Humidifier, filter unit, holding frame, and humidification filter

Abstract

To provide a humidifier capable of easily drying a humidification filter.SOLUTION: A humidifier includes a humidification filter, a water storage tray, and a rotation transmission part. The humidification filter has air permeability and a water absorption property. The water storage tray is arranged below the humidification filter. The rotation transmission part transmits rotation power to the humidification filter. The rotation transmission part includes: a drive part rotationally driving by a motor; and a driven part made to rotate by the rotational drive of the drive part. The rotation transmission part also has a moving up mechanism which moves up a position of the humidification filter according to a rotation position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a humidifier, a filter unit, a holding frame, and a humidifier filter. [Background technology]

[0002] In the humidifier described in Patent Document 1, the vaporization filter is capable of moving up and down between a position where it is immersed in water and a position where it is separated from water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-155990 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for an easy drying method for a humidifying filter, which is a vaporization filter.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a humidifier, a filter unit, a holding frame, and a humidifying filter that are capable of easily drying a humidifying filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a humidifying device includes a humidifying filter, a water storage tray, and a rotary transmission unit. The humidifying filter is breathable and absorbent. The water storage tray is disposed below the humidifying filter. The rotary transmission unit transmits rotational power to the humidifying filter. The rotary transmission unit has a drive unit that is rotationally driven by a motor, and a driven unit that is rotated by the rotational drive of the drive unit. The rotary transmission unit further has a lifting mechanism that lifts the position of the humidifying filter depending on a rotational position.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a filter unit is used in the humidifier. The filter unit includes the humidifying filter and a holding frame. The humidifying filter has air permeability and water absorbency. The holding frame is the eccentric rotor including the lifting mechanism and is the driven part that holds the humidifying filter.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a holding frame is used in the filter unit.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a humidifying filter is used in the above-mentioned filter unit. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the humidifier, filter unit, holding frame, and humidifying filter of the present disclosure, the humidifying filter can be easily dried. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidifier according to the first embodiment taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the humidifying filter of the first embodiment is immersed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the humidifying filter of the first embodiment is not immersed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a rotary transmission part of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a humidifier according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is another diagram showing a humidifier according to the first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a humidifier according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a humidifier according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 11 is another view showing a humidifier according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the humidifier of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference symbols and the description will not be repeated. For convenience of explanation, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is appropriately depicted in the drawings. In the drawings, the X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] First, a humidifier 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the humidifier 100 according to the present embodiment. The humidifier 100 humidifies air by an evaporation method.

[0014] 1, the humidifier 100 includes a housing 102 and an operation unit 140. For example, the outer shape of the housing 102 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0015] Operation unit 140 is disposed on top surface 102a of housing 102. Operation unit 140 accepts input for operating humidifier 100. For example, operation unit 140 is in the form of a panel. Operation unit 140 may also have a display unit that displays the state of humidifier 100.

[0016] The air outlet 102f is disposed on the upper surface 102a of the housing 102. Air or wind blows out from the air outlet 102f.

[0017] Next, the humidifier 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidifier 100 according to this embodiment taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the side of the humidifier 100. In Fig. 2, the air flow is indicated by white arrows. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the humidifying filter 127 of this embodiment is immersed. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the humidifying filter 127 of this embodiment is not immersed.

[0018] 2, the humidifier 100 further includes a deodorizing filter 104, a dust collecting filter 106, a blower 110, a humidifier 120, and a rotary transmission unit 130, in addition to a housing 102. Note that the operation unit 140 is omitted in FIG.

[0019] The housing 102 accommodates a deodorizing filter 104, a dust collecting filter 106, a blower section 110, a humidifier section 120, and a rotary transmission section 130.

[0020] The rotary transmission unit 130 is disposed within the housing 102. The rotary transmission unit 130 drives the humidification unit 120 to perform humidification.

[0021] The air inlet 102s is disposed on the rear surface 102b of the housing 102. Air is sucked into the housing 102 through the air inlet 102s.

[0022] The deodorizing filter 104 is disposed downstream of the suction port 102s. The deodorizing filter 104 is disposed facing the multiple suction ports 102s. The deodorizing filter 104 adsorbs odorous components in the air. The odorous components are, for example, acetaldehyde, ammonia, or acetic acid. The deodorizing filter 104 is disposed facing the multiple suction ports 102s. The deodorizing filter 104 has a configuration in which activated carbon is dispersed and held in a nonwoven fabric, for example, and adsorbs or removes odorous components in the air.

