KR102629356B1 - Humidifier Module for Air Conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a humidifier module for an air conditioner. The humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention includes a humidifier casing 510 having a front panel portion 512 in which a water tank receiving portion 560 is formed deeply from the front to the rear; An upwardly open water bottle storage case 600 that is installed in the water bottle receiving portion 560 and whose upper end is pivotably opened toward the front of the front panel portion 512 with respect to the lower end; A water container 630 retractably stored in the water container storage case 600; A water level control unit including a water level control tank 710 installed inside the front panel portion 512 and below the water tank receiving portion 560 to allow water in the water tank 630 to flow in and store it through a float valve. (700); A water heating tank 810 is installed inside the front panel 512 and receives water from the water level control tank 710, and heats the water supplied to the water heating tank 810 to generate steam. A steam generator unit (800); External air is blown into the humidifying pipe 902 extending to the upper part of the water heating tank 810 and the steam generated in the water heating tank 810 to produce humidified air mixed with external air and steam through the humidifying pipe 902. ) a humidified air blowing unit (900) provided with a humidifying fan (910) to discharge the air; A drain and supply unit 940 that connects the water level control tank 710 and the water heating tank 810 to supply water and drains the water remaining in the water level control tank 710 and the water heating tank 810. ); Includes.

Description

Humidifier module for air conditioner}

The present invention relates to a humidifier module built into an air conditioner, and more specifically, when the water level of the steam generator exceeds the full water level, water can be discharged without using a separate drain pump, and without using a drain pump or electric device. Without disassembling the humidifier module, the user can directly operate the valve on the front of the humidifier module to discharge the water remaining in the water tank and steam generator. When refilling water, the water tank can be easily removed and reinstalled from the front of the humidifier module. It is equipped with four safety devices to provide thorough protection against heater overheating, and is made into a single casing-type assembly and modularized to make it easy to attach and detach from the air conditioner, improving overall usability, fitability, maintainability, and safety. This is about a humidifier module for an air conditioner.

An air conditioner is a device that maintains a comfortable indoor temperature by cooling or heating indoor air by performing a series of refrigerant cycles that compress → condense → expand → evaporate the refrigerant.

An air conditioner includes an indoor unit installed indoors and an outdoor unit installed outdoors, and refrigerant circulates between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

On the other hand, an air conditioner that doubles as a humidifier (hereinafter collectively referred to as 'air conditioner'), which has a humidifying function in the above air conditioner to control indoor humidity, is being used.

The humidifier provided in the air conditioner includes a water tank that stores water for humidification, a water supply unit that supplies water stored in the water tank, a steam generator that generates steam by heating the water received from the water supply unit, and steam generated by the steam generator. It is equipped with a blowing fan that discharges air into the room and a control box to control humidification.

When a humidifier is built into an air conditioner, the humidifier must be installed within the air conditioner case. However, the arrangement of the humidifier's components is complicated and some of the components must be assembled separately on the air conditioner, making manufacturing and handling difficult.

Additionally, the process of removing and inserting the water tank from the air conditioner is difficult, as the entire front cover of the air conditioner must be opened to replenish water.

Additionally, when the humidifier is not used for a certain period of time or period, a separate drain pump must be used to discharge water remaining in the water tank and steam generator. Therefore, manufacturing and usage costs increase, and a drain pump must always be used every time water is discharged, making it impossible to discharge water when the drain pump breaks down. However, the drain pump may break down due to high temperature water in the steam generator. In addition, when the amount of water discharged is small, such as at the end of draining, the motor idles and overheats. As this idling is repeated frequently, the motor easily deteriorates and even breaks down. In addition, as separate means must be used to prevent frequent failures of the drain pump, manufacturing costs increase and the structure becomes more complex.

In addition, if a means such as a sensor that detects overheating of the water in the steam generator fails or an abnormality occurs in the electrical or control system and the heater continues to overheat, there is a lack of means to automatically recognize and block the overheating. In extreme situations, there is a risk of fire etc.

Republic of Korea Patent Registration No. 10-2245840 (2021.04.28.)

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a humidifier module for an air conditioner that can overall improve usability, mountability, maintainability, safety, etc. by overall improving the above-mentioned conventional problems.

Specifically, one purpose of the present invention is to enable water to be discharged without using a separate drain pump when the water level of the steam generator exceeds the full water level.

Another object of the present invention is to enable the user to discharge the water remaining in the water tank and steam generator by directly operating the valve at the front of the humidifier module without using a drain pump or electric device and without disassembling the humidifier module. there is.

Another purpose of the present invention is to enable the water tank to be easily removed and reinstalled from the front of the humidifier module when replenishing water.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide thorough protection against heater overheating by providing a quadruple safety device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier module for an air conditioner that improves overall usability, fitability, maintainability, and safety, such as making it easy to attach and detach from the air conditioner and improving maintainability by making it into a single casing-type assembly and modularizing it. will be.

Furthermore, the present invention aims to prevent contamination of the humidifier and provide convenience of use by applying a filter exclusively for humidifiers in addition to the filter for air conditioners and allowing users to easily inspect and replace the filter.

