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 posture changing 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 posture changing mechanism 4 changes the posture of the filter 3 between a plurality of postures including a first posture in which a first portion 301 of the filter 3 is immersed in water and a second posture in which a second portion 302 of the filter 3 is immersed in water. The posture changing mechanism 4 can change the posture of the filter 3 at least in accordance with movement of the liquid L1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a related art, a humidifier including a filter (humidification filter) for holding and vaporizing a liquid such as water is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of humidifier, by immersing a part of the filter in water, the filter sucks up water and holds the water. Then, by passing wind (or warm air) through the filter holding the water, it is possible to obtain humidified air in which the water vaporizes and evaporates.

[0003] The filter according to the related art uses a perforated nonwoven fabric having distinct apertures. As a result, the filter forms a fiber bundle having pores in which fibers are arranged in a direction around the distinct apertures, and has high water suction property due to the capillary phenomenon of the water conduction path and is suitable as a vaporization material.

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, since the same part of the filter is always immersed in water, discoloration due to crystal precipitation may occur in the part of the filter exposed from the water after 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 the filter.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The humidifier according to one aspect of the present invention includes a filter holding part and a posture changing 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 posture changing mechanism changes the posture of the filter among a plurality of postures including a first posture in which a first part of the filter is immersed in water and a second posture in which a second part of the filter is immersed in water. The posture changing mechanism enables the posture of the filter to be changed at least along with the movement of 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

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

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, with reference to 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 use 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, such as the top surface of a desk or the floor surface of a living room in a house. The humidifier 10 stands on the installation surface X1 in a state of being placed thereon. That is, the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment is a self-standing and portable device, and the user can freely carry the humidifier 10 and install it at an arbitrary position on the installation surface X1.

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

[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 the present 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 in addition to the 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 the present 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 the present 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 the present 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 the present 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 tray mounting portion 13 is a space in which the front surface is open, and both surfaces in the vertical direction D1, both surfaces in the horizontal direction D2, and the back surface are 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 in parallel along 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 opening of the tray mounting portion 13, thereby attaching the tray unit 2 to the main body 1 (the state shown 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 shown 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 into and removed from the main body 1.

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

[0026] The water storage part 22 is a part that stores a liquid L1 (see FIG. 3), such as water (tap water as an example). In this 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 surface 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 "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.

[0029] In this embodiment, the water supply operation is performed by directly replenishing the liquid L1, such as tap water, from the water supply port 14 of the main body 1 while the tray unit 2 is attached to the main body 1. In this way, the water supply method of directly replenishing the liquid L1 to the tray unit 2 in the state of being attached to the main body 1 is called the "direct water supply method". As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water supply port 14 is arranged, as an example, at the right end portion on the upper surface of the housing 11. A cover 15 that can be opened and closed is provided on the upper surface of the housing 11 between a position covering the water supply port 14 and a position not covering it. That is, the user needs to perform the "water supply operation" of replenishing the liquid L1 from the water supply port 14 to the water storage part 22 with the cover 15 opened regularly or irregularly.

[0030] Furthermore, in the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment, instead of the direct water supply method described above, it is also possible to supply the liquid L1 to the tray unit 2 by the desorption water supply method. The water supply operation by the desorption water supply method is performed by supplying the liquid L1 such as tap water from the upper surface opening of the tray unit 2 (filter holding portion 21) with the tray unit 2 removed from the main body 1. However, in the present embodiment, it is basically assumed that the water supply operation is performed by the direct water supply method.

[0031] The filter 3 is held by the filter holding portion 21 of the tray unit 2. In the present embodiment, as an example, the filter 3 is formed in a columnar shape as shown in FIG. 2. When mounted on the filter holding portion 21, the filter 3 is installed in a direction in which its axial direction coincides with the left-right direction D2. Here, the radial dimension (the dimension in the up-down direction D1 or the front-back direction D3 in FIG. 2) orthogonal to the axial direction of the filter 3 (the left-right direction D2 in FIG. 2) is smaller than the axial dimension of the filter 3 (the dimension in the left-right direction D2 in FIG. 2).

