RU2525797C2 - Air cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: process engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to air cleaning. Proposed device comprises main casing with inlet and outlet and air cleaning section arranged in said main casing and composed by dust trap filter. The latter is accordion folded with flex lines in horizontal direction. It incorporates fan section arranged in air channel extending from inlet to outlet. Said section draws room air in the main casing via inlet and air cleaning section. Note that inlet comprises first inlet at, at least one side of the main casing and second inlet at its bottom part. Face decorative panel is arranged ahead of the main casing. Said panel can displace upward-downward to vary the opening area of at least second inlet of said first and second inlets. Note here that said face decorative panel can displace forward-backward to vary the opening area of the first inlet.

EFFECT: monitoring of operating conditions of the device.

17 cl, 20 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an air purification device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional air purification devices include a main body, an air purifier and a fan. The main body includes an inlet and an outlet. The air purifier is located in the main body, and the fan is located in the air duct. A fan draws room air into the main body through the inlet and the air purifier, and then releases air into the room through the outlet. One such conventional air purification device is shown in Patent Document 1 below.

In a conventional air purification device, the housing includes a control panel with a control indicator lamp that shows the user the operating status of the device. In other words, the control indicator lamp shows the user at what level the device is operating, high or low. However, it is often difficult for a user to visually recognize a control indicator lamp from a distance.

List of links

Technical literature

Patent Document 1: Publication of Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-25898.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The air purification device of the present invention includes a main body comprising an inlet and an outlet; an air purification section located in the main body; a fan section located in the air duct that draws room air into the main body through the inlet and the air purification section and then releases air into the room through the outlet. The inlet includes a first inlet on at least one side of the main body and a second inlet in the lower front of the main body. The air purification device further includes a front decorative panel located in front of the front of the main body. The front decorative panel is moved up and down, changing the opening area of at least the second inlet from the first and second inlets.

The air purifier is capable of moving the front decorative panel up and down in order to change the opening area of at least the second inlet from the first and second inlets. This can provide control of the air flow through the inlets. Moving the front decorative panel in the up-down direction changes the amount of air, allowing the user to visually determine the operating state by the location of the front decorative panel in the up-down direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air purification apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows an open state when the front decorative panel of the air purifying apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is in the lowest position.

FIG. 4 shows an open state when the front decorative panel of the air purification apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is in the middle position.

FIG. 5 shows an open state when the front decorative panel of the air purification apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is in the highest position.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a detachable section of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an air purification apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment when the front decorative panel is in the middle position.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an air purification apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment when the front decorative panel is in the highest position.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an air purification apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment when the front decorative panel is in the lowest position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an air purification apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a humidification section of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a humidification section of an air purification apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of an air purification apparatus according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a humidification section and a rectification section of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic sectional view of a fan section of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a schematic sectional view of a fan section of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view of a fan section of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an air purification device. The air purification device includes a main body 3, an air purification section 4, a humidification section 5, and a fan section 6. The main body 3 includes inlets 1 and an outlet 2. An air purification section 4 is located in the main body 3. The fan section 6 is located in an air passage extending from the inlets 1 to the outlet 2. The fan section 6 draws room air into the main body 3 through the inlet 1 and the air purification section 4. The air purification device further includes a front decorative panel 7 located in front of the front of the main body 3. The humidification section 5 is located on the back side of the air purification section 4 in the air passage.

The inlets 1 include first inlets 1a on both sides of the main body 3 and a second inlet 1b in the lower front of the main body 3. The outlet 2 is located on the upper surface of the main body 3. Alternatively, only one first inlet can be provided 1a on the side of the main body 3.

Air purification section 4 is an air purification filter 4a, which has a vertically elongated box shape and is formed from an accordion-folded filter element. Air purification section 4 is located on the leeward side of the first inlet openings 1a and the second inlet 1b in the air passage and faces the decorative face panel 7.

The humidification section 5 is located on the leeward side of the air purification section 4 in the air passage and, more specifically, between the air purification section 4 and the fan section 6 in the air passage. The humidification section 5 includes a water tank 5a, a humidifier filter 5b, a humidifier filter frame 5d, and a rotation section. The water tank 5a is made in the form of a bowl and contains a certain amount of water. The humidifying filter 5b is in the form of a disk, and part of its periphery is always immersed in water in the water tank 5a. The humidification filter frame 5d is substantially ring-shaped and fixes the humidification filter 5b. The humidification filter frame 5d includes a water supply section 5c at its outer periphery. The rotation section rotates the humidification filter frame 5d.

An air purification device having such a design cleans and moisturizes air as follows. Water from the water tank 5e is supplied to the water tank 5a so that the water level is kept constant. Thus, the water supplying section 5c of the humidification filter frame 5d of the humidification section and part of the humidifying filter 5b are always immersed in water.

The rotation section rotates the humidification filter frame 5d to rotate the water supply section 5c, which contains the produced water, and the humidification filter 5b. The water obtained by the water supplying section 5c drains from the approximately upper part of the water supplying section 5c and moistens the humidification filter 5b. The rotation section rotates the humidification filter 5b so that the humidification filter 5b can always be moistened with water.

The fan section 6 draws air into the main body 3 through the first inlets 1a and the second inlet 1b. The sucked air passes through an air purifying filter 4a in the main body 3 and a humidifying filter 5b which is in a wet state. Then the air is discharged through the outlet 2 into the room in the form of humidified purified air.

The air purification device according to the first exemplary embodiment is characterized by a change in the opening areas of the first inlet openings 1a and the second inlet 1b. To achieve this, the air purification device includes a front decorative panel 7 located at a predetermined distance from the front of the main body 3, and a plurality of drive sections 8. The drive sections 8 move the front decorative panel 7 in the up-down and back-and-forth directions, while changing its distance from the main body 3. The opening area of the first inlet openings 1a is changed by changing the distance between the front decorative panel 7 and the main body 3, that is, by moving the front korativnoy panel 7 in the direction of back and forth. The opening area of the second inlet 1b is changed by moving the front decorative panel 7 in the forward-backward and up-down directions.

Moving the front decorative panel 7 in the forward-backward and up-down directions changes the opening areas of the first inlet openings 1a and the second inlet 1b, thereby controlling the air flow through the inlet 1. Thus, the user can visually determine the operating status of the air purifier according to the location of the front decorative panel 7 in the directions back and forth and up and down.

The front decorative panel 7 is a flat plate extending from the center to the bottom of the front of the main body 3. The filter 4a for air purification, having a vertically elongated rectangular shape, which is an air purification section 4, is located in the front of the body at a predetermined distance from and parallel to the front decorative panel 7. The two first inlets 1a of the main body 3 are located on both sides of the main body 3, between the front decorative panel 7 and the filter 4a for air purification. The first inlets 1a have a vertically elongated rectangular shape and substantially correspond in height to the air filter 4a. The size of the first inlet openings 1a in the front-back direction of the main body 3 essentially corresponds to the distance between the front decorative panel 7 and the filter 4a for air purification.

Thus, the front decorative panel 7 also functions as an element of the first inlet openings 1a. Changing the distance between the front decorative panel 7 and the air purifying filter 4a changes the size in the forward and backward direction of the first inlets 1a in the direction, thereby changing the opening area of the first inlets 1a.

