Humidifier

Abstract

To provide a humidifier that eliminates the need of sealing an internal space of a tank.SOLUTION: A humidifier 10 includes a tray 3 and a movable mechanism 30. The tray 3 is supplied with liquid R1 from a tank 4 through a supply passage 7. The movable mechanism 30 moves the tray 3 in a vertical direction D1 with the self-weight of the liquid R1 stored in the tray 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier comprising a tray which is supplied with liquid from a tank. [Background technology]

[0002] As a related art, a humidifier is known that is configured so that a tank (water supply tank) is held in a holding part of a tray (water storage dish) so that liquid (water) in the tank is supplied to the tray (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of humidifier, the tank is attached to the holding part in an inverted position with the water stop lid side including the water stop valve facing downward. In this state, a push-up protrusion erected on the tray pushes the valve body of the water stop valve upward, opening the water stop valve and connecting the tank to the tray.

[0003] Here, the support height of the water stop lid is the same as the standard water level inside the tray. Therefore, when the water level in the tray falls below the standard water level and a gap appears between the water stop lid and the tank, the liquid (contained water) in the tank passes through the gap and is sent to the tray by replacing it with air introduced through the open water stop valve. By the above operation, liquid at the standard water level can be constantly stored inside the tray.

[0004] A water inlet (supply water inlet) is provided on the side of the tank, and the water inlet is covered by a lid that can be opened and closed. Liquid (water) is supplied to the tank through the water inlet, for example, with the lid removed and the water inlet facing upward. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-161104 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the humidifier according to the above-mentioned related art, the liquid in the tank is sent to the tray by replacing it with air that is introduced through the gap between the liquid level in the tray and the water stop lid, so it is essential that the internal space of the tank is sealed. Specifically, the water supply port on the side of the tank needs to be sealed with a lid.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier that does not require the internal space of the tank to be sealed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a humidifier comprising a tray and a movable mechanism, the tray being supplied with liquid from a tank through a supply passage, and the movable mechanism vertically moves the tray by the weight of the liquid in the tray. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a humidifier in which the internal space of the tank does not necessarily need to be sealed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the external appearance of a humidifier according to a first embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the external appearance of the humidifier according to the first embodiment, as viewed obliquely from behind. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the humidifier according to the first embodiment with the humidifying unit removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the humidifier according to the first embodiment with the back panel removed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the humidifying unit of the humidifier according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic left side view showing the structure around the humidification unit of the humidifier according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view, partly cut away, showing the structure around the humidifying unit when the tray of the humidifier according to the first embodiment is in a dry state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view, partly cut away, showing the structure around the humidifying unit when the tray of the humidifier according to the first embodiment is full of water. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main part of the humidifier according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the humidifying unit when the tray of the humidifier according to the first embodiment is at the upper end position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the humidifying unit when the tray of the humidifier according to the first embodiment is in the switching position. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the humidifying unit when the tray of the humidifier according to the first embodiment is at the lower end position. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main part of a humidifier according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overall structure First, the overall configuration of a humidifier 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] 1 to 6 show a state in which the intake filter and the cover have been removed. Also, in Fig. 4, the back panel 113 (see Fig. 1) is omitted, and in Fig. 5 and subsequent figures, the main block 12 (see Fig. 3), the front panel 112 (see Fig. 1), and the back panel 113 are omitted.

[0014] In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the vertical direction when the humidifier 10 is in a usable state is defined as the up-down direction D1. Furthermore, the left-right direction D2 is defined based on the direction in which the humidifier 10 is viewed from the front, and the front side of the humidifier 10 is defined as the front and the back side as the rear, defining the front-rear direction D3. However, these directions are not intended to limit the usage direction of the humidifier 10 (the direction during use).

[0015] 1, the humidifier 10 is used while placed on an installation surface X1, which may be, for example, the top surface of a desk or the floor surface of a room in a house. When placed on the installation surface X1, the humidifier 10 stands on the installation surface X1. That is, the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment is a free-standing and portable device, and the user can freely carry the humidifier 10 and install it at any position on the installation surface X1.

[0016] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the humidifier 10 includes a main body 1 and a humidification unit 2. As shown in Figure 3, the humidification unit 2 is removably attached to the main body 1 (to a unit attachment portion 13 thereof).

[0017] The main body 1 has a housing 11, a main block 12, and a unit mounting portion 13.

[0018] In the present embodiment, as an example, the housing 11 has a generally thin box shape that is flat in the front-rear direction D3. The housing 11 can have various shapes, and may be, for example, a rectangular column shape or a cylindrical shape other than the thin box shape. The housing 11 has a bottom plate 111, a front panel 112, and a back panel 113.

[0019] The bottom plate 111 is a rectangular panel having a length in the left-right direction D2, and comes into contact with the installation surface X1 when the humidifier 10 is installed on the installation surface X1. The front panel 112 and the back panel 113 are arranged above the bottom plate 111 in a state where they are combined in the front-rear direction D3. The main block 12 is housed inside the housing 11 surrounded by the bottom plate 111, the front panel 112, and the back panel 113.

