Air purification device

Abstract

To provide an air purification device that can produce high-quality purified air in which active ingredients such as ozone and ions are evenly distributed, or high-quality purified air that has been thoroughly purified by the active ingredients.SOLUTION: An air purification device according to the present invention comprises: an outer case 41 having an air passage 40 inside; a blower fan 44 that forms an airflow from a suction port 42 at one end of the air passage 40 to a blowout port 43 at the other end; and an active ingredient generation device 45 that generates active ingredients in the air passage 40, where the air sucked into the air passage 40 from the suction port 42 takes in the active ingredients around the active ingredient generation device 45 to become purified air, and is blown out from the blowout port 43. The air passage 40 includes a swirling area 84 that swirls the airflow at least half a circle around a vertical swirling axis, and the active ingredient generation device 45 is arranged on or upstream of the swirling area 84.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purifying device that generates and blows out purified air containing active ingredients such as ozone and ions, or purified air purified by active ingredients.

Background Art

[0002] As a prior art document related to this type of air purifying device, for example, Patent Document 1 can be cited. Patent Document 1 discloses a humidifier that injects ions (positive ions and negative ions) and ozone in addition to mist (humidified air). This humidifier is configured by connecting a square box-shaped humidifier main body unit and an injection chamber unit with a cylindrical mist duct. The lower humidifier main body unit houses an ultrasonic water tank equipped with an ultrasonic vibrator, etc. The mist generated here rises in the mist duct toward the injection chamber unit and is ejected forward from a horizontally long opening provided in the front surface of the injection chamber unit.

[0003] The inside of the injection chamber unit is partitioned into three upper and lower chambers by two horizontal partition plates, and the above-mentioned mist opening is provided in the front surface of the lower chamber. On the front surface of the middle chamber of the injection chamber unit, a negative ion injection port, an ozone injection port, and a positive ion injection port are provided in order from the left side, and a generator (discharge device) of ions or ozone is arranged immediately behind each injection port. A fan is fixed behind these generators, and the air pressurized by this fan takes in ions or ozone around the generators and is ejected forward from each injection port.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, in the humidifier of Patent Document 1, the generator (discharge device) for the active ingredient (ozone ions) is positioned immediately behind each nozzle. Therefore, the air pressurized by the fan is sprayed out of the nozzle before it has had a chance to mix sufficiently with the active ingredient, which tends to result in an uneven distribution of the active ingredient in the air.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an air purification device that can produce high-quality purified air in which active ingredients such as ozone and ions are distributed uniformly without bias, or high-quality purified air that is thoroughly purified by active ingredients. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to an air purification device comprising an outer case 41 having an internal air passage 40, a blower fan 44 that forms an airflow from an intake port 42 at one end of the air passage 40 to an outlet port 43 at the other end, and an active ingredient generator 45 that generates active ingredients within the air passage 40. Air drawn into the air passage 40 from the intake port 42 takes in active ingredients from around the active ingredient generator 45 to become purified air, which is then blown out from the outlet port 43. The air passage 40 includes a swirling area 84 that swirls the airflow around a vertical pivot axis X for more than half a turn, and the active ingredient generator 45 is positioned in or upstream of the swirling area 84.

[0008] The outer case 41 can be formed into a cylindrical shape with a central axis in the vertical direction.

[0009] The swirling area 84 can be configured to consist of an upstream first flow path 91 housing the blower fan 44, a midstream second flow path 92 housing the active ingredient generator 45, and a downstream third flow path 93.

[0010] The cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path 93 in the swirling area 84 can be configured to gradually increase in the direction of ventilation.

[0011] The third airflow channel 93 in the swirling area 84 is sloped upward in the direction of ventilation, and the air outlet 43 can be provided above the end of the third airflow channel 93.

[0012] The active ingredient generator 45 is a discharge device that includes opposing first electrodes 66 and second electrodes 67 and a dielectric 68 interposed between the two electrodes 66 and 67, and is configured such that a discharge occurs between the first electrode 66 and the dielectric 68, and can take a configuration in which the surfaces of the first electrode 66 and the dielectric 68 face the air passage 40.

[0013] An inner frame 74 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the outer case 41, and the air passage 40 can be configured to include an outflow area 85 connecting the swirling area 84 and the outlet 43, with the outflow area 85 being demarcated by the inner frame 74.

[0014] The discharge area 85 can be formed in an upward-widening tapered shape, and the outlet 43 can be provided on the upper end side of the discharge area 85.

[0015] The outer case 41 has a cover opening 50 that is opened and closed by a filter cover 49, and the cover opening 50 is provided with an intake port 42 for the air passage 40 and an inspection window 60 facing the active ingredient generator 45.

[0016] The filter cover 49 can take the form of including a filter body 54 that removes ammonia.

[0017] The air passage 40 can be configured to include an inlet area 83 connecting the intake port 42 and the swirling area 84, with the inlet area 83 located below the swirling area 84.

[0018] Between the inlet area 83 and the swirling area 84 of the air passage 40, a lower connection port 87 is provided to connect the two areas 83 and 84. The blower fan 44 is a centrifugal fan that draws in air from below and exhausts it to the side, and can be positioned at the beginning of the swirling area 84 and facing the lower connection port 87 from above.

[0019] In a plan view, the intake port 42 and the outlet port 43 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the outer case 41. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] In the air purification device according to the present invention, the air passage 40 from the intake port 42 to the outlet port 43 includes a swirling section 84 that swirls the airflow around a vertical swirl axis X for more than half a turn, and an active ingredient generator 45 is arranged in or upstream of the swirling section 84. With this arrangement, the active ingredients generated around the active ingredient generator 45 can be swirled together with the air in the swirling section 84, allowing them to be thoroughly mixed. In other words, the purified air blown out from the outlet port 43 can be high-quality purified air in which the active ingredients are evenly distributed without bias, or high-quality purified air that has been thoroughly purified by the active ingredients.

[0021] By forming the outer case 41 in a cylindrical shape, the swirling area 84 of the air passage 40 can be easily constructed inside it. Furthermore, compared to forming the outer case 41 in an elliptical or polygonal cylindrical shape, the dead space inside can be reduced.

[0022] If the swirling area 84 is composed of an upstream first flow path 91 housing the blower fan 44, a midstream second flow path 92 housing the active ingredient generator 45, and a downstream third flow path 93, then the active ingredient generated in the second flow path 92 can be smoothly sent to the downstream side of the second flow path 92, i.e., the third flow path 93, by the action of the blower fan 44 upstream of the second flow path 92 (first flow path 91).

[0023] By gradually increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path 93 in the swirling area 84 in the direction of airflow, space can be secured for mixing the active ingredients with the air, thereby reducing the uneven distribution of the active ingredients in the air.

[0024] When the third flow path 93 of the turning area 84 is inclined upward in the ventilation direction, an upward movement component is imparted to the air flowing through the third flow path 93, and the air can be smoothly guided toward the air outlet 43 above the end of the third flow path 93.

[0025] When the active ingredient generator 45 is used as a discharge device and the surfaces of the first electrode 66 and the dielectric 68 that constitute it face the air passage 40, if dust is generated separately from the active ingredient due to discharge, the dust can be carried by the air current and discharged, and the deposition of dust on the surfaces of the first electrode 66 and the dielectric 68 can be suppressed.

