Humidifier

Abstract

To provide a humidifier which can facilitate evaporation of water by airflow compared to conventional humidifiers.SOLUTION: A humidifier 1 includes: a flat surface part 21 having a surface which extends inclining relative to a horizontal direction and having a hydrophilic portion 211 in at least a part of the surface; a water supply part 3 which supplies water to the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat surface part 21; an air supply part 4 which is disposed facing the flat surface part 21 and sends air to be blown onto at least a part of a liquid film 202 formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat surface part 21 by the water supplied by the water supply part 3; and an air discharge part 6 which discharges the air blown onto at least the part of the liquid film 202.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier, and more particularly to a humidifier that is added to a central air conditioning system in a centrally air-conditioned house or small office, and is used mainly for heating. [Background technology]

[0002] Humidifiers come in a variety of types, including evaporation, steam, water spray, and ultrasonic, and are designed with various structures to suit different applications. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a tilted wetted-wall humidifier in which a tilted hot plate is placed inside a duct through which air flows.

[0003] This humidifier has an inclined hot plate placed in a duct through which air flows, and a circulating water supply path equipped with a tank and pump outside the duct continuously supplies water to the inclined hot plate, creating a wetted wall on the inclined hot plate surface. Air flowing through the duct (hereinafter referred to as airflow) is then brought into contact with this wetted wall, creating humidified air suitable for precision air conditioners. This humidifier was developed to satisfy both temperature and humidity requirements and time response. Patent Document 1 describes heating the water supplied to the inclined hot plate to approximately 60°C using an electric heater, and electrically heating the inclined hot plate to maintain the water temperature at 80°C in the center of the hot plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-174440 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the humidifier described in Patent Document 1, as described above, by heating the water supplied onto the inclined hot plate and the inclined hot plate, the evaporation rate and the accuracy of the temperature and humidity relative to the target value are improved, and both the time response and the temperature and humidity conditions are satisfied. However, in this humidifier, the air flow flowing through the duct is simply brought into contact with the wetted wall generated on the inclined hot plate surface, and no consideration is given to the point that the air flow actively promotes the evaporation of water.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a humidifier that can promote evaporation of water by airflow more than conventional humidifiers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The humidifier according to the present invention extends at an angle relative to the horizontal direction. slope and Inclined surface a flat surface portion having a hydrophilic portion at least in part thereof; Surface A water supply section that supplies water to the hydrophilic section and a flat section The surface of The water supply unit supplies water to the flat surface. Surface Formed in the hydrophilic area and flows down the slope an air supply unit for supplying air that contacts at least a part of the liquid film; or flow along the surface of a flat surface and an air discharge section for discharging air. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the above-described configuration makes it possible to promote evaporation of water by airflow more than ever before. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a humidifier according to a first embodiment, in which FIG. 1A is a front view of the humidifier and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the state near the surface of a liquid film in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3A, 3B, and 3C are diagrams showing configuration examples of the planar section according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a water supply section in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of the air supply unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of a configuration in which a rectifying mesh (mesh member) is attached to a humidifier according to Embodiment 1, where FIG. 6A is a front view of the humidifier and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing a configuration example in which an airflow direction adjustment guide (blade member) is attached to a humidifier according to embodiment 1, where FIG. 7A is a front view of the humidifier and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing an example of a configuration in which a damper is attached to a humidifier according to Embodiment 1, where FIG. 8A is a front view of the humidifier and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 8A. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing an example of a configuration in which a fan is attached to a humidifier according to Embodiment 1, where FIG. 9A is a front view of the humidifier and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 9A. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a humidifier according to embodiment 2, where FIG. 10A shows an example of the configuration of a water supply amount adjusting plate, and FIG. 10B shows an example of the configuration when an airflow guide is attached to the water supply amount adjusting plate. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a gap adjusting member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a humidifier according to a third embodiment, in which FIG. 12A is a front view of the humidifier and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 12A. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of a humidifier according to embodiment 3, in which FIG. 13A is a front view of the humidifier and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 13A. [Figure 14] 14A and 14B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a humidifier according to a fourth embodiment, in which FIG. 14A is a front view of the humidifier and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 14A. [Figure 15] 15A and 15B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of a humidifier according to embodiment 4, in which FIG. 15A is a front view of the humidifier and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 15A. [Figure 16] 16A and 16B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a humidifier according to embodiment 5, in which FIG. 16A is a front view of the humidifier, FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 16A, and FIG. 16C is a top view of an airflow guide provided in the humidifier. [Figure 17] 17A and 17B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a water supply section in embodiment 5, where FIG. 17A is a front view of the water supply section and FIG. 17B is a side view of the water supply section including part of the flat surface section. [Figure 18] 18A and 18B are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the water supply section in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the airflow guide in the fifth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20] 20A, 20B, and 20C are diagrams showing configuration examples of the planar section according to the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a humidifier 1 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 1 comprises a humidifying section 2, a water supply section 3, an air supply section 4, an air inlet section 5, an air outlet section 6, a drainage section 7, and a housing 10. This humidifier 1 is added to a central air conditioning system in a centrally air-conditioned home or a small office, and is used mainly for heating.

[0011] Here, the humidifier 1 evaporates a small amount of moisture and uses it for humidification. For example, in a highly airtight, insulated house, most of the moisture loss is due to ventilation, except for the amount absorbed by walls at the beginning of humidification. Therefore, the humidifier 1 only needs to replenish (humidify) moisture equivalent to the amount lost through ventilation.

[0012] For example, if the total floor area is 150m 2 Consider the ventilation of a centrally air-conditioned home with a ceiling height of 2.5 m, an air change rate of 0.5 times per hour, and temperature and humidity conditions of 21°C and 40% RH indoors and 0°C and 50% RH outdoors. In this case, the moisture loss due to ventilation can be calculated to be only about 15 cc / min, even without latent heat (humidity) recovery using a total heat exchanger. Therefore, humidifier 1 needs to evaporate 15 cc of water per minute and mix the resulting water vapor with the heated air sent out from the air conditioner. From another perspective, this means that 15 cc of water per minute needs to be dried (evaporated) within humidifier 1. In other words, heated air bypassed from the supply air duct that carries the heated air sent out from the air conditioner can be used to dry (evaporate) 15 cc of water per minute within humidifier 1, and the resulting water vapor can be returned to the supply air duct and mixed with the heated air.

[0013] Thus, if the goal is to dry (evaporate) a small amount of water, it is effective to supply the minimum amount of water necessary to a component having a hydrophilic surface, for example, a component having at least a portion of its surface that is hydrophilic, and spread this water in as thin a liquid film as possible. For example, as shown in Figure 2, water evaporates on the surface of this liquid film 202 to form water vapor 203, and diffusion of the water vapor 203 forms a boundary film (water vapor concentration boundary layer) 204. In Figure 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a solid on whose surface the liquid film 202 is formed, and reference numeral 205 denotes an air convection layer.

[0014] The water vapor 203 in the boundary film 204 moves (diffuses) due to the driving force of the water vapor pressure difference generated between the surface of the liquid film 202 and the air convection layer 205. For example, since the water vapor 203 on the surface of the liquid film 202 is saturated, the pressure of the water vapor 203 on the surface of the liquid film 202 is the saturated water vapor pressure at the surface temperature of the liquid film 202. This saturated water vapor pressure is proportional to the surface temperature of the liquid film 202 and increases as the surface temperature of the liquid film 202 increases. For example, when the surface temperature of the liquid film 202 is 20°C, the saturated water vapor pressure is 23.4 hPa, whereas when the surface temperature of the liquid film 202 is 40°C, the saturated water vapor pressure is 73.8 hPa.

[0015] On the other hand, the pressure of the water vapor 203 in the air convection layer 205 is proportional to the humidity of the air. For example, in the case of air at 21°C and 40% RH, the pressure of the water vapor 203 in the air convection layer 205 is 10 hPa. Therefore, the higher the surface temperature of the liquid film 202, the greater the pressure difference of the water vapor generated between the surface of the liquid film 202 and the air convection layer 205, promoting the movement (diffusion) of the water vapor 203. Therefore, it is important to raise the surface temperature of the liquid film 202 by blowing air (especially heated air) onto the liquid film 202, thereby increasing the saturated water vapor pressure of the liquid film 202.

[0016] On the other hand, the pressure difference of the water vapor described above creates a difference in water vapor concentration within the boundary film 204, and it can be said that the water vapor 203 moves along this concentration gradient. The thickness of the boundary film 204 varies depending on the surface area, shape, and the state of the air flow in contact with it, and is 1 mm to 10 mm or more. The thickness of the boundary film 204 affects the evaporation rate of water; the thinner the boundary film 204, the greater the gradient in water vapor concentration, and therefore the faster the water vapor 203 is discharged from the surface of the liquid film 202 through the boundary film 204 to the air convection layer 205. In other words, the evaporation rate increases. Therefore, it is important to reduce the thickness of the boundary film 204 by blowing air onto the liquid film 202, thereby increasing the gradient in water vapor concentration within the boundary film 204 and promoting evaporation.

