Water distribution structure, filter element and fogless humidifier
By improving the water distribution structure design, the problem of uneven water flow distribution in the filter screen of the mist-free humidifier is solved, achieving uniform wetting of the filter screen and improving humidification efficiency, thus ensuring the stability of the humidifier and air quality.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422867600.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-22
AI Technical Summary
The uneven water flow distribution in the filter of existing mist-free humidifiers leads to inconsistent humidification effects, affecting the humidification capacity and efficiency of the humidifier.
A water distribution structure is adopted, including a support frame, a water storage end cap, and a water distribution end cap. Through the design of inlet pipe, internal flow channel, external flow channel and overflow weir, the water flow is ensured to be evenly distributed on the filter screen. The flow guide channel and the flow baffle wall prevent water flow turbulence. The flow guide channel guides the water flow to the area that does not contact the outlet. The water storage space keeps the filter screen moist.
It achieves uniform wetting of the filter, improves humidification efficiency and system stability, ensures uniformity of the humidification process and air quality, and provides a more comfortable and healthy environment.
Smart Images
Figure CN223550574U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of humidifiers, and in particular to a water distribution structure, a filter element, and a mist-free humidifier. Background Technology
[0002] Mist-free humidifiers have become a popular mainstream product in the market due to their advantages such as large actual evaporation capacity, wide humidification range, and preliminary water filtration effect. Their working principle mainly relies on spraying or immersing water onto a special material with moisture-absorbing and quick-drying properties. After the material is moistened, a fan blows air out of the moistened material, thus humidifying the indoor air. This humidification method not only effectively increases indoor humidity but also reduces the water mist produced during humidification, avoiding the water mist problems that traditional humidifiers may cause, such as a damp and slippery feeling on furniture surfaces.
[0003] The filter design of mist-free humidifiers typically includes a top-spraying structure. After water is filled into the top cover, it flows through the holes in the cover to the filter to moisten it. However, uneven water distribution often occurs during this moistening process. Due to the uneven water flow, different parts of the filter will have different levels of moisture, which may lead to inconsistent humidification effects. When some areas of the filter are too dry while other areas are too wet, the humidifier's humidification capacity and efficiency will be affected. Utility Model Content
[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide at least one beneficial option or create conditions to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art.
[0005] The solution to the technical problem of this utility model is: a water distribution structure, which includes a support frame, a water storage end cap, a water distribution end cap, and a water inlet pipe. The support frame is used to install a filter screen. The water storage end cap is located at the bottom of the support frame and has a first water inlet at its bottom. The water distribution end cap is annular and located at the top of the support frame. The water distribution end cap has a water equalization space inside. The bottom of the water distribution end cap has a second water inlet and multiple water outlets that are connected to the water equalization space. The water outlets are arranged in a circle on the bottom surface of the water distribution end cap. The water inlet pipe connects the first water inlet and the second water inlet.
[0006] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: the water source introduced through the water inlet pipe can be evenly distributed on the filter screen through the uniform water distribution design of the water distribution end cap, thereby improving the wetting efficiency of the filter screen. The water storage end cap can effectively retain the moisture of the filter screen, prevent the moisture from being lost too quickly, ensure that the filter screen can obtain a continuous moisturizing effect, and ensure that it can still maintain a good working condition during long-term use.
[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the water distribution end cover includes a first top plate, a first bottom plate, a first inner side wall, a first outer side wall, and a partition baffle. The bottom surface of the first bottom plate is fixedly connected to the supporting frame. The second water inlet and the water outlet are both disposed on the first bottom plate. The first top plate, the first bottom plate, the first inner side wall, and the first outer side wall form the water distribution space. One end of the partition baffle is connected to the first top plate, and the other end of the partition baffle is connected to the first bottom plate. The partition baffle separates the water distribution space to form an outflow channel and an inflow channel.
[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the water flows bidirectionally along the tangential direction of the arc on both sides of the inner flow channel, avoiding localized areas of waterlessness caused by uneven water flow in the inner flow channel due to insufficient flatness of the support frame or insufficient water volume. The partition baffle effectively separates the inner flow channel from the outer flow channel, ensuring that there is no mutual interference between the two channels, improving the uniformity of water flow distribution, and ensuring efficient utilization of water flow when passing through the water distribution end cover. This not only improves the quality of water flow distribution but also enhances the stability and reliability of the entire system.
