Patent Application
20240200808
This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0177804, filed Dec. 19, 2022, whose entire disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference.
The present disclosure relates to a humidifier, and more particularly, to a humidifier that supplies clean humidified air.
A humidifier is an appliance that supplies moisture-containing air within a room. The humidifier is equipped with a water reservoir for storing water, and is classified as ultrasonic humidifier, heated humidifier, natural evaporative humidifier, or hybrid humidifier depending on the method of humidification.
Ultrasonic humidifiers are equipped with a vibrator to create vibrations from ultrasonic waves, and convert water into fine particles using the vibrations from the vibrator and spray them.
Ultrasonic humidifiers have advantages such as converting the water stored in the water reservoir into fine particles and spraying large amounts of mist.
However, conventional humidifiers are problematic in that the device may have a poor state of cleanliness because of the stagnant water in the device. As such, air sprayed from the device can be highly contaminated.
Another problem with conventional humidifiers is that blown air containing fine dust or the like may cause degradation in the cleanliness of humidified air sprayed from them. The fine dust contained in the blown air is deposited in water droplets, thus leading to high contamination of the humidified air.
Prior Art Document 10-2022-0105488 discloses a humidifier. This humidifier, however, is problematic in that the device may have a poor state of cleanliness because of water remaining in a water reservoir. Another problem is that this humidifier is not capable of supplying clean air in mixture because of its monolithic flow path of humidified air.
Prior Art Document 10-2018-0094813 discloses a humidifier that supplies heated mummified air. However, his humidifier has the problem of the increased droplet size because a humidification flow path and a heating flow path are provided separately. Another problem with this humidifier is that, the heater operates continuously even with a small heating load, which leads to supply of humidified air that has an unnecessarily high temperature and excessive consumption of energy.
(Patent Document 0001) Korean Patent Document 10-2022-0105488 (Patent Document 0002) Korean Patent Document 10-2018-0094813
The present disclosure is directed to overcoming the above problems and others.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is to supply clean humidified air.
Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is to separate and combine a humidification flow path and a cleaning flow path.
A further aspect of the present disclosure is to optimally mix humidified flow and cleaning flow.
A further aspect of the present disclosure is to improve the cleanliness of humidified flow.
A further aspect of the present disclosure is to combine air in a heating flow path and air in a humidification flow path.
A further aspect of the present disclosure is to simplify a flow path structure.
A further aspect of the present disclosure is to minimize flow resistance.
A further aspect of the present disclosure is to guide a flow of air in a given direction.
A further aspect of the present disclosure is to improve air heating and humidification efficiency.
The aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the foregoing, and other aspects not mentioned herein will be able to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.
To accomplish the foregoing aspects, a humidifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a case with an intake opening.
The humidifier includes a fan disposed inside the case.
The humidifier includes a discharge opening that is open toward the outside of the fan;
The humidifier includes a humidification assembly that sprays supplied water.
The humidifier includes a air flow path through which air blown by the fan flows, and that extends toward the discharge opening.
The humidifier includes a humidification flow path through which humidified air sprayed from the humidification assembly flows, that is separated from the air flow path at a downstream side of the discharge opening and extends toward the discharge opening and communicates with the discharge opening. By separating the air flow path and the humidification flow path, humidification efficiency can be maintained, and at the same time, the humidified air can be delivered far away.
The air in the air flow path and the humidified air in the humidification flow path may combine at the discharge opening. Thus, the humidified air can be delivered far away.
The discharge opening may include a mixing discharge opening that communicates with the outside of the case and is connected to the air flow path and the humidification flow path.
The humidifier may further include a water reservoir connected to the humidification assembly and disposed inside the case, spaced apart from the case.
The air flow path and the humidification flow path may be formed between the case and the water reservoir to surround the water reservoir. Thus, a flow of air can be guided in a given direction by an outer wall of the water reservoir.
The air flow path may be formed between the case and the humidification flow path to surround the humidification flow path. Thus, air supplied to the discharge opening by a flow velocity difference between the air flow path and the humidification flow path can be concentrated at the center of the humidifier.
The case may include an inner case spaced outward from the water reservoir and configured to surround the water reservoir.
The case may include an outer case spaced outward from the inner case and configured to surround the inner case.
The air flow path may be formed between the outer case and the inner case.
The humidification flow path may be formed between the inner case and the water reservoir.
The humidifier may further include a discharge grille disposed downstream of the air flow path and the humidification flow path, that forms the discharge opening.
The humidifier flow path may be positioned closer to the center of the case than the air flow path is.
The discharge grille may include a grille wing extending slantingly downward toward the center of the case. Thus, the air supplied to the discharge opening can be concentrated at the center of the humidifier.
The water reservoir may include a bucket cover positioned above the air flow path and the humidification flow path.
The discharge grille may be disposed between the bucket and the case.