[0026] When an inner frame 74 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 41, the outer case 41 can be reinforced from the inside to increase its strength. Further, when the outflow area 85 connecting the turning area 84 and the air outlet 43 of the air passage 40 is partitioned by the inner frame 74, the internal structure of the air purifier can be simplified compared to the case where the outflow area 85 is partitioned by a dedicated component different from the inner frame 74.

[0027] When the outflow area 85 is formed in an upwardly expanding tapered shape and the air outlet 43 is provided on the upper end side thereof, the air outlet 43 can be made as large as possible, and the purified air can be blown out at a wide angle therefrom. Further, the deviation of the air volume at the central portion and both end portions of the air outlet 43 can be reduced.

[0028] A cover opening 50 opened and closed by a filter cover 49 is formed in the outer case 41, and an inspection window 60 facing the active ingredient generator 45 can be provided inside the cover opening 50 together with the suction port 42 of the air passage 40. According to this, when the filter cover 49 is opened to expose the inspection window 60 inside the cover opening 50, maintenance such as cleaning of the active ingredient generator 45 can be performed through the inspection window 60. That is, the maintenance of the active ingredient generator 45 can be easily performed without requiring the disassembly of the air purifier.

[0029] If the active ingredient generator 45 is a discharge device, ammonia contained in the atmosphere may turn into dust due to the effect of the discharge when it reaches the vicinity of the active ingredient generator 45. If the filter cover 49 that covers the intake port 42 includes a filter body 54 that removes ammonia, the intrusion of ammonia from the intake port 42 into the air passage 40 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the generation of dust in the active ingredient generator 45.

[0030] An inlet area 83 connecting the intake port 42 and the swirling area 84 can be provided below the swirling area 84. By stacking the inlet area 83 and the swirling area 84 vertically in this way, the cross-section of the air passage 40 and thus the air purifier can be reduced, resulting in a space-saving air purifier that is easy to install on a tabletop or other surface.

[0031] If the blower fan 44 is a centrifugal fan that takes in air from below and exhausts it to the side, and is located at the beginning of the swirling section 84 of the air passage 40 and faces the lower connection port 87 between the inlet section 83 and the swirling section 84 from above, then the blower fan 44 alone can easily create the rising airflow from the inlet section 83 to the swirling section 84 and the swirling airflow flowing through the swirling section 84, thus simplifying the configuration of the air passage 40.

[0032] In a plan view, arranging the intake port 42 and the outlet port 43 symmetrically across the center of the outer case 41 prevents so-called short-circuiting, where purified air blown out from the outlet port 43 flows towards the intake port 42. Furthermore, when the outlet port 43 is facing the user, the intake port 42 can be concealed from the user's view, thereby enhancing the aesthetic design of the air purification device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the air purification device of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the humidifier. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the humidifier with the water tank separated from the main unit. [Figure 4]This is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the main body of the device. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the main body of the device. [Figure 6] This is an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the skeletal structure of the purification unit that makes up the main body of the device. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the filter structure of the main unit of the device. [Figure 8] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the EE line. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 10] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line BB. [Figure 11] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along the CC line. [Figure 12] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along the DD line. [Figure 13] This is a plan view partially showing the internal structure of the device body with the inspection cover removed. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of an airflow path showing another configuration of the active ingredient generator. [Figure 15] This is a diagram conceptually illustrating another form of the active ingredient generating device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] (Embodiment) Figures 1 to 13 show an embodiment in which the air purification device according to the present invention is applied to a humidifier. This humidifier releases purified air containing ozone into the space along with humidified air containing a large amount of moisture, i.e., mist, thereby simultaneously humidifying and purifying (disinfecting, deodorizing, etc.) the space. In this embodiment, front, back, left, right, and up and down refer to the intersecting arrows shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the front, back, left, right, and up and down indications written near each arrow.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the humidifier comprises a lower device body 1 that occupies the majority of the device, and an upper water supply tank 2 that is detachably attached to the device body 1 from above. The device body 1 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the water supply tank 2 is formed in a substantially frustoconical shape that tapers downwards. An upward-opening mounting recess 3 is formed on the upper part of the device body 1, into which the lower part of the water supply tank 2 is inserted and mounted. A locking mechanism 4 is provided on the rear (side) surface of the mounting recess 3 to prevent the mounted water supply tank 2 from unintentionally coming loose.

[0036] The water supply tank 2 includes a tank body 6 for storing water, a mist cylinder 7 for guiding the mist generated by the device body 1 upwards, and a tank lid 8 for opening and closing the opening on the top surface of the tank body 6. An outlet 9 is formed at the front of the tank lid 8, which communicates with the upper end of the mist cylinder 7, and the mist that has risen up the mist cylinder 7 is discharged upwards from this outlet 9.

[0037] The device body 1 is broadly divided into an upper humidification unit 11 that vaporizes water supplied from the water tank 2, and a lower purification unit 12 that generates purified air containing ozone (an active ingredient). The humidification unit 11 has an outer shape that tapers towards the bottom with a large-diameter protrusion 13 at its upper end, while the purification unit 12 has an outer shape that is a bottomed cylindrical shape with approximately the same diameter as the protrusion 13. The entire humidification unit 11, excluding the protrusion 13, is housed and fixed inside the purification unit 12.

[0038] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the humidification unit 11 is constructed by assembling a humidification module 16 including an ultrasonic transducer, a power supply terminal 17 responsible for supplying power to the water tank 2, and an annular operation cover 18, etc., onto a humidification case 15 which serves as the base. The operation cover 18 is attached to the upper surface of the humidification case 15, and an arc-shaped operation board 19 is housed in the front of the annular sealed space enclosed by both 15 and 18. Multiple switches (not shown) are provided protruding from the upper surface of the operation board 19, and correspondingly, multiple operation buttons 20 are provided on the front of the operation cover 18, facing the tip of each switch. Each switch is operated by pressing the operation buttons 20, and these operation buttons 20 constitute the operation unit 21 for switching the operating state of the humidifier.

[0039] The upper half of the humidifying case 15 partitions the aforementioned mounting recess 3. The lower half of the humidifying case 15 is provided with a rectangular cylindrical water reservoir 24 for storing water supplied from the water tank 2, and the humidifying module 16 is attached to its bottom. The top surface of the water reservoir 24 is open and communicates with the lower end of the mist tube 7 when the water tank 2 is installed. In other words, the mist generated by the humidifying module 16 rises sequentially through the water reservoir 24 and the mist tube 7 and is released from the outlet 9. The power supply terminal 17 is located behind the water reservoir 24 at the bottom of the mounting recess 3, and faces the bottom surface of the water tank 2 when it is installed, and is connected to a power receiving terminal (not shown) provided on the bottom surface. The power supply terminal 17 and the power receiving terminal are provided with appropriate waterproofing treatment.

