can be supplied from the water supply tank 11 to the heating tank 12, and when the valve device 13 closes the drain port 34, water cannot be supplied from the water supply tank 11 to the heating tank 12.

[0026] The heating tank 12 is an open-top container having a bottom wall 21 and a side wall 22 rising upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 21. For example, the heating tank 12 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The heating tank 12 of this embodiment can store water W up to the height of the upper end of the side wall 22. Therefore, the height of the upper end of the side wall 22 is the maximum water level Lmax. The portions of the bottom wall 21 and the side wall 22 of the heating tank 12 that face the storage space S2 are also referred to as the bottom surface and the side surface.

[0027] The water supply tank 11 is a container having a bottom wall 31, a side wall 32, and a top wall 33, and is entirely surrounded by walls. For example, the water supply tank 11 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this case, the bottom wall 31 and the top wall 33 are formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The side wall 32 connects the four sides of the bottom wall 31 and the four sides of the top wall 33. The bottom wall 31 is formed with a discharge port 34. The top wall 33 is formed with a supply port 36 for replenishing water in the water supply tank 11. The supply port 36 may be formed in any of the side walls 32. The water supply tank 11 stores water supplied from the supply port 36, and discharges the stored water W from the discharge port 34. The portions of the bottom wall 31, the side wall 32, and the top wall 33 of the water supply tank 11 that face the storage space S1 are also referred to as the bottom surface, the side surface, and the top surface.

[0028] In the following description, for convenience, the horizontal direction in which the two side walls 32c, 32d of the heating tank 12 and the water supply tank 11 face each other will be referred to as the first direction X, and the horizontal direction in which the other two side walls 32a, 32b face each other will be referred to as the second direction Y.

[0029] 2, the dimensions of the water supply tank 11 in the first direction X and the second direction Y are smaller than those of the heating tank 12. The water supply tank 11 is disposed within the width of the heating tank 12 in the first direction X and the second direction Y. As shown in FIG. 1, the water supply tank 11 is disposed above the heating tank 12.

[0030] The storage space S1 in the water supply tank 11 includes a first region R1, a second region R2, and a third region R3. The first region R1 is a region that communicates with the supply port 36. The second region R2 is a region that communicates with the discharge port 34.

[0031] The first region R1 and the third region R3 are adjacent to each other in the first direction X. A first partition wall 41 is disposed at the boundary between the first region R1 and the third region R3. The first partition wall 41 separates the first region R1 from the third region R3. The first partition wall 41 is formed in a flat plate shape, and extends linearly in the second direction Y between one side wall 32a and the other side wall 32b facing the one side wall 32a, as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, both ends of the first partition wall 41 in the second direction Y are connected to the side walls 32a and 32b. The upper end of the first partition wall 41 is connected to the top wall 33.

[0032] The second region R2 and the third region R3 are adjacent to each other in the first direction X. A second partition wall 42 is disposed at the boundary between the second region R2 and the third region R3. The second partition wall 42 separates the second region R2 from the third region R3. The second partition wall 42 is formed in a flat plate shape and extends linearly in the second direction Y between the two side walls 32a and 32b as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, both ends of the second partition wall 42 in the second direction Y are connected to the side walls 32a and 32b. The lower end of the second partition wall 42 is connected to the bottom wall 31. The first partition wall 41 and the second partition wall 42 are disposed in parallel. The third region R3 is disposed between the first region R1 and the second region R2 in the first direction X. The first partition wall 41 and the second partition wall 42 do not necessarily have to be disposed in parallel.

[0033] The width in the first direction X of the first region R1 is approximately the same as the width in the first direction X of the third region R3. The width in the first direction X of the second region R2 is greater than the widths in the first direction X of the first region R1 and the third region R3. Therefore, the second region R2 has a larger volume than the first and third regions R1 and R3 and can store a large amount of water W. The relationship between the volumes of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the third region R3 is not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate.

[0034] A first communication port 43 is formed in the first partition wall 41. The first communication port 43 communicates the first region R1 and the third region R3. The first communication port 43 is disposed at a position lower than the supply port 36. The first communication port 43 is formed at the lower end of the first partition wall 41. A part of the periphery of the first communication port 43 is formed by the bottom wall 31. The first communication port 43 of this embodiment is a rectangular opening that is long in the second direction Y. The first communication port 43 of this embodiment is formed across the two side walls 32a, 32b. A part of the periphery of the first communication port 43 is formed by the two side walls 32a, 32b. Therefore, the first communication port 43 is an opening surrounded by the first partition wall 41, the bottom wall 31, and the two side walls 32a, 32b. The first communication port 43 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be an opening having another polygonal shape or a circular shape (including a perfect circle, an ellipse, and an oval).

