Humidifier

Abstract

To provide a humidifier capable of suppressing water leakage from a water supply hole of a tank communicating with a water tank.SOLUTION: A valve (60) for opening and closing a water supply hole (81) and a first filter member (100) for capturing foreign matter in water in a tank (42) are arranged in the tank (42) of a humidifier. The first filter member (100) is arranged upstream of the valve (60) in a water flow that is formed when the water in the tank (42) flows into a water storage part (43) through the water supply hole (81).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a humidifying device.

Background Art

[0002] The humidifying device described in Patent Document 1 includes a humidifying filter, a water tank that supplies water to the humidifying filter, and a water supply tank that stores water supplied from the outside. An opening is provided at the bottom of the water supply tank, and the water supply tank supplies water to the water tank through the opening. The water supply tank is provided with a valve body that opens and closes the opening, and the valve body adjusts the amount of water supplied to the water tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, if fine foreign matter mixed in the water in the water supply tank is caught between the valve body and the opening, the sealing performance at the opening may deteriorate, and water leakage may occur from the gap between the valve body and the opening even when the opening is in the closed state. However, no countermeasures against such water leakage have been studied so far.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidifying device that suppresses water leakage from a water supply hole of a tank communicating with a water tank.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first aspect is a casing (11), an air passage (P) formed in the casing (11), a humidifying unit (50) that humidifies the air flowing through the air passage (P), A water storage section (43) for storing water to be supplied to the humidifying section (50); A tank (42) disposed above the water storage section (43) for supplying water to the water storage section (43); A water supply hole (81) communicating with the water storage section (43) is provided at the bottom of the tank (42); Inside the tank (42), A valve (60) for opening and closing the water supply hole (81); A first filter member (100) for capturing foreign matter in the water in the tank (42) is disposed; The first filter member (100) is a humidifying device disposed upstream of the valve (60) in the water flow formed when the water in the tank (42) flows into the water storage section (43) through the water supply hole (81).

[0007] In the first aspect, when water is supplied from the tank (42) to the water storage section (43), foreign matter contained in the water in the tank (42) is captured by the first filter member (100), thereby suppressing the intrusion of foreign matter into the valve (60) and the water supply hole (81). As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of the valve (60) due to foreign matter being caught in the gap between the valve (60) and the water supply hole (81), and to suppress water leakage from the tank (42).

[0008] The second aspect is based on the first aspect, The first filter member (100) is attached to the bottom of the tank (42) and is formed to accommodate the valve (60).

[0009] In the second aspect, since the valve (60) is disposed inside the first filter member (100), when water is supplied from the tank (42) to the water storage section (43), the water in the tank (42) flows into the valve (60) through the first filter member (100). Thus, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

[0010] The third aspect is based on the first or second aspect, The first filter member (100) is configured to be removable from the tank (42).

[0011] In a third aspect, the maintainability of the first filter member (100) can be improved.

[0012] A fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, the tank (42) has a cylindrical portion (80) formed to extend upward from the bottom of the tank (42), the opening facing upward in the cylindrical portion (80) is the water supply hole (81), the valve (60) seals the water supply hole (81).

[0013] In the fourth aspect, since the upper end of the cylindrical portion (80) is located higher than the bottom of the tank (42), by providing the valve (60) at that position, it is possible to suppress foreign matter accumulated at the bottom of the tank (42) from flowing toward the valve.

[0014] A fifth aspect is in the fourth aspect, the valve (60) has a valve body (61) that seals the water supply hole (81) by closing the water supply hole (81) from above, the cylindrical portion (80) has a peripheral wall (82a) that rises from around the water supply hole (81) and surrounds the valve body (61).

[0015] In the fifth aspect, since the flow of water entering the valve body (61) from the side of the water supply hole (81) is obstructed by the peripheral wall (82a), it is possible to suppress foreign matter accumulated on the bottom surface of the tank (42) from adhering to the water supply hole (81) and the valve body (61).

[0016] A sixth aspect is in the fourth or fifth aspect, the first filter member (100) has a filter part (102) that is a filter medium and a frame part (101) that fixes the filter part (102), the frame part (101) is formed to accommodate the valve (60), The filter section (102) is disposed at a height position lower than the upper end of the cylindrical section (80).

[0017] In the sixth aspect, when water is supplied from the tank (42) to the water storage section (43), the water in the tank (42) descends to the filter section (102), and after passing through the filter section (102), a water flow that rises to the upper end of the cylindrical section (80) or the upper end of the peripheral wall (82a) is formed. In this way, by forming a complicated water flow path (labyrinth flow path) by the filter section (102) and the cylindrical section (80), it is possible to prevent foreign matter that has once descended from entering the water supply hole (81).

[0018] The seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, The valve (60) has a valve body (61) of an elastic member that seals the circular water supply hole (81), The outer surface of the valve body (61) has a spherical surface portion (61a) formed in a spherical shape so as to contact the water supply hole (81).

[0019] In the seventh aspect, when the outer surface of the valve body (61) in contact with the water supply hole (81) is formed in a spherical shape rather than a flat surface, the valve body (61) can contact the water supply hole (81) without a gap, so that a decrease in the sealing performance of the valve body (61) can be suppressed.

[0020] The eighth aspect is in the seventh aspect, The inside of the spherical surface portion (61a) of the valve body (61) is solid.

[0021] In the eighth aspect, by making the inside of the spherical surface portion (61a) solid, the followability of the shape change of the outer surface of the valve body (61) can be improved. Specifically, even if foreign matter is caught between the valve body (61) and the water supply hole (81), the outer surface of the valve body (61) changes so as to follow the shape of the foreign matter, so that a gap is less likely to be formed between the valve body (61) and the water supply hole (81). Thereby, a decrease in the sealing performance of the valve body (61) can be suppressed.

[0022] The ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, At the upper part of the tank (42), a water supply port (46) capable of supplying water into the tank (42) from the outside is formed. Further provided is a second filter member (90) which is disposed below the water supply port (46) or below the water supply port (46) and captures foreign matters contained in the water supplied to the tank (42) from the outside.

[0023] In a ninth aspect, when water is supplied to the tank (42), it is possible to suppress foreign matters contained in the water from mixing into the tank (42).

