Humidifier preventing contamination of humidification water

Abstract

A humidifier includes a humidifying member; a storage tank; a circulating tank; a residual tank; a supply pump configured to supply water contained in the storage tank to the circulating tank; a circulating pump configured to supply water contained in the circulating tank to the humidifying member; a fan configured to blow air toward the humidifying member, thereby discharging evaporated water to the outside of the humidifier; an inner tube configured to form a flow passage in which water not evaporated by the humidifying member is recovered to the circulating tank; a drain member configured to selectively discharge water contained in the circulating tank to the residual tank; and a controller configured to operate the humidifier in a humidity mode based on a water level in the storage tank.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a humidifier. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an evaporative humidifier. BACKGROUND

[0002] Types of humidifiers include a heating type that boils water using electric power to discharge the water as steam, an ultrasonic type that vibrates water using ultrasonic waves to generate micro water droplets, a combination type that combines the heating type and the ultrasonic type, and an evaporation type that naturally evaporates by blowing wind to a humidifying device wetted with water through a fan.

[0003] The ultrasonic method has a disadvantage that various particles dissolved in water can be sprayed into the air together with the water, unlike the ultrasonic method, since the evaporation method evaporates only pure water, the evaporation method has an advantage that the sprayed moisture is relatively clean.

[0004] However, in the case of a conventional evaporative humidifier, since water stored in the humidifier is continuously used, components (such as ionic components, organic substances, etc.) dissolved in the water are concentrated, and microorganisms, etc. proliferate, and due to water contamination, the humidifier can be scaled or can generate an odor.

[0005] In order to prevent this, the humidifier needs to be cleaned frequently, but users feel inconvenient to clean the humidifier frequently, and thus users do not clean frequently. SUMMARY

[0006] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0007] The present disclosure provides a humidifier that prevents contamination of a circulating water tank that supplies water to a humidifying member by automatically discharging water in the circulating water tank according to a predetermined condition.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a humidifier that can maintain a clean internal environment by performing purification of humidifying water, sterilization processing of the humidifying water, discharge of the humidifying water having concentrated impurities, etc.

[0009] In particular, the present disclosure discloses a specific control method of various components provided in the above humidifier.

[0010] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0011] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a humidifier includes a humidifying member; a storage tank; a circulating tank; a residual tank; a supply pump configured to supply water in the storage tank to the circulating tank based on an operation mode of the humidifier being a humidity mode; a circulating pump configured to supply water in the circulating tank to the humidifying member; a fan configured to provide wind to the humidifying member to which water is supplied, evaporate the water supplied to the humidifying member, and discharge water to the outside of the humidifier; an inner tube configured to form a flow passage through which water not evaporated in the humidifying member is returned to the circulating tank; a drain member configured to selectively discharge water in the circulating tank to the residual tank; and a controller configured to operate the humidifier in the humidity mode based on a water level in the storage tank being greater than or equal to a first predetermined low water level, and stop the humidity mode according to at least one of a water level in the circulating tank and a water level in the residual tank based on the water level in the storage tank being less than the first predetermined low water level while the humidifier is operated in the humidity mode.

[0012] The controller can stop the humidity mode based on a water level in the circulating tank being less than a second predetermined low water level while the water level in the storage tank is less than the first predetermined low water level.

[0013] The controller can stop the humidity mode based on a water level in the residual tank being greater than or equal to a third predetermined high water level while the water level in the storage tank is less than the first predetermined low water level.

[0014] The controller can be configured to, while the humidifier is operated in the humidity mode, control the supply pump to supply water in the storage tank to the circulating tank based on the water level in the circulating tank being less than the second predetermined low water level, so that the water level in the circulating tank reaches a second predetermined high water level, and based on the number of times that the supply pump supplies water to the circulating tank so that the water level in the circulating tank changes from the second predetermined low water level to the second predetermined high water level being a predetermined number of times, and control the drain member to discharge water in the circulating tank to the residual tank based on the water level in the circulating tank being lower than the second predetermined low water level.

[0015] The controller can be configured to, based on the humidifier starting the humidity mode, control the drain member to discharge water in the circulating tank to the residual tank, and based on the end of the discharge, control the supply pump to supply water from the storage tank to the circulating tank.

[0016] According to embodiments of the disclosure, a humidifier includes a humidifying member; a storage tank; a circulating tank; a residual tank; a supply pump configured to supply water in the storage tank to the circulating tank based on an operation mode of the humidifier being a humidity mode; a filter configured to purify water supplied from the storage tank to the circulating tank; a circulating pump configured to supply water in the circulating tank to the humidifying member; a fan configured to provide wind to the humidifying member to which water is supplied, evaporate water supplied to the humidifying member, and discharge water to an outside of the humidifier; an inner tube configured to form a flow passage in which water not evaporated in the humidifying member is returned to the circulating tank through the flow passage; a drain member configured to selectively discharge water in the circulating tank to the residual tank; and a controller configured to control the supply pump such that water in the storage tank is supplied to the circulating tank through the filter based on a water level in the circulating tank being less than a second predetermined low water level, identify whether the filter needs to be replaced based on a time taken for the water level in the circulating tank to reach a second predetermined high water level from the second predetermined low water level, and provide a notification related to replacing the filter based on the identification result.

[0017] The controller can be configured to identify that the filter needs to be replaced based on the time taken for the water level in the circulating tank to reach the second predetermined high water level from the second predetermined low water level being greater than or equal to a predetermined time, and provide the notification related to replacing the filter.

[0018] The controller can be configured to identify and store the time taken for the water level in the circulating tank to reach the second predetermined high water level from the second predetermined low water level each time the supply pump supplies water in the storage tank to the circulating tank, and identify a number of times of water supply by the supply pump to supply water in the storage tank to the circulating tank to reach a number of times of water supply at which the filter needs to be replaced based on a change in a pattern of the times stored until this time at which it is identified that the filter needs to be replaced.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a humidifier includes a humidifying member; a storage tank; a circulating tank; a residual tank; a sterilization processing unit configured to sterilize water in the circulating tank; a supply pump configured to supply water in the storage tank to the circulating tank based on an operation mode of the humidifier being a humidity mode; a circulating pump configured to supply water in the circulating tank to the humidifying member; a fan configured to provide wind to the humidifying member to which water is supplied, evaporate the water supplied to the humidifying member, and discharge water to the outside of the humidifier; an inner tube configured to form a flow passage through which water not evaporated in the humidifying member is returned to the circulating tank; a drain member configured to selectively discharge water in the circulating tank to the residual tank; and a controller configured to, while the operation mode of the humidifier is in the humidity mode, based on a water level in the circulating tank being greater than or equal to a second predetermined high water level, control the sterilization processing unit to sterilize water in the circulating tank, and control the circulating pump to supply the sterilized water to the humidifying member.

