HUMIDIFICATION DEVICE

Abstract

A humidification device comprises a central housing element having a space within it and a first opening formed on one side of it and a second opening formed on the other side of it, a cartridge part containing a plurality of cartridge elements housed in the central housing element and arranged to be spaced apart from one another in a first direction D1, and humidification membrane elements housed in the cartridge elements, wherein two opposite ends of the plurality of cartridge elements are positioned within a width of the first opening in the first direction D1 based on the first direction D1.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a humidification device, and more precisely a humidification device that can be applied to a fuel cell system. BACKGROUND

[0002] A humidification system applied to a fuel cell system can be configured to appropriately adjust the humidity of the air or other material supplied to the fuel cell. The humidification system can improve / optimize the performance and lifespan of a fuel cell. Generally, a humidification system can operate to adjust the humidity of the air or other material supplied to the fuel cell using wastewater discharged from the fuel cell stack.

[0003] In a condition where water is stagnant on / in the underside of the humidification unit, a large volume of air may sometimes be suddenly introduced into the unit according to an output required by the fuel cell system. In this case, the water stagnating on / in the underside of the humidification unit may be dispersed by the airflow. The dispersed water may sometimes come into contact with a humidification membrane. The water in contact with the humidification membrane can accelerate chemical degradation of the membrane. For example, a flushing process in which a portion of the humidification membrane in the humidification unit is cleaned by a fluid (such as air) may not be performed properly, which can cause a problem in which degradation of the humidification membrane occurs more frequently and / or more rapidly.

[0004] The content described in this Background section is intended solely to improve the understanding of the background of the revelation and should not be taken as an acknowledgment that it corresponds to the state of the art already known to someone with technical skills. SUMMARY

[0005] The following summary presents a simplified overview of certain features. It is not a comprehensive summary and is not intended to identify any crucial or critical elements.

[0006] Systems, devices, and methods for a humidification device are described. A humidification device may comprise: a housing with a surface in which a first opening and a second opening are formed; a cartridge section comprising a plurality of cartridges housed in a space formed by the housing, the plurality of cartridges being arranged to be spaced apart from one another in a first direction; and a plurality of humidification membranes housed within the plurality of cartridges. The plurality of cartridges may be positioned within a width of the first opening in the first direction such that channels are formed between outer cartridge elements of the plurality of cartridges in the first direction and an inner surface of the housing.

[0007] A humidification device may also or alternatively comprise: a housing with a surface in which a first opening and a second opening are formed; a plurality of cartridges accommodated in a space formed by the housing, the plurality of cartridges being arranged to be spaced apart from one another in a first direction; and a plurality of humidification membranes accommodated in the plurality of cartridges.Each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges can have a window area in which through-openings are formed, each window area having: a first window area provided in a second direction towards a first end of the cartridge intersecting the first direction, and in which one or more first through-openings are formed; and a second window area provided in a second direction towards a second end of the cartridge opposite the first end, and in which one or more through-openings are formed, wherein at least the first window area and / or the second window area has sections of different thicknesses.

[0008] A humidification device may also or alternatively comprise: a housing with a surface in which a first opening and a second opening are formed; a plurality of cartridges in a space formed by the housing, wherein the plurality of cartridges are arranged to be spaced apart from one another in a first direction and from inner surfaces of the housing facing the first direction, such that a plurality of channels are formed from the first opening between the plurality of cartridges and the inner surfaces of the housing; and a plurality of humidification membranes housed in the plurality of cartridges.

[0009] These and other features and benefits are described in more detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a view illustrating a first cross-sectional structure of a humidification device according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a view illustrating a second cross-sectional structure of the humidification device according to the present disclosure and a cross-sectional structure around a first opening. Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged view illustrating a window area of ​​a cartridge element provided in the humidification device according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged view illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a bypass chamber formed in the humidification device according to the present disclosure, and cross-sectional structures of components around the bypass chamber. Fig. Figure 5 is a view illustrating an outlet opening of the cartridge element provided in the humidification device according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged view illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a drain pipe section provided in the humidification device according to the present disclosure, and cross-sectional structures of components surrounding the drain pipe section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Unless otherwise defined, the terms used herein which contain technical or scientific terminology may have meanings that would generally be understood by someone with skills in the technology to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0011] Expressions such as "exhibit," "may exhibit," "contain," "may contain," "have," "with," "may have," "possibly with," etc., used herein, are intended to signify the presence of a characteristic (e.g., function, operation, component, etc.) and do not preclude the presence of other additional characteristics. That is, these expressions should be understood as open terms that allow for the possibility of other examples being included.

