Humidifier for controlling water flow speed based on atomizer

Abstract

The utility model relates to a humidifier for controlling water flow rate based on an atomizer, which comprises a water tank, a first water storage tank and a water outlet control device, the first water storage tank is provided with a heater, and the water outlet control device is used for controlling water in the water tank to enter the first water storage tank to keep the water level stable; the second water storage tank is provided with an atomizer, and the fan is used for driving water mist generated by the atomizer to be discharged out of the humidifier through the mist outlet channel; the cooling water tank is communicated with the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank and provided with a cooling device in a matched mode, the cooling device cools water flowing through the cooling water tank through water in the water tank and / or cools water flowing through the cooling water tank through air blown out by the draught fan, and the atomizer serves as a control component for the flowing speed of water in the cooling water tank. And the atomization efficiency is configured to enable the flowing speed to be low enough to enable the cooling device to cool the water flowing into the second water storage tank to be below the safe temperature of the atomizer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air humidification, and in particular to a humidifier based on controlling the water flow rate using an atomizer. Background Technology

[0002] Pure heating humidifiers use boiling water to humidify, which can achieve the purpose of boiling and sterilization, but the output is steam, which has drawbacks such as high energy consumption, loud noise, high mist temperature which is unsafe, and slow mist output speed.

[0003] Pure ultrasonic humidifiers produce water mist that carries away limescale from the water, causing "white powder pollution."

[0004] Existing hybrid humidifiers on the market combine a heater and an ultrasonic atomizer. A problem with this type of humidifier is that after the heater heats the water for sterilization, the ultrasonic atomizer, which is not suited to excessively high temperatures, will have its lifespan affected by the hot water. Existing technologies offer the following solutions to this problem:

[0005] 1. Set the heater's power to a lower level to prevent the water temperature from getting too high (above 60 degrees Celsius);

[0006] 2. The water flowing out of the water tank flows into the heating water tank and the atomizing water tank through two channels respectively, so that the water temperature at the atomizing plate will not be too high.

[0007] The drawback of these two methods is that the water atomized by ultrasonication has not been boiled, so it cannot achieve a thorough sterilization effect.

[0008] JP1994331186A proposes a humidifier in which, when the switch is turned on, the tubular heater 34 built into the connecting pipe 23 is energized, and the water in the pipe is heated and boiled. The water flows downstream from the highest part of the connecting pipe 35 to the cooling water tank 24 and is cooled to a specified temperature below 50°C through the cooling piping 38. It then flows into the second water storage tank 22. The water flowing into the second water storage tank 22 is heated to a high temperature and sterilized as it passes through the tubular heater 34. At this time, magnesium, potassium, etc. in the water are precipitated and removed in the tubular heater 34 to prevent white powder from adhering to furniture, etc. The heated water is cooled to a predetermined temperature, which can prevent heat loss of the ultrasonic unit 5 components. However, the humidifier structure of this design is unreasonable. The coiled pipes make the humidifier bulky, and the scale deposited inside the pipes after heating cannot be cleaned.

[0009] KR200170374Y1 proposes another type of humidifier, in which a heater element installed in the sterilization tank 30 operates to heat the water in it to a predetermined temperature. The heated water flows along the cochlear-shaped cooling channel 31 that communicates with the humidification tank 40, and is cooled to a specified temperature (approximately below 40 degrees Celsius) by the air from the blower before being supplied to the humidification water tank 40. The water in the humidification water tank 40 is converted into fine particles by the vibration device 41. KR200170374Y1 supplies the water cooled by the blower to the humidification tank by bypassing the water by a predetermined distance, which also prevents thermal damage to the vibration device. However, it also has the problem of a long cooling channel. Although it cleverly uses the channel to surround the humidification water tank to achieve miniaturization, it does not utilize the idea of ​​a vibration device. Utility Model Content

[0010] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a humidifier based on atomizer-controlled water flow rate.

[0011] As a solution, the humidifier includes: a water tank with an outlet; a first water storage tank and a water outlet control device, wherein the first water storage tank is equipped with a heater, and the water outlet control device is used to control the opening and closing of the outlet to allow water from the water tank to enter the first water storage tank and maintain a stable water level; a second water storage tank, a fan, and a mist outlet channel, wherein the second water storage tank is equipped with an atomizer, and the fan is used to drive the water mist generated by the atomizer to be discharged from the humidifier through the mist outlet channel; and a cooling water tank connecting the first and second water storage tanks and equipped with a cooling device, wherein the cooling device uses water from the water tank to cool the water flowing through the cooling water tank and / or uses air blown by the fan to cool the water flowing through the cooling water tank, the atomizer is used as a component to control the flow rate of water in the cooling water tank, and the atomization efficiency is configured to keep the flow rate low enough so that the cooling device can cool the water temperature flowing into the second water storage tank to below a safe temperature for the atomizer.