[0020] The front panel 112 is a panel facing forward, and is formed in a generally rectangular shape having a length in the vertical direction D1 when viewed from the front. The back panel 113 is a panel facing backward, and is formed in a generally rectangular shape having a length in the vertical direction D1 when viewed from the rear.

[0021] In the present embodiment, as an example, the housing 11 has an intake port 114 on its rear surface and an outlet port 115 on its upper surface. However, the positions of the intake port 114 and the outlet port 115 are not limited thereto, and for example, the intake port 114 may be provided on the upper surface of the housing 11 and the outlet port 115 may be provided on the front surface of the housing 11.

[0022] Air intake port 114 is a hole (opening) for taking in air into housing 11, and in this embodiment, is formed in back panel 113. Air intake port 114 is made up of multiple holes penetrating back panel 113 in front-rear direction D3. Each of the multiple holes in air intake port 114 has an opening area large enough to prevent a user's fingers from entering.

[0023] An intake filter and a cover are removably attached to the rear of the intake port 114 of the back panel 113. The intake filter is, for example, a dust collection filter or a deodorizing filter. The intake filter is disposed behind the back panel 113 and on the inside (front) of the cover so as to be sandwiched between the back panel 113 and the cover. Therefore, when the cover is removed from the back panel 113, the intake filter is exposed to the rear.

[0024] The air outlet 115 is a hole (opening) for blowing air out of the housing 11, and in this embodiment, is formed in the back panel 113. The air outlet 115 is a hole penetrating the back panel 113 in the up-down direction D1. The air outlet 115 has a horizontally long opening extending along the left-right direction D2, and is open upward.

[0025] The main block 12 is disposed in the housing 11. The main block 12 has a filter driving section 121 (see FIG. 4), a power supply section, a control section, a fan, etc. The filter driving section 121 drives the filter 21 (see FIG. 4) in the humidification unit 2.

[0026] 4, in this embodiment, the filter 21 has a disk shape that is circular when viewed from the back (or the front), and is supported rotatably about its central axis Ax1. The filter driving unit 121 includes a motor and a gear, and drives the filter 21 to rotate by driving the gear that meshes with external teeth 211 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the filter 21 with the motor. Here, the central axis Ax1 is a virtual axis and does not have a substance, but it may be a shaft member with a substance.

[0027] The unit mounting portion 13 is a space for mounting (accommodating) the humidification unit 2. In the present embodiment, as an example, the unit mounting portion 13 is provided from the lower portion to the right side portion of the housing 11.

[0028] Specifically, the unit mounting section 13 is formed above the bottom plate 111, between the main block 12 and the back panel 113 in the front-rear direction D3. Furthermore, the unit mounting section 13 is a space that is open on the right side, and is surrounded by the housing 11 or the main block 12 on both sides in the up-down direction D1, both sides in the front-rear direction D3, and the left side.

[0029] 3, the humidifying unit 2 is attached to the unit attachment part 13 provided on the main body 1 from the right side. In other words, the user can attach and detach the humidifying unit 2 to and from the main body 1 by moving the humidifying unit 2 parallel to the unit attachment part 13 in the left-right direction D2.

[0030] Specifically, the user holds the humidifying unit 2 in his / her hand and pushes the humidifying unit 2 leftward from the right side opening of the unit mounting part 13 to mount the humidifying unit 2 to the main body 1 (the state shown in FIG. 2). Meanwhile, the user holds the humidifying unit 2 in his / her hand and pulls the humidifying unit 2 out to the right from the unit mounting part 13 to remove the humidifying unit 2 from the main body 1 (the state shown in FIG. 3). In this way, the humidifying unit 2 can be attached to and detached from the main body 1 of the humidifier 10 by being inserted or removed from it.

[0031] 4 and 5, the humidifying unit 2 includes a tray 3, a tank 4, a support member 5, and a partition member 6. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the components of the humidifying unit 2 (the tray 3, the tank 4, the support member 5, the partition member 6, etc.) are made of resin.

[0032] A filter 21 is held by the support member 5. However, in this embodiment, the filter 21 is not included in the components of the humidifier 10. In other words, the filter 21 is not included in the components of the humidifier unit 2, and is configured to be removable from the humidifier unit 2.

[0033] Such a filter 21, together with the humidifier 10, constitutes a humidification system 100. In other words, the humidification system 100 according to the present embodiment includes the humidifier 10 and the filter 21. In such a humidification system 100, the filter 21 is basically a consumable item, and it is possible to replace only the filter 21.

[0034] In short, when it is time to replace the filter 21, the user removes the humidifying unit 2 from the main body 1, and replaces the filter 21 held by the support member 5 of the humidifying unit 2 with a new filter (filter member). At this time, the filter member used for replacement is the member used as the filter 21 in the humidifying system 100. In other words, the filter 21 is replaced with the humidifying unit 2 removed from the main body 1.

[0035] The tray 3 stores liquid R1 (see FIG. 8) such as water (tap water as an example). In the present embodiment, as an example, the tray 3 is formed in a box shape (hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape) with an open top. Specifically, the space within the box-shaped tray 3 from the bottom side to a predetermined height (predetermined depth) functions as a water storage section for storing liquid R1 such as water.