The bucket cover may include a cover outer wall that faces an exit of the humidification flow path and extends in a curve toward the exit of the air flow path. Thus, a flow of the humidified air discharged through the humidification flow path can be guided in a given direction.
The water reservoir may include a bucket housing spaced inward from the case.
The bucket housing may include a housing upper end slanted from the exit of the humidification flow path toward the air flow path. Thus, a flow of the humidified air discharged through the humidification flow path can be guided in a given direction.
The humidifier may further include an auxiliary fan connected to the humidification assembly, that supplies part of the air blown by the fan to the humidification flow path. Thus, the flow of air in the humidification flow path can be regulated.
The humidifier may further include a controller electrically connected to the fan and the auxiliary fan, that controls the flow of air in the air flow path and the humidification path.
A humidifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a case with an intake opening, that internally has a space; a fan disposed inside the case; a discharge opening that is open toward the outside of the fan; a humidification assembly that sprays supplied water; a water reservoir that is connected to the humidification assembly, extends between the fan and the discharge opening, and is disposed inside the case, spaced apart from the case; and a humidification flow path through which humidified air sprayed from the humidification assembly flows, and that is formed between the case and the water reservoir to surround at least part of the water reservoir, and extends toward the discharge opening along the direction in which the water reservoir extends. Thus, the humidified air in the humidification flow path can be guided to the discharge opening along the direction in which the water reservoir extends.
The humidifier air in the humidification flow path my flow toward the discharge opening along an outer wall of the water reservoir.
A humidifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include: a case with an intake opening, that internally has a space; a fan disposed inside the case; a discharge opening extending along the circumference of the case; a humidification assembly that sprays supplied water; a humidification flow path through which humidified air sprayed from the humidification assembly flows, and that extends along the direction in which the discharge opening extends and is connected to the discharge opening; and a air flow path through which air blown by the fan flows, and that is connected to the discharge opening and extends outward from the humidification flow path, along the direction in which the discharge opening extends. Thus, air supplied to the discharge opening by a flow velocity difference between the air flow path and the humidification flow path can be concentrated at the center of the humidifier.
The air flow path and the humidification flow path may be formed upstream of the discharge opening.
The air in the air flow path and the humidified air in the humidification flow path may flow path flow toward the discharge opening.
Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a humidifier may have various modes by providing different flow paths: a humidification flow path and a cleaning flow path.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, clean humidified air may be supplied since the humidification flow path and the cleaning flow path combine near the discharge opening.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a simplified flow path structure can be provided since the humidification flow path branches off from the cleaning flow path and connects into the humidification assembly.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a flow of air can be guided in a given direction with less flow resistance since the humidified air flows upward along a wall surface of the water reservoir.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the cleanliness of water mist to be sprayed can be improved by heating water in a heating chamber.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the temperature of the humidified air can be increased by allowing the heating chamber and a humidification chamber to communicate with each other.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the direction of discharged air can be regulated by regulating the flow of air admitted to the humidification assembly by controlling the operation of the auxiliary fan.
According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the air admitted to the humidification assembly can remain there for a longer period of time owing to a port structure of the humidification assembly, thereby improving humidification efficiency.
The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the foregoing, and other effects not mentioned herein will be able to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.
Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar elements will be assigned the same reference numerals irrespective of the reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.
The suffixes “module” and “unit” for elements used in the following embodiments are given or interchangeably used in consideration of only the ease of drafting the specification and do not have a meaning or role distinct from each other.
In describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of a related known technology will be omitted when it is deemed that it may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure. Also, it should be understood that the appended drawings are intended only to help understand the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and do not limit the technical idea disclosed in the present disclosure; rather, it should be understood that all changes, equivalents, and substitutions included in the technical scope and spirit of the present disclosure are included.
Terms such as ‘first’, ‘second’, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not to be construed as being limited to the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another component.
It is to be understood that when one element is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be connected directly to or coupled directly to another element or be connected to or coupled to another element, having the other element intervening therebetween. On the other hand, it is to be understood that when one element is referred to as being “connected directly to” or “coupled directly to” another element, it may be connected to or coupled to another element without the other element intervening therebetween.
The singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Referring to
The humidifier 1 may include a case 10. The case 10 may internally have a space. The case 10 may be cylindrical.
The humidifier 1 may include an intake opening 11. The intake opening 11 may be formed around the circumference of the case 10. Air from outside the humidifier 1 may enter the case 10 through the intake opening 11.
The humidifier 1 may include a discharge opening 12. The discharge opening 12 may be formed on the top of the case 10. Air drawn into the case 10 may be discharged out of the case 10 through the discharge opening 12.
The humidifier 1 may include a base 13. The base 13 may be disposed at the bottom of the case 10. The base 13 may have a larger diameter than the case 10.
