Filter unit, segmented filter, and humidifier

Abstract

To provide a filter unit that is easy to clean. [Solution] The filter unit is placed in the water reservoir of the humidifier. The filter unit comprises a humidifying filter having multiple segmented filters, wherein the direction in which each of the segmented filters is combined intersects with the direction of airflow passing through the humidifying filter, and the outer circumference shape of each of the segmented filters is smaller than the outer circumference shape of the humidifying filter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filter unit, a split filter, and a humidifier.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a humidifier provided with a humidification filter that absorbs water stored in a tray and humidifies air flowing through an air passage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] [[ID=3又4]] In the humidifier disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the size of the humidification filter is large, cleaning such as so-called sloshing, in which the humidification filter is shaken and washed in water, becomes difficult.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in view of this problem. One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide, for example, a filter unit, a split filter, and a humidifier that are easy to clean.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A filter unit according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a filter unit disposed in a water storage portion of a humidifier, and includes a humidification filter having a plurality of split filters. In the humidification filter, the direction in which each of the plurality of split filters is combined is a direction intersecting with the airflow direction passing through the humidification filter, and the outer peripheral shape of each of the plurality of split filters is smaller than the outer peripheral shape of the humidification filter.

[0007] It should be noted that there seems to be an issue with the line identification in your original text (e.g., the repeated "又4" in some line IDs). This might be a formatting error on your part. The translation has been done as accurately as possible based on the provided text.The segmented filter according to the second aspect of this disclosure constitutes a part of the humidifying filter provided in the filter unit according to the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0008] A humidifier according to a third aspect of the present disclosure comprises a filter unit according to a first aspect of the present disclosure and a water reservoir in which the filter unit is arranged and which stores water supplied to the filter unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a humidifier according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a humidifier with the humidifying unit removed, according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the humidifying section in a humidifier according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a filter unit according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a condition in which the humidifying filter of the filter unit has become contaminated due to the use of a humidifier. [Figure 6] Figure 4 schematically shows an example of the connection state between the first segmented humidifying filter and the second segmented humidifying filter in the filter unit shown. [Figure 7] This is a schematic front view showing a humidifying filter included in a filter unit according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a schematic right-side view showing the humidifying filter included in the filter unit. [Figure 9] This is a schematic front view showing a filter unit included in a humidifier according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a schematic right-side view of the filter unit shown. [Figure 11]It is a front view schematically showing a filter unit according to a third modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] It is a right side view schematically showing the filter unit shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a bottom view schematically showing the filter unit 3 shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 14] It is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a humidifier according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the humidifier shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] It is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the filter unit included in the humidifier according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the joined state of the front humidifying filter in the filter unit included in the humidifier according to the first modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the joined state of the front humidifying filter in the filter unit included in the humidifier according to the first modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] It is a front view schematically showing an example of the front humidifying filter included in the humidifier according to the second modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view showing an example of the first divided front humidifying filter constituting the front humidifying filter shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the arrangement relationship between the front humidifying filter shown in FIG. 19 and the stored water stored in the water storage part. [Figure 22] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the arrangement relationship between the front humidifying filter shown in FIG. 19 and the stored water stored in the water storage part.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Regarding the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0011] (First Embodiment) 1.1: Overall Structure of Humidifier Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the overall structure of the humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure with the humidifying part removed. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure around the humidifying part of the humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the vertical direction of the humidifier 10 during use is defined as the up-down direction. Further, based on the direction when the humidifier 10 is viewed from the front, the left-right direction is defined, and with the front side of the humidifier 10 as the front and the back side as the back, the front-back direction is defined. However, these directions are not intended to limit the usage direction (direction during use) of the humidifier 10.[[ID=**10**]]

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment includes a housing 1 and a humidifying part 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the humidifying part 2 is detachably provided with respect to the housing 1. That is, the humidifying part 2 can be moved along the front-back direction with respect to the mounting part 13 provided at the lower part of the housing 1, so that it can be detached from and attached to the housing 1.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 1 includes an air outlet 12 and a mounting part 13.

[0015] The housing 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the up-down direction as the longitudinal direction. The housing 1 can adopt various shapes, and in addition to the rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example, it may be a cylindrical shape or the like. Although not shown, the housing 1 includes a power supply part, a control part, a fan, etc.

[0016] The air outlet 12 is an opening for blowing out the air humidified by the humidifier 10. The air outlet 12 can be arranged, for example, on the upper surface of the housing 1.

[0017] The mounting section 13 forms a storage space for housing the humidifying section 2. The mounting section 13 is located at the bottom of the housing 1.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the humidification unit 2 includes a filter holding unit 21 and a water storage unit 22.

[0019] The filter holding portion 21 is a member that holds the filter unit 3. The filter unit 3 is a unit that can be attached to and detached from the filter holding portion 21 and includes a humidifying filter 30. The filter unit 3 is a component unit that can be attached to and detached from the filter holding portion 21. That is, the filter unit 3 may be the humidifying filter 30 itself, or it may include the humidifying filter 30 and a holder 32 (holding member), which will be described later, that holds the humidifying filter 30. In the humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the filter unit 3 is composed of a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped humidifying filter 30.

[0020] In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the humidifying unit 2 functions as the filter holding unit 21. That is, the humidifying unit 2 is a box-shaped member with an open top. The filter unit 3 is sandwiched between the left and right sides of the humidifying unit 2 within the humidifying unit 2. In this way, the humidifying unit 2 can hold the filter unit 3.

[0021] The water storage section 22 is the part that stores the stored water. As shown in Figure 3, the space within the humidification section 2 (filter holding section 21) from the bottom to a predetermined height functions as the water storage section 22.

[0022] The humidifying filter 30 is partially immersed in the water stored in the water reservoir 22, thereby impregnating the entire humidifying filter 30 with the stored water. For example, the humidifying filter 30 is made of a nonwoven fabric formed by impregnating rayon fibers and / or polyester fibers with acrylic. The humidifying filter 30 is a pleated filter. That is, the humidifying filter 30 is a sheet member having multiple folds extending in the same direction. The humidifying filter 30 can be formed in a corrugated shape with alternating peaks and valleys. In such a humidifying filter 30, even when partially immersed in water, the stored water can be distributed throughout the entire filter by capillary action or the like.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the humidifying filter 30 is housed approximately in the center of the humidifying unit 2 in the front-to-back direction. The humidifying filter 30 is held in place by the filter holding unit 21. At this time, the lower part of the humidifying filter 30 is immersed in the stored water contained in the water reservoir 22 of the humidifying unit 2. The stored water that has permeated the inside of the humidifying filter 30 also reaches the portion of the humidifying filter 30 that is exposed above the water surface (above the water surface).