[0017] The humidifier 1 according to the first embodiment is an invention that takes note of this point. That is, the humidifier 1 according to the first embodiment forms a liquid film 202 that flows down inside the device, and by blowing air onto at least a part of this liquid film 202, the thickness of the boundary film 204 formed between the surface of the liquid film 202 and the air convection layer 205 is reduced, and the gradient of the water vapor concentration in the boundary film 204 is increased, thereby promoting evaporation of water by the air flow (air current).

[0018] In addition, the humidifier 1 fluid-dynamically adjusts the wind speed and direction of the air blown onto the liquid film 202 to reduce the thickness of the boundary film 204, thereby increasing the water vapor concentration gradient and enabling the water vapor 203 released from the boundary film 204 to be quickly carried away by the air convection layer 205. The humidifier 1 also raises the surface temperature of the liquid film 202 by blowing air onto the liquid film 202, thereby enabling the water vapor 203 in the boundary film 204 to move quickly. Based on this principle, the humidifier 1 promotes water evaporation by airflow more than conventional methods. A detailed configuration example of the humidifier 1 will be described below.

[0019] For ease of explanation, the following definitions are given for the upper side of the page as "upper," the lower side as "lower," the left side as "front," the right side as "rear," the near side as "left," and the far side as "right," as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 1A is a front view of humidifier 1, and Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Fig. 1A. The following description will be given taking as an example a case where humidifier 1 is not installed inside a main flow path (air supply duct) that supplies conditioned air to a room, but rather inside a branch flow path branching off from this main flow path and arranged in parallel to the main flow path.

[0020] The humidifying unit 2 is provided inside the housing 10 and has a planar portion 21, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The planar portion 21 is a member having a surface (inclined surface) that extends at an incline with respect to the horizontal direction, and is formed, for example, from a flat plate member that is inclined upward at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction. When the planar portion 21 is formed from a flat plate member, for example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the planar portion 21 is formed so that its width (left-right direction) length is approximately the same as the width of the housing 10. However, this is only an example, and the width length of the planar portion 21 can be set to an appropriate length depending on the design, etc. Furthermore, the planar portion 21 has a hydrophilic portion 211 (see FIG. 3A) on at least a portion of one of its surfaces (the surface facing the air supply unit 4). Note that a specific configuration example when the planar portion 21 is formed from a flat plate member will be described later. Note that the planar portion 21 may be formed from a member other than the above-mentioned flat plate member, as long as it has a surface (inclined surface) that extends at an incline with respect to the horizontal direction and at least a portion of the surface has a hydrophilic portion. For example, the flat portion 21 may be made of a member that has a triangular shape when viewed from the side (left or right), and at least a part of its inclined surface (the surface facing upward) may have a hydrophilic portion.

[0021] The water supply unit 3 is provided at the upper end of the flat portion 21 inside the housing 10. The water supply unit 3 supplies water, for example, over part or all of the width of the flat portion 21. As a result, a thin liquid film flows down on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat portion 21. A specific configuration example of the water supply unit 3 will be described later.

[0022] The air supply unit 4 is disposed inside the housing 10, facing the surface of the flat surface 21 having the hydrophilic portion 211. The air supply unit 4 delivers air that corresponds to at least a part of the liquid film formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat surface 21. This air is introduced from an air introduction unit 5, which will be described later. The air supply unit 4 is configured in a nozzle shape, for example, as shown in FIG. 1B. A specific configuration example of the air supply unit 4 will be described later.

[0023] The air introduction section 5 is provided on the exterior rear surface of the housing 10 (behind the air supply section 4). The air introduction section 5 is provided in communication with the air supply section 4 and introduces air delivered from the air supply section 4 toward at least a portion of the liquid film formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat section 21. For example, the air introduction section 5 is connected to a branch duct branched from an intake duct that transports conditioned air (especially heated air) delivered from an air conditioner. The air introduction section 5 introduces heated air that branches from the intake duct to the branch duct into the air supply section 4. Note that the temperature of the heated air introduced from the air introduction section 5 to the air supply section 4 is expected to be approximately 45°C. However, as long as the air is warm air with a temperature of approximately 45°C, the air introduced from the air introduction section 5 to the air supply section 4 does not necessarily have to be delivered from an air conditioner. In FIG. 1B, the air introduced from the air introduction section 5 to the air supply section 4 and the air delivered from the air supply section 4 are indicated by hollow arrows. Although the efficiency is lower, it is possible to humidify the air even when the air is blown at room temperature.

[0024] The air discharge unit 6 is provided on the exterior upper surface of the housing 10. The air discharge unit 6 is provided in communication with the interior of the housing 10. The air discharge unit 6 discharges, to the outside of the housing 10, air that has been delivered from the air supply unit 4 and hit at least a portion of the liquid film formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat portion 21. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, gray arrows indicate the air that has been delivered from the air supply unit 4 and hit at least a portion of the liquid film, and the air that is discharged from the air discharge unit 6 to the outside of the housing 10. Note that the air discharge unit 6 may discharge, to the outside of the housing 10, not only the air that has been delivered from the air supply unit 4 and hit at least a portion of the liquid film, but also the air that has been delivered from the air supply unit 4 but has not hit the liquid film.

[0025] Drainage section 7 is provided inside housing 10 on the lower end side of flat section 21. Drainage section 7 collects water that cannot evaporate on flat section 21 and flows down the flat section 21, and discharges it to the outside of housing 10. Drainage section 7 is configured to have an opening that opens toward the lower end of flat section 21, as shown in FIG. 1B, for example. Note that the water discharged from drainage section 7 may be returned to water supply section 3 and reused for water supply.

[0026] Next, a more detailed configuration example of each of the flat section 21, the water supply section 3, and the air supply section 4 will be described.

[0027] (Plane part 21) The flat portion 21 is made of a flat plate member that is rectangular in front view, for example, as shown in Fig. 3A. In this case, the flat portion 21 has a hydrophilic portion 211 on at least a part of one surface (the surface facing the air supply unit 4). When water is supplied from the water supply unit 3, a thin liquid film 202 that flows down is formed on this hydrophilic portion 211.

[0028] Here, "the flat surface is hydrophilic" means that the solid surface (flat surface 21) has a high affinity with water, and that water that comes into contact with the solid surface spreads along the surface in the form of a thin film rather than forming droplets. A state in which the contact angle between the solid surface (flat surface 21) and water is 90° or less is generally referred to as hydrophilic. In the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 1, a state known as high hydrophilicity, where the contact angle is approximately 20 to 30° or less, is preferred, and a state known as superhydrophilicity, where the contact angle is approximately 10° or less, is even more preferred. The degree of hydrophilicity is selected taking into consideration various factors, such as the inclination angle of the flat surface 21, the amount of water flowing down, the water quality, the degree of scale buildup, and the wind speed of the air delivered from the air supply unit 4.

[0029] To form a highly hydrophilic flat portion 21, there are various methods for modifying the surface of the flat portion 21, such as coating the surface of the flat portion 21 with an inorganic or organic hydrophilic material, coating with titanium oxide and UV light irradiation, plasma treatment, corona discharge, fluorine gas treatment, nanoimprinting, etc., and a highly hydrophilic surface can be formed even with a material with low hydrophilicity, such as resin. It is also possible to attach a hydrophilically treated film to the flat portion 21, or to mold the material of the flat portion 21 itself by blending a hydrophilicity-imparting agent therewith.

[0030] The material of the flat portion 21 is preferably stainless steel, for example, because of its high corrosion resistance and rigidity. However, the material of the flat portion 21 is not limited to this. The thickness of the flat plate member constituting the flat portion 21 is preferably about 0.3 to 1 mm, and when stainless steel is used as the material, it is more preferably about 0.5 mm.

[0031] The flat portion 21 may have a water-repellent (or hydrophobic) portion 212 in a portion other than the hydrophilic portion 211. For example, in the example of FIG. 3A, the upper two-thirds of the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the flat portion 21 is made up of the hydrophilic portion 211, and the remaining one-third is made up of the water-repellent portion 212. In this way, when the supply of water from the water supply unit 3 starts from the upper side of the flat portion 21, the water drains well on the lower side of the flat portion 21 (the side of the water-repellent portion 212), thereby preventing the buildup of water stains and the growth of mold. Note that the reference numeral 213 in FIG. 3A denotes water droplets formed in the water-repellent portion 212.

[0032] Here, "the flat surface is water-repellent (or hydrophobic)" means that the solid surface (flat surface 21) has a low affinity for water, and water that comes into contact with it forms droplets, and the contact angle between the solid surface (flat surface 21) and water is 90° or more, and more preferably, a state called super-water-repellent, in which the contact angle is about 150° or more. The degree of water repellency (hydrophobicity) is selected taking into consideration various aspects, such as the inclination angle of the flat surface 21, the amount of water that flows down, the water quality, and the degree of buildup of scale.