[0012] Any singular expression used herein may have the meaning of the plural unless otherwise indicated in the context, which also applies to the singular expression described in the claims.

[0013] The expression “based on” used herein is intended to describe one or more factors affecting a determination or decision process or operation described in a formulation or sentence containing this expression, and this expression does not exclude any additional factors affecting the determination or decision process or operation.

[0014] When a component (e.g., a first component) is described as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component (e.g., a second component), this can mean, as used herein, that the component is not only directly connected or coupled to the other component, but is also connected or coupled through yet another component (e.g., a third component).

[0015] Depending on the context, the expression "configured to" or "configured to," as used herein, can have meanings such as "set to," "capable of," "modified to," "made to," "able to," etc. This expression is not limited to the meaning of "specifically designed in hardware to." For example, a processor configured to perform a specific operation may refer to a general-purpose processor capable of performing the specific operation by executing software, or to a specialized computer structured by programming to perform the specific operation.

[0016] Expressions such as "first" or "second" used herein are used to distinguish one object from another when referring to several similar objects, unless otherwise specified in the context, and do not restrict the order or importance among them. For example, a plurality of building blocks or components (chips) according to the present disclosure can be distinguished from one another by referring to them as "first component" or "second component," respectively. For the purposes of this application and the claims, using the exemplary phrase "at least one element of: A; B; or C" or "at least A, B and / or C," the phrase means "at least one A" or "at least one B" or "at least one C" or "any combination of at least one A, at least one B and at least one C."Furthermore, the exemplary phrases used herein, such as "A, B, or C," "at least one element of A, B, and C," "at least one element of A, B, or C," etc., can mean any element listed or any combination of the listed elements. For example, "at least one element of A or B" can refer to (1) at least one A; (2) at least one B; or (3) at least one A and at least one B. "One or more of" is synonymous with "at least one element of" herein.

[0017] A humidification device according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. HUMIDIFICATION DEVICE

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 is a view illustrating a first cross-sectional structure of a humidification device according to the present disclosure, and Fig. Figure 2 is a view illustrating a second cross-sectional structure of the humidification device according to the present disclosure and a cross-sectional structure around a first opening. Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged view illustrating a window area of ​​a cartridge element provided in the humidification device according to the present disclosure, and Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged view illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a bypass chamber formed in the humidification device according to the present disclosure, and cross-sectional structures of components around the bypass chamber. Fig. Figure 5 is a view illustrating an outlet opening of the cartridge element provided in the humidification device according to the present disclosure, and Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged view illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a drain pipe section provided in the humidification device according to the present disclosure, and cross-sectional structures of components surrounding the drain pipe section.

[0019] The humidification device according to the present disclosure can be a humidification device that can be applied to a fuel cell system. For example, the humidification device according to the present disclosure can be a device for improving / maximizing the drive efficiency of a fuel cell by humidifying / controlling or regulating the humidity required for operating the fuel cell.

[0020] Regarding the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. A humidifying device 10 according to the present disclosure can include a central housing element 100 (e.g., a housing) which has / forms a space within it. A first opening H1 can be formed on a first side of the central housing element 100, and a second opening H2 can be formed on a second side of the central housing element 100. A cartridge part 200 (e.g., a cartridge holder / cartridge section) can contain / accommodate a plurality of cartridge elements 210 (e.g., a plurality of cartridges). The cartridge part 200 can be housed / contained within the central housing element 100. For example, the cartridge elements 210 can be arranged to extend in a first direction D1 (e.g., perpendicular to directions D2 and D3 in the Fig. 1, shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 5, Fig. 6) to be spaced apart from one another. The humidification device 10 according to the present disclosure can contain one or more humidification membrane elements 300 (for example, one or more humidification membranes) housed in the cartridge elements 210. For example, the drawings illustrate that three cartridge elements 210 are arranged in the first direction D1 in the central housing element 100 (e.g., Fig. 2).

[0021] The first opening H1 can provide a flow path through which a fluid (for example, a fluid containing water discharged from a fuel cell) is supplied to the humidification device 10. The second opening H2 can provide a flow path through which the fluid is discharged from an inner surface of the humidification device 10 to an outer surface of the humidification device 10. According to the present disclosure, a device can be used to reduce the overall flow velocity of the fluid supplied through the first opening H1.