[0023] The dust collection filter 106 is disposed downstream of the suction port 102s. The dust collection filter 106 is disposed facing the multiple suction ports 102s via the deodorizing filter 104. The dust collection filter 106 captures or removes fine dust particles in the air. The dust collection filter 106 is, for example, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.

[0024] An air passage PS that connects the plurality of suction ports 102s and the air outlet 102f is formed inside the housing 102. Air is sucked in through the plurality of suction ports 102s by the air blower 110, and the air is blown out through the air outlet 102f.

[0025] Air passage PS includes a first air passage PS1 from the multiple air inlets 102s to the blower 110, and a second air passage PS2 from the blower 110 to the outlet 102f. The second air passage PS2 is located downstream of the first air passage PS1.

[0026] Housing 102 has a wall surface 102p that defines first air passage PS1 and a wall surface 102q that defines second air passage PS2.

[0027] The blower 110 is disposed inside the housing 102. The blower 110 blows air from the upstream side of the air passage PS downstream.

[0028] Blower 110 includes fan 112 and fan motor 114. Fan 112 rotates to blow air upstream of air passage PS relative to fan 112 toward downstream of air passage PS relative to fan 112. Fan motor 114 drives fan 112 to rotate fan 112.

[0029] The humidifier 120 is disposed in the housing 102. The humidifier 120 humidifies the air in the housing 102. In detail, the humidifier 120 humidifies the air on the air passage PS in the housing 102. Here, the humidifier 120 humidifies the air on the first air passage PS1 in the housing 102.

[0030] The humidifying section 120 includes a water storage tray 122 , a pair of shaft supports 124 , a rotating shaft 125 , and a filter unit 126 .

[0031] The filter unit 126 is rotated. The filter unit 126 includes a humidifying filter 127 and a holding frame 128.

[0032] The humidifying filter 127 is breathable and water-absorbent. The humidifying filter 127 absorbs the liquid LQ in the water storage tray 122. In addition, wind passes through the humidifying filter 127. Therefore, the liquid LQ absorbed in the humidifying filter 127 evaporates and is included in the air passing through the humidifying filter 127. In this way, the humidifying filter 127 functions as an evaporation filter.

[0033] 3, the holding frame 128 holds the humidifying filter 127. The holding frame 128 has a substantially disk shape and is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The holding frame 128 includes a substantially annular frame body 128a. The holding frame 128 has a ring gear 128x.

[0034] The ring gear 128x is rotated by the rotational drive of the drive unit 132. The ring gear 128x is provided on a substantially annular frame body 128a of the holding frame 128. The ring gear 128x is provided circumferentially on the outer circumferential surface of the frame body 128a. The ring gear 128x corresponds to an example of a "driven gear." The ring gear 128x and the frame body 128a may be formed integrally.

[0035] The water storage tray 122 stores the liquid LQ. The water storage tray 122 is disposed below the humidifying filter 127. Specifically, the water storage tray 122 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 102 in correspondence with the humidifying filter 127. The water storage tray 122 stores the liquid LQ that is absorbed by the humidifying filter 127. The water storage tray 122 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0036] The pair of shaft supports 124 extend upward from the upper portions of a pair of side walls of the water storage tray 122. The pair of shaft supports 124 support the humidifying filter 127 rotatably about a rotation axis 125. In other words, the pair of shaft supports 124 support the humidifying filter 127 rotatably about a rotation axis AX1.

[0037] Each of the pair of shaft supports 124 includes, for example, a U-shaped or circular support portion 124a. The support portion 124a has an opening larger than the diameter of the rotating shaft 125. That is, the rotating shaft 125 is movable within the support portion 124a. Within the support portion 124a, the rotating shaft 125 is movable in the up-down direction. Also, for example, within the support portion 124a, the rotating shaft 125 is movable in the left-right direction.

