This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Application No. 10-2023-0079705 filed in Korea on Jun. 21, 2023, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference.
A humidifier is disclosed herein.
A humidifier is a device for vaporizing water to discharge humidified air with high moisture content. The humidifier may generate humidified air by evaporating water using natural vaporization, heating vaporization, or ultrasonic vibration, for example.
Each evaporation method has its advantages disadvantages. The evaporative humidification method has a drawback in that a user is required to frequently clean a humidifying medium after use. The heating vaporization has a problem in that if hot humidified air is directly discharged, a safety accident may occur.
Vaporization using ultrasonic vibration has problems in that air, humidified by atomizing supplied water by ultrasonic vibration, may not effectively flow into an indoor space. Further, if unsterilized water is used for humidification, unpleasant humid air may flow into the indoor space, and an ultrasonic vibrator is vulnerable to high-temperature heat.
In addition, vaporization by ultrasonic vibration has a problem in that water may be splashed or scattered upward due to vibration generated by the vibrator. Noise may occur when the scattered water falls down.
Korean Patent No. KR 10-0158806, which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a humidifier for humidifying water, supplied from a water tank, by heating and ultrasonic vibration. Even in this structure, noise may occur when water scattered by the ultrasonic vibrator falls down.
Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:
Advantages and features and methods for achieving the same become apparent from the embodiments described hereinafter in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments are not limited to the embodiments described hereinafter, and may be embodied in various forms. The embodiments are provided merely to make the embodiments fully disclosed and to completely inform those skilled in the art of the category of embodiments. The embodiments are defined only by the appended claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the specification.
Hereinafter, a humidifier according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, an overall configuration of a humidifier according to an embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to
The humidifier according to embodiments may atomize water by ultrasonic vibration to generate humidified air. The humidifier according to embodiments may heat water to discharge humidified air. The humidifier according to embodiments may discharge the humidified air generated by ultrasonic vibration and the humidified air generated by heating.
Referring to
The humidification module may include a first humidification water tank 300 that heats water and a second humidification water tank 350 that generates humidified air using water. The humidification module may include a humidification module housing 410 that covers a periphery of the first humidification water tank 300 and the second humidification water tank 350. A flow path housing 430 may be formed on an outer periphery of the humidification module housing 410. An air flow path 70 may be formed between the humidification module housing 410 and the flow path housing 430. A configuration and arrangement of the humidification module will be described hereinafter.
The case 10 may have a substantially cylindrical shape, for example. The case 10 may include a suction grill 24 having the inlet 24a through which air is introduced, and a discharge grill 12 having the outlet 12a through which air is discharged.
The inlet 24a may be formed on a circumferential surface of the case 10. The outlet 12a may be formed on an upper surface of the case 10. The humidifier according to embodiments may introduce air through the circumferential surface of the case 10 and may discharge air through the upper surface thereof.
Referring to
A plurality of grills 24b that extend vertically may be formed on the suction grill 24. The plurality of grills 24b may be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the suction grill 24. The plurality of inlets 24a may be formed between the plurality of grills 24b.
The suction grill 24 may be divided into a lower suction grill 25a having the inlets 24a and an upper suction grill 25b disposed above the lower suction grill 25a. A display 30, which will be described hereinafter, may be disposed on the upper suction grill 25b. The upper suction grill 25b may cover the blower housing 68 and the outside of the humidification module, which will be described hereinafter.
The humidifier may include the discharge grill 12 having the outlet 12a and a water tank cover 14 disposed at an upper side of the water tank 100. The discharge grill 12 may be separated upward from an outer shell 22, which will be 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 periphery of the water tank cover 14. The plurality of ribs 12b, which are disposed on the discharge grill 12, may be circumferentially spaced apart from an outer periphery of the water tank cover 14.
Referring to
Referring to
The discharge grill 12 may have a constant height in a vertical or upward-downward direction. Accordingly, a mixing flow path 13 may be formed between the plurality of ribs 12b disposed on the discharge grill 12. Air flowing through the first discharge flow path 32 may be mixed with air flowing through the second discharge flow path 34.
Each of the plurality of ribs 12b may be formed so that an outer circumferential end has a greater height than an inner circumferential end. Accordingly, it is possible to guide air, flowing through the first discharge flow path 32 and the second discharge flow path 34, to flow radially inwardly.
The case 10 may include the outer shell 22 that guides air, flowing inside of the case 10, to the outlet 12a. The outer shell 22 may form the second discharge flow path 34 along with the inner shell 180, which will be described hereinafter.
