EP2389546B1 - Humidifier - Google Patents
Humidifier Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2389546B1 EP2389546B1 EP08878467.3A EP08878467A EP2389546B1 EP 2389546 B1 EP2389546 B1 EP 2389546B1 EP 08878467 A EP08878467 A EP 08878467A EP 2389546 B1 EP2389546 B1 EP 2389546B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- water
- unit
- water tank
- humidifier
- cap
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 260
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 claims description 71
- 238000000746 purification Methods 0.000 claims description 42
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 32
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 32
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 claims description 31
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 31
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 27
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 14
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 12
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000008233 hard water Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 206010038687 Respiratory distress Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000003796 beauty Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000023504 respiratory system disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008400 supply water Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/28—Arrangement or mounting of filters
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
- F24F8/10—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
- F24F6/02—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air
- F24F6/04—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air using stationary unheated wet elements
- F24F6/043—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air using stationary unheated wet elements with self-sucking action, e.g. wicks
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
- F24F2006/006—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification with water treatment
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a humidifier, including a water tank settlement unit in which a water tank is seated and a water guide in which an accommodation unit is formed, wherein the water tank settlement unit is placed on the lower front side of a ventilator and a humidification filter is inserted into the accommodation unit.
- a humidifier is configured to suck a dry indoor air, humidify the sucked air, and then blow the humidified air into a room. That is, the humidifier is based on the principle that clear water is changed to particles by electricity and then blown into a room. Accordingly, since an indoor air continues to have an adequate level of humidity, respiratory distress and diseases can be prevented and a pleasant indoor ambient can be maintained.
- Humidifiers may be divided into an ultrasonic humidifier, a heating type humidifier, a combined type humidifier, etc. depending on humidification methods.
- the ultrasonic humidifier uses a method of generating ultrasonic waves at the lower portion of a water tank, splitting water into small particles, and blowing the split water particles to the outside.
- steam blown by the humidifier is cool steam.
- the heating type humidifier uses a method of boiling water within the humidifier and blowing the boiled water particles as steam.
- steam blown by the humidifier is hot steam.
- the combined type humidifier uses a combination of the ultrasonic type and the heating type in order to take advantages of the heating type and the ultrasonic type.
- the combined type humidifier uses a method of raising water temperature in a heating pipe, sterilizing the water, and then blowing the sterilized using ultrasonic waves. In the combined type humidifier, warm steam and cool steam may be selected according to circumstances.
- the size of a water accommodation unit for naturally evaporating water is large, and elements, such as a filter placed in the water accommodation unit and configured to provide moisture to water flowing through the humidifier, occupy a large part of space within the humidifier. Accordingly, the conventional natural evaporation type humidifier is
- the size of a water accommodation unit for naturally evaporating water is large, and elements, such as a filter placed in the water accommodation unit and configured to provide moisture to water flowing through the humidifier, occupy a large part of space within the humidifier. Accordingly, the conventional natural evaporation type humidifier is problematic in that the size of a humidifier main body is inevitably large.
- JP 2008 035998 discloses the preamble of claim 1 and wherein the air filter is accommodated between a front panel and a division wall of the humidifier.
- an object of the present invention to provide a humidifier, which is capable of making a humidifier main body slim by placing a water tank and a water guide into which a humidification filter is inserted on the lower front side of a ventilator.
- the humidifier may further include a discharge unit for discharging electricity while coming into contact with water contained in the water guide, and a power source unit for supplying voltage to the discharge unit.
- the water guide may further include a discharge accommodation unit for accommodating water in contact with the discharge unit.
- the water tank settlement unit may be formed on one side of the accommodation unit, and the discharge accommodation unit may be formed on the other side of the accommodation unit.
- the water guide may be placed in the main body so that the water guide may be slidingly attached to or detached from the main body.
- the discharge unit may be rotatably placed on an upper portion of the accommodation unit so that the discharge unit engages a rear side of the discharge accommodation unit according to the sliding movement of the water guide.
- the humidifier of the present invention may further include an ion purification resin filter for purifying water output through the entrance/exit portion.
- the water tank settlement unit may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the ion purification resin filter so that the ion purification resin filter may be inserted into the water tank settlement unit and then fixed thereto.
- the ion purification resin filter may include an insertion portion into which the entrance/exit portion may be inserted, a filter flow passage through which water introduced through the insertion portion flows, and an outlet portion for outputting the water that has passed through the filter flow passage to the accommodation unit.
- a cap through which the water of the water tank passes may be placed in the entrance/exit portion of the water tank so that the cap may be projected from the entrance/exit portion, and the insertion portion may be opened so that the insertion portion corresponds to a shape of the cap.
- a cap through which the water of the water tank passes may be placed in the entrance/exit portion of the water tank so that the cap may be projected from the entrance/exit portion.
- the insertion portion may be depressed so that the insertion portion corresponds to a shape of the cap.
- a flow passage through which water flows may be formed in the cap, the cap may include a valve body for opening or closing the flow passage while moving along the flow passage, and a movement projection for moving the valve body may be formed in the insertion portion.
- a projection may be formed in the water tank settlement unit, and a fixing portion into which the projection may be fit may be formed in the movement projection.
- the water tank settlement unit may have a shape corresponding to a bottom shape of the water tank.
- a cap through which the water of the water tank passes may be placed in the entrance/exit portion of the water tank, a flow passage through which the water flows may be formed in the cap, the cap comprises a valve body for opening or closing the flow passage while moving along the flow passage, and a projection for moving the valve body may be formed in the water tank settlement unit.
- the humidifier having the above construction according to the embodiments of the present invention has the following advantages.
- the water tank settlement unit in which the water tank is seated is formed in the water guide. Accordingly, the utilization of space within the main body can be increased and the main body can have a small size because an additional construction where the water tank is placed needs not to be formed within the humidifier.
- the humidification filter is placed in the water guide placed on the lower front side of the ventilator. Accordingly, the utilization of space within the main body can be increased and the main body can have a small size because an additional construction where the humidification filter is placed needs not to be formed within the humidifier.
- the humidification filter is seated in the water guide placed in front of the ventilator in order to minimize space between the humidification filter and the ventilator. Accordingly, noise caused by air flowing through the space can be reduced.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the humidifier according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the humidifier when right and left doors are opened according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the humidifier according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the humidifier from which a purification filter is separated in the first embodiment
- FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a water guide and a water tank according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ion purification resin filter according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing that the humidification filter and the water tank are placed in the water guide in the first embodiment
- FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the operation of a discharge unit before and after the water guide is attached in the first embodiment.
- the humidifier according to the present embodiment includes an air intake unit for sucking air and an air blower unit for blowing air, which are formed in a main body 2.
- the humidifier is mounted on a wall in the state in which it is spaced apart from a flat surface at a specific interval.
- the humidifier is configured to suck air from the front and lower sides of the main body 2 and blow the air upwardly from the main body.
- the air intake unit and the air blower unit are described in more detail later.
- the main body 2 includes a rear casing 30, a front casing 40, and front doors 12 and 14.
- the rear casing 30 forms an external rear appearance of the main body 2.
- the front casing 40 is placed in front of the rear casing 30.
- An air blower hole 6 for blowing air is formed on the top of the front casing 40.
- a blower vane 72 for adjusting the wind of blown air and a vane motor 74 for rotating the blower vane 72 are placed in the air blower hole 6.
- An opening 4 is formed on the front side of the front casing 40. Air sucked by the air intake unit passes through the opening 4 and a purification filter 110 in order. Further, a water tank 80 and a water guide 90 enter or exit from the main body 2 through the opening 4.
- the opening 4 is partitioned into a portion into which indoor air is sucked and a portion into which the water tank 80 is inserted by the partition wall 65 of a fan housing 60.