[0020] The sterilization processing unit can include a kit for performing a sterilization process by electrolyzing water in the circulating tank based on an input voltage, and the controller can be configured to measure a current depending on a voltage input to the kit through an electrode of the kit, based on the current measured while a first voltage is input to the kit exceeding a first current, provide a notification related to replacing or replenishing water in the circulating tank, and based on the current measured while a second voltage greater than the first voltage is input to the kit being less than or equal to a second current, provide a notification that the sterilization process cannot be performed through the kit.

[0021] The controller can be configured to, based on a user command for a sterilization mode being input, convert the operation mode of the humidifier to a sterilization mode, control the supply pump to supply water in the storage tank to the circulating tank, control the sterilization processing unit to sterilize water in the circulating tank, control the circulating pump to supply the sterilized water to the humidifying member, control the drain member to discharge water in the circulating tank to the residual tank, and control the fan to evaporate water in the humidifying member.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a humidifier includes a humidifying member; a storage tank; a circulating tank; a residual tank; a supply pump configured to supply water in the storage tank to the circulating tank based on an operation mode of the humidifier being a humidity mode; a circulating pump configured to supply water in the circulating tank to the humidifying member; a fan configured to provide wind to the humidifying member to which water is supplied, evaporate the water supplied to the humidifying member, and discharge water to the outside of the humidifier; an inner tube configured to form a flow passage in which water not evaporated in the humidifying member is returned to the circulating tank through the flow passage; a drain member configured to selectively discharge water in the circulating tank to the residual tank; and a controller configured to, based on a water level in the circulating tank being identified as being less than a second predetermined low water level while a water level in the storage tank is greater than or equal to a first predetermined low water level, control the supply pump to supply water in the storage tank to the circulating tank so that the water level in the circulating tank reaches a second predetermined high water level, and based on the water level in the circulating tank being identified as being less than the second predetermined low water level while the water level in the storage tank is less than the first predetermined low water level, provide a notification related to water replenishment, and wherein an amount of water corresponding to the first predetermined low water level in the storage tank is greater than or equal to an amount of water corresponding to the second predetermined high water level in the circulating tank.

[0023] The storage tank can be formed separately from the residual tank, and the controller can be configured to, based on the humidity mode being stopped while the water level in the storage tank is less than the first predetermined low water level, control the drain member to discharge water in the circulating tank to the residual tank, based on the water level in the circulating tank being less than a second predetermined low water level as a result of the water in the circulating tank being discharged to the residual tank, provide a notification that water replenishment is required, and based on the water level in the residual tank being greater than or equal to a third predetermined high water level as a result of the water in the circulating tank being discharged to the residual tank, provide a notification that water in the residual tank needs to be discarded.

[0024] The storage tank can be integrally formed with the residual water tank and formed such that water overflowed from the residual water tank is contained in the storage tank, and the controller can be configured to control the drain member to drain water in the circulating water tank to the residual water tank based on the humidity mode being stopped while the water level in the storage tank is less than a first predetermined low water level, provide a notification that water replenishment is required based on the water level in the circulating water tank being less than a second predetermined low water level according to the water in the circulating water tank being drained to the residual water tank, and provide a notification that the water in the residual water tank needs to be discarded based on the water level in the circulating water tank being less than the second predetermined low water level according to the water in the circulating water tank being drained to the residual water tank and the water level in the residual water tank being greater than or equal to a third predetermined high water level according to the water in the circulating water tank being drained to the residual water tank.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a humidifier includes a humidifying member; a storage tank; a circulating water tank; a residual water tank; a supply pump configured to supply water in the storage tank to the circulating water tank based on an operation mode of the humidifier being a humidity mode; a circulating pump configured to supply water in the circulating water tank to the humidifying member; a fan configured to provide wind to the humidifying member to which water is supplied, evaporate water supplied to the humidifying member, and discharge water to the outside of the humidifier; an inner tube configured to form a flow passage in which water not evaporated in the humidifying member is returned to the circulating water tank; a drain member configured to selectively drain water in the circulating water tank to the residual water tank; and a controller configured to control the drain member to drain water in the circulating water tank to the residual water tank based on the humidity mode being stopped.

[0026] The storage tank can be formed separately from the residual water tank, and the controller can be configured to control the drain member to stop draining, based on the water level in the residual water tank reaching a third predetermined high water level through water in the circulating water tank being drained to the residual water tank or the water level in the circulating water tank reaching a second predetermined low water level through water in the circulating water tank being drained to the residual water tank, after the humidity mode is stopped.

[0027] The storage tank can be integrally formed with the residual water tank, and the storage tank is formed such that water overflowed from the residual water tank is contained in the storage tank, and the controller can be configured to control the drain member to stop draining, based on the water level in the circulating water tank reaching a second predetermined low water level through draining, after the humidity mode is stopped.

[0028] Advantageous effects

[0029] The humidifier according to the disclosure includes a residual water tank, thereby preventing humidification by mixing residual water for humidification with water contained in the water storage tank, and increasing a cleaning interval of the humidifier by inhibiting contamination of a humidifying member.

[0030] Further, the humidifier according to the disclosure provides optimal automatic control related to the start and stop of a humidity mode on a structure using all of the water storage tank, the circulating water tank, and the residual water tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a humidifier in a humidity mode according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4 is an algorithm illustrating an example of an operation of a humidifier for discharging water contained in a circulating water tank to a residual water tank;

[0035] Figure 5 is an algorithm illustrating an example of an operation of a humidifier for stopping a humidity mode depending on a condition;

[0036] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a humidifier including a filter according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a humidifier including a sterilization processing unit according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0038] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a humidifier performing sterilization in a humidity mode;

[0039] Figure 9 is an algorithm illustrating an example of an operation of a humidifier using a kit performing a sterilization process based on electrolysis;

[0040] Figure 10 is an algorithm illustrating an example of an operation of a humidifier performing a sterilization process according to a sterilization mode;

[0041] Figure 11 is an algorithm illustrating an operation of a humidifier capable of maximizing use of water contained in a water storage tank according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0042] Figure 12A and 12Bis an algorithm showing an operation of the humidifier after stopping the humidity mode for the storage tank and the residual water tank as separate types and the storage tank and the residual water tank as an integrated type;

[0043] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the humidifier according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0044] Figure 14 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of the humidifier according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0046] EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Before the present disclosure is concretely described, a method for demonstrating the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings will be described.

