Steam generator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steam generator, which includes: a steam shell forming an outer shape and having a space for storing water formed therein; a steam heater, which is arranged inside the steam shell and generates steam by heating the water stored inside the steam shell by applying power; a water pipe, which is arranged on one side of the circumferential surface of the steam shell and is formed with a connecting hole, wherein the connecting hole allows water to flow from the outside into the interior of the steam shell, or allows water inside the steam shell to flow out to the outside; an air intake portion, which is arranged on the upper surface of the steam shell and is formed with an air intake port, wherein the air intake port allows air to flow into the interior of the steam shell; and a steam discharge portion, which is arranged on the upper surface of the steam shell at a predetermined interval from the air intake portion and is formed with a steam discharge port for discharging steam generated inside the steam shell and air flowing in through the air intake portion to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steam generator, and more particularly, to a steam generator installed in an indoor unit of an air conditioner and discharging humidified air. Background Art

[0002] Split-type air conditioners have an indoor unit located indoors and an outdoor unit located outdoors. Refrigerant circulates between the indoor and outdoor units to comfortably control the indoor environment. To enhance indoor comfort, air conditioners can control the temperature of indoor spaces by performing cooling, heating, or dehumidification functions. However, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for air conditioners that can also perform humidification functions to adjust the humidity in indoor spaces, further enhancing indoor comfort.

[0003] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0109738 (referred to as Prior Art 1) discloses a vertical indoor unit provided with a humidifying device capable of providing humidification, and discloses an air conditioner capable of controlling the humidity of an indoor space.

[0004] In the vertical indoor unit of prior art 1, the humidifier is installed inside the main body that forms the exterior of the indoor unit. Furthermore, the humidifier of prior art 1 is structured so that water from a drain pan is stored in a water tank, the stored water is used to wet an absorption member, and the water absorbed by the absorption member is naturally evaporated.

[0005] The humidifier of prior art 1 does not use clean water, but uses condensed water flowing from the heat exchanger. The water stored in the water tank may contain a large amount of impurities separated from the heat exchanger surface, and there is a high possibility that mold or bacteria will grow in the impurities.

[0006] Furthermore, in the humidifier of the prior art 1, since water evaporates from the inside of the body, there is a problem that the evaporated water may adhere to the components or inner walls inside the body and cause mold or bacteria to grow inside the body.

[0007] In the humidifier of prior art 1, water evaporates from the inside of the main body. Even if the air supply fan is running, the water evaporated by the air supply fan is not all spit out into the room. When the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger is low, there is a problem of re-adhering to the surface of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0008] Furthermore, when the indoor temperature is low, the humidity of the indoor air decreases. Therefore, heating is usually performed under indoor conditions that require humidification. The humidification device of prior art 1 has the problem of using condensed water from the indoor heat exchanger to provide humidification. Therefore, humidification can only be provided during cooling, and cannot be provided during heating because no condensed water is generated.

[0009] Korean Authorized Utility Model Publication No. 20-0446245 (hereinafter referred to as prior art 2) discloses an air conditioner including a steam humidifier that boils water to generate steam and discharges the generated steam into a room, thereby humidifying the room.

[0010] Prior Art 2 comprises a water tank, a water supply pipe, a heater pipe, and a steam exhaust pipe. The heater pipe heats water, and steam is discharged into the room through the steam exhaust pipe. While Prior Art 2 uses the pressure of the water stored in the tank to supply water to the heater pipe, it lacks a mechanism for draining the stored water. Specifically, as in Prior Art 1 and Prior Art 2, the humidification device utilizes a water tank to store water. However, due to the lack of a mechanism for draining the water when humidification is not required, there is a problem of contamination of the water storage area with bacteria or mold when not in use.

[0011] Since the humidified air discharged into the indoor space is contaminated, even if the humidity control function is performed, it may cause discomfort or harm to the user. Furthermore, in the prior art 2 method of heating water, scale generated during heating forms inside the humidifier and on the surface of the heater, resulting in poor performance and shortened lifespan of the humidifier.

[0012] Furthermore, in Conventional Technology 2, the steam particles contained in the generated humidified air are large in size. Therefore, there is a problem that, without an additional member for flowing the air, it is impossible to humidify a large indoor space by discharging the heated steam.

[0013] Prior art literature

[0014] Patent Literature

[0015] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0109738

[0016] Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-0446245 Summary of the Invention

[0017] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0018] An object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator that discharges uncontaminated humidified air.

[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator capable of preventing residual water and the like from contaminating the interior of the steam generator.

[0020] An object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator that humidifies a wide area of a room by controlling the flow rate of humidified air discharged from the steam generator.

[0021] An object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator in which a drain assembly is not damaged by water discharged from the steam generator.

[0022] An object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator that prevents water heated in the steam generator from flowing back to a water supply assembly.

[0023] An object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator in which, even when water is supplied to the highest water level of the steam generator, air supplied to an air intake portion can be smoothly supplied to the steam generator, thereby ensuring a discharge flow rate of humidified air.

[0024] The present invention aims to provide a steam generator that minimizes scale buildup inside the steam generator by heating stored water, thereby maintaining humidification performance for a long period of time. The present invention also aims to provide a steam generator that rapidly humidifies a wide area of a room by providing humidified air discharged from the steam generator with fine moisture particles.

[0025] The subject matter of the present invention is not limited to the subject matter mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other subjects not mentioned through the following description.

[0026] Technical solutions to the problem

[0027] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the steam generator of the present invention includes: a steam housing; a steam heater that heats water within the steam housing; a water pipe having a communication hole formed therein for allowing water to flow from the outside into the steam housing or for allowing water within the steam housing to flow out; an air intake portion having an air intake port formed therein for allowing air to flow into the steam housing; and a steam discharge portion having a steam discharge port formed therein for discharging steam generated within the steam housing and air flowing in through the air intake portion to the outside. Therefore, the water within the steam housing can be discharged to the outside through the water pipe, and the provision of a separate air intake port for inhaling air allows the flow rate of the discharged humidified air to be adjusted.

[0028] The steam shell includes: a lower steam shell, which has a space for arranging a steam heater formed therein and is open toward the upper side; and an upper steam shell, which is used to cover the open upper side of the lower steam shell and has the air intake port and the steam outlet formed on its upper surface, and the water pipe is arranged on one side of the lower steam shell.

[0029] A steam heater installation hole is formed on one side surface of the lower steam shell, and the steam heater is installed through the steam heater installation hole.

[0030] The area of the air intake port is formed to be larger than the area of the steam discharge port, so that the flow rate of the humidified air discharged from the steam discharge port can be adjusted.

[0031] The height of the steam discharge portion from the bottom surface of the steam housing is formed to be higher than the height of the air intake portion from the bottom surface of the steam housing, so that steam generated in the steam housing can be gathered on the steam discharge portion side.

[0032] The air intake unit is disposed on the upper side of the steam housing and is connected to a humidifying fan for flowing external air into the interior of the steam housing. This allows air to flow into the interior of the steam housing, thereby ensuring a flow rate and humidification amount of the air discharged from the steam outlet. Furthermore, the interior of the steam housing can be dried.

[0033] The water pipe is connected to a water connecting pipe, which is arranged on the lower side of the circumferential surface of the steam housing, thereby supplying water supplied from the outside to the interior of the steam housing or draining water stored in the interior of the steam housing to the outside. The water connecting pipe may include: a second connecting pipe connected to the water pipe; a first connecting pipe connected to the second connecting pipe for allowing water supplied to the interior of the steam housing to flow; a third connecting pipe connected to the second connecting pipe for allowing water drained from the interior of the steam housing to flow; and a T-tube connecting the first connecting pipe, the second connecting pipe, and the third connecting pipe to each other, thereby allowing water to flow into the interior of the steam housing or draining water from the interior of the steam housing to the outside.

[0034] The first connecting pipe and the third connecting pipe may be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle downward in the water flow direction, thereby preventing backflow of water inside the steam housing.

[0035] The first connecting pipe forms a flow path longer than that of the third connecting pipe, thereby preventing backflow of water inside the steam housing.

[0036] The first connecting pipe is connected to a supply plotter, which adjusts the water stored inside the steam shell to be supplied to a set water level. The air intake port is formed to be separated by a predetermined interval from the set water level toward the upper side. Therefore, even if the water stored inside the steam shell reaches the highest water level, space for the water flowing into the air intake part can be ensured, and even if the air flowing in the air intake part causes the water to vibrate in the upper and lower directions, the water can be prevented from overflowing from the air intake part.

[0037] A water level sensor is included, which is used to detect the lowest water level and the highest water level inside the steam shell. The air intake port is arranged at a predetermined interval upward than the highest water level inside the steam shell detected by the water level sensor. Therefore, even if water accumulates inside the steam shell to the highest water level, space for water flowing into the air intake part can be ensured to flow. Moreover, even if the air flowing in the air intake part causes the water to vibrate in the up and down directions, water can be prevented from overflowing toward the air intake part.

[0038] The water level sensor may be configured to protrude from the upper surface of the steam housing toward the inside of the steam housing and be disposed between the air intake portion and the steam discharge portion, thereby extending a flow path of air flowing from the air intake portion to the steam discharge port.

[0039] The water level sensor includes: a first water level sensor for detecting the lowest water level inside the steam shell; and a second water level sensor for detecting the highest water level inside the steam shell. The air intake port is arranged to be spaced further upward than the lower end of the second water level sensor. Therefore, even if water accumulates inside the steam shell to the highest water level, space for the water flowing into the air intake part can be ensured to flow. Moreover, even if the air flowing in the air intake part causes the water to vibrate in the up and down directions, water can be prevented from overflowing from the air intake part.

[0040] The steam heater has a U-shape protruding from the rear toward the front of the steam housing and can be arranged on the bottom surface inside the steam housing, thereby being able to quickly heat water inside the steam housing.

[0041] A steam outlet port facing upward is formed at a protruding end portion of the steam heater, and the air inlet port is formed at a position spaced a predetermined distance rearward from the steam outlet port.

[0042] The steam heater may include: a first heater portion, which is arranged in parallel; a second heater portion, which is arranged in parallel and arranged on the inner side of the first heater portion; and a heater seat, which provides power to the first heater portion and the second heater portion respectively, thereby operating the first heater portion and the second heater portion separately or simultaneously according to the operation mode.

[0043] The first heater unit and the second heater unit may respectively include: a heating unit, which is arranged inside the steam shell and heats water inside the steam shell; and a power supply applying unit, which is arranged outside the steam shell and applies power to the heating unit, thereby supplying power applied from the outside to the inside of the steam shell.

[0044] The steam generator also includes: a steam heater fixing portion for fixing the front ends of the first heater portion and the second heater portion arranged inside the steam shell. The heater seat can stably fix the first heater portion and the second heater portion arranged inside the steam shell by fixing the rear ends of the first heater portion and the second heater portion arranged inside the steam shell.

[0045] Effects of the Invention

[0046] The indoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention has one or more of the following effects.

[0047] First, the water pipe used to flow water from the outside into the steam generator also functions to drain the water inside the steam generator. This provides a structure capable of drying the interior of the steam generator through the air intake portion for draining the water inside the steam generator or allowing air to flow in. This allows the water stored inside the steam generator to remain uncontaminated. Furthermore, since the humidified air discharged from the steam generator is uncontaminated water and is discharged along with the outside air, it also offers the advantage of being able to discharge uncontaminated humidified air.

[0048] Secondly, by connecting the air intake to a humidifying fan for flowing outside air into the room, the flow rate of the humidified air discharged from the steam generator that generates steam by heating can be ensured, thereby having the advantage of being able to humidify a wide area in the room.

[0049] Third, by adjusting the configuration and length of the first connecting pipe to increase the flow resistance of the first connecting pipe for supplying water to the steam generator, it is possible to prevent the heated water in the steam generator from flowing back to the outside, thereby having the advantage of being able to extend the service life of the steam generator and related structures.

[0050] Fourthly, the air intake portion disposed on the top surface of the steam housing is disposed above the full water level at a predetermined distance, thereby providing an advantage of smoothly supplying humidified air regardless of the water level inside the steam housing.

[0051] Fifth, the water stored in the steam generator can be discharged through a water pipe arranged on one side of the steam shell, and the interior of the steam generator can be dried through the air intake part. Thus, by having this structure, the scale generated inside the steam generator can be minimized, thereby having the advantage of being able to maintain the humidification performance of the steam generator for a long time.

[0052] Sixth, the steam generator of the present invention features a structure that mixes steam generated by heating water with air drawn into an air intake portion and discharges the mixture from a steam discharge portion. This mixing of steam generated during heating and air further atomizes the steam particles. Consequently, the humidified air discharged from the steam generator contains fine moisture particles, offering the advantage of being able to quickly humidify a wide area of a room. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded perspective view of .

[0055] Figure 3 It is from Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the indoor unit with the door assembly separated.

[0056] Figure 4 Assembled in Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the humidification assembly and water tank of the lower box.

[0057] Figure 5 It is a rear side perspective view of a humidifying assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of a water tank and a water supply assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 7 It is from Figure 6 Exploded perspective view when viewed from the bottom side.

[0060] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Left side sectional view.

[0061] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 Front sectional view of .

[0062] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the water tank is shown in FIG.

[0063] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view of a water tank and a water supply assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Magnified image of .

[0065] Figure 13 It shows Figure 3 A front view of the interior of the lower box is shown in FIG.

[0066] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the water supply assembly and the steam generator is shown in FIG.

[0067] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Stereoscopic image.

[0068] Figure 16 FIG. 1 is a top view showing a drain assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A front cross-sectional view of the drain assembly is shown in FIG.

[0070] Figure 18 yes Figure 16Right side view of the drain assembly shown in .

[0071] Figure 19 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a steam generator is shown in FIG.

[0072] Figure 20 It is marked Figure 19 An example diagram of the water level in a steam generator is shown in FIG.

[0073] Figure 21 This is an example diagram showing the water level inside the steam generator when the indoor unit is tilted.

[0074] Figure 22 This is a graph showing how the drainage speed varies depending on the diameter and configuration of the water pipe and the voltage applied to the drainage pump according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 23 This is a graph showing temperature changes in the interior of a steam generator, a water supply flow path, and a drain flow path according to the diameter and arrangement of water pipes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 24 1 is a graph comparing and illustrating scale generated in a drain pump and the temperature of a steam heater according to an embodiment of the present invention, and scale generated in a washer and the temperature of a steam heater.

[0077] Figure 25 1 is a graph comparing and illustrating the internal temperature and heat transfer rate of the heater according to an embodiment of the present invention and the internal temperature and heat transfer rate of the heater in the washer based on the operation cycle of the drain pump.

[0078] Figure 26 1 is a plan view showing a water supply and drainage connection structure of a steam generator, a water tank, and a drainage pump according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] The advantages, features, and methods of achieving the same will become apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms. These embodiments are provided solely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the present invention of its scope. The present invention is limited solely by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0080] Throughout the present invention, the terms "first, second, ..." are used to distinguish between components and have no bearing on the priority or importance of each component. The directions of up (U), down (D), left (Le), right (Ri), front (F), and rear (R) shown in the drawings are for convenience of description and do not limit the scope of the invention. Therefore, these directions may be set differently when the reference is changed.

[0081] The steam generator of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This section will also describe the structure of an indoor unit of an air conditioner in which an embodiment of the steam generator of the present invention can be installed, as well as the structure of a humidifying assembly installed within the indoor unit and operating in conjunction with the steam generator. The specific structure and configuration of the steam generator of the present invention, as well as the features derived from these structures and configurations, will also be described.

[0082] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded perspective view of . Figure 3 It is from Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the indoor unit with the door assembly separated.

[0083] The air conditioner of this embodiment includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit (not shown) connected to the indoor unit via a refrigerant pipe and configured to circulate refrigerant.

[0084] The outdoor unit includes: a compressor (not shown) that compresses refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) that receives refrigerant from the compressor and condenses the received refrigerant; an outdoor fan (not shown) that supplies air to the outdoor heat exchanger; and an accumulator (not shown) that receives the refrigerant discharged from the indoor unit and then supplies only gas refrigerant to the compressor.

[0085] The outdoor unit may further include a four-way valve (not shown) to enable the indoor unit to operate in cooling mode or heating mode. When operating in cooling mode, refrigerant evaporates from the indoor unit to cool the indoor air. When operating in heating mode, refrigerant condenses in the indoor unit to heat the indoor air.

[0086] <<Composition of the indoor unit>>

[0087] The indoor unit includes: a box assembly 100, which has an opening formed on the front and an air inlet 101 formed on the back; a door assembly 200, which is assembled in the box assembly 100, covers the front of the box assembly 100, and opens / closes the front of the box assembly 100; a fan assembly, which is arranged in the internal space S of the box assembly 100 and discharges the air in the internal space S into the room; a heat exchange assembly, which is arranged between the fan assembly and the box assembly 100, and exchanges heat between the inhaled indoor air and the refrigerant; and a humidifying assembly 2000, which is arranged in the box assembly 100 and provides moisture to the room.

[0088] The indoor unit includes an air inlet 101 disposed on the back of the housing assembly 100 , side outlets 301 and 302 disposed on the sides of the housing assembly 100 , and a front outlet 201 disposed on the front of the housing assembly 100 .

[0089] The suction port 101 is disposed on the back side of the box assembly 100 .

[0090] The side outlets 301 and 302 are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the box assembly 100. In this embodiment, when viewed from the front of the box assembly 100, the side outlet arranged on the left is defined as the first side outlet 301, and the side outlet arranged on the right is defined as the second side outlet 302.

[0091] The front outlet 201 is disposed on the door assembly 200 . The door assembly 200 further includes a door cover assembly 1200 that automatically opens and closes the front outlet 201 .

[0092] After the front outlet 201 is opened, the door cover assembly 1200 can move downward along the door assembly 200. The door cover assembly 1200 can move in the up and down directions relative to the door assembly 200.

[0093] After the door cover assembly 1200 moves downward, the remote fan assembly 400 can pass through the door assembly 200 and move forward.

[0094] The fan assembly 400 is composed of a short-distance fan assembly and a long-distance fan assembly 400. The heat exchange assembly 500 is disposed behind the short-distance fan assembly and the long-distance fan assembly 400.

[0095] The heat exchange assembly 500 is disposed inside the box assembly 100 and located behind the suction port 101 . The heat exchange assembly 500 covers the suction port 101 and is disposed vertically.