[0024] A tenth aspect is as follows in the ninth aspect. The filter medium of the first filter member (100) is finer than the filter medium of the second filter member (90).

[0025] In the tenth aspect, by removing relatively large foreign matters by the second filter member (90) in advance, clogging of the first filter member (100) can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure. Since each drawing is for conceptually explaining the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for easy understanding.

[0028] (1) Overall Configuration of Air Cleaner The humidifying device of the present disclosure is applied to an air cleaner (10). The overall configuration of the air cleaner (10) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. In the following description, terms related to "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "right", and "left" are generally based on the directions indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1. Note that the thick arrows shown in FIG. 9 indicate the flow of water.

[0029] The air cleaner (10) of the present embodiment cleans the air in the indoor space (S) which is the target space. In addition, the air cleaner (10) humidifies the air in the indoor space (S). The air cleaner (10) has a casing (11). The air cleaner (10) has, inside the casing (11), an air cleaning unit (20) for cleaning air and a humidifying unit (40) for humidifying the cleaned air.

[0030] (1-1) Casing As shown in FIG. 1, the casing (11) is formed in a hollow box shape. The casing (11) is formed in a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped shape. The casing (11) has a top plate (11a), a bottom plate (11b), a front plate (11c), a rear plate (11d), a right side plate (11e), and a left side plate (11f).

[0031] An air outlet (12) is formed in the top plate (11a). The air outlet (12) is formed in a rectangular shape and is formed slightly towards the rear of the top plate (11a). Two flaps (12a) are provided at the air outlet (12). The flaps (12a) are formed in a plate shape extending across both left and right ends of the air outlet (12). The flaps (12a) open and close the air outlet (12) and adjust the wind direction of the blown air.

[0032] An operation panel (14) is provided on the top plate (11a). The operation panel (14) is located towards the front of the top plate (11a). By operating the operation panel (14), the user can input the operation mode and various settings of the air cleaner (10).

[0033] A first suction port (15A) is formed in the right side plate (11e). The first suction port (15A) is formed in a rectangular shape and is formed at the lower part of the right side plate (11e). An opening / closing lid (17) is provided at the upper part of the right side plate (11e). The opening / closing lid (17) opens and closes the access port (18) of the tank (42) of the humidifying unit (40). The opening / closing lid (17) is removable from the casing (11). A pull-out opening (17a) is formed at the upper part of the opening / closing lid (17). The user removes the opening / closing lid (17) by putting a hand on the pull-out opening (17a). Thereby, the access port (18) is opened. The user can take out the tank (42) outside the casing (11) through the access port (18).

[0034] A second suction port (15B) is formed in the left side plate (11f). The second suction port (15B) is formed in a rectangular shape and is formed at the lower part of the left side plate (11f).

[0035] A third suction port (15C) is formed at the lower end of the front plate (11c). The third suction port (15C) extends horizontally across both left and right ends of the casing (11). Hereinafter, when there is no need for particular distinction, the first suction port (15A), the second suction port (15B), and the third suction port (15C) may be referred to as the suction port (15).

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, an air passage (P) is formed inside the casing (11). The first suction port (15A), the second suction port (15B), and the third suction port (15C) constitute the inflow end of the air passage (P). The air outlet (12) constitutes the outflow end of the air passage (P).

[0037] (1-2) Air purification unit The air purification unit (20) is located below the air passage (P). The air purification unit (20) purifies the air sucked in from the first suction port (15A), the second suction port (15B), and the third suction port (15C). The air purification unit (20) has, in order from the upstream side of the air passage (P), pre-filters (21, 22), HEPA filters (23, 24), deodorizing filters (25, 26), and a fan unit (30). In addition, the air purification unit (20) has discharge units (27, 28).

[0038] The pre-filters (21, 22), the HEPA filters (23, 24), the deodorizing filters (25, 26), and the discharge units (27, 28) are an example of a cleaning part that purifies the air in the target space (S).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, two pre-filters, the first pre-filter (21) and the second pre-filter (22), are provided in the casing (11). The first pre-filter (21) is arranged at the first suction port (15A), and the second pre-filter (22) is arranged at the second suction port (15B). The first pre-filter (21) and the second pre-filter (22) collect relatively large dust in the air.

[0040] The casing (11) is provided with two HEPA filters, namely a first HEPA filter (23) (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) and a second HEPA filter (24). The first HEPA filter (23) is disposed between the first pre-filter (21) and the first deodorizing filter (25). The second HEPA filter (24) is disposed between the second pre-filter (22) and the second deodorizing filter (26). The first HEPA filter (23) and the second HEPA filter (24) are formed in a plate shape whose thickness direction corresponds to the horizontal direction. The first HEPA filter (23) and the second HEPA filter (24) have an electrostatic function of collecting particles by electrostatic force. An antibacterial agent may be added to the first HEPA filter (23) and the second HEPA filter (24). The first HEPA filter (23) and the second HEPA filter (24) may have a laminated structure in which two or more filter materials are laminated in the air passage direction.

[0041] The casing (11) is provided with two deodorizing filters, namely a first deodorizing filter (25) and a second deodorizing filter (26). The first deodorizing filter (25) is disposed between the first HEPA filter (23) and the fan unit (30). The second deodorizing filter (26) is disposed between the second HEPA filter (24) and the fan unit (30). The first deodorizing filter (25) and the second deodorizing filter (26) are formed in a plate shape whose thickness direction corresponds to the horizontal direction. The first deodorizing filter (25) and the second deodorizing filter (26) are adsorption parts for adsorbing harmful substances and odor substances in the air. The first deodorizing filter (25) and the second deodorizing filter (26) have a base material through which air can pass and an adsorbent such as activated carbon carried on the base material.

[0042] (1-3) Fan unit The fan unit (30) is disposed at the lower part of the air passage (P). The fan unit (30) conveys the air in the air passage (P). The fan unit (30) is a unit having a centrifugal fan, specifically a sirocco fan. The fan unit (30) is of a double-suction type in which suction portions are respectively formed at both axial ends of its drive shaft (the rotation shaft of the impeller). The blowing portion of the fan unit (30) faces upward. The fan unit (30) has a fan motor (31) for driving the impeller. The fan motor (31) is housed in the housing. When the fan unit (30) is operated, the air in the indoor space (S) is sucked into the air passage (P) from the first suction port (15A), the second suction port (15B), and the third suction port (15C). The air flowing through the air passage (P) is blown out from the blowout port (12) into the target space.

