A humidifier's drainage structure

Abstract

This application relates to a humidifier's drainage structure, including a water collection tank disposed inside the humidifier and below the humidifying filter for collecting unused residual water; and a drainage component disposed below the water collection tank, with its inlet connected to the outlet of the water collection tank; wherein the outlet of the drainage component extends to and abuts against the inner wall of the water tank, allowing water to flow back along the inner wall of the water tank to reduce noise. This application aims to solve the technical problem of noise generated when residual water flows back into the water tank in existing humidifiers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of humidifier technology, and more particularly to a humidifier flow diversion structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, humidifiers are widely used in home and office environments. Currently, common humidifiers typically use humidifying filters for water-air exchange and deliver humidified air through an air duct system. During this process, the humidifier needs to supply water to the humidifying filter through spraying or immersion, but not all water can be carried away by the air duct system; some water will drip due to gravity or will not be carried away by the air duct, forming residual water.

[0003] The excess water falls freely and impacts the surface of the tank, creating an unpleasant noise. This noise is particularly noticeable in quiet environments at night, severely impacting the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a humidifier drainage structure to solve the technical problem of noise generation when residual water flows back into the water tank in the prior art.

[0005] This application provides a humidifier drainage structure, including a water collection tank disposed inside the humidifier and below the humidifying filter, for collecting unused residual water;

[0006] The diversion component includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to the outlet end of the water collection tank, and the outlet extends to and fits against the inner wall of the humidifier's water tank, allowing the water to flow back along the inner wall of the water tank to reduce noise.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the diversion element includes a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a third flow channel arranged sequentially, wherein the first flow channel extends obliquely toward the second flow channel and is opposite to the water collection tank.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the size of the first flow channel gradually decreases from the end furthest from the second flow channel to the end closest to the second flow channel.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the second flow channel is horizontally positioned.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the second flow channel is provided with guide slopes on both sides radially inclined toward the second flow channel.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the third flow channel extends obliquely from one end near the second flow channel toward the inner wall of the water tank.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the humidifying filter is detachably mounted on a filter support, the filter support is provided with a plurality of buckles, and the flow guide is provided with a plurality of slots, the slots engaging with the buckles to achieve a detachable connection between the flow guide and the filter support.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the water collection tank is equipped with a filter.

[0014] The technical solutions provided in this application have the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0015] This application provides a humidifier drainage structure. A water collection tank is disposed inside the humidifier and below the humidifying filter to collect residual water that has not been used by the humidifying filter. The inlet of the drainage component is connected to the outlet of the water collection tank, and the outlet extends to and fits against the inner wall of the water tank. When the water collection tank collects residual water, the water flows from the outlet of the water collection tank into the drainage component, and then flows back into the water tank from the outlet of the drainage component along the inner wall of the water tank.

[0016] By allowing the water to flow back along the inner wall of the tank, the water is prevented from directly impacting the surface of the tank in a free-fall manner, thereby effectively reducing the noise generated during the residual water recycling process and improving the user experience. This noise reduction effect is even more obvious in quiet environments at night. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the airflow diversion structure of a humidifier provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the drainage device provided in this application.

[0022] Figure 3 A perspective view of the drainage component provided in this application.

[0023] Figure 4 This is an assembly diagram of the filter provided in this application.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 1. Water collection tank;

[0026] 2. Humidifying filter;

[0027] 3. Flow guide; 301. First flow channel; 302. Second flow channel; 303. Third flow channel; 304. Flow guide slope; 305. Slot; 306. Inlet; 307. Outlet;

[0028] 4. Filter support;

[0029] 5. Filter. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0032] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in this text to describe the relative position or movement of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "front," "back," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the humidifier's airflow structure during use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the humidifier's airflow structure in the figure undergoes a positional flip, orientation change, or movement change, these directional indications will change accordingly. For instance, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" will subsequently be oriented "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. The humidifier's airflow structure may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used in this text will be interpreted accordingly.

