Humidifier, humidification system, and filter member

Abstract

To provide a humidifier, a humidification system, and a filter member hardly causing deposition of crystals in a filter.SOLUTION: A humidifier 10 includes a filter holding part 21 and a drive mechanism 4. The filter holding part 21 holds a filter 3 so that a part of the filter 3 is immersed in liquid L1 stored in a water storage part 22. The drive mechanism 4 moves the filter 3 between an upper end position at which the filter 3 is exposed at least above a liquid surface of the liquid L1 and a lower end position at which at least a part of the filter 3 is immersed in the liquid L1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier, a humidification system, and a filter member including a filter holding part for holding a filter.

Background Art

[0002] As a related art, a humidifier including a filter (a polymer porous humidification filter) for evaporating water is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of humidifier, by immersing a part of the filter in water, water penetrates into the filter by capillary action. Then, the humidifier can obtain humidified air by evaporating water by supplying air (wind) from a blowing means to the filter in a state where water has penetrated.

[0003] The humidifier according to the related art includes supply means for circulating water at a lower part on the side surface of a tank, and as long as a filter is connected to the supply means, a part of the surface of the filter is supplied with water in the tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the humidifier according to the above related art, as long as a filter is connected to the supply means, water is always supplied to the filter, so that discoloration due to crystal precipitation may occur in a portion of the filter exposed from water during long-term use.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier, a humidification system, and a filter member in which crystal precipitation hardly occurs in a filter.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The humidifier according to one aspect of the present invention includes a filter holding part and a drive mechanism. The filter holding part holds the filter such that a part of the filter is immersed in the liquid stored in the water storage part. The drive mechanism moves the filter between an upper end position where at least the upper end of the filter is exposed above the liquid level of the liquid and a lower end position where at least a part of the filter is immersed in the liquid.

[0008] The humidification system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the humidifier and the filter used in the humidifier.

[0009] The filter member according to one aspect of the present invention is used as the filter in the humidification system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a humidifier, a humidification system, and a filter member in which crystal precipitation hardly occurs on the filter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are an example of embodying the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overall Configuration First, the overall configuration of the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0014] In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the vertical direction in the state where the humidifier 10 can be used is defined as the up-down direction D1. Further, based on the direction when the humidifier 10 is viewed from the front, the left-right direction D2 is defined, and the front-rear direction D3 is defined with the front side of the humidifier 10 as the front and the rear side as the rear. However, these directions are not intended to limit the usage direction (direction during use) of the humidifier 10.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the humidifier 10 is used in a state of being placed on an installation surface X1 composed of, for example, the top surface of a desk or the floor surface of a living room in a house. The humidifier 10 stands on its own on the installation surface X1 in a state of being placed on the installation surface X1. That is, the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment is a self-standing and portable device, and a user can freely carry the humidifier 10 and install it at an arbitrary position on the installation surface X1.

[0016] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the humidifier 10 includes a main body 1 and a tray unit 2. The tray unit 2 is detachably attached to the main body 1 (tray attachment portion 13 thereof) as shown in FIG. 2.

[0017] The main body 1 has a housing 11, an air outlet 12, and a tray attachment portion 13. The main body 1 has a power supply unit, a control unit, a fan, etc. inside the housing 11.

[0018] In this embodiment, as an example, the housing 11 has a substantially prismatic shape (rectangular parallelepiped shape) with a length in the vertical direction D1. The housing 11 can adopt various shapes, and other than a prismatic shape, for example, a cylindrical shape or the like may be used.

[0019] The air outlet 12 is an opening through which the air humidified by the humidifier 10 is blown out. The air outlet 12 is disposed, for example, on the upper surface of the housing 11. The tray attachment portion 13 is a space for attaching the tray unit 2. In this embodiment, as an example, the tray attachment portion 13 is disposed at the lower part of the housing 11.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the tray unit 2 has a filter holding portion 21 and a water storage portion 22. A filter 3 is held in the filter holding portion 21. However, in this embodiment, the filter 3 is not included in the components of the humidifier 10. That is, the filter 3 is not included in the components of the tray unit 2 and is configured to be detachable from the tray unit 2.