- a purification filter 110 for purifying alien substance among indoor air passing therethrough is placed in the portion into which indoor air is sucked, of the opening 4.
- One or more locking projections 49 with which latch grooves 86 and 87 of the water tank 80 are engaged are formed in the portion into which the water tank 80 of the front casing 40 is inserted.
- the opening 4 may extend from the front side of the front casing 40 to a side where the water tank 80 is placed, thereby exposing the side of the water tank 80. Accordingly, a user can easily attach or detach the water tank 80 to or from the main body 2 through the opening 4. A user can also check the water level of the water tank 80 through the display window 13 of the door.
- Display insertion portions 47 and 48 are depressed and formed on the upper and lower portions of the opening 4. A display 20 is inserted into the display insertion portions 47 and 48 when the doors 12 and 14 are closed while covering the opening 4.
- a lower intake hole 46 for sucking air is formed on the lower portion of the front casing 40.
- the humidifier according to the present embodiment may be placed in the state in which it is spaced apart from a flat surface at a specific interval. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the lower intake hole 46 can be formed on the lower portion of the front casing 40 in order to suck air. Further, the lower intake hole 46 may be formed on the front side of the opening 4.
- the front door 10 may be coupled to the front casing 40 in various ways.
- the front door 10 includes a left door 14 and a right door 12.
- the left door 14 is rotatably coupled to the left side of the front casing 40
- the right door 12 is rotatably coupled to the right side of the front casing 40.
- the left door 14 and the right door 12 are rotated to thereby cover the front casing 40 and, at the same time, form an air intake duct while partially exposing the opening 4.
- the display 20 is placed at a position where the opening 4, which is exposed when the right and left doors 12 and 14 are closed, is not seen from the front.
- the display 20 is placed in the rear of the right and left doors 12 and 14 so that air intake ducts 16 and 18 can be formed between the display 20 and the right door 12 and between the display 20 and the left door 14, respectively.
- the display 20 may be coupled to any one of the right and left doors 12 and 14. Alternatively, the display 20 may be formed in the display insertion portions 47 and 48 of the front casing 40. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the display 20 is placed in the right door 12 so that the air intake duct 18 can be formed therebetween.
- a display window 13 through which the water level of the water tank 80 can be checked outside the main body 2 is formed in one of the right and left doors 12 and 14, which covers the water tank 80.
- Information about the operation of the humidifier may be displayed on the display 20, and a variety of patterns for increasing a feeling of beauty may be formed in the display 20 because the display 20 is exposed on the front side of the humidifier.
- a ventilator, the water tank 80, the purification filter 110, a humidification filter 100, the water guide 90, and a control box 160 are placed within the main body 2 (that is, space between the front casing 40 and the rear casing 30).
- the ventilator functions to suck air into the main body 2 and blow air, humidified in the main body 2, to the outside of the main body 2.
- the ventilator includes the fan housing 60, a blower fan 56, and a fan motor 54.
- the fan housing 60 is placed in the space between the front casing 40 and the rear casing 30.
- the fan housing 60 has a box form whose rear side is open and is combined with the rear casing 30, thereby forming a ventilation room.
- the blower fan 56 and the fan motor 54 for rotating the blower fan 56 are placed in the ventilation room.
- An air blower unit 64 is formed on the top of a circumference portion of the fan housing 60 and configured to communicate with the air blower hole 6 of the front casing 40.
- An air intake unit 67 is formed on the front side of the fan housing 60.
- a safety network may be placed in the air intake unit 67.
- the humidification filter 100 for supplying moisture to air passing through the air intake unit 67 is placed in front of the air intake unit 67.
- the partition wall 65 is projected forwardly from the fan housing 60.
- the partition wall 65 is projected toward a side into which the water tank 80 is inserted, of the right and left sides of the air intake unit 67.
- the partition wall 65 partitions the front side of the fan housing 60 into space into which air is sucked and space where the water tank 80 is placed. Further, the partition wall 65 partitions the opening 4 of the front casing 40 into space into which air is sucked and space into which the water tank 80 is inserted. Accordingly, the partition wall 65 is placed between the humidification filter 100 and the water tank 80, which are placed in front of the air intake unit 67.
- space 60a into which the backward projection portion 83 of the water tank 80 is inserted and accommodated may be formed between the portion of the front side of the fan housing 60, in which the water tank 80 is placed, and the rear casing. Accordingly, the utilization of space within the main body 2 of the water tank 80 can be increased, and the size of the water tank can also be increased.
- the water guide 90 functions to receive water from the water tank 80 and supply the supplied water to the humidification filter 100.
- the water guide 90 is detachably installed in the main body 2 through the opening 4 of the front casing 40.
- the water guide 90 includes a water tank settlement unit 95, an accommodation unit 96, a float mounter 97, and a discharge accommodation unit 98. Water introduced from the water tank 80 to the water tank settlement unit 95 flows through the accommodation unit 96, the float mounter 97, and the discharge accommodation unit 98 in order.
- the water tank 80 is inserted into the water tank settlement unit 95 and then mounted therein.
- the water tank settlement unit 95 has a shape corresponding to the bottom shape of the water tank 80. Accordingly, the water tank settlement unit 95 functions to fix the water tank 80 thereto.
- an ion purification resin filter 93 for making soft hard water by lowering the hardness of hard water in such a manner that ions coated on the resin surface of the ion purification resin filter 93 substitute Ca and Mg, which decide the hardness of water, is placed in the water tank settlement unit 95 (refer to FIG. 7 ).
- the water tank settlement unit 95 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the ion purification resin filter 93 so that the ion purification resin filter 93 is inserted into the water tank settlement unit 95 and then fixed thereto.
- the ion purification resin filter 93 according to the present embodiment is inserted into part of the water tank settlement unit 95. Further, a portion of the water tank settlement unit 95 in which the ion purification resin filter 93 is seated has a shape corresponding to a shape of the ion purification resin filter 93.
- the ion purification resin filter 93 includes an insertion portion 93a, a filter flow passage 93b, and an outlet portion 93c.
- the insertion portion 93a is formed in the ion purification resin filter 93 and has a hole shape whose top and bottom are opened. Accordingly, a cap 85 placed in the entrance/exit portion 80a of the water tank 80 is inserted into the insertion portion 93a, thereby fixing the water tank 80.
- the insertion portion 93a is formed at a position where the projection 91 of the water tank settlement unit 95 is formed in order to expose the projection 91 therethrough. Further, part of the circumference portion of the insertion portion 93a is opened and therefore configured to communicate with the filter flow passage 93b.
- the filter flow passage 93b may have a variety of shapes so that water can be made soft while flowing therethrough. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the filter flow passage 93b has a curved shape along the circumference portion of the insertion portion 93a. Alternatively, the filter flow passage 93b may have a spiral shape in order to increase the time taken for water to flow through the filter flow passage 93b or an area in which water comes into contact with the filter flow passage 93b.
- the outlet portion 93c is formed to communicate with the filter flow passage 93b and to output water, which is made soft while flowing through the filter flow passage 93b, to the accommodation unit 96.
- the projection 91 formed in the water tank settlement unit 95 functions to move a valve body 85a in order to open the flow passage of the cap 85.
- the water tank settlement unit 95 enables the water tank 80 to be seated therein and also the water of the water tank 80 to flow into the accommodation unit 96 via the ion purification resin filter 93.
- the humidification filter 100 is inserted into the accommodation unit 96 and then placed therein.
- the accommodation unit 96 accommodates water output from the water tank settlement unit 95 and then supplies moisture to the humidification filter 100. Meanwhile, the humidification filter 100 is paced in front of the air intake unit 67 of the fan housing 60. Accordingly, the accommodation unit 96 is placed on the front side of the ventilator, that is, the fan housing 60.