[0036] The tank 4 stores liquid R1 such as water (tap water as an example) and supplies the liquid R1 to the tray 3 to replenish (supply) the liquid R1 in the tray 3. As will be described in detail in the section "[2] Details of the Humidification Unit," a stop valve 70 (see FIG. 7) is provided in the supply path 7 (see FIG. 7) for the liquid R1 from the tank 4 to the tray 3. The stop valve 70 opens and closes depending on the remaining amount of liquid R1 in the tray 3, and basically opens when the liquid R1 in the tray 3 decreases. Therefore, in the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment, by storing the liquid R1 in the tank 4 in advance, when the liquid R1 in the tray 3 decreases, the liquid R1 is automatically supplied from the tank 4 to the tray 3.

[0037] Here, the liquid R1 stored in the tray 3 and the tank 4 is not limited to tap water, but may be, for example, pure water, drinking water, lotion, warm water (hot water), deodorant, fragrance, disinfectant water, etc. In the present disclosure, regardless of the type of liquid R1, a state in which the maximum amount of liquid R1 permitted for the tray 3 is stored in the tray 3 is referred to as a "full water state," and a state in which no liquid R1 is stored in the tray 3 is referred to as a "dry water state."

[0038] The liquid R1 stored in the tray 3 is used to humidify the air in the humidifier 10, and therefore decreases as the humidifier 10 is used. Therefore, when using the humidifier 10, it is necessary to replenish (supply) the tray 3 with the liquid R1 (tap water, for example). In the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment, the liquid R1 is automatically supplied from the tank 4 to the tray 3, and therefore the user is required to perform a "water supply operation" of supplying the liquid R1 to the tank 4 regularly or irregularly.

[0039] The support member 5 not only holds the filter 21 as described above, but also has the function of supporting the tray 3, the tank 4, and the partition member 6. The support member 5 has a filter holding portion 51, a tank support portion 52, and a tray support portion 53.

[0040] The filter holding portion 51 is an opening that penetrates the support member 5 in the up-down direction D1, and has a pair of auxiliary wheels 511 at both ends in the left-right direction D2. With this, by combining the filter 21 with the filter holding portion 51 of the support member 5 from above, the filter 21 is held by the support member 5 in a state in which it can rotate around the central axis Ax1 by the pair of auxiliary wheels 511.

[0041] The tank support portion 52 is a recessed portion that is provided on the upper surface side of the support member 5, opens in a shape corresponding to the lower portion of the tank 4, and is open upward. The tank support portion 52 has a through hole 521 that is circular in plan view and penetrates the support member 5 in the up-down direction D1 in a part of its bottom surface. The through hole 521 is disposed at a position corresponding to the center of the water stop lid 41 provided at the lower end portion of the tank 4. The support member 5 supports the weight of the tank 4 on the bottom surface of the tank support portion 52 when the tank 4 is placed on the tank support portion 52 with the water stop lid 41 of the tank 4 fitted into the tank support portion 52.

[0042] The tray support portion 53 is a recessed portion provided on the lower surface side of the support member 5, opening in a shape corresponding to the upper portion of the tray 3 and opening downward. Here, the support member 5 has a peripheral wall 530 protruding downward from at least both ends in the front-rear direction D3, and a portion surrounded by the peripheral wall 530 constitutes the tray support portion 53. The tray support portion 53 has a pair of bearing portions 531 and a pair of elongated holes 532 on the peripheral wall 530. The pair of bearing portions 531 are holes that penetrate the peripheral wall 530 in the front-rear direction D3, and a pair of support shafts 31 of the tray 3 are inserted into the pair of elongated holes 532 that penetrate the peripheral wall 530 in the front-rear direction D3, and have a length in the up-down direction D1, and a pair of stoppers 32 of the tray 3 are inserted into the pair of elongated holes 532.

[0043] That is, by combining the tray 3 with the tray support portion 53 of the support member 5 from below, the tray 3 is supported by the support member 5 in a state in which it can rotate about a rotation axis Ax2 (see FIG. 6) along the front-rear direction D3 by a pair of support shafts 31. Furthermore, the movable range (rotation angle) of the tray 3 with respect to the support member 5 is defined by a pair of stoppers 32. That is, the pair of stoppers 32 come into contact with both end edges of the pair of long holes 532 in the up-down direction D1, thereby restricting the movable range of the tray 3.

[0044] In this way, the tray 3 is not supported in an immovable state relative to the support member 5, but is supported by the support member 5 with at least a pair of stoppers 32 movable in the vertical direction D1. Although this will be described in detail in the section "[2] Details of the Humidification Unit," the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment is equipped with a movable mechanism 30 (see FIG. 5) that moves the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1 relative to the support member 5 by the weight of the liquid R1 in the tray 3.

[0045] The partition member 6 is supported on the upper surface side of the support member 5, between the filter holding portion 51 and the tank support portion 52. In this way, the partition member 6 prevents wind from entering the inside of the housing 11 (the filter 21 side) from the tank 4 side.

