Humidifier

Abstract

To provide a humidifier which can increase a humidification amount.SOLUTION: A humidifier 1 of the invention includes: a housing 10 having an air inlet 14 and an air outlet 15; a fan 20 which generates airflow from the air inlet 14 to the air outlet 15 in the housing 10; a storage part 30 which is disposed in the housing 10, stores water, and has a first opening 31 facing upward; and a humidification filter 40 having moisture absorbency and air permeability and immersed in water in the storage part 30. The humidification filter 40 has an inclined part 41 being a portion which extends to the upper side H1 relative to the first opening 31, allows airflow to pass therethrough, and inclines relative to a vertical direction V.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, humidifiers for humidifying indoor air have been provided. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a humidifier that passes air through a humidifying means soaked with water and sends out moisture-containing air to humidify the interior of a room.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the humidifier of Patent Document 1 has a problem that a sufficient amount of humidification cannot be obtained.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier capable of increasing the amount of humidification.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The humidifier of the present invention includes a housing having a suction port and a blowout port, a fan that generates an air flow from the suction port to the blowout port inside the housing, a storage portion that is disposed inside the housing, stores water, and has an upward first opening, and a humidifying filter that has hygroscopicity and air permeability and is immersed in the water in the storage portion. The humidifying filter extends above the first opening, has an inclined portion through which the air flow passes and that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a humidifier that can increase the amount of humidification of a space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 8C

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 11

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 12C

Figure 13

Figure 14A

Figure 14B

Figure 14C

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description will not be repeated.

[0010] <First Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the humidifier 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the humidifier 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifier 1 along line II-II shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the storage part 30 and the humidifying filter 40 of the humidifier 1 are pulled out from the housing 10. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the airflow formed inside the humidifier 1. FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective view showing the storage part 30 and the humidifying filter 40 of the humidifier 1. FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing a state in which the humidifying filter 40 is supported by the storage part 30. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view in a front view showing the position of the fan 20 of the humidifier 1. FIG. 6B is a plan view showing the position of the fan 20 of the humidifier 1.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the humidifier 1 has an appearance of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in FIG. 2, the humidifier 1 includes a housing 10, a fan 20, a storage portion 30, and a humidifying filter 40.

[0012] The humidifier 1 is, for example, a stationary humidifier. The humidifier 1 has a humidifying function and humidifies air by a vaporization method. Specifically, in the humidifier 1, the humidifying filter 40 is placed in the storage portion 30, the water stored in the storage portion 30 soaks into the humidifying filter 40, and moisture is included in the air passing through the humidifying filter 40 and sent out to humidify the indoor air. Note that the humidifier of the present invention may have an air cleaning function.

[0013] In the following description, the vertical direction of the humidifier 1 in a state where the humidifier 1 is installed for use may be simply described as the "vertical direction H". Also, the upper side in the vertical direction H may be simply described as the "upper side H1", and the lower side may be simply described as the "lower side H2". Further, the vertical direction may be simply described as the "vertical direction V".

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, in the humidifier 1, the storage portion 30 can be taken out through a second opening 16 provided in the housing 10. In the following description, in a state where the humidifier 1 is installed, the portion where the second opening 16 is provided may be described as the "front". Also, the left - right direction of the humidifier 1 in a front view may be simply described as the "left - right direction X". Further, among the left - right direction X, the left side may be simply described as the "left side X1", and the right side may be simply described as the "right side X2".

[0015] Furthermore, the front - rear direction of the humidifier 1 when viewed from the front may be simply described as the "front - rear direction Y". Further, the front side in the front - rear direction Y may be simply described as the "front side Y1", and the rear side may be simply described as the "rear side Y2".

[0016] Furthermore, there may be a case where the state in which the humidifier 1 is installed, the humidifying filter 40 is supported by the storage unit 30, and the storage unit 30 and the humidifying filter 40 are housed inside the housing 10 is simply described as the "operating state".

[0017] The housing 10 is a container that houses each component. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 includes a bottom surface portion 11 that forms the lower H2 surface, a top surface portion 12 that forms the upper H1 surface, and side walls 13 that form the four side surfaces. A space is formed inside the housing 10.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 has a suction port 14 and a blowout port 15. In the humidifier 1, air is taken into the housing 10 from the suction port 14. In the humidifier 1, air is sent out from the blowout port 15 to the outside of the housing 10. The suction port 14 is provided at the lower H2 of the side wall 13. In the humidifier 1 of the present embodiment, two suction ports 14 are provided. Specifically, the suction ports 14 are provided on the side walls 13 on both sides in the left-right direction X, respectively. The blowout port 15 is provided on the top surface portion 12. That is, the housing 10 is provided with a suction port 14 at the lower H2 and a blowout port 15 at the upper H1.