When the front decorative panel 7 is moved upward, a hole appears at the bottom of the front decorative panel 7. This hole becomes the second inlet 1b. The second inlet 1b has a horizontally elongated rectangular shape and is located at the bottom of the front decorative panel 7. The size of the second inlet 1b in the right-left direction of the main body 3 essentially corresponds to the specified size of the front decorative panel 7 in the right-left direction. The height of the second inlet 1b corresponds to the distance that the front decorative panel 7 has moved upward.

Thus, the front decorative panel 7 also functions as part of the second inlet 1b. Moving the front decorative panel 7 up and down changes the vertical size of the second inlet 1b, thereby changing the opening area of the second inlet 1b.

The drive sections 8, which move the front decorative panel 7 in an up-down direction, while changing the distance between the front decorative panel 7 and the filter 4a for air purification, each includes an axis 8a and a rotation section 8b. The rotation section 8b is connected to one end of the axis 8a so that the other end can rotate up and down around one end of the axis 8a. The other end of the axis 8a is connected to the front decorative panel 7. One example of a rotation section 8b is a stepper motor.

When the rotation section 8b rotates the other end of the axis 8a up and down around one end, the front bezel 7 connected to the other end moves around one end of the axis 8a. The front decorative panel 7 moves up and down along an arc whose radius corresponds to the length of the axes 8a, while changing its distance from the filter 4a for air purification. Thus, one front decorative panel 7 is capable of controlling air flows in the three inlet openings 1 (in the first inlet openings 1a on both sides of the main body 3 and in the second inlet 1b).

The drive sections 8 are located in the four corners of the front decorative panel 7, and at least one stepper motor can be located as section 8b of rotation in one of the corners. Rotation sections 8b located at other angles may be simple rotation axes that rotate one end of each axis 8a.

Below will be described in more detail the control of air flows through the three inlets by using the front decorative panel 7 in the air purification device having the above construction. Figure 3 shows the open state when the front decorative panel of the air purification device in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment is in the lowest position.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the front decorative panel 7 is at its lowest position within the range of movement provided by the drive sections 8, the opening area of the first inlet openings 1a and the opening area of the second inlet 1b become minimal. More specifically, the rotation section 8b shown in FIG. 2, rotates axis 8a around one end thereof, with the possibility of tilting axis 8a down around one end. As a result, the front decorative panel 7 connected to the other end of the axis 8a is in the lowest position.

In this case, the first inlet openings 1a are in a minimum opening state in which the height of their vertically elongated rectangular shape substantially corresponds to the height of the air filter 4a. And their size in the front-to-back direction essentially corresponds to the distance between the front decorative panel 7 and the filter 4a for air purification. The second inlet 1b is in a minimum opening state in which the right-left dimension of its horizontally elongated rectangular shape substantially corresponds to the size of the air purification filter 4a. And its size in the front-to-back direction essentially corresponds to the distance between the front decorative panel 7 and the filter 4a for air purification.

In this case, the amount of air drawn in through the first two inlets 1 a on both sides of the main body 3 and the second inlet 1 b corresponds to a low level. In this state, the air purifier draws air from the lower half of the room at a low level, thereby purifying and moisturizing the air. In this state, the front decorative panel 7 is essentially at the same level with the front of the main body 3, that is, it does not differ in height from the front of the main body 3. Thus, the user can visually determine the operating state by the location of the front decorative panel 7.

In FIG. 4 shows an open state when the front decorative panel of the air purification apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is in the middle position. As shown in FIG. 4, when the front decorative panel 7 is in the middle position within the range of movement provided by the drive sections 8, the opening area of the first inlet openings 1a becomes maximum, and the opening area of the second inlet 1b corresponds to a half-open state. "Half open state" means that the opening area is intermediate between the maximum and minimum. More specifically, when the rotation section 8b shown in FIG. 2, rotates the axis 8a around one end thereof, providing a substantially horizontal arrangement of the front decorative panel 7 connected to the other end of the axis 8a, the front decorative panel 7 is in the middle position.

In this case, the first inlet openings 1a vary from a minimum opening state in which the opening area is minimal to a maximum opening state in which the opening area is maximum. This is due to the fact that the front decorative panel 7 is removed from the air purification filter 4a by a distance corresponding essentially to the length of the axis 8a, thereby increasing the size of the first inlet openings 1a in the forward-backward direction. The second inlet 1b is in a half open state. In this state, the size in the right-left direction of the second inlet 1b having a horizontally elongated rectangular shape essentially corresponds to the size in the right-left direction of the front decorative panel 7. The height of the second inlet 1b corresponds to the distance by which the front decorative panel 7 has moved up , i.e. corresponds essentially to the length of the axis 8a.

In this case, the amount of air drawn in through the first two inlet openings 1a on both sides of the main body 3 corresponds to a high level. The amount of air drawn in through the second inlet 1b located in the lower front of the main body 3 corresponds to the average level. In this state, the air purifier draws in air from the lower half of the room at a high level, thereby purifying and moisturizing the air. In this position, the front decorative panel 7 is located higher and further in front of the front of the main body 3 than in the state in which the front decorative panel 7 is in the lowest position due to the actuation of the drive sections 8. The front decorative panel 7 is different in height from the front of the main body 3, providing the appearance of the second inlet 1b. Thus, the user can visually determine the operating condition by the location of the front decorative panel 7.

In FIG. 5 shows an open state when the front decorative panel of the air purification apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is in the highest position. As shown in FIG. 5, when the front decorative panel is in the highest position within the range of movement provided by the drive sections 8, the first inlets 1a are in a half-open state and the second inlet 1b is in a maximum open state. More specifically, the rotation section 8b shown in FIG. 2, rotates axis 8a around one end thereof, with the possibility of tilting axis 8a upward around one end. As a result, the front decorative panel 7 connected to the other end of the axis 8a is in the highest position.

In this case, the first holes 1a are in a half-open state, which is less than the state of maximum opening. In this state, the height of the first inlet openings 1a substantially corresponds to the height of the air filter 4a. The size in the front-back direction of the first inlet openings 1a, corresponding to the distance between the front decorative panel 7 and the filter 4a for air purification, decreases due to the upward deflection of the axis 8a. The second inlet 1b is in a state of maximum opening, which is larger than the half-open state. In this state, the right-left dimension of the second inlet 1b substantially corresponds to the indicated size of the front decorative panel 7. The height of the second inlet 1b increases by an amount corresponding to the distance by which the front decorative panel 7 has moved up, that is, corresponding to the upward axis deviation 8a.

Moreover, the amount of air drawn in through the first two inlet openings 1a on both sides of the main body 3 corresponds to the average level. The amount of air drawn in through the second inlet 1b located in the lower front part of the main body 3 corresponds to a high level. In this state, the air purifier draws in air mainly from the lower zone of the room at a high level, thereby purifying and moisturizing the air. In this state, the front decorative panel 7 is located higher and further behind the front of the main body 3 than in the state in which the front decorative panel 7 is in the middle position within the range of movement provided by the drive sections 8. The front decorative panel 7 is less different in height from the front of the main body 3, providing the appearance of the second inlet 1b with a larger area. Thus, the user can visually determine the operating condition by the location of the front decorative panel 7.

The air purification device further includes a plate 9 for directing air between the front decorative panel 7 and the air purification section 4. The air direction plate 9 is located below the front decorative panel 7 when the front decorative panel 7 is in the highest position within the movement provided by the drive sections 8. The air direction plate 9 has a different color than the color of the front decorative panel 7.