[0033] To solve the technical problem of noise generated when residual water flows back into the water tank in existing humidifiers.

[0034] Figures 1 to 4 A humidifier drainage structure provided in this application embodiment includes a water collection tank 1, which is disposed inside the humidifier and located below the humidifying filter 2, for collecting unused residual water;

[0035] The diversion component 3 includes an inlet 306 and an outlet 307. The inlet 306 is connected to the outlet end of the water collection tank 1, and the outlet 307 extends to and fits against the inner wall of the humidifier's water tank, so that the water flows back along the inner wall of the water tank to reduce noise.

[0036] During humidifier operation, the humidifying filter 2 vaporizes the water, but not all water is effectively evaporated and utilized; some unused water drips down. The water collection tank 1, located inside the humidifier and below the humidifying filter 2, collects this dripping water. When a certain amount of water is collected in the water collection tank 1, it flows out from its outlet. Since the inlet 306 of the guide component 3 is connected to the outlet of the water collection tank 1, the remaining water flows into the guide component 3. The outlet 307 of the guide component 3 extends to and fits against the inner wall of the water tank, so the water, guided by the guide component 3, slowly flows back into the water tank along the inner wall, rather than directly impacting the water surface in a free-fall manner.

[0037] In traditional humidifiers, the free fall of residual water impacting the water surface of the tank generates significant noise, especially in quiet environments at night, affecting the user experience. This application, however, avoids this direct impact by allowing water to flow back along the inner wall of the tank, effectively reducing noise generated during residual water recovery and creating a quieter operating environment for the user.

[0038] The overall structure consists of only a water collection tank 1 and a diversion component 3, featuring a simple design that is easy to manufacture and install. The water collection tank 1 reliably collects residual water, while the diversion component 3 accurately guides the residual water to the inner wall of the water tank, achieving smooth backflow. This structure meets noise reduction requirements while ensuring the effective realization of the humidifier's residual water recovery function.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 2 In one possible implementation, the diverting component 3 includes a first flow channel 301, a second flow channel 302, and a third flow channel 303 arranged sequentially. The first flow channel 301 extends at an angle towards the second flow channel 302 and is opposite to the water collection tank 1. Because the first flow channel 301 extends at an angle towards the second flow channel 302 and is opposite to the water collection tank 1, when residual water in the water collection tank 1 flows out from the outlet, the water flows directly into the first flow channel 301. The inclined design allows the water to smoothly enter the second flow channel 302 by gravity, preventing water accumulation or splashing in the first flow channel 301. Especially when the water flow from the water collection tank 1 to the diverting component 3 is small, the inclined design of the first flow channel 301 can divert the incoming water to the second flow channel 302.

[0040] Specifically, water flows from the first channel 301 into the second channel 302. The second channel 302 receives the water flowing from the first channel 301 and plays a role in transitioning and guiding the water flow to the third channel 303.

[0041] The overall water flow direction is that the residual water passes through the first flow channel 301, the second flow channel 302 and the third flow channel 303 in sequence, which prepares for the subsequent water flow to eventually flow back along the inner wall of the water tank. The whole process forms a continuous water flow channel.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the size of the first flow channel 301 gradually decreases from the end furthest from the second flow channel 302 to the end closest to the second flow channel 302. The end of the first flow channel 301 furthest from the second flow channel 302 has a larger size, which can more widely collect the residual water flowing out from the outlet of the water collection tank 1. As the water flows from the end of the first flow channel 301 furthest from the second flow channel 302 to the end closest to the second flow channel 302, the water flow channel narrows due to the gradually decreasing size of the first flow channel 301, and the water flow is gradually converged and concentrated.

[0043] According to the principles of fluid mechanics, under a constant flow rate, reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel will increase the water flow velocity, and the water pressure will also change accordingly. This change helps the water flow more smoothly into the second channel 302 and maintain a certain flow dynamics.