In order to achieve the above object, the humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention includes a humidifier casing 510 having a front panel portion 512 in which a water tank receiving portion 560 is formed deeply from the front to the rear; An upwardly open water bottle storage case 600 that is installed in the water bottle receiving portion 560 and whose upper end is pivotably opened toward the front of the front panel portion 512 with respect to the lower end; A water container 630 retractably stored in the water container storage case 600; A water level control unit including a water level control tank 710 installed inside the front panel portion 512 and below the water tank receiving portion 560 to allow water in the water tank 630 to flow in and store it through a float valve. (700); A water heating tank 810 is installed inside the front panel 512 and receives water from the water level control tank 710, and heats the water supplied to the water heating tank 810 to generate steam. A steam generator unit (800); External air is blown into the humidifying pipe 902 extending to the upper part of the water heating tank 810 and the steam generated in the water heating tank 810 to produce humidified air mixed with external air and steam through the humidifying pipe 902. ) a humidified air blowing unit (900) provided with a humidifying fan (910) to discharge the air into the air; A drain and supply unit 940 that connects the water level control tank 710 and the water heating tank 810 to supply water and drains the water remaining in the water level control tank 710 and the water heating tank 810. ); Includes.

In the humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention, it is provided with a water bottle storage case opening and closing mechanism 610 that automatically rotates and opens the water bottle storage case 600, and the water bottle storage case opening and closing mechanism 610 is configured to open and close the water bottle storage case 600. It may include an electric motor 620 that rotates 600.

In the humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention, the water bottle storage case opening and closing mechanism 610 includes a rearward extension plate 612 extending rearward from the back of the water bottle storage case 600 and the rearward extension plate 612. It may further include a rack gear 614 formed along a pinion gear 622 that is installed on the output shaft of the electric motor 620 and rotates in engagement with the rack gear 614 to move the rack gear 614. .

In the humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention, an ultraviolet lamp 562 is installed at the top of the water container receiving portion 560 to irradiate ultraviolet rays for sterilization toward the stored water container 630, and the water container 630 On the upper surface, a water inlet 632 that forms an inlet for injecting water into the inside of the water tank 630 and a passage through which the ultraviolet rays of the ultraviolet lamp 562 are irradiated to the injected water may be open. there is.

In the humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention, a control box 930 for humidification control can be mounted on the inner lower part of the humidifier casing 510.

In the humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention, an external air filter 920 may be further provided inside the humidifier casing 510 to filter external air flowing into the humidifying fan 910.

In the humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention, a filter replacement opening 540 for replacing the external air filter 920 is formed in the front panel portion 512 of the humidifier casing 510, and the filter replacement opening 540 is formed in the front panel portion 512 of the humidifier casing 510. A detachable filter replacement cover 550 may be installed at the entrance of the opening 540.

In the humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention, The steam generator unit 800 includes a sheath heater 820 that heats water in the water heating tank 810; A water level sensor 840 that detects the water level in the water heating tank 810; a thermistor 846 that detects the temperature of water in the water heating tank 810; A heater bracket 830 coupled to the outside of the water heating tank 810 when the sheath heater 820 is mounted; An extension plate portion 832 extending from the heater bracket 830; And a bimetal circuit breaker 834 installed on the extension plate 832, which physically blocks the current applied to the sheath heater 820 by moving the bimetal when the heater bracket 830 overheats above the set temperature. The control unit blocks the current applied to the sheath heater 820 when the water level detected by the water level sensor 840 becomes lower than the low water level or higher than the high water level, and the control unit blocks the current applied to the sheath heater 820, and the temperature of the water detected by the thermistor 846 increases. It is preferable that the current applied to the sheath heater 820 is cut off when it is overheated above the set temperature.

In the humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention, the steam generator unit 800 further includes a fuse link 848, and the control unit includes the water level sensor 840, the thermistor 846, and the bimetal circuit breaker ( Even when the water level sensor 840, the thermistor 846, and the bimetal circuit breaker 834 are in an inoperable state or the water is overheated, the water melts and breaks. It can be configured to block the current applied to the sheath heater 820.

In the humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention, the drain and supply unit 940 includes a first supply pipe 942 connected to the water supply port 712 of the water level control tank 710 and extending downward; a second supply pipe (944) connected to join the first supply pipe (942) and horizontally connected to the inflow and outflow ports (818) of the water heating tank (810); A first drain pipe 950 extending from the second supply pipe 944 on the downstream side of the connection point of the first supply pipe 942 based on the drainage direction; A solenoid drain valve 952 installed in the middle of the first drain pipe 950 to open and close the first drain pipe 950; A second drain pipe 960 connected to the side of the second supply pipe 944 on the upstream side of the connection point of the first supply pipe 942 based on the drainage direction; A manual drain valve 962 installed in the middle of the second drain pipe 960 to open and close the second drain pipe 960; a drain header 970 to which ends of the first drain pipe 950 and the second drain pipe 960 are connected; And a drain tube 972 extending from the drain header 970; may include.

In the humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention, one end is connected to the overflow port 714 of the water level control tube 710, and the opposite end is connected to the middle of the drain header 970. It may further include.

In the humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention, a manual valve storage groove 520 is formed deep backward from the surface on the front of the front panel portion 512 of the humidifier casing 510, and the manual valve storage groove 520 has The operation knob 964 provided on the manual drain valve 962 is exposed and accommodated, and the operation knob 964 can be operated by inserting a hand into the manual valve storage groove 520 from the front of the humidifier casing 510. It can be configured to do so.

According to the humidifier module for an air conditioner according to the present invention, the internal space of the lower case 24 is divided into a front space 52 and a rear space 54, and the humidifier module 500 is built into the front space 52. , space can be effectively utilized, and an air conditioner (10) equipped with a compact humidifier module (500) can be implemented.