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 a lower side of the suction grill 24. The humidifier may include a pedestal 28 disposed under the case 10 and allowing the bottom wall 26 to be spaced above the ground by a predetermined distance. An upper end of the pedestal 28 may be connected to the bottom wall 26. The bottom wall 26 covers a bottom surface of the humidifier which is spaced above the ground by the pedestal 28.
Referring to
Air introduced through the inlet 24a may be filtered through the filter 50 in the filter device. The filter device may allow the filtered air to flow upward.
Referring to
The filter mounting portion may include a lower plate 52 disposed at a lower side of the filter 50, an upper plate 54 disposed at an upper side of the filter 50, and a supporter (not shown) that connects the lower plate 52 and the upper plate 54. The lower plate 52 may be disposed at a lower side of the filter 50. The lower plate 52 may move up and down and may detect whether the filter 50 is mounted. A fan sterilizer 53 that emits ultraviolet light in an upward direction may be disposed at a center of the lower plate 52. The fan sterilizer 53 may sterilize an inside of a fan 62 or the filter 50, which will be described hereinafter.
An orifice 56 may be formed in the upper plate 54. The orifice 56 may be formed at a center of the upper plate 54. The orifice 56 may allow the air, flowing into the filter 50, to flow to the fan 62. An inner peripheral edge of the upper plate 54 may have an upwardly bent shape, thereby guiding the air, which flows upward from the internal space of the filter 50, to flow to the fan 62.
The supporter may connect the lower plate 52 and the upper plate 54. The supporter may be circumferentially spaced apart from each other.
The blower device 60 may include the fan 62 that generates an air flow in the case 10, and a fan motor 64 that rotates the fan 62. Referring to
The fan 62 may operate to cause air at a lower side to flow upward. The fan 62 draws in air through the orifice 56, and discharges air through the blower housing 68 where a diffuser 72 is disposed. The fan motor 64 may be disposed at an upper side of the fan 62.
The blower device may include a motor cover 66 that covers an outside of the fan motor 64, and the blower housing 68 radially outwardly spaced apart from the motor cover 66 and guiding the air, blown by the fan 62, to flow upward. The air flow path 70, through which the air blown by the fan 62 flows upward, may be formed between the motor cover 66 and the blower housing 68. The air flow path 70 may extend up to a region where the humidification module housing 410 and the flow path housing 430 are formed.
The suction grill 24 may be disposed outside of the blower housing 68. The blower device 60 may include the diffuser 72 disposed between the motor cover 66 and the blower housing 68. The diffuser 72 reduces a rotational component of air blown by the fan 62 to flow upward. A plurality of diffusers 72 may be circumferentially spaced apart from each other.
A control box 74 that defines a space in which a circuit board 76 is disposed, may be disposed at an upper side of the motor cover 66. The control box 74 may be spaced apart inwardly of the blower housing 68. Accordingly, the air flow path 70 may also be formed between the control box 74 and the blower housing 68. A plurality of circuit boards 76 may be disposed in the control box 74.
The water tank 100 may include an inner water tank 102 and an outer water tank 160. The water tank 100 may be formed such that the inner water tank 102 is disposed inside of the outer water tank 160.
While being disposed inside of the inner shell 180, the outer water tank 160 may be disposed at an upper side of 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 disposed on an outer periphery of the inner water tank 102. A through hole 164 may be formed in a lower surface of the outer water tank 160, and a portion of a connector 120 may be disposed at a lower side of the outer water tank 160 through the through hole 164.
The inner shell 180 may define a space in which the water tank 100 is disposed. A shell penetration hole 184 may be formed in a lower surface of the inner shell 180. The shell penetration hole 184 may be disposed at a lower side of the through hole 164 of the outer water tank 160. The connector 120 may be disposed in the shell penetration hole 184.
An air discharge connection pipe 192, through which the humidified air discharged from the humidification module flows, may be disposed on the lower surface of the inner shell 180. An air discharge connection pipe hole 194 may be formed inside of the air discharge connection pipe 192.
The humidifier according to embodiments may include a supply pipe 230 that supplies water, stored in the water tank 100, to the first humidification water tank 300. The first humidification water tank 300 may heat the water, and the second humidification water tank 350 (or “humidification water tank”) may generate humidified air using a vibrator 370. The humidification module housing 410 defines a space in which the first humidification water tank 300 and the second humidification water tank 350 are disposed. The middle tray 200 may be disposed at an upper side of the humidification module housing 410.