[0038] The rotating shaft 125 passes through the humidifying filter 127. As shown in FIG. 2, the rotating shaft 125 is rotatably supported by a pair of support portions 124a. The rotating shaft 125 is disposed on a rotation axis line AX1. The rotating shaft 125 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The rotating shaft 125 corresponds to an example of a "second rotating shaft." The position of the rotating shaft 125 can be changed in the vertical direction above a rotating shaft 135 described later.

[0039] Rotating shaft 125 supports humidifying filter 127 rotatably about rotation axis AX1. Specifically, rotating shaft 125 supports holding frame 128 rotatably. Rotating shaft 125 is fixed to the rotation center of humidifying filter 127 held by holding frame 128. Note that rotating shaft 125 may be fixed to the rotation center of holding frame 128.

[0040] The humidifying filter 127 held by the holding frame 128 is disposed on the air passage PS shown in Fig. 2. The humidifying filter 127 can rotate about a rotation axis AX1. The humidifying filter 127 is disposed on the air passage PS downstream of the air inlet 102s, the deodorizing filter 104, and the dust collecting filter 106 in the air flow. Specifically, the humidifying filter 127 is disposed between the blower 110 and the air inlet 102s.

[0041] A portion of the humidifying filter 127 is located within the water storage tray 122 and is immersed in the liquid LQ in the water storage tray 122. Specifically, when a predetermined liquid level of the liquid LQ is stored in the water storage tray 122, a portion of the humidifying filter 127 is located within the water storage tray 122 and is immersed in the liquid LQ in the water storage tray 122. For example, the liquid LQ is water. Note that the liquid LQ may be water to which a predetermined component has been added.

[0042] Air in the room in which the humidifier 100 is installed is drawn from the intake port 102s by the air blower 110 into the liquid-absorbed humidifier filter 127. Therefore, the liquid LQ absorbed in the humidifier filter 127 evaporates into the air passing through the humidifier filter 127. Thereafter, the air containing the evaporated liquid LQ is blown out from the exhaust port 102f by the air blower 110 toward the room in which the humidifier 100 is installed. In this manner, the air in the room in which the humidifier 100 is installed is humidified.

[0043] The rotation transmission part 130 transmits rotational power to the humidifying filter 127. Specifically, the rotation transmission part 130 abuts against the peripheral edge part of the holding frame 128 to rotate the holding frame 128 in the circumferential direction. The rotation transmission part 130 has a drive part 132, a motor 134, a driven part, a gear roller 133, and a lifting mechanism 132a.

[0044] The motor 134 rotates the drive unit 132 .

[0045] The gear roller 133 is rotated by the rotational drive of the drive unit 132. Specifically, the gear roller 133 is rotated via the ring gear 128x by the rotational drive of the drive unit 132. The gear roller 133 rotatably supports the ring gear 128x. The gear roller 133 rotates about a rotation axis AX3.

[0046] The gear roller 133 has a rotating shaft 136. The rotating shaft 136 supports the gear roller 133 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis AX3. The rotating shaft 136 is disposed on the rotation axis AX3. The rotating shaft 136 is parallel to the rotation axis AX3. The rotation axis AX3 is parallel to the rotation axis AX1. The rotating shaft 136 is fixed to the center of rotation of the gear roller 133. The rotating shaft 136 is supported by the water storage tray 122. The rotating shaft 136 has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0047] The gear roller 133 is disposed at a distance from the driving unit 132. The distance from the rotation shaft 136 to the outer circumferential edge of the gear roller 133 is constant.

[0048] The driving unit 132 is rotationally driven by a motor 134 shown in FIG. 2. The driving unit 132 has a rotation shaft 135. The rotation shaft 135 corresponds to a "first rotation shaft." The rotation shaft 135 supports the driving unit 132 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis AX2. The rotation shaft 135 is disposed on the rotation axis AX2. The rotation axis AX2 is approximately parallel to the rotation axis AX1. The rotation shaft 135 connects the driving unit 132 and the motor 134. The rotation shaft 135 passes through the driving unit 132. The rotation shaft 135 is supported by the water storage tray 122. The vertical position of the rotation shaft 135 is fixed. The rotation shaft 135 has an approximately columnar shape.

[0049] The driven part is rotated by the rotational drive of the drive part 132. In this embodiment, the driven part is the holding frame 128. In other words, the holding frame 128 also serves as the driven part.