[0012] For humidifiers, the water in the tank occupies the largest volume of its internal space. Since water mist needs to be discharged, a fan is necessary. This invention utilizes the existing water in the tank for water cooling and the existing fan for air cooling, eliminating the need for an additional cooling source while achieving good cooling performance. The existing atomizer itself acts as a control component for the water flow rate in the cooling water tank. By controlling the decrease in flow rate, the limitation on the length of the cooling channel is indirectly removed. Combined with the aforementioned cooling effect, this allows the humidifier to be miniaturized and compact. The water atomized by the atomizer is boiled to thoroughly sterilize and soften it, preventing bacterial contamination and white powder pollution that could lead to health problems. After boiling, the water is cooled before being supplied to the atomizer, preventing heat damage.

[0013] The humidifier provided by this utility model also includes the following auxiliary solutions:

[0014] The structure of the first water tank, the second water tank, and the cooling water tank is designed to ensure that the water level in each tank remains highly consistent relative to the same reference plane under normal operating conditions of the atomizer.

[0015] This includes a drain valve, used to control the water in the first water storage tank to enter the cooling water tank, and / or to control the water in the cooling water tank to enter the atomizing water tank.

[0016] In this case, the water level of the atomizer is higher than the valve opening of the drain valve under normal operating conditions.

[0017] The water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the water outlet channel that supplies water from the first water storage tank to the cooling water tank shall not exceed 1000 square millimeters.

[0018] It also includes a water supply control device, which is used to replenish the cooling water tank with a corresponding amount of water from the first water storage tank based on the amount of water atomized by the atomizer per unit time.

[0019] The cooling water tank is located between the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank.

[0020] The atomizer is configured to produce a maximum of 1000 ml of water mist per hour.

[0021] The cooling device includes a heat sink with heat transfer properties, which contacts water in the water tank and cooling water bath as a heat exchange component.

[0022] The heat sink has a built-in cavity, with one end extending into the water tank and the other end extending into the cooling water tank. The cooling water tank has water inlets on its side wall that connect to the first and second water storage tanks respectively. The water inlets are below the water level of the atomizer under normal operating conditions.

[0023] This includes a steam channel, which connects to the first water storage tank and the mist outlet channel.

[0024] Among them, the fan serves as a combined drive device for water mist emission and steam emission.

[0025] The steam passage is configured such that at least some sections utilize heat sinks as at least a portion of the passage sidewalls.

[0026] In this system, all or part of the air blown out by the fan is directed toward the water surface and / or heat sink of the cooling water tank, and the fan is reused as a cooling device for the cooling water tank.

[0027] The fan's air outlet extends into the internal cavity of the heat sink; the opening in the heat sink's internal cavity is connected to the mist outlet channel through an air passage.

[0028] The device includes a base located below the water tank for accommodating each water tank, and a float valve as the water outlet control device; or, it includes a base located above or below the water tank for accommodating each water tank, and a water pump as the water outlet control device, used to replenish the corresponding amount of water into the first water storage tank according to the amount of water atomized by the atomizer per unit time.

[0029] The atomizer is an ultrasonic atomizer.

[0030] The humidifier of this invention has the advantages of 100% high-temperature sterilization of atomized water; boiling and softening atomized water to avoid health problems caused by "white powder pollution" during humidification; and low energy consumption, low noise, fast mist output speed, large mist output volume, safe and controllable mist output temperature, easy cleaning, small size and compact structure. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the humidifier of this utility model is provided;

[0032] Figure 2 A top view of the humidifier base of this utility model is provided;

[0033] Figure 3a A first cross-sectional schematic diagram of a scheme that uses water from a water tank for cooling is given;

[0034] Figure 3b A second cross-sectional view of a scheme that uses water from a water tank for cooling is given;

[0035] Figure 4a A first cross-sectional schematic diagram of a scheme that uses water in a water tank for cooling while simultaneously blowing air onto the heat sink is given.