[0096] The short-distance fan assembly and the long-distance fan assembly 400 are disposed in front of the heat exchange assembly 500 . Air drawn into the inlet 101 passes through the heat exchange assembly 500 and then flows toward the short-distance fan assembly and the long-distance fan assembly 400 .

[0097] The heat exchange assembly 500 is manufactured to have a length corresponding to the height of the short-distance fan assembly and the long-distance fan assembly 400 .

[0098] The short-distance fan assembly and the long-distance fan assembly 400 can be stacked in an up-down direction. In this embodiment, the long-distance fan assembly 400 is disposed above the short-distance fan assembly. By locating the long-distance fan assembly 400 above, the discharged air can be directed to a distant part of the room.

[0099] The close-range fan assembly blows out air toward the side of the box assembly 100. The close-range fan assembly can provide indirect wind to the user. The close-range fan assembly blows out air toward the left and right sides of the box assembly 100 at the same time.

[0100] The long-distance fan assembly 400 is located above the short-distance fan assembly and is disposed on the upper inner side of the box assembly 100 .

[0101] The remote fan assembly 400 blows air toward the front of the box assembly 100. The remote fan assembly provides direct airflow to the user. In addition, the remote fan assembly blows air far away from the indoor space, thereby improving indoor air circulation.

[0102] In this embodiment, the remote fan assembly 400 is exposed to the user only when in operation. When the remote fan assembly 400 is in operation, the remote fan assembly 400 passes through the door assembly 200 and is exposed to the user. When the remote fan assembly 400 is not in operation, the remote fan assembly 400 is hidden within the interior of the housing assembly 100.

[0103] In particular, the remote fan assembly 400 can control the direction of air discharge. Taking the front of the box assembly 100 as a reference, the remote fan assembly 400 can discharge air toward the upper side, lower side, left side, right side or diagonal direction.

[0104] The door assembly 200 is located in front of the box assembly 100 and is assembled with the box assembly 100 .

[0105] The door assembly 200 can slide in the left-right direction relative to the box assembly 100 and can expose a portion of the front surface of the box assembly 100 to the outside.

[0106] The door assembly 200 can be moved in either the left or right direction to open the interior space S. Alternatively, the door assembly 200 can be moved in either the left or right direction to open only a portion of the interior space S.

[0107] The humidifying assembly 2000 provides moisture to the inner space S of the housing assembly 100 , and the provided moisture can be discharged into the room via the short-range fan assembly. The humidifying assembly 2000 includes a detachable water tank 2100 .

[0108] In this embodiment, the humidifying assembly 2000 is disposed at the lower side of the box assembly 100. The space where the humidifying assembly 2000 is disposed and the space where the heat exchange assembly 500 is disposed are divided.

[0109] The humidifying assembly 2000 performs humidification using air filtered through the filter assembly 600 and sterilized steam, thereby blocking harmful substances such as bacteria or mold from coming into contact with the water tank.

[0110] <<Composition of the cabinet assembly>>

[0111] In the housing assembly 100, the steam generator 2300 receives water from the water supply assembly 2200 and generates steam. The steam generator 2300 generates steam by heating water, thereby providing sterilized steam. The housing assembly 100 includes: a base 130, which is placed on the ground; a lower housing 120, which is arranged on the upper side of the base 130, and has an open front side 121, an upper side 125, and a lower side 126, while a closed left side 123, a right side 124, and a back side 122; and an upper housing 110, which is arranged on the upper side of the lower housing 120, and has an open back side 116, a front side 111, and a lower side 116, on which the suction port 101 is formed, while a closed left side 113, a right side 114, and an upper side 115.

[0112] The interior of the upper housing 110 is defined as a first interior space S1 , and the interior of the lower housing 120 is defined as a second interior space S2 . The first interior space S1 and the second interior space S2 constitute the interior space S of the housing assembly 100 .

[0113] The upper housing 110 is provided with a short-distance fan assembly 300 , a long-distance fan assembly 400 , and a heat exchange assembly 500 .

[0114] A humidifying assembly 2000 is disposed inside the lower housing 120 .

[0115] A drain pan 140 is disposed between the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120 to support the heat exchange assembly 500. In this embodiment, the drain pan 140 seals a portion of the lower side 116 of the upper housing 110.

[0116] When the housing assembly 100 is assembled, the bottom surface 116 of the upper housing 110 is shielded by the humidifying assembly 2000 and the drain pan 140 , and the air inside the upper housing 110 is blocked from flowing toward the lower housing 120 .

[0117] A door assembly 200 is disposed in front of the box assembly 100 . The door assembly 200 can slide in left and right directions relative to the box assembly 100 .

[0118] When the door assembly 200 moves, a portion of the left side or the right side of the box assembly 100 may be exposed to the outside.

[0119] A discharge grille 150 is disposed at the front edge of the upper housing 110 . The discharge grille 150 is located at the rear side of the door assembly 200 .

[0120] The discharge grille 150 may be integrally formed with the upper housing 110. In this embodiment, the discharge grille 150 may be separately manufactured by injection molding and then assembled to the upper housing 110.

[0121] The discharge grille arranged in front of the left side surface 113 is defined as a left discharge grille 151 , and the discharge grille arranged in front of the right side surface 114 is defined as a right discharge grille 152 .

[0122] The left discharge grille 151 and the right discharge grille 152 are respectively formed with side discharge ports 301 and 302. The side discharge ports 301 and 302 are respectively formed through the left discharge grille 151 and the right discharge grille 152.

[0123] In this embodiment, a cover 160 is disposed in front of the upper box body 110 and the lower box body 120 . The cover 160 is used to block direct contact between the air inside the box body 100 and the door assembly 200 .

[0124] When cold air directly contacts the door assembly 200 , condensation may occur, thereby causing a problem of adversely affecting the circuits constituting the door assembly 200 .

[0125] Therefore, the cover 160 is disposed in front of the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120 , and the cover 160 allows the air inside the housing 100 to flow only toward the front outlet 201 or the side outlets 301 , 302 .

[0126] The cover 160 includes an upper cover 162 for covering the front of the upper housing 110 , a lower cover 164 for covering the front of the lower housing 120 , and a remote fan cover 166 for covering the front of the remote fan assembly 400 .

[0127] The remote fan cover 166 can be made into one piece with the upper cover 162. In this embodiment, the remote fan cover 166 and the upper cover 162 are manufactured separately and then assembled.

[0128] The remote fan cover 166 is located in front of the remote fan assembly 400 and on the upper side of the upper cover 162. The remote fan cover 166 and the front side of the upper cover 162 form a continuous plane.

[0129] The remote fan cover 166 is formed with a fan cover outlet 161 that opens in the front-to-back direction. The fan cover outlet 161 is connected to the front outlet 201 and is located behind the front outlet 201. The outlet grille 450 of the remote fan assembly 400 can pass through the fan cover outlet 161 and the front outlet 201 and move toward the front of the door assembly 200.

[0130] A door assembly 200 is disposed in front of the fan cover outlet 161. The fan cover outlet 161 is located behind the panel outlet 1101, which will be described later. When the remote fan assembly 400 moves forward, the outlet grille 450 passes through the fan cover outlet 161, the panel outlet 1101, and the front outlet 201 in sequence.

[0131] That is, the panel outlet 1101 is located behind the front outlet 201 , and the fan cover outlet 161 is located behind the panel outlet 1101 .

[0132] The remote fan cover 166 is coupled to the front upper side of the upper housing 110 , and the upper cover 162 is coupled to the front lower side of the upper housing 110 .

[0133] The lower cover 164 is located at the lower side of the upper cover 162 and can be assembled to the lower housing 120 or the humidifying assembly 2000. After assembly, the front surfaces of the lower cover 164 and the upper cover 162 form a continuous surface.

[0134] The lower cover 164 has a water tank opening 167 that opens in the front-rear direction. The water tank 2100 can be attached or detached through the water tank opening 167 .

[0135] The lower cover 164 is located at the front lower side of the drain pan 140. Even if the entire front of the lower box body 120 is not completely covered, the air inside the upper box body 110 will not leak. Therefore, it is not a problem if the entire front of the lower box body 120 is not completely covered.

[0136] In order to repair, service and replace the humidifying assembly 2000, a portion of the front of the lower housing 120 is preferably open. In this embodiment, a portion of the front of the lower housing 120 is formed with an open surface 169 that is not covered by the lower cover 164.

[0137] When the door assembly 200 is opened at the first level, only the lower cover 164 formed with the water tank opening 167 is exposed to the user. When the door assembly 200 is opened at the second level, the opening surface 169 is also exposed to the user.

[0138] The door assembly 200 slides in the left-right direction by the operation of the door sliding module 1300. The state in which the entire water tank opening 167 is exposed by the sliding of the door assembly 200 is defined as the first-level opening, and the state in which the opening surface 169 is exposed by the sliding of the door assembly 200 is defined as the second-level opening.

[0139] The exposed front surface of the box assembly 100 when the first level is opened is defined as a first open surface OP1 , and the exposed front surface of the box assembly 100 when the second level is opened is defined as a second open surface OP2 .

[0140] <<Composition of the close-range fan assembly>>

[0141] The short-distance fan assembly is configured to blow air toward the side of the box assembly 100. The short-distance fan assembly provides indirect wind to the user.

[0142] The short-range fan assembly is disposed in front of the heat exchange assembly 500 .

[0143] <<Composition of remote fan assembly>>

[0144] The remote fan assembly 400 is configured to blow air toward the front of the box assembly 100. The remote fan assembly 400 provides direct airflow to the user.

[0145] The remote fan assembly 400 is disposed in front of the heat exchange assembly 500. The remote fan assembly 400 is stacked on the upper side of the close-range fan assembly.

[0146] The remote fan assembly 400 discharges air toward the front outlet 201 formed in the door assembly 200. The diverter grille 450 of the remote fan assembly 400 is configured to rotate upward, downward, leftward, rightward, or diagonally. The remote fan assembly 400 discharges air toward a distant portion of the indoor space, thereby improving indoor air circulation.

[0147] Figure 4 Assembled in Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the humidification assembly and water tank of the lower box. Figure 5 It is a rear side perspective view of a humidifying assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of a water tank and a water supply assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 It is from Figure 6 Exploded perspective view when viewed from the bottom side. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Left side sectional view. Figure 9 yes Figure 6 Front sectional view of . Figure 10 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the water tank is shown in FIG. Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view of a water tank and a water supply assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Magnified image of .

[0148] <<<Composition of the humidification unit>>>

[0149] The humidifying assembly 2000 provides moisture to the discharge flow path of the fan assembly 400, and the provided moisture can be discharged into the room. The humidifying assembly 2000 can be selectively operated by an operation signal from a control unit.

[0150] In this embodiment, the water supplied from the humidifying assembly 2000 can be directly supplied to the side discharge ports 301 and 302. The water supplied from the humidifying assembly 2000 can be in an atomized state or a vapor state. In this embodiment, the humidifying assembly 2000 converts the water in the water tank 2100 into vapor and supplies it to the discharge flow path.

[0151] In this embodiment, the humidifying assembly 2000 is disposed on the lower inner side of the box assembly 100 , specifically, inside the lower box 120 .

[0152] The humidifying assembly 2000 is mounted on the base 130 and surrounded by the lower housing 120. A drain pan 140 is located above the humidifying assembly 2000. Steam generated in the humidifying assembly 2000 flows directly to the side outlets 301 and 302 through the steam guide 2400. This separates the space containing the humidifying assembly 2000 from the space within the upper housing 110.

[0153] The humidifying assembly 2000 includes: a water tank 2100, which is arranged in the box assembly 100 and is used to store water; a steam generator 2300, which is arranged in the box assembly 100 and receives the water stored in the water tank 2100 and converts the water stored inside into steam, thereby generating humidified air; a humidifying fan 2500, which is arranged in the box assembly 100 and combined with the steam generator 2300, and supplies the filtered air passing through the filter assembly 600 to the steam generator 2300; a steam guide 2400, which is arranged in the box assembly 100 00, guiding the humidified air generated in the steam generator 2300 to the side outlets 301 and 302 of the box assembly 100 through independent flow paths; a water supply assembly 2200, which is arranged in the box assembly 100, and the water tank 2100 can be detachably placed in the water supply assembly 2200, providing the water in the water tank 2100 to the steam generator 2300; and a drainage assembly 2700, which is connected to the water supply assembly 2200 and the steam generator 2300, and discharges the water in the water supply assembly 2200 and the steam generator 2300 to the outside.

[0154] The humidifying fan 2500 of this embodiment can use a turbofan. The air flowing through the humidifying fan 2500 can flow into the internal space of the steam generator 2300 through the air intake portion 2318 of the steam generator 2300, and then be discharged to the outside through the steam discharge portion 2316 of the steam generator 2300. The discharge flow path connected to the steam discharge portion 2316 is formed inside the steam guide 2400 and forms a longer flow path toward the upper side. In addition, compared with the internal space of the steam generator 2300, the flow path area of the discharge flow path formed inside the steam guide 2400 is reduced, so a greater pressure is required to form an air flow with a predetermined flow rate or more on the discharge flow path. The humidifying fan 2500 of this embodiment can use a turbofan that can maintain a constant pressure performance on the discharge flow path.

[0155] <<Composition of water tank>>

[0156] When one stage of the door assembly 200 is opened, the water tank 2100 is exposed to the outside. When the door assembly 200 is not opened, the water tank 2100 is not exposed to the outside.

[0157] The door assembly 200 slides in the left-right direction by the operation of the door sliding module 1300. The state in which the water tank opening 167 is entirely exposed by the sliding of the door assembly 200 is defined as primary opening, and the state in which the opening surface 169 is exposed by the sliding of the door assembly 200 is defined as secondary opening.

[0158] The exposed front surface of the box assembly 100 when the first level is opened is defined as a first open surface OP1 , and the exposed front surface of the box assembly 100 when the second level is opened is defined as a second open surface OP2 .

[0159] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the front surface of the water tank 2100 is formed of a material that allows the water inside to be seen. The water tank 2100 is located on the first open surface OP1, more specifically, at the water tank opening 167. The water tank 2100 is inserted into the interior of the lower housing 120 through the water tank opening 167.

[0160] The water tank 2100 includes: a lower tank body 2110, which is placed on the water supply assembly 2200; a middle tank body 2120, which has openings on its upper and lower sides and is combined with the upper side of the lower tank body 2110, and its lower side is closed by the lower tank body 2110 to store water inside it; an upper tank body 2130, which has openings on its upper and lower sides to form a water tank opening 2101, and is combined with the upper side of the middle tank body 2120; a water tank handle 2140, which is rotatably assembled on the upper tank body 2130; and a water tank valve 2150, which is assembled on the lower tank body 2110 to selectively supply the water stored inside it to the water supply assembly 2200.

[0161] The lower body 2110 is used to provide the bottom of the water tank 2100. The lower body 2110 is formed with a valve hole 2111 extending vertically therethrough. The water tank valve 2150 is assembled in the valve hole 2111. When viewed from the side of the water tank 2100, the valve hole 2111 is located at the rear side.

[0162] The distance from the center of the valve hole 2111 to the front of the water tank (in this embodiment, the front wall of the water tank, described later) is defined as T1, and the distance from the center of the valve hole 2111 to the back of the water tank (in this embodiment, the first rear wall, described later) is defined as T2. Here, T1 is greater than T2. By locating the valve hole 2111 at the rear of the water tank 2100, water leakage from the water tank valve 2150 can be minimized when the tilt assembly is in operation.

[0163] When the tilting assembly is in operation, the water tank 2100 needs to be quickly separated from the water supply assembly 2200 so that the water tank valve 2150 can be quickly closed. The front side of the water tank 2100 is tilted toward the front with the lower end as the reference, so the water tank valve 2150 is preferably located at the rear side.

[0164] In this embodiment, the box lower body 2110 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The box lower body 2110 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and its lower side is open.

[0165] A lower body space 2112 is formed inside the lower body 2110 of the tank. The lower body space 2112 is open downward. A portion of the water supply assembly 2200 can be inserted into the lower body space 2112.

[0166] The lower body 2110 can be detachably mounted on the water supply assembly 2200. The front, left, right and upper sides of the lower body 2110 are closed.

[0167] The box middle body 2120 includes: an upper middle body opening portion 2121 with an opening on the upper side; and a lower middle body opening portion 2122 with an opening on the lower side.

[0168] The front, left, right and back sides of the box middle body 2120 are closed, and only the upper and lower sides are open. The box middle body 2120 includes a box front wall 2123, a box left wall 2124, a box right wall 2125 and a box rear wall 2126.

[0169] The box front wall 2123, the box left wall 2124 and the box right wall 2125 are arranged vertically in the up-down direction. The box rear wall 2126 is arranged vertically and is curved in the front-back direction.

[0170] The rear wall 2126 of the box includes: a first rear wall 2126a, which is combined with the lower main body 2110 of the box and forms a continuous surface with the back of the lower main body 2110 of the box; a second rear wall 2126b, which is combined with the upper main body 2130 of the box and forms a continuous surface with the upper main body 2130 of the box, and is located at a position closer to the front side than the first rear wall 2126a; and a connecting wall 2126c, which is used to connect the first rear wall 2126a and the second rear wall 2126b.

[0171] The connecting wall 2126c is formed to be inclined in the vertical direction. The connecting wall 2126c is arranged so that its front side is higher and its rear side is lower.

[0172] The first rear wall 2126a is located behind the connecting wall 2126c, and the second rear wall 2126b is located in front of the connecting wall 2126c. In the front-to-back direction, a distance T3 is formed between the first rear wall 2126a and the second rear wall 2126b.

[0173] Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the tank middle body 2120 including the first rear wall 2126a is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the tank middle body 2120 including the second rear wall 2126b. With the above structure, when water is stored in the water tank 2100, the center of gravity of the water tank 2100 can be positioned at the rear side.

[0174] When the water tank 2100 is tilted forward due to the tilting assembly, this can prevent the water tank 2100 from leaning forward and falling down.

[0175] The upper box body 2130 is coupled to the upper side of the middle box body 2120. When viewed from above, the upper box body 2130 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0176] The upper body 2130 is open in the vertical direction. The upper body 2130 is formed with an upper body opening 2131 communicating with the middle body upper opening 2121. The middle body opening 2122 is disposed below the upper body opening 2131.

[0177] The water tank handle 2140 is rotatably assembled to the tank upper body 2130 .

[0178] The water tank handle 2140 is disposed inside the upper tank body 2130 and is hidden from the user when the water tank handle 2140 is stored in the lower tank body 120 .

[0179] To this end, a handle setting groove 2132 for setting the water tank handle 2140 is formed on the inner side of the tank upper body 2130.

