Humidifier, humidification system, and filter member

Abstract

A humidifier (10) comprises: a filter-holding part (21); and an orientation-changing mechanism (4). The filter-holding part (21) holds a filter (3) such that a portion of the filter (3) is immersed in a water reservoir (22). The orientation-changing mechanism (4) changes the orientation of the filter (3) among a plurality of orientations including a first orientation in which a first portion (301) of the filter (3) is immersed in water, and a second orientation in which a second portion (302) of the filter (3) is immersed in water. The orientation-changing mechanism (4) is capable of changing the orientation of the filter (3) in association with at least water supplying work with respect to the water reservoir (22).

Description

Humidifier, humidification system and filter member

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a humidifier, a humidification system, and a filter member that include a filter holder that holds a filter.

[0002] As a related art, a humidifier equipped with a filter (humidifying filter) that holds and vaporizes a liquid such as water is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of humidifier, a part of the filter is immersed in water, so that the filter absorbs and holds the water. Then, by passing wind (or warm air) through the filter that holds the water, the water vaporizes and evaporates, thereby obtaining humidified air.

[0003] The related art filter uses a porous nonwoven fabric with clear pores, which forms a fiber bundle with pores in which fibers are oriented around the clear pores, and has high water absorption properties due to capillary action in the water conduit, making it suitable as a vaporization material.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-279084

[0005] In the humidifiers according to the above-mentioned related art, the same part of the filter is always immersed in water, and therefore, over long periods of use, discoloration or the like may occur due to the deposition of crystals on the part of the filter that is exposed to water.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidifier, a humidification system, and a filter member that are less likely to cause crystal deposition in the filter.

[0007] A humidifier according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a filter holder and a position change mechanism. The filter holder holds the filter so that a portion of the filter is immersed in a water storage portion. The position change mechanism changes the position of the filter between a plurality of positions, including a first position in which a first portion of the filter is immersed in water and a second position in which a second portion of the filter is immersed in water. The position change mechanism enables the position change of the filter in accordance with at least the operation of supplying water to the water storage portion.

[0008] A humidification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the humidifier and the filter used in the humidifier.

[0009] A filter member according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used as the filter in the humidification system.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a humidifier, a humidification system, and a filter member in which crystal deposition is less likely to occur in the filter.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a humidifier according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the humidifier according to Embodiment 1 with a tray unit removed. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the tray unit of the humidifier according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around an attitude change mechanism of the humidifier according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around an attitude change mechanism of the humidifier according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the attitude change mechanism when the tray unit is removed in the humidifier according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the attitude change mechanism when the tray unit is removed in the humidifier according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the attitude change mechanism when the tray unit is removed in the humidifier according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the attitude change mechanism when the tray unit is attached in the humidifier according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the attitude change mechanism when the tray unit is attached in the humidifier according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are examples of specific embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overall Configuration First, the overall configuration of a humidifier 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0014] In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the vertical direction when the humidifier 10 is in a usable state is defined as the up-down direction D1. Furthermore, the left-right direction D2 is defined based on the direction when the humidifier 10 is viewed from the front, and the front side of the humidifier 10 is defined as the front and the back side is defined as the rear, and the front-rear direction D3 is defined as the front and rear, respectively. However, these directions are not intended to limit the direction in which the humidifier 10 is used (the direction when in use).

[0015] 1 , the humidifier 10 is used while placed on an installation surface X1, which may be, for example, the top surface of a desk or the floor of a room in a house. When placed on the installation surface X1, the humidifier 100 stands freestanding on the installation surface X1. In other words, the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment is a freestanding and portable device, and the user can freely carry the humidifier 10 and install it at any position on the installation surface X1.

[0016] 1 and 2, the humidifier 10 includes a main body 1 and a tray unit 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the tray unit 2 is removably attached to the main body 1 (to a tray attachment portion 13 thereof).

[0017] The main body 1 has a housing 11, an air outlet 12, and a tray mounting section 13. The main body 1 has a power supply section, a control section, a fan, etc. inside the housing 11.

[0018] In the present embodiment, as an example, the housing 11 has a substantially prismatic shape (rectangular parallelepiped shape) having a length in the up-down direction D1. The housing 11 may have various shapes, and may be, for example, a cylindrical shape other than a prismatic shape.