[0033] 3A, the lower end of flat portion 21 may be V-shaped, as shown in Fig. 3B. In this case, when water supply from water supply unit 3 begins from the upper side of flat portion 21, water (liquid film and water droplets) on the lower side of flat portion 21 can be collected in the center and discharged, resulting in good drainage and preventing the buildup of limescale and the growth of mold. Furthermore, by configuring flat portion 21 from a flat plate member as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the structure can be simplified and maintenance such as cleaning and replacement can be improved.

[0034] 3C, flat surface portion 21 may have a V-shaped water-repellent portion 212 formed in the lower portion of the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of flat surface portion 21 in the configuration of FIG. 3A, for example, in a portion having a length of about 10 to 20 mm. In this case, when the supply of water from water supply unit 3 starts from the upper side of flat surface portion 21, the water (liquid film and water droplets) on the lower side of flat surface portion 21 can be collected in the center and discharged, resulting in good drainage, and thus preventing the buildup of scale and the growth of mold.

[0035] (Water supply part 3) As shown in FIG. 4, the water supply unit 3 includes a water supply pipe 31, a reservoir tank 32, an overflow chamber 33, and a water supply port .

[0036] The water supply pipe 31 is connected to a water pipe via a flow control device such as a flow control valve (not shown), and sends water supplied from the water pipe to the reservoir tank 32. A water quality regulator or the like may be provided before or after the flow control device. Also, water may be supplied to the water supply pipe 31 not from a water pipe but from a water supply tank and pump (not shown).

[0037] The reservoir tank 32 stores water sent from a water pipe via the water supply pipe 31. An overflow chamber 33 is connected to the upper end of the reservoir tank 32. When the amount of water stored in the reservoir tank 32 exceeds the capacity of the reservoir tank 32, the excess water flows into the overflow chamber 33.

[0038] A water supply port 34 is connected to the end of overflow chamber 33 opposite reservoir tank 32. Water supply port 34 allows water that has flowed into overflow chamber 33 in excess of the reservoir tank 32's storage capacity to flow out. In this way, water supply unit 3 allows only water that has flowed into overflow chamber 33 in excess of the reservoir tank 32's storage capacity to flow out from water supply port 34. As a result, a thin liquid film 202 that flows down onto hydrophilic portion 211 is formed on flat surface portion 21.

[0039] The shape of the water supply port 34 is, for example, a rectangle whose widthwise length is approximately the same as that of the flat portion 21. In this case, water is supplied across the entire width of the flat portion 21. Alternatively, the shape of the water supply port 34 may be, for example, a rectangle divided into multiple sections in the widthwise direction, or a circle divided into multiple sections in the widthwise direction. Alternatively, the shape of the water supply port 34 may be selected appropriately depending on the size, shape, etc. of the liquid film 202 to be formed on the flat portion 21.

[0040] The width of the liquid film 202 formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 is designed taking into consideration the size restrictions of the humidifier 1, the thickness of the liquid film 202, and the amount of water supplied from the water supply unit 3, and is, for example, about 100 to 200 mm. The flow rate of the liquid film 202 is about 16.7 mm / s, for example, when the amount of water supplied from the water supply unit 3 is 15 cc / min, the width of the liquid film 202 is 150 mm, and the thickness of the liquid film 202 is 0.1 mm.

[0041] (Air supply section 4) The air supply unit 4 has a main body 40 formed in the shape of a nozzle, as shown in FIG. 5A, for example.

[0042] The main body 40 has an air outlet formed by multiple surfaces in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A , the main body 40 has an air outlet 45 formed by four surfaces, namely, an upper surface 41, a lower surface 42, a left side surface 43, and a right side surface 44, in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The upper surface 41 is composed of a first upper surface 411, a second upper surface 412, and a third upper surface 413. The lower surface 42 is composed of a first lower surface 421 and a second lower surface 422. The distance between the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42 gradually narrows from the rear to the front (toward the outlet 45). The width of the outlet 45 is approximately equal to or longer than the widthwise length of the hydrophilic portion 211 of the planar portion 21, and the height of the outlet 45 is appropriately designed taking into account the length of the liquid film in the flow direction.

[0043] Furthermore, of the surfaces constituting air outlet 45, the surface closest to air discharge section 6 (here, upper surface 41) has a portion closer to flat surface 21 (here, third upper surface 413) extending in a direction (P direction in FIG. 5A) that is more orthogonal to the extending direction of flat surface 21 (R direction in FIG. 5A). Furthermore, of the surfaces constituting air outlet 45, the surface farthest from air discharge section 6 (here, lower surface 42) has a portion closer to flat surface 21 (here, second lower surface 422) extending in a direction (Q direction in FIG. 5A) that is more or less parallel to the extending direction of flat surface 21.

[0044] Here, the term "a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the flat portion 21" refers to a concept that includes both a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the flat portion 21 and a direction slightly deviated from the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the flat portion 21. Furthermore, the term "a direction parallel to the extension direction of the flat portion 21" refers to a concept that includes both a direction parallel to the extension direction of the flat portion 21 and a direction slightly deviated from the direction parallel to the extension direction of the flat portion 21. The range of angles permitted as deviations from the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the flat portion 21 can be appropriately set depending on the temperature, speed, and air volume of the air discharged from the air outlet 45, or the target thickness and temperature of the liquid film 202. Similarly, the range of angles permitted as deviations from the direction parallel to the extension direction of the flat portion 21 can also be appropriately set depending on the above-mentioned values.

[0045] The air supply unit 4 may also be configured as shown in FIG. 5B. The main body 40 of the air supply unit 4 shown in FIG. 5B has an air outlet 45 formed in a rectangular shape in front view by four surfaces: an upper surface 41, a lower surface 42, a left side surface 43, and a right side surface 44. The upper surface 41 is made up of a first upper surface 411 and a second upper surface 412. The lower surface 42 is made up of a first lower surface 421. Of these, the second upper surface 412 is formed in a curved shape that is recessed inward of the main body 40. The first lower surface 421 is formed in a curved shape that is bulged outward of the main body 40. The distance between the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42 is configured to gradually narrow from the rear to the front (toward the air outlet 45).

[0046] Furthermore, of the surfaces constituting air outlet 45, the surface closest to air discharge section 6 (here, upper surface 41) has a portion closer to flat surface 21 (here, second upper surface 412) that extends in a direction (P direction in FIG. 5B) that is more orthogonal to the extending direction of flat surface 21 (R direction in FIG. 5B). Furthermore, of the surfaces constituting air outlet 45, the surface farthest from air discharge section 6 (here, lower surface 42) has a portion closer to flat surface 21 (here, first lower surface 421) that extends in a direction (Q direction in FIG. 5B) that is more or less parallel to the extending direction of flat surface 21.

[0047] With the above-described configuration, the air supply unit 4 can spray, in an accelerated state, an airflow (hereinafter referred to as an impinging jet) from a direction more orthogonal to the extension direction of the flat portion 21 and an airflow (hereinafter referred to as a Coanda airflow) from a direction more parallel to the extension direction of the flat portion 21 onto at least a portion of the liquid film 202 formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat portion 21. Note that the impinging jet refers to an airflow that is blown from a direction more orthogonal to a wall surface (such as a flat portion) and collides with the wall surface (such as a flat portion) with force. Also, the Coanda airflow refers to an airflow that is blown with force from a direction more parallel to the vicinity of a wall surface (such as a flat portion), adheres to the wall surface (such as a flat portion) due to the Coanda effect, and flows along the wall surface (such as a flat portion) while drawing in surrounding air. Note that the impinging jet in the present invention ultimately mixes with the core Coanda airflow to become part of the Coanda airflow, and is discharged from the air discharge unit 6.

[0048] Of these, the impinging jet has the effect of thinning the boundary film 204 formed between the surface of the liquid film 202 and the air convection layer 205 by pressing down from above (see FIG. 2). The impinging jet also has the effect of applying pressure to the liquid film 202, physically crushing and thinning the liquid film 202. In this way, in the humidifier 1, the thickness of the liquid film 202 is thinned by the impinging jet blown from the air supply unit 4 onto the liquid film 202, and the thickness of the boundary film 204 is thinned to increase the gradient of the water vapor concentration, thereby facilitating the rapid movement of water vapor 203 within the boundary film 204 and promoting the evaporation of water.

[0049] Furthermore, creating an airflow state in which the thickness of the boundary film 204 is thinned by the impinging jet in this way also thins the temperature boundary layer (not shown) that forms between the surface of the liquid film 202 and the air convection layer 205. As a result, the efficiency of heat transfer to the surface of the liquid film 202 by the air (impinging jet and Coanda airflow) blown from the air supply unit 4 is also improved. The heat transfer effect of the impinging jet is several to ten times that of the Coanda airflow. Therefore, the impinging jet not only raises the surface temperature of the liquid film 202 and increases the saturated water vapor pressure, but also facilitates the supply of evaporation heat to the liquid film 202, greatly contributing to the promotion of evaporation.