[0050] The lifting mechanism 132a lifts the position of the humidifying filter 127 in accordance with the rotational position. This changes the distance between the humidifying filter 127 and the water in the water storage tray 122. In other words, the degree to which the humidifying filter 127 is submerged in water can be changed. This allows the humidifying filter 127 to be separated from the water surface. As a result, the humidifying filter 127 can be easily dried. Furthermore, the period during which the humidifying filter 127 is submerged in water can be shortened, which can prevent mold from growing on the humidifying filter 127.

[0051] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism 132a is configured to move the rotating shaft 125 upward and away from the rotating shaft 135 depending on the rotation position. For example, the lifting mechanism 132a moves the rotating shaft 125 from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position of the rotating shaft 125 shown in FIG. 4. As the rotating shaft 125 rises, the position of the humidifying filter 127 also moves. Therefore, the lifting mechanism 132a can lift the humidifying filter 127. As a result, the humidifying filter 127 can be lifted to a position where the humidifying filter 127 is not immersed.

[0052] Moreover, the driving unit 132 of this embodiment is an eccentric rotor whose center of rotation is offset from the center. Specifically, the driving unit 132 is an eccentric rotor whose axis of rotation is offset from the center. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer shape of the eccentric rotor is non-circular. Therefore, there are parts where the distance from the center of rotation of the driving unit 132 to the outer edge of the driving unit 132 varies. Therefore, the humidifying filter 127 repeatedly rises and falls while rotating according to the distance from the center of rotation of the driving unit 132. That is, the position of the humidifying filter 127 can be raised according to the rotation position of the eccentric rotor.

[0053] The driving unit 132 is a driving gear. Specifically, the driving unit 132 is an eccentric gear. In other words, the outer shape of the eccentric rotor is represented by an imaginary line connecting the peaks of the gear crests. The outer shape of the eccentric rotor may also be represented by an imaginary line connecting the bottoms of the gear valleys.

[0054] The ring gear 128x of the holding frame 128 meshes with the teeth of the drive gear. The ring gear 128x surrounds the outer periphery of the humidifying filter 127. That is, the ring gear 128x holds the humidifying filter 127 inside. Therefore, when the drive gear is rotated by the motor 134, the driven gear rotates and the holding frame 128 rotates about the rotation axis AX1. Then, together with the holding frame 128, the humidifying filter 127 rotates about the rotation axis AX1.

[0055] Next, the rotary transmission part 130 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the rotary transmission part 130 of this embodiment.

[0056] 3 to 5, in this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 132a of the rotation transmission unit 130 constitutes a part of the drive unit 132. In other words, the drive unit 132 is an eccentric rotor and includes the lifting mechanism 132a. Therefore, as the drive unit 132 rotates, the lifting mechanism 132a repeatedly comes into contact with and separates from the holding frame 128. As a result, when the lifting mechanism 132a comes into contact with the holding frame 128, the humidifying filter 127 is lifted.

[0057] The drive unit 132 further includes a non-lifting mechanism 132b. The non-lifting mechanism 132b is a portion where the distance from the rotation shaft 135 to the outer circumferential edge of the drive unit 132 is a second distance L2.

[0058] 3 to 5, the lifting mechanism 132a is a portion of the eccentric rotor that includes the farthest end 132c in the radial direction of the rotation shaft 135 of the eccentric rotor. The farthest end 132c is a portion where the distance from the rotation shaft 135 to the outer circumferential edge of the drive unit 132 is a first distance L1. The first distance L1 is the portion where the distance from the rotation shaft 135 to the outer circumferential edge of the drive unit 132 is the longest. Therefore, the first distance L1 is longer than the second distance L2.

[0059] The lifting mechanism 132a lifts the humidifying filter 127 in accordance with the rotational position of the drive unit 132. Specifically, the lifting mechanism 132a lifts the position of the humidifying filter 127 at a rotational position where the humidifying filter 127 comes into contact with the holding frame 128. That is, the position of the humidifying filter 127 when the farthest end 132c comes into contact with the holding frame 128 is higher than the position of the humidifying filter 127 when the non-lifting mechanism 132b comes into contact with the holding frame 128. Therefore, the lifting mechanism 132a can lift the humidifying filter 127. As a result, the humidifying filter 127 can be positioned above the water surface.

