humidifier

Abstract

For example, we provide a humidifier with a new configuration that makes it difficult for bacteria to grow in the filter. [Solution] The humidifier comprises a housing having a water storage section for storing water, a humidifying filter that can rotate so that the portion immersed in the water changes when part of it is immersed in the water stored in the water storage section, and a magnetic mechanism that displaces the humidifying filter upward by magnetic force when the humidifying filter assumes a predetermined rotational position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to humidifiers. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a humidifier with a vaporization filter. It also describes that the vaporization filter is moved up and down by gears so that it remains wet and germs do not easily grow on the vaporization filter, and that the vaporization filter is not immersed in water except during humidification operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-155990 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The humidifier described in Patent Document 1 requires a movement mechanism including gears to move the vaporization filter up and down. This tends to make the humidifier's configuration complex. Therefore, there is a demand for a humidifier with a new configuration that makes it difficult for bacteria to grow on the filter.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidifier with a new configuration that makes it difficult for bacteria to grow in the filter, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a humidifier includes a housing having a water storage section for storing water, a humidifying filter that is rotatable so that the portion immersed in the water changes when part of the humidifying filter is immersed in the water stored in the water storage section, and a magnetic mechanism that displaces the humidifying filter upward by magnetic force when the humidifying filter assumes a predetermined rotational position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, for example, it is possible to provide a humidifier with a new configuration in which bacteria are less likely to grow in the filter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a humidifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a water storage tray and a humidifying filter. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a humidifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic side view of the water storage tray and the humidifying filter when the humidifying filter is in a predetermined rotational position. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a water storage tray and a humidifying filter according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a water storage tray and a humidifying filter according to a first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A humidifier 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and the same explanations will be incorporated herein by reference. The vertical direction when the humidifier 1 is placed on a level floor is defined as the height direction H, one direction perpendicular to the height direction H is defined as the width direction W, and directions perpendicular to both the height direction H and the width direction W are defined as the depth direction D.

[0010] The term "humidifier" generally refers to a device that increases at least one of the absolute humidity and relative humidity of air. The humidifier may employ any humidification mechanism. For example, the humidifier may have at least one of an evaporation mechanism that evaporates water by contacting air with a relative humidity of less than 100% with water, a water vaporization mechanism that heats water to evaporate it, or a spray mechanism that evaporates water by vibrating a vibrator. The humidifier may also have functions other than the humidification function. For example, the humidifier may also have a cooling mechanism, a heating mechanism, an air purification function, or the like, in addition to the humidification function. In the following, the present embodiment describes an example of a humidifier 1 (see FIG. 1 ) that has a humidification mechanism that evaporates water by contacting air with a relative humidity of less than 100% with water. Specifically, the humidifier 1 is a humidifier that achieves high humidification performance by increasing the temperature inside the housing using a heater to promote water evaporation.

[0011] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a humidifier 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidifier 1 taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of a water storage tray 12 and a humidifying filter 20. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the humidifier 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] (Housing 10) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the humidifier 1 has a housing 10. The housing 10 houses each mechanism of the humidifier 1. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 10 has an air intake port 10a and an air outlet 10b. The humidifier 1 humidifies the air drawn in through the air intake port 10a and then blows out the humidified air from the air outlet 10b. As shown in Figure 1, the housing 10 of the humidifier 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in Figure 2, the air intake port 10a is provided on the back surface of the housing 10. The air outlet 10b is provided on the top surface of the housing 10.

[0013] The housing 10 has a main body 11 and a water storage tray 12. The water storage tray 12 is detachable from the main body 11. Specifically, an opening is formed on the side of the main body 11 for inserting and removing the water storage tray 12. The water storage tray 12 can be inserted into and removed from the main body 11 through the opening in the main body 11.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 3, the water storage tray 12 has a water storage section 12a located at the bottom inside the housing 10. The water storage section 12a has a shape that allows it to store water. Water to be used for humidification is stored in this water storage section 12a. Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, which will be described later, depict a water surface 13 of the water stored in the water storage section 12a. Note that the water surface 13 is the water surface when the water is full.