[0022] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, according to the present disclosure, for example, the plurality of cartridge elements 210 can be arranged in a first direction D1 within a width / first spacing (reference numeral / spacing A in Figure 2). Fig. 2) be positioned / distributed at the first opening H1 of the middle housing element 100. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, for example, if the cartridge part 200 contains three cartridge elements 210, two opposite ends (in / relative to the first direction D1) of the three cartridge elements 210 can be positioned within the width A of the first opening H1 in the first direction D1. The fluid that can be supplied to the central housing element 100 via the first opening H1 can be supplied to the interior of the central housing element 100 through i) a space and / or channel between the central housing element 100 and the cartridge elements 210 located at the outermost sides, and / or ii) a space and / or channel between the two adjacent cartridge elements 210, such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the region in which the fluid flows from an inlet area of ​​the humidification device can be increased.According to the present disclosure, any element of the plurality of cartridge elements 210 provided in the cartridge part 200 can collide with / interact with the fluid during the process of supplying the fluid to the humidification device. The two elements mentioned above (for example, spaces / channels between two adjacent cartridge elements 210 and space between the central housing element 100 and the outermost cartridge elements 210) can reduce the flow velocity of the fluid supplied to the humidification device. Therefore, it may be possible to reduce the degree to which water (which may, for example, stagnate in the central housing element 100) is dispersed by the flow velocity of the fluid supplied to the first opening H1 (for example, when the fluid is supplied to the humidification device according to the present disclosure).As a result, it may be possible to minimize / reduce the degree to which the dispersing water comes into direct contact with the humidification membrane element 300.

[0023] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the humidifying device 10 according to the present disclosure can further include a fastening part 400, which is housed in the central housing element 100. The fastening part 400 can be configured such that at least one side of the cartridge part 200 is fastened to the fastening part 400. For example, at least one side of the cartridge part 200 can be fastened to the fastening part 400. According to the present disclosure, a portion of the cartridge part 200 can project from the fastening part 400 in two opposite directions based on a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1. For example, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 can be horizontal directions and / or the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 can be orthogonal to each other.

[0024] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, according to the present disclosure, the cartridge part 200 can have an asymmetrical shape. For example, the cartridge part 200 can be asymmetrical with respect to the fastening part 400. The cartridge part 200 can project from the fastening part 400 by a first length in the direction of a first side in the second direction D2. The cartridge part 200 can project from the fastening part 400 by a second length in the direction of a second side in the second direction D2. The first length can differ from the second length.

[0025] According to an example in the present disclosure, the first opening H1 and the second opening H2 can be formed in a side face of a lateral surface (for example, a first side face section) of the central housing element, wherein the side face is a side primarily in a third direction D3 (for example, facing the same, substantially facing the same, substantially perpendicular to the same) that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. For example, the third direction D3 can be an upward / downward direction, and the first opening H1 and second opening H2 can be formed in a top surface of the central housing element 100.

[0026] Regarding the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 For example, a window area 220 with through-openings 227 can be formed on at least one part of each element of the plurality of cartridge elements 210. The fluid in the central housing element 100 can be supplied to the cartridge element 210 through / via the window area 220. For example, the window area 220 (for example, for one cartridge element 210 of the plurality of cartridge elements) can have a region of the cartridge element 210 in which the through-openings 227 are formed. The air can be humidified by exchanging water vapor with the fluid (for example, water) and / or the air to be supplied from the humidification device 10 to the fuel cell on / via the humidification membrane element 300.For example, the drawings illustrate an example in which the passage openings 227 are arranged in three rows in the window area 220 on each of the two opposite sides of the central housing element 100 based on the second direction D2.

[0027] Window area 220 can include a first window area 222, which is located near a first side of the cartridge element 210 in the second direction D2. The first window area 222 can have one or more first passage openings 227. Window area 220 can include a second window area 224, which is located near a second side of the cartridge element 210 in the second direction D2 opposite the first side. The second window area 224 can have one or more second passage openings 227. As illustrated in the drawings, the first window area 222 can be located adjacent to the first opening H1 and the second window area 224 can be located adjacent to the second opening H2.

