KR102655280B1 - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a humidification assembly.
The humidification assembly of the present invention includes a water tank that forms a space in which water is stored and an inlet through which water flows into the upper side; a water tank housing that forms a water tank arrangement space inside which the water tank is accommodated, and forms an opening through which the water tank is inserted or withdrawn in front of the water tank arrangement space; a tilting module that arranges the water tank in the water tank arrangement space or tilts the water tank in the direction of the opening; A water level detection module mounted on one outer surface of the water tank housing and detecting the water level of the water tank disposed in the water tank arrangement space of the water tank housing; and a module housing cover that attaches a water level detection module mounted on one outer surface of the water tank housing to the water tank housing, wherein the water level detection module is a printing unit provided with a sensing unit that detects the capacitance of the water tank at the disposed position. It includes a circuit board and a transmission member disposed between the sensing unit and the water tank housing to transmit electrostatic capacity formed in the water tank to the sensing unit, wherein the water tank housing is a module placement space where the water level detection module is disposed. , and includes a module housing fastened to the module housing cover, and on one outer surface of the water tank housing where the module housing is disposed, a groove is recessed in the direction of the water tank arrangement space at a position where the transmission member contacts. is formed

Description

Humidifier assembly {Humidifier}

The present invention relates to a humidifying assembly, and more specifically, to a humidifying device used in an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner discharges air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant into the room, thereby controlling the required indoor temperature. The indoor unit of an air conditioner can suck indoor air through an intake port, exchange heat with a refrigerant, and discharge the heat-exchanged air through a discharge port.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a humidifier for controlling the humidity of the indoor space. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a water tank that stores water for humidification.

When the water tank is placed in the internal space of an indoor unit, there is a problem in which the user cannot determine the water level of the water tank. Therefore, the indoor unit may further include a water level sensor that detects the water level in the water tank in order to display the water level in the water tank to the user.

The water level of the water tank can be detected using a magnet and a Hall sensor, but in this case, a separate space for the magnet to move must be created in the water tank, so the space in the water tank becomes relatively narrow and the configuration of the water tank becomes complicated. .

Registered Patents No. 10-0983465 and No. 10-1853893 disclose detection of the water level in a water tank using a capacitance method. The registered patent discloses a structure in which the water level sensor is placed on one side of the water tank.

However, in a structure in which the water tank is mounted inside the indoor unit, there is a problem in supplying power to the water level sensor disposed in the water tank. Additionally, when a water level sensor is placed in a water tank, errors may occur in the measured value of capacitance due to the influence of water stored in the water tank. In addition, when a water level sensor is placed in a water tank, the complex configuration and structure applied to the water tank may increase the weight of the water tank, which increases the weight of the water tank that is filled with water and is moved, causing inconvenience to the user. There is a problem.

The first problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a humidification assembly that can detect the water level in the water tank by simplifying the structure of the water tank.

The second problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a humidification assembly that minimizes malfunction of the water level detection module.

When the water level sensing module is placed on the external structure of the water tank, the accuracy of the water level sensing module may decrease depending on the location away from the water tank. However, if the distance between the water tank and the external component is constant or the distance is minimized, the accuracy of the water level detection module can be increased. The third problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a humidification assembly that maximizes the accuracy of water level detection in the water tank by the water level detection module.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

In order to achieve the above problem, in the humidification assembly according to the present invention, a water level detection module that detects the water level of the water tank is disposed in a water tank housing that forms a water tank arrangement space where the water tank is accommodated. Therefore, the configuration of the water tank can be simplified as the water level detection module is placed in the water tank housing where the water tank is accommodated.

The water tank can be accommodated in the water tank arrangement space or tilted forward by the tilting module. A module housing in which a water level sensing module is disposed is formed in the water tank housing, and a module housing cover is disposed to closely adhere the water level sensing module disposed in the module housing to the water tank housing. Accordingly, the water level detection module mounted on the water tank housing is in close contact with the water tank housing by the module housing cover, so that the distance from the water tank can be maintained at a constant level.

The water level detection module is disposed between a printed circuit board equipped with a sensing unit that detects the capacitance of the water tank at the deployed position, the sensing unit, and the water tank housing, and transmits the capacitance formed in the water tank to the sensing unit. Includes a transmission member that does.

On one outer surface of the water tank housing where the module housing is disposed, a groove is formed that is concave in the direction of the water tank arrangement space at a position where the transmission member contacts. Therefore, the separation distance between the water tank and the water level detection module can be minimized.

A plurality of sensing units spaced apart in the vertical direction of the water tank are disposed on the printed circuit board, so that the water level of the water tank can be sensed at multiple levels.

The module housing includes a cover rib that covers the circumferential surface of the water level sensing module mounted in the module arrangement space, and a fixing rib that maintains a constant distance between the front side of the printed circuit board and the back side of the water tank housing.

The fixing rib extends in the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board, and includes a vertical fixing rib that extends in the width direction of the printed circuit board and contacts the front surface of the printed circuit board. By evenly contacting the front surface of the printed circuit board, including the horizontal fixing rib, the printed circuit board can be evenly spaced from the water tank housing on the entire surface. This prevents the problem that the distance between the printed circuit board pressed by the module housing cover and the water tank housing is formed unevenly across the entire surface of the printed circuit board as the degree of pressure varies.

The module housing cover includes a cover plate and a pressure rib that protrudes forward from the cover plate and presses the rear side of the printed circuit board mounted in the module placement space.

The fixing rib is in contact with one side of the printed circuit board, and the pressure rib is in contact with the other side of the printed circuit board, and is disposed at a position corresponding to the fixing rib and is pressed by the module housing cover. The substrate can be evenly spaced apart from the water tank housing on the entire surface.

The module housing protrudes rearward from one rear side of the water tank housing, fixes the position of the water level detection module mounted in the module placement space, and further includes a fastening protrusion that is fastened to the module housing cover.

The module housing is disposed on the rear surface of the water tank housing, and the tilting module brings the water tank disposed in the water tank arrangement space into close contact with the rear surface of the water tank housing where the module housing is disposed, and the water level detection module and the water tank. Keep the spacing constant.

The tilting module includes a tilting motor, a tilting gear driven by the tilting motor, a tilting plate on which the water tank is mounted on the upper side, and which controls the arrangement of the water tank by driving the tilting gear, and a rear portion of the tilting plate. and includes a tilting plate gear that engages with the tilting gear to adjust the arrangement of the tilting plate.

A steam generator that receives water from the water tank and generates steam by heating the supplied water, a water tank base disposed below the water tank and sending water discharged from the water tank to the steam generator, and an upper side of the water tank base. It is possible to adjust the tilt angle of the tilting plate by further including a stopper that is disposed and forms an inclined surface to limit the tilting range of the tilting plate.

It further includes a steam generator that receives water from the water tank and generates steam by heating the supplied water, and a drain pump that discharges water from the steam generator to the outside.