In addition, since the humidifier cover 40 is installed separately on the air conditioner and the humidifier cover 40 and the water tank 630 can be rotated to open to the front, the user can stand in front of the air conditioner and keep the humidifier close to the hand. Since the handle 634 of the water tank 630 exposed in can be easily lifted and withdrawn, water can be easily and conveniently replenished.

In addition, the humidifier module 500 can be easily installed simply by mounting the modularized humidifier module 500 in the air conditioner case 20.

In addition, by filtering the external air for humidification through the external air filter 920, the inflow of foreign substances into the steam generator unit 800 can be prevented and kept clean.

In addition, by modularizing the control box 930 by embedding it in the humidifier casing 510, it is possible to implement a compact air conditioner that is easy to handle and maintain.

In addition, by providing a quadruple safety device consisting of a water level sensor 840, a thermistor 846, a bimetal circuit breaker 834, and a fuse link 848, abnormal overheating of the sheath heater 820 can be prevented, and abnormal overheating of the sheath heater 820 can be prevented. It can prevent the risk of accidents such as fire due to overheating.

In addition, drainage can be controlled by opening and closing the solenoid drain valve 952 without using a separate drain pump for drainage. Therefore, manufacturing costs can be reduced by eliminating a separate drain pump, and various problems such as failure of the drain pump suggested in the description of the prior art do not occur.

Additionally, draining can be done using the manual drain valve 962 instead of using the first drain pipe 950 and the solenoid drain valve 952.

Therefore, when the solenoid drain valve 952 is broken and draining is not possible, or when the solenoid drain valve 952 is not open, for example, during maintenance, or by frequently discharging water to ensure better cleanliness. It can be conveniently drained at any time depending on the user's purpose, such as when maintaining it.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an air conditioner equipped with a humidifier module according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the right side of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a plan cross-sectional view taken along line I-I in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a view showing the humidifier cover in FIG. 1 in an open state.
Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the process of taking out the water container in Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing a cover opening and closing mechanism for a humidifier according to the present invention.
Figure 7 is a plan cross-sectional view along the stopper groove of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the humidifier module according to the present invention.
Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the humidifier module according to the present invention.
Figure 10 is a side view of the humidifier module according to the present invention with the side panel portion removed.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view on the right side of Figure 8 showing the water bottle storage case and the water bottle storage case opening and closing mechanism of the humidifier module according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the water bottle storage case in FIG. 11 in an open state.
Figure 13 is a side cross-sectional view cut based on the ultraviolet lamp of Figure 9.
Figure 14 is a perspective view of the main part of the humidifier module according to the present invention with the humidifier casing removed.
FIG. 15 is a view of FIG. 14 viewed from the back.
Figure 16 is a perspective view showing a steam generator unit according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a view of FIG. 16 viewed from another direction.
Figure 18 is a perspective view showing a quadruple safety device installed in the steam generator unit.
Figure 19 is a perspective view showing a drain and supply unit according to the present invention.
Figure 20 is a plan view showing a drainage and supply unit according to the present invention.
Figure 21 is a perspective view of the drain and supply unit according to the present invention viewed from bottom up.
Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a drainage and supply unit according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the humidifier module for an air conditioner of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view showing an air conditioner equipped with a humidifier module according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 includes an air conditioner case 20, a front cover 30, and a humidifier cover 40.

The air conditioner case 20 is open to the front, and the front cover 30 covers the front open portion of the air conditioner case 20.

The air conditioner case 20 consists of an upper case 22 and a lower case 24 for installing the humidifier module 500 below the upper case 22.

The front cover 30 covers the front upper part of the air conditioner case 20 and is provided with an outlet door 32 through which air for cooling and heating and humidified air are discharged.

The humidifier cover 40 covers the front lower part of the air conditioner case 20, and a humidifier module 500 in the form of a module, which will be described later, is built into the air conditioner case 20 inside.

The front cover 30 may be provided with a display 34. The display 34 displays various information indicating the status of the air conditioner and humidifier module 500.

The humidifier cover open/close switch 42 is an operation switch for automatically opening and closing the humidifier cover 40.

Next, Figures 2 and 3 show a right cross-sectional view of Figure 1 and a flat cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of Figure 2, respectively.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, an indoor heat exchanger 12 is installed inside the upper case 22 of the air conditioner case 20, and an air conditioning fan 14 is installed behind the indoor heat exchanger 12. The indoor air is heat-exchanged by the air conditioning fan 14 while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 12 and is discharged into the room through the outlet door 32.

The humidifier module 500 is built into the lower case 24. The front portion of the humidifier module 500 is covered by the humidifier cover 40.

The humidified air produced in the humidifier module 500 is discharged from the humidifier module 500, rises toward the upper case 22, and is discharged into the room through the air conditioning fan 14.

In the inner space of the lower case 24, a partition wall 50 is installed in the middle of the front and rear directions. The internal space of the lower case 24 is divided into a front space 52 and a rear space 54 by the partition wall 50.

The humidifier module 500 is built into the front space 52.

In the rear space 54, various devices (eg, electricity supply device, refrigerant piping, etc.) for the air conditioner are installed.

In this way, by dividing the internal space of the lower case 24 into the front space 52 and the rear space 54 and embedding the humidifier module 500 in the front space 52, space can be utilized effectively and the compact An air conditioner (10) including one humidifier module (500) can be implemented.

Next, Figure 4 shows a diagram showing the humidifier cover 40 in an open state.

Referring to Figure 4, the humidifier cover 40 of the present invention is coupled to the air conditioner case 20 so that the upper end is rotated forward with respect to the lower end.