[0043] (1-4) Discharge unit The casing (11) is provided with two discharge units, a first discharge unit (27) and a second discharge unit (28). The first discharge unit (27) is disposed above the first HEPA filter (23) and the first deodorizing filter (25). The second discharge unit (28) is disposed above the second HEPA filter (24) and the second deodorizing filter (26). The second discharge unit (28) is disposed closer to the left side plate (11f) in the air passage (P).

[0044] The first discharge unit (27) and the second discharge unit (28) generate active species for oxidatively decomposing odor components in the air upon discharge. The first discharge unit (27) and the second discharge unit (28) perform discharge between the tip of the linear discharge electrode and the plane of the plate-shaped counter electrode. The first discharge unit (27) and the second discharge unit (28) perform streamer discharge that forms a substantially conical discharge region from the tip of the discharge electrode toward the counter electrode.

[0045] The first discharge unit (27) is arranged in the first discharge path (32), and the second discharge unit (28) is arranged in the second discharge path (33). The first discharge path (32) is a passage for returning a part of the air blown out from the fan unit (30) to the upstream side of the first HEPA filter (23) together with the active species generated by the first discharge unit (27). The second discharge path (33) is a passage for returning a part of the air blown out from the fan unit (30) to the upstream side of the second HEPA filter (24) together with the active species generated by the second discharge unit (28).

[0046] (1-5) Humidifying unit The humidifying unit (40) is arranged between the air outlet of the fan unit (30) and the air outlet (12) of the casing (11). The humidifying unit (40) is arranged in the humidifying space (35) located at the upper part of the air passage (P). The humidifying unit (40) imparts water to the air flowing through the air passage (P). As shown in FIG. 3, the humidifying unit (40) includes a tank (42), a water tray (43), a humidifying rotor (50), a rotating shaft (44), and a drive mechanism (45).

[0047] The tank (42) is a container for storing water for humidification. The tank (42) is arranged above the water tray (43). The tank (42) supplies the water inside it to the water tray (43). The tank (42) is configured to be able to enter and exit the casing (11) through the above-described access port (18). The tank (42) has a water supply port (46) through which water can be supplied from the outside into the tank (42) and a water supply hole (81) communicating with the water tray (43). The water supply port (46) is formed at the upper part of the tank (42). The water supply hole (81) is provided at the bottom of the tank (42). Details of the tank (42) will be described later.

[0048] The water tray (43) stores the water supplied from the tank (42). The water tray (43) constitutes a water storage part for storing the water to be supplied to the humidifying rotor (50). The water tray (43) is a container with an open upper side.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the water tray (43) is formed in an annular shape when viewed from above. The water tray (43) has a first tray portion (43a) and a second tray portion (43b) adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. A tank (42) is installed in the first tray portion (43a). A humidifying rotor (50) is installed in the second tray portion (43b). The first tray portion (43a) and the second tray portion (43b) are connected to each other via a partition plate (57). A communication hole (58) is formed in the partition plate (57), and the water supplied from the tank (42) to the first tray portion (43a) flows into the second tray portion (43b) through the communication hole (58).

[0050] A float switch (48) and an arm (49) are provided in the first tray portion (43a). The float switch (48) detects the water level of the water tray (43). The arm (49) is a member that moves the water supply valve (60) described later up and down according to the water level of the first tray portion (43a). The arm (49) is disposed on the bottom surface of the first tray portion (43a) and extends from the float switch (48) toward the water supply valve (60). The tip of the arm (49) is in contact with the lower end of the water supply valve (60) (see FIGS. 6 and 7), and the tip of the arm (49) is controlled to move up and down by the float switch (48).

[0051] The humidifying rotor (50) humidifies the air flowing through the air passage (P). The humidifying rotor (50) divides the humidifying space (35) into a primary space (35a) and a secondary space (35b). The primary space (35a) is formed on the upstream side of the humidifying rotor (50). The secondary space (35b) is formed on the downstream side of the humidifying rotor (50). The humidifying rotor (50) is an example of the humidifying portion (50).

[0052] The humidifying rotor (50) includes a water absorption member (70), a rotating frame (74), and a plurality of buckets (not shown). The water absorption member (70) is a member that absorbs water. The water contained in the water absorption member (70) is imparted to the air in the humidifying space (35). The rotating frame (74) is a member that holds the water absorption member (70). The rotating frame (74) is an annular frame body, and the water absorption member (70) is held in its inner frame. The bucket is a container that pumps water from the water tray (43) and stores the pumped water. The bucket is disposed within the rotating frame (74). The plurality of buckets are arranged in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral edge of the rotating frame (74).

[0053] A water injection port (59) is formed in the rotating frame (74). The water injection port (59) is a hole through which water is discharged from within the bucket toward the water absorption member (70). The water injection port (59) is formed on the surface of the rotating frame (74) on the side of the primary space (35a) and opens toward the water absorption member (70).

[0054] The rotating shaft (44) is provided at the axis of the water absorption member (70). The axis of the humidifying rotor (50) coincides with the axis of the rotating shaft (44). The rotating shaft (44) extends along the flow direction of the air flowing through the humidifying space (35). The rotating shaft (44) extends across both the primary space (35a) and the secondary space (35b). The rotating shaft (44) is rotatably supported by two shaft support portions (44a) provided on the water tray (43).

[0055] (1 - 6) Damper As shown in FIG. 3, the air cleaner (10) includes a first damper (36) and a second damper (37). The first damper (36) is disposed between the fan unit (30) and the secondary space (35b) in the air passage (P). The second damper (37) is disposed between the primary space (35a) and the air outlet (12) in the air passage (P). The first damper (36) and the second damper (37) open and close in conjunction with each other. Specifically, when the first damper (36) is in the closed state, the second damper (37) is also in the closed state, and when the first damper (36) is in the open state, the second damper (37) is also in the open state.