[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the partition baffle is provided with multiple overflow weirs, which are located at the connection between the partition baffle and the first top plate. The overflow weirs are used to connect the external flow channel and the internal flow channel.
[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, when water begins to flow out of the inlet tank, it first fills the inner flow channel. After flowing through the inner flow channel once, the water gradually rises to the height of the overflow weir. After reaching the overflow weir, the water is evenly distributed and continues to flow into the outer flow channel. This ensures a uniform distribution of water flow throughout the system, thereby improving the overall efficiency and performance of the system.
[0011] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a guide channel is provided at one end of the overflow weir near the outflow channel.
[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, it can effectively prevent water flow turbulence caused by excessive water intake, ensure that the water flow can be evenly distributed, thereby avoiding adverse effects on the uniform distribution of water output, and further ensuring the stability and efficiency of humidification.
[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the water distribution end cover also includes multiple flow-blocking walls, which are arranged one-to-one on the upper outer edge of the water inlet hole.
[0014] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, after the water flows into the outflow channel through the inlet hole, it first encounters the obstruction of the baffle wall, which slows down the flow velocity. When the water accumulates to a certain level within the channel, high enough to overflow the baffle wall, it passes over it and finally flows out from the outlet of the water distribution end cover. This improves the uniformity of water distribution and effectively prevents the water from directly impacting the outlet, thereby reducing the potential damage to the outlet caused by hydraulic impact.
[0015] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, an inner guide baffle and an outer guide baffle are provided below the first base plate. The inner guide baffle, the outer guide baffle, and the first base plate form a guide channel, and the outlet connects the guide channel and the outflow channel.
[0016] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, when the outlet begins to discharge water, the guide channel can effectively direct the water flow to the filter screen areas that are not in direct contact with the outlet. This prevents uneven water flow distribution caused by the surface tension of the water, thereby ensuring the uniform and efficient operation of the entire filtration system.
[0017] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the water storage end cover includes a second base plate, a second inner side wall and a second outer side wall, the support frame is set on the second base plate, the first water inlet is set on the second base plate, and the second base plate, the second inner side wall and the second outer side wall form a water storage space, which is used to collect water flowing out from the bottom of the filter screen.
[0018] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, some water vapor is carried away by the air intake of the fan, and the remaining water is excess water. The excess water flows to the bottom of the filter screen under the action of gravity. At this time, the water storage space plays a certain role in interception, so that the excess water does not flow directly out of the filter screen, and the filter screen is kept as moist as possible, so that the water content in the filter screen is as close to saturation as possible, thus not affecting the humidification performance.
[0019] A filter element comprising a water distribution structure as described in any of the preceding claims and a filter screen disposed on the support frame.
[0020] A mist-free humidifier includes a filter element as described above, the filter element being disposed on the body of the mist-free humidifier.
[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The main function of the filter is to provide a source of moisture. It uses the blowing action of a fan to carry away water vapor, thus achieving a humidification effect. The water distribution structure is responsible for evenly distributing the moisture, ensuring that the moisture is evenly distributed to all parts of the filter. This improves humidification efficiency, guarantees air quality and uniformity during the humidification process, and thus provides users with a more comfortable and healthy environment. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after being cut along the AA plane;
[0024] Figure 3 This is the second structural schematic diagram of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overflow weir;
[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the waterway of this utility model.
[0027] In the attached diagram: 1-Support frame, 2-Water storage end cap, 201-First water inlet, 202-Second bottom plate, 203-Second inner side wall, 204-Second outer side wall, 3-Water distribution end cap, 301-Second water inlet, 302-Water outlet, 303-First top plate, 304-First bottom plate, 305-First inner side wall, 306-First outer side wall, 307-Divider baffle, 308-Overflow weir, 309-Guide channel, 310-Baffle wall, 311-Inner guide baffle, 312-Outer guide baffle, 313-Outflow channel, 314-Inner flow channel, 315-Guide channel, 4-Water inlet pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments have been briefly explained above. Obviously, the described drawings are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. Those skilled in the art can obtain other design schemes and drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0029] The following will clearly and completely describe the concept, specific structure, and technical effects of this utility model in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of this utility model. Furthermore, all connections / linkages mentioned herein do not simply refer to direct contact between components, but rather to the ability to form a better connection structure by adding or reducing connecting accessories according to specific implementation conditions. The various technical features in this utility model can be combined interactively without contradicting each other.