[0021] Such a filter 3 constitutes a humidification system 100 together with the humidifier 10. In other words, the humidification system 100 according to this embodiment includes the humidifier 10 and the filter 3. In such a humidification system 100, the filter 3 is basically a consumable, and only the filter 3 can be replaced.

[0022] In short, when it is time to replace the filter 3, the user removes the filter 3 from the tray unit 2 and replaces it with a new filter (filter member). At this time, the filter member used for replacement is a member used as the filter 3 in the humidification system 100. The filter 3 is replaced in a state where the tray unit 2 is removed from the main body 1.

[0023] In this embodiment, as an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the tray unit 2 is attached to the tray mounting portion 13 provided at the lower part of the main body 1 from the front. That is, the front surface of the tray mounting portion 13 is open, and both surfaces in the vertical direction D1, both surfaces in the left - right direction D2, and the back surface are spaces surrounded by the housing 11. The user can attach and detach the tray unit 2 to and from the main body 1 by moving the tray unit 2 parallel to the front - rear direction D3 with respect to such a tray mounting portion 13.

[0024] Specifically, the user holds the tray unit 2 by hand and operates to push the tray unit 2 backward from the front - face opening of the tray mounting portion 13, thereby attaching the tray unit 2 to the main body 1 (the state in FIG. 1). On the other hand, the user holds the tray unit 2 by hand and operates to pull the tray unit 2 forward from the tray mounting portion 13, thereby removing the tray unit 2 from the main body 1 (the state in FIG. 2). In this way, the tray unit 2 can be attached to and detached from the main body 1 of the humidifier 10 by being inserted and removed from the main body 1.

[0025] The filter holding portion 21 is a member that holds the filter 3. In this embodiment, as an example, the filter holding portion 21 is formed in a box shape (hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape) with an open upper surface. Here, in this embodiment, the entire tray unit 2 constitutes the filter holding portion 21. That is, the tray unit 2 as a whole is formed in a box shape with an open upper surface.

[0026] The water storage part 22 is a part for storing a liquid L1 (see FIG. 3) such as water (tap water as an example). In the present embodiment, the water storage part 22 is provided in the filter holding part 21. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the space from the bottom side to a predetermined height inside the box-shaped filter holding part 21 functions as the water storage part 22.

[0027] Here, the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22 is not limited to tap water, and may be, for example, a liquid such as pure water, drinking water, lotion, warm water (hot water), deodorant, fragrance, or sterilized water. In the present disclosure, regardless of the type of the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22, the operation of replenishing the liquid L1 to the water storage part 22 is referred to as a "water supply operation".

[0028] Since the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22 is used to humidify the air in the humidifier 10, it decreases as the humidifier 10 is used. Therefore, a "water supply operation" for replenishing the liquid L1 (tap water as an example) to the water storage part 22 is required. In the present embodiment, the water supply operation is to be performed by replenishing the liquid L1 such as tap water from the upper surface opening of the tray unit 2 (filter holding part 21) with the tray unit 2 removed from the main body 1. Therefore, the user needs to perform a "water supply operation" of periodically or irregularly removing the tray unit 2 from the main body 1, replenishing the liquid L1 to the water storage part 22, and then mounting the tray unit 2 on the main body 1.

[0029] The filter 3 is held in the filter holding part 21 of the tray unit 2. In the present embodiment, as an example, the filter 3 is formed in a rectangular plate shape (cuboid shape) having a thickness in one direction as shown in FIG. 2. In the state of being mounted on the filter holding part 21, the filter 3 is installed in a direction in which its thickness direction coincides with the front-rear direction D3 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Here, the width dimension of the filter 3 (the dimension in the left-right direction D2 in FIG. 2) is larger than the height dimension of the filter 3 (the dimension in the up-down direction D1 in FIG. 2).