[0024] The humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment is a so-called evaporative humidifier that can humidify the air using the water stored in the water reservoir 22. In other words, in the humidifier 10, as shown in Figure 3, by blowing air onto the humidifying filter 30 containing the stored water, the stored water contained in the humidifying filter 30 is vaporized, and a humidified airflow is generated downstream of the humidifying filter 30. In Figure 3, the direction of airflow (airflow direction) is indicated by a white arrow. Specifically, a fan or the like inside the housing 1 blows air from the front onto the portion of the humidifying filter 30 that is exposed above the water surface, causing the humidified air to pass through the humidifying filter 30 and be blown out of the housing 1 through the outlet 12 from the downstream (rear) side of the humidifying filter 30.

[0025] Furthermore, the direction of airflow passing through the humidifying filter 30 is not limited to the direction from front to back, as described above. For example, the airflow direction may be from back to front. Also, the humidifier 10 is not limited to the evaporative type; for example, it may be a heated evaporative type (hybrid type) that produces humid air by blowing warm air (warm air) heated by a heat source such as a heater onto the humidifying filter 30.

[0026] 1.2: Filter Unit The filter unit 3 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the filter unit 3 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the state in which the humidifying filter 30 is soiled due to the use of the humidifier 10 in the filter unit 3 shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the joining state of the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b in the filter unit shown in Figure 4.

[0027] The filter unit 3 is composed of a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped humidifying filter 30. The humidifying filter 30 is composed of a combination of two identical rectangular parallelepiped shapes: a first divided humidifying filter 31a (divided filter) and a second divided humidifying filter 31b (divided filter). In cases where it is not necessary to distinguish between the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b, they may be referred to as the divided humidifying filter 31.

[0028] The outer periphery shapes of the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b are smaller than the outer periphery shape of the humidifying filter 30.

[0029] Furthermore, the direction in which the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b are combined is perpendicular to the direction of airflow passing through the humidifying filter 30. In other words, the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b are combined vertically with respect to the airflow direction from front to back.

[0030] Furthermore, the shape of the humidifying filter 30 is not limited to the rectangular parallelepiped shape described above; for example, it may be cubic or cylindrical. Also, the number of segmented humidifying filters 31 constituting the humidifying filter 30 is not limited to the two segments described above, the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b; there may be multiple segments.

[0031] By the way, when the humidifier 10 is operated for a certain period of time, the humidifying filter 30 becomes contaminated, as shown in Figure 5. The causes of this contaminated filter include, for example, mold on the humidifying filter 30 or solidification of minerals contained in the water.

[0032] The humidifying filter 30 does not become soiled uniformly throughout; rather, soiling is more likely to occur in the areas of the humidifying filter 30 through which the airflow passes. In other words, as shown in Figure 5, the first segmented humidifying filter 31a is primarily soiled.

[0033] As described above, when the humidifying filter 30 becomes soiled, the user of the humidifier 10 removes the humidifying filter 30 from the filter holder 21 and cleans it by washing or other means. An aqueous solution of citric acid, baking soda, etc., is preferably used to clean the humidifying filter 30.

[0034] In the humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment, the humidifier filter 30 is constructed by combining a first segmented humidifier filter 31a and a second segmented humidifier filter 31b, both of which have smaller outer circumferences than the humidifier filter 30. Therefore, when cleaning the humidifier filter 30, the humidifier filter 30 can be disassembled into the first segmented humidifier filter 31a and the second segmented humidifier filter 31b, respectively, for cleaning. Thus, cleaning the humidifier filter 30 in the humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment is easier compared to cleaning the entire humidifier filter 30.

[0035] Furthermore, prolonged use of the humidifier 10 may make it impossible to completely remove the dirt from the humidifying filter 30 through cleaning. In such cases, it is necessary to replace the humidifying filter 30 itself with a new one.

[0036] As described above, the humidifying filter 30 of the humidifier 10 is composed of a first segmented humidifying filter 31a and a second segmented humidifying filter 31b, both of the same shape. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, if the first segmented humidifying filter 31a is soiled, only the first segmented humidifying filter 31a can be replaced without replacing the entire humidifying filter 30.

[0037] Furthermore, in the humidifying filter 30, the positions of the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b may be swapped by rotation, such as by placing a new first segmented humidifying filter 31a in the lower position and combining the second segmented humidifying filter 31b on top of the first segmented humidifying filter 31a.

[0038] In this way, the arrangement of the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b is rotated, and the first segmented humidifying filter 31a or the second segmented humidifying filter 31b positioned on the upper level is replaced with a new first segmented humidifying filter 31a or the second segmented humidifying filter 31b at predetermined intervals. This reduces contamination of the humidifying filter 30 while suppressing the material costs associated with replacement.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the humidifying filter 30 can be configured by joining, for example, the lower surface of the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the upper surface of the second divided humidifying filter 31b using hook-and-loop fasteners. When the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b are joined using hook-and-loop fasteners, multiple hooks may be provided on the lower surface of the first divided humidifying filter 31a and multiple loops may be provided on the upper surface of the second divided humidifying filter 31b.

[0040] Furthermore, since the arrangement of the first-part humidifying filter 31a and the second-part humidifying filter 31b may be reversed due to rotation, the first-part humidifying filter 31a may be provided with multiple hooks not only on its bottom surface but also on its top surface, and the second-part humidifying filter 31b may be provided with multiple loops not only on its top surface but also on its bottom surface.

[0041] As described above, the humidifying filter 30 is constructed by joining the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b using hook-and-loop fasteners. Therefore, the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b can be easily combined to construct the humidifying filter 30.

[0042] In the above explanation, the humidifying filter 30 was described as being divided into a first divided humidifying filter 31a and a second divided humidifying filter 31b, but the division method is not limited to this. For example, the humidifying filter 30 may be divided into four parts as follows: the first divided humidifying filter 31a is further divided into two identical parts in the left-right direction, and the second divided humidifying filter 31b is further divided into two identical parts in the left-right direction.

[0043] The more divisions there are in the humidifying filter 30, the smaller each individual filter becomes, reducing the cleaning space required during cleaning. On the other hand, the process of combining multiple divided filters to form the humidifying filter 30 becomes more complicated. The number of divisions in the humidifying filter 30 should be appropriately determined considering the overall dimensions of the humidifying filter 30 and the ease of cleaning.

[0044] (First variation) A filter unit 3 according to a first modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a schematic front view showing the humidifying filter 30 provided in the filter unit 3 according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a schematic right side view showing the humidifying filter 30 provided in the filter unit 3 shown in Figure 7.