[0056] (2) Details of the tank As shown in FIG. 5, the tank (42) has a tank body (42a) and a lid portion (42b). The upper surface of the tank body (42a) is open over substantially the entire area. The lid portion (42b) is removably attached to the upper surface of the tank body (42a). The lid portion (42b) is a flat plate-like member made of resin. The lid portion (42b) is formed so as to be recessed from the edge at the upper end of the tank (42). The water inlet (46) is formed in the lid portion (42b). The water inlet (46) is disposed closer to the front than the center of the lid portion (42b). The handle (47) is a portion that the user holds by hand and is used to remove the tank (42) from the casing (11) or attach the tank (42) to the casing (11).

[0057] The lid portion (42b) has a primary filter unit (90). The primary filter unit (90) is provided below the water inlet (46). Specifically, the primary filter unit (90) is a filter medium fixed to a frame body integrally formed with the lid portion (42b). The frame body is formed on the lower surface of the lid portion (42b). The frame body is connected to the lower side of the water inlet (46).

[0058] The primary filter unit (90) is fixed to the lower end of the frame body. That is, the primary filter unit (90) is provided at a position recessed from the upper surface of the lid portion (42b). In this way, the primary filter unit (90) captures foreign substances contained in the water supplied to the tank (42) from the outside. The primary filter unit (90) is an example of the second filter member (90).

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the tank body (42a) is formed in a generally box shape that is open upward. A handle (47) is provided on the tank body (42a). The handle (47) is a portion that the user holds by hand and is used to remove the tank (42) from the casing (11) or attach the tank (42) to the casing (11).

[0060] The bottom surface of the tank body (42a) is formed to incline downward toward the center. A water supply hole (81) is arranged at the center of the tank body (42a). A cylindrical portion (80) is formed on the bottom surface of the tank body (42a). Specifically, the tank (42) has a cylindrical portion (80) extending upward from the bottom of the tank (42). The cylindrical portion (80) communicates between the inside and the outside of the tank (42). When the tank (42) is installed in the water tray (43), the cylindrical portion (80) communicates between the tank (42) and the water tray (43). The opening facing upward of the cylindrical portion (80) is the water supply hole (81). The cylindrical portion (80) is cylindrical, and the water supply hole (81) is formed in a circular shape when viewed from above. The cylindrical portion (80) is arranged at the lowest part of the bottom of the tank body (42a). The cylindrical portion (80) has an outer cylinder (82), an inner cylinder (83), an annular portion (84), and a first peripheral wall (82a).

[0061] The outer cylinder (82) is arranged outside the inner cylinder (83). The outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder (82) constitutes the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion (80). The height position of the upper end of the outer cylinder (82) is higher than the height position of the upper end of the inner cylinder (83). In other words, the outer cylinder (82) protrudes upward more than the inner cylinder (83).

[0062] The inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder (83) constitutes a part of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion (80). The upper end portion of the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder (83) constitutes the water supply hole (81).

[0063] The annular portion (84) connects the upper end of the inner cylinder (83) and the inner wall of the outer cylinder (82). Specifically, the annular portion (84) has a tapered surface (84a) and a flat surface (84b). The tapered surface (84a) is formed to incline upward from the upper end of the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder (83) toward the outer cylinder (82). The tapered surface (84a) may constitute the water supply hole (81). That is, the tapered surface (84a) may function as a sealing surface for sealing the water supply hole (81) by a valve body (61) described later. The flat surface (84b) is formed to extend in a substantially horizontal direction from the outer edge of the tapered surface (84a) to the inner wall of the outer cylinder (82).

[0064] The first peripheral wall (82a) is formed so as to rise from around the water supply hole (81). In the present embodiment, the first peripheral wall (82a) constitutes a part of the outer cylinder (82). The first peripheral wall (82a) is a portion of the outer cylinder (82) that extends upward from the annular portion (84). The height position of the upper end of the first peripheral wall (82a) (the height position of the upper end of the outer cylinder (82)) is higher than the height position of the upper end of the valve body (61) in a state where the valve body (61) seals the water supply hole (81) described later. Thus, the first peripheral wall (82a) is provided so as to surround the valve body (61). The first peripheral wall (82a) is an example of a peripheral wall.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a first ridge portion (71), a second ridge portion (72), and a locking portion (73) are formed at the bottom of the tank body (42a). The first ridge portion (71) is a portion where the ring member (103) of the secondary filter unit (100) described later contacts. The first ridge portion (71) is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the cylindrical portion (80).

[0066] The second ridge portion (72) is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the first ridge portion (71). The second ridge portion (72) is formed such that the secondary filter unit (100) described later fits inside the second ridge portion (72). The second ridge portion (72) has two bulging portions (72a) facing each other in the radial direction. The bulging portion (72a) is formed such that a part of the second ridge portion (72) bulges outward in the radial direction of the second ridge portion (72). Although details will be described later, by fitting the protrusion portion (114) of the secondary filter unit (100) inside the bulging portion (72a), the alignment of the secondary filter unit (100) can be achieved, and the secondary filter unit (100) is suppressed from shifting in the circumferential direction.

[0067] The locking part (73) is a part that engages with the engaging part (115) of the secondary filter unit (100) described later. The locking part (73) is a pair of inverted U-shaped plate-like members rising from the bottom surface of the tank (42). A locking hole (73a) for engaging with the claw part (115a) of the engaging part (115) described later is formed in the locking part (73). A guide surface (73b) for guiding the claw part (115a) to the locking hole (73a) is formed in the locking part (73). The guide surface (73b) is formed so as to incline radially outward of the second ridge part (72) upward from the locking hole (73a) of the locking part (73).

[0068] A second peripheral wall (85) extending downward from the lower surface among the outer surfaces of the tank (42) is formed on the tank body (42a). The second peripheral wall (85) is disposed at a position corresponding to the cylindrical part (80). The second peripheral wall (85) will be described later.

[0069] (3) Water supply valve A water supply valve (60) is disposed in the tank (42). The water supply valve (60) constitutes a valve (60) for opening and closing the water supply hole (81). The water supply valve (60) of the present embodiment seals the water supply hole (81) in the closed state of the water supply hole (81). The water supply valve (60) has a valve body (61), a valve shaft (62), a spring (63), and a spring receiving part (64).