[0030] Part of the filter 3 is immersed in the liquid L1 (water) in the water storage section 22, so that the liquid L1 impregnates the entire filter 3. As an example, it is formed in a corrugated shape in which mountain portions and valley portions are arranged alternately using a non-woven fabric obtained by subjecting rayon fibers and / or polyester fibers to acrylic impregnation processing. Such a filter 3 can distribute water throughout its entirety by capillary action or the like when a part of it is immersed in water.

[0031] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the filter 3 is held by the filter holding section 21 in a state of being accommodated in the central portion of the filter holding section 21 in the front-rear direction D3 of the box-shaped filter holding section 21. At this time, the lower portion of the filter 3 is immersed in the liquid L1 (water) stored in the water storage section 22 of the tray unit 2. As a result, the liquid L1 sucked up inside the filter 3 also spreads to the portion of the filter 3 that is exposed from the water surface (above the water surface).

[0032] 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 using the liquid L1 (water) stored in the water storage section 22. That is, in the humidifier 10, as shown in FIG. 3, by blowing air onto the filter 3 containing water, the water contained in the filter 3 is vaporized, and a humidified air flow is generated on the downstream side of the filter 3. In FIG. 3, the flow of air (air flow) is indicated by white arrows. That is, by the fan or the like of the main body 1, by blowing air (air flow) from the front onto the portion of the filter 3 that is exposed from the water surface, the moist air passes through the filter 3 and blows out from the downstream side (rear side) of the filter 3 to the outside of the housing 11 through the air outlet 12.

[0033] However, the configuration is not limited to the case where the wind (airflow) passes through the filter 3 from the front to the rear. For example, a configuration where the wind (airflow) passes through the filter 3 from the rear to the front may also be used. Further, the humidifier 10 (humidification system 100) is not limited to the vaporization type. For example, it may be a heating vaporization type (hybrid type) or the like that emits moist air by blowing warm air (heated air) heated by a heat source such as a heater onto the filter 3.

[0034] [2] Configuration of the drive mechanism Next, the configuration of the drive mechanism 4 of the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0035] As described above, in the humidifier 10 (humidification system 100) used in a state where a part of the filter 3 is immersed in the water storage section 22 (the stored water), if the same part of the filter 3 is always immersed in water, it may lead to discoloration of the filter 3 or the like. That is, if the same part of the filter 3 is always immersed in water, discoloration or the like due to crystal precipitation may occur in the part of the filter 3 exposed from the water over a long period of use.

[0036] The humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment adopts the configuration described below to realize a humidifier in which crystal precipitation hardly occurs on the filter 3.

[0037] That is, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment includes a filter holding section 21 and a drive mechanism 4. The filter holding section 21 holds the filter 3 so that a part of the filter 3 is immersed in the liquid L1 stored in the water storage section 22. The drive mechanism 4 moves the filter 3 between an upper end position where at least a part of the filter 3 is exposed above the liquid level of the liquid L1 and a lower end position where at least a part of the filter 3 is immersed in the liquid L1.

[0038] In short, the drive mechanism 4 reciprocates the filter 3 along the vertical direction D1, thereby inserting and removing at least the lower part of the filter 3 (the first part 301 in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5) into and out of the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22. The "upper end position" referred to in the present disclosure is the top dead center of the movable range of the filter 3 by the drive mechanism 4, and is the position of the filter 3 when the filter 3 is exposed above the liquid level (water surface) of the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22. The "lower end position" referred to in the present disclosure is the bottom dead center of the movable range of the filter 3 by the drive mechanism 4, and is the position of the filter 3 when at least a part (lower end part) of the filter 3 is immersed in the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22.

[0039] Thus, in the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment, by moving the filter 3 to the upper end position by the drive mechanism 4, the filter 3 can be exposed above the liquid level (water surface) of the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22. Therefore, the filter 3 does not always soak in the liquid L1. For example, when the humidifier 10 is not in use, by moving the filter 3 to the upper end position, it is easy to suppress discoloration or the like due to crystal precipitation on the part of the filter 3 exposed from the water.