The presence of a plate 9 for directing air in the second inlet 1b and the movement of the front decorative panel 7 to the highest position within the movement provides the appearance of the hole as the second inlet 1b. The air guiding plate 9 obscures the air purifying filter 4a, which is an air purifying section 4, thereby improving the appearance of the air purifying device. When the front decorative panel 7 is at its lowest position within the movement provided by the drive sections 8, the air guide plate 9 is not shown from the bottom of the front decorative panel 7. When the front decorative panel 7 is in the middle position within the movement provided by the drive sections 8, a portion of the air guide plate 9 is shown from the hole as the second inlet 1b, but is not directly visible to the user. If the front decorative panel 7 is in the highest position within the movement provided by the drive sections 8, then the entire plate 9 for directing air is shown from the hole as the second inlet 1b and can be visible to the user.

Thus, depending on whether the front decorative panel 7 is in the middle position or in the highest position within the range of movement provided by the drive sections 8, the air guiding plate 9 looks different. As a result, the user can visually determine the operating condition according to how the plate 9 looks for air direction. Since the air direction plate 9 has a different color than the color of the front decorative panel 7, the user can visually determine the operating state by the way the air direction plate 9 looks.

The air guide plate 9 is angled so that its upper end is closer to the air purification section 4 than its lower end. More specifically, the air guide plate 9 has a horizontally elongated rectangular shape and is angled so that its upper end is closer to the air purification section 4 than its lower end. Part of the air drawn in through the second inlet 1b located in the lower front of the main body 3 is not drawn in through the portion of the air filter 4a that faces the second inlet 1b, but through the portion of the air filter 4a located at the top parts of the second inlet 1b. This increases the amount of intake air.

In FIG. 6 is a diagram of a detachable section of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the front decorative panel 7 is connected to the other end of the axis 8a of the drive sections 8a by a detachable section 10. Detachment of the front decorative panel 7 from the axis 8a of the drive sections 8 detaches the air filter 4a, which is an air purification section 4. This facilitates the maintenance of the air filter 4a.

The detachable section 10 includes a steel plate section 7a attached to the front decorative panel 7, and a magnet 8c attached to the other end of the axis 8a. The magnet 8c at the other end of the axis 8a is semicircular. The steel plate section 7a on the front decorative panel 7 is substantially C-shaped with the ability to enclose the magnet 8c. The magnet 8c attracts the movable section of the steel plate section 7a so that the front decorative panel 7 can be detached from the axis 8a of the drive sections 8. Disconnecting the front decorative panel 7 detaches the air filter 4a, which is an air purification section 4. This facilitates the maintenance of the air filter 4a.

Section 4 of the air purification is a dust filter 4b, bent in the shape of an accordion folded in the horizontal direction. The horizontal fold lines of the dust filter 4b allow air drawn in through the first two inlets 1a located on both sides of the main body 3 to move substantially horizontally until it reaches the dust filter 4b.

Air flowing into the dust filter 4b parallel to the fold lines causes low resistance of the air channel. This increases the amount of air drawn in through the first two inlets 1a located on both sides of the main body 3.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier when the front decorative panel is in the middle position. FIG. 9 and 10 are sectional views of an air purification device when the front decorative panel is in the highest position and in the lowest position, respectively.

An air purification device according to a second exemplary embodiment includes a main body 103, an air purification section, a humidification section, and a fan section 112. The main body 103 includes inlets 101 and an outlet 102. An air purification section is located in the main body 103. A humidification section and a fan section 112 are located on the rear side of the air purification section.

The fan section 112 is located in the air passage extending from the inlet 101 to the outlet 102. The fan section 112 draws room air into the main body 103 through the inlet 101 and the air purification section. The air purification device further comprises a front decorative panel 104 located in front of the front of the main body 103.

The inlets 101 include first inlets 101a on both sides of the main body 103 and a second inlet 101b in the lower front of the wall of the main body 103. The outlet 102 is located on the upper surface of the main body 103. Alternatively, only one first inlet 101a can be provided on the side of the main body 103.

The front decorative panel 104 is in the form of a vertically elongated rectangle and is located at a predetermined distance from the front of the main body 103. The opening areas of the first inlet openings 101a and the second inlet 101b are changed by moving the front decorative panel 104 in the up-down and back-to-back directions . In other words, the opening area of the first inlets 101a on both sides of the main body 103 is changed by changing the horizontal distance between the front decorative panel 104 and the main body 103. The opening area of the second inlet 101b in the lower front of the main body 103 is changed by moving the front decorative panel 104 up and down. The air purification device further includes a plurality of drive sections 106. The drive sections 106 move the front decorative panel 104 in horizontal and vertical directions relative to the main body 103.

The air purification section is an air purification filter 107, which has a vertically elongated box shape and is formed from an accordion-folded filter element. The air purification section is located on the leeward side of the first inlet openings 101a and the second inlet 101b in the air passage and faces the front decorative panel 104.

The humidification section is located on the leeward side of the air purification section in the air passage and, more specifically, between the air purification section and the fan section 112 in the air passage. The humidification section includes a water tank 108, a humidifier filter 109, a humidifier filter frame 111, and an electric motor as a rotation section. The tank 108 for water is made in the form of a bowl and contains a certain amount of water. The humidifying filter 109 is disk-shaped, and part of its periphery is always immersed in water in the water tank 108. The humidification filter frame 111 is substantially ring-shaped and fixes the humidifying filter 109. The humidifying filter frame 111 includes a water supply section 110 at its outer periphery. The rotation section rotates the humidification filter frame 111.

The air purification device further includes a bypass air passage 113 connecting the air purification section to the fan section 112. The bypass air passage 113 is located essentially above the humidification filter section 109. A fan section 112, located on the upstream side of the humidification section, draws room air into the main body 103 through the first inlets 101a, the second inlet 101b, and the air purification section. The drawn-in air is discharged into the room from the outlet 102 either through a humidification section or through a bypass air channel 113 connecting the air purification section to the fan section 112.

An air purification device having such a design cleans and moisturizes air as follows. Water from the water tank 105 is supplied to the water tank 108 so that the water level is kept constant. Thus, the water supply section 110 of the humidification filter frame 111 of the humidification section and the humidification filter portion 109 are always immersed in water. An electric motor 114, which is a rotation section, rotates the humidification filter frame 111 to rotate the water supply section 110, which contains the obtained water, and the humidification filter 109. Water obtained by the water supply section 110, drips from approximately the upper part of the water supply section 110 and wets the humidification filter 109. The motor 114 rotates the humidification filter frame 111 so that the humidification filter 109 can always be moistened with water.

The fan section 112 draws air into the main body 103 through the first inlets 101a and the second inlet 101b. The sucked air passes through a filter 107 for air purification in the main body 103 and a humidification filter 109, which is in a wet state. Then, air is discharged through the outlet 102 into the room in the form of humidified purified air.

The bypass air passage 113, which is located essentially above the humidification filter 109 and connects the air purification section to the fan section 112, separates the air drawn mainly through the first inlet openings 101a into two flows. After passing through the air purification section, one stream passes through a humidifying filter 109 and then is sucked into the fan section 112, and the other stream passes through the bypass air channel 113 and then is sucked into the fan section 112. Then, these flows are released by the fan section 112 into the room through the outlet 102.