[0015] (Humidification filter 20) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the humidifier 1 has a humidifying filter 20. The humidifying filter 20 is arranged inside the housing 10. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the humidifying filter 20 is arranged so that a portion of the humidifying filter 20 is immersed in water when water is stored in the water storage section 12a. The humidifying filter 20 sucks up water from the portion immersed in water. The water sucked up by the humidifying filter 20 evaporates, thereby increasing the moisture content (absolute humidity) of the air inside the housing 10. The humidifying filter 20 is rotatable so that the portion immersed in the water stored in the water storage section 12a can be changed.

[0016] The humidifying filter 20 has a case 21 and a filter body 22. The filter body 22 is housed in the case 21.

[0017] The filter body 22 is water-absorbent. The filter body 22 has a plurality of pores. When a portion of the filter body 22 is immersed in water, capillary action occurs. This causes water to be drawn up into the pores of the filter body 22. As a result, the portion of the filter body 22 located above the water absorbs moisture. The water supplied to the filter body 22 evaporates into air with a relative humidity of less than 100%. This humidifies the air. The filter body 22 may be made of a water-absorbent material such as nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, or paper. In the humidifier 1, the filter body 22 has paper folded in a zigzag shape. The filter body 22 has a circular disk-like outer shape.

[0018] The outer shape of the case 21 is a disk shape. The case 21 has a disk-shaped internal space. The inner shape of the internal space of the case 21 is substantially the same as the outer shape of the filter body 22. The filter body 22 is housed in the internal space of the case 21.

[0019] At least one through-hole is formed in case 21, which leads to the internal space in which filter body 22 is disposed. Water outside humidifying filter 20 is supplied to filter body 22 via this through-hole. Water vapor from filter body 22 is supplied to the outside of humidifying filter 20 via the through-hole.

[0020] When viewed from the direction in which the central axis A1 of the humidifying filter 20 extends along the depth direction D, the case 21 has a peripheral wall 21a that surrounds the outer periphery of the filter body 22. The peripheral walls 21a are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction, and each has a plurality of protrusions that protrude along the radial direction, constituting a gear 23.

[0021] (Rotation mechanism 30) As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the humidifier 1 has a rotation mechanism 30. The rotation mechanism 30 rotates the humidifying filter 20. The rotation mechanism 30 causes the humidifying filter 20 to rotate about a central axis A1.

[0022] The rotation mechanism 30 has a motor 31 shown in Figures 2 and 4 and a plurality of gears 32, 33 shown in Figure 3. The motor 31 rotates at least one of the plurality of gears 32, 33. In the humidifier 1, the motor 31 rotates the gear 32. Therefore, the gear 32 constitutes a drive gear for the humidifying filter 20.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the gears 32 and 33 are disposed in the water storage section 12a of the water storage tray 12. When the water storage section 12a is full of water, the gears 32 and 33 are located below the water surface 13 and are submerged in water. The gears 32 and 33 are provided at substantially the same position in the height direction H. The gear 32 is rotatable around a central axis A32 extending along the depth direction D. The gear 32 is attached to the water storage tray 12 so as to be rotatable around the central axis A32. As described above, the gear 32 is directly or indirectly engaged with the motor 31. Therefore, the gear 32 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 31.

[0024] The gear 32 and the gear 33 are arranged at an interval from each other along the width direction W. The gear 33 is rotatable about a central axis A33 extending along the depth direction D. The central axis A33 is disposed at substantially the same position as the central axis A32 in the height direction H. The gear 33 is attached to the water storage tray 12 so as to be rotatable about the central axis A33. The gear 33 is not connected to the motor 31. Therefore, the gear 33 is rotatable independently of the rotation of the motor 31.

[0025] In the humidifier 1, the outer diameter of the gear 32 and the outer diameter of the gear 33 are substantially equal. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The outer diameter of the gear 32 may be different from the outer diameter of the gear 33. The outer diameter of the gear 32 may be larger or smaller than the outer diameter of the gear 33.

[0026] (Arrangement of humidifying filter 20) As described above, gears 32 and 33 are rotatable but are provided so as to be substantially immovable. Humidifying filter 20 is placed on these gears 32 and 33. Humidifying filter 20, including gears 32 and 33, is not fixed to housing 10. Humidifying filter 20 is displaceable, changeable in position, and rotatable relative to housing 10.

