Humidifier

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a humidifier. The humidifier according to the present disclosure includes: a case having an inlet and an outlet, the case having a flow path through which air, drawn in through the inlet, flows to the outlet; a blower fan disposed in the case and generating a flow of air that flows through the flow path; a humidification water tank disposed in the case and generating humidified air; a heater disposed in the flow path and heating air; and a blade disposed in the flow path, wherein a portion of the flow path is formed between the case and the humidification water tank, and the blade is disposed between the case and the humidification water tank to branch the flow path, wherein a length of a first surface of the blade facing the humidification water tank is greater than a length of a second surface of the blade facing the case.

Description

HUMIDIFIER

[0001] The following disclosure relates to a humidifier, and more particularly to a natural evaporative humidifier without a humidifying filter.

[0002] A humidifier is a device for vaporizing water to discharge humidified air with high moisture content. The humidifier may generate humidified air by vaporizing water using natural vaporization, heating vaporization, and ultrasonic vibration.

[0003] Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0167091 discloses a humidifier including: a housing; a water tank accommodated in the housing and storing water; a humidifying filter absorbing water pumped from the water tank; and a blower fan configured to vaporize the water absorbed by the humidifying filter.

[0004] The existing humidifier has a problem in that the humidifying filter is contaminated due to fungi, bacteria, and the like harbored in the humidifying filter that absorbs and retains water.

[0005] In addition, there is also a problem in that the fungi, bacteria, and the like harbored in the humidifying filter cause an odor in the humidifier.

[0006] Further, it is cumbersome for users to regularly clean the humidifier in order to maintain the hygiene of the humidifying filter.

[0007] Moreover, there is a problem in that during evaporation, the stored water absorbs heat from its surroundings, such that temperature at the periphery of the humidifier is reduced in the humidification process.

[0008] In addition, noise is generated by the blower fan that rotates at a high speed to evaporate the water absorbed by the humidifying filter.

[0009] Furthermore, due to the characteristics of the evaporative humidifier, it takes a long time to increase the humidity at the periphery of the humidifier.

[0010] Related art: Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0167091 (published on December 20, 2022).

[0011] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide a humidifier with improved humidification performance.

[0012] It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide a humidifier capable of reducing or preventing a decrease in temperature at the periphery of the humidifier.

[0013] It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide a humidifier with improved humidification speed at the periphery of the humidifier.

[0014] It is further another objective of the present disclosure to provide a humidifier with reduced noise generated by the humidifier.

[0015] It is still another objective of the present disclosure to provide a humidifier with improved hygienic performance.

[0016] It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide a humidifier with improved maintenance convenience for users.

[0017] The objectives of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned objectives and other objectives not described herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0018] In order to achieve the above objectives, a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a case having an inlet and an outlet, the case having a flow path through which air, drawn in through the inlet, flows to the outlet; a blower fan disposed in the case and generating a flow of air that flows through the flow path; a humidification water tank disposed in the case and generating humidified air; a heater disposed in the flow path and heating air; and a blade disposed in the flow path, wherein a portion of the flow path is formed between the case and the humidification water tank, and the blade is disposed between the case and the humidification water tank to branch the flow path, wherein a length of a first surface of the blade facing the humidification water tank is greater than a length of a second surface of the blade facing the case, such that pressure of an airflow that flows along the first surface of the blade is lower than pressure of an airflow that flows along the second surface of the blade. In addition, temperature of the discharged humidified air may increase.

[0019] The blade may be formed in an airfoil shape, such that a pressure difference may be formed between the airflows that flow along the first surface and the second surface.

[0020] A width of the blade may gradually increase and then decrease toward a top.

[0021] The blade may include: a leading edge which is one end where air is introduced; and a trailing edge which is another end where the air is discharged, wherein a position of the trailing edge of the blade may be higher than a position of an upper end of the humidification water tank.

[0022] The first surface of the blade facing the humidification water tank may be convex toward the humidification water tank, thereby increasing a length of an air flow path.

[0023] The second surface of the blade facing the case may be flat, thereby minimizing a length of an air flow path.

[0024] The heater may be located more upstream of an air flow path than the blower fan.