The humidifier according to embodiments may include a humidification module that heats water and generates humidified air. The first humidification water tank 300 and the second humidification water tank 350 may be included in the humidification module.
The humidifier according to embodiments may include the supply pipe 230 that supplies the water, stored in the water tank 100, to the first humidification water tank 300. The supply pipe 230 may be disposed between the water tank 100 and the first humidification water tank 300. The supply pipe 230 may temporarily store the water discharged from the water tank 100 and supplied to the first humidification water tank 300.
The humidifier according to embodiments may include the humidification module housing 410 that defines a space in which the first humidification water tank 300 and the second humidification water tank 350 are disposed. The display 30 may be disposed on one side of the humidification module housing 410. The middle tray 200 may be disposed at an upper side of the humidification module housing 410.
A supply chamber 232, in which water is temporarily stored, may be formed in the supply pipe 230. A sensor 234 that detects a hardness of water stored therein may be disposed on one side of the supply pipe 230.
An upper end of the supply pipe 230 may protrude above the middle tray 200. The upper end of the supply pipe 230 may pass through a first hole 204 formed in the middle tray 200, and may be connected to the inner water tank 102 disposed at an upper side thereof.
The middle tray 200 may be disposed under the inner shell 180. The first hole 204, through which the supply pipe 230 passes, may be formed in 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 the humidified air discharged from the second humidification water tank 350 flows, may be formed in the middle tray 200. The second hole 208 may be disposed at a position radially spaced apart from the first hole 204.
The humidifier according to embodiments may include the display 30 disposed on one side of the humidification module housing 410.
The humidifier may include a first connection pipe 390 that connects the first humidification water tank 300 and the second humidification water tank 350, and a second connection pipe (not shown). The first connection pipe 390 may supply water, heated by the first humidification water tank 300, to the second humidification water tank 350. A second valve (not shown) that opens and closes the first connection pipe 390 may be disposed in the first connection pipe 390. A pump (not shown) that supplies water stored in the second humidification water tank 350 to the first humidification water tank 300 may be disposed in the second connection pipe. The first humidification water tank 300 and the second humidification water tank 350 may be connected to each other by a communication pipe 310 disposed above the first connection pipe 390.
A first humidification water tank wall 302 may have a cylindrical shape, for example in which water is stored. The first humidification water tank wall 302 may have an open bottom, and a heater 340 may be disposed at a lower side of the first humidification water tank 302.
The first humidification water tank 300 may include top covers 322 and 326 disposed at a top of the first humidification water tank wall 302. The top covers 322 and 326 may be disposed at a top of an upper water tank wall 304.
The top covers 322 and 326 may be disposed to cover at least a portion of a top of the first humidification water tank wall 302. The top covers 322 and 326 may include first top cover 322, and second top cover 326 disposed under the first top cover 322.
A communication flow path 311 that allows the first humidification water tank 300 and the second humidification water tank 350 to communicate with each other may be formed in the communication pipe 310. The humidified air, generated in the first humidification water tank 300 and flowing upward, may flow to the second humidification water tank 350 through the communication flow path 311.
The second humidification water tank 350 may include a second humidification water tank wall 352 that defines a space in which water is stored. The vibrator 370 disposed at a lower side of the second humidification water tank wall 352 and vibrates to atomize water in the second humidification water tank wall 352.
The vibrator 370 may include a vibration device 372 that generates vibration, and a vibrator cover 371 that defines a space in which the vibration device 372 is disposed and covering a top of the vibration device 372, and a vibration plate 374 (see
Referring to
Referring to
Two vibration plates 374 may be disposed on a lower surface of the second humidification water tank wall 352. The two vibration plates 374 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the upward-downward direction.
The second humidification water tank 350 includes a humidification water tank cover 380 (see
The second humidification water tank wall 352 may form the second chamber 350a (or “chamber”) in which water is stored. The humidification water tank wall 352 may have a pillar shape, for example, that is open at a top and bottom. The humidification water tank wall 352 may have a structure in which a cross-sectional area thereof increases from the bottom to the top.
The humidification water tank cover 380 may include an air discharge pipe 382 that guides the humidified air to flow upward. The air discharge pipe 382 may extend upward form the humidification water tank cover 380. The air discharge pipe 382 may have a substantially oval pillar shape, for example.