[0070] The valve body (61) seals the water supply hole (81) by closing the water supply hole (81) from above. The valve body (61) is an elastic member and is formed in a hemispherical shape so as to be rounded downward. Specifically, the outer surface of the valve body (61) has a spherical surface part (61a) formed in a spherical shape so as to contact the water supply hole (81). When the valve body (61) is viewed from above, the diameter of the valve body (61) is larger than the inner diameter of the water supply hole (81). The spherical surface part (61a) is disposed so as to face the water supply hole (81). Thereby, the spherical surface part (61a) contacts the water supply hole (81), and the water supply hole (81) is sealed.

[0071] The valve body (61) is formed solid. Specifically, an insertion hole (65) for fixing the valve shaft (62) is formed inside the valve body (61), and the inside of the valve body (61) excluding the insertion hole (65) is solid. In other words, the valve body (61) is a solid elastic member excluding the insertion hole (65). The insertion hole (65) penetrates the center of the valve body (61) in the vertical direction. Thus, the inside of the spherical surface portion (61a) of the valve body (61) is solid.

[0072] The valve shaft (62) is a rod-shaped member extending downward from the valve body (61). The upper part of the valve shaft (62) is fixed to the insertion hole (65) of the valve body (61). In other words, the upper part of the valve shaft (62) is fixed so as to be in close contact with the inner surface of the insertion hole (65). The valve shaft (62) passes through the inside of the cylindrical portion (80) and the inside of the spring (63) disposed below the cylindrical portion (80).

[0073] The spring (63) is formed in a spiral shape extending downward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion (80). The upper end of the spring (63) is fixed to the cylindrical portion (80), and the spring (63) is biased to extend downward.

[0074] The spring receiving portion (64) is connected to the lower end of the valve shaft (62). The spring receiving portion (64) is formed in a disc shape. The upper surface of the spring receiving portion (64) contacts the lower end of the spring (63). Thereby, a force that is pushed downward by the spring (63) acts on the spring receiving portion (64). Also, a force acting downward from above the water supply hole (81) acts on the valve body (61) connected to the spring receiving portion (64) via the valve shaft (62).

[0075] A second peripheral wall (85) is provided around the spring receiving portion (64). The second peripheral wall (85) is formed in a cylindrical shape. The height position of the lower end of the second peripheral wall (85) is lower than that of the spring receiving portion (64). In this way, the second peripheral wall (85) has a function of protecting the spring receiving portion (64), the valve shaft (62), and the spring (63) from the outside, and damage or failure of the water supply valve (60) is suppressed by the second peripheral wall (85).

[0076] (4) Secondary Filter Unit The air purifier (10) of this embodiment has a secondary filter unit (100). The secondary filter unit (100) is an example of a first filter member (100). The secondary filter unit (100) is attached to the bottom of the tank (42) and is formed to accommodate the water supply valve (60). The secondary filter unit (100) captures foreign matter in the water in the tank (42). The secondary filter unit (100) is configured to be removable from the tank (42).

[0077] The secondary filter unit (100) has a frame part (101), a filter part (102), and a ring member (103). The frame part (101) fixes the filter part (102). The filter part (102) is a filter medium. The mesh size of the filter medium (filter part (102)) of the secondary filter unit is smaller than the mesh size of the primary filter unit (90). The ring member (103) is an elastic member provided so as to be sandwiched between the frame part (101) and the bottom surface of the tank (42).

[0078] The frame part (101) is generally formed in a frustum shape. In other words, the frame part (101) has a shape like an inverted bowl. Specifically, the frame part (101) has a top plate part (111), a side wall part (112), a fixing part (113), a protrusion part (114), an engaging part (115), and a knob part (116).

[0079] The top plate part (111) is generally formed in a disk shape. The top plate part (111) is arranged to cover the upper part of the water supply valve (60).

[0080] The side wall portion (112) extends so as to spread downward from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion (111). A plurality of mounting holes (112a) to which the filter portion (102) is attached are formed in the side wall portion (112). The plurality of mounting holes (112a) are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the side wall portion (112). Each mounting hole (112a) is formed in a horizontally long shape. The mounting hole (112a) is disposed at a height position lower than the upper end of the cylindrical portion (80). That is, the filter portion (102) is disposed at a height position lower than the upper end of the cylindrical portion (80). More specifically, the upper end of the filter portion (102) is disposed at a height position lower than the upper end of the first peripheral wall (82a).

[0081] The fixing portion (113) fixes the ring member (103). The fixing portion (113) is disposed at the lower end of the side wall portion (112). The fixing portion (113) has a concave groove (113a) into which the ring member (103) is fitted. The concave groove (113a) opens downward and is formed over the entire circumference of the side wall portion (112).

[0082] The protruding portion (114) is a portion disposed inside the bulging portion (72a) of the second protruding strip portion (72). Specifically, the protruding portion (114) protrudes radially outward from the side surface of the fixing portion (113). Two protruding portions (114) are arranged so as to face each other in the radial direction of the top plate portion (111).

[0083] The engaging portion (115) is a pair of plate members that extend upward from the fixing portion (113) and are arranged to face each other in the radial direction of the top plate portion (111). The engaging portion (115) fixes the secondary filter unit (100) to the bottom surface of the tank body (42a) by engaging with the locking portion (73).

[0084] The engaging portion (115) is formed so as to bend from below upward. Specifically, the engaging portion (115) extends upward so as to incline radially outward of the top plate portion (111) from the fixing portion (113), and then extends in a substantially vertical direction. The engaging portion (115) has a claw portion (115a) and a support portion (115b).

[0085] The claw portion (115a) is a member that engages with a locking portion (73) provided on the bottom surface of the tank (42). The claw portion (115a) is formed so as to protrude from the outer surface (radially outward of the top plate portion (111)) of the engaging portion (115). The claw portion (115a) is disposed at the bent portion of the engaging portion (115).

[0086] The support portion (115b) is provided on the inner surface (radially inward of the top plate portion (111)) of the engaging portion (115). The support portion (115b) is formed such that the protrusion extends in the vertical direction. Although details will be described later, the support portion (115b) assists in pushing back the engaging portion (115) toward the outside when the engaging portion (115) is biased inward toward the top plate portion (111). Thereby, the claw portion (115a) is suppressed from detaching from the locking portion (73).