The air purification device according to the second embodiment is distinguished by the design of the front decorative panel 104, the air purification section and the humidification section. More specifically, the air purification section is located in the air passage between the front decorative panel 104 and the humidification section. The air purification section is positioned at an angle so that the upper end of the air purification section extends further into the main body 103 than the lower end of the air purification section.

As mentioned above, the air purification section is located on the leeward side of the first inlet openings 101a and the second inlet 101b in the air passage and faces the front decorative panel 104. The humidification section is located on the leeward side of the air purification section in the air passage. The air purification section is positioned at an angle so that its upper end extends deeper into the main body 103 than its lower end.

Assume that the front decorative panel 104, which is capable of moving in the up-down and back-and-forth directions, is in the highest position within the range of movement, as shown in FIG. 9. In this case, the second inlet 101b in the lower front of the main body 103 is fully open at the bottom of the air purification section. The room air drawn in through the second inlet 101b passes through the air purification section and is transferred to the humidification filter 109 of the humidification section. On the other hand, in the upper part of the air purification section, room air drawn in through at least one first inlet 101a located on the side of the main body 103 passes into the air purification section. As mentioned above, the air cleaning section is angled so that its upper end extends deeper into the main body 103 than its lower end. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8, the space between the upper part of the air purification section and the front decorative panel 104 is larger than the space between the lower part of the air purification section and the front decorative panel 104. The larger space allows room air drawn in through the first inlets 101a to uniformly move to the upper part of the air purification section.

This increases the amount of humidified and cleaned air, and also improves the moisturizing ability.

The humidification section includes a water tank 108, a humidifier filter 109, a humidifier filter frame 111, and a rotation section. The tank 108 for water is made in the form of a vertically elongated bowl with an open upper surface and includes a support. The support extends upward from the upper end of the longitudinal side wall, which is the upper end of the longitudinal side wall of the water tank 108. Water from the water tank 105 is supplied to the water tank 108 so that the water level is kept constant. The humidifying filter frame 111 includes an axis of rotation at its center. The axis of rotation is inserted into a support extending upward from the upper end of the longitudinal side wall, which is the upper end of the longitudinal side wall of the water tank 108. As a result, the water supplying section 110 of the humidifying filter frame 111 and a part of the periphery of the humidifying filter 109 are rotatably and always immersed in water in the water tank 108. The humidification filter frame 111 and the humidifying filter 109 rotatably rotate by an electric motor 114, which is a rotation section.

As mentioned above, the air cleaning section is angled so that its upper end extends deeper into the main body 103 than its lower end. As a result, a space is formed between the humidification section and the air purification section, in particular between the water tank 108 in the lower part of the humidification section and the air purification section. This allows air drawn in from the position facing the water tank 108, the humidification section at the bottom of the air purification section, to easily pass into the humidification filter 109 of the humidification section.

The humidification section is located in the lower part of the air channel on the leeward side of the air purification section. More specifically, the air purification section faces the front decorative panel 104, and the humidification section is located on the leeward side of the air purification section in the air passage. The air purification section is an air purification filter 107, which has a vertically elongated box shape and is formed from an accordion-folded filter element. The lower end surface of the air filter 107 has substantially the same height as the lower surface of the water tank 108 of the humidification section, and is configured as a vertically elongated block with an open upper surface.

As mentioned above, the height of the lower end surface of the filter 107 for air purification essentially corresponds to the height of the lower surface of the tank 108 for water. The air purification section is positioned at an angle so that its upper end extends deeper into the main body 103 than its lower end. As a result, a space is formed between the humidification section and the air purification section, in particular between the water tank 108 in the lower part of the humidification section and the air purification section. This allows air drawn in from the position facing the water tank 108 of the humidification section at the bottom of the air purification section to easily pass into the humidification filter 109 of the humidification section.

The fan section 112 includes a housing 115, an electric motor 116 located in the housing 115, and a blade 117 attached to a rotating shaft of the electric motor 116. The housing 115 includes a housing inlet 118 that faces the humidification filter 109 of the humidification section. The housing 115 includes a circular inlet 118 of the housing, which faces the blade 117. The inlet 118 of the housing faces the humidification filter 109 of the humidification section.

The fan section 112 draws air into the main body 103 through the first inlets 101a and the second inlet 101b. The sucked air passes through the bottom of the air filter 107 in the main body 103. Then, the air moves between the air filter 107 and the water tank 108 of the humidification section along the longitudinal side wall of the water tank 108, which is located on the side of the filter 107 for air purification . Thus, the air moves to the humidifying filter 109, i.e. in the upward direction.

Then, the air changes its direction from the upward direction to a substantially horizontal direction at the upper part of the side wall of the water tank 108 of the humidification section. Air passes through the humidification filter 109 of the humidification section and is directed to the inlet 118 of the housing facing the humidification filter 109. Since the inlet 118 of the housing faces the humidification filter 109, the air that has passed through the humidification filter 109 moves into the inlet 118 of the housing almost straight line. As a result, pressure losses in the air duct can be small.

The lower part of the periphery of the housing inlet 118 is located higher than the upper end of the water tank 108 of the humidification section. More specifically, the housing inlet 118 faces the humidifying filter 109, and the lower periphery of the housing inlet 118 is higher than the upper end of the longitudinal side wall of the water tank 108, which is located on the side of the filter 107 for air purification.

The fan section 112 draws air into the main body 103 through the second inlet 101b. The sucked air passes through the bottom of the air filter 107 in the main body 103. Then, the air moves between the air filter 107 and the water tank 108 along the longitudinal side wall of the water tank 108, which is located on the side of the air filter 107. Thus, the air moves to the humidifying filter 109, i.e. in the upward direction.

Then, the air changes its direction from the upward direction to a substantially horizontal direction at the upper part of the side wall of the water tank 108. Air passes through a humidification filter 109 and is directed to a housing inlet 118 facing the humidification filter 109. As mentioned above, the housing inlet 118 faces the humidification filter 109, and the lower periphery of the housing inlet 118 is higher than the upper end of the reservoir 108 for water. Thus, the air that has passed through the humidifying filter 109 moves more into the inlet 118 than it encounters the longitudinal side wall of the water tank 108, which is located on the side of the fan section 112. As a result, pressure losses in the air duct can be small.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the lowest position within the range of movement provided by the drive sections 106, the front decorative panel 104 is substantially parallel to the windward surface of the air cleaning section in the air passage. As shown in FIG. 8, being in the middle position within the range of movement provided by the drive sections 106, the front decorative panel 104 is horizontally removed more from the upper part than from the lower part of the air cleaning section. More specifically, being in the lowest position within the range of movement provided by the drive sections 106, as shown in FIG. 10, the front decorative panel 104 is substantially parallel to the windward surface of the air cleaning section in the air passage. Thus, the first inlets 101a have a vertically elongated rectangular shape formed by both sides of the main body 103 and a front decorative panel 104, which is made in the form of a vertically elongated rectangle. In this state, the first inlet openings 101a are horizontally spaced apart from the air treatment section substantially uniformly throughout the vertical dimension of the air treatment section.