- the purification filter 110 is placed in front of the humidification filter 100. Accordingly, the accommodation unit 96 is depressed backward, thus forming a space 90a where the bottom of the purification filter 100 is placed.
- the bottom of the fan housing 60 is placed on the rear side of the accommodation unit 96.
- the accommodation unit 96 is depressed forward, thus forming a space 90b where the bottom of the fan housing 60 is placed. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the main body 2 can be made slim.
- the accommodation unit 96 may have a width corresponding to the width of the humidification filter 100 so that the humidification filter 100 can be inserted into the accommodation unit 96 and then fixed thereto.
- the length of the accommodation unit 96 may be longer than that of the humidification filter 100. Accordingly, water supplied to the humidification filter 100 can be accommodated in the accommodation unit 96 sufficiently.
- a fixing portion for fixing the humidification filter 100 is formed in the accommodation unit 96.
- the fixing portion may have a variety of shapes. In the present embodiment, one or more fixing portions 99, each having a rib shape, are projected from the accommodation unit 96.
- the float mounter 97 communicates with the accommodation unit 96.
- a float 92 for detecting the water level of the water guide 90 is placed in the float mounter 97. Further, a float sensor (not shown in the drawing) for detecting the height of the float is placed on the top of the float 92 within the main body 2.
- the humidifier may further include a control unit for generating a water shortage signal when the float 92 has a specific height or less.
- the float mounter 97 may be formed on the other side of the accommodation unit 96.
- the air intake unit 67 formed in the fan housing 60 is placed at the central portion of the main body 2. Further, the humidification filter 100 is placed in front of the air intake unit 67, and the humidification filter 100 is inserted into the accommodation unit 96. Accordingly, the utilization of space within the main body 2 can be increased because the water tank settlement unit 95 and the float mounter 97 are respectively formed on the right and left sides of the accommodation unit 96.
- the discharge accommodation unit 98 forms space where a discharge unit 94 may come into contact with water accommodated in the water guide 90.
- the discharge accommodation unit 98 may be formed in various places of the water guide 90, but, in the present embodiment, formed on the rear side of the float mounter 97 in order to use the space within the main body 2. That is, like the above-described float mounter 97, the discharge accommodation unit 98 may be formed on the other side of the accommodation unit 96, which is opposite to the side where the water tank settlement unit 95, in order to increase the utilization of space within the main body 2. Further, as described above, the accommodation unit 96, the float mounter 97, and the discharge accommodation unit 98 are configured to communicate with each other. Accordingly, water sterilized by the discharge accommodation unit 98 flows into the float mounter 97 and the accommodation unit 96, so that the sterilized water is supplied to the humidification filter 100 inserted into the accommodation unit 96.
- the discharge unit 94 is placed in the upper space of the discharge accommodation unit 98 so that it comes into contact with the water accommodated in the discharge accommodation unit 98.
- the discharge unit 94 sterilizes water using H 2 O 2 generated by generating discharge in the water.
- a power source unit (not shown in the drawing) for supplying electricity to the discharge unit 94 may be placed within the main body 2.
- the water guide 90 is attached to or detached from the main body 2 through the opening 4 of the front casing 40. Accordingly, a user can clean or replace the water guide 90.
- the discharge unit 94 engages the rear face 98a of the discharge accommodation unit 98. Accordingly, a user has to detach the discharge unit 94 from the main body 2 and then the water guide 90 from the main body 2.
- the discharge unit 94 is rotatably placed in the main body 2 (refer to FIG. 9 ).
- the discharge unit 94 engages the rear face 98a of the discharge accommodation unit 98 and then rotates forward from the main body 2, simultaneously with the movement of the water guide 90.
- the discharge unit 94 is rotated backward from the main body 2, while being released from the rear face 98a, and then returns to its original position.
- the discharge unit 94 engages the rear face 98a and then rotates backward from the main body 2, simultaneously with the movement of the water guide 90.
- the discharge unit 94 is rotated forward from the main body 2, while being released from the rear face 98a, and then positioned in the discharge accommodation unit 98.
- the water tank 80 is seated in the water tank settlement unit 95 and configured to supply water to the accommodation unit 96, the float mounter 97, and the discharge accommodation unit 98.
- the water tank 80 is attached to or detached from the inside of the main body 2 through the opening 4 of the front casing 40.
- the latch grooves 86 and 87 inserted into the locking projections 49 of the front casing 40 are formed in the water tank 80.
- the latch grooves 86 and 87 may be formed at various positions of the water tank 80 in various numbers. However, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that a pair of the latch grooves 86 and 87 is formed on each of the right and left sides of the water tank 80. Accordingly, a pair of the locking projections 49 is also formed at the positions of the front casing 40, which correspond to the latch grooves 86 and 87.
- the latch grooves 86 and 87 include a locking portion 87 that the locking projection 49 engages and a guide portion 86 that is guided into the locking projection 49.
- the water tank 80 is inserted into the main body 2 through the opening 4 of the front casing 40, and the guide portions 86 of the water tank 80 are inserted into the respective locking projections 49 formed in the front casing 40. Further, the locking projections 49 are guided into the locking portions 87 by the respective guide portions 86, so the locking projections 49 fix the water tank 80 to the main body 2.
- the water tank 80 is seated in the water tank settlement unit 95 while being inserted thereinto.
- the backward projection portion 83 is formed in one of the right and left sides of the water tank 80 and configured to project backward therefrom.
- the backward projection portion 83 is inserted into the space 60a between the rear casing 30 and the front surface of the fan housing 60. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the space within the main body 2 can be made compact and a great amount of water can be contained in the water tank 80.
- a concave portion 84 is formed on the front side of the water tank 80.
- a handle 82 is formed in the concave portion 84. Accordingly, a user can put his hands into the concave portion 84, hold the handle 82, and conveniently attach or detach the water tank 80 through the opening of the front casing 40.
- the entrance/exit portion 80a through which water enters or exits is formed in the water tank 80, and the cap 85 for controlling water is placed in the entrance/exit portion 80a.
- the cap 85 is projected from the entrance/exit portion 80a, and may be inserted into the insertion portion 93a and then fixed thereto.
- a flow passage 85b through which water flows is formed in the cap 85.
- the valve body 85a of the cap 85 functions to open or close the flow passage 85b while moving along the flow passage 85b.
- the flow passage 85b and the valve body 85a may have a variety of shapes. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the flow passage 85b is formed at the center of the cap 85 and configured to have its top and bottom opened.
- the valve body 85a further includes a cap for plugging the top of the flow passage having the open top and bottom and a pole for pushing and opening or closing the cap while moving along the flow passage 85b.
- the pole is moved upward from the flow passage 85b by the projection 91 formed in the water tank settlement unit 95, thereby opening the cap.
- the guide portions 86 guide the insertion of the water tank 80 while being guided by the locking projections 49.
- both the upper portions of the water tank 80 engage the locking portions 87 while the locking portions 87 are engaged with the respective locking projections 49.
- the water tank 80 is placed on the top of the water tank settlement unit 95 of the water guide 90, and all or part of the cap 85 is inserted into the insertion portion 93a, formed in the ion purification resin filter 93, and then fixed thereto.
- the door 12 protects the water tank 80 while covering part of the opening 4.
- the humidification filter 100 provides moisture to air that has passed through the humidification filter 100. Accordingly, the humidification filter 100 absorbs the water of the accommodation unit 96 while the bottom of the humidification filter 100 is inserted into the accommodation unit 96 of the water guide 90. The water absorbed by the humidification filter 100 is naturally evaporated by air that has passed through the purification filter 110, and the air is humidified and then blown into a room.
- the control box 160 controls a variety of sensors of the humidifier.