[0180] The handle setting groove 2132 is formed on the front side of the box upper body 2130.

[0181] When viewed from above, the handle setting groove 2132 is arranged within the thickness of the upper box body 2130 and is formed by being recessed from the upper side surface of the upper box body 2130 to the lower side.

[0182] In this embodiment, the handle arrangement groove 2132 is formed on the outer side of the box upper body 2130. Unlike this embodiment, the handle arrangement groove 2132 can also be configured on the inner side of the box upper body 2130.

[0183] The water tank handle 2140 includes: a handle main body 2142 formed in a "C" shape; a handle shaft 2144 that rotatably couples the handle main body 2142 and the upper box main body 2130; and a handle elastic member (not shown) disposed on the handle main body 2142 or the handle shaft 2144 and supported by the upper box main body 2130.

[0184] The handle elastic member provides an elastic force in a direction for raising the front end side of the handle main body 2142. In this embodiment, the handle elastic member may employ a torsion spring.

[0185] When the water tank 2100 tilts forward, the water tank handle 2140 rotates to the outside of the handle setting groove 2132 through the handle elastic member.

[0186] If the water tank 2100 is inserted into the water tank opening 167, the water tank handle 2140 interferes with the lower cover 164 and is thus received in the handle setting groove 2132.

[0187] The lower box main body 2110 includes: a lower main body top wall 2113 that abuts against the lower opening of the intermediate main body 2122 and seals the lower opening of the intermediate main body 2122; a lower main body side wall 2114 that extends downward from the lower main body top wall 2113 and is placed on the water supply assembly 2200; and a valve setting portion 2115 that protrudes downward from the lower main body top wall 2113 and has a valve hole 2111 penetrating the lower main body top wall 2113 in the vertical direction.

[0188] The lower main body top wall 2113 forms the upper side surface of the lower box main body 2110 and shields the lower opening of the intermediate main body 2122. In this embodiment, the lower main body top wall 2113 and the intermediate main body 2120 are ultrasonically welded to prevent water leakage, and the bottom surface of the intermediate main body 2120 is sealed.

[0189] The valve setting portion 2115 has a valve hole 2111 penetrating the lower main body top wall 2113 in the vertical direction. The valve setting portion 2115 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0190] The water tank valve 2150 is assembled to the valve setting portion 2115. The water tank valve 2150 can move a predetermined distance in the vertical direction in a state of being assembled to the valve setting portion 2115, whereby the valve hole 2111 can be opened.

[0191] The water tank valve 2150 functionally has the function of a check valve and is most suitable for the structure of this embodiment in terms of structure.

[0192] The valve setting portion 2115 includes: a cylindrical extension setting portion 2116 extending long from the lower main body top wall 2113 toward the lower side; and an assembly setting portion 2117 arranged inside the extension setting portion 2116 and used to assemble the water tank valve 2150.

[0193] The extension portion 2116 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its upper and lower sides opened. The assembly portion 2117 is formed across the interior of the extension portion 2116. In this embodiment, the assembly portion 2117 is formed along the horizontal direction.

[0194] The assembly setting portion 2117 divides the valve hole 2111 into an upper side and a lower side.

[0195] The upper side of the assembly setting portion 2117 is defined as an upper valve hole 2111 a , and the lower side of the assembly setting portion 2117 is defined as a lower valve hole 2111 b .

[0196] The lower body 2110 of the box also includes: an assembly hole 2117a, which passes through the assembly setting part 2117 in the up and down directions, and the water tank valve 2150 is assembled in the assembly hole 2117a; and a setting part hole 2118, which passes through the assembly setting part 2117 in the up and down directions, and is used to connect the upper valve hole 2111a and the lower valve hole 2111b.

[0197] The assembly hole 2117 a and the setting portion hole 2118 are both located inside the valve setting portion 2115 .

[0198] The assembly hole 2117a is located at the center of the valve setting portion 2115, and the setting portion hole 2118 is located further outward than the assembly hole 2117a. The setting portion hole 2118 is located between the extension portion 2116 and the assembly hole 2117a.

[0199] Since the water tank valve 2150 is installed in the installation hole 2117 a , it is not possible to expect smooth flow of water. The water in the water tank 2100 flows into the water supply assembly 2200 through the installation portion hole 2118 .

[0200] <Composition of Radiator Valve>

[0201] The water tank valve 2150 includes: a valve core 2152, which is assembled on the valve setting part 2115 of the lower tank body 2110 in a manner that it can move along the up and down directions; and a diaphragm 2154, which is formed of an elastic material and assembled with the valve core 2152, and the diaphragm 2154 selectively opens and closes the valve hole 2111 when the valve core 2152 moves up and down.

[0202] When viewed from above, the diaphragm 2154 is formed in a circular shape and is larger than the diameter of the valve hole 2111. The upper end of the diaphragm 2154 is located above the valve hole 2111, and the lower end is located inside the valve hole 2111.

[0203] In this embodiment, the diaphragm 2154 has a bowl shape that is concave downward. The valve core 2152 passes through the center of the diaphragm 2154 in the vertical direction.

[0204] The diaphragm 2154 provides elastic force to restore from the center side toward the outside.

[0205] When the water tank valve 2150 provided in the water tank 2100 is installed in the water supply assembly 2200 , the lower end of the valve core 2152 contacts the valve support member 2250 described later.

[0206] When the valve core 2152 contacts and is supported by the valve support 2250 , the water tank valve 2150 including the diaphragm 2154 is located on the valve support 2250 , and the remaining components of the water tank 2100 except the water tank valve 2150 move downward.

[0207] Therefore, when the water tank valve 2150 is supported on the valve support 2250, the diaphragm 2154 opens the valve hole 2111. On the contrary, when the water tank 2100 is separated from the water supply assembly 2200, the diaphragm 2154 closes the valve hole 2111 due to the pressure of the water.

[0208] <<Composition of water supply components>>

[0209] The water supply assembly 2200 supplies water of the water tank 2100 to the steam generator 2300. The water supply assembly 2200 opens the water tank valve 2150 of the water tank 2100 only when the water tank 2100 is seated thereon, thereby supplying water to the steam generator 2300.

[0210] The water supply assembly 2200 supports the water tank 2100 and provides a flow path from the water tank 2100 to the steam generator 2300. Furthermore, the water supply assembly 2200 can open and close the water tank valve 2150 based on the water level stored in the steam generator 2300. In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the water tank valve 2150 is achieved through a mechanical configuration rather than through electrical signals. When the water tank valve 2150 is opened and closed electrically, its wiring may be exposed to moisture or water, resulting in operational errors and safety issues.

[0211] In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the water tank valve 2150 is achieved through a mechanical connection, so that the electricity consumption of the parts in contact with water can be minimized, thereby preventing operational errors and safety accidents.

[0212] The water supply assembly 2200 includes: a supply chamber housing 2210, which is disposed on the box assembly 100 (in this embodiment, the base), temporarily storing the water supplied from the water tank 2100 in the supply chamber 2211, and supplying the water stored in the supply chamber 2211 to the steam generator 2300; a supply plotter (supply 22. The water supply unit 2210 of the water supply chamber 2211 is provided with a water plotter 2220, which is arranged in the supply chamber 2211 of the supply chamber housing 2210 and moves in the up and down directions according to the water level of the water stored in the supply chamber 2211; the supply support body 2230, which is arranged on the upper side of the supply chamber housing 2210, covers the upper side of the supply chamber 2211, and forms a part of the supply flow path 2231 for guiding the water supplied from the water tank 2100 to the supply chamber 2211. When the water tank 2100 is tilted, the supply support body 2230 supports the water tank 2100 to provide a tilt angle; the valve support 2250, which is arranged on the supply support body 2230 and contacts the water tank valve 2150 of the water tank 2100 when the water tank 2100 is placed to open the water tank valve 2150 and provide a flow path for guiding the water discharged from the water tank valve 2150 to the supply chamber 2111. a portion of the supply flow path 2231; a supply tilt cover 2260, on which the water tank 2100 can be detachably placed, the supply tilt cover 2260 being arranged between the water tank 2100 and the supply support body 2230, and being able to rotate relative to the supply support body 2230 when the water tank is tilted, and the water supply valve of the water tank being arranged to pass through the supply tilt cover 2260 to supply the water of the water tank to the supply chamber 2111; and a water bellows 2240, which is arranged between the supply tilt cover 2260 and the supply support body 2230 to connect the supply tilt cover 2260 and the supply support body 2230, and the valve support 2250 is arranged inside it, and the water supplied from the supply tilt cover 2260 is guided to the supply chamber 2211 through the supply flow path 2231 of the supply support body 2230.

[0213] The water tank valve 2150 is arranged on the lower side of the water tank 2100, the valve support 2250 and the supply support body 2230 are arranged on the lower side of the water tank valve 2150, and the supply marker 2220 is arranged on the lower side of the valve support 2250. The supply marker 2220 moves in the up and down directions within the height of the supply chamber 2211.

[0214] The water in the water tank 2100 flows into the supply chamber 2211 through the water tank valve 2150, the water bellows 2240, and the supply flow path 2231. The supply chamber 2211 temporarily stores the supplied water, and the water flows into the steam generator 2300 by the potential energy generated by its own weight.

[0215] <Structure of Supply Chamber Shell>

[0216] The supply chamber housing 2210 is disposed on the upper side of the base 130 of the cabinet assembly 100. The supply chamber housing 2210 temporarily stores water supplied from the water tank and supplies the stored water to the steam generator 2300. The supply chamber housing 2210 provides a space for accommodating a supply marker 2220, which is movable in the vertical direction within the supply chamber housing 2210.

[0217] The supply chamber shell 2210 includes: a chamber shell body 2212, which is arranged on the upper side of the base 130 of the box assembly 100; a supply chamber 2211, which is arranged on the inner side of the chamber shell body 2212, is formed to be open toward the upper side and recessed toward the lower side, and is used to temporarily store water; a rib 2215, which is arranged on at least one of the chamber shell body 2212 and the supply marker 2220, and is used to separate the bottom surface 2220a of the supply marker 2220 from the bottom surface 2211a of the supply chamber 2211; and a chamber shell pipe 2214, which is arranged on the chamber shell body 2212 and is connected to the supply chamber 2211, and is used to provide the water stored in the chamber shell 2212 to the steam generator 2300.

[0218] The supply chamber 2211 is open upward. The open upper side of the supply chamber 2211 is defined as a chamber opening surface 2213. The supply plotter 2220 is disposed within the supply chamber 2211. In this embodiment, the supply chamber 2211 is cylindrical. Corresponding to the shape of the supply chamber 2211, the cross-section of the supply plotter 2220 is circular.

[0219] The cross-sectional shape of the supply chamber 2211 preferably corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the supply plotter 2220, thereby facilitating the movement of the supply plotter 2220. The cross-sectional shape of the supply chamber 2211 can be freely formed, but if it is formed into a shape with a certain angle, the supply plotter 2220 may get stuck when moving up and down, and the installation volume may increase.

[0220] The bottom surface 2211 a of the supply chamber 2211 may be formed to be inclined toward the chamber housing tube 2214 .

[0221] In this embodiment, the rib 2215 is formed on the chamber housing body 2212. The rib 2215 protrudes upward from the bottom surface 2211a of the supply chamber 2211. The rib 2215 separates the bottom surface 2220a of the supply plotter 2220 from the bottom surface 2211a of the supply chamber 2211.

[0222] Without the ribs 2215, even if the supply chamber 2211 is filled with water, the bottom surface 2220a of the supply marker 2220 and the bottom surface 2211a of the supply chamber 2211 may be in close contact due to the surface tension of water. The supply marker 2220 may not move up and down with the water level due to this close contact.

[0223] The ribs 2215 can prevent the supply plotter 2220 from operating incorrectly due to the tight contact.

[0224] In addition, in order to prevent the side surface 2220 b of the supply plotter 2220 from being fixed to the inner wall 2211 b of the supply chamber 2211 , a clearance of 1 mm or more must be ensured between the side surface 2220 b of the supply plotter 2220 and the inner wall 2211 b of the supply chamber 2211 .

[0225] The chamber housing tube 2214 is in communication with the interior of the supply chamber 2211 . An inner end 2214 a of the chamber housing tube 2214 is in communication with the supply chamber 2211 , while an outer end 2214 b thereof protrudes toward the outside of the supply chamber 2211 .

[0226] The bottom surface 2211 a of the supply chamber 2211 is formed to be equal to or higher than the inner end 2214 a of the chamber housing tube 2214 , thereby preventing water from remaining in the supply chamber 2211 .

[0227] The outer end 2214 b of the chamber casing tube 2214 is disposed downwardly relative to the bottom surface of the supply chamber 2211 , and water stored in the supply chamber 2211 flows into the chamber casing tube 2214 due to its own weight.

[0228] The outer end 2214 b of the chamber housing tube 2214 is configured to be lower than the bottom surface 2211 a of the supply chamber 2211 .

[0229] In this embodiment, the bottom surface 2211 a of the supply chamber 2211 is located within the height of the inner end 2214 a of the chamber housing tube 2214 .

[0230] If the inner end 2214a of the chamber housing tube 2214 is higher than the bottom surface of the supply chamber 2211, water may remain inside the supply chamber 2211, thereby causing the growth of bacteria or mold. The inner end 2214a of the chamber housing tube 2214 is preferably formed to be equal to or lower than the bottom surface of the supply chamber 2211.

[0231] When the humidifying assembly 2000 is not in use (for example, in the summer when the humidity is high or when the water is stored in the water tank for a long time), all the water in the humidifying assembly 2000 including the water tank 2100 will be discharged to the outside without remaining therein.

[0232] To this end, this embodiment provides a structure in which water supplied from the water tank 2100 does not remain during the flow and can move by its own weight.

[0233] The outer end 2214b of the chamber housing tube 2214 is connected to the steam generator 2300 and supplies water to the steam generator 2300. In this embodiment, the water in the water tank 2100 flows to the steam generator 2300 by potential energy.

[0234] <Composition of Valve Support>

[0235] The valve support 2250 is disposed at the lower side of the water tank valve 2150. When the water tank 2100 is placed in the water supply assembly 2200, the valve support 2250 interferes with the water tank valve 2150 and opens the water tank valve 2150.

[0236] The valve supporter 2250 has an upper side formed in a pointed shape and supports the valve core 2152 of the water tank valve 2150 .

[0237] If the water tank 2100 is placed on the water supply assembly 2200 , the valve support 2250 interferes with the valve core 2152 , thereby pushing the water tank valve 2150 upward. Through the above process, the valve hole 2111 is opened.

[0238] When the valve hole 2111 is opened, the water in the water tank 2100 flows toward the supply support body 2230 .

[0239] The valve support 2250 may be manufactured separately, but in this embodiment, it is made integrally with the supply support body 2230 by injection molding. The valve support 2250 needs to be exposed upward from the supply support body 2230 to contact the water tank valve 2150.

[0240] The valve support member 2250 can be formed in various forms. In this embodiment, the valve support member 2250 includes a first valve support member 2252 and a second valve support member 2254. The first valve support member 2252 and the second valve support member 2254 are separated from each other to form a valve support member gap 2256. Water can flow between the valve support member gaps 2256.

[0241] The first valve support member 2252 and the second valve support member 2254 are arranged vertically, and the valve support member gap 2256 is also arranged in the vertical direction. The valve core 2152 is arranged above the valve support member gap 2256.

[0242] The first valve support 2252 is separated from the second valve support 2254 . Therefore, even if the first valve support 2252 and the second valve support 2254 support the lower end of the valve core 2152 , water discharged from the water tank 2100 may flow into the valve support gap 2256 .

[0243] The lower end of the valve support gap 2256 is open. The upper side of the valve support gap 2256 is open toward the upper side of the supply support body 2230, and the lower side of the valve support gap 2256 is open toward the lower side of the supply support body 2230.

[0244] In this embodiment, the valve support 2250 is integrally formed with the supply support body 2230 , so a middle hole 2258 communicating with the supply chamber 2211 is formed below the valve support gap 2256 . The middle hole 2258 forms a portion of the supply flow path 2231 .

[0245] In this embodiment, the intermediate hole 2258 is formed below the valve support gap 2256. However, unlike this embodiment, the intermediate hole 2258 may be formed in the supply support body 2230. The intermediate hole 2258 is formed to penetrate the supply support body 2230 in the vertical direction.

[0246] The middle hole 2258 allows the inner space of the water bellows 2240 to communicate with the supply chamber 2211 .

[0247] The valve support 2250 is located inside the water bellows 2240 . Therefore, water discharged through the valve hole 2111 will be stored in the water bellows 2240 and then flow to the supply chamber 2111 through the middle hole 2258 .

[0248] The middle hole 2258 is preferably located inside the water bellows 2240. If the middle hole 2258 is located outside the water bellows 2240, an additional structure is required to guide the water discharged from the water tank 2100 toward the middle hole 2258, or a structure is required to be provided on the supply support body 2230 to block the discharged water from flowing to other locations.

[0249] The contact portion between the water tank valve 2150 and the valve support 2250 (the lower end of the valve core and the upper end of the valve support) is preferably located inside the water bellows 2240 .

[0250] Like the supply chamber 2211, the water bellows 2240 provides a space for temporarily storing water discharged from the water tank 2100. The relevant structure will be described in more detail in the structure of the water bellows 2240.

[0251] <Composition of Supply Support Body>

[0252] The supply support body 2230 is disposed on the upper side of the supply chamber housing 2210 and is used to cover the upper side of the supply chamber 2211. In particular, it seals the upper side of the supply chamber 2211 to prevent water inside the supply chamber 2211 from leaking outside the supply chamber housing 2210.

[0253] In addition, a portion of the supply flow path 2231 for guiding the water supplied from the water tank 2100 to the supply chamber 2211 is formed in the supply support body 2230 , and in this embodiment, is replaced by the middle hole 2258 of the valve support 2250 .

[0254] In addition, the supply support body 2230 supports the water tank 2100 and supports the rotated water tank 2100 when the water tank 2100 is tilted.

[0255] The supply support body 2230 includes: a supply main plate 2232, which is arranged on the upper side of the supply chamber shell 2210 and is used to cover the upper side of the supply chamber 2211; a middle hole 2258, which penetrates the supply main plate 2232 in the up and down directions, forming a part of the supply flow path 2231 connecting the water tank 2100 and the supply chamber 2211; a plotter guide 2234, which protrudes toward the lower side of the supply main plate 2232 and is connected to the middle hole 2258, and a part of the upper side of the supply plotter 2220 is inserted into the plotter guide 2234, and guides the moving direction of the supply plotter 2220; and an inclined support 2236, which protrudes toward the upper side from the supply main plate 2232 and forms a specified inclination angle with the bottom surface of the water tank 2100, supporting the water tank 2100 when the water tank 2100 is tilted.