The humidifier 1 may include a water reservoir 20. The water reservoir 20 may be disposed inside the case 10. A space for storage of water may be formed inside the water reservoir 20. The discharge opening 12 may be formed radially outward from the water reservoir 20. The discharge opening 12 may be formed to surround the water reservoir 20.
Referring to
The humidifier 1 may include an intake grille 14. The intake grille 14 may be disposed around the circumference of the case 10. The intake grille 14 may form the intake opening 11. The intake grille 14 may be cylindrical.
The humidifier 1 may include a discharge grille 15. The discharge grille 15 may be disposed at an upper part of the case 10. The discharge grille 15 may form the discharge opening 12. The discharge grille 15 may be ring-shaped.
The humidifier 1 may include a first outer case 16. The first outer case 16 may be cylindrical. The intake grille 14 may be attached to and detached from the first outer case 16. The first outer case 16 may form the exterior of the case 10.
The humidifier 1 may include a first inner case 17. The first inner case 17 may be cylindrical. The first inner case 17 may be disposed radially inward from the first outer case 16. The first outer case 16 and the first inner case 17 may be radially spaced apart from each other
The humidifier 1 may include a second outer case 19. The second outer case 19 may be cylindrical. The second outer case 19 may be disposed above the first outer case 16. The second outer case 19 may form the exterior of the case 10.
The humidifier 1 may include a second inner case 18. The second inner case 18 may be cylindrical. The second inner case 18 may be disposed above the first inner case 17. The second inner case 18 may be disposed radially inward from the second outer case 19. The second outer case 19 and the second inner case 18 may be radially spaced apart from each other.
The first outer case 16 and the second outer case 19 may be removably coupled together. Then again, the first outer case 16 and the second outer case 19 may be formed as a single body. The first outer case 16 and the second outer case 19 may be called “outer case”.
The first inner case 17 and the second inner case 18 may be removably coupled together. Then again, the first inner case 17 and the second inner case 18 may be formed into a single body. The first inner case 17 and the second inner case 18 may be called “inner case”.
The humidifier 1 may include a bucket 21. The bucket 21 may be cylindrical with an open top. The bucket 21 may internally have a space for storing water.
The humidifier 1 may include a bucket housing 22. The bucket housing 22 may surround the bucket 21. The bucket housing 22 may be cylindrical with an open top. The bucket 21 may be disposed inside the bucket housing 22.
The humidifier 1 may include a bucket cover 23. The bucket cover 23 may be disposed above the bucket 21. The bucket cover 23 may be removably attached to the discharge grille 15.
The water reservoir 20 may include the bucket 21, the bucket housing 22, and the bucket cover 23. The water reservoir 20 may be disposed inside the inner case 18. The water reservoir 20 and the inner case 18 may be radially spaced apart from each other.
Referring to
The humidifier 1 may include a filter 31. The filter 31 may be disposed inside the intake grille 14. The filter 31 may be cylindrical.
The humidifier 1 may include a fan 32. The fan 32 may be disposed above the filter 31. The fan 32 may be disposed inside the intake grille 14.
The humidifier 1 may include a fan motor 33. The fan motor 33 may rotate the fan 32. The fan motor 33 may be disposed above the fan 32.
The humidifier 1 may include a controller 34. The controller 34 may be disposed inside the case 10. The controller 34 may be disposed between the fan motor 33 and a humidification assembly 40. The controller 34 may control the operation of the fan motor 33 and the humidification assembly 40. The controller 34 may include a plurality of PCB substrates.
The humidifier 1 may include an auxiliary fan 35. The auxiliary fan 35 may be disposed inside the case 10. The auxiliary fan 35 may be disposed at an entrance of the humidification assembly 40.
The humidifier 1 may include the humidification assembly 40. The humidification assembly 40 may be disposed inside the case 10. The humidification assembly 40 may be disposed between the water reservoir 20 and the fan 32. The humidification assembly 40 may cause water supplied from the water reservoir 20 to break up into tiny particles and deliver them to the discharge opening 12. Part of air blown by the fan 32 may enter the humidification assembly 40.
The discharge grille 15 may be disposed between the water reservoir 20 and the outer case 19. The inner case 18 may be disposed between the reservoir 20 and the outer case 19. The discharge grille 15 may be disposed above the inner case 18.
The discharge opening 12 may include a first discharge opening 121. The first discharge opening 121 may be formed between the outer case 19 and the inner case 18. The air blown by the fan 32 may flow upward through the first discharge opening 121. The first discharge opening 121 may extend in a ring shape. The first discharge opening 121 may be called “air flow path”.
The discharge opening 12 may include a second discharge opening 122. The second discharge opening 122 may be formed between the inner case 18 and the water reservoir 20. Humidified air that has passed through the humidification assembly 40 may flow upward through the second discharge opening 122. The second discharge opening 122 may extend in a ring shape. The second discharge opening 122 may be called “humidification flow path”.