The sensing unit includes a first sensing unit that detects the lowest water level of the water tank, and a second sensing unit that detects a water level higher than the first sensing unit, and the location of the second sensing unit is such that the steam generator operates. It is formed based on the minimum amount of water used and the minimum amount of water used to cool the water heated by the steam generator and drained by the drain pump, and the location of the first sensing unit is determined by the minimum amount of water heated by the steam generator and drained by the drain pump. It is formed based on the minimum amount of water used to cool the water being drained.

The sensing unit includes a third sensing unit disposed at the uppermost side among the plurality of sensing units, and the third sensing unit supplies water to the steam generator at a maximum water level at which water does not overflow into the inlet when the water tank is tilted. It is formed below the water level when the maximum water volume is removed.

The gap between the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit is formed to exceed the range where the electrostatic capacitance sensed by each of the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit interferes, so that the sensing units arranged adjacent to each other Interference occurring in the liver can be prevented.

The water tank includes a lower body having a constant cross-sectional area perpendicular to the height direction of the water tank, and an upper body disposed on an upper side of the lower body, wherein the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the height direction of the water tank decreases toward the top. It includes a body, and the distance between the first sensing unit and the third sensing unit is smaller than the length of the lower body in the vertical direction.

The module housing cover includes a wire guider that fixes the arrangement of wires connected to the printed circuit board and extending in the direction of the circumferential surface of the water tank housing.

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention, one or more of the following effects are achieved.

First, by placing the water level sensing module in the water tank housing where the water tank is accommodated, the configuration of the water tank can be simplified and the water level sensing module has the advantage of minimizing the influence of water stored in the water tank.

Second, a module housing is formed in which the water level sensing module is mounted on the water tank housing, and the module housing cover adheres the water level sensing module mounted on the module housing to the water tank housing, so that the gap between the water tank and the water level sensing module is maintained constant, It has the advantage of preventing malfunction of the water level detection module.

Third, a concave groove is formed in the direction in which the water tank is placed to allow the transmission member of the water level sensing module to be inserted into one side of the water tank housing where the water level sensing module is mounted, thereby minimizing the gap between the water tank and the water level sensing module. It has the advantage of maximizing the detection ability.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 is a front perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the indoor unit with the door panel moving according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the indoor unit in a state in which the door panel moves and the water tank is tilted according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view for explaining the structure of the base portion, lower cabinet, and humidification assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a rear perspective view for explaining the water tank housing, the module housing where the water level detection module is arranged, and the tilting module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a water tank, a tilt plate, and a water tank base according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a side view of a water tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the water tank housing, water level detection module, and module housing cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a diagram showing the exploded perspective view of Figure 8 from the rear.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a module housing cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a front view of a module housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement relationship between a water tank and a plurality of sensor units according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining a tilting module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a water tank, a steam generator, and a drain pump according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the basic arrangement of the water tank in the water tank housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a tilting arrangement in which the water tank is tilted toward the front of the water tank housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of A in FIG. 15.
Figure 18 is a block diagram showing a control unit and its related configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. The present embodiments are merely provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to be understood by those skilled in the art. It is provided to fully inform those who have the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Throughout the present invention, ‘first, second, …’ The expression 'is for distinguishing components and has nothing to do with priority or importance between components. The direction indications of up (U), down (D), left (Le), right (Ri), front (F), and back (R) shown in the drawings are for convenience of description of the invention and limit the scope of the invention. I never do that. Accordingly, if the standard changes, the direction may also be set differently.

Hereinafter, the humidification assembly of the present invention will be examined in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, while explaining the configuration of the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment in which the humidification assembly according to the present invention can be installed, the specific configuration and arrangement of the humidification assembly according to the present invention and the characteristics thereof will be described.

<Overall composition>

Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner forms an external shape, and includes a cabinet assembly (Ⅰ) with an open front, a door assembly (Ⅱ) covering the open front of the cabinet assembly (Ⅰ), and disposed inside the cabinet assembly (Ⅰ) to provide air A blowing fan assembly (Ⅲ) that forms the flow, a heat exchange assembly (not shown) that exchanges heat with the refrigerant for the air flowing by the blowing fan assembly (Ⅲ), and a filter assembly that filters the air flowing into the cabinet assembly (Ⅰ). (VI), a filter cleaning assembly (VII) that removes foreign substances present on one side of the filter assembly (VI), and a humidifying assembly (V) that discharges humidified air to the outside of the cabinet assembly (Ⅰ). .

The cabinet assembly (Ⅰ) forms an intake port at the rear, and the upper cabinet (11) forms a space where a heat exchanger (not shown) is placed inside, is disposed on the lower side of the upper cabinet (11), and is located at the bottom of the humidifying assembly (Ⅴ). It is disposed between a base portion (12) that forms a space in which some components are placed, a lower cabinet (13) that covers the rear and sides of the base portion (12), and an upper cabinet (11) and the door assembly (Ⅱ), It may include a side discharge member 14 forming a side discharge port 14a through which air is discharged.

The cabinet assembly (I) includes an inner panel (15) that covers the front of the upper cabinet (11) and a portion of the front of the base portion (12) when the door assembly (II) is partially opened. The inner panel 15 is the front and base portion of the upper cabinet 11 that is exposed when the door assembly (II) moves in either the left or right direction so that the water tank 51 of the humidification assembly (V) is exposed ( It is placed to cover part of the front of 12).

A front hole 151 opening forward from the portion where the front blowing module 31 is disposed may be formed in the inner panel 15.

The base portion 12 may have a box shape with an open front surface. A portion of the lower cabinet 13 and the side discharge member 14 may be disposed on the outer circumference of the base portion 12. The base portion 12 may form a space in which some components of the humidification assembly (V), which will be described below, are disposed.

In a state where the base portion 12 and the upper cabinet 11 arranged vertically are coupled, the door assembly (II) is disposed on the front of the base portion 12 and the upper cabinet 11.

The lower cabinet 13 may cover the sides and rear of the base portion 12.

The door assembly (Ⅱ) covers the front of the indoor unit, includes a door panel (21) with a front outlet (21a) formed on one side, a door moving module (not shown) that moves the door panel (21) left and right, and a door panel (21). ), a discharge port cover 25 that opens and closes the front discharge port 21a, a discharge port cover moving module (not shown) that moves the discharge port cover 25 up and down, and an operating state of the indoor unit or displays the user's command. It includes a display module 29 that receives input, and a camera module 22 that detects the conditions of the indoor space.

The door moving module moves the door panel 21 left and right. The door moving module can move the door panel 21 to one side to expose the water tank 51 to the outside. That is, the door panel 21 can be moved to the state shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2 by the door moving module.

The blower fan assembly (III) includes a front blower module 31 that discharges air toward the front of the indoor unit, and a side blower module (not shown) that discharges air toward both sides of the indoor unit. The blower fan assembly (III) according to this embodiment may include one front blower module 31 and three side blower modules. The front blowing module 31 and the side blowing module are disposed in front of the heat exchange assembly (IV).

The front blowing module 31 is disposed above the side blowing module. The front blowing module 31 discharges air through the front discharge port 21a formed in the door panel 21.