[0040] The humidification unit 11 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from above, with the humidification module 16 positioned at its center. Near the right end of the bottom of the mounting recess 3, a water supply wall 26 is formed as a recess, sloping downward to the left toward the water storage section 24. The water supply wall 26 receives water dripping from the water supply tank 2 and guides it to the water storage section 24. Near the left end of the water storage section 24, a breakwater wall 27 is provided to suppress ripples in the water stored within the water storage section 24. In other words, the water supply wall 26 and the breakwater wall 27 are positioned to sandwich the humidification module 16 from both sides, and this arrangement effectively suppresses ripples within the water storage section 24 when water flows from the water supply wall 26 into the water storage section 24. The water level in the water storage section 24 is detected by a capacitive water level sensor 28 located on the left outer surface of the water storage section 24, and the water supply from the water supply tank 2 is controlled based on the output of this water level sensor 28. By suppressing the ripples of the water in the water storage section 24 with the breakwater wall 27, it is possible to prevent false detection of the water level in the water storage section 24 due to ripples.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, a main body-side stepped portion 30 is formed in a circumferential manner on the upper and lower middle parts of the side surface of the mounting recess 3. A downward-facing notched recess 31 is formed at the rear end of the main body-side stepped portion 30 (at the 12 o'clock position in Figure 5), and the tip of the locking piece 32, which constitutes the locking mechanism 4, is positioned inside this notched recess 31. The base end of the locking piece 32 is housed between the outer case 41 and the humidifying case 15, and only the tip of the locking piece 32 is exposed toward the notched recess 31 through a window opened in the humidifying case 15 (see Figure 4). In addition, downward-facing engagement grooves 33 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction at three locations on the main body-side stepped portion 30 (at the 2 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 10 o'clock positions in Figure 5). The lower surface of the notched recess 31 slopes downward toward the center of the mounting recess 3, so that water droplets that enter the notched recess 31 are discharged along the slope, thereby preventing water droplets from accumulating inside the notched recess 31. Preventing the accumulation of these water droplets prevents them from entering the inside of the humidifying case 15 through the window for the locking piece 32, thereby preventing corrosion (rust) of the springs and other components that make up the locking mechanism 4.

[0042] A circumferential tank-side stepped portion 35 is also provided on the lower part of the outer circumferential surface of the water supply tank 2. At the rear end of the tank-side stepped portion 35, a U-shaped lock frame 36 (see Figure 1) is provided that protrudes downward, corresponding to the notched recess 31 and lock piece 32 of the main body-side stepped portion 30. In addition, at three locations on the tank-side stepped portion 35, engaging protrusions 37 that protrude downward are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, corresponding to the engaging grooves 33 of the main body-side stepped portion 30. When the water supply tank 2 is inserted into the mounting recess 3 from above, the tank-side stepped portion 35 of the water supply tank 2 is received by the main body-side stepped portion 30 of the mounting recess 3, and each engaging protrusion 37 enters and engages with each engaging groove 33, while the lock frame 36 enters the notched recess 31 and the lock piece 32 engages with the lock frame 36. The engagement of each engaging projection 37 with each engaging groove 33, and the engagement of the locking frame 36 with the notched recess 31 restrict the rotation of the water supply tank 2 around its vertical axis relative to the device body 1, and the engagement of the locking piece 32 with the locking frame 36 restricts the unintended dislodgement of the water supply tank 2 from the mounting recess 3. These restrictions ensure that the water supply tank 2 is held stably in the mounted position. The engaging projections 37 (engaging grooves 33) and the locking frame 36 (notched recess 31) also function as guides (positioning) for the user to mount the water supply tank 2 in the correct position within the mounting recess 3.

[0043] The locking piece 32 is positioned inside the notched recess 31. In other words, the structure for restricting the detachment of the water tank 2 and the structure for restricting the rotation of the water tank 2 are integrated into one location in the mounting recess 3. The locking frame 36 of the water tank 2 also serves as both a structure that engages with the locking piece 32 to restrict the detachment of the water tank 2 and a structure that engages with the notched recess 31 to restrict the rotation of the water tank 2. Therefore, both structures are integrated into one location in the water tank 2 as well. This integrated arrangement allows for a larger space in the mounting recess 3 and the water tank 2 that is not occupied by the two structures mentioned above, enabling other structures to be arranged relatively freely in that space.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the purification unit 12 comprises a cylindrical outer case 41 having an air passage 40 inside, a centrifugal fan 44 that forms an airflow from an intake port 42 at one end of the air passage 40 to an outlet port 43 at the other end, and a discharge device (active ingredient generator) 45 that generates ozone by discharging within the air passage 40. The intake port 42 is located at the rear of the lower end of the purification unit 12, and the outlet port 43 is located at the front of the upper end of the purification unit 12. Air drawn into the air passage 40 from the intake port 42 takes in ozone as it passes around the discharge device 45, and the purified air containing ozone is blown forward from the outlet port 43. The outer case 41 can be formed in shapes other than cylindrical, such as an elliptical cylinder or a polygonal cylinder.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, the outlet 43 is formed on the upper front of the main body 1 of the device between the protruding portion 13 of the humidifying unit 11 and the upper edge of the purification unit 12. The outlet 43 is formed in the shape of an outward-convex arc in plan view, and the central angle of the arc is approximately 120°. In other words, the purified air is blown out at a wide angle in a range of approximately 120° that spreads out to the left and right from the front of the outlet 43, purifying a wide area in front of the main body 1. In this invention, the shape of the outlet 43 in plan view is not limited to an arc. For example, if the outer case 41 is formed in the shape of an elliptical cylinder, the outlet 43 is formed in the shape of an outward-convex curve with uneven curvature in plan view. If the outer case 41 is formed in the shape of a polygonal cylinder, the outlet 43 spans multiple sides of the outer case 41 and is formed in the shape of an outward-convex mountain in plan view.

[0046] Furthermore, the outlet 43 is formed in a downward-convex arc shape (crescent shape) when viewed from the front. This allows for a larger opening area compared to when the outlet 43 is formed horizontally, enabling the purification of a wider area in front of the device body 1. Moreover, by forming the outlet 43 in an arc shape (crescent shape) and gradually decreasing its vertical opening width from the center to both ends, the airflow velocity of the purified air can be increased at both ends of the outlet 43, where the airflow velocity tends to be relatively low, thereby preventing ozone from adhering to the periphery of these ends. In this invention, the front view shape of the outlet 43 is not limited to an arc shape (crescent shape), but may also be formed in a mountain shape or hat shape composed of multiple straight lines.

[0047] Furthermore, between the protruding portion 13 of the humidifying unit 11 and the upper edge of the purification unit 12, narrow grooves 47 are provided that are continuous with both the left and right ends of the outlet 43 and have a vertical width sufficiently smaller than the outlet 43. The narrow grooves 47 are formed in an arc shape along the entire circumferential length of the device body 1, excluding the outlet 43. By providing the narrow grooves 47 in this way, a portion of the purified air blown out from the outlet 43 flows along the narrow grooves 47, thereby purifying a wider area around the device body 1. In addition, by providing the narrow grooves 47 continuously with both the left and right ends of the outlet 43, the left and right ends of the outlet 43 are not sharp angles, thereby improving the design of the humidifier.

[0048] The aforementioned operating unit 21 is located directly above the air outlet 43. This arrangement allows a portion of the purified air blown from the air outlet 43 to reach the operating unit 21, thereby purifying its surface. Furthermore, when the user operates the operating unit 21, a portion of the purified air comes into contact with the user's fingers, further purifying its surface. Above the operating cover 18, which includes the operating unit 21, there is a roughly ring-shaped gap surrounded by the operating cover 18 and the outer surface of the water tank 2, allowing the user to access the operating unit 21 through this gap.