[0019] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a second opening 16 that serves as an access port for the storage unit 30 and the humidifying filter 40 is provided in the side wall 13 on the front (front Y1) of the housing 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the second opening 16 is closed by an opening closing portion 19 that is a part of the side wall 13 on the front. Note that, as shown in FIG. 3, the opening closing portion 19 is attached to the storage unit 30.

[0020] The fan 20 generates an air flow from the suction port 14 to the blowout port 15 inside the housing 10. Specifically, the fan 20 sends out the air sucked into the housing 10 from the suction port 14 to the outside of the housing 10 from the blowout port 15. As shown in FIG. 2, the fan 20 is attached above the housing 10 at the upper H1. The fan 20 can rotate about a rotation shaft C that extends in the vertical direction H (vertical direction V) with the motor 21 as a power source.

[0021] The storage part 30 stores water. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage part 30 is arranged inside the housing 10. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A, the storage part 30 has an upward first opening 31. In the humidifier 1, the storage part 30 can be pulled forward Y1 with the humidifying filter 40 placed on the storage part 30. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the storage part 30 is movable along the side wall 13 in the left-right direction X of the housing 10 through the second opening 16, and can be taken out from the housing 10 through the second opening 16.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, in the humidifier 1 of the present embodiment, the storage part 30 has an outer shape whose area becomes smaller from the bottom surface 32 toward the first opening 31, and has an outer shape that is substantially trapezoidal in a front view. Therefore, the side wall surfaces on the sides in the left-right direction X of the storage part 30 are inclined such that the upper part H1 faces inward of the housing 10. In other words, the storage part 30 has inclined side walls 33 that are inclined inward as it goes upward H1.

[0023] The humidifying filter 40 has hygroscopicity and air permeability and is immersed in the water in the storage part 30. The humidifying filter 40 sucks up the water stored in the storage part 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the humidifying filter 40 has an inclined part 41. The inclined part 41 extends above the first opening 31 by a height H1, is a part through which the air flow passes, and is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V. In other words, among the humidifying filter 40, in the use state, the part that extends above the opening edge of the storage part 30 by a height H1 and is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V is the inclined part 41.

[0024] As described above, in the humidifier 1, the inclined portion 41 of the humidifying filter 40 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V. Therefore, in the humidifier 1, at the inclined portion 41, compared with the case where the humidifying filter is not inclined with respect to the vertical direction V, more moisture is sucked up at the inclined portion 41 and the surface area of the portion containing moisture becomes larger. Accordingly, in the humidifier 1, relatively more moisture is sucked up at the inclined portion 41, and the portion of the humidifying filter 40 containing moisture increases. Therefore, in the humidifier 1, the amount of moisture hitting the air flow at the inclined portion 41 increases, and air containing a lot of moisture is sent out from the air outlet 15. As a result, the humidifier 1 can increase the amount of humidification in the space.

[0025] The amount of water sucked up by the humidifying filter 40 and the amount of humidification will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4. Here, when the humidifying filter 40 is wetted in the water stored in the storage portion 30, a capillary phenomenon occurs due to the surface tension of the water. Also, the water level sucked up by the humidifying filter 40 becomes constant. In other words, the water sucked up by the humidifying filter 40 reaches a constant height T from the water surface regardless of whether the humidifying filter 40 is inclined or vertically arranged (see FIG. 4). Therefore, when the humidifying filter 40 is inclined and wetted in water, the wet portion (filter wet portion region 42) of the humidifying filter 40 increases. In the humidifier 1, by placing the humidifying filter 40 in the storage portion 30 in an inclined state, the filter wet portion region 42 can be increased and the amount of humidification can be increased.

[0026] Explaining from another perspective, for example, when the wet portion of the humidifying filter is small, air escapes from the dry portion of the humidifying filter, resulting in a decrease in the humidifying efficiency. On the other hand, in the humidifier 1, since the inclined portion 41 is provided on the humidifying filter 40, water can be sucked up in many parts of the humidifying filter 40. Therefore, the humidifier 1 can increase the wet portion of the humidifying filter 40, improve the humidifying efficiency, and increase the amount of humidification.