[0048] The terms used in the present disclosure and claims are selected from general terms in consideration of functions in various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, these terms can be changed according to the intent of those skilled in the art, legal or technical interpretations, and appearance of new technologies. In addition, there can be some terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant. These terms can be interpreted according to the meanings defined in the present specification, and can also be interpreted based on the general content of the present specification and typical technical concepts in the art, unless the terms are specifically defined.

[0049] In addition, the same reference numerals or symbols described in the accompanying drawings represent components or elements that actually perform the same functions. For convenience of description and understanding, the same reference numerals or symbols are used and described in different exemplary embodiments. In other words, although the elements having the same reference numerals are all shown in a plurality of drawings, the plurality of drawings do not mean one exemplary embodiment.

[0050] In addition, in order to distinguish components, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", etc. can be used in the present specification and claims. The ordinal numbers are used in order to distinguish a same or similar element from another, and the use of the ordinal numbers should not be understood as limiting the meaning of the terms. For example, the use order, arrangement order, etc. of the elements combined with these ordinal numbers can not be limited by these ordinal numbers. If necessary, each ordinal number can be used interchangeably.

[0051] The singular expression also includes the plural meaning, as long as the singular expression does not have a different meaning in the context. The terms "include", "comprise", "be constructed to" and the like used in the specification are used to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations of features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and components, and they should not exclude the possibility of combinations or addition of one or more features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations of features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and components.

[0052] In exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the term "module", "unit" or "component" is referred to as an element that performs at least one function or operation, and can be implemented with hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, except for "modules", "units" or "components" that must be implemented with specific hardware, a plurality of "modules", a plurality of "units", a plurality of "components" can be integrated into at least one module or chip, and can be implemented with at least one processor (not shown).

[0053] In the disclosure, terms such as "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "upper portion", and "lower portion" are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited thereto.

[0054] In addition, when any component is connected to another component, this includes direct connection and indirect connection through another medium. In addition, when a certain component includes a certain element, this means that another element can be additionally included, rather than excluding another element, unless otherwise specified.

[0055] Figure 1 is a view showing a configuration of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1 , the humidifier 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a humidifying member 110, a water storage tank 120, a circulating water tank 130, and a residual water tank 140. In addition, the humidifier 100 can further include a fan 115, a supply pump 125, a circulating pump 135, and a drain member 136, etc.

[0057] The humidifying member 110 can include a humidifying element implemented in a structure that absorbs water and the absorbed water is easily evaporated. Specifically, water is sprayed from a distributor 111 shown in Figure 1 to the humidifying member 110, and air generated by rotation of the fan 115 can be supplied to the humidifying member 110. In this case, the water sprayed on the humidifying member 110 can be evaporated and discharged to the outside of the humidifier 100.

[0058] The humidifying member 110 can be included in a humidifying member case. In this case, the humidifying member case can be detachable from the humidifier 100.

[0059] The water storage tank 120 is formed to accommodate a certain amount of water. The water in the water storage tank 120 can be water filled in the water storage tank 120 by a user. For this operation, the water storage tank 120 can be formed to be detachable from the humidifier 100.

[0060] Alternatively, the water in the water storage tank 120 can be water supplied from a separate external device connected to the water storage tank 120.

[0061] The circulating water tank 130 can be connected to the water storage tank 120 to receive water from the water storage tank 120.

[0062] In relation to the above, the supply pump 125 is a configuration for supplying water accommodated in the water storage tank to the circulating water tank 130. Referring to Figure 1 , the water storage tank 120 can be connected to the supply pump 125 through a pipe 11, and the supply pump 125 can be connected to the circulating water tank 130 through a pipe 12.

[0063] The circulating pump 135 is a configuration for supplying water accommodated in the circulating water tank 130 to the humidifying member 110. The circulating pump 135 can be connected to the humidifying member 110 (and / or the distributor 111) through a pipe 13.

[0064] Specifically, water accommodated in the circulating water tank 130 can be provided to the distributor 111 by the circulating pump 135, and the distributor 111 can supply the provided water to the humidifying member 110.

[0065] Referring to Figure 1 , the humidifier 100 can include an inner pipe 14 forming a flow passage through which water not evaporated in the humidifying member is recovered to the circulating water tank 130. In other words, some of the water supplied from the circulating water tank 130 to the humidifying member 110 can be recovered to the circulating water tank 130.

[0066] The residual water tank 140 is a tank for accommodating residual water discharged when residual water remaining in the circulating water tank 130 is discharged. The water accommodated in the residual water tank 140 can be thrown away by a user. For this operation, the residual water tank 140 can be formed to be detachably attached to the humidifier 100.

[0067] In relation to the above, the water discharging member 136 can selectively discharge water accommodated in the circulating water tank to the residual water tank. The water discharging member 136 can be implemented as a valve controlled by simply being opened / closed, a pump moving water based on electric power, etc.

[0068] The circulating water tank 130 can be connected with the drain member 136 through a pipe 15, and the drain member 136 can be connected with the residual water tank 140 through a pipe 16.

[0069] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0070] Referring to Figure 2 The humidifier 100 can include a water level sensor 121 for measuring a water level in the storage water tank, a water level sensor 131 for measuring a water level in the circulating water tank, and a water level sensor 141 for measuring a water level in the residual water tank.

[0071] Each of the above-described sensors 121, 131, and 141 can be implemented with various types of sensors for measuring a water level in a water tank. As an example, each of the water level sensors 121, 131, and 141 can include a low water level sensor and a high water level sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] In addition, referring to Figure 2 The humidifier 100 can include a controller 150 for controlling various configurations of the humidifier 100.