[0256] The supply main plate 2232 is disposed on the upper side of the supply chamber housing 2210 and is used to cover the chamber opening surface 2213 forming the upper surface of the supply chamber 2211 and seal the chamber opening surface 2213 of the supply chamber 2211 .

[0257] In order to enable the supply main plate 2232 to effectively seal the supply chamber 2211 , a sealing rib 2231 is further formed to protrude downward from the supply main plate 2232 .

[0258] The sealing rib 2231 is formed in a shape corresponding to the chamber opening surface 2213 of the supply chamber 2211. A supply chamber gasket 2233 is further disposed between the sealing rib 2231 and the supply chamber housing 2210 for sealing.

[0259] When viewed from above, the supply chamber gasket 2233 corresponds to the edge shape of the chamber opening surface 2213. The supply chamber gasket 2233 is formed of an elastic material and is disposed between the supply chamber housing 2210 and the supply support body 2230.

[0260] The middle hole 2258 vertically penetrates the supply body plate 2232 to connect the water tank 2100 with the supply chamber 2211. The middle hole 2258 forms a portion of the supply flow path 2231 for allowing water discharged from the water tank 2100 to flow to the lower side of the supply support body 2230.

[0261] In this embodiment, the intermediate hole 2258 is provided in the valve support member 2250. Unlike this embodiment, a separate intermediate hole may be provided that passes through the supply main plate 2232. In this case, the intermediate hole 2258 is located inside the water bellows 2240. That is, unlike this embodiment, a separate intermediate hole from the intermediate hole 2258 of the valve support member 250 may be provided inside the water bellows 2240.

[0262] The plotter guide 2234 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the supply body plate 2232. The plotter guide 2234 is connected to the middle hole 2258. In this embodiment, the plotter guide 2234 is located below the middle hole 2258, and water passing through the middle hole 2258 is guided into the interior of the plotter guide 2234.

[0263] The plotter guide 2234 has an open bottom side, and a portion of the upper side of the supply plotter 2220 can be inserted through the open bottom side. The plotter guide 2234 guides the movement direction of the supply plotter 2220.

[0264] The marker guide 2234 is formed with a marker guide internal space 2234S for inserting the supply marker 2220. The middle hole 2258 is arranged above the marker guide internal space 2234S, and the valve support gap 2256 is arranged above the middle hole 2258.

[0265] The valve support gap 2256, the middle hole 2258, and the inner space 2234S of the marker guide can be arranged in a row so that the water movement distance is the shortest distance. The middle hole 2258 is closed when the supply marker 2220 described later is raised, and is opened when it is lowered. In other words, the supply marker 2220 can be adjusted so that the water stored in the steam shell 2310 is supplied to within the set water level. Here, the set water level can refer to Figure 20 The highest water level WH.

[0266] The opening and closing of the intermediate hole 2258 by the supply plotter 2220 is achieved separately from the opening and closing of the water tank valve 2150 .

[0267] The inclined support member 2236 is a structure that protrudes upward from the supply body plate 2232. In this embodiment, the inclined support member 2236 is integrally formed with the supply support body 2230 through injection molding. Unlike this embodiment, the inclined support member 2236 can be manufactured separately and then assembled to the supply support body 2230.

[0268] The inclined support member 2236 is a structure for supporting the water tank 2100 and is therefore disposed at the lower portion of the water tank 2100 .

[0269] The tilt support member 2236 includes a first support portion 2236a that supports the water tank 2100 to be vertical before the water tank 2100 is tilted, and a second support portion 2236b that supports the water tank 2100 to be tilted after the water tank 2100 is tilted.

[0270] The first support portion 2236a protrudes toward the upper side of the supply main plate 2232 and extends long in the front-to-back direction. The upper end of the first support portion 2236a is horizontally arranged. In this embodiment, the first support portion 2236a is located at a higher position than the upper end of the valve support member 2250.

[0271] The second support portion 2236b protrudes toward the upper side of the supply main plate 2232 and is arranged along the front-to-back direction. The upper end of the second support portion 2236b is arranged tilted. The second support portion 2236b is arranged tilted along the tilt direction of the water tank 2100.

[0272] In this embodiment, the water tank 2100 is tilted toward the front, so the second support portion 2236b provides an inclined surface 2237 that is higher at the rear and lower at the front. The inclined surface 2237 is formed on the upper side of the second support portion 2236b. The inclined surface 2237 is formed to be inclined from the rear toward the lower front side.

[0273] The inclined surface 2237 forms a predetermined inclination angle with the bottom surface of the water tank 2100. The inclined surface 2237 can be formed at an angle of not less than 10 degrees and not more than 45 degrees. When the water tank 2100 is supported on the inclined surface 2237, the water tank 2100 cannot tip over. Furthermore, when the water tank 2100 is supported on the inclined surface 2237, the water tank handle 2140 should be exposed to the user and rotated upward to unfold.

[0274] <Supplied tilt cover configuration>

[0275] The supply tilt cover 2260 is disposed at the lower side of the water tank 2100 , and the water tank 2100 is detachably mounted on the supply tilt cover 2260 . In this embodiment, the supply tilt cover 2260 is disposed between the water tank 2100 and the supply support body 2230 .

[0276] When the water tank is tilted, the supply tilt cover 2260 rotates relative to the supply support body 2230 while being supported by the supply support body 2230 .

[0277] The water supply valve of the water tank is disposed through the supply inclined cover 2260 , and the water tank valve 2150 penetrates the supply inclined cover 2260 and contacts the valve support 2250 .

[0278] In this embodiment, the supply tilt cover 2260 may be detachably inserted into the tank lower body 2110 constituting the lower portion of the water tank 2100 .

[0279] The lower side of the supply tilt cover 2260 is open, while the top and side surfaces thereof are closed.

[0280] The supply tilting cover 2260 includes: a tilting cover body 2262, on which the lower part of the water tank 2100 can be detachably placed, which can be tiltedly placed on the supply support body 2230, and tilted by the operation of the tilting assembly; a valve insertion hole 2261, which passes through the tilting cover body 2262 in the up and down directions and is connected to the valve hole 2111 of the water tank 2100; and a tilting cover side wall 2264, which extends from the tilting cover body 2262 toward the lower side.

[0281] The tilted cover body 2262 is disposed substantially horizontally. The valve insertion hole 2261 is formed in the tilted cover body 2262. The valve insertion hole 2261 vertically penetrates the tilted cover body 2262 and receives water from the valve hole 2111. The valve insertion hole 2261 is disposed below the valve hole 2111.

[0282] The upper end 2237a of the inclined surface 2237 is supported on the lower side of the inclined cover body 2262. The supply inclined cover 2260 can be tilted forward while being supported on the upper end 2237a of the inclined surface 2237.

[0283] When the water tank 2100 is installed in the water supply assembly 2200, the valve setting portion 2115 of the water tank 2100 passes through the valve insertion hole 2261 and then passes through the tilt cover body 2262 and protrudes downward. The water tank valve 2150 and the valve support 2250 may interfere with each other at the valve setting portion 2115.

[0284] Furthermore, a structure for fixing the water bellows 2240 to the inclined cover body 2262 is provided around the valve insertion hole 2261 .

[0285] <Composition of water bellows>

[0286] The water bellows 2240 is formed of an elastic material and is fixed to the supply tilt cover 2260 and the supply support body 2230 , and supplies water discharged from the water tank to the supply support body 2230 .

[0287] The water bellows 2240 prevents leakage of water discharged from the water tank 2100. When the water tank 2100 is tilted, the water bellows 2240 elastically deforms and stretches. Even when the water tank is tilted, the water bellows 2240 can connect the supply tilt cover 2260 and the supply support body 2230.

[0288] In this embodiment, the water bellows 2240 is formed in the form of a bellows.

[0289] The upper end of the water bellows 2240 is fixed to the supply tilt cover 2260 , and the lower end thereof is fixed to the supply support body 2230 .

[0290] In this embodiment, a bellows cap 2242 is further provided, and the bellows cap 2242 is used to fix the upper end of the water bellows 2240 to the supply tilt cover 2260 .

[0291] The upper end of the water bellows 2240 passes through the valve insertion hole 2261 and protrudes toward the upper side of the supply tilt cover 2260 .

[0292] The bellows cap 2242 is disposed on the upper side of the supply tilt cover 2260, and the upper end of the water bellows 2240 presses against the upper side of the supply tilt cover 2260. The bellows cap 2242 can be fixed to the supply tilt cover 2260 by fastening or interference fit.

[0293] In this embodiment, the bellows cap 2242 is fastened to the supply tilt cover 2260. This is to make it easy to replace the water bellows 2240 when it is damaged or broken.

[0294] <Composition of the supplied plotter>

[0295] The supply plotter 2220 is disposed in the supply chamber 2211 and moves in an up-down direction according to the water level of the supply chamber 2211 .

[0296] The supply marker 2220 prevents all water in the water tank from moving to the steam generator 2300. The supply marker 2220 moves in an up and down direction according to the water level and adjusts the amount of water flowing to the steam generator 2300.

[0297] The buoyancy of the supply plotter 2220 is preferably three times or more of the pressure applied from the water tank 2100 .

[0298] When the water level in the supply chamber 2211 rises above a standard value, the supply plotter 2220 closes the valve hole 2111. When the valve hole 2111 is closed, water is not supplied to the supply chamber 2211, and the water in the supply chamber 2211 moves to the steam generator 2300 via the chamber housing pipe 2214.

[0299] The water level in the supply chamber 2211 will decrease by an amount equivalent to the water moved from the supply chamber 2211 to the steam generator 2300, and the height of the supply plotter 2220 is lowered so that the valve hole 2258 can be opened.

[0300] The supply plotter 2220 includes: a plotter body 2222, which is formed of a material having a lower specific gravity than water; a guide insertion groove 2225, which is formed on the plotter body 2222 and is recessed from the upper side toward the lower side, and the plotter guide 2234 of the supply support body 2230 is inserted into the guide insertion groove 2225; a support body insertion portion 2224, which is formed on the plotter body 2222 and forms the guide insertion groove 2225; and a plotter valve 2270, which is arranged on the plotter body 2222 and opens and closes the valve hole 2111 for forming a part of the supply flow path 2231.

[0301] The support body insert portion 2224 is recessed from the upper side toward the lower side, and the plotter guide 2234 is inserted into the support body insert portion 2224. When the supply plotter 2220 rises or falls due to the water level of the supply chamber 2211, the support body insert portion 2224 rises or falls along with the plotter guide 2234.

[0302] The support member main body insertion portion 2224 and the plotter guide 2234 are formed in shapes corresponding to each other. In this embodiment, the plotter guide 2234 is formed in a cylindrical shape, so the support member main body insertion portion 2224 is also formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0303] The support body insert 2224 and the marker guide 2234 are formed in the vertical direction and are locked to each other in the lateral direction. Even if the supply marker 2220 moves to the lowermost side, the support body insert 2224 and the marker guide 2234 are also locked to each other in the lateral direction.

[0304] At least a portion of the support body insert portion 2224 and the plotter guide 2234 are located at the same height. The support body insert portion 2224 and the plotter guide 2234 overlap at least a portion in the horizontal direction.

[0305] In this embodiment, the diameter of the support body insert portion 2224 is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the plotter guide 2234. Therefore, the support body insert portion 2224 is located inside the plotter guide 2234. This is to form a setting structure for the plotter valve 2270.

[0306] The plotter valve 2270 includes a plotter valve core 2272 disposed on the plotter body 2222 , and a plotter valve stopper 2278 coupled to an upper side of the plotter valve core 2272 for opening and closing the intermediate hole 2258 .

[0307] The plotter valve core 2272 is assembled to the plotter body 2222. In this embodiment, the plotter valve core 2272 is configured to penetrate the plotter body 2222 in the vertical direction. The plotter body 2222 is formed with a core hole 2223, and the plotter valve core 2272 penetrates the core hole 2223.

[0308] The core hole 2223 is arranged on the inner side of the support member main body insertion portion 2224 .

[0309] A core hole 2223 is formed on the inner side of the support member main body insertion portion 2224, and a guide member insertion groove 2225 is formed on the outer side. The core hole 2223 and the guide member insertion groove 2225 are both formed to extend in the up-down direction.

[0310] The support member body insertion portion 2224 includes: a support member body inner wall 2224a, which is arranged inside the plotter body 2222 and is separated from the plotter body 2222, and has the core hole 2223 formed on its inner side and the guide member insertion groove 2225 formed on its outer side; and a support member body bottom wall 2224b, which connects the support member body inner wall 2224a and the plotter body 2222, and has the guide member insertion groove 2225 formed on its upper side.

[0311] The support body inner wall 2224a is formed in a cylindrical shape extending long in the vertical direction. When viewed from above, the support body bottom wall 2224b is formed in a ring shape.

[0312] The inner end of the bottom wall 2224b of the support body is connected to the plotter body 2222, and the outer end of the bottom wall 2224b of the support body is connected to the inner wall 2224a of the support body.

[0313] In this embodiment, the plotter body 2222 and the support body insert 2224 are integrally formed by injection molding. Unlike this embodiment, the support body insert 2224 can also be manufactured separately and then assembled into the plotter body 2222.

[0314] The plotter valve core 2272 is configured to vertically penetrate the core hole 2223. The upper end of the plotter valve core 2272 protrudes upward from the upper end of the support body inner wall 2224a, while the lower end of the plotter valve core 2272 protrudes downward from the lower end of the support body inner wall 2224a.

[0315] A core support end 2273 is formed, which protrudes radially outward from the lower end of the plotter valve core 2272 and is supported by the lower end of the support body bottom wall 2224b. The core support end 2273 is located at a lower position than the support body bottom wall 2224b.

[0316] A plotter body groove 2226 is formed, which is recessed upward from the bottom surface of the plotter body 2222. The plotter body groove 2226 is connected to the core hole 2223 and is formed below the core hole 2223. The plotter body groove 2226 is located at a lower position than the bottom wall 2224b of the support body.

[0317] The core support end 2273 is inserted into the plotter body groove 2226 . The core support end 2273 does not protrude toward the lower side of the bottom surface of the plotter body 2222 , but is hidden in the plotter body groove 2226 .

[0318] The plotter valve stopper 2278 is assembled to the upper end of the plotter valve core 2272. When assembled to the plotter valve core 2272, the plotter valve stopper 2278 is supported by the upper end of the inner wall 2224a of the support body.

[0319] The plotter valve stopper 2278 is in the shape of a triangular pyramid with a pointed top, and its pointed tip 2279 can be inserted into the valve hole 2111. The tip 2279 protrudes upwards more than the upper end of the plotter body 2222.

[0320] In this embodiment, the water flowing from the water tank 2100 to the supply chamber 2110 undergoes two confinement processes.

[0321] First, the water tank valve 2150 restricts the flow of water by opening and closing the valve hole 2111. Then, the plotter valve 2270 restricts the flow of water by opening and closing the middle hole 2258.

[0322] Since the water discharged from the water tank 2100 flows to the supply chamber 2111 through two opening and closing processes, it is possible to prevent excessive water supply. Specifically, the supply plotter 2220 additionally controls the supply of water, thereby preventing excessive water supply to the steam generator 2300.

[0323] Unlike this embodiment, a water level sensor for detecting the water level may be disposed within the supply chamber 2211, and an on-off valve may be disposed in the chamber housing tube 2214 to adjust the amount of water supplied to the steam generator 2300. This structure also requires a water level sensor and an on-off valve, which increases manufacturing costs. Furthermore, since control is performed using electrical signals, a cable wiring structure is also required.

[0324] In this embodiment, the amount of water supplied to the steam generator 2300 is controlled by the supply plotter 2220 that rises or falls according to the water level of the supply chamber 2211, thereby mechanically achieving water level regulation and water supply inside the steam generator 2300.

[0325] Figure 13 It shows Figure 3 A front view of the interior of the lower box is shown in FIG. Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the water supply assembly and the steam generator is shown in FIG. Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Stereoscopic image. Figure 16 FIG. 1 is a top view showing a drain assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A front cross-sectional view of the drain assembly is shown in FIG. Figure 18 yes Figure 16 Right side view of the drain assembly shown in . Figure 19 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a steam generator is shown in FIG. Figure 20 It is marked Figure 19 An example diagram of the water level in a steam generator is shown in FIG. Figure 21 This is an example diagram showing the water level inside the steam generator when the indoor unit is tilted. Figure 22 This is a graph showing changes in drainage speed according to the diameter and configuration of the water pipe and the voltage applied to the drainage pump according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 This is a graph showing temperature changes in the interior of a steam generator, a water supply flow path, and a drain flow path according to the diameter and arrangement of water pipes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 24 1 is a graph comparing and illustrating scale generated in a drain pump and the temperature of a steam heater according to an embodiment of the present invention, and scale generated in a washer and the temperature of a steam heater. Figure 251 is a graph comparing and illustrating the internal temperature and heat transfer rate of the heater according to an embodiment of the present invention and the internal temperature and heat transfer rate of the heater in the washer based on the operation cycle of the drain pump.

[0326] <<Steam Generator Configuration>>

[0327] The steam generator 2300 generates steam by receiving water from the water supply assembly 2200. The steam generator 2300 generates steam by heating water, thereby providing sterilizing steam.

[0328] The steam generator 2300 includes: a steam housing 2310, which forms an outer shape and has a space for storing water therein; a steam heater 2320, which is disposed inside the steam housing 2310 and generates heat by applying power; a water pipe 2314, which is disposed on one side of the circumferential surface of the steam housing 2310 and has a connecting hole 2314a formed therein, wherein the connecting hole 2314a is used to allow water to flow from the outside into the steam housing 2310 or to allow water in the steam housing 2310 to flow out to the outside; and a steam discharge portion. 2316, which is arranged on the top surface (upper surface) of the steam shell 2310 separated from the air intake portion 2318 by a predetermined interval, and is formed with a steam outlet 2316a, the steam outlet 2316a is used to discharge the steam generated inside the steam shell 2310 and the air flowing in through the air intake portion 2318 to the outside; and the air intake portion 2318, which is arranged on the steam shell 2310 and connected to the humidifying fan 2500, and receives the filtered air inside the box assembly 100 through the humidifying fan 2500.

