EP2600071A1 - Humidifier - Google Patents
Humidifier Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2600071A1 EP2600071A1 EP11812229.0A EP11812229A EP2600071A1 EP 2600071 A1 EP2600071 A1 EP 2600071A1 EP 11812229 A EP11812229 A EP 11812229A EP 2600071 A1 EP2600071 A1 EP 2600071A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- water
- humidification
- unit
- water tray
- air
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
- F24F6/02—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air
- F24F6/06—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air using moving unheated wet elements
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/28—Arrangement or mounting of filters
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
- F24F8/10—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering
- F24F8/108—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering using dry filter elements
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
- F24F8/30—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by ionisation
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
- F24F2006/006—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification with water treatment
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
- F24F2006/008—Air-humidifier with water reservoir
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2203/00—Devices or apparatus used for air treatment
- F24F2203/10—Rotary wheel
- F24F2203/1068—Rotary wheel comprising one rotor
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
- F24F2221/12—Details or features not otherwise provided for transportable
Definitions
- This invention relates to a humidifier, and particularly to a humidifier in which water for humidification is fed using a water tray.
- Air purifiers which remove or break down odoriferous components, dust, bacteria, viruses and the like floating in air in indoor spaces and thereby clean the air.
- Air purifiers of such description include those having not only an air-cleaning function but also a humidifying function for increasing the humidity of indoor air.
- a humidifying function of such description is obtained, e.g., by using a circular disc-shaped humidification rotor such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 ( JP-A 2009-148305 ).
- the air purifier according to Patent Document 1 which has a humidifying function of such description, is a type of humidifier, and is provided with a water tray for storing water and a circular disc-shaped humidification rotor for releasing the water in the water tray into the air.
- the humidification rotor is caused to rotate while water from the water tray is fed to a part thereof. Indoor air drawn into the interior of the air purifier is humidified when passing through the humidification rotor.
- Conventional air purifiers generally require cleaning of the water tray and other maintenance, and are therefore generally configured so that the water tray can be attached/detached with respect to the air purifier.
- Patent Document 1 air containing active species generated in a discharge treatment unit is fed using a ventilation pump into the water in the water tank. Using active species thus inhibits sliminess and/or bacterial growth.
- the present invention addresses the problem of providing a humidifier in which the water tray can be kept clean using a simple mechanism.
- a humidifier comprises a discharge unit, a humidification unit, a fan, and a flow channel.
- the discharge unit generates active species by plasma discharge.
- the humidification unit has a water tray and humidifies air using water in the water tray.
- the fan blows air humidified in the humidification unit into an indoor space.
- the flow channel sends the active species from the discharge unit to a space above the water in the water tray using ventilation flow generated by the fan.
- the active species can be sent to the space above the water in the water tray using a simple mechanism of flow channels in which ventilation flow generated by the fan is used.
- a humidifier according to a second aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the first aspect, wherein the fan is arranged on the downstream side of the humidification unit.
- the discharge unit is arranged on the downstream side of the fan in the flow channel.
- the humidification unit is arranged on the downstream side of the discharge unit in the flow channel.
- arranging the discharge unit and the humidification unit on the flow channel in sequence on the downstream side of the fan makes it possible to create a flow of air to the humidification unit using only the blowing-out of air from the fan.
- a humidifier according to a third aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the first or the second aspects, further provided with a filter unit for removing dust in the air fed to the humidification unit.
- the flow channel has an active species supply region which passes through at least a part of the surroundings of the filter unit on a downstream side of the discharge unit, the active species supply region being provided with a hole for supplying the filter unit with the active species.
- the humidifier of the third aspect it is possible to also supply the active species to the filter unit by shared use of the flow channel for sending the active species to the water tray.
- a humidifier according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the first or the second aspects, further provided with a filter unit for removing dust in the air fed to the humidification unit.
- the discharge unit and the flow channel are arranged on a side surface of the filter unit.
- arranging the discharge unit and the flow channel on the side surface of the filter unit makes it possible to utilize the space in the humidifier in an effective manner.
- a humidifier according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to any of the first through fourth aspects, further provided with a tank for feeding water to the water tray of the humidification unit.
- the water tray is provided with a partition part for partitioning a humidification space in which air is humidified and an external space from each other, the partition wall having formed therein an opening for guiding water in the tank arranged in the external space into the humidification space.
- the water tray has a partition part. Therefore, it is possible to partition the space in which the tank is present and the space surrounding the humidification unit from each other using the partition part, and the arrangement can be applied to a humidifier that has a tank.
- a humidifier according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the fifth aspect, wherein the flow channel has a delivery port in the vicinity of the water tray in the external space, the active species being delivered through the delivery port.
- the delivery port is provided on the external-space side; therefore, the effect of the humidification space on the flow of air can be reduced.
- the water tray can be kept clean using a simple mechanism.
- a flow of air for sending active species into the water tray can be obtained using a simple configuration.
- the size of a humidifier having a function for generating active species can be reduced.
- the humidifier of the fourth aspect of the present invention space can be utilized in an effective manner, and the size of the humidifier can be readily reduced.
- the arrangement can be applied to a humidifier that has a tank, and there is greater versatility.
- the effect of providing a flow channel on the flow of air in the humidification space can be reduced, and a decrease in humidification performance can be prevented.
- an air purifier having a humidification function as an example of a humidifier to which the present invention is applied.
- an air purification function is not a required configuration for the present invention, and the present invention can also be applied to a humidifier that does not have an air purification function.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 An overview of the overall configuration of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- FIG 1 is a perspective view as viewed from the upper right facing the front of the air purifier
- FIG 2 is a perspective view as viewed from the upper left facing the rear of the air purifier.
- the air purifier 10 has intakes 11 for drawing in indoor air, and an outlet 12 for discharging humidified air.
- the intakes 11 comprise a front lower intake 11a and side intakes 11b.
- FIG 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of dust removal and/or breakdown and humidification in the air purifier.
- a Sirocco fan 16 generates an airflow 13 extending from the intakes 11 to the outlet 12. Indoor air suctioned from the intakes 11 is filtered in a filter unit 14 to remove dust and/or odor components, and humidified in a humidification unit 15. After being humidified and purified, the air is discharged from the Sirocco fan 16.