[0045] The humidifier 10 according to the first modified example of the first embodiment has a similar configuration to the humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment, except that the shapes of the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b that constitute the humidifying filter 30 of the filter unit 3 are different.

[0046] The first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b according to the first modified example of the first embodiment have a rod shape that extends in the left-right direction as a whole, as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, when viewed from the side from right to left, the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b according to the first modified example of the first embodiment have a U-shape including a concave portion and a convex portion.

[0047] The first segmented humidifying filter 31a according to the first modified example has a first fitting portion 31a1 formed by a recess and a protrusion for fitting with the second segmented humidifying filter 31b according to the first modified example. On the other hand, the second segmented humidifying filter 31b according to the first modified example has a second fitting portion 31b1 formed by a recess and a protrusion for fitting with the first segmented humidifying filter 31a of the first modified example. The protrusion of the second fitting portion 31b1 is fitted into the recess of the first fitting portion 31a1, and the protrusion of the first fitting portion 31a1 is fitted into the recess of the second fitting portion 31b1, thereby joining the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b to each other.

[0048] The first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b according to the first modified example can be joined by fitting the first fitting portion 31a1 and the second fitting portion 31b1 together. Therefore, there is no need to provide connecting members such as hook-and-loop fasteners at the joining surfaces of the two.

[0049] Furthermore, the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b according to the first modified example have a U-shape when viewed from the right to the left and are in contact with each other so as to fit together. Therefore, compared to the configuration in which the two are joined so that the lower surface of the first segmented humidifying filter 31a is in contact with the upper surface of the second segmented humidifying filter 31b as shown in Figure 4, the contact area between the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b can be increased. As a result, the reduction in water movement between the joined first segmented humidifying filter 31a and second segmented humidifying filter 31b can be suppressed.

[0050] (Second variation) Next, a humidifier 10 according to a second modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a schematic front view showing the filter unit 3 included in the humidifier 10 according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a schematic right side view showing the filter unit 3 shown in Figure 9.

[0051] The humidifier 10 according to the second modification of the first embodiment has a similar configuration to the humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment, except that the shapes of the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b that constitute the humidifying filter 30 of the filter unit 3 are different.

[0052] The first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b according to the second modified example of the first embodiment have a rod shape that extends in the left-right direction as a whole, as shown in Figure 9. However, the first divided humidifying filter 31a according to the second modified example has a substantially L-shape with a protruding portion 31a10 that protrudes downward from the left side of the center when viewed from front to back. The second divided humidifying filter 31b according to the second modified example has a substantially L-shape with a protruding portion 31b10 that protrudes upward from the right side of the center when viewed from front to back.

[0053] Then, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first segmented humidifying filter 31a according to the second modified example is positioned on the upper surface of the second segmented humidifying filter 31b such that the protruding portion 31a10 of the first segmented humidifying filter 31a according to the second modified example and the protruding portion 31b10 of the second segmented humidifying filter 31b according to the second modified example are arranged side by side and touching in the left-right direction.

[0054] In this way, the protrusion 31a10 of the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the protrusion 31b10 of the second divided humidifying filter 31b are arranged to be in contact with each other in the left-right direction. Therefore, even if a force is applied to the humidifying filter 30 in the left-right direction, it is possible to prevent the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b from separating.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the contact surface of the first segmented humidifying filter 31a with the second segmented humidifying filter 31b, and the contact surface of the second segmented humidifying filter 31b with the first segmented humidifying filter 31a, are each provided with a plurality of identically shaped recesses and identically shaped protrusions arranged alternately in a triangular wave shape.

[0056] When the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b are joined, the protrusion of the first segmented humidifying filter 31a fits into the recess of the second segmented humidifying filter 31b, and conversely, the protrusion of the second segmented humidifying filter 31b fits into the recess of the first segmented humidifying filter 31a.

[0057] In this way, the recesses and protrusions of the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the recesses and protrusions of the second segmented humidifying filter 31b are fitted together, so that even if force is applied to the humidifying filter 30, separation of the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b can be suppressed.

[0058] Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the lower surface of the first segmented humidifying filter 31a is in contact with the upper surface of the second segmented humidifying filter 31b, as shown in Figure 4, the contact area between the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b can be increased. As a result, the reduction in water movement between the joined first segmented humidifying filter 31a and second segmented humidifying filter 31b can be suppressed.

[0059] (Third variation) Next, a humidifier 10 according to a third modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. Figure 11 is a schematic front view showing a filter unit 3 according to a third modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 is a schematic right side view showing the filter unit 3 shown in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a schematic bottom view showing the filter unit 3 shown in Figure 11.

[0060] The humidifier 10 according to the third modification of the first embodiment has a similar configuration to the humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment, except that the filter unit 3 further includes a holder 32 (holding member) for holding the humidifying filter 30.

[0061] In the filter unit 3 according to the third modification of the first embodiment, the first divided humidifying filter 31a is placed on the second divided humidifying filter 31b, similar to the filter unit 3 according to the first embodiment. However, the contact surface between the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b does not need to have a hook-and-loop fastener like in the filter unit 3 according to the first embodiment.

[0062] Furthermore, similar to the filter unit 3 according to the second modification of the first embodiment, the filter unit 3 according to the third modification of the first embodiment preferably has a configuration in which a plurality of recesses and protrusions are continuously provided on the contact surface of the first divided humidifying filter 31a with the second divided humidifying filter 31b, and on the contact surface of the second divided humidifying filter 31b with the first divided humidifying filter 31a.

[0063] The holder 32 holds the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b in a combined manner. For example, the holder 32 can be constructed by combining multiple rod-shaped members as shown in Figures 11 to 13.

[0064] Specifically, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the holder 32 has rod-shaped members extending in the left-right direction on the front and back of the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b, respectively, and rod-shaped members extending in the front-rear direction on the right and left sides. These rod-shaped members extending in the left-right and front-rear directions form a first frame 32a1 and a second frame 32a2, respectively, which surround the side surfaces of the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b, respectively, and the first frame 32a1 and the second frame 32a2 support the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b, respectively.

[0065] Furthermore, the first frame 32a1 and the second frame 32a2 are connected at the four corners of the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b by rod-shaped members that extend vertically.

[0066] Furthermore, the holder 32 includes a support portion 32b1 that extends vertically on the right and left sides of the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b, respectively, and also extends horizontally on the bottom surface of the second divided humidifying filter 31b.