[0049] By constricting the upper part of the operation cover 18 in this way, creating an access space for accessing the control unit 21, the overall silhouette of the humidifier can be made neater compared to the case where only the operation cover 18 protrudes radially. By providing an access space in a recessed position inside a virtual surface that extends upward from the outer circumferential surface of the main body 1 (outer case 41), and positioning the control unit 21 (operation cover 18) so that it faces this access space from below, accidental operation due to the user's hands or objects unintentionally touching the control unit 21 can be prevented more effectively compared to the case where the control unit 21 is positioned on the top or outer circumferential surface of the humidifier. Objects placed on top of the humidifier (water tank 2) will not come into contact with the control unit 21. Forming the access space in a ring shape makes it easier for the user to reach and operate the control unit 21 not only from the front of the humidifier, but also from its sides (left and right sides) and back (rear). The back surface of the access space partitioned by the water supply tank 2 (tank body 6) is composed of a truncated cone that tapers downwards, which makes it easier for the user to see the operating unit 21 when looking down at it from diagonally above.

[0050] In a plan view, the intake port 42 and outlet port 43 of the air passage 40 are arranged symmetrically front to back with respect to the center of the outer case 41, and are also spaced apart vertically. Furthermore, the direction in which the purified air is blown out from the outlet port 43 is forward, that is, away from the intake port 42. This arrangement and orientation of the intake port 42 and outlet port 43 prevents so-called short-circuiting, where the purified air blown out from the outlet port 43 flows towards the intake port 42. In addition, when the outlet port 43 is facing the user, the intake port 42 is not visible to the user, thereby enhancing the design of the humidifier.

[0051] The mist outlet 9 is located on the tank lid 8, which forms the top surface of the water supply tank 2, and is spaced upward from the outlet 43 located on the main body of the device 1. Furthermore, while purified air is blown forward from the outlet 43, mist is released upward from the outlet 9. With this arrangement and orientation of the outlet 9 and outlet 43, the mist and purified air can act on the space without interfering with each other or degrading the quality of either.

[0052] Furthermore, while the mist outlet 9 is located at the upper front of the water tank 2, the intake port 42 of the air passage 40 is located at the lower rear of the main body 1 of the device. In other words, the outlet 9 is spaced upward and forward from the intake port 42, and in addition, the direction of mist discharge is upward, i.e., away from the intake port 42. With this arrangement and orientation of the outlet 9 and intake port 42, it is possible to prevent so-called short-circuiting, where the mist discharged from the outlet 9 flows towards the intake port 42. Also, when the outlet 9 is facing the user, the intake port 42 is not visible to the user, thereby enhancing the design of the humidifier.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the upper and lower ends of the outer case 41 are open. The humidification unit 11 is assembled from above into the upper opening, and a bottom cover 46 is fixed to the lower opening to close it. Forming the outer case 41 into a cylindrical shape reduces the internal dead space compared to forming it into an elliptical or polygonal shape, and also allows the user to freely choose its orientation even when the humidifier is installed in a narrow space on a tabletop. If the outer case 41 is polygonal, its orientation is limited in order to fit the entire humidifier into the installation space, and it may not be possible to direct the purified air outlet 43 in the desired direction.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7, a cover opening 50, which is opened and closed by a filter cover 49, is formed at the lower part of the rear surface of the outer case 41. The filter cover 49 consists of an inner cover 51 and an outer cover 52 that overlap each other (front and back), and is detachably attached to the outer case 41. The outer cover 52 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate that curves outward, and a group of ventilation holes 53 arranged in a matrix is ​​formed in the center of it. The curvature of the outer surfaces of the outer case 41 and the outer cover 52 is the same, and when the filter cover 49 is attached to the outer case 41, the outer surfaces of both 41 and 52 are flush. A detectable object 56 containing a magnet is provided on the inner surface of the filter cover 49 (outer cover 52), and a cover sensor 57 (see Figure 4), which is made of a Hall element and is paired with the detectable object 56, is provided inside the main body of the device 1. When the cover sensor 57 detects the magnetism emitted by the detectable object 56, it determines that the filter cover 49 is attached to the cover opening 50. When the filter cover 49 is not attached and the cover sensor 57 does not detect the object to be detected 56, power is not supplied to the discharge device 45, etc., for safety reasons.

[0055] The inner cover 51 comprises a rectangular sheet-shaped filter body 54 and a rectangular frame-shaped filter frame 55 that surrounds and holds the filter body 54, and is curved outward in the same way as the outer cover 52. The inner cover 51 is detachable from the outer cover 52, and if the filter body 54 deteriorates due to aging or other reasons, only the inner cover 51 can be removed from the outer cover 52 and replaced. The filter body 54 captures dust and other particles from the outside air that are about to be drawn into the outer case 41, and exhibits particularly excellent filtering function against ammonia. In this invention, it is not essential that the filter cover 49 be detachable from the outer case 41; the filter cover 49 may, for example, swing open and close or slide open and closed to open and close the cover opening 50.

[0056] A safety fence 58 is provided at the lower inside of the cover opening 50, facing the intake port 42 of the air passage 40. The safety fence 58 has a group of elongated holes running vertically, allowing outside air to flow into the intake port 42 while preventing the user's fingers or large foreign objects from entering when the filter cover 49 is removed. In addition, an inspection window 60, which is opened and closed by an inspection cover 59, is provided at the upper inside of the cover opening 50, and the discharge device 45 is located inside this window. In other words, the user can first remove the filter cover 49 from the outer case 41 to open the cover opening 50, and then pull the inspection cover 59 backward through the inspection window 60 to expose the discharge device 45 and perform maintenance on it.

[0057] As shown in Figure 8, the discharge device 45 comprises a lower base portion 63 fixed within the air passage 40 and an upper discharge portion 64 supported by the base portion 63. The base portion 63 and the discharge portion 64 each contain a magnet (or magnetic material) 65, and the discharge portion 64 is detachably attached to the base portion 63 using the attractive force acting between the two magnets 65. The upper part of the discharge portion 64 facing the air passage 40 is provided with a round rod-shaped first electrode 66 and a film-shaped second electrode 67 facing each other vertically, and a horizontal plate-shaped dielectric 68 interposed between the two electrodes 66 and 67. When a high AC voltage of several kV is applied to these two electrodes 66 and 67, a discharge occurs and ozone is generated in the surrounding area. Specifically, a silent discharge (dielectric barrier discharge) occurs between the first electrode 66 and the surface (upper surface) of the dielectric 68, and some of the oxygen contained in the surrounding air is converted into ozone.

[0058] As a result of the discharge described above, white dust mainly composed of nitrates may accumulate on the upper surface of the discharge unit 64, particularly on the surfaces of the first electrode 66 and the dielectric 68. During ozone generation, nitrogen, oxygen, and moisture in the air react to produce nitric acid, which causes the accumulation of nitrates, i.e., dust. Since this dust hinders discharge, it is desirable to perform regular maintenance on the discharge device 45 to remove it. Specifically, the filter cover 49 and inspection cover 59 are sequentially removed to open the inspection window 60, fingers are placed inside the outer case 41 to grasp the discharge unit 64, and it is lifted up to separate it from the base unit 63 and removed from the outer case 41. The removed discharge unit 64 can be washed with water or a cleaning brush can be used to remove the accumulated dust. In addition, when the electrodes 66 and 67 of the discharge unit 64 deteriorate over time, only the discharge unit 64 can be separated from the base unit 63 and replaced. In this way, in this embodiment, maintenance of the discharge device 45 can be easily performed without requiring disassembly of the main body 1. The discharge device 45 may be such that the discharge unit 64 cannot be separated from the base unit 63, or that there is no distinction between the two units 63 and 64. In that case, maintenance of the discharge device 45 can be performed by inserting fingers or tools through the inspection window 60.