[0040] From the above, according to the humidifier 10 (humidification system 100) according to the present embodiment, even during long-term use, crystal precipitation is less likely to occur on the part of the filter 3 exposed from the water. Therefore, discoloration or the like of the filter 3 due to crystal precipitation can also be suppressed, and as a result, it also leads to an extended service life of the filter 3, which in turn leads to a reduction in the frequency of filter 3 replacement.

[0041] More specifically, the filter 3 has a filter main body 31 and a frame body 32. The frame body 32 is a frame-shaped member that penetrates in the front-rear direction, and holds the filter main body 31 inside it. In FIG. 4, the filter 3 at the lower end position is shown by a solid line, and the filter 3 at the upper end position is shown by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line).

[0042] In the present embodiment, as is clear from FIG. 4, when the filter 3 is in the upper end position, not only the filter body 31 but also the entire filter 3 including the frame body 32 is exposed upward from the liquid level (water surface) of the liquid L1. However, it is not essential for the frame body 32 to be exposed above the liquid level (water surface) at the upper end position, and the lower part of the frame body 32 may be immersed in the liquid L1. That is, when the filter 3 is in the upper end position, it is sufficient that at least the entire filter body 31 is exposed above the liquid level (water surface).

[0043] Here, in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, among both ends of the filter 3 in the vertical direction D1, the end portion (lower end portion) on the side immersed in the liquid L1 is defined as the first portion 301, and the end portion (upper end portion) on the side exposed from the liquid L1 is defined as the second portion 302. That is, the second portion 302 of the filter 3 is always exposed from (above) the water surface. On the other hand, the first portion 301 of the filter 3 is inserted into and removed from the liquid L1 by driving the filter 3 in the vertical direction D1 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0044] Specifically, the drive mechanism 4 includes a biasing portion 41, a damper member 42, and a drive source 43. In the present embodiment, as an example, the drive mechanism 4 has a pair of biasing portions 41 arranged in the left - right direction D2 as shown in FIG. 5.

[0045] Each of the pair of biasing portions 41 is, for example, composed of a compression coil spring (coil spring). The pair of biasing portions 41 is arranged below the filter 3 and is held in a compressed state between the bottom surface of the filter holding portion 21 and the lower surface of the frame body 32 of the filter 3. Thereby, the pair of biasing portions 41 bias the filter 3 upward with respect to the bottom surface of the filter holding portion 21 by their elastic force.

[0046] The damper member 42 is a member that fills the gap between the filter 3 and the filter holding portion 21 and the main body 1 above the filter 3. By the damper member 42 filling the gap, it is possible to prevent the unhumidified air flow from passing through the gap. Here, the damper member 42 is held by the filter holding portion 21 in a state where it can rotate about the rotation axis Ax1. And in the state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the damper member 42 presses the filter 3 downward by contacting the upper surface of the frame body 32 of the filter 3.

[0047] The drive source 43 is a device that generates a driving force for rotating the damper member 42, and is composed of, for example, an electric motor or the like. Here, the drive source 43 is preferably realized by, for example, a stepping motor or the like in order to freely control the rotation amount (rotation angle) and the rotation direction of the damper member 42.

[0048] Here, as an example, the drive source 43 is provided in the main body 1. The drive source 43 is coupled to the damper member 42 via a power transmission portion such as a gear or a belt, and the driving force generated by the drive source 43 is transmitted to the damper member 42 via the power transmission portion.

[0049] That is, in the present embodiment, the drive mechanism 4 has a biasing portion 41 that biases the filter 3 in at least one direction. Here, as an example, the biasing portion 41 biases the filter 3 upward (that is, toward the upper end position side). Thereby, when the drive mechanism 4 moves the filter 3 in one direction (here, the upper end position side), it is possible to move the filter 3 with the biasing portion 41 having a relatively simple configuration. Moreover, since the biasing portion 41 biases the filter 3 in one direction, there is also an advantage that rattling of the filter 3 is less likely to occur.