[0050] Furthermore, in the humidifier 1, by blowing a Coanda airflow from the air supply unit 4, the water vapor 203 released from the boundary film 204 can be quickly carried away downstream (towards the air discharge unit 6) by the air convection layer 205.

[0051] If only the Coanda airflow is flowed, a velocity boundary layer develops downstream (toward the air discharge section 6), and the airflow speed near the liquid film 202 decreases. As a result, the boundary film 204 also thickens rapidly, leading to a decrease in the evaporation rate. To avoid this problem, the humidifier 1 sprays not only the Coanda airflow but also the impinging jet. That is, in the humidifier 1, the development of the velocity boundary layer (thickness) near the liquid film 202 is suppressed by pressing it down from a direction close to the orthogonal direction with the impinging jet, thereby suppressing the increase in the thickness of the boundary film 204 formed between the surface of the liquid film 202 and the air convection layer 205, and the water vapor 203 released from the boundary film 204 is efficiently transported by the Coanda airflow toward the air discharge section 6.

[0052] The size of the outlet 45 of the air supply unit 4 may be set appropriately according to the wind speed and direction of the airflow blown out from the outlet 45, or the shape of the liquid film 202 formed on the flat portion 21. Furthermore, in the above example, the impinging jet and the Coanda airflow are blown out from the same outlet 45, but the air supply unit 4 is not limited to this, and may be provided with separate outlets for blowing out the impinging jet and the Coanda airflow.

[0053] Furthermore, the wind speed of the airflow blown out from outlet 45 is preferably as fast as possible to increase evaporation efficiency, but it is more preferable to set it to an appropriate value in consideration of a trade-off with noise or pressure loss. For example, the speed of the impinging jet is preferably about 2 to 5 m / s, and the speed of the Coanda airflow is preferably about 3 to 6 m / s, and it is preferable for the Coanda airflow to be faster than the impinging jet.

[0054] Furthermore, in the humidifier 1, the thinner the liquid film 202, the easier it is for water to evaporate. However, to reduce the thickness of the liquid film 202, it is necessary to increase the flow velocity of the liquid film 202 flowing along the flat surface 21 or increase the width of the liquid film 202 as it flows downward. In this case, it may be difficult to supply the required amount of water. Therefore, there is an appropriate thickness for the liquid film 202. For example, the target thickness of the liquid film 202 is approximately 0.1 mm, but the thickness of the liquid film 202 is preferably in the range of approximately 0.05 to 0.2 mm. If the liquid film 202 becomes too thick, the thickness of the liquid film 202 can be reduced by increasing the wind speed of the blown air or by blowing the impinging jet from a direction closer to the perpendicular. On the other hand, the wind speed of the blown air may be low as long as the liquid film 202 can be made thinner.

[0055] The air supply unit 4 may also include a rectifying member that rectifies the flow of air. For example, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the air supply unit 4 may include a rectifying mesh (mesh member) 51 as a rectifying member inside the main body 40 (in Figures 5A and 5B), more specifically, between the first upper surface 411 and the first lower surface 421. This allows the humidifier 1 to rectify the flow of air inside the main body 40, that is, to make the surface air speed uniform.

[0056] For example, as described above, a branch duct branching off from the intake duct may be connected to the air introduction section 5 connected to the air supply section 4, and this branch duct may have an L-shaped bend, for example, upward as shown in FIG. 6B. In this case, the air introduced from the branch duct through the air introduction section 5 to the air supply section 4 curves along the bent part of the branch duct as it flows, and therefore the surface velocity is often not uniform. Therefore, it is preferable that the humidifier 1 be provided with a rectifying mesh 51 inside the main body 40 of the air supply section 4 to rectify the flow of air inside the main body 40 (to make the surface velocity uniform).

[0057] In addition to the effect of straightening the air flow inside the main body 40, the straightening mesh 51 also has the effect of generating tiny vortices in the air flow, which activates the movement of water vapor 203 and heat within the boundary film 204 and promotes water evaporation.

[0058] Specifically, the rectifying mesh 51 is made of a wire mesh or a resin mesh. In this case, the wire mesh or the resin mesh preferably has an opening ratio of about 40% to 60%. A plurality of rectifying meshes 51 may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the airflow direction (front-to-back direction). Although the same effect as when the rectifying mesh 51 is used can be obtained even when a perforated plate or a honeycomb plate (rectifying grid) is used as the rectifying member, it is most effective and preferable to use the rectifying mesh 51 as the rectifying member.

[0059] 7A and 7B, the air supply unit 4 may include an airflow direction adjustment guide (blade member) 61 as a straightening member inside the main body 40, more specifically, between the second upper surface 412 and the third upper surface 413 and the second lower surface 422. Even in this case, the humidifier 1 can adjust the airflow direction inside the main body 40 to an optimal state to promote evaporation of water.

[0060] 8A and 8B, the air supply unit 4 may include a damper 71 inside the main body 40, more specifically, at approximately the center in the airflow direction (front-to-back direction). The damper 71 adjusts the opening degree to adjust at least one of the speed and direction of the airflow discharged from the outlet 45 of the air supply unit 4. The damper 71 also adjusts the balance between the speed and direction of the airflow above and below the damper 71 at the outlet 45. Even in this case, the humidifier 1 can promote water evaporation by adjusting at least one of the speed and direction of the airflow discharged from the outlet 45, and further the balance between the speed and direction of the airflow above and below the damper 71 at the outlet 45, that is, the balance between the impingement jet and the Coanda airflow.

[0061] 9A and 9B, the air introduction part 5 may include a fan 81 therein. The fan 81 accelerates the wind speed of the air introduced from the air introduction part 5 to the air supply part 4. This also increases the speed of the airflow blown from the air supply part 4 onto the liquid film 202, accelerating the evaporation of water.

[0062] In the above, an example has been described in which the air introduction part 5 is provided on the external side surface (rear surface) of the housing 10, and the air discharge part 6 is provided on the external upper surface of the housing 10. However, conversely, the air introduction part 5 may be provided on the external upper surface of the housing 10, and the air discharge part 6 may be provided on the external side surface (rear surface) of the housing 10. However, providing the air introduction part 5 on the external side surface of the housing 10 and the air discharge part 6 on the external upper surface of the housing 10 is preferable because it leads to a reduction in the size of the humidifier 1 and a reduction in pressure loss of the airflow, and also because the airflow blown out from the air supply part 4 and the downward flow direction of the liquid film 202 (the downward flow direction of the water supplied by the water supply part 3) are opposite to each other, thereby improving the efficiency of heat transfer from the airflow to the surface of the liquid film 202 and the evaporation efficiency.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above example, the humidifier 1 is provided in parallel to a branch flow path branching off from a main flow path (air supply duct) that supplies conditioned air to the room, but the humidifier 1 is not limited to this, and may also be provided in the main flow path. However, providing the humidifier 1 in parallel to the main flow path in a branch flow path branching off from the main flow path is preferable because it has less impact on pressure loss (fluid resistance) in the main flow path when the device is made smaller, allows greater design freedom, and eliminates the need to stop the air conditioner during maintenance.

[0064] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the humidifier 1 comprises a flat section 21 having a surface that extends at an angle relative to the horizontal direction and at least a part of which has a hydrophilic portion 211, a water supply section 3 that supplies water to the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat section 21, an air supply section 4 that is arranged opposite the flat section 21 and sends out air that hits at least a part of the liquid film 202 formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat section 21 by the water supplied by the water supply section 3, and an air discharge section 6 that discharges the air that has hit at least a part of the liquid film 202. This enables the humidifier 1 to promote evaporation of water by airflow more than conventional methods.

[0065] Furthermore, the air supply unit 4 of the humidifier 1 has a nozzle shape. This enables the humidifier 1 to blow an accelerated airflow onto at least a part of the liquid film 202 formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat portion 21.

[0066] Furthermore, the air supply unit 4 can deliver a collision jet that is blown onto at least a part of the flat surface 21, and a Coanda airflow that adheres to and flows along the flat surface 21. This allows the humidifier 1 to reduce the thickness of the liquid film 202 to promote evaporation of water, and to quickly deliver water vapor in the direction of the air discharge unit 6.

[0067] Furthermore, the air supply unit 4 has an air outlet 45 formed into a rectangular shape in a front view by multiple surfaces, and of the surfaces constituting the outlet 45, the surface closest to the air discharge unit 6 has a portion closer to the flat surface 21 extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the flat surface 21, and of the surfaces constituting the main body 40, the surface farthest from the air discharge unit 6 has a portion closer to the flat surface 21 extending in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the flat surface 21. This allows the humidifier 1 to blow from the air supply unit 4 an airflow (impingement jet) from a direction closer to a right angle to the extension direction of the flat surface 21, and an airflow (Coanda airflow) from a direction closer to the extension direction of the flat surface 21.

[0068] Furthermore, the humidifier 1 is provided with a rectifying mesh 51 inside the air supply unit 4 that rectifies the air flow inside the air supply unit 4. This allows the humidifier 1 to rectify the air flow inside the main body 40 and generate tiny vortices in the air flow to promote evaporation of water.