The front blowing module 31 according to this embodiment moves forward when the front discharge port 21a is opened, and can have a configuration in which the direction the discharge port faces can rotate up, down, left, right, or diagonally. .

The side blowing module is disposed below the front blowing module (31). A plurality of lateral blowing modules according to this embodiment may be arranged vertically. Each side blowing wind module can discharge air through the side discharge port (14a).

The heat exchange assembly (not shown) exchanges heat with the indoor air sucked into the upper cabinet 11 with the refrigerant. The heat exchange assembly may include a heat exchanger (not shown) through which a refrigerant that exchanges heat with indoor air flows, and a refrigerant pipe (not shown) that forms a refrigerant flow path so that the refrigerant flows into or out of the heat exchanger.

The heat exchanger is disposed behind the blower fan assembly (III). The heat exchanger is disposed between the intake port and the discharge port 22 and 141 to exchange heat with the air flowing inside the indoor unit. The heat exchanger is disposed between the filter assembly (VI) and the blower fan assembly (III). The heat exchanger may have a length corresponding to the height at which the plurality of lateral blowing modules and the front blowing module 31 are arranged vertically.

The humidification assembly (V) heats the water stored in the water tank 51 and discharges the humidified air to the outside of the indoor unit. The configuration of the humidification assembly (V) will be described in detail below.

The filter assembly (VI) removes foreign substances from the air flowing into the intake port. The filter assembly (VI) is movably disposed at the rear of the upper cabinet (11). The filter assembly (VI) is disposed in an intake port formed at the rear of the upper cabinet 11 and can filter indoor air flowing into the intake port (not shown). The filter assembly (VI) is movably disposed in the upper cabinet (11).

The filter assembly (VI) according to this embodiment includes a filter module (61) that removes foreign substances in the air sucked into the intake port. The filter assembly (VI) may have the filter module (61) placed at the inlet or outside of the side surface of the upper cabinet (11). A plurality of filter modules 61 may be arranged at the rear of the upper cabinet 11 where the intake inlet is formed.

The filter assembly (VI) according to this embodiment includes a filter module 61 that removes foreign substances in the flowing air, a filter mounting member (not shown) on which the filter module 61 is mounted, and a movement that changes the position of the filter mounting member. It may include members (not shown).

The arrangement of the filter module 61 according to this embodiment can be changed depending on the filter mounting member and the moving member. That is, the filter module 61 may be disposed at the suction port formed at the rear of the upper cabinet 11 by the filter mounting member and the moving member, or may be disposed outside the side of the upper cabinet 11.

The filter cleaning assembly (VII) is movably disposed at the rear of the filter assembly (VI) and can remove foreign substances outside the filter assembly (VI). The filter cleaning assembly (VII) can move up and down along a guide rail (not shown) disposed at the rear of the upper cabinet (11).

The filter cleaning assembly (VII) moves up and down along the guide rail and can remove foreign substances present in the filter module 61 by shaking off and suctioning foreign substances present on the outside of the filter assembly (VI).

The filter cleaning assembly (VII) moves along a guide rail and is connected to a filter cleaner (71) that removes foreign substances present in the filter module (61) and a power line (not shown) to the filter cleaner (71), It may include a power supply device (not shown) that supplies power to the filter cleaner 71.

<Humidification assembly>

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 17, the configuration of the humidification assembly according to this embodiment will be described.

The humidifying assembly (V) can discharge humidified air to the outside of the indoor unit. The humidifying assembly (V) according to this embodiment can discharge air introduced from the outside to the outside along with water vapor heated in the steam generator 56.

The humidifying assembly (V) covers the water tank 51 that stores water, one front side of the base portion 12, and forms a space in which the water tank 51 is placed, the water tank housing 52, which collects water from the water tank 51. A steam generator 56 that receives water and generates steam by heating the supplied water, and a water tank base 53 disposed below the water tank 51 and sending water discharged from the water tank 51 to the steam generator 56. , a tilting module 54 disposed on the upper side of the water tank base 53 and tilting the water tank 51 forward, and a water level detection module disposed on one side of the water tank housing 52 and detecting the water level stored in the water tank 51. Includes (58).

The humidification assembly (V) is disposed on the upper side of the water tank 51 and includes an ultraviolet ray module 55 for sterilizing water stored in the water tank 51 and a humidification discharge port for discharging humidified air heated from the steam generator 56. A humidifying nozzle 571, a humidifying flow pipe 572 connecting the steam generator 56 and the humidifying nozzle 571, and an illumination lamp that irradiates light to the water tank 51 when the water tank 51 is tilted forward. (59) may be further included.

In addition, the humidification assembly (V) may further include a humidifying fan (not shown) that creates an air flow so that external air is introduced and humidified air is discharged.

<Humidification assembly-water tank>

The water tank 51 temporarily stores water supplied to the steam generator 56 and heated. The water tank 51 is detachably disposed in the inner space of the base portion 12. The water tank 51 may be placed in the water tank arrangement space 522a formed inside the water tank housing 52. The water tank 51 may be tilted toward the front of the opening 522b of the water tank housing 52 formed in front of the water tank arrangement space 522a by the tilting module 54. The water tank 51 is disposed on the upper side of the water tank base 53. The arrangement of the water tank 51 on the upper side of the water tank base 53 can be changed by the tilting module 54.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 15 , the water tank 51 maintains its basic arrangement without being tilted, with the front of the water tank 51 obscured by the door panel 21. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 16, the water tank 51 is changed to a tilting arrangement in which the front of the water tank 51 is exposed by the door panel 21 and is tilted forward.

The water tank 51 may be spaced apart from the ultraviolet ray module 55 at a certain interval.

The water tank 51 includes a water tank body 511 that forms a space in which water is stored, an upper cover 512 disposed on the upper side of the water tank body 511 and an inlet 5121 formed on the upper side, and a water tank body 511. ) It is disposed on the lower side and includes a lower cover 513 with an outlet (not shown) formed on the lower side.

The water tank 51 may further include a handle 5122 rotatably mounted on the upper cover 512, and a water supply valve 5133 that opens and closes an outlet (not shown) formed on the lower cover 513. .

The water tank body 511 may be made of transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or acrylic material. The water tank body 511 according to this embodiment can be made of PMMA material, which can prevent discoloration by ultraviolet rays. The water tank body 511 may be formed of a bluish transparent material. Specifically, it may be formed of a transparent material with a bluish tinge in the 450nm to 550nm range of visible light.

The water tank body 511 has an approximately square pillar shape and has a hollow interior. The water tank body 511 is open in the vertical direction, and the upper cover 512 is disposed on the upper side and the lower cover is disposed on the lower side.

The water tank body 511 includes a lower body 5112 having a constant cross-sectional area perpendicular to the height direction of the water tank 51, and is disposed on the upper side of the lower body 5112, in the height direction of the water tank 51. It includes an upper body 5111 whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to decreases toward the top.