[0035] A second communication port 44 is formed in the second partition wall 42. The second communication port 44 communicates the second region R2 with the third region R3. The second communication port 44 is disposed at a higher position than the first communication port 43. The second communication port 44 is formed at the upper end of the second partition wall 42. A portion of the periphery of the second communication port 44 is formed by the top wall 33. The second communication port 44 of this embodiment is a rectangular opening that is long in the second direction Y. The second communication port 44 is formed across the two side walls 32a, 32b. A portion of the periphery of the second communication port 44 is formed by the two side walls 32a, 32b. Therefore, the second communication port 44 is an opening surrounded by the second partition wall 42, the top wall 33, and the two side walls 32a, 32b. The second communication port 44 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be an opening having another polygonal shape or a circular shape (including a perfect circle, an ellipse, and an oval).

[0036] The supply port 36 is formed at an end of the top wall 33 in the first direction X. The supply port 36 is a rectangular opening that is long in the second direction Y. The supply port 36 is formed across the two side walls 32a, 32b. The supply port 36 is an opening surrounded by the top wall 33 and the three side walls 32a, 32b, 32c. The supply port 36 opens the entire upper part of the first region R1 of the storage space S1.

[0037] An opening 37 is formed in the top wall 33. The opening 37 is connected to the second region R2 or the third region R3. The opening 37 functions as an air opening port for opening the second region R2 to the atmosphere. FIGS. 5A and 5B are enlarged cross-sectional views showing the supply port and the air opening port. The opening 37 is formed near the supply port 36. The area of ​​the opening 37 is smaller than the area of ​​the supply port 36. The opening 37 is, for example, a circular hole.

[0038] The water supply and drainage device 10 includes a lid 38 that opens and closes the opening 37. The lid 38 seals the opening 37. Specifically, the lid 38 has a protrusion 38a that fits into the opening 37 and comes into close contact with the periphery of the opening 37. The lid 38 therefore seals the opening 37 and inhibits air from passing through the opening 37 between the inside and the outside of the water supply tank 11. In order to reliably and easily seal the opening 37 with the lid 38, it is desirable that the opening 37 be formed as small as possible. The opening 37 is, for example, a circular hole having a diameter of 30 mm or less, more preferably a diameter of 15 mm or less.

[0039] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of the lid. The protrusion 38a includes a cylindrical support portion 38a1 and a seal portion 38a2 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the support portion 38a1. The seal portion 38a2 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and is elastically deformed by contacting the periphery of the atmosphere opening port 37, and is in close contact with the periphery. This can increase the degree of sealing of the opening 37. The support portion 38a1 is formed of the same material as the other parts of the lid 38, for example, synthetic resin or metal. The support portion 38a1 supports the seal portion 38a2, thereby suppressing excessive deformation of the seal portion 38a2, and can increase the degree of sealing of the opening 37. The protrusion 38a does not necessarily have to be divided into a seal portion and a support portion, and may be formed of one material such as rubber or synthetic resin. The entire protrusion 38a may be formed of the same material as the other parts of the lid 38.

[0040] Lid 38 closes supply port 36 at the same time as closing opening 37. Lid 38 has covering portion 38b that covers supply port 36. Covering portion 38b prevents foreign matter such as dust from entering water supply tank 11 through supply port 36. Covering portion 38b does not seal supply port 36. Therefore, supply port 36 allows air to flow between the inside and outside of water supply tank 11 even when covered by covering portion 38b.

[0041] The lid 38 is attached to the top wall 33, for example, by a hinge 39 so as to be able to swing, and opens and closes the opening 37 and the supply port 36 by swinging. The lid 38 may be attached to the top wall 33 so as to be freely attached and detached. The lid 38 opens the opening 37 and the supply port 36 when water is supplied from the supply port 36 into the water supply tank 11, and closes the opening 37 and the supply port 36 in other cases (for example, when the humidifier is operated).