[0069] Furthermore, the humidifier 1 is provided with an airflow direction adjustment guide 61 inside the air supply unit 4 that adjusts the airflow inside the air supply unit 4. This allows the humidifier 1 to adjust the airflow direction inside the main body 40 to an optimal state, thereby promoting water evaporation.

[0070] Furthermore, the humidifier 1 is provided with a damper 71 inside the air supply unit 4 that adjusts at least one of the speed and direction of the air sent out from the air supply unit 4. This allows the humidifier 1 to adjust at least one of the speed and direction of the airflow sent out from the outlet 45 of the air supply unit 4, and to promote evaporation of water by adjusting the balance of the airflow speed and direction above and below the damper 71 at the outlet 45, that is, the balance between the impinging jet and the Coanda airflow.

[0071] The humidifier 1 also includes a housing 10 that houses a flat section 21 (humidifying section 2), a water supply section 3, and an air supply section 4, and an air inlet section 5 that introduces air sent out from an air conditioner into the air supply section 4 is provided on the side of the housing 10, and an air outlet section 6 is provided on the top surface of the housing 10. This enables the humidifier 1 to be made smaller and the pressure loss of the airflow to be reduced, and also improves the efficiency of heat transfer from the airflow to the surface of the liquid film 202 and the evaporation efficiency.

[0072] Furthermore, compared to typical evaporative humidifiers that use a complex three-dimensional humidifying element to increase the contact area between water and air, humidifier 1's two-dimensional structure makes it easier to supply water evenly, shortens the drying time required to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria when the air conditioning is turned off, and reduces the risk of water (water droplets) splashing into the duct. Humidifier 1 is also easy to miniaturize because it promotes water evaporation based on the speed and direction of the airflow, rather than the size of the contact area between water and air.

[0073] Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment, a description has been given of a humidifier 1 equipped with a water supply section 3. In the second embodiment, a description will be given of a humidifier 1 in which the water supply section 3 further includes a water supply amount adjusting member.

[0074] Figure 10A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a humidifier 1 according to embodiment 2. The humidifier 1 according to embodiment 2 shown in Figure 10A is configured by adding a water supply amount adjusting plate 501 as a water supply amount adjusting member to the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1. As the other configuration of the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 2 is similar to that of the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used and their description will be omitted. Note that Figure 10A shows an enlarged view of only the area surrounding the water supply amount adjusting plate 501.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 10A , the water supply amount adjusting plate 501 is a plate-like member disposed in a position that sandwiches the water supply port 34 of the water supply unit 3 together with the flat surface 21 of the humidifying unit 2. One surface (the front surface) of the water supply amount adjusting plate 501 is fixed to the end surfaces of the overflow chamber 33 and the water supply port 34. The water supply amount adjusting plate 501 is disposed so that a gap is formed between the lower end portion and the surface of the flat surface 21. By forming this gap, the water supply amount adjusting plate 501 adjusts the amount of water supplied to the flat surface 21, thereby adjusting the thickness of the liquid film 202, the flow rate of the water, and the like to appropriate values. The water supply amount adjusting plate 501 can also uniformize the amount of water supplied in the width direction (suppressing unevenness in the amount of water supplied in the width direction) even when the humidifying device 1 is tilted in the width direction of the flat surface 21. The water supply amount adjusting plate 501 also serves to prevent the airflow sent out from the air supply unit 4 from hitting the water supply port 34, thereby preventing the water supply from being hindered or the amount of water supply from fluctuating.

[0076] The water supply amount adjusting plate 501 may be configured to be movable in the vertical direction, thereby making it possible to adjust the size of the gap formed between the lower end and the surface of the flat portion 21.

[0077] 10B may be attached to the other surface (rear surface) of water supply amount adjusting plate 501. Air flow guide 502 is a member with a triangular cross section as shown in FIG. 10B, for example, and one side surface is fixed to the other surface (rear surface) of water supply amount adjusting plate 501. In this case, the other side surface of air flow guide 502 is fixed to the inside of the top surface of housing 10, and the bottom surface of air flow guide 502 is arranged so as to face the air supply unit 4 side.

[0078] The air that is sent out from the air supply unit 4 and hits at least a part of the liquid film 202 formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat portion 21 hits the bottom surface of the air flow guide 502 and changes direction towards the air discharge unit 6. In this way, the air flow guide 502 guides the flow of the air that is sent out from the air supply unit 4 and hits at least a part of the liquid film 202 so that it is directed towards the air discharge unit 6. This prevents the air flow from becoming turbulent in the humidifier 1, allowing the air flow to be smoothly exhausted from the air discharge unit 6.

[0079] In the above example, the water supply amount adjusting plate 501 and the air flow guide 502 are configured as separate components, but they may be configured as an integrated unit, with the air flow guide 502 playing the role of the water supply amount adjusting plate 501.

[0080] The water supply amount adjusting plate 501 may also have a gap adjusting member 503. The gap adjusting member 503 appropriately sets and maintains the shape and size of the gap formed between the lower end of the water supply amount adjusting plate 501 and the surface of the flat portion 21.

[0081] 11A, the gap adjustment member 503 is composed of a convex portion that protrudes slightly downward from the lower end of the water supply amount adjustment plate 501, and is arranged so that the lower end of this convex portion abuts against the flat portion 21. One or more gap adjustment members 503 (two in FIG. 11A) are provided at a portion of the width of the water supply amount adjustment plate 501.

[0082] 11B, the gap adjustment member 503 is formed by a saw-like portion at the lower end of the water supply amount adjustment plate 501, and the tip of the saw-like blade is provided to abut against the flat portion 21. The gap adjustment member 503 is provided on at least a portion of the width of the water supply amount adjustment plate 501 (the entire width in FIG. 11B).

[0083] In the above example, water supply amount adjusting plate 501 has gap adjusting member 503, but these may be configured as separate members. For example, gap adjusting member 503 may be configured as a member that can be attached to water supply amount adjusting plate 501, and the shape and size of the gap may be configured to be adjustable as appropriate.

[0084] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the humidifier 1 is provided with water supply amount adjusting plate 501 that forms a gap between itself and flat section 21 to adjust the amount of water supplied from water supply section 3. This enables the humidifier 1 to adjust the amount of water supplied to flat section 21.

[0085] The humidifier 1 also includes a gap adjustment member 503 that adjusts the size of the gap formed between the water supply amount adjusting plate 501 and the flat portion 21. This allows the humidifier 1 to appropriately set the shape and size of the gap formed between the lower end of the water supply amount adjusting plate 501 and the surface of the flat portion 21.

[0086] Embodiment 3 In the first and second embodiments, a humidifier 1 capable of promoting evaporation of water by airflow more than conventional methods has been described. In the third embodiment, a humidifier 1 capable of suppressing a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film will be described.

[0087] In the humidifier 1 according to the first and second embodiments, the temperature of the liquid film 202 formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat portion 21 decreases due to the heat of vaporization when water evaporates from the liquid film 202, and this decrease in temperature of the liquid film 202 may decrease the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film 202. In the humidifier 1 according to the third embodiment, it is possible to suppress such a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film 202 caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film 202.

[0088] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a humidifier 1 according to embodiment 3. Fig. 12A is a front view of the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 3, and Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Fig. 12A. As in embodiment 1, in embodiment 3, the upper side of Fig. 12 is defined as the top, the lower side as the bottom, the left side as the front (front), the right side as the rear (back), the near side as the left, and the far side as the right.

[0089] The humidifier 1 according to the third embodiment shown in Fig. 12 differs from the humidifier 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in that the flat portion 21 is changed to a flat portion 21c and a water receiving member 1201 is added. The other configurations of the humidifier 1 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the humidifier 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals are used and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] Similar to flat surface 21 in embodiment 1, flat surface 21c is a member having a surface (inclined surface) that extends at an incline with respect to the horizontal direction, and is configured, for example, by a flat plate member that is inclined upward at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction. Also, similar to flat surface 21 in embodiment 1, flat surface 21c has hydrophilic portion 211 (see FIG. 3A) on at least a part of one surface (the surface facing air supply unit 4), and a thin liquid film 202 that flows down is formed on this hydrophilic portion 211 when water is supplied from water supply unit 3.

[0091] 12A, for example, flat surface portion 21c is formed so that its width (left-right direction) is shorter than the width of housing 10. As a result, in humidifier 1 according to embodiment 3, gaps S of a predetermined distance are formed between both widthwise ends of flat surface portion 21c and the inner circumferential surface of housing 10.

[0092] In this case, in the humidifier 1 according to the third embodiment, air corresponding to at least a part of the liquid film 202 formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat portion 21c is sent out from the air supply unit 4. Here, the air sent out from the air supply unit 4 flows into the space T within the housing 10 through the gap S. This space T is the space facing the surface of the interior space of the housing 10 opposite to the surface of the flat portion 21c having the hydrophilic portion 211, i.e., the surface of the flat portion 21c opposite to the surface facing the air supply unit 4.