Assume that the front decorative panel 104 has been moved from the lowest position to the middle position within the range of movement provided by the drive sections 106, as shown in FIG. 8. In this case, the horizontal distance between the front decorative panel 104 and the air purification section in the upper part of the air purification section will be greater than in the lower part. Thus, the first inlets 101a have a trapezoidal shape formed by both sides of the main body 103 and the front decorative panel 104, which is made in the form of a vertically elongated rectangle. The horizontal distance between the first inlets 101 a and the air purification section increases from the lower part to the upper part of the air purification section.

As mentioned above, when the front decorative panel 104 is moved from the lowest position to the middle position within the movement provided by the drive sections 106, the horizontal distance between the front decorative panel 104 and the air treatment section at the top of the air cleaning section is greater than at the bottom . Thus, increasing the opening area of the first inlet openings 101a in the upper part of the air purification section increases the space between the front decorative panel 104 and the upper part of the air purification section. This space allows the air drawn in through the first inlets 101a to easily and uniformly move to the top of the air purification section.

The drive sections 106, which move the front decorative panel 104 in an up-down and forward-backward direction, each includes an axis and a rotation section. The rotation section is connected to one end of the axis so that the other end can rotate up and down around one end of the axis. The other end of the axis is connected to the front decorative panel 104. Two of the drive sections 106 are located in the upper part of the front decorative panel 104, and the other two drive sections 106 are located in the lower part of the front decorative panel 104. The axes of the two upper drive sections 106 are longer than the axes of the two lower drive sections 106.

More specifically, four drive sections 106 are located in each corner on the front of the main body 103. The drive sections 106 each include an axis and a rotation section. The rotation section is connected to one end of the axis so that the other end can rotate up and down around one end of the axis. In the two upper drive sections 106 near the upper corners on the front of the main body 103, one end of each axis around which the other end rotates is on the same axis of rotation. In the two lower drive sections 106 near the lower corners on the front of the main body 3, one end of each axis around which the other end rotates is on the same axis of rotation. The axes of the upper drive sections 106 are longer than the axes of the lower drive sections 106.

The drive sections 106 move the faceplate 104 from the lowest position to the middle position as follows. The rotation sections of the drive sections move the front decorative panel 104, which is attached to the other end of each axis, from the lowest position to the middle position within the movement around one end of each axis. Thus, the other end of each axis exits the main body 103 and moves upward around one end of each axis. As mentioned above, the upper drive sections 106 contain longer axles than the lower drive sections 106. Thus, the first inlet openings 101a have a large horizontal dimension at the top of the air purification section. In addition, a large space is formed between the front decorative panel 104 and the upper part of the air purification section. This space allows room air drawn in through the first inlets 101a to easily and uniformly move to the top of the air purification section.

By simply changing the lengths of the axes of the upper and lower drive sections 106, it is possible to achieve an optimum horizontal ratio of the first inlet openings 101a between the upper and lower parts of the air cleaning section.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an air purification device. FIG. 13 and 14 are a front view and a sectional view, respectively, of a humidification section of an air purification device. An air purification device according to a third exemplary embodiment includes a vertically elongated box-shaped main body 203, an air purification section, and a humidification section. The main body 203 includes inlets 201 and an outlet 202. An air purification section and a humidification section are located in the main body 203. Inlets 201 are located on both sides of the main body 203. The outlet 202 is located on the upper surface of the main body 203.

The air purification section is an air purification filter 205, which is formed from an accordion-folded filter element fixed in the housing and is located adjacent to the inlet 201. The air drawn in through the inlet 201 of the main body 203 is first transferred to the air purification filter 205 .

The humidification section includes a moisture release section, a water supplying member, and a rotation section that rotates the moisture release section.

The moisture release section includes a disk-shaped humidification filter 206 and a rotatable humidification filter frame 207 holding the humidification filter 206. The humidification filter frame 207 includes a water supply section 209 at its outer periphery.

The humidifying filter 206 in the wet state passes air through itself to evaporate water, and then releases very humid air into the room through the outlet 202.

The humidification filter frame 207 fixes the humidification filter 206 by placing it in the middle. The humidification filter frame 207 includes a water supply element and a moisture release section.

The water supply element includes a water tank 208 and a water tank 204. The water tank 208 is in the form of a bowl and is located at the bottom of the humidifying filter 206. The water tank 204 supplies a certain amount of water to the water tank 208. The humidifying filter frame 207 includes a water supply section 209 at its outer periphery. The humidification filter frame 207 is positioned so that the water supply section 209 and part of the humidification filter 206 can always be immersed in water in the water tank 208. The rotation section, which rotates the water supply section 209 and the humidification filter 206, is an electric motor 210.

The air purifier further includes a fan section 211 that draws air into the main body 203 through the inlet 201. Then, the fan section 211 moves air into the air purification filter 205, a humidification filter 206, and an outlet 202 in this order. The fan section 211 is located on the downstream side of the humidifying filter 206 in the air passage extending from the inlet 201 to the outlet 202.

An air purification device having such a design cleans and moisturizes air as follows. Water from the water tank 204 is supplied to the water tank so that the water level is kept constant. Thus, the water supply section 209 and part of the humidification filter 206 are always immersed in water. The electric motor 210 rotates the water supply section 209 and the humidification filter 206. The water obtained by the water supply section 209 drips from the approximately upper part of the water supply section 209 and moistens the humidification filter 206.

The air purification device in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment is characterized by the presence of a bypass air channel 212 connecting the air purification section to the fan section 211, as well as the placement of a humidification filter 206 and the bypass air channel 212 in the positions facing the inlet 213 of the housing of the fan section 211.

The bypass air channel 212 is configured to connect the air purification section to the fan section 211 without using a humidification filter 206 of the humidification section. An air purifier includes a purification / humidification channel and an air purification channel. Part of the air drawn into the main body 203 through the inlet 201 is directed to the fan section 211 through the air filter 205 and a humidification filter 206 along the air purification / humidification channel, and the other part is directed to the fan section 211 through the bypass air channel 212 along the channel air purification.

Thus, the fan section 211 is located on the downstream side of the disk-shaped humidification filter 206 of the humidification section. The bypass air channel 212 is configured to connect a filter 205 for air purification with the fan section 211. The humidification filter 206 and the bypass air duct 212 are facing the inlet 213 of the fan section. As a result, the air drawn in through the inlet 201 is divided into two streams. One stream is sucked into the fan section 211 through an air purification filter 205 and a humidification filter 206. Another stream is sucked into the fan section 211 through the bypass air duct 212. Then these two streams are discharged into the room through the outlet 202.

Thus, the drawn-in air passes through the humidifying filter 206 only once, and the humidifying filter 206 can transmit air without changing its direction. In other words, the humidification filter 206 provides a rectilinear movement of air in the channel cleaning / humidification, causing low ventilation resistance due to the air channel. Providing a bypass air passage 212 in order to avoid using a humidification section is able to reduce the ventilation resistance of the air purification channel. This is because the air purification channel is not exposed to the ventilation resistance of the humidifying filter 206, but is only affected by the ventilation resistance of the bypass air channel 212. This increases the amount of humidified and purified air.

The air purification filter 205 faces the inlet 213 of the fan section, has a larger area than the humidifying filter 206, and protrudes higher than the upper end of the water supply section 209. The air passage extending from the inlet 201 to the outlet 202 has a cross-sectional area gradually decreasing from the air purification section to the humidifying filter 206.