[0032] A part of the filter 3 is immersed in the liquid L1 (water) in the water storage portion 22, so that the liquid L1 impregnates the entire filter 3. As an example, it is formed of a non-woven fabric obtained by subjecting rayon fiber and / or polyester fiber to acrylic impregnation processing and having a wave shape in which mountain portions and valley portions are arranged alternately. Such a filter 3 can spread water over its entire body by capillary action or the like in a state where a part of it is immersed in water.

[0033] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the filter 3 is held by the filter holding portion 21 while being accommodated in the central portion in the front-back direction D3 of the box-shaped filter holding portion 21. At this time, the lower part of the filter 3 is immersed in the liquid L1 (water) stored in the water storage portion 22 of the tray unit 2. As a result, the liquid L1 sucked up inside the filter 3 also spreads over the portion of the filter 3 exposed from the water surface (above the water surface).

[0034] As described above, the humidifier 10 (humidification system 100) according to the present embodiment configured as such is a so-called vaporization type humidifier, and it is possible to humidify air by 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 current is generated on the downstream side of the filter 3. In FIG. 3, the flow of air (air current) is indicated by white arrows. That is, by the fan or the like of the main body 1 blowing air (air current) from the front onto the portion of the filter 3 exposed from the water surface, the moist air passing through the filter 3 blows out of the housing 11 to the outside through the air outlet 12 from the downstream side (rear side) of the filter 3.

[0035] However, it is not limited to the configuration in which air (air current) passes through the filter 3 from the front to the rear. For example, a configuration in which air (air current) 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 heated vaporization type (hybrid type) or the like that outputs moist air by blowing air (warm air) heated by a heat source such as a heater onto the filter 3.

[0036] [2] Configuration of the posture change mechanism Next, the configuration of the posture change mechanism 4 of the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0037] As described above, in the humidifier 10 (humidification system 100) in which a part of the filter 3 is immersed in the water storage section 22 (the water stored therein) and used, 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, over a long period of use, discoloration or the like due to crystal precipitation may occur in the part of the filter 3 exposed from the water.

[0038] The humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment realizes a humidifier in which crystal precipitation hardly occurs in the filter 3 by adopting the configuration described below.

[0039] That is, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment includes a filter holding part 21 and a posture changing mechanism 4. The filter holding part 21 holds the filter 3 such that a part of the filter 3 is immersed in the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22. The posture changing mechanism 4 changes the posture of the filter 3 among a plurality of postures including a first posture in which a first part of the filter 3 is immersed in water and a second posture in which a second part 302 of the filter 3 is immersed in water. The posture changing mechanism 4 enables the posture of the filter 3 to change at least as the liquid L1 moves.

[0040] Here, for example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first posture is a posture in which the first part 301 (the lower end part in FIGS. 4 and the like) of the filter 3 is immersed in water. In this state, the second part 302 (the upper end part in FIGS. 4 and the like) of the filter 3 is exposed (upward) from the water surface. On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the second posture is a posture in which the second part 302 of the filter 3 is immersed in water. In this state, the first part 301 of the filter 3 is exposed (upward) from the water surface. In the present embodiment, as an example, the posture changing mechanism 4 changes the posture of the filter 3 among a plurality of postures including the first posture and the second posture.

[0041] In short, in the humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment, the first posture and the second posture of the filter 3 are postures in which the upper / lower of the filter 3 is reversed. The posture changing mechanism 4 can change the posture of the filter 3 among a plurality of postures including the first posture and the second posture at least as the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22 moves.

[0042] According to this configuration, as an example, along with the movement of the liquid L1 during the water supply operation to the water storage unit 22, the posture changing mechanism 4 can change the posture of the filter 3 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. Here, the water supply operation is performed regularly or irregularly so that the liquid L1 (water) in the water storage unit 22 does not run out. Therefore, in the filter 3, the posture thereof will be switched regularly or irregularly among a plurality of postures including at least 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. As a result, instead of always having the same part of the filter 3 immersed in water, the parts immersed in water are switched, so that crystal deposition is less likely to occur on the part of the filter 3 exposed from the water. That is, even if crystal deposition starts partially in the filter 3, the deposited crystals will dissolve in water by immersing this part in water, and as a result, crystal deposition can be suppressed.