[0036] Figure 4b A second cross-sectional view of the scheme is given, which uses water in a water tank to cool the heat sink while simultaneously blowing air onto it.

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the steam emission path is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] See Figures 1 to 2 The humidifier consists of two parts: a water tank 100 and a base 200. The water tank 100 is provided with a water outlet 101. The top surface of the base 200 has a recessed groove to form a lower water tank 210, a first water storage tank 220, a cooling water tank 230, and a second water storage tank 240. Each water tank is exposed from the top surface of the base 200.

[0040] The lower water tank 210 is connected to the first water storage tank 220. The lower water tank 210 has a built-in water outlet control device, which is used to control the opening and closing of the water outlet so that water in the water tank 100 can enter the first water storage tank 220 to maintain a stable water level. The first water storage tank 220 is equipped with a heater 221, which uses heating elements installed at the bottom of the tank.

[0041] The cooling water tank 230 is connected to the first water storage tank 220 and the second water storage tank 240. The water tank 230 is equipped with a cooling device, which uses water from the water tank 100 to cool the water flowing through the cooling water tank 230, or uses air blown by the fan 300 to cool the water flowing through the cooling water tank 230. The atomizer 241 is installed in the first water storage tank 220 and serves as a control component for the flow rate of the water in the cooling water tank 230. Its atomization efficiency is configured to keep the flow rate low enough so that the cooling device can cool the water flowing into the second water storage tank 240 to a temperature below that is safe for the atomizer 241.

[0042] Above the second water tank 240, a mist outlet channel 400 is set directly opposite, and a fan 300 is used to drive the water mist generated by the atomizer 241 to be discharged from the humidifier through the mist outlet channel 400.

[0043] For a humidifier, the water in the water tank 100 occupies the largest volume of its internal space. The water mist needs to be discharged, which inevitably requires a fan 300. The solution of this utility model utilizes the water in the existing water tank 100 for water cooling and the air from the existing fan 300 for air cooling. No additional cooling source is needed, but a good cooling effect can be achieved. The existing atomizer 241 itself is used as a control component for the flow rate of water in the cooling water tank 230. By controlling the decrease in flow rate, the limitation of the cooling channel length is indirectly relieved. Combined with the cooling effect achieved above, the humidifier can be miniaturized and compact in structure. The water atomized by the atomizer 241 is boiled and softened to avoid white powder pollution and health problems. After boiling, the water is cooled and then given to the atomizer to avoid heat damage.

[0044] As one method for controlling the water flow rate of the atomizer 241, the structural configuration of the first water tank 220, the second water tank 240, and the cooling water tank 230 is designed to ensure that the water level A in each tank remains consistently high relative to the same reference plane under normal operating conditions. In this case, the atomizer 241, as the only water-consuming device, drives the water flow at a slow speed along the first water tank 220, the cooling water tank 230, and the second water tank 240 as it atomizes. The water outlet control device controls the replenishment of water in the first water tank 220 to maintain a stable water level. This method fully utilizes the existing components of the humidifier, eliminating the need for additional components and avoiding increased volume. Furthermore, a drain valve 222 is provided to control the flow of water from the first water tank 220 into the cooling water tank 230. The design of the drain valve 222 prevents unheated water from directly flowing into the water tank 240, which could hinder initial sterilization and cause white powder to float in the air. Furthermore, the water level of the atomizer 241 under normal operating conditions is set higher than the valve port of the drain valve 222 and the water inlets 231 of the cooling water tank 230. This isolates the water surface fluctuations in the three tanks, preventing boiling of the heated liquid in the storage tank 220 and / or wind-blown liquid in the cooling water tank 230 from affecting the control of the water flow rate in the storage tank 240. In order to form an effective heat zone, the outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the water outlet channel from the first storage tank 220 to the cooling water tank 230 does not exceed 1000 square millimeters. When the drain valve 222 is present, its valve port is used to control the water outlet channel.

[0045] As another way to control the water flow rate of the atomizer 241, the water level may not be completely consistent. For example, a water supply control device can be set up to replenish the cooling water tank 230 with a corresponding amount of water from the first water storage tank 220 based on the amount of water atomized by the atomizer 241 per unit time. The inflow and outflow balance is formed through electronic control. For example, the water valve 222 is an electromagnetic opening valve. The water valve 222 is used as the water supply control device, and the water level in the water storage tank 220 is allowed to be higher than that in other water tanks.