[0025] The humidifier may further include a duct guide guiding air, introduced through the inlet, to the blower fan, wherein the duct guide may include: a duct inlet at which the heater is disposed; and a duct shell extending from the duct inlet and defining a duct flow path.

[0026] An area of the duct flow path may gradually increase toward the blower fan.

[0027] The humidifier may further include a middle grill disposed at an upper side of the blade, wherein the middle grill may include: a first middle opening communicating with a first middle flow path formed between the middle blade and the humidification water tank; a second middle opening communicating with a second middle flow path formed between the middle blade and the case; and an inner opening communicating with an internal space of the humidification water tank.

[0028] The middle grill may include a grill support seated at an upper end of the middle blade, wherein the first middle flow path may extend between the grill support and the humidification water tank, and the second middle flow path may extend between the grill support and the case.

[0029] The humidification water tank may include a water tank opening that opens at a top, wherein a position of the first middle opening and a position of the second middle opening may be higher than a position of the water tank opening, thereby inducing the humidified air in the humidification water tank in an upward direction.

[0030] The middle grill may include: a first middle grill portion having the first middle opening; and a second middle grill portion having the second middle opening, wherein the first middle grill portion may include a first drain formed between first middle openings and guiding residual water to the internal space of the humidification water tank, and the second middle grill portion may include a second drain extending along an inner circumference of the case and guiding the residual water to the first drain.

[0031] The middle grill may include a grill inner end extending downward and located further inside in a horizontal direction than the upper end of the humidification water tank, wherein the grill inner end may be connected to the first drain, thereby guiding the residual water to the humidification water tank.

[0032] The first drain and the second drain may be inclined downward toward the humidification water tank, thereby guiding the residual water to the humidification water tank.

[0033] The humidifier may further include a tank disposed above the humidification water tank and having an open top, wherein a discharge flow path, through which humidified air flows, may be formed between the case and the tank.

[0034] The case may include: an upper case having an open top and spaced outward from the tank; and a top cover disposed at the open top of the upper case, wherein the discharge flow path may be formed between the upper case and the tank, and the top cover may include the outlet through which the humidified air is discharged, and a water supply hole formed at an upper side of the tank.

[0035] The top cover may include a cover guide extending radially upward from an upper end of the tank, wherein the cover guide may be spaced upward from an upper end of the upper case, and the outlet may be formed between the upper end of the upper case and the cover guide.

[0036] An upper surface of the cover guide may be convex, and a lower surface of the cover guide may be concave.

[0037] The top cover may include a cover plate spaced apart from the upper surface of the cover guide, the cover plate covering the water supply hole.

[0038] The humidification water tank may include an ultrasonic vibrator disposed on a bottom surface and configured to atomize stored water, thereby increasing a total surface area of the water particles flowing through the discharge flow path.

[0039] Other detailed matters of the exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

[0040] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, water is atomized by using an ultrasonic vibrator instead of a humidifying filter that absorbs water, thereby improving hygienic performance of a humidifier. In addition, maintenance convenience for users may be improved.

[0041] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a heater is disposed in a flow path to heat an airflow that joins humidified air, thereby increasing the temperature of the humidified air, and reducing or preventing a decrease in temperature at the periphery of the humidifier.

[0042] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, stored water is atomized by an ultrasonic vibrator and is supplied to a flow path in which vaporization occurs, a total surface area of water particles increases, leading to an increase in vaporization efficiency, thereby improving humidification performance of the humidifier.

[0043] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a heater is disposed in a flow path to heat air, such that the heated air rapidly vaporizes water particles that are atomized into fine particles through an atomization process, thereby improving humidification performance of the humidifier.

[0044] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing a middle blade that forms a relatively negative pressure at the periphery of a humidification water tank, the humidified air generated in the humidification water tank flows to the flow path side, thereby improving humidification performance.

[0045] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by using an ultrasonic vibrator for atomizing stored water and a heater for heating air, sufficient humidification performance may be ensured, thereby complementarily reducing a rotation speed of a blower fan, and reducing noise of the humidifier.

[0046] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by using an ultrasonic vibrator for atomizing stored water and a heater for heating air, it is possible to rapidly humidify the surroundings near a humidifier.