[0329] The steam generator 2300 further includes: a first water level sensor 2360 for detecting the lowest water level WL inside the steam housing 2310; a second water level sensor 2370 for detecting the highest water level WH inside the steam housing 2310; and a thermistor 2380 for preventing overheating inside the steam housing 2310.

[0330] The steam housing 2310 is a structure that forms a seal with the outside. The water pipe 2314, the steam outlet 2316, and the air intake 2318 are connected to the outside. The steam housing 2310 is installed on the base 130.

[0331] The steam housing 2310 stores water heated by the steam heater 2320 and is therefore preferably formed of a heat-resistant material. In this embodiment, the steam housing 2310 can be formed of SPS or PPS. The steam housing 2310 includes an upper steam housing 2340 and a lower steam housing 2350.

[0332] The upper steam housing 2340 is open at the bottom and recessed from the bottom to the top. The lower steam housing 2350 is open at the top and recessed from the bottom to the bottom. The upper steam housing 2340 and the lower steam housing 2350 can be joined by ultrasonic welding.

[0333] In this embodiment, the water pipe 2314 is disposed in the lower steam housing 2350 , and the steam discharge portion 2316 and the air intake portion 2318 are disposed in the upper steam housing 2340 .

[0334] The water pipe 2314 is disposed at a lower position than the chamber casing pipe 2214 of the water supply assembly 2200. Due to the height difference between the water pipe 2314 and the chamber casing pipe 2214, the water in the chamber casing pipe 2214 flows toward the water pipe 2314 due to its own weight.

[0335] The water pipe 2314 is disposed on one side of the circumferential surface of the steam housing 2310 to prevent the water heated inside the steam housing 2310 from flowing back through the water pipe 2314 .

[0336] Reference Figure 16 、 Figure 18 、 Figure 19 、 Figure 22 、 Figure 23 The water pipe 2314 of this embodiment is arranged behind the circumferential surface of the steam shell 2310 facing the water supply component 2200 and the drainage component 2700.

[0337] Table 1 [Table 1]

[0338]

[0339] Figure 22 This graph shows the drainage speed obtained when the water pipe 2314 is positioned on one side of the steam housing 2310, the voltage input to the drain pump 2710, and the diameter of the water pipe 2314 are varied. The aforementioned placement of the water pipe 2314 is based on the front-to-back direction of the steam housing 2310, with the rear (back) position where the air intake 2318 is located, the front (front) position where the steam discharge 2316 is located, and the center (center) position between the front and rear positions. However, the water pipe 2314, which serves to drain water from the steam housing 2310, is located at the lower end of the circumferential surface of the steam housing 2310.

[0340] The table 1 is sorted from Figure 22 A graph of the acquired data in a table.

[0341] Reference Figure 22As can be seen from Table 1 above, when water pipe 2314 is located at the rear of steam housing 2310, the water inside steam housing 2310 is drained faster. This may be due to the structure in which air intake 2318 is formed at the rear of steam housing 2310, exerting downward pressure on the water inside steam housing 2310. Furthermore, the placement of drain pump 2710 at the rear of steam housing 2310 may also have an impact.

[0342] In addition, refer to Figure 22 As shown in Table 1, the greater the voltage input to the drain pump 2710, the faster the water from the steam housing 2310 is discharged from the water pipe 2314. However, the diameter of the water pipe 2314 does not significantly affect the drainage speed.

[0343] The water pipe 2314 of this embodiment is disposed on the circumferential surface of the steam housing 2310 of the drain assembly 2700 closer to the water supply assembly 2200. Therefore, the first connecting pipe 2731 connected to the water supply assembly 2200 is formed longer than the third connecting pipe 2733 connected to the drain assembly 2700.

[0344] In this embodiment, the first water level sensor 2360, the second water level sensor 2370, and the thermistor 2380 are disposed in the upper steam housing 2340. To this end, the upper steam housing 2340 is formed with: a first water level sensor mounting portion 2342 for mounting the first water level sensor 2360; a second water level sensor mounting portion 2344 for mounting the second water level sensor 2370; and a thermistor mounting portion 2346 for mounting the thermistor 2380.

[0345] The first water level sensor 2360, the second water level sensor 2370, and the thermistor 2380 are configured to protrude from the top surface of the steam housing 2310 toward the interior of the steam housing 2310. The first water level sensor 2360, the second water level sensor 2370, and the thermistor 2380 can be disposed on the periphery of the air intake portion 2318. The first water level sensor 2360, the second water level sensor 2370, and the thermistor 2380 can be disposed between the air intake portion 2318 and the steam discharge portion 2316.

[0346] Therefore, the air flowing in through the air intake 2318 can increase the area along which it flows above the water inside the steam housing 2310 by passing through the structures of the first water level sensor 2360, the second water level sensor 2370, and the thermistor 2380. In other words, the air drawn in through the air intake 2318 can bypass the structures of the first water level sensor 2360, the second water level sensor 2370, and the thermistor 2380 located between the air intake 2318 and the steam discharge 2316 and swirl. This has the effect of widening the flow path of the air flowing above the water inside the steam housing 2310, thereby increasing the humidification capacity of the air discharged from the steam discharge 2316. The air intake 2318 and the steam discharge 2316, formed in the upper steam housing 2340, are formed at different heights. A height difference SH is formed between the steam discharge portion 2316 and the air intake portion 2318 , and the steam discharge portion 2316 is configured to be higher than the air intake portion 2318 by the height difference SH.

[0347] The upper steam housing 2340 may have a recessed portion 2317 formed in the portion where the steam outlet 2316 is formed, wherein the internal space thereof is convex upward. The height of the recessed portion 2317 formed upward may form a height difference SH between the steam outlet 2316 and the air intake 2318.

[0348] The second water level sensor 2370 can be disposed on one side of the steam discharge portion 2316 formed by the recessed portion 2317 of the upper steam housing 2340. The length of the second water level sensor 2370 protruding downwardly from the interior space of the steam housing 2310 can be the sum of the height SH from the air intake portion 2318 to the steam discharge portion 2316 spaced upward, and the height AH from the highest water level WH detected by the second water level sensor 2370 to the air intake portion 2318 spaced upward.

[0349] Specifically, the length of the recessed portion 2317 formed above and below ensures that the protruding length of the second water level sensor 2370 is greater than a predetermined length. Therefore, an existing water level sensor can be used to detect the water level within the steam generator 2300. This is to create a structure that allows steam within the upper steam housing 2340 to easily flow toward the steam discharge portion 2316. If the steam discharge portion 2316 is formed higher than the air intake portion 2318, low-density steam can easily flow into the space below the steam discharge portion 2316.

[0350] In this embodiment, the first water level sensor 2360 detects the low water level of the steam generator 2300 and is therefore disposed on the circumference of the air intake portion 2318. The second water level sensor 2370 detects the high water level of the steam generator 2300 and is therefore disposed around the steam discharge portion 2316.

[0351] Since a height difference is formed between the first water level sensor 2360 and the second water level sensor 2370 , the lengths of the electrodes of the first water level sensor 2360 and the second water level sensor 2370 can be minimized.

[0352] The first water level sensor 2360 includes a first water level detection unit 2361 and a second water level detection unit 2362. The lower ends of the first and second water level detection units 2361 and 2362 are arranged at the same height. In this embodiment, the first and second water level detection units 2361 and 2362 are electrodes. If the first and second water level detection units 2361 and 2362 come into contact with water, the control unit detects the contact.

[0353] The first water level sensor 2360 is disposed inside the steam housing 2310, on one side of the steam heater 2320. In this embodiment, the steam housing 2310 includes a partition wall 2359 disposed between the steam heater 2320 and the first water level sensor 2360. The partition wall 2359 may be formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface 2352a of the lower steam housing 2350. The partition wall 2359 is disposed between the first water level sensor 2360 and the steam heater 2320. Therefore, the first water level sensor 2360 can be disposed between the partition wall 2359 and the circumferential surface of the lower steam housing 2350, thereby preventing operational errors of the first water level sensor 2360 caused by bubbles generated by the steam heater 2320.

[0354] In this embodiment, the lower ends of the first and second water level detectors 2361 and 2362 are the minimum water level WL required to operate the steam generator 2300. Specifically, the lower ends 2361a and 2362a of the first and second water level detectors 2361 and 2362, i.e., the minimum water level WL detected by the first water level sensor 2360, can be set by considering the minimum water level at which the steam heater can operate and the water level at which operational errors caused by bubbles generated by the steam heater 2320 can be prevented.

[0355] When the water level is lower than the lower ends 2361a and 2362a of the first and second water level detectors 2361 and 2362, the steam heater 2320 may be damaged. Therefore, if the water level is lower than the lower ends 2361a and 2362a of the first and second water level detectors 2361 and 2362, the power supplied to the steam heater 2320 is cut off.

[0356] In this embodiment, the second water level sensor 2370 can be an electrode that detects water when in contact with it. The lower end 2370a of the second water level sensor 2370 detects the maximum water level WH of the steam generator 2300. When the water level in the steam generator 2300 exceeds the lower end 2370a of the second water level sensor 2370, the water may boil and overflow due to the operation of the steam heater 2320. If the water level reaches the lower end 2370a of the second water level sensor 2370, the steam heater 2320 is deactivated.

[0357] The maximum water level WH is a height that takes into account the tilt of the indoor unit. That is, when the indoor unit tilts to one side, the water level inside the steam housing 2310 can increase in that direction. In this embodiment, the maximum water level WH is set to the height at which water does not overflow outside the steam housing 2310 when the indoor unit is tilted three degrees to one side and the steam generator 2300 is operating at maximum capacity. When the maximum water level WH is reached, the steam heater 2320 is deactivated and the drain assembly 2700 is activated to drain the water inside the steam housing 2310.

[0358] The appropriate water level of the steam generator 2300 should be lower than the lower end 2370a of the second water level sensor 2370 and higher than the lower ends 2361a and 2362a of the 1-1 water level detection unit 2361 and the 1-2 water level detection unit 2362. In this embodiment, this is defined as the appropriate water level.

[0359] The air intake portion 2318 can be formed so as to be spaced a set distance AH upward from the highest water level WH detected by the second water level sensor 2370. The air intake port 2318a is spaced upward from the lower end 2370a of the second water level sensor 2370, which detects the highest water level WH within the steam housing 2310. The set distance AH can be a height distance that takes into account the possibility that the water stored within the steam housing 2310 will vibrate vertically due to the flow of air flowing from the air intake portion 2318. The flow of air flowing from the air intake portion 2318 may cause the water stored within the steam housing 2310 to vibrate vertically by less than 3 mm.

[0360] The lower end 2380a of the thermistor 2380 is disposed within the appropriate water level. When the internal temperature of the steam generator 2300 rises above a set value, the thermistor 2380 detects the rise and stops the steam heater 2320.

[0361] To ensure a humidification level above a predetermined level, it is advantageous to allow a large amount of air to flow into the steam housing 2310 and be discharged from the steam discharge portion 2316. Therefore, a larger area of the air intake portion 2318 is advantageous. Furthermore, after the humidification operation is completed, to quickly dry the interior of the steam housing 2310, allowing a large amount of air to flow into the steam housing 2310 shortens the drying time. Therefore, a larger area of the air intake portion 2318 is advantageous.

[0362] However, the area of the air intake port 2318a formed in the air intake portion 2318 can be set by taking into account the size of the humidifying fan 2500. The area of the air intake port 2318a can be determined by the flow path cross-section of the humidifying fan housing 2530 for accommodating the humidifying fan 2500. Specifically, the area of the second humidifying fan housing 2560, which guides filtered air to the steam generator 2300 through the operation of the humidifying impeller 2510, can be set by taking into account the area of the second humidifying fan housing 2560. In other words, in order to ensure that the flow rate of the air flowing from the humidifying fan 2500 to the steam generator 2300 meets a set level, the area of the air intake port 2318a can be set by taking into account the size of the humidifying fan 2500 so as to maintain the flow rate of the air discharged through the second humidifying fan housing 2560.

[0363] However, the size of the humidifying impeller 2510 of the humidifying fan 2500 and the size of the humidifying fan housing 2530 disposed inside the base 130 may be limited. Therefore, the area of the air intake 2318a may be limited considering the size of the humidifying impeller 2510 or the area of the second humidifying fan housing 2560.

[0364] As an embodiment, in order to dry the interior of the steam generator 2300, if the area of the air intake port 2318a is formed so that the flow rate of the air discharged by the humidifying fan 2500 is greater than 0.65 cm, then when the diameter of the humidifying impeller 2510 disposed inside the base 130 is 120 mm, the area of the air intake port 2318a can be formed to 4500 mm. 2 Up to 4700mm 2 .

[0365] In this embodiment, the air intake portion 2318 is formed to be wider than the steam discharge portion 2316. In this embodiment, the area of the air intake port 2318a formed in the air intake portion 2318 is formed to be larger than the area of the steam discharge port 2316a formed in the steam discharge portion 2316. When the area of the steam discharge port 2316a is smaller than the area of the air intake port 2318a, the flow rate of the humidified air flowing through the steam discharge port 2316a can be maintained.

[0366] The flow rate of air flowing through the humidifying fan 2500 is relatively slower than the flow rate of air flowing through the air intake port 2318a. In the case of the steam outlet 2316a, the air passing through the steam housing 2310 is located at a distance from the humidifying fan 2500, and the air passing through the air intake port 2318a flows through the interior of the steam housing 2310, where the cross-sectional area of the flow path is rapidly increased, and flows toward the steam outlet 2316a. Therefore, the flow rate can be relatively slower than that of the air intake port 2318a.

[0367] In order to make the flow velocity of the air flowing through the steam outlet 2316a similar to the flow velocity of the air flowing through the air inlet 2318a, the area of the steam outlet 2316a may be made smaller than that of the air inlet 2318a.

[0368] In one embodiment, in order to dry the interior of the steam generator 2300, when the area of the air inlet 2318a is formed to be 4600mm 2 When the flow rate of the air discharged by the humidifying fan 2500 is formed to be 0.65 cm, the area of the steam discharge portion 2316 can be formed to be 2300 mm. 2 Up to 3067mm 2 At this time, the height AH from the highest water level WH to the air intake port 2318a can be formed to be greater than 3 mm.

[0369] The area of the steam outlet 2316a can be formed to be 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 the area of the air intake 2318a. The water pipe 2314 communicates with the interior of the steam housing 2310. Water can be supplied to the water supply assembly 2200 through the water pipe 2314. In addition, water discharged from the interior of the steam housing 2310 through the water pipe 2314 can flow to the drain assembly 2700.

[0370] The steam generator 2300 of this embodiment is characterized in that water is supplied and drained using a single water pipe 2314. Generally, in the case of a steam generating device, a pipe for receiving water and a pipe for draining water are provided together.

[0371] The water pipe 2314 is arranged horizontally. The water pipe 2314 connects the interior and exterior of the lower steam housing 2350. The water pipe 2314 protrudes from the lower steam housing 2350 toward the water supply assembly 2200. The outer end of the water pipe 2314 protrudes further laterally than the side surface of the lower steam housing 2350.

[0372] The water pipe 2314 is connected to the chamber shell pipe 2214 and is arranged along the left and right directions. In this embodiment, the water pipe 2314 is a hollow tube.

[0373] Figure 23 This diagram illustrates the temperature changes of the water in the water supply path formed in the first connecting pipe 2731 and the water discharge path formed in the third connecting pipe 2733 when the water stored in the steam generator is heated by the steam heater 2320, depending on the diameter and arrangement of the water pipe 2314. The arrangement of the water pipe 2314 is based on the front-to-back direction of the steam housing 2310, with the air intake portion 2318 located at the rear and the steam discharge portion 2316 located at the front.

[0374] Reference Figure 23 When the water stored in the steam generator is heated by the steam heater 2320, the temperature change in the water supply path formed in the first connecting pipe 2731 can be greater than that in the drainage path formed in the third connecting pipe 2733. The first connecting pipe 2731 is formed to be inclined upward and to form a flow path extending upward. Therefore, some of the water heated inside the steam generator 2300 can flow upward, which may cause temperature changes in the water supply path.

[0375] When the steam heater 2320 is used to heat the water stored in the steam generator, the temperature change in the water supply or drain flow path is caused by the heated water in the steam generator flowing back into the water supply or drain flow path. Therefore, it is preferable to adjust the configuration and diameter of the water pipe 2314 to a pipe diameter or configuration that prevents the heated water in the steam generator 2300 from flowing back through the water supply or drain flow path.

[0376] It can be confirmed that the smaller the diameter of the water pipe 2314, the smaller the temperature change in the water supply flow path and the drainage flow path. Figure 23It can be confirmed that the temperature change in the water supply and drainage paths is smaller when the diameter of water pipe 2314 is Φ7 than when the diameter is Φ9. The smaller the diameter, the greater the flow resistance. Therefore, less water flows from steam generator 2300 to water pipe 2314, resulting in smaller temperature changes in the water supply and drainage paths.

[0377] It can be confirmed that when the water pipe 2314 is arranged at the rear of the steam housing 2310, the temperature change generated in the water supply flow path and the drain flow path is small. Figure 23 It can be confirmed that when water pipe 2314 is positioned behind steam housing 2310, the temperature fluctuations in the water supply and drainage paths are smaller than when water pipe 2314 is positioned in front of steam housing 2310. Water flowing back from steam generator 2300 can flow into the upward-extending water supply path. When positioned behind steam housing 2310, the length of first connecting pipe 2731, which forms the water supply path, increases as the distance from water supply assembly 2200 increases. The longer the water supply path, the greater the flow resistance in the water supply path. Consequently, less water flows from steam generator 2300 to water pipe 2314, resulting in smaller temperature fluctuations in the water supply and drainage paths. Furthermore, the water pipe 2314 of the present invention is connected to both the first connecting pipe 2731 and the third connecting pipe 2733 via a tee pipe 2735. This allows water that would otherwise flow backward through the water pipe 2314 to flow toward the first connecting pipe 2731, which forms the supply flow path. This prevents water from flowing backward toward the third connecting pipe 2733, which is connected to the drain pump 2710. Specifically, the connection of the first connecting pipe 2731, the third connecting pipe 2733, and the water pipe 2314 via the tee pipe 2735 minimizes backflow toward the third connecting pipe 2733, which forms the drain flow path, thereby minimizing temperature fluctuations in the drain flow path. Furthermore, the water pipe 2314 can be positioned behind the steam housing 2310, thereby minimizing backflow toward the first connecting pipe 2731, which forms the water supply flow path, thereby minimizing temperature fluctuations in the water supply flow path.

