HUMIDIFIER

Abstract

A humidifier may include a water tank that stores water, a heating device configured to be supplied with water from the water tank and heat the water, a humidifying device that is connected with the heating device and produces humidified air using water supplied from the heating device, a first connection tube that connects the heating device and the humidifying device, a second connection tube that connects the heating device and the humidifying device at a position different from the first connection tube, and a pump disposed at a side of the second connection tube that pumps water stored in the humidifying device to the heating device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Application No. 10-2023-0055154 filed in Korea on Apr. 27, 2023, whose entire disclosure(s) is/are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

A humidifier is disclosed herein.

2. Background

A humidifier is a device that discharges humidified air having a high moisture content by vaporizing water. Humidifiers can produce humidified air by vaporizing water using natural vaporization, heating vaporization, and ultrasonic vibration.

Such vaporization types each have advantages and disadvantages. As for natural vaporization, it has a problem in that a user has to frequently manage a humidification medium that is used.

As for vaporization by ultrasonic vibration, it has a problem in that as supplied water is atomized by ultrasonic vibration, humidified air may not smoothly flow into an interior, a problem in that when non-sterilized water is used for humidification, unpleasant humidified air may flow into an interior, and a problem in that ultrasonic oscillators are vulnerable to high-temperature heat. As for heating vaporization, a problem of safety accidents may be generated when hot humidified air is directly discharged.

A humidifier that humidifies water supplied from a water tank through heating and ultrasonic vibration has been disclosed in Korean Patent No. KR 10-0158806, which is hereby incorporated by reference. However, this prior art document discloses a structure in which a space for heating water and a space for humidifying are connected to each other. This causes a problem in that water cannot be completely sterilized when the temperature for heating water is maintained under a set temperature in consideration of an ultrasonic oscillator. Further, there is a problem in that when water is heated for sterilization and sent to an ultrasonic oscillator, a malfunction of the ultrasonic oscillator may be generated. That is, according to the prior art document, it is difficult to completely sterilize water and perform humidification. Further, it does not disclose a detailed structure for discharging or sterilizing remaining water that remains in the spaces formed for heating and humidifying.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidifier according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the humidifier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line III-II′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a water tank cover, an inner water tank, an outer water tank, an inner shell, and an outer shell according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the inner water tank according to an embodiment and a water softener disposed therein;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the inner water tank according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the water softener according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the water softener according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a bottom view of the water softener according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9B is a bottom view of a water softener according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a connector body according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a connector holder according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a water tank, an inner shell, and

a middle tray according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the water tank, the inner shell, and the middle tray are coupled according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the water tank, the inner shell, and the middle tray which are coupled from another side according to an embodiment has been coupled;

FIG. 16 is a view of internal structure of a supply tube according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a side view of a heating device and a humidifying device according to an embodiment have been combined;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the heating device and the humidifying device which are coupled from another side according to an embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the heating device and the humidifying device which are coupled from another side according to an embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view viewed in a direction different from FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of top surfaces of a water humidifier tank and a water heater tank according to an embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a disposition of a second supply hole in the water heater tank according to an embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a humidifying module housing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the water humidifier tank and the water heater tank according to an embodiment have been mounted in the humidifying module housing;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a channel case has been coupled in the structure of FIG. 24

FIG. 26 is a schematic view illustrating a flow of water and air in the humidifier according to an embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a connection relationship of the heating device and the humidifying device according to an embodiment and an arrangement relationship of an internal configuration thereof; and

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of a flow of water and air in a humidifier according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The advantages and features of embodiments, and methods of achieving them will be clear by referring to the exemplary embodiments that will be described hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described hereafter and may be implemented in various ways, the exemplary embodiments are provided to complete the description and let those skilled in the art completely know the scope, and the embodiments are defined by the claims. Like reference numerals indicate like components throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a humidifier will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an entire configuration of a humidifier is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

A humidifier may vaporize water using ultrasonic vibration. A humidifier may discharge humidified air by heating water. A humidifier may discharge humidified air produced by ultrasonic vibration and humidified air produced by heating.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a humidifier may include a case 10 forming an external shape and having an inlet 24a and an outlet 12a, a filter device disposed in the case 10 that filters air suctioned into the inlet 24a, a blower 60 disposed in the case 10 that blows air in the case 10 from the inlet 24a to the outlet 12a, a water tank 100 disposed in the case 10 that stores water, and a humidifying module that is supplied with water from the water tank 100 and producing humidified air.

The humidifying module may include a heating device 300 that heats water, and a humidifying device 350 that produces humidified air from water. The humidifying module may include a humidifying module housing 410 that circumferentially covers the heating device 300 and the humidifying device 350. A channel housing 430 may be circumferentially disposed outside of the humidifying module housing 410. A blower channel 70 may be formed between the humidifying module housing 410 and the channel housing 430. Hereinafter, a configuration and arrangement of the humidifying module will be described.

The entire case 10 may have a cylindrical shape, for example. The case 10 may include an intake grill 24 forming the inlet 24a through which air flows into the humidifier and a discharge grill 12 forming the outlet 12a through which air is discharged from the humidifier.

The inlet 24a may be formed on a circumferential surface of the case 10 having the cylindrical shape. The outlet 12a may be formed on a top surface of the case 10 having the cylindrical shape. The humidifier may suction air through the circumferential surface and discharge air through the top surface.

Referring to FIG. 3, the intake grill 24 may cover outer sides of a filter 50 and a blower housing 68 described hereinafter. A plurality of inlets 24a formed in an upward-downward direction and circumferentially spaced apart from each other may be formed on the intake grill 24. The inlets 24a may be formed around the filter 50. The inlets 24a may be formed on a lower portion of the intake grill 24. The inlets 24a may be formed on the lower portion of the intake grill 24 and an upper portion of the intake grill 24 may be closed to protect an inside of the humidifier.

A plurality of grills 24b that extend in the upward-downward direction may be disposed at the intake grill 24. The plurality of grills 24b may be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the intake grill 24. A plurality of inlets 24a may be formed between the plurality of grills 24b.

The intake grill 24 may be divided into a lower intake grill section 25a at which the inlets 24a are formed and an upper intake grill section 25b disposed over the lower intake grill section 25a. A display 30 described hereinafter may be disposed at the upper intake grill section 25b. The upper intake grill section 25b may cover outer sides of the blower housing 68 and the humidifying module described hereinafter.

The humidifier may include the discharge grill 12 forming the outlet 12a and a water tank cover 14 disposed over the water tank 100. The discharge grill 12 may be separated upward from an outer shell 22 described hereinafter. The water tank cover 14 may be separated from the discharge grill 12 or the water tank 100. The discharge grill 12 may include a plurality of ribs 12b that radially extends from an outer circumferential portion of the water tank cover 14. The plurality of ribs 12b disposed at the discharge grill 12 may be circumferentially spaced apart from each other on an outer circumference surface of the water tank cover 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, the water tank cover 14 may include a center cover 16, and an edge cover 18 disposed around the center cover 16. The center cover 16 may have a structure that becomes convex upward as it extends to a center. A water supply hole 20 through which water flows into the water tank 100 may be formed between the edge cover 18 and the center cover 16.

Referring to FIG. 1, the discharge grill 12 may be disposed over a first discharge channel 32 and over a second discharge channel 34 described hereinafter. The plurality of outlets 12a may be formed between the plurality of ribs 12b disposed at the discharge grill 12.

The discharge grill 12 may have a predetermined height in the upward-downward direction. Accordingly, mixing channels 13 may be formed between the plurality of ribs 12b disposed at the discharge grill 12. Air flowing through the first discharge channel 32 and air flowing through the second discharge channel 34 may be mixed in the mixing channels 13.

Each of the plurality of ribs 12b may be formed such that a height of an outer circumferential end is larger than a height of an inner circumferential end. Accordingly, air flowing through the first discharge channel 32 and the second discharge channel 34 may be guided radially inward.

The case 10 may include the outer shell 22 that guides air flowing therein to the outlets 12a. The outer shell 22 may form an inner shell 180 described hereinafter and the second discharge channel 34.

The outer shell 22 may include an upper outer shell 22a disposed under the discharge grill 12 and a lower outer shell 22b disposed under the upper outer shell 22a. The lower outer shell 22b may be made of a transparent material, for example.

The case 10 may include a bottom wall 26 that covers an underside of the intake grill 24. The humidifier may include a base 28 disposed under the case 10 that spaces the bottom wall 26 a predetermined distance apart from the ground. An upper end portion of the base 28 may be connected with the bottom wall 26. The bottom wall 26 may cover a bottom surface of the humidifier spaced apart upward from the ground from the base 28.

Referring to FIG. 2, the display 30 may be disposed on a side of the case 10. The display 30 enables a user to control a power or operation of the humidifier. A display that shows an operation state, for example, of the humidifier to a user may be disposed at the display 30.

The filter device may filter air suctioned inside through the inlets 24a using the filter 50. The filter device may blow filtered air upward.

Referring to FIG. 3, the filter device may include the filter 50 that filters air that is suctioned into the inlets 24a, and a filter mount that fixes the filter 50 in the case 10. The filter 50 may have a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, the filter 50 may filter air that is suctioned in front, rear, left, and right directions perpendicular to the upward-downward direction. Air suctioned into the inlet 24a may flow to an internal space of the filter 50. Air that has passed through the filter 50 may flow to the blower 60 disposed over the filter 50.

The filter mount may include a lower plate 52 disposed under the filter 50, an upper plate 54 disposed on the filter 50, and supporters (not shown) that connect the lower plate 52 and the upper plate 54. The lower plate 52 may be disposed under the filter 50. The lower plate 50 may sense whether the filter 50 is disposed while moving up and down. A fan sterilizer 53 that emits ultraviolet light upward may be disposed at a center of the lower plate 52. The fan sterilizer 53 may sterilize a blower fan 62 described hereinafter or an inside of the filter 50.

An orifice 56 may be formed on the upper plate 54. The orifice 56 may be formed at a center of the upper plate 54. The orifice 56 may divert air flowing in the filter 50 to the blower fan 62. An inner circumferential end of the upper plate 54 may have an upwardly bending shape to guide air flowing upward through the internal space of the filter 50 to the blower fan 62.

The supporters 58 may connect the lower plate 52 and the upper plate 54. The supporters may be circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

The blower 60 may include the blower fan 62 that generates an airflow in the case 10 and a fan motor 64 that rotates the blower fan 62. Referring to FIG. 3, the blower fan 62 may include a fan suction port at a side facing the orifice 56 and a fan discharge port opposite to the fan intake port. As the blower fan 62, a mixed flow fan a fan discharge port of which faces a center of a circle at an opposite side to the fan intake port may be used. The blower fan 62 may include a hub connected with the fan motor 64, a shroud spaced a predetermined distance apart from the hub and forming the fan intake port, and a blade that radially extends to connect the hub and the shroud.

The blower fan 62 may operate to blow air upward from a lower portion thereof. The blower fan 62 may suction air toward the orifice 56 and discharge air toward the blower housing 68 in which a diffuser 72 may be disposed.