Here, the height direction of the water tank 51 may mean a vertical direction when the water tank 51 is placed in the basic arrangement.

The height H2 of the lower body 5112 may be 2/3 to 3/4 of the total height H3 of the water tank body 511. The ratio between the height H2 of the lower body 5112 and the height H1 of the upper body 5111 may be 2:1 to 3:1. The height H2 of the lower body 5112 is greater than the length L2 of the lower body 5112 in the front-to-back direction.

The upper body 5111 has a shape in which the rear end moves forward as it moves upward. The rear surface 5111a of the upper body 5111 may form an inclination angle θ1 inclined forward from the rear surface 5112a of the lower body 5112.

The inclination angle (θ1) formed by the rear surface (5111a) of the upper body and the virtual extension line of the rear surface (5112a) of the lower body may be formed equal to the inclination angle (θ2) at which the water tank body 511 is tilted forward. In addition, depending on the embodiment, when the water tank body 511 is tilted forward, the rear surface (5111a) of the upper body is parallel to the ground, so that the rear surface (5111a) of the upper body is virtually parallel to the rear surface (5112a) of the lower body. The inclination angle (θ1) formed with the extension line can be adjusted.

The front-to-back length L1 of the top of the upper body 5111 may be 2/3 to 3/4 of the front-to-back length L2 of the lower body 5112.

A full water level display unit (not shown) that displays the maximum storage water level of the water tank 51 may be formed in the upper body 5111. Here, the maximum storage water level may be the maximum water level that can be stored in the water tank 51 to the extent that water does not leak to the outside when the water tank 51 is tilted. The full water level display unit may be set in consideration of the tilting angle of the water tank 51.

The upper cover 512 is coupled to the water tank body 511 on the upper side of the water tank body 511 and covers a portion of the upper side of the water tank body 511. Inside the upper cover 512, an inlet passage 5121a is formed that opens in the vertical direction and communicates with the inside of the water tank body 511. The cross-sectional area of the inlet passage 5121a is smaller than the cross-sectional area opened at the upper end of the water tank body 511. The inlet passage 5121a has an area of the lower end smaller than that of the upper end. That is, the inlet passage 5121a may have a shape whose cross-sectional area increases from the bottom to the top. In particular, the inlet passage 5121a may have a front surface inclined forward from the bottom to the top. This can prevent the water stored inside the water tank body 511 from flowing forward when the water tank body 511 is disposed to tilt forward.

A handle 5122 is disposed on the outer front of the upper cover 512. The handle 5122 has a ‘ㄷ’ shape, and both ends are rotatably disposed on both outer sides of the upper cover 512.

The lower cover 513 is coupled to the lower part of the water tank body 511, allowing water to be stored in the water tank body 511. An outlet is formed in the lower cover 513 through which water stored in the water tank body 511 is discharged. The water stored in the water tank body 511 may be drained through the outlet and supplied to the steam generator 56.

A water supply valve 5133 that opens and closes the outlet may be disposed at the outlet of the lower cover 513. The water supply valve can open and close the outlet according to the level of water stored in the steam generator (56).

The lower cover 513 is disposed above the tilting plate 544, which will be described below. The water tank 51 is fixedly disposed above the tilting plate 544. Accordingly, the lower cover 513 extends downward along the circumferential surface to form a space into which the tilting plate 544 is inserted. A tilting plate 544 is inserted into the space formed on the lower side of the lower cover 513, and the water tank 51 can be fixed to the tilting plate 544.

<Humidification assembly-water tank housing>

The water tank housing 52 separates the water tank 51 disposed inside the base portion 12 from the inner space of the base portion 12. The water tank housing 52 may be placed on the front of the base portion 12. The water tank housing 52 includes a front cover 521 that covers one front side of the base portion 12, and a water tank cover 522 that covers at least one side of the water tank 51.

The water tank housing 52 forms a water tank arrangement space 522a in which the water tank 51 is placed, and the water tank arrangement space 522a can cover the top, both sides, and the back of the water tank 51. The water tank cover 522 forms a water tank arrangement space 522a where the water tank 51 is placed. The water tank arrangement space 522a is formed with an opening 522b through which the water tank 51 is inserted or extracted toward the front of the water tank 51. The water tank 51 may be tilted in the direction of the opening 522b formed in front of the water tank arrangement space 522a, or may be placed in the water tank arrangement space 522a, and may be tilted in the direction of the opening 522b to the outside. can be withdrawn

The water tank cover 522 includes a top cover 5221 that covers the upper surface of the water tank 51 and a peripheral surface cover 5222 that covers the circumferential surface of the water tank. The peripheral surface cover 5222 can cover both sides 5222a and the rear 5222b of the water tank.

A module housing 523 on which the water level detection module 58 is mounted is formed on one side of the water tank cover 522. The module housing 523 forms a space in the water tank housing 52 where the water level detection module 58 is placed and fixed. The module housing 523 has an open shape on one side so that the printed circuit board 581 is mounted, and on the open side, the water level detection module 58 mounted on the module housing 523 is placed in the water tank housing 52. A module housing cover 524 that presses in one direction is disposed.

The module housing 523 protrudes from one side of the water tank housing 52 to form a module arrangement space 523a into which the water level detection module 58 is inserted. The water level detection module 58 is mounted and fixed to the module housing 523.

The module housing 523 forms a module arrangement space 523a where the water level detection module 58 is mounted. The module housing 523 includes a cover rib 5232 that covers the circumferential surface of the water level detection module 58 mounted in the module placement space 523a, and a cover rib 5232 that covers the water level detection module 58 mounted in the module placement space 523a. The position is fixed, and the distance between the fastening protrusion 5231 fastened to the module housing cover 524, the water level detection module 58, the printed circuit board 581, and the rear surface 5222b of the water tank housing 52 is maintained at a constant distance. The fixing ribs (5234a, 2834b) are arranged in a straight line from the rear surface (5222b) of the water tank housing (52) to the module placement space (523a) to narrow the gap between the water level detection module (58) and the water tank (51). It includes a plurality of concavely formed groove portions 5233.

The cover rib 5232 protrudes rearward from the rear surface 5222a of the water tank housing 52 to form a module placement space 523a. The cover rib 5232 is coupled to the module housing cover 524 and covers the peripheral surface of the printed circuit board 581 mounted in the module placement space 523a. A wire hole 5232a may be formed on one side of the cover rib 5232 to allow an electric wire connected to the printed circuit board 581 to pass through.

The fastening protrusion 5231 has a cylindrical shape and protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the water tank housing 52. The fastening protrusion 5231 is inserted into the fixing hole 581a of the printed circuit board 581. The outer circumference of the fastening protrusion 5231 can be inserted into the fixing hole 581a of the printed circuit board 581 to fix the arrangement of the printed circuit board 581.

Inside the fastening protrusion 5231, a fastening protrusion groove may be formed into which a separate fastening member (not shown) is inserted. The fastening member fastens the module housing cover 524 to the module housing 523. The fastening member (not shown) brings the module housing cover 524 into close contact with the module housing 523. At this time, the module housing cover 524 can press the printed circuit board 581 mounted in the module placement space 523a toward the water tank housing 52.