- the filter unit 14 comprises a pre-filter 17A, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter 17B, and a deodorizing element 17C.
- the pre-filter 17A provided to the air purifier 10 removes large dust particles.
- the HEPA filter 17B removes smaller dust particles.
- formaldehyde, odor components, and/or other substances are broken down or adsorbed by the deodorizing element 17C containing active carbon and other substances.
- the humidification unit 15 comprises a humidification rotor 50, a water tray 40, and other components. Air that has passed through the deodorizing element 17C passes through the humidification rotor 50 of the humidification unit 15. When air passes through the humidification rotor 50, water is released into the air from the humidification rotor 50. In order to compensate for the water lost by being discharged, the humidification rotor 50 is fed water from the water tray 40.
- a branch flow 13a of ventilation flow blown out from the Sirocco fan 16 is channeled to a streamer discharge unit 18.
- active species are supplied by streamer discharge.
- Some of a branch flow 13b to which active species have been supplied separates and forms a plurality of branch flows 13c, which are blown from small openings to the front of the pre-filter 17A.
- the branch flows 13c join indoor air suctioned from the pre-filter 17A and reach the deodorizing element 17C.
- the active species reaching the deodorizing element 17C boost the deodorizing effect.
- a branch flow 13d resulting when the branch flows 13c have been separated from the branch flow 13b is channelled to a space Sp1 above the water in the water tray 40.
- the active species in the branch flows 13c inhibits bacterial growth and/or occurrence of sliminess in the water tray 40 and keeps the interior of the water tray 40 clean.
- the operation of the air purifier 10 having a humidification function of such description is switched using a control panel 19 provided to an upper section of the air purifier 10.
- the control panel 19 is provided with a switch for controlling the ON/OFF states of humidification operation in addition to the ON/OFF states of the operation of the air purifier 10.
- the rotation of the humidification rotor 50 is in a stopped state, and no water is fed to the humidification rotor 50. As a result, release of water into the air stops once the humidification rotor 50 has dried.
- a water tank 30 is housed in a left side section of the air purifier 10.
- the exterior of the air purifier 10 is covered by a main body casing 20.
- the main body casing 20 is configured so that a left side plate 21 can be detached, and the water tank 30 is attached to the left side plate 21.
- a water port is provided to the lower section of the water tank 30.
- a lower left side plate 22 which is curved so as to reduce the width of the lower section of the air purifier 10, is arranged below the left side plate 21.
- the lower left side plate 22 is attached to the water tray 40.
- a fan casing 70 housing the Sirocco fan 16 shown in FIG. 3 is arranged to the right of the water tank 30 in the main body casing 20.
- the fan casing 70 extends upwards towards the outlet 12, and an outlet of the fan casing 70 coincides with the outlet 12 of the main body casing 20.
- the state shown in FIG 5 is a state in which the left side plate 21, the water tank 30, and the water tray 40 have been removed; and also in which the Sirocco fan has been removed with the fan casing 70, from the state shown in FIG. 4 .
- the water tray 40 is fitted from the external space Sp1 shown in FIG. 5 .
- the front-side member having honeycomb-shaped openings is a filter support member 80.
- the pre-filter 17A, the HEPA filter 17B, and the deodorizing element 17C shown in FIG. 3 are attached to the filter support member 80.
- a delivery port 81 is provided to the filter support member 80 so as to face the space above the water tray 40 of the space Sp1. The air containing active species is blown out from the delivery port 81.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 show a state in which the water tank 30, the filter support member 80, and the main body casing 20 excluding the lower left side plate 22 have been removed from the state shown in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view as viewed from the diagonally upper-left on the front side of the air purifier 10
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view as viewed from the diagonally upper-left on the rear side of the air purifier 10.
- the water tray 40 primarily comprises: a water-receiving part 41 arranged below the water tank 30; a rotor immersion part 42 at which the lower section of the humidification rotor 50 is immersed in water; a partition wall 43; a bearing 44; and a partition board 45.
- the bearing 44 for receiving the shaft of the humidification rotor 50 is attached on top of a side wall of the water tray 40 forming the rotor immersion part 42.
- the water-receiving part 41 and the rotor immersion part 42 are partitioned from each other by the partition wall 43 for partitioning water stored in the water tray 40.
- An opening, through which the water-receiving part 41 communicates with the rotor immersion part 42, is provided to the lower section of the partition wall 43 hidden by the lower left side plate 22 and other components in FIG. 7 . In a state in which water is present in the water tray 40, the opening is blocked by the water, and the water-receiving part 41 and the rotor immersion part 42 are separated.
- the partition board 45 extends upwards from the top of the partition wall 43 without any gap present therebetween. In a state in which the water tray 40 is fitted, the partition board 45 joins with the fan casing 70 without any gap present therebetween. In the state shown in FIG. 6 , the water tray 40 is locked to the fan casing 70 by a locking mechanism.
- the space Sp2 housing the humidification rotor 50 is a space in the interior of a housing formed by the fan casing 70 and the filter support member 80.
- the space Sp2 is surrounded by a side wall 71, an upper wall 72, a lower wall 73, a rear wall 74, the partition board 45, and the filter support member 80.
- the space Sp2 is thereby partitioned from the external space Sp1, and paths linking the external space Sp1 and the space Sp2 with each other are limited to specific paths such as the intakes 11 and/or the outlet 12.
- the housing does not have an opening other than the honeycomb-shaped opening formed on the filter support member 80 and the opening provided to the rear wall 74. Therefore, the same amount of air as that fed from the filter support member 80 to the space Sp2 is fed from the space Sp2 through the rear wall 74 to the Sirocco fan 16.
- the branch flow 13a is channelled from an opening 79 of the fan casing 70 towards the streamer discharge unit 18.
- the flow channel channelling the branch flow 13a is surrounded by the main body casing 20 and the fan casing 70, and communicates only with the opening 79 and the streamer discharge unit 18. Therefore, air will not flow in from the external space, and the branch flow 13a will not leak out to the external space.
- the branch flow 13b which has been imparted with active species at the streamer discharge unit 18, is blown out from the streamer discharge unit 18 towards the water tray 40 further below.
- FIG. 8 shows the configuration of a component obtained by integrally forming the rotor immersion part 42, the partition wall 43, and the water-receiving part 41 of the water tray.