The fan motor 64 may be disposed over the blower fan 62. The blower 60 may include a motor cover 66 that covers an outer side of the fan motor 64 and the blower housing 68 which is spaced apart radially outward from the motor cover 66 and guides upward the air blown by the blower fan 62.

A blower channel 70 through which the air blown by the blower fan 62 flows upward may be formed between the motor cover 66 and the blower housing 68. The blower channel 70 may extend to a region in which the humidifying module housing 410 and the channel housing 430 are formed. The intake grill 24 may be disposed outside of the blower housing 68.

The blower 60 may include the diffuser 72 that is disposed between the motor cover 66 and the blower housing 68 and reduce a rotational component of the air blown upward by the blower fan 62. A plurality of diffusers 72 may be disposed to be circumferentially spaced.

A control box 74 that forms a space in which a circuit board 76 is disposed may be disposed over the motor cover 66. The control box 74 may be spaced apart inward from the blower housing 68. Accordingly, the blower channel 70 may be formed also in the space between the control box 74 and the blower housing 68. A plurality of circuit board 76 may be disposed in the control box 74.

A water tank, and an inner shell and an outer shell that are disposed outside the water tank will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 4. The humidifier may include the water tank 100 that stores water, the inner shell 180 that forms a space therein in which the water tank 100 is spaced, the outer shell 22 that forms a space therein in which the inner shell 180 is disposed, and the water tank cover 14 disposed over the water tank 100.

The water tank 100 may include an inner water tank 102 and an outer water tank 160 circumferentially disposed outside of the inner water tank 102. The inner shell 180 may be disposed inside of the outer shell 22. The outer shell 22 and the inner shell 180 may be spaced apart from each other. The second discharge channel 34 through which air that has passed through the filter 50 may be formed between the outer shell 22 and the inner shell 180.

The outer water tank 160 may be disposed inside of the inner shell 180. The inner shell 180 and the outer water tank 160 may be spaced apart from each other. The first discharge channel 32 (see FIG. 3) through which humidified air produced at a humidifying device 450 flows may be formed between the inner shell 180 and the outer water tank 160.

The inner water tank 102 may be disposed in the outer water tank 160. When the inner water tank 102 is disposed in the outer water tank 160, an outer circumferential surface of the inner water tank 102 may be disposed to be in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the outer water tank 160.

The water tank cover 14 may be disposed over the inner water tank 102 and the outer water tank 160. The water tank cover 14 may cover tops of the inner water tank 102 and the outer water tank 160. The water tank cover 14, which is a structure mounted on the discharge grill 12, may be spaced upward a predetermined distance apart from the inner water tank 102 and the outer water tank 160.

The inner water tank and a water softener will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 5. The inner water tank 102 may include an inner water tank body 104 that forms a space in which water is stored, a handle 108 disposed over the inner water tank body 104, and a connector 120 disposed under the inner water tank body 104 that connects the inner water tank body 104 to a supply tube 230 described hereinafter.

The inner water tank body 104 may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, for example. The inner water tank body 104 may have an upward open shape, for example.

The handle 108 may be disposed over the inner water tank body 104. The handle 108 may include a handle bar 110 disposed across a top of the inner water tank body 104.

The connector 120 may include a connector body 121 disposed through a bottom hole 106 of the inner water tank body 104 and a connector holder 132 that fixes the connector body 121 by being coupled to the connector body 121. The connector body 121 may be disposed in the inner water tank body 104 and the connector holder 132 may be disposed under the inner water tank body 104.

A water softener 14 that removes ions in water flowing in the inner water tank 102 may be disposed in the inner water tank 102. The water softener 140 may be fixed in the inner water tank 102.

An arrangement of the inner water tank and the water softener will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 6. The inner water tank 102 may include the inner water tank body 104 that forms a space in which water is stored, the handle 108 disposed over the inner water tank body 104, and the connector 120 disposed under the inner water tank body 104 that connects the inner water tank body 104 to the supply tube 230 (see FIG. 16) described hereinafter.

The inner water tank body 104 may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, for example. The inner water tank body 104 may have an upward open shape, for example. The bottom hole 106 through which stored water is discharged may be formed on a bottom surface of the inner water tank body 104. The inner water tank body 104 may have a shape in which an inner diameter of the water tank decreases downward from an upper portion.

The bottom hole 106 may be formed at a center of the bottom surface of the inner water tank body 104. The connector 120 may be fixed in the bottom hole 106. Water stored in the inner water tank 102 may flow to the supply tube 230 through the connector 120 mounted in the bottom hole 106.

The handle 108 may include a handle fixing portion 112 fixed to an upper end portion of the inner water tank body 104 and the handle bar 110 disposed across a top of the inner water tank body 104. The handle fixing portion 112 may be fixed to the upper end of the inner water tank body 104. The handle fixing portion 112, in a region disposed in the inner water tank body 104, may include an inclined wall 113 inclined toward an inside and an underside of the inner water tank body 104. Accordingly, water that drops through the water tank cover 14 may flow on the inclined surface of the handle fixing portion 112 into the inner water tank 102

The connector 120 may include the connector body 121 disposed through the bottom hole 106 of the inner water tank body 104, a connector holder 132 that fixes the connector body 121 by being coupled to the connector body 121, and a connector valve 130 disposed in the connector body 121 that opens/closes an internal channel of the connector body 121. The connector body 121 may include a connector plate 122 disposed in the inner water tank body 104 and a connector pipe 128 disposed through the bottom hole 106 of the inner water tank body 104 and forming the internal channel 128a therein. The connector plate 122 may be disposed over the bottom surface of the inner water tank body 104.

The connector plate 122 may have a structure that fixes the water softener 140 described hereinafter. A plurality of fixing ribs 126a and 126b that protrudes upward and radially spaced apart from each other may be disposed on the connector plate 122. A bottom protrusion 148 of the water softener 140 may be disposed between the plurality of fixing ribs 126a and 126b.

An edge wall 124 that is disposed radially further outside than the fixing ribs 126a and 126b and protrudes upward may be disposed on the connector plate 122. A hook 149 of the water softener 140 may be inserted in a hook hole 124a formed at the edge wall 124.

The connector pipe 128 may extend downward from a center of the connector plate 122. The connector pipe 128 may be disposed through the bottom hole 106 of the inner water tank body 104. The internal channel 128a through which water in the inner water tank 102 flows may be formed in the connector pipe 128. The connector valve 130 that opens/closes the internal channel 128a may be disposed in the connector pipe 128.

The connector valve 130 may be configured to move in the upward-downward direction in the connector pipe 128. When the connector valve 130 is connected to the supply tube 230 described hereinafter, the connector valve 130 may open the internal channel 128a by moving upward.

The connector holder 132 may be circumferentially disposed to be fixed outside of the inner water tank 128. The connector holder 132 may be disposed under the bottom surface of the inner water tank body 104. Accordingly, the connector holder 132 may be connected with the connector pipe 128, thereby being able to fix the connector body 121.

The inner water tank 102 may include a packing 114 mounted on the inner water tank body 104 forming a circumferential portion of the bottom hole 106. The packing 114 may be made of a rubber material, for example. The packing 114 may be disposed to be in contact with the connector plate 122 at an upper side thereof and in contact with the connector holder 132 at a lower side thereof.

The packing 114 may prevent contact of the inner water tank body 104 and the connector body 121. The packing 114 may prevent contact of the inner water tank body 104 and the connector holder 132. The packing 114 may seal a portion between the connector plate 122 and a bottom wall 105 of the inner water tank body 104. Further, the packing 114 may seal a portion between the connector holder 132 and a bottom wall 105 of the inner water tank body 104. That is, the packing 114 may doubly prevent water in the inner water tank 102 from leaking through an outside of the connector 120.

An inner sealer 136 may be circumferentially disposed outside of the connector plate 128. The inner sealer 136 may seal a portion between the connector 120 and the supply tube 130.

An outer sealer 134 may be circumferentially disposed outside of the connector holder 132. The outer sealer 134 may be disposed to be in contact with a side of the outer water tank 160 (see FIG. 14) described hereinafter and/or the inner shell 180 (see FIG. 14).

The water softener 140 may be fixed in the inner water tank 102. An ion exchange resin (not shown) that removes ions of water flowing into the inner water tank 102 may be disposed in the water softener 140. The water softener 140 may include a gasket 152, which seals an inner circumferential surface of the inner water tank 102 and an outer circumferential surface of the water softener 140, at a side of the circumferential surface thereof.

Referring to an enlarged view, the gasket 153 disposed at an upper end portion of the water softener 140 may be disposed to be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the inner water tank 102. Accordingly, water does not flow through a space between the inner water tank 102 and the water softener 140 while not passing through an inside of the water softener 140. Water flowing inside from above the inner water tank 102 and flowing to the bottom hole 106 of the inner water tank 102 may necessarily pass through the water softener 140.

The water softener 140 will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9B. The water softener 140 has a plurality of housing and cover holes 146a and 150b through which water flows formed on a top surface and a bottom surface, respectively. The water softener 140 makes water, which flows inside through the holes 150b formed on the top surface, come in contact with and react with an ion exchange resin and discharges the water flowing in the water softener 140 through the housing holes 146a formed on the bottom surface.

The gasket 152 which protrudes radially outward to come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the inner water tank 102 is disposed on the circumferential surface of the water softener 140. Accordingly, water flowing downward from the inside of the inner water tank 102 flows through the water softener 140.

Referring to FIG. 7, the water softener 140 may include a water softener housing 142 that forms a space in which the ion exchange resin (not shown) is disposed, and a housing cover 150 disposed over the water softener housing 142. Referring to FIGS. 7 to 8, the water softener 140 further includes the gasket 152 configured to be fixed to the water softener housing 142 or the housing cover 150 and configured to be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the inner water tank 102.

The water softener housing 142 may have a bowl shape open on top and forming a space therein. The water softener housing 142 may include a housing circumference wall 144 formed in a cylindrical shape, a housing bottom wall 146 that forms a bottom surface of the housing circumference wall 144, and an inner protrusion 144a that protrudes inward from an upper end portion of the housing circumference wall 144.

Referring to FIG. 18, the housing circumference wall 144 may be formed in a shape a diameter of which decreases downward. The housing circumference wall 144 may be disposed in the inner water tank 102. The housing circumference wall 144 may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from the inner water tank 102.

The inner protrusion 144a that fixes the housing cover 150 disposed over it may be disposed at an upper end portion of the housing circumference wall 144. The inner protrusion 144a may protrude toward the inner circumferential surface of the housing circumference wall 144.

The inner protrusion 144a may have a circumferentially extending structure. A plurality of inner protrusions 144a may be provided and spaced apart from each other along an inner circumferential surface of the housing circumference wall 144. Referring to FIG. 8, the inner protrusion 144a may be disposed over an outer protrusion 151 formed at the housing cover 150, thereby fixing the housing cover 150.

Referring to FIGS. 9A to 9B, the plurality of housing holes 146a may be formed on the housing bottom wall 146. Water that has come in contact with the ion exchange resin may flow downward through the plurality of housing holes 146a. Referring to FIG. 9A, the plurality of housing holes 146a may be disposed inside of a bottom protrusion 148 disposed on the bottom surface of the water softener 140. Further, referring to FIG. 9B, the plurality of housing holes 146a may be uniformly formed in an entire region of the housing bottom wall 146.