[0027] <Configuration of the storage portion> Next, the configuration, shape, function, etc. of the storage unit 30 will be described. The first opening 31 of the storage unit 30 of the humidifier 1 in the present embodiment has a rectangular outer shape in plan view.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 30 has an outer shape in which the size of the first opening 31 decreases as it goes upward H1. In other words, in the storage unit 30, the area of the first opening 31 is smaller than the area of the bottom surface 32 of the storage unit 30. To put it another way, the storage unit 30 has a bottom surface 32 that faces the first opening 31 at a lower position H2, has a larger area than the first opening 31, is rectangular in plan view, has an upper end that defines the first opening 31, and has a wall (lateral wall surface) that connects the upper end and the periphery of the bottom surface 32. Thereby, the humidifier 1 can easily bring the humidifying filter 40 into contact with the first opening 31 of the storage unit 30 and can increase the area of the lower position H2 where water is stored in the storage unit 30. Therefore, compared with the case where the storage unit is a rectangular parallelepiped or the like, the humidifier 1 can easily support the humidifying filter 40 and can store a large amount of water.

[0029] As described above, the storage unit 30 has an inclined side wall 33 that inclines inward as it goes upward H1. Further, at least a part of the inclined side wall 33 is located directly below the inclined portion 41 of the humidifying filter 40. As a result, in the humidifier 1, the air flow smoothly flows toward the inclined humidifying filter 40.

[0030] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 30 is configured such that the side wall surfaces on both sides in the left-right direction X are inclined. In other words, the storage unit 30 includes inclined side walls 33 on both sides in the left-right direction X. Further, the storage unit 30 has an inclined side wall 33 such that the upper part H1 of the side wall surface facing the suction port 14 inclines toward the center of the housing 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the air sucked into the housing 10 from the suction port 14 hits the inclined side wall 33 and is guided to the humidifying filter 40. As a result, the airflow from the suction port 14 toward the inside of the housing 10 smoothly flows toward the wet part (filter wet part region 42) of the humidifying filter 40. That is, in the humidifier 1, by forming the storage unit 30 in a trapezoidal shape, the air passage F on the suction side is widened, and the flow of air toward the humidifying filter 40 can be made closer to being orthogonal, so that the humidifying amount can be further increased.

[0031] The storage unit 30 supports the humidifying filter 40. That is, in the humidifier 1, the storage unit 30 has a function of supporting the humidifying filter 40. As a result, the humidifier 1 can reduce the number of components constituting the humidifier 1.

[0032] The support structure of the humidifying filter 40 by the storage unit 30 will be described more specifically. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A, the storage unit 30 includes a partition part 35. As shown in FIG. 5A, the partition part 35 has a plate-like shape. The partition part 35 is provided so as to project upward H1 from the bottom surface 32 of the storage unit 30 and reach substantially the entire region in the front-rear direction Y of the bottom surface 32.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 5A, in the humidifier 1, the two humidifying filters 40 are fitted into the storage portion 30 in a mutually inclined posture. Further, as shown in Fig. 5B, when the two humidifying filters 40 are fitted into the storage portion 30, the side surfaces on both sides in the left - right direction X of the humidifying filter 40 are in contact with the first opening 31 of the storage portion 30. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, the humidifying filter 40 is supported by the storage portion 30 in a state where the lower part H2 is in contact with the bottom surface 32 of the storage portion 30 and the sides are in contact with the edges of the first opening 31 of the storage portion 30. Further, when the humidifying filter 40 is supported by the storage portion 30, the lower end portion of the humidifying filter 40 is in contact with the partition portion 35. Thereby, the humidifier 1 can suppress the displacement of the humidifying filter 40.

[0034] In the use state, the upper end portion of the humidifying filter 40 is supported by the storage portion 30 in a state separated from the upper inner wall surface 18 (inclined wall surface 17) of the housing 10. That is, in the humidifier 1, the storage portion 30 supports the upper end of the humidifying filter 40 so as to be separated from the housing 10. In other words, as shown in Fig. 2, in the humidifier 1, in the use state, a gap S is formed between the inner wall surface 18 of the housing 10 and the upper end portion of the humidifying filter 40.

[0035] Therefore, in the humidifier 1, it is prevented that the upper end of the humidifying filter 40 contacts the side wall 13. Thereby, in the humidifier 1, the storage portion 30 can move smoothly through the second opening 16. More specifically, in the humidifier 1, when trying to pull out the storage portion 30 supporting the humidifying filter 40 to the front Y1 of the housing 10 and take it out of the housing 10 through the second opening 16, since the upper end of the humidifying filter 40 is separated from the inner wall surface 18 of the housing 10, it is difficult for the humidifying filter 40 to be caught by the inner wall surface 18 of the housing 10. Therefore, the humidifier 1 can smoothly take out the storage portion 30 supporting the humidifying filter 40 from the second opening 16.