When the humidifier cover 40 is rotated open, the humidifier module 500 hidden inside the humidifier cover 40 is revealed.

The humidifier cover 40 may be opened by the user by hand. However, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, convenience of use is increased by providing a humidifier cover opening and closing mechanism 100 that automatically opens and closes the humidifier cover 40 by rotating it.

The humidifier module 500 is provided with a water tank 630 for containing and replenishing water for humidification. In the present invention, the water tank 630 is installed to be exposed to the front of the humidifier module 500, and the upper end is rotated forward with respect to the bottom to protrude in response to the opening of the humidifier cover 40. (Will be explained in detail later).

Therefore, when the humidifier cover 40 is rotated forward and opened, the humidifier module 500 and the water tank 630 that were hidden inside the humidifier cover 40 are revealed.

The water bottle 630 is retractably stored in the water bottle storage case 600, as will be described later.

The water bottle storage case 600 is configured to pivot and open toward the front of the humidifier module 500 in response to the rotational opening and closing of the humidifier cover 40.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram showing the water bottle storage case 600 in a state in which the water bottle storage case 600 is rotated forward and slightly pulled upward.

Referring to FIG. 5 , as described above, when the water bottle storage case 600 is rotated forward, the water bottle 630 stored therein is also rotated forward and can be pulled out upward.

The water tank 630 has a water inlet 632 formed at its top, and a handle 634 is installed around the water inlet 632. Therefore, the user can easily remove the water container 630 from the water container storage case 600 by holding the handle 634 and lifting the water container 630 to replenish water or clean it.

A supply valve 636 is installed at the bottom of the water tank 630. This supply valve 636 is connected to the float valve of the water level control unit 700, which will be described later, and is opened and closed by the operation of the float valve to send water down to the water level control unit 700 or block it.

In this way, the humidifier cover 40 is installed separately on the air conditioner and the humidifier cover 40 and the water tank 630 are configured to be opened forward by rotating, so the user can stand in front of the air conditioner and hold the air conditioner close to the hand. You can easily lift and withdraw the water container 630 exposed by holding the handle 634.

Next, Figures 6 to 7 show a humidifier cover opening and closing mechanism 100 according to the present invention. Figure 6 shows a side view showing the open and closed state, and Figure 7 shows a plan cross-sectional view along the stopper groove 114. is shown.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided with a humidifier cover opening/closing mechanism (100) that automatically rotates and opens the humidifier cover (40).

The humidifier cover opening and closing mechanism 100 includes an electric motor 132 that rotates the humidifier cover 40.

In order to rotate the humidifier cover 40 through the electric motor 132, the humidifier cover opening and closing mechanism 100 includes a slide lever 110 extending rearward from the back of the humidifier cover 40 and the slide lever. A rack gear 112 formed along 110 may be provided.

Additionally, the output shaft of the electric motor 132 may be provided with a pinion gear 134b that engages and rotates with the rack gear 112 to move the slide lever 110. A gear mechanism such as a drive gear 134a for acceleration or deceleration may be installed between the pinion gear 134b and the electric motor 132.

According to the present invention, the movement of the slide lever 110 is guided by the slide guide 120.

The electric motor 132 and the slide guide 120 are mounted on the air conditioner case 20.

A guide groove 122 is formed in the slide guide 120 to guide the movement of the slide lever 110. The slide lever 110 is guided to move stably through the guide groove 122.

In order to limit the opening position of the slide lever 110, a stopper shaft 124 may be formed on the slide guide 120.

A stopper plate 110a may be formed on the slide lever 110 to stop by being caught by the stopper shaft 124 in the open position.

In order to withdraw the water tank 630, when the user presses the humidifier cover opening/closing switch 42 provided on the front cover 30, the humidifier cover opening/closing mechanism 100 operates and the humidifier cover 40 moves forward. It is opened by rotating, and subsequently or simultaneously, the water bottle storage case 600 can be rotated to protrude the water bottle 630 forward (the configuration of rotating the water bottle storage case 600 to open and close will be described later).

Next, Figures 8 to 10 show the humidifier module 500 according to the present invention, with Figure 8 showing a front perspective view, Figure 9 showing a rear perspective view, and Figure 10 showing a side panel portion ( A side view with 514) removed is shown.

8 to 10, the humidifier module 500 of the present invention includes a humidifier casing 510, a water tank storage case 600, a water tank 630, a water level adjustment unit 700, and a steam generator unit 800. , a humidified air blowing unit 900, a drain and supply unit 940, and a control box 930, and the above components are mounted on the humidifier casing 510 and are modularized.

In this way, the humidifier module 500 can be easily installed simply by mounting the modularized humidifier module 500 in the air conditioner case 20.

The humidifier casing 510 has a front panel portion 512 and a side panel portion 514. The front panel portion 512 is a portion close to the humidifier cover 40 described above.

The humidifier casing 510 can be easily installed by screwing it to the air conditioner case 20 or to the partition wall 50 inside the air conditioner case 20 through a plurality of boss portions 516. The humidifier casing 510 may be provided with a mounting protrusion 518 at its bottom. After inserting the mounting protrusion 518 into a groove (not shown) on the bottom of the air conditioner case 20, it can be stably fixed in place by fastening screws to the plurality of boss parts 516.

In the front panel portion 512 of the humidifier casing 510, a water tank receiving portion 560 is formed deeply from the front to the rear.