[0059] In this embodiment, the filter cover 49 covering the intake port 42 includes a filter body 54 that removes ammonia. This filter body 54 suppresses the intrusion of ammonia from the intake port 42 into the air passage 40, thereby suppressing the generation of nitrates caused by ammonia, which is a nitrogen compound. Furthermore, by positioning the surfaces of the first electrode 66 and dielectric 68 constituting the discharge device 45 facing the air passage 40, dust generated by the discharge can be carried away by the airflow, and the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of the first electrode 66 and dielectric 68 can be suppressed.

[0060] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the lower part of the outer case 41 is arranged with three stacked flat upper bases 71, 72, and 73. Inside the outer case 41, inner frames 74 and 75 are arranged at the front and rear, respectively, curving along their inner circumferential surface. The pair of inner frames 74 and 75 abut against the inner circumferential surface of the outer case 41, reinforcing it from the inside, and also clamping each of the bases 71-73 from the front and rear to regulate their position. The rear (suction side) inner frame 75 supports the aforementioned locking mechanism 4 at its upper end, and the aforementioned safety fence 58 and inspection window 60 are provided at the lower part of this inner frame 75. The inner frames 74 and 75 may also be provided integrally with the inner surface of the outer case 41. Furthermore, the inner frames 74 and 75 may be integrated with the bottom cover 46. In this case, by making the inner frames 74 and 75 tightly attached to or engaged with the outer case 41, accidental separation of the bottom cover 46 from the outer case 41 can be more reliably prevented.

[0061] The space enclosed by the lower base 73 and the bottom cover 46 houses a control board (not shown) that controls the entire humidifier. The bottom cover 46 is provided with a power receiving socket 80 into which the plug 79 of the power cable 78 is inserted, and power is supplied to the control board via this socket 80. The control board is electrically connected to and supplies power to various parts of the humidifier, such as the blower fan 44, the discharge device 45, the humidification module 16, and the operation board 19.

[0062] The air passage 40, from the intake port 42 to the outlet port 43, is divided into three sections: an inlet area 83, a swirling area 84, and an outlet area 85, starting from the intake port 42 side. In other words, the inlet area 83 constitutes the upstream part of the air passage 40, the swirling area 84 constitutes the middle part, and the outlet area 85 constitutes the downstream part. The inlet area 83 is formed between the middle base 72 and the lower base 73, the swirling area 84 is formed between the upper base 71 and the middle base 72, and the outlet area 85 is formed in the upper half of the inner frame 74 on the front (discharge side).

[0063] The inlet area 83 and the swirling area 84 are formed as flow paths that are longer horizontally than vertically, while the outlet area 85 is formed as a flow path that extends vertically. In terms of vertical positional relationship, the swirling area 84 is located above the inlet area 83, and the outlet area 85 is located above the swirling area 84. By stacking the horizontally long inlet area 83 and swirling area 84 vertically, the cross-section of the air passage 40 and thus the main body of the device 1 can be reduced, resulting in a space-saving humidifier that is easy to install on a tabletop or other surface.

[0064] As shown in Figure 9, the starting end, or rear end, of the inflow area 83 is open to the rear, and this opening constitutes the intake port 42 of the air passage 40. The end of the inflow area 83 is located slightly to the right of the center of the outer case 41 in a plan view, and a lower connection port 87 connecting the inflow area 83 and the swirling area 84 is formed on the lower surface of the middle base 72 facing this end. In a plan view, the side surface of the inflow area 83 is gently curved from the starting end to the end, and the upper and lower surfaces of the inflow area 83 rise gradually and gently from the starting end to the end. As shown in Figure 4, an upper guide wall 88 extending downward toward the lower base 73 is provided on the lower surface of the middle base 72, and a lower guide wall 89 extending upward toward the middle base 72 is provided on the upper surface of the lower base 73. These guide walls 88 and 89 abut each other at their tips, dividing the side surface of the inflow area 83 of the air passage 40.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10, the swirling area 84 starts at the aforementioned lower connection port 87 and ends at the upper connection port 90 located near the front end of the outer case 41, causing the airflow to swirl around a vertical swirl axis X. More specifically, the swirling area 84 consists of an upstream first flow path 91 extending rearward from the lower connection port 87, a midstream second flow path 92 extending leftward from the end of the first flow path 91, and a downstream third flow path 93 extending forward toward the upper connection port 90 from the end of the second flow path 92, causing the airflow to swirl counterclockwise by approximately 270° (3 / 4 of a turn). In other words, if the center of the lower connection port 87, which is the starting point of the swirling area 84, is P, and the center of the upper connection port 90, which is the ending point, is Q, then the counterclockwise (swirl direction) angle ∠PXQ in a plan view is approximately 270°. By setting ∠PXQ to 180° or more, the airflow can be made to rotate more than half a turn in the rotation area 84. It is also possible to set ∠PXQ to 360° or more to make the airflow rotate more than one turn in the rotation area 84.

[0066] A blower fan 44 is positioned horizontally in the upstream first flow path 91. The blower fan 44 is a centrifugal fan that draws in air from below and exhausts it to the side, and faces the lower connection port 87 from above. With this configuration, the upward airflow from the inlet area 83 to the swirling area 84 and the swirling airflow flowing through the swirling area 84 can be easily formed by the blower fan 44 alone, thus simplifying the configuration of the air passage 40. The side of the first flow path 91 is partitioned by a scroll casing 96 that surrounds and houses the blower fan 44, and the rear of the scroll casing 96 opens to the left and communicates with the second flow path 92. The blower fan 44 is fixed to the lower side of the upper base 71 with three screws 98 (see Figure 11), and the scroll casing 96 is provided integrally with the upper side of the middle base 72. The volume of the first flow path 91, including the blower fan 44, is larger than the volume of the second flow path 92, which will be described next.

[0067] A discharge device 45 is positioned in the second channel 92 on the midstream side. The air flowing through the second channel 92 takes in ozone from the surroundings as it passes the discharge device 45 from right to left, and then proceeds to the next third channel 93. The second channel 92 is formed with a smaller cross-sectional area (area of ​​the surface perpendicular to the centerline of the channel (airflow)) than the first channel 91 upstream and the third channel 93 downstream. By positioning the discharge device 45 in the narrow second channel 92 between the first channel 91 and the third channel 93, the air flowing through the swirling area 84 is ensured to pass around the discharge device 45, allowing the surrounding ozone to be efficiently taken into the air. Furthermore, by narrowing the air passage 40 (swirling area 84) in this way, the wind speed around the discharge device 45 can be increased, thereby further enhancing the dust removal effect, i.e., the dust accumulation prevention effect, generated by the discharge.