[0046] In the above configuration, the atomizer 241 is configured to produce a maximum of 1000 ml of water mist per hour, forming a low-speed water flow to aid in cooling with the cooling device. With this configuration, the cooling water tank 230 can be positioned between the first water tank 220 and the second water tank 240, forming a linear distribution structure. This results in a compact humidifier structure, allowing more space for the water tank, and the increased water capacity of the tank, in turn, enhances the water cooling effect. Preferably, the atomizer 241 uses an ultrasonic vibrating plate to achieve finer water mist particles.

[0047] The following section provides a specific implementation example of the cooling device.

[0048] As a water-cooling solution, the cooling device includes a heat sink 232 with heat transfer properties. The heat sink 232 can be of any shape and is in contact with water in the water tank 100 and the cooling water tank 230 as a heat exchange component. Figures 3a to 3b An independent water cooling solution using a water tank is proposed. The air outlet of the fan 300 is not located inside the cooling water tank 230. The cooling of the hot water is mainly achieved through heat exchange via the heat sink 232. The air outlet is located outside the cooling water tank 230 and does not participate in the cooling of the hot water.

[0049] or, Figures 4a to 4b A hybrid air-cooling and water-cooling scheme is proposed. In addition to cooling the hot water through heat exchange via the heat sink 232, the air outlet 301 of the fan 300 is located outside the cooling water tank 230. The air blows across the outer side of the heat sink 232 and the water surface in the cooling water tank 230 to cool the hot water.

[0050] Most preferably, see Figures 1 to 2 The heat sink 232 has a built-in cavity. One end of the heat sink 232 extends into the water tank 100, and the other end extends into the cooling water tank 230. A water inlet 231 is provided on the side wall of the cooling water tank, connecting to the first water storage tank 220 and the second water storage tank 240 respectively. The water inlet 231 is lower than the water level of the atomizer 241 under normal operating conditions. The air outlet of the fan 300 extends into the inner cavity of the heat sink 232. An opening in the inner cavity of the heat sink 232 connects to the mist outlet channel 400 through an air passage 233. During use, water in the water tank flows into the lower water tank of the base through the water tank's drain outlet. The lower water tank is connected to the heating water tank. After the water in the heating water tank is boiled by the heater, the drain valve opens, and the boiling water flows into the cooling water tank. The heat sink, made of thermally conductive material, is installed at the bottom of the water tank. One end contacts the cold water in the water tank, and the other end contacts the hot water in the cooling water tank, cooling the hot water through heat exchange. The air outlet inside the heat sink directs the fan's airflow towards the heat sink and the hot water surface, achieving optimal acceleration of hot water cooling, reducing wind noise, and maintaining a compact structure. After cooling, the hot water flows into an atomizing tank for atomization, and is then blown out of the machine by the fan. It should be understood that, in addition to cooling with water from the tank, an independent air-cooling scheme can be implemented, where the water in the tank does not participate in cooling. For example, the heat sink can be omitted, directly directing the fan's airflow towards the water surface; or, the heat sink can be used without heat exchange with the water in the tank, directing the fan's airflow towards the outer wall of the heat sink, with the heat sink only serving to accelerate the air-cooling effect.

[0051] Furthermore, a steam channel is provided, which connects to both the first water storage tank 220 and the mist outlet channel 400. This steam channel not only solves the problem of steam emission during heating and sterilization but also increases the mist output of the machine, achieving a dual benefit. The steam can be spontaneously emitted using its own heat. Preferably, a fan 300 is used as a combined drive device for both water mist and steam emission. The fan's airflow ultimately blows into the mist outlet channel, creating negative pressure that pulls the water mist and steam out, thus increasing the mist output speed. Figure 5 The diagram shows the flow direction of the fan exhaust through the air passage of the cooling water tank. In the most preferred embodiment, the heating water tank, cooling water tank, and atomizing water tank can be connected above to form a channel. The steam channel is configured such that at least some sections use the heat sink 232 as at least part of the channel sidewall. The steam generated during heating mixes with the atomized water vapor through the channel and is discharged outside the machine. The flow direction of the steam is shown by the arrow in the figure. When the steam flows through, it contacts the heat sink 232 for cooling and then enters the water storage tank 240 above to mix with the water mist for secondary cooling. The mist temperature is safe and controllable.