A water bottle storage case 600 is installed within the water bottle receiving portion 560. As described above, the water bottle storage case 600 is opened by rotating its upper end toward the front of the front panel portion 512 with respect to its lower end, and its shape is open upward.

The water bottle 630 can be inserted and stored or taken out through the upward opening part of the water bottle storage case 600.

Additionally, a manual valve storage groove 520 is formed deep backward from the surface on the front of the front panel portion 512. The operation knob 964 provided on the manual drain valve 962 is exposed and accommodated in the manual valve storage groove 520. Therefore, the operation knob 964 can be operated by inserting a hand into the manual valve housing groove 520 from the front of the humidifier casing 510 (the manual drain valve 962 will be described in detail later).

In addition, a filter replacement opening 540 for replacing the external air filter 920 is formed in the front panel portion 512 of the humidifier casing 510, and a detachable filter is installed at the inlet of the filter replacement opening 540. A replacement cover 550 is installed (the external air filter 920 will be described in detail later). The external air filter 920 is installed on the inlet side of the humidifying fan 910 to filter external air supplied to the steam generator unit 800.

In this way, by filtering the external air for humidification by the external air filter 920, the inflow of foreign substances into the steam generator unit 800 can be prevented and the steam generator unit 800 can be kept clean.

The filter replacement opening 540 may be sized to pass through the humidifying fan 910 in addition to the external air filter 920 in order to maintain or monitor the humidifying fan 910. Through the filter replacement opening 540, the humidifying fan 910 can be maintained or replaced, or the rotation of the fan can be checked.

Referring to FIG. 9, the water level adjustment unit 700 is installed inside the front panel portion 512 and below the water tank receiving portion 560. The water level control unit 700 functions to flow water in the water tank 630 through a float valve and store it, while maintaining the water level of the steam generator unit 800 at a standard water level.

The steam generator unit 800 is installed inside the front panel portion 512 and generates steam by receiving water from the water level control tank 710 and heating it.

The humidified air blowing unit 900 includes a humidifying pipe 902 extending to the top of the steam generator unit 800. The humidifying pipe 902 is for discharging humidified air, and may further include a discharge pipe 904 with a different direction at its end depending on the discharge direction, or the humidifying pipe 902 itself may be bent to change the discharge direction.

The humidified air blowing unit 900 includes a humidifying fan 910. The external air filter 920 described above can be installed on the external air inlet side of the humidifying fan 910.

The humidifying fan 910 blows external air into the steam generated in the water heating tank 810 and discharges humidified air mixed with external air and steam into the humidifying pipe 902.

The drain and supply unit 940 connects the water level control unit 700 and the steam generator unit 800 and supplies water from the water level control unit 700 to the steam generator unit 800. Additionally, the drain and supply unit 940 drains water remaining in the water level control unit 700 and the steam generator unit 800.

The drain and supply unit 940 includes a solenoid drain valve 952 and a drain tube 972, which will be described later.

The control box 930 includes a controller, which is a control unit that generally controls the humidifier module 500, and is mounted on the inner lower part of the humidifier casing 510.

In this way, the control box 930 is also modularized by being built into the humidifier casing 510, making it possible to implement a compact air conditioner that is easy to handle and maintain.

Next, Figures 11 and 12 show the water bottle storage case 600 and the water bottle storage case opening and closing mechanism 610 of the humidifier module 500 according to the present invention, and Figure 11 is a right cross-sectional view of the water bottle storage case in a closed state. is shown, and Figure 12 shows the water bottle storage case in an open state.

The water bottle storage case 600 may be opened by the user by hand. However, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water bottle storage case 600 is provided with a water bottle storage case opening and closing mechanism 610 that automatically rotates to open and close the water bottle storage case 600, thereby increasing convenience of use.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 , as described above, a water tank receiving portion 560 is formed deeply in the front panel portion 512 of the humidifier casing 510 from the front to the rear.

A water bottle storage case 600 is installed within the water bottle receiving portion 560.

As described above, the water bottle storage case 600 is opened by rotating its upper end toward the front of the front panel portion 512 with respect to its lower end, and its shape is open upward. The water bottle 630 can be inserted and stored or taken out through the upward opening part of the water bottle storage case 600.

The water bottle storage case opening and closing mechanism 610 includes an electric motor 620 that rotates the water bottle storage case 600.

In order to rotate the water bottle storage case 600 through the electric motor 620, the water bottle storage case opening and closing mechanism 610 includes a rearward extension plate 612 extending rearward from the back of the water bottle storage case 600 and the A rack gear 614 formed along the rearward extension plate 612 may be provided.

Additionally, the output shaft of the electric motor 620 may be provided with a pinion gear 622 that engages and rotates with the rack gear 614 to move the rack gear 614.

It is preferable that the cover open/close switch 42 for the humidifier described above also functions as a switch for driving the electric motor 620 to open the water bottle storage case 600. As a result, when the humidifier cover open/close switch 42 is pressed, not only the humidifier cover 40 but also the water bottle storage case 600 is opened by rotating forward, thereby maximizing convenience.

Next, Figure 13 shows a side cross-sectional view cut based on the ultraviolet lamp of Figure 9. Please also refer to Figure 9.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 13 , an ultraviolet lamp 562 is installed at the top of the water container receiving portion 560 to irradiate ultraviolet rays for sterilization toward the stored water container 630.

The water inlet 632 formed on the upper surface of the water tank 630 provides an inlet for injecting water into the inside of the water tank 630, and ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet lamp 562 are injected into the inside of the water tank 630. Provides a passage through which exposed water can be irradiated.