[0019] The air outlet 12 is an opening through which air humidified by the humidifier 10 is blown out. The air outlet 12 is disposed, for example, on the top surface of the housing 11. The tray mounting section 13 is a space for mounting the tray unit 2. In the present embodiment, as an example, the tray mounting section 13 is disposed in the lower part of the housing 11.

[0020] 2, the tray unit 2 has a filter holding portion 21 and a water storage portion 22. The filter holding portion 21 holds a filter 3. However, in this embodiment, the filter 3 is not included as a component of the humidifier 10. In other words, the filter 3 is not included as a component of the tray unit 2, and is configured to be removable from the tray unit 2.

[0021] The filter 3, together with the humidifier 10, constitutes the humidification system 100. In other words, the humidification system 100 according to this embodiment includes the humidifier 10 and the filter 3. In the humidification system 100, the filter 3 is basically a consumable item, and it is possible to replace only the filter 3.

[0022] In other words, when it is time to replace the filter 3, the user removes the filter 3 from the tray unit 2 and replaces it with a new filter (filter member). At this time, the filter member used for replacement is the member used as the filter 3 in the humidification system 100. The filter 3 is replaced with the tray unit 2 removed from the main body 1.

[0023] 2, the tray unit 2 is attached from the front to the tray attachment section 13 provided at the bottom of the main body 1. That is, the tray attachment section 13 is a space that is open at the front and surrounded by the housing 11 on both sides in the vertical direction D1, both sides in the horizontal direction D2, and the rear. A user can attach or detach the tray unit 2 to or from the main body 1 by moving the tray unit 2 parallel to the tray attachment section 13 in the front-to-rear direction D3.

[0024] Specifically, the user holds the tray unit 2 in their hand and pushes it backward through the front opening of the tray mounting section 13 to mount the tray unit 2 to the main body 1 (the state shown in FIG. 1). On the other hand, the user holds the tray unit 2 in their hand and pulls it forward from the tray mounting section 13 to remove the tray unit 2 from the main body 1 (the state shown in FIG. 2). In this way, the tray unit 2 can be inserted into or removed from the main body 1 of the humidifier 10, thereby making it possible to mount and remove the tray unit 2 from the main body 1.

[0025] The filter holding portion 21 is a member that holds the filter 3. In the present embodiment, as an example, the filter holding portion 21 is formed in a box shape (hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape) with an open top. Here, in the present embodiment, the entire tray unit 2 constitutes the filter holding portion 21. In other words, the tray unit 2 as a whole is formed in a box shape with an open top.

[0026] The water storage section 22 is a section for storing a liquid such as water (tap water, for example). In this embodiment, the water storage section 22 is provided in the filter holding section 21. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the space within the box-shaped filter holding section 21, which extends from the bottom side to a predetermined height, functions as the water storage section 22.

[0027] Here, the liquid stored in the water storage section 22 is not limited to tap water, but may be, for example, pure water, drinking water, lotion, warm water (hot water), deodorant, fragrance, disinfectant water, etc. In the present disclosure, regardless of the type of liquid stored in the water storage section 22, the operation of replenishing the liquid to the water storage section 22 is referred to as the "water supply operation."

[0028] The liquid stored in the water storage section 22 is used to humidify the air in the humidifier 10, and therefore decreases as the humidifier 10 is used. Therefore, a "water supply operation" is required to replenish the water storage section 22 with liquid (tap water, for example). In this embodiment, the water supply operation is performed by removing the tray unit 2 from the main body 1 and supplying the liquid, such as tap water, through the top opening of the tray unit 2 (filter holder 21). Therefore, the user must periodically or irregularly remove the tray unit 2 from the main body 1, replenish the water storage section 22 with liquid, and then attach the tray unit 2 to the main body 1 to perform the "water supply operation."

[0029] 2, an interference avoidance portion 23 is formed at the upper end of the rear wall of the tray unit 2. The interference avoidance portion 23 is a space formed by making the height of the rear wall of the tray unit 2 (filter holding portion 21) lower than the front wall, etc., and is formed in a notched shape, as if the upper end of the rear wall is cut out.