An upper end of the air discharge pipe 382 may contact the middle tray 200. The upper end of the air discharge pipe 382 may directly contact the middle tray 200 or may indirectly contact the middle tray 200 through a separate sealer 388.
The air discharge pipe 382 may be disposed under the middle tray 200. The air discharge pipe 382 may be disposed under the inner shell 180.
The sealer 388 may be disposed between the air discharge pipe 382 and the middle tray 200. The sealer 388 may be disposed between the air discharge pipe 382 and the inner shell 180. The sealer 388 may be disposed between the air discharge pipe 382 and the middle tray 200 and/or the inner shell 180.
The sealer 388 may prevent water, moved upward by the vibrator 370 disposed in the second humidification water tank 350, from flowing between the air discharge pipe 382 and the middle tray 200. In addition, the sealer 388 may prevent water, moved upward by the vibrator 370 disposed in the second humidification water tank 350, from flowing between air discharge pipe 382 and the inner shell 180. When condensate water generated in the inner shell 180 flows downward, the sealer 388 may prevent the condensate water from flowing between the air discharge pipe 382 and the inner shell 180.
An air discharge pipe inlet 382a (or air discharge hole) may be formed at a lower end of the air discharge pipe 382. An air discharge pipe outlet 382b may be formed at an upper end of the air discharge pipe 382. The air discharge pipe 382 may have an air discharge pipe channel 383 formed between the air discharge pipe inlet 382a and the air discharge pipe outlet 382b.
An air supply hole 387 may be formed at one side of the humidification water tank cover 380. External air may be introduced into the second humidification water tank wall 352 through the air supply hole 387. The air supply hole 387 may have a shape which is open at a top, for example.
The humidification water tank cover 380 may include an air guide cover 386 that supplies air, flowing through the air flow path 70, to the second humidification water tank wall 352. The air guide cover 386 may guide a portion of air, flowing outside of the humidification module housing 410, to flow into the second humidification water tank wall 352 through the air supply hole 387. An air guide rib 412 that switches a rotational flow of air, which flows along the humidification module housing 410, to an upward flow may be disposed at a lower side of the air guide cover 386.
The air guide cover 386 may extend outward of a peripheral surface of the humidification module housing 410. Accordingly, the air guide cover 386 may guide a portion of the air, flowing upward along the air flow path 70, to flow to the second humidification water tank wall 352.
A lower extension wall 384 may be disposed between the air discharge hole 382a and the air supply hole 387. The lower extension wall 384 has a shape that is bent toward the air discharge hole 382a when viewed from above. Accordingly, air introduced into the second humidification water tank wall 352 through the air supply hole 387 may flow along a lower portion and an inner peripheral surface of the second humidification water tank wall 352.
The lower extension wall 384 may extend downward between the air discharge hole 382a and the air supply hole 387. The lower extension wall 384 may allow the air, introduced into the second humidification water tank wall 352 through the air supply hole 387, to flow to the lower portion of the second humidification water tank wall 352.
The humidifier may include a water drain pipe 394 that drains water present in the first humidification water tank 300, and a water drain pipe valve 396 that opens and closes the water drain pipe 394. The water drain pipe 394 may be connected to one side of the first humidification water tank 300. The water drain pipe valve 396 may be disposed at an end of the water drain pipe 394.
Hereinafter, a shape of the humidification water tank cover, the air discharge pipe, and the lower extension wall will be described with reference to
The humidification water tank cover 380 may be disposed at a top of second humidification water tank wall 352. The humidification water tank cover 380 may cover the top of the second humidification water tank wall 352. The air discharge hole 382a, through which the humidified air generated in the second chamber 350a is discharged, may be formed in the humidification water tank cover 380.
The air discharge pipe 382, protruding upward from the humidification water tank cover 380 and having the air discharge pipe channel 383 formed therein, may be disposed in the humidification water tank cover 380. The humidification water tank cover 380 may include the air guide cover 386 that extends in one direction from a region where the air discharge pipe 382 is formed. The humidification water tank cover 380 may include the lower extension wall 384 that extends downward from the humidification water tank cover 380.
The humidification water tank cover 380 may include first top cover 322 disposed at a top of the first humidification water tank wall 302. That is, the first top cover 322 and the humidification water tank cover 380 may be integrally formed with each other. The humidification water tank cover 380 may form an upper surface of the first humidification water tank 300 and the second humidification water tank 350.