- FIG. 8(a) is a top view of this component;
- FIG. 8(b) is a front view of this component; and
- FIG. 8(c) is a side view of the partition wall.
- Screws for securing the partition board 45 are screwed into two screw holes 40a near the water-receiving part 41 and the partition wall 43. Screws for securing the bearing 44 are screwed into two screw holes 40b and two screw holes 40c provided respectively to a front side wall 42a and a rear side wall 42b of the rotor immersion part 42.
- a partition part 40d protrudes below the water tray 40.
- the partition part 40d extends longitudinally below the water tray 40.
- the partition part 40d comes into contact with a lower wall 73 below the water tray 40, and partitions the space Sp2 of the housing and the space in the exterior of the housing from each other.
- an opening 43a is provided to the partition wall 43.
- the opening 43a links the water-receiving part 41 and the rotor immersion part 42. Therefore, water fed from the water tank 30 to the water-receiving part 41 passes through the opening 43a and flows into the rotor immersion part 42.
- the water level when water is remaining in the water tank 30 is indicated by a dashed two-dotted line 43b. When the water level rises to this height, the opening 43a is blocked by water, and the opening 43a will therefore not act as a bypass air path.
- the humidification rotor 50 shown in FIG 6 has a structure in which a porous evaporation filter 51 is attached to a ring-shaped frame 52.
- the humidification rotor 50 causes water to evaporate from the evaporation filter 51 and performs humidification. Therefore, the humidification rotor 50 is designed so that the lower section of the evaporation filter 51, which is dry, enters the water in the rotor immersion part 42 with the rotation of the humidification rotor 50.
- a configuration is present so that water can be scooped up by a water storage part 53 and water can be fed to the evaporation filter 51 in the inside periphery of the ring-shaped frame 52 from the water storage part 53 through a hole (not shown) in the ring-shaped frame 52.
- the humidification rotor 50 is caused to rotate by a motor.
- FIG 9 shows a state in which the humidification rotor 50 and the bearing 44 are removed from the state shown in FIG 6 .
- Removing the humidification rotor 50 reveals the Sirocco fan 16 located on the downstream side of the humidification rotor 50.
- Humidified air is fed from an opening 76 in the rear wall 74 of the housing to the Sirocco fan 16.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 are a perspective view and a front view of the air purifier 10 in a state in which the front lid 23 of the main body casing 20 shown in FIG. 1 has been removed.
- FIG 12 shows the cross-section along line I - I in FIG 11 .
- a mesh portion of the pre-filter 17A is indicated by a dotted line in FIG 12 .
- FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the configuration of a filter support member.
- FIG 13(a) is a front view of the filter support member
- FIG 13(b) is a rear view of the filter support member
- FIG. 13(c) is a side view of the filter support member.
- the flow channel channelling the branch flow 13a has already been illustrated in FIG 7 .
- the flow channel channelling the branch flow 13a is a flow channel extending from the opening 79 of the fan casing 70 to the streamer discharge unit 18, and is formed so as to be surrounded by the main body casing 20 and the fan casing 70.
- the branch flow 13b to which active species have been supplied in the streamer discharge unit 18, is blown out downwards from the streamer discharge unit 18 as shown in FIG 7 .
- a housing part 82 for housing the streamer discharge unit 18 is formed on the upper left section of the filter support member 80 so as to penetrate from the rear side to the front side.
- a hollow portion extends downwards from the housing part 82 and forms a flow channel 83.
- the hollow portion constituting the flow channel 83 is formed by causing a front-side component 80a and a rear-side component 80b constituting the filter support member 80 to engage with each other.
- Multiple holes 84 arranged vertically in a row are formed on the flow channel 83.
- the holes 84 are formed along the side intake 11b.
- the branch flows 13c blown out of the holes 84 turn into a flow heading towards the pre-filter 17A.
- the delivery port 81 is formed below the flow channel 83.
- the delivery port 81 is positioned further above the top end of the lower left side plate 22 as shown in FIG. 5 , i.e., positioned in the space above the water tray 40.
- the delivery port 81 is positioned above the water-receiving part 41 of the water tray 40. It is possible to deliver active species into the water-receiving part 41 from the delivery port 81 and inhibit bacterial growth and occurrence of sliminess in the water-receiving part 41. When the water level in the water-receiving part 41 is low, active species are delivered through the opening 43a shown in FIG 8 into the rotor immersion part 42.
- some of the air blown out from the Sirocco fan 16 is extracted as the branch flow 13a, and active species generated by the streamer discharge unit 18 is guided to the vicinity of the water tray 40 without newly providing a fan and/or a pump.
- the method for creating the flow of air of such description is not limited to ventilation flow blown out by the Sirocco fan 16.
- the flow of air sucked into the Sirocco fan 16 can be used to guide the active species to the vicinity of the water tray 40. In such an instance, a path may be provided so as to guide the active species to the vicinity of the rotor immersion part 42 of the water tray 40 on the side of the space Sp2.
- the streamer discharge unit 18 was mentioned as an example of a discharge unit.
- the discharge unit for performing plasma discharge is not limited to a streamer discharge unit, and may be another type of plasma discharge unit.
- an example was given for an evaporation humidification method in which the humidification rotor 50 is used for the humidification unit 15.
- another humidification method in which a humidification rotor 50 is not used such as a heater humidification method or an ultrasonic humidification method.
- the Sirocco fan 16 is used as the fan.
- a turbo fan, a crossflow fan, or another type of fan can be used as the fan.
- the filter unit 14 comprises the pre-filter 17A, the HEPA filter 17B, and the deodorizing element 17C.
- the filter unit 14 comprises the pre-filter 17A, the HEPA filter 17B, and the deodorizing element 17C.
- the left-side-surface side of the filter support member 80 is the side surface of the filter unit 14 to which the discharge unit 18 and the flow channel 83 are provided.
- the side surface of the filter unit 14, to which the discharge unit 18 and the flow channel 83 are provided is not limited to the left-side-surface side, and the side surface to which the discharge unit and the flow channel are provided may be the upper side surface, lower side surface, or the right-side side surface.
- a configuration is also possible in which the discharge unit 18 and the flow channel 83 is provided to two or more side surfaces from among the upper side surface, lower side surface, left-side side surface, and the right-side side surface, e.g., to the left-side-surface side and the right-side-surface side, instead of one side surface only.