[0046] The filter 21 is held by the filter holding portion 51 of the support member 5. In this embodiment, as an example, the filter 21 is formed in a disk shape having a thickness in one direction. When attached to the filter holding portion 51, the filter 21 is installed with its thickness direction aligned with the front-rear direction D3. In this state, the filter 21 is rotatable about a central axis Ax1 aligned with the front-rear direction D3.

[0047] The filter 21 has a filter body 212 and a filter case 213. The filter case 213 holds the filter body 212 by accommodating the filter body 212. External teeth 211 that mesh with the gear of the filter driving unit 121 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the filter case 213.

[0048] The filter body 212 has a characteristic that the liquid R1 (water) in the tray 3 is completely impregnated with the filter body 212 when a part of the filter body 212 is immersed in the liquid R1. As an example, the filter body 212 is made of a nonwoven fabric made of rayon fiber and / or polyester fiber that has been impregnated with acrylic, and is formed in a corrugated shape with alternating peaks and valleys. When a part of the filter body 212 is immersed in water, the water can be distributed throughout the filter body 212 by capillary action or the like.

[0049] In this embodiment, while filter 21 is held by support member 5, a part (lower part) of filter 21 is immersed in liquid R1 (water) in tray 3, which is also supported by support member 5 (see FIG. 8). As a result, liquid R1 sucked up from inside filter 21 spreads to the part of filter 21 exposed from the liquid surface (water surface) (above the water surface). Here, as filter drive unit 121 drives filter 21 to rotate, the part of filter 21 immersed in liquid R1 changes in the circumferential direction (rotational direction) of filter 21.

[0050] The humidifier 10 (humidification system 100) according to the present embodiment configured as described above is a so-called vaporization type humidifier, and can humidify air by using the liquid R1 (water) stored in the water storage section 22. That is, in the humidifier 10, as shown in FIG. 6, air is blown onto the filter 21 containing water, thereby vaporizing the water contained in the filter 21 and generating a humidified airflow downstream of the filter 21. In FIG. 6, the airflow (airflow) is indicated by outlined arrows. That is, by blowing air (airflow) onto a portion of the filter 21 exposed from the liquid surface (water surface) from, for example, the rear side, by a fan or the like of the main block 12, the air that has become moist by passing through the filter 21 is blown out of the housing 11 from the downstream side (front side) of the filter 21 through the air outlet 115.

[0051] However, the configuration is not limited to one in which wind (airflow) passes through filter 21 from rear to front, and may be, for example, one in which wind (airflow) passes through filter 21 from front to rear. Furthermore, humidifier 10 (humidification system 100) is not limited to an evaporation type, and may be, for example, a heat evaporation type (hybrid type) in which moist air is produced by applying wind (hot air) heated by a heat source such as a heater to filter 21.

[0052] In this embodiment, the filter 21 has a guard portion 214 (see FIG. 5) consisting only of the filter case 213 at a part of the circumferential direction of the outer periphery. That is, the filter body 212 is formed in a D-shape with a part of the circumferential direction of the outer periphery missing, and the guard portion 214 is provided at the missing part. Since the guard portion 214 does not allow the liquid R1 to pass through, when only the guard portion 214 of the filter 21 is immersed in the liquid R1, the liquid R1 is not sucked up into the filter 21 (the filter body 212 of the filter 21). Therefore, by stopping the rotation of the filter 21 with only the guard portion 214 immersed in the liquid R1 in this manner, the humidifier 10 can stop humidification and only blow air.

[0053] [2] Details of the humidification unit Next, the humidifying unit 2 of the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 12. Fig. 7 to Fig. 12 are schematic diagrams of the humidifier 10 cut along the cross section of line A1-A1 in Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of region Z1 in Fig. 10. However, in these drawings, hatching of the cut surfaces is omitted.

[0054] Related art includes a humidifier that is configured so that a tank (water supply tank) is held in a holder of a tray (water storage dish) so that liquid (water) in the tank is supplied to the tray. In this type of humidifier, the tank is attached to the holder in an inverted position with the water stop lid side including the water stop valve facing downward. In this state, a push-up protrusion erected on the tray pushes the valve body of the water stop valve upward, opening the water stop valve and connecting the tank to the tray.

[0055] Here, the support height of the water stop lid is the same as the standard water level inside the tray. Therefore, when the water level in the tray falls below the standard water level and a gap appears between the water stop lid and the tank, the liquid (contained water) in the tank passes through the gap and is sent to the tray by replacing it with air introduced through the open water stop valve. By the above operation, liquid at the standard water level can be constantly stored inside the tray.

[0056] A water inlet (supply water inlet) is provided on the side of the tank, and the water inlet is covered by a lid that can be opened and closed. Liquid (water) is supplied to the tank through the water inlet, for example, with the lid removed and the water inlet facing upward.

[0057] However, in the humidifier according to the above-mentioned related art, since the liquid in the tank is sent to the tray by replacing it with air that is introduced through the gap between the liquid level in the tray and the water stop lid, it is essential that the internal space of the tank be sealed. Specifically, the water supply port on the side of the tank needs to be sealed with a lid.