[0050] In addition, the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment further includes a damper member 42 that suppresses the airflow from passing around the filter 3 by closing the periphery of the filter 3. Here, the drive mechanism 4 moves the filter 3 to the lower end position side by pressing the filter 3 with at least the damper member 42. That is, the drive mechanism 4 can press the filter 3 downward with the damper member 42 by rotationally driving the damper member 42 with the drive source 43. Therefore, the damper member 42 for preventing the passage of the unhumidified airflow can be diverted to the movement of the filter 3 to the lower end position side, and the configuration can be simplified.

[0051] [3] Operation of the drive mechanism Next, the operation of the drive mechanism 4 of the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0052] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the operation when the drive mechanism 4 moves the filter 3 from the lower end position to the upper end position.

[0053] Here, as an initial state, it is assumed that the filter 3 is in the lower end position (see FIG. 4). The drive mechanism 4 moves the filter 3 from the lower end position to the upper end position in conjunction with an operation of turning off the power of the humidifier 10. On the other hand, the drive mechanism 4 moves the filter 3 from the upper end position to the lower end position in conjunction with an operation of turning on the power of the humidifier 10. Thus, in conjunction with the on / off operation of the power of the humidifier 10, the drive mechanism 4 moves the filter 3 back and forth between the lower end position and the upper end position.

[0054] Therefore, when an operation of turning off the power of the humidifier 10 is performed while the filter 3 is in the lower end position, the drive mechanism 4 rotationally drives the damper member 42 by the drive source 43. Here, the drive mechanism 4 rotates the damper member 42 in the direction indicated by the broken-line arrow (clockwise in the figure) around the rotation axis Ax1.

[0055] As a result, as shown in FIG. 6 (by the solid line), the damper member 42 that presses the filter 3 downward against the biasing force of the biasing portion 41 moves upward. Therefore, due to the biasing force of the biasing portion 41, the filter 3 moves upward (toward the upper end position side).

[0056] Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the drive mechanism 4 further rotationally drives the damper member 42 by the drive source 43. Here, the damper member 42 further rotates in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow (clockwise in the figure) about the rotation axis Ax1. Finally, the drive mechanism 4 rotates the damper member 42 by 90 degrees.

[0057] As a result, the damper member 42 that presses the filter 3 downward against the biasing force of the biasing portion 41 moves upward. Therefore, due to the biasing force of the biasing portion 41, the filter 3 moves further upward. Then, since the damper member 42 retreats from above the filter 3, the spring force of the biasing portion 41 is released, and as shown in FIG. 7 (by the solid line), the filter 3 moves to the upper end position.

[0058] In the state shown in FIG. 7, also the lower part of the filter 3 (here, the first part 301) is exposed above the liquid level (water surface) of the liquid L1. As a result, when the power supply of the humidifier 10 is turned off, the filter 3 floats from the liquid level, and crystal deposition on the portion (the second part 302) of the filter 3 exposed from the water is less likely to occur. Therefore, crystal deposition can be suppressed even during long-term use.

[0059] Furthermore, in the state where the filter 3 floats from the liquid level like this, the filter 3 is likely to dry, so the growth of various bacteria on the filter 3 is also suppressed, and it becomes easier to keep the filter 3 hygienic.

[0060] Conversely, when an operation of turning on the power supply of the humidifier 10 is performed with the filter 3 in the upper end position, the drive mechanism 4 rotationally drives the damper member 42 in the opposite direction to the above by the drive source 43. That is, the drive mechanism 4 rotates the damper member 42 counterclockwise in the figure about the rotation axis Ax1.

[0061] As a result, the damper member 42 presses the filter 3 downward against the biasing force of the biasing portion 41, so that the filter 3 moves from the upper end position to the lower end position. When the filter 3 moves to the lower end position, at least the lower portion of the filter 3 (here, the first portion 301) will be immersed in the liquid L1. Therefore, in the humidifier 10, by blowing air against the filter 3, the water contained in the filter 3 can be vaporized, and a humidified air flow can be generated on the downstream side of the filter 3.