Therefore, when the water container 630 is stored in the water container storage case 600, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the ultraviolet lamp 562 to sterilize the water contained in the water container 630, thereby ensuring perfect hygiene.

Next, Figures 14 to 15 show the main parts of the humidifier module according to the present invention. Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the main part with the humidifier casing removed, and Figure 15 shows a view of Figure 14 viewed from the back. It is done.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15, the water contained in the water tank 630 is stored in the water level control unit 700 up to the reference water level.

The water level control unit 700 includes a water level control tank 710 that flows in water from the water tank 630 through a float valve and stores it.

The steam generator unit 800 is provided with a water heating tank 810 that receives water from the water level control tank 710. The water supplied to the water heating tank 810 is heated to generate steam. The generated steam is discharged along with the air through the humidifying pipe 902 and the discharge pipe 904, and the discharged humidified air rises above the air conditioner and is discharged indoors by the air conditioning fan 14.

The water level control tank 710 and the water heating tank 810 are connected through the first supply pipe 942 and the second supply pipe 944 of the drain and supply unit 940.

Next, Figures 16 to 18 show the steam generator unit 800 according to the present invention. Figures 16 and 17 show views viewed from different directions, respectively, and Figure 18 shows the steam generator unit 800. A perspective view showing the installed quadruple safety device is shown.

Referring to Figures 16 and 17, a humidified air outlet 812 is formed at the top of the water heating tank 810.

The humidifying pipe 902 described above is connected to the humidified air outlet 812.

Additionally, an external air inlet 814 is formed at the top of the water heating tank 810. The above-described humidifying fan 910 is installed in this external air inlet 814. The external air sucked in by the humidifying fan 910 through the external air filter 920 is blown into the upper part of the water heating tank 810 through the external air inlet 814 and mixed with the vapor in the upper part of the water heating tank 810. do. The mixed humidified air is discharged to the humidifying pipe 902 through the humidified air outlet 812.

Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, the steam generator unit 800 includes a sheath heater 820 that heats the water in the water heating tank 810 and a water level that detects the water level in the water heating tank 810. A sensor 840, a thermistor 846 that detects the temperature of the water in the water heating container 810, and a heater bracket coupled to the outside of the water heating container 810 when the sheath heater 820 is mounted. (830), an extension plate portion 832 extending from the heater bracket 830, and installed on the extension plate portion 832, so that when the heater bracket 830 overheats above a set temperature, the bimetal moves and the sheath heater It includes a bimetal circuit breaker 834 that physically blocks the current applied to 820.

The water level sensor 840 may include a low water level sensor 842 that detects a low water level among the standard water levels, and a high water level sensor 844 that detects a high water level among the standard water levels.

The control unit blocks the current applied to the sheath heater 820 when the water level detected by the water level sensor 840 becomes lower than the low water level or higher than the high water level.

Additionally, the control unit blocks the current applied to the sheath heater 820 when the temperature of the water detected by the thermistor 846 overheats above the set temperature.

The bimetal circuit breaker 834 moves the bimetal according to the temperature of the heater bracket 830, and when the temperature of the heater bracket 830 overheats above the set temperature, the bimetal moves in the switching-off direction, thereby sheath heater 820 The current applied to is physically blocked.

The bimetal circuit breaker 834 is another type of safety device that compensates for errors in the electrically operated and controlled water level sensor 840 and thermistor 846. That is, since the bimetal moves directly according to the temperature of the heater bracket 830 and blocks the circuit, rather than depending on the control signal from the control unit, no electrical or signal error occurs.

Therefore, even if an error or failure occurs in the water level sensor 840 and the thermistor 846, abnormal overheating of the sheath heater 820 can be prevented.

Additionally, the steam generator unit 800 further includes a fuse link 848.

Accordingly, the control unit determines that the water level sensor 840, the thermistor 846, and the bimetal circuit breaker 834 are all inoperable, or the water level sensor 840, the thermistor 846, and the bimetal circuit breaker 834 are in an inoperable state. Even in the state of executing the operation of cutting off the power, if the water is abnormally overheated, the fuse of the fuse link 848 melts and blows to block the current applied to the sheath heater 820.

By providing a quadruple safety device consisting of a water level sensor 840, a thermistor 846, a bimetal circuit breaker 834, and a fuse link 848, abnormal overheating of the sheath heater 820 can be prevented, and abnormal overheating of the sheath heater 820 can be prevented. It can prevent the risk of accidents such as fire.

Next, Figures 19 to 22 show a drainage and supply unit 940 according to the present invention, with Figure 19 showing a perspective view, Figure 20 showing a plan view, and Figure 21 showing a perspective view looking from bottom to top. A, Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view. Please refer to FIGS. 14 to 15 together.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 15 and 19 to 22, a water supply port 712 is formed in the water level control tank 710. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 22, an overflow port 714 is formed in the water level control tank 710.

A drainage ditch 816 is formed in the lower part of the water heating tank 810, and an inflow and outflow port 818 extends from the drainage ditch 816. The drainage ditch 816 is located lower than the bottom surface of the water heating tank 810, so that water can be easily discharged and residual water can be minimized when draining.

The drain and supply unit 940 includes a first supply pipe 942 that is connected to the water supply port 712 of the water level control tank 710 and extends downward.

Additionally, a second supply pipe 944 connected to the first supply pipe 942 is provided. The second supply pipe 944 is horizontally connected to the inflow and outflow ports 818 of the water heating tank 810.