[0058] The humidifier 10 according to this embodiment realizes a humidifier in which the internal space of the tank 4 does not necessarily need to be sealed, by employing the configuration described below.

[0059] That is, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment includes a tray 3 and a movable mechanism 30. Liquid R1 is supplied to the tray 3 from the tank 4 through a supply path 7 (see Figure 7). The movable mechanism 30 moves the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1 by the weight of the liquid R1 in the tray 3.

[0060] According to this configuration, the tray 3 is not fixed in a fixed position, but is moved in the vertical direction D1 relative to the support member 5 by the movable mechanism 30 due to the weight of the liquid R1 in the tray 3. Therefore, by moving the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1 according to the remaining amount of liquid R1 in the tray 3, it is possible to supply the liquid R1 from the tank 4 to the tray 3 via the supply path 7 when the liquid R1 in the tray 3 decreases. As a result, the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment can send the liquid R1 in the tank 4 to the tray 3 without replacing the liquid with air introduced through the gap between the liquid level in the tray 3 and the water stop lid 41, and it is not essential that the internal space of the tank 4 is sealed.

[0061] As described above, according to the humidifier 10 (humidification system 100) of this embodiment, there is no need to seal the water inlet 42 (see FIG. 5) of the tank 4 with a lid, and the humidifier 10 can be used with the water inlet 42 left open. This makes it possible, for example, to supply water directly from the water inlet 42 to the tank 4 in a state combined with the tray 3. In other words, the humidifier 10 of this embodiment further includes a water inlet 42 that supplies water directly to the tank 4 in a state combined with the tray 3.

[0062] In this embodiment, as an example, the water inlet 42 is disposed at an upper rear corner of the tank 4. The water inlet 42 is open upward, and is exposed on the right side surface of the humidifier 10 when the humidifying unit 2 including the tray 3 and the tank 4 is attached to the main body 1 (see FIG. 2). That is, the tank 4 is combined with the tray 3 by being supported together with the tray 3 by the support member 5. Even when the tank 4 is combined with the tray 3 in this manner, the water inlet 42 is open and not blocked, so that water can be directly supplied to the tank 4 from the water inlet 42.

[0063] According to such a configuration, the user can directly supply water to the humidifier 10 installed on the installation surface X1 using, for example, a hose, a plastic bottle, a watering can, etc. Therefore, the user does not need to carry the heavy tank 4 after water is supplied, which has the advantage that the water supply work is made easier.

[0064] Here, the movable mechanism 30 moves the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1 by the weight of the liquid R1 in the tray 3, and in this embodiment, the tray 3 is basically moved downward as the amount of the liquid R1 in the tray 3 increases. In other words, as the weight of the liquid R1 in the tray 3 increases, the tray 3 moves downward, and conversely, as the weight of the liquid R1 in the tray 3 decreases, the tray 3 moves upward. Therefore, the tray 3 is located at the upper end position of the movable range of the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1 in the "dry water state" shown in Fig. 7, and is located at the lower end position of the movable range of the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1 in the "full water state" shown in Fig. 8.

[0065] More specifically, the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment further includes a stop valve 70. The stop valve 70 is provided in the supply path 7, and opens and closes in accordance with the movement of the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1. That is, the stop valve 70 is provided in the supply path 7 for the liquid R1 from the tank 4 to the tray 3, and this stop valve 70 opens and closes in accordance with the movement of the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1. Therefore, the liquid R1 can be automatically supplied from the tank 4 to the tray 3 in accordance with the movement of the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1.

[0066] Specifically, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the bottom of the tank 4 is open, and a water stop lid 41 is attached to close the bottom of the tank 4. A hole penetrating the water stop lid 41 in the vertical direction D1 is formed in the center of the water stop lid 41, and this hole constitutes the supply passage 7. The water stop valve 70 is disposed in the hole (supply passage 7) of the water stop lid 41, and is configured to be switchable between an "open state" that opens this hole (supply passage 7) and a "closed state" that closes it.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 9, the stop valve 70 has a pin 701, a valve body 702, and a valve receiving portion 703. The valve receiving portion 703 is a cylindrical member with both end faces in the vertical direction D1 open. The pin 701 is supported in the valve receiving portion 703 so as to be movable along the vertical direction D1 while being biased downward. The valve body 702 is disposed above the valve receiving portion 703, and moves along the vertical direction D1 together with the pin 701 by being held by the pin 701. In other words, the stop valve 70 can switch between a state in which the valve body 702 closes and a state in which the upper surface of the valve receiving portion 703 is opened by the movement of the pin 701 along the vertical direction D1.

[0068] Here, in a state where the tray 3 is combined with the tank 4, that is, where the tray 3 and the tank 4 are supported by the support member 5, a protrusion 33 that protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the tray 3 is provided at a position on the tray 3 corresponding to the stop valve 70. The protrusion 33 faces the pin 701 of the stop valve 70 from below, and as the tray 3 moves upward, it comes into contact with the pin 701 and pushes the pin 701 upward.

[0069] Further, a pressing portion 34 for pressing the tray 3 upward is disposed below the protrusion 33. The pressing portion 34 is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 111 via an elastic portion 35 formed of, for example, a coil spring, and is supported by the bottom plate 111 in an upwardly biased state. In other words, the movable mechanism 30 has the pressing portion 34 and the elastic portion 35.