[0060] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the lifting mechanism 132a and the holding frame 128 come into contact with each other, the humidifying filter 127 moves to the first position. The first position indicates a position where the distance from the bottom surface 122a of the water storage tray 122 to the outer peripheral surface of the humidifying filter 127 is the third distance L3. The third distance L3 is a distance where the humidifying filter 127 is located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the water storage tray 122. In other words, the humidifying filter 127 located at the first position is not immersed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the non-lifting mechanism 132b and the holding frame 128 come into contact with each other, the humidifying filter 127 moves to the second position. The second position indicates a position where the distance from the bottom surface 122a of the water storage tray 122 to the outer peripheral surface of the humidifying filter 127 is the fourth distance L4. The fourth distance L4 is smaller than the third distance L3. The fourth distance L4 is the distance at which the humidifying filter 127 is immersed in the liquid stored in the water storage tray 122.

[0061] The lifting mechanism 132a includes a detection target 137. The detection target 137 is, for example, a magnet.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, the humidifier 100 further includes a sensor S. The sensor S detects a rotational position. Specifically, the sensor S detects a rotational position at which the lifting mechanism 132a of the eccentric rotor contacts the holding frame 128. The sensor S can therefore detect that the humidifying filter 127 has risen to a position where it is not immersed. Thus, in response to the sensor S detecting the rotational position, the rotation of the humidifying filter 127 can be stopped. As a result, the occurrence of mold on the humidifying filter 127 can be further suppressed.

[0063] The sensor S detects the detection target 137 of the lifting mechanism 132a. The sensor S is a Hall IC that detects the magnetic force of the detection target 137. The sensor S is attached to the water storage tray 122. The sensor S is disposed above the rotating shaft 135. The sensor S is also disposed on the rotation starting point of the lifting mechanism 132a. The sensor S is disposed between the rotating shaft 135 and the rotating shaft 125. The sensor S may be something other than a Hall IC as long as it can detect the position of the lifting mechanism 132a.

[0064] Modifications 1 and 2 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions as those described in the present embodiment will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and the description of the present embodiment will be used as a reference. In the modifications, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the present embodiment will be used as a reference for the other parts.

[0065] [Variation 1] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a humidifier 100 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. Fig. 7 is another diagram showing the humidifier 100 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. Modification 1 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the outer shape of the drive unit 132 is circular.

[0066] The rotation transmission part 130 of the first modification transmits rotational power to the filter unit 126. Specifically, the rotation transmission part 130 abuts against the peripheral edge part of the holding frame 128 to rotate the filter unit 126 in the circumferential direction. The rotation transmission part 130 has a drive part 132, a motor (not shown), the holding frame 128, and a lifting mechanism 132a.

[0067] A motor (not shown) rotates the drive portion 132 .

[0068] The holding frame 128 is rotated by the rotational drive of the drive unit 132. The holding frame 128 is provided in the filter unit 126.

[0069] The drive unit 132 is rotationally driven by a motor 134. The drive unit 132 has a rotation shaft 135. The rotation shaft 135 supports the drive unit 132 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis line AX2. The rotation shaft 135 is supported by the water storage tray 122. The position of the rotation shaft 135 in the vertical direction is fixed.

[0070] Moreover, drive unit 132 in Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 is an eccentric rotor whose rotation shaft 135 is offset from the center. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the outer shape of the eccentric rotor is circular. Therefore, there are portions where the distance from rotation shaft 135 of drive unit 132 to the outer edge of drive unit 132 varies. Therefore, humidifying filter 127 repeatedly rises and falls depending on the distance from rotation shaft 135 to the outer edge. In other words, the position of humidifying filter 127 can be raised depending on the rotational position of the eccentric rotor.

[0071] Lifting mechanism 132a of Modification 1 is a portion that includes farthest end 132c. In Modification 1, rotation shaft 135 of drive unit 132 is eccentric with respect to the center of drive unit 132, so that drive unit 132 rotates eccentrically. As drive unit 132 rotates eccentrically, humidifying filter 127 repeatedly rises and falls while rotating.

[0072] [Variation 2] 8 is a diagram showing a humidifier 100 according to a second modification of the first embodiment. The second modification differs from the first embodiment in that it does not have a holding frame 128.