[0043] From the above, according to the humidifier 10 (humidification system 100) according to the present embodiment, even during long-term use, crystal deposition is less likely to occur on the part of the filter 3 exposed from the water. Therefore, discoloration of the filter 3 due to crystal deposition and the like can also be suppressed, and as a result, it also leads to an extended service life of the filter 3, which also leads to a reduction in the replacement frequency of the filter 3.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the posture changing mechanism 4 mainly has a rotating shaft 41 and a bearing portion 42 (see FIG. 5). The rotating shaft 41 is provided on the filter 3, and the bearing portion 42 is provided on the filter holding portion 21. The filter holding portion 21 holds the filter 3 by rotatably holding the rotating shaft 41 at the bearing portion 42.

[0045] Specifically, a pair of rotation shafts 41 are provided so as to protrude from both surfaces of the filter 3 in the left - right direction D2. The bearing portions 42 are provided in a pair at positions facing the pair of rotation shafts 41 on both side walls of the filter holding portion 21 in the left - right direction D2. Each of the pair of rotation shafts 41 is a columnar portion extending along the left - right direction D2, and each of the pair of bearing portions 42 is a recessed region surrounded by an annular rib formed on the inner surface of the filter holding portion 21 (see the inset in FIG. 5). Thus, the filter 3 is held by the filter holding portion 21 by fitting the pair of rotation shafts 41 into the pair of bearing portions 42.

[0046] By providing such a rotation shaft 41, the filter 3 can rotate (spin) with respect to the filter holding portion 21 about the central axis Ax1 of the rotation shaft 41 along the left - right direction D2. When the filter 3 rotates half a turn (180 - degree rotation), the top / bottom of the filter 3 is inverted, so the first posture and the second posture are switched. Thus, in this embodiment, the posture change of the filter 3 by the posture change mechanism 4 involves the rotation of the filter 3. Therefore, the posture change mechanism 4 can change the posture of the filter 3 with a minimum necessary movement, and it is also less likely to cause misalignment or the like of the filter 3 after the posture change.

[0047] More specifically, the filter 3 has a filter body 31 and a frame 32. The frame 32 is a cage - shaped member formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and holds the filter body 31 inside it. The pair of rotation shafts 41 are arranged at the central portion of the frame 32 in a side view. However, the "rotation shaft" referred to in the present disclosure does not necessarily have a physical entity as a columnar shaft member. For example, it may be a virtual axis that becomes the center when the filter 3 rotates (spins).

[0048] In addition, in the present embodiment, the rotation axis 41 of the filter 3 is not fixed at a fixed position with respect to the filter holding portion 21, but is held so as to be movable relative to the filter holding portion 21. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the bearing portion 42 is formed in a long hole shape having a length in a direction orthogonal to the central axis Ax1 of the rotation axis 41. In particular, in the present embodiment, the bearing portion 42 is a linear long hole extending obliquely upward and rearward from its lower end portion.

[0049] As a result, the rotation axis 41 of the filter 3 can move along the bearing portion 42. In other words, the movement range of the rotation axis 41 is restricted by the shape of the bearing portion 42, and it becomes easier to control the operation of the filter 3 during a posture change.

[0050] By the way, in the present embodiment, the "movement of the liquid L1" used for the posture change of the filter 3 includes the movement of the liquid L1 during water supply to the water storage portion 22. That is, during the water supply operation performed regularly or irregularly, when the user replenishes the liquid L1, a relatively large movement (kinetic energy) occurs in the liquid L1. The posture change mechanism 4 can efficiently change the posture of the filter 3 by using the movement of the liquid L1 at this time to change the posture of the filter 3.