[0093] In the following, for ease of explanation, the surface of the flat portion 21c facing the space T, i.e., the surface opposite to the surface of the flat portion 21c facing the air supply section 4, will also be referred to as the "rear surface of the flat portion 21c," and the surface of the flat portion 21c facing the air supply section 4 will also be referred to as the "front surface of the flat portion 21c."

[0094] Here, when the air sent out from the air supply unit 4 is heating air, the heating air that flows into the space T from the gap S hits at least a part of the rear surface of the flat portion 21c and heats the flat portion 21c. This suppresses a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film 202, which is caused by the heat of vaporization when water evaporates from the liquid film 202 formed on the surface of the flat portion 21c. Therefore, in the humidifier 1 according to the third embodiment, a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film 202, which is caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film 202, is suppressed.

[0095] In the above description, an example has been described in which a predetermined gap S is formed between both widthwise end portions of the flat surface portion 21c and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 10. However, it is sufficient that the gap S is formed between at least one of both widthwise end portions of the flat surface portion 21c and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 10. Furthermore, the size of the gap S may be set appropriately depending on the amount of heated air sent from the air supply unit 4 to the space T, etc.

[0096] As described in the first embodiment, the material of the flat portion 21c is preferably stainless steel, for example, because of its high corrosion resistance and rigidity, but aluminum or copper, for example, is more preferable because of its high thermal conductivity.

[0097] 12B, water receiving member 1201 is provided on the bottom of housing 10. Water receiving member 1201 is, for example, a tray-shaped member having a bottom surface 12011 and side surfaces 12012 in the width direction (left and right direction), and is a member for receiving water when the water supplied from water supply unit 3 to flat surface portion 21c flows down through gap S.

[0098] 12B, the bottom surface 12011 of the water receiving member 1201 is inclined so that the height of the front side (the side opposite the drainage section 7) is slightly higher than the height of the rear side (the side facing the drainage section 7). This allows the water received by the water receiving member 1201 to flow along the bottom surface 12011 toward the drainage section 7 and be smoothly drained from the drainage section 7.

[0099] Figure 13 shows another example of the configuration of the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 3. Figure 13A is a front view of the humidifier 1 according to another example of the configuration of embodiment 3, and Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Figure 13A.

[0100] The humidifier 1 according to another configuration example of embodiment 3 shown in Figure 13 has a longer front-to-rear length of the housing 10 than the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 3 shown in Figure 12, and the upward inclination angle of the planar portion 21c relative to the horizontal direction is smaller.

[0101] Furthermore, the humidifier 1 shown in Fig. 13 has a modified shape of the air supply unit 4 compared to the humidifier 1 shown in Fig. 12. However, like the air supply unit 4 shown in Fig. 12, the air supply unit 4 shown in Fig. 13 also sprays the collision jet and Coanda airflow in an accelerated state onto at least a part of the liquid film 202 formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat portion 21c.

[0102] 12, the humidifier 1 shown in Fig. 13 does not have airflow guide 502 (see Fig. 10B) and has air discharge section 6 positioned further forward. The humidifier 1 shown in Fig. 13 also has airflow guide 1301 added to the humidifier 1 shown in Fig. 12.

[0103] 13B, for example, air flow guide 1301 is a member that connects the upper edge of the air outlet of air supply unit 4 with the edge of air discharge unit 6 on the air supply unit 4 side. Note that in FIG. 13A, the illustration of air flow guide 1301 is omitted to make the air flow easier to understand.

[0104] In the humidifier 1 shown in Fig. 13, the angle of upward inclination of flat portion 21c relative to the horizontal is smaller than in the humidifier 1 shown in Fig. 12. Therefore, in the humidifier 1 shown in Fig. 13, the amount of heated air that hits the back surface of flat portion 21c in space T is greater than in the humidifier 1 shown in Fig. 12. As a result, in the humidifier 1 shown in Fig. 13, the heating efficiency of flat portion 21c is improved more than in the humidifier 1 shown in Fig. 12, and a decrease in the evaporation rate of water due to a decrease in the temperature of liquid film 202 is more efficiently suppressed.

[0105] In addition, since the humidifier 1 shown in FIG. 13 is provided with an airflow guide 1301, the air that hits the front and back surfaces of the flat portion 21c is efficiently guided to the air discharge portion 6 and smoothly discharged to the outside of the housing 10.

[0106] In the above description, an example has been described in which the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 3 is configured based on the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 1. However, the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 3 is not limited to this, and may be configured based on the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 2.

[0107] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the flat portion 21c is made of a flat plate member and has a hydrophilic portion 211 on at least a part of the surface facing the air supply unit 4, and the air supply unit 4 is configured to send out air that hits at least a part of the liquid film formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat portion 21c, and the air hits at least a part of the surface of the flat portion 21c opposite to the surface facing the air supply unit 4. In this way, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the humidifier 1 can suppress a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film 202 that is caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film 202.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the humidifier 1 includes a housing 10 that houses a flat portion 21c, a water supply unit 3, and an air supply unit 4, the flat portion 21c being made of a flat plate member and having a hydrophilic portion 211 on at least a part of the surface facing the air supply unit 4, a gap S being formed between at least one end of the flat portion 21c and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 10, the air supply unit 4 sending out air that hits at least a part of the liquid film formed on the hydrophilic portion 211 of the flat portion 21c, and the air passes through the gap S and hits at least a part of the surface of the flat portion 21c opposite to the surface facing the air supply unit 4. Thus, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the humidifier 1 can suppress a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film 202 that is caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film 202.

[0109] Embodiment 4 In the third embodiment, a humidifier 1 capable of suppressing a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film has been described. In the fourth embodiment, a humidifier 1 capable of more efficiently suppressing a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film will be described.

[0110] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a humidifier 1 according to embodiment 4. Fig. 14A is a front view of the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 4, and Fig. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Fig. 14A. As in embodiment 1, in embodiment 4, the upper side of Fig. 14 is defined as the top, the lower side as the bottom, the left side as the front (front), the right side as the rear (back), the near side as the left, and the far side as the right.

[0111] The humidifier 1 according to the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 14 has an airflow guide 1401 added to the humidifier 1 according to the third embodiment shown in Fig. 12. The other configurations of the humidifier 1 according to the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the humidifier 1 according to the third embodiment shown in Fig. 12, and therefore the same reference numerals are used and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] Airflow guide 1401 is a member for guiding airflow, which is configured of, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped member, and is provided inside space T. As shown in Fig. 14B, for example, airflow guide 1401 is attached so that one of two long sides extending in the width direction (left-right direction) is fixed to the inner circumferential surface on the front side of housing 10, and the other side faces the back surface of flat portion 21c in space T.

[0113] In this case, in the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 4, the heated air sent out from the air supply unit 4 also flows into the space T through the gap S, as in embodiment 3. Furthermore, in the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 4, the heated air that has flowed into the space T is guided by the air flow guide 1401 so that it hits the back surface of the flat surface portion 21c. This improves the heating efficiency of the flat surface portion 21c by the heated air that has flowed into the space T, and more efficiently suppresses a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film 202 that is caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film 202.

[0114] Figure 15 shows another example of the configuration of the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 4. Figure 15A is a front view of the humidifier 1 according to another example of the configuration of embodiment 4, and Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Figure 15A.

[0115] The humidifier 1 shown in FIG. 15 is configured such that an airflow guide 1501 and an airflow guide 1502 are added to the humidifier 1 according to another example configuration of the third embodiment shown in FIG.

[0116] The airflow guides 1501 and 1502 are members for guiding airflow, which are configured of, for example, rectangular plate-shaped members, similar to the airflow guide 1401, and are provided inside the space T.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 15B, for example, one of the two long sides extending in the width direction (left-right direction) of the airflow guide 1501 is fixed to the inner surface of the front side of the housing 10, and the other side is attached to the edge of the reservoir tank 32 (see FIG. 4).

[0118] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15B, for example, one of the two long sides extending in the width direction (left and right direction) of the airflow guide 1502 is fixed to the upper end of the left and right side surfaces 12012 of the water receiving member 1201, and the other side is arranged to face the back surface of the flat portion 21c in the space T.

[0119] Even in this case, in the humidifier 1, the heating air that has flowed into the space T from the gap S is guided by the airflow guides 1501 and 1502 so that it hits the back surface of the flat surface portion 21c. As a result, in the humidifier 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the heating efficiency of the flat surface portion 21c by the heating air that has flowed into the space T is improved, and a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film 202 that is caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film 202 can be more efficiently suppressed.

[0120] The shapes and installation manners of the airflow guides 1401, 1501, and 1502 shown here are merely examples. The airflow guides 1401, 1501, and 1502 may be provided in the humidifier 1 in shapes and installation manners other than those described above, as long as they can guide the heated air that has flowed into the space T so that it hits the back surface of the flat portion 21c.