[0087] The knob portion (116) is a pair of plate members that extend upward from the outer edge of the top plate portion (111). Although details will be described later, the knob portion (116) is a portion that the user holds with a finger when attaching the secondary filter unit (100) to the bottom of the tank (42).

[0088] (5) Attachment and detachment of the secondary filter unit When attaching the secondary filter unit (100) to the tank (42), after removing the lid portion (42b) from the tank (42), hold the secondary filter unit (100) by pinching the knob portion (116) with a finger and move it into the tank (42).

[0089] Bring the secondary filter unit (100) closer to the water supply valve (60) from above so that the engaging portion (115) aligns with the locking portion (73), and push the claw portion (115a) downward while sliding it along the guide surface (73b) of the locking portion (73). In this process, the locking portion (73) pushed by the claw portion (115a) deforms so as to tilt radially outward, and at the same time, the engaging portion (115) pushed by the guide surface (73b) deforms so as to tilt radially inward.

[0090] When the claw part (115a) fits into the locking hole (73a), the engaging part (115) returns to its original position by the force acting radially outward by the support part (115b), and the locking part (73) also returns to its original position. At this time, the fixing part (113) of the secondary filter unit (100) fits inside the second protrusion part (72), and the protrusion part (114) fits inside the bulging part (72a) of the second protrusion part (72). Further, the ring member (103) is pressed against the first protrusion part (71), so that the ring member (103) and the first protrusion part (71) are in close contact with each other.

[0091] When removing the secondary filter unit (100) from the tank (42), pinch the pair of plate members of the engaging part (115) with fingers so as to bring them closer to each other. As a result, the posture of the engaging part (115) changes radially inward, and the claw part (115a) detaches from the locking hole (73a). While maintaining this state, lift the secondary filter unit (100) upward.

[0092] (6) Water supply operation to the tank and flow of water from the tank to the water tray The water supply operation to the tank (42) and the flow of water from the tank (42) to the water tray (43) will be described.

[0093] Open the access port (18) of the casing (11), grasp the handle (47) of the tank (42) and pull the tank (42) forward, then the water supply port (46) is exposed to the outside. In this state, water is poured from a container filled with water into the water supply port (46). At this time, foreign matters of a predetermined size mixed in the water are captured by the primary filter unit (90). When the tank (42) is filled with a predetermined amount of water, grasp the handle (47) again, push the tank (42) toward the inside of the casing (11), and close the access port (18).

[0094] As shown in FIG. 9, when the float switch detects that the water level in the water tray (43) has dropped below a predetermined water level, the tip of the arm (49) rises. As a result, the spring receiving portion (64) is pushed upward, and the valve body (61) rises and moves away from the water supply hole (81). At this time, the water supply hole (81) is in an open state, and a water flow toward the water supply hole (81) is formed in the tank (42).

[0095] The water in the tank (42) flows toward the secondary filter unit (100). Here, the ring member (103) functions as a packing between the secondary filter unit (100) and the tank (42), and the water in the tank (42) is restricted from flowing in between the secondary filter unit (100) and the tank (42). As a result, the water in the tank (42) passes through the filter portion (102) of the secondary filter unit (100). At this time, fine foreign matters mixed into the tank (42) are captured by the filter portion (102). In this way, the secondary filter unit (100) is disposed upstream of the water supply valve (60) in the water flow formed when the water in the tank (42) flows into the water tray (43) through the water supply hole (81).

[0096] Next, the water that has passed through the filter portion (102) and flowed into the secondary filter unit (100) rises to the upper end of the first peripheral wall (82a). Since the filter portion (102) is disposed at a height position lower than the upper end of the first peripheral wall (82a) (cylindrical portion (80)), a water flow is formed that descends to the filter portion (102), passes through the filter portion (102), and further rises to the upper end of the first peripheral wall (82a). Also, even when the valve body (61) rises, the valve body (61) is at a height position lower than the upper end of the first peripheral wall (82a). Therefore, the water that has reached the upper end of the first peripheral wall (82a) descends toward the valve body (61). In this way, the filter portion (102) and the first peripheral wall (82a) form a labyrinth flow path, which is an intertwined water flow path, and the first peripheral wall (82a) suppresses the formation of a water flow that flows into the water supply hole (81) from the side of the valve body (61).

[0097] Also, in the secondary filter unit (100), since a space is formed between the frame portion and the outer surface of the cylindrical portion (80) below the filter portion (102), a part of the water that has passed through the filter portion (102) descends toward the space.

[0098] When the water level in the water tray (43) reaches a predetermined water level, the float moves away from the spring receiving portion (64) by the float switch. As a result, the valve body (61) descends to seal the water supply hole (81). When the water supply hole (81) is sealed, the water supply from the tank (42) to the water tray (43) stops (see Fig. 7).

[0099] (7) Operating operation The operating operation of the air cleaner (10) will be described. The air cleaner (10) performs a cleaning operation and a humidifying cleaning operation. The cleaning operation is an operation for cleaning the air in the target space (S). In the cleaning operation, the humidifying function stops. The humidifying cleaning operation is an operation for simultaneously cleaning and humidifying the air in the target space (S).

[0100] (7-1) Cleaning operation In the cleaning operation, the fan unit (30) and the discharge units (27, 28) are driven. In principle, the humidifying rotor (50) is in a stopped state. The first damper (36) and the second damper (37) are in an open state. The air in the indoor space (S) is sucked into the air passage (P) from each of the first suction port (15A), the second suction port (15B), and the third suction port (15C). The air sucked from the second suction port (15B) and the third suction port (15C) passes through each pre-filter (21, 22). Each pre-filter (21, 22) collects relatively large dust in the air. Upstream of each pre-filter (21, 22), the odor components in the air are oxidized and decomposed by the active species released from each discharge unit (27, 28).

[0101] The air that has passed through each pre-filter (21, 22) passes through each HEPA filter (23, 24) and each deodorizing filter (25, 26) in order.

[0102] The air blown out from the fan unit (30) partly flows through the primary space (35a), and the remaining part flows through the secondary space (35b). The air in the primary space (35a) and the air in the secondary space (35b) flow upward along the side surface of the humidifying rotor (50) and are blown out from the air outlet (12) into the indoor space (S).