[0051] More specifically, the posture change mechanism 4 has a water receiving portion 43 integrated with the filter 3. The posture change mechanism 4 changes the posture of the filter 3 by receiving the falling liquid L1 with the water receiving portion 43. The water receiving portion 43 has a plurality of blades 431 arranged around the central axis Ax1 of the rotation axis 41 and constitutes a water wheel. When the falling liquid L1 (falling water) hits such a water receiving portion 43 as shown in FIG. 5, the filter 3 rotates around the rotation axis 41. As a result, it is possible to efficiently change the posture of the filter 3 by using the kinetic energy of the falling liquid L1, that is, the falling water.

[0052] In this embodiment, as described above, the posture of the filter 3 is changed by utilizing the movement of the liquid L1 during water supply to the water storage section 22. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, a water supply passage 16 communicating with the water supply port 14 is formed in the housing 11 such that the liquid L1 replenished from the water supply port 14 is guided onto the water receiving section 43. As a result, the liquid L1 replenished from the water supply port 14 drops onto the water receiving section 43 through the water supply passage 16, and by utilizing the kinetic energy of this falling water, the water receiving section 43 rotates and the filter 3 also rotates.

[0053] More specifically, the water receiving section 43 is provided at the right end portion of the frame 32 of the filter 3. Since the filter body 31 is held by the frame 32, if the frame 32 provided with the water receiving section 43 rotates, the filter body 31 also rotates together. The water receiving section 43 is configured by arranging a plurality (here, three) of water wheels each having a plurality of blades 431 in the left - right direction D2 with a phase shift. The liquid L1 that has dropped onto the water receiving section 43 and rotated the filter 3 is directly supplied to the water storage section 22.

[0054] Here, the dimension of the filter 3 in the direction of the rotation axis 41 (central axis Ax1) is larger than the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 41 (central axis Ax1). In this embodiment, since the filter 3 is cylindrical, the dimension in its axial direction is larger than the dimension in the radial direction. As a result, at any position in the direction of the rotation axis 41 (central axis Ax1) of the filter 3, it is possible to change the posture of the filter 3 by receiving a force from the liquid L1.

[0055] [3] Operation of the Posture Change Mechanism Next, the operation of the posture change mechanism 4 of the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0056] Here, a case where the posture change mechanism 4 changes the posture of the filter 3 from the first posture to the second posture along with the water supply operation will be exemplified. That is, as the initial state before the water supply operation, it is assumed that the filter 3 is in the first posture.

[0057] First, as the state before the water supply operation, assume a state in which the liquid L1 stored in the water storage unit 22 has sufficiently decreased as shown in FIG. 6. In this case, since the buoyancy from the liquid L1 does not act on the filter 3, the filter 3 has its rotation shaft 41 held at the lower end of the bearing portion 42. That is, the filter 3 is positioned at the lower end of the movable range in the vertical direction D1 with respect to the filter holding portion 21. In this state, the filter 3 is in the first posture in which the first portion 301 is immersed in water.

[0058] In the state shown in FIG. 6, when the water supply operation is performed and the liquid L1 is replenished from the water supply port 14, the liquid L1 that drops (falls) into the water storage unit 22 through the water supply passage 16 falls onto the water receiving portion 43 of the filter 3. The water receiving portion 43 receives the liquid L1 that drops (falls) onto its blades 431 and rotates about the central axis Ax1 of the rotation shaft 41. In the present embodiment, the liquid L1 replenished from the water supply port 14 drops (falls) onto a portion of the water receiving portion 43 that is in front of the rotation shaft 41. Therefore, the water receiving portion 43 rotates about the rotation shaft 41 in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6 (counterclockwise in the figure), and the entire filter 3 also rotates in the same direction.

[0059] Furthermore, as the liquid L1 drops (falls) into the water storage unit 22 through the water supply passage 16, the liquid level (water surface) of the liquid L1 stored in the water storage unit 22 gradually rises. As a result, the buoyancy from the liquid L1 stored in the water storage unit 22 acts on the filter 3, and the filter 3 gradually rises as the liquid level (water surface) rises. Here, the movement path of the filter 3 with respect to the filter holding portion 21 is restricted by the shape of the bearing portion 42. That is, the rotation shaft 41 moves obliquely upward and rearward along the bearing portion 42 formed by a linear long hole extending obliquely upward and rearward from its lower end. Therefore, when the filter 3 rises due to the buoyancy from the liquid L1, it does not rise along the vertical direction but rises while moving rearward.