The hook 149 that connects the water softener 140 to the connector 120 may be disposed at the housing bottom wall 146. The hook 149 may be mounted in the hook hole 124a formed on the edge wall 124 of the connector body 121. A plurality of hooks 149 may be disposed to be circumferentially spaced. The hook 149 may prevent the water softener 140 disposed over the connector 120 from moving upward in the inner water tank 102. Referring to FIGS. 9A to 9B, a plurality of hooks 149 circumferentially spaced apart from each other may be provided.

The bottom protrusion 148 may be disposed on the housing bottom wall 146. The bottom protrusion 148 may protrude downward from the housing bottom wall 146. The bottom protrusion 148 may space the water softener 140 disposed over the connector 120 a predetermined distance apart from the connector 120. Accordingly, water flowing under the water softener 140 through the housing hole 146a may flow between the connector 120 and the water softener 140 and may flow to the internal channel 128a of the connector pipe 128.

The bottom protrusion 148 may be disposed between first fixing rib 126a and second fixing rib 126b that are disposed on the connector body 121. Referring to FIG. 9A, the bottom protrusion 148 may be formed in a ring shape. Referring to FIG. 9B, the bottom protrusion 148 may be formed in a pillar shape that protrudes downward at a point on the housing bottom wall 146. Referring to FIG. 9B, the bottom protrusion 148 may have a structure that has a bottom surface in a shape formed by the housing hole 146 and protrudes downward. A plurality of pillar-shaped bottom protrusions circumferentially spaced apart from each other may be provided. As in FIG. 9B, when pillar-shaped bottom protrusions are provided, the number of the housing holes 146a formed on the housing bottom wall 146 may be increased.

The housing cover 150 may be disposed over the water softener housing 142. The housing cover 150 may cover the top of the water softener housing 142. The housing cover 150 may cover the open top of the water softener housing 142.

A plurality of cover holes 150b may be formed at the housing cover 150. The water stored in the inner water tank 102 may flow into the water softener housing 142 through the plurality of cover holes 150b.

A housing handle 150a that protrudes upward may be disposed on a top of the housing cover 150. An outer protrusion 151 that protrudes radially outward may be disposed at a side on a circumferential surface of the housing cover 150. When the housing cover 150 is disposed over the water softener housing 142, the inner protrusion 144a of the water softener housing 142 may be disposed under the outer protrusion 151 of the housing cover 151, whereby the housing cover 150 may be fixed.

The gasket 152 may be disposed at an upper end portion of the housing cover 150. The gasket 152 may protrude radially outward from the upper end portion of the housing cover 150. The gasket 152 may protrude radially outward further than the housing cover 150 or the water softener housing 142. Accordingly, when the water softener 140 is disposed in the inner water tank 102, an outer circumferential surface of the gasket 152 may be disposed to be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the inner water tank 102.

When the water softener 140 is disposed in the inner water tank 102, a diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the gasket 152 may be larger than a diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the inner water tank 102 in a region in which the gasket 152 is positioned. Accordingly, water flowing downward from the inner water tank 102 may flow downward through the inside of the water softener 140.

The connector will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 10. The connector 120 connects the inner water tank 102 and the supply tube 230. The connector 120 may fix the water softener 140 in the inner water tank 102. The connector 120 may be connected to the water tank 100 and may discharge the water stored in the water tank 10 to the humidifying module. The connector 120 may discharge the water stored in the water tank 100 to the humidifying module through the supply tube 230.

The connector 120 may include the connector body 121 and the connector holder 132. The connector body 121 may be disposed over the connector holder 132. The connector body 121 may be disposed over the inner water tank body 104 (see FIG. 6). The connector holder 132 may be disposed under the inner water tank body 104 (see FIG. 6).

The connector body 121 may include the connector plate 122 and the connector pipe 128 that extends downward from the connector plate 122. The connector pipe 128 may protrude downward from the connector plate 122. The connector valve 130 may be disposed in the internal channel 128a formed in the connector pipe 128.

A pipe protrusion 129 may be disposed on an outer circumferential portion of the connector pipe 128. The pipe protrusion 129 may be disposed over a holder protrusion 133 of the connector holder 132, whereby the connector body 121 and the connector holder 132 may be fixed.

The inner sealer 136 may be circumferentially disposed outside of the connector pipe 128. When the connector 120 is disposed over the supply tube 230 described hereinafter, the inner sealer 136 may seal the portion between the connector 120 and the supply tube 230. The inner sealer 136 may be disposed under the pipe protrusion 129.

The connector holder 132 may be fixed to the connector pipe 128. The outer sealer 134 may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the connector holder 132. The outer sealer 134 may protrude radially outward further than the outer circumferential surface of the connector holder 132.

The outer sealer 134 may be disposed to be in contact with an inner circumferential surface of a bottom protrusion 166 (see FIG. 14) of the outer water tank 160 disposed outside of the connector holder 132. The outer sealer 134 may be disposed over a top protrusion 186 (see FIG. 14) of the inner shell 180 disposed outside of the connector holder 132.

Structure of an upper portion of the connector plate will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 11. The fixing ribs 126a and 126b protruding upward may be disposed on the connector plate 122. The fixing ribs 126a and 126b may include first fixing rib 126a, and second fixing rib 126b radially spaced apart from the first fixing rib 126a. The bottom protrusion 148 (see FIG. 8) of the water softener 140 may be disposed in a space between the first fixing rib 126a and the second fixing rib 126b. The first fixing rib 126a and the second fixing rib 126b may prevent the water softener 140 disposed in the inner water tank 102 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the upward-downward direction.

The edge wall 124 disposed radially further outside than the fixing ribs 126a and 126b and protruding upward may be disposed on the connector plate 122. The hook hole 124a in which the hook 149 of the water softener 140 is inserted may be formed at the edge wall 124.

An upper portion of the connector holder will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 12. The connector holder 132 may have a structure that is hollow and open in the upward-downward direction. The holder protrusion 133 may protrude on an inner circumferential surface of the connector holder 132. The connector pipe 128 of the connector body 121 may be inserted in a space formed inside of the inner circumferential surface of the connector holder 132. The outer sealer 134 radially protruding may be disposed at an upper end portion of the connector holder 132.

The water tank, inner shell, and middle tray will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 13. The humidifier may include the water tank 100 that forms a space in which water is stored, the inner shell 180 that forms a space in which the water tank 100 is disposed, and the middle tray 200 disposed under the inner shell 180. The water tank 100 may be in a state in which the inner water tank 102 is disposed in the outer water tank 160. Accordingly, the connector holder 132 may be disposed in a through-hole 164 of the outer water tank 160.

The outer water tank 160 may be disposed, with the inner shell 180 disposed therein, over the middle tray 200. The middle tray 200 may support the inner shell 180, the outer water tank 160, and the inner water tank 102. Accordingly, a load of the inner water tank 102, the outer water tank 160, and the inner shell 180 may be transmitted to the middle tray 200.

The outer water tank 160 may be circumferentially disposed outside of the inner water tank 102. The through-hole 164 may be formed on a bottom surface of the outer water tank 160 and some components of the connector 120 may be disposed under the outer water tank 160 through the through-hole 164.

A pair of first water tank protrusions 170a and 170b that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the outer water tank 160 and the second water tank protrusion 168 that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the outer water tank 160 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the outer water tank 160. The pair of first water tank protrusions 170a and 170b may be disposed opposite to each other with the through-hole 164 therebetween. The pair of first water tank protrusions 170a and 170b may transmit the load of the inner water tank 102 and the outer water tank 160 to the weight sensors 212a and 212b of the middle tray 200 described hereinafter. The pair of first water tank protrusions 170a and 170b may transmit the load of the inner water tank 102 and the outer water tank 160 to the weight sensors 212a and 212b (see FIG. 14) directly or indirectly through the inner shell 180. The second water tank protrusion 168 may be disposed between the pair of first water tank protrusions 170a and 170b.

The inner shell 180 may form a space in which the water tank 100 is disposed. A shell through-hole 184 may be formed on a bottom surface of the inner shell 180. The shell through-hole 184 may be disposed under the through-hole 164 of the outer water tank 160. The connector 120 may be disposed in the shell through-hole 184.

A pair of first shell protrusions 188a and 188b in which the pair of first water tank protrusions 170a and 170b of the outer water tank 160 may be mounted may be disposed at the inner shell 180. The pair of first shell protrusions 188a and 188b may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the inner shell 180. A second shell protrusion 190 in which the second water tank protrusion 168 of the outer water tank 160 may be mounted may be disposed at the inner shell 180. A space in which the second water tank protrusion 168 may be inserted may be formed in the second shell protrusion 190.

An exhaust connection tube 192 formed such that humidified air discharged from the humidifying module flows therethrough may be disposed on the bottom surface of the inner shell 180. An exhaust connection tube hole 194 may be formed in the exhaust connection tube 192.

The middle tray 200 may be disposed under the inner shell 180. A first hole 204 through which the supply tube 230 may extend may be formed on the middle tray 200. The first hole 204 may be formed at a center of a tray plate 202.

A second hole 208 through which humidified air discharged from the humidifying device 350 flows may be formed on the middle tray 200. The second hole 208 may be disposed at a position radially spaced apart from the first hole 204.

The water tank, the inner shell, and the middle tray will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 14. The inner water tank 102 may be disposed in the outer water tank 160. When the inner water tank 102 is disposed in the outer water tank 160, the outer circumferential surface of the inner water tank 102 may be disposed to be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer water tank 160.

The outer water tank 160 may be circumferentially disposed outside of the inner water tank 102. The outer water tank 160 may be disposed to be in contact with the outer circumferential portion of the inner water tank 102. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize condensate water that is produced on the outer circumferential portion of the inner water tank 102.

An upper end portion 162 of the outer water tank 160 may be spaced apart from the inner water tank 102. That is, the upper end portion 162 of the outer water tank 160 may be formed such that a radial expansion ratio increases as it extends upward.

The water softener 140 may be disposed in the inner water tank 102. The water softener 140 may be connected with the connector 120 disposed in the inner water tank 102, whereby the water softener 140 may be fixed. The gasket 152 may be disposed at the upper end portion of the water softener 140 to be in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the inner water tank 102. Accordingly, water flowing in the inner water tank 102 may flow down through the water softener 140.

The inner shell 180 may be spaced apart from the outer water tank 160. The inner shell 180 may be spaced apart from the water tank 100. The first discharge channel 32 through which humidified air flows may be formed between the inner shell 180 and the outer water tank 160.

The first water tank protrusions 170a and 170 of the outer water tank 160 may be inserted in the first shell protrusions 188a and 188b of the inner shell 180, whereby the outer water tank 160 may be fixed. The inner shell 180 may have a structure to which the load of the outer water tank 160, the inner water tank 102, and the water softener 140 is transmitted.

The first discharge channel 32 may be formed between the inner shell 180 and the outer water tank 160. Humidified air produced in the humidifying device 350 or the heating device 300 described hereinafter may flow through the first discharge channel 32. The inner shell 180 may be made of a transparent material, for example.