[0070] That is, as shown in Fig. 9, when the tray 3 moves in the up-down direction D1, the pin 701 of the stop valve 70 is operated by the protrusion 33 of the tray 3, and the stop valve 70 opens and closes. When the tray 3 is in the "upper end position" (the state shown on the left side of Fig. 9), the protrusion 33 pushes the pin 701 upward, so the stop valve 70 is in an open state. On the other hand, when the tray 3 is in the "lower end position" (the state shown on the right side of Fig. 9), the protrusion 33 is away from the pin 701, so the stop valve 70 is in a closed state.

[0071] Here, if the tray 3 is full of water, the tray 3 is located at the "lower end position", and if the tray 3 is dry, the tray 3 is located at the "upper end position". When the amount of liquid R1 in the tray 3 decreases from the state where the tray 3 is in the "lower end position", the tray 3 is pushed up by the pressing part 34 biased by the elastic part 35, and the tray 3 moves upward toward the "upper end position". At that time, when the tray 3 reaches the "switching position" between the "upper end position" and the "lower end position" (the state shown in the center of FIG. 9), the protrusion 33 comes into contact with the pin 701, and the stop valve 70 switches from the closed state to the open state.

[0072] In other words, the tray 3 is located at the top end position in the vertical direction D1 when the tray 3 is in a dry state, and is located at the bottom end position in the vertical direction D1 when the tray 3 is in a full state. The stop valve 70 switches between opening and closing when the tray 3 is in a switching position between the top end position and the bottom end position. Therefore, as the remaining amount of liquid R1 in the tray 3 decreases and the tray 3 moves upward, the stop valve 70 opens and closes, and the liquid R1 can be automatically supplied from the tank 4 to the tray 3.

[0073] In this embodiment, when liquid R1 remains in the tank 4, each time the liquid R1 in the tray 3 decreases and the tray 3 rises to a position beyond the switching position, the stop valve 70 opens and the liquid R1 in the tank 4 is automatically supplied to the tray 3. When the tray 3 descends to a position beyond the switching position due to the supply of liquid R1 from the tank 4 to the tray 3, the stop valve 70 closes and the supply of liquid R1 from the tank 4 to the tray 3 stops. Therefore, as long as liquid R1 remains in the tank 4, the tray 3 will repeatedly move up and down near the switching position.

[0074] Here, the movable mechanism 30 only needs to move at least a portion of the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1, and is not limited to a configuration that moves the entire tray 3 parallel to the vertical direction D1. As described above, in this embodiment, the tray 3 is supported by the support member 5 by a pair of support shafts 31 in a state in which it can rotate about the rotation axis Ax2, and only a portion of the tray 3 moves in the vertical direction D1 with the rotation about the rotation axis Ax2.

[0075] That is, the movable mechanism 30 moves the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1 by rotating the tray 3 about the rotation axis Ax2 along the horizontal plane. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10 to Fig. 12, when the tray 3 rotates counterclockwise in the figures, the protrusion 33 of the tray 3 moves downward, and when the tray 3 rotates clockwise in the figures, the protrusion 33 of the tray 3 moves upward. This makes it possible to reduce the force (spring force of the elastic part 35) required to move the tray 3 upward, in particular, compared to a configuration in which the entire tray 3 is moved parallel to the vertical direction D1.

[0076] Moreover, in this embodiment, the rotation axis Ax2 is on the opposite side to the tank 4 when viewed from the center of the tray 3 in a plan view. In other words, the tray 3 moves in the vertical direction D1 by rotating about the rotation axis Ax2 provided at the end portion near the filter 21, far from the tank 4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the tank 4 is disposed at the right end portion of the tray 3, and the rotation axis Ax2 is provided at the left end portion of the tray 3. Therefore, when the tray 3 rotates, a large stroke of the protrusion 33 that operates the stop valve 70 can be ensured, and the accuracy of opening and closing the stop valve 70 can be easily improved.

[0077] Furthermore, the tilt angle θ1 of the movable mechanism 30 with respect to the horizontal plane is minimum when the tray 3 is in a full-water state. That is, as shown in Figs. 10 to 12, when the tray 3 rotates counterclockwise in the figures as the amount of liquid R1 in the tray 3 increases, the tilt angle θ1 of (the bottom surface of) the tray 3 with respect to the horizontal plane gradually decreases. Therefore, the tilt angle θ1 gradually decreases in the order of the "upper end position" (low water state) shown in Fig. 10, the "switching position" shown in Fig. 11, and the "lower end position" (full water state) shown in Fig. 12. In this embodiment, the tilt angle θ1 when the tray 3 is in the "lower end position" (full water state) is approximately "0", that is, the tray 3 is approximately horizontal.