[0378] The water pipe 2314 is disposed at the rear side relative to the front-rear direction of the steam housing 2310. The water pipe 2314 is preferably disposed close to the drain assembly. The water pipe 2314 is effective in suppressing the temperature rise of the drain assembly 2700.

[0379] The water pipe 2314 is disposed closer to the drainage assembly 2700 than the water tank 2100 or the water supply assembly 2200 to prevent the water inside the steam generator 2300 from flowing back toward the water tank 2100 .

[0380] The water pipe 2314 is connected to the water supply assembly 2200 and the drainage assembly 2700 via the water connection pipe 2730. Figure 16 The water connecting pipe 2730 includes: a first connecting pipe 2731 connected to the water supply component 2200; a third connecting pipe 2733 connected to the drainage component 2700; a second connecting pipe 2732 connected to the water pipe 2314; and a three-way pipe 2735 connected to the first connecting pipe 2731, the second connecting pipe 2732 and the third connecting pipe 2733.

[0381] The flow resistance of the first connecting pipe 2731 used to connect the steam generator 2300 and the water supply assembly 2200 is formed to be greater than the flow resistance of the third connecting pipe 2733 used to connect the steam generator 2300 and the drainage assembly 2700, so as to prevent the water inside the steam generator 2300 from flowing back toward the water tank 2100.

[0382] In this embodiment, the first connecting pipe 2731 can be longer than the third connecting pipe 2733, so that the flow resistance of the first connecting pipe 2731 is greater than that of the third connecting pipe 2733. In this case, the first connecting pipe 2731 and the third connecting pipe 2733 can have the same diameter. In this embodiment, the length D1 of the first connecting pipe 2731 can be 1.5 to 2.5 times the length D2 of the third connecting pipe 2733. The length D1 of the first connecting pipe 2731 is preferably greater than 1.5 times the length D2 of the third connecting pipe 2733, so that the flow resistance of the first connecting pipe 2731 is greater than that of the third connecting pipe 2733. However, if the length of the first connecting pipe 2731 is too long, the amount of water contained in the first connecting pipe 2731 increases. Therefore, the length D1 of the first connecting pipe 2731 is preferably less than 2.5 times the length D2 of the third connecting pipe 2733.

[0383] Reference Figure 18 The first connecting pipe 2731 and the third connecting pipe 2733 can be arranged to be tilted downward from the water flow direction. The second connecting pipe 2732 can be arranged parallel to the ground. The first connecting pipe 2731 and the third connecting pipe 2733 form predetermined tilt angles θ1 and θ2 with the ground and can be tilted downward from the water flow direction.

[0384] If bubbles or air enter the water flowing back from the steam generator 2300 or the water supplied from the water supply assembly 2200, air may become trapped inside the water connecting pipe 2730. In this case, if the flow path formed by the water connecting pipe 2730 is parallel to the ground, the air cannot move, thus hindering the flow of water inside the water connecting pipe 2730. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first connecting pipe 2731 and the third connecting pipe 2733 are arranged to be inclined downward from the direction of water flow. This allows the air entering the water connecting pipe 2730 to flow toward the water supply assembly 2200. By increasing the flow path resistance of the first connecting pipe 2731, the flow of water flowing back from the steam generator 2300 can be restricted.

[0385] The predetermined inclination angles θ1 and θ2 can be set between 8 and 12 degrees, taking into account flow resistance and the space within the base 130. Furthermore, the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 formed between the first connecting pipe 2731 and the ground surface and the third connecting pipe 2733 can be the same or different within the predetermined inclination angle range. The steam heater 2320 is mounted on the lower steam housing 2350. A steam heater mounting portion 2352 for mounting the steam heater 2320 is located on the rear surface of the lower steam housing 2350. In this embodiment, the steam heater mounting portion 2352 includes a steam heater mounting hole 2352a extending through the lower steam housing 2350. Specifically, the steam heater mounting hole 2352a is formed on the rear surface of the lower steam housing 2350, and the steam heater 2320 extends through the steam heater mounting hole 2352a. The steam heater 2320 extends through the steam heater mounting portion 2352, and the heater portion is located within the lower steam housing 2350.

[0386] The steam heater 2320 includes: a first heater part 2321 and a second heater part 2322 arranged in parallel (side by side); a heater seat 2354, the first heater part 2321 and the second heater part 2322 are combined with the heater seat 2354, which is combined with the steam heater setting part 2352 and respectively supports the first heater part 2321 and the second heater part 2322 arranged inside the steam shell 2310; and a fuse (not shown), which is used to cut off the power supply provided to the first heater part 2321 and the second heater part 2322.

[0387] In this embodiment, the first and second heater sections 2321 and 2322 utilize sheath heaters. The steam heater 2320 of this embodiment is a sheath heater and is installed on the side of the steam housing 2310 via a steam heater installation portion 2352 formed on the circumferential surface. The steam heater 2320 of this embodiment is installed at a predetermined distance from the inner bottom surface of the steam housing 2310. Therefore, compared to PTC heaters installed on the bottom surface, the steam heater 2320 has a larger contact area with water, enabling rapid heating of the water stored within the steam housing 2310.

[0388] The first heater 2321 and the second heater 2322 can be operated independently. For example, power can be applied to only the first heater 2321 to generate heat, power can be applied to only the second heater 2322 to generate heat, or power can be applied to both the first heater 2321 and the second heater 2322 to generate heat.

[0389] The first heater unit 2321 and the second heater unit 2322 may each include a heating portion 2321b, 2322b, which, when mounted on the steam housing 2310, is disposed inside the steam housing 2310 to heat water within the steam housing 2310; and a power supply unit 2321c, 2322c, which is disposed outside the steam housing 2310 and supplies power to the heating portion 2321b, 2322b. Both the first heater unit 2321 and the second heater unit 2322 are formed in a U-shape.

[0390] The curved portions of the first and second heater sections 2321 and 2322 are located on the steam outlet portion 2316. The first and second heater sections 2321 and 2322 are located on the same plane. The upper ends 2321a and 2322a of the first and second heater sections 2321 and 2322 can be located at or below the lowest water level WL.

[0391] In this embodiment, considering the tilt of the indoor unit, the upper ends 2321 a and 2322 a of the first heater portion 2321 and the second heater portion 2322 are arranged to be lower than the lowest water level WL.

[0392] The base 130 of the indoor unit needs to be placed parallel to the ground. However, due to installation errors, it may tilt toward at least one of the front, rear, left, and right directions. Even if the indoor unit tilts toward any direction, the upper ends 2321a and 2322a of the first and second heater parts 2321 and 2322 are preferably not exposed above the water surface.

[0393] To this end, a safety water level WS may be formed between the upper side 2321 a of the first heater part 2321 and the lowest water level WL. A safety water level WS may be formed between the upper side 2322 a of the second heater part 2322 and the lowest water level WL.

[0394] Therefore, the upper side surface 2321a of the first heater portion 2321 and the upper side surface 2322a of the second heater portion 2322 are located at a position lower than the minimum water level WL and the safety water level WS. In this embodiment, the safety water level WS is set to 6 mm.

[0395] The first heater 2321 and the second heater 2322 have different heat generating capacities. The first heater 2321 is shorter than the second heater 2322. The first heater 2321 is disposed inside the second heater 2322.

[0396] In this embodiment, the capacity of the first heater unit 2321 is 440 W, and the capacity of the second heater unit 2322 is 560 W. When the first heater unit 2321 and the second heater unit 2322 operate together, a maximum output of 1 kW is provided.

[0397] The first and second heater sections 2321, 2322, each having different capacities, can operate independently, thereby adjusting the amount of humidification discharged to the outside. Specifically, the amount of humidification discharged may be increased when only the second heater section 2322 is operated compared to when only the first heater section 2321 is operated. In this regard, the amount of humidification discharged can be adjusted by adjusting the operation of the first and second heater sections 2321, 2322. Furthermore, to achieve a higher humidification amount, the first and second heater sections 2321, 2322 can be operated simultaneously.

[0398] When the humidification operation is performed, the first heater part 2321 is operated. When the humidification assembly 2000 is steam sterilized, the first heater part 2321 and the second heater part 2322 are operated simultaneously.

[0399] When the steam generator 2300 is operating normally, the temperature inside the steam housing 2310 is controlled at approximately 105 degrees Celsius. When the steam generator 2300 is heated, the stored water boils and generates bubbles, which the second water level sensor 2370 detects, thereby preventing the steam generator 2300 from overheating. If the steam generator 2300 overheats, the second water level sensor 2370 can operate at approximately 140 degrees Celsius.

[0400] When the second water level sensor 2370 does not detect overheating, the thermistor 2380 will detect overheating of the steam generator 2300. The thermistor 2380 detects temperatures between 150°C and 180°C. In this embodiment, the thermistor 2380 detects temperatures above 167°C.

[0401] After the power supply is controlled by the thermistor 2380 , if the temperature inside the steam housing 2310 (in this embodiment, 250 degrees Celsius) rises, the fuse will also cut off the power supply to the steam heater 2320 .

[0402] The heater seat 2354 passes through the steam heater setting portion 2352 and is coupled to the lower steam shell 2350. The heater seat 2354 seals the steam heater setting portion 2352. A sealing gasket (not shown) for achieving airtightness may be provided between the heater seat 2354 and the steam heater setting portion 2352. The water pipe 2314 is provided on the side of the heater seat 2354. The heater seat 2354 is provided so that the ends of the first heater portion 2321 and the second heater portion 2322 mounted on the heater seat 2354 are spaced apart from the bottom surface inside the steam shell 2310 by a predetermined interval. The heater seat 2354 is used to fix the rear ends of the first heater portion 2321 and the second heater portion 2322.

[0403] The steam generator 2300 of this embodiment includes a steam heater fixing portion 2356, which is used to secure the arrangement of the heating elements 2321b and 2322b of the steam heater 2320 disposed within the steam housing 2310. The steam heater fixing portion 2356 is mounted on the bottom surface 2352a of the steam housing 2310. The steam heater fixing portion 2356 is formed with a fixing hole 2356a, into which portions of the first heater 2321 and the second heater 2322 are inserted. Therefore, portions of the first heater 2321 and the second heater 2322 are inserted into the fixing holes 2356a of the steam heater fixing portion 2356, thereby securing the front ends of the heating elements 2321b and 2322b of the steam heater 2320.

[0404] The steam heater fixing portion 2356 may be arranged so that the front ends of the first heater portion 2321 and the second heater portion 2322 disposed inside the steam housing 2310 are spaced apart from the bottom surface 2352 a of the steam housing 2310 by a predetermined distance.

[0405] The steam heater fixing portion 2356 of this embodiment can fix the front ends of the U-shaped curved portions of the first heater portion 2321 and the second heater portion 2322 .

[0406] The steam heater fixing portion 2356 and the heater seat 2354 of this embodiment can allow the first heater portion 2321 and the second heater portion 2322 disposed inside the steam housing to be disposed at a predetermined distance from the bottom surface 2352a of the steam housing 2310.

[0407] On the other hand, the water inside the supply chamber 2211 flows into the water pipe 2314 due to its own weight. For this reason, the water pipe 2314 is arranged lower than the chamber casing pipe 2214. In particular, the water pipe 2314 is arranged equal to or lower than the outer end 2214b of the chamber casing pipe 2214.

[0408] In particular, the water pipe 2314 may be connected to the lowermost side of the lower steam housing 2350. This is to prevent water from accumulating inside the steam housing 2310 when the water stored in the steam housing 2310 is discharged. A groove or an inclined surface may be formed on the bottom surface of the interior of the lower steam housing 2350 to allow water to flow toward the water pipe 2314.

[0409] In this embodiment, no additional valve is configured in the water pipe 2314.

[0410] The water pipe 2314 and the chamber housing pipe 2214 are in a communicating structure, so the water level in the supply chamber 2211 and the water level in the steam housing 2310 can be formed to be the same.

[0411] Specifically, if sufficient water is supplied to the interior of the steam shell 2310, the water level of the supply chamber 2211 and the water level of the steam shell 2310 become the same, and the supply marker 2220 of the water supply assembly 2200 rises as the water level rises, and the supply marker 2220 can close the middle hole 2258 for water supply.

[0412] In this embodiment, the chamber casing tube 2214 is disposed within the height of the steam heater 2320. An outer end 2214b of the chamber casing tube 2214 is disposed below the highest water level WH of the steam generator 2300.

[0413] The highest water level WH of the steam generator 2300 is configured to be lower than the valve hole 2111. The middle hole 2258 is configured to be equal to or higher than the highest water level WH of the steam generator 2300. In this embodiment, the middle hole 2258 is separated from the upper ends 2321a and 2322a of the steam heater 2320 by a distance H.

[0414] In this embodiment, a plotter valve stopper 2278 disposed on the supply plotter 2220 protrudes upward more than the plotter body 2222 . Therefore, the maximum rising height of the plotter body 2222 can be equal to or lower than the maximum water level WH.

[0415] However, when the supply plotter 2220 rises to the highest position, it is constant that the middle hole 2258 is closed and the water supply to the steam generator 2300 is blocked.

[0416] The steam outlet 2316 is in communication with the interior of the upper steam housing 2340. The steam outlet 2316 vertically extends through the upper steam housing 2340. The steam outlet 2316 includes a steam outlet protruding rib 2316b that protrudes upward from the upper side 2340a of the upper steam housing 2340 to connect with the steam guide 2400.

[0417] The steam discharge portion protruding rib 2316b is formed to protrude upward along the edge of the hole formed by the steam discharge port 2316a. The steam discharge portion protruding rib 2316b has a quadrangular ring shape and can be connected to the lower end of the steam guide 2400.

[0418] The upper steam housing 2340 further includes support ribs 2341a and 2341b that protrude upward from the upper side surface 2340a of the upper steam housing 2340 and support the steam guide 2400 connected to the steam outlet 2316. In this embodiment, the support ribs 2341a and 2341b are arranged at predetermined intervals to the left and right sides of the steam outlet, thereby supporting the steam guide 2400 disposed between the protruding rib 2316b of the steam outlet and the support ribs 2341a and 2341b.

[0419] The steam discharge portion 2316 and the steam guide 2400 may be combined in a sealed manner, and the support ribs 2341 a and 2341 b may support the sealing structure between the steam discharge portion 2316 and the steam guide 2400 .

[0420] The air intake portion 2318 is spaced a predetermined distance from the steam discharge portion protruding rib 2316b and is disposed in the steam housing 2310, more specifically, in the upper steam housing 2340. The air intake portion 2318 communicates with the interior of the upper steam housing 2340, allowing air supplied from the humidifying fan 2500 to flow into the air intake portion 2318.

[0421] The air intake portion 2318 includes an air intake protruding rib 2318b that protrudes upward from the upper side 2340a of the upper steam housing 2340 to connect to the humidifying fan 2500. The air intake protruding rib 2318b is formed to protrude upward along the edge of the hole formed by the air intake port 2318a. The air intake protruding rib 2318b has a quadrilateral ring shape and can be connected to the lower end of the second humidifying fan housing 2560.

[0422] In this embodiment, the air intake portion 2318 is disposed behind the steam discharge portion 2316. The air intake portion 2318 is disposed closer to the humidifying fan 2500 than the steam discharge portion 2316.

[0423] The air intake 2318 is connected to the humidifying fan 2500 and receives filtered air from the humidifying fan 2500. The air intake 2318 receives filtered air that has passed through the filter assembly 600. The filtered air supplied to the air intake 2318 flows into the steam housing 2310 and is then discharged from the steam discharge 2316 along with the steam inside the steam housing 2310.

[0424] Reference Figure 16 The arrangement and dimensions of the air intake portion 2318, the steam discharge portion 2316, the first water level sensor 2360, the second water level sensor 2370, and the thermistor 2380 are described below with reference to an imaginary longitudinal line LC passing through the center of the steam housing 2310 and extending in the front-to-back direction and an imaginary transverse line LR passing through the center of the steam housing 2310 and extending in the left-to-right direction. Figure 16 When viewed from the top, the steam shell 2310 can be divided into: a first region I located on the left side of the longitudinal line LC and behind the transverse line LR; a second region II located on the right side of the longitudinal line LC and behind the transverse line LR; a third region III located on the left side of the longitudinal line LC and in front of the transverse line LR; and a fourth region IV located on the right side of the longitudinal line LC and in front of the transverse line LR.

[0425] The air intake portion 2318 of this embodiment is mainly arranged on the left side of the rear with the longitudinal line LC and the transverse line LR as the reference. The air intake portion 2318 is mainly arranged in the first area I. The air intake portion 2318 of this embodiment is arranged in all areas from the first area I to the fourth area IV. Figure 16 In this embodiment, the air intake portion 2318 can be arranged so that a portion thereof overlaps the center where the longitudinal line LC and the transverse line LR intersect. The air intake portion 2318 in this embodiment can be sized to occupy at least two-thirds of the area formed on the rear left side based on the longitudinal line LC and the transverse line LR.

[0426] The steam outlet 2316 of this embodiment can be arranged in front of the steam housing 2310 with the transverse line LR as the reference. The steam outlet 2316 of this embodiment is arranged in the third area III and the fourth area IV. The steam outlet 2316 is mainly arranged in the third area III. Figure 16 In this embodiment, the steam discharge portion 2316 can be primarily located on the front left side relative to the longitudinal line LC and the transverse line LR. The steam discharge portion 2316 is located in front of the air intake portion 2318 and can have a steam discharge port 2316a having a smaller area than the area formed by the air intake port 2318a of the air intake portion 2318.

[0427] The first water level sensor 2360 of this embodiment can be arranged on the right side with the longitudinal line LC as a reference. Figure 16 The first water level sensor 2360 is arranged on the right side with the longitudinal line LC as a reference, and can be arranged on the transverse line LR.

[0428] The second water level sensor 2370 of this embodiment can be disposed on the front right side with the longitudinal line LC and the transverse line LR as references. The second water level sensor 2370 can be disposed on the right side of the steam discharge portion 2316 .

[0429] The thermistor 2380 of this embodiment can be positioned adjacent to the center line where the transverse line LR and the longitudinal line LC intersect to prevent excessive heating within the steam housing 2310. The thermistor 2380 of this embodiment can be positioned between the air intake 2318 and the steam discharge 2316. The thermistor 2380 of this embodiment can be positioned rearward relative to the transverse line LR.