The fixing ribs 5234a and 2834b can evenly space the printed circuit board 581 from the rear surface 5222b of the water tank housing 52 over the entire surface. The fixing ribs 5234a and 2834b protrude backward from the rear surface 5222b of the water tank housing 52 and come into contact with the printed circuit board 581 at their ends. The fixing ribs 5234a and 2834b are formed to have a constant length protruding rearward from the water tank housing 52.

The fixing ribs 5234a and 2834b include a vertical fixing rib 5234a formed in the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board 581 and a horizontal fixing rib 5234b formed in the width direction of the printed circuit board 581. . The vertical fixing rib 5234a may be arranged to contact at least one of the left end or the right end of the printed circuit board 581.

The horizontal fixing rib (5234b) may have a structure extending in the left and right directions of the fastening protrusion (5231). The fixing ribs 5234a and 2834b may include a plurality of horizontal fixing ribs 5234b spaced apart in the vertical direction. Each of the plurality of horizontal fixing ribs 5234b may be disposed on the left and right sides of the plurality of fastening protrusions 5231 spaced apart in the vertical direction. A plurality of horizontal fixing ribs 5234b may be disposed between a plurality of sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e.

A plurality of groove portions 5233 are formed concavely forward from the rear surface 5222b of the water tank housing 52. A plurality of groove parts 5233 are arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of sensing parts 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e. Transmission members 5821, which are disposed in the plurality of sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e, are disposed in the plurality of grooves 5233. The gap D1 between the end of the transmission member 5821 and the water tank 51 can be narrowed by the plurality of grooves 5233. In particular, as the groove 5233 is formed, the transmission member 5821 is moved from the portion in contact with the rear surface 5222b of the water tank housing 52 to the inner end of the rear side 5112a of the lower body 5112 of the water tank 51. The interval D1 is reduced, allowing the sensing unit to accurately detect the capacitance depending on the presence or absence of water.

A gap of a certain distance D2 may be formed between the water tank 51 and the water tank housing 52. This is to smoothly change the arrangement of the water tank 51, which is tilted forward by the tilt team module 54 or placed in the water tank arrangement space 522a.

Therefore, the distance D1 from the transmission member 5821 to the water stored in the water tank 51 is the thickness of the water tank housing 52 at the portion where the groove 5233 is formed, and the water tank 51 and the water tank housing ( The gap in 52) may include the space where air is placed and the thickness of the water tank 51.

The module housing cover 524 is mounted on the module housing 523 from the rear of the module housing 523 and presses the water level detection module 58 toward the water tank housing 52.

The module housing cover 524 is formed to protrude forward from the cover plate 5241 and presses the water level detection module 58 mounted on the module housing 523 toward the water tank housing 52. Pressure ribs 5243a, 5243b, fastening protrusions 5231, fastening holes 5242 fastened with separate fastening members (not shown), and wires extending from the printed circuit board 581 are connected to the peripheral surface of the water tank housing 52. Includes a wire guider (5244) that is fixed in the direction.

The cover plate 5241 has a shape corresponding to the module housing 523 so that it is mounted on the module housing 523.

A plurality of fastening holes 5242 may be disposed at positions corresponding to the fastening protrusions 5231 of the module housing 523. With the fastening hole 5242 in contact with the fastening protrusion 5231 of the module housing 523, a separate fastening member (not shown) is inserted. When the fastening member is inserted into the fastening protrusion 5231 through the fastening hole 5242, the module housing cover 524 may press the rear surface 5812 of the printed circuit board 581.

The pressure ribs 5243a and 5243b contact the rear 5812 of the printed circuit board 581 and press the printed circuit board 581 mounted in the module placement space 523a of the module housing 523 into the water tank housing 52. ) direction. The pressure ribs 5243a and 5243b include a plurality of vertical pressure ribs 5243a and a plurality of horizontal pressure ribs 5243b to evenly press the printed circuit board 581.

The vertical pressure rib 5243a and the horizontal pressure rib 5243b may be disposed at positions corresponding to the vertical fixing rib 5234a and the horizontal fixing rib 5234b. The vertical pressing rib 5243a may be arranged to contact the inner surface of the module housing 523, may extend in the vertical direction of the fastening hole 5242, or may be placed at a corresponding position at the rear of the vertical fixing rib 5234a. there is.

The plurality of horizontal pressure ribs 5243b may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. A plurality of horizontal pressure ribs 5243b are formed on the left and right sides of the fastening hole 5242. The plurality of horizontal pressing ribs 5243b may be disposed at positions corresponding to the plurality of horizontal fixing ribs 5234b.

The wire guider 5244 may be formed extending from the cover plate 5241 in the left or right direction. Referring to FIG. 14, the wire guider 5244 may be formed by bending the right end of the cover plate 5241 in the forward direction. The wire guider 5244 can be fixed so that the wire extending from the rear surface 5222b of the water tank housing 52 extends along the side surface 5222a of the water tank housing 52. The wire guider 5244 is connected to the printed circuit board 581 to prevent the extending wire from interfering with other structures inside the base portion 12. A wire guide groove 5244a is formed on the inner surface of the wire guider 5244 to secure the extending wire.

A transmission hole 5221a is formed in the upper cover 5221 to transmit light emitted from the ultraviolet lamp 552. An illumination lamp hole 5221b is formed in the top cover 5221 so that the light emitted from the illumination lamp 59 is transmitted to the water tank 51. The lighting lamp hole 5221b is disposed behind the transmission hole 5221a in the top cover 5221.

<Humidification assembly-water tank base>

The water tank base 53 is disposed below the water tank 51 and supplies water discharged from the water tank 51 to the steam generator 56. The water tank base 53 is disposed below the tilting plate 544 on which the water tank 51 is mounted. The water tank 51 may be arranged vertically or tilted forward on the upper side of the water tank base 53 by the tilting plate 544.

The water tank base 53 is formed by a base body 531 disposed on the lower side of the water tank 51, extending upward from the rear of the base body 531, and a water tank housing support portion 532 disposed behind the water tank housing 52. ), and a tilting guider 533 that extends upward from the rear of the base body 531 and is inserted into the guide groove 5131a to guide the tilting of the water tank 51.

The water tank base 53 is connected to the steam generator 56, and can send the water discharged from the water tank 51 to the steam generator 56. The inside of the water tank base 53 may further include a water supply member 534 that supplies water flowing in from the water supply valve 5133 to the steam generator 56.

On the upper side of the water tank base 53, a stopper 535 forming an inclined surface is disposed to limit the range in which the tilting plate 544 is tilted. The stopper 535 has an inclined surface that limits the range in which the tilting plate 544 is tilted forward. A tilting plate is rotatably mounted on the stopper 535 upward.