[0047] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforesaid, and other effects not described herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the appended claims.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a combined exploded view of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a blower module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a combined exploded view of a blower module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a blower module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a blower module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a combined exploded view of a humidification water tank according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a combined exploded view of a grill module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a middle grill mounted on a blower module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a grill module mounted on a blower module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 11.

[0060] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of S1 of FIG. 12.

[0061] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 15 is a combined exploded view of a portion of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to designate the same or similar components, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] The suffixes, such as “module” and “unit,” for elements used in the following description are given simply in view of the ease of the description, and do not have a distinguishing meaning or role.

[0068] In addition, it will be noted that a detailed description of known arts will be omitted if it is determined that the detailed description of the known arts can obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, the accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

[0069] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0070] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0071] A singular representation may include a plural representation unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0072] It should be understood that the terms “comprise,” “include,” “have,” etc. when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0073] References to directions, such as up (U), down (D), left (Le), right (Ri), front (F), and rear (R), shown in the drawings are provided merely for convenience of explanation and are not intended for limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 1, a humidifier 1 may include a case 500 that forms the exterior thereof, and a tank 400 disposed in the case 500 and storing water.

[0075] The case 500 may have an inner space. Various components of the humidifier 1 may be accommodated in the case 500. The case 500 may extend in an up-down direction. The case 500 may have a cylindrical shape. A cross-sectional area of the case 500 may decrease toward the top. For example, the case 500 may have a cylindrical shape with a cross-sectional area that decreases toward the top.

[0076] The case 500 may include a lower case 510 that forms the exterior of a lower portion of the humidifier 1. The lower case 510 may have a cylindrical shape. A cross-sectional area of the lower case 510 may decrease toward the top. The lower case 510 may define an outer appearance of a blower module 100 which will be described later. An inlet 910 may be formed in the lower case 510. For example, the lower case 510 may have a cylindrical shape with a cross-sectional area that decreases toward the top.

[0077] The case 500 may include an upper case 520 that forms the exterior of an upper portion of the humidifier 1. The upper case 520 may be disposed over the lower case 510. The upper case 520 may have an inner space. The tank 400 may be disposed in the upper case 520. The upper case 520 may be formed so that the interior thereof is visible from the outside. The upper case 520 may have an open top. The humidified air may be discharged through the open top of the upper case 520. A cross-sectional area of the upper case 520 may decrease toward the top. The upper case 520 may have a cylindrical shape. For example, the upper case 520 may be transparent and cylindrical with a cross-sectional area that decreases toward the top.

[0078] The case 500 may include a top cover 600 disposed at the open top of the upper case 520. The top cover 600 may cover the open top of the upper case 520. The top cover 600 may form an upper end of the case 500. An outlet 6000 may be formed in the top cover 600. The humidified air may be supplied to an indoor space through the outlet 6000 formed in the top cover 600. The outlet 6000 may be formed along the circumference of the top cover 600.

[0079] The tank 400 may be disposed in the upper case 520. The tank 400 may be formed so that the interior thereof is visible from the outside, thereby allowing a user to check with the naked eye the level of water stored in the tank 400.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 2, the humidifier 1 may include a blower module 100 generating an air flow, a humidification water tank 200 generating humidified air, a grill module 300 mounted to the blower module 100, and a flow path module that defines a discharge flow path 960.

[0081] The blower module 100 may be disposed at a lower portion of the humidifier 1. The lower case 510 may be coupled to an outer portion of the blower module 100. The lower case 510 may form the exterior of the blower module 100. The lower case 510 may cover a lateral surface of the blower module 100. The inlet 910 may be formed in the lower case 510. The indoor air may be drawn into the blower module 100 through the inlet 910 formed in the lower case 510. The lower case 510 may include a first lower case 510a covering one side of the blower module 100, and a second lower case 510b covering another side of the blower module 100.

[0082] The humidification water tank 200 may generate the humidified air. The humidification water tank 200 may be disposed in the blower module 100. The humidification water tank 200 may be coupled to an upper portion of the blower module 100. The humidification water tank 200 may generate the humidified air in the blower module 100. The humidified air generated in the humidification water tank 200 may flow along with an air flow generated by the blower module 100.