[0060] As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the filter 3 moves with its rotation axis 41 moving in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow (diagonally upward and backward), and the entire filter 3 also moves in the same direction. When the filter 3 moves backward, the liquid L1 that falls (drops) into the water storage section 22 through the water supply passage 16 no longer hits the water receiving section 43. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 7, even if the liquid L1 is replenished from the water supply port 14, the liquid L1 that falls (drops) into the water storage section 22 through the water supply passage 16 does not rotate the water receiving section 43.

[0061] Here, in this embodiment, the amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the water receiving section 43 that rotates by receiving the liquid L1 falling (dropping) into the water storage section 22 is not strictly controlled. However, in this embodiment, since the filter 3 moves backward when rising by receiving the buoyancy from the liquid L1, after the filter 3 has risen to a certain extent (the intermediate position), the rotation of the filter 3 stops without the water receiving section 43 receiving the liquid L1. In this embodiment, as an example, the amount of rotation when the water receiving section 43 rotates by receiving the liquid L1 is set to a half rotation (180-degree rotation).

[0062] Thereby, as shown in FIG. 7, when the rotation axis 41 of the filter 3 moves to the upper end portion of the bearing portion 42, the filter 3 maintains the second posture in which the second portion 302 is below and the first portion 301 is above.

[0063] In this way, when the liquid L1 is replenished from the water supply port 14 during the water supply operation, by rotating the filter 3 with the liquid L1, it becomes possible to change the posture of the filter 3 for each water supply operation. Here, the case where the posture changing mechanism 4 changes the posture of the filter 3 from the first posture to the second posture along with the water supply operation has been exemplified, but the change of the posture of the filter 3 from the second posture to the first posture is also realized by the same operation as described above.

[0064] As described above, the posture changing mechanism 4 changes the posture of the filter 3 at least as the liquid L1 stored in the water storage section 22 moves. Therefore, each time the water supply operation is performed regularly or irregularly, the posture of the filter 3 changes among a plurality of postures including the first posture and the second posture, and the portion immersed in water frequently changes. Thus, crystal deposition hardly occurs on the portion of the filter 3 exposed from the water.

[0065] [4] Other configurations In addition to or instead of the above-described configuration, the humidifier 10 may adopt the configurations listed below.

[0066] The humidifier 10 may be provided with packing for filling the gaps between the filter 3, the filter holding section 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 so as not to inhibit the rotation of the filter 3. To prevent the unhumidified air flow from passing through these gaps, it is preferable to fill the gaps with packing.

[0067] Furthermore, the posture changing mechanism 4 is not limited to a completely manual configuration. For example, a partially or fully motorized configuration may be applied. Thereby, it becomes possible to more surely change the posture of the filter 3.

[0068] [5] Modifications Hereinafter, modifications of Embodiment 1 will be listed. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0069] The posture changing mechanism 4 may change the posture of the filter 3 as the liquid L1 stored in the water storage section 22 moves (such as falling water) even during the water supply operation in the detachable water supply method.

[0070] Also, the posture changing mechanism 4 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.

[0071] Further, the water receiving part 43 is not limited to the shape exemplified in the first embodiment. For example, as exemplified in FIG. 8, a configuration having blades 431 of various shapes can be adopted. FIG. 8 exemplifies three shapes of the water receiving parts 43A, 43B, and 43C in addition to the water receiving part 43 exemplified in the first embodiment.

[0072] Further, the water receiving part 43 is not limited to one end part (the right end part in the first embodiment) in the left - right direction D2 of the filter 3. For example, it may be provided at the central part in the left - right direction D2 of the filter 3.

[0073] Further, the posture changing mechanism 4 only needs to be in a state where the filter 3 can change its posture "at least" along with the movement of the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22. Thus, in addition to the water supply operation, the filter 3 may be in a state where its posture can be changed at a timing other than the water supply operation.