[0030] Mist-free humidifiers have become a popular mainstream product in the market due to their advantages such as large actual evaporation capacity, wide humidification range, and preliminary water filtration effect. Their working principle mainly relies on spraying or immersing water onto a special material with moisture-absorbing and quick-drying properties. After the material is moistened, a fan blows air out of the moistened material, thus humidifying the indoor air. This humidification method not only effectively increases indoor humidity but also reduces the water mist produced during humidification, avoiding the water mist problems that traditional humidifiers may cause, such as a damp and slippery feeling on furniture surfaces.
[0031] The filter design of mist-free humidifiers typically includes a top-spraying structure. After water is filled into the top cover, it flows through the holes in the cover to the filter to moisten it. However, uneven water distribution often occurs during this moistening process. Due to the uneven water flow, different parts of the filter will have different levels of moisture, which may lead to inconsistent humidification effects. When some areas of the filter are too dry while other areas are too wet, the humidifier's humidification capacity and efficiency will be affected.
[0032] Therefore, a water distribution structure, referring to Figures 1-5 It includes a support frame 1, a water storage end cap 2, a water distribution end cap 3, and a water inlet pipe 4. The support frame 1 is used to install the filter screen. The water storage end cap 2 is located at the bottom of the support frame 1 and has a first water inlet 201 at its bottom. The water distribution end cap 3 is annular and is located at the top of the support frame 1. The water distribution end cap 3 has a water equalization space inside. The bottom of the water distribution end cap 3 has a second water inlet 301 that is connected to the water equalization space and multiple water outlets 302. The water outlets 302 are arranged in a circle on the bottom surface of the water distribution end cap 3. The water inlet pipe 4 connects the first water inlet 201 and the second water inlet 301.
[0033] The water source introduced through the water inlet pipe 4 can be evenly distributed on the filter screen through the uniform water distribution end cap 3, thereby improving the wetting efficiency of the filter screen. The water storage end cap 2 can effectively retain the moisture of the filter screen, prevent the moisture from being lost too quickly, ensure that the filter screen can obtain a continuous moisturizing effect, and ensure that it can still maintain a good working condition during long-term use.
[0034] During operation, the external water source is first connected to the first inlet 201. The water then flows sequentially through the first inlet 201, the inlet pipe 4, and the second inlet 301, finally entering the inner flow channel 314. Under the combined action of the first inner wall 305 and the partition baffle 307, the water flows along the inner flow channel 314 and gathers there. As the laminar flow rises, it reaches the overflow weir 308 and flows into the outer flow channel 313 from multiple overflow weirs 308. The guide channel 309 on the overflow weir 308 guides the water flow to prevent turbulence. Next, guided by the first outer wall 306 and the partition baffle 307, the water continues to flow along the outer flow channel 313. The water gathers again in the outer flow channel 313 and rises to the baffle wall 310. Afterward, the water flows over the baffle wall 310 and into the outlet 302. The outlet 302 connects the guide channel 315 and the outflow channel 313. Water flows along the guide channel 315, directing the water from the outlet to the filter screen that is not in contact with the outlet 302, thus achieving uniform wetting of the filter screen. Some of the water vapor in the filter screen is carried away by the fan to achieve air humidification, while the remaining water vapor flows to the bottom of the filter screen under gravity. The water storage end cap 2 blocks the water flow at the bottom of the filter screen, preventing it from flowing directly out of the filter screen and keeping the filter screen as moist as possible, ensuring that the water content in the filter screen is close to saturation, thereby not affecting the humidification performance.