[0027] Due to the weight of humidifying filter 20, gear 23 provided on humidifying filter 20 meshes with gears 32 and 33. Therefore, when motor 31 is driven and gear 32 rotates, humidifying filter 20 rotates about central axis A1 in conjunction with the rotation of gear 32. As a result, the portion of humidifying filter 20 that is immersed in the water stored in water storage section 12a changes in the circumferential direction. This promotes the absorption of moisture into humidifying filter 20.

[0028] (Blower mechanism 40) 2, a blower mechanism 40 is provided inside the housing 10. The blower mechanism 40 has a function of blowing air from inside the housing 10 through the air outlet 10b. The blower mechanism 40 may be composed of, for example, a fan and a motor that rotates the fan.

[0029] When the blower mechanism 40 is driven, air is supplied into the housing 10 through the air intake 10a. The moisture content of the supplied air is increased by the humidifying filter 20. The air with increased moisture content is sent to the air outlet 10b side by the airflow formed by the blower mechanism 40, and is blown out of the humidifier 1 from the air outlet 10b. This humidifies the outside air.

[0030] (Magnetic mechanism 50) 3 and 4, the humidifier 1 has a magnetic mechanism 50. The magnetic mechanism 50 is a mechanism that displaces the humidifying filter 20 upward by magnetic force when the humidifying filter 20 assumes a predetermined rotational posture.

[0031] In the humidifier 1, the magnetic mechanism 50 has a first magnet 51 and a second magnet 52.

[0032] (First magnet 51) 3, the first magnet 51 is provided in the housing 10. The first magnet 51 is disposed below the central axis A1 in the height direction H. The first magnet 51 is disposed below the humidifying filter 20. When viewed from the direction in which the central axis A1 extends (in a side view), the first magnet 51 is disposed in an area different from an area passed by an imaginary line L that passes through the central axis A1 and extends in the height direction H (up-down direction).

[0033] In a side view, the wall portion 12b of the water storage tray 12 located to the side of the humidifying filter 20 and the first magnet 51 are located on opposite sides of the imaginary line L in the width direction W. In a side view, the gear 32 on the wall portion 12b side and the first magnet 51 are located on opposite sides of the imaginary line L in the width direction W.

[0034] The first magnet 51 is provided on the water storage tray 12, which constitutes a part of the housing 10. The first magnet 51 is provided on the bottom wall of the water storage tray 12. The first magnet 51 may be fixed to the bottom wall of the water storage tray 12 and positioned underwater, for example. The first magnet 51 may also be embedded in the bottom wall of the water storage tray 12, for example.

[0035] (Second magnet 52) The second magnet 52 is provided on the humidifying filter 20. The second magnet 52 is provided in an area different from the area through which the central axis A1 of the humidifying filter 20 passes. More specifically, the second magnet 52 is attached to the periphery of the humidifying filter 20. The second magnet 52 is attached to the case 21 that forms part of the humidifying filter 20. When viewed from the side in FIG. 3 (when viewed along a cross section perpendicular to the central axis A1), the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are arranged to have an overlapping portion in the depth direction D. When the humidifying filter 20 rotates and the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 come closest to each other, the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are arranged to face each other.

[0036] (The first magnet 51 is an electromagnet, and the second magnet 52 is a permanent magnet) In the present disclosure, for example, both the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 may be configured as electromagnets or permanent magnets. In the humidifier 1, at least one of the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 is configured as an electromagnet. Specifically, the first magnet 51 is configured as an electromagnet, and the second magnet 52 is configured as a permanent magnet. Therefore, while power is supplied to the first magnet 51, both the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 generate magnetic forces.

[0037] The first magnet 51 is configured so that a repulsive force is generated between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 when power is supplied to generate a magnetic force.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the humidifier 1 further includes an attitude sensor 60. The attitude sensor 60 is a sensor for detecting the rotational attitude of the humidifying filter 20. The rotational attitude of the humidifying filter 20 can be detected from the value detected by the attitude sensor 60. Here, the "rotational attitude" refers to how many degrees the humidifying filter has currently rotated in a predetermined rotational direction around its central axis, relative to a predetermined attitude of the humidifying filter.

[0039] The orientation sensor 60 is not particularly limited as long as it detects a value necessary to detect the rotational orientation of the humidifying filter 20. For example, the orientation sensor 60 may be one that can obtain the rotational orientation of the humidifying filter 20 solely from the value detected by the orientation sensor 60. For example, the orientation sensor 60 may be one that detects a value that enables the rotational orientation of the humidifying filter 20 to be calculated from the value detected by the orientation sensor 60 and another value.