- the control box 160 is coupled to the top of the partition wall 65, of the front portion of the fan housing 60, via a fixing member. Accordingly, an electric leakage, which may happen due to the contact of moisture within the main body 2 with the control box 160, can be prevented.
- an indoor air flows into the main body 2 via the air intake ducts 16 and 18, respectively formed between the right door 12 and the display 20 and between the left door 14 and the display 20, and the lower intake hole 46.
- Alien substance is removed from the flown air while the air passes through the purification filter 110 in the space of the opening 4 of the front casing 40.
- the opening 4 is partitioned into the portion into which the indoor air is sucked and the portion into which the water tank 80 is placed by the partition wall 65.
- the air that has passed through the purification filter 110 absorbs moisture while passing through the humidification filter 100.
- the humidified air flows into the ventilation room, which is formed by the fan housing 60 and the rear casing 30, via the air intake unit 67 of the fan housing 60.
- the air is then blown into a room through the air blower unit 64 of the fan housing 60 and the air blower hole 6 of the front casing 40.
- FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the water guide and the water tank according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an ion purification resin filter according to another embodiment
- FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the ion purification resin filter according to another embodiment.
- An ion purification resin filter 93' according to another embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 .
- the insertion portion 93a of the ion purification resin filter 93' according to the present embodiment is depressed so that it corresponds to the shape of the cap 85.
- a movement projection 93d for moving the valve body 85a is formed at the bottom of the insertion portion 93a.
- all water introduced into the insertion portion 93a can flow into the filter flow passage 93b. Further, the movement projection 93b fixes the water tank 80 while opening the valve body 85a. That is, according to the present embodiment, the valve body 85a can be moved even without the projection 91 of the water tank settlement unit 95 according to the first embodiment.
- a fixing portion 93d' into which the projection 91 is fit can be formed in the movement projection 93d.
- the fixing portion 93d' is depressed from the bottom of the insertion portion 93a into the inside of the movement projection 93d. Accordingly, when the fixing portion 93d' is inserted into the projection 91 of the water tank settlement unit 95, the ion purification resin filter 93 is fixed to the water tank settlement unit 95.
- the remaining elements and operation of the humidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention are identical to those according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a description thereof is omitted for simplicity.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Air Humidification (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a humidifier, including a water tank settlement unit in which a water tank is seated and a water guide in which an accommodation unit is formed, wherein the water tank settlement unit is placed on the lower front side of a ventilator and a humidification filter is inserted into the accommodation unit.
- In general, a humidifier is configured to suck a dry indoor air, humidify the sucked air, and then blow the humidified air into a room. That is, the humidifier is based on the principle that clear water is changed to particles by electricity and then blown into a room. Accordingly, since an indoor air continues to have an adequate level of humidity, respiratory distress and diseases can be prevented and a pleasant indoor ambient can be maintained.
- Humidifiers may be divided into an ultrasonic humidifier, a heating type humidifier, a combined type humidifier, etc. depending on humidification methods.
- The ultrasonic humidifier uses a method of generating ultrasonic waves at the lower portion of a water tank, splitting water into small particles, and blowing the split water particles to the outside. Here, steam blown by the humidifier is cool steam. The heating type humidifier uses a method of boiling water within the humidifier and blowing the boiled water particles as steam. Here, steam blown by the humidifier is hot steam. The combined type humidifier uses a combination of the ultrasonic type and the heating type in order to take advantages of the heating type and the ultrasonic type. The combined type humidifier uses a method of raising water temperature in a heating pipe, sterilizing the water, and then blowing the sterilized using ultrasonic waves. In the combined type humidifier, warm steam and cool steam may be selected according to circumstances.
- There has been recently used a natural evaporation type humidifier for humidifying a room by naturally evaporating water within the humidifier without forcibly evaporating the water. This humidifier can evaporate water depending on the degree of indoor dryness because it humidifies a room through natural evaporation.
- However, in the conventional natural evaporation type humidifier, the size of a water accommodation unit for naturally evaporating water is large, and elements, such as a filter placed in the water accommodation unit and configured to provide moisture to water flowing through the humidifier, occupy a large part of space within the humidifier. Accordingly, the conventional natural evaporation type humidifier is
- There has been recently used a natural evaporation type humidifier for humidifying a room by naturally evaporating water within the humidifier without forcibly evaporating the water. This humidifier can evaporate water depending on the degree of indoor dryness because it humidifies a room through natural evaporation.
- However, in the conventional natural evaporation type humidifier, the size of a water accommodation unit for naturally evaporating water is large, and elements, such as a filter placed in the water accommodation unit and configured to provide moisture to water flowing through the humidifier, occupy a large part of space within the humidifier. Accordingly, the conventional natural evaporation type humidifier is problematic in that the size of a humidifier main body is inevitably large. The closest prior art can be found in
JP 2008 035998 claim 1 and wherein the air filter is accommodated between a front panel and a division wall of the humidifier. - It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a humidifier, which is capable of making a humidifier main body slim by placing a water tank and a water guide into which a humidification filter is inserted on the lower front side of a ventilator.
- In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a humidifier according to
claim 1. - The humidifier may further include a discharge unit for discharging electricity while coming into contact with water contained in the water guide, and a power source unit for supplying voltage to the discharge unit. The water guide may further include a discharge accommodation unit for accommodating water in contact with the discharge unit.
- Meanwhile, the water tank settlement unit may be formed on one side of the accommodation unit, and the discharge accommodation unit may be formed on the other side of the accommodation unit. The water guide may be placed in the main body so that the water guide may be slidingly attached to or detached from the main body. The discharge unit may be rotatably placed on an upper portion of the accommodation unit so that the discharge unit engages a rear side of the discharge accommodation unit according to the sliding movement of the water guide.
- The humidifier of the present invention may further include an ion purification resin filter for purifying water output through the entrance/exit portion. The water tank settlement unit may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the ion purification resin filter so that the ion purification resin filter may be inserted into the water tank settlement unit and then fixed thereto.
- Here, the ion purification resin filter may include an insertion portion into which the entrance/exit portion may be inserted, a filter flow passage through which water introduced through the insertion portion flows, and an outlet portion for outputting the water that has passed through the filter flow passage to the accommodation unit.
- Further, a cap through which the water of the water tank passes may be placed in the entrance/exit portion of the water tank so that the cap may be projected from the entrance/exit portion, and the insertion portion may be opened so that the insertion portion corresponds to a shape of the cap. A cap through which the water of the water tank passes may be placed in the entrance/exit portion of the water tank so that the cap may be projected from the entrance/exit portion. The insertion portion may be depressed so that the insertion portion corresponds to a shape of the cap. A flow passage through which water flows may be formed in the cap, the cap may include a valve body for opening or closing the flow passage while moving along the flow passage, and a movement projection for moving the valve body may be formed in the insertion portion. Further, a projection may be formed in the water tank settlement unit, and a fixing portion into which the projection may be fit may be formed in the movement projection.
- Meanwhile, the water tank settlement unit may have a shape corresponding to a bottom shape of the water tank. A cap through which the water of the water tank passes may be placed in the entrance/exit portion of the water tank, a flow passage through which the water flows may be formed in the cap, the cap comprises a valve body for opening or closing the flow passage while moving along the flow passage, and a projection for moving the valve body may be formed in the water tank settlement unit.
- The humidifier having the above construction according to the embodiments of the present invention has the following advantages.
- First, the water tank settlement unit in which the water tank is seated is formed in the water guide. Accordingly, the utilization of space within the main body can be increased and the main body can have a small size because an additional construction where the water tank is placed needs not to be formed within the humidifier.