The air discharge pipe 382 may extend upward from the humidification water tank cover 380. The air discharge pipe 382 may extend upward from a circumferential surface of the air discharge hole 382a. The air discharge pipe 382 may allow the first discharge flow path 32 and the second chamber 350a to communicate with each other. The air discharge pipe 382 may supply the humidified air, generated in the second humidification water tank 350, to the first discharge flow path 32. The air discharge pipe 382 may supply the humidified air, generated in the first humidification water tank 300 or the second humidification water tank 350, to the first discharge flow path 32. The air discharge pipe 382 may supply condensate water, generated in the first discharge flow path 32, to the inside of the second humidification water tank 350.
The air discharge hole 382a may be formed in the humidification water tank cover 380. The air discharge pipe 382 may extend upward from a circumference of the air discharge hole 382a is formed. The air discharge hole 382a may form an inlet of the air discharge pipe channel 383. The air discharge hole 382a may be open at a top and bottom.
The air guide cover 386 may guide a portion of air, flowing outside of the humidification module housing 410, to flow into the second humidification water tank 350 through the air supply hole 387. The air guide cover 386 may guide air, flowing outside of the second humidification water tank 350, to flow into the second humidification water tank 350.
The air guide cover 386 may be upwardly spaced apart from the air supply hole 387 and may extend horizontally from the air discharge pipe 382. The air guide cover 386 may extend from a circumferential wall of the air discharge pipe 382 and may be disposed at a position spaced above an upper end of the second humidification water tank wall 352.
The air guide cover 386 may extend outward of a peripheral surface of the humidification module housing 410 (see
The lower extension wall 384 may extend downward from the humidification water tank cover 380 on one side of a circumferential surface of the air discharge hole 382a. The lower extension wall 384 may extend downward from the humidification water tank cover 380 in a region in which the air discharge pipe 382 is formed. The lower extension wall 384 may extend downward from the air discharge pipe 382 in a region in which the air guide cover 386 is disposed.
The lower extension wall 384 may guide air, flowing into the second humidification water tank 350 through the air guide cover 386, to flow downward. The lower extension wall 384 may extend downward in a region in which the air supply hole 387 is formed.
The lower extension wall 384 may include the first lower extension wall 384a, and the second lower extension wall 384b spaced apart from the first lower extension wall 384a. A slit 385a may be formed between the first lower extension wall 384a and the second lower extension wall 384b. The lower extension wall 384 may include a lower connection wall 385b that is disposed above the slit 385a and connects the first lower extension wall 384a and the second lower extension wall 384b.
The lower extension wall 384 may be formed along the air discharge hole 382a. Accordingly, when viewed from above or below, the lower extension wall 384 may have a curved surface extending along the air discharge hole 382a.
The first lower extension wall 384a and the second lower extension wall 384b may have a same length in a vertical direction. However, a length L1 of the first lower extension wall 384a, which extends in a direction (circumferential direction) that is perpendicular to the vertical or upward-downward direction, may be different from a length L2 of the second lower extension wall 384b which extends in a direction (circumferential direction) that is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The length L1 of the first lower extension wall 384a, which extends in the circumferential direction, may be shorter than the length L2 of the second lower extension wall 384b that extends in the circumferential direction.
The slit 385a may be formed upward from a lower end of the first lower extension wall 384a and the second lower extension wall 384b. Referring to
The lower extension wall 384 may include a first additional extension wall 384a1 disposed on one side of the first lower extension wall 384a, and a second additional extension wall 384b1 disposed on one side of the second lower extension wall 384b. The first additional extension wall 384a1 and the second additional extension wall 384b1 may also extend downward from the circumferential surface of the air discharge hole 382a.
The first additional extension wall 384a1 may have a shape in which a length thereof that extends vertically decreases away from the first lower extension wall 384a. The second additional extension wall 384b1 may have a shape in which a length thereof that extends vertically decreases away from the second lower extension wall 384b.
The first additional extension wall 384a1 and the second additional extension wall 384b1 may be spaced apart from each other. The first additional extension wall 384a1 and the second additional extension wall 384b1 may be spaced apart from each other so that air, flowing through the communication pipe 310, may flow to the air discharge hole 382a.
A length L3 of the first additional extension wall 384a1, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, may be different from a length L4 of the second additional extension wall 384b1, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.
The lower extension wall 384 may include an inner rib 389 that protrudes in a direction in which the air discharge hole 382a is formed and extending in the vertical direction. The inner rib 389 may guide movement of water that falls down along the air discharge pipe 382. The inner rib 389 may guide movement of water that falls down along the lower extension wall 384.