[0430] In this embodiment, the water pipe 2314 can be formed on the circumferential surface of the steam housing 2310, located on the rear right side relative to the transverse line LR and the longitudinal line LC. Therefore, the water pipe 2314 can be positioned away from the water supply assembly 2200, located on the front side relative to the transverse line LR, and closer to the drain assembly 2700, located on the rear side relative to the transverse line LR. The water pipe 2314 is positioned on the circumferential surface of the steam housing 2310 below the first region I, where the air intake 2318 is primarily located, and the second region II. This position of the water pipe 2314 away from the water supply assembly 2200 and in the rear region, where the air intake 2318 is primarily located, prevents water in the steam housing 2310 from flowing back into the water pipe 2314.

[0431] When general air other than filtered air flows into the steam housing 2310 , there is a high possibility that mold and the like will grow inside the steam housing 2310 .

[0432] In this embodiment, the air supplied to the interior of the steam housing 2310 is limited to filtered air. Therefore, when the steam generator 2300 is not in operation, contamination of the interior thereof by bacteria or mold can be minimized.

[0433] In the steam generator 2300 of this embodiment, air flow based on the humidifying fan 2500 is supplied to the inside thereof, thereby pushing steam to the outside of the steam housing 2310, thereby maximizing the flow pressure of the steam.

[0434] Unlike this embodiment, in a structure in which the humidifying fan draws steam from the outside of the steam housing, the steam inside the steam housing may not be discharged smoothly.

[0435] When the steam generated by the steam generator 2300 cannot quickly flow to the side outlets 301 and 302 , condensation may occur during the movement of the steam.

[0436] In this embodiment, the humidifying fan 2500 supplies air to the air intake side of the steam generator 2300, thereby minimizing condensation generated during the flow of steam. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air from the humidifying fan 2500 pushes the steam inside the steam housing 2310 to the outside of the steam housing 2310, thereby ensuring a sufficient air flow rate.

[0437] In particular, in the case of this embodiment, even if condensation occurs during the flow of steam, since the flow rate of air for flowing the steam can be sufficiently ensured, the condensed water can be naturally evaporated by the flow rate of the air.

[0438] Figure 241 is a graph comparing and illustrating scale generated in a drain pump and the temperature of a steam heater according to an embodiment of the present invention, and scale generated in a washer and the temperature of a steam heater. Figure 25 1 is a graph comparing and illustrating the internal temperature and heat transfer rate of the heater according to an embodiment of the present invention and the internal temperature and heat transfer rate of the heater in the washer based on the operation cycle of the drain pump.

[0439] <Composition of drainage components>

[0440] The drainage component 2700 includes: a drainage pump 2710, which is configured on the base 130 and is used to drain water from the water supply component 2200 and the steam generator 2300; a drainage hose 2720, which is connected to the drainage pump 2710 and is used to guide the water pumped from the drainage pump 2710 to the outside of the indoor unit; and a water connecting pipe 2730, which connects the chamber shell pipe 2214 of the water supply component 2200, the water pipe 2314 of the steam generator 2300 and the drainage pump 2710, thereby allowing water to flow.

[0441] The structure of the drain pump 2710 is a common device for those skilled in the art, so the description of its operation will be omitted. The drain pump 2710 includes: a drain inlet 2714 connected to the water connection pipe 2730; and a drain outlet 2712 connected to the drain hose 2720.

[0442] The drain inlet 2714 is arranged along the horizontal direction, and in this embodiment, protrudes toward the steam generator 2300. The drain outlet 2712 protrudes toward the upper side.

[0443] In this embodiment, the water in the water supply assembly 2200, the steam generator 2300, and the drain pump 2710 moves due to its own weight, so the drain pump 2710 is provided to meet this requirement. Therefore, the drain pump 2710 is preferably arranged lower than the chamber housing pipe 2214 and the water pipe 2314.

[0444] The water in the water supply assembly 2200 and the steam generator 2300 also moves due to its own weight, so the water pipe 2314 is preferably configured to be lower than the chamber shell pipe 2214.

[0445] Through the arrangement as described above, among these three, the chamber casing pipe 2214 is arranged highest, the drain pump 2710 is arranged lowest, and the water pipe 2314 is arranged at a height between the chamber casing pipe 2214 and the drain pump 2710 .

[0446] The water supply assembly 2200, the steam generator 2300, and the drain pump 2710 are all disposed on the base 130 of the box assembly 100. In order to form the above-mentioned height difference, the base 130 is formed with a height difference.

[0447] In this embodiment, a drainage pump installation portion 133 is formed on the base 130 and is recessed downward.

[0448] The base 130 includes a flat base top wall 131 and a drain pump installation portion 133 that is recessed downward from the base top wall 131 .

[0449] The base top wall 131 is disposed at a higher position than the drain pump installation portion 133 .

[0450] The water connecting pipe 2730 includes: a first connecting pipe 2731 connected to the chamber shell pipe 2214; a second connecting pipe 2732 connected to the water pipe 2314; a third connecting pipe 2733 connected to the drainage inlet 2714; and a three-way pipe 2735 connected to the first connecting pipe 2731, the second connecting pipe 2732 and the third connecting pipe 2733.

[0451] The three-way pipe 2735 can be a T-shaped pipe or a Y-shaped pipe. In this embodiment, in order to minimize the installation space, a T-shaped pipe is used.

[0452] One end of the first connecting pipe 2731 is connected to the chamber housing pipe 2214, and the other end is connected to the tee pipe 2735. Unlike this embodiment, a valve can be provided on the first connecting pipe 2731 to restrict the flow of the first connecting pipe 2731.

[0453] One end of the second connecting pipe 2732 is connected to the water pipe 2314, and the other end is connected to the tee pipe 2735. A mesh filter (not shown) may be provided inside the third connecting pipe 2733. When scale generated by the steam generator 2300 flows toward the drain pump 2710, it may cause danger due to poor drainage. Therefore, the mesh filter may be formed to a size that can filter out scale blocks larger than 0.8 mm. The mesh filter filters out scale generated by the operation of the steam generator and blocks the scale from flowing into the drain pump 2710.

[0454] One end of the third connecting pipe 2733 is connected to the drain inlet 2714 of the drain pump 2710 , and the other end thereof is connected to the three-way pipe 2735 .

[0455] There is no particular limitation on the materials of the first connecting pipe 2731 , the second connecting pipe 2732 , and the third connecting pipe 2733 . However, in this embodiment, they are made of synthetic resin for ease of assembly.

[0456] Here, since high-temperature water may flow into the second connecting pipe 2732, it is preferably formed of a heat-resistant material (in this embodiment, EDPM) that can withstand the temperature range of the steam generator 2300. Preferably, the second connecting pipe 2732 is formed of a material that does not deform at least at the temperature before the heater fuse is activated (216 degrees Celsius).

[0457] Preferably, the entire water connection pipe 2730 is preferably formed of a material that does not deform at the temperature (216 degrees Celsius) before the heater fuse is operated. The disconnection temperature of the heater fuse of this embodiment can be set to 216 degrees.

[0458] When the steam generator 2300 is operating, even under normal circumstances, the temperature of the water inside the steam generator 2300 can rise to over 100 degrees Celsius. In this case, if a pipe for receiving water and a pipe for draining water are separately provided, the pipe for receiving water is connected to the water tank, so although the temperature rises slowly, only a small amount of water is stored in the pipe connected to the drain pump 2710, causing the temperature to rise to a temperature similar to that inside the steam generator 2300.

[0459] When the water temperature of the pipe connected to the drain pump rises, the drain pump may be damaged.

[0460] In this embodiment, to prevent this, the water from the steam generator 2300 and the water from the water supply assembly 2200 may be mixed in the three-way pipe 2735 , and the mixed water may be used to suppress the temperature rise of the third connecting pipe 2733 .

[0461] Even if the temperature of the water on the second connecting pipe 2732 side rises to above 100 degrees Celsius, the water on the first connecting pipe 2731 side is at room temperature. Therefore, the high-temperature water and the room-temperature water are mixed in the three-way pipe 2735, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the water.

[0462] The water on the first connecting pipe 2731 side is received from the water supply assembly 2200 side, and thus the temperature rise can be suppressed by convection.

[0463] For example, after the steam generator 2300 is operated, even if the water inside the steam shell 2310 is in a high-temperature state and the drain pump 2710 is operated, the high-temperature water discharged from the second connecting pipe 2732 and the normal-temperature water discharged from the first connecting pipe 2731 will be mixed in the three-way pipe 2735, and the temperature of the mixed water can be reduced to at least below 70 degrees.

[0464] In this embodiment, when water is discharged through the water connection pipe 2730 , the temperature of the water flowing to the drain pump 2710 may be formed between 30 degrees and 50 degrees.

[0465] The characteristic of this embodiment is that when the drainage pump 2710 is in operation, it not only discharges the water stored in the steam housing 2310 , but also completely discharges the water stored in the water tank 2100 and the water supply assembly 2200 .

[0466] The water used in the humidifying assembly 2000 is used to humidify the room, so there is a risk of bacterial growth over time. Therefore, when the humidifying assembly 2000 is not used for a specified period (24 hours), the following control can be executed: not only is all the water stored in the water tank 2100, the water supply assembly 2200, and the steam housing 2310 drained, but the entire humidifying assembly 2000 is also dried.

[0467] The water used in the humidifying assembly 2000 is heated by the steam generator 2300 before use. Therefore, scale may form on the surface of the steam heater 2320 that heats the water. Scale accumulated on the surface of the steam heater 2320 may hinder the heat transfer from the heat generated by the steam heater 2320 to the water stored in the steam housing 2310. Therefore, it is preferable to operate the drain assembly 2700 periodically to minimize scale formation on the surface of the steam heater 2320 or in the steam housing 2310. In other words, when the humidifying assembly 2000 is not used for the specified period (one day) as described above, it is preferable to drain all the water stored in the water tank 2100, the water supply assembly 2200, and the steam housing 2310.

[0468] Reference Figure 24 It was confirmed that the temperature of steam heater 2320, which heats the water inside steam housing 2310, changes depending on whether drain assembly 2700 of this embodiment is in operation and the operating cycle. Specifically, when drain assembly 2700 is operated every three days, the amount of scale generated is significantly reduced compared to when the drain assembly is not in operation. This indicates that the temperature of steam heater 2320, which heats the water inside steam housing 2310, is lower.

[0469] Furthermore, it was confirmed that when the air conditioner of this embodiment was used for ten years, the internal temperature of steam heater 2320 caused by scale formation reached 207.6 degrees Celsius when the drain assembly was not operating, while the internal temperature of steam heater 2320 reached 192.4 degrees Celsius when drain assembly 2700 was operating every three days. Furthermore, although not shown, when drain assembly 2700 was operated once a day in the same manner, the internal temperature of steam heater 2320 reached 185.9 degrees Celsius. This confirms that it is preferable to set the operating cycle of drain assembly 2700 to a shorter one in order to minimize scale formation on the surface of steam heater 2320 or inside steam housing 2310.

[0470] In the heater fuse of this embodiment, its disconnection temperature is set to 216 degrees. Thus, even if the air conditioner is used for more than ten years without the drainage assembly 2700 operating periodically, the heater fuse will not disconnect, thereby having the durability to enable the steam heater 2320 to operate.

[0471] Reference Figure 25 The amount of scale generated in this embodiment varies depending on whether drain assembly 2700 is operating or not, and the operating cycle. Specifically, when drain assembly 2700 is operated every three days, the amount of scale generated is significantly reduced compared to when the drain assembly is not operating. This indicates that the thermal conductivity of steam heater 2320 is also increased, thereby maintaining a low internal temperature in steam heater 2320.

[0472] Furthermore, it was confirmed that when the air conditioner of this embodiment was used for ten years, the predicted value of thermal conductivity due to scale was 601 W when the drain assembly was not operating, while when the drain assembly 2700 was operated every three days, the predicted value of thermal conductivity was 624 W. Furthermore, although not shown, when the drain assembly 2700 was operated once a day in the same manner, the predicted value of thermal conductivity was 631 W. This indicates that it is preferable to set the operating cycle of the drain assembly 2700 to a shorter value in order to minimize scale formation on the surface of the steam heater 2320 or inside the steam housing 2310.

[0473] When the drain pump 2710 is running, water on the side of the third connecting pipe 2733 is drained. Since one end of the third connecting pipe 2733, which is connected to the drain inlet 2714, is positioned lowest, the potential energy of the water causes the water in the water tank 2100 and the water supply assembly 2200 to flow through the first connecting pipe 2731 and the tee pipe 2735 and into the third connecting pipe 2733.

[0474] Likewise, the water in the steam housing 2310 flows through the second connecting pipe 2732 and the tee pipe 2735 and toward the third connecting pipe 2733 due to the potential energy of the water.

[0475] As described above, the structure of the water connecting pipe 2730 can not only suppress the temperature rise of the steam generator 2300, but also easily achieve drainage of the entire humidifying assembly 2000.

[0476] <<Steam Guide Configuration>>

[0477] The steam guide 2400 supplies steam from the steam generator 2300 to the discharge flow path. The discharge flow path includes: an air flow path through which air flows via the long-distance fan assembly 400; and an air flow path through which air flows via the short-distance fan assembly.

[0478] In this embodiment, the discharge flow path is disposed in the box assembly 100 and is defined as a flow path before the air passing through the filter assembly 600 is discharged to the outside of the box assembly 100 .

[0479] In this embodiment, the steam guide 2400 guides the steam generated by the steam generator 2300 to the side outlets 301 and 302. The steam guide 2400 provides a separate flow path from the air inside the cabinet assembly 100. The steam guide 2400 may be in the form of a tube or duct.

[0480] The steam guide 2400 includes: a main steam guide 2450, which is combined with the steam generator 2300 and receives the humidified air from the steam generator 2300; a first branch guide 2410, which is combined with the main steam guide 2450 and is used to guide a part of the humidified air supplied through the main steam guide 2450 to the first side outlet 301; a second branch guide 2420, which is combined with the main steam guide 2450 and is used to guide the remaining part of the humidified air supplied through the main steam guide 2450 to the first side outlet 301. a second side outlet 302; a first diffuser 2430, which is assembled with the first branch guide 2410 and arranged at the first side outlet 301, and is used to discharge the humidified air supplied through the first branch guide 2410 from the first side outlet 301; and a second diffuser 2440, which is assembled with the second branch guide 2420 and is arranged at the second side outlet 302, and is used to discharge the humidified air supplied through the second branch guide 2420 from the second side outlet 302.

[0481] Unlike this embodiment, the first branch guide 2410 and the second branch guide 2420 may be directly coupled to the steam generator 2300. In this case, the steam generator 2300 is provided with a steam discharge portion, and the first branch guide 2410 and the second branch guide 2420 are respectively coupled to the steam discharge portion.

[0482] In addition, unlike this embodiment, a structure may be provided in which only one branch guide is provided and the branch guide is coupled to one diffuser. In this case, one diffuser may be provided at only one of the first side outlet and the second side outlet.

[0483] In this embodiment, the diffuser is disposed at the side outlet, but it may also be disposed at the front outlet. That is, the location of the diffuser is not limited to the side outlet.

[0484] In this embodiment, the main steam guide 2450 is formed in the form of a duct. The main steam guide 2450 guides air from the lower side to the upper side. The main steam guide 2450 provides air supplied from the steam generator 2300 (air mixed with steam and filtered air) to the first branch guide 2410 and the second branch guide 2420.

[0485] Air supplied from the steam generator 2300 (air mixed with steam and filtered air) is branched from the main steam guide 2450 to a first branch guide 2410 and a second branch guide 2420 .

[0486] The lower end of the main steam guide 2450 is coupled to the steam outlet portion 2316 of the steam housing 2310 . The upper end of the main steam guide 2450 is coupled to the first branch guide 2410 and the second branch guide 2420 .

[0487] The main steam guide 2450 has an opening formed at its lower side. A first guide coupling portion 2451 for assembling the first branch guide 2410 and a second guide coupling portion 2452 for assembling the second branch guide 2420 are disposed at its upper side.

[0488] The first guide member coupling portion 2451 and the second guide member coupling portion 2452 are connected in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first guide member coupling portion 2451 and the second guide member coupling portion 2452 are formed in a pipe form.

[0489] The first branch guide 2410 is formed in a tube shape corresponding to the cross section of the first guide coupling portion 2451 , and the second branch guide 2420 is formed in a tube shape corresponding to the cross section of the second guide coupling portion 2452 .

[0490] In this embodiment, when viewed from the front of the tank assembly 100 , the main steam guide 2450 is arranged to be inclined toward one side (left side), and therefore, the first branch guide 2410 and the second branch guide 2420 are formed to have different lengths.

[0491] Preferably, air is supplied equally to the first branch guide 2410 and the second branch guide 2420. In this embodiment, the flow rates of the first branch guide 2410 and the second branch guide 2420 can be made equal by making the first branch guide 2410 and the second branch guide 2420 have different pipe diameters.

[0492] For example, the pipe diameter of the shorter steam guide may be made smaller, and the pipe diameter of the longer steam guide may be made larger, thereby achieving an equal flow rate.

[0493] The first diffuser 2430 and the second diffuser 2440 are symmetrical in the left-right direction.

[0494] The first diffuser 2430 is assembled with the first branch guide 2410 and disposed at the first side outlet 301. The first diffuser 2430 discharges air supplied together with steam through the first branch guide 2410 from the first side outlet 301.

[0495] The first diffuser 2430 mixes filtered air containing steam with the air discharged from the first side outlet 301 and discharges the air. When the flow rate and pressure of the air discharged from the first diffuser 2430 become greater than the flow rate and pressure of the air discharged from the first side outlet 301 due to the action of the close-range fan assembly, the air discharged from the first diffuser 2430 acts as resistance to the air discharged from the first side outlet 301 through the close-range fan assembly, preventing the air discharged from the first side outlet 301 from flowing smoothly within the room. As a result, the flow rate and pressure of the air discharged through the first side outlet 301 become equal to or greater than the flow rate and pressure of the air discharged from the first diffuser 2430.

[0496] The air discharged from the first side outlet 301 can diffuse the steam discharged from the first diffuser 2430 to a further distance. The second diffuser 2440 also operates on the same principle.

[0497] Since the flow rate and pressure of the air discharged from the side outlets 301 and 302 are greater than the flow rate and pressure of the air discharged from the diffusers 2430 and 2440 , condensation caused by steam around the side outlets 301 and 302 can be minimized.

[0498] The second diffuser 2440 is assembled with the second branch guide 2420 and is disposed at the second side outlet 302. The second diffuser 2440 discharges air supplied together with steam through the second branch guide 2420 from the second side outlet 302.