[0073] The humidifying filter 127 of the second modification has breathability and water absorbency. The humidifying filter 127 absorbs the liquid LQ in the water storage tray 122. In addition, the humidifying filter 127 allows air to pass through it.

[0074] The humidifying filter 127 rotates about a rotation axis AX1. A portion of the humidifying filter 127 is immersed in the liquid LQ in the water storage tray 122. The air blower 110 blows air containing the evaporated liquid LQ from the air outlet 102f toward the room in which the humidifier 100 is installed. In this manner, the air in the room in which the humidifier 100 is installed is humidified.

[0075] Rotational transmission part 130 transmits rotational power to humidifying filter 127. Specifically, rotational transmission part 130 abuts against the peripheral edge part of humidifying filter 127 to rotate humidifying filter 127 in the circumferential direction.

[0076] The rotary transmission unit 130 includes a drive unit 132, a motor 134, and a lifting mechanism 132a.

[0077] The peripheral portion of humidifying filter 127 of modification 2 has a gear shape. The gear shape is provided circumferentially on the outer circumferential surface of humidifying filter 127. The gear shape corresponds to an example of a "driven gear."

[0078] The gear shape on the periphery of humidifying filter 127 meshes with the teeth of a drive gear of drive unit 132. The gear shape on the periphery of humidifying filter 127 surrounds the outer periphery of humidifying filter 127. Therefore, when the drive gear that meshes with the gear shape is rotated by motor 134, humidifying filter 127 rotates about rotation axis AX1.

[0079] Moreover, drive unit 132 in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 is an eccentric rotor whose rotation shaft 135 is offset from the center. As shown in FIG. 8, the outer shape of the eccentric rotor is circular. Therefore, there are portions where the distance from rotation shaft 135 of drive unit 132 to the outer edge of drive unit 132 varies. Therefore, humidifying filter 127 repeatedly rises and falls depending on the distance from rotation shaft 135 to the outer edge. In other words, the position of humidifying filter 127 can be raised depending on the rotational position of the eccentric rotor.

[0080] Lifting mechanism 132a of Modification 2 is a portion that includes farthest end 132c. In Modification 2, rotation shaft 135 of drive unit 132 is eccentric with respect to the center of drive unit 132, so that drive unit 132 rotates eccentrically. As drive unit 132 rotates eccentrically, humidifying filter 127 repeatedly rises and falls while rotating.

[0081] [Embodiment 2] A humidifier 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. In the following description, members having substantially the same functions as those described in the first embodiment will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and the description of the first embodiment will be used. In the second embodiment, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the second embodiment will be used for the other parts.

[0082] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the humidifier 100 according to embodiment 2. Fig. 10 is another diagram showing the humidifier 100 according to embodiment 2. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the humidifier 100 of embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in that the holding frame 128 is an eccentric rotor.

[0083] The humidifying section 120 of the second embodiment includes a water storage tray 122, a pair of shaft supports 124 (see FIG. 1), a rotating shaft 125, and a filter unit 126.

[0084] The filter unit 126 is rotated. The filter unit 126 includes a humidifying filter 127 and a holding frame 128.

[0085] The humidifying filter 127 is breathable and water-absorbent. The humidifying filter 127 absorbs the liquid LQ in the water storage tray 122. In addition, wind passes through the humidifying filter 127. Therefore, the liquid LQ absorbed in the humidifying filter 127 evaporates and is included in the air passing through the humidifying filter 127. In this way, the humidifying filter 127 functions as an evaporation filter.

[0086] The holding frame 128 holds the humidifying filter 127. The holding frame 128 has a substantially disk shape and is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The holding frame 128 includes a substantially annular frame body 128a. The holding frame 128 has a ring gear 128x.

[0087] The ring gear 128x is rotated by the rotational drive of the drive unit 132. The ring gear 128x is provided on a substantially annular frame body 128a of the holding frame 128. The ring gear 128x is provided circumferentially on the outer circumferential surface of the frame body 128a. The ring gear 128x corresponds to an example of a "driven gear." The ring gear 128x and the frame body 128a may be formed integrally.

[0088] The water storage tray 122 stores the liquid LQ to be absorbed by the humidifying filter 127. The water storage tray 122 is disposed below the humidifying filter 127.