The inner rib 389 may be disposed on the lower extension wall 384. A plurality of inner ribs 389 may be formed on the lower extension wall 384. The plurality of inner ribs 389 may be arranged at regular intervals in a circumferential direction in which the lower extension wall 384 extends.
The plurality of inner ribs 389 may be divided into a plurality of first inner ribs 389a, which are disposed on the first lower extension wall 384a, and a plurality of second inner ribs 389b, which are disposed on the second lower extension wall 384b. Referring to
However, the plurality of inner ribs 389 may also be arranged at different intervals. Referring to
A lower groove 383b, which is recessed in a radially outward direction of the air discharge pipe 382, may be formed in a lower portion of the air discharge pipe 382. The lower groove 383b may be disposed at one side of a circumferential surface of the air discharge pipe 382. The lower groove 383b may be disposed at an upper side of the lower extension wall 384. The lower groove 383b may be formed at an upper side at which the inner ribs 389 are formed. The lower groove 383b may be disposed at the upper side of the first lower extension wall 384a and the second lower extension wall 384b.
The lower groove 383b may temporarily reduce a speed of water flowing downward along a circumference of the air discharge pipe 382. The water, flowing into the second humidification water tank wall 352 along the lower extension wall 384, may flow after temporarily stagnating in the lower groove 383b.
Hereinafter, a shape of the air discharge hole 382a, formed in the humidification water tank cover 380, and an arrangement of a vibrator will be described with reference to
Two vibration plates 374 may be disposed at a lower side of the air discharge hole 382a. First vibration plate 374a and second vibration plate 374b may be disposed at the lower side of the air discharge hole 382a.
The air discharge hole 382a may have a substantially oval shape, for example. The air discharge hole 382a may have a shape that is bent in a direction in which the first humidification water tank 300 is disposed. A radius of curvature of a portion of the air discharge hole 382a, which is disposed far from the first humidification water tank 300, may be greater than a radius of curvature of a portion of the air discharge hole 382a which is disposed close to the first humidification water tank 300.
The vibration plate 374 may be disposed adjacent to the lower extension wall 384. That is, by dividing the air discharge hole 382a into a first region AR1, in which the lower extension wall 384 is disposed, and a second region AR2 facing the first region AR1 in which the lower extension wall 384 is disposed, the vibration plate 374 may be disposed closer to the first region AR1 than to the second region AR2. The first vibration plate 374a may be disposed below a region in which the first inner ribs 389a are formed, and the second vibration plate 374b may be disposed below a region in which the second inner ribs 389b are formed.
The plurality of inner ribs 389 may protrude from the lower extension wall 384 on a circumferential surface on which the vibration plate 374 is disposed. The plurality of first inner ribs 389a may protrude from the first lower extension wall 384a on the circumferential surface on which the first vibrator 374a is disposed. The plurality of second inner ribs 389b may protrude from the second lower extension wall 384b on the circumferential surface on which the second vibrator 374b is disposed.
Hereinafter, an arrangement of a vibration plate and the structure of a lower extension wall and an air discharge pipe will be described with reference to
The vibrator 370 may include vibration device 372 configured to receive power to generate a vibration, vibration plate 374 configured to atomize water in the second chamber 350a using vibration transmitted from the vibration device 372, and vibrator cover 371 that defines a space in which the vibration device 372 is disposed and covers a top of the vibration device 372. The vibrator 370 may include vibration plate fixing member 375 that fixes a position of the vibration plate 374.
Referring to
The vibration plates 374a and 374b may be disposed below the cover holes 371a and 371b, respectively. The vibration plate 374 may be formed in a shape in which an upper surface thereof is inclined toward the lower extension wall 384.
The vibration plate 374 may form an inclination angle of from 3° to 5° with respect to a plane horizontal to the ground. As the vibration plate 374 forms the inclination angle, a proportion of abnormal noise generated due to operation of the vibrator 370 may be improved. As the vibration plate 374 forms the inclination angle, water scattered upward due to the vibration of the vibrator 374 may flow toward the lower extension wall 384, thereby improving noise caused by falling water which is generated in the second chamber 350a.