- Second, the humidification filter is placed in the water guide placed on the lower front side of the ventilator. Accordingly, the utilization of space within the main body can be increased and the main body can have a small size because an additional construction where the humidification filter is placed needs not to be formed within the humidifier.
- Third, the humidification filter is seated in the water guide placed in front of the ventilator in order to minimize space between the humidification filter and the ventilator. Accordingly, noise caused by air flowing through the space can be reduced.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the humidifier according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is a front view of the humidifier when right and left doors are opened according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the humidifier according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the humidifier from which a purification filter is separated in the first embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a water guide and a water tank according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ion purification resin filter according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing that the humidification filter and the water tank are placed in the water guide in the first embodiment; -
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the operation of a discharge unit before and after the water guide is attached in the first embodiment; -
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the water guide and the water tank according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an ion purification resin filter according to another embodiment; and -
FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the ion purification resin filter according to another embodiment. - Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so. In describing the present embodiments, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same parts, and an additional description thereof is omitted.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the humidifier according to the first embodiment,FIG. 3 is a front view of the humidifier when right and left doors are opened according to the first embodiment,FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the humidifier according to the first embodiment,FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the humidifier from which a purification filter is separated in the first embodiment,FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a water guide and a water tank according to the first embodiment,FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ion purification resin filter according to the first embodiment,FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing that the humidification filter and the water tank are placed in the water guide in the first embodiment, andFIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the operation of a discharge unit before and after the water guide is attached in the first embodiment. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 to 9 , the humidifier according to the present embodiment includes an air intake unit for sucking air and an air blower unit for blowing air, which are formed in amain body 2. - In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the humidifier is mounted on a wall in the state in which it is spaced apart from a flat surface at a specific interval. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the humidifier is configured to suck air from the front and lower sides of the
main body 2 and blow the air upwardly from the main body. The air intake unit and the air blower unit are described in more detail later. - The
main body 2 includes arear casing 30, afront casing 40, andfront doors - The
rear casing 30 forms an external rear appearance of themain body 2. Thefront casing 40 is placed in front of therear casing 30. - An
air blower hole 6 for blowing air is formed on the top of thefront casing 40. Ablower vane 72 for adjusting the wind of blown air and avane motor 74 for rotating theblower vane 72 are placed in theair blower hole 6. - An
opening 4 is formed on the front side of thefront casing 40. Air sucked by the air intake unit passes through theopening 4 and apurification filter 110 in order. Further, awater tank 80 and awater guide 90 enter or exit from themain body 2 through theopening 4. - The
opening 4 is partitioned into a portion into which indoor air is sucked and a portion into which thewater tank 80 is inserted by thepartition wall 65 of afan housing 60. Apurification filter 110 for purifying alien substance among indoor air passing therethrough is placed in the portion into which indoor air is sucked, of theopening 4. One ormore locking projections 49 with which latchgrooves water tank 80 are engaged are formed in the portion into which thewater tank 80 of thefront casing 40 is inserted. - The
opening 4 may extend from the front side of thefront casing 40 to a side where thewater tank 80 is placed, thereby exposing the side of thewater tank 80. Accordingly, a user can easily attach or detach thewater tank 80 to or from themain body 2 through theopening 4. A user can also check the water level of thewater tank 80 through thedisplay window 13 of the door. -
Display insertion portions opening 4. Adisplay 20 is inserted into thedisplay insertion portions doors opening 4. - A
lower intake hole 46 for sucking air is formed on the lower portion of thefront casing 40. As described above, the humidifier according to the present embodiment may be placed in the state in which it is spaced apart from a flat surface at a specific interval. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, thelower intake hole 46 can be formed on the lower portion of thefront casing 40 in order to suck air. Further, thelower intake hole 46 may be formed on the front side of theopening 4. - The
front door 10 may be coupled to thefront casing 40 in various ways. In the present embodiment, thefront door 10 includes aleft door 14 and aright door 12. - The
left door 14 is rotatably coupled to the left side of thefront casing 40, and theright door 12 is rotatably coupled to the right side of thefront casing 40. - The
left door 14 and theright door 12 are rotated to thereby cover thefront casing 40 and, at the same time, form an air intake duct while partially exposing theopening 4. - The
display 20 is placed at a position where theopening 4, which is exposed when the right and leftdoors display 20 is placed in the rear of the right and leftdoors air intake ducts display 20 and theright door 12 and between thedisplay 20 and theleft door 14, respectively. - The
display 20 may be coupled to any one of the right and leftdoors display 20 may be formed in thedisplay insertion portions front casing 40. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that thedisplay 20 is placed in theright door 12 so that theair intake duct 18 can be formed therebetween. - A
display window 13 through which the water level of thewater tank 80 can be checked outside themain body 2 is formed in one of the right and leftdoors water tank 80. - Information about the operation of the humidifier may be displayed on the
display 20, and a variety of patterns for increasing a feeling of beauty may be formed in thedisplay 20 because thedisplay 20 is exposed on the front side of the humidifier. - A ventilator, the
water tank 80, thepurification filter 110, ahumidification filter 100, thewater guide 90, and acontrol box 160 are placed within the main body 2 (that is, space between thefront casing 40 and the rear casing 30). - The ventilator functions to suck air into the
main body 2 and blow air, humidified in themain body 2, to the outside of themain body 2. The ventilator includes thefan housing 60, ablower fan 56, and afan motor 54. - The
fan housing 60 is placed in the space between thefront casing 40 and therear casing 30. Thefan housing 60 has a box form whose rear side is open and is combined with therear casing 30, thereby forming a ventilation room. Theblower fan 56 and thefan motor 54 for rotating theblower fan 56 are placed in the ventilation room. Anair blower unit 64 is formed on the top of a circumference portion of thefan housing 60 and configured to communicate with theair blower hole 6 of thefront casing 40. - An
air intake unit 67 is formed on the front side of thefan housing 60. A safety network may be placed in theair intake unit 67. Thehumidification filter 100 for supplying moisture to air passing through theair intake unit 67 is placed in front of theair intake unit 67. - The
partition wall 65 is projected forwardly from thefan housing 60. Thepartition wall 65 is projected toward a side into which thewater tank 80 is inserted, of the right and left sides of theair intake unit 67. - The
partition wall 65 partitions the front side of thefan housing 60 into space into which air is sucked and space where thewater tank 80 is placed. Further, thepartition wall 65 partitions theopening 4 of thefront casing 40 into space into which air is sucked and space into which thewater tank 80 is inserted. Accordingly, thepartition wall 65 is placed between thehumidification filter 100 and thewater tank 80, which are placed in front of theair intake unit 67. - Further,
space 60a into which thebackward projection portion 83 of thewater tank 80 is inserted and accommodated may be formed between the portion of the front side of thefan housing 60, in which thewater tank 80 is placed, and the rear casing. Accordingly, the utilization of space within themain body 2 of thewater tank 80 can be increased, and the size of the water tank can also be increased. - The water guide 90 functions to receive water from the
water tank 80 and supply the supplied water to thehumidification filter 100. Thewater guide 90 is detachably installed in themain body 2 through theopening 4 of thefront casing 40. - The