[0052] As an alternative improvement, the base 200 housing each water tank is located below the water tank 100, forming a top-fill system. In this case, the water outlet control device can be a float valve, which opens to replenish the water level as the water in the storage tank 220 is consumed. Furthermore, each water tank is exposed on the top surface of the base, and the water tank 100 is detachably placed on the base, serving as a cover for the water tank. The water tank can be removed when needed, and the exposed water tank facilitates cleaning of scale. Alternatively, the water outlet control device can be a water pump, which replenishes the storage tank 220 with the corresponding amount of water atomized by the atomizer 241 per unit time. In this case, the water tank can be located above or below the base, using the water pump to draw water. When the water tank is located below, the base is on top, and each water tank is exposed on the top surface of the base. A detachable cover is provided on the top surface of the base, serving as a cover for the water tank, which is opened when cleaning is required.

[0053] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the essence and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model.

Claims

1. A humidifier based on atomizer-controlled water flow rate, characterized in that, include: Water tank, wherein the water tank is provided with a water outlet; A first water storage tank and a water outlet control device are provided. The first water storage tank is equipped with a heater, and the water outlet control device is used to control the opening and closing of the water outlet so that water in the water tank can enter the first water storage tank to maintain a stable water level. The humidifier consists of a second water tank, a fan, and a mist outlet channel. The second water tank is equipped with an atomizer, and the fan is used to drive the water mist generated by the atomizer to be discharged from the humidifier through the mist outlet channel. A cooling water tank is connected to a first water storage tank and a second water storage tank, and is equipped with a cooling device. The cooling device uses water from the water tank to cool the water flowing through the cooling water tank, or uses air blown by the fan to cool the water flowing through the cooling water tank. The atomizer is used as a control component for the flow rate of water in the cooling water tank, and the atomization efficiency is configured to make the flow rate low enough so that the cooling device can cool the water flowing into the second water storage tank to a temperature below that is safe for the atomizer.

2. The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The structure of the first water storage tank, the second water storage tank, and the cooling water tank is configured to ensure that the water level in each tank remains at a consistent height relative to the same reference plane under normal operating conditions of the atomizer.

3. The humidifier according to claim 2, characterized in that: Includes a drain valve, used to control the flow of water from the first water storage tank into the cooling water tank.

4. The humidifier according to claim 3, characterized in that: Under normal operating conditions, the water level of the atomizer is higher than the valve opening of the drain valve.

5. The humidifier according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the water outlet channel that supplies water from the first water storage tank to the cooling water tank shall not exceed 1000 square millimeters.

6. The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a water supply control device, which is used to replenish the cooling water tank with a corresponding amount of water from the first water storage tank based on the amount of water atomized by the atomizer per unit time.

7. The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling water tank is located between the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank.

8. The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The atomizer is configured to produce a maximum of 1000 ml of water mist per hour.

9. The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling device includes a heat sink with heat transfer properties, which is in contact with water in a water tank and a cooling water bath as a heat exchange component.

10. The humidifier according to claim 9, characterized in that: The heat sink has a built-in cavity, with one end extending into the water tank and the other end extending into the cooling water tank. The cooling water tank has water inlets on its side wall that connect to the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank respectively. The water inlets are lower than the water level under normal operating conditions of the atomizer.

11. The humidifier according to claim 10, characterized in that: It includes a steam channel, which is connected to the first water storage tank and the mist outlet channel respectively.

12. The humidifier according to claim 11, characterized in that: The fan is a combined device that drives both water mist emission and steam emission.

13. The humidifier according to claim 11, characterized in that: The steam passage is configured such that at least some segments utilize heat sinks as at least a portion of the passage sidewalls.

14. The humidifier according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that: The air blown out by the fan is directed, in whole or in part, to the surface of the water in the cooling water tank and / or the heat sink, and the fan is reused as a cooling device for the cooling water tank.

15. The humidifier according to claim 14, characterized in that: The air outlet of the fan extends into the internal cavity of the heat sink; The opening in the inner cavity of the heat sink is connected to the mist outlet channel through an air passage.

16. The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that: Includes a base located below the water tank for accommodating various water tanks, and the water outlet control device is a float valve; Alternatively, it may include a base positioned above or below the water tank to accommodate each water tank, wherein the water outlet control device is a water pump used to replenish the corresponding amount of water into the first water storage tank based on the amount of water atomized by the atomizer per unit time.

17. The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The atomizer is an ultrasonic atomizer.

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