JP7780296B2 - humidifier - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a humidifier.

Humidifiers are known that include a water tray that stores water for humidification and that keeps the water tray clean. The humidifier described in Patent Document 1 includes a discharge unit, a humidifying unit, and a fan. The humidifying unit humidifies air using water stored in the water tray. The fan blows the air humidified by the humidifying unit into the room in which the humidifier is installed. The air blown by the fan is then used to send active species from the discharge unit into the space above the water in the humidifying unit's water tray. Sending active species prevents slime formation and bacterial growth due to water remaining in the water tray.

Patent No. 5012971

However, even if active species are sent in as in the humidifier of Patent Document 1, if water remains in the water tray, bacterial growth cannot be suppressed and the remaining water may spoil. As a result, slime and dirt may form in the water tray. In addition, an unpleasant odor may be emitted from the filter that sucks up the water in the water tray, which may affect the smell of the air sent out from the humidifier.

The object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier that can prevent humidifying water from remaining inside.

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

The humidifier of the present invention is capable of running a tray drying mode, which prevents humidifying water from remaining inside.

1 is a perspective view showing a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a humidifier according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a humidifier according to a third embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Note that identical or equivalent parts in the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions will not be repeated.

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

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the humidifier 100 comprises a housing 10, an operation panel 20, a drying unit 30, and a humidifying unit 40. The humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment dries the humidifying tray 41 (described below) of the humidifying unit 40 by driving the drying unit 30. As a result, the generation of slime and unpleasant odors due to water remaining in the humidifying tray 41 can be suppressed.

The housing 10 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, generally tapered, with the top surface 10a being smaller than the bottom surface 10c. The housing 10 has an air outlet 11 on the top surface 10a for blowing out humidified air.

The operation panel 20 is located, for example, on the top of the housing 10. The operation panel 20 accepts inputs for operating the humidifier 100 and notifies the status of the humidifier 100.

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

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

Note that the control unit 23 and the notification unit 25 are not limited to being provided on the operation panel 20. The control unit 23 and the notification unit 25 may also be provided as separate components from the operation panel 20.

As shown in Figure 2, the housing 10 further has an inner wall 12 and an intake port 13. The intake port 13 is formed on the rear surface 10b of the housing 10 (on the right side in Figure 2). The inner wall 12 is, for example, roughly U-shaped in cross section and is located in the center of the interior of the housing 10. The area surrounded by the inner wall 12 is in communication with the outside of the humidifier 100 via the air outlet 11.

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

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

The humidifying unit 40 includes a humidifying tray 41 and a humidifying filter 42. The humidifying tray 41 is, for example, a roughly rectangular box with an open top. The humidifying tray 41 is located on the bottom surface 10c of the housing 10 and stores water 43 for humidification.

The humidifying filter 42 is generally plate-shaped. The humidifying filter 42 is arranged vertically in the flow path of the drawn-in air 92. The lower portion 42a of the humidifying filter 42 can be immersed in water 43 within the humidifying tray 41.

The lower portion 42a of the humidifying filter 42 may be in contact with the bottom portion 41a of the humidifying tray 41. When the lower portion 42a of the humidifying filter 42 is in contact with the bottom portion 41a of the humidifying tray 41, it becomes easier to absorb water 43 remaining on the bottom portion 41a of the humidifying tray 41.

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

The drying unit 30 includes a fan 31, a guide unit 33, and a drive unit 34. The fan 31 not only humidifies the air 92 via the humidifying unit 40 as described above, but also operates as part of the drying unit 30. The fan 31 is disposed in the area surrounded by the inner wall 12 (the flow path of the air 92). The fan 31 is driven by a motor 32.

The guide unit 33 is driven via the drive unit 34 (described below) under the control of the control unit 23. By driving the guide unit 33, the control unit 23 can execute a humidification mode in which the air 92 is humidified, and a tray drying mode in which the humidification tray 41 is dried.