The inner shell 180 may be disposed over the middle tray 200. The weight sensors 212a and 212b may be disposed on the middle tray 200 at portions that are in contact with the inner shell 180. The weight sensors 212a and 212b may sense a level of water stored in the inner water tank 102 by sensing the load of the inner shell 180, the outer water tank 160, the inner water tank 102, and the water softener 140. The first shell protrusions 188a and 188b of the inner shell 180 may be disposed on the weight sensors 212a and 212b of the middle tray 200.

The first hole 204 may be formed on the middle tray 200. The first hole 204 may be disposed at a center of the middle tray 200. The supply tube 230 may be disposed through the first hole 204 of the middle tray 200.

The middle tray 200 may include the tray plate 202 disposed under the inner shell 180 and the lamp housing 218 disposed around the tray plate 202. The lamp housing 218 may have a ring-shaped structure, for example. The lamp housing 218 may protrude upward from the tray plate 202.

A lamp 216 that emits light upward may be disposed inside of the lamp housing 218. A plurality of lamps 216 circumferentially spaced apart from each other may be disposed in a ring-shaped space formed by the lamp housing 218. The lamp 216 may emit light to an upper portion at which the inner shell 180 is disposed.

The lamp 216 may emit light to the first discharge channel 32 formed by the inner shell 180 and the outer water tank 160. Accordingly, humidified air flowing through the first discharge channel 32 may be visually seen from the outside.

Flow paths between the water tank, the inner shell, and outer shell will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 15. Humidified air produced in the humidifying device 350 or the heating device 300 may flow to the first discharge channel 32 through an exhaust tube 382. Humidified air may be discharged outside through the first discharge channel 32. Further, condensate water produced in the first discharge channel 32 may flow into the humidifying device 350 through the exhaust tube 382. The exhaust tube 382 disposed over a water humidifier tank 352 may be disposed under the second hole 208 of the middle tray 200.

The inner shell 180 and the outer shell 22 may be spaced apart from each other, thereby forming the second discharge channel 34. Filtered clean air blown by the blower 60 may flow through the second discharge channel 34.

The second shell protrusion 190 in which the second water tank protrusion 168 of the outer water tank 160 is mounted may be disposed at the inner shell 180. A space in which the second water tank protrusion 168 is inserted may be formed in the second shell protrusion 190.

The exhaust connection tube 192 that guides humidified air discharged from the humidifying device 350 to the first discharge channel 32 may be disposed at the inner shell 180. The exhaust connection tube 192 may extend downward from the bottom surface of the inner shell 180. The exhaust connection tube 192 may have a shape corresponding to the exhaust tube 382.

A lower end portion of the exhaust connection tube 192 may be connected with an upper end portion of the exhaust tube 382. The lower end portion of the exhaust connection tube 192 may be disposed inside further than the upper end portion of the exhaust tube 382.

The supply tube will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 16. The humidifier may include the supply tube 230 that supplies water stored in the water tank 100 to the heating device 300. The supply tube 230 may be disposed between the water tank 100 and the heating device 300. The supply tube 230 may temporarily store water that is discharged from the water tank 100 and supplied to the heating device 300.

A supply chamber 232 in which water is temporarily stored may be formed in the supply tube 230. A sensor 234 that senses a quality of water stored in the supply tube 230 may be disposed on a side of the supply tube 230.

The supply tube 230 may be formed by coupling a plurality of components. The supply tube 230 may be formed by coupling a first upper cover 322 and a supply tube cover 231 described hereinafter. The supply tube cover 231 may be disposed over the first upper cover 322 and form the supply chamber 232 therein by being coupled with the first upper cover 322. Unlike the figures, the supply tube may be formed as a single structure.

The supply tube 230 may include an upper supply tube 230a connected with the connector 120, a middle supply tube 230b that extends downward from the upper supply tube 230a, and a lower supply tube 230c that extends from a bottom of the middle supply tube 230b in a direction perpendicular to the upward-downward direction. The upper supply tube 230a may be disposed over the middle tray 200. The upper supply tube 230a may extend upward through the first hole 204 of the middle tray 200.

The middle supply tube 230b may extend downward from the upper supply tube 230a and may have a cylindrical shape, for example. A diameter of the middle supply tube 230b may be larger than a diameter of the upper supply tube 230a.

The lower supply tube 230c may extend from a side of the middle supply tube 230b in a direction perpendicular to the upward-downward direction. The lower supply tube 230c may form the supply chamber 232 together with the first upper cover 322 disposed over the heating device 300 disposed thereunder.

The lower supply tube 230c may be formed between the supply tube cover 231 and the first upper cover 322. The first upper cover 322 may have a chamber groove 324 recessed downward in a region in which the lower supply tube 230c is formed.

A first valve 400 may be disposed at an end of the lower supply tube 230c. A channel formed by the supply tube cover 231 and the first upper cover 322 may have a narrow channel shape and the first valve 400 may be disposed at an end thereof. The channel formed at the end of the supply tube 230 may be opened/closed, depending on a position of the first valve 400. The first valve 400 may supply water or stop supply of water from the supply tube 230 to a water heater tank 302.

A first supply hole 325 may be formed in the first upper cover 322. The water in the supply chamber 232 may flow to the water heater tank 302 through the first supply hole 325. The first valve 400 may supply the water stored in the supply chamber 232 to the heating device 300 by opening/closing the first supply hole 325.

The sensor 234 that senses the quality of the water existing in the supply chamber 232 may be disposed on the supply tube 230. The sensor 234 may be disposed on a side of the middle supply tube 230b. The sensor 234 may be disposed at an upper portion of the middle supply tube 230b.

The sensor 234 may measure the quality of water by measuring an electrical conductivity of the water. That is, it is possible to sense a concentration of ions by measuring the electrical conductivity of the water.

The sensor 234 may be disposed at the upper portion of the middle supply tube 230b, so the sensor 234 may quickly sense the quality of water that is supplied from the water tank 100. That is, when the water existing in the supply chamber 232 moves down and the water in the water tank 100 flows inside, it is possible to sense the quality of the water flowing inside from the water tank 100.

A humidifying module will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 17 to 22. The humidifier may include a humidifying module that heats water and produces humidified air. The humidifying module may include the heating device 300 that heats water and the humidifying device 350 that produces humidified air using a vibration device 370. The humidifying module may include a first connection tube 390 and a second connection tube 392 that connect the heating device 300 and the humidifying device 350.

The first connection tube 390 may supply water heated at the heating device 300 to the humidifying device 350. Referring to FIG. 17, a second valve 402 may be disposed in the first connection tube 390. The second valve 402 may supply water heated at the heating device 300 to the humidifying device 350 by opening/closing an internal channel of the first connection tube 390.

Referring to FIG. 18, a pump 404 may be disposed at the second connection tube 392. When the pump 404 is operated, the water in the humidifying device 350 may flow to the heating device 300.

The humidifier may include a drain tube 394 through which water in the heating device 300 is drained, and a drain tube valve 396 disposed at an end of the drain tube 394 that opens/closes the drain tube 394. Referring to FIG. 17, the drain tube 394 may be connected to a side of the heating device 300. The drain tube valve 396 may be disposed at an end of the drain tube 394.

The drain tube 394 may discharge the water stored in the water heater tank 302 to the outside. The drain tube 394 may extend outside of the humidifying module housing 410 (see FIG. 24).

The humidifier may include a first temperature sensor 336 that senses a temperature of the water stored in the heating device 300 and a first water level sensor 338 that senses a level of the water stored in the heating device 300. Referring to FIG. 18, the first temperature sensor 336 and the first water level sensor 338 may be disposed on a side of the heating device 300.

The humidifier may include a second temperature sensor 364 that senses a temperature of the water stored in the humidifying device 350 and a second water level sensor 366 that senses a level of the water stored in the humidifying device 350. Referring to FIG. 17, the second temperature sensor 364 and the second water level sensor 366 may be disposed on a side of the humidifying device 350.

The humidifier may include the sensor 234 that senses the quality of the water in the supply tube 230. Referring to FIG. 17, the sensor 234 may be disposed on a side of the supply tube 230. The sensor 234 may sense the quality of the water flowing from the water tank 100. The sensor 234 may sense a replacement time of the water softener 140 disposed in the water tank 100 by sensing the quality of water.

The humidifier may include a notifier (not shown) that provides notification to a user and a data storage (not shown) that accumulatively stores data showing a degree of purification of water that is sensed by the sensor 234. When the degree of purification of water that is sensed by the sensor 234 is over a set or predetermined level, the first valve 400 may open an end of the supply tube 230. When the degree of purification of water that is sensed by the sensor 234 is less than a set or predetermined level, the notifier may be operated. The notifier may provide a user with notification about replacement of the ion exchange resin disposed in the water softener 140.

With this configuration, the set or predetermined level of the degree of purification of water may be set in advance in the humidifier. The set or predetermined level of the degree of purification of water may be differently set in accordance with references.

The notifier may provide a first alarm notifying a user whether the ion exchange resin should be replaced. Further, the notifier may provide a second alarm notifying a user whether the water softener 140 has been mounted.

When a variation amount of the degree of purification of water is within a set or predetermined range, the notifier may provide a first notification notifying a user that the ion exchange resin in the water softener 140 should be replaced. The case in which the variation amount of the degree of purification of water is within a set or predetermined range is due to long use of the ion exchange resin, and thus, a first notification may be provided.

When the variation amount of the degree of purification of water is outside of a set or predetermined range, the notifier may provide a second notification for checking whether the water softener 140 has been mounted. The case in which the variation amount of the degree of purification of water is outside of the set or predetermined range may be generated due to un-mounting of a water softener regardless of use of the water softener. Accordingly, it is possible to notify a user to check whether the water softener has been mounted through the second notification.

The heating device 300 may include the water heater tank 302 that forms a space therein in which water is stored and a heater 340 disposed under the water heater tank 302 that heats the water in the water heater tank 302. The water heater tank 302 may have a cylindrical shape, for example, in which water is stored. An underside of the water heater tank 302 may be open and the heater 340 may be disposed under the water heater tank 302.

The water heater tank 302 may include a lower water tank wall 308, a middle water tank wall 306, and an upper water tank wall 304. The lower water tank wall 308, the middle water tank wall 306, and the upper water tank wall 304 may extend in parallel upward from a lower side thereof.

The heater 340 may be disposed at the lower water tank wall 308. The heater 340 may protrude to an inside of the lower water tank wall 308. However, the heater 340 may be spaced radially inward from an inner circumferential surface of the lower water tank wall 308. The lower water tank wall 308 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the heater 340 disposed therein. A drain hole 318 may be formed on or at a side of the lower water tank wall 308.

The heater 340 may include a heating body 342 that is supplied with electricity and generates heat, and a heating plate 344 that is disposed to be in contact with the heating body 342. The heating body 342 may be formed in a ring shape with an open side, for example. The heating body 342 may be disposed in the lower water tank wall 308.

The heating plate 344 may be disposed over the heating body 342 and transmit heat generated by the heating body 342 to an inside of the water heater tank 302. The heating plate 344 may cover the heating body 342. A portion of the heating plate 344 may protrude into the lower water tank wall 308 to cover the heating body 342. The heating plate 344 disposed in the lower water tank wall 308 may be spaced apart from an inner circumferential surface of the lower water tank wall 308.