[0103] (7-2) Humidifying and cleaning operation In the humidifying and cleaning operation, the fan unit (30) and the discharge units (27, 28) are driven. In principle, the humidifying rotor (50) is in a rotating state. As shown in FIG. 3, the first damper (36) and the second damper (37) are in a closed state. In the humidifying and cleaning operation, the air is cleaned in the same manner as the above-described cleaning operation.

[0104] All of the air blown out from the fan unit (30) flows through the primary space (35a). The air in the primary space (35a) passes through the humidifying rotor (50) in the axial direction. In the humidifying rotor (50), moisture of the water-absorbing member is imparted to the air. The air humidified by the humidifying rotor (50) flows out into the secondary space (35b) and is blown out from the air outlet (12) into the indoor space (S).

[0105] (7-3) Operation of the humidifying unit During the operation of the above-described air cleaner (10), the humidifying unit (40) performs the following operations.

[0106] The drive mechanism (45) rotates the rotary shaft (44). Thereby, when the humidifying rotor (50) rotates about the rotary shaft (44), the bucket revolves around the axis of the rotary shaft (44). When the bucket enters the water in the water tray (43), the water in the water tray (43) enters the bucket through the inlet (56). When the bucket exits the water in the water tray (43), the water in the bucket is pumped up.

[0107] When the bucket further moves upward and reaches near the upper end of the humidifying rotor (50), the water in the bucket passes through the water injection port (59) and is discharged to the water absorption member (70). This water moves to the surface and inside of the water absorption member (70). When the humidifying rotor (50) further rotates, the bucket re-enters the water in the water tray (43). The above operations are continuously repeated.

[0108] (8) Features (8-1) Feature 1 In the tank (42), a water supply valve (60) for opening and closing a water supply hole (81) and a secondary filter unit (100) for capturing foreign substances in the water in the tank (42) are arranged. The secondary filter unit (100) is arranged on the upstream side of the water supply valve (60) in the water flow formed when the water in the tank (42) flows into the water tray (43) through the water supply hole (81).

[0109] According to the present embodiment, when water is supplied from the tank (42) to the water tray (43), foreign substances contained in the water in the tank (42) are captured by the secondary filter unit (100), so that foreign substances can be prevented from entering the water supply valve (60) and the water supply hole (81). Thereby, it is possible to prevent foreign substances from being caught in the gap between the water supply valve (60) and the water supply hole (81), and to suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of the water supply valve (60). In particular, when aiming to make the size of the air cleaner compact, it is conceivable to reduce the volumes of the tank (42) and the water tray (43). In this case, the smaller the volume of the water tray (43) compared to the volume of the tank (42), the more likely water is to overflow from the water tray (43) when water leakage occurs from the water supply hole (81). However, in the air cleaner (10) of the present embodiment, water leakage from the water supply hole (81) can be suppressed, so that the size of the air cleaner (10) can be made compact.

[0110] (8-2) Feature 2 The secondary filter unit (100) is attached to the bottom of the tank (42) and is formed to accommodate the water supply valve (60).

[0111] According to this embodiment, since the water supply valve (60) is arranged inside the secondary filter unit (100), when water is supplied from the tank (42) to the water tray (43), the water in the tank (42) flows into the water supply valve (60) through the secondary filter unit (100). Thereby, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from being caught in the gap between the water supply valve (60) and the water supply hole (81), and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of the water supply valve (60).

[0112] (8-3) Feature 3 The secondary filter unit (100) is configured to be removable from the tank (42). Thereby, the maintainability of the secondary filter unit (100) can be improved.

[0113] (8-4) Feature 4 The tank (42) has a cylindrical portion (80) formed so as to extend upward from the bottom of the tank (42). The opening facing upward of the cylindrical portion (80) is the water supply hole (81), and the water supply valve (60) seals the water supply hole (81).

[0114] According to this embodiment, since the upper end of the cylindrical portion (80) is located higher than the bottom of the tank (42), by providing the water supply valve (60) at that position, it is possible to prevent foreign matter accumulated at the bottom of the tank (42) from flowing toward the water supply valve (60).

[0115] (8-5) Feature 5 The water supply valve (60) has a valve body (61) that seals the water supply hole (81) by closing the water supply hole (81) from above. The cylindrical portion (80) has a first peripheral wall (82a) that rises from around the water supply hole (81) and surrounds the valve body (61).

[0116] According to this embodiment, since the flow of water entering the valve body (61) from the side of the water supply hole (81) is obstructed by the first peripheral wall (82a), it is possible to prevent foreign matter accumulated on the bottom surface of the tank (42) from adhering to the water supply hole (81) and the valve body (61).

[0117] (8-6) Feature 6 The secondary filter unit (100) has a filter part (102) which is a filter medium, and a frame part (101) for fixing the filter part (102). The frame part (101) is formed to accommodate a water supply valve (60). The filter part (102) is disposed at a height position lower than the upper end of the cylindrical part (80).

[0118] According to the present embodiment, when water flows toward the water tray (43) in the tank (42), the water that has descended to the filter part (102) forms a water flow that rises to the upper end of the first peripheral wall (82a) after passing through the filter part (102). Thus, by forming a labyrinth flow path by the secondary filter unit (100) and the cylindrical part (80), even if foreign matter passes through the filter part (102), it is possible to suppress the foreign matter from reaching the water supply hole (81).

[0119] (8-7) Feature 7 The water supply valve (60) has a valve body (61) which is an elastic member for sealing a circular water supply hole (81). The outer surface of the valve body (61) has a spherical surface part (61a) formed in a spherical shape so as to contact the water supply hole (81).

[0120] According to the present embodiment, when the outer surface of the valve body (61) in contact with the water supply hole (81) is formed in a spherical shape rather than a flat surface, even if the valve body (61) is displaced and contacts the water supply hole (81), it is difficult for a gap to be formed between the valve body (61) and the water supply hole (81), and since surface-to-surface contact can be made with the surface around the water supply hole (81), a decrease in the sealing performance of the valve body (61) can be suppressed. In particular, since a tapered surface (84a) is formed so as to surround the water supply hole (81), the sealing area of the valve body (61) with respect to the periphery of the water supply hole (81) can be increased, and thus the sealing performance of the valve body (61) can be improved.

[0121] (8-8) Feature 8 The inside of the spherical surface part (61a) of the valve body (61) is solid.

