Humidifier

Abstract

To provide a humidifier capable of suppressing continuous remaining of water for humidification in the inside thereof.SOLUTION: A humidifier 100 that humidifies air sucked from an air suction port and blows out the air to the outside comprises a humidification tray 41, a humidification filter 42, a drying part 30, and a control part 23. The humidification tray 41 stores the water. The humidification filter 42 is disposed in a flow path, and can be immersed in the humidification tray 41. The drying part 30 dries the inside of the humidification tray 41. The control part 23 controls the drying part 30. The control part 23 can executes a humidifying mode for humidifying the air and a mode for driving the drying part 30 to dry the inside of the humidification tray 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier. [Background technology]

[0002] Humidifiers are known that include a water tray that stores water for humidification and that keeps the water tray clean. The humidifier described in Patent Document 1 includes a discharge unit, a humidifying unit, and a fan. The humidifying unit humidifies air using water stored in the water tray. The fan blows the air humidified by the humidifying unit into the room in which the humidifier is installed. The air blown by the fan is used to send active species from the discharge unit to the space above the water in the water tray of the humidifying unit. Sending active species suppresses the formation of slime and the proliferation of bacteria due to water remaining in the water tray. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5012971 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even if active species are delivered as in the humidifier of Patent Document 1, the water remaining in the water tray cannot prevent bacterial growth, and the remaining water may spoil. As a result, slime and dirt may form in the water tray. Furthermore, an unpleasant odor may be emitted from the filter that sucks up the water in the water tray, which may affect the odor of the air delivered from the humidifier.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier that can prevent humidifying water from remaining inside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a humidifier that humidifies air drawn in through an air inlet and blows the humidified air outward comprises a humidifying tray, a humidifying filter, a drying unit, and a control unit. The humidifying tray stores water. The humidifying filter is disposed in a flow path of the air and is immersable within the humidifying tray. The drying unit dries the interior of the humidifying tray. The control unit controls the drying unit. The control unit is capable of operating in a humidifying mode to humidify the air and a tray drying mode to drive the drying unit to dry the interior of the humidifying tray. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the humidifier of the present invention, the tray drying mode can be executed, thereby making it possible to prevent humidification water from remaining inside. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a humidifier according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a humidifier according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] First Embodiment A humidifier 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment. The humidifier 100 humidifies air by evaporation. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. The humidifier of the present invention can also be used as an air purifier by adding an air cleaning component. The air cleaning component may include an air cleaning filter such as a deodorizing filter or a dust collecting filter, and a discharge unit.

[0011] 1 and 2, the humidifier 100 includes a housing 10, an operation panel 20, a drying section 30, and a humidifying section 40. The humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment dries a humidifying tray 41 (described below) of the humidifying section 40 by driving the drying section 30. As a result, slime and unpleasant odors caused by water remaining in the humidifying tray 41 can be suppressed.

[0012] 1 has, as an example, a generally tapered shape in which a top surface 10a is smaller than a bottom surface 10c. The top surface 10a of the housing 10 has an air outlet 11 for blowing out humidified air.

[0013] The operation panel 20 is disposed, for example, on the upper part of the housing 10. The operation panel 20 receives inputs for operating the humidifier 100 and notifies the user of the state of the humidifier 100.

[0014] The operation panel 20 has a control unit 23 that controls the operation of the humidifier 100. The control unit 23 is a hardware circuit configured by, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like.

[0015] The operation panel 20 also has a notification unit 25 that notifies the user of the status of the humidifier 100. The notification unit 25 is, for example, an LED. In the first embodiment, the notification unit 25 has a first lamp 21 and a second lamp 22, which will be described later. The control unit 23 turns on the first lamp 21 and / or the second lamp 22 under certain conditions to notify the user of the status of the humidifier 100.

[0016] The control unit 23 and the notification unit 25 are not limited to being provided on the operation panel 20. The control unit 23 and the notification unit 25 may be provided as separate members from the operation panel 20.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 10 further has an inner wall 12 and an inlet 13. The inlet 13 is formed on the rear surface 10b of the housing 10 (on the right side in Fig. 2). The inner wall 12 has, for example, a substantially U-shape in cross section and is provided in the central portion inside the housing 10. The portion surrounded by the inner wall 12 communicates with the outside of the humidifier 100 via the outlet 11.

[0018] A filter 60, a drying section 30, and a humidifying section 40 are arranged inside the housing 10. The filter 60 is arranged to extend in the vertical direction between the inner wall 12 and the rear surface 10b of the housing 10. The filter 60 is, for example, a deodorizing filter and / or a dust collecting filter.