In other words, the air purification filter 205 has a larger area than the humidifying filter 206, and the larger area corresponds to a portion that projects higher than the upper end of the water supply section 109 of the humidification section. Thus, the air passage extending from the air purifying filter 205 to the humidifying filter 206 gradually decreases in area from the air purifying filter 205 to the humidifying filter 206. The reduced area corresponds to a portion of the air purifying filter that protrudes higher than the upper end of the section 209 water supply section humidification.

Filter 205 for air purification, which has a larger area compared to the area of the humidifying filter 206, has less ventilation resistance. The air channel from the air purifying filter 205 to the humidifying filter 206 gradually decreases in area from the air purifying filter 205 to the humidifying filter 206. Without a significant change in its cross-sectional area, this air channel has low ventilation resistance, thereby increasing the amount of transported air.

Since a bypass air channel 212 is located in the upper part of the water supply section 209, the air that has passed through the air filter 205 is mainly drawn into the bypass air channel 212. On the other hand, the air in the air channel gradually decreasing in area from the filter 205 for air purification to the humidifying filter 206, is drawn into the air channel extending from the air purifying filter 205 to the humidifying filter 206 along the upper part of the channel. This reduces ventilation resistance, thereby increasing the amount of humidified and cleaned air.

The center of the inlet 213 of the fan section is located above the axis of rotation of the humidification section. Thus, through the air purification channel, the air moves almost rectilinearly, thereby reducing the ventilation resistance due to the channel. This increases the amount of humidified and cleaned air.

The center of the inlet 213 of the fan section is located on the upstream side of the direction in which the water supply section 209 rotates from approximately the highest position within the range of movement. In this case, the vertical plane passes between the highest point at which the water supply section 209 supplies water and the center of the axis of rotation. In this case, the humidification filter 206 is divided into the rear side surface and the front side surface in the direction in which the water supply section 209 rotates from approximately the highest point in the vertical plane. The water supply section 209 supplies water to the humidification filter 206 at approximately the highest point. Thus, the humidification filter 206 contains more water at the rear side surface than the front side surface, in the direction in which the water supply section 209 rotates from about the highest point.

Placing the center of the inlet 213 of the fan section on the downstream side in a direction in which the water supply section 209 rotates from approximately the highest point allows air to move more toward the rear side surface than toward the front side surface of the humidifying filter 206. Thus, more the amount of air passes into the area of the humidifying filter 206, which contains a greater amount of water, thereby increasing the efficiency of humidification.

The output surface on the side of the inlet section 213 includes an inclined surface 214 on the side of the air purification section. The inclined surface 214 expands from the air outlet 215 of the fan section 211 to the outlet 202. In other words, the outlet surface on the side of the inlet section 213 of the fan section includes an inclined surface 214 that is angled with respect to the air cleaning section. The inclined surface 214 gradually expands from the air outlet 215 of the fan section 211 to the outlet 202. The air discharged through the air outlet 215 of the fan section 211 passes through the air channel, which gradually expands to the outlet 202. Then, the air is discharged into the room through the outlet 202. This provides a small ventilation resistance in the air duct, thereby increasing the area of the outlet 202 and decreasing the ventilation resistance e the outlet opening 202. This increases the amount of cleaning air and humidified.

The inclined surface 214 has a curved shape. More specifically, the inclined surface 214 of the outlet surface of the fan section 211 is convexly curved in an air passage in which the air discharged from the air outlet 215 of the fan section 211 gradually expands to the outlet 202. The air is widely discharged along a curved inclined surface to front of the main body 203.

The air purification device further includes an air guide plate 216 located in the outlet 202. The air guide plate 216 is rotatable and is able to easily control the air direction.

The center of rotation of the air guide plate 216 is located on the side of the outlet surface of the fan section 211 on which the electric motor 210 is attached. Thus, air can be easily directed to the front of the main body 203. When the main body 203 is located near the room wall, air can be directed to the center of the room.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 15 and 16 are a perspective view and a sectional view, respectively, of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a perspective sectional view of a humidification section and a rectification section of an air purification device. FIG. 18 is a schematic sectional view of a fan section of an air purifier.

An air purification device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment includes a vertically elongated box-shaped main body 303, an air purification section, and a humidification section. The main body 303 includes inlets 301 and an outlet 302. An air purification section and a humidification section are located in the main body 303. Inlets 301 are located on both sides of the main body 303. The outlet 302 is located on the upper surface of the main body 303.

The air purification section is an air purification filter 305, which is formed from an accordion-folded filter element fixed in the housing and is located near the inlets 301. The air drawn in through the inlets 301 of the main body 303 is transferred to the air purification filter 305.

The humidification section includes a moisture release section, a water supplying member, and a rotation section that rotates the moisture release section.

The moisture release section includes a disk-shaped humidifier filter 306 and a rotatable humidifier filter frame 307 holding the humidifier filter 306. The humidifier filter 306 has the property of retaining water. The humidifier filter 306 in the wet state passes air through it to evaporate water, and then releases very humid air into the room through the outlet 302. The humidifier filter frame 307 fixes the humidifier filter 306 in its center and includes a water supply section 308 of the feed element water, on its outer periphery.

The water supplying element includes a water tank 309, a water tank 304 and a water supply section 308. The water tank 309 is in the shape of a bowl and is located at the bottom of the humidifying filter 306. The water tank 304 supplies a certain amount of water to the water tank 309. Water supply section 308 supplies water to the humidification filter 306.

The humidification filter frame 307 is positioned so that a portion of the humidification filter 306 and the water supply section 308 can always be immersed in water in the water tank 309. A rotation section that rotates the water supply section 308 is an electric motor 310.

As shown in FIG. 16, the air purifier further includes a fan section 311 that draws air into the main body 303 through the inlet 301. Then, the fan section 311 moves the air to the air filter 305, a humidification filter 306 of the humidification section, and an outlet 302 in this order. The fan section 311 is located on the upstream side of the humidifying filter section 306. The fan section 311 includes an inlet 312 of the fan section, which is located on the surface of the air duct, which faces the humidification filter 306.

An air purification device having such a design cleans and moisturizes air as follows. Water from the water tank 304 is supplied to the water tank 309 so that the water level is kept constant. Thus, the water supply section 308, which is a water supply element, humidification sections, and a part of the humidification filter 306 are always immersed in water. An electric motor 310, which is a rotation section, rotates the humidification filter frame 307 to rotate the water supply section 308 that contains the obtained water, and the humidification filter 306. Water produced by the water supply section 308 drips from approximately the top of the water supply section 308. and wets the humidification filter 306. An electric motor 310 rotates the humidification filter frame 307 so that the humidification filter 306 can always be moistened with water.

The fan section 311 draws air into the main body 303 through the inlets 301. The sucked air passes through an air filter 305 in the main body 303 and a humidification filter 306 that is in a wet state. Then, air is discharged through the outlet 302 into the room in the form of humidified purified air.

The air purification device according to the fourth exemplary embodiment is characterized by the presence of a bypass air channel 313 and a rectification section 314. The bypass air duct 313 is located essentially at the top of the humidifying filter 306 and connects the air purification section to the fan section 311. The rectification section 314 is located on the periphery of the inlet opening 312 of the fan section. The inlet 312 of the fan section is located on the surface of the air duct, which faces the humidification filter 306.