[0035] If the filter screen is not evenly moistened, it will affect the humidification effect of the humidifier. Insufficient water flow may lead to localized areas without water. Therefore, in one embodiment, the water distribution end cover 3 includes a first top plate 303, a first bottom plate 304, a first inner side wall 305, a first outer side wall 306, and a partition baffle 307. The bottom surface of the first bottom plate 304 is fixedly connected to the support frame 1. The second water inlet 301 and the water outlet 302 are both disposed on the first bottom plate 304. The first top plate 303, the first bottom plate 304, the first inner side wall 305, and the first outer side wall 306 form the water distribution space. One end of the partition baffle 307 is connected to the first top plate 303, and the other end of the partition baffle 307 is connected to the first bottom plate 304. The partition baffle 307 divides the water distribution space to form an outflow channel 313 and an inflow channel 314. Water flows bidirectionally along the tangential direction of the arc on both sides of the inner flow channel 314, avoiding localized water shortages caused by uneven water flow in the inner flow channel due to insufficient flatness of the support frame 1 or insufficient water volume. The partition baffle 307 effectively separates the inner flow channel 314 from the outer flow channel 313, ensuring that there is no mutual interference between the two channels, improving the uniformity of water flow distribution, and ensuring efficient utilization of water flow when passing through the water distribution end cover 3. This not only improves the quality of water flow distribution but also enhances the stability and reliability of the entire system.
[0036] In the inner flow channel 314, water flow may locally concentrate or form dead zones. Therefore, in one embodiment, the partition baffle 307 is provided with multiple overflow weirs 308, which are located at the connection between the partition baffle 307 and the first top plate 303. The overflow weirs 308 connect the outer flow channel 313 and the inner flow channel 314. When water begins to flow out of the inlet tank, it first fills the inner flow channel 314. After flowing through the inner flow channel 314, the water gradually rises to the height of the overflow weirs 308. After reaching the overflow weirs 308, the water is evenly distributed and continues to flow towards the outer flow channel 313. This ensures a uniform distribution of water flow throughout the system, thereby improving the overall efficiency and performance of the system.
[0037] Preferably, a single overflow weir 308 has a length of L and a width of B, the number of overflow weirs 308 is N1, the radius of the outlet 302 is R, the number of outlets 302 is N2, and K is an empirical coefficient that must satisfy the following formula: L*B*N1=π*R 2 *N2*K is used to achieve a better water distribution effect.
[0038] If the inflow rate cannot be effectively controlled and guided, it will cause instability and disorder in the water flow. Therefore, in one embodiment, the overflow weir 308 is provided with a guide channel 309 at one end near the outflow channel 313. This can effectively prevent water flow turbulence caused by excessive inflow, ensure that the water flow can be evenly distributed, thereby avoiding adverse effects on the uniform distribution of the outflow, and further ensuring the stability and efficiency of humidification.
[0039] In the outflow channel 313, water flow may locally concentrate or form dead zones. Therefore, in one embodiment, the water distribution end cap 3 further includes multiple baffle walls 310, which are correspondingly arranged on the upper outer edge of the water inlet. After the water flows into the outflow channel 313 through the water inlet, it first encounters the obstruction of the baffle walls 310, which slows down the flow rate. When the water flow accumulates to a certain extent in the channel, enough to overflow the height of the baffle walls 310, the water flow will pass over the baffle walls 310 and finally flow out from the outlet 302 of the water distribution end cap 3. This improves the uniformity of water flow distribution and effectively prevents the water flow from directly impacting the outlet 302, thereby reducing the potential damage to the outlet 302 caused by hydraulic impact.
[0040] Preferably, the height of the baffle wall 310 is H, the radius of the outlet 302 is R, Q is the design flow rate of the filter screen; R1 is the outer diameter of the outflow channel 313; R2 is the inner diameter of the outflow channel 313; v is the flow velocity per unit area of the filter screen, where the height H satisfies: H=Q*t / π*, and the diameter R satisfies: R=^(1 / 2)). This ensures that the filter screen achieves a better wetting effect.
[0041] The portions of the filter screen farther from the outlet 302 may not receive sufficient wettability. Therefore, in one embodiment, an inner guide baffle 311 and an outer guide baffle 312 are provided below the first base plate 304. The inner guide baffle 311, the outer guide baffle 312, and the first base plate 304 form a guide channel 315, and the outlet 302 connects the guide channel 315 and the outflow channel 313. When the outlet 302 begins to drain water, the guide channel 315 effectively directs the water flow to the filter screen areas that are not directly in contact with the outlet 302. This prevents uneven water flow distribution due to surface tension, thereby ensuring the uniform and efficient operation of the entire filtration system.