[0074] Furthermore, the posture changing mechanism 4 is not limited to the falling liquid L1. For example, when the humidifier 10 generates running water by a pump or the like, the running water (that is, the flowing liquid L1) may be used to rotate the water receiving part 43 and cause a change in the posture of the filter 3.

[0075] (Second Embodiment) The humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the water receiving part 43 is not provided on the filter 3 as shown in FIG. 9. Hereinafter, for the same components as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted as appropriate.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the posture changing mechanism 4 changes the posture of the filter 3 by utilizing the rise of the liquid level (water surface) of the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22. That is, in the present embodiment, the posture of the filter 3 can be changed without directly applying the liquid L1 replenished from the water supply port 14 to the filter 3.

[0077] Specifically, as shown in the blowout of FIG. 9, the posture changing mechanism 4 has external teeth 411 on the outer peripheral surface of one rotating shaft 41, and internal teeth 421 on one surface (here, the upper surface) in the vertical direction D1 of the bearing portion 42. By meshing the external teeth 411 of the rotating shaft 41 with the internal teeth 421 of the bearing portion 42, the posture changing mechanism 4 constitutes a rack and pinion mechanism with the rotating shaft 41 as a pinion and the bearing portion 42 as a rack at the rotating shaft 41 and the bearing portion 42.

[0078] According to this configuration, the liquid level (water level) of the liquid L1 stored in the water storage portion 22 gradually rises, and the buoyancy from the liquid L1 acts on the filter 3, so that the filter 3 gradually rises as the liquid level (water level) rises. At this time, since the external teeth 411 are meshed with the internal teeth 421, the rotating shaft 41 moves obliquely upward and rearward along the bearing portion 42 while rotating. Therefore, when the filter 3 moves in the direction indicated by the broken line arrow (obliquely upward and rearward) by the buoyancy from the liquid L1, it rotates in the direction indicated by the broken line arrow around the rotating shaft 41.

[0079] Furthermore, in the configuration according to the present embodiment, not only when the liquid level rises due to the water supply operation, but also when the liquid level drops due to the decrease of the liquid L1, the filter 3 rotates in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the broken line arrow.

[0080] By the way, in the configuration according to the present embodiment, the posture changing mechanism 4 has a regulating portion that regulates the posture change of the filter 3. That is, since the rotation of the filter 3 is regulated and the posture change of the filter 3 is regulated by the meshing of the external teeth 411 with the internal teeth 421, the external teeth 411 and the internal teeth 421 are an example of the regulating portion. According to this configuration, there is an advantage that it is possible to avoid a decrease in the humidifying function due to the unstable posture of the filter 3.

[0081] Further, in the configuration according to the present embodiment, the posture change mechanism 4 has a change amount control unit that controls the amount of posture change of the filter 3. That is, when the external teeth 411 mesh with the internal teeth 421, the rotation amount (rotation angle) of the filter 3 is controlled, and the amount of posture change of the filter 3 is controlled. Therefore, the external teeth 411 and the internal teeth 421 are examples of the change amount control unit. Specifically, the rotation amount (rotation angle) of the filter 3 is controlled by the number of teeth of the external teeth 411 and / or the internal teeth 421. According to this configuration, it is possible to surely change the posture of the filter 3.

[0082] Further, FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a modification of Embodiment 2. In this modification, the posture of the filter 3 is changed by using the liquid L1 that directly falls onto the filter body 31 of the filter 3. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, a water supply passage 16 communicating with the water supply port 14 is formed in the housing 11 so that the liquid L1 replenished from the water supply port 14 is guided onto the filter body 31 of the filter 3.

[0083] As a result, the liquid L1 replenished from the water supply port 14 falls onto the filter body 31 through the water supply passage 16, and the filter 3 rotates in the direction indicated by the broken line arrow around the rotation shaft 41 by using the kinetic energy of this falling water. Even in this case, as the liquid level (water surface) of the liquid L1 stored in the water storage unit 22 rises, the filter 3 moves in the direction indicated by the broken line arrow (diagonally upward and backward) with its rotation shaft 41, and the entire filter 3 also moves in the same direction. When the filter 3 moves backward, the liquid L1 that falls (falls into the water) into the water storage unit 22 through the water supply passage 16 no longer hits the filter 3.