- the side surface to which the discharge unit 18 and the flow channel 83 may also be different.
- a configuration is also possible in which the discharge unit 18 is provided to the upper side surface and/or the lower side surface of the filter unit 14, and the flow channel 83 is provided to the left-side side surface and/or the right-side side surface.
- a configuration is also possible in which the flow channel 83 is provided to the upper side surface and/or the lower side surface of the filter unit 14, and the discharge unit 18 is provided to the left-side side surface and/or the right-side side surface.
- Air purifier 20
- Main body casing 30
- Water tank 40
- Water tray 50
- Humidification rotor 70
- Fan casing 80
- Filter support member
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a humidifier, and particularly to a humidifier in which water for humidification is fed using a water tray.
- Conventionally, there exist air purifiers which remove or break down odoriferous components, dust, bacteria, viruses and the like floating in air in indoor spaces and thereby clean the air. Air purifiers of such description include those having not only an air-cleaning function but also a humidifying function for increasing the humidity of indoor air. A humidifying function of such description is obtained, e.g., by using a circular disc-shaped humidification rotor such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 (
JP-A 2009-148305 - With regards to use of air purifiers, there are periods in which humidification is performed regularly and periods in which the humidification function is seldom used. During periods in which humidification is performed regularly, the water tray tends to be frequently attached/detached and cleaned, and the water tray is more likely to be kept relatively clean.
- However, during periods in which the humidification function is seldom used, the frequency in which the water tray is cleaned tends to decrease, and unused water may remain in the water tray for a relatively long period of time. In such an instance, situations that are problematic in terms of hygiene may occur, such as bacterial growth or occurrence of sliminess in the water tray.
- Therefore, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, air containing active species generated in a discharge treatment unit is fed using a ventilation pump into the water in the water tank. Using active species thus inhibits sliminess and/or bacterial growth.
- However, use of a ventilation pump or similar means results in a large-scale mechanism being required, causing an increase in the size of the device and/or in manufacturing cost.
- The present invention addresses the problem of providing a humidifier in which the water tray can be kept clean using a simple mechanism.
- A humidifier according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a discharge unit, a humidification unit, a fan, and a flow channel. The discharge unit generates active species by plasma discharge. The humidification unit has a water tray and humidifies air using water in the water tray. The fan blows air humidified in the humidification unit into an indoor space. The flow channel sends the active species from the discharge unit to a space above the water in the water tray using ventilation flow generated by the fan.
- According to the humidifier of the first aspect, the active species can be sent to the space above the water in the water tray using a simple mechanism of flow channels in which ventilation flow generated by the fan is used.
- A humidifier according to a second aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the first aspect, wherein the fan is arranged on the downstream side of the humidification unit. The discharge unit is arranged on the downstream side of the fan in the flow channel. The humidification unit is arranged on the downstream side of the discharge unit in the flow channel.
- According to the humidifier of the second aspect, arranging the discharge unit and the humidification unit on the flow channel in sequence on the downstream side of the fan makes it possible to create a flow of air to the humidification unit using only the blowing-out of air from the fan.
- A humidifier according to a third aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the first or the second aspects, further provided with a filter unit for removing dust in the air fed to the humidification unit. The flow channel has an active species supply region which passes through at least a part of the surroundings of the filter unit on a downstream side of the discharge unit, the active species supply region being provided with a hole for supplying the filter unit with the active species.
- According to the humidifier of the third aspect, it is possible to also supply the active species to the filter unit by shared use of the flow channel for sending the active species to the water tray.
- A humidifier according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the first or the second aspects, further provided with a filter unit for removing dust in the air fed to the humidification unit. The discharge unit and the flow channel are arranged on a side surface of the filter unit.
- According to the humidifier of the fourth aspect, arranging the discharge unit and the flow channel on the side surface of the filter unit makes it possible to utilize the space in the humidifier in an effective manner.
- A humidifier according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to any of the first through fourth aspects, further provided with a tank for feeding water to the water tray of the humidification unit. The water tray is provided with a partition part for partitioning a humidification space in which air is humidified and an external space from each other, the partition wall having formed therein an opening for guiding water in the tank arranged in the external space into the humidification space.
- According to the humidifier of the fifth aspect, the water tray has a partition part. Therefore, it is possible to partition the space in which the tank is present and the space surrounding the humidification unit from each other using the partition part, and the arrangement can be applied to a humidifier that has a tank.
- A humidifier according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the humidifier according to the fifth aspect, wherein the flow channel has a delivery port in the vicinity of the water tray in the external space, the active species being delivered through the delivery port.
- According to the humidifier of the sixth aspect, the delivery port is provided on the external-space side; therefore, the effect of the humidification space on the flow of air can be reduced.
- According to the humidifier of the first aspect of the present invention, the water tray can be kept clean using a simple mechanism.
- According to the humidifier of the second aspect of the present invention, a flow of air for sending active species into the water tray can be obtained using a simple configuration.
- According to the humidifier of the third aspect of the present invention, the size of a humidifier having a function for generating active species can be reduced.
- According to the humidifier of the fourth aspect of the present invention, space can be utilized in an effective manner, and the size of the humidifier can be readily reduced.
- According to the humidifier of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the arrangement can be applied to a humidifier that has a tank, and there is greater versatility.
- According to the humidifier of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the effect of providing a flow channel on the flow of air in the humidification space can be reduced, and a decrease in humidification performance can be prevented.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a humidifier according to an embodiment. -
FIG 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the humidifier according to the embodiment. -
FIG 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the path of ventilation flow in the humidifier. -
FIG 4 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the humidifier in a state in which the left side plate is open. -
FIG 5 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the humidifier in a state in which the water tank, the water tray, and the fan casing have been removed. -
FIG 6 is a perspective view illustrating the interior of the main body casing. -
FIG 7 is a perspective view illustrating the interior of the main body casing. -
FIG 8(a) is a top view of a component constituting the water tray, (b) is a front view of the component constituting the water tray, and (c) illustrates the partition wall of the water tray. -
FIG 9 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the water tray is fitted to the fan casing. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the humidifier from which the front lid has been detached. -
FIG 11 is a front view showing the exterior of the humidifier from which the front lid has been detached. -
FIG 12 is a cross-section view along line I - I inFIG 11 . -
FIG 13(a) is a front view of a filter support member, (b) is a rear view of the filter support member, and (c) is a side view of the filter support member. - A description will now be given for an air purifier having a humidification function as an example of a humidifier to which the present invention is applied. However, an air purification function is not a required configuration for the present invention, and the present invention can also be applied to a humidifier that does not have an air purification function.