[0036] <Configuration, shape, etc. of the humidifying filter> Next, the shape and number of the humidifying filter 40 included in the humidifier 1 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 5A, the humidifying filter 40 of the present embodiment has a predetermined thickness (thickness D). Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the humidifying filter 40 has an end portion at the lower side H2 cut obliquely, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape as a whole.

[0037] The humidifier 1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of humidifying filters 40. Specifically, the humidifier 1 of the present embodiment includes two humidifying filters 40. Further, in the humidifier 1 of the present embodiment, the housing 10 is formed with a plurality of suction ports 14. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 of the humidifier 1 of the present embodiment is formed with two suction ports 14, namely, a suction port 14 provided on the left side wall 13 in the X1 direction and a suction port 14 provided on the right side wall 13 in the X2 direction. Further, the two humidifying filters 40 are arranged in a substantially V shape such that the separation distance increases as they go from the lower side H2 to the upper side H1 in the use state. Further, among the two humidifying filters 40, the humidifying filter 40 on the left side X1 is arranged to face the suction port 14 on the left side X1, and the humidifying filter 40 on the right side X2 is arranged to face the suction port 14 on the right side X2. In other words, in the humidifier 1 of the present embodiment, the plurality of humidifying filters 40 and the plurality of suction ports 14 correspond one-to-one.

[0038] In other words, in the humidifier 1, the housing 10 has two suction ports 14 and two side walls 13 facing each other, and the suction ports 14 are formed one by one on the two side walls 13. Further, the humidifier 1 includes two humidifying filters 40. In the humidifier 1, in one of the two humidifying filters 40, the upper end of the inclined portion 41 is closer to one of the two side walls 13 than the lower end of the inclined portion 41, and the inclined portion 41 is inclined. Further, in the humidifier 1, in the other of the two humidifying filters 40, the upper end of the inclined portion 41 is closer to the other of the two side walls 13 than the lower end of the inclined portion 41, and the inclined portion 41 is inclined.

[0039] With the above configuration, the humidifier 1 can further increase the humidification amount as compared with the case where there is one humidification filter 40 and one suction port 14. More specifically, in the humidifier 1 of the present embodiment, two humidification filters 40 for sucking up the water in the storage unit 30 are provided. Further, in the humidifier 1, two suction ports 14 are provided so as to correspond to the respective humidification filters 40. Therefore, the amount of water sucked up by the humidification filter 40 can be increased, and the air passing through the humidification filter 40 can be increased. As a result, the humidifier 1 can increase the amount of moisture in the air sent out from the housing 10 and further increase the humidification amount.

[0040] <Air flow and humidification amount> Next, the air flow and the humidification amount in the humidifier 1 will be described. When the fan 20 operates, an air flow toward the air outlet 15 is generated inside the housing 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the fan 20 operates, an air flow (air passage E) is formed from the suction port 14 provided on the side wall 13 toward the air outlet 15 provided on the top surface portion 12. Thereby, air is taken into the housing 10 from the suction port 14, and the air is sent out from the air outlet 15 above the housing 10.

[0041] Further, the humidifier 1 includes a storage unit 30 at a position that becomes the lower side H1 inside the housing 10. In the storage unit 30, two humidification filters 40 are placed inclined in the left - right direction X, respectively. The space sandwiched between the two humidification filters 40 serves as a passage for the air sucked from the suction port 14 and passing through the humidification filter 40. Further, the humidification filter 40 has a shape extending upward H1 from the water surface W of the storage unit 30. As shown in FIG. 4, in the humidifier 1, the inclined portion 41 of the humidification filter 40 is arranged on the air conveyance path (on the air passage E), and the inclined portion 41 has a structure intersecting the air passage E.

[0042] As described above, the housing 10 has a side wall 13 in which the suction port 14 is formed. As shown in FIG. 2, the inclined portion 41 of the humidifying filter 40 is inclined such that the upper end of the inclined portion 41 is closer to the side wall 13 than the lower end of the inclined portion 41. Therefore, in the humidifier 1, the airflow passing through the suction port 14 is likely to hit the moisture of the inclined portion 41.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in the humidifier 1, the fan 20 is located inside the inclined portion 41 of the humidifying filter 40 and above the storage portion 30 by H1. Further, the fan 20 generates an airflow from below the fan 20 to above the fan 20 by H2. As a result, in the humidifier 1, the airflow passing through the inclined humidifying filter 40 flows smoothly.

[0044] "The fan 20 is located inside the inclined portion 41" means that the arrangement range of the fan 20 is arranged so as to overlap with the range in which the two inclined portions 41 are arranged (the inclined portion arrangement range R1 in FIG. 6) when the humidifier 1 is viewed in plan. In the humidifier 1 of the present embodiment, all of the fans 20 are included in the inclined portion arrangement range R1. Note that the humidifier of the present invention only needs to include a part of the fan within the range where the humidifying filter is arranged in plan view.