[0040] Specifically, in the humidifier 1, the attitude sensor 60 is configured by a magnetic sensor such as a Hall sensor that utilizes the Hall effect. The attitude sensor 60 detects the magnetic field from the second magnet 52 when the attitude sensor 60 and the second magnet 52 are in close proximity. When the attitude sensor 60 detects the strongest magnetic field from the second magnet 52, the humidifying filter 20 is in a rotational attitude in which the second magnet 52 is closest to the attitude sensor 60. As will be described in detail later, in the humidifier 1, the rotational attitude of the humidifying filter 20 is detected from the timing at which the humidifying filter 20 assumes the rotational attitude in which the second magnet 52 is closest to the attitude sensor 60 and the rotation angle of the humidifying filter 20 at that timing.

[0041] The attitude sensor 60 is attached to the housing 10 above the water surface 13 so as to be immovable. Specifically, the attitude sensor 60 is attached to the wall portion 12b of the water storage tray 12. The attitude sensor 60 is provided at a position radially aligned with the central axis A1 of the humidifying filter 20 when the humidifying filter 20 is in contact with the gears 32, 33.

[0042] (control) Next, the control of the humidifier 1 will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

[0043] 4, the humidifier 1 has a control unit 70. The control unit 70 has functions of controlling each mechanism of the humidifier 1, receiving input from sensors, and storing information in the humidifier 1.

[0044] The control unit 70 may include, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and a storage device. The storage device stores, for example, data and computer programs. For example, the storage device temporarily stores data required for each process of the control unit 70, and stores setting data used to control each mechanism. The storage device may include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The storage device may include, for example, non-volatile memory, a hard disk drive, etc.

[0045] Specifically, the control unit 70 is connected to the rotation mechanism 30, the blower mechanism 40, the magnetic mechanism 50, the attitude sensor 60, and the operation unit 80.

[0046] The operation unit 80 is a part where the user controls the humidifier 1 by inputting instructions to the humidifier 1. The operation unit 80 may be configured, for example, by a touch panel or a mechanical switch. The operation unit 80 includes, for example, an operator for turning the humidifier 1 on and off, an operator for inputting various settings such as a target humidity, an operator for selecting an operation mode of the humidifier 1, and the like. When the operation unit 80 is configured by a touch panel, the operators may be configured by images displayed on the touch panel.

[0047] When a user operates the operation unit 80 and inputs an instruction to the humidifier 1, the operation unit 80 outputs a signal corresponding to the input instruction to the control unit 70. The control unit 70 controls each mechanism of the humidifier 1 in accordance with the input signal.

[0048] The control unit 70 controls the rotation mechanism 30 to rotate the humidifying filter 20. More specifically, the motor 31 included in the rotation mechanism 30 drives the gear 32, causing the humidifying filter 20 to rotate.

[0049] The motor 31 is connected to a power supply unit 71 included in the control unit 70. The power supply unit 71 supplies power to each mechanism of the humidifier 1, including the motor 31. The power supply unit 71 supplies power to the motor 31 based on operation information input from the operation unit 80, for example, and controls the motor 31 to rotate the humidifying filter 20.

[0050] It is preferable that motor 31 be configured by a motor, such as a servo motor, having a servo mechanism that can control the rotational posture and rotational speed of humidifying filter 20. In this case, motor 31 can easily stop humidifying filter 20 in a desired rotational posture.

[0051] The blower mechanism 40 is connected to a power supply unit 71 included in the control unit 70. For example, a signal to turn on the humidifier 1 is input to the operation unit 80 from the power supply unit 71, and the power supply unit 71 supplies power to the blower mechanism 40 when it is desired to humidify the room. This causes the highly humid air generated inside the humidifier 1 to be supplied to the outside of the humidifier 1.

[0052] The magnetic mechanism 50 is connected to a power supply unit 71 included in the control unit 70. In particular, the power supply unit 71 supplies power to either the first magnet 51 or the second magnet 52, whichever is configured as an electromagnet. Specifically, in the humidifier 1, the power supply unit 71 supplies power to the first magnet 51. For example, the power supply unit 71 may constantly supply power to the first magnet 51 when the humidifier 1 is in the on state. The power supply unit 71 may also supply power to the first magnet 51 when a predetermined condition is satisfied when the humidifier 1 is in the on state.