The bypass air duct 313, which is located essentially at the top of the humidifying filter 306 and connects the air purification section to the fan section 311, separates the air drawn in through the inlets 301 into two flows. After passing through the air purification section, one stream passes through a humidifying filter 306 and then is sucked into the fan section 311, and the other stream passes through the bypass air channel 313 and then is sucked into the fan section 311. Then these flows are released by the fan section 311 into the room through the outlet 302.

Providing a bypass air passage 312 to avoid using a humidifying filter 306 is able to reduce ventilation resistance. A rectification section 314 located on the periphery of the inlet opening 312 of the fan section directs a portion of the purified air that has passed through the substantially upper portion of the air purification section to the humidifying filter 306. This increases the amount of air passing through the humidifying filter 306, thereby improving the moisturizing ability .

This increases the amount of humidified and cleaned air, and also improves the moisturizing ability.

The rectification section 314 is located on the periphery of the inlet opening 312 of the fan section. The rectification section 314 is formed from an annular protrusion 315 protruding on the side of the humidification filter 306. A portion of the purified air that has passed through the substantially upper part of the air purification section bumps onto the protrusion 315 and reduces its speed. The air also changes its direction from the protrusion 315 to the humidifying filter 306. As a result, part of the purified air that has passed through essentially the center of the air purification section is drawn in by the air moving from the air purification section to the inlet 312 of the fan section along the bypass air channel 313. Purified the air passing into the inlet 312 of the fan section, instead of passing into the humidifying filter 306, changes its direction to the humidifying filter 306. This increase in the amount of air passing through the humidifying filter 306 increases the amount of cleaning air and humidified, and improves a moisturizing ability.

The protrusion 315 includes a vertical plane 316 at its outer periphery. The vertical plane 316 extends vertically to the inlet 312 of the fan section. More specifically, the outer periphery of the protrusion 315 is cylindrical and has a central axis that extends through the center of the fan section inlet 312 and intersects at a 90 ° angle with the surface of the fan section inlet 312.

Thus, a portion of the purified air that has passed through the substantially upper portion of the air purification section encounters a vertical plane 316 and reduces its speed. The air also changes its direction from the protrusion 315 to the humidifying filter 306 along the vertical plane 316. As a result, part of the cleaned air, which has passed essentially through the center of the air cleaning section, is drawn in by the air moving from the air cleaning section directly into the inlet 312 of the fan section along bypass air duct 313. The purified air passing into the inlet 312 of the fan section instead of moving to the humidifying filter 306 changes its direction to the humidifying filter 306. This led chenie amount of air passing through the humidifying filter 306 increases the amount of cleaning air and humidified, and improves a moisturizing ability.

The protrusion 315 includes a section of a curved surface on its inner periphery. The curved surface portion is curved from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of the inlet 312 of the fan section. More specifically, the inner periphery of the protrusion 315 is convexly curved inward, so that the area defined by the inner periphery of the protrusion 315 gradually decreases from the side of the humidifying filter 306 to the side of the inlet 312 of the fan section. In other words, the ventilation area inside the protrusion 315 is gradually reduced from the side of the humidifying filter 306 towards the inlet 312 of the fan section. The curved surface portion performs the function of regulating the flow of air, which is disoriented after passing through the humidifying filter 306, thereby regulating the air moving into the fan section 311.

The humidification filter 306 has a larger area compared to the area of the inlet 312 of the fan section. The center of the humidifying filter 306 is located below the center of the inlet 312 of the fan section. More specifically, the humidification section is in the form of a bowl with an open top surface and includes a water tank 309, a humidification filter frame 307 and a humidification filter 306. The water tank 309 contains some water supplied from the water tank 304. The humidifier filter frame 307 is rotatable around a support 317 that extends upward from the upper end of the side wall 318. The upper end of the side wall 318 is the upper end of the side wall of the water tank 309. The humidification filter 306 is in the form of a ring and is attached to the frame 307 of the humidifying filter.

The fan section inlet 312 faces the humidifier filter 306. The upper end of the fan section inlet 312 is located higher than the upper end of the humidifier filter frame 307. The lower end of the inlet 312 of the fan section is located higher than the upper end of the side wall 318 of the water tank 309.

Thus, the side wall of the water tank 309 does not block the inlet 312 of the fan section. The inlet 312 of the fan section is closed only by a support 317 extending above the upper end of the side wall 318 of the water tank 309. This increases the amount of air, thereby improving moisturizing ability.

Fifth Embodiment

An air purification device in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawing. FIG. 19 is a schematic sectional view of a fan section of an air purification apparatus according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. Identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals relating to the fourth exemplary embodiment, and are not described.

The air purification device according to the fifth exemplary embodiment differs from the air purification device according to the fourth exemplary embodiment by the presence of a rectification section 314a, as shown in FIG. 19.

The rectification section 314a is located on the periphery of the inlet opening 312 of the fan section. The rectification section 314a is formed of an annular protrusion 315a protruding on the side of the humidifying filter 306. The height of the protrusion 315a gradually decreases from the upper part to the lower part of the inlet 312 of the fan section. More specifically, the height of the protrusion 315a gradually decreases from the upper part to the lower part of the fan section inlet 312 and becomes equal to the height of the outer wall 319 of the fan section 311 at the lower end of the fan section inlet 312.

From the cleaned and humidified air that passed through the humidifying filter 306 and moved into the inlet 312 of the fan section along the outer wall 319, the air that passed through the substantially lower part of the humidifying filter 306 is almost not affected by the bypass air duct 313 due to the large distance. The rectification section 314a allows air that has passed through the substantially lower portion of the humidifying filter 306 to move to the substantially lower portion of the inlet 312 of the fan section. Since the height of the protrusion 315a gradually decreases from the upper part to the lower part of the inlet 312 of the fan section, the air resistance is small in the essentially lower part. This increases the amount of air passing through the humidifying filter, thereby improving the moisturizing ability.

Sixth Embodiment

An air purification device in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawing. FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view of a fan section of an air purification apparatus in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment. Identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals relating to the fourth exemplary embodiment, and are not described.

The air purification device according to the fifth exemplary embodiment differs from the air purification device according to the fourth embodiment by the presence of the rectification section 314b shown in FIG. twenty.

The rectification section 314b is located at the periphery of the inlet 312 of the fan section. The rectification section 314b is formed from an annular protrusion 315b protruding only in the upper part on the side of the humidification filter 306. A protrusion 315b is provided only in the upper half from the center of the inlet 312 of the fan section.

From the cleaned and humidified air that passed through the humidifying filter 306 and moved into the inlet 312 of the fan section along the outer wall 319, the air that passed through the substantially lower part of the humidifying filter 306 is almost not affected by the bypass air duct 313 due to the large distance. The rectification section 314b allows air that has passed through the substantially lower portion of the humidifying filter 306 to move to the substantially lower portion of the inlet 312 of the fan section. Since a protrusion 315b is not provided in the lower half from the center of the inlet 312 of the fan section, the air resistance is small in the substantially lower part. This increases the amount of air passing through the humidifying filter 306, thereby improving the moisturizing ability.

Industrial applicability

Thus, it is assumed that the air purification device of the present invention is suitable for home and office use.

