Humidifier without pump water circulation structure and humidifier

Abstract

This application relates to a pumpless water circulation structure for a humidifier and the humidifier itself. The pumpless water circulation structure includes: a water tank with a return port and an outlet, the outlet having a one-way valve; a sealed cavity at the bottom of the water tank; a breather valve at the top of the sealed cavity; an inlet valve inside the return port, with a baffle plate at the valve port within the sealed cavity; a PTC heating element containing an aluminum tube for receiving and heating water; a valve plate within the breather valve's cavity; a baffle plate at the valve port of the inlet valve within the sealed cavity; and a hydrophobic coating on the inner wall of the aluminum tube. The pumpless water circulation structure designed in this application, by providing a hydrophobic coating on the inner wall of the aluminum tube, can inhibit scale adhesion and corrosion of the aluminum tube's inner wall, thereby maintaining heat exchange efficiency, ensuring smooth water flow in the pumpless system, and extending the service life of the heating element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of humidifier technology, and in particular to a pumpless water circulation structure for a humidifier and a humidifier. Background Technology

[0002] PTC heaters are widely used in various devices that require water heating due to their advantages such as self-regulating temperature characteristics, rapid heating, high heat conversion efficiency, and relatively simple structure. Examples include household humidifiers, water dispensers, and instant water heaters. In these applications, the PTC heating element is tightly fitted with a metal pipe, and the water is heated by the PTC heating element as it flows through the metal pipe.

[0003] However, in practical applications, PTC heating elements with this structure encounter challenges when dissolved mineral ions such as calcium and magnesium in the water. During repeated heating, these minerals precipitate out and adhere to and deposit on the hot inner wall of the metal tube, forming hard scale. This continuous accumulation of scale severely hinders the transfer of heat generated by the PTC heating element to the water inside the tube, leading to a decrease in overall heating efficiency. Furthermore, the uneven deposition of scale results in uneven heat dissipation on the metal tube surface. Localized areas may overheat due to poor heat dissipation, further exacerbating bubble formation and noise problems in those areas, and potentially damaging the PTC heating element or the metal tube itself due to overheating. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a pumpless water circulation structure and humidifier that effectively inhibits scale buildup.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a pump-free water circulation structure for a humidifier, comprising: The water tank is equipped with a return water inlet and a water outlet, and the water outlet is equipped with a one-way valve. A sealed cavity is located at the bottom of the water receiving tank and is connected to the water receiving tank through the return water port; A breather valve is located at the top of the sealed cavity; The inlet valve is located inside the return port; PTC heating element, wherein the PTC heating element has an aluminum tube built in for containing and heating water; The breather valve has a valve plate inside its valve chamber, which is configured to float upward as the air pressure inside the sealed chamber increases, thereby sealing the connection between the breather valve's valve chamber and the external space. The water inlet valve has a baffle plate at its valve port inside the sealed chamber, which is configured to float upward as the air pressure inside the sealed chamber increases, thereby sealing the water inlet valve's valve port. The inner wall of the aluminum tube is provided with a hydrophobic coating.

[0006] Preferably, the hydrophobic coating is a titanium dioxide coating, or a mixture of titanium dioxide and rubber.

[0007] Preferably, the hardness of the hydrophobic coating is between 2H and 3H.

[0008] Preferably, the device further includes a temperature controller fixed to the outer surface of the PTC heating element. The temperature controller is configured to control the PTC heating element to stop heating or reduce its heating power when the operating temperature of the PTC heating element exceeds a preset temperature threshold. The operating temperature range of the PTC heating element is 83°C to 95°C.

[0009] Preferably, the aluminum tube extends from both ends of the PTC heating element to form connecting ends, and flexible tubes are sleeved on both sides of the connecting ends, with one end of the flexible tube connected to the aluminum tube through the connecting ends.

[0010] Preferably, the hose is connected to a drain pipe, and the drain pipe is integrally formed with the hose.

[0011] Preferably, the outer peripheral surface of the connecting end is provided with at least one annular protrusion, the outer surface of the annular protrusion is in close contact with the inner wall surface of the hose, and the height of the annular protrusion gradually increases in the direction from away from the PTC heating element to close to the PTC heating element, so as to prevent the hose from coming off the connecting end.

[0012] Preferably, the outer circumferential surface of the connecting end is provided with an annular boss, and the end face of the hose abuts against the platform of the annular boss.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a humidifier, including the pumpless water circulation structure of the humidifier described in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0014] Preferably, the humidifier further includes a wet curtain assembly, which includes a frame, a wet curtain sleeved on the outer periphery of the frame, and a water distributor located at the top of the frame; a support platform is provided on the inner side wall of the water receiving tank, the lower part of the wet curtain assembly extends into the water receiving tank, and the periphery of the bottom end of the frame abuts against the support platform.