[0053] The attitude sensor 60 outputs information relating to the rotational attitude of the humidifying filter 20 detected by the attitude sensor 60 to the control unit 70. Specifically, the attitude sensor 60 detects the amount of magnetic force from the second magnet 52 and outputs the detected amount of magnetic force to the control unit 70. In more detail, the attitude sensor 60 outputs the change over time in the detected amount of magnetic force to the control unit 70.

[0054] The control unit 70 acquires information relating to the amount of rotation of the humidifying filter 20, for example, from the motor 31 or a sensor provided separately from the motor 31. The control unit 70 calculates the rotational attitude of the humidifying filter 20 from the information relating to the amount of rotation of the humidifying filter 20 and the information relating to the amount of magnetic force input from the attitude sensor 60. In this way, the control unit 70 can obtain the current rotational attitude of the humidifying filter 20.

[0055] (Displacement of humidifying filter 20) FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the water storage tray 12 and the humidifying filter 20 when the humidifying filter 20 is in a predetermined rotational position.

[0056] Next, mainly with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the control of displacing the humidifying filter 20 along the height direction H will be described.

[0057] (When humidification is being performed by Humidifier 1) When the user operates the operation unit 80, the control unit 70 drives the rotation mechanism 30 and the air blowing mechanism 40 by supplying power to them. This starts the supply of water to the humidifying filter 20, increases the absolute humidity inside the housing 10, and causes the air blowing mechanism 40 to blow the humidified air inside the housing 10 out of the housing 10. This starts humidification by the humidifier 1.

[0058] When the humidifier 1 is in humidifying operation and, for example, the relative humidity in a room needs to be increased, it is preferable to continue supplying water to the humidifying filter 20. Therefore, power is not supplied from the power supply unit 71 to the first magnet 51, and the first magnet 51 is in an off state. Substantially no magnetic force is generated from the first magnet 51. Therefore, substantially no stress due to magnetic force is generated between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52. Therefore, the humidifying filter 20 is driven to rotate about the central axis A1, which is located at a predetermined position, without substantially displacing. In this state, a portion of the humidifying filter 20 is immersed in the water stored in the water storage unit 12a. Therefore, water is continuously supplied by the humidifying filter 20, and humidification by the humidifier 1 continues.

[0059] (When humidifier 1 is turned off) For example, when the user operates the operating unit 80 to turn off the humidifier 1, or when the relative humidity in the room rises to the set level and no further humidification is required, the control unit 70 stops supplying power to the rotation mechanism 30 and the blowing mechanism 40, preventing further supply of humidified air from the humidifier 1.

[0060] Next, the power supply stopping process will be described in more detail.

[0061] In the humidifier 1, the second magnet 52 attached to the humidifying filter 20 is a permanent magnet. Therefore, the attitude sensor 60 continuously detects the strength of the magnetism supplied from the second magnet 52. Therefore, the control unit 70 can calculate the current rotational attitude of the humidifying filter 20 from the timing when the magnetic intensity detected by the attitude sensor 60 was the most recent maximum (the timing when the attitude sensor 60 and the second magnet 52 were closest to each other, as shown in FIG. 3 ), the time elapsed since that timing, and the rotational speed of the humidifying filter 20 during that time. The control unit 70 can calculate how to drive the rotation mechanism 30 to rotate the humidifying filter 20 from the calculated current rotational attitude of the humidifying filter 20 to a rotational attitude of the humidifying filter 20 where the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are closest to each other, as shown in FIG. 5 . Specifically, the control unit 70 can calculate, for example, the amount of power to be supplied to the rotation mechanism 30 and the power supply period.

[0062] When the operating unit 80 is operated to turn off the humidifier 1, the control unit 70 calculates how to drive the rotation mechanism 30 to rotate the humidifying filter 20 to a rotational position where the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are closest to each other, and controls the rotation mechanism 30 based on the calculation result. As a result, the rotational position of the humidifying filter 20 is set to the rotational position where the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are closest to each other, as shown in FIG. 5 .