[0073] The controller 150 can control an operation of the humidifier 100 based on at least one of whether at least one of the humidifying member 110, the storage water tank 120, and the residual water tank 140 is attached or detached, and a water level in the water tanks 120, 130, and 140 measured through the water level sensors 121, 131, and 141.

[0074] For this operation, the controller 150 can include a circuit directly / indirectly connected to the water level sensor 121, 131, or 141, the supply pump 125, the circulating pump 135, the drain member 136, etc. In addition, the controller 150 can include at least one processor and a memory.

[0075] The controller 150 can set / control an operation mode of the humidifier 100. The operation mode can include a humidity mode (i.e., performing a humidification operation), a non-humidity mode (i.e., not performing a humidification operation), etc. When the humidifier 100 is a humidifying air cleaning device including an air cleaning function in addition to a humidification function, the non-humidity mode can be an air cleaning mode.

[0076] When the operation mode of the humidifier 100 is the humidity mode, the controller 150 can control components of the humidifier 100 to perform various operations for humidification.

[0077] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the humidifier operating in the humidity mode.

[0078] Referring toFigure 3 When the operation mode of the humidifier 100 is the humidity mode, the controller 150 can control the supply pump 125 to supply the water contained in the storage tank 120 to the circulating tank 130 (S310).

[0079] In addition, the controller 150 can control the circulating pump 135 to supply the water contained in the circulating tank 130 to the humidifying member 110 (S320). Specifically, when the water level in the circulating tank 130 is less than the predetermined low water level, the controller 150 can control the supply pump 125 to supply the water contained in the storage tank 120 to the circulating tank 130 so that the water level in the circulating tank 130 reaches the predetermined high water level.

[0080] The controller 150 can drive the fan 115 to evaporate the water in the humidifying member 110 to discharge it to the outside (S330). In this case, the water supplied to the humidifying member 110 but not evaporated can return to the circulating tank 130 through the inner tube 14. However, in this case, the concentration of impurities / microorganisms of the water supplied to the humidifying member 110 but not evaporated can become greater than before being supplied to the humidifying member 110.

[0081] In this case, the controller 150 can control the drain member 136 to discharge the water contained in the circulating tank 130 to the residual water tank 140 based on the water level in the circulating tank 130 (S340).

[0082] Specifically, when the water level in the circulating tank 130 has reached the predetermined high water level due to the water contained in the storage tank 120 being supplied to the circulating tank 130, and the water contained in the circulating tank 130 has reached the predetermined low water level due to the water contained in the circulating tank 130 being supplied to the humidifying member 110, the controller 150 can control the drain member 136 to discharge the water in the circulating tank 130 to the residual water tank 140.

[0083] Alternatively, when the number of times that the supply pump 125 supplies water to the circulating tank 130 so that the water level in the circulating tank 130 reaches the predetermined high water level from below the predetermined low water level is a predetermined number of times, and if the water level in the circulating tank 130 becomes less than the predetermined low water level, the controller 150 can control the drain member 136 to discharge the water in the circulating tank 130 to the residual water tank 140.

[0084] Figure 4 is an algorithm illustrating a specific example of an operation of a humidifier for discharging water contained in a circulating tank to a residual water tank.

[0085] Referring to Figure 4 After the humidity mode is started (S410), the water level in the circulating tank 130 can be measured in real time in a state in which the number of times of water supply = 0 (S420).

[0086] When the water level in the circulating water tank 130 is less than the predetermined low water level (S430-Yes), the operation of the controller 150 can vary depending on whether the number of water supply is N (a predetermined number) times.

[0087] If the water level in the circulating water tank 130 is less than the predetermined low water level (S430-Yes), and the number of water supply is not N times (S440-No), the controller 150 can control the supply pump 125 so that the water level in the circulating water tank 130 reaches the predetermined high water level (S450). When the water supply is completed, the number of water supply can be increased by 1 (S460).

[0088] In addition, when the water level in the circulating water tank 130 is less than the predetermined low water level (S430-Yes), and the number of water supply is N times (S440-Y), the controller 150 can control the drain member 136 to drain the water contained to the residual water tank 140 (S470). In this case, the stored number of water supply can be 0 again (S420).

[0089] According to the above-described embodiment of selectively draining the residual water in the circulating water tank 130, it is possible to automatically prevent the residual water rich in microorganisms / bacteria from being possibly stored in the circulating water tank 130 for a long time and left unattended.

[0090] In addition, when the water level in the storage water tank 120 is greater than or equal to the predetermined low water level, the controller 150 can operate the humidifier 100 in the above-described humidity mode. Specifically, the controller 150 can start the humidity mode only when the humidifying member housing is attached to the humidifier 100 and the water level in the storage water tank 120 is equal to or greater than the predetermined low water level.

[0091] If a user command for starting a humidifying operation is input while the water level in the storage water tank 120 is less than the predetermined low water level, the controller 150 can provide a lack of water notification.

[0092] In addition, when the humidity mode starts, the controller 150 can control the drain member 136 to drain the water in the circulating water tank 130 to the residual water tank 140, and when the draining ends, the controller 150 can control the supply pump 125 to supply water from the storage water tank 120 to the circulating water tank 130. In this case, it is advantageous in that the residual water remaining in the existing circulating water tank 130 can be discarded and cleaner water can be used.

[0093] In addition, when the humidifier 100 is operated in the state in which the humidity mode is started, the water level in the storage water tank is less than the predetermined low water level, the controller 150 can stop the humidity mode based on at least one of the water level in the circulating water tank 130 and the water level in the residual water tank 140.

[0094] Figure 5 is an algorithm showing an example of an operation of a humidifier for stopping a humidity mode depending on a condition.

[0095] Referring to Figure 5 After starting the humidity mode (S510), the controller 150 can identify whether the water level in the storage tank 120 is less than a predetermined low water level based on the sensing data of the water level sensor 121 of the storage tank (S520).

[0096] When the water level in the storage tank 120 is less than the predetermined low water level (S520-Yes) while the water level in the circulating tank 130 is less than the predetermined low water level (S530-Yes), the controller 150 can stop the humidity mode (S540). In addition, the predetermined low water level of S520 can refer to a different target from the predetermined low water level of S530, and each of the predetermined low water levels can be predetermined independently of each other.