[0089] The pair of shaft supports 124 support the humidifying filter 127 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis AX1.

[0090] Each of the pair of shaft supports 124 includes, for example, a U-shaped or circular support portion 124a (see FIG. 1). The support portion 124a has an opening larger than the diameter of the rotating shaft 125. That is, the rotating shaft 125 is movable within the support portion 124a. Within the support portion 124a, the rotating shaft 125 is movable in the up-down direction. Also, for example, within the support portion 124a, the rotating shaft 125 is movable in the left-right direction.

[0091] Rotating shaft 125 passes through humidifying filter 127. Rotating shaft 125 is rotatably supported by a pair of support portions 124a. Rotating shaft 125 is disposed on a rotation axis AX1. Rotating shaft 125 corresponds to an example of a "second rotating shaft."

[0092] The rotation shaft 125 supports the humidifying filter 127 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis AX1. The rotation shaft 125 is fixed to the rotation center of a holding frame 128.

[0093] The rotation transmission unit 130 transmits the rotational power to the humidifying filter 127. The rotation transmission unit 130 has a drive unit 132, a motor 134, a driven unit, and a lifting mechanism 132a.

[0094] A motor 134 (see FIG. 2) rotates the drive portion 132 .

[0095] The driving unit 132 is rotationally driven by a motor 134. The driving unit 132 has a rotation shaft 135. The rotation shaft 135 corresponds to a "first rotation shaft." The rotation shaft 135 supports the driving unit 132 so that it can rotate freely around a rotation axis line AX2. The rotation shaft 135 connects the driving unit 132 and the motor 134. The rotation shaft 135 is supported by the water storage tray 122. The position of the rotation shaft 135 in the vertical direction is fixed.

[0096] The driven part is rotated by the rotational drive of the drive part 132. In this embodiment, the driven part is the holding frame 128. In other words, the holding frame 128 also serves as the driven part.

[0097] The lifting mechanism 132a lifts the position of the humidifying filter 127 in accordance with the rotational position. This makes it possible to change the distance between the humidifying filter 127 and the water in the water storage tray 122. In other words, it is possible to change the degree to which the humidifying filter 127 is submerged in water. This makes it possible to separate the humidifying filter 127 from the water surface. As a result, the humidifying filter 127 can be dried. Furthermore, the period during which the humidifying filter 127 is submerged in water can be shortened, making it possible to suppress the occurrence of mold on the humidifying filter 127.

[0098] Moreover, the holding frame 128 of this embodiment is an eccentric rotor whose center of rotation is offset from the center. Specifically, the holding frame 128 is an eccentric rotor whose axis of rotation is offset from the center. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the outer shape of the eccentric rotor is non-circular. Therefore, there are portions where the distance from the center of rotation of the holding frame 128 to the outer edge of the frame body 128a varies. Therefore, the humidifying filter 127 repeatedly rises and falls while rotating according to the distance from the center of rotation of the holding frame 128. That is, the position of the humidifying filter 127 can be raised according to the rotational position of the eccentric rotor.

[0099] 9 and 10, in this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 132a of the rotary transmission part 130 constitutes a part of the holding frame 128. In other words, the holding frame 128 is an eccentric rotor and includes the lifting mechanism 132a. Therefore, as the holding frame 128 rotates, the lifting mechanism 132a repeatedly comes into contact with and separates from the drive part 132. As a result, when the lifting mechanism 132a comes into contact with the drive part 132, the humidifying filter 127 is lifted.

[0100] According to the first and second embodiments, one of the drive unit 132 and the holding frame 128 is an eccentric rotor whose rotation axis is offset from the center. The lifting mechanism 132a is a portion of the eccentric rotor that includes the farthest end 132c in the radial direction of the rotation axis of the eccentric rotor. The lifting mechanism 132a lifts the position of the humidifying filter 127 at a rotation position where the lifting mechanism 132a contacts the other of the drive unit 132 and the holding frame 128. Therefore, the distance between the humidifying filter 127 and the water in the water storage tray 122 can be changed. That is, the degree of submersion of the humidifying filter 127 can be changed. Therefore, the humidifying filter 127 can be separated from the water surface. As a result, the humidifying filter 127 can be dried.