<Humidification assembly-tilting module>

The tilting module 54 is equipped with a tilting motor 542, a tilting gear 542 that is driven by the tilting motor 542 to control the tilting angle of the water tank 51, and a water tank 51, and a tilting gear ( The tilting plate 544, whose arrangement is changed by 542) to control the arrangement of the water tank 51, is formed at the rear of the tilting plate 544, engages with the tilting gear 543, and arranges the tilting plate 544. Includes a tilting plate gear 545 that controls. The tilting module 54 may further include a tilting module housing 541 surrounding the outline of the tilting motor 542 and the plurality of tilting gears 543.

The plurality of tilting gears 543 have the same rotation axis as the tilting motor 542, rotate in engagement with the first tilting gear 5431, and rotate with the tilting plate gear 545. It includes a second tilting gear 5432 that engages. The second tilting gear 5432 may have a plurality of gears having different radii. The second tilting gear 5432 includes a 2-1 tilting gear 5432a engaged with the first tilting gear 5431 and a 2-2 tilting gear 5432b engaged with the tilting plate gear 545. do. The 2-1st tilting gear 5432a and the 2-2nd tilting gear 5432b may have the same rotation axis, rotate together, and have different radii.

The tilting plate 544 is disposed on the upper side of the water tank base 53. The tilting plate 544 is tilted by the tilting plate gear 545, and tilts the water tank 51 disposed on the upper side to be tilted forward.

The tilting plate 544 may be rotatably connected to the water tank base 53. The tilting plate 544 may rotate based on a rotation axis (not shown) formed on one side of the water tank base 53.

The tilting plate gear 545 is formed at the rear of the tilting plate 544. The tilting plate gear 545 is formed in an upward and downward direction, and has teeth on its rear surface that engage with the tilting gear 543 of the tilting module 54. The rear surface where the teeth of the tilting plate gear 545 are formed may form a curved surface that is convex toward the rear. The tilting plate gear 545 is formed with a guide groove 5131a into which the tilting guider 533 formed on the water tank base 53 is inserted. The guide groove 5131a extends in the vertical direction and may have a rearward convex shape.

<Humidification assembly-ultraviolet module, lighting lamp>

The ultraviolet ray module 55 is disposed on the upper side of the ultraviolet lamp 552, which irradiates ultraviolet rays, and the water tank housing 52. An ultraviolet substrate 553 that supplies power to the ultraviolet lamp 552, a reflector cover 554 disposed around the ultraviolet lamp 552, and a concave reflective surface formed on the lower side of the reflector cover 554. and includes a transparent quartz window 555.

The ultraviolet ray module housing 551 is disposed above the water tank housing 52. The lower end of the ultraviolet ray module housing 551 may be arranged to contact the upper surface of the water tank housing 52. In the ultraviolet ray module housing 551, an ultraviolet ray lamp hole 551a is formed above the transmission hole 5221a of the water tank housing 52. A quartz window 555 and an ultraviolet lamp 552 are disposed above the ultraviolet lamp hole 551a.

The illumination lamp 59 is disposed behind the ultraviolet lamp 552. When the water tank 51 is not tilted forward, the lighting lamp 59 may be disposed above the non-open portion of the upper cover 512.

The lighting lamp 59 may irradiate light to the rear surface of the water tank 51 when the water tank 51 is tilted forward. The user can check the amount of water stored inside the water tank 51 using the light emitted from the lighting lamp 59 in the tilted state. The lighting lamp 59 can be an LED lamp.

<Humidification assembly-steam generator>

The steam generator 56 can generate steam by heating water discharged from the water tank 51. Steam generated in the heating unit may be mixed with air introduced by the operation of the humidifying fan and discharged through the humidifying nozzle 571. The humidifying nozzle 571 according to this embodiment may be arranged to discharge humidified air in the direction of the side discharge port 14a. The humidification flow pipe 572 connects the steam generator 56 and the humidification nozzle 571 to send humidified air generated by the steam generator 56 to the humidification nozzle 571.

The steam generator 56 stores water supplied from the water tank 51, heats it, and generates steam. The steam generator 56 can store water supplied from the water tank 51 when the water tank 51 is mounted on the water tank base 53.

The steam generator 56 includes a steam generator housing 561 that stores water supplied from the water tank 51, a heater 563 disposed inside the steam generator housing 561 to heat the water present inside, and steam. It includes at least one steam generator water level sensor (562a, 562a) that detects the level of water present inside the generator housing 561, and a thermistor 568 that prevents overheating inside the steam generator housing 561.

The steam generator housing 561 is formed with an air inlet 561a through which external air flows in and a steam outlet 561b through which steam generated by the heater 563 is discharged.

The heater 563 is disposed on the bottom side of the steam generator housing 561 and heats the water present inside the steam generator housing 561. If the water present inside the steam generator housing 561 is left for more than a certain period of time, bacteria, etc. may grow. In order to prevent the propagation of bacteria, etc. inside the steam generator housing, the inside of the steam generator 56 may be sterilized and heated. However, when sterilizing and heating the inside of the steam generator 56, water above a certain level is required to be supplied to the upper side of the heater 563 located on the bottom side of the steam generator housing 561.

The humidification assembly (V) further includes a drain pump 567 that discharges water existing in the steam generator 56 to the outside. The humidification assembly (V) is supplied from the water supply pipe 564 and the steam generator 56, which connects the water tank 51 and the steam generator 56, to supply water discharged from the water tank 51 to the steam generator 56. It is connected to the water discharge pipe 565 connecting the steam generator 56 and the drainage pump 567, the water discharge pipe 565, and the water supply pipe 564, respectively, to send the discharged water to the drainage pump 567, and the water It includes an overlapping pipe 566 that sends water flowing through the supply pipe 564 to the steam generator 56, or sends water discharged from the steam generator 56 to the water supply pipe 564.

<Humidification assembly-water level detection module>

The water level detection module 58 is disposed on one side of the water tank housing 52 and detects the water level stored in the water tank 51. The water level detection module 58 can detect the water level using a capacitance method. The water level detection module 58 can detect the water level of the water tank 51 based on the capacitance values of each of the sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e arranged up and down.

The water level detection module 58 is disposed in the longitudinal direction on the printed circuit board 581, a printed circuit board 581 mounted on one side of the water tank housing 52, and detects the water level of the water tank 51 in a capacitive manner. A plurality of sensing units (582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, 582e), which are mounted on the printed circuit board 581 and measure the capacitance formed in the water tank 51 to a plurality of sensing units (582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, 582e) Includes a transmission member 5821 that transmits to each.

The printed circuit board 581 is mounted on the module housing 523 of the water tank housing 52. The printed circuit board 581 is mounted in the module arrangement space 523a formed by the peripheral surface cover 5232 of the water tank housing 52.

The printed circuit board 581 may have a rectangular plate shape that is elongated in the vertical direction. The printed circuit board 581 can sense the level of water stored in the water tank 51 through a plurality of sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e.

The printed circuit board 581 includes a front surface 5811 disposed to face the water tank housing 52, and a rear surface 5812 that is opposite to the front surface 5811. A plurality of sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e are disposed on the front surface 5811 of the printed circuit board 581. The rear surface 5812 of the printed circuit board 581 is in contact with the module housing cover 524.