[0028] With further reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. The first window area 222 and / or the second window area 224 may have a stepped section 226 formed where one or more sections of the first window area 222 and / or second window area 224 with a first thickness meet another section of the first window area 222 and / or second window area 224 with a second thickness. The stepped section 226 may extend in a direction parallel to the third direction D3. It is understood that, based on the stepped section 226 as a boundary, the thickness of the window area on one side of the stepped section 226 in the second direction D2 and the thickness of the window area on the other side of the stepped section 226 in the second direction D2 may differ.For example, the thickness of a section of the window area 220 that is positioned relative to the stepped section 226 as an outward boundary (e.g., away from the cartridge elements 210 based on the second direction D2) may be less than the thickness of a section of the window area 220 that is positioned relative to the stepped section 226 as an inward boundary (e.g., in the direction of the cartridge elements 210 based on the second direction D2).

[0029] A section of the window area positioned relatively outwards can be a so-called dead zone area, that is, an area where it is relatively difficult to supply a fluid for removing water from the humidification membrane element in the event that the water stagnating in the central housing element disperses and comes into contact with the humidification membrane element. As described herein, the relatively small thickness of the outwardly positioned section of the window area 220 (for example, relative to the inwardly positioned section of the window area 220) can allow the fluid to be supplied more evenly into the central housing element 100 through / via the passage openings 227 formed in the section of the window area 220 that is positioned outwards based on the second direction D2 (e.g.,more uniform relative to a case where the thicknesses do not differ and / or the outwardly positioned section of the window area 220 is not relatively small), so that the water can be removed more uniformly from the humidification membrane element. For example, the drawings illustrate that the thickness of the section having the passage openings 227 positioned on the outermost side(s) in the second direction D2 below the passage openings 227 arranged in three rows in the second direction D2 and formed in the first and second window areas 222 and 224 respectively is relatively small (for example, where the section is defined by the stepped section 226 as its boundary).

[0030] According to the present disclosure, the first length, which is the length by which the cartridge part 200 projects from the fastening part 400 towards the first opening H1 in the second direction D2, can be shorter than the second length, which is the length by which the cartridge part 200 projects from the fastening part 400 towards the second opening H2 in the second direction D2. This asymmetrical arrangement can enable / facilitate the fluid supplied through the first opening H1 into the central housing element 100 to be supplied uniformly to the through-openings 227 formed in the first window region 222. According to the present disclosure, for example, the fluid supplied through / via the first opening H1 can be supplied uniformly to the through-openings 227 that are positioned towards the outside of the first window region 222 (for example, in the second direction D2).Therefore, according to the present disclosure, the dead zone area can be reduced or eliminated.

[0031] The humidification device 10 according to the present disclosure can enable the fluid, which contains the water supplied to the middle housing element 100 through / via the first opening H1, to move to an area adjacent to the second opening H2 without passing through the cartridge part 200.

[0032] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, for example, a bypass space BP can be formed between the mounting part 400 and an inner surface of the central housing element 100. The bypass space can allow i) a space accommodating the section of the cartridge part 200 that projects from the mounting part 400 in one direction based on the second direction D2, and ii) a space accommodating the section of the cartridge part 200 that projects from the mounting part 400 in the other direction based on the second direction D2, to communicate with each other (for example, via fluid and / or airflow).

[0033] As described herein, if the first opening H1 and the second opening H2 are formed in a side face of the lateral surface of the central housing element 100 (for example, the lateral surface facing the third direction D3, which intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and / or is substantially perpendicular to it), the bypass chamber BP can be provided to be opposite the first opening H1 and the second opening H2 in the third direction D3, with the cartridge part 200 positioned between them. The drawings illustrate that the first opening H1 and the second opening H2 are formed in the top surface of the central housing element 100 and the bypass chamber BP is formed in an inner surface of a lower region of the central housing element 100.For example, part of the bypass space BP can be defined by the inner surface of the middle housing element based on the first direction D1.

[0034] As described herein, if the first opening H1 and the second opening H2 are formed in a side face of the lateral surface of the central housing element 100 based on the direction (for example, the third direction D3) that intersects the second direction D2, the first window area 222 can be provided at a position spaced outward from the first opening H1 in the second direction D2, and / or the second window area 224 can be provided at a position spaced outward from the second opening H2 in the second direction D2. The second window area 224 can, for example, be provided at the position spaced outward from the second opening H2 in the second direction D2. As described in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1 and the like, at least part of the first window area 222 can overlap the first opening H1 in the second direction D2, whereas the entire section of the second window area 224 can be spaced away from the second opening H2 in the second direction D2. This can prevent / reduce the dispersing wastewater from being fed into the humidification membrane element through the passage openings 227 formed in the second window area 224.