[0030] The filter 3 is held by the filter holding portion 21 of the tray unit 2. As an example in this embodiment, the filter 3 is formed in a rectangular plate shape (a rectangular parallelepiped shape) having a thickness in one direction, as shown in Fig. 2. When attached to the filter holding portion 21, the filter 3 is installed with its thickness direction aligned with the front-rear direction D3, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Here, the width dimension of the filter 3 (the dimension in the left-right direction D2 in Fig. 2) is greater than the height dimension of the filter 3 (the dimension in the up-down direction D1 in Fig. 2).

[0031] The filter 3 has the property that when a portion of the filter 3 is immersed in the liquid (water) in the water storage section 22, the liquid will completely impregnate the filter 3. As an example, the filter 3 is made of a nonwoven fabric made of rayon and / or polyester fibers that has been impregnated with acrylic, and is formed into a corrugated shape with alternating peaks and valleys. When a portion of the filter 3 is submerged in water, the water can be distributed throughout the entire filter 3 by capillary action or the like.

[0032] 3 , the filter 3 is held in the box-shaped filter holding portion 21 while being accommodated in the center of the box-shaped filter holding portion 21 in the front-rear direction D3. At this time, the lower part of the filter 3 is immersed in the liquid (water) stored in the water storage portion 22 of the tray unit 2. As a result, the liquid sucked up inside the filter 3 also spreads to the part of the filter 3 exposed above the water surface (above the water surface).

[0033] The humidifier 10 (humidification system 100) according to this embodiment, configured as described above, is a so-called evaporative humidifier that can humidify air using liquid (water) stored in the water storage section 22. In other words, in the humidifier 10, as shown in FIG. 3 , air is blown onto the filter 3 containing water, vaporizing the water contained in the filter 3 and generating a humidified airflow downstream of the filter 3. In FIG. 3 , the airflow is indicated by white arrows. That is, by blowing air (airflow) from the front onto the portion of the filter 3 exposed above the water surface using a fan or the like in the main body 1, the air, which has passed through the filter 3 and become humidified, is blown out of the housing 11 from the downstream (rear) side of the filter 3 through the air outlet 12.

[0034] However, the configuration is not limited to one in which wind (airflow) passes through filter 3 from front to rear, and may be, for example, one in which wind (airflow) passes through filter 3 from rear to front. Furthermore, humidifier 10 (humidification system 100) is not limited to an evaporation type, and may be, for example, a heat evaporation type (hybrid type) in which moist air is emitted by applying wind (hot air) heated by a heat source such as a heater to filter 3.

[0035] [2] Configuration of the Posture Change Mechanism Next, the configuration of the posture change mechanism 4 of the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG.

[0036] As described above, in the humidifier 10 (humidification system 100) used with part of the filter 3 immersed in the water storage section 22 (or the water stored therein), if the same part of the filter 3 is always immersed in water, this may lead to discoloration of the filter 3. In other words, if the same part of the filter 3 is always immersed in water, discoloration may occur due to the precipitation of crystals in the part of the filter 3 that is exposed to the water over a long period of use.

[0037] The humidifier 10 according to this embodiment employs the configuration described below, thereby realizing a humidifier in which crystal deposition is less likely to occur on the filter 3.

[0038] 4 and 5 , the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment includes a filter holding portion 21 and a position change mechanism 4. The filter holding portion 21 holds the filter 3 so that a portion of the filter 3 is immersed in the water storage portion 22. The position change mechanism 4 changes the position of the filter 3 between a plurality of positions, including a first position in which a first portion of the filter 3 is immersed in water, and a second position in which a second portion 302 of the filter 3 is immersed in water. The position change mechanism 4 enables the position of the filter 3 to change in conjunction with at least the operation of supplying water to the water storage portion 22.

[0039] Here, the first posture is a posture in which a first portion 301 (the lower end in FIG. 4, etc.) of the filter 3 is submerged, and in this state, a second portion 302 (the upper end in FIG. 4, etc.) of the filter 3 is exposed above the water surface (above), as shown in, for example, Figure 4 and Figure 5. On the other hand, the second posture is a posture in which the second portion 302 of the filter 3 is submerged, and in this state, the first portion 301 of the filter 3 is exposed above the water surface (above), as shown in, for example, Figure 9. In this embodiment, as an example, the posture change mechanism 4 changes the posture of the filter 3 between the first posture and the second posture.

[0040] In other words, in the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment, the first and second positions of the filter 3 are positions in which the top and bottom of the filter 3 are inverted. The position change mechanism 4 can alternately change the position of the filter 3 between the first and second positions at least in conjunction with the water supply operation for the water storage section 22.