- An overview of the overall configuration of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 1 and2 .FIG 1 is a perspective view as viewed from the upper right facing the front of the air purifier, andFIG 2 is a perspective view as viewed from the upper left facing the rear of the air purifier. - The
air purifier 10 hasintakes 11 for drawing in indoor air, and anoutlet 12 for discharging humidified air. Theintakes 11 comprise a frontlower intake 11a andside intakes 11b. -
FIG 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of dust removal and/or breakdown and humidification in the air purifier. ASirocco fan 16 generates anairflow 13 extending from theintakes 11 to theoutlet 12. Indoor air suctioned from theintakes 11 is filtered in afilter unit 14 to remove dust and/or odor components, and humidified in ahumidification unit 15. After being humidified and purified, the air is discharged from theSirocco fan 16. - The
filter unit 14 comprises a pre-filter 17A, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)filter 17B, and adeodorizing element 17C. First, the pre-filter 17A provided to theair purifier 10 removes large dust particles. Next, theHEPA filter 17B removes smaller dust particles. In the air that has passed through theHEPA filter 17B, formaldehyde, odor components, and/or other substances are broken down or adsorbed by thedeodorizing element 17C containing active carbon and other substances. - The
humidification unit 15 comprises ahumidification rotor 50, awater tray 40, and other components. Air that has passed through thedeodorizing element 17C passes through thehumidification rotor 50 of thehumidification unit 15. When air passes through thehumidification rotor 50, water is released into the air from thehumidification rotor 50. In order to compensate for the water lost by being discharged, thehumidification rotor 50 is fed water from thewater tray 40. - A
branch flow 13a of ventilation flow blown out from theSirocco fan 16 is channeled to astreamer discharge unit 18. When thebranch flow 13a of the ventilation flow passes through thestreamer discharge unit 18, active species are supplied by streamer discharge. Some of abranch flow 13b to which active species have been supplied separates and forms a plurality of branch flows 13c, which are blown from small openings to the front of the pre-filter 17A. The branch flows 13c join indoor air suctioned from the pre-filter 17A and reach thedeodorizing element 17C. The active species reaching thedeodorizing element 17C boost the deodorizing effect. - A
branch flow 13d resulting when the branch flows 13c have been separated from thebranch flow 13b is channelled to a space Sp1 above the water in thewater tray 40. The active species in the branch flows 13c inhibits bacterial growth and/or occurrence of sliminess in thewater tray 40 and keeps the interior of thewater tray 40 clean. - The operation of the
air purifier 10 having a humidification function of such description is switched using acontrol panel 19 provided to an upper section of theair purifier 10. Thecontrol panel 19 is provided with a switch for controlling the ON/OFF states of humidification operation in addition to the ON/OFF states of the operation of theair purifier 10. An operation mode in which only air purification is performed without humidification, and an operation mode in which humidification is performed at the same time as air purification, are thereby provided. - In the operation mode in which only air purification is performed, the rotation of the
humidification rotor 50 is in a stopped state, and no water is fed to thehumidification rotor 50. As a result, release of water into the air stops once thehumidification rotor 50 has dried. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , awater tank 30 is housed in a left side section of theair purifier 10. The exterior of theair purifier 10 is covered by amain body casing 20. Themain body casing 20 is configured so that aleft side plate 21 can be detached, and thewater tank 30 is attached to theleft side plate 21. Although not shown, a water port is provided to the lower section of thewater tank 30. - With regards to the
main body casing 20, a lowerleft side plate 22, which is curved so as to reduce the width of the lower section of theair purifier 10, is arranged below theleft side plate 21. The lowerleft side plate 22 is attached to thewater tray 40. When thewater tank 30 is fitted, water in thewater tank 30 pours into thewater tray 40 from the water port at the lower section of thewater tank 30. - A
fan casing 70 housing theSirocco fan 16 shown inFIG. 3 is arranged to the right of thewater tank 30 in themain body casing 20. Thefan casing 70 extends upwards towards theoutlet 12, and an outlet of thefan casing 70 coincides with theoutlet 12 of themain body casing 20. - The state shown in
FIG 5 is a state in which theleft side plate 21, thewater tank 30, and thewater tray 40 have been removed; and also in which the Sirocco fan has been removed with thefan casing 70, from the state shown inFIG. 4 . Thewater tray 40 is fitted from the external space Sp1 shown inFIG. 5 . InFIG. 5 , the front-side member having honeycomb-shaped openings is afilter support member 80. The pre-filter 17A, theHEPA filter 17B, and thedeodorizing element 17C shown inFIG. 3 are attached to thefilter support member 80. - A
delivery port 81 is provided to thefilter support member 80 so as to face the space above thewater tray 40 of the space Sp1. The air containing active species is blown out from thedelivery port 81. -
FIGS. 6 and7 show a state in which thewater tank 30, thefilter support member 80, and the main body casing 20 excluding the lowerleft side plate 22 have been removed from the state shown inFIG. 4 .FIG. 6 is a perspective view as viewed from the diagonally upper-left on the front side of theair purifier 10, andFIG. 7 is a perspective view as viewed from the diagonally upper-left on the rear side of theair purifier 10. - The
water tray 40 primarily comprises: a water-receivingpart 41 arranged below thewater tank 30; arotor immersion part 42 at which the lower section of thehumidification rotor 50 is immersed in water; apartition wall 43; abearing 44; and apartition board 45. The bearing 44 for receiving the shaft of thehumidification rotor 50 is attached on top of a side wall of thewater tray 40 forming therotor immersion part 42. - The water-receiving
part 41 and therotor immersion part 42 are partitioned from each other by thepartition wall 43 for partitioning water stored in thewater tray 40. An opening, through which the water-receivingpart 41 communicates with therotor immersion part 42, is provided to the lower section of thepartition wall 43 hidden by the lowerleft side plate 22 and other components inFIG. 7 . In a state in which water is present in thewater tray 40, the opening is blocked by the water, and the water-receivingpart 41 and therotor immersion part 42 are separated. - The
partition board 45 extends upwards from the top of thepartition wall 43 without any gap present therebetween. In a state in which thewater tray 40 is fitted, thepartition board 45 joins with thefan casing 70 without any gap present therebetween. In the state shown inFIG. 6 , thewater tray 40 is locked to thefan casing 70 by a locking mechanism. - The space Sp2 housing the