[0042] The water supply and drainage device 10 may be provided with a separate lid 38 for closing the opening 37 and a separate lid 38 for closing the supply port 36. However, by opening and closing the opening 37 and the supply port 36 with a single lid 38, the operability of opening and closing can be improved, and the number of parts and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 1, a cylindrical body 35 protruding downward is provided on the bottom wall 31 of the water supply tank 11. The outlet 34 is formed by the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 35. The lower end of the outlet 34 (the lower end of the cylindrical body 35) is disposed within the heating tank 12. The lower end of the outlet 34 is disposed at a position lower than the maximum water level Lmax of the heating tank 12.

[0044] The discharge port 34 is opened and closed by the valve device 13. The valve device 13 has a valve body 24 and an opening / closing mechanism 25. The valve body 24 contacts the periphery of the upper end (the opening of the bottom wall 31) of a cylindrical body 35 that constitutes the discharge port 34. The valve body 24 is moved up and down by the opening / closing mechanism 25.

[0045] The opening and closing mechanism 25 has a float 25a, an interlocking member 25b that swings in conjunction with the float 25a, and a support member 25c that supports the interlocking member 25b. The float 25a is disposed in the heating tank 12 and floats on the water W stored in the heating tank 12. The float 25a moves up and down depending on the water level in the heating tank 12.

[0046] The interlocking member 25b is a long member, and its middle portion in the longitudinal direction is supported by the support member 25c inside the heating tank 12. The float 25a is connected to one end of the interlocking member 25b, and the valve body 24 is connected to the other end. The support member 25c supports the interlocking member 25b rotatably.

[0047] When the amount of water W in the heating tank 12 increases, the float 25a rises, and in conjunction with this, the interlocking member 25b swings, and the valve body 24 descends. The valve body 24 descends to close the drain port 34. When the amount of water W in the heating tank 12 decreases, the float 25a descends, and in conjunction with this, the interlocking member 25b swings, and the valve body 24 ascends. The valve body 24 ascends to open the drain port 34.

[0048] When the valve device 13 opens the drain port 34, water in the water supply tank 11 is supplied into the heating tank 12. When the valve device 13 closes the drain port 34, the supply of water from the water supply tank 11 to the heating tank 12 stops.

[0049] The supply port 36 formed in the water supply tank 11 enables the supply of water into the water supply tank 11. As shown in FIG. 5B, when water is supplied to the supply port 36 with the lid 38 open, the water flows into the first region R1 and also flows into the third region R3 via the first communication port 43 as shown in FIG. 1. The water that flows into the third region R3 also flows into the second region R2 via the second communication port 44. When the water level in the heating tank 12 is low and the discharge port 34 is open by the valve device 13, the water in the second region R2 is supplied to the heating tank 12 from the discharge port 34.

[0050] After the water W is stored in the water supply tank 11 and the heating tank 12, when the air opening port 37 is closed with the lid 38 as shown in Fig. 5A, the second region R2 is sealed off from the supply port 36 by the water stored in the first and third regions R1, R3. When the water level in the heating tank 12 is higher than the lower end of the discharge port 34, the second region R2 is sealed off by the water W stored in the heating tank 12. This seals off the second region R2, and prevents the water in the second region R2 from flowing into the heating tank 12.

[0051] When the second region R2 is sealed, for example, even if foreign matter adheres to the valve body 24 of the valve device 13 and the valve body 24 cannot completely close the outlet 34, the inflow of water from the outlet 34 into the heating tank 12 is suppressed. Therefore, the overflow of water from the heating tank 12 can be suppressed.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the water supply and drainage device illustrating a state in which water is being supplied to the heating tank. As shown in FIG. 3, when the water in the heating tank 12 decreases with the operation of the humidifier, the water level becomes lower than the lower end of the outlet 34, and the valve device 13 opens the outlet 34, the outlet 34 is opened to the atmosphere, and the second region R2 of the water supply tank 11 is unsealed. Therefore, air enters the water supply tank 11 from the outlet 34, and the water in the water supply tank 11 is discharged from the outlet 34 and supplied to the heating tank 12. At this time, atmospheric pressure is applied to the outlet 34, and a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure is applied to the water surface of the second region R2 in the water supply tank 11. The pressure difference between the two (pressure head) is indicated by "H". In addition, since the first region R1 is open to the atmosphere through the supply port 36, atmospheric pressure is applied to the water surface of the first region R1, and a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure by the pressure difference H is applied to the water surface of the third region R3, as with the water surface of the second region R2. The second region R2 is maintained in a state of being sealed off from the supply port 36 by the water in the first and third regions R1 and R3.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the water supply and drainage device when the supply of water to the heating tank is completed. As shown in Fig. 4, when the water level of the heating tank 12 reaches the outlet 34 due to the supply of water from the water supply tank 11, the second region R2 is again sealed by the water in the heating tank 12 and the water in the first and third regions R1, R3. Therefore, the supply of water from the water supply tank 11 to the heating tank 12 stops. At this time, atmospheric pressure is applied to the water surface of the heating tank 12, and a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure by a pressure difference H' is applied to the water surface of the second region R2. In addition, atmospheric pressure is applied to the water surface of the first region R1, and a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure by a pressure difference H' is applied to the water surface of the third region R3.