[0015] The pumpless water circulation structure and humidifier designed in this application effectively inhibit scale adhesion and corrosion of the aluminum tube inner wall by applying a hydrophobic coating, thereby maintaining heat exchange efficiency, ensuring smooth water flow in the pumpless system, and extending the service life of the heating element. Furthermore, by controlling the operating temperature of the PTC heating element, water bubbles and noise caused by localized overheating or violent boiling are reduced, resulting in overall improved quietness and stability of operation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the PTC heating element provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top view.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view at point AA.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view at point BB.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point C.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the humidifier provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged diagram of point D in the middle.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the pumpless water circulation structure of the humidifier provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of the EE section.

[0025] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Cross-sectional view at the FF section.

[0026] The components include: a pumpless water circulation structure 100, a water tank 101, a support platform 1011, a return water inlet 102, a water outlet 103, a sealing cavity 104, a breather valve 105, a valve plate 1051, an inlet valve 106, a baffle plate 1061, a humidifier 200, a housing 201, a fan assembly 202, a PTC heating element 10, an aluminum tube 20, a connecting end 21, an annular protrusion 22, an annular boss 23, a hydrophobic coating 30, a thermostat 40, a clamp 41, a flexible hose 50, a drain pipe 60, a wet curtain assembly 70, a frame 71, a wet curtain 72, and a water distributor 73. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0028] Firstly, embodiments of this application provide a pumpless water circulation structure 100 for a humidifier. For example... Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the pumpless water circulation structure 100 of the humidifier mainly includes a water tank 101, a sealing cavity 104, a breather valve 105, a water inlet valve 106, a PTC heating element 10, and an aluminum tube 20.

[0029] Specifically, such as Figure 6 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the water receiving tank 101 is used to collect and recycle water that has not evaporated after flowing through the humidifier's wet curtain. Its bottom is equipped with a return water inlet 102 and a water outlet 103. A one-way valve is installed in the water outlet 103 to prevent the supplied humidifying water from flowing back. A sealing cavity 104 is located at the bottom of the water receiving tank 101 and is connected to the water receiving tank 101 through the return water inlet 102. A breather valve 105 is located at the top of the sealing cavity 104. A water inlet valve 106 is located inside the return water inlet 102.

[0030] The breather valve 105 has a valve plate 1051 inside its valve chamber. The valve plate 1051 is configured to float upward as the air pressure inside the sealing chamber 104 increases, so as to close the communication between the valve chamber of the breather valve 105 and the external space. The inlet valve 106 is provided with a baffle plate 1061 at the valve port inside the sealing chamber 104. The baffle plate 1061 is configured to float upward as the air pressure inside the sealing chamber 104 increases, so as to close the valve port of the inlet valve 106.

[0031] An aluminum tube 20 is built into the PTC heating element 10 to hold and heat water. In practice, the aluminum tube 20 serves as a channel to hold the water to be heated. When the PTC heating element 10 is working, it heats the water in the aluminum tube 20. The steam pressure generated after the water is heated and vaporized causes the air pressure in the sealed cavity 104 to gradually increase. When the air pressure in the sealed cavity 104 reaches a preset threshold, the pressure drives the baffle 1061 of the inlet valve 106 and the valve plate 1051 of the breather valve 105 to float up and close the corresponding valve ports. At this time, the continuously generated steam pressure pumps the hot water in the sealed cavity 104 and the PTC heating element 10 through the outlet 103 and the external water supply pipe to the humidifier's wet curtain, completing one water supply cycle. As the water level in the sealed cavity 104 drops, the pressure in the sealed cavity 104 decreases accordingly, causing the baffle 1061 and valve plate 1051 to fall back. The inlet valve 106 and the breather valve 105 open in succession, and the water in the water tank 101 flows back into the sealed cavity 104. At the same time, the sealed cavity 104 is reconnected to the outside world, preparing for the next cycle, thus realizing pump-free water supply circulation.

[0032] Among them, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, a hydrophobic coating 30 is provided on the inner wall surface of the aluminum tube 20. In this embodiment, the main function of the hydrophobic coating 30 is to change the surface characteristics of the inner wall of the aluminum tube 20, reducing its adhesion to scale. That is, when dissolved minerals in the water precipitate during heating, due to the presence of the hydrophobic coating 30, these precipitates are difficult to firmly adhere to the inner wall of the aluminum tube 20, or even if a small amount adheres, it is easier to be washed away by the water flow, thereby effectively preventing or slowing down the formation and accumulation of scale. In this embodiment, the hardness of the hydrophobic coating 30 can reach 2H to 3H, such as 2H, 2.5H, 3H, etc. Such a hardness level makes the coating less prone to scratches, wear, or peeling when subjected to water flow scouring under normal working conditions and slight physical contact that may occur during manufacturing and assembly, thereby ensuring the long-term stability of its hydrophobic properties.