[0019] The humidifying section 40 humidifies the air 92 in the room in which the humidifier 100 is installed, using the suction and blowing of the fan 31 described below. Specifically, the fan 31 takes the air 92 into the humidifier 100, passes it through the humidifying section 40 to humidify it, and then blows it out to the outside.

[0020] The humidifying unit 40 includes a humidifying tray 41 and a humidifying filter 42. The humidifying tray 41 is, for example, in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box with an open top. The humidifying tray 41 is disposed on the bottom surface 10c of the housing 10 and stores water 43 for humidification.

[0021] The humidifying filter 42 is substantially plate-shaped and is disposed vertically in the flow path of the drawn air 92. A lower portion 42a of the humidifying filter 42 can be immersed in water 43 inside the humidifying tray 41.

[0022] Lower portion 42a of humidifying filter 42 may be in contact with bottom portion 41a of humidifying tray 41. When lower portion 42a of humidifying filter 42 is in contact with bottom portion 41a of humidifying tray 41, water 43 remaining on bottom portion 41a of humidifying tray 41 is more easily absorbed.

[0023] Alternatively, as shown in the figure, a gap 44 may be formed between the lower portion 42a of the humidifying filter 42 and the bottom 41a of the humidifying tray 41. In other words, the lower portion 42a of the humidifying filter 42 and the bottom 41a of the humidifying tray 41 are spaced apart. Air usually tends to flow into areas without obstacles. Therefore, by forming the gap 44, air can more easily flow into the bottom 41a of the humidifying tray 41 through the gap 44 in the tray drying mode. As a result, drying of the bottom 41a can be promoted.

[0024] Drying section 30 includes fan 31, guide section 33, and drive section 34. Fan 31 not only humidifies air 92 via humidifying section 40 as described above, but also operates as part of drying section 30. Fan 31 is disposed in a portion surrounded by inner wall 12 (a flow path for air 92). Fan 31 is driven by motor 32.

[0025] The guide unit 33 is driven via the drive unit 34, which will be described later, under the control of the control unit 23. By driving the guide unit 33, the control unit 23 can execute a humidification mode in which the air 92 is humidified and a tray drying mode in which the humidification tray 41 is dried.

[0026] The guide portion 33 is, for example, substantially plate-shaped and has a first end 33a and a second end 33b. The guide portion 33 has a horizontal axis HA1 at the first end 33a, and the second end 33b is a free end. The guide portion 33 is disposed upstream of the humidifying filter 42 along the flow path of the air 92. The guide portion 33 is further disposed at a position corresponding to the upper portion 42b of the humidifying filter 42.

[0027] The drive unit 34 drives the guide unit 33 under the control of the control unit 23. Specifically, the drive unit 34 moves the guide unit 33 between a position where it does not cover the upper part 42b of the humidifying filter 42 and a position where it covers the upper part 42b of the humidifying filter 42. The drive unit 34 is provided coupled to the guide unit 33, for example, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 2. A motor or the like is used as the drive unit 34.

[0028] Next, the operation of guide portion 33 will be described. As shown by the imaginary line in Fig. 2, when humidifier 100 is in humidification mode, guide portion 33 is positioned approximately perpendicular to humidifying filter 42. In this case, guide portion 33 does not cover upper portion 42b of humidifying filter 42. Therefore, as shown by the imaginary arrow in Fig. 2, sucked air 92 passes through upper portion 42b of humidifying filter 42, is humidified, and is then blown out of air outlet 11 by fan 31.

[0029] When the humidifier 100 is switched to the tray drying mode, the guide portion 33 moves so as to cover the upper portion 42b of the humidifying filter 42. Specifically, as shown by the outline arrow 95 in Figure 2, the second end portion 33b of the guide portion 33 moves about the horizontal axis HA1. The guide portion 33 then covers the upper portion 42b of the humidifying filter 42 at a position upstream of the humidifying filter 42 along the flow path of the air 92.

[0030] In other words, guide portion 33 and humidifying filter 42 are generally parallel in a cross-sectional view. Guide portion 33 blocks air 92 passing through upper portion 42b of humidifying filter 42. The blocked air 92 is guided into the interior of humidifying tray 41, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 2. As a result, drying of the interior of humidifying tray 41 is promoted, and the generation of slime and unpleasant odors due to water 43 remaining in humidifying tray 41 can be suppressed.

[0031] Alternatively, the first end 33a of the guide portion 33 may be a free end, and the horizontal axis HA1 may be provided at the second end 33b. In this case, the guide portion 33 may be configured as an inclined surface that slopes downward from the second end 33b to the first end 33a, thereby adjusting the air flow downward.