[0063] In the humidifier 1, when power is supplied to the first magnet 51, the first magnet 51, the power supply unit 71, and the wiring connecting the first magnet 51 and the power supply unit 71 are configured so that a repulsive force acts between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5, when the humidifying filter 20 assumes a rotational position in which the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are closest to each other, a repulsive force is generated between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52, and the humidifying filter 20 is lifted upward.

[0064] More specifically, in the humidifier 1, when viewed from the direction in which the central axis A1 extends (as viewed from the side), the facing direction DO between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 when the humidifying filter 20 is in a predetermined rotational position is inclined with respect to the imaginary line L. More specifically, the direction of facing direction DO from the first magnet 51 toward the second magnet 52 extends obliquely upward toward the wall portion 12b with respect to the imaginary line L that extends along the height direction H.

[0065] As a result, humidifying filter 20 is lifted diagonally upward, with gear 32 as a fulcrum, in a direction approaching wall 12b. As a result, filter body 22 of humidifying filter 20 is positioned above water surface 13. In this state, control unit 70 stops rotation of humidifying filter 20 by rotation mechanism 30, while continuing to apply electricity to first magnet 51. Therefore, when humidifier 1 is in a stopped state, filter body 22 is maintained in a state where it is not immersed in the water stored in water storage unit 12a.

[0066] In this state, when the user operates the operation unit 80 to turn on the humidifier 1 and resume humidifying operation, the control unit 70 stops the power supply to the first magnet 51. As a result, the humidifying filter 20 is displaced downward, and a portion of the humidifying filter 20 is immersed in the water stored in the water storage unit 12a. This starts the supply of water to the humidifying filter 20. This enables humidification by the humidifying filter 20.

[0067] As described above, the humidifier 1 is provided with a magnetic mechanism 50 that uses magnetic force to displace the humidifying filter 20 upward when the humidifying filter 20 assumes a predetermined rotational position. As a result, for example, when humidification is not required, the volume of the portion of the humidifying filter 20 that is immersed in water can be reduced, thereby reducing the amount of water contained in the humidifying filter 20 and reducing the volume of the portion of the humidifying filter 20 that contains water. This makes it possible to prevent the growth of bacteria and the like on the humidifying filter 20 and keep the humidifying filter 20 clean.

[0068] In detail, for example, when the operation of the humidifier 1 is stopped, the control unit 70 causes the rotation mechanism 30 to adjust the rotational attitude of the humidifying filter 20 so that the humidifying filter 20 assumes a predetermined rotational attitude based on input from the attitude sensor 60. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the humidifying filter 20 from being left in an undesirably wet state.

[0069] In the humidifier 1, magnetic force is used to displace the humidifying filter 20, so it is not necessary to provide a mechanical mechanism for displacing the humidifying filter 20. This can simplify the configuration of the humidifier 1. Furthermore, when displacing the humidifying filter 20 by magnetism, the force for displacing the humidifying filter 20 can be applied to the humidifying filter 20 in a non-contact manner. This can prevent an increase in resistance to rotating the humidifying filter 20.

[0070] In the humidifier 1, the opposing direction DO between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 is inclined with respect to the imaginary line L. Therefore, when displacing the humidifying filter 20 upward, the humidifying filter 20 can be displaced with less force by using the principle of a lever with the gear 32 as the fulcrum. In the humidifier 1, the humidifying filter 20 can be displaced upward even if the repulsive force generated between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 is smaller than the weight of the humidifying filter 20. Therefore, the magnitude of the magnetic force required of the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 is small, and the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0071] In the humidifier 1, of the gears 32 and 33, the humidifying filter 20 is lifted onto the gear 32, which serves as a drive gear connected to the rotation mechanism 30. When the humidifying filter 20 is lifted, the humidifying filter 20 and the gear 32 mesh together. Because the gear 32 is connected to the rotation mechanism 30, the rotation of the gear 32 is regulated by the rotation mechanism 30. This makes it possible to stabilize the position of the humidifying filter 20 lifted onto the gear 32, and to prevent the humidifying filter 20 from being undesirably displaced.

[0072] In the humidifier 1, the first magnet 51 is configured as an electromagnet. Therefore, for example, when humidifying while rotating the humidifying filter 20, the power supply to the first magnet 51 can be turned off, so that the first magnet 51 does not substantially generate a magnetic force. This effectively prevents the rotation of the humidifying filter 20 from being hindered by the repulsive force generated between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52.