[0035] As described herein, the first opening H1 and the second opening H2 can be formed in a side face of the lateral surface of the central housing element 100, wherein the lateral surface faces the third direction D3 (for example, is substantially oriented towards it, is substantially perpendicular to it). The first opening H1 can be formed in a side face (for example, a first side face section) of the lateral surface of the central housing element 100 based on the third direction D3, whereas the second opening H2 can be formed in a section (for example, a second side face section) of the lateral surface of the central housing element 100 opposite the one side face in the third direction D3.The first opening H1 can also or alternatively be formed in a side surface (for example, a first side surface section) of the lateral surface of the central housing element 100 based on the third direction D3, whereas the second opening H2 can be positioned / formed in a second side surface section of the lateral surface based on the first direction D1 (for example, where the second side surface section faces the first direction D1, is substantially facing it, is substantially perpendicular to it, etc.).

[0036] The window area 220 according to the present disclosure can be formed on a lateral surface of the cartridge element 210 (for example, a lateral surface of the cartridge element 210 based on / in the first direction D1). Outlet openings 228 can be formed in lateral surfaces of the cartridge elements 210 based on / in a direction that intersects the first direction D1. For example, the outlet opening 228 can be formed in a side face of the cartridge element 210 based on the third direction D3. If the third direction D3 is the upward / downward direction, the outlet opening 228 can be formed in a bottom surface of the cartridge element 210.

[0037] The outlet opening 228 can be configured to discharge water (which, for example, is supplied to the cartridge element 210 via the first opening H1 and / or the window area 220) to the outside. The outlet opening 228 can be formed at a position opposite the window area 220 in the third direction D3. For example, the outlet openings 228 can be formed at positions opposite the first window area 222 and the second window area 224 (for example, in the third direction D3). The outlet opening 228 can include a first outlet opening designed to overlap the first window area 222 (for example, in the second direction D2) and a second outlet opening designed to overlap the second window area 224.If the outlet opening 228 is designed to overlap the window area 220 in the second direction D2 (for example, to be opposite the window area 220 in the third direction D3), the water (for example, supplied through / over the window area 220 into the cartridge element 210) can be discharged evenly to the outside through the outlet opening 228, for example, by gravity. For example, taking into account the fact that the water adhering to the humidification membrane element in the outer area of ​​the window area 220 (for example, in the second direction D2) cannot be properly removed, the outlet opening 228 can be designed to be relatively adjacent to one of the outer ends of the two opposite ends (in the second direction D2) of the window area 220.

[0038] Regarding the Fig. 1 and Fig. 6. According to the present disclosure, the humidification device 10 may further include a drain pipe section 500 (for example, a drain pipe) which is connected to a side face of the lateral surface of the central housing element 100 (for example, a lateral surface substantially perpendicular to the third direction D3, which intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2). The drain pipe section 500 may be configured to define a flow path / channel into which water (which, for example, is intermittently discharged from a fuel cell stack in the fuel cell system) is supplied. According to the present disclosure, the water to be supplied to the humidification device 10 may include i) water discharged from the fuel cell stack and supplied through / via the first opening H1 mentioned above, and / or ii) water supplied through / via the drain pipe section 500.

[0039] According to the present disclosure, a section of the drain pipe part 500, which is connected to the central housing element 100, can be provided to be spaced apart in the second direction D2 from the first window area 222 and the second window area 224. The section of the drain pipe part 500 that is provided to be spaced apart from the first window area 222 and / or the second window area 224 can prevent / reduce the water supplied through / via the drain pipe part 500 into the humidification device 10 from being supplied directly into the humidification membrane element 300 (for example, through / via the first window area 222 or the second window area 224). As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig.As illustrated in Figure 6, for example, the section of the drain pipe part 500, which is connected to the middle housing element 100, can be positioned between the first window area 222 and the second window area 224 in the second direction D2.

[0040] The present disclosure was made in an effort to minimize the reduction of a humidification membrane in a humidification device by improving the structure of a humidification device.

[0041] To accomplish the aforementioned task, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a humidification device comprising: a central housing element having a space within it and a first opening formed on one side of it and a second opening formed on the other side of it; a cartridge part comprising a plurality of cartridge elements housed in the central housing element and arranged to be spaced apart from one another in a first direction D1; and humidification membrane elements housed in the cartridge elements, wherein two opposite ends of the plurality of cartridge elements are positioned within a width of the first opening in the first direction D1, based on the first direction D1.