[0067] The holder 32 can support the side surfaces of the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b, respectively, with the first frame 32a1 and the second frame 32a2. In addition, the support portion 32b1 can support the bottom surface of the second segmented humidifying filter 31b.

[0068] Furthermore, since the filter unit 3 is equipped with a holder 32, the first segmented humidifying filter 31a and the second segmented humidifying filter 31b can be placed in the appropriate positional relationship and combined simply by housing them in the holder 32.

[0069] (Second Embodiment) 2.1: Overall configuration of the humidifier A humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the humidifier 100 shown in Figure 14.

[0070] The humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the humidifying unit 115.

[0071] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment comprises a housing 111, a rear panel 112, a deodorizing filter 113, a dust collection filter 114, a humidifying unit 115, and a blower unit 117.

[0072] The housing 111 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. An intake port 111b is formed on the rear surface of the housing 111. An outlet port 111c is formed on the top surface of the housing 111. An air passage 111d is formed inside the housing 111. The air passage 111d leads from the intake port 111b to the outlet port 111c, guiding air from the intake port 111b to the outlet port 111c. In Figure 14, the direction of airflow is indicated by a white arrow. The air passage 111d also includes a storage space 111e, which is formed along the intake port 111b.

[0073] The rear panel 112 is detachably attached to the intake port 111b of the housing 111. The rear panel 112 has multiple holes formed in it to allow air drawn into the intake port 111b to pass through.

[0074] The deodorizing filter 113 is housed in the storage space 111e of the housing 111. The deodorizing filter 113 passes air flowing through the air passage 111d of the housing 111 through the filter, removing odor components contained in the air. The odor components removed include acetaldehyde, ammonia, acetic acid, etc.

[0075] The dust collection filter 114 is housed in the storage space 111e of the housing 111. The dust collection filter 114 passes air flowing through the air passage 111d of the housing 111, removing dust contained in the air as it passes through.

[0076] The air blower unit 117 is positioned in the air passage 111d of the housing 111. The air blower unit 117 blows air to circulate the air flowing through the air passage 111d of the housing 111. That is, as shown in Figure 15, the air blower unit 117 includes a motor 131 and a fan 132. The fan 132 is rotated by the motor 131 to blow air.

[0077] The humidifying unit 115 is located in the air passage 111d of the housing 111. The humidifying unit 115 humidifies the air passing through the air passage 111d.

[0078] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the humidification unit 115 includes a tank 121, a tray 122, a filter unit 123, a motor 124, and a gear 125.

[0079] Tank 121 stores the stored water and supplies the stored water to tray 122. Tray 122 stores the stored water in its water storage section 116 and supplies the stored water to filter unit 123.

[0080] The filter unit 123 passes air flowing through the air passage 111d of the housing 111, and humidifies the air passing through with stored water in the water reservoir 116. The filter unit 123 includes a front humidifying filter 140 and a rear humidifying filter 141.

[0081] The lower part of the filter unit 123 is placed inside the tray 122. As a result, the lower part of the filter unit 123 is immersed in the stored water in the water reservoir 116 of the tray 122 and absorbs the stored water. On the other hand, the upper part of the filter unit 123 is placed inside the air passage 111d and passes through the air flowing through the air passage 111d.

[0082] Furthermore, the humidifier 100 is configured to transmit power from the motor 124 to the filter unit 123 via the gear 125, causing the filter unit 123 to rotate. As the filter unit 123 rotates, the lower part of the filter unit 123 that has absorbed the stored water moves to the upper part of the filter unit 123 that allows air flowing through the air passage 111d of the housing 111 to pass through. This allows the humidifying unit 115 to humidify the air by bringing it into contact with the stored water.

[0083] In addition, the humidifier 100 may be configured such that the motor 124 directly rotates the filter unit 123. Alternatively, the humidifier 100 may be configured such that the power of the motor 124 is transmitted to the filter unit 123 via a transmission mechanism other than the gear 125, thereby rotating the filter unit 123.

[0084] As described above, the humidification unit 115 wets the front humidification filter 140 and the rear humidification filter 141 with stored water, and humidifies the air by releasing the stored water into the air from the wetted front humidification filter 140 and the rear humidification filter 141.

[0085] 2.2: Filter Unit Figure 16 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a filter unit 123 included in a humidifier 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] As shown in Figure 16, the filter unit 123 includes a front humidifying filter 140 (humidifying filter), a rear humidifying filter 141 (humidifying filter), a filter frame 142, and a rear support frame 143.

[0087] The front humidifying filter 140 is positioned in front of the filter unit 123, ahead of the rear humidifying filter 141. The front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 are positioned so as to overlap in the direction of airflow through the air passage 111d of the housing 111. The main surfaces of the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 are positioned to intersect with the direction of airflow.

[0088] The front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 allow air flowing through the air passage 111d of the housing 111 to pass through, and humidify the air passing through with stored water supplied from the water storage unit 116. The air flowing through the air passage 111d passes through the center of the main surface of the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141, respectively.

[0089] In addition, the filter unit 123 according to the second embodiment is configured to include two filters, a front humidifying filter 140 and a rear humidifying filter 141, but it may also be configured to include only one of them.

[0090] The periphery of the main surface of the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 has a shape that includes an arc and a straight line connecting both ends of the arc, which is bent so as to be convex outwards.

[0091] When the portion of the main surface periphery of the front humidifying filter 140 that is formed by a curved straight line is positioned near the bottom (in the first position), the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter are not immersed in the stored water in the water reservoir 116 and are not moistened by the stored water.

[0092] On the other hand, when the filter unit 123 rotates and the part in question is positioned anywhere other than near the lowest point (i.e., in the second position), a portion of the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 are immersed in the stored water and moistened by the stored water.

[0093] The front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 are made of a material that can be permeated with water. For example, the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 are made of a nonwoven fabric in which rayon fibers and / or polyester fibers have been impregnated with acrylic.

[0094] The front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 are pleated filters. That is, the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 are sheet members having multiple folds extending in the same direction. The front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 can have a wave shape in which peaks and valleys are arranged alternately.

[0095] When the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 are in their first positions, the folds of the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 extend in a direction along the water surface of the stored water in the water reservoir 116, that is, in a direction along the horizontal direction in the humidifier 100.

[0096] Incidentally, as described above, the air flowing through the air passage 111d passes through the center of the main surfaces of the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141. For this reason, at least the center of the main surfaces of the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 must be moistened with stored water.

[0097] Here, when the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 are in the second position, the folds of the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 are inclined with respect to the water surface of the stored water in the water reservoir 116, and are configured to extend in a direction that is approximately vertical, for example. When they are in this second position, the distance over which the stored water is drawn up to the point through which air passes can be shortened compared to when they are in the first position where the folds extend in a direction along the horizontal.