humidification rotor 50 is a space in the interior of a housing formed by thefan casing 70 and thefilter support member 80. The space Sp2 is surrounded by aside wall 71, anupper wall 72, alower wall 73, arear wall 74, thepartition board 45, and thefilter support member 80. The space Sp2 is thereby partitioned from the external space Sp1, and paths linking the external space Sp1 and the space Sp2 with each other are limited to specific paths such as theintakes 11 and/or theoutlet 12. The housing does not have an opening other than the honeycomb-shaped opening formed on thefilter support member 80 and the opening provided to therear wall 74. Therefore, the same amount of air as that fed from thefilter support member 80 to the space Sp2 is fed from the space Sp2 through therear wall 74 to theSirocco fan 16. - Some of the air blown out upwards from the
Sirocco fan 16 forms thebranch flow 13a. Thebranch flow 13a is channelled from anopening 79 of thefan casing 70 towards thestreamer discharge unit 18. The flow channel channelling thebranch flow 13a is surrounded by themain body casing 20 and thefan casing 70, and communicates only with theopening 79 and thestreamer discharge unit 18. Therefore, air will not flow in from the external space, and thebranch flow 13a will not leak out to the external space. Thebranch flow 13b, which has been imparted with active species at thestreamer discharge unit 18, is blown out from thestreamer discharge unit 18 towards thewater tray 40 further below. -
FIG. 8 shows the configuration of a component obtained by integrally forming therotor immersion part 42, thepartition wall 43, and the water-receivingpart 41 of the water tray.FIG. 8(a) is a top view of this component;FIG. 8(b) is a front view of this component; andFIG. 8(c) is a side view of the partition wall. - Screws for securing the
partition board 45 are screwed into twoscrew holes 40a near the water-receivingpart 41 and thepartition wall 43. Screws for securing thebearing 44 are screwed into twoscrew holes 40b and twoscrew holes 40c provided respectively to afront side wall 42a and arear side wall 42b of therotor immersion part 42. - As can be seen from
FIG. 8(b) , apartition part 40d protrudes below thewater tray 40. Thepartition part 40d extends longitudinally below thewater tray 40. Thepartition part 40d comes into contact with alower wall 73 below thewater tray 40, and partitions the space Sp2 of the housing and the space in the exterior of the housing from each other. - As shown in
FIG. 8(c) , anopening 43a is provided to thepartition wall 43. Theopening 43a links the water-receivingpart 41 and therotor immersion part 42. Therefore, water fed from thewater tank 30 to the water-receivingpart 41 passes through theopening 43a and flows into therotor immersion part 42. The water level when water is remaining in thewater tank 30 is indicated by a dashed two-dottedline 43b. When the water level rises to this height, theopening 43a is blocked by water, and theopening 43a will therefore not act as a bypass air path. - The
humidification rotor 50 shown inFIG 6 has a structure in which aporous evaporation filter 51 is attached to a ring-shapedframe 52. Thehumidification rotor 50 causes water to evaporate from theevaporation filter 51 and performs humidification. Therefore, thehumidification rotor 50 is designed so that the lower section of theevaporation filter 51, which is dry, enters the water in therotor immersion part 42 with the rotation of thehumidification rotor 50. In order to assist feeding of water to theevaporation filter 51, a configuration is present so that water can be scooped up by awater storage part 53 and water can be fed to theevaporation filter 51 in the inside periphery of the ring-shapedframe 52 from thewater storage part 53 through a hole (not shown) in the ring-shapedframe 52. Although not shown, thehumidification rotor 50 is caused to rotate by a motor. -
FIG 9 shows a state in which thehumidification rotor 50 and thebearing 44 are removed from the state shown inFIG 6 . Removing thehumidification rotor 50 reveals theSirocco fan 16 located on the downstream side of thehumidification rotor 50. Humidified air is fed from anopening 76 in therear wall 74 of the housing to theSirocco fan 16. - A description will now be given for the flow channel for channelling the branch flows 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d shown in
FIG. 3 with reference to the drawings.FIGS. 10 and11 are a perspective view and a front view of theair purifier 10 in a state in which thefront lid 23 of the main body casing 20 shown inFIG. 1 has been removed.FIG 12 shows the cross-section along line I - I inFIG 11 . A mesh portion of the pre-filter 17A is indicated by a dotted line inFIG 12 .FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the configuration of a filter support member.FIG 13(a) is a front view of the filter support member,FIG 13(b) is a rear view of the filter support member, andFIG. 13(c) is a side view of the filter support member. - The flow channel channelling the
branch flow 13a has already been illustrated inFIG 7 . The flow channel channelling thebranch flow 13a is a flow channel extending from theopening 79 of thefan casing 70 to thestreamer discharge unit 18, and is formed so as to be surrounded by themain body casing 20 and thefan casing 70. - The
branch flow 13b, to which active species have been supplied in thestreamer discharge unit 18, is blown out downwards from thestreamer discharge unit 18 as shown inFIG 7 . As shown inFIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) , with regards to thestreamer discharge unit 18, ahousing part 82 for housing thestreamer discharge unit 18 is formed on the upper left section of thefilter support member 80 so as to penetrate from the rear side to the front side. A hollow portion extends downwards from thehousing part 82 and forms aflow channel 83. As can be seen inFIG. 12 , the hollow portion constituting theflow channel 83 is formed by causing a front-side component 80a and a rear-side component 80b constituting thefilter support member 80 to engage with each other. -
Multiple holes 84 arranged vertically in a row are formed on theflow channel 83. Theholes 84 are formed along theside intake 11b. As a result, the branch flows 13c blown out of theholes 84 turn into a flow heading towards the pre-filter 17A. - The
delivery port 81 is formed below theflow channel 83. Thedelivery port 81 is positioned further above the top end of the lowerleft side plate 22 as shown inFIG. 5 , i.e., positioned in the space above thewater tray 40. Thedelivery port 81 is positioned above the water-receivingpart 41 of thewater tray 40. It is possible to deliver active species into the water-receivingpart 41 from thedelivery port 81 and inhibit bacterial growth and occurrence of sliminess in the water-receivingpart 41. When the water level in the water-receivingpart 41 is low, active species are delivered through theopening 43a shown inFIG 8 into therotor immersion part 42. -
- (4-1) As shown in
FIG. 3 , some of the air that has been blown out by theSirocco fan 16 from theopening 79 in thefan casing 70 forms thebranch flow 13a, and is ultimately blown out from thedelivery port 81 located in the space above thewater tray 40. No fans or similar elements are provided partway therealong; the air is blown out by the wind pressure from theSirocco fan 16 only. As a result, active species generated by streamer discharge (plasma discharge) in the streamer discharge unit 18 (discharge unit) can be delivered into the space above the water in thewater tray 40 using a simple configuration comprising only the path (flow channel) for guiding air, such as theflow channel 83. It is thereby possible to keep the water-receivingpart 41 of thewater tray 40 clean. Also, in a situation in which the water level has fallen and active species can be delivered to therotor immersion part 42 through theopening 43a in thepartition wall 43, therotor immersion part 42 can also be kept clean by the active species. - (4-2) As illustrated in