Accordingly, the water stored in the water level control tank 710 goes down through the first supply pipe 942 shown in FIGS. 19 to 22 and enters the second supply pipe 944, and then flows into the second supply pipe 944. The incoming water flows backwards through the inflow and outflow ports 818 and the drainage ditch 816 and flows into the water heating tank 810.

The water level control tank 710 is installed at a height that can maintain the water level of the water heating tank 810 at the standard water level.

Based on the drainage direction, the first drain pipe 950 extends from the second supply pipe 944 on the downstream side of the point where the first supply pipe 942 is connected, and the middle of the first drain pipe 950 A solenoid drain valve 952 is installed (middle).

Based on the drainage direction, a second drain pipe 960 is connected to the side of the second supply pipe 944 upstream of the connection point of the first supply pipe 942.

Additionally, a manual drain valve 962 is installed in the middle of the second drain pipe 960 to open and close the second drain pipe 960.

In addition, a drain header 970 to which the ends of the first drain pipe 950 and the second drain pipe 960 are connected is provided, and a drain tube 972 extends from this drain header 970.

In addition, the drain and supply unit 940 of the present invention further includes an overflow tube 966.

One end of the overflow tube 966 is connected to the overflow port 714 of the water level control tube 710, and the opposite end is connected to the middle of the drain header 970. Therefore, when the water level in the water level control tank 710 exceeds the full water level, it is discharged to the drain header 970 through the overflow tube 966.

The second supply pipe 944, the first drain pipe 950, and the second drain pipe 960 are maintained horizontally with respect to the ground, or the first drain pipe 950 and the second drain pipe 960 are lower than the second supply pipe 944. It can be placed low. Alternatively, the first drain pipe 950 and the second drain pipe 960 may be configured to slope downward toward the drain header 970.

The second supply pipe 944 of the present invention serves both as a water supply passage and as a drainage passage. In other words, it serves both as a supply passage and a drainage passage.

The solenoid drain valve 952 is controlled to close when operating in humidifying mode. Accordingly, the water that comes down from the water level control tank 710 to the first supply pipe 942 is not drained but is supplied to the water heating tank 810 along the second supply pipe 944.

In addition, the solenoid drain valve 952 is controlled to open when the water level control tank 710 or the water heating tank 810 exceeds the full water level, or in seasons when humidity control is not required or when not used for a long time, so that the water level control tank 710 or the water heating tank 810 is opened. By discharging the water from the water level control tank 710 and the water heating tank 810, the growth of viruses, pathogens, or microorganisms is prevented, thereby preventing contamination of the water level control tank 710 and the water heating tank 810 and keeping them clean.

When the solenoid drain valve 952 is opened, the water in the water level control tank 710 and the water tank 630 flows down to the second supply pipe 944 along the first supply pipe 942 and in the water heating tank 810. Water is discharged to the second supply pipe 944.

The water coming out of the second supply pipe 944 is discharged through the first drain pipe 950 opened by the solenoid drain valve 952.

The drainage and supply unit 940 of the present invention controls drainage by opening and closing the solenoid drain valve 952 without using a separate drain pump for drainage.

Therefore, manufacturing costs can be reduced by eliminating a separate drain pump, and various problems such as failure of the drain pump suggested in the description of the prior art do not occur.

Additionally, the present invention can drain water using a manual drain valve 962 without using the first drain pipe 950 and the solenoid drain valve 952.

As described above, the manual drain valve 962 is accommodated so that its operation knob 964 is exposed in the manual valve storage groove 520 formed on the front of the front panel portion 512 of the humidifier casing 510.

The user can easily operate the operation knob 964 by inserting his hand into the manual valve storage groove 520 from the front of the humidifier casing 510.

This manual drain valve 962 allows the user to directly operate the drain when the solenoid drain valve 952 fails and drain becomes impossible.

In addition, the manual drain valve 962 is used for the purpose of the user when the solenoid drain valve 952 is not open, for example, during maintenance, or when the water is frequently discharged to maintain cleanliness. You can conveniently drain water at any time.

In the above, specific preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made by anyone skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the invention as claimed in the patent claims. .

10: Air conditioner
12: Indoor heat exchanger
14: Air conditioning fan
20: Air conditioner case
22: Rear upper case
24: Rear lower case
26: Front upper cover
30: Front upper cover
32: Discharge door
34: display
40: Cover for humidifier
42: Cover open/close switch for humidifier
50: Bulkhead
52: anterior space
54: Rear space
100: Cover opening and closing mechanism for ambusher
110: Slide lever
112: rack gear
114: Stopper groove
120: Slide guide
122: Guide groove
124: Stopper axis
130: Lever operating mechanism
132: Electric motor
134: driving gear
134a: drive gear
134b: pinion gear
500: Humidifier module
510: Humidifier casing
512: Front panel part
514: Side panel part
516: Boss Department
518: Mounting protrusion
520: Manual valve storage groove
540: Opening for filter replacement
550: Filter replacement cover
560: Water bottle receiving part
562: UV lamp
600: Water bottle storage case
610: Water bottle storage case opening and closing mechanism
612: Rearward extension plate
614: rack gear
620: Electric motor
622: pinion gear
630: Water bottle
632: Water inlet
634: handle
636: Supply valve
700: Water level control unit
710: Water level regulator
712: Water supply port
714: Overflow port
800: Steam generator unit
810: Water heating tank
812: Humidified air outlet
814: External air inlet
816: Drainage ditch
818: Ingress and egress port
820: Sheath heater
830: heater bracket
832: Extension plate
834: Bimetal Circuit Breaker
840: Water level sensor
842: Low water level sensor
844: High water level sensor
846: thermistor
848: Fuse Link
900: Humidified air blowing unit
902: Humidification tube
904: discharge pipe
910: Humidifying fan
920: External air filter
930: Control box
940: Drainage and supply unit
942: First supply pipe
944: Second supply pipe
950: first drain pipe
952: Solenoid drain valve
960: Second drain pipe
962: Manual drain valve
964: Operation knob
966: Overflow tube
970: Drain header
972: drain tube