[0073] From this perspective, it is conceivable to configure both the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 as electromagnets. However, it is difficult to energize the second magnet 52 attached to the humidifying filter 20 side, which is detachable from the housing 10. Therefore, of the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52, it is preferable that only the first magnet 51 provided on the housing 10 side be configured as an electromagnet.

[0074] From the viewpoint of preventing the rotation of the humidifying filter 20 from being hindered by the repulsive force generated between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52, it is preferable not to supply power to the first magnet 51 when the humidifying filter 20 is in a rotational position other than the predetermined rotational position, and to supply power to the first magnet 51 only when the humidifying filter 20 is in the predetermined rotational position. Furthermore, it is preferable to start supplying power to the first magnet 51 when the control unit 70 determines that the humidifying filter 20 has maintained the predetermined rotational position for a predetermined period of time (for example, at least one second and no more than ten minutes). When power is being supplied to the first magnet 51, the control unit 70 is preferably configured to stop the supply of power to the first magnet 51 when the control unit 70 determines that the rotational position of the humidifying filter 20 has changed from the predetermined rotational position.

[0075] By configuring the second magnet 52 provided on the humidifying filter 20 side as a permanent magnet, the posture sensor 60 can detect the posture of the humidifying filter 20 even when power is not being supplied to the magnetic mechanism 50.

[0076] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which one of the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 is configured as an electromagnet. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, even if both the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are configured as electromagnets or permanent magnets, the humidifying filter 20 can be displaced upward, effectively preventing the humidifying filter 20 from remaining in an undesirably hydrated state.

[0077] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which one first magnet 51 and one second magnet 52 are paired to generate a repulsive force. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, one first magnet 51 and multiple second magnets 52 may be configured to cooperate to generate a repulsive force or an attractive force. For example, multiple first magnets 51 and one second magnet 52 may be configured to cooperate to generate a repulsive force or an attractive force. For example, multiple first magnets 51 and multiple second magnets 52 may be configured to cooperate to generate a repulsive force or an attractive force.

[0078] Another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and the description of the first embodiment will be used.

[0079] (Second embodiment) FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the water storage tray 12 and the humidifying filter 20 according to the second embodiment.

[0080] In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which the humidifying filter 20 is displaced upward by the repulsive force between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52. In contrast, in the humidifier according to the present embodiment, the humidifying filter 20 is raised by the mutual attractive force between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52. This also makes it possible to prevent the humidifying filter 20 from undesirably remaining wet. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the proliferation of bacteria on the humidifying filter 20, and to keep the humidifier clean.

[0081] Specifically, in the second embodiment, the first magnet 51 is located above the water surface 13. The first magnet 51 is arranged at least either to the side or above the humidifying filter 20. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the first magnet 51 is arranged to the side of the humidifying filter 20. More specifically, the first magnet 51 is arranged so as to be aligned in the width direction W with the central axis A1 of the humidifying filter 20, which is placed on the gears 32, 33. When the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 provided on the humidifying filter 20 come close to each other, an attractive force is generated between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52. As a result, the humidifying filter 20 is lifted upward, as in the first embodiment.

[0082] (First Modification) FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the water storage tray 12 and the humidifying filter 20 according to the first modified example.

[0083] As in the first modified example shown in Fig. 7, a slope 12c may be provided on the bottom wall of the water storage tray 12, protruding upward from other portions so as to extend along the circumferential surface of the humidifying filter 20. By placing the first magnet 51 on this slope 12c, it becomes possible to place the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 closer to each other. This makes it easier to generate a stronger repulsive force between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52.

[0084] (Other variations) For example, as in the first embodiment, a pair of a first magnet 51 and a second magnet 52 that repel each other (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "repulsion pair") may be provided, and as in the second embodiment, a pair of a first magnet 51 and a second magnet 52 that attract each other (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an "attraction pair") may be provided. When providing a repulsion pair and an attraction pair in this way, for example, the first magnet 51 that constitutes the repulsion pair may be disposed below the humidifying filter 20 on the imaginary line L, and the first magnet 51 that constitutes the attraction pair may be disposed above the humidifying filter 20 on the imaginary line L, and two second magnets 52 may be provided on the humidifying filter 20 to correspond to the two first magnets 51. In this case, the humidifying filter 20 may be pulled upward while meshed with the gear 32, or the humidifying filter 20 may be pulled upward while separated from the gear 32.