The discharge opening 12 may include a mixing discharge opening 123. The mixing discharge opening 123 may be formed above the first discharge opening 121 and the second discharge opening 122. The mixing discharge opening 123 may be formed at the discharge grille 15. The mixing discharge opening 123 may extend in a ring shape. The mixing discharge opening 123 may be formed between the outer case 19 and the bucket cover 23. Air flowing in the first discharge opening 121 and air flowing in the second discharge opening 122 may be mixed together in the mixing discharge opening 123.
Conceptually, the discharge opening 12 may include the first discharge opening 121, the second discharge opening 122, and the mixing discharge opening 123. Then again, it may refer to a space open toward the outside of the case 10, separated from the above-mentioned components 121, 122, and 123. The discharge opening 12 may open toward the top of the case 10. The discharge opening 12 may be formed at the discharge grille 15. The discharge opening 12 may be formed to surround the water reservoir 20. The air blown by the fan 32 may flow through the discharge opening 12.
The air flow path 121 may be connected to the discharge opening 12. The humidification flow path 122 may be connected to the discharge opening 12. The air in the air flow path 121 and the air in the humidification flow path 122 may be mixed together in the discharge opening 12.
Air admitted into the case 10 through the intake grille 14 may pass through a filter 31 and be blown upward by the fan 32. Part of the air blown upward by the fan 32 may enter the humidification assembly 40, and the rest may flow upward through the first discharge opening 121. The air admitted to the humidification assembly 40, containing fine water drops, may flow upward through the second discharge opening 122. The air flowing through the first discharge opening 121 and the humidified air flowing through the second discharge opening 122 may be mixed together in the mixing discharge opening 123 and discharged upward of the humidifier 1.
Referring to
The humidifier 1 may include the humidification assembly 40. The humidification assembly 40 may be disposed below the water reservoir 20. Humidified air produced in the humidification assembly 40 may be discharged upward.
The humidification assembly 40 may include a heating device 41. The heating device 41 may heat water and air admitted into it.
The heating device 41 may include a heating chamber 411. The heating chamber 411 may internally have a space. The water stored in the water reservoir 20 may be admitted to the heating chamber 411.
The heating device 41 may include a heater 412. The heater 412 may be attached to the bottom of the heating chamber 411. The heater 412 may apply heat into the heating chamber 411. The heater 412 may heat the water and air admitted into the heating chamber 411.
The humidification assembly 40 may include a humidification device 42. The humidification device 42 may convert the admitted water into fine water drops and discharge them upward.
The humidification assembly 42 may include a humidification chamber 421. The humidification chamber 421 may internally have a space. The water heated in the heating device 41 may be admitted to the humidification chamber 421.
The humidification device 42 may include a vibrating device 422. The vibrating device 422 may be attached to the bottom of the humidification chamber 421. The vibrating device 422 may generate vibrations by using ultrasonic waves. By the operation of the vibrating device 422, the water in the humidification chamber 421 may be converted into fine water drops. The humidification device 42 may work on the same principle as well-known ultrasonic humidifiers.
The humidification assembly 40 may include a valve housing 43. The valve housing 43 may be attached to the heating device 41. The valve housing 43 may be disposed within the heating chamber 411.
The humidification assembly 40 may include a valve 44. The valve 44 may be a floating valve. The valve 44 may be movably disposed inside the valve housing 43. The valve 44 may be moved upward and downward within the valve housing 43 and selectively supply water into the heating chamber 411.
The humidification assembly 40 may include an inlet 45. The inlet 45 may be connected to the humidification device 42. The inlet 45 may be connected to the inside of the humidification chamber 421. Part of the air blown by the fan 32 (see
The humidification assembly 40 may include an outlet 46. The outlet 46 may be connected to the humidification device 42. The outlet 46 may protrude toward the inside of the humidification chamber 421. Fine water drops produced by the humidification device 42 may flow upward through the outlet 46.
The humidification assembly 40 may include a connector 47. The connector 47 may connect the heating device 41 and the humidification device 42. The connector 47 may connect the heating chamber 411 and the humidification chamber 421. The connector 47 may face the outlet 46.
The humidification assembly 40 may include a supply port 48. The supply port 48 may connect the water reservoir 20 and the heating device 41. The water in the water reservoir 20 may be admitted into the heating device 41 through the supply port 48.
The supply port 48 may include a first supply port 481. The first supply port 481 may be connected to the water reservoir 20. The first supply port 481 may be connected to the bottom of the bucket housing 22.
The water reservoir 20 may include a discharge port 24. The discharge port 24 may be disposed at the bottom of the water reservoir 20. The discharge port 24 may be connected to the first supply port 481.