[0098] Therefore, the filter unit 123 can suppress the decrease in humidification capacity.

[0099] The front humidifying filter 140 includes a first-part front humidifying filter 140a (partial filter), a second-part front humidifying filter 140b (partial filter), a third-part front humidifying filter 140c (partial filter), and a fourth-part front humidifying filter 140d (partial filter). The second-part front humidifying filter 140b and the third-part front humidifying filter 140c have the same shape. In addition, unless there is a need to specifically distinguish between the first-part front humidifying filter 140a, the second-part front humidifying filter 140b, the third-part front humidifying filter 140c, and the fourth-part front humidifying filter 140d, they may be referred to as the "partial front humidifying filter."

[0100] The outer periphery shapes of the first-segmented front humidifying filter 140a, the second-segmented front humidifying filter 140b, the third-segmented front humidifying filter 140c, and the fourth-segmented front humidifying filter 140d are smaller than the outer periphery shape of the front humidifying filter 140.

[0101] Furthermore, the direction in which the first-part front humidifying filter 140a, the second-part front humidifying filter 140b, the third-part front humidifying filter 140c, and the fourth-part front humidifying filter 140d are combined is in a direction that intersects with the airflow direction passing through the front humidifying filter 140.

[0102] In other words, when the front humidifying filter 140 is in the first position, the first divided front humidifying filter 140a, the second divided front humidifying filter 140b, the third divided front humidifying filter 140c, and the fourth divided front humidifying filter 140d are combined vertically in this order from top to bottom, with respect to the airflow direction from front to back.

[0103] The rear humidification filter 141 includes a first divided rear humidification filter 141a (divided filter), a second divided rear humidification filter 141b (divided filter), a third divided rear humidification filter 141c (divided filter), and a fourth divided rear humidification filter 141d (divided filter). The second divided rear humidification filter 141b and the third divided rear humidification filter 141c have the same shape. In addition, unless there is a need to specifically distinguish between the first divided rear humidification filter 141a, the second divided rear humidification filter 141b, the third divided rear humidification filter 141c, and the fourth divided rear humidification filter 141d, they may be referred to as divided rear humidification filters.

[0104] The outer periphery shapes of the first-segment rear humidifying filter 141a, the second-segment rear humidifying filter 141b, the third-segment rear humidifying filter 141c, and the fourth-segment rear humidifying filter 141d are smaller than the outer periphery shape of the rear humidifying filter 141.

[0105] Furthermore, the direction in which the first segmented rear humidifying filter 141a, the second segmented rear humidifying filter 141b, the third segmented rear humidifying filter 141c, and the fourth segmented rear humidifying filter 141d are combined is in a direction that intersects with the airflow direction passing through the rear humidifying filter 141.

[0106] In other words, when the rear humidifying filter 141 is in the first position, the first segmented rear humidifying filter 141a, the second segmented rear humidifying filter 141b, the third segmented rear humidifying filter 141c, and the fourth segmented rear humidifying filter 141d are combined vertically in this order from top to bottom, with respect to the airflow direction from front to back.

[0107] The front humidification filter 140 and the rear humidification filter 141 have the same configuration.

[0108] Incidentally, when the humidifier 100 is operated for a certain period of time, the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 become contaminated due to the solidification of minerals and other substances contained in the water. For this reason, the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 need to be cleaned to remove the accumulated minerals. An aqueous solution of citric acid, baking soda, etc. is preferably used to clean the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141.

[0109] In the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment, the front humidifier filter 140 is constructed by combining first-part front humidifier filters 140a to fourth-part front humidifier filters 140d, each having a smaller outer circumference than the front humidifier filter 140. Similarly, the rear humidifier filter 141 is constructed by combining first-part rear humidifier filters 141a to fourth-part rear humidifier filters 141d, each having a smaller outer circumference than the rear humidifier filter 141.

[0110] Therefore, during cleaning, the front humidifying filter 140 can be disassembled into the first-section front humidifying filter 140a to the fourth-section front humidifying filter 140d and washed. Similarly, the rear humidifying filter 141 can be disassembled into the first-section rear humidifying filter 141a to the fourth-section rear humidifying filter 141d and washed.

[0111] Therefore, the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment makes it easier to clean the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 compared to cleaning the entire front humidifying filter 140 and the entire rear humidifying filter 141 at once.

[0112] Furthermore, prolonged use of the humidifier 100 may make it impossible to completely remove the contamination from the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 through cleaning alone. In such cases, it is necessary to replace the front humidifying filter 140 itself and the rear humidifying filter 141 with new ones.

[0113] As described above, the front humidifying filter 140 of the humidifier 100 is composed of a first-section front humidifying filter 140a to a fourth-section front humidifying filter 140d. Therefore, only the soiled section of the front humidifying filter needs to be replaced, which reduces the material costs for replacement compared to a configuration where the entire front humidifying filter 140 needs to be replaced.

[0114] Furthermore, the second divided front humidifying filter 140b and the third divided front humidifying filter 140c have the same shape. If the degree of soiling differs between the two, one may be replaced with a new divided front humidifying filter, similar to the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b in the first embodiment, and the positions of the two may be swapped by rotation.

[0115] As described above, the rear humidifying filter 141 of the humidifier 100 is composed of a first-part rear humidifying filter 141a to a fourth-part rear humidifying filter 141d. Therefore, only the soiled part of the rear humidifying filter needs to be replaced, which reduces the material costs for replacement compared to a configuration where the entire rear humidifying filter 141 needs to be replaced.

[0116] Furthermore, the second divided rear humidifying filter 141b and the third divided rear humidifying filter 141c have the same shape. If the degree of soiling differs between the two, one may be replaced with a new divided rear humidifying filter, similar to the first divided humidifying filter 31a and the second divided humidifying filter 31b in the first embodiment, and the positions of the two may be swapped by rotation.

[0117] As a result, the humidifier 100 can reduce the fouling of both the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141 while suppressing the material costs associated with replacement.

[0118] The filter frame 142 holds the front humidification filter 140 and the rear humidification filter 141.

[0119] In other words, the filter frame 142 holds the first-segmented front humidifying filter 140a, the second-segmented front humidifying filter 140b, the third-segmented front humidifying filter 140c, and the fourth-segmented front humidifying filter 140d in a combined state.

[0120] Furthermore, the filter frame 142 holds the first segmented rear humidifying filter 141a, the second segmented rear humidifying filter 141b, the third segmented rear humidifying filter 141c, and the fourth segmented rear humidifying filter 141d in combination.