FIG. 9 and other drawings, theSirocco fan 16 is arranged on the downstream side of thehumidification unit 15 including thewater tray 40, thehumidification rotor 50, and other elements. The streamer discharge unit 18 (discharge unit) is provided between the opening 79 of thefan casing 70 and theflow channel 83 of thefilter support member 80, and is arranged on the downstream side of theSirocco fan 16. Thewater tray 40 in the vicinity of thedelivery port 81 of theflow channel 83 is arranged, on the flow channel, on the downstream side of thestreamer discharge unit 18. Thus, a flow channel for creating the flow of air containing active species to the space above thewater tray 40 using only the blowing-out of air from theSirocco fan 16 is obtained using a simple configuration. - (4-3) As shown in
FIG. 12 , aflow channel 83 is provided to the side surface of thefilter unit 14, i.e., the left-side-surface side of thefilter support member 80. Thebranch flow 13b containing active species flow through theflow channel 83.Multiple holes 84 are formed in the region Ar (active species supply region) of theflow channel 83. Active species can be supplied, together with the indoor air suctioned from the side-surface intake 11b, to the pre-filter 17A, theHEPA filter 17B, and thedeodorizing element 17C. Thus, active species can also be supplied to thedeodorizing element 17C and similar elements of thefilter unit 14 by shared use of theflow channel 83 for sending active species to thewater tray 40, and the size of the air purifier 10 (humidifier) in which active species are used can be reduced. - (4-4) As shown in
FIGS. 11 and12 , the streamer discharge unit 18 (discharge unit) and theflow channel 83 are provided to the left-side-surface side of thefilter support member 80 using the thickness of thefilter unit 14. Thus providing theflow channel 83 and thehousing part 82 for housing thestreamer discharge unit 18 using the thickness of thefilter support member 80 supporting the HEPA filter and other elements makes it possible to reduce the size of the air purifier 10 (humidifier). - (4-5) As shown in
FIG. 8(a) , thewater tray 40 has a partition wall 43 (partition part) for partitioning the water-receivingpart 41 and therotor immersion part 42 from each other. Thepartition wall 43 plays a partial role in partitioning the space Sp2 (humidification space) and the external space Sp1 from each other as shown inFIGS. 6 and7 . Having thepartition wall 43 present makes it possible to position thewater tank 30 with respect to thewater tray 40 from the external space Sp1. It is thereby possible to minimize creation of a bypass between the space Sp2 and the external space Sp1, even in applications related to an air purifier 10 (humidifier) having awater tank 30. - (4-6) As shown in
FIG 7 , adelivery port 81 shown inFIG 5 is provided in the external space Sp1 in the vicinity of thewater tray 40. The external space Sp1 is partitioned from the space Sp2 (humidification space) shown inFIG 7 as described above; therefore, it is possible to reduce the effect of the space Sp2 on the flow of air and prevent a decrease in humidification performance. - In the abovementioned embodiment, some of the air blown out from the
Sirocco fan 16 is extracted as thebranch flow 13a, and active species generated by thestreamer discharge unit 18 is guided to the vicinity of thewater tray 40 without newly providing a fan and/or a pump. However the method for creating the flow of air of such description is not limited to ventilation flow blown out by theSirocco fan 16. The flow of air sucked into theSirocco fan 16 can be used to guide the active species to the vicinity of thewater tray 40. In such an instance, a path may be provided so as to guide the active species to the vicinity of therotor immersion part 42 of thewater tray 40 on the side of the space Sp2. - In the abovementioned embodiment, the
streamer discharge unit 18 was mentioned as an example of a discharge unit. However, the discharge unit for performing plasma discharge is not limited to a streamer discharge unit, and may be another type of plasma discharge unit. - In the abovementioned embodiment, an example was given for an evaporation humidification method in which the
humidification rotor 50 is used for thehumidification unit 15. However, it is possible to use, for thehumidification unit 15, another humidification method in which ahumidification rotor 50 is not used, such as a heater humidification method or an ultrasonic humidification method. - In the abovementioned embodiment, an example was given for an instance in which the
Sirocco fan 16 is used as the fan. However, a turbo fan, a crossflow fan, or another type of fan can be used as the fan. - In the abovementioned embodiment, a description was given for an instance in which the
filter unit 14 comprises the pre-filter 17A, theHEPA filter 17B, and thedeodorizing element 17C. However, it is also possible to combine an electrostatic dust collector filter or another type of filter, or combine an element supporting a photocatalytic titanium apatite or another element. - In the abovementioned embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 12 , a description was given for an example in which the left-side-surface side of thefilter support member 80 is the side surface of thefilter unit 14 to which thedischarge unit 18 and theflow channel 83 are provided. However, the side surface of thefilter unit 14, to which thedischarge unit 18 and theflow channel 83 are provided, is not limited to the left-side-surface side, and the side surface to which the discharge unit and the flow channel are provided may be the upper side surface, lower side surface, or the right-side side surface. A configuration is also possible in which thedischarge unit 18 and theflow channel 83 is provided to two or more side surfaces from among the upper side surface, lower side surface, left-side side surface, and the right-side side surface, e.g., to the left-side-surface side and the right-side-surface side, instead of one side surface only. The side surface to which thedischarge unit 18 and theflow channel 83 may also be different. For example, a configuration is also possible in which thedischarge unit 18 is provided to the upper side surface and/or the lower side surface of thefilter unit 14, and theflow channel 83 is provided to the left-side side surface and/or the right-side side surface. Alternatively, for example, a configuration is also possible in which theflow channel 83 is provided to the upper side surface and/or the lower side surface of thefilter unit 14, and thedischarge unit 18 is provided to the left-side side surface and/or the right-side side surface. -
10 Air purifier 20 Main body casing 30 Water tank 40 Water tray 50 Humidification rotor 70 Fan casing 80 Filter support member - <Patent Document 1>
JP-A 2009-148305
Claims (6)
- A humidifier, comprising:a discharge unit (18) for generating active species by plasma discharge;a humidification unit (15) having a water tray (40), the humidification unit humidifying air using water in the water tray;a fan (16) for blowing air humidified in the humidification unit into an indoor space; anda flow channel (20, 70, 83) for sending the active species from the discharge unit to a space above the water in the water tray using ventilation flow generated by the fan.