The middle water tank wall 306 may be disposed over the lower water tank wall 308. A diameter of the middle water tank wall 306 may be smaller than a diameter of the lower water tank wall 308 or a diameter of the upper water tank wall 304.

As the diameter of the middle water tank wall 306 is small, a space in which the second valve 402 may be disposed may be formed in the humidifying module housing 410. As the diameter of the middle water tank wall 306 is small, a space in which the first connection tube 390 may be disposed may be formed in the humidifying module housing 410.

The first temperature sensor 336 may be disposed on or at a side of the middle water tank wall 306. A return inflow hole 314 through which water flows inside from the second connection tube 392 may be formed on or at a side of the middle water tank wall 306. An outflow hole 316 through which water flows out to the first connection tube 390 may be formed on or at the middle water tank wall 306.

The outflow hole 316 may be disposed at a higher position than the return inflow hole 314. The first temperature sensor 336 may be disposed at a higher position than the return inflow hole 314. The outflow hole 316 may be disposed at a position higher than or the same as the first temperature sensor 336.

Accordingly, the first temperature sensor 336 may sense the change in temperature due to heating of the water supplied to the water heater tank 302. Further, the first temperature sensor 336 may sense the temperature of the water in the water heater tank 302 after a portion of the water in the water heater tank 302 is supplied to the water humidifier tank 352.

The first temperature sensor 336 may sense a temperature variation in the water heater tank 302. The first temperature sensor 336 may sense an abnormal operation of the heater 340 in the water heater tank 302.

The upper water tank wall 304 may extend upward from the middle water tank wall 306. The diameter of the upper water tank wall 304 may be larger than the diameter of the middle water tank wall 306. An extension length of the upper water tank wall 304 in the upward-downward direction may be larger than an extension length of the middle water tank wall 308 in the upward-downward direction. A size of the internal space occupied by the upper water tank wall 304 may be larger than a size of the internal space formed by the middle water tank wall 306 and the lower water tank wall 308.

The first water level sensor 338 may be disposed on or at a side of the upper water tank wall 304. The first water level sensor 338 may be disposed higher than the first temperature sensor 336. The first water level sensor 338 may sense a level of the water in the water heater tank 302. The first water level sensor 338 may sense a normal level of water in the water heater tank 302. In this case, the normal level of water in the water heater tank 302 may mean a water level in a region between an upper end at which water supplied in the water heater tank 302 does not exceed a set or predetermined water level and a lower end which is a minimum water level at which water has to exist to operate the heater 340.

The heating device 300 may include upper covers 322 and 326 disposed over the water heater tank 302. The upper covers 322 and 326 may be disposed over the upper water tank wall 304.

The upper covers 322 and 326 may cover at least a portion of a top of the water heater tank 302. The upper covers 322 and 326 may include first upper cover 322, and second upper cover 326 disposed under the first upper cover 322.

The first upper cover 322 may be disposed over the second upper cover 326. The first upper cover 322 may separate the water heater tank 302 and the supply tube 230. The first upper cover 322 may form a side of the supply chamber 232 forming an inside of the supply tube 230.

The first upper cover 322 may have a first supply hole 325 through which water stored in the supply chamber 232 flows. The first valve 400 may be disposed over the first supply hole 325 and open/close the first supply hole 325. The first upper cover 322 may be spaced upward apart from an upper end of the upper water tank wall 304.

The first upper cover 322 may be connected with the exhaust tube 382 described hereinafter. The first upper cover 322 may be integrally formed with the exhaust tube 382. The first upper cover 322 may have an area smaller than the second upper cover 326.

The first upper cover 322 may be spaced upward apart from the second upper cover 326. That is, the first upper cover 322 may be spaced upward further than the second upper cover 326.

A portion of the first upper cover 322 may form a portion of the supply tube 230. The first upper cover 322 may form the chamber groove 324 recessed downward in a region in which the supply tube 230 is formed.

The second upper cover 326 may cover the first supply hole 325 formed at the first upper cover 322. A second supply hole 330 that directs water that flows through the first supply hole 325 to the water heater tank 302 may be formed at the second upper cover 326. The second supply hole 330 may be spaced apart from the first supply hole 325 in a direction perpendicular to the upward-downward direction.

A supply channel 328 through which water flowing to the first supply hole 325 flows to the second supply hole 330 may be formed between the second upper cover 326 and the first upper cover 322. A supply channel rib 331 that protrudes upward to form the supply channel 328 may be disposed on the second upper cover 326. The supply channel rib 331 may protrude upward from the second upper cover 326 to be in contact with a bottom surface of the first upper cover 322.

An extension direction of the supply channel 328 may be inclined with respect to an extension direction of the chamber groove 324. In one embodiment, the extension direction of the supply channel 328 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the chamber groove 324.

Referring to FIG. 22, the second supply hole 330 may be formed in a region in which a circumferential wall of the water heater tank 302 is positioned. Accordingly, the water flowing through the supply channel 328 may flow downward along the circumferential wall of the water heater tank 302 when flowing to the water heater tank 302 through the second supply hole 330. Accordingly, a dropping noise of water that is supplied to the water heater tank 302 may be reduced.

A first connecting hole 311a may be formed at the second upper cover 326. The first connecting hole 311a may connect the water heater tank 302 and the water humidifier tank 352. That is, humidified air produced in the water heater tank 302 may flow to the water humidifier tank 352 through the first connecting hole 311a.

The first connecting hole 311a may be open in the upward-downward direction. Accordingly, humidified air produced by the heater 340 in the water heater tank 302 may flow upward through the first connecting hole 311a.

The second upper cover 326 may include an upper rib 333 that extends upward around the first connecting hole 311a. The upper rib 333 may protrude upward around the second upper cover 326 at which the first connecting hole 311a is formed.

The upper cover 312 may be disposed over the second upper cover 326. The upper cover 312 may be connected with the upper rib 333. The upper cover 312 may form a connecting channel 311 therein together with the upper rib 333.

The connecting channel 311 may connect the first connecting hole 311a formed at the water heater tank 302 and the second connecting hole 311b formed at the water humidifier tank 352. The connecting channel 311 may be disposed over the water heater tank 302. Accordingly, humidified air produced in the water heater tank 302 and flowing upward may flow to the connecting channel 311 through the first connecting hole 311a.

The connecting channel 311 may be formed by the upper rib 333 of the second upper cover 326 and the upper cover 312. The connecting channel 311 may extend to the second connecting hole 311b.

The humidifying device 350 may include the water humidifier tank 352 that forms a space therein in which water is stored, and the vibration device 370 that is disposed under the water humidifier tank 352 and vibrates to atomize the water in the water humidifier tank 352. The water humidifier tank 352 may have a pillar shape forming a space therein, for example. The vibration device 370 may be disposed under the water humidifier tank 352. The water humidifier tank 352 may have a shape a horizontal cross-sectional area of which increases as it extends upward.

An upper end of the water humidifier tank 352 may be higher than an upper end of the water heater tank 302. The vibration device 370 may be disposed on a bottom surface of the water humidifier tank 352. An inflow hole 358 through which the water in the water heater tank 302 is supplied may be formed on a side of the water humidifier tank 352. A return discharge hole 360 through which the water in the water humidifier tank 352 flows to the water heater tank 302 may be formed on a side of the water humidifier tank 352.

The inflow hole 358 may be formed at a position lower than an outflow hole 316 formed at the water heater tank 302. The return discharge hole 360 may be formed at a position lower than the inflow hole 358.

The vibration device 370 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the water humidifier tank 352. A return groove 361, circumferentially forming a space in a region in which the return discharge hole 360 is formed, may be formed on a side of the water humidifier tank 352. The return groove 361 may be formed at a side of the vibration device 370. That is, the return groove 361 may be disposed at a side of the vibration device 370 disposed on the bottom surface of the water humidifier tank 352. That is, the return groove 361 may form a space at a lower end portion inside of the water humidifier tank 352. The return discharge hole 360 may be formed at a position lower than the return inflow hole 314 formed at the water heater tank 302.

The second temperature sensor 364 may be disposed at a side on a circumferential surface of the water humidifier tank 352. The second temperature sensor 364 may be disposed at a higher position than the return discharge hole 360. The second temperature sensor 364 may be disposed at a position lower than or the same as the inflow hole 358.

The second temperature sensor 364 may sense the temperature of water supplied to the water humidifier tank 352. Accordingly, the second temperature sensor 364 may sense whether water at a temperature over a set or predetermined temperature is supplied into the water humidifier tank 352.

The second water level sensor 366 may be disposed at a side on the circumferential surface of the water humidifier tank 352. The second water level sensor 366 may sense the level of the water in the water humidifier tank 352. The second water level sensor 366 may sense a minimum water level in the water humidifier tank 352 at which the vibration device 370 may operate. Further, the second water level sensor 366 may sense an amount of water stored in the water humidifier tank 352. The second water level sensor 366 may sense an optimal water level for operation of the vibration device 370.

A water level sensor cover 368 may be disposed in the water humidifier tank 352. The water level sensor cover 368 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the second water level sensor 366. The water level sensor cover 368 may be disposed between the second water level sensor 366 and the vibration device 370. The water level sensor cover 368 may protrude upward from the bottom surface of the water humidifier tank 352. Even though the water level in the water humidifier tank 352 is changed by the vibration device 370, the second water level sensor 366 may sense a more accurate water level by the water level sensor cover 368.

The second connecting hole 311b may be formed at an upper end portion of a circumferential wall of the water humidifier tank 352. water humidifier tank The second connecting hole 311b may be open in a direction in which the water heater tank 302 is disposed. The second connecting hole 311b may be connected to the connecting channel 311. The second connecting hole 311b may be horizontally open.

Two vibration devices 370 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the water humidifier tank 352. The two vibration devices 370 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the upward-downward direction.

The vibration device 370 may include a vibration element 372 that generates vibration, and a vibration element cover 374 disposed over the vibration element 372. The vibration element cover 374 may be disposed to be in contact with the water stored in the water humidifier tank 352. The vibration element cover 374 may transmit vibration generated by the vibration element 372 to the water in the water humidifier tank 352. The vibration device 370 produces humidified air using the water stored in the water humidifier tank 352.

The humidifying device 350 may include a water humidifier tank cover 380 disposed over the water humidifier tank 352. The water humidifier tank cover 380 may supply humidified air produced inside of the water humidifier tank 352 to the first discharge channel 32.

The water humidifier tank cover 380 may include the exhaust tube 382 that directs humidified air upward. The exhaust tube 382 may extend upward from the water humidifier tank cover 380. The exhaust tube 382 may have a substantially elliptical pillar shape, for example.

The exhaust tube 382 may be disposed over a pair of vibration devices 370. Accordingly, humidified air produced by the vibration devices 370 may quickly flow to the exhaust tube 382. Further, when water in the water humidifier tank 352 is splashed upward by the vibration devices 370, the water may move into the exhaust tube 382.

An upper end of the exhaust tube 382 may be disposed to be in contact with the middle tray 200. With this configuration, the upper end of the exhaust tube 382 may be disposed to be in direct contact with the middle tray 200 or in indirect contact with the middle tray 200 through a separate sealing member 388.