[0041] According to this configuration, the position change mechanism 4 can change the position of the filter 3 between a plurality of positions, including a first position in which the first portion 301 is submerged and a second position in which the second portion 302 is submerged, in association with the water supply operation for at least the water storage portion 22. The water supply operation is performed periodically or irregularly so that the liquid (water) in the water storage portion 22 does not run out. Therefore, the filter 3 periodically or irregularly switches between the first position in which at least the first portion 301 is submerged and the second position in which the second portion 302 is submerged. As a result, the same portion of the filter 3 is not always submerged in water, but the submerged portions are alternated, making it less likely that crystals will precipitate on the exposed portion of the filter 3. In other words, even if crystals begin to precipitate in part of the filter 3, immersing this portion in water dissolves the precipitated crystals in the water, thereby suppressing crystal precipitation.

[0042] As described above, with the humidifier 10 (humidification system 100) according to this embodiment, even with long-term use, crystal precipitation is unlikely to occur in the portion of the filter 3 that is exposed to water. This makes it possible to suppress discoloration of the filter 3 due to crystal precipitation, which in turn leads to a longer lifespan of the filter 3 and therefore reduces the frequency with which the filter 3 needs to be replaced.

[0043] In this embodiment, the posture change mechanism 4 mainly has a rotating shaft 41 and a bearing portion 42. The rotating shaft 41 is provided on the filter 3, and the bearing portion 42 is provided on the filter holding portion 21. The filter holding portion 21 holds the filter 3 by rotatably holding the rotating shaft 41 at the bearing portion 42.

[0044] Specifically, a pair of rotating shafts 41 are provided so as to protrude from both sides of the filter 3 in the left-right direction D2, and a pair of bearing portions 42 are provided on both side walls of the filter holding portion 21 in the left-right direction D2 at positions facing the pair of rotating shafts 41. Each of the pair of rotating shafts 41 is a cylindrical portion extending along the left-right direction D2, and each of the pair of bearing portions 42 is a recess formed on the inner surface of the filter holding portion 21. In this way, the filter 3 is held in the filter holding portion 21 by fitting the pair of rotating shafts 41 into the pair of bearing portions 42.

[0045] By providing such a rotation shaft 41, the filter 3 can rotate (spin) relative to the filter holding portion 21 around the rotation shaft 41 along the left-right direction D2. When the filter 3 rotates in the opposite direction (180 degrees), the top and bottom of the filter 3 are reversed, thereby switching between the first posture and the second posture. As such, in this embodiment, the posture change of the filter 3 by the posture change mechanism 4 is accompanied by the rotation of the filter 3. Therefore, the posture change mechanism 4 can change the posture of the filter 3 with the minimum necessary movement, and displacement of the filter 3 after the posture change is unlikely to occur.

[0046] More specifically, the filter 3 has a filter body 31 and a frame body 32. The frame body 32 is a frame-shaped member that penetrates in the front-rear direction and holds the filter body 31 inside. The pair of rotation shafts 41 are disposed at the center of the frame body 32 in a side view. However, the "rotation shafts" referred to in this disclosure do not have to have actual cylindrical shaft members, and may be, for example, virtual axes that serve as the center of rotation (spin) of the filter 3.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotation shaft 41 of the filter 3 is not fixed at a fixed position with respect to the filter holding portion 21, but is held so as to be movable relative to the filter holding portion 21. When the attitude of the filter 3 is changed by the attitude change mechanism 4, the rotation shaft 41 of the filter 3 moves. In other words, when the attitude of the filter 3 changes, the filter 3 not only rotates (spins) relative to the filter holding portion 21, but also moves in parallel as the rotation shaft 41 moves.

[0048] 4 and 5, in each of the positions such as the first position and the second position, the filter 3 can be rotated while the lower surface of the filter 3 is in contact with the bottom surface of the filter holding portion 21. In other words, even if the filter 3 were to rotate with the rotation shaft 41 in the position shown in Fig. 4 and 5, the lower surface of the filter 3 would interfere with the bottom surface of the filter holding portion 21. By moving the rotation shaft 41 itself (e.g., upward), it is possible to rotate the filter 3 while avoiding such interference.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the filter holding portion 21 has a guide portion 421 that guides the movement of the rotation shaft 41. As an example, the guide portion 421 is configured by enlarging the recess serving as the bearing portion 42 into a predetermined shape. In other words, the guide portion 421 is a recess (concave portion) formed on the inner surface of the filter holding portion 21. Here, as shown in FIG. 4 , the guide portion 421 is formed in a substantially triangular shape with a base that rises toward the rear. Such guide portions 421 are formed on both side walls of the filter holding portion 21 in the left-right direction D2.