The printed circuit board 581 is formed with a plurality of fixing holes 581a into which the fastening protrusions 5231 of the module housing 523, which will be described below, are inserted. The plurality of fixing holes 581a are inserted into the plurality of fastening protrusions 5231, so that the arrangement of the printed circuit board 581 can be fixed.

A plurality of sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e are arranged in the vertical direction on the printed circuit board 581. Each of the plurality of sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e is arranged in the vertical direction of the water tank 51 and detects presence at the corresponding position. Each of the plurality of sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e is arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board 581.

Each of the plurality of sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e determines whether water exists in the water tank 51 at the corresponding location according to the sensed capacitance. Each of the plurality of sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e detects the presence of water in the water tank 51 at the corresponding location when the detected electrostatic capacity value is greater than the set standard. Each of the plurality of sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e can detect that water does not exist in the water tank 51 at the corresponding location when the detected capacitance value is less than the set standard.

The standard for setting the capacitance value may be set based on the value measured when water is present in the water tank 51 and the value measured when water is not present in the water tank 51.

A plurality of sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e are disposed on the printed circuit board 581 and detect capacitance values according to external substances.

In each of the plurality of sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e, a plurality of transmission members 5821 that cause static electricity conduction between the water tank 51 and the printed circuit board 581 may be disposed. The transmission member 5821 may use a sponge-type gasket. The transmission member 5821 is inserted into the groove portion 5233 formed on the rear surface 5222a of the water tank housing 52. The transmission member 5821 may be formed of a material whose shape is deformable when the printed circuit board 581 is brought into close contact with the water tank housing 52 by the module housing cover 524.

A plurality of sensing units (582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, 582e) include a first sensing unit (582a) that detects the water level and the amount of water required to cool and drain the heated water drained from the steam generator 56. A second sensing unit (582b) that detects the level of water required for steam sterilization of the generator (56) and cooling of water when draining, a third sensing unit (582c) that detects the full water level range of the water tank, and a second sensing unit. Between the unit 582b and the third sensing unit 582c, it includes a fourth sensing unit 582d and a fifth sensing unit 582e that sense the water level of the water tank.

The first sensing unit 582a is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the water tank 51 by a first height SH1. The first height SH1 may be set based on the minimum amount of water used for cooling when water heated in the steam generator 56 is drained. When water heated in the steam generator 56 is drained through the water discharge pipe 565, the water present in the water tank is drained together to prevent the water discharge pipe 565 from being damaged by water heated above a certain temperature. This can prevent damage to the water discharge pipe 565.

The second sensing unit 582b is disposed above the first sensing unit 582a. The second sensing unit 582b is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the water tank 51 by a second height SH2. The second height SH2 may be set based on the sum of the minimum amount of water supplied to the steam generator 56 for steam sterilization of the steam generator 56 and the minimum amount of water used for water cooling.

Among the sensing units arranged adjacent to each other, the first sensing unit 582a and the second sensing unit 582b are arranged closest to each other. The gap (SH2-SH1) between the first sensing unit 582a and the second sensing unit 582b may exceed the interference range when the sensing unit detects capacitance from an adjacent sensing unit. You can.

The third sensing unit 582c is disposed at a certain distance downward from the full water level display unit (not shown) of the water tank 51. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 16, the full water level display unit of the water tank 51 may be set to a range where water does not flow out of the inlet 5121 of the water tank 51 when the water tank 51 is tilted. The full water level display unit may be displayed on the water tank body 511 so that the user can check it.

The third sensing unit 582c determines that the sum of the amount of water stored as the maximum water level of the steam generator 56 from the full water level display unit of the water tank 51 and the amount of water stored in the water supply pipe 564 is constant than the removed water level. It may be placed in a position where water in the water tank 51 can be detected at a low water level.

That is, when the water tank 51 is inserted into the water tank housing 52 and positioned in the basic arrangement, the water inside the water tank 51 flows through the water supply valve 5133 and the water supply pipe 564 to the steam generator ( 56) is supplied. Therefore, when inserted into the water tank housing 52, it can be placed at a certain distance lower than the corresponding position, taking into account the amount of water supplied to the steam generator 56.

The fourth sensing unit 582d and the fifth sensing unit 582e are disposed between the second sensing unit 582b and the third sensing unit 582c. The fifth sensing unit 582e may be disposed above the fourth sensing unit 582d. The distance between the second sensing unit 582b and the fourth sensing unit 582d in the vertical direction (DH2), and the distance between the fifth sensing unit 582e and the third sensing unit 582c in the vertical direction (DH4) ), and the distance DH3 at which the fourth sensing unit 582d and the fifth sensing unit 582e are spaced apart in the vertical direction is the distance between the first sensing unit 582a and the second sensing unit 582b ( It is formed larger than DH1). The distance (SH3-SH1) between the first sensing unit 582a and the third sensing unit 582c is smaller than the height of the water tank 51 in the vertical direction. The distance SH3-SH1 between the first sensing unit 582a and the third sensing unit 582c is smaller than the length H2 of the lower body in the vertical direction.

<Control unit related configuration>

Hereinafter, the control unit and its related configuration according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 18.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to this embodiment includes a control unit 800 that detects the water level of the water tank 51 and controls the operation of the display module 29 to display the detected water level of the water tank 51.

The display module 29 can display the water level of the water tank 51 in multiple states. The display module 29 may display a state in which water exists in the water tank 51 below the first height SH1 at which the first sensing unit 582a cannot detect water. In addition, the display module 29 is between the first height (SH1) and the second height (SH2), where the first sensing unit (582a) detects the presence of water and the second sensing unit (582b) does not detect water. The state in which water exists in the water tank 51 can be displayed.

The display module 29 may display that the water tank 51 is full when the third sensing unit 582c detects the presence of water. When the water tank 51 is full of water, not only the third sensing unit 582c but also the plurality of sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e can detect the water inside the water tank 51.

Additionally, the display module 29 may display the water level when the fourth sensing unit 582d or the fifth sensing unit 582e detects the presence of water.

The control unit 800 may determine whether sterilization and water cooling of the steam generator 56 are possible depending on the water level of the water tank 51 detected by the sensing units 582a, 5822b, 582c, 582d, and 582e.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to this embodiment may further include a position sensor 810 that detects the position of the door panel 21. The position sensor 810 may use a Hall sensor. The position sensor 810 is disposed on the lower side of the door panel 21. The position detection sensor 810 is equipped with two Hall sensors spaced at regular intervals in the left and right directions, and a magnet (not shown) is placed in the base part 12, and is a Hall sensor that detects the magnet among the two Hall sensors. By identifying , the position of the door panel 21 can be determined.

The position sensor 810 operates in a state where the door panel 21 exposes the water tank 51 to the front, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or when the door panel 21 exposes the water tank 51 as shown in FIG. 1. It is possible to detect a situation where the front is blocked.