[0121] As shown in Figure 16, the filter frame 142 comprises a cylindrical portion 151, a plate-shaped portion 152, a first annular portion 153a, a second annular portion 153b, and a plurality of rod-shaped portions 154 (rod-shaped portions 154a to 154f).

[0122] The cylindrical portion 151 has a cylindrical shape and is provided with a plurality of teeth 161 on its outer circumferential surface. The plurality of teeth 161 are uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 151. The plurality of teeth 161 mesh with the gear 125. As a result, the filter unit 123 is rotated by the gear 125.

[0123] The plate-shaped portion 152 is a flat plate member having a contour consisting of an arc and a straight line connecting both ends of the arc. The plate-shaped portion 152 is positioned inside the cylindrical portion 151 and blocks a part of the opening provided at the front end of the cylindrical portion 151, preventing water from entering the filter unit 123 when it is placed inside the tray 122.

[0124] On the back of the plate-shaped portion 152, there are two support plates 155 that protrude from the front to the rear and have support surfaces that support the bottom surfaces of the front humidification filter 140 and the rear humidification filter 141.

[0125] Furthermore, a first annular portion 153a and a second annular portion 153b are arranged at the front end of the cylindrical portion 151, concentric with the periphery of the front end of the cylindrical portion 151, and having different diameters. The first annular portion 153a is an annular member with a smaller diameter than the second annular portion 153b.

[0126] Multiple rod-shaped portions 154 are provided, extending from the first annular portion 153a toward the front end of the cylindrical portion 151, so as to connect the first annular portion 153a, the second annular portion 153b, and the front end of the cylindrical portion 151.

[0127] In other words, the multiple rod-shaped portions 154 extend in the left-right direction from the left side of the first annular portion 153a toward the front end of the cylindrical portion 151, and include three rod-shaped portions 154a to 154c that are positioned at different locations in the vertical direction. From the top to the bottom of the cylindrical portion 151, the rod-shaped portions 154a, 154b, and 154c are arranged in that order.

[0128] The vertical positions of the rod-shaped parts 154a, 154b, and 154c correspond to the boundary positions between the first divided front humidifying filter 140a and the second divided front humidifying filter 140b, the boundary position between the second divided front humidifying filter 140b and the third divided front humidifying filter 140c, and the boundary position between the third divided front humidifying filter 140c and the fourth divided front humidifying filter 140d, respectively, when the front humidifying filter 140 is housed in the filter frame 142.

[0129] Furthermore, the vertical positions of the rod-shaped parts 154a, 154b, and 154c correspond to the boundary positions between the first divided rear humidifying filter 141a and the second divided rear humidifying filter 141b, the boundary position between the second divided rear humidifying filter 141b and the third divided rear humidifying filter 141c, and the boundary position between the third divided rear humidifying filter 141c and the fourth divided rear humidifying filter 141d, respectively, when the rear humidifying filter 141 is housed in the filter frame 142.

[0130] Furthermore, the multiple rod-shaped portions 154 extend in the left-right direction from the right side of the first annular portion 153a toward the front end of the cylindrical portion 151, and include three rod-shaped portions 154d to 154f that are positioned at different locations in the vertical direction. From the top to the bottom of the cylindrical portion 151, the rod-shaped portions 154d, 154e, and 154f are arranged in that order.

[0131] The vertical positions of the rod-shaped parts 154d, 154e, and 154f correspond to the boundary positions between the first divided front humidifying filter 140a and the second divided front humidifying filter 140b, the boundary position between the second divided front humidifying filter 140b and the third divided front humidifying filter 140c, and the boundary position between the third divided front humidifying filter 140c and the fourth divided front humidifying filter 140d, respectively, when the front humidifying filter 140 is housed in the filter frame 142.

[0132] Furthermore, the vertical positions of the rod-shaped parts 154d, 154e, and 154f correspond to the boundary positions between the first divided rear humidifying filter 141a and the second divided rear humidifying filter 141b, the boundary position between the second divided rear humidifying filter 141b and the third divided rear humidifying filter 141c, and the boundary position between the third divided rear humidifying filter 141c and the fourth divided rear humidifying filter 141d, respectively, when the rear humidifying filter 141 is housed in the filter frame 142.

[0133] Each of these six rod-shaped sections 154a to 154f is provided with a rib 160 that protrudes from front to rear.

[0134] In the combination, the contact surfaces of adjacent front divided humidifying filters and the contact surfaces of adjacent rear divided humidifying filters both extend along the left-right direction. The rib 160 has a contact surface that is aligned along the left-right direction and comes into contact with the contact surfaces of adjacent front divided humidifying filters and adjacent rear divided humidifying filters in the combination.

[0135] Since the filter frame 142 is provided with multiple ribs 160, it can hold the front humidifying filter 140 while positioning each of the multiple divided front humidifying filters in the appropriate location. Similarly, it can hold the rear humidifying filter 141 while positioning each of the multiple divided rear humidifying filters in the appropriate location.

[0136] The rear support frame 143 supports the front humidification filter 140 and the rear humidification filter 141, which are held in the filter frame 142, on the rear side of the filter unit 123.

[0137] The rear support frame 143 has a frame portion 170 having a roughly rectangular shape and a rear plate-like portion 173 at the lower part of the frame portion 170 that has a shape similar to the plate-like portion 152 of the filter frame 142.

[0138] An octagonal ring portion 172 is positioned inside the frame portion 170, and multiple rod-shaped portions 171 extend radially from the ring portion 172 toward the frame portion 170.

[0139] Two leaf spring members 174 are provided on the front surface of the rear plate-like portion 173, each protruding from the rear toward the front. The leaf spring members 174 are formed by bending a plate member.

[0140] When the rear support frame 143 is fitted onto the filter frame 142, each of the two leaf spring members 174 is inserted in a compressed state between each of the two support plates 155 and the cylindrical portion 151. As a result, each leaf spring member 174 biases the support plate 155 from below upward. This biasing force allows the rear support frame 143 to be fixed to the filter frame 142.

[0141] (First variation) Next, a humidifier 100 according to the first modified example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. Figures 17 and 18 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the bonding state of the front humidifying filter 140 in the filter unit 123 of the humidifier 100 according to the first modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] The humidifier 100 according to the first modified example of the second embodiment differs from the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment in the joining structure of the front humidifying filter 140 and the joining structure of the rear humidifying filter 141. Except for the joining structures of the front humidifying filter 140 and the rear humidifying filter 141, the two are the same.

[0143] Furthermore, since the front humidification filter 140 and the rear humidification filter 141 have the same structure, the explanation below will use the front humidification filter 140 as an example, and the explanation of the rear humidification filter 141 will be omitted.