[0499] The first diffuser 2430 and the second diffuser 2440 have the same structure, and therefore, the first diffuser 2430 is taken as an example for description.

[0500] The first diffuser 2430 discharges air supplied from the bottom together with steam to a side discharge port.

[0501] The diffuser (in this embodiment, the first diffuser and the second diffuser) includes: a diffuser shell 2460, which has a space formed therein and an opening formed on one side (in this embodiment, the lower side); diffuser outlets 2431, 2441, which are formed to pass through the diffuser shell 2460; and diffuser inlets 2433, 2443, which are arranged on the outside of the diffuser shell 2460 and arranged in the diffuser shell 2460, and assembled with the steam guides 2420, 2430.

[0502] For ease of description, when the diffuser outlets of the first diffuser 2430 and the second diffuser 2440 need to be distinguished, they are defined as the first diffuser outlet 2431 and the second diffuser outlet 2441. Similarly, when the diffuser inlets of the first diffuser 2430 and the second diffuser 2440 need to be distinguished, they are defined as the first diffuser inlet 2433 and the second diffuser inlet 2443.

[0503] The diffuser outlet 2431 is formed in a slit form. The diffuser outlet 2431 extends long in the vertical direction. A plurality of diffuser outlets 2431 may be arranged along the length of the diffuser housing 2460. The diffuser outlet 2431 is arranged to face left or right.

[0504] The diffuser outlet 2431 is disposed near the side outlets 301 and 302 of the box assembly 100 .

[0505] The first diffuser outlet 2431 is configured to face the left side of the box assembly 100 , and the second diffuser outlet 2441 is configured to face the right side of the box assembly 100 .

[0506] In this embodiment, the diffuser outlet 2431 is arranged at a position further forward than the side outlets 301 and 302 , and the humidified air can be made to flow farther by the flow of the air discharged from the side outlets 301 and 302 .

[0507] A diffuser space is formed inside the diffuser housing 2460. The diffuser space is connected to the diffuser inlet 2433 and the diffuser outlet 2431. The diffuser space extends long in the vertical direction. When viewed from above, the diffuser space is formed to be wide inside and narrow outside.

[0508] In this embodiment, the diffuser inlet 2433 is formed in a tube shape.

[0509] The diffuser inlet 2433 is inserted into the steam guide 2420. The diffuser inlet 2433 is inserted into the steam guide 2420 to prevent condensed water generated inside the diffuser housing 2460 from leaking to the outside.

[0510] The condensed water condensed inside the diffuser housing 2460 flows downward due to its own weight, and after moving to the steam guide 2420 through the diffuser inlet 2433 , may be recovered to the steam generator 2300 through the main steam guide 2450 .

[0511] When the humidifying fan 2500 is running, the condensed water inside the diffuser housing 2460 can be naturally evaporated by the flowing air. When the humidifying fan 2500 is not running, the condensed water condensed inside the diffuser housing 2460 can be recovered to the steam generator 2300 and then discharged to the outside through the drain assembly 2700.

[0512] In the humidification assembly 2000 of this embodiment, when providing humidification, the distance that the moisture reaches does not solely depend on the output of the humidification fan 2500. In order to make the moisture flow farther, if only the output of the humidification fan 2500 is relied upon, it is necessary to increase the capacity of the humidification fan 2500 or to operate the humidification fan 2500 at a higher speed.

[0513] In this embodiment, when humidifying assembly 2000 is operated, moisture is mixed in the air flow of the close-range fan assembly to enable it to flow to a further distance. In this case, even if a humidifying fan 2500 with a smaller output capacity is used, humidified air can be provided to a further distance in the room.

[0514] Arranging the diffuser outlet 2431 in front of the side outlets 301 , 302 allows the humidified air to flow farther than arranging the diffuser outlet 2431 behind the side outlets 301 , 302 .

[0515] <<Composition of humidification fan>>

[0516] The humidifying fan 2500 draws in filtered air that has passed through the filter assembly 600 and supplies the air to the steam generator 2300 , and allows the filtered air to flow toward the steam guide 2400 together with steam generated by the steam generator 2300 .

[0517] The humidifying fan 2500 generates an air flow that causes steam and filtered air (referred to as humidified air in this embodiment) to be discharged from the diffusers 2430 and 2440 .

[0518] The humidifying fan 2500 includes: a humidifying fan housing 2530, which inhales filtered air that has passed through the filter assembly 600 and guides the inhaled filtered air to the steam generator 2300; a cleaning suction pipe 2540, the lower side of which is connected to the humidifying fan housing 2530, and the upper side of which is arranged in front of the filter assembly 600, thereby providing the filtered air that has passed through the filter assembly 600 to the humidifying fan housing 2530; a humidifying impeller 2510, which is arranged inside the humidifying fan housing 2530 and causes the filtered air in the humidifying fan housing 2530 to flow to the steam generator 2300; and a humidifying motor 2520, which is arranged in the humidifying fan housing 2530 and causes the humidifying impeller 2510 to rotate.

[0519] The clean intake duct 2540 provides filtered air that has passed through the filter assembly 600 to the humidifying fan housing 2530 .

[0520] The filter assembly 600 is disposed in the upper housing 110 , while the humidifying fan 2500 is disposed in the lower housing 120 , so there is a height difference between the two.

[0521] In particular, the filtered air that has passed through the filter assembly 600 flows to the close-range fan assembly 300, and the filtered air does not or has difficulty flowing to the lower housing 120. Specifically, since the lower housing 120 does not have a portion for discharging air, the filtered air does not flow or circulate inside the lower housing 120 unless air is manually supplied.

[0522] In addition, a drain pan 140 for supporting the heat exchange assembly and collecting condensed water is disposed on the lower side of the upper housing 110 . Therefore, the flow of filtered air from the upper housing 110 to the lower housing 120 is subject to many restrictions.

[0523] The upper end of the clean suction duct 2540 is located inside the upper housing 110, and the lower end thereof is located inside the lower housing 120. That is, the clean suction duct 2540 provides a flow path for allowing filtered air inside the upper housing 110 to flow into the lower housing 120.

[0524] The cleaning suction pipe 2540 is formed with a first cleaning pipe opening surface 2541 , and the first cleaning pipe opening surface 2541 is opened toward the heat exchange component or the filter component 600 .

[0525] The humidifying fan housing 2530 includes: a first humidifying fan housing 2550, which is combined with the cleaning suction duct 2540 and is used to inhale filtered air, and a first suction space 2551 is formed therein; a second humidifying fan housing 2560, which is combined with the first humidifying fan housing 2550 and receives filtered air from the first humidifying fan housing 2550, and a second suction space 2561 is formed therein, and the humidifying impeller 2510 is arranged therein, and the filtered air is guided to the steam generator 2300 by the operation of the humidifying impeller 2510; a first suction opening surface 2552, which is formed in the first humidifying fan housing 2550 and is combined with the cleaning suction duct 2540 The first suction space 2551 is connected and open toward one side (in the present embodiment, the upper side); the second suction opening surface 2562 is formed in the second humidifying fan housing 2560 and is connected to the second suction space 2561, and is open toward the other side (in the present embodiment, the lower side); the first suction space discharge portion 2553 passes through the first humidifying fan housing 2550 and the second humidifying fan housing 2560, and connects the first suction space 2551 and the second suction space 2561; and the motor setting portion 2565 is arranged in the second humidifying fan housing 2560, and the humidifying motor 2520 is installed in the motor setting portion 2565.

[0526] The first humidifying fan housing 2550 is formed with a first suction opening surface 2552 facing upward. The clean suction duct 2540 is connected to the suction opening surface 2552. In contrast, the second humidifying fan housing 2560 is formed with a second suction opening surface 2562 facing downward.

[0527] In this embodiment, the opening direction of the first suction opening surface 2552 is opposite to the opening direction of the second suction opening surface 2562 .

[0528] The motor shaft (not shown) of the humidification motor 2520 passes through the second humidification fan housing 2560 and is assembled to the humidification impeller 2510 .

[0529] The motor installation portion 2565 protrudes rearward from the second humidification fan housing 2560 , and the humidification motor 2520 is inserted and installed in the motor installation portion 2565 .

[0530] The first humidifying fan housing 2550 in which the first suction space 2551 is formed and the second humidifying fan housing 2560 in which the second suction space 2561 is formed may be assembled after being manufactured separately.

[0531] In this embodiment, in order to simplify the assembly structure and reduce manufacturing costs, the humidifying fan housing 2530 is manufactured by assembling three parts.

[0532] The humidifying fan housing 2530 includes: a first humidifying fan housing portion 2531, which is formed to surround the front of the first suction space 2551 and constitutes a part of the first humidifying fan housing 2550; a second humidifying fan housing portion 2532, which is formed to surround the rear of the first suction space 2551 and is formed to surround the front of the second suction space 2561, is formed with the first suction space discharge portion 2553, and constitutes the rest of the first humidifying fan housing 2550 and a part of the second humidifying fan housing 2560; and a third housing portion 2533, which is formed to surround the rear of the second suction space 2561 and is provided with the motor setting portion 2565, and constitutes the rest of the second humidifying fan housing 2560.

[0533] Since the second humidifying fan housing portion 2532 is commonly used in the first humidifying fan housing 2550 and the second humidifying fan housing 2560 , the number of components can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be lowered.

[0534] The second humidifying fan housing 2532 is provided with a first suction space discharge portion 2553. The first suction space discharge portion 2553 is formed to penetrate the second humidifying fan housing 2532 in the front-to-back direction. The first suction space discharge portion 2553 is convex toward the humidifying impeller 2510 and is formed in a circular shape.

[0535] The second humidifying fan housing 2532 is formed with the first suction space discharge portion 2553 and an orifice portion 2534 protruding toward the humidifying impeller 2510 .

[0536] A first suction space 2551 is arranged in front of the second humidifying fan housing 2532 , and a second suction space 2561 is arranged in the rear thereof.

[0537] The humidifying impeller 2510 is a centrifugal fan that sucks air from the center and discharges air in a circumferential direction. The air discharged from the humidifying impeller 2510 passes through the second humidifying fan housing 2560 and flows into the steam generator 2300.

[0538] The flow of filtered air based on the driving of the humidification motor 2520 will be described below.

[0539] When the humidification motor 2520 is driven, the humidification impeller 2510 coupled to the humidification motor 2520 rotates. When the humidification impeller 2510 rotates, air flow is generated in the humidification fan housing 2530, and filtered air is sucked in through the clean suction duct 2540.

[0540] The filtered air sucked in through the clean intake duct 2540 flows into the second humidifying fan housing 2560 through the first intake space 2551 and the first intake space outlet 2553 of the first humidifying fan housing 2550. The air flowing into the second humidifying fan housing 2560 is pressurized by the humidifying impeller 2510, flows downward along the second humidifying fan housing 2560, and then flows into the interior of the steam generator 2300 through the second intake opening surface 2562.

[0541] The filtered air that flows into the steam housing 2310 through the air intake portion 2318 of the steam generator 2300 is discharged from the steam discharge portion 2316 together with the steam generated by the steam generator 2300 .

[0542] The humidified air discharged from the steam discharge portion 2316 branches from the main steam guide 2450 to the first branch guide 2410 and the second branch guide 2420 .

[0543] The humidified air flowing into the first branch guide 2410 passes through the first diffuser 2431 and is discharged from the first side outlet 301 , while the humidified air flowing into the second branch guide 2420 passes through the second diffuser 2441 and is discharged from the second side outlet 302 .

[0544] The humidified air discharged from the first side outlet 301 is diffused to the left side of the box assembly 100 together with the wind generated by the close-range fan assembly 300; the humidified air discharged from the second side outlet 302 is diffused to the right side of the box assembly 100 together with the wind generated by the close-range fan assembly 300.

[0545] Figure 26 1 is a top view showing a water supply and drainage connection structure of a steam generator, a water tank, and a drainage pump according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0546] The indoor unit of this embodiment includes: a water connecting pipe 2730', which connects the supply chamber shell 2210 and the steam generator 2300, and communicates the interior of the steam generator 2300 with the supply chamber 2211; a drainage connecting pipe 2740, which connects the steam generator 2300 and the drainage pump 2710, and connects the interior of the steam generator 2300 with the drainage inlet 2714; and a drainage valve 2750, which is connected to the drainage connecting pipe 2740 to restrict the flow of water passing through the drainage connecting pipe 2740.

[0547] The steam generator 2300 includes a first water pipe 2311 and a second water pipe 2312 .

[0548] The first water pipe 2311 is disposed on the side of the chamber casing pipe 2214. The second water pipe 2312 is disposed on the side of the drain inlet 2714. The first water pipe 2311 is disposed further forward than the second water pipe 2312.

[0549] The first water pipe 2311 and the second water pipe 2312 can be arranged at the same height. The second water pipe 2312 is arranged lower than the first water pipe 2311 to facilitate drainage.

[0550] The first water pipe 2311 and the second water pipe 2312 are arranged to be lower than the chamber shell pipe 2214 and to be higher than the drain inlet 2714 .

[0551] In this embodiment, a drain valve 2750 is further disposed on the suction side of the drain pump 2710. The drain valve 2750 restricts the water in the drain connection pipe 2740.

[0552] In the absence of the drain valve 2750 , when the steam generator 2300 operates, heated high-temperature water may flow into the drain pump 2710 , thereby possibly damaging the drain pump 2710 .

[0553] The drain valve 2750 blocks the high-temperature water from flowing into the drain pump 2710 .

[0554] The drain valve 2750 may be disposed on the drain connection pipe 2740 , or may be disposed between the drain inlet 2714 and the drain connection pipe 2740 .

[0555] In this embodiment, when draining the water stored in the steam generator 2300, the drain pump 2710 may be operated after confirming the water temperature of the steam generator 2300 or the temperature inside the steam generator 2300. If the water temperature is not confirmed, the drain pump 2710 may be operated in consideration of the cooling time of the water after the steam generator 2300 is operated.

[0556] Hereinafter, since the remaining configuration is the same as that of the aforementioned embodiment, detailed description will be omitted.

[0557] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but can be manufactured in various forms. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative and non-restrictive in all aspects.

[0558] Description of Reference Numerals

[0559] 100: Cabinet assembly 200: Door assembly

[0560] 300: Short distance fan assembly 400: Long distance fan assembly

[0561] 500: Heat exchange assembly 600: Filter assembly

[0562] 700: Mobile cleaner 1100: Panel module

[0563] 1200: Door cover assembly 1300: Door sliding module

[0564] 1400: Side moving assembly 1500: Display module

[0565] 1600: Door cover moving module 1700: Door shell moving module

[0566] 1800: Cable guide 1900: Camera module

[0567] 2000: Humidification component 2100: Water tank

[0568] 2200: Water supply component 2300: Steam generator

[0569] 2400: Steam guide 2500: Humidification fan

[0570] 2600: Tilt assembly 2700: Drain assembly

[0571] 2800: Tilt drive gear assembly

Claims

1. An air conditioner, wherein: include: a box assembly forming an interior space and having a suction port, wherein the suction port allows indoor air to flow into the interior space; as well as a humidifying assembly, disposed inside the box assembly and utilizing vaporized water to generate humidified air; The humidifying assembly includes a steam housing and a water pipe connected to the steam housing, wherein the steam housing forms a water storage space for storing water, and the stored water is vaporized in the water storage space; The steam shell is formed with: an air intake port, through which air in the internal space flows into the water storage space; and a humidified air outlet through which the humidified air mixed with the vaporized water and the air flowing in through the air inlet is discharged; The air inlet and the humidified air outlet are formed on the upper surface of the steam housing in a manner spaced apart from each other; The distance between the humidified air discharge port and the bottom surface of the steam housing is greater than the distance between the air intake port and the bottom surface of the steam housing, and the height of the humidified air discharge port is formed to be higher than that of the air intake port; The humidifying component also includes: a first connecting pipe through which water flowing into the interior of the steam housing flows; a second connecting pipe, connected to the water pipe; a third connecting pipe through which water discharged from the interior of the steam housing flows; and a tee pipe connecting the first connecting pipe, the second connecting pipe, and the third connecting pipe; The first connecting pipe and the third connecting pipe are formed to be inclined toward the lower side of the water flow direction; The first connecting pipe forms a flow path longer than that of the third connecting pipe; The humidifying assembly further includes a drainage assembly connected to the third connecting pipe for draining water from the steam housing.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The area of the air intake port is formed to be larger than the area of the humidified air discharge port.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The area of the humidified air discharge port is not less than 1 / 2 and not more than 2 / 3 of the area of the air intake port.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein Water flowing into the steam housing or water flowing out of the steam housing flows in the water pipe.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein The water pipe is arranged at a lower end portion of the circumferential surface of the steam housing behind the steam housing where the air intake port is formed, based on the front-rear direction of the steam housing. The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein: The humidifying component also includes: Water tanks, for storing water; and a water supply assembly, disposed between the water tank and the first connecting pipe, for supplying water from the water tank to the steam housing and regulating the water supply so that the water level of the water storage space of the steam housing is formed within a set water level; The air intake port is formed at a predetermined interval upward from the set water level.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein A water level sensor is included, wherein the water level sensor is used to detect the lowest water level and the highest water level inside the steam shell. The air intake port is arranged at a predetermined distance upward from the highest water level detected by the water level sensor inside the steam housing.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein The water level sensor is disposed so as to protrude from the upper surface of the steam housing toward the interior of the steam housing, and is disposed between the air intake port and the humidified air discharge port.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein The water level sensor comprises: a first water level sensor configured to detect the lowest water level when water stored in the steam housing contacts a lower end portion of the first water level sensor; and a second water level sensor for detecting the maximum water level when water stored in the steam housing contacts a lower end portion of the second water level sensor; The air intake port is arranged to be spaced upward from a lower end portion of the second water level sensor.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The humidifying assembly further includes a humidifying fan disposed on an upper side of the steam housing and configured to cause air in the internal space to flow into the water storage space of the steam housing through the air intake port.

11. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The air conditioner further includes a filter assembly, which is disposed inside the box assembly and located inside the air intake port, and filters indoor air and supplies the air to the internal space.

12. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The air conditioner further comprises: a heat exchange assembly, disposed inside the box assembly and located inside the suction port; and The drain pan is disposed at the lower portion of the heat exchange assembly and supports the heat exchange assembly, and closes a portion of the lower side of the internal space.

13. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The humidifying unit supplies the humidified air to a discharge flow path for discharging the air in the internal space into the room.

14. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein The drainage assembly is connected to the third connecting pipe and is used to drain water from the water tank and the water supply assembly.

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