[0050] As a result, the guide portion 421 restricts the range of movement of the rotation shaft 41, making it easier to control the movement of the filter 3 when changing its attitude. As a result, the attitude change mechanism 4 can change the attitude of the filter 3 relatively smoothly.

[0051] The posture change mechanism 4 also includes a jig 43 that can push the filter 3 in only one direction. In the present embodiment, as an example, the jig 43 is provided on the main body 1. The jig 43 is held rotatably about a jig rotation shaft 430 relative to the housing 11 of the main body 1. As shown in FIG. 5 , the jig 43 has a horizontal bar 431 having a length along the left-right direction D2 and a pair of legs 432 extending upward from both longitudinal ends of the horizontal bar 431, and is formed into a generally U-shape overall. In the present embodiment, a pair of jig rotation shafts 430 are provided at the tips of the pair of legs 432 so as to protrude toward both sides in the left-right direction D2.

[0052] According to this configuration, the jig 43 is rotatable between a state (first state) in which the horizontal bar portion 431 is located inside the tray mounting portion 13 of the main body 1, as shown in Fig. 4, and a state (second state) in which the horizontal bar portion 431 is retracted outside (above) the tray mounting portion 13, as shown by the imaginary line (two-dot chain line) in Fig. 4. The transition from the first state to the second state occurs when the jig 43 rotates around the pair of jig rotation shafts 430 in a direction that moves the horizontal bar portion 431 rearward (counterclockwise in Fig. 4).

[0053] The movable range (rotatable range) of the jig 43 is limited to approximately 90 degrees between the first state and the second state, and for example, the horizontal bar 431 cannot move further forward from the first state. Therefore, in the first state, the horizontal bar 431 is prohibited from moving forward, but is free to move backward. This allows the jig 43 to push the filter 3 only in one direction (backward in this embodiment).

[0054] Here, in the housing 11 of the main body 1, a storage space Sp1 for accommodating the jig 43 in the second state is provided outside the tray mounting portion 13. In this embodiment, the storage space Sp1 is provided above the tray mounting portion 13. As will be described in detail later, this storage space Sp1 also serves as an interference avoidance space for avoiding interference with the filter 3 when the main body 1 changes its posture.

[0055] The posture change mechanism 4 also has a holder 44 that holds the filter 3 in each of the multiple postures. In the present embodiment, as an example, the holder 44 is a magnet provided on the frame 32 of the filter 3. Magnetic bodies 441, 442 to which the holder 44 is attracted are disposed at positions facing the holder 44 (magnet) on the side wall of the filter holder 21 in the left-right direction D2. The magnetic body 441 is disposed at a position facing the holder 44 when the filter 3 is in the first posture (see FIG. 4 ), and the magnetic body 442 is disposed at a position facing the holder 44 when the filter 3 is in the second posture (see FIG. 9 ).

[0056] By providing such a holding portion 44, when the attitude changes, it is possible to stop the filter 3 in the changed attitude, such as the first attitude or the second attitude, etc. In other words, when the attitude changes, it is possible to prevent the filter 3 from rotating further beyond the changed attitude.

[0057] [3] Operation of the Posture Change Mechanism Next, the operation of the posture change mechanism 4 of the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10. FIG.

[0058] 6 to 10 illustrate the operation of the tray unit 2 associated with the "water supply operation" of removing the tray unit 2 from the main body 1, refilling the water storage section 22 with liquid, and then attaching the tray unit 2 to the main body 1. Figures 6 to 8 show the operation when removing the tray unit 2 from the main body 1, and Figures 9 and 10 show the operation when attaching the tray unit 2 to the main body 1 (after refilling with liquid (water)). Also, in Figures 6 to 8 and 10, two consecutive states are shown one above the other, and represent a transition from the state shown in the upper row to the state shown in the lower row.