[0062] As described above, in the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment, the drive mechanism 4 holds the filter 3 at the upper end position when the power is off. Therefore, when the power is off and humidification in the humidifier 10 is not performed, by exposing the filter 3 above the liquid level (water surface) of the liquid L1, crystal deposition on the portion of the filter 3 exposed from the water is less likely to occur.

[0063] By the way, when the humidifier 10 has functions other than humidification, such as an air purifier with a humidification function, it is preferable that the drive mechanism 4 operates in conjunction with the on / off of humidification. That is, in the humidifier 10 having functions other than humidification, for example, when used as a simple air purifier, the humidification function may be turned off. Thus, in the humidifier 10 capable of switching the on / off of the humidification function, the drive mechanism 4 is interlocked with the on / off operation of the humidification function.

[0064] Specifically, when the humidification function is on, the drive mechanism 4 holds the filter 3 at the lower end position so that at least the lower portion of the filter 3 is immersed in the liquid L1. Then, when an operation to turn off the humidification function is performed, the drive mechanism 4 moves the filter 3 to the upper end position and floats the filter 3 from the liquid surface. As a result, when an operation to turn off the humidification function is performed, the liquid L1 no longer penetrates into the filter 3. Therefore, even if air is blown against the filter 3, a dry air flow that is not humidified can be generated on the downstream side of the filter 3.

[0065] Thus, in this embodiment, the drive mechanism 4 moves the filter 3 in conjunction with the on / off operation of humidification. That is, by holding the filter 3 at either the lower end position or the upper end position, it becomes possible to turn the humidification function on or off.

[0066] [4] Modification Hereinafter, modifications of Embodiment 1 will be listed. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0067] The drive mechanism 4 is not limited to a completely automatic (electric) configuration. For example, a partially or fully manual configuration may be applied.

[0068] Also, the drive source 43 may be provided in the tray unit 2 instead of the main body 1. In this case, power supply is required from the main body 1 to the tray unit 2 (the drive source 43).

[0069] Also, the configuration of the damper member 42 is not limited to the configuration described in Embodiment 1. For example, the damper member 42 may be configured to press the filter 3 downward by contacting the entire upper surface of the frame body 32 of the filter 3. In this case, the damper member 42 receives the driving force generated by the drive source 43 and moves straight along the vertical direction D1 to move the filter 3 between the upper end position and the lower end position.

[0070] (Embodiment 2) The humidifier 10A according to this embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 in that it further includes a rotation mechanism 5 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the illustration of the drive mechanism 4 is omitted. Hereinafter, for the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1, common reference numerals are given and the description is appropriately omitted.

[0071] The rotation mechanism 5 rotates the filter 3 in a state where the filter 3 is at the upper end position. That is, when the filter 3 is lifted from the liquid surface by the drive mechanism 4, the rotation mechanism 5 rotates the filter 3. Thereby, the filter 3 can be rotated more easily without the resistance of the liquid L1 compared to the case where the filter 3 is rotated in the liquid L1.

[0072] In this embodiment, the rotation mechanism 5 has a rotation shaft 51 provided on the filter 3, and rotates the filter 3 by rotating the rotation shaft 51. The filter holding portion 21 holds the filter 3 by rotatably holding the rotation shaft 51 at the bearing portion.

[0073] Specifically, a pair of rotation shafts 51 are provided so as to protrude from both surfaces of the filter 3 in the left - right direction D2. The bearing portions are provided in a pair at positions facing the pair of rotation shafts 51 on both side walls of the filter holding portion 21 in the left - right direction D2. Each of the pair of rotation shafts 51 is a columnar portion extending along the left - right direction D2, and each of the pair of bearing portions is a recess formed on the inner surface of the filter holding portion 21. Thus, the filter 3 is held by the filter holding portion 21 by fitting the pair of rotation shafts 51 into the pair of bearing portions.