- The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein:the fan is arranged on the downstream side of the humidification unit;the discharge unit is arranged on the downstream side of the fan in the flow channel; andthe humidification unit is arranged on the downstream side of the discharge unit in the flow channel.
- The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, further provided with
a filter unit (14) for removing dust in the air fed to the humidification unit;
the flow channel having an active species supply region (Ar) which passes through at least a part of the surroundings of the filter unit on a downstream side of the discharge unit, the active species supply region being provided with a hole (84) for supplying the filter unit with the active species. - The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, further provided with
a filter unit (14) for removing dust in the air fed to the humidification unit;
the discharge unit and the flow channel being arranged on a side surface of the filter unit. - The humidifier according to any of claims 1 through 4, further provided with
a tank (30) for feeding water to the water tray of the humidification unit;
the water tray being provided with a partition part (43) for partitioning a humidification space in which air is humidified and an external space from each other, the partition wall having formed therein an opening (43a) for guiding water in the tank arranged in the external space into the humidification space. - The humidifier according to claim 5, wherein the flow channel has a delivery port (81) in the vicinity of the water tray in the external space, the active species being delivered through the delivery port.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2010167013A JP5012971B2 (en) | 2010-07-26 | 2010-07-26 | Humidifier |
PCT/JP2011/065322 WO2012014636A1 (en) | 2010-07-26 | 2011-07-05 | Humidifier |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2600071A1 true EP2600071A1 (en) | 2013-06-05 |
EP2600071A4 EP2600071A4 (en) | 2018-03-21 |
Family
ID=45529855
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP11812229.0A Withdrawn EP2600071A4 (en) | 2010-07-26 | 2011-07-05 | Humidifier |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP2600071A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5012971B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103026141B (en) |
RU (1) | RU2531734C1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012014636A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP5900234B2 (en) * | 2012-08-09 | 2016-04-06 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Humidifier |
JP5831505B2 (en) * | 2013-07-11 | 2015-12-09 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Air conditioner |
JP6569063B2 (en) * | 2015-07-01 | 2019-09-04 | シャープ株式会社 | Humidifying device, dehumidifying device and humidifying method |
CN205090550U (en) * | 2015-09-30 | 2016-03-16 | 飞利浦(中国)投资有限公司 | A humidifier that is used for wet curtain of humidifier and includes wet curtain |
CN211977137U (en) * | 2019-08-08 | 2020-11-20 | 瓦西里·卡萨托克金 | Evaporation type pipeline air humidifier |
US20230383965A1 (en) * | 2020-10-23 | 2023-11-30 | Rinat Saitov | Device for purifying and humidifying air |
CN113864916B (en) * | 2021-09-02 | 2022-12-23 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Cooling fan and rotary liquid distribution control method |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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SU896333A1 (en) * | 1980-01-07 | 1982-01-07 | Литовский Научно-Исследовательский Институт Текстильной Промышленности | Device for air humidification |
JPH0448946A (en) * | 1990-06-18 | 1992-02-18 | Toshiba Corp | Air cleaner fitted with humidifying function |
CN2153007Y (en) * | 1993-02-13 | 1994-01-12 | 李植晋 | Small air humidifying purifier |
JP2003010625A (en) * | 2001-07-02 | 2003-01-14 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Gas treating device |
JP2006153316A (en) * | 2004-11-26 | 2006-06-15 | Dainichi Co Ltd | Vaporizing type humidifier |
JP4808192B2 (en) * | 2007-07-30 | 2011-11-02 | シャープ株式会社 | Liquid storage device and air purifier |
JP4656138B2 (en) * | 2007-12-18 | 2011-03-23 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Air treatment equipment |
JP2009145022A (en) * | 2007-12-18 | 2009-07-02 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Humidity controller |
JP2009216327A (en) * | 2008-03-11 | 2009-09-24 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Humidifier |
CN102077030B (en) * | 2008-07-10 | 2013-06-19 | 大金工业株式会社 | Humidity controller |
JP2010043833A (en) * | 2008-07-18 | 2010-02-25 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Humidity controller |
-
2010
- 2010-07-26 JP JP2010167013A patent/JP5012971B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2011
- 2011-07-05 EP EP11812229.0A patent/EP2600071A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2011-07-05 CN CN201180036388.5A patent/CN103026141B/en active Active
- 2011-07-05 WO PCT/JP2011/065322 patent/WO2012014636A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-07-05 RU RU2013108280/12A patent/RU2531734C1/en active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO2012014636A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
RU2531734C1 (en) | 2014-10-27 |
EP2600071A4 (en) | 2018-03-21 |
CN103026141B (en) | 2014-03-19 |
CN103026141A (en) | 2013-04-03 |
RU2013108280A (en) | 2014-09-10 |
JP5012971B2 (en) | 2012-08-29 |
JP2012026672A (en) | 2012-02-09 |
WO2012014636A1 (en) | 2012-02-02 |
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