[0033] In one specific embodiment, the hydrophobic coating 30 is a titanium dioxide coating. Specifically, this titanium dioxide coating can be uniformly deposited and cured on the inner wall of the aluminum tube 20 using a liquid phase deposition method. Utilizing the inherent chemical stability of titanium dioxide, the resulting protective film effectively isolates the aluminum substrate of the aluminum tube 20 from the water and any corrosive media (such as dissolved oxygen and chloride ions) present in the water, effectively slowing down the electrochemical and chemical corrosion reaction rates of the aluminum tube 20, thereby helping to extend the service life of the aluminum tube 20 and even the entire heating structure. Simultaneously, the hydrophobic properties exhibited by the titanium dioxide surface reduce the adhesion of scale to its surface, making it easier for any small amount of scale to be carried away by flowing water or detached under thermal expansion and contraction.

[0034] In another specific embodiment, the hydrophobic coating 30 is a hybrid coating of titanium dioxide and rubber. The introduction of rubber gives the hydrophobic coating 30 a certain degree of toughness, which means that the coating can better adapt to the slight deformation of the aluminum tube 20 when the temperature changes, and is not easy to crack. Its toughness also makes the coating less likely to be damaged or peeled off when subjected to slight physical friction or impact during production, assembly or transportation.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the device also includes a temperature controller 40 fixed to the outer surface of the PTC heating element 10. Specifically, the temperature controller 40 is fixed to the outer surface of the PTC heating element 10 by a clamp 41, and the temperature-sensing part of the temperature controller 40 is in thermal contact with the PTC heating element 10. The temperature controller 40 is configured to control the PTC heating element 10 to stop heating or reduce its heating power when the operating temperature of the PTC heating element 10 exceeds a preset temperature threshold. For example, it can disconnect the power supply circuit of the PTC heating element 10 to stop it from heating, or reduce the power supplied to the PTC heating element 10 through a control circuit to reduce its heating power. In this embodiment, the operating temperature range of the PTC heating element 10 is 83°C to 95°C. For example, the preset temperature threshold can be set to 83°C, 84°C, 85°C, 86°C, 87°C, 88°C, 89°C, 90°C, 91°C, 92°C, 93°C, 94°C, 95°C, etc.

[0036] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the aluminum tube 20 extends from both ends of the PTC heating element 10 to form connecting ends 21. Flexible hoses 50 are fitted onto the connecting ends 21 on both sides. One end of the flexible hose 50 is connected to the aluminum tube 20 through the connecting ends 21. One end of the flexible hose 50 is connected to the internal flow channel of the aluminum tube 20 through the connecting ends 21, thus forming part of a water circulation loop, facilitating connection of the aluminum tube 20 to external water circuits, such as the water distribution device of a humidifier.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the hose 50 is connected to a drain pipe 60 to facilitate the drainage of residual water within the structure or for cleaning and maintenance. In this embodiment, the drain pipe 60 and the hose 50 are integrally formed, resulting in a compact structure and ease of production.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the outer circumference of the connecting end 21 is provided with at least one annular protrusion 22. The outer surface of the annular protrusion 22 is in close contact with the inner wall of the hose 50. The height of the annular protrusion 22 gradually increases from the direction away from the PTC heating element 10 to the direction closer to the PTC heating element 10, to prevent the hose 50 from coming off the connecting end 21. After the hose 50 is fitted over this annular protrusion 22, due to the elastic recovery of the hose, its inner wall will fit tightly against the surface of the annular protrusion 22, especially on the side with the larger height, thereby effectively preventing the hose 50 from slipping outward.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5As shown, the outer circumference of the connecting end 21 is provided with an annular boss 23, and the end face of the hose 50 abuts against the platform of the annular boss 23. When the hose 50 is sleeved on the connecting end 21, the end face of the hose 50 can abut against the platform of the annular boss 23 to play a limiting role and prevent the hose from being over-sleeved.

[0040] Secondly, such as Figure 6 As shown, this application provides a humidifier 200, including a pumpless water circulation structure 100 according to any embodiment of the first aspect. Due to the adoption of the above structure, the humidifier 200, during operation, is less prone to scaling and corrosion of its internal aluminum tube 20, has lower noise, more reliable temperature control, more stable connecting parts, and improved overall performance.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the humidifier 200 also includes a wet curtain assembly 70, which includes a frame 71, a wet curtain 72 sleeved on the outer periphery of the frame 71, and a water distributor 73 located at the top of the frame 71. A support platform 1011 protrudes from the inner side wall of the water tank 101. The lower part of the wet curtain assembly 70 extends into the water tank 101, and the periphery of the bottom end of the frame 71 abuts against the support platform 1011 for stable placement.