[0032] Next, the execution of the humidification mode and the tray drying mode will be described. The humidifier 100 further includes a water level sensor 80 that detects the water level. The control unit 23 can execute the humidification mode when the water level detected by the water level sensor 80 is higher than a first reference water level, and can execute the tray drying mode when the water level is equal to or lower than a second reference water level. Here, the second reference water level refers to a water level at which a humidification tray 41 containing water 43 can be dried within approximately five hours using a "medium" airflow rate in a typical humidifier. In this embodiment, the second reference water level is lower than the first reference water level, but the second reference water level may be the same as the first reference water level. The "second reference water level" is an example of the "reference water level" in the present invention.

[0033] The humidifier 100 in Figure 2 has a water level sensor 80 located near the humidifying unit 40. A float switch or the like is used as the water level sensor 80. However, if the water level needs to be detected in detail, a distance measuring sensor is suitable. The distance measuring sensor measures the water level by reflecting infrared rays or the like off the water surface of the humidifying tray 41 and converting the reflected infrared rays into distance. Therefore, if a distance measuring sensor is used, it is preferable to place it above the humidifying tray 41.

[0034] The humidification mode and tray drying mode can be performed automatically or manually. When performed automatically, the control unit 23 automatically drives the guide unit 33 via the drive unit 34. When performed manually, for example, a mode switching button 24 is provided on the operation panel 20, and the user manually presses the button.

[0035] For example, the control unit 23 executes the tray drying mode when the water level in the humidifying tray 41 is below a predetermined level and the humidifying mode has not been executed for a predetermined period of time. Specifically, when the water level detected by the water level sensor 80 falls below the predetermined level, the control unit 23 turns on the first lamp 21 on the operation panel 20 to notify the user. If water is not replenished after a predetermined period of time has passed, the control unit 23 drives the guide unit 33 to cover the upper portion 42b of the humidifying filter 42, and executes the tray drying mode. In the above-mentioned manual execution, the user confirms that the first lamp 21 is lit and performs the operation themselves. Note that in this embodiment, the predetermined level is lower than the second reference water level, but the predetermined level may be the same as the second reference water level.

[0036] When the tray drying mode is executed, as shown in Figure 2, guide portion 33 is driven to block the normal flow path of air 92 (indicated by the imaginary arrow in Figure 2), and guide air 92 into the humidifying tray 41. Furthermore, when humidifier 100 is in tray drying mode, it is possible to increase the rotation speed of fan 31 to increase the air volume and further promote drying. As a result, the generation of slime and unpleasant odors caused by water 43 remaining in humidifying tray 41 can be more efficiently suppressed.

[0037] Here, if too much water 43 remains in the humidifying tray 41, flowing air 92 to dry it takes a long time and is inefficient. Therefore, if the water level in the humidifying tray 41 is higher than a predetermined level and the humidifying mode has not been executed for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 23 may not execute the tray drying mode and may instead notify the user of maintenance information for the humidifying tray 41. For example, the control unit 23 may turn on the second lamp 22 on the operation panel 20 to notify the user of this. By notifying the user of the maintenance information and prompting them to drain the water in the humidifying tray 41, the humidifying tray 41 can be dried in a short time. As another example, if the tray drying mode is executed manually (or automatically) when the water level in the humidifying tray 41 is higher than the second reference water level, the humidifying mode may first be executed to use the water 43 in the humidifying tray 41 for humidification. Then, the water level in the humidifying tray 41 may be forcibly lowered to below the second reference water level, and then the tray drying mode may be executed.

[0038] Second Embodiment Next, a humidifier 100A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the humidifier 100A according to the second embodiment. The humidifier 100A further includes a heater 90. The heater 90 is disposed between the filter 60 and the humidifying filter 42. The heater 90 heats air 92 that is sucked through the filter 60 and sent to the humidifying filter 42.

[0039] The heater 90 can be used whether the humidifier 100A is in humidification mode or tray drying mode. When the humidifier 100A is in tray drying mode, air 92 heated by the heater 90 is sent to the humidifying tray 41. As a result, the humidifying tray 41 can be dried in a shorter time than if the heater 90 is not provided.

[0040] In addition, in the humidification mode, the air 92 may be heated by the heater 90. The air 92 heated by the heater 90 is more likely to evaporate moisture, allowing for more effective humidification. Furthermore, the air 92 blown out from the outlet 11 can also be warmed, making it more comfortable to use, especially in cold temperatures such as winter.

[0041] <Third embodiment> Next, a humidifier 100B according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a humidifier 100B according to the third embodiment.