[0042] The humidification device may further include: a mounting part which is housed in the central housing element and configured such that at least one side of the cartridge part is attached to the mounting part, wherein a portion of the cartridge part projects from the mounting part in the direction of two opposite sides based on a second direction D2 which intersects the first direction D1, and wherein a first length, which is a length by which the cartridge part projects from the mounting part in the direction of one side based on the second direction D2, differs from a second length, which is a length by which the cartridge part projects from the mounting part in the direction of the other side based on the second direction D2.

[0043] The first opening and the second opening can be formed in a side face of a lateral surface of the central housing element based on a third direction D3 that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and a window area with through openings can be formed on at least one part of each element of the plurality of cartridge elements, wherein the window area can include: a first window area that is intended to be near a side of the cartridge element based on the second direction D2, and has one or more first through openings;and a second window area which is intended to be near the other side of the cartridge element based on the second direction D2, and which has one or more second through-openings, and wherein the first window area or second window area may have a stepped section which is formed as sections of different thicknesses meet.

[0044] The thickness of a section of the window area that is positioned outwards based on the stepped section as a boundary based on the second direction D2 may be less than the thickness of a section of the window area that is positioned inwards based on the stepped section as a boundary based on the second direction D2.

[0045] The humidification device may further include: a mounting part which is housed in the central housing element and configured such that at least one side of the cartridge part is attached to the mounting part, wherein a portion of the cartridge part projects from the mounting part in two opposite directions based on a second direction D2 which intersects the first direction D1, and wherein a bypass space is formed between the mounting part and an inner surface of the central housing element and allows i) a space which accommodates the portion of the cartridge part which projects from the mounting part in one direction based on the second direction D2, and ii) a space which accommodates the portion of the cartridge part which projects from the mounting part in the other direction based on the second direction D2, to communicate with each other.

[0046] The first opening and the second opening can be formed in a side face of a lateral surface of the central housing element based on a third direction D3 that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and the bypass space can be provided to be opposite the first opening in the third direction D3, with the cartridge part positioned between them.

[0047] Part of the bypass space can be defined by an inner surface of the middle housing element based on the first direction D1.

[0048] The humidification device may further include: a mounting part which is housed in the central housing element and configured such that at least one side of the cartridge part is attached to the mounting part, wherein a portion of the cartridge part projects from the mounting part in two opposite directions based on a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1, wherein the first opening and the second opening are formed in a side face of a lateral surface of the central housing element based on a direction that intersects the second direction D2, wherein a window area with through openings is formed on at least one portion of each element of the plurality of cartridge elements, wherein the window area includes: a first window area which is provided,to be located near one side of the cartridge element based on a direction towards the first opening in the second direction D2, and having one or more first through-openings; and a second window area that is provided to be located near one side of the cartridge element based on a direction towards the second opening in the second direction D2, and having one or more second through-openings, and wherein i) the first window area is provided at a position spaced outwards from the first opening in the second direction D2, or ii) the second window area is provided at a position spaced outwards from the second opening in the second direction D2.

[0049] The first opening can be formed in a side face of the lateral surface of the central housing element based on a third direction D3 that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and the second opening can be formed in another side face of the lateral surface of the central housing element opposite the one side face in the third direction D3.

[0050] The first opening can be formed in a side face of the lateral surface of the middle housing element based on a third direction D3 that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and the second opening can be formed in a side face of the lateral surface of the middle housing element based on the first direction D1.

[0051] The humidification device may further include: a mounting part which is housed in the central housing element and configured such that at least one side of the cartridge part is attached to the mounting part, wherein a part of the cartridge part projects from the mounting part in the direction of two opposite sides based on a second direction D2 which intersects the first direction D1, wherein a window area with through openings is formed on at least one part of each element of the plurality of cartridge elements, wherein the window area is formed on a side surface of each element of the plurality of cartridge elements based on the first direction D1, and wherein an outlet opening is formed in a side surface of each element of the plurality of cartridge elements based on a direction which intersects the first direction D1.

[0052] The outlet opening can be formed in a side surface of each element of the multitude of cartridge elements based on a third direction D3 that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0053] The window area may include: a first window area, which is provided to be near one side of the cartridge element based on the second direction D2, and has one or more first through-openings; and a second window area, which is provided to be near the other side of the cartridge element based on the second direction D2, and has one or more second through-openings, and the outlet openings may include: a first outlet opening, which is designed to overlap the first window area in the second direction D2; and a second outlet opening, which is designed to overlap the second window area in the second direction D2.

[0054] The outlet opening can be designed to be relatively adjacent to one outer end of the two opposite ends of the window area based on the second direction D2.