[0097] When the water level in the storage tank 120 is less than the predetermined low water level (S520-Yes) while the water level in the circulating tank 130 is not less than the predetermined low water level (S530-No), but the water level in the residual tank 140 is greater than or equal to the predetermined high water level (S550-Yes), the controller 150 can stop the humidity mode (S540).

[0098] In other words, when the water level in the storage tank 120 is less than the predetermined low water level while the circulating tank 130 is less than the predetermined low water level or the residual tank 140 is greater than or equal to the predetermined high water level, the controller can stop the humidity mode (S540).

[0099] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0100] Referring to Figure 6 In addition to the components of Figure 1 The humidifier 100 can further include a filter 160.

[0101] The filter 160 is a component for purifying water supplied from the storage tank 120 to the circulating tank 130. Since the filter 160 can be formed in a structure capable of being detached from the humidifier 100, the filter 160 can be replaced.

[0102] The filter 160 can remove sludge, bacteria, etc. in water. For example, the filter 160 can include at least one of an ultrafiltration membrane filter, a sediment filter, and an activated carbon filter, but is not limited thereto.

[0103] When the water level in the circulating tank 130 is less than the predetermined low water level, Figure 6 The controller 150 of

[0104] In this case, the controller 150 can identify whether the filter 160 needs to be replaced based on the time taken for the water level in the circulating water tank 130 to reach from the predetermined low water level to the predetermined high water level, and can provide a notification about replacing the filter 160 as a result of the identification.

[0105] For example, when the time taken for the water level in the circulating water tank 130 to reach from the predetermined low water level to the predetermined high water level is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, the controller 150 can identify that the filter 160 needs to be replaced, and provide a notification that the filter 160 needs to be replaced. In this case, the controller 150 can stop the humidity mode.

[0106] The predetermined time can be a time required for the flow rate of the filter 160, which is clogged by 70% to 80% compared to the filter 160 in the initial state, to fill to the predetermined high water level in the circulating water tank 130, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] In addition, the controller 150 can identify the time taken for the water level in the circulating water tank 130 to reach from the predetermined low water level to the predetermined high water level each time the supply pump 125 supplies the water contained in the storage water tank 120 to the circulating water tank 130, and store the time in a memory or the like.

[0108] And, based on a change pattern of the time stored before this time (in accordance with the time taken for the water level in the circulating water tank 130 to reach the high water level) in which it is identified that the filter needs to be replaced, the controller 150 can identify the number of times of water supply by the supply pump 125 in which the filter needs to be replaced.

[0109] Thereafter, the controller 150 can identify whether the filter needs to be replaced based on the identified number of times of water supply, without measuring the time taken for the water level in the circulating water tank 130 to reach the high water level each time.

[0110] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0111] Referring to Figure 7 , the humidifier 100 can further include a sterilization processing unit 170, in addition to components of Figure 1 .

[0112] The sterilization processing unit 170 is a configuration for sterilizing water in the circulating water tank 130.

[0113] When the water level in the circulating water tank 130 is greater than or equal to the predetermined high water level while the operation mode of the humidifier 100 is the humidity mode, Figure 7The controller 150 of the humidifier 100 can control the sterilization processing unit 170 to sterilize the water contained in the circulating water tank 130. Also, the controller 150 can control the circulating pump 135 to supply the sterilized water to the humidifying member 110.

[0114] As a result, it is possible to prevent the water in which microorganisms / bacteria have been propagated from circulating through the circulating water tank 130, the humidifying member 110, etc.

[0115] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the humidifier performing sterilization in the humidity mode. Referring to Figure 8 , a sterilization processing step is added in addition to the steps of Figure 3 .

[0116] Referring to Figure 8 , the controller 150 can supply the water contained in the water storage tank to the circulating water tank (S810).

[0117] The controller 150 can control the sterilization processing unit 170 to sterilize the water contained in the circulating water tank 130 (S820). Specifically, when the water level in the circulating water tank 130 is greater than or equal to a predetermined high water level, the controller 150 can stop supplying water to the circulating water tank 130 while controlling the sterilization processing unit 170 to sterilize the water contained in the circulating water tank 130.

[0118] Also, the controller 150 can control the circulating pump 135 to supply the water in the sterilized circulating water tank 130 to the humidifying member 110 (S830), and control the fan 115 to discharge the water of the humidifying member 110 to the outside by evaporating the water (S840). Also, the controller 150 can control the water discharging member 136 to discharge the water contained in the circulating water tank 130 to the residual water tank 140 based on the water level in the circulating water tank 130 (S850).

[0119] The sterilization processing unit 170 can be configured as a kit for performing a sterilization process by electrolyzing the water contained in the circulating water tank 130 based on an input voltage. In this case, the controller 150 can measure a current according to the voltage input to the kit through an electrode of the kit while the voltage is input to the kit.

[0120] Also, when the current measured while the first voltage is input to the kit exceeds a first current, the controller 150 can provide a notification related to replacement or replenishment of the water included in the circulating water tank 130. Also, when the current measured while a second voltage greater than the first voltage is input to the kit is less than or equal to a second current, the controller 150 can provide a notification that the sterilization process cannot be performed by the kit.

[0121] Figure 9is an algorithm for explaining such an example: a sterilization processing operation of a humidifier using a kit that performs a sterilization process based on electrolysis (S820).

[0122] Referring to Figure 9 When the sterilization process starts (S910), the controller 150 can input a first voltage to the kit (S920). In this case, the first voltage can be DC 5.4~6.6V.

[0123] If the measured current is greater than a first current (S930-Yes), the controller 150 can identify that the water contained in the circulating water tank 130 is contaminated, and can provide a notification that "water change" or "water replenishment" is required (S940). In this case, the controller 150 can terminate the sterilization process (electrolysis) through the kit (S950), and can discharge the water contained in the circulating water tank 130 to the residual water tank 140. The first current can be a value corresponding to water having a hardness of 1200 ppm and an electrical conductivity of 1800 μm, for example, 650 mA.

[0124] In addition, when the measured current is not greater than the first current (S930-No), the controller 150 can input a second voltage greater than the first voltage to the kit (S960). In this case, the second voltage can be DC 10V to 14V.

[0125] When the measured current is less than or equal to a second current (S970-Yes), the controller 150 can provide a notification that the sterilization process cannot be performed (S980). The second current can be a value corresponding to water having a hardness of 10 ppm and an electrical conductivity of 15 μm or less, for example, 50 mA. In this case, the controller 150 can stop the sterilization process (S950), and can provide a notification related to "possible device failure" or "water change required."