[0054] The valve device 13 is configured to close the outlet 34 at the timing when the water level in the heating tank 12 reaches the outlet 34 due to the supply of water from the water supply tank 11, or before that. Alternatively, the valve device 13 is configured to close the outlet 34 after the water level in the heating tank 12 reaches the outlet 34. In the latter case, the supply of water from the water supply tank 11 to the heating tank 12 is stopped when the water level in the heating tank 12 reaches the outlet 34, so the valve device 13 does not actually close the outlet 34, but keeps it open. However, when the lid 38 is opened to supply water to the water supply tank 11 and the air opening port 37 is opened, the second region R2 is unsealed, and the valve device 13 closes the outlet 34 in response to the rise in the water level in the heating tank 12.

[0055] [Second embodiment] FIG. 6A is a schematic front view of a water supply and drainage device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the structure of the valve device 13 is different from that of the first embodiment. The valve device 13 is attached to the water supply tank 11. The valve device 13 has a valve body 24 and an opening / closing mechanism 25. The opening / closing mechanism 25 has a pressing member 25d and an urging member 25e. The valve body 24 opens and closes the discharge port 34 by moving up and down. The valve body 24 opens the discharge port 34 by rising and closes the discharge port 34 by falling. The pressing member 25d is connected to the lower end of the valve body 24. The pressing member 25d is disposed in the heating tank 12 and contacts the bottom wall (bottom surface) of the heating tank 12. The urging member 25e urges the valve body 24 in a direction to close the discharge port 34. The urging member 25e is a compression coil spring sandwiched between the bottom wall 31 of the water supply tank 11 and the pressing member 25d.

[0056] In the water supply and drainage device 10 of this embodiment, the water supply tank 11 can be removed from the heating tank 12. Specifically, the water supply tank 11 can be removed from the casing of the humidifier. When the water supply tank 11 is attached to the upper side of the heating tank 12, the pressing member 25d is pressed by the bottom wall 21 of the heating tank 12, and the valve body 24 rises to open the outlet 34. This allows water to be discharged from the water supply tank 11 to the heating tank 12 as described above. The position of the water supply tank 11 at this time is also called the "first position". When the water supply tank 11 is removed, the pressing member 25d leaves the bottom wall 21 of the heating tank 12, and the valve body 24 is lowered by the biasing member 25e to close the outlet 34. Therefore, the water supply tank 11 can be removed without the water stored in the water supply tank 11 leaking from the outlet 34, and water can be supplied from the supply port 36.

[0057] As another example, as shown in Fig. 6B, the water supply tank 11 can be tilted with respect to the heating tank 12. This position is also referred to as a "second position" tilted with respect to the first position. By tilting the water supply tank 11 in this manner, the pressing member 25d moves away from the bottom wall 21 of the heating tank 12, and the valve body 24 is lowered by the biasing member 25e to close the discharge port 34. Therefore, water stored in the water supply tank 11 does not leak from the discharge port 34, and water can be supplied from the supply port 36 into the water supply tank 11.

[0058] As yet another example, the water supply tank 11 can be raised relative to the heating tank 12 without being removed from the casing of the humidifier. This position is also referred to as a "third position" raised from the first position. By raising the water supply tank 11 in this manner, the pressing member 25d moves away from the bottom wall 21 of the heating tank 12, and the valve body 24 is lowered by the biasing member 25e to close the outlet 34. Therefore, water stored in the water supply tank 11 does not leak from the outlet 34, and water can be supplied from the supply port 36 into the water supply tank 11. The water supply tank 11 may be configured to be able to take both the second position and the third position. In this case, water can be supplied into the water supply tank 11 by putting the water supply tank 11 in either the second position or the third position.