[0055] The humidification device may further include: a drain pipe section connected to a side face of a lateral surface of the central housing element based on a third direction D3 intersecting the first direction D1 and a second direction D2, wherein a window area with through openings is formed on at least one part of each element of the plurality of cartridge elements, wherein the window area includes: a first window area provided to be near a side of the cartridge part based on the second direction D2, and having one or more first through openings;and a second window area, which is provided to be near the other side of the cartridge element based on the second direction D2, and has one or more second through-openings, and wherein a section of the drain pipe part connected to the central housing element is provided to be spaced apart from the first window area and the second window area in the second direction D2.

[0056] The section of the drain pipe part that is connected to the middle housing element can be positioned between the first window area and the second window area in the second direction D2.

[0057] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to minimize the reduction of the humidification membrane in the humidification device by improving the structure of the humidification device.

[0058] The present disclosure has been described with reference to the limited examples and drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and embodiments by someone with skills in the technology to which the present disclosure belongs, within the technical concept of the present disclosure and the scope equivalent to the accompanying claims. 10 Humidification device 100 Middle housing element 200 cartridge part 210 cartridge element 220 window area 222 First window area 224 Second window area 226 Stepped section 227 Passage opening 228 Outlet opening 300 humidification membrane elements 400 fastening part 500 drain pipe section H1 First Opening H2 Second Opening D1 First direction D2 Second direction D3 Third direction BP Bypass Room