The supply port 48 may include a second supply port 482. The second supply port 482 may connect the first supply port 481 and the valve housing 43. Water admitted into the first supply port 481 may be admitted into the valve housing 43 through the second supply port 482.
The humidification assembly 40 may include a connecting pipe 49. The connecting pipe 49 may connect the heating device 41 and the humidification device 42. The connecting pipe 49 may connect the heating chamber 411 and the humidification chamber 421. The water in the heating chamber 411 may be admitted into the humidification chamber 421 through the connecting pipe 49.
Part of the air flowing between the outer case 16 and the inner case 17 may be admitted to the humidification device 42 through the inlet 45. The air admitted to the humidification device 42, containing fine water drops produced within the humidification device 42, may flow upward through the outlet 46. The air flowing upward through the outlet 46 may flow upward between the water reservoir 20 and the inner case 18.
The water in the water reservoir 20 may be admitted into the valve housing 43 through the supply port 48. The water in the valve housing 43 may be admitted into the heating device 41 by movement of the valve 44. The water admitted into the heating device 41 may be heated by the heater 412. The water heated within the heating chamber 411 may be admitted into the humidification chamber 421 through the connecting pipe 49. The water admitted into the humidification chamber 421 may be converted into fine water drops by the vibrating device 422. The fine water drops, along with the air admitted through the inlet 45, may flow upward through the outlet 46.
Referring to
The humidifier 1 may include a filter mounting space 311. The filter mounting space 311 may be formed inside the intake grille 14. The filter 31 (see
The humidifier 1 may include a fan housing 321. The fan 32 (see
The humidifier 1 may include a housing top 322. The housing top 322 may form the top of the fan housing 321. The housing top 322 may be spaced radially outward from the inner case 17. The air blown by the fan 32 (see
The humidifier 1 may include a guide 171. The guide 171 may protrude radially outward from the inner case 17. The guide 171 may be disposed between the inlet 45 and the fan housing 321. A plurality of guides 171 may be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the inner case 17. A space between the plurality of guides 171 may vertically face the inlet 45. A space between the plurality of guides 171 may vertically face the housing top 322.
The humidifier 1 may include an inner grille 59. The inner grille 59 may be disposed above the humidification assembly 40. The inner grille 59 may be disposed radially outward from the inner case 17. The inner grille 59 may be attached to the outer case 19.
Part of the air blown by the fan 43 (see
The auxiliary fan 35 may be disposed at the inlet 45. The auxiliary fan 35 may draw the air blown by the fan 32 (see
The auxiliary fan 35 may include a fan device 351. The fan device 351 may be a turbofan. The fan device 351 may be a sirocco fan.
The auxiliary fan 35 may include a supporter 352. The supporter 352 may be attached to the fan device 351. The supporter 352 may be fixed to the inlet 45. The supporter 352 may connect the fan device 351 and the inlet 45.
Part of the air blown by the fan 32 may flow upward through a space between the outer case 16 (see
Referring to
Part of air flowing upward between the outer case 16 and the inner case 17 may enter the inlet 45.
The auxiliary fan 35 may draw the air between the outer case 16 and the inner case 17 into the humidification device 42 through the inlet 45.
The guide 171 may vertically face the inlet 45. The guide 171 may be disposed below the auxiliary fan 35.
The air admitted into the humidification chamber 421 through the inlet 45 may be mixed with water drops produced by the operation of the vibration device 422. The humidified air mixed with the water drops may flow upward through the outlet 46.
The humidification chamber 421 may communicate with the heating chamber 411. The connector 47 may connect the humidification chamber 421 and the heating chamber 411.
Air in the heating chamber 411 may be mixed with the air admitted into the humidification chamber 421 and released to the outlet 46. Part of the water admitted into the heating chamber 411 may evaporate and enter the humidification chamber 421 in the form of vapor. The vapor produced in the heating chamber 411 may be mixed with the humidified air in the humidification chamber 421 and released to the outlet 46.
The air flowing upward from the humidification chamber 421 through the outlet 46 may be admitted between the water reservoir 20 and the inner case 18. The humidified air discharged through the outlet 46 may flow upward between the water reservoir 20 and the inner case 18.
The humidifier 1 may include an inner cover 50. The inner cover 50 may be connected to the outlet 46. The inner cover 50 may be disposed between the water reservoir 20 and the humidification assembly 40. The air flowing through the outlet 46 may flow upward from the inner cover 50.
The water reservoir 20 may include a guide rim 25. The guide rim 25 may extend along the circumference of the water reservoir 20. The guide rim 25 may be spaced upward from the outlet 46. The guide rim 25 may be spaced upward from the inner cover 50. The air flowing through the outlet 46 may be dispersed in a circumferential direction of the water reservoir 20 by the guide rim 25. The humidified air dispersed in the circumferential direction of the water reservoir 20 may flow upward between the water reservoir 20 and the inner case 18.