Referring to
In addition, referring to
Referring to
Referring to
A distance D2 between the first inner rib 389a, disposed adjacent to the slit 385a, among the plurality of first inner ribs 389a, and the slit 385a may be equal to or smaller than a distance D1 between the plurality of first inner ribs 389a. Likewise, a distance D3 between the second inner rib 389b, disposed adjacent to the slit 385a, among the plurality of second inner ribs 389b, and the slit 385a may be equal to or smaller than a distance D4 between the plurality of second inner ribs 389b.
Referring to
In addition, as illustrated in
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a humidifier capable of minimizing noise caused by water scattered when generating humidified air using an ultrasonic vibrator.
Embodiments disclosed herein also provide a humidifier capable of guiding movement of water that falls into a chamber.
Embodiments disclosed herein further provide a humidifier capable of reducing a moving speed of water that falls into a chamber.
Embodiments disclosed herein furthermore provide a humidifier capable of ensuring an amount of humidified air generated in a humidification water tank and discharged therefrom.
Embodiments disclosed herein additionally provide a humidifier capable of minimizing noise caused by water scattered in a humidification water tank, while controlling a flow of air supplied to a humidification water tank.
Advantages are not limited to the aforementioned advantages and other advantages not described herein 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 stores water; and a humidification water tank that receives water from the water tank to generate humidified air, such that the humidifier generates humidified air using water supplied from the water tank. The humidification water tank may include a humidification water tank wall having a chamber in which water is stored; a vibrator disposed at a lower side of the humidification water tank wall and having a vibration plate configured to vibrate the water stored in the chamber; a humidification water tank cover disposed at an upper side of the humidification water tank wall, and having an air discharge hole through which the humidified air generated in the chamber is discharged; and a lower extension wall that extends downward from the humidification water tank cover on at least one side of a circumference of the air discharge hole. An upper surface of the vibration plate may be inclined from an upper side toward the lower extension wall, thereby allowing water, vibrated by the vibration plate, to be scattered toward the lower extension wall.
An inclination angle formed between a surface of the lower extension wall, which extends downward, and an upper surface of the vibration plate may be an acute angle, such that the vibration plate may be inclined toward the lower extension wall. The vibration plate may be inclined at an inclination angle of from 3° to 5° with respect to an imaginary horizontal line parallel to a ground plane, thereby allowing water to be scattered toward the lower extension wall.
A circumferential surface of the air discharge hole may include a first region, in which the lower extension wall is disposed, and a second region located in a direction facing the first region. The vibration plate may be disposed closer to the first region than the second region, thereby allowing water, scattered by the vibration plate, to rapidly reach the lower extension wall.
The vibration plate may be disposed below the air discharge hole, such that humidified air, generated by the vibration plate, may flow toward the air discharge hole. The vibration plate may include a first vibration plate, and a second vibration plate spaced apart from the first vibration plate in a first direction. The lower extension wall may include a first lower extension wall, and a second lower extension wall spaced apart from the first lower extension wall in the first direction, such that water scattered from each of the two vibration plates may move to the two lower extension walls, respectively.
The first lower extension wall may be disposed in a direction facing the first vibration plate, and the second lower extension wall may be disposed in a direction facing the second vibration plate, such that water scattered from each of the two vibration plates may move to the two lower extension walls, respectively. A slit may be formed between the first lower extension wall and the second lower extension wall in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The lower extension wall may further include an additional extension wall that extends in a direction away from each of the first lower extension wall and the second lower extension wall, thereby covering a wide range of water scattered by the vibration plate.
A plurality of inner ribs may be formed on the lower extension wall. The plurality of inner ribs may protrude in an inward direction of the air discharge hole and extend vertically, thereby guiding the water, scattered toward the lower extension wall, in a downward direction.
The plurality of inner ribs may extend vertically at a position facing the vibration plate, thereby guiding the water, scattered toward the lower extension wall, in a downward direction. A length of each of the plurality of inner ribs that protrudes from the lower extension wall may be greater than a width of the lower extension wall.
The humidifier may further include an inner shell that defines a space in which the water tank is disposed, and having a discharge flow path at a position spaced apart from the water tank. The humidification water tank cover may include an air discharge pipe that extends upward to allow the humidified air, generated in the humidification water tank, to flow upward, and is connected to a lower end of the inner shell, such that the humidified air generated in the chamber may be discharged in a space between the water tank and the inner shell.