[0045] In the humidifier 1, the air outlet 15 is located above H1 from the suction port 14 and the inclined portion 41. Therefore, in the humidifier 1, the air taken in from the suction port 14 smoothly flows through the inclined portion 41 to the air outlet 15.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the inner wall surface 18 above H1 of the housing 10 is formed to be inclined. That is, the housing 10 has an inclined wall surface 17, which is an inclined portion, on the inner wall surface 18 above H1. The inclined wall surfaces 17 are respectively formed on the side walls 13 in the left-right direction X. Therefore, in the space above H1 of the housing 10, the wind is smoothly guided to the air outlet 15 by being guided by the inclined wall surface 17. In other words, in the humidifier 1, by inclining the inner wall surface 18, the air passage E is narrowed so that the wind does not flow in the left-right direction X.

[0047] <Second Embodiment> Next, the humidifier 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the humidifier 50 in a front view. FIG. 7B is a plan view showing the positions of the storage portion 70 and the suction port 64 of the humidifier 50. FIG. 8A is a plan view showing the humidifying filter 80 of the humidifier 50. FIG. 8B is a front view of the humidifying filter 80. FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the humidifying filter 80 taken along line VIII-VIII shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the humidifier 50 in a left side view.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7A, the humidifier 50 includes a housing 60, a fan 20, a storage portion 70, and a humidifying filter 80. The humidifier 50 of the present embodiment includes one humidifying filter 80.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7A, the housing 60 includes a suction port 64 and a blowout port 65. In the humidifier 50 of the present embodiment, the housing 60 includes four suction ports 64. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, the housing 60 is provided with suction ports 64 on each of the four side walls 63. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a second opening 66 serving as an outlet for the storage portion 70 and the humidifying filter 80 is provided on the front side wall 63 of the housing 60. As shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, the second opening 66 is an opening extending from the front side wall 63 to the left and right side walls 63. As shown in FIG. 9, in the humidifier 50, the humidifying filter 80 can be pulled out forward Y1 in a state where it is placed on the storage portion 70.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7B, the storage portion 70 has a substantially circular outer shape in plan view. As shown in FIG. 7A, the storage portion 70 has a trapezoidal outer shape in front view, where the diameter of the first opening 71 is smaller than the diameter of the bottom surface 72. That is, the storage portion 70 has a conical outer shape in which the area of the first opening 71 is smaller than the area of the bottom surface 72, and the area decreases as it goes upward H1. The storage portion 70 is configured such that the side wall surfaces on the entire circumferential direction are inclined. That is, the storage portion 70 includes inclined side walls 73 over the entire circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 7A, in the humidifier 50, in the use state, the side surface of the humidifying filter 80 is supported in contact with the first opening 71 of the storage portion 70.

[0051] Also, as shown in FIG. 7A, two convex portions are provided on the bottom surface 72 of the storage portion 70. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, on the bottom surface 72 of the storage portion 70, a substantially circular first convex portion 75 in plan view and a second convex portion 76 formed in an annular shape in plan view are provided. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the humidifying filter 80 is supported by the storage portion 70, the lower end is positioned between the first convex portion 75 and the second convex portion 76. Thereby, the humidifier 50 can suppress the displacement of the humidifying filter 80.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8A, the humidifying filter 80 has a substantially circular outer shape in plan view. Also, as shown in FIG. 8B, the humidifying filter 80 has a substantially trapezoidal outer shape in side view. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, the humidifying filter 80 has a cylindrical shape with a space (hole) formed in the center. The central hole of the humidifying filter 80 serves as a passage for the air that has passed through the humidifying filter 80.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7A, the humidifying filter 80 has an inclined portion 81. The inclined portion 81 extends upward H1 from the first opening 71, through which the air flow passes and which is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V. In other words, among the humidifying filter 80, in the state where the humidifying filter 80 is supported by the storage portion 70, the portion that extends upward H1 from the first opening 71 of the storage portion 70 and is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V is the inclined portion 81.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8B, the humidifying filter 80 has a conical outer shape whose radial size increases as it goes upward toward H1. That is, in the humidifier 50, the humidifying filter 80 has a frustum shape that expands outward toward the position of H1 while being located in the storage portion 70. Thereby, the humidifier 50 can further increase the volume of the inclined portion 81 through which air passes. As a result, the humidifier 50 can further increase the humidification amount.