The control unit 800 can turn on/off the ultraviolet lamp 552. The control unit 800 can operate the ultraviolet lamp 552 when water exists in the water tank 51. The control unit 800 may operate the ultraviolet lamp 552 at regular intervals when water exists in the water tank 51.

The control unit 800 can operate the ultraviolet lamp 552 according to the position of the door panel 21. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 800 maintains the ultraviolet lamp 552 in the on state with the door panel 21 covering the front of the water tank 51, and the door panel 21 blocks the front of the water tank 51. The ultraviolet lamp 552 can be set to remain off while the front is exposed.

The control unit 800 can turn on/off the lighting lamp 59. The control unit 800 may operate the lighting lamp 59 when the water tank 51 is tilted. The control unit 800 can set the lighting lamp 59 to be in an off state in the basic arrangement arranged inside the water tank arrangement space 522a.

The control unit 800 can control the ultraviolet lamp 552 and the lighting lamp 59 to operate mutually. That is, in a tilted arrangement where the water tank 51 is tilted forward, the ultraviolet lamp 552 can be set to be turned off and the lighting lamp 59 can be set to be turned on. Additionally, in the basic arrangement where the water tank 51 is placed inside the water tank arrangement space 522a, the lighting lamp 59 can be set to remain in an off state and the ultraviolet lamp 552 can be set to remain in an on state.

In the above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and can be used in the technical field to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the patent claims. Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or perspective of the present invention.

Ⅰ: Cabinet assembly Ⅱ: Door assembly
Ⅲ: Blowing fan assembly Ⅴ: Humidification assembly
11: upper cabinet 12: base part
21: door panel 21a: front outlet
25: outlet cover 51: water tank
511: Water tank body 512: Upper cover
513: Lower cover 52: Water tank housing
521: Front cover 522: Water tank cover
522a: Water tank arrangement space 522b: Opening
523: module housing 5231: fastening protrusion
5232: Cover rib 5233: Groove part
5234a, 5234b: Fixed rib 524: Module housing cover
5241: Cover plate 5243a, 5243b: Pressure rib
5244: Wire guider 53: Water tank base
533: Tilting guider 54: Tilting module
544: Tilting plate 545: Tilting plate gear
55: UV module 56: Steam generator
58: water level detection module 581: printed circuit board

Claims (16)

A water tank forming a space in which water is stored and an inlet through which water flows into the upper side;
a water tank housing that forms a water tank arrangement space inside which the water tank is accommodated, and forms an opening through which the water tank is inserted or withdrawn in front of the water tank arrangement space;
a tilting module that arranges the water tank in the water tank arrangement space or tilts the water tank in the direction of the opening;
A water level detection module mounted on one outer surface of the water tank housing and detecting the water level of the water tank disposed in the water tank arrangement space of the water tank housing; and
It includes a module housing cover that adheres the water level detection module mounted on one outer surface of the water tank housing to the water tank housing,
The water level detection module is disposed between a printed circuit board provided with a sensing unit that detects the capacitance of the water tank at the disposed position, the sensing unit and the water tank housing, and detects the capacitance formed in the water tank to the sensing unit. Includes a transmission member that transmits,
The water tank housing forms a module arrangement space in which the water level detection module is disposed, and includes a module housing that is fastened to the module housing cover,
A humidifying assembly in which a groove is formed on an outer surface of the water tank housing where the module housing is disposed, and is concave in the direction of the water tank arrangement space at a position where the transmission member contacts. According to claim 1,
A humidification assembly in which a plurality of sensing units spaced apart in the vertical direction of the water tank are disposed on the printed circuit board. According to claim 1,
The module housing is,
a cover rib covering the circumferential surface of the water level detection module mounted in the module placement space;
A humidifying assembly including a fixing rib that maintains a constant distance between the front of the printed circuit board and the back of the water tank housing. According to claim 3,
The fixed rib is,
It includes a vertical fixing rib extending in the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board and contacting the front surface of the printed circuit board, and a horizontal fixing rib extending in the width direction of the printed circuit board and contacting the front surface of the printed circuit board. humidification assembly. According to claim 3,
The module housing cover is,
cover plate;
A humidifying assembly that protrudes forward from the cover plate and includes a pressing rib that presses the back of the printed circuit board mounted in the module placement space. According to claim 5,
The fixing rib contacts one surface of the printed circuit board,
The pressing rib is in contact with the other surface of the printed circuit board, and is disposed at a position corresponding to the fixing rib. According to claim 1,
The module housing is,
A humidification assembly that protrudes rearward from one rear side of the water tank housing, fixes the position of the water level detection module mounted in the module placement space, and further includes a fastening protrusion that is fastened to the module housing cover. According to claim 1,
The module housing is disposed on the rear surface of the water tank housing,
The tilting module is a humidification assembly that brings the water tank disposed in the water tank arrangement space into close contact with the rear surface of the water tank housing where the module housing is disposed. According to claim 8,
The tilting module is,
tilting motor;
a tilting gear driven by the tilting motor;
a tilting plate on which the water tank is mounted on the upper side and which controls the arrangement of the water tank by driving the tilting gear;
A humidifying assembly including a tilting plate gear formed at the rear of the tilting plate and engaging the tilting gear to adjust the arrangement of the tilting plate. According to clause 9,
a steam generator that receives water from the water tank and generates steam by heating the supplied water;
a water tank base disposed below the water tank and sending water discharged from the water tank to the steam generator; and
A humidifying assembly further comprising a stopper disposed on an upper side of the water tank base and forming an inclined surface to limit a range in which the tilting plate is tilted. According to claim 1,
a steam generator that receives water from the water tank and generates steam by heating the supplied water; and
A humidifying assembly further comprising a drain pump that discharges water from the steam generator to the outside. According to claim 11,
The sensing unit,
A first sensing unit that detects the lowest water level of the water tank;
It includes a second sensing unit that detects a water level higher than the first sensing unit,
The position of the second sensing unit is formed based on the minimum amount of water used to operate the steam generator and the minimum amount of water used to cool the water heated in the steam generator and drained by the drain pump,
The position of the first sensing unit is based on the minimum amount of water used to cool the water heated by the steam generator and drained by the drain pump. According to claim 12,
The sensing unit includes a third sensing unit disposed at the uppermost position among the plurality of sensing units,
The third sensing unit is a humidification assembly formed at a maximum water level at which water does not overflow into the inlet when the water tank is tilted, and below the water level at which the maximum amount of water supplied to the steam generator is removed. According to claim 12,
A humidifying assembly in which the gap between the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit exceeds a range in which the electrostatic capacitance sensed by each of the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit interferes. According to claim 13,
The tank is,
a lower body having a constant cross-sectional area perpendicular to the height direction of the water tank;
An upper body disposed above the lower body and having a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the height direction of the water tank decreases upward,
A humidifying assembly in which the distance between the first sensing unit and the third sensing unit is smaller than the vertical length of the lower body. According to claim 1,
The module housing cover is,
A humidifying assembly including a wire guider that secures the arrangement of wires connected to the printed circuit board and extending in the direction of the circumferential surface of the water tank housing.

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