[0121] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the humidifier 1 is provided with air flow guides 1401, 1501, and 1502 that guide the flow of air sent out from the air supply unit 4 toward the opposite surface in space T, which is part of the internal space of the housing 10 and faces the surface of flat portion 21c opposite to the surface facing the air supply unit 4. This improves the heating efficiency of flat portion 21c by the heated air that has flowed into space T, in addition to the effects of the first to third embodiments, and more efficiently suppresses a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from liquid film 202 that is caused by a decrease in the temperature of liquid film 202.

[0122] Embodiment 5. In the first to fourth embodiments, a humidifier 1 has been described that includes a water supply section 3. In the fifth embodiment, a humidifier 1 will be described that has a simpler configuration for the water supply section 3 and that can more efficiently suppress a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film.

[0123] Fig. 16 shows a configuration example of a humidifier 1 according to embodiment 5. Fig. 16A is a front view of the humidifier 1 according to embodiment 5, Fig. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Fig. 16A, and Fig. 16C is a top view of an airflow guide 1602, which will be described later.

[0124] The humidifier 1 according to the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 16 is different from the humidifier 1 according to another example configuration of the third embodiment shown in Figure 13 in that the water supply unit 3 is changed to a water supply unit 3e and airflow guides 1601 and 1602 are added. Furthermore, the humidifier 1 according to the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 16 is different from the humidifier 1 according to another example configuration of the third embodiment shown in Figure 13 in that the position of the drainage unit 7 is changed from the rear to the front and the orientation of the water receiving member 1201 in the front-to-rear direction is also reversed. As the other configurations of the humidifier 1 according to the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the humidifier 1 according to another example configuration of the third embodiment shown in Figure 13, the same reference numerals are used and description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] Similar to water supply unit 3 in the first embodiment, water supply unit 3e is provided at the upper end of flat portion 21c inside housing 10, and supplies water across part or all of flat portion 21c in the width direction, for example.

[0126] An example of the configuration of water supply unit 3e is shown in Figure 17. Figure 17A is a front view of water supply unit 3e, and Figure 17B is a side view of water supply unit 3e including a part of flat surface portion 21c. Water supply unit 3e includes water supply pipe 31e and water supply slit 35, as shown in Figure 17B, for example.

[0127] The water supply pipe 31e is connected to a water pipe via a flow rate adjusting device such as a flow rate adjusting valve (not shown), and sends water supplied from the water pipe to the water supply slit 35.

[0128] 17B, ​​the water supply slit 35 is configured by two flat plates 35a and 35b arranged approximately parallel with a small gap between them. Of the two flat plates that make up the water supply slit 35, flat plate 35a, which is arranged on the upstream side (the water supply pipe 31e side), has a hole with the same cross-sectional shape as the water supply pipe 31e, to which the water supply pipe 31e is connected. The lower end of flat plate 35a is in contact with the surface of the flat portion 21c.

[0129] On the other hand, flat plate 35b arranged on the downstream side (air supply unit 4 side) forms a gap between its lower end and the surface of flat portion 21c. As a result, in water supply unit 3e, water supplied from water supply pipe 31e flows between two flat plates 35a, 35b that make up water supply slit 35, and further passes through the gap between the lower end of flat plate 35b and the surface of flat portion 21c, before being supplied to the surface of flat portion 21c.

[0130] In addition, in embodiment 5, the water supply unit 3e can also adjust the amount of water supplied to the surface of the flat portion 21c by changing the distance between the two flat plates 35a, 35b, or by changing the size of the gap formed between the lower end of the flat plate 35b located downstream and the surface of the flat portion 21c.

[0131] Of the surfaces of the two flat plates 35a, 35b, the surface facing the other flat plate is preferably hydrophilic. The two flat plates 35a, 35b are preferably made of stainless steel because of their high corrosion resistance and rigidity, but the material for the flat plates 35a, 35b is not limited to this. The distance between the two flat plates 35a, 35b is preferably about 0.1 to 0.3 mm, and the thickness of each of the flat plates 35a, 35b is preferably about 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

[0132] Water supply section 3e can also be configured as shown in Figures 18A and 18B, for example. Figures 18A and 18B are diagrams showing other configuration examples of water supply section 3e in embodiment 5.

[0133] For example, a water supply section 3e shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B is made up of a water supply pipe 31e′ and a water supply amount adjusting plate .

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the water supply pipe 31e' has a branched T-shape and supplies water to the surface of the flat portion 21c from openings on both sides in the width direction (left and right direction).

[0135] The water supply amount adjusting plate 36 is formed of, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped member and is provided substantially perpendicular to the surface of the flat portion 21c as shown in Fig. 18A. Alternatively, the water supply amount adjusting plate 36 is provided substantially parallel to the surface of the flat portion 21c as shown in Fig. 18B.

[0136] 18A and 18B, the water supply amount adjusting plate 36 is provided with a gap between it and the surface of the flat portion 21c. By adjusting this gap, the water supply unit 3e can adjust the amount and flow rate of water supplied to the surface of the flat portion 21c. As an example, in the cases of FIGS. 18A and 18B, the gap between the water supply amount adjusting plate 36 and the surface of the flat portion 21c is preferably about 0.1 to 0.3 mm.

[0137] The material of the water supply amount adjusting plate 36 is preferably stainless steel because of its high corrosion resistance and rigidity, but the material of the water supply amount adjusting plate 36 is not limited to this. The thickness of the water supply amount adjusting plate 36 is preferably about 0.1 to 0.5 mm, for example. In the case shown in Figure 18B, of the two surfaces of the water supply amount adjusting plate 36, the surface that comes into contact with water (the surface on the flat surface portion 21c side) is preferably hydrophilic.

[0138] In this way, the water supply section 3e can be configured more simply in the fifth embodiment. Also, in the fifth embodiment, it is possible to more efficiently suppress a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film.

[0139] For example, as described above, the humidifier 1 according to the fifth embodiment is provided with airflow guide 1601 and airflow guide 1602. Of these, airflow guide 1601 is made up of, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped member, and is attached to both sides in the width direction (left-right direction) of flat surface portion 21c on the upstream side (water supply portion 3e side) of flat surface portion 21c, as shown in Fig. 16A, for example.

[0140] As a result, in humidifier 1 according to embodiment 5, on the upstream side of flat portion 21c, heated air that has flowed into space T is blocked by airflow guides 1601 on both sides in the width direction of flat portion 21c, making it difficult for the heated air to be discharged from space T. Meanwhile, a gap U (see FIG. 16A) is formed above the central portion in the width direction of water supply portion 3e, and the heated air that has flowed into space T is discharged from space T through this gap U.

[0141] At this time, the heated air hits the water supply pipe 31e (water supply pipe 31e') and is discharged from the space T. As a result, in the humidifier 1 according to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the flat surface portion 21c, the water supply pipe 31e (water supply pipe 31e') and the water flowing inside this water supply pipe 31e (water supply pipe 31e') can each be heated. Therefore, in the humidifier 1 according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to more efficiently suppress a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film.

[0142] 16C, the airflow guide 1602 is a plate-like member formed in a substantially U-shape when viewed from above. The airflow guide 1602 has two edges E1 and E2 that define the opening F, each of which has widthwise (left-right) lengths L1 and L2 that are substantially the same as the size of the gap S formed between the inner peripheral surface of the housing 10 and the ends on both sides of the flat portion 21c.

[0143] The airflow guide 1602 is attached in the space T such that, as shown in FIG. 16B, its front edge is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the front side of the housing 10, its both side edges are fixed to the inner circumferential surfaces of the both side edges of the housing 10, and the two edges E1 and E2 fit into the gap S.

[0144] In the humidifier 1 according to the fifth embodiment, the airflow guide 1602 efficiently guides the heated air that has flowed into the space T so that it strikes the rear surface of the flat surface 21c. In particular, in the space T, the heated air that has flowed below the airflow guide 1602 can only rise via the opening F of the airflow guide 1602, and therefore a larger amount of the heated air rises from the opening F. As a result, in the humidifier 1 according to the fifth embodiment, a larger amount of the heated air is guided so that it strikes the rear surface of the flat surface 21c, improving the heating efficiency of the flat surface 21c and making it possible to more efficiently suppress a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film 202 that is caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film 202.

[0145] 19, the airflow guide 1602 may have a wall G extending upward at the end of the opening F. Even in this case, the airflow guide 1602 can efficiently guide the heating air that has flowed below the airflow guide 1602 through the opening F toward the rear surface of the flat portion 21c.

[0146] Embodiment 6 In the first to fifth embodiments, the humidifier 1 in which the flat portions 21 and 21c are made of flat plate members has been described. In the sixth embodiment, other configuration examples of the flat portions 21 and 21c will be described.

[0147] 20 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the flat surface portions 21 and 21c in embodiment 6, and is a cross-sectional view of the flat surface portions 21 and 21c as viewed from the short side direction. Note that in FIG. 20 and the following description, the flat surface portion 21 will be used as an example.

[0148] For example, if flat portion 21 has hydrophilic portions 211 on its surface, water supplied from water supply unit 3 flows so as to be basically adsorbed to these hydrophilic portions 211, and flows down the surface of flat portion 21 as a liquid film 202. Therefore, even if flat portion 21 is configured in a flat plate shape, as shown in Fig. 20A for example, water is unlikely to spill down from both sides in the width direction.