[0078] As a result, when the remaining amount of the liquid R1 in the tray 3 decreases, the inclination angle θ1 (gradient) of the tray 3 with respect to the horizontal plane increases, and the liquid R1 in the tray 3 can be collected at a corner (lower left corner in this embodiment) on the rotation axis Ax2 side (left end side in this embodiment) of the tray 3. As a result, the water level (height of the liquid surface) on the rotation axis Ax2 side (left end side in this embodiment) in the tray 3 can be maintained. In particular, in this embodiment, the rotation axis Ax2 is on the opposite side to the tank 4 when viewed from the center of the tray 3 in a plan view, so that even if the liquid R1 in the tray 3 decreases, the water level around the filter 21 arranged biased toward the rotation axis Ax2 side (left end side in this embodiment) in the tray 3 can be maintained. As a result, even if the remaining amount of the liquid R1 in the tray 3 decreases, the filter 21 is easily immersed in the liquid R1, and the liquid R1 in the tray 3 is easily used up.

[0079] In the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment, the water inlet 42 has a visual confirmation assisting section 421 (see FIG. 5) of a specific color that produces a contrast of a predetermined value or more between the part submerged in the tank 4 and the part exposed above the liquid surface. Specifically, at least a part of the inner surface from the opening face of the water inlet 42 to the inside of the tank 4 functions as the visual confirmation assisting section 421 colored in a specific color. The specific color here is a color that produces a relatively large contrast (above a predetermined value) between the part submerged in the water and the part exposed above the liquid surface (water surface), and one example is pale orange.

[0080] In short, the liquid R1 (water) stored in the tank 4 has an absorption spectrum characteristic that it absorbs a lot of red light and does not absorb blue light easily, so that a substance that enters the water surface from the air appears bluish. Here, the pale orange color of the visual confirmation assisting part 421 is a color that is composed only of the R (Red) component and the G (Green) component of the RGB components, and the R component is slightly higher. Such a specific color (pale orange) becomes bluish when the R component is absorbed, and changes from the original warm color to a cool color, so that the visual difference is felt to be large. Therefore, when the liquid R1 is poured into the tank 4 and the liquid level reaches the part of the visual confirmation assisting part 421, when the visual confirmation assisting part 421 is visually confirmed from the water supply port 42, the part below the liquid level is a bluish cool color, and the part above the liquid level is the original color (warm color), so that the visibility of the liquid level is improved.

[0081] In other words, by providing the visual confirmation assistance portion 421 of a specific color in the water supply port 42, it becomes easier to grasp how far the liquid level has reached in the water supply port 42 when supplying liquid R1 from the water supply port 42 to the tank 4, making it easier to stop the supply of liquid R1 at an appropriate supply amount. Here, the specific color is not limited to orange, and for example, among the RGB components, it is preferable that the R component is 200 or more, the G component is 150 or more, and the B (Blue) component is 100 or less. As an example, the specific color has RGB components of "R:G:B=255:200:0".

[0082] [3] Variations Below, we will list some modified examples of the embodiment 1. The modified examples explained below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0083] It is not essential that the water supply port 42 has the visual confirmation assisting portion 421 of a specific color, and the visual confirmation assisting portion 421 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0084] Furthermore, the movable mechanism 30 is not limited to a configuration in which only a portion of the tray 3 is moved in the vertical direction D1 as the tray 3 rotates around the rotation axis Ax2, but may be a configuration in which, for example, the entire tray 3 is moved parallel to the vertical direction D1.

[0085] Furthermore, the humidifier 10 does not necessarily have to include the water supply port 42 for directly supplying water to the tank 4 in a state where it is combined with the tray 3. In this case, for example, water may be supplied to the tank 4 removed from the tray 3.

[0086] (Embodiment 2) 13, the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment differs from the humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a detection unit 8. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0087] That is, the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment further includes a detection unit 8. The detection unit 8 is disposed outside the tray 3, and detects the position of the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1 that is linked to the amount of liquid R1 in the tray 3. This makes it possible to estimate the amount of liquid R1 in the tray 3 from the position of the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1. Moreover, since the detection unit 8 detects the position of the tray 3 in the vertical direction D1 from outside the tray 3, the structure inside the tray 3 can be simplified compared to when a float is provided inside the tray 3, dirt is less likely to adhere to the inside of the tray 3, and maintainability inside the tray 3 is improved.

[0088] In this embodiment, as an example, the detection unit 8 is composed of a push button switch provided on the bottom plate 111. The detection unit 8 is fixed to the bottom plate 111 so that an operator 81 (push button portion) of the push button switch protrudes from the upper surface of the bottom plate 111 and faces the lower surface of the tray 3. As a result, as shown in the left side of FIG. 13, when the tray 3 is in a full water state and at the bottom end position, the operator 81 of the detection unit 8 is pressed by the tray 3 and the detection unit 8 is in an ON state. On the other hand, as shown in the right side of FIG. 13, when the tray 3 is in a dry water state and at the top end position, the operator 81 of the detection unit 8 is not pressed by the tray 3 and the detection unit 8 is in an OFF state. Therefore, the detection unit 8 detects the position of the tray 3 in the up-down direction D1 by switching between ON and OFF.