[0084] The configuration of Embodiment 2 (including the modification) can be adopted in appropriate combination with the various configurations (including the modification) described in Embodiment 1.

[0085] (Embodiment 3) The humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 in that the bearing portion 42 is in the shape of a long hole extending straight along the vertical direction D1. Hereinafter, for the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are given and the description is appropriately omitted.

[0086] In this embodiment, since the bearing portion 42 is not inclined with respect to the vertical direction D1, as the liquid L1 stored in the water storage portion 22 increases, the filter 3 receives the buoyancy from the liquid L1 and moves straight upward. In this configuration, even when the filter 3 moves upward, the liquid L1 that falls (drops) into the water storage portion 22 through the water supply passage 16 continues to hit the water receiving portion 43. Therefore, in this embodiment, by providing the stopper 44 formed on the inner surface of the filter holding portion 21, it is possible to prevent the filter 3 from rotating too much.

[0087] That is, the stopper 44 is located above the filter 3 and contacts the filter 3 when the filter 3 receives the buoyancy from the liquid L1 and rises to the upper end position of its movable range. When the filter 3 is in contact with the stopper 44, further rotation thereof is restricted.

[0088] As described above, in the configuration according to this embodiment, the attitude change mechanism 4 has a restricting portion that restricts the attitude change of the filter 3. That is, when the stopper 44 contacts the filter 3, the rotation of the filter 3 is restricted and the attitude change of the filter 3 is restricted. Therefore, the stopper 44 is an example of the restricting portion. According to this configuration, there is an advantage that it is possible to avoid a decrease in the humidifying function due to the unstable attitude of the filter 3.

[0089] Further, in this embodiment, as shown in the blowout in FIG. 11, the attitude change mechanism 4 has external teeth 411 on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 41 and internal teeth 421 on the inner surface of the upper end portion of the bearing portion 42. According to this configuration, when the filter 3 receives the buoyancy from the liquid L1 and rises to the upper end position of its movable range, the external teeth 411 of the rotating shaft 41 mesh with the internal teeth 421 of the bearing portion 42, thereby restricting further rotation of the filter 3. That is, the external teeth 411 and the internal teeth 421 are also examples of the restricting portion.

[0090] As a regulating part, since it is sufficient to have either the stopper 44 or one of the external teeth 411 and the internal teeth 421, at least one of the stopper 44, the external teeth 411, and the internal teeth 421 can be appropriately omitted. Further, the regulating part may be, for example, a magnet, a hook structure such as a claw, a weight or a spring (elastic member), etc., or a combination thereof.

[0091] The configuration (including modified examples) of Embodiment 3 can be adopted in appropriate combination with various configurations (including modified examples) described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0092] (Embodiment 4) The humidifier 10 according to the present embodiment is different from Embodiment 3 in that the bearing part 42 is a circular hole as shown in FIG. 12. Hereinafter, for the same configurations as those in Embodiment 3, common reference numerals are given and the description is appropriately omitted.

[0093] In the present embodiment, since the bearing part 42 does not have a length in the vertical direction D1, the rotating shaft 41 is held at a fixed position with respect to the filter holding part 21. In this state, even if a buoyant force from the liquid L1 acts on the filter 3 as the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22 increases, the filter 3 does not move upward. In this configuration, the liquid L1 that falls (drops) into the water storage part 22 through the water supply path 16 continuously hits the water receiving part 43. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by providing a float 45 held on the inner surface of the filter holding part 21, it is possible to prevent the filter 3 from rotating too much.

[0094] That is, the float 45 is located behind the filter 3 and is rotatably held in the direction indicated by the broken-line arrow (clockwise in the figure) by receiving the buoyant force from the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22. As the liquid L1 stored in the water storage part 22 increases and the float 45 rotates by receiving the buoyant force from the liquid L1, the float 45 contacts the filter 3. The filter 3 is restricted from further rotation in the state where the float 45 is in contact.