[0126] In general, when a lead or a terminal constituting the kit or connected to the kit is disconnected, or when water from a reverse osmosis membrane water purifier is supplied in addition to tap water, the measured current can be less than or equal to the second current. In this case, free residual chlorine is not generated by electrolysis, and thus a sterilization effect is not generated.

[0127] In addition, when the measured current exceeds the second current (S970-No), the controller 150 can continue to apply a voltage to the kit to normally perform the sterilization process (S990). In addition, the controller 150 can terminate the sterilization process (S950) after a predetermined sterilization process time elapses.

[0128] In addition, when a user command for the sterilization mode is received, the controller 150 can switch the operation mode of the humidifier 100 to the sterilization mode and perform a sterilization process operation. Specifically, when the water level in the water storage tank 120 is greater than or equal to a predetermined low water level and the humidifying member housing is installed, the controller 150 can switch the operation mode of the humidifier 100 to the sterilization mode.

[0129] In this case, the sterilization mode can be a mode separate from the humidity mode, and can be a mode for performing a sterilization process in the humidifier 100. Hereinafter, an example of an operation of the humidifier according to the sterilization mode will be described. Figure 10

[0130] Referring to Figure 10 , the controller 150 can supply water contained in the water storage tank 120 to the circulating water tank 130 (S1010), and control the sterilization process unit 170 to sterilize the water contained in the circulating water tank 130 (S1020).

[0131] The controller 150 can supply the sterilized water contained in the circulating water tank 130 to the humidifying member 110 (S1030), and discharge the water contained in the circulating water tank 130 to the residual water tank 140 according to the water level in the circulating water tank 130 (S1040).

[0132] In addition, the controller 150 can control the fan 115 to evaporate the water of the humidifying member 110 (S1050). For example, the controller 150 can control the fan 115 to operate for about 30 minutes, and as a result, the humidifying member 110 can be maintained in a dry state.

[0133] In addition, the capacity of water corresponding to the predetermined low water level in the water storage tank 120 of the humidifier 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can be greater than or equal to the capacity of water corresponding to the predetermined high water level in the circulating water tank 130. As a specific example, the capacity of water corresponding to the predetermined low water level in the water storage tank 120 can be 1 to 1.2 times the capacity of water corresponding to the predetermined high water level in the circulating water tank 130.

[0134] In this case, the controller 150 can perform the following Figure 11 operation.

[0135] Referring to Figure 11 ​After starting the humidity mode (S1110), when the water level in the storage tank 120 is greater than or equal to the predetermined low water level (S1120-Yes) while recognizing that the water level in the circulating tank 130 is less than the predetermined low water level (S1130-Yes), the controller 150 can control the supply pump 125 to supply the water contained in the storage tank 120 to the circulating tank 130 so that the water level in the circulating tank 130 reaches the predetermined high water level (S1140).

[0136] In addition, when the water level in the storage tank 120 is less than the predetermined low water level (S1120-No) while recognizing that the water level in the circulating tank 130 is less than the predetermined low water level (S1150-Yes), the controller 150 can provide a notification related to the water shortage / compensation (S1160). In this case, the controller 150 can stop the humidity mode.

[0137] In other words, by the embodiment of Figure 11 When the water supply to the circulating tank 130 is started while the water level in the storage tank 120 is greater than or equal to the predetermined low water level, even if the water level in the storage tank 120 is less than the predetermined water level during the water supply, the water supply to the circulating tank 130 can continue until the water level in the circulating tank 130 reaches the predetermined high water level (a separate value different from the predetermined high water level in the storage tank 120).

[0138] As a result, the "compensation" can be performed after the water stored in the storage tank 120 is used to the maximum extent.

[0139] With regard to the embodiment of Figure 11 When the humidity mode is stopped while the water level in the storage tank 120 is less than the predetermined low water level, the controller 150 can control the drain member 136 to drain the water contained in the circulating tank 130 to the residual water tank 140.

[0140] The operation of the controller 150 can be slightly different in the case where the storage tank 120 and the residual water tank 140 are formed separately from each other, and in the case where the two water tanks are integrally formed with each other.

[0141] Specifically, when the storage tank 120 is formed separately from the residual water tank 140, the controller 150 can provide a notification that the compensation is required when the water level in the circulating tank 130 is less than the predetermined low water level according to the above-described drainage, and in addition, the controller 150 can provide a notification that the water in the residual water tank is required to be discarded and / or a notification that the compensation is required when the water level in the residual water tank 140 is greater than or equal to the predetermined high water level according to the above-described drainage.

[0142] In addition, when the water storage tank 120 is integrally formed with the residual water tank 140, and the water storage tank 120 is formed such that water overflowing from the residual water tank 140 is accommodated in the water storage tank 120, the controller 150 can provide a notification that water needs to be replenished when the water level in the circulating water tank 130 is less than the predetermined low water level according to the above-described draining. In addition, when the water level in the circulating water tank 130 is less than the predetermined low water level and the water level in the residual water tank 140 is greater than or equal to the predetermined high water level, the controller 150 can provide a notification that water needs to be discarded and / or a notification that water needs to be replenished.

[0143] When the water storage tank 120 and the residual water tank 140 are integrally formed, even if water in the residual water tank 140 overflows, since the overflowing water can be accommodated in the empty space of the water storage tank 120, the water is not urgently discharged immediately. In other words, discarding water and changing water can be simultaneously performed by the user.

[0144] In addition, as described through the above-described various embodiments, the humidity mode can be stopped for various reasons such as when the water level in the water storage tank 120 is less than the predetermined water level, when a water filter needs to be replaced, when sterilization processing (e.g., electrolysis) cannot be performed, when a low water level in the circulating water tank is detected, etc.

[0145] After the humidity mode is stopped for various reasons as described above, the controller 150 can control the draining member 136 to discharge water accommodated in the circulating water tank 130 to the residual water tank 140. The controller 150 can discharge the water accommodated in the circulating water tank 130 immediately after the humidity mode is stopped, or after a certain time (e.g., 10 minutes) elapses after the humidity mode is stopped.

[0146] As a result, while the humidification operation is not performed, it is possible to prevent residual water in the circulating water tank 130 from remaining in the circulating water tank 130.