[0074] By providing such a rotation shaft 51, the filter 3 can rotate (spin) with respect to the filter holding portion 21 about the rotation shaft 51 (central axis Ax2) along the left - right direction D2. More specifically, the pair of rotation shafts 51 are arranged at the center of the frame body 32 in a side view. However, the "rotation shaft" as referred to in the present disclosure does not necessarily have a physical entity as a columnar shaft member, and may be, for example, a virtual axis that is the center when the filter 3 rotates (spins).

[0075] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotation mechanism 5 has, in addition to the rotation shaft 51, a power transmission portion 52 and a drive source 53. The drive source 53 is a device that generates a driving force for rotating the rotation shaft 51, and is composed of, for example, an electric motor or the like. Here, the drive source 53 is preferably realized by, for example, a stepping motor or the like in order to freely control the rotation amount (rotation angle) and the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 51.

[0076] Here, as an example, the drive source 53 is provided in the main body 1. The power transmission unit 52 is composed of, for example, gears or belts. The drive source 53 is coupled to the rotary shaft 51 via the power transmission unit 52, and the driving force generated by the drive source 53 is transmitted to the rotary shaft 51 via the power transmission unit 52.

[0077] Here, the rotation mechanism 5 changes the posture of the filter 3 among a plurality of postures. Specifically, the rotation mechanism 5 changes the posture of the filter 3 among a plurality of postures including a first posture in which the first part 301 of the filter 3 is at the lower end and a second posture in which the second part 302 of the filter 3 is at the lower end.

[0078] Here, the first posture is, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a posture in which the first part 301 of the filter 3 is located downward. In this state, the second part 302 of the filter 3 is located upward. On the other hand, the second posture is a posture in which the second part 302 of the filter 3 is located downward. In this state, the first part 301 of the filter 3 is located upward. In this embodiment, as an example, the rotation mechanism 5 changes the posture of the filter 3 between these two postures, the first posture and the second posture. That is, the rotation mechanism 5 reverses the up / down of the filter 3 and switches between the first posture and the second posture by rotating the filter 3 by half a turn (180 degrees).

[0079] According to this configuration, it is possible to change the posture of the filter 3 regularly or irregularly among a plurality of postures including the first posture in which the first part 301 is immersed in water and the second posture in which the second part 302 is immersed in water by the rotation mechanism 5. As a result, since the wind can be applied from both sides in the thickness direction of the filter 3 in a state where the filter 3 is at the upper end position, it is easy to shorten the time required for drying the filter 3.

[0080] Furthermore, since the same portion of the filter 3 is not always immersed in water and the immersed portion is replaced, crystal deposition is less likely to occur on the portion of the filter 3 that is exposed from the water. That is, even if crystal deposition starts partially in the filter 3, by immersing this portion in the liquid L1, the deposited crystals dissolve in the liquid L1, and as a result, crystal deposition can be suppressed.

[0081] In short, in the state where the filter 3 is in the upper end position, the rotation mechanism 5 first rotationally drives the rotary shaft 51 by the drive source 53 as shown in the upper part of FIG. 9. Here, it is assumed that the filter 3 rotates in the direction indicated by the broken-line arrow (clockwise in the figure) around the rotary shaft 51 (central axis Ax2).

[0082] Then, from the state shown in the lower part of FIG. 9, the rotation mechanism 5 further rotationally drives the rotary shaft 51 by the drive source 53. Here, the filter 3 further rotates in the direction indicated by the broken-line arrow (clockwise in the figure) around the rotary shaft 51. Finally, the rotation mechanism 5 rotates the filter 3 by half a turn (180 degrees) with respect to the filter holding portion 21. As a result, the filter 3 assumes a second posture in which the second portion 302 is downward and the first portion 301 is upward.