An exhaust tube inlet 382a (or an exhaust hole) may be formed on a lower end of the exhaust tube 382. An exhaust tube outlet 382b may be formed on the upper end of the exhaust tube 382. The exhaust tube 382 may form an exhaust tube channel 383 between the exhaust tube inlet 382a and the exhaust tube outlet 382b. Humidified air produced in the humidifying device 350 may be discharged out of the humidifying device 350 through the exhaust tube inlet 382a (or an exhaust hole).

An air supply hole 387a may be formed at a side of the water humidifier tank cover 380. External air may flow into the water humidifier tank 352 through the air supply hole 387a. The air supply hole 387a may have an upward open shape.

The water humidifier tank cover 380 may include an air guide cover 386 that supplies air flowing through the blower channel 70 to the water humidifier tank 352. The air guide cover 386 directs a portion of air, which flows outside of the humidifying module housing 410, to flow into the water humidifier tank 352 through the air supply hole 387a.

The air guide cover 386 may guide air flowing outside of the humidifying device 350 such that the air flows into the humidifying device 350. The air guide cover 386 may be spaced upward apart from the air supply hole 387a and may horizontally extend from the exhaust tube 382. The air guide cover 386 may extend from a circumferential wall of the exhaust tube 382 and may be disposed at a position higher than the upper end of the water humidifier tank 352.

The air guide cover 386 may extend outward from a circumferential surface of the humidifying module housing 410 (see FIG. 24). Accordingly, the air guide cover 386 may guide air flowing upward along the blower channel 70 such that a portion of the air flows to the water humidifier tank 352.

The air guide cover 386 may include a horizontal wall 386a that horizontally extends from the exhaust tube 382, and a vertical wall 386b that extends downward from an end of the horizontal wall 386a. The horizontal wall 386a may be disposed higher than the air supply hole 387a and the upper end of the water humidifier tank 352.

The vertical wall 386b may be spaced outward from the circumferential wall of the water humidifier tank 352. The vertical wall 386b may be spaced outward from the circumferential wall of the humidifying module housing 410. The lower end of the vertical wall 386b may be positioned lower than the upper end of the water humidifier tank 352.

A portion of the air flowing through the blower channel 70 may flow upward to the space between the humidifying module housing 410 and the vertical wall 386b, flow over the water humidifier tank 352 along the horizontal wall 386a, and then flow to the lower side, at which the water humidifier tank 352 is disposed, along the air supply hole 387a. An air inflow channel 387 through which air flows may be formed under the air guide cover 386. The air inflow channel 387 may be disposed higher than the connecting channel 311. The air supply hole 387a may be disposed higher than the connecting channel 311.

The water humidifier tank cover 380 may include a lower extension wall 384 that protrudes toward the water humidifier tank 352 from the water humidifier tank cover 380. The lower extension wall 384 may extend downward from the water humidifier tank cover 380. The lower extension wall 384 may protrude downward in a region in which the exhaust tube 382 is formed.

The lower extension wall 384 may be disposed between the exhaust tube inlet 382a and the air supply hole 387a. The lower extension wall 384 may have a shape bending toward the exhaust tube inlet 382a when seen from above. Accordingly, the air flowing in the water humidifier tank 352 through the air supply hole 387a may flow along the lower portion and the inner circumferential surface of the water humidifier tank 352.

The lower extension wall 384 may extend downward between the exhaust tube inlet 382a and the air supply hole 387a. The lower extension wall 384 may direct the air flowing in the water humidifier tank 352 through the air supply hole 387a.

The lower extension wall 384 may not be disposed in the direction in which the second connecting hole 311b is formed. That is, the lower extension wall 384 may not be disposed in the direction in which the second connecting hole 311b is open. Accordingly, humidified air flowing in the water humidifier tank 352 through the second connecting hole 311b may flow to the exhaust tube inlet 382a of the exhaust tube 382.

The lower extension wall 384 may include a first lower extension wall 384a that extends downward from the exhaust tube 382 at a portion at which the air supply hole 387a is formed, a second lower extension wall 384b disposed at a first side of the first lower extension wall 384a, and a third lower extension wall 384c disposed at a second side of the first lower extension wall 384a. The second lower extension wall 384b and the third lower extension wall 384c may be disposed in opposite directions. The second lower extension wall 384b and the third lower extension wall 384c may face each other.

Downward extension lengths of the second lower extension wall 384b and the third lower extension wall 384c from the water humidifier tank cover 380 may be smaller than a downward extension length of the first lower extension wall 384a from the water humidifier tank cover 380. A lower end of the first lower extension wall 384a may be formed lower than an upper end of the water level sensor cover 368. Lower ends of the second lower extension wall 384b and the third lower extension wall 384c may be formed higher than the upper end of the water level sensor cover 368. The water level sensor cover 368 may be disposed under the second lower extension wall 384b or the third lower extension wall 384c.

The lower end of the first lower extension wall 384a may be positioned lower than the lower end of the second lower extension wall 384b or the lower end of the third lower extension wall 384c. A hole through which humidified air flowing through the second connecting hole 311b flows into the exhaust tube 382 may be formed between the second lower extension wall 384b and the third lower extension wall 384c in the region facing the second connecting hole 311b. The water humidifier tank cover 380 may be integrally formed with the first upper cover 322.

The first connection tube 390 may supply water in the water heater tank 302 to the water humidifier tank 352. The first connection tube 390 may be connected to the water heater tank 302 at a first side and may be connected to the water humidifier tank 352 at a second side. The first connection tube 390 may connect the outflow hole 316 of the water heater tank 302 and the inflow hole 358 of the water humidifier tank 352. The first connection tube 390 may extend toward the inflow hole 358 from the outflow hole 316.

The first connection tube 390 may extend along a circumference of the water heater tank 302. The inflow hole 358 and the outflow hole 316 may be disposed in different directions. Accordingly, the first connection tube 390 may extend along the circumference of the water heater tank 302.

The first connection tube 390 may be longer than the second connection tube 392. The second valve 402 may be disposed in the first connection tube 390. The second valve 402 may be disposed closer to the water heater tank 302 than the water humidifier tank 352. The second valve 402 may be disposed closer to the outflow hole 316 than the inflow hole 358.

The second connection tube 392 may supply water in the water humidifier tank 352 to the water heater tank 302. The pump 404 may be disposed at the second connection tube 392. The second connection tube 392 may connect the return discharge hole 360 of the water humidifier tank 352 and the return inflow hole 314 of the water heater tank 302.

The return discharge hole 360 may be positioned lower than the return inflow hole 314. The pump 404 may be disposed higher than the return discharge hole 360 and the return inflow hole 314.

The second connection tube 392 may include a pump inflow tube 392a that connects the water humidifier tank 352 and the pump 404, and a pump outflow tube 392b that connects the tube 404 and the water heater tank 302. The pump 404 may be disposed at a side of the water humidifier tank 352.

The humidifying module housing will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 23. The humidifier may include the humidifying module housing 410 that forms a space therein in which the heating device 300 and the humidifying device 350 are disposed.

A drain tube groove 414 formed to fix the drain tube 394 and a drain tube hole 416 through which the drain tube 394 is disposed may be formed on the bottom surface of the humidifying module housing 410. The drain tube hole 416 may be disposed at an end at which the drain tube groove 414 is formed.

An air guide rib 412 may be formed at a side on an outer circumferential surface of the circumferential wall of the humidifying module housing 410. The air guide rib 412 may be disposed under the air guide cover 386 and may guide air flowing to the air guide cover 386.

A harness hole 418 formed such that an electrical wire is disposed therethrough may be formed on the bottom surface of the humidifying module housing 410. Further, a harness hole rib 418a may be formed around the harness hole 418 on the bottom surface of the humidifying module housing 410. The harness hole rib 418a may protrude upward around the harness hole 418. A housing discharge hole 420 through which water produced inside or flowing inside may be discharged on a side of the humidifying module housing 410.

The humidifying module housing disposed around the humidifying device and the heating device will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 24. The heating device 300 and the humidifying device 350 are disposed in the humidifying module housing 410. The middle tray 200 may be disposed over the humidifying module housing 410. The heating device 300 and the humidifying device 350 may be disposed in the space formed by the humidifying module housing 410 and the middle tray 200.

The air guide cover 386 may be disposed over the air guide rib 412 formed at the humidifying module housing 410. Accordingly, the air guide rib 412 may guide the flow of air flowing into the water humidifier tank 352 through the air guide cover 386.

The drain tube groove 414 may be formed on the bottom surface of the humidifying module housing 410 and the drain tube hole 416 may be formed at an end of the drain tube groove 414. The drain tube 394 may extend outside of the humidifying module housing 410 through the drain tube hole 416 of the humidifying module housing 410.

Airflow generated around the humidifying module housing will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 25. A channel housing 430 may be circumferentially disposed outside of the humidifying module housing 410. The channel housing 430 may be disposed around the humidifying module housing 410. The channel housing 430 may be disposed inside of intake grill 24 (see FIG. 3). The channel housing 430 may be disposed inside of upper intake grill section 25b.

The channel housing 430 may form the blower channel 70 between the humidifying module housing 410 and the channel housing 430. The blower channel 70 may be connected with the second discharge channel 34 (see FIG. 3). The channel housing 430 may have a cylindrical shape, for example.

A drain tube connector 398 recessed inward such that the drain tube valve 396 may be disposed therein may be formed on a side of the channel housing 430. The channel housing 430 may extend upward from the blower housing 68 (see FIG. 3).

A flow of water and a flow of air of the humidifier will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 26. The humidifier may store water in the water tank 100. The water tank 100 may be open upward, so that a top water supply may be implemented. Further, as the water tank 100 is disposed so as to be separable from a structure of the humidifier, water supply may be implemented through separation.

The water supplied in the water tank 100 may flow to the supply tube 230 disposed at a lower side thereof. However, the water flowing to the supply tube 230 disposed at the lower side may necessarily flow through the water softener 140.

The water softener 140 disposed in the water tank 100 has a hole at each of the upper portion and the lower portion, so that air flowing into the hole formed at the upper portion may be discharged through the hole formed at the lower portion. However, as the gasket 152 is disposed on the circumferential surface of the water softener 140, it is possible to prevent water from flowing between the inner water tank 102 and the water softener 140.

Accordingly, water supplied in the water tank 100 and flowing to the supply tube 230 may flow to the supply tube 230 with ions in the water removed through the water softener 140. The sensor 234 that senses the quality of water is disposed in the supply tube 230. Accordingly, the hardness of the water temporarily stored in the supply tube 230 may be sensed by the sensor 234.

In this case, the sensor 234 may sense the replacement time of the water softener 140 or whether the water softener 140 has been replaced by measuring the removed state of ions in the water stored in the supply tube 230. The water in the supply tube 230 is supplied to the heating device 300 disposed at the lower side. The first valve 400 may be disposed between the heating device 300 and the supply tube 230.

When the first valve 400 opens the supply tube 230, the water stored in the supply tube 230 may be supplied to the water heater tank 302 of the heating device 300. The water stored in the heating device 300 may be heated by the heater 340. The heating device 300 may sterilize the water stored therein by heating the water. Water heated and sterilized in the heating device 300 may flow to the humidifying device 350.