The list of reference positions in the drawings

1, 101, 201, 301 inlet

1a, 101a first inlet

1b, 101b second inlet

2, 102, 202, 302 outlet

3, 103, 203, 303 main building

4 air purification section

4a, 107, 205, 305 filter for air purification

5 humidification section

5a, 108, 208, 309 water tank

5b, 109, 206, 306 humidification filter

5c, 110, 209, 308 water supply section

5d, 111, 207, 307 humidifier filter frame

5е, 105, 204, 307 container with water

6, 112, 211, 311 fan section

7, 104 front decorative panel

7a steel plate section

8, 106 drive section

8a axis

8b rotation section

8s magnet

9, 216 plate for air direction

10 detachable section

113, 212, 313 bypass air duct

114, 210, 310 electric motor

118 housing inlet

213, 312 inlet of the fan section

214 incline

215 air outlet

314, 314a, 314b rectification section

315, 315a, 315b protrusion

316 vertical plane

317 support

318 upper end of the side wall

319 outer wall

Claims (17)

1. An air purification device comprising:
a main body having an inlet and an outlet;
an air purification section located in the main body; and
a fan section located in the air passage extending from the inlet to the outlet, which draws room air into the main body through the inlet and the air purification section,
the inlet includes a first inlet on at least one side of the main body and a second inlet in the lower front of the main body,
the main body has a front decorative panel in front of it, which is arranged to move up and down, thereby changing the opening area of at least the second inlet from the first and second inlet openings, while the front decorative panel is further configured to move back and forth, thereby changing the opening area of the first inlet, and
a drive section for moving the front decorative panel in the up-down and forward-backward directions, the drive section including:
axis; and
a rotation section located at one end of the axis so that the other end of the axis rotates around one end of the axis in an up-down direction, while the other end of the axis is connected to the front decorative panel. 2. The air purification device according to claim 1, additionally containing a detachable section to ensure detachment of the front decorative panel from the other end of the axis. 3. The air purification device according to claim 2, in which the detachable section includes a steel plate section attached to the front decorative panel, and a magnet attached to the other end of the axis. 4. An air purification device comprising:
a main body having an inlet and an outlet;
an air purification section located in the main body; and
a fan section located in the air passage extending from the inlet to the outlet, which draws room air into the main body through the inlet and the air purification section,
the inlet includes a first inlet on at least one side of the main body and a second inlet in the lower front of the main body,
the main body has a front decorative panel in front of it, which is arranged to move up and down, thereby changing the opening area of at least the second inlet from the first and second inlet openings, while the front decorative panel is further configured to move back and forth, thereby changing the opening area of the first inlet, and,
when the front decorative panel is at its lowest position within the range of movement, the opening area of the first inlet and the opening area of the second inlet become minimal. 5. An air purification device comprising:
a main body having an inlet and an outlet;
an air purification section located in the main body; and
a fan section located in the air passage extending from the inlet to the outlet, which draws room air into the main body through the inlet and the air purification section,
the inlet includes a first inlet on at least one side of the main body and a second inlet in the lower front of the main body,
the main body has a front decorative panel in front of it, which is arranged to move up and down, thereby changing the opening area of at least the second inlet from the first and second inlet openings, while the front decorative panel is further configured to move back and forth, thereby changing the opening area of the first inlet, and,
when the front decorative panel is in the middle position within the range of movement, the opening area of the first inlet becomes maximum, and the opening area of the second inlet becomes intermediate between maximum and minimum. 6. An air purification device comprising:
a main body having an inlet and an outlet;
an air purification section located in the main body; and
a fan section located in the air passage extending from the inlet to the outlet, which draws room air into the main body through the inlet and the air purification section,
the inlet includes a first inlet on at least one side of the main body and a second inlet in the lower front of the main body,
the main body has a front decorative panel in front of it, which is arranged to move up and down, thereby changing the opening area of at least the second inlet from the first and second inlet openings, while the front decorative panel is further configured to move back and forth, thereby changing the opening area of the first inlet, and,
when the front decorative panel is in the uppermost position within the range of movement, the opening area of the first inlet becomes intermediate between maximum and minimum, and the opening area of the second inlet becomes maximum. 7. An air purification device comprising:
a main body having an inlet and an outlet;
an air purification section located in the main body;
a fan section located in the air passage extending from the inlet to the outlet, which draws room air into the main body through the inlet and the air purification section,
the inlet includes a first inlet on at least one side of the main body and a second inlet in the lower front of the main body,
the main body has a front decorative panel in front of it, which is arranged to move up and down, thereby changing the opening area of at least the second inlet from the first and second inlet openings, while the front decorative panel is further configured to move back and forth, thereby changing the opening area of the first inlet, and
a plate for directing air located between the front decorative panel and the air purification section, wherein when the front decorative panel is in the uppermost position, the plate for directing air is located below the front decorative panel. 8. The air purification device according to claim 7, in which the plate for air direction is inclined so that the upper end of the plate for air direction is closer to the air purification section than the lower end of the plate for air direction. 9. An air purification device comprising:
a main body having an inlet and an outlet;
an air purification section located in the main body and representing a dust filter, folded accordion with folding lines in the horizontal direction; and
a fan section located in the air passage extending from the inlet to the outlet, which draws room air into the main body through the inlet and the air purification section,
the inlet includes a first inlet on at least one side of the main body and a second inlet in the lower front of the main body,
the main body has a front decorative panel in front of it, which is arranged to move up and down, thereby changing the opening area of at least the second inlet from the first and second inlet openings, while the front decorative panel is further configured to move back and forth, thereby changing the opening area of the first inlet. 10. An air purification device comprising:
a main body having an inlet and an outlet;
an air purification section located in the main body;
a fan section located in the air passage extending from the inlet to the outlet, which draws room air into the main body through the inlet and the air purification section,
the inlet includes a first inlet on at least one side of the main body and a second inlet in the lower front of the main body,
the main body has a front decorative panel in front of it, which is arranged to move up and down, thereby changing the opening area of at least the second inlet from the first and second inlet openings, while the front decorative panel is further configured to move back and forth, thereby changing the opening area of the first inlet, and
a humidification section located between the air purification section and the fan section in the air duct. 11. The air purification device of claim 10, in which the air purification section is inclined so that the upper end of the air purification section is located further inward of the main body than the lower end of the air purification section. 12. The air purification device according to claim 11, in which the humidification section includes
a water tank containing water;
a humidifying filter with peripherals, part of which is always immersed in water in the water tank;
a humidifying filter frame holding the humidifying filter, the humidifying filter frame comprising a water supply section at its outer periphery; and
a rotation section for rotating the frame of the humidifying filter. 13. The air purification device according to claim 11, in which the humidification section is located in the lower part of the air channel on the leeward side. 14. The air purification device according to item 12, in which the fan section includes:
housing;
an electric motor located in the housing; and
a blade attached to a rotating shaft of an electric motor, wherein
the housing has a housing inlet facing the humidifying filter. 15. The air purification device according to 14, in which the lower part of the periphery of the inlet of the housing is located higher than the upper end of the water tank. 16. The air purification device according to item 12, in which, when the front decorative panel is in the lowest position within the movement, the front decorative panel is parallel to the windward surface of the air channel, and when the front decorative panel is in the middle position within the movement, the front the decorative panel horizontally is more distant from the upper part of the air purification section than from the lower part of the air purification section. 17. The air purification device according to item 12, in which two of the drive sections are located in the upper part of the front decorative panel and the other two drive sections are located in the lower part of the decorative front panel, the axes of the upper drive sections being longer than the axes of the lower drive sections.

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