[0042] In the first and second embodiments, the humidifiers 100 and 100A have been described in which the humidifying filter 42 is a fixed plate. However, the humidifying filter of the present invention is not limited to a fixed type. A humidifier 100B according to a third embodiment has a rotating humidifying filter 42B. The humidifying filter 42B rotates around a horizontal axis HA2 shown in FIG. 4. As in the first embodiment, a gap 44 is formed between a lower portion 42Ba of the humidifying filter 42B and the bottom 41a of the humidifying tray 41.

[0043] Because gap 44 is formed in this way, water 43 is more likely to remain at the entire bottom of humidifying tray 41, compared to humidifiers in which the humidifying filter reaches all the way to the bottom of the humidifying tray. Therefore, in the third embodiment, guide portion 33 (not shown in FIG. 4) is also driven to guide air to bottom portion 41a of humidifying tray 41, promoting drying. As a result, it is possible to prevent water 43 from remaining in humidifying tray 41 and causing slime and unpleasant odors.

[0044] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention.

[0045] 1 and 2, in the first embodiment, the guide section 33 guides the air 92 into the interior of the humidifying tray 41, thereby promoting drying of the humidifying tray 41. However, the humidifier of the present invention is not limited to an embodiment in which the guide section 33 is provided for executing the tray drying mode. For example, a heater for drying the humidifying tray may be provided in the humidifying section, and the humidifying tray may be dried by the heat of the heater. [Industrial Applicability]

[0046] The present invention provides a humidifier and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10. Cabinet 23 Control Unit 25. Information Department 30 Drying section 31 Fans 33 Guide section 34 Drive unit 40 Humidification unit 41 Humidifying tray 41a Bottom of humidifying tray 42 Humidification filter 42a Lower part of humidifying filter 42b Top of humidifying filter 43 Water 44 Gap 80 Water level sensor 90 Heater 92 Air 100, 100A, 100B humidifier HA1 Horizontal axis of guide HA2 Humidifying filter horizontal axis

Claims

1. A humidifier that humidifies air drawn in through an intake port and blows it out to the outside, A humidifying tray for storing water; a humidifying filter disposed in the air flow path and immersable within the humidifying tray; a drying section that dries the inside of the humidifying tray; a control unit that controls the drying unit; Equipped with the control unit is capable of executing a humidification mode in which the air is humidified and a tray drying mode in which the drying unit is driven to dry the inside of the humidification tray, the drying unit has a guide unit that is movable between a position where it does not cover an upper portion of the humidifying filter and a position where it covers an upper portion of the humidifying filter, The guide portion covers an upper portion of the filter in the tray drying mode, thereby guiding the air into the humidifying tray.

2. Further provided is a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the humidifying tray, The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is capable of executing the tray drying mode when the water level detected by the water level sensor is equal to or lower than a reference water level.

3. the control unit executes the tray drying mode when the water level in the humidifying tray is equal to or lower than a predetermined level and the humidifying mode has not been executed for a predetermined period of time; The humidifier according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined level is a water level equal to or lower than the reference water level.

4. the control unit does not execute the tray drying mode and notifies maintenance information for the humidifying tray when the water level in the humidifying tray is higher than a predetermined level and the humidifying mode has not been executed for a predetermined period of time; 4. The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined level is a water level equal to or lower than the reference water level.

5. The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the guide portion is disposed at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the humidifying filter.

6. The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the guide portion is disposed upstream of the humidifying filter along the air flow path.

7. The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the drying unit further includes a drive unit that drives the guide unit so that the guide unit moves to a position where the guide unit covers an upper portion of the humidifying filter.

8. The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein a lower portion of the humidifying filter and a bottom portion of the humidifying tray are spaced apart from each other.

9. 9. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the humidifying filter is a rotary filter that rotates around a horizontal axis.

10. The humidifier according to claim 1 , further comprising a heater that heats the air sent to the humidifying filter.

11. A humidifier that humidifies air drawn in through an intake port and blows it out to the outside, A humidifying tray for storing water; a humidifying filter disposed in the air flow path and immersable within the humidifying tray; a drying section that dries the inside of the humidifying tray; a control unit that controls the drying unit; Equipped with the control unit is capable of executing a humidification mode in which the air is humidified and a tray drying mode in which the drying unit is driven to dry the inside of the humidification tray, the drying unit further includes a guide unit that covers an upper portion of the humidifying filter in the tray drying mode to guide the air into the humidifying tray; the drying unit further includes a drive unit that drives the guide unit so that the guide unit moves to a position where it covers an upper portion of the humidifying filter. Humidifier.

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