[0059] The other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0060] [Third embodiment] FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of a water supply and drainage device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The water supply and drainage device 10 of this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in the internal structure of the water supply tank 11. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0061] In the water supply tank 11 of this embodiment, the storage space S1 includes a first region R1 and a second region R2 as in the first embodiment, but does not include a third region R3. The first region R1 communicates with a supply port 36 formed in a top wall 33. The second region R2 communicates with an opening (open to the atmosphere) 37 formed in the top wall 33 and a discharge port 34 formed in a bottom wall 31. The opening 37 and the supply port 36 are opened and closed by a lid 38. The opening 37, the supply port 36, and the lid 38 have the same configurations as in the first embodiment.

[0062] A first partition wall 41 is disposed at the boundary between the first region R1 and the second region R2. A first communication port 43 that communicates the first region R1 and the second region R2 is formed in the first partition wall 41. The first communication port 43 is formed at the lower end of the first partition wall 41. As in the first embodiment, both ends of the first partition wall 41 in the second direction Y are connected to the side walls 32a and 32b of the water supply tank 11, and the upper end is connected to the top wall 33. The width of the second region R2 in the first direction X is larger than the width of the first region R1 in the first direction X. The volume of the second region R2 is larger than the volume of the first region R1.

[0063] A protruding portion 51 that protrudes downward is provided on the bottom wall 31 of the water supply tank 11. The protruding portion 51 is provided at an end of the water supply tank 11 in the first direction X. The first partition wall 41 fits into the protruding portion 51. The first communication port 43 is formed in the protruding portion 51.

[0064] The upper end 43a of the first communication port 43 and the lower end of the discharge port 34 are disposed at a position lower than the maximum water level Lmax of the heating tank 12. The upper end 43a of the first communication port 43 and the lower end of the discharge port 34 are disposed at the same height or at different heights. In this embodiment, the upper end 43a of the first communication port 43 is disposed at a position higher than the lower end of the discharge port 34.

[0065] The supply port 36 enables the supply of water into the water supply tank 11. As shown in Fig. 5B, when water is supplied to the supply port 36 with the lid 38 open, the water flows into the first region R1 and also flows into the second region R2 via the first communication port 43 as shown in Fig. 7. When the water level in the heating tank 12 is low and the valve device 13 opens the discharge port 34, the water in the second region R2 is supplied from the discharge port 34 into the heating tank 12.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the water supply and drainage device illustrating a state in which water is being supplied to the heating tank. As shown in Fig. 8, when the water level L1 in the heating tank 12 drops due to operation of the humidifier or the like and the valve device 13 opens the outlet 34, the water in the second region R2 is supplied to the heating tank 12 from the outlet 34. At this time, atmospheric pressure is applied to the water surface in the first region R1 and the water surface in the heating tank 12, so that the water level in the first region R1 drops while the water level in the heating tank 12 rises, causing the two water levels to fluctuate in the direction of matching. When the water level in the heating tank 12 rises, the valve device 13 closes the outlet 34, stopping the supply of water to the heating tank 12.

[0067] For example, if a foreign object adheres to the valve body 24 of the valve device 13 and the outlet 34 cannot be completely closed, the water in the water supply tank 11 flows into the heating tank 12 from the outlet 34, but the water level in the first region R1 and the water level in the heating tank 12 match at the water level L2 indicated by the dashed dotted line in Fig. 8, sealing the second region R2 and stopping the inflow of water into the heating tank 12. This makes it possible to prevent water from overflowing from the heating tank 12. The water level L2 is equal to or higher than the upper end 43a of the first communication port 43.

[0068] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 9 is a schematic front view of a water supply and drainage device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 10 is a schematic front view of the water supply and drainage device showing a state in which water is being supplied to a heating tank. The water supply and drainage device 10 of this embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the water supply tank 11 does not include a protruding portion 51. The other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment.