[0144] In other words, in the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment, the front humidifying filter 140 was configured such that the first divided front humidifying filter 140a to the fourth divided front humidifying filter 140d were fitted into the area demarcated by the rib 160 and support plate 155 in the filter frame 142, and adjacent divided front humidifying filters were brought into contact with each other and joined together.

[0145] In contrast, in the humidifier 100 according to the first modified example of the second embodiment, at least the surface including the fold on the end side of one of the adjacent divided front humidifying filters and the surface including the fold on the end side of the other divided front humidifying filter are connected in an overlapping state.

[0146] More specifically, for example, the first divided front humidifying filter 140a and the second divided front humidifying filter 140b are connected in a state where the surface of the first divided front humidifying filter 140a including the fold 140a2 on the end side and the surface of the second divided front humidifying filter 140b including the fold 140b2 on the end side are superimposed.

[0147] Therefore, the first divided front humidifying filter 140a and the second divided front humidifying filter 140b can be configured in a continuous manner. Consequently, the reduction in water movement between the connected first divided front humidifying filter 140a and the second divided front humidifying filter 140b can be suppressed.

[0148] Although not shown in Figure 17, the connection between the second-segmented front humidifying filter 140b and the third-segmented front humidifying filter 140c, and the connection between the third-segmented front humidifying filter 140c and the fourth-segmented front humidifying filter 140d, are the same as the connection between the first-segmented front humidifying filter 140a and the second-segmented front humidifying filter 140b.

[0149] In addition, the front humidifying filter 140 may have hot melt fixing portions 145 at predetermined intervals in order to maintain the shape of the folds. The hot melt fixing portions 145 are formed, for example, from a hot melt adhesive mainly composed of a thermoplastic polymer. However, these hot melt fixing portions 145 are configured not to be provided on the surface of the first divided front humidifying filter 140a that overlaps with the second divided front humidifying filter 140b.

[0150] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, an insertion hole 140a1 is provided at a position corresponding to the rib 160 in the fold 140a2, through which the rib 160 is inserted. This prevents the rib 160 from coming into contact with the first divided front humidifying filter 140a and the second divided front humidifying filter 140b.

[0151] As shown in Figure 18, the first segmented front humidifying filter 140a may be configured such that, instead of providing an insertion hole 140a1, the fold 140a2 protrudes more than the other folds by the amount of the rib 160 protruding. This configuration prevents the rib 160 from coming into contact with the first segmented front humidifying filter 140a and the second segmented front humidifying filter 140b.

[0152] (Second variation) Next, a humidifier 100 according to a second modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 19 to 22. Figure 19 is a schematic front view showing an example of a front humidifying filter 240 provided in the humidifier 100 according to a second modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 20 is a perspective view showing an example of a first divided front humidifying filter 240a constituting the front humidifying filter 240 shown in Figure 19. Figures 21 and 22 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the arrangement relationship between the front humidifying filter 240 shown in Figure 19 and the stored water stored in the water storage section 116. Figure 21 shows a state in which contamination has occurred in the center of the front humidifying filter 240, and Figure 22 shows a state in which the arrangement of the divided front humidifying filters has been changed to move the contamination that occurred in the center to the outer circumference (vertex position) of the front humidifying filter 240. Note that in Figures 21 and 22, the contamination location is indicated by a dashed line.

[0153] As described above, in the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment, the front humidifying filter 140 was composed of a first divided front humidifying filter 140a to a fourth divided front humidifying filter 140d. When the front humidifying filter 140 was in the first position, when the front humidifying filter 140 was viewed in plan view from front to back, the first divided front humidifying filter 140a, the second divided front humidifying filter 140b, the third divided front humidifying filter 140c, and the fourth divided front humidifying filter 140d, which were elongated in the left-right direction, were combined in this order from top to bottom in the up-down direction.

[0154] In contrast, the humidifier 100 according to the second modification of the second embodiment includes a front humidifying filter 240 having the configuration shown in Figure 19. Specifically, the front humidifying filter 240 is composed of a first divided front humidifying filter 240a, a second divided front humidifying filter 240b, and a third divided front humidifying filter 240c, the first divided front humidifying filter 240a, the second divided front humidifying filter 240b, and the third divided front humidifying filter 240c, the first divided front humidifying filter 240a, the second divided front humidifying filter 240b, and the third divided front humidifying filter 240c are held by a filter frame 142. For the sake of explanation, in Figure 19, only the cylindrical portion 151 of the filter frame 142 is shown, and the other parts are omitted.

[0155] As shown in Figure 19, the first to third segmented front humidifying filters 240a to 240c that constitute the front humidifying filter 240 are all the same shape. Therefore, referring to Figure 20, a detailed explanation of the segmented front humidifying filters will be given using the first segmented front humidifying filter 240a as an example.

[0156] As shown in Figure 20, the first segmented forward humidifying filter 240a is a cube with a rhombus-shaped main surface that intersects the airflow direction. Multiple folds are formed on the main surface, extending parallel to each other in the same direction.

[0157] The shape of the main surface of the first divided front humidifying filter 240a is a polygon with symmetry. That is, the shape of the main surface is symmetrical if it is a so-called point-symmetric shape in which the main surface overlaps with the shape before rotation when rotated, for example, 180 degrees around the center point O of the first divided front humidifying filter 240a. Alternatively, if the line connecting opposite vertices on the main surface is defined as the axis of symmetry A, and the main surface is folded along the axis of symmetry A, the shapes on the left and right sides of the axis of symmetry A overlap, resulting in a so-called line-symmetric shape.

[0158] Incidentally, when the humidifier 100 is operated for a certain period of time, as shown in Figure 21, the part of the front humidifying filter 240 through which the airflow passes, that is, the central part, becomes mainly contaminated. Here, in the humidifier 100 according to the second modified example of the second embodiment, the first divided front humidifying filter 240a to the third divided front humidifying filter 240c are each symmetrical rhombuses. Therefore, as shown in Figure 22, by rotating each of the first divided front humidifying filters 240a to the third divided front humidifying filters 240c by 180 degrees and rearranging them, the contaminated area can be divided into three parts and moved to the vertex positions of the front humidifying filter 240, respectively. Alternatively, by reversing each of the first divided front humidifying filters 240a to the third divided front humidifying filters 240c with the symmetric axis A as the axis of rotation and rearranging them, the contaminated area can be divided into three parts and moved to the vertex positions of the front humidifying filter 240, respectively. Thus, in the humidifier 100 according to the second modified example of the second embodiment, the contaminated area of ​​the front humidifying filter 240 can be moved from the central part to the apex.