[0042] In the filter system, water is affected by gravity and flows downwards along the filter structure. Therefore, in one embodiment, the water storage end cap 2 includes a second base plate 202, a second inner side wall 203, and a second outer side wall 204. The support frame 1 is disposed on the second base plate 202, and a first water inlet 201 is disposed on the second base plate 202. The second base plate 202, the second inner side wall 203, and the second outer side wall 204 form a water storage space, which is used to collect water flowing out from the bottom of the filter. Some water vapor is carried away by the fan intake, leaving excess water. This excess water flows to the bottom of the filter under gravity. At this point, the water storage space acts as a certain interception mechanism, preventing the excess water from flowing directly out of the filter, thus ensuring the filter remains moist and its water content is as close to saturation as possible, thereby not affecting the humidification performance.
[0043] A filter element comprising a water distribution structure as described in any of the preceding claims and a filter screen disposed on the support frame 1.
[0044] A mist-free humidifier includes a filter element as described above, the filter element being disposed on the body of the mist-free humidifier.
[0045] The primary function of the filter is to provide a source of moisture. It uses a fan to blow air out water vapor, thus achieving a humidification effect. The water distribution structure is responsible for evenly distributing the moisture, ensuring that water is evenly distributed throughout the filter. This improves humidification efficiency and guarantees air quality and uniformity during the humidification process, thereby providing users with a more comfortable and healthy environment.
[0046] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.
Claims
1. A water distribution structure, characterized in that, include: A support frame (1) is provided for mounting the filter screen. Water storage end cap (2), the water storage end cap (2) is disposed at the bottom of the support frame (1), and the bottom of the water storage end cap (2) is provided with a first water inlet (201); Water distribution end cap (3), the water distribution end cap (3) is ring-shaped, the water distribution end cap (3) is set on the top of the support frame (1), the water distribution end cap (3) has a water equalization space inside, the bottom of the water distribution end cap (3) has a second water inlet (301) and multiple water outlets (302) that are connected to the water equalization space, and the water outlets (302) are arranged in a circle on the bottom surface of the water distribution end cap (3); Water inlet pipe (4) connects the first water inlet (201) and the second water inlet (301) so that water enters the water distribution space through the water inlet pipe (4) and the first water inlet (201) from the second water inlet (301).
2. The water distribution structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water distribution end cap (3) includes a first top plate (303), a first bottom plate (304), a first inner side wall (305), a first outer side wall (306), and a partition baffle (307). The bottom surface of the first bottom plate (304) is fixedly connected to the support frame (1). The second water inlet (301) and the water outlet (302) are both located on the first bottom plate (304). The first top plate (303), the first bottom plate (304), the first inner side wall (305), and the first outer side wall (306) form the water distribution space. One end of the partition baffle (307) is connected to the first top plate (303), and the other end of the partition baffle (307) is connected to the first bottom plate (304). The partition baffle (307) separates the water distribution space to form an outflow channel (313) and an inflow channel (314).
3. The water distribution structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The partition baffle (307) is provided with a plurality of overflow weirs (308), which are located at the connection between the partition baffle (307) and the first top plate (303). The overflow weirs (308) are used to connect the external flow channel (313) and the internal flow channel (314).
4. A water distribution structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The overflow weir (308) is provided with a guide channel (309) at one end near the outflow channel (313).
5. A water distribution structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water distribution end cap (3) also includes multiple flow-blocking walls (310), which are arranged one-to-one on the upper outer edge of the water outlet (302).
6. A water distribution structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, Below the first base plate (304) are provided an inner baffle (311) and an outer baffle (312), the inner baffle (311), the outer baffle (312) and the first base plate (304) forming a flow channel (315), and the outlet (302) connecting the flow channel (315) and the outflow channel (313).
7. A water distribution structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage end cap (2) includes a second base plate (202), a second inner side wall (203), and a second outer side wall (204). The support frame (1) is set on the second base plate (202), and the first water inlet (201) is set on the second base plate (202). The second base plate (202), the second inner side wall (203), and the second outer side wall (204) form a water storage space, which is used to collect water flowing out from the bottom of the filter screen.
8. A filter element, characterized in that, It includes the water distribution structure as described in any one of claims 1-7 and the filter screen disposed on the support frame (1).
9. A mist-free humidifier, characterized in that, Includes the filter element as described in claim 8, wherein the filter element is disposed on the body of the mist-free humidifier.