[0059] Here, a case will be exemplified in which the posture change mechanism 4 changes the posture of the filter 3 from the first posture to the second posture in association with the water supply operation. That is, the filter 3 is assumed to be in the first posture as an initial state before the water supply operation.

[0060] When removing the tray unit 2 from the main body 1, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 6, the tray unit 2 is first pulled forward, and the jig 43 comes into contact with the upper end portion (second portion 302 in Fig. 6) of the filter 3 from the front. When the tray unit 2 is further pulled forward from this state, the upper end portion of the filter 3 is pushed by the jig 43, and the rotation shaft 41 of the filter 3 moves diagonally upward and rearward within the guide portion 421, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 6. At this time, the filter 3 is pushed by the jig 43, is released from the holding portion 44, and rotates around the rotation shaft 41 in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow (clockwise in the figure).

[0061] In this embodiment, when the filter 3 rotates, a part of the filter 3 protrudes upward from the tray mounting portion 13, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 6. Therefore, the main body 1 is provided with an interference avoidance space Sp2 to avoid interference with the filter 3 protruding from the tray mounting portion 13.

[0062] That is, the humidifier 10 according to this embodiment is provided with the interference avoidance space Sp2 that avoids interference with the filter 3 when the posture of the humidifier 10 changes. As a result, by allowing the filter 3 to escape into the interference avoidance space Sp2, the rotation of the filter 3 is not impeded and the filter 3 can be rotated smoothly.

[0063] Moreover, in this embodiment, the interference avoidance space Sp2 includes a storage space Sp1 for the jig 43 that operates the filter 3 when the posture is changed. Therefore, the space for avoiding interference with the filter 3 can also be used for storing the jig 43, allowing for effective use of the space within the main body 1, which ultimately leads to a more compact main body 1.

[0064] When the tray unit 2 is further pulled forward from the state shown in the lower part of Fig. 6 , the filter 3 is pushed by the jig 43 and further rotates around the rotation axis 41 in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow (clockwise in the figure), as shown in the upper part of Fig. 7 . At this time, the filter 3 is pushed from above by the jig 43, and the rotation axis 41 of the filter 3 moves diagonally downward and forward within the guide portion 421. The filter 3 is further pushed by the jig 43 and becomes rotated approximately 90 degrees from the first attitude. When the tray unit 2 is further pulled forward from this state, the rotation axis 41 of the filter 3 completely passes through the jig 43 and is positioned forward of the jig 43, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 7 . At this time, the filter 3 rotates around the rotation axis 41 in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow (clockwise in the figure) due to inertial force.

[0065] When the tray unit 2 is further pulled forward from this state, the filter 3 is completely pulled out from the tray mounting portion 13, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 8. At this time, the filter 3 further rotates around the rotation shaft 41 in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow (clockwise in the figure) due to inertial force. Once the filter 3 reaches the state shown in the upper part of Fig. 8, the rotation shaft 41 of the filter 3 moves diagonally downward and forward within the guide portion 421 due to the filter 3's own weight, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 8. At this time, the filter 3 rotates around the rotation shaft 41 in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow (clockwise in the figure) and assumes a second position in which the second portion 302 is positioned downward and the first portion 301 is positioned upward.

[0066] That is, when the tray unit 2 is removed from the main body 1 during the water supply operation, the filter 3 rotates half a turn (180 degrees) from the first position to the second position. In the state shown in the lower part of Fig. 8, the holder 44 is attracted to the magnetic material 442, and the filter 3 is held in the second position.

[0067] On the other hand, when the tray unit 2 is attached to the main body 1, as shown in Fig. 9, the tray unit 2 is first pushed rearward into the tray attachment portion 13, causing the jig 43 to come into contact from behind near the upper end portion (first portion 301 in Fig. 9) of the filter 3. When the tray unit 2 is further pushed rearward from this state, the jig 43 is pressed near the upper end portion of the filter 3, and the jig 43 rotates in a direction (counterclockwise in the figure) that moves the horizontal bar portion 431 rearward, as shown by the dashed arrow.