[0149] On the other hand, when the flow rate of the airflow supplied from the air supply unit 4 is high or when the amount of water supplied from the water supply unit 3 is large, there is a possibility that water will spill from both widthwise sides of the flat surface portion 21. Therefore, for example, as shown in Fig. 20B, both widthwise sides of the flat surface portion 21 may be bent at approximately right angles to form walls, or, for example, as shown in Fig. 20C, both widthwise sides of the flat surface portion 21 may be curved to form curved walls. This makes it possible in the sixth embodiment to avoid the problem of water spilling from both widthwise sides of the flat surface portion 21 even when the flow rate of the airflow supplied from the air supply unit 4 is high or when the amount of water supplied from the water supply unit 3 is large.

[0150] It should be noted that within the scope of the present invention, the embodiments may be freely combined, or any component of each embodiment may be modified, or any component of each embodiment may be omitted.

[0151] For example, in embodiments 1 to 6, if calcium, magnesium, silicon, etc. contained in tap water precipitate as scale and adhere to the flat surface portion 21 when the water evaporates, it is advisable to suppress the adhesion of scale to the flat surface portion 21 by supplying a little more water from the water supply section 3 to wash it away, or by controlling the amount of water supplied from the water supply section 3 to increase the amount of water supplied for cleaning at specified time intervals.

[0152] Furthermore, in the first to sixth embodiments, it is preferable that a heat insulating material be disposed on the outer wall or inner wall of the housing 10. This allows the housing 10 of the humidifier 1 to have heat insulation properties against the outside, and prevents energy loss due to heat inside the housing 10 escaping to the outside.

[0153] Furthermore, in the first to sixth embodiments, when the air conditioner is in the thermo-off or defrost mode, the temperature of the heated air supplied from the air conditioner drops, and the amount of humidification by the humidifier 1 decreases. Therefore, in the first to sixth embodiments, the amount of humidification during normal operation other than when the air conditioner is in the thermo-off or defrost mode may be increased to compensate for the decrease in the amount of humidification. Alternatively, when the air conditioner is in the thermo-off or defrost mode, the amount of air supplied from the air conditioner may be increased to improve the humidification efficiency by the humidifier 1.

[0154] Furthermore, in the first to sixth embodiments, the heated air that has passed through an air cleaner is introduced from air inlet section 5 and used for humidification, thereby suppressing the generation of slime due to the proliferation of mold or bacteria. Furthermore, in the first to sixth embodiments, in order to suppress the generation of mold or bacteria, an antibacterial water generating function such as a hypochlorous acid generating function or a silver ion generating function may be added to water supply section 3, and antibacterial water may be allowed to flow down.

[0155] Furthermore, in the first to sixth embodiments, as in the conventional example shown in Patent Document 1, a method of heating the water supplied from water supply section 3 or flat sections 21 and 21c may be used in combination.

[0156] Furthermore, in the first to sixth embodiments, the planar portions 21 and 21c may have a hydrophilic portion 211 on the entire surface facing the air supply unit 4, in order to impart an antifouling effect to the flat plate members constituting the planar portions 21 and 21c. Similarly, the planar portions 21 and 21c may have a hydrophilic portion 211 on at least a part or the entire surface of both the surface facing the air supply unit 4 and the surface opposite to the surface facing the air supply unit 4.

[0157] Furthermore, in the third to fifth embodiments, the humidifier 1 is configured to include one air supply unit 4, and when air that hits at least a portion of the front surface of the flat portion 21c is delivered from the air supply unit 4, the air hits at least a portion of the back surface of the flat portion 21c. Regarding this configuration, in the third to fifth embodiments, the humidifier 1 may be configured to include two air supply units 4, for example, one of which delivers air that hits at least a portion of the front surface of the flat portion 21c, and the other of which delivers air that hits at least a portion of the back surface of the flat portion 21c. Even in this case, the humidifier 1 can suppress a decrease in the evaporation rate of water from the liquid film 202 that is caused by a decrease in the temperature of the liquid film 202. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1 Humidifier 2 Humidification unit 3, 3e Water supply section 4 Air supply section 5 Air intake section 6 Air exhaust section 7 Drainage section 7 10. Cabinet 21, 21c flat part 31, 31e, 31e´ Water supply pipe 32 Reservoir tank 33 Overflow chamber 34 Water inlet 35 Water supply slit 35a, 35b flat plate 36 Water supply amount adjustment plate 40 Main body 41 Top surface 42 Bottom surface 43 Left side 44 Right side 45 Outlet 51 Rectifying mesh (mesh material) 61 Airflow direction adjustment guide (blade member) 71 Damper 81 fans 201 Solid 202 Liquid film 203 Water Vapor 204 Seminar membrane 205 Air Convection Zone 211 Hydrophilic part 212 Water-repellent part 213 Water drop 411 1st top surface 412 2nd top surface 413 Third top surface 421 1st bottom surface 422 2nd bottom surface 501 Water supply adjustment plate 502 Airflow Guide 503 Gap adjustment member 1201 Water receiving member 12011 bottom 12012 Side 1301 Airflow Guide 1401 Airflow Guide 1501 Airflow Guide 1502 Airflow Guide 1601 Airflow Guide 1602 Airflow Guide E1,E2 Edge F opening G wall S Gap T space U gap

Claims

1. a flat surface having an inclined surface extending at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction, at least a part of the surface being the inclined surface having a hydrophilic portion; a water supply unit that supplies water to the hydrophilic portion of the surface of the flat portion; an air supply unit disposed opposite the surface of the flat portion and configured to deliver air that corresponds to at least a part of a liquid film formed on a hydrophilic portion of the surface of the flat portion by the water supplied by the water supply unit and that flows down along the slope; an air discharge section that discharges air that hits at least a portion of the liquid film and flows along the surface of the flat section; A humidifying device comprising:

2. A humidifying device as described in claim 1, wherein the water contact angle of the hydrophilic portion of the surface of the flat portion is 30 degrees or less.

3. A flat surface having an inclined surface extending at an angle to the horizontal direction, and at least a part of the surface of the inclined surface having a hydrophilic portion; a water supply unit that supplies water to the hydrophilic portion of the surface of the flat portion; an air supply unit disposed opposite the surface of the flat portion and configured to deliver air that corresponds to at least a part of a liquid film formed on a hydrophilic portion of the surface of the flat portion by the water supplied by the water supply unit; an air discharge section that discharges air that has hit at least a portion of the liquid film, The humidifying device is characterized in that the air supply portion has a nozzle shape.

4. The humidifier according to claim 3, wherein the air supply unit is capable of delivering a collision jet that is blown onto at least a portion of the surface of the planar portion, and a Coanda airflow that adheres to and flows along the surface of the planar portion.

5. the air supply unit has an air outlet formed into a rectangular shape in front view by a plurality of surfaces, Among the surfaces constituting the air outlet, a surface closest to the air discharge portion has a portion closer to the flat surface portion extending in a direction closer to a right angle to an extending direction of the flat surface portion, 5. The humidifier according to claim 3, wherein the surface farthest from the air discharge portion among the surfaces constituting the air outlet has a portion closer to the flat surface extending in a direction more parallel to the extending direction of the flat surface.

6. 2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein a flow straightening member for straightening the air flow inside the air supply unit is provided inside the air supply unit.

7. 2. The humidifier according to claim 1, further comprising a water supply amount adjusting member that forms a gap between itself and the flat surface portion to adjust the amount of water supplied from the water supply portion.

8. the planar portion is formed of a flat plate member, and has the hydrophilic portion on at least a part of the surface that faces the air supply portion, The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the air supply unit is configured to send out air that corresponds to at least a part of a liquid film that is formed on the hydrophilic portion of the surface of the flat portion and flows down along the slope, and the air also flows into a space facing the surface opposite to the surface that faces the air supply unit of the flat portion.

9. a housing that houses the planar portion, the water supply portion, and the air supply portion; 2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein an air inlet section for introducing air sent out from an air conditioner into the air supply section is provided on a side surface of the housing, and the air outlet section is provided on a top surface of the housing.

10. a housing that houses the planar portion, the water supply portion, and the air supply portion; the planar portion is formed of a flat plate member, and has the hydrophilic portion on at least a part of the surface that faces the air supply portion, a gap is formed between at least one end of the flat portion and an inner peripheral surface of the housing; The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the air supply unit delivers air that corresponds to at least a part of a liquid film that is formed on the hydrophilic portion of the surface of the flat portion and flows down along the slope, and the air passes through the gap and also flows into a space facing the surface of the flat portion opposite the surface facing the air supply unit.

11. The humidifier according to claim 10, characterized in that an airflow guide is provided in the internal space of the housing facing the surface opposite to the surface of the flat portion that faces the air supply portion, for guiding the flow of air sent out from the air supply portion toward the surface of the flat portion that faces the surface opposite to the surface of the flat portion.

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