Humidified air produced in the heating device 300 by operation of the heater 340 may flow to the humidifying device 350 through the connecting tube 310. When the second valve 402 disposed in the first connection tube 390 that connects the heating device 300 and the humidifying device 350 is opened, the water stored in the heating device 300 may flow to the humidifying device 350.

The humidifying device 350 produces humidified air using water supplied from the heating device 300. In the humidifying device 350, water stored therein is atomized by operating the vibration device 370. Further, air blown by the blower fan 62 flows into the humidifying device.

A portion of the air blown by the blower fan 62 flows into the humidifying device 350, thereby being able to cool water flowing inside from the heating device 300. The humidified air produced in the humidifying device 350 may flow to the first discharge channel 32 formed between the water tank 100 and the inner shell 180.

The air blown into the humidifying device 350 by the blower fan 62 may activate flow of the humidified air produced in the humidifying device 350 and flowing to the first discharge channel 32. The water stored in the humidifying device 350 may flow to the heating device 300 through the pump 404. When the water remaining in the humidifying device 350 is exposed for a long time, the water may be contaminated. Accordingly, it is possible to direct the water stored in the humidifying device 350 to the heating device 300 by operating the pump 404.

The heating device 300 may sterilize the water supplied from the humidifying device 350 by heating the water. The water remaining in the heating device 300 may be discharged outside through the drain tube 394. It is possible to open the drain tube 394 and drain the water stored in the heating device 300 to the outside by changing the position of the drain tube valve 396 (see FIG. 25).

Further, air flowing inside through the inlet 24a flows upward through the filter 50. The blower fan 62 rotates in the case 10 and sends the air flowing inside through the inlet 24a to the outlet 12a. The air blown by the blower fan 62 may flow through the second discharge channel 34. The second discharge channel 34 is formed between the inner shell 180 and the outer shell 22 and air blown by the blower fan 62 may flow to the second discharge channel 34.

The second discharge channel 34 may be disposed around the first discharge channel 32. Accordingly, air that is discharged to the outlet 12a may flow as clean air around humidified air.

Operation of various sensors and valves disposed in the heating device 300 and the humidifying device 350, and the heating device 300 and the humidifying device 350 will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 27. The first valve 400 opens the supply tube 230, whereby water may be supplied to the water heater tank 302. The first valve 400 may be operated on the basis of the water level sensed by the first water level sensor 338. The first valve 400 may open the supply tube 230 when the water level sensed by the first water level sensor 338 is lower than a set or predetermined water level.

The first valve 400 may close the supply tube 230 when the water level sensed by the first water level sensor 338 is over a set or predetermined water level. When the second valve 402 opens the first connection tube 390, the first valve 400 may close the supply tube 230. Accordingly, water that finishes being heated in the water heater tank 302 may flow through the first connection tube 390.

When water is supplied in the water heater tank 302 up to a predetermined water level and the first valve 400 closes the supply tube 230, the heater 340 may be operated. The heater 340 heats the water stored in the water heater tank 302. Humidified air produced by operation of the heater 340 may flow to the water humidifier tank 352 through the connecting tube 310.

When the heater 340 is operated, the blower fan 62 may be operated. That is, when the heater 340 heats the water stored in the water heater tank 302, the blower fan 62 may operate and supply air to the water humidifier tank 352. The blower fan 62 may cool the inside of the water humidifier tank 352 by supplying air to the water humidifier tank 352.

The heater 340 may be operated until the temperature of water sensed by the first temperature sensor 336 reaches 100° C., for example. The water stored in the water heater tank 302 is heated up to the boiling point, whereby it is sterilized. When the temperature of water sensed by the first temperature sensor 336 reaches 100° C., the second valve 402 may open the first connection tube 390. After the temperature of water sensed by the first temperature sensor 336 reaches 100° C., the second valve 402 may open the first connection valve 390.

The first temperature sensor 336 may be disposed at a position lower than or the same as the outflow hole 316. Accordingly, it is possible to sense the temperature of water remaining after the water in the water humidifier tank 352 is discharged to the first connection tube 390.

When the second valve 402 is opened, the water stored in the water heater tank 302 flows to the water humidifier tank 352 by gravity. When the second valve 402 is opened, water may move until the water levels of the water heater tank 302 and the water humidifier tank 352 become the same. When the second valve 402 is opened, the water level of the water heater tank 302 may lowered at most to a height of the outlet hole 316 formed at the water heater tank 302.

The second valve 402 opens the first connection tube 390 when the second water level sensor 366 is lower than an optimum height at which the vibration device 370 of the water humidifier tank 352 may be operated. The second valve 402 opens the first connection tube 390 when the water levels of the water heater tank 302 and the water humidifier tank 352 sensed by the first water level sensor 338 and the second water level sensor 366 are different.

The second valve 402 may be open for a set or predetermined time. That is, the second valve 402 may be open for a set or predetermined time in consideration of the time at which the water levels of the water heater tank 302 and the water humidifier tank 352 become the same, and may close the first connection tube 390 when the set or predetermined time has passed. The second valve 402 may be open for a set or predetermined time in consideration of the time for which the water in the water heater tank 302 flows to the water humidifier tank 352.

While the second valve 402 is open, the blower fan 62 may operate. Air flowing into the water humidifier tank 352 may cool water flowing into the water humidifier tank 352 through the first connection tube 390 by operation of the blower fan 62.

The second temperature sensor 364 senses the temperature of the water stored in the water humidifier tank 352. The second temperature sensor 364 may sense the temperature of the water flowing into the water humidifier tank 352 through the inflow hole 358. The vibration device 370 may be operated when the temperature of water sensed by the second temperature sensor 364 is under a set or predetermined temperature. A set or predetermined temperature for operation of the vibration device 370 may be set in consideration of prevention of damage to the vibration device 370.

The second temperature sensor 364 may be disposed at the same height as the inflow hole 358 or lower than the inflow hole 358. Accordingly, it is possible to sense the temperature of water flowing inside through the inflow hole 358.

The second water level sensor 366 may sense the water level of the water humidifier tank 352. The second water level sensor 366 may sense the minimum water level of the water humidifier tank 352 at which the vibration device 370 is not operated. When the water level of the water humidifier tank 352 sensed by the second temperature sensor 366 is lower than a set or predetermined water level, operation of the vibration device 370 may be stopped. The minimum water level at which operation of the vibration device 370 is stopped may be determined on the basis of the level of the water stored in the water humidifier tank 352 to the vibration level of the vibration device 370.

The second water level sensor 366 may sense a water level at which the vibration device 370 is optimally operated. The second water level sensor 366 may sense an upper limit water level and a lower limit water level at which the vibration device 370 may optimally operate, at a position at which the water in the water humidifier tank 352 is higher than the minimum water level at which operation of the vibration device 370 is stopped.

The water level sensor cover 368 may be disposed between the second water level sensor 366 and the vibration device 370 in the water humidifier tank 352, so it is possible to stably sense a water level even though the vibration device 370 is operated. The vibration device 370 may be operated when the water level sensed by the second water level sensor 366 is over a set or predetermined water level. The vibration device 370 may include two vibration elements 372. Accordingly, the two vibration element 372 may be separately operated. The two vibration element 372 may be selectively operated.

When the vibration device 370 is operated, the blower fan 62 may be operated. Accordingly, humidified air produced by the vibration device 370 may be discharged out of the humidifier together with the air blown to the first discharge channel 32 from the water humidifier tank 352 by the blower fan 62. The blower fan 62 may activate flow of humidified air produced by the vibration device 370.

The vibration device 370 and the heater 340 may be simultaneously operated. In this case, the humidified air produced in the water heater tank 302 may flow to the first discharge channel 32 through the water humidifier tank 352 and the humidified air produced in the water humidifier tank 352 may can also flow to the first discharge channel 32.

The pump 404 pumps the water in the water humidifier tank 352 to the water heater tank 302. The pump 404 may be operated after operation of the vibration device 370 is stopped. The pump 404 may be operated after the second valve 402 closes the first connection tube 390. When the pump 404 is operated, the first valve 400 may close the supply tube 230. When the vibration device 404 is operated, operation of the blower fan 62 may be stopped.

The return discharge hole 360 may be formed at a side at a height at which the vibration device 370 is positioned. The return discharge hole 360 may be disposed at a position lower than the inflow hole 358 formed at the humidifying device 350. The pump 404 may be disposed at a position higher than a position at which the return discharge hole 360 and the return inflow hole 314 are formed. Accordingly, it is possible to supply water to the water heater tank 302 by suctioning the water in the water humidifier tank 352.

The pump 404 may be operated in consideration of the water level of the water heater tank 302 sensed by the first water level sensor 338 and the water level of the water humidifier tank 352 sensed by the second water level sensor 366. When the water level of the water heater tank 302 is over an appropriate water level, operation of the pump 404 may be prevented.

The water stored in the water heater tank 302 may be discharged outside through the drain tube 394. When the drain tube valve 396 opens the drain tube 394, the water stored in the water heater tank 302 may be discharged outside. The drain hole 318 formed at the water heater tank 302 may be disposed at a position at which the heater 340 is disposed. The water stored between the heater 340 and the water heater tank 302 may flow to the drain tube 394 through the drain hole 318.

A flow of water and a flow of air of a humidifier according to another embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 28. They are described on the basis of differences from the embodiment of FIG. 26.

The heating device 300 and the humidifying device may be connected to one connection tube 390′. The second valve 402 and the pump 404 may be disposed at the connection tube 390′.

Only one connection tube 390′ through which water stored in the heating device 300 and the humidifying device 350 flows may be included, and the second valve 402 and the pump 404 may be disposed at the one connection tube 390′.

The second valve 402 may be disposed close to the heating device 300. The pump 404 may be disposed close to the humidifying device 350.

When the second valve 402 is opened, the water in the heating device 300 may flow to the humidifying device 350. Further, when the pump 404 is operated with the second valve 402 open, the water in the humidifying device 350 may flow to the heating device 300. The flow of water and the flow or air excluding the above description may be the same as those described with reference to FIG. 26.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a humidifier that may keep the inside of a humidifying device clean in a structure in which a heating device and a humidifying device are separated. Further, embodiments disclosed herein provide a humidifier in which humidifying air that is produced at a humidifying device or a heating device is produced using sterilized clean water. Furthermore, embodiments disclosed herein provide a connection structure that removes remaining water in a humidifying device.

Embodiments disclosed herein also provide a humidifier in which the inside of a humidifying device may be cleaned by humidifying water in the humidifying device. Embodiments disclosed herein additionally provide a humidifier that may keep the inside of a humidifying device clean. That is, it is possible to provide a structure that makes it possible to remove remaining water in a humidifying device when the humidifying device is not used for a long period of time.

Advantages are not limited to the advantages described above and other advantages will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a humidifier that may include a water tank that store water, a heating device that is supplied with water from the water tank and heats the water, a humidifying device that is connected with the heating device and produces humidified air using water supplied from the heating device, a first connection tube that connects the heating device and the humidifying device, a second connection tube that connects the heating device and the humidifying device at a position different from the first connection tube, and a pump that is disposed at a side of the second connection tube and supplies water stored in the humidifying device to the heating device. That is, it is possible to produce humidified air from sterilized water by supplying water heated in the heating device to the humidifying device through the first connection tube. Further, the pump is disposed at the second connection tube, whereby it is possible to supply water remaining in the humidifying device to the heating device. That is, it is possible to keep the water remaining in the humidifying device in a sterilized state through continuous heating.