Part of the air flowing between the outer case 16 and the inner case 17 may flow upward through the inner grille 59. The inner grille 59 may be disposed between the outer case 19 and the inner case 18. The air that has passed through the inner grille 59 may flow upward between the outer case 19 and the inner case 18.
Referring to
The humidifier 1 may include an inner cover 50. The inner cover 50 may be disposed above the humidification assembly 40 (see
The inner cover 50 may include a cover plate 51. The cover plate 51 may be disc-shaped.
The inner cover 50 may include a port insertion portion 52. The port insertion portion 52 may protrude upward from the cover plate 51. The port insertion portion 52 may have a ring shape. The supply port 48 may be inserted into the port insertion portion 52. The discharge port 24 (see
The inner cover 50 may include an outer rim 53. The outer rim 53 may protrude upward from the cover plate 51. The outer rim 53 may have a ring shape. The outer rim 53 may be spaced radially inward from the outer case 19. The inner grille 59 may be disposed between the outer rim 53 and the outer case 19.
The inner cover 50 may include an outlet insertion opening 54. The outlet insertion opening 54 may be formed through the cover plate 51. The outlet 46 of the humidification assembly 40 may be inserted into the outlet insertion opening 54 and fixed in place. The outlet insertion opening 54 may be positioned between the port insertion portion 52 and the outer rim 53. The air flowing through the outlet 46 may flow upward from the inner cover 50.
The inner grille 59 may be disposed between the outer rim 53 and the outer case 19. The inner grille 59 may be part of the inner cover 50. The inner grille 59 may be formed integrally with the outer rim 53. The inner cover 50 and the inner grille 59, as a single body, may be removed from the outer case 19.
The air flowing through the outlet 46 may flow upward from inside the outer rim 53. Air that has passed through the inner grille 59 may flow upward from outside the outer rim 53. The inner case 18 (see
Referring to
The discharge opening 12 may be divided into a air flow path 121 and a humidification flow path 122. The air flow path 121 and the humidification flow path 122 may be radially arranged.
The air flow path 121 may be formed between the outer case 19 and the inner case 18. The inner grille 59 may be disposed below the air flow path 121. The discharge grille 15 may be disposed above the air flow path 121. The air flow path 121 may extend along the circumference of the outer case 19.
The humidification flow path 122 may be formed between the inner case 18 and the bucket housing 22. The inner cover 50 (see
The discharge grille 15 may be disposed between the bucket cover 23 and the outer case 19. The discharge grille 15 may be seated on top of the inner case 18. The discharge grille 15 may be seated on an inner case upper end 181.
The inner case 18 may include the inner case upper end 181. The inner case upper end 181 may be disposed between the bucket housing 22 and the outer case 19. The inner case upper end 181 may be positioned below the discharge grille 15.
The mixing discharge opening 123 may be formed between the bucket cover 23 and the outer case 19. The mixing discharge opening 123 may be formed above the inner case upper end 181.
The inner case 18 may divide the air flow path 121 and the humidification flow path 122. The inner case 18 may extend upward as far as the inner case upper end 181. The air flow path 121 and the humidification flow path 122 may combine at the top of the inner case upper end 181. The discharge grille 15 may be disposed where the air flow path 121 and the humidification flow path 122 combine.
Referring to
The bucket 21 may be disposed in the bucket housing 22. An outer wall of the bucket 21 and an outer wall of the bucket housing 22 may be spaced apart from each other.
The bucket housing 22 may include a housing outer wall 221. The housing outer wall 221 may surround the bucket 21. The housing outer wall 221 may be cylindrical with an open top. The housing outer wall 221 may face the inner case 18. The humidification flow path 122 may be formed between the inner case 18 and the housing outer wall 221.
The bucket housing 22 may include a housing upper end 222. The housing upper end 222 may form an upper portion of the housing outer wall 221. The housing upper end 222 may be formed integrally with the housing outer wall 221. The housing upper end 222 may extend radially outward from the housing outer wall 221. The housing upper end 222 may have a ring shape. The housing upper end 222 may be bent toward the inner case 18 from the housing outer wall 221.
The width of the humidification flow path 122 may become narrower toward the top. The gap G1 between the housing outer wall 221 and the inner case 18 may be larger than the gap G2 between the housing upper end 222 and the inner case upper end 181.
Owing to the above-described structure, the air discharged through the humidification flow path 122 and the air discharged through the air flow path 121 may be efficiently mixed together.
The water reservoir 20 may include a cap 26. The cap 26 may be attached to the top of the bucket 21. The cap 26 may be disposed radially inward from the housing upper end 222. The cap 26 may surround an upper end of the bucket 21.