[0083] The grill module 300 may be coupled to an upper portion of the blower module 100. The grill module 300 may be disposed over the humidification water tank 200. The gill module 300 may control the directionality of air flow generated by the blower module 100. The grill module 300 may prevent a user’s body from contacting the inside of the blower module 100. The air flow generated by the blower module 100 may flow through the grill module 300. The humidified air generated in the humidification water tank 200 may flow through the grill module 300.

[0084] The humidified air may pass through the flow path module to be supplied to the indoor space. The flow path module may be disposed at an upper side of the blower module 100. The flow path module may be disposed at an upper side of the grill module 300. The flow path module may include the discharge flow path 960 through which the humidified air flows.

[0085] The flow path module may include the tank 400 that stores water. The tank 400 may supply the stored water to the humidification water tank 200. The tank 400 may be mounted to the grill module 300. The tank 400 may be disposed in the upper case 520. The tank 400 may be spaced inward from the upper case 520. The humidified air may flow between the tank 400 and the upper case 520.

[0086] The upper case 520 may cover the tank 400. The upper case 520 may be coupled to an upper portion of the blower module 100.

[0087] The top cover 600 may be coupled to an upper portion of the upper case 520. The humidified air flowing between upper case 520 and the tank 400 may be supplied to the indoor space through the outlet 6000 formed in the top cover 600.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 3, an air flow mechanism of the humidifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be briefly described below.

[0089] The indoor air may be drawn into the blower module 100. The blower module 100 may include a filter 110 for purifying air. The air drawn into the blower module 100 may be purified while passing through the filter 110.

[0090] The blower module 100 may include a blower fan 140 causing the indoor air to be drawn thereinto. The blower fan 140 may cause the indoor air to be drawn into the blower module 100 and may discharge the humidified air to the indoor space. The blower fan 140 may generate an airflow that flows in the humidifier 1. For example, the blower fan 140 may generate an upward airflow that flows from the inlet 910, formed in the lower portion of the humidifier 1, to the outlet 6000 formed in the upper portion of the humidifier 1.

[0091] The humidifier 1 may include a heater 120 disposed in the flow path. The heater 120 may heat the airflow that flows through the flow path. The heated airflow may evaporate moisture contained in the humidified air. In addition, the heated airflow may increase the number of water particles contained in the humidified air. Further, the heated airflow may decrease the size of water particles contained in the humidified air. Accordingly, a total surface area of the water particles contained in the humidified air may increase. The heater 120 may be disposed under the blower fan 140. The heater 12 may be located more upstream of the air flow path than the blower fan 140. The heater 120 may be disposed on top of the filter 110. The heater 120 may be located more downstream of the air flow path than the filter 110. The heater 120 may be disposed between the filter 110 and the blower fan 140. Accordingly, the heater 120 may heat the purified air, and the blower fan 140 may cause the heated air to flow upward.

[0092] The blower fan 140 may generate an upward airflow. The blower fan 140 may generate an airflow that flows upward while spirally rotating. For example, the blower fan 140 may be a mixed flow fan disposed at the lower portion of the humidifier 1.

[0093] The humidification water tank 200 may be disposed above the blower fan 140. The humidification water tank 200 may be spaced inward from the case 500. An air-blowing flow path 940 may be formed between the humidification water tank 200 and the case 500. The air-blowing flow path 940 having an annular shape may be formed between the humidification water tank 200 and the case 500. The airflow generated by the blower fan 140 may flow to the discharge flow path 960 through the air-blowing flow path 940. The air-blowing flow path 940 may extend from the blower fan 140 to the grill module 300.

[0094] The airflow, having passed through the air-blowing flow path 940, may pass through the grill module 300 to flow to the discharge flow path 960. The grill module 300 may be disposed between the air-blowing flow path 940 and the discharge flow path 960.