[0147] Figure 12A and Figure 12B is an algorithm illustrating an operation of the humidifier after the humidity mode is stopped with respect to the water storage tank and the residual water tank as separate types and the water storage tank and the residual water tank as an integrated type.

[0148] Figure 12A It is assumed that the water storage tank 120 is formed separately from the residual water tank 140.

[0149] Referring to Figure 12A When the humidity mode is stopped (1210), the controller 150 can discharge water accommodated in the circulating water tank 130 to the residual water tank 140 (S1230) while the water accommodated in the residual water tank 140 is less than the predetermined high water level (S1220-Yes).

[0150] In this case, the controller 150 can discharge the water until the water level in the circulating water tank 130 reaches the predetermined low water level. In other words, the controller 150 can control the water discharging member 136 to discharge the water contained in the circulating water tank 130 to the residual water tank 140 until the water level in the residual water tank 140 reaches the predetermined high water level or the water level in the circulating water tank reaches the predetermined low water level.

[0151] However, when the water level in the residual water tank 140 becomes greater than or equal to the predetermined high water level due to the water discharge (S1220 - No), the controller 150 can provide a notification about discarding the water in the residual water tank 140 (S1240). In this case, the discharge of the water contained in the circulating water tank 130 to the residual water tank 140 can be stopped.

[0152] Figure 12B It is assumed that the water storage tank 120 is integrally formed with the residual water tank 140, and the water storage tank 120 is formed such that the water overflowing from the residual water tank 140 is contained in the water storage tank 120.

[0153] Referring to Figure 12B When the humidity mode is stopped (S1260), the controller 150 can discharge the water contained in the circulating water tank 130 to the residual water tank 140 regardless of the water level in the residual water tank 140 (S1270).

[0154] In other words, the controller 150 can control the water discharging member 136 to discharge the water contained in the circulating water tank 130 to the residual water tank 140 regardless of the water level in the residual water tank 140 until the water level in the circulating water tank reaches the predetermined low water level.

[0155] In addition, after the humidity mode is stopped, if it is identified that the water level in the water storage tank 120 is less than the predetermined low water level, the controller 150 can provide a notification that water replenishment is required.

[0156] Alternatively, after the humidity mode is stopped, when the water level in the water storage tank 120 is less than the predetermined low water level and the water level in the circulating water tank 130 is less than the predetermined low water level, the controller 150 can provide a notification that water replenishment is required.

[0157] In addition, the various embodiments illustrated and described above can be independently / optionally applied to the humidifier 100. In other words, the humidifier 100 to which at least two of the above-described embodiments are applied is also included in the technical idea of the present disclosure.

[0158] Figure 13 is a view illustrating a detailed configuration of a humidifier according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 13 , in addition to Figure 1The humidifier 100 can further include at least one of a filter 160 and a sterilization processing unit 170, in addition to components of the humidifier 100.

[0159] Figure 14 FIG. 1 is a block diagram functionally illustrating a configuration of a humidifier according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0160] Referring to Figure 14 , in addition to Figure 2 components of the humidifier 100, the humidifier 100 can further include a filter 160, a sterilization processing unit 170, an outputter 180, a communicator 190, etc.

[0161] The outputter 180 is a component for providing a notification to a user. The controller 150 can provide various "notifications" provided through the various embodiments described above through the outputter 180.

[0162] In addition, the controller 150 can control the outputter 180 to provide information about an operation mode of the humidifier 100. For example, when the humidity mode is started, a notification that the humidity mode is currently being executed can be provided through the outputter 180.

[0163] For this operation, the outputter 80 can include a display, a speaker, etc.

[0164] The communicator 190 is a configuration for performing communication with at least one external device. The communicator 190 can be implemented in various forms (a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, an LTE module, a 4G / 5G module, an infrared communication module, etc.).

[0165] As an example, the controller 150 can transmit information about a notification related to "discarding water" or "changing water" to a user terminal device (e.g., a smart phone). In this case, the user terminal device can provide the corresponding notification to the user.

[0166] For example, the controller 150 can transmit information about a current operation mode of the humidifier 100 to the user terminal device.

[0167] In addition, information about a user command input to the user terminal device can be transmitted to the humidifier 100 through the communicator 190. In this case, the controller 150 can start / terminate the humidity mode / sterilization mode, etc. according to the user command.

[0168] In addition, although not shown through Figure 14 the humidifier 100 can further include a user inputter for receiving a user command. The user inputter can be implemented as a microphone, a touch screen, a motion sensor, a button, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0169] As an example, when a user command for the humidifier 100 is received through the user inputter, the controller 150 can start / terminate a humidity mode / sterilization mode, etc. according to the user command.

[0170] The various exemplary embodiments described above can be embodied in a recording medium, which can be read by a computer or a device similar to a computer by using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0171] According to a hardware embodiment, the exemplary embodiments described in the present disclosure can be embodied by using at least one selected from among an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a digital signal processing device (DSPD), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor, a controller, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, an electrical unit for performing other functions.

[0172] In some cases, the embodiments described herein can be implemented by the processor itself. In a software configuration, the various embodiments described in the specification, such as processes and functions, can be embodied as separate software modules. The software modules can respectively perform one or more functions and operations described in the specification.

[0173] In addition, computer instructions for performing processing operations in the humidifier 100 according to the various embodiments of the above-described disclosure can be stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer instructions stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium can allow the above-described specific device to perform the processing operations of the humidifier 100 according to the various embodiments of the disclosure when executed by the processor of the above-described specific device.

[0174] The non-transitory computer readable recording medium refers to a medium that stores data and can be read by a device. In detail, the above-described various applications or programs can be stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium (for example, a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a hard disk, a Blu-ray disc, a universal serial bus (USB), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), etc.), and can be provided.