The water reservoir 20 may include a handle 27. The handle 27 may be attached to the top of the bucket 21. The handle 27 may extend along the circumference of the bucket 21. The handle 27 may be movably disposed toward the upper side of the bucket 21.
The bucket cover 23 may open and close an internal space of the bucket 21. The bucket cover 23 may be removably attached to the bucket 21.
The bucket cover 23 may include a first cover outer wall 231. The first cover outer wall 231 may have a ring shape. The first cover outer wall 231 may be disposed above the humidification flow path 122. The first cover outer wall 231 may be positioned radially outward from the bucket 21. The first cover outer wall 231 may be spaced upward from the housing upper end 222. The first cover outer wall 231 may vertically face the humidification flow path 122. The discharge grille 15 may be disposed between the first cover outer wall 231 and the outer case 19. The mixing discharge opening 123 may be formed between the first cover outer wall 231 and the outer case 19.
The bucket cover 23 may include a second cover outer wall 232. The second cover outer wall 232 may have a ring shape. The second cover outer wall 232 may be disposed above the humidification flow path 122. The second cover outer wall 232 may be positioned radially outward from the bucket 21. The second cover outer wall 232 may be spaced upward from the housing upper end 222. The second cover outer wall 232 may vertically face the housing upper end 222. The discharge grille 15 may be disposed between the second cover outer wall 232 and the outer case 19. The mixing discharge opening 123 may be formed between the second cover outer wall 232 and the outer case 19.
An outer circumferential surface of the bucket cover 23 may be vertically curved. The first cover outer wall 231 may be positioned more contiguous to the outer case 19 than the second cover outer wall 232 is. The first cover outer wall 231 may be curved radially outward from the second cover outer wall 232. The first cover outer wall 231 may extend from the second cover outer wall 232 toward the outer case 19.
The mixing discharge opening 123 may become narrower in width toward the top. The distance D1 between the second cover outer wall 232 and the outer case 19 may be larger than the distance D2 between the first cover outer wall 231 and the outer case 19.
As an upper end of the bucket housing 22 and an upper end of the bucket cover 23 are slanted, a flow of the air discharged through the humidification flow path 122 may be guided in a given direction. Also, owing to the above-described structure, the air discharged through the humidification flow path 122 and the air discharged through the air flow path 121 may be efficiently mixed together. Moreover, dew formed at the top of the humidification flow path 122 may fall down from the upper between which and the water reservoir the humidification flow path is formed r ends of the bucket housing 22 and the bucket cover 23 and collect at the bottom of the water reservoir 20.
Referring to
The bucket cover 23 may be attached to the discharge grille 15. The bucket cover 23 may be removed from the discharge grille 15.
The discharge grille 15 may include a first grille rim 151. The first grille rim 151 may have a ring shape. The first grille rim 151 may extend along the circumference of the case 10. The first grille rim 151 may be spaced radially outward from the bucket cover 23.
The discharge grille 15 may include a second grille rim 153. The second grille rim 153 may have a ring shape. The second grille rim 153 may extend along the circumference of the case 10. The second grille rim 153 may be spaced radially inward from the first grille rim 151. The second grille rim 153 may be attached to the bucket cover 23.
The discharge grille 15 may include a grille wing 152. The grille wing 152 may connect the first grille rim 151 and the second grille rim 153. The grille wing 152 may extend in a radial direction of the discharge grille 15. A plurality of grille wings 152 may be disposed along the circumference of the discharge grille 15, spaced out from one another. The mixing discharge opening 123 may be formed between the plurality of grille wings 152. The air discharged through the air flow path 121 (see
The grille wings 152 may extend slantingly between the first grille rim 151 and the second grille rim 153. The grille wings 152 may extend downward from the first grille rim 151 toward the second grille rim 153.
The grille wings 152 may have an angle θ of inclination with respect to the horizontal. The grille wings 152 may be slanted upward and radially outwardly.
The grille wings 152 may include a first edge 1521. The first edge 1521 may be connected to the second grille rim 153.
The grille wings 152 may include a second edge 1522. The second edge 1522 may be connected to the first grille rim 151.
The first edge 1521 may be positioned lower than the second edge 1522. The grille wings 152 may extend upward from the first edge 1521 toward the second edge 1522.
The first edge 1521 and the second edge 1522 may have a height difference H. The first grille rim 151 and the second edge 1522 may have a height difference H. The second grille rim 153 and the second edge 1522 may have a height difference H.
The first cover outer wall 231 may face the grille wings 152. The first edge 1521 may face the first cover outer wall 231.
The second cover outer wall 232 may face the second grille rim 153. The second grille rim 153 may be disposed below the first cover outer wall 231.
The bucket cover 23 may include a top plate 233. The top plate 233 may be disc-shaped. The top plate 233 may be disposed above the first cover outer wall 231.