[0044] Understandably, the gradually decreasing size of the first flow channel 301 can gather the relatively dispersed water flow from the water collection tank 1, making the water flow more concentrated towards the second flow channel 302, reducing the dispersion and loss of water flow in the guide component, improving the efficiency of residual water recovery, and ensuring that the water circulation inside the humidifier can be carried out efficiently.

[0045] Meanwhile, the water flow gradually accelerates and concentrates in the first channel 301, and can maintain a relatively stable and uniform flow state when entering the second channel 302. This avoids turbulence or impact when the water flows into subsequent channels, further reducing the noise generated during the water flow process and improving the user experience of the humidifier.

[0046] It should be noted that the second flow channel 302 is horizontally positioned. In the overall structure of the guide component 3, the first flow channel 301 guides the residual water collected in the water collection tank 1 to the second flow channel 302. Because the second flow channel 302 is horizontally positioned, when the water flows from the gradually decreasing size of the first flow channel 301 into the second flow channel 302, the water maintains a relatively stable flow posture in the horizontal direction. The first flow channel 301 provides an initial converging and acceleration effect for the water flow, allowing it to enter the second flow channel 302 at a certain speed and direction. The horizontally positioned second flow channel 302 provides a smooth flow platform for the water flow, allowing it to flow continuously in the horizontal direction without significant vertical displacement due to its own weight or other factors. Finally, the water flows smoothly from the second flow channel 302 to the third flow channel 303.

[0047] After the first flow channel 301 initially gathers and guides the water flow, the horizontally positioned second flow channel 302 ensures a continuous and uniform flow in the horizontal direction, avoiding impacts and turbulence caused by changes in direction or height during the flow. This stable water flow helps reduce noise generated within the flow guide, improving the humidifier's quietness during operation, making it particularly suitable for use in environments requiring low noise, such as bedrooms and offices.

[0048] In addition, the second flow channel 302 has inclined guide surfaces 304 on both radial sides. When water flows from the first flow channel 301 into the second flow channel 302 in the guide member 3, the inclined guide surfaces 304 on both radial sides of the second flow channel 302 guide the water flow if it tends to spread to the sides or deviate from the normal flow path. The inclined guide surfaces 304 guide the water flowing to the sides back to the central area of ​​the second flow channel 302, so that the water always flows along the predetermined horizontal direction of the second flow channel 302, and finally flows smoothly to the third flow channel 303.

[0049] Understandably, the design of the guide slope 304 effectively prevents water from splashing to the sides or deviating from the flow direction within the second flow channel 302, ensuring a stable and concentrated flow. This helps reduce turbulence and impact during water flow, further reducing noise caused by unstable water flow and improving noise reduction performance during the humidifier's waste water recovery process.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the third flow channel 303 extends at an angle from the end near the second flow channel 302 toward the inner wall of the water tank. After water flows out of the second flow channel 302, it enters the third flow channel 303. Because the third flow channel 303 extends at an angle from the end near the second flow channel 302 toward the inner wall of the water tank, the water flow is guided by the angled flow channel wall when it enters the third flow channel 303. Under the combined action of the water's own weight and the angle of the flow channel, the water flows along the angle of the third flow channel 303 toward the inner wall of the water tank, ultimately allowing the water to flow slowly back into the water tank while adhering to the inner wall.

[0051] The water flows back along the inner wall of the tank, greatly reducing the impact force between the water flow and the water surface compared to water falling directly into the tank. The inclined third flow channel 303 allows the water flow to smoothly transition to the inner wall of the tank, avoiding the large noise generated when the water falls freely, further optimizing the noise reduction performance of the humidifier and creating a quieter operating environment for users.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the humidifying filter 2 is detachably mounted on the filter support 4. The filter support 4 has several clips (not shown in the figures), and the flow guide 3 has several slots 305. The slots 305 engage with the clips to achieve a detachable connection between the flow guide 3 and the filter support 4. When it is necessary to install the flow guide 3 onto the filter support 4, the slots 305 on the flow guide 3 are aligned with the clips on the filter support 4, and a certain pressure is applied to make the clips engage in the slots 305. The special shape design of the clips and slots 305 (e.g., the clips may have elastic deformation capabilities, and the slot shape is adapted to them) ensures that the two are tightly joined, thereby achieving a stable connection between the flow guide 3 and the filter support 4.