[0175] The foregoing exemplary embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure. This teaching can be readily applied to other types of devices. Also, the description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not to be limiting, of the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A humidifier comprising: a humidifying member; a storage tank for storing water; a circulation tank for receiving and storing water from the storage tank; a residual tank for receiving and storing water from the circulation tank; a supply pump configured to supply water stored in the storage tank to the circulation tank while the humidifier is operated in a humidity mode; a circulation pump configured to supply water in the circulation tank to the humidifying member while the humidifier is operated in the humidity mode; a fan configured to blow air toward the humidifying member that has received water from the circulation tank to evaporate water received by the humidifying member while the humidifier is operated in the humidity mode, so that the evaporated water is discharged to the outside of the humidifier; an inner tube configured to form a flow passage in which water remaining in the humidifying member is guided to the circulation tank; a drain member configured to selectively discharge water in the circulation tank to the residual tank; and a controller configured to: operate the humidifier in the humidity mode while a water level in the storage tank is greater than or equal to a first predetermined low water level, and stop the humidity mode based on at least one of a water level in the circulation tank and a water level in the residual tank while the water level in the storage tank is less than the first predetermined low water level, wherein the storage tank is integrally formed with the residual tank, and the storage tank is formed such that water overflowing from the residual tank is contained in the storage tank, wherein the controller is further configured to: control the drain member to discharge water in the circulation tank to the residual tank based on the humidity mode being stopped while the water level in the storage tank is less than the first predetermined low water level, provide a notification that water replenishment is required based on the water level in the circulation tank being less than a second predetermined low water level according to water in the circulation tank being discharged to the residual tank, and provide a notification that water in the residual tank is required to be discarded based on the water level in the circulation tank being less than the second predetermined low water level according to water in the circulation tank being discharged to the residual tank and the water level in the residual tank being greater than or equal to a third predetermined high water level according to water in the circulation tank being discharged to the residual tank.

2. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein, The controller stops the humidity mode based on the water level in the circulation tank being less than the second predetermined low water level while the water level in the storage tank is less than the first predetermined low water level.

3. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein, The controller stops the humidity mode based on the water level in the residual tank being greater than or equal to the third predetermined high water level while the water level in the storage tank is less than the first predetermined low water level.

4. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: control the supply pump to supply water in the storage tank to the circulation tank based on the water level in the circulation tank being less than the second predetermined low water level while the humidifier is operated in the humidity mode, so that the water level in the circulation tank reaches a second predetermined high water level, and based on the supply pump supplying water to the circulating water tank such that the water level in the circulating water tank changes from a second predetermined low water level to a second predetermined high water level being a predetermined number of times, and based on the water level in the circulating water tank being lower than the second predetermined low water level, controlling the drain member to drain water in the circulating water tank to the residual water tank.

5. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: based on the humidifier starting the humidity mode, control the drain member to drain water in the circulating water tank to the residual water tank, and based on the operation of the circulating water tank in which water is drained to the residual water tank ending, control the supply pump to supply water from the water storage tank to the circulating water tank. 6.The humidifier of claim 1, further comprising: a filter configured to purify water supplied from the water storage tank to the circulating water tank, wherein the controller is configured to: based on the water level in the circulating water tank being less than a second predetermined low water level, control the supply pump such that water in the water storage tank is supplied to the circulating water tank through the filter, based on a time taken for the water level in the circulating water tank to reach a second predetermined high water level from a second predetermined low water level, identify whether the filter needs to be replaced, and based on the identification, provide a notification related to replacing the filter.

7. The humidifier of claim 6 wherein, The controller is configured to identify that the filter needs to be replaced based on the time taken for the water level in the circulating water tank to reach a second predetermined high water level from a second predetermined low water level being greater than or equal to a predetermined time, and provide a notification related to replacing the filter.

8. The humidifier of claim 7, wherein, The controller is configured to: identify and store a time taken for the water level in the circulating water tank to reach a second predetermined high water level from a second predetermined low water level each time the supply pump supplies water in the water storage tank to the circulating water tank, and based on a change in a pattern of the stored time before this time in which it is identified that the filter needs to be replaced, identify a number of times the supply pump supplies water in the water storage tank to the circulating water tank to reach a number of times in which the filter needs to be replaced. 9.The humidifier of claim 1, further comprising: a sterilization processing unit configured to sterilize water in the circulating water tank, wherein the controller is configured to: based on the water level in the circulating water tank being greater than or equal to a second predetermined high water level while the operation mode of the humidifier is in the humidity mode, control the sterilization processing unit to sterilize water in the circulating water tank, and control the circulating pump to supply the sterilized water to the humidifying member.

10. The humidifier of claim 9, wherein, The sterilization processing unit includes a kit for performing a sterilization process by electrolyzing water in the circulating water tank based on an input voltage, wherein the controller is configured to: measure a current in accordance with a voltage input to the kit through an electrode of the kit, based on the current measured while a first voltage is input to the kit exceeding a first current, provide a notification related to replacing or replenishing water in the circulating water tank, and based on the current measured while a second voltage greater than the first voltage is input to the kit being less than or equal to a second current, provide a notification that the sterilization process cannot be performed through the kit. The sterilization processing unit includes a kit for performing a sterilization process by electrolyzing water in the circulating water tank based on an input voltage, wherein the controller is configured to: measure a current in accordance with a voltage input to the kit through an electrode of the kit, based on the current measured while a first voltage is input to the kit exceeding a first current, provide a notification related to replacing or replenishing water in the circulating water tank, and based on the current measured while a second voltage greater than the first voltage is input to the kit being less than or equal to a second current, provide a notification that the sterilization process cannot be performed through the kit.

11. The humidifier of claim 9, wherein, The controller is configured to, based on input of a user command for a sterilization mode, convert an operation mode of the humidifier to the sterilization mode, control the supply pump to supply water in the water storage tank to the circulating water tank, control the sterilization processing unit to sterilize water in the circulating water tank, control the circulating pump to supply the sterilized water to the humidifying member, control the drain member to drain water in the circulating water tank to the residual water tank, and control the fan to evaporate water in the humidifying member.

12. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: based on the water level in the circulating water tank being identified as being less than a second predetermined low water level while the water level in the water storage tank is greater than or equal to a first predetermined low water level, control the supply pump to supply water in the water storage tank to the circulating water tank such that the water level in the circulating water tank reaches a second predetermined high water level, and based on the water level in the circulating water tank being identified as being less than the second predetermined low water level while the water level in the water storage tank is less than the first predetermined low water level, provide a notification related to water replenishment, wherein an amount of water corresponding to the first predetermined low water level in the water storage tank is greater than or equal to an amount of water corresponding to the second predetermined high water level in the circulating water tank.

13. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to, based on the humidification mode being stopped, control the drain member to drain water in the circulating water tank to the residual water tank.

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