[0095] The airflow having passed through the air-blowing flow path 940 and the humidified air generated in the humidification water tank 200 may flow through the discharge flow path 960. The heated airflow having passed through the air-blowing flow path 940 may atomize water particles contained in the humidified air generated in the humidification water tank 200. The water particles contained in the humidified air generated in the humidification water tank 200 may be evaporated while flowing through the discharge flow path 960. The discharge flow path 960 may extend in the up-down direction. A first end of the discharge flow path 960 may be connected to the air-blowing flow path 940. A second end of the discharge flow path 960 may be connected to the outlet 6000. For example, a lower end of the discharge flow path 960 may be connected to the air-blowing flow path 940, and an upper end of the discharge flow path 960 may be connected to the outlet 6000.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 4, a detailed structure of the blower module 100 will be described below. Referring to FIG. 4, the blower module 100 may include a filter 110, a duct guide 130, a heater 120, a blower fan 140, a blower motor 142, and a middle blade 160.

[0097] The filter 110 may be disposed in the blower module 100. The filter 110 may face the inlet 910 formed in the blower module 100. The filter 110 may have a cylindrical shape. The inlet 910 may be formed along the circumference of the filter 110. For example, the inlet 910 may be formed in a circumferential wall of the blower module 100, and the filter 110 may be disposed inside the inlet 910. In this manner, air drawn in through the inlet may be purified by the filter.

[0098] A suction flow path 920 may be formed inside the filter 110. The air filtered by the filter 110 may flow through the suction flow path 920 toward the blower fan 140. An orifice 930 may be formed at one end of the suction flow path 920.

[0099] The orifice 930 may be formed between the filter 110 and the blower fan 140. The orifice 930 may be an opening through which the drawn air flows. The air in the suction flow path 920 may pass through the orifice 930 to flow to the blower fan 140.

[0100] The blower module 100 may include the duct guide 130 guiding air to the blower fan 140. The duct guide 130 may be disposed above the orifice 930. The duct guide 130 may be located more downstream of the air flow path than the orifice 930. The duct guide 130 may include a duct inlet corresponding to the orifice 930. The heater 120 may be disposed at the duct inlet. Air may be heated by the heater 120 while passing through the duct inlet. The duct guide 130 may include a duct shell 132 that defines a duct flow path 1300. The duct flow path 1300 may extend from the duct inlet. The duct flow path 1300 may guide air, having passed through the duct inlet, to the blower fan 140. An area of the duct flow path 1300 may correspond to an area of an inlet formed in a shroud of the blower fan 140. The area of the duct flow path 1300 may increase toward the top. The area of the duct flow path 1300 may increase toward a downstream side of the air flow path. An area of the lower end of the duct flow path 1300 may correspond to an area of the duct inlet. An area of an upper end of the duct flow path 1300 may correspond to an area of the inlet formed in the shroud of the blower fan 140. The duct shell 132 may gradually widen toward the top. The duct shell 132 may extend outward toward the top. The duct shell 132 may extend outward toward the downstream side of the air flow path.

[0101] The blower module 100 may include the heater 120 that generates heat. The heater 120 may be disposed in the flow path. The airflow generated by the blower fan 140 may be heated by the heater 120. The heater 120 may be disposed adjacent to the blower fan 140. For example, the heater 120 may be disposed under the blower fan 140. In addition, the heater 120 may be located more upstream of the air flow path than the blower fan 140. However, the heater 120 is not limited thereto, and may be disposed above the blower fan 140 to heat the airflow. In other words, the heater 120 may be located more downstream of the air flow path than the blower fan 140. In this case, the heater 120 may be an annular heater disposed in the air-blowing flow path 940. The heater 120 may be disposed below the humidification water tank 200. The heater 120 may be located more upstream of the air flow path than the humidification water tank 200.

[0102] The blower fan 140 may be disposed between the inlet 910 and the outlet 6000. The blower fan 140 may be disposed in a flow path through which the airflow flows. The blower fan 140 may be disposed above the duct guide 130. The blower fan 140 may be located more downstream of the air flow path than the duct guide 130. The blower fan 140 may be disposed above the heater 120. The blower fan 140 may be located more downstream of the air flow path than the heater 120. The blower fan 140 may be disposed under the humidification water tank 200. The blower fan 140 may be located more upstream of the air flow path than the humidification water tank 200.