[0159] Furthermore, when the humidifier 100 is in use, the front humidifying filter 240 rotates, causing the soiled areas that have moved to the top of the front humidifying filter 240 to be immersed in the stored water in the water reservoir 116. Therefore, when the humidifier 100 is in use, the soiled areas of the front humidifying filter 240 can be washed with the stored water.

[0160] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, when the front humidifying filter 240 is viewed from above, the first divided front humidifying filter 240a has multiple folds that extend parallel to the direction from the center point C of the front humidifying filter 240 toward the vertex P1 of the front humidifying filter 240. Similarly, the second divided front humidifying filter 240b has multiple folds that extend parallel to the direction from the center point C of the front humidifying filter 240 toward the vertex P2 of the front humidifying filter 240. And the third divided front humidifying filter 240c has multiple folds that extend parallel to the direction from the center point C of the front humidifying filter 240 toward the vertex P3 of the front humidifying filter 240.

[0161] Therefore, when any of the vertices P1, P2, and P3 are submerged in the stored water, the distance the stored water travels to the central part of the front humidifying filter 240 on the main surface of the divided front humidifying filter can be shortened. In other words, when any of the vertices P1, P2, and P3 are submerged in the stored water, the stored water does not need to travel over multiple folds to reach the central part of the front humidifying filter 240, thus shortening the time required to draw up the stored water.

[0162] Incidentally, in the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment, when the front humidifying filter 140 is in the first position, the fold of the front humidifying filter 140 is configured to extend in a direction horizontal to the water surface of the stored water in the water reservoir 116. Therefore, when the front humidifying filter 140 rotates and one of the ends of the fold is submerged in the stored water, the distance to the position through which air passes can be shortened.

[0163] In contrast, in the humidifier 100 according to the second modification of the second embodiment, when any of the vertices P1, P2, and P3 are submerged in the stored water, the distance over which the stored water is drawn up to the point where air can pass through can be shortened. Therefore, the efficiency of drawing up the stored water to the point where air can pass through can be further improved.

[0164] As described above, the humidifier 100 according to the second modified example of the second embodiment was configured to have three divided front humidifying filters, from the first divided front humidifying filter 240a to the third divided front humidifying filter 240c. However, the number of divided front humidifying filters is not limited to these three.

[0165] Furthermore, each of the first to third segmented front humidifying filters 240a to 240c had a rhombus-shaped main surface that intersected the airflow direction. However, the shape of the main surface of the segmented front humidifying filter is not limited to a rhombus; any polygon that is symmetrical and allows the soiled area in the central part of the front humidifying filter 240 to be moved to the outer periphery, such as the vertices of the front humidifying filter 240, is acceptable.

[0166] Furthermore, in the humidifier 100 according to the second modified example of the second embodiment, the rear humidifying filter may also have a configuration similar to that of the front humidifying filter 240 described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0167] 1 Housing 2. Humidification section 3 filter units 10 Humidifier 13 Mounting part 21 Filter holding section 22 Water storage section 30 Humidifying Filters 31-segment humidifying filter 31a First segment humidifying filter 31a1 1st fitting part 31a10 Protrusion 31b Second-part humidifying filter 31b1 2nd fitting part 31b10 Protrusion 32 holder 32a1 1st frame body 32a2 2nd frame 32b1 Support part 100 humidifier 111 Housing 111d Wind path 115 Humidification section 116 Water storage section 117 Blower section 122 Trays 123 Filter Unit 140 Front humidifying filter 140a First-segment forward humidification filter 140a1 Through hole 140a2 fold 140b Second-segment front humidifying filter 140b2 fold 140c Third-part front humidifying filter 140d 4th division front humidifying filter 141 Rear humidifying filter 141a First division rear humidifying filter 141b Second Split Rear Humidifying Filter 141c Third-part rear humidifying filter 141d Fourth-segment rear humidifying filter 142 filter frames 160 Rib 240 Front Humidifying Filter 240a First-segment front humidifying filter 240b Second-segment front humidifying filter 240c Third-part front humidifying filter

Claims

1. A filter unit placed in the water reservoir of a humidifier, Equipped with a humidifying filter having multiple divided filters, The humidifying filter is configured such that the direction in which each of the multiple divided filters is combined intersects with the direction of airflow passing through the humidifying filter. A filter unit in which the outer circumference shape of each of the multiple divided filters is smaller than the outer circumference shape of the humidifying filter.

2. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of division filters have at least one set having the same shape.

3. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein each of the multiple divided filters is joined together by hook-and-loop fasteners.

4. The filter unit according to claim 1, further comprising a holding member for holding a plurality of the divided filters in a combined state.

5. Each of the multiple division filters has a fitting portion, The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein a pair of the division filters, which are combined from a plurality of the division filters, are connected to each other by fitting together the fitting portion of one division filter with the fitting portion of the other division filter.

6. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein each of the multiple divided filters has alternating concave and convex portions of the same shape provided on the contact surfaces that come into contact with each other.

7. Each of the aforementioned divided filters has a sheet member having multiple folds extending in the same direction. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein in a pair of the division filters that are combined from among the plurality of division filters, the surface including the fold on the end side of at least one division filter and the surface including the fold on the end side of the other division filter are connected in an overlapping state.

8. Each of the aforementioned divided filters has a sheet member having multiple folds extending in the same direction. The humidifying filter is rotatably mounted so as to move from a first position in which it is not immersed in the stored water in the water reservoir to a second position in which a portion of it is immersed in the stored water. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein when the humidifying filter is in the first position, the fold extends in a direction along the water surface of the stored water.

9. In the humidifying filter, the multiple divided filters are arranged such that the contact surfaces of adjacent divided filters all extend in the first direction. The filter frame is provided to hold the humidifying filter, The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the filter frame is provided according to the arrangement position of each of the plurality of divided filters and includes a plurality of ribs having contact surfaces that contact the contact surfaces of each of the divided filters along the first direction.

10. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of humidifying filters are superimposed in the direction of the airflow passing through the humidifying filters.

11. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of divided filters has a polygonal main surface intersecting the airflow direction that is symmetrical.

12. The main surface of the humidifying filter that intersects the airflow direction is a regular polygon. The filter unit according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of divided filters has a sheet member having a plurality of folds that extend parallel to the direction from the center point toward the vertex of the main surface of the humidifying filter.

13. A divided filter that constitutes a part of the humidifying filter provided in the filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A humidifier comprising: a filter unit in which the filter unit is arranged; and a water reservoir for storing water supplied to the filter unit.

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