[0068] The rear surface, or outer circumferential surface, of the second flow channel 92 is demarcated by the inner surface of the inspection cover 59, which is curved outward. This curved surface allows the swirling flow from the first flow channel 91 to the second flow channel 92 to be smoothly transferred to the next third flow channel 93. Furthermore, a single straightening rib 99 is provided protruding from the inner surface of the inspection cover 59, extending in the direction of the airflow in the second flow channel 92, i.e., in the left-right direction, to straighten the airflow. The straightening rib 99 is formed in a plate shape that exhibits an arc shape in plan view, and its protruding end (front end) extends straight to the left and right. The inspection cover 59 may also be provided with multiple straightening ribs 99 arranged vertically. In this case, the protruding dimensions of each straightening rib 99 from the inspection cover 59 may be the same or different.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, the first connecting passage 94, which connects the first passage 91 and the second passage 92, slopes downward in the direction of airflow, and the second connecting passage 95, which connects the second passage 92 and the third passage 93, slopes upward in the direction of airflow. In other words, the second passage 92 is lower than the first passage 91 and the third passage 93. However, since the upper surface of the second passage 92 is located above the lower surfaces of the first passage 91 and the third passage 93, most of the air flowing from the first passage 91 to the second passage 92 flows horizontally along the upper surface of the second passage 92. In other words, the airflow on the upper side of the second passage 92 is greater than the airflow on the lower side. A portion of the air flowing from the first passage 91 to the second passage 92 flows down the first connecting passage 94 along its sloping surface and horizontally along the lower surface of the second passage 92. As shown by the dashed lines, the aforementioned flow straightening rib 99 is positioned at approximately the same height as the lower surfaces of the first flow channel 91 and the third flow channel 93, and straightens the air flowing through the second flow channel 92 horizontally.

[0070] The discharge device 45 is positioned on the lower side of the second channel 92, where the airflow is relatively low. This arrangement prevents the discharge device 45 from acting as a draft resistance and reducing the airflow in the second channel 92, and also prevents the generation of wind noise caused by strong winds colliding with the discharge device 45. Furthermore, the discharge device 45 is positioned closer to the third channel 93 (second connection path 95) than to the first channel 91 (first connection path 94), that is, in the downstream half of the second channel 92. Since the airflow velocity is lower in the downstream half of the second channel 92 than in the upstream half, positioning the discharge device 45 in the downstream half further suppresses the reduction in airflow in the second channel 92 and further prevents the generation of wind noise. Ozone generated around the discharge device 45 is carried downstream by the relatively weak wind flowing on the lower side of the second channel 92, drawn in by the relatively strong wind flowing on the upper side, and then proceeds to the next third channel 93.

[0071] Connecting the first channel 91 and the second channel 92, and the second channel 92 and the third channel 93, respectively, with inclined surfaces (first connecting passage 94 and second connecting passage 95) allows for a smoother transfer of air from the upstream channel to the downstream channel compared to connecting the channels in a crank-like manner. The first connecting passage 94 is formed with a smaller cross-sectional area than the first channel 91 and the second channel 92 before and after it. By narrowing the air passage 40 (swirling area 84) between the first channel 91 and the second channel 92 in this way, the wind speed of the airflow flowing from the first channel 91 to the second channel 92 can be increased. Similarly, the second connecting passage 95 is also formed with a smaller cross-sectional area than the second channel 92 and the third channel 93 before and after it. By narrowing the air passage 40 (swirling area 84) between the second channel 92 and the third channel 93 in this way, the wind speed of the airflow flowing from the second channel 92 to the third channel 93 can be increased.

[0072] The lower surface of the second flow path 92 is partitioned by an air passage bottom wall 101 which is integrally provided with the inspection cover 59 mentioned above. As shown in Figure 13, the air passage bottom wall 101 is cantilevered by the inspection cover 59 and extends horizontally from the lower end of the inner surface of the inspection cover 59 inward, i.e., forward, of the outer case 41. In the left half of the air passage bottom wall 101, a long accommodating groove 102 for receiving the discharge section 64 of the discharge device 45 is notched out from the tip (front end) to the base (rear end) of the air passage bottom wall 101. The edge of the air passage bottom wall 101 that partitions the accommodating groove 102 surrounds the discharge section 64 from three sides and faces its side with a small gap in between, and is directly opposite the upper surface of the flange 103 that protrudes outward from the lower end of the discharge section 64. With the above configuration, the air duct bottom wall 101 can restrict the rotation of the discharge section 64 around the vertical axis relative to the base section 63 and prevent unintended separation from the base section 63. By pulling out the inspection cover 59 and removing the air duct bottom wall 101 from around the discharge section 64, it becomes possible to separate the discharge section 64 from the base section 63. The upper surface of the air duct bottom wall 101 is substantially flush with the surface (upper surface) of the dielectric 68, and only the upper part of the discharge section 64, including the first electrode 66, is located above the air duct bottom wall 101 (see Figure 8).

[0073] A shallow storage tray 104 is recessed in the upper surface of the right half of the bottom wall 101 of the air passage. The storage tray 104 can accommodate an impregnated body containing a volatile active ingredient (such as a disinfectant or insect repellent) (second active ingredient generator), or an air filter that filters the airflow in the air passage 40 (swirling area 84). By integrating the storage tray 104 with the inspection cover 59, the number of parts in the humidifier can be reduced and its structure simplified compared to when they are separate components. Furthermore, during maintenance, the impregnated body and other components in the storage tray 104 can be conveniently removed simply by pulling out the inspection cover 59.

[0074] Between the air duct bottom wall 101 and the intermediate base 72, multiple sets of restricting structures are provided to restrict the displacement of the air duct bottom wall 101 within the outer case 41. Specifically, the front end of the air duct bottom wall 101 is provided with a pair of forward-projecting restricting pieces 111 on the left and right sides, and correspondingly, the intermediate base 72 is provided with a pair of long slits 112 on the left and right sides to receive the restricting pieces 111. Furthermore, on the upper surface of the intermediate base 72, in front of the discharge device 45, there is a restricting projection 113 that projects upward, and correspondingly, the lower surface of the base end (rear end) of the air duct bottom wall 101 that demarcates the rear edge of the housing groove 102 is provided with a relief recess 114 to receive the restricting projection 113. The restricting pieces 111 and slits 112 constitute a first restricting structure, and the restricting projection 113 and relief recess 114 constitute a second restricting structure. These restricting structures can restrict the lateral and vertical displacement of the air duct bottom wall 101. Of course, the form, arrangement, and number of regulatory structures can be chosen at will.

[0075] As shown in Figure 10, the downstream third flow path 93 is formed as a flow path that causes the airflow to swirl approximately half a turn around the swirl axis X from its starting end (rear end) to its end end (front end), i.e., the upper connection port 90. The horizontal width of the third flow path 93 gradually increases as it approaches the upper connection port 90, reaching its maximum at the upper connection port 90. By continuously widening the third flow path 93 toward the upper connection port 90 in this way, the uneven distribution of airflow between the center and both ends of the upper connection port 90 can be reduced.