water guide 90 includes a watertank settlement unit 95, anaccommodation unit 96, afloat mounter 97, and adischarge accommodation unit 98. Water introduced from thewater tank 80 to the watertank settlement unit 95 flows through theaccommodation unit 96, thefloat mounter 97, and thedischarge accommodation unit 98 in order. - The
water tank 80 is inserted into the watertank settlement unit 95 and then mounted therein. The watertank settlement unit 95 has a shape corresponding to the bottom shape of thewater tank 80. Accordingly, the watertank settlement unit 95 functions to fix thewater tank 80 thereto. - Meanwhile, an ion
purification resin filter 93 for making soft hard water by lowering the hardness of hard water in such a manner that ions coated on the resin surface of the ionpurification resin filter 93 substitute Ca and Mg, which decide the hardness of water, is placed in the water tank settlement unit 95 (refer toFIG. 7 ). The watertank settlement unit 95 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the ionpurification resin filter 93 so that the ionpurification resin filter 93 is inserted into the watertank settlement unit 95 and then fixed thereto. - The ion
purification resin filter 93 according to the present embodiment is inserted into part of the watertank settlement unit 95. Further, a portion of the watertank settlement unit 95 in which the ionpurification resin filter 93 is seated has a shape corresponding to a shape of the ionpurification resin filter 93. - The ion
purification resin filter 93 includes aninsertion portion 93a, afilter flow passage 93b, and anoutlet portion 93c. - The
insertion portion 93a is formed in the ionpurification resin filter 93 and has a hole shape whose top and bottom are opened. Accordingly, acap 85 placed in the entrance/exit portion 80a of thewater tank 80 is inserted into theinsertion portion 93a, thereby fixing thewater tank 80. Theinsertion portion 93a is formed at a position where theprojection 91 of the watertank settlement unit 95 is formed in order to expose theprojection 91 therethrough. Further, part of the circumference portion of theinsertion portion 93a is opened and therefore configured to communicate with thefilter flow passage 93b. - The
filter flow passage 93b may have a variety of shapes so that water can be made soft while flowing therethrough. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that thefilter flow passage 93b has a curved shape along the circumference portion of theinsertion portion 93a. Alternatively, thefilter flow passage 93b may have a spiral shape in order to increase the time taken for water to flow through thefilter flow passage 93b or an area in which water comes into contact with thefilter flow passage 93b. - The
outlet portion 93c is formed to communicate with thefilter flow passage 93b and to output water, which is made soft while flowing through thefilter flow passage 93b, to theaccommodation unit 96. - In the case in which the
water tank 80 is inserted into the watertank settlement unit 95 through theinsertion portion 93a of the ionpurification resin filter 93 and then settled therein, theprojection 91 formed in the watertank settlement unit 95 functions to move avalve body 85a in order to open the flow passage of thecap 85. - Consequently, the water
tank settlement unit 95 enables thewater tank 80 to be seated therein and also the water of thewater tank 80 to flow into theaccommodation unit 96 via the ionpurification resin filter 93. - The
humidification filter 100 is inserted into theaccommodation unit 96 and then placed therein. Theaccommodation unit 96 accommodates water output from the watertank settlement unit 95 and then supplies moisture to thehumidification filter 100. Meanwhile, thehumidification filter 100 is paced in front of theair intake unit 67 of thefan housing 60. Accordingly, theaccommodation unit 96 is placed on the front side of the ventilator, that is, thefan housing 60. - The
purification filter 110 is placed in front of thehumidification filter 100. Accordingly, theaccommodation unit 96 is depressed backward, thus forming aspace 90a where the bottom of thepurification filter 100 is placed. - The bottom of the
fan housing 60 is placed on the rear side of theaccommodation unit 96. Theaccommodation unit 96 is depressed forward, thus forming aspace 90b where the bottom of thefan housing 60 is placed. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, themain body 2 can be made slim. - In the case in which the front and rear portions of the
accommodation unit 96 are depressed as described above, theaccommodation unit 96 may have a width corresponding to the width of thehumidification filter 100 so that thehumidification filter 100 can be inserted into theaccommodation unit 96 and then fixed thereto. - The length of the
accommodation unit 96 may be longer than that of thehumidification filter 100. Accordingly, water supplied to thehumidification filter 100 can be accommodated in theaccommodation unit 96 sufficiently. In this case, a fixing portion for fixing thehumidification filter 100 is formed in theaccommodation unit 96. The fixing portion may have a variety of shapes. In the present embodiment, one ormore fixing portions 99, each having a rib shape, are projected from theaccommodation unit 96. - The
float mounter 97 communicates with theaccommodation unit 96. Afloat 92 for detecting the water level of thewater guide 90 is placed in thefloat mounter 97. Further, a float sensor (not shown in the drawing) for detecting the height of the float is placed on the top of thefloat 92 within themain body 2. - Accordingly, when the
float 92 has a specific height or more, the operation of the humidifier is stopped in order to prevent an electric leakage, which may happen due to the overfill of thewater guide 90. The humidifier according to the present embodiment may further include a control unit for generating a water shortage signal when thefloat 92 has a specific height or less. - In the case in which the water
tank settlement unit 95 is formed on one side of theaccommodation unit 96, thefloat mounter 97 may be formed on the other side of theaccommodation unit 96. In general, theair intake unit 67 formed in thefan housing 60 is placed at the central portion of themain body 2. Further, thehumidification filter 100 is placed in front of theair intake unit 67, and thehumidification filter 100 is inserted into theaccommodation unit 96. Accordingly, the utilization of space within themain body 2 can be increased because the watertank settlement unit 95 and thefloat mounter 97 are respectively formed on the right and left sides of theaccommodation unit 96. - The
discharge accommodation unit 98 forms space where adischarge unit 94 may come into contact with water accommodated in thewater guide 90. Thedischarge accommodation unit 98 may be formed in various places of thewater guide 90, but, in the present embodiment, formed on the rear side of thefloat mounter 97 in order to use the space within themain body 2. That is, like the above-describedfloat mounter 97, thedischarge accommodation unit 98 may be formed on the other side of theaccommodation unit 96, which is opposite to the side where the watertank settlement unit 95, in order to increase the utilization of space within themain body 2. Further, as described above, theaccommodation unit 96, thefloat mounter 97, and thedischarge accommodation unit 98 are configured to communicate with each other. Accordingly, water sterilized by thedischarge accommodation unit 98 flows into thefloat mounter 97 and theaccommodation unit 96, so that the sterilized water is supplied to thehumidification filter 100 inserted into theaccommodation unit 96. - The
discharge unit 94 is placed in the upper space of thedischarge accommodation unit 98 so that it comes into contact with the water accommodated in thedischarge accommodation unit 98. Thedischarge unit 94 sterilizes water using H2O2 generated by generating discharge in the water. Further, a power source unit (not shown in the drawing) for supplying electricity to thedischarge unit 94 may be placed within themain body 2. - As described above, the
water guide 90 is attached to or detached from themain body 2 through theopening 4 of thefront casing 40. Accordingly, a user can clean or replace thewater guide 90. In the case in which thewater guide 90 is pulled out from themain body 2, thedischarge unit 94 engages therear face 98a of thedischarge accommodation unit 98. Accordingly, a user has to detach thedischarge unit 94 from themain body 2 and then thewater guide 90 from themain body 2. In the present embodiment, thedischarge unit 94 is rotatably placed in the main body 2 (refer toFIG. 9 ). - Accordingly, in the case in which the
water guide 90 is detached from themain body 2, thedischarge unit 94 engages therear face 98a of thedischarge accommodation unit 98 and then rotates forward from themain body 2, simultaneously with the movement of thewater guide 90. When thewater guide 90 is fully detached from themain body 2, thedischarge unit 94 is rotated backward from themain body 2, while being released from therear face 98a, and then returns to its original position. - In the case in which the
water guide 90 is inserted into the main body, thedischarge unit 94 engages therear face 98a and then rotates backward from themain body 2, simultaneously with the movement of thewater guide 90. When thewater guide 90 is fully inserted into themain body 2, thedischarge unit 94 is rotated forward from themain body 2, while being released from therear face 98a, and then positioned in thedischarge accommodation unit 98. - The
water tank 80 is seated in the watertank settlement unit 95 and configured to supply water to theaccommodation unit 96, thefloat mounter 97, and thedischarge accommodation unit 98. Thewater tank 80 is attached to or detached from the inside of themain body 2 through theopening 4 of thefront casing 40. Thelatch grooves projections 49 of thefront casing 40 are formed in thewater tank 80. Thelatch grooves water tank 80 in various numbers. However, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that a pair of thelatch grooves water tank 80. Accordingly, a pair of the lockingprojections 49 is also formed at the positions of thefront casing 40, which correspond to thelatch grooves - The