[0101] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in each of the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components across different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings are mainly shown schematically for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings are different from the actual ones due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, the speed, material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present disclosure.

[0102] (1) In the first embodiment, the rotating shaft 135 has a generally columnar shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, the rotating shaft 135 may have a crank shape. As a result, the rotation axis AX2 of the rotating shaft 135 and the rotation center of the humidifying filter 127 do not coincide. In other words, the humidifying filter 127 rotates around the rotation axis AX2. Therefore, the rotation of the humidifying filter 127 starts in an elliptical shape, and the humidifying filter 127 can be moved in the vertical direction.

[0103] (2) In the first embodiment, when the non-raising mechanism 132b and the holding frame 128 come into contact with each other, the humidifying filter 127 moves to the second position, but this is not limited thereto. For example, when the non-raising mechanism 132b and the holding frame 128 come into contact with each other, the humidifying filter 127 may move to the third position. The third position indicates a position where the distance from the bottom surface 122a of the water storage tray 122 to the outer circumferential surface of the humidifying filter 127 is the fifth distance. The fifth distance is smaller than the fourth distance. That is, in the third position, the humidifying filter 127 is closer to the bottom surface 122a of the water storage tray 122 than in the second position. Therefore, the humidifying filter 127 in the third position is more immersed than the humidifying filter 127 in the second position. As a result, the humidifying filter 127 can absorb more liquid.

[0104] (3) In the first embodiment, the driving unit 132 is a driving gear, but is not limited to this. The driving unit 132 may be a roller. It is sufficient that the driving unit 132 is capable of driving the humidifying filter 127 to rotate. [Industrial Applicability]

[0105] The present disclosure provides a humidifier, a filter unit, a holding frame, and a humidifier filter, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1: Outer periphery 100: Humidifier 122: Water storage tray 125: Rotation axis 126: Filter unit 127: Humidification filter 128: Holding frame 132: Drive unit 132a: Lifting mechanism 132c: Farthest end 134: Motor 135: Rotation axis 136: Rotation axis S: Sensor

Claims

1. A humidifying filter having breathability and water absorption properties; a water storage tray disposed below the humidifying filter; a rotation transmission unit having a drive unit that is rotationally driven by a motor and a driven unit that is rotated by the rotational drive of the drive unit and transmits rotational power to the humidifying filter; Equipped with The humidifier further includes a lifting mechanism that lifts a position of the humidifying filter in accordance with a rotational position of the rotation transmission portion.

2. The drive unit is a drive gear, The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the driven part includes a driven gear that meshes with teeth of the drive gear and holds the humidifying filter therein so as to surround an outer periphery of the humidifying filter.

3. The first rotation shaft, which is the rotation shaft of the drive unit, is fixed in position in the up-down direction, a second rotation shaft which is a rotation shaft of the humidifying filter, the position of which is variable in the up-down direction above the first rotation shaft; The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to move the second rotation shaft upward and away from the first rotation shaft depending on a rotation position.

4. one of the driving part and the driven part is an eccentric rotor whose rotation axis is offset from the center, 2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism is a portion of the eccentric rotor that includes the farthest end of the rotation axis of the eccentric rotor in a radial direction, and lifts the position of the humidifying filter at a rotational position where it contacts the other of the drive portion and the driven portion.

5. The humidifier according to claim 4 , wherein the eccentric rotor has a non-circular outer shape.

6. The humidifier according to claim 4, wherein the eccentric rotor has a circular outer shape.

7. The humidifier according to claim 4 , further comprising a sensor for detecting a rotational position of the eccentric rotor at which the lifting mechanism contacts the other of the driving portion and the driven portion.

8. The humidifier according to claim 4 , wherein the drive unit is the eccentric rotor and includes the lifting mechanism.

9. The humidifier according to claim 4 , wherein the driven part is the eccentric rotor and includes the lifting mechanism.

10. A filter unit for use in the humidifier according to claim 9, The humidifying filter has air permeability and water absorption properties; the eccentric rotor including the lifting mechanism, a holding frame serving as the driven part for holding the humidifying filter; A filter unit comprising:

11. A holding frame for use in the filter unit according to claim 10.

12. A humidifying filter used in the filter unit according to claim 10.

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