[0076] As described above, by forming a swirling area 84 in the air passage 40 and placing the discharge device 45 there, the ozone generated around the discharge device 45 by the discharge can be swirled together with the air in the swirling area 84, allowing them to be thoroughly mixed. In other words, it is possible to reduce the uneven distribution of ozone in the air and produce high-quality purified air in which ozone is uniformly distributed. Furthermore, in the third flow path 93 downstream of the discharge device 45 (second flow path 92), by gradually increasing the width in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions in the direction of airflow, the cross-sectional area can be gradually increased in the direction of airflow, thereby securing space for mixing ozone with the air and further reducing the uneven distribution of ozone in the air. The third flow path 93 has a larger volume than the first flow path 91 and the second flow path 92, which allows for a more sufficient space to mix ozone with the air.

[0077] The upper connection port 90, which connects the swirling area 84 and the outflow area 85, is an outward-convex arc-shaped hole in plan view that penetrates vertically through the front end of the upper base 71, and a flow-rectifying louver 106 is fixed to its inside (see Figure 11). The third flow channel 93 slopes continuously upward toward the upper connection port 90, and forms a steep curve at its terminal end near the upper connection port 90 (see Figure 4). This inclined surface imparts an upward movement component to the air flowing through the third flow channel 93, smoothly guiding the air toward the upper connection port 90 at the end of the third flow channel 93, and forming a smooth airflow from the upper connection port 90 to the next outflow area 85.

[0078] As shown in Figures 4 and 12, the outflow area 85 consists of an upward-facing flow path formed in the upper half of the inner frame 74 on the discharge side. It is formed in a plan view as an arc shape along the inner front surface of the outer case 41, and is tapered upwards with at least one (in this embodiment) of its front-to-back width and left-to-right width increasing. The central angle of the arc along the starting end (lower end) of the outflow area 85 is approximately 65°, and the central angle of the arc along the ending end (upper end) is approximately 120°. The upper end of the outflow area 85 communicates with a gap provided between the outer case 41 (purification unit 12) and the humidification case 15 (humidification unit 11), and this gap constitutes the outlet 43. The lower end of the outlet 43 opens downwards and communicates with the outflow area 85, where a flow-rectifying louver 108 is provided integrally with the outer case 41. The outer surface of the humidifying case 15 that partitions the outlet 43 is sloped upwards towards the front. This slope changes the direction of the purified air from upwards to forwards, causing it to be blown out forward from the upper end of the outlet 43.

[0079] By partitioning the outflow area 85 with an inner frame 74 that reinforces the outer case 41, the internal structure of the humidifier can be simplified compared to partitioning the outflow area 85 with a separate dedicated part from the inner frame 74. In addition to forming the outflow area 85 inside the inner frame 74, it can also be formed between the outer case 41 and the inner frame 74. Alternatively, an inner air passage wall can be provided integrally with the inner surface of the outer case 41, and the outflow area 85 can be formed between this inner air passage wall and the outer case 41. In this case, the outer case 41 (including the inner air passage wall) may be made of two or more cylindrical bodies connected vertically.

[0080] By forming the outflow area 85 in an upward-expanding tapered shape and providing the outlet 43 at its upper end, the uneven distribution of airflow between the center and both ends of the outlet 43 can be reduced. Furthermore, the outlet 43 can be made as large as possible to blow out purified air at a wide angle. In addition, by forming the outflow area 85 in an upward-expanding tapered shape and gradually increasing its cross-sectional area, the air velocity of the purified air flowing through the outflow area 85 can be reduced, preventing the purified air from being strongly blown out in one direction from a single point on the outlet 43. The outflow area 85 can also be provided with multiple flow-straightening walls, such as the louvers 106 and 108 above and below it, that extend in the direction of ventilation. By dividing the outflow area 85 into multiple flow paths with flow-straightening walls and forming each flow path in a straight shape with no change in cross-sectional area, the purified air flowing through the outflow area 85 can be blown out at a wide angle in multiple directions from various points on the outlet 43 without reducing its air velocity.

[0081] The humidifier user can switch the humidifier between operating and standby states by connecting the power cable 78 and pressing the power switch 201 (see Figure 3) on the operation cover 18. In the operating state, the humidification unit 11 and the purification unit 12 are driven to simultaneously generate mist and purified air. As shown in Figure 3, the operation cover 18 has six operation buttons 20 arranged from left to right in the order listed: power switch 201, humidity setting 202, timer setting 203, lock switch 204, brightness adjustment 205, and airflow setting 206. Between the humidity setting 202 and the timer setting 203, there is a temperature and humidity display 22 that displays the room temperature and humidity detected by a temperature and humidity sensor (not shown).

[0082] The humidity setting unit 202 is an operation button 20 for the user to instruct the control unit (control board) to set the desired humidity level. Each time the humidity setting unit 202 is pressed, the set humidity level switches from "high" to "medium," from "medium" to "low," and from "low" to "high." Placing the humidity setting unit 202, which is operated relatively frequently, adjacent to the power switch unit 201 is convenient because the user can operate the humidity setting unit 202 immediately after turning on the power (operating the power switch unit 201) by simply moving their finger slightly.

[0083] The timer setting unit 203 is an operation button 20 for instructing the control unit on the timer, i.e., the time until the humidifier automatically stops. The lock switching unit 204 is an operation button 20 for switching each of the operation buttons 20 except itself between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, pressing each of the operation buttons 20 except the lock switching unit 204 is disabled, preventing tampering by children, etc. The brightness adjustment unit 205 is an operation button 20 for adjusting the brightness of the LED (not shown) that illuminates each of the operation buttons 20 from the inner side of the operation cover 18.

[0084] The airflow setting unit 206 is an operation button 20 for the user to instruct the control unit on the desired airflow for purified air. Each time the airflow setting unit 206 is pressed, the airflow switches from "high" to "medium," from "medium" to "low," and from "low" to "high." The airflow setting unit 206 is located at the right end of the operation unit 21, far from the power switch unit 201 and the adjacent humidity setting unit 202, which are located at the left end of the operation unit 21. Between the power switch unit 201 and the humidity setting unit 202 and the airflow setting unit 206 are the temperature and humidity display unit 22, the timer setting unit 203, the lock switch unit 204, and the brightness adjustment unit 205.

[0085] Generally, the frequency of operation of the airflow setting unit 206 is lower than that of operation of the power switch unit 201 and the humidity setting unit 202. This is because the optimal airflow for purified air containing ozone depends on the size of the room in which the humidifier is used, and there is no need to change the airflow as long as it is used in the same room. When using the humidifier in a relatively small room, setting the airflow for purified air to an unnecessarily high level may lead to an increase in the ozone concentration in the room. Therefore, in this embodiment, the airflow setting unit 206 is placed as far away as possible from the power switch unit 201 and the humidity setting unit 202, which are operated relatively frequently. This prevents the airflow setting unit 206 from being accidentally operated when the power switch unit 201 and the humidity setting unit 202 are being operated, making it difficult for the user to operate the airflow setting unit 206 except when intended (such as when the humidifier is moved to another room).

[0086] In the present invention, the central angle of the arc along the start and end of the outlet area 85 can be set arbitrarily. For example, the outlet area 85 can be formed as a straight flow path, and the central angle of the arc can be made to coincide at the start and end of the outlet area 85. Alternatively, the outlet area 85 can be formed as a tapered flow path that narrows upwards, and the arc at the start of the outlet area 85 may be longer (larger central angle) than the arc at the end. By narrowing the outlet area 85 of the air passage 40 in this way, the air velocity of the purified air at the outlet 43 can be increased, allowing it to be sent further. In the above embodiment, the purified air is blown out from the outlet 43 at a wide angle, but instead, the purified air may be blown out linearly in one or more directions.