[0069] The storage space S1 of the water supply tank 11 includes a first region R1 and a second region R2. A first partition wall 41 is disposed at the boundary between the first region R1 and the second region R2. A first communication port 43 that communicates the first region R1 and the second region R2 is formed in the first partition wall 41. The width of the second region R2 in the first direction X is larger than the width of the first region R1 in the first direction X. Therefore, the second region R2 has a larger volume than the first region R1.

[0070] The lower end of the discharge port 34 of the water supply tank 11 and the upper end 43a of the first communication port 43 are disposed at a position lower than the maximum water level Lmax of the heating tank 12. Therefore, the water supply and drainage device 10 of this embodiment functions substantially in the same manner as the water supply and drainage device 10 of the third embodiment.

[0071] [Modification of the atmospheric opening] 11A and 11B are schematic plan views of a water supply and drainage system according to a modified example. In both of the water supply tanks 11 shown in Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B, a supply port and an air opening port are formed adjacent to each other with a first partition wall 41 in between. The air opening port shown in Fig. 11A is formed in a substantially rectangular shape and has a smaller area than the supply port. The air opening port shown in Fig. 11B is a rectangle that is long in the second direction Y and reaches two opposing side walls 32a, 32b.

[0072] By forming the atmosphere opening port 37 adjacent to the supply port 36 via the first partition wall 41, as in the modified example, when water is supplied to the supply port 36, even if the water deviates from the supply port 36, it can be made to flow into the water supply tank 11 through the atmosphere opening port 37, thereby preventing the water from spilling to the outside.

[0073] [Other embodiments] The water supply and drainage system 10 of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the specific shapes of the water supply tank 11 and the heating tank 12 are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the water supply tank 11 and the heating tank 12 are not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but may be a cube, a columnar (cylinder), a sphere, or the like, and may partially have a protrusion or a recess. The heating tank 12 may be a shallow dish shape. The partition walls 41, 42 are not limited to a flat plate shape, but may be a curved shape, a bent shape, or the like, as long as they can horizontally separate the regions R1, R2, and R3 included in the storage spaces S1 and S2. The partition walls 41, 42 do not need to completely separate the regions R1, R2, and R3 of the storage spaces S1 and S2, and may be partially open.

[0074] In the above embodiment, water is stored in the water supply tank 11 and the heating tank 12, but liquids other than water may be stored. In the third and fourth embodiments, the outlet 34 is not limited to being formed in the bottom wall 31 in the second region R2, and may be formed in the bottom wall 31 in the first region R1.

[0075] [Effects of the embodiment] (1) The water supply and drainage device 10 of the above-mentioned embodiments (particularly the first and second embodiments) includes a first container (water supply tank) 11 having a first storage space S1 surrounded by a bottom surface, a side surface, and a top surface, and a second container (heating tank) 12 having a second storage space S2 surrounded by a bottom surface and a side surface. The first container 11 is formed with a discharge port 34 for discharging liquid stored in the first storage space S1 to the second storage space S2, and a supply port 36 that is disposed at a position higher than the discharge port 34 and for supplying liquid to the first storage space S1. The first storage space S1 includes a first region R1 that communicates with the supply port 36, a third region R3 that is horizontally adjacent to the first region R1, and a second region R2 that is horizontally adjacent to the third region R3 and communicates with the discharge port 34. The first container 11 includes a first partition wall 41 disposed at the boundary between the first region R1 and the third region R3, and a second partition wall 42 disposed at the boundary between the second region R2 and the third region R3. A first communication port 43 that communicates the first region R1 with the third region R3 is formed in the first partition wall 41, and a second communication port 44 that is disposed at a position higher than the first communication port 43 and communicates the second region R2 with the third region R3 is formed in the second partition wall 42. The lower end of the discharge port 34 is disposed inside the second storage space S2 below the maximum liquid level Lmax of the second storage space S2.

[0076] According to the above configuration, the liquid supplied from the supply port 36 is stored in the first region R1 of the first storage space S1, further stored in the third region R3 through the first communication port 43, and stored in the second region R2 through the second communication port 44. The liquid discharged from the discharge port 34 of the first container 11 is stored in the second storage space S2 of the second container 12. When the liquid level in the second storage space S2 is equal to or higher than the lower end of the discharge port 34, the second region R2 is sealed with the liquid in the first region R1 and the third region R3, and the second region R2 is in a sealed state. Therefore, the liquid is not discharged from the discharge port 34 to the second storage space S2, and the overflow of water in the second container 12 can be suppressed. When the liquid level in the second storage space S2 becomes lower than the lower end of the discharge port 34, the seal of the second region R2 is released, and the liquid in the first storage space S1 is supplied from the discharge port 34 to the second storage space S2.