latch grooves portion 87 that the lockingprojection 49 engages and aguide portion 86 that is guided into the lockingprojection 49. In greater detail, thewater tank 80 is inserted into themain body 2 through theopening 4 of thefront casing 40, and theguide portions 86 of thewater tank 80 are inserted into therespective locking projections 49 formed in thefront casing 40. Further, the lockingprojections 49 are guided into the lockingportions 87 by therespective guide portions 86, so the lockingprojections 49 fix thewater tank 80 to themain body 2. As described above, thewater tank 80 is seated in the watertank settlement unit 95 while being inserted thereinto. - The
backward projection portion 83 is formed in one of the right and left sides of thewater tank 80 and configured to project backward therefrom. Thebackward projection portion 83 is inserted into thespace 60a between therear casing 30 and the front surface of thefan housing 60. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the space within themain body 2 can be made compact and a great amount of water can be contained in thewater tank 80. - A
concave portion 84 is formed on the front side of thewater tank 80. Ahandle 82 is formed in theconcave portion 84. Accordingly, a user can put his hands into theconcave portion 84, hold thehandle 82, and conveniently attach or detach thewater tank 80 through the opening of thefront casing 40. - The entrance/
exit portion 80a through which water enters or exits is formed in thewater tank 80, and thecap 85 for controlling water is placed in the entrance/exit portion 80a. Thecap 85 is projected from the entrance/exit portion 80a, and may be inserted into theinsertion portion 93a and then fixed thereto. - A
flow passage 85b through which water flows is formed in thecap 85. Thevalve body 85a of thecap 85 functions to open or close theflow passage 85b while moving along theflow passage 85b. Theflow passage 85b and thevalve body 85a may have a variety of shapes. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that theflow passage 85b is formed at the center of thecap 85 and configured to have its top and bottom opened. Thevalve body 85a further includes a cap for plugging the top of the flow passage having the open top and bottom and a pole for pushing and opening or closing the cap while moving along theflow passage 85b. - Further, when the
water tank 80 is mounted in the watertank settlement unit 95, the pole is moved upward from theflow passage 85b by theprojection 91 formed in the watertank settlement unit 95, thereby opening the cap. - When the
water tank 80 is pulled out from the above-described humidifier, a user rotates thedoor 12, which is placed in front of thewater tank 80, sideways. At this time, thewater tank 80 is exposed to the outside through theopening 4. - When a user puts his hands into the
opening 4, holds the front part (in particular, the handle 82) of thewater tank 80 and then raises thewater tank 80 up to a specific height, thecap 85 of thewater tank 80 is released from theinsertion portion 93a formed in the ionpurification resin filter 93, and the lockingportions 87 are released from the lockingprojections 49. - Next, when the user pulls the
water tank 80 in an upward direction while obliquely rotating it forward, thewater tank 80 obliquely exits from between thefront casing 40 and thepartition wall 65 while theguide portions 86 are guided by the lockingprojections 49, and then exits from themain body 2 through theopening 4. - To the contrary, in the case in which the
water tank 80 is mounted in themain body 2, when a user obliquely places thewater tank 80 on the upper front side of thewater guide 90 and then obliquely pushes thewater tank 80 between thefront casing 40 and thepartition wall 65, theguide portions 86 guide the insertion of thewater tank 80 while being guided by the lockingprojections 49. - When the user stands the
water tank 80 up and then pulls it downward, both the upper portions of thewater tank 80 engage the lockingportions 87 while the lockingportions 87 are engaged with therespective locking projections 49. At this time, thewater tank 80 is placed on the top of the watertank settlement unit 95 of thewater guide 90, and all or part of thecap 85 is inserted into theinsertion portion 93a, formed in the ionpurification resin filter 93, and then fixed thereto. - That is, all the
latch grooves cap 85 of thewater tank 80 are stably fixed. Further, theprojection 91 of the watertank settlement unit 95 opens theflow passage 85b of thecap 95 while moving thevalve body 85a of thecap 85 upward. - Next, when the
door 12 opened in order to pull out thewater tank 80 is closed, thedoor 12 protects thewater tank 80 while covering part of theopening 4. - The
humidification filter 100 provides moisture to air that has passed through thehumidification filter 100. Accordingly, thehumidification filter 100 absorbs the water of theaccommodation unit 96 while the bottom of thehumidification filter 100 is inserted into theaccommodation unit 96 of thewater guide 90. The water absorbed by thehumidification filter 100 is naturally evaporated by air that has passed through thepurification filter 110, and the air is humidified and then blown into a room. - The
control box 160 controls a variety of sensors of the humidifier. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that thecontrol box 160 is coupled to the top of thepartition wall 65, of the front portion of thefan housing 60, via a fixing member. Accordingly, an electric leakage, which may happen due to the contact of moisture within themain body 2 with thecontrol box 160, can be prevented. - The operation of the present invention having the above construction is described below.
- When the humidifier is operated, an indoor air flows into the
main body 2 via theair intake ducts right door 12 and thedisplay 20 and between theleft door 14 and thedisplay 20, and thelower intake hole 46. Alien substance is removed from the flown air while the air passes through thepurification filter 110 in the space of theopening 4 of thefront casing 40. At this time, theopening 4 is partitioned into the portion into which the indoor air is sucked and the portion into which thewater tank 80 is placed by thepartition wall 65. The air that has passed through thepurification filter 110 absorbs moisture while passing through thehumidification filter 100. The humidified air flows into the ventilation room, which is formed by thefan housing 60 and therear casing 30, via theair intake unit 67 of thefan housing 60. The air is then blown into a room through theair blower unit 64 of thefan housing 60 and theair blower hole 6 of thefront casing 40. -
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the water guide and the water tank according to another embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an ion purification resin filter according to another embodiment, andFIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the ion purification resin filter according to another embodiment. - An ion purification resin filter 93' according to another embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to
FIGS. 10 to 12 . Theinsertion portion 93a of the ion purification resin filter 93' according to the present embodiment is depressed so that it corresponds to the shape of thecap 85. Amovement projection 93d for moving thevalve body 85a is formed at the bottom of theinsertion portion 93a. - Accordingly, in the present embodiment, all water introduced into the
insertion portion 93a can flow into thefilter flow passage 93b. Further, themovement projection 93b fixes thewater tank 80 while opening thevalve body 85a. That is, according to the present embodiment, thevalve body 85a can be moved even without theprojection 91 of the watertank settlement unit 95 according to the first embodiment. - Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, in the case in which the
projection 91 of the watertank settlement unit 95 according to the first embodiment is formed, a fixingportion 93d' into which theprojection 91 is fit can be formed in themovement projection 93d. The fixingportion 93d' is depressed from the bottom of theinsertion portion 93a into the inside of themovement projection 93d. Accordingly, when the fixingportion 93d' is inserted into theprojection 91 of the watertank settlement unit 95, the ionpurification resin filter 93 is fixed to the watertank settlement unit 95. The remaining elements and operation of the humidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention are identical to those according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a description thereof is omitted for simplicity. - While the invention has been shown and described with respect to the embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims (15)
- A humidifier, comprising:a main body (2) having an air intake unit and an air blower unit formed therein;a ventilator for sucking air through the air intake unit and blowing the air through the air blower unit;a water tank (80) having an entrance/exit portion formed therein, wherein water enters or exits from the entrance/exit portion;a water guide (90), comprising a water tank settlement unit (95) in which the water tank (80) is seated and an accommodation unit (96) for accommodating water output from the water tank (80), wherein the accommodation unit (96) is placed so that the accommodation unit (96) is positioned on a lower front side of the ventilator; anda humidification filter (100) seated in the accommodation unit(96) so that the humidification filter (100) is positioned between the air intake unit and the ventilator,wherein a purification filter (110) for purifying the air sucked into the air intake unit is placed in front of the humidification filter (100),characterized in that the accommodation unit (96) is depressed backward so that the purification filter (110) is placed in the depressed portion of the accommodation unit (96).