[0055] Also, as described above, suction ports 64 are provided in each of the four side walls 63 of the housing 60 of the humidifier 50, and the humidifying filter 80 has a conical outer shape. Therefore, the humidifier 50 can take in a large amount of air into the housing 60 and increase the amount of air passing through the humidifying filter 80. Thereby, the humidifier 50 can more efficiently increase the humidification amount. As a result, the humidifier 50 can ensure a sufficient humidification amount even when the rotation speed of the fan is reduced, and can contribute to power saving.

[0056] <Third Embodiment> Next, a humidifier 90 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the humidifier 90 in a front view. FIG. 10B is a plan view showing the storage portion 100 of the humidifier 90. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the four humidifying filters 110 of the humidifier 90. FIG. 12A is a plan view showing a state in which the four humidifying filters 110 are supported by the storage portion 100. FIG. 12B is a front view of the four humidifying filters 110 of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of the humidifying filter 110 along the line XII-XII shown in FIG. 12A.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 10A, the humidifier 90 includes a housing 60, a fan 20, a storage portion 100, and four humidifying filters 110. Note that the housing 60 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the housing 60 of the humidifier 50 of the second embodiment. Specifically, the housing 60 is provided with suction ports 64 in the four side walls 63, respectively.

[0058] As described above, the humidifier 90 has four humidifying filters 110. One humidifying filter 110 has a substantially trapezoidal outer shape when viewed from the front. Also, as shown in FIG. 12A, when the four humidifying filters 110 are supported by the storage portion 100, the assembly 110A of the four humidifying filters 110 has a substantially rectangular outer shape when viewed in plan. Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, the assembly 110A of the four humidifying filters 110 has a substantially trapezoidal outer shape when viewed from the side. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12C, the assembly 110A of the humidifying filters 110 has a cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular space (hole) formed in the center.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 10B, the storage portion 100 has a substantially rectangular outer shape when viewed in plan. As shown in FIG. 10A, the storage portion 100 has a trapezoidal outer shape in which the length of the upper side is smaller than the length of the lower side when viewed from the front and from the side. That is, the storage portion 100 has a truncated pyramid (square truncated pyramid) outer shape in which the area of the first opening 101 is smaller than the area of the bottom surface 102, and the area becomes smaller as it goes upward by H1. The storage portion 100 is configured such that the four side surfaces in the left-right direction X and the front-back direction Y are inclined. That is, as shown in FIG. 10B, the storage portion 100 includes inclined side walls 103 in the four directions of the left-right direction X and the front-back direction Y. As shown in FIG. 10A, in the humidifier 90, when the four humidifying filters 110 are supported by the storage portion 100, the side surfaces of each of the four humidifying filters 110 are supported in a state of being in contact with the first opening 101 of the storage portion 100.

[0060] Also, as shown in FIG. 10A, two convex portions are provided on the bottom surface 102 of the storage portion 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, a first convex portion 105 that is substantially rectangular when viewed in plan and a second convex portion 106 that is formed in a substantially rectangular ring shape when viewed in plan are provided on the bottom surface 102 of the storage portion 100. As shown in FIG. 10A, when the humidifying filter 110 is supported by the storage portion 100, the lower end is positioned between the first convex portion 105 and the second convex portion 106. Thereby, the humidifier 90 can suppress the displacement of the humidifying filter 110.

[0061] The humidifying filter 110 has an inclined portion 111. As shown in FIG. 10A, the inclined portion 111 extends upward by H1 from the first opening 101, is a portion through which the air flow passes and is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V. In other words, among the humidifying filter 110, in a state where the humidifying filter 110 is supported by the storage portion 100, the portion that extends upward from the first opening 101 of the storage portion 100 and is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V is the inclined portion 111.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 10A, the four humidifying filters 110 are arranged so as to correspond to the suction ports 64 provided on the four side walls 63 of the housing 60 in the use state. Therefore, the humidifier 90 can increase the amount of air passing through the humidifying filter 110 while taking in a large amount of air inside the housing 60. As a result, the humidifier 90 can increase the humidification amount more efficiently.

[0063] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, the humidifier 120 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifier 120 in a front view. FIG. 14A is a plan view showing the humidifying filter 130 of the humidifier 120. FIG. 14B is a front view of the humidifying filter 130. FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view of the humidifying filter 130 along the line XIV-XIV shown in FIG. 14A.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 13, the humidifier 120 includes a housing 60, a fan 20, a storage portion 100, and one humidifying filter 130. Note that the housing 60 and the storage portion 100 of the humidifier 120 in this embodiment have the same configuration as the humidifier 90 in the third embodiment, and the humidifying filter 130 has a different configuration. Therefore, in the following description of the humidifier 120, the humidifying filter 130 will be described, and the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the humidifier 90 in the third embodiment will be used for other configurations.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 14A, the humidifying filter 130 has a substantially rectangular outer shape in plan view. Also, as shown in FIG. 14B, the humidifying filter 130 has a substantially trapezoidal outer shape in front view. Further, as shown in FIG. 14C, the humidifying filter 130 has a cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular space (hole) formed in the center.