[0077] (2) The water supply and drainage device 10 of the above-mentioned embodiments (particularly the third and fourth embodiments) includes a first container (water supply tank) 11 having a first storage space S1 surrounded by a bottom surface, a side surface, and a top surface, and a second container (heating tank) 12 having a second storage space S2 surrounded by a bottom surface and a side surface. The first container 11 is formed with a discharge port 34 for discharging liquid (water) stored in the first storage space S1 to the second storage space S2, and a supply port 36 that is disposed at a position higher than the discharge port 34 and for supplying liquid to the first storage space S1. The first storage space S1 includes a first region R1 that communicates with the supply port 36, and a second region R2 that is horizontally adjacent to the first region R1. The first container 11 includes a first partition wall 41 that is disposed at the boundary between the first region R1 and the second region R2. A communication port 43 is formed in the first partition wall 41. The communication port 43 is located at a position lower than the supply port 36 and communicates the first region R1 with the second region R2. The upper end of the communication port 43 and the lower end of the discharge port 34 are located below the maximum liquid level Lmax of the second storage space S2 inside the second storage space S2.

[0078] According to the above configuration, the liquid supplied from the supply port 36 is stored in the first region R1 of the first storage space S1, and is also stored in the second region R2 through the communication port 43. The liquid discharged from the discharge port 34 of the first container 11 is stored in the second storage space S2 of the second container 12. When the liquid level in the second storage space S2 is equal to or higher than the upper ends of the discharge port 34 and the communication port 43, the second region R2 is sealed with the liquid in the first region R1, and the second region R2 is in a sealed state. Therefore, the liquid is not discharged from the discharge port 34 to the second storage space S2, and the overflow of the liquid in the second container 12 can be suppressed. When the liquid level in the second storage space S2 becomes lower than the upper ends of the discharge port 34 or the communication port 43, the sealing of the second region R2 is released, and the liquid in the first storage space S1 is supplied from the discharge port 34 to the second storage space S2.

[0079] (3) In the above embodiment, the first container 11 is formed with an opening (atmosphere opening) 37 that opens the second region R2 to the atmosphere, and the water supply and drainage device further includes a lid 38 that opens and closes the opening 37. With this configuration, by opening the lid 38 to open the second region R2 to the atmosphere, it becomes possible to supply liquid from the supply port 36 and store the liquid in the first storage space S1, and by closing the lid 38, it becomes possible to seal the second region R2.

[0080] (4) In the above embodiment, the opening 37 is smaller than the supply port 36. In this way, by making the opening 37 smaller than the supply port 36, the opening 37 can be easily closed by the lid 38, and the second region R2 can be easily sealed. Conversely, by making the supply port 36 larger than the opening 37, the liquid can be easily supplied to the first storage space S1.

[0081] (5) In the above embodiment, the lid 38 closes the opening 37 and covers the supply port 36. As a result, by using the lid 38 to close the opening 37 while covering the supply port 36, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the first storage space S1 through the supply port 36.

[0082] (6) In the above embodiment, the supply port 36 and the opening 37 are formed adjacent to each other, and the supply port 36 and the opening 37 are partitioned by the first communication port 43. As a result, when liquid is supplied to the supply port 36, even if the liquid passes over the first communication port 43 and deviates from the supply port, the liquid can be supplied from the opening 37 into the first container 11.

[0083] (7) In the above embodiment, the lid 38 has the sealing portion 38a2 that comes into close contact with the opening 37 and the support portion 38a1 that supports the sealing portion 38a2. This allows the opening 37 to be reliably blocked by the sealing portion 38a2, and the second region R2 to be sealed.

[0084] (8) In the above embodiment, the valve device 13 for opening and closing the discharge port 34 is further provided, and the valve device 13 includes a valve body 24 for opening and closing the discharge port 34, and an opening and closing mechanism 25 for operating the valve body 24. The opening and closing mechanism 25 opens the valve body 24 when the first container 11 is in a first position (see FIG. 6A) for discharging liquid to the second container 12, and closes the valve body 24 when the first container 11 is in a second position (see FIG. 6B) in which the first container 11 is tilted from the first position, or in a third position in which the first container 11 is elevated from the first position. Therefore, the discharge port 34 is closed by the valve body 24 by tilting the first container 11 from the first position, so that the liquid in the first container 11 does not leak from the discharge port 34, and the liquid can be supplied from the supply port 36 into the first container 11.