- The humidifier of claim 1, further comprising:a float (92) configured to move up and down depending on a water level of the water contained in the accommodation unit (96), anda float sensor for detecting a height of the float (92),wherein the water guide(90) further comprises a float mounter (97) for accommodating the float (92).
- The humidifier of claim 2, wherein:the water tank settlement unit (95) is formed on one side of the accommodation unit (96), andthe float mounter (97) is formed on the other side of the accommodation unit (96).
- The humidifier of claim 2, further comprising a control unit for generating a water shortage signal when the water contained in the water guide (90) is a preset height or less as a detection result of the float sensor.
- The humidifier of claim 2, further comprising a control unit for stopping an operation of the humidifier when the water contained in the water guide (90) is a preset height or less as a detection result of the float sensor.
- The humidifier of claim 1, further comprising:a discharge unit for discharging electricity while coming into contact with water contained in the water guide (90), anda power source unit for supplying voltage to the discharge unit,wherein the water guide (90) further comprises a discharge accommodation unit (96) for accommodating water in contact with the discharge unit.
- The humidifier of claim 6, wherein:the water tank (80) settlement unit is formed on one side of the accommodation unit (96), andthe discharge accommodation unit (96) is formed on the other side of the accommodation unit (96).
- The humidifier of claim 6, wherein:the water guide (90) is placed in the main body (2) so that the water guide (90) is slidingly attached to or detached from the main body (2), andthe discharge unit (94) is rotatably placed on an upper portion of the accommodation unit (96) so that the discharge unit (94) engages a rear side of the discharge accommodation unit (96) according to the sliding movement of the water guide (90).
- The humidifier of claim 1, further comprising an ion purification resin filter (93) for purifying water output through the entrance/exit portion (80a),
wherein the water tank settlement unit (95) has a shape corresponding to a shape of the ion purification resin filter (93) so that the ion purification resin filter (93) is inserted into the water tank settlement unit (95) and then fixed thereto. - The humidifier of claim 9, wherein the ion purification resin filter (93) comprises:an insertion portion (93a) into which the entrance/exit portion(80a) is inserted,a filter flow passage (93b) through which water introduced through the insertion portion flows, andan outlet portion (93c) for outputting the water that has passed through the filter flow passage (93b) to the accommodation unit (96).
- The humidifier of claim 10, wherein:a cap (85) through which the water of the water tank (80) passes is placed in the entrance/exit portion (80a) of the water tank (80) so that the cap (85) is projected from the entrance/exit portion (80a), andthe insertion portion (93a) is opened so that the insertion portion (93a) corresponds to a shape of the cap (85).
- The humidifier of claim 10, wherein:a cap (85) through which the water of the water tank (80) passes is placed in the entrance/exit portion (80a) of the water tank (80) so that the cap (85) is projected from the entrance/exit portion (80a), andthe insertion portion (93a) is depressed so that the insertion portion (93a) corresponds to a shape of the cap (85).
- The humidifier of claim 12, wherein:a flow passage (85b) through which water flows is formed in the cap (85),the cap (85) comprises a valve body (85a) for opening or closing the flow passage (85b) while moving along the flow passage (85b), anda movement projection (93d) for moving the valve body (85a) is formed in the insertion portion (93a).
- The humidifier of claim 13, wherein:a projection (91) is formed in the water tank settlement unit (95), anda fixing portion (93d) into which the projection (91) is fit is formed in the movement projection (93d).
- The humidifier of claim 1, wherein:a cap (85) through which the water of the water tank (80) passes is placed in the entrance/exit portion (80a) of the water tank (80),a flow passage through which the water flows is formed in the cap (85),the cap (85) comprises a valve body (85a) for opening or closing the flow passage while moving along the flow passage, anda projection (91) for moving the valve body (85a) is formed in the water tank settlement unit (95).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR20080120009A KR101482131B1 (en) | 2008-11-28 | 2008-11-28 | Humidifier |
PCT/KR2008/007830 WO2010062004A1 (en) | 2008-11-28 | 2008-12-31 | Humidifier |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2389546A1 EP2389546A1 (en) | 2011-11-30 |
EP2389546A4 EP2389546A4 (en) | 2012-11-07 |
EP2389546B1 true EP2389546B1 (en) | 2018-02-07 |
Family
ID=42225857
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP08878467.3A Not-in-force EP2389546B1 (en) | 2008-11-28 | 2008-12-31 | Humidifier |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2389546B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101482131B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101749820A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010062004A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6089203B2 (en) * | 2012-09-25 | 2017-03-08 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Air purifier |
JP5842962B2 (en) * | 2013-12-27 | 2016-01-13 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Air cleaner |
CN113959027A (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2022-01-21 | Lg电子株式会社 | Humidifying and purifying device |
WO2019177415A1 (en) | 2018-03-16 | 2019-09-19 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Indoor unit for air conditioner |
KR102219869B1 (en) * | 2019-03-04 | 2021-02-24 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Indoor unit for air conditioner |
JP7473345B2 (en) * | 2020-01-31 | 2024-04-23 | シャープ株式会社 | humidifier |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1995013506A1 (en) * | 1993-11-09 | 1995-05-18 | F F Seeley Nominees Pty. Ltd. | Air cooler filter pad arrangement |
DE19513943A1 (en) * | 1995-04-12 | 1996-10-17 | Konstantin Dr Josek | Air conditioning process |
JPH11325520A (en) * | 1998-05-20 | 1999-11-26 | Fujitsu General Ltd | Humidifying apparatus for air conditioner |
KR20000005364U (en) * | 1998-08-26 | 2000-03-25 | 강상근 | Humidifier bucket filter device |
KR200210346Y1 (en) | 2000-08-21 | 2001-01-15 | 주식회사노비타 | Water purifier for moisturizer |
JP2003035443A (en) * | 2001-07-24 | 2003-02-07 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Humidifier |
KR200263133Y1 (en) | 2001-11-07 | 2002-02-02 | 신일산업 주식회사 | Humidifier |
JP4549204B2 (en) * | 2004-07-21 | 2010-09-22 | 三洋電機株式会社 | humidifier |
JP4408767B2 (en) * | 2004-08-02 | 2010-02-03 | シャープ株式会社 | Air cleaner |
JP4504869B2 (en) | 2005-05-13 | 2010-07-14 | シャープ株式会社 | Humidifier |
JP4011094B1 (en) * | 2006-08-03 | 2007-11-21 | シャープ株式会社 | Air cleaner |
-
2008
- 2008-11-28 KR KR20080120009A patent/KR101482131B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2008-12-30 CN CN200810188873A patent/CN101749820A/en active Pending
- 2008-12-31 EP EP08878467.3A patent/EP2389546B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2008-12-31 WO PCT/KR2008/007830 patent/WO2010062004A1/en active Application Filing
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN101749820A (en) | 2010-06-23 |
KR20100061115A (en) | 2010-06-07 |
EP2389546A1 (en) | 2011-11-30 |
WO2010062004A1 (en) | 2010-06-03 |
KR101482131B1 (en) | 2015-01-13 |
EP2389546A4 (en) | 2012-11-07 |
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