[0066] The humidifying filter 130 has an inclined portion 131. As shown in FIG. 13, the inclined portion 131 extends upward by H1 from the first opening 101 and is a portion through which the air flow passes and is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V. In other words, among the humidifying filter 130, in a state where the humidifying filter 130 is supported by the storage portion 100, the portion that extends above the first opening 101 of the storage portion 100 and is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V becomes the inclined portion 131.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 13, when the humidifying filter 130 is supported by the storage portion 100 and disposed inside the housing 60, it is disposed so as to correspond to the suction ports 64 provided on the four side walls 63 of the housing 60. Therefore, the humidifier 120 can increase the amount of air passing through the humidifying filter 130 while taking in a large amount of air inside the housing 60. As a result, the humidifier 90 can more efficiently increase the humidification amount.

[0068] In addition, in the humidifier 50 of the second embodiment, the humidifier 90 of the third embodiment, and the humidifier 120 of the fourth embodiment, an example is shown in which the inclined wall surface is not provided on the inner wall surface of the housing, but the inclined wall surface may be provided on the inner wall surface of these humidifiers.

[0069] As described above, the humidifier according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the humidifier of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various shapes and numbers of each component can be selected.

[0070] Specifically, in the humidifier of the present invention, various modes of the humidifying filter can be selected. For example, the humidifying filter may be formed by bundling a plurality of plate-shaped or sheet-shaped members, and the aggregate of these members may have an outer shape with a predetermined thickness or a frustum-like outer shape as a whole. For example, the humidifying filter may be formed by bundling a plurality of lattice-shaped plate members or sheet members, and the aggregate of these members may have an outer shape with a predetermined thickness or a frustum-like outer shape as a whole. Further, the humidifying filter may be formed by folding a plate member in a bellows shape, and may have an outer shape with a predetermined thickness or a frustum-like outer shape as a whole. Furthermore, the humidifying filter may be formed in advance into a shape having an outer shape with a predetermined thickness or a frustum-like outer shape. If a conical humidifying filter is adopted, corners can be eliminated, so that the housing can be miniaturized, such as made into a cylindrical shape, as compared with a frustum-shaped humidifying filter.

[0071] In the humidifier of the present invention, the position of the suction port and the position of the second opening for taking out the storage portion are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected. For example, the humidifier of the present invention may be provided with a suction port in an opening closing portion that closes an outlet (second opening) for taking out the storage portion, like the humidifier 90 of the second embodiment.

[0072] Also, the number of humidifying filters in the humidifier of the present invention can be appropriately selected. For example, the humidifier of the present invention may be provided with two humidifying filters, like the humidifier 1 of the first embodiment. Also, the humidifier of the present invention may be provided with one humidifying filter, like the humidifier 50 of the second embodiment. Furthermore, the humidifier of the present invention may be provided with four humidifying filters, like the humidifier 90 of the third embodiment. Furthermore, the humidifier of the present invention may be provided with five or more humidifying filters.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which an air outlet is provided on the top surface of the housing has been shown. However, the humidifier of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the humidifier of the present invention may have an air outlet provided on a side wall of the housing. Specifically, the humidifier of the present invention may have a suction port provided at a lower position on any one of the side walls of the housing, and an air outlet provided at a position above the suction port on any one of the side walls. Further, an air outlet may be provided on the side wall where the suction port is provided, or an air outlet may be provided on a side wall different from the side wall where the suction port is provided.

[0074] In addition, for the humidifier of the present invention, the number of suction ports can be appropriately selected. For example, the humidifier of the present invention may be provided with two suction ports like the humidifier 50 of the first embodiment. Also, for example, the humidifier of the present invention may be provided with four suction ports like the humidifier 50 of the second embodiment. Also, for example, the humidifier of the present invention may be provided with three suction ports, or may be provided with five or more suction ports. Furthermore, the humidifier of the present invention may have one suction port.