[0068] When the tray unit 2 is further pushed rearward from this state, the jig 43 assumes a state (second state) in which the horizontal bar portion 431 is retracted outside (above) the tray mounting portion 13, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 10. At this time, the filter 3 passes below the jig 43 while maintaining the second attitude. When the filter 3 has completely passed below the jig 43, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 10, the jig 43 rotates in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow (clockwise in the figure) due to its own weight, and the jig 43 assumes a state (first state) in which the horizontal bar portion 431 is located inside the tray mounting portion 13.

[0069] That is, when the tray unit 2 is attached to the main body 1 during the water supply operation, the filter 3 maintains its original position (here, the second position) without rotating. In other words, the jig 43 can only push the filter 3 in one direction (here, backward), so when removing (dismounting) the tray unit 2 from the main body 1, the jig 43 pushes the filter 3 to assist in changing the position of the filter 3. On the other hand, when attaching (mounting) the tray unit 2 to the main body 1, the jig 43 does not push the filter 3, and the filter 3 maintains its position.

[0070] As a result, when the water supply operation involves inserting or removing the filter holding part 21 (tray unit 2) into or from the main body 1, the operation of switching between the first position and the second position during either the insertion or removal can be performed, thereby switching the position for each water supply operation. In other words, as in this embodiment, the position is switched for each water supply operation by rotating the filter 3 in the opposite direction only when removing the filter holding part 21.

[0071] Here, an example has been given of the posture change mechanism 4 changing the posture of the filter 3 from the first posture to the second posture in conjunction with the water supply operation, but changing the posture of the filter 3 from the second posture to the first posture can also be achieved by the same operation as described above.

[0072] As described above, the posture change mechanism 4 changes the posture of the filter 3 at least in conjunction with the water supply operation to the water storage section 22. Therefore, each time water supply operation is performed, which is performed periodically or irregularly, the posture of the filter 3 is switched between the first posture and the second posture, and the part of the filter 3 that is immersed in water is frequently switched, making it difficult for crystals to precipitate on the part of the filter 3 that is exposed to the water.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the position change mechanism 4 is capable of changing the position of the filter 3 in conjunction with the movement of the filter holding portion 21 that accompanies the water supply operation. Specifically, the position change mechanism 4 automatically changes the position of the filter 3 by utilizing the force with which the user operates (attaches or detaches) the tray unit 2 (filter holding portion 21). Therefore, the user can change the position of the filter 3 simply by performing the water supply operation, without having to intentionally operate the filter 3.

[0074] That is, movement of the filter holding part 21 includes insertion and removal (attachment and detachment) of the filter holding part 21 into and from the main body 1 of the humidifier 10. When a user attaches or detaches the tray unit 2 (filter holding part 21), the filter 3 itself also moves, making it easier for an external force to act on the filter 3 to change the position of the filter 3. Therefore, the position change mechanism 4 is a relatively simple mechanism that can change the position of the filter 3.

[0075] [4] Other Configurations In addition to or instead of the above-described configurations, the humidifier 10 may employ the following configurations.

[0076] The humidifier 10 may include packing on both sides in the left-right direction D2 of the filter 3 and / or above the filter 3 to fill gaps between the filter 3 and the filter holder 21 and the main body 1. In particular, when the filter 3 rotates, gaps are necessary on both sides in the left-right direction D2 of the filter 3 so as not to impede the rotation of the filter 3, and it is preferable to fill these gaps with packing to prevent unhumidified airflow from passing through these gaps.

[0077] The position change mechanism 4 only needs to be able to change the position of the filter 3 in accordance with the water supply operation, and for example, whether or not to change the position of the filter 3 during the water supply operation may ultimately be determined by the user's operation of an operating lever, etc. For example, the position change mechanism 4 may change the position of the filter 3 when the user operates an operating lever that becomes operable only after the tray unit 2 is removed from the main body 1.

[0078] The position change mechanism 4 may also change the position of the filter 3 without rotating the filter 3. Furthermore, the position change mechanism 4 may change the position of the filter 3 not by inserting or removing the filter holding portion 21 (tray unit 2) itself, but, for example, in conjunction with the operation of an unlocking lever or the like operated to remove the filter holding portion 21 (tray unit 2). Alternatively, in a humidifier 10 in which the main body 1 is provided with a water supply port and water is supplied while the tray unit 2 is attached to the main body 1, the position change mechanism 4 may change the position of the filter 3 in conjunction with the operation of opening the water supply port, etc. In these cases, the position change mechanism 4 changes the position of the filter 3 in conjunction with the water supply operation.