[0122] According to this embodiment, by making the inside of the spherical surface portion (61a) solid, the followability of the shape change of the outer surface of the valve body (61) can be improved. Specifically, even if a foreign object is caught between the valve body (61) and the water supply hole (81), the outer surface of the valve body (61) changes to follow the shape of the foreign object, so that it is difficult to form a gap between the valve body (61) and the water supply hole (81). That is, since the outer surface changes so that the foreign object fills the outer surface of the valve body (61), it is difficult to form a gap between the valve body (61) and the water supply hole (81) at the portion where the foreign object hits. Thereby, a decrease in the sealing performance of the valve body (61) can be suppressed.

[0123] (8-9) Feature 9 At the upper part of the tank (42), a water supply port (46) capable of supplying water into the tank (42) from the outside is formed. Further provided is a second filter member (90) which is disposed below the water supply port (46) and captures foreign matters contained in the water supplied from the outside.

[0124] According to this embodiment, when water is supplied to the tank (42), it is possible to suppress foreign matters contained in the water from mixing into the tank (42).

[0125] (8-10) Feature 10 The filter medium of the filter part (102) of the secondary filter unit (100) is finer than the filter medium of the primary filter unit (90). Thereby, by removing relatively large foreign matters in advance by the primary filter unit (90), clogging in the secondary filter unit (100) can be suppressed.

[0126] (9) Other embodiments Regarding the above embodiment, it may be configured as follows.

[0127] The humidifying device may be applied to a device other than the air cleaner (10), or may be a device having only a humidifying function. In this case, the humidifying device may include a fan unit (30) and a humidifying unit (40).

[0128] The humidifying unit (50) may be any device that humidifies the air flowing through the air passage (P), and is not limited to the humidifying rotor (50). The humidifying unit (50) may, for example, have a non-rotating configuration, or may be a device that sprays toward the air, or may be a device that evaporates the water in the water storage unit (43) by ultrasonic waves, heating, or the like.

[0129] The water storage unit (43) may be any container that supplies water to the humidifying unit (50). Further, the water storage unit (43) may store the water that serves as the humidifying source.

[0130] The first filter member (100) may consist only of the filter unit (102). That is, the first filter member (100) may have a configuration without the frame unit (101).

[0131] The water supply valve (60) may be any device that opens and closes the water supply hole (81), and is not limited to a configuration in which the valve body (61) closes the water supply hole (81) from above.

[0132] The outer surface of the valve body (61) of the water supply valve (60) does not have to be formed in a spherical shape. Also, the inside of the valve body (61) does not have to be solid.

[0133] The tank (42) does not have to have the cylindrical portion (80). In this case, the water supply hole (81) is formed in the bottom surface of the tank main body (42a).

[0134] The cylindrical portion (80) does not have to have the peripheral wall (82a) formed thereon.

[0135] The tank (42) only needs to have the first filter member (100) and does not have to have the second filter member (90).

[0136] The water supply port (46) of the tank (42) does not have to be arranged at the upper part of the tank (42). For example, the water supply port (46) may be provided at the same position as the water supply hole (81) of the tank (42).

[0137] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Also, the above embodiments and modifications may be combined or replaced as appropriate as long as the functions of the subject of the present disclosure are not impaired. The descriptions "first" and "second" described above are used to distinguish the phrases to which these descriptions are given, and do not limit even the number and order of those phrases.

Industrial Applicability

[0138] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for a humidifying device.

Explanation of Signs

[0139] 10 Air purifier (humidifying device) 11 Casing 42 Tank 43 Water tray (water storage section) 46 Water supply port 50 Humidifying rotor (humidifying section) 60 Water supply valve (valve) 61 Valve body 61a Spherical surface portion 80 Cylindrical portion 81 Water supply hole 90 Primary filter unit (second filter member) 100 Secondary filter unit (first filter member) 101 Frame portion 102 Filter portion P Air passage

Claims

1. A casing (11); an air passage (P) formed in the casing (11); a humidification section (50) that humidifies air flowing through the air passage (P); a water storage section (43) for storing water to be supplied to the humidification section (50); a tank (42) disposed above the water storage section (43) and supplying water to the water storage section (43), A water supply hole (81) communicating with the water storage section (43) is provided in the bottom of the tank (42), The tank (42) contains: a valve (60) for opening and closing the water supply hole (81); a first filter member (100) for capturing foreign matter in the water in the tank (42), The first filter member (100) is disposed upstream of the valve (60) in a water flow formed when water in the tank (42) flows into the water storage section (43) through the water supply hole (81). humidifier.

2. The first filter member (100) is attached to the bottom of the tank (42) and is configured to accommodate the valve (60). The humidification device according to claim 1.

3. The first filter member (100) is configured to be removable from the tank (42). The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The tank (42) has a cylindrical portion (80) extending upward from the bottom of the tank (42), An opening facing upward of the tubular portion (80) is the water supply hole (81), The valve (60) seals the water supply hole (81). A humidifier according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The valve (60) has a valve body (61) that seals the water supply hole (81) by closing the water supply hole (81) from above, The tubular portion (80) has a peripheral wall (82a) extending from the periphery of the water supply hole (81) and surrounding the valve body (61). The humidifier according to claim 4.

6. The first filter member (100) has a filter portion (102) which is a filtering material, and a frame portion (101) which fixes the filter portion (102), The frame portion (101) is configured to accommodate the valve (60), The filter portion (102) is disposed at a height position lower than the upper end of the cylindrical portion (80). The humidifier according to claim 4.

7. The valve (60) has a valve body (61) made of an elastic member that seals the circular water supply hole (81), The outer surface of the valve body (61) has a spherical portion (61a) formed in a spherical shape so as to be in contact with the water supply hole (81). A humidifier according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The valve body (61) has a spherical portion (61a) whose inside is solid. The humidifier according to claim 7.

9. A water supply port (46) is formed at an upper portion of the tank (42) to supply water into the tank (42) from the outside. a second filter member (90) arranged at or below the water supply port (46) for trapping foreign matter contained in water supplied to the tank (42) from the outside. A humidifier according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The filter material of the first filter member (100) has finer mesh than the filter material of the second filter member (90). The humidification device according to claim 9.

Images