A lower groove may be formed in a lower portion of the air discharge pipe. The lower groove may be recessed in a radially outward direction of the air discharge pipe, thereby reducing a moving speed of condensate water or scattered water that flows along the air discharge pipe. The lower groove may be formed at an upper side of the lower extension wall.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a humidifier according to the present disclosure that may include a first humidification water tank having a first chamber for heating water; a second humidification water tank connected to the first humidification water tank and having a second chamber for generating humidified air using a vibrator and water supplied from the first humidification water tank; a fan disposed at a lower side of the second humidification water tank and configured to generate an air flow; and a connection pipe supplying water, stored in the first humidification water tank, to the second humidification water tank, thereby generating humidified air by using water sterilized by heating. The second humidification water tank may include an air discharge hole through which the humidified air generated in the second chamber is discharged outside, and an air supply hole through which air blown by the fan is supplied to the second chamber; a lower extension wall that is disposed between the air discharge hole and the air supply hole, and extends downward from an upper surface of the second humidification water tank; and a vibrator disposed on a lower surface of the second humidification water tank, and having a vibration plate disposed at a lower side of the air discharge hole and configured to vibrate water stored in the second chamber. The vibration plate may be disposed closer to the air discharge hole than the air supply hole with respect to the lower extension wall. The vibration plate may be inclined in a direction in which the lower extension wall is disposed, such that the water supplied to the humidification water tank may be cooled by air flowing through the air supply pipe, and the water scattered by the vibration plate may move to the lower extension wall, thereby reducing noise caused by falling water.
The vibration plate may include a first vibration plate, and a second vibration plate spaced apart from the first vibration plate in a first direction. The lower extension wall may include a first lower extension wall, and a second lower extension wall spaced apart from the first lower extension wall in the first direction. A slit may be formed between the first lower extension wall and the second lower extension wall, the slit being open in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, thereby ensuring an air flow through the slit, and guiding movement of scattered water through the lower extension wall. A vertical length of the slit may be half or more of a vertical length of the first lower extension wall or the second lower extension wall.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a humidifier that may include a humidification water tank wall having a chamber in which water is stored; a vibrator disposed at a lower side of the humidification water tank wall and having a vibration plate configured to vibrate the water stored in the chamber; a humidification water tank cover disposed at an upper side of the humidification water tank wall, and having an air discharge hole through which the humidified air generated in the chamber is discharged; an air discharge pipe that extends upward from the humidification water tank cover on a circumference of the air discharge hole, and having an air discharge pipe channel in which the humidified air flows; and a lower extension wall that extends downward from the humidification water tank cover on at least one side of the circumference of the air discharge hole, thereby allowing the humidified air generated in the chamber to be discharged through the air discharge pipe. In addition, a lower groove may be formed in a lower portion of the air discharge pipe, the lower groove recessed in a radially outward direction of the air discharge pipe, such that while condensate water falling to the air discharge pipe or scattered water scattered by the vibrator flows downward along the air discharge pipe, a flow speed of the water may be reduced by the lower groove.
An upper surface of the vibration plate may be inclined from an upper side toward the lower extension wall, thereby allowing the scattered water to flow toward the lower extension wall and the air discharge pipe.
A humidifier according to embodiments disclosed herein has at least one or more of the following advantages.
First, water scattered by a vibrator is concentrated on a lower extension wall side, thereby minimizing noise caused by water that falls after scattering.
Second, water scattered to inner ribs formed on a lower extension wall is not diffused, but flows downward along the inner ribs, thereby reducing an amount of scattered water that causes noise and reducing a scattering range of water, such that noise may be reduced.
Third, a lower groove is formed at a lower side of an air discharge pipe, which buffers falling of water that falls down along the air discharge pipe, thereby allowing the water to move to the chamber at a slower speed, and reducing noise caused by the falling water.
Fourth, a vibrator is disposed at a lower side of an air discharge hole, such that most of the humidified air, generated by vibration of a vibration plate, may flow through the air discharge hole. Accordingly, most of the generated humid air may flow through the air discharge hole, thereby ensuring an amount of humidification.
Fifth, a lower extension wall is disposed between an air supply hole and an air discharge hole, such that generated humid air may be rapidly discharged through the air discharge hole along with air introduced through the air supply hole.
Advantages are not limited to the aforesaid, and other advantages not described herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the appended claims.
While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, the embodiments shall not be limited to the particular embodiments described above, and it will be understood by an ordinary skilled person in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims, and the alternative embodiments should not be individually understood from the inventive concept and prospect.
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 of the disclosure are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure. 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 of the disclosure 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 this invention belongs. 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.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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10-2023-0079705 | Jun 2023 | KR | national |