[0053] When it is necessary to disassemble the draining component 3, the buckle can be dislodged from the slot 305 by a specific operation method (such as pressing the elastic part of the buckle or using a tool for assistance), and the draining component 3 can be easily removed from the filter support 4.

[0054] Understandably, after a period of use, scale and impurities may accumulate on the humidifier's inlet element 3 and filter holder 4. The detachable connection design allows users to easily remove the inlet element 3 from the filter holder 4 for thorough cleaning of both elements, ensuring normal operation of the humidifier, maintaining water quality, and extending the equipment's lifespan.

[0055] If the humidifier element 3 or the filter holder 4 is damaged or worn out, the user can disassemble and replace the corresponding parts individually without replacing the entire humidifier or its complex internal structure. This not only reduces maintenance costs but also improves the maintainability and sustainability of the equipment.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 4 In one possible implementation, a filter 5 is installed inside the water collection tank 1. During the operation of the humidifier, water vapor condenses to form residual water, which collects in the water collection tank 1. When the residual water enters the water collection tank 1, it first passes through the filter 5 installed inside the water collection tank 1. The filter 5 has a specific filtration structure (such as a filter screen, filter element, etc.), and its surface or interior has numerous tiny pores or channels. When the residual water flows through the filter 5, larger impurity particles in the water (such as dust, scale particles, hair, etc.) are blocked by the pores or channels of the filter 5 and cannot continue to pass through with the water flow, while the cleaner water can pass through the filter 5 smoothly, waiting to be guided back to the water tank by the diversion component 3.

[0057] Understandably, filter 5 effectively removes impurities from the residual water, making the water returning to the tank cleaner. Clean water helps reduce scale buildup in the tank, lowering the risk of scale corrosion and clogging of internal tank components (such as the water pump), and extending the humidifier's lifespan.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0059] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the humidifier's drainage structure or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0060] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0061] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0062] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0063] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0064] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Since these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

[0065] The above description describes specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A drainage structure of a humidifier, characterized by, include: A water collection tank, located inside the humidifier and below the humidifying filter, is used to collect unused residual water. The diversion component includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to the outlet end of the water collection tank, and the outlet extends to and fits against the inner wall of the humidifier's water tank, allowing the water to flow back along the inner wall of the water tank to reduce noise.

2. The drain structure of a humidifier according to claim 1, wherein The diversion component includes a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a third flow channel arranged in sequence, wherein the first flow channel extends obliquely toward the second flow channel and is opposite to the water collection tank.

3. The drain structure of a humidifier according to claim 2, wherein, The size of the first flow channel gradually decreases from the end furthest from the second flow channel to the end closest to the second flow channel.

4. The drain structure of a humidifier according to claim 2, wherein The second flow channel is set horizontally.

5. The drain structure of the humidifier according to claim 2, wherein, The second flow channel has guide slopes on both sides of its radial direction that are inclined toward the second flow channel.

6. The drain structure of a humidifier according to claim 2, wherein The third flow channel extends at an angle from the end closest to the second flow channel toward the inner wall of the water tank.

7. The drain structure of a humidifier according to claim 1, wherein The humidifying filter is detachably mounted on the filter support. The filter support is provided with several buckles, and the flow guide is provided with several slots. The slots cooperate with the buckles to achieve a detachable connection between the flow guide and the filter support.

8. The drain structure of a humidifier according to claim 1, wherein The water collection tank is equipped with a filter.

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