[0085] Although the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10: Water supply and drainage equipment 11: Water tank (first container) 12: Heating tank (second container) 34: Outlet 36: Supply port 37: Opening (opening to the atmosphere) 38: Lid 38a1: Support part 38a2: Seal part 38b: Covering part 41: First partition wall 42: Second partition wall 43: 1st communication port 44:Second communication port Lmax: Maximum liquid level R1: 1st area R2: 2nd area R3: 3rd area S1: First storage space S2: Second storage space

Claims

1. A first container (11) having a first storage space (S1) surrounded by a bottom surface, a side surface, and a top surface; A second container (12) having a second storage space (S2) surrounded by a bottom surface and a side surface, The first container (11) is formed with a discharge port (34) for discharging the liquid stored in the first storage space (S1) to the second storage space (S2), and a supply port (36) that is arranged at a position higher than the discharge port (34) and for supplying liquid to the first storage space (S1), the first storage space (S1) includes a first region (R1) communicating with the supply port (36), a third region (R3) horizontally adjacent to the first region (R1), and a second region (R2) horizontally adjacent to the third region (R3) and communicating with the discharge port (34), The first container (11) includes a first partition wall (41) disposed at the boundary between the first region (R1) and the third region (R3), and a second partition wall (42) disposed at the boundary between the second region (R2) and the third region (R3), A first communication port (43) that communicates the first region (R1) and the third region (R3) is formed in the first partition wall (41), A second communication port (44) is formed in the second partition wall (42), the second communication port (44) being located at a position higher than the first communication port (43) and communicating between the second region (R2) and the third region (R3), A water supply and drainage device, wherein a lower end of the discharge outlet (34) is disposed inside the second storage space (S2) below a maximum liquid level in the second storage space (S2).

2. A first container (11) having a first storage space (S1) surrounded by a bottom surface, a side surface, and a top surface; A second container (12) having a second storage space (S2) surrounded by a bottom surface and a side surface, The first container (11) is formed with a discharge port (34) for discharging the liquid stored in the first storage space (S1) to the second storage space (S2), and a supply port (36) that is arranged at a position higher than the discharge port (34) and for supplying liquid to the first storage space (S1), The first storage space (S1) includes a first region (R1) communicating with the supply port (36) and a second region (R2) horizontally adjacent to the first region (R1), The first container (11) includes a first partition wall (41) disposed at the boundary between the first region (R1) and the second region (R2), a communication port (43) is formed in the first partition wall (41), the communication port (43) being located at a position lower than the supply port (36) and communicating between the first region (R1) and the second region (R2); A water supply and drainage device, wherein an upper end (43a) of the communication port (43) and a lower end of the discharge port (34) are positioned inside the second storage space (S2) below a maximum liquid level (Lmax) of the second storage space (S2).

3. The first container (11) is formed with an opening (37) that opens the second region (R2) to the atmosphere, The water supply and drainage system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a lid (38) for opening and closing the opening (37).

4. The water supply and drainage system according to claim 3, wherein the opening (37) is smaller than the supply port (36).

5. The water supply and drainage system according to claim 3 , wherein the lid (38) closes the opening (37) and covers the supply port (36).

6. The supply port (36) and the opening (37) are formed adjacent to each other, The water supply and drainage system according to claim 3, wherein the supply port (36) and the opening (37) are partitioned by the first partition wall (41).

7. The water supply and drainage system according to claim 3, wherein the lid (38) has a sealing portion (38a2) that is in close contact with the opening (37), and a support portion (38a1) that supports the sealing portion (38a2).

8. The apparatus further includes a valve device (13) for opening and closing the exhaust port (34), The valve device (13) includes a valve body (24) that opens and closes the discharge port (34), and an opening and closing mechanism (25) that operates the valve body (24), The water supply and drainage device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening and closing mechanism (25) opens the valve body (24) when the first container (11) is in a first position for discharging liquid into the second container (12), and closes the valve body (24) when the first container (11) is in a second position inclined relative to the first position, or in a third position in which the first container (11) is raised higher than the first position.

Images