[0089] Furthermore, the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment further includes a drought detection unit 82. The drought detection unit 82 detects drought in the tank 4 based on the output of the detection unit 8. As an example, when the detection unit 8 is in an off state, it is determined that the tray 3 is in a drought state. If this state (drought state of the tray 3) continues for a certain period of time (for example, one minute), the drought detection unit 82 detects drought in the tank 4. In other words, the drought state of the tray 3 continuing for a certain period of time means that the liquid R1 is not being supplied from the tank 4 to the tray 3, and therefore it is determined that there is drought in the tank 4. As another example, the drought detection unit 82 may detect drought in the tank 4 when the tilt angle θ1 of the tray 3 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0090] When the drought detection unit 82 detects a drought in the tank 4, the humidifier 10 preferably notifies the user by sound, light, or a combination thereof. This prompts the user to refill the tank 4 when there is a drought in the tank 4. As a result, when the liquid R1 in the tank 4 runs out, it is possible to notify the user of this early on.

[0091] As a modification of the second embodiment, the detection unit 8 may include, for example, a push button switch built into the housing 11 that switches on / off when the tray 3 is at the top end position. In this case, when the tray 3 is in a dry state and reaches the top end position, the push button switch is operated on the tray 3 and turns on, so that the detection unit 8 can detect that the tray 3 is at the top end position. Furthermore, the detection unit 8 is not limited to a push button switch, and may be embodied, for example, by a slide switch, a reed switch, an encoder, or the like.

[0092] The configuration according to the second embodiment (including the modified examples) can be adopted in appropriate combination with the various configurations (including the modified examples) described in the first embodiment.

[0093] [Appendix to the invention] The following will provide an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0094] <Appendix 1> a tray to which liquid is supplied from a tank through a supply passage; a movable mechanism for vertically moving the tray by the weight of the liquid in the tray, Humidifier.

[0095] <Appendix 2> Further, a water stop valve is provided in the supply path and opens and closes in accordance with the movement of the tray in the vertical direction. 13. A humidifier as described in claim 1.

[0096] <Appendix 3> The tray is located at an upper end position in the vertical direction in a dry state and is located at a lower end position in the vertical direction in a full water state. The water stop valve switches between an open state and an closed state when the tray is in a switching position between the upper end position and the lower end position. 6. A humidifier as described in appended claim 2.

[0097] <Appendix 4> The movable mechanism moves the tray in the up-down direction by rotating the tray about a rotation axis along a horizontal plane. A humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0098] <Appendix 5> The rotation axis is on the opposite side of the tank from the center of the tray in a plan view. 5. A humidifier as described in appended claim 4.

[0099] <Appendix 6> the movable mechanism has a minimum inclination angle with respect to a horizontal plane when the tray is full of water; 6. A humidifier according to claim 4 or 5.

[0100] <Appendix 7> a detection unit disposed outside the tray and configured to detect a position of the tray in the vertical direction in response to an amount of the liquid in the tray; A humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0101] <Appendix 8> The tank further includes a drought detection unit that detects a drought in the tank based on an output from the detection unit. 8. A humidifier as described in appended claim 7.

[0102] <Appendix 9> Further, a water supply port is provided for directly supplying water to the tank in a state where the tank is combined with the tray. A humidifier according to any one of appendixes 1 to 8.

[0103] <Appendix 10> The water supply port has a visibility assisting portion of a specific color that generates a contrast of a predetermined value or more between a portion submerged in the tank and a portion exposed above the liquid surface. 10. A humidifier as described in claim 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 3 Tray 4. Tank 7 Supply route 8. Detection Unit 10 Humidifier 30 Movable mechanism 42 Water inlet 70 Water stop valve 82 Drought detection unit 421 Vision Support Department Ax2 Rotation axis D1 Vertical direction R1 Liquid θ1 Tilt angle

Claims

1. a tray to which liquid is supplied from a tank through a supply passage; a movable mechanism for vertically moving the tray by the weight of the liquid in the tray, Humidifier.

2. Further, a water stop valve is provided in the supply path and opens and closes in accordance with the movement of the tray in the vertical direction. The humidifier of claim 1.

3. The tray is located at an upper end position in the vertical direction in a dry state and is located at a lower end position in the vertical direction in a full water state. The water stop valve switches between an open state and an closed state when the tray is in a switching position between the upper end position and the lower end position. The humidifier according to claim 2.

4. The movable mechanism moves the tray in the up-down direction by rotating the tray about a rotation axis along a horizontal plane. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The rotation axis is on the opposite side of the tank from the center of the tray in a plan view.

5. The humidifier of claim 4.

6. the movable mechanism has a minimum inclination angle with respect to a horizontal plane when the tray is full of water; 5. The humidifier of claim 4.

7. a detection unit disposed outside the tray and configured to detect a position of the tray in the vertical direction in response to an amount of the liquid in the tray; The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A water shortage detection unit detects a water shortage in the tank based on an output of the detection unit. A humidifier according to claim 7.

9. Further, a water supply port is provided for directly supplying water to the tank in a state where the tank is combined with the tray. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. the water supply port has a visibility assisting portion of a specific color that generates a contrast of a predetermined value or more between a portion that is submerged in the tank and a portion that is exposed above the liquid surface; 10. The humidifier of claim 9.

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