[0083] That is, when the rotation mechanism 5 operates, the filter 3 rotates by half a turn (180 degrees) from the first posture and transitions to the second posture. Then, in the second posture, when the filter 3 is moved to the lower end position by the drive mechanism 4, at least the second portion 302 of the filter 3 will be immersed in the liquid L1. As a result, when the filter 3 is in the first posture, even if crystal deposition occurs on the portion of the filter 3 that is exposed from the water (the second portion 302) and this accumulates and scale adheres, when the filter 3 assumes the second posture, the scale will be immersed in the liquid L1. Therefore, the scale dissolves in the liquid L1, and as a result, crystal deposition can be suppressed.

[0084] Further, the humidifier 10A may include packing that fills the gaps between the filter 3 and the filter holding portion 21 and the main body 1 on both sides and / or above the filter 3 in the left-right direction D2. In particular, when the filter 3 rotates, gaps are required on both sides in the left-right direction D2 of the filter 3 and the like so as not to inhibit the rotation of the filter 3. To prevent the unhumidified air flow from passing through this gap, it is preferable to fill the gap with packing.

[0085] Moreover, the rotation mechanism 5 is not limited to two postures, the first posture and the second posture, and may change the posture of the filter 3 among three or more postures.

[0086] The configuration (including modifications) of the second embodiment can be adopted in appropriate combination with various configurations (including modifications) described in the first embodiment.

[0087] 〔Supplementary Note of the Invention〕 Hereinafter, the outline of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments will be appended. Note that each configuration and each processing function described in the following supplementary note can be arbitrarily selected and combined as appropriate.

[0088] <Supplementary Note 1> A filter holding portion that holds the filter so that a part of the filter is immersed in the liquid stored in the water storage portion, and a drive mechanism that moves the filter between an upper end position where at least the filter is exposed above the liquid level of the liquid and a lower end position where at least a part of the filter is immersed in the liquid. A humidifier.

[0089] <Supplementary Note 2> The humidifier further includes a damper member that suppresses the passage of air flow around the filter by closing the periphery of the filter, and the drive mechanism moves the filter toward the lower end position by pressing the filter with at least the damper member. The humidifier according to Supplementary Note 1.

[0090] <Appendix 3> The drive mechanism has a biasing portion that biases the filter in at least one direction. The humidifier according to Appendix 1 or 2.

[0091] <Appendix 4> The drive mechanism holds the filter at the upper end position when the power is off. The humidifier according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3.

[0092] <Appendix 5> The drive mechanism moves the filter in conjunction with the on / off operation of humidification. The humidifier according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4.

[0093] <Appendix 6> The humidifier further includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the filter in a state where the filter is at the upper end position. The humidifier according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5.

[0094] <Appendix 7> The rotation mechanism changes the posture of the filter among a plurality of postures. The humidifier according to Appendix 6.

[0095] <Appendix 8> A humidifier according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, and the filter used in the humidifier. A humidification system.

[0096] <Appendix 9> A filter member used as the filter in the humidification system according to Appendix 8.

Explanation of Signs

[0097] 3 Filter 4 Drive mechanism 5 Rotation mechanism 10, 10A Humidifier 21 Filter holding portion 22 Water storage portion 41 Biasing portion 42 damper member 100 humidification system

Claims

1. A filter holding part that holds the filter such that a part of the filter is immersed in the liquid stored in the water storage part, a drive mechanism that moves the filter between an upper end position where at least the filter is exposed above the liquid level of the liquid and a lower end position where at least a part of the filter is immersed in the liquid, and a humidifier.

2. Further comprising a damper member that suppresses the passage of air flow around the filter by closing the periphery of the filter, the drive mechanism moves the filter to the lower end position side by pressing the filter with at least the damper member, The humidifier according to claim 1.

3. The drive mechanism has a biasing part that biases the filter in at least one direction, The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The drive mechanism holds the filter at the upper end position when the power is off, The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The drive mechanism moves the filter in conjunction with the on / off operation of humidification, The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Further comprising a rotation mechanism that rotates the filter in a state where the filter is at the upper end position, The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The rotation mechanism changes the posture of the filter among a plurality of postures, The humidifier according to claim 6.

8. The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, and the filter used in the humidifier, and a humidification system.

9. A filter member used as the filter in the humidification system according to claim 8.

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