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

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

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

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

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

The first end 33a of the guide portion 33 may be a free end, and the second end 33b may be provided with a horizontal axis HA1. In this case, the guide portion 33 may be configured as an inclined surface that slopes downward from the second end 33b to the first end 33a, allowing the air flow to be adjusted downward.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The heater 90 can be used when the humidifier 100A is in both humidification mode and tray drying mode. When the humidifier 100A is in tray drying mode, air 92 heated by the heater 90 is sent to the humidification tray 41. As a result, the humidification tray 41 can be dried in a shorter time than if the heater 90 were not provided.

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

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

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

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

Embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown may differ from the actual components due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible without substantially departing from the configuration of the present invention.

As described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, in the first embodiment, the guide section 33 guides air 92 into the interior of the humidifying tray 41, thereby promoting drying of the humidifying tray 41. However, the humidifier of the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which the guide section 33 is provided for executing the tray drying mode. For example, a heater for drying the humidifying tray may be provided in the humidifying section, and the humidifying tray may be dried using the heat of the heater.

The present invention provides a humidifier and has industrial applicability.

10 Housing 23 Control unit 25 Notification unit 30 Drying unit 31 Fan 33 Guide unit 34 Drive unit 40 Humidifying unit 41 Humidifying tray 41a Bottom of humidifying tray 42 Humidifying filter 42a Lower part of humidifying filter 42b Upper part of humidifying filter 43 Water 44 Gap 80 Water level sensor 90 Heater 92 Air 100, 100A, 100B Humidifier HA1 Horizontal axis of guide unit HA2 Horizontal axis of humidifying filter

Claims (11)

A humidifier that humidifies air drawn in through an intake port and blows it out to the outside,
A humidifying tray for storing water;
a humidifying filter disposed in the air flow path and immersable within the humidifying tray;
a drying section that dries the inside of the humidifying tray;
a control unit that controls the drying unit,
the control unit is capable of executing a humidification mode in which the air is humidified and a tray drying mode in which the drying unit is driven to dry the inside of the humidification tray,
the drying unit has a guide unit that is movable between a position where it does not cover an upper portion of the humidifying filter and a position where it covers an upper portion of the humidifying filter,
The guide portion covers an upper portion of the filter in the tray drying mode, thereby guiding the air into the humidifying tray . Further provided is a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the humidifying tray,
The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is capable of executing the tray drying mode when the water level detected by the water level sensor is equal to or lower than a reference water level. the control unit executes the tray drying mode when the water level in the humidifying tray is equal to or lower than a predetermined level and the humidifying mode has not been executed for a predetermined period of time ;
The humidifier according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined level is a water level equal to or lower than the reference water level . the control unit does not execute the tray drying mode and notifies maintenance information for the humidifying tray when the water level in the humidifying tray is higher than a predetermined level and the humidifying mode has not been executed for a predetermined period of time ;
4. The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined level is a water level equal to or lower than the reference water level . The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the guide portion is disposed at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the humidifying filter. The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the guide portion is disposed upstream of the humidifying filter along the air flow path. The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the drying unit further includes a drive unit that drives the guide unit so that the guide unit moves to a position where the guide unit covers an upper portion of the humidifying filter. The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein a lower portion of the humidifying filter and a bottom portion of the humidifying tray are spaced apart from each other. 9. The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the humidifying filter is a rotary filter that rotates around a horizontal axis. The humidifier according to claim 1 , further comprising a heater that heats the air sent to the humidifying filter. A humidifier that humidifies air drawn in through an intake port and blows it out to the outside,
A humidifying tray for storing water;
a humidifying filter disposed in the air flow path and immersable within the humidifying tray;
a drying section that dries the inside of the humidifying tray;
a control unit that controls the drying unit;
Equipped with
the control unit is capable of executing a humidification mode in which the air is humidified and a tray drying mode in which the drying unit is driven to dry the inside of the humidification tray,
the drying unit further includes a guide unit that covers an upper portion of the humidifying filter in the tray drying mode to guide the air into the humidifying tray;
the drying unit further includes a drive unit that drives the guide unit so that the guide unit moves to a position where it covers an upper portion of the humidifying filter.
Humidifier.