[0042] In practice, the water tank 101 is installed inside the housing 201 of the humidifier 200 as a support structure for the wet curtain assembly 70. A water distributor 73 is also installed at the top of the wet curtain assembly 70. One end 21 of the aluminum pipe 20 is connected to the water stored in the water tank 101 through a flexible hose 50 as an inlet for circulating water. The other end 21 of the aluminum pipe 20 is connected to the water distributor 73 installed at the top of the wet curtain assembly 70 through another flexible hose 50 to form a circulation path.

[0043] When the PTC heating element 10 is powered on, it continuously heats the water flowing through the aluminum tube 20. The water is heated and its temperature rises inside the aluminum tube 20, and some of the water vaporizes to produce steam. Due to the generation and expansion of steam, a pressure gradient is formed in the closed pipeline system. This steam pressure, which is converted from heat energy, can effectively drive the water in the aluminum tube 20 to flow upward and be delivered to the water distributor 73 at the top through the outlet hose 50. The water reaching the water distributor 73 is then evenly distributed and dripped or flowed onto the entire surface of the wet curtain 72, keeping the wet curtain 72 moist. When the fan assembly 202 inside the housing 201 drives the outside air to flow over the fully moistened wet curtain 72, the moisture content in the air increases, thereby humidifying the air. Excess water on the wet curtain 72 that is not evaporated and carried away will drip back into the water receiving tank 101 below due to gravity, and then be sent back into the aluminum pipe 20 for reheating through the hose 50 connected to the water inlet of the aluminum pipe 20, thereby achieving pump-free water supply circulation.

[0044] The pumpless water circulation structure and humidifier provided in this application embodiment effectively inhibit scale adhesion and corrosion of the aluminum tube inner wall by setting a hydrophobic coating, thereby maintaining heat exchange efficiency, ensuring smooth water flow in the pumpless system, and extending the service life of the heating element. Furthermore, the operating temperature of the PTC heating element is controlled, reducing water bubbles and noise caused by localized overheating or violent boiling, thus improving overall quietness and stability of operation.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "vertical", "up", "down", "horizontal", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to 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.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A pump-free water circulation structure for a humidifier, characterized in that, include: The water tank is equipped with a return water inlet and a water outlet, and the water outlet is equipped with a one-way valve. A sealed cavity is located at the bottom of the water receiving tank and is connected to the water receiving tank through the return water port; A breather valve is located at the top of the sealed cavity; The inlet valve is located inside the return port; PTC heating element, wherein the PTC heating element has an aluminum tube built in for containing and heating water; The breather valve has a valve plate inside its valve chamber, which is configured to float upward as the air pressure inside the sealed chamber increases, thereby sealing the connection between the breather valve's valve chamber and the external space. The water inlet valve has a baffle plate at its valve port inside the sealed chamber, which is configured to float upward as the air pressure inside the sealed chamber increases, thereby sealing the water inlet valve's valve port. The inner wall of the aluminum tube is provided with a hydrophobic coating.

2. The humidifier water circulation structure without a pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrophobic coating is a titanium dioxide coating, or a mixture of titanium dioxide and rubber.

3. The humidifier water circulation structure without a pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hardness of the hydrophobic coating is between 2H and 3H.

4. The humidifier water circulation structure without a pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature controller fixed to the outer surface of the PTC heating element. The temperature controller is configured to control the PTC heating element to stop heating or reduce the heating power when the operating temperature of the PTC heating element exceeds a preset temperature threshold. The operating temperature range of the PTC heating element is 83°C to 95°C.

5. The humidifier water circulation structure without a pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aluminum tube extends from both ends of the PTC heating element to form connecting ends, and flexible tubes are sleeved on both sides of the connecting ends. One end of the flexible tube is connected to the aluminum tube through the connecting end.

6. The humidifier water circulation structure without a pump according to claim 5, characterized in that, The hose is connected to a drain pipe, and the drain pipe is integrally formed with the hose.

7. The humidifier water circulation structure without a pump according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer circumferential surface of the connecting end is provided with at least one annular protrusion. The outer surface of the annular protrusion is in close contact with the inner wall of the hose. The height of the annular protrusion gradually increases from away from the PTC heating element to close to the PTC heating element to prevent the hose from coming off the connecting end.

8. The humidifier water circulation structure without a pump according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer circumferential surface of the connecting end is provided with an annular boss, and the end face of the hose abuts against the platform of the annular boss.

9. A humidifier, characterized in that, The humidifier includes the pumpless water circulation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The humidifier according to claim 9, characterized in that, The humidifier also includes a wet curtain assembly, which includes a frame, a wet curtain sleeved on the outer periphery of the frame, and a water distributor located at the top of the frame; a support platform is provided on the inner side wall of the water receiving tank, the lower part of the wet curtain assembly extends into the water receiving tank, and the periphery of the bottom end of the frame abuts against the support platform.

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