[0075] That is, for the humidifier of the present invention, the number and shape of the humidifying filters can be appropriately selected according to the position and number of the suction ports provided. For example, when the humidifier of the present invention has suction ports provided in two directions (for example, the left-right direction or the front-back direction) of the housing, two humidifying filters can be provided according to these suction ports, or one V-shaped humidifying filter can be provided. Also, when the humidifier of the present invention has suction ports provided in all directions (for example, the left-right direction and the front-back direction) of the housing, four humidifying filters can be provided according to these suction ports, or one frustum-shaped humidifying filter can be provided. Further, for example, when the housing of the humidifier of the present invention has a cylindrical outer shape, a conical humidifying filter can be provided.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the lower end portion of the humidifying filter was formed obliquely while the bottom surface of the storage portion had a flat shape, and the humidifying filter was inclined in the use state. However, the humidifier of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the humidifier of the present invention may be arranged such that an inclined portion is provided on the bottom surface of the storage portion to incline the humidifying filter.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which a protrusion protruding upward H1 from the bottom surface, such as a partition portion or a convex portion, was provided on the bottom surface of the storage portion. However, the humidifier of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, when the humidifying filter of the present invention has a self-supporting outer shape such as a frustum of a cone, the humidifying filter may be self-supported in the storage portion while the side of the humidifying filter is brought into contact with and supported by the first opening of the storage portion.

[0078] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the humidifying filter was supported by being brought into contact with both the first opening and the bottom surface of the storage portion. However, the humidifier of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, in the case where the humidifying filter is integrally formed, such as the humidifier 50 of the second embodiment or the humidifier 120 of the fourth embodiment, the humidifying filter may be held by being brought into contact with either the first opening or the bottom surface of the storage portion. For example, the humidifier of the present invention may be held by the first opening while being separated from the bottom surface of the storage portion. Also, for example, the humidifier of the present invention may be self-supported on the bottom surface without being brought into contact with the first opening of the storage portion. Furthermore, for example, the humidifier of the present invention may be provided with a convex portion on the bottom surface of the storage portion and inserted into and held by the convex portion without being brought into contact with the first opening of the storage portion.

[0079] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof. Also, the plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, a certain component among all the components shown in a certain embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some of the components among all the components shown in a certain embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0080] In addition, the drawings schematically show each component mainly for easy understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, interval, etc. of each illustrated component may be different from the actual ones for convenience of drawing creation. Also, it goes without saying that the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiments is an example and is not particularly limited, and various changes are possible without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0081] The present invention can be variously applied as a humidifier for humidifying air.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0082] 1 Humidifier 10 Housing 13 Side Wall 14 Suction Port 15 Outlet 20 Fan 30 Reservoir 31 First Opening 32 Bottom Surface 33 Inclined Side Wall 40 Humidifying Filter 41 Inclined Portion 50 Humidifier 60 Housing 63 Side Wall 64 Suction Port 66 Second Opening 70 Reservoir 71 First Opening 72 Bottom Surface 73 Inclined Side Wall 80 Humidifying filter 81 Inclined portion 90 Humidifier 100 Storage portion 101 First opening 102 Bottom surface 103 Inclined side wall 110 Humidifying filter 111 Inclined portion 120 Humidifier 130 Humidifying filter 131 Inclined portion V Vertical direction

Claims

1. A housing having a suction port and a blowout port, a fan that generates an air current in the housing from the suction port to the blowout port, a storage portion that is disposed in the housing, stores water, and has an upward-facing first opening, a humidifying filter that has hygroscopicity and air permeability and is immersed in the water in the storage portion and is provided with, The humidifying filter extends above the first opening, has an inclined portion through which the air current passes and that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, and is a humidifier.

2. The housing has a side wall in which the suction port is formed, The inclined portion is inclined such that the upper end of the inclined portion is closer to the side wall than the lower end of the inclined portion. The humidifier according to Claim 1.

3. The storage portion has an inclined side wall that inclines inward as it goes upward, At least a part of the inclined side wall is located directly below the inclined portion of the humidifying filter. The humidifier according to Claim 2.

4. The fan is located inside the inclined portion of the humidifying filter and above the storage portion, and generates an air current from below the fan upward. The humidifier according to Claim 3.

5. The storage portion supports the humidifying filter. The humidifier according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

6. The storage portion supports the humidifying filter such that the upper end of the humidifying filter is away from the housing. The humidifier according to Claim 2.

7. Further includes a plurality of the humidifying filters, The housing has a plurality of the suction ports formed therein, The plurality of humidifying filters and the plurality of suction ports correspond one-to-one. The humidifier according to Claim 1 or Claim 4.

8. The area of the first opening is narrower than the area of the bottom surface of the storage portion. The humidifier according to Claim 2.

9. The humidifying filter has a frustum shape that expands outward more at an upper position while being located in the storage portion. The humidifier according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

10. The blowout port is located above the suction port and the inclined portion. The humidifier according to Claim 1 or Claim 4.

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