Claims

[1] Humidification device comprising: a housing with a surface in which a first opening and a second opening are formed; a cartridge part comprising a plurality of cartridges housed in a space formed by the casing, the plurality of cartridges being arranged to be spaced apart from one another in a first direction; and a variety of humidification membranes housed within the multitude of cartridges, wherein the plurality of cartridges within a width of the first opening in the first direction are positioned such that channels are formed between the outer cartridge elements of the plurality of cartridges in the first direction and an inner surface of the housing. [2] Humidification device according to claim 1, further comprising: a mounting part which is housed in the casing and configured such that at least one side of the cartridge part is attached to the mounting part, wherein a first part of the cartridge part extends from a first end of the fastening part and a second part of the cartridge part extends from a second end of the fastening part, the first end and the second end being opposite each other in a second direction which intersects the first direction, and where a first length of the first part differs in the second direction from a second length of the second part in the second direction. [3] Humidification device according to claim 1, wherein the surface in which the first opening and the second opening are formed faces a third direction intersecting the first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein each cartridge of the multitude of cartridges has a window area in which passage openings are formed, where each window area has the following features: a first window area, which is provided in the direction of a first end of the cartridge in the second direction and in which one or more first through-openings are formed; and a second window area, which is provided in the direction of a second end of the cartridge opposite the first end in the second direction and in which one or more second passage openings are formed, wherein at least the first window area and / or the second window area has sections of different thicknesses, with a step formed between the sections. [4] Humidification device according to claim 3, wherein the sections comprise the following: a first section that is positioned relative to the step in the second outward direction; and a second section positioned inwards relative to the step in the second direction, wherein the thickness of the first section is less than the thickness of the second section. [5] Humidification device according to claim 1, further comprising: a mounting part which is housed in the casing and configured such that at least one side of the cartridge part is attached to the mounting part, wherein a first part of the cartridge part extends from a first end of the fastening part and a second part of the cartridge part extends from a second end of the fastening part, the first end and the second end being opposite each other in a second direction which intersects the first direction, and wherein a bypass space is formed between the fastening part and an inner surface of the housing, wherein the bypass space is configured to allow communication between i) a space accommodating the first part of the cartridge part and ii) a space accommodating the second part of the cartridge part. [6] Humidification device according to claim 5, wherein the surface in which the first opening and the second opening are formed faces a third direction which intersects the first direction and the second direction, and wherein the cartridge part is arranged between the bypass space and the first opening in the third direction. [7] Humidification device according to claim 5, wherein a part of the bypass space is defined by an inner surface of the housing in the first direction. [8] Humidification device according to claim 1, further comprising: a mounting part which is housed in the casing and configured such that at least one side of the cartridge part is attached to the mounting part, wherein a first part of the cartridge part extends from a first end of the fastening part and a second part of the cartridge part extends from a second end of the fastening part, the first end and the second end being opposite each other in a second direction which intersects the first direction, wherein the surface in which the first opening and the second opening are formed faces a direction that intersects the second direction, wherein each cartridge of the multitude of cartridges has a window area in which passage openings are formed, where each window area has the following features: a first window area, which is provided in the direction of a first end of the cartridge in the second direction and in which one or more first through-openings are formed; and a second window area, which is provided towards a second end of the cartridge in the second direction and in which one or more second passage openings are formed, and wherein i) the first window area is provided in a position spaced outwards from the first opening in the second direction or ii) the second window area is provided in a position spaced outwards from the second opening in the second direction. [9] Humidification device according to claim 8, wherein the first opening is formed in a first side surface section of the surface of the housing, wherein the first side surface section faces a third direction which intersects the first direction and the second direction, and wherein the second opening is formed in a second side surface section of the surface of the housing, wherein the second side surface section is opposite the first side surface section in the third direction. [10] Humidification device according to claim 8, wherein the first opening is formed in a first side surface section of the surface of the housing, wherein the first side surface section faces a third direction which intersects the first direction and the second direction, and wherein the second opening is formed in a second side surface section of the surface of the housing, wherein the second side surface section faces the first direction. [11] Humidification device according to claim 1, further comprising: a mounting part which is housed in the casing and configured such that at least one side of the cartridge part is attached to the mounting part, wherein a first part of the cartridge part extends from a first end of the fastening part and a second part of the cartridge part extends from a second end of the fastening part, the first end and the second end being opposite each other in a second direction which intersects the first direction, wherein each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges has a window area in which through-openings are formed, and wherein for each cartridge: the window area is formed on a side surface of the cartridge that faces the first direction, and an outlet opening is formed in a side surface of the cartridge, which faces a direction that divides the first direction. [12] Humidification device according to claim 11, wherein the side surface in which the outlet opening is formed faces a third direction which intersects the first direction and the second direction. [13] Humidification device according to claim 11, wherein the window area comprises the following: a first window area, which is provided in the direction of a first end of the cartridge in the second direction and in which one or more first through-openings are formed; and a second window area, which is provided towards a second end of the cartridge in the second direction and in which one or more second passage openings are formed, and the outlet openings have the following features: a first outlet opening designed to overlap the first window area in the second direction; and a second outlet opening designed to overlap the second window area in the second direction. [14] Humidification device according to claim 11, wherein the outlet opening is designed to be relatively adjacent to an outer end of the window area in the second direction. [15] Humidification device according to claim 1, further comprising: a drain pipe connected to a side face of the housing, the side face being directed towards a third direction which intersects the first direction and a second direction, wherein each cartridge of the multitude of cartridges has a window area in which passage openings are formed, where each window area has the following features: a first window area, which is provided in the direction of a first end of the cartridge in the second direction and in which one or more first through-openings are formed; and a second window area, which is provided towards a second end of the cartridge in the second direction and in which one or more second passage openings are formed, and wherein a section of the drain pipe connected to the housing is provided to be spaced apart in the second direction from the first window area and the second window area. [16] Humidification device according to claim 15, wherein the section of the drain pipe connected to the housing is positioned between the first window area and the second window area in the second direction. [17] Humidification device comprising: a housing with a surface in which a first opening and a second opening are formed; a plurality of cartridges housed in a space formed by the casing, the plurality of cartridges being arranged to be spaced apart from one another in a first direction; and a variety of humidification membranes housed within the multitude of cartridges, wherein each cartridge of the multitude of cartridges has a window area in which passage openings are formed, where each window area has the following features: a first window area, which is provided in a second direction towards a first end of the cartridge and intersects the first direction, and in which one or more first through-openings are formed; and a second window area, which is provided in the direction of a second end of the cartridge opposite the first end in the second direction and in which one or more second passage openings are formed, where at least the first window area and / or the second window area has sections with different thicknesses. [18] Humidification device according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of cartridges are positioned within a width of the first opening in the first direction such that channels are formed between outer cartridge elements of the plurality of cartridges in the first direction and an inner surface of the housing. [19] Humidification device according to claim 17, wherein the sections comprise the following: a first section that is positioned in the second outward direction; and a second section positioned inwards in the second direction, wherein the thickness of the first section is less than the thickness of the second section. [20] Humidification device comprising: a housing with a surface in which a first opening and a second opening are formed; a plurality of cartridges in a space formed by the housing, wherein the plurality of cartridges are arranged to be spaced apart from one another in a first direction and from inner surfaces of the housing facing the first direction, such that a plurality of channels are formed from the first opening between the plurality of cartridges and the inner surfaces of the housing; and a variety of humidification membranes housed within the multitude of cartridges.

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