The humidifier may further include a valve that opens/closes the first connection tube. Water in the heating device may be supplied to the humidifying device when the valve is opened, so it is possible to selectively supply water heated in the heating device to the humidifying device.

The humidifying device may include a water humidifier tank that forms a space in which water is stored, and a vibration device that is disposed under the water humidifier tank and produces humidified air from water stored in the water humidifier tank through vibration. The second connection tube may be connected with the water humidifier tank at a side at which the vibration device is disposed, so it is possible to minimize water that remains in the water humidifier tank.

The vibration device may be disposed on a bottom surface of the water humidifier tank. A return groove that forms a space at a side of the vibration device may be formed at the water humidifier tank, and the second connection tube may be connected to the water humidifier tank at a side at which the return groove is formed.

An inflow hole may be connected in a region connected with the first connection tube, and a return discharge hole may be formed in a region connected with the second connection tube. water humidifier tank The return discharge hole may be formed at a position lower than the inflow hole.

The second connection tube may include a pump inflow tube that connects the humidifying device and the pump, and a pump discharge tube that connects the heating device and the pump. The pump may be disposed higher than a region in which the second connection tube is connected to a water humidifier tank and a water heater tank.

The humidifier may include a drain tube that is disposed on or at a side of the heating device and drains water in the heating device to the outside, whereby it is possible to remove remaining water in the heating device.

The heating device may include a water heater tank that forms a space in which water is stored, and a heater that is disposed under the water heater tank and heats water stored in the water heater tank. The drain tube may be disposed on a side of the water heater tank at which the heater is disposed, so it is possible to maximally remove remaining water in the water heater tank. The heater may be spaced apart from an inner circumferential surface of the water heater tank, and a drain hole connected with the drain tube may be formed at the water heater tank on the side at which the heater is disposed.

The humidifier may include a blower fan that generates airflow outside of the heating device and the humidifying device, and an air guide cover that supplies air flowing around the humidifying device into the humidifying device, so it is possible to generate airflow in the humidifying device.

The humidifying device may include a lower extension wall disposed such that air flowing in the humidifying device through the air guide cover flows under the humidifying device, so it is possible to send air flowing in the humidifying device under the humidifying device. An exhaust hole formed such that humidified air produced in the humidifying device is discharged out of the humidifying device and an air supply hole formed such that air flowing through the air guide cover flows into the humidifying device may be formed in the humidifying device. The lower extension wall may be disposed between the exhaust hole and the supply hole, so air flowing into the humidifying device may be discharged after flowing in the humidifying device.

The humidifying device may include an exhaust tube that discharges humidified air produced in the humidifying device to the outside of the humidifying device, so humidified air produced in the humidifying device may be discharged outside.

The humidifier may further include a connecting tube that forms a connecting channel such that humidified air produced in the heating device flows to the humidifying device, so humidified air produced in the heating device may be discharged outside through the humidifying device. The connecting tube may be connected to a top surface of the heating device and a first connecting hole through which humidified air produced in the heating device flows into the connecting tube may be formed on the top surface of the heating device. An inner diameter of the first connection tube may be larger than an inner diameter of the second connection tube, so it is possible to minimize the space in which water is disposed in the second connection tube.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a humidifier that may include a heating device that heats water, a humidifying device that is connected with the heating device and produces humidified air using water supplied from the heating device, a first connection tube that connects the heating device and the humidifying device such that heated water in the heating device is supplied to the humidifying device, a valve that opens/closes the first connection tube, an exhaust tube that discharges humidified air produced in the humidifying device to the outside of the humidifying device, and a blower fan that supplies air into the humidifying device. With this structure, it is possible to perform humidification using sterilized water by supplying heated water in the heating device to the humidifying device. Further, the humidifier has a structure by which air is supplied to the humidifying device and then discharged, so it is possible to dry water in the humidifying device.

The humidifier may further include a drain tube that is disposed on or at a side of the heating device and drains water stored in the heating device to the outside of the heating device, so it is possible to drain water remaining in the heating device to the outside.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a humidifier that may include a water heater tank that is supplied with water from the water tank and heats the water, a water humidifier tank that is connected with the water heater tank and produces humidified air using water supplied from the water heater tank, a first connection tube that connects the water heater tank and the water humidifier tank, an exhaust tube that discharges humidified air produced in the water humidifier tank to the outside of the water humidifier tank, a valve that opens/closes the first connection tube, and a pump that is disposed at a side of the first connection tube and supplies water stored in the water humidifier tank to the water heater tank, so it is possible to supply water in the water heater tank to the water humidifier tank or supply water in the water humidifier tank to the water heater tank through one connection tube. The valve may be mounted on a side of the water heater tank and the pump may be mounted on a side of the humidifying device.

According to a humidifier disclosed herein at least, one or more of the following advantages may be achieved.

First, it is possible to supply the remaining water in the humidifying device to the water heater tank using the pump. Accordingly, there is the advantage in that it is possible to keep the humidifying device clean by removing remaining water in the humidifying device.

Further, as humidified air produced in the humidifying device is discharged as sterilized humidified air using water sterilized through the heating device, there is the advantage in that it is possible to provide pleasantness to a user. As even water remaining in the humidifying device is supplied back to the heating device using the pump, there is the advantage in that it is possible to prevent contaminated water produced when use is stopped from being used to produce humidified air.

Furthermore, it is possible to dry the inside of the humidifying device by blowing air into the humidifying device using the blower fan. Accordingly, there is the advantage in that it is possible to remove even moisture in the humidifying device, so it is possible to keep the inside of the humidifying device clean.

Second, as remaining water in the heating device is discharged outside through the drain tube, it is possible to remove remaining water in the heating device. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the problem that water stored in the heating device may be contaminated when the humidifier is not used for a long time. This may act as an advantage of being able to keep even the inside of the heating device clean.

Humidified air in the heating device may be discharged through the humidifying device by the connecting tube connecting the heating device and the humidifying device. Further, air blown by the blower fan may flow to the heating device through the connection tube and it is also possible to dry the inside of the heating device. This may help keep the inside of the heating device clean.

Advantages may not be limited to those described above and other effects not stated herein may be made apparent to those skilled in the art from the claims.

Although exemplary embodiments were illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific exemplary embodiments and may be modified in various ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope described in claims, and the modified examples should not be construed independently from the spirit of the scope of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A humidifier, comprising: a water tank that stores water;a heating device configured to be supplied with water from the water tank and heat the water;a humidifying device connected with the heating device that produces humidified air using water supplied from the heating device;a first connection tube that connects the heating device and the humidifying device;a second connection tube that connects the heating device and the humidifying device at a position different from the first connection tube; anda pump disposed at a side of the second connection tube that pumps water stored in the humidifying device to the heating device.

2. The humidifier of claim 1, further comprising a valve that opens/closes the first connection tube, wherein water in the heating device is supplied to the humidifying device when the valve is opened.

3. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the humidifying device includes: a water humidifier tank that forms a space in which water is stored; anda vibration device disposed under the water humidifier tank that produces humidified air from water stored in the water humidifier tank through vibration, and wherein the second connection tube is connected with the water humidifier tank at a side at which the vibration device is disposed.

4. The humidifier of claim 3, wherein the vibration device is disposed on a bottom surface of the water humidifier tank, and a return groove that forms a space at a side of the vibration device is formed at the water humidifier tank, and wherein the second connection tube is connected to the water humidifier tank at a side at which the return groove is formed.

5. The humidifier of claim 3, wherein the water humidifier tank comprises an inflow hole formed in a region connected with the first connection tube, and a return discharge hole formed in a region connected with the second connection tube, and wherein the return discharge hole is formed at a position lower than the inflow hole.

6. The humidifier of claim 3, wherein the second connection tube includes a pump inflow tube that connects the humidifying device and the pump, and a pump discharge tube that connects the heating device and the pump, and wherein the pump is disposed higher than a region in which the second connection tube is connected to the humidifying device and the heating device.

7. The humidifier of claim 1, comprising a drain tube that is disposed on a side of the heating device and drains water in the heating device to the outside.

8. The humidifier of claim 7, wherein the heating device includes: a water heater tank that forms a space in which water is stored; anda heater disposed under the water heater tank and that heats water stored in the water heater tank, and wherein the drain tube is disposed on a side of the water heater tank at which the heater is disposed.

9. The humidifier of claim 8, wherein the heater is spaced apart from an inner circumferential surface of the water heater tank, and a drain hole connected with the drain tube is formed at the water heater tank on the side at which the heater is disposed.

10. The humidifier of claim 1, comprising: a blower fan that generates airflow outside of the heating device and the humidifying device; andan air guide cover that supplies air flowing around the humidifying device into the humidifying device.

11. The humidifier of claim 10, wherein the humidifying device includes a lower extension wall disposed such that air flowing into the humidifying device through the air guide cover flows under the lower extension wall.

12. The humidifier of claim 11, wherein the humidifying device comprises an exhaust hole formed such that humidified air produced in the humidifying device is discharged out of the humidifying device, and an air supply hole formed such that air flowing through the air guide cover flows into the humidifying device, and wherein the lower extension wall is disposed between the exhaust hole and the air supply hole.

13. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the humidifying device includes an exhaust tube that discharges humidified air produced in the humidifying device outside of the humidifying device.

14. The humidifier of claim 13, further comprising a connecting tube that forms a connecting channel such that humidified air produced in the heating device flows to the humidifying device.

15. The humidifier of claim 14, wherein the connecting tube is connected to a top surface of the heating device, and a first connecting hole through which humidified air produced in the heating device flows into the connecting tube is formed on the top surface of the heating device.

16. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein an inner diameter of the first connection tube is larger than an inner diameter of the second connection tube.

17. A humidifier, comprising: a heating device that heats water;a humidifying device that is connected with the heating device and produces humidified air using water supplied from the heating device;a first connection tube that connects the heating device and the humidifying device such that heated water in the heating device is supplied to the humidifying device;a valve that opens/closes the first connection tube;an exhaust tube that discharges humidified air produced in the humidifying device outside of the humidifying device; anda blower fan that supplies air into the humidifying device.

18. The humidifier of claim 17, further comprising a drain tube disposed on a side of the heating device that drains water stored in the heating device outside of the heating device.

19. A humidifier, comprising: a water heater tank configured to be supplied with water from a water tank and heat the water;a water humidifier tank connected with the water heater tank that produces humidified air using water supplied from the water heater tank;a first connection tube that connects the water heater tank and the water humidifier tank;an exhaust tube that discharges humidified air produced in the water humidifier tank outside of the water humidifier tank;a valve that opens/closes the first connection tube; anda pump disposed at a side of the first connection tube that pumps water stored in the water humidifier tank to the water heater tank.

20. The humidifier of claim 19, wherein the valve is mounted on a side of the water heater tank, and the pump is mounted on a side of the water humidifier tank.