[0079] Furthermore, the posture change mechanism 4 only needs to be able to change the posture of the filter 3 "at least" in conjunction with the water supply operation, and may be able to change the posture of the filter 3 not only during the water supply operation but also at times other than the water supply operation.

[0080] Furthermore, the posture change mechanism 4 is not limited to a completely manual configuration, and may be, for example, partially or entirely electrically operated, which allows the posture of the filter 3 to be changed more reliably.

[0081] [5] Modifications The following are modifications of the first embodiment. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0082] The holding portion 44 is not limited to a magnet, and may be, for example, a hook structure such as a claw, a weight or a spring (elastic member), or a combination of these. Furthermore, the arrangement and number of the holding portions 44 can be changed as appropriate. As an example, a stopper mechanism provided around the rotation shaft 41 may be used as the holding portion 44.

[0083] Furthermore, the position change mechanism 4 may change the position of the filter 3 between three or more positions, not just the first position and the second position.

[0084] [Supplementary Notes on the Invention] The following is a summary of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0085] <Supplementary Note 1> A humidifier comprising: a filter holding section that holds the filter so that a portion of the filter is immersed in a water storage section; and a position change mechanism that changes the position of the filter between a plurality of positions including a first position in which a first portion of the filter is immersed in water and a second position in which a second portion of the filter is immersed in water, wherein the position change mechanism enables the position of the filter to change in accordance with at least an operation of supplying water to the water storage section.

[0086] <Supplementary Note 2> The humidifier according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the posture change mechanism is capable of changing the posture of the filter in conjunction with movement of the filter holding portion associated with the water supply operation.

[0087] <Supplementary Note 3> The humidifier according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the movement of the filter holding part includes moving the filter holding part in and out of a main body of the humidifier.

[0088] <Supplementary Note 4> The humidifier according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the change in posture is accompanied by a rotation of the filter.

[0089] <Supplementary Note 5> The humidifier according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein a rotation axis of the filter moves when the attitude changes.

[0090] <Supplementary Note 6> The humidifier according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the filter holding portion has a guide portion that guides movement of the rotation shaft.

[0091] <Supplementary Note 7> The humidifier according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, further comprising an interference avoidance space that avoids interference with the filter when the posture is changed.

[0092] <Supplementary Note 8> The humidifier according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the interference avoidance space includes a space for accommodating a jig that operates the filter when the attitude is changed.

[0093] <Supplementary Note 9> The humidifier according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein the posture change mechanism includes a jig that can push the filter in only one direction.

[0094] <Supplementary Note 10> The humidifier according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, wherein the position change mechanism has a holding part that holds the filter in each of the plurality of positions.

[0095] <Supplementary Note 11> A humidification system comprising: the humidifier according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10; and the filter used in the humidifier.

[0096] <Supplementary Note 12> A filter member used as the filter in the humidification system according to Supplementary Note 11.

Claims

1. A humidifier comprising: a filter holding section which holds a filter so that a portion of the filter is immersed in a water storage section; and a posture change mechanism which changes the posture of the filter between a plurality of postures including a first posture in which a first portion of the filter is immersed in water and a second posture in which a second portion of the filter is immersed in water, wherein the posture change mechanism enables the posture of the filter to change at least in conjunction with the operation of supplying water to the water storage section.

2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the position change mechanism is capable of changing the position of the filter in conjunction with the movement of the filter holding part associated with the water supply operation.

3. The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein the movement of the filter holder includes moving the filter holder in and out of the main body of the humidifier.

4. A humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the change in attitude is accompanied by a rotation of the filter.

5. The humidifier according to claim 4, wherein a rotation axis of the filter moves when the attitude is changed.

6. The humidifier according to claim 5, wherein the filter holding portion has a guide portion that guides the movement of the rotation shaft.

7. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an interference avoidance space for avoiding interference with the filter when the attitude is changed.

8. The humidifier according to claim 7, wherein the interference avoidance space includes a storage space for a jig that operates the filter when the attitude is changed.

9. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the position change mechanism includes a jig capable of pushing the filter in only one direction.

10. A humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the position change mechanism has a holding part that holds the filter in each of the plurality of positions.

11. A humidification system comprising: a humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and the filter used in the humidifier.

12. A filter member used as the filter in the humidification system according to claim 11.