[0085] When magnetic force is used to attract the magnet and humidifying filter 20 together and displace humidifying filter 20 upward, for example, a first magnet 51 formed by an electromagnet may be placed above or to the side of humidifying filter 20, and a portion made of a ferromagnetic material such as metal that is attracted by magnetic force may be provided on humidifying filter 20. In this case, humidifying filter 20 may be displaced upward without providing second magnet 52. The ferromagnetic material may, for example, constitute a part of case 21, or may be provided separately from case 21 and fixed to case 21.

[0086] As in the above embodiment and modified example, when first magnet 51 and second magnet 52 are provided to raise and lower humidifying filter 20, and at least one of first magnet 51 and second magnet 52 is configured as an electromagnet, humidifying filter 20 can be swung, for example, in height direction H, by turning the electromagnet on and off. This makes it possible to clean humidifying filter 20. When cleaning humidifying filter 20 in this manner, it is preferable to attach an attachment for deepening water storage section 12a, and turn on and off the power supply to the electromagnet while cleaning liquid is stored in the water storage section 12a so that at least half of humidifying filter 20 in height direction H is immersed.

[0087] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. Furthermore, configurations obtained by combining the configurations of the different embodiments described in this specification are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1: Humidifier 10: Housing 10a: Air intake 10b: Air outlet 11: Main body 12: Water storage tray 12a: Water storage section 12b: Wall part 12c: Slope 13: Water surface 20: Humidification filter 21: Case 21a: Surrounding wall 22: Filter body 23: Gear 30: Rotation mechanism 31: Motor 32, 33: Gear 40: Air blower mechanism 50:Magnetic mechanism 51: First magnet 52: Second magnet 60: Posture sensor 70: Control unit 71: Power supply section 80: Operation section

Claims

1. a housing having a water reservoir for storing water; a humidifying filter that is rotatable so that a portion of the filter that is immersed in water can be changed while being partially immersed in the water stored in the water storage section; a magnetic mechanism that displaces the humidifying filter upward by magnetic force when the humidifying filter assumes a predetermined rotational position; A humidifier comprising:

2. The magnetic mechanism includes: a first magnet provided in the housing; a second magnet provided in the humidifying filter; The humidifier of claim 1 , wherein

3. the first magnet is disposed below the humidifying filter, 3. The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged so as to displace the humidifying filter upward by a repulsive force acting between the first magnet and the second magnet.

4. the first magnet is disposed to the side or above the humidifying filter, 3. The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged so as to displace the humidifying filter upward by a mutually attractive force acting between the first magnet and the second magnet.

5. The first magnet: a magnet disposed below the humidifying filter so as to generate a repulsive force between the magnet and the second magnet; a magnet disposed to the side or above the humidifying filter so as to generate an attractive force between the magnet and the second magnet; The humidifier of claim 2 , comprising:

6. The humidifier of claim 2, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged such that, when viewed from the direction in which the central axis of the humidifying filter extends, the opposing direction of the first magnet and the second magnet when the humidifying filter is in the predetermined rotational position is inclined with respect to an imaginary line passing through the central axis and extending in the vertical direction.

7. The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet is an electromagnet.

8. a power supply unit that supplies power to one of the first magnet and the second magnet, the magnet being an electromagnet; The humidifier according to claim 7 , wherein the power supply unit supplies power to the electromagnet when the humidifying filter takes the predetermined rotational position.

9. a sensor that detects the rotational attitude of the humidifying filter; a rotation mechanism that rotates the humidifying filter; a control unit to which information about the rotational attitude detected by the sensor is input; Furthermore, 9. The humidifier according to claim 7, wherein when operation of the humidifier is stopped, the control unit controls the rotation mechanism to adjust the rotational position of the humidifying filter based on input from the sensor so that the humidifying filter assumes the predetermined rotational position.

10. The rotation mechanism includes: A motor; a gear that meshes with the motor and rotates the humidifying filter; and 10. The humidifier according to claim 9, wherein the magnetic mechanism is provided so that the humidifying filter and the gear are engaged with each other when the humidifying filter is displaced upward by the magnetic mechanism.

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