Claims (12)

A humidifier casing 510 having a front panel portion 512 in which a water bottle receiving portion 560 is formed deeply from the front to the rear;
A water tank 630 retractably stored within the humidifier casing 510;
A water level control unit including a water level control tank 710 installed inside the front panel portion 512 and below the water tank receiving portion 560 to allow water in the water tank 630 to flow in and store it through a float valve. (700);
A water heating tank 810 is installed inside the front panel 512 and receives water from the water level control tank 710, and heats the water supplied to the water heating tank 810 to generate steam. A steam generator unit (800); and
A drain and supply unit 940 that connects the water level control tank 710 and the water heating tank 810 to supply water and drains the water remaining in the water level control tank 710 and the water heating tank 810. ); Includes,
The drainage and supply unit 940 is,
A first supply pipe 942 connected to the water supply port 712 of the water level control tank 710 and extending downward;
a second supply pipe (944) connected to join the first supply pipe (942) and horizontally connected to the inflow and outflow ports (818) of the water heating tank (810);
A first drain pipe 950 extending from the second supply pipe 944 on the downstream side of the connection point of the first supply pipe 942 based on the drainage direction;
A solenoid drain valve 952 installed in the middle of the first drain pipe 950 to open and close the first drain pipe 950;
A second drain pipe 960 connected to the side of the second supply pipe 944 on the upstream side of the connection point of the first supply pipe 942 based on the drainage direction;
A manual drain valve 962 installed in the middle of the second drain pipe 960 to open and close the second drain pipe 960;
A drain header 970 to which ends of the first drain pipe 950 and the second drain pipe 960 are connected; and
a drain tube 972 extending from the drain header 970; A humidifier module for an air conditioner comprising a. According to paragraph 1,
It is installed in the water bottle accommodating part 560 of the humidifier casing 510, and rotates back and forth with the lower end as a rotation reference point, so that the upper end protrudes toward the front of the front panel part 512, so that the water bottle accommodating part ( 560) further provided with an upwardly open water bottle storage case 600 that is rotated and stored to enter the inside,
The water container 630 can be withdrawn from the open upper part of the water container storage case 600 when the water container storage case 600 is pivoted to protrude toward the front of the front panel portion 512. When the water bottle (630) is reinserted through the open upper part of the water bottle storage case (600), the water bottle (630) is guided by the water bottle storage case (600) and enters the storage case (600) to be stored. Humidifier module for air conditioners. According to paragraph 2,
It is provided with a water bottle storage case opening and closing mechanism (610) that automatically rotates and opens the water bottle storage case (600),
The water bottle storage case opening and closing mechanism 610,
An electric motor 620 that rotates the water bottle storage case 600;
A rearward extension plate 612 extending rearward from the back of the water bottle storage case 600 and a rack gear 614 formed along the rearward extension plate 612; and
A pinion gear 622 installed on the output shaft of the electric motor 620 and rotating in engagement with the rack gear 614 to move the rack gear 614; A humidifier module for an air conditioner comprising a. delete delete delete delete According to paragraph 1,
The steam generator unit 800,
a sheath heater (820) that heats the water in the water heating tank (810);
A water level sensor 840 that detects the water level in the water heating tank 810;
a thermistor 846 that detects the temperature of water in the water heating tank 810;
A heater bracket 830 coupled to the outside of the water heating tank 810 when the sheath heater 820 is mounted;
An extension plate portion 832 extending from the heater bracket 830; and
A bimetal circuit breaker 834 is installed on the extension plate 832 and physically blocks the current applied to the sheath heater 820 by moving the bimetal when the heater bracket 830 overheats above a set temperature. And
The control department,
When the water level detected by the water level sensor 840 becomes lower than the low water level or higher than the high water level, the current applied to the sheath heater 820 is blocked,
A humidifier module for an air conditioner, characterized in that it is set to block the current applied to the sheath heater (820) when the temperature of the water detected by the thermistor (846) is overheated above the set temperature. According to clause 8,
The steam generator unit 800 further includes a fuse link 848,
The water level sensor 840, the thermistor 846, and the bimetal circuit breaker 834 are all inoperable, or the power is cut off by the water level sensor 840, thermistor 846, and the bimetal circuit breaker 834. Even in the state of executing the operation, if the water is abnormally overheated, the fuse link (848) melts and breaks to block the current applied to the sheath heater (820). delete According to paragraph 1,
An air conditioner further comprising an overflow tube 966, one end of which is connected to the overflow port 714 of the water level control tank 710, and the other end of which is connected to the middle of the drain header 970. Humidifier module. According to paragraph 1,
On the front of the front panel portion 512 of the humidifier casing 510, a manual valve storage groove 520 is formed deep backward from the surface,
The manual valve storage groove 520 exposes and accommodates the operation knob 964 provided on the manual drain valve 962,
A humidifier module for an air conditioner, characterized in that the operation knob (964) can be operated by inserting a hand into the manual valve storage groove (520) from the front of the humidifier casing (510).

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