[0087] In the above embodiment, in order to prevent the active ingredient generator 45 from becoming a large airflow resistance in the air passage 40 (swirling area 84), and to secure operating space for attaching and detaching the discharge unit 64 to the base unit 63, the portion of the active ingredient generator 45 that protrudes from the bottom wall 101 of the air passage is limited to its upper end. However, as shown in Figure 14, the entire active ingredient generator 45 can also face the air passage 40 (swirling area 84). In this case, the active ingredients around the active ingredient generator 45 can be taken into the air flowing through the air passage 40 (swirling area 84) more efficiently, and the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of the first electrode 66 and dielectric 68 can be further suppressed.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the active ingredient generator 45 is placed within the swirling area 84 so that the active ingredient (ozone) is taken in as the airflow within the swirling area 84 passes around the active ingredient generator 45. However, in the present invention, the active ingredient generator 45 may be placed in a branch path that is narrower than the swirling area 84 and branches off from the swirling area 84. In this case, the active ingredient generated in the branch path is forcibly sent to the swirling area 84 by, for example, a fan installed in the branch path. Alternatively, it is drawn into the swirling area 84 by the Venturi effect caused by the airflow within the swirling area 84. When utilizing the Venturi effect, the negative pressure for suction can be increased by narrowing the junction portion with the branch path in the swirling area 84, that is, by reducing the cross-sectional area. Placing the active ingredient generator 45 in the branch path avoids the active ingredient generator 45 becoming a resistance to the airflow within the swirling area 84.

[0089] The active ingredient generator 45 may be an ion generator (ionizer) that generates various ions (negative ions, hydroxyl radicals, etc.) by discharge, in addition to the ozone generator (ozonizer) shown in the above embodiment. The active ingredient generator 45 consisting of an ion generator can be composed of, for example, a cylindrical plastic holder 69, a needle-shaped first electrode 66 positioned in the center inside the holder 69, a ring-shaped second electrode 67 positioned around the holder 69, and a cylindrical dielectric 68 that insulates the space between the two electrodes 66 and 67, as shown in Figure 15. When a pulsed current is supplied between the first electrode 66 and the second electrode 67, electrons are emitted from the first electrode 66 by corona discharge. The emitted electrons combine with oxygen molecules in the air to become ionic species (molecular species with negative or positive charge). When these ionic species combine with water molecules, they form ions.

[0090] Furthermore, the active ingredient generator 45 may be an ozone generator that generates ozone by irradiating oxygen in the air with ultraviolet light (wavelength 185 nm), or it may be an impregnated body containing a volatile active ingredient (such as a disinfectant or insect repellent). Multiple types of active ingredient generators 45 can also be used in combination. If the active ingredient generator 45 is an impregnated body of a disinfectant, the disinfectant volatilized from the impregnated body is thoroughly mixed with the air in the swirling area 84, generating evenly disinfected purified air. In this case, the effectiveness of the disinfectant does not need to last until the purified air is blown out from the outlet 43. In other words, the active ingredient according to the present invention may only exert its effect inside the air purification device. The blower fan 44 may be an axial fan or the like, in addition to a centrifugal fan.

[0091] The air purification device according to the present invention can contribute to Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being for All) of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The application of the air purification device according to the present invention is not limited to humidifiers as in the above embodiment, but can also be applied to air purifiers without a water tank 2 or humidification unit 11, or to air conditioners, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Main unit of the device 40 Wind path 41 Outer case 42 Inlet 43 Air outlet 44 Blower fan 45. Active ingredient generating device (discharge device) 49 Filter cover 50 Cover opening 54 Filter body 58 Safety fence 60 Inspection window 66 1st electrode 67 2nd electrode 68 Dielectrics 74 Inner frame 83 Inflow area 84 Turning Area 85 Spill area 87 Lower connection port 90 Upper connection port 91 First channel 92 Second channel 93 Third channel

Claims

1. It comprises an outer case (41) having an air passage (40) inside, a blower fan (44) that forms an airflow from an intake port (42) at one end of the air passage (40) to an outlet port (43) at the other end, and an active ingredient generator (45) that generates an active ingredient within the air passage (40). This air purification device involves drawing air from an intake port (42) into an air passage (40), incorporating active ingredients from the surrounding area of ​​an active ingredient generator (45) to become purified air, which is then blown out from an outlet (43). The air passage (40) includes a swirling area (84) that causes the airflow to swirl around a vertical rotation axis (X) for more than half a turn, and an active ingredient generator (45) is located in or upstream of the swirling area (84). The air passage (40) includes an outflow area (85) that connects the swirling area (84) and the outlet (43), The outflow area (85) is formed in an upward-expanding, tapered shape. An air purification device characterized in that an outlet (43) is provided on the upper end side of the discharge area (85).

2. The device comprises an outer case (41) having an air passage (40) inside, a blower fan (44) that forms an airflow from an intake port (42) at one end of the air passage (40) to an outlet port (43) at the other end, and an active ingredient generator (45) that generates an active ingredient inside the air passage (40), This air purification device involves drawing air from an intake port (42) into an air passage (40), incorporating active ingredients from the surrounding area of ​​an active ingredient generator (45) to become purified air, which is then blown out from an outlet (43). The air passage (40) includes a swirling area (84) that causes the airflow to swirl around a vertical rotation axis (X) for more than half a turn, and an active ingredient generator (45) is located upstream of the swirling area (84). The outer case (41) has a cover opening (50) which is opened and closed by the filter cover (49). An air purification device characterized in that an intake port (42) for an air passage (40) and an inspection window (60) facing an active ingredient generator (45) are provided inside the cover opening (50).

3. The device comprises an outer case (41) having an air passage (40) inside, a blower fan (44) that forms an airflow from an intake port (42) at one end of the air passage (40) to an outlet port (43) at the other end, and an active ingredient generator (45) that generates an active ingredient inside the air passage (40), This air purification device involves drawing air from an intake port (42) into an air passage (40), incorporating active ingredients from the surrounding area of ​​an active ingredient generator (45) to become purified air, which is then blown out from an outlet (43). The air passage (40) includes a swirling area (84) that causes the airflow to swirl around a vertical rotation axis (X) for more than half a turn, and an active ingredient generator (45) is located in or upstream of the swirling area (84). The outer case (41) has a cover opening (50) which is opened and closed by the filter cover (49). An air purification device characterized in that the filter cover (49) includes a filter body (54) that removes ammonia.

4. The device comprises an outer case (41) having an air passage (40) inside, a blower fan (44) that forms an airflow from an intake port (42) at one end of the air passage (40) to an outlet port (43) at the other end, and an active ingredient generator (45) that generates an active ingredient inside the air passage (40), This air purification device involves drawing air from an intake port (42) into an air passage (40), incorporating active ingredients from the surrounding area of ​​an active ingredient generator (45) to become purified air, which is then blown out from an outlet (43). The air passage (40) includes a swirling area (84) that causes the airflow to swirl around a vertical rotation axis (X) for more than half a turn, and an active ingredient generator (45) is located upstream of the swirling area (84). An air purification device characterized in that, in a plan view, the intake port (42) and the outlet port (43) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the outer case (41).

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