The top plate 233 may protrude radially outward from the first cover outer wall 231. The top plate 233 may protrude from the first cover outer wall 231 toward the grille wings 152. An end of the top plate 233 may vertically face the first edge 1521. There may be a height difference H between the top plate 233 and the first edge 1521. Referring to
The controller 34 may be electrically connected to the fan 32 and the auxiliary fan 35. The controller 34 may control the operation of the fan 32 and the auxiliary fan 35.
The humidifier 1 may operate in any one of a plurality of modes. The humidifier 1 may operate in a first mode. The first mode may be defined as a state in which the fan 32 and the auxiliary fan 35 are operated to discharge air through the air flow path 121 and the humidification flow path 122. The humidifier 1 may operate in a second mode. The second mode may be defined as a state in which only the fan 32 is running while the auxiliary fan 35 is stopped. The humidifier 1 may operate in a third mode. The third mode may be defined as a state in which only the auxiliary fan 35 is running while the fan 32 is stopped. The humidifier 1 may operate in a fourth mode. The fourth mode may be defined as a state in which an increased flow of air is discharged from the humidification flow path 122 due to an increase in the RPM of the auxiliary fan 35.
The humidifier 1 may operate in the first mode (S110). In the first mode, the controller 34 may activate the fan 32 and the auxiliary fan 35 (S120). In the first mode, air blown by the fan 32 may be split to go into the air flow path 121 and the humidification flow path 122. Part of the air blown by the fan 32 may be drawn to the humidification assembly 40 by the auxiliary fan 35 and discharged through the humidification flow path 122. In the first mode, the air discharged through the air flow path 121 and the humidification flow path 122 may be mixed together in the mixing discharge opening 123 and discharged upward.
The humidifier 1 may operate in the second mode (S210). The user may enter a signal for an operation mode of the humidifier 1 into the controller 34. Upon receiving a signal for second mode operation, the controller 34 may stop the auxiliary fan 35 from running (S310).
When the humidifier 1 operates in the second mode, the flow of air discharged through the humidification flow path 122 may be smaller compared to the first mode. When the humidifier 1 operates in the second mode, the flow of air discharged through the humidification flow path 121 may be larger compared to the first mode. In this case, the humidifier 1 may provide enhanced functionality in terms of cleaning rather than in terms of humidification.
The humidifier 1 may operate in the third mode (S220). The user may enter a signal for an operation mode of the humidifier 1 into the controller 34. Upon receiving a signal for third mode operation, the controller 34 may stop the fan 32 from running (S320).
When the humidifier 1 operates in the third mode, the flow of air discharged through the humidification flow path 122 may be smaller compared to the first mode. When the humidifier 1 operates in the third mode, the flow of air discharged through the humidification flow path 121 may be smaller compared to the first mode. In this case, the humidifier 1 may provide enhanced functionality in terms of humidification rather than in terms of cleaning.
The humidifier 1 may operate in the fourth mode (S230). The user may enter a signal for an operation mode of the humidifier 1 into the controller 34. Upon receiving a signal for fourth mode operation, the controller 34 may increase the RPM of the auxiliary fan 35 (S330).
When the humidifier 1 operates in the fourth mode, the flow of air discharged through the humidification flow path 122 may be larger compared to the first mode. In this case, the humidifier 1 may provide enhanced humidification functionality while keeping the cleaning function working.
Upon receiving a mode change signal (S410), the controller 340 may change the operation mode of the humidifier 1 (S420). This signal may be a signal the user enters into the controller 34.
When there is no mode change signal (S410), the controller 34 may maintain the operation mode of the humidifier 1 (S430).
According to what has been disclosed above, it is possible to regulate humidification levels and cleaning capacity and diversify the form of mist discharged through the discharge opening 12, by regulating the flow of air discharged through the air flow path 121 and the humidification flow path 122.
Referring to
(a) of
The larger the flow of air discharged through the air flow path 121 than the flow of air discharged through the humidification flow path 122, the more the mist discharged through the discharge opening 12 is concentrated toward the center of the humidifier 1. To put it the other way around, the larger the flow of air discharged through the humidification flow path 122, the further the mist discharged through the discharge opening 12 gets away from the center of the humidifier 1.
As set forth above, the humidifier 1 of this disclosure may produce various types of mist by regulating the flow of air discharged through a plurality of flow paths 121 and 122 by controlling the operation of the fan 32 and the auxiliary fan 35.
It will be apparent that, although the exemplary embodiments have been shown and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described specific embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the modifications and variations should not be understood independently of the technical spirit or prospect of the present disclosure
The present disclosure may be embodied in various modifications, and its scope of rights is not limited by the foregoing embodiments. Thus, the modifications should be construed as falling within the scope of this disclosure as long as they include components as claimed in the claims of this disclosure.
Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.
For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.
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 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.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2022-0177804 | Dec 2022 | KR | national |