[0095] Thus, in the configuration according to this embodiment, the posture change mechanism 4 has a regulation unit that regulates the posture change of the filter 3. That is, when the float 45 contacts the filter 3, the rotation of the filter 3 is regulated, and the posture change of the filter 3 is regulated. Therefore, the float 45 is an example of the regulation unit. According to this configuration, there is an advantage that it is possible to avoid a decrease in the humidification function due to the unstable posture of the filter 3.

[0096] Further, the float 45 as the regulation unit can be appropriately omitted.

[0097] The configuration of Embodiment 4 (including modifications) can be adopted in appropriate combination with various configurations (including modifications) described in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, or Embodiment 3.

[0098] 〔Supplementary Note of the Invention〕 Hereinafter, the outline of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment 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.

[0099] <Supplementary Note 1> A filter holding unit that holds the filter so that a part of the filter is immersed in the liquid stored in the water storage unit, A posture change mechanism that changes the posture of the filter among a plurality of postures including a first posture in which a first part of the filter is immersed in water and a second posture in which a second part of the filter is immersed in water, The posture change mechanism enables the posture change of the filter at least along with the movement of the liquid, A humidifier.

[0100] <Supplementary Note 2> The posture change involves the rotation of the filter, The humidifier according to Supplementary Note 1.

[0101] <Supplementary Note 3> The filter has a dimension in the direction of the rotation axis that is larger than the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, The humidifier according to Supplementary Note 2.

[0102] <Supplementary Note 4> The movement of the liquid includes the movement of the liquid during water supply to the water storage section. The humidifier according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3.

[0103] <Supplementary Note 5> The posture change mechanism has a restricting section that restricts the posture change of the filter. The humidifier according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4.

[0104] <Supplementary Note 6> The posture change mechanism has a change amount control section that controls the amount of posture change of the filter. The humidifier according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5.

[0105] <Supplementary Note 7> The posture change mechanism has a water receiving section integrated with the filter, and changes the posture of the filter by receiving the falling liquid with the water receiving section. The humidifier according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6.

[0106] <Supplementary Note 8> A humidifier according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, and the filter used in the humidifier, are provided. Humidification system.

[0107] <Supplementary Note 9> A filter member used as the filter in the humidification system according to Supplementary Note 8.

Explanation of Signs

[0108] 3 Filter 4 Posture change mechanism 10 Humidifier 21 Filter holding section 22 Water storage section 41 Rotation shaft 43, 43A, 43B, 43C Water receiving section 44 Stopper (restricting section) 45 Float (Regulating Unit) 100 Humidification System 301 First Part 302 Second Part 411 External Teeth (Regulating Unit, Change Amount Control Unit) 421 Internal Teeth (Regulating Unit, Change Amount Control Unit) L1 Liquid

Claims

1. A filter holding part that holds the filter so that a part of the filter is immersed in the liquid stored in the water storage part, A posture changing mechanism that changes the posture of the filter among a plurality of postures including a first posture in which a first part of the filter is immersed in water and a second posture in which a second part of the filter is immersed in water, The posture changing mechanism enables the posture of the filter to change at least along with the movement of the liquid, A humidifier.

2. The posture change involves rotation of the filter, The humidifier according to Claim 1.

3. The filter has a dimension in the direction of the rotation axis that is larger than the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, The humidifier according to Claim 2.

4. The movement of the liquid includes the movement of the liquid when water is supplied to the water storage part, The humidifier according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The posture changing mechanism has a restricting part that restricts the posture change of the filter, The humidifier according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

6. The posture changing mechanism has a change amount control part that controls the amount of posture change of the filter, The humidifier according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

7. The posture changing mechanism, Has a water receiving part integrated with the filter, By receiving the falling liquid with the water receiving part, the posture of the filter is changed, The humidifier according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

8. A humidifier according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, And the filter used in the humidifier, A humidification system.

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

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