[0103] The blower module 100 may include a blower housing 150. The blower housing 150 may include a flow path through which the airflow flows. The blower housing 150 may form an upper portion of the blower module 100. The blower housing 150 may have a cylindrical shape. The air-blowing flow path 940 having an annular shape may be formed inside the blower housing 150.

[0104] The blower module 100 may include the blower motor 142 rotating the blower fan 140. The blower motor 142 may be disposed in the blower housing 150. The blower housing 150 may include a motor cover 170 in which the blower motor 142 is accommodated. The blower motor 142 may be connected to the blower fan 140. A shaft of the blower motor 142 may be connected to the blower fan 140 and may rotate the blower fan 140. For example, the blower motor 142 may be disposed at an upper side of the blower fan 140 to rotate the blower fan 140. The motor cover 170 may be disposed at an upper side of the blower fan 140 and may accommodate the blower motor 142. The motor cover 170 may cover the blower motor 142. The motor cover 170 may define the air-blowing flow path 940. The air-blowing flow path 940 may be disposed outside the motor cover 170. The air-blowing flow path 940 may be disposed between an inner surface of the blower housing 150 and the motor cover 170.

[0105] The blower housing 150 may include the air-blowing flow path 940. The air-blowing flow path 940 may be a flow path through which the airflow, generated by the blower fan 140, flows toward the humidification water tank. The air-blowing flow path 940 may extend in the up-down direction. The air-blowing flow path 940 may extend along an inner circumference of the blower housing 150. The air-blowing flow path 940 may extend along an outer circumference of the motor cover 170. For example, the air-blowing flow path 940 may be formed between an inner surface of the blower housing 150 and an outer surface of the motor cover 170.

[0106] The blower module 100 may include the middle blade 160 formed in a flow path. The middle blade 160 may be disposed in the air-blowing flow path 940. The middle blade 160 may branch the air-blowing flow path 940. The middle blade 160 may branch the airflow flowing through the air-blowing flow path 940. The middle blade 160 may be spaced inward from the blower housing 150. For example, the middle blade 160 may be spaced inward from the inner surface of the blower housing 150. The middle blade 160 may be spaced outward from the humidification water tank 200. For example, the middle blade 160 may be spaced outward from an outer surface of the humidification water tank 200. The middle blade 160 may be disposed between the humidification water tank 200 and the blower housing 150. For example, the air-blowing flow path 940 may be formed between the outer surface of the humidification water tank 200 and the inner surface of the blower housing 150, and the middle blade 160 may be disposed in the air-blowing flow path 940. The middle blade 160 may be fixed to the blower housing 150.

[0107] The humidification water tank 200 may be disposed in the blower housing 150, and a middle flow path 950 may be formed between the humidification water tank 200 and the blower housing 150. The air-blowing flow path 940 may include the middle flow path 950. The middle flow path 950 may be a portion of the air-blowing flow path 940. Air introduced through the air-blowing flow path 940 may flow through the middle flow path 950. The middle flow path 950 may be an annular flow path formed between the humidification water tank 200 having a cylindrical shape and the blower housing 150 having a cylindrical shape.

[0108] The middle flow path 950 may include a first middle flow path 950a disposed inside the middle blade 160, and a second middle flow path 950b disposed outside the middle blade 160. The middle blade 160 may branch the middle flow path 950 into the first middle flow path 950a and the second middle flow path 950b.

[0109] The humidification water tank 200 may be disposed in the blower housing 150. The blower housing 150 may include a water tank holder 180 in which the humidification water tank 200 is accommodated. The humidification water tank 200 may come into close contact with the water tank holder 180. The water tank holder 180 may have an accommodation space 1800 in which the humidification water tank 200 is disposed. The water tank holder 180 may include a holder bottom surface 182 on which the humidification water tank 200 is seated. The water tank holder 180 may fix the humidification water tank 200 so that the humidification water tank 200 may not move.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 5, the humidification water tank 200 and the grill module 300 which are mounted to the blower module 100 will be described below. Referring to FIG. 5, the humidification water tank 200 may be inserted into the blower module 100, and the grill module 300 may be coupled to an upper part of the blower module 100.

[0111] The humidification water tank 200 may be inserted into the blower module 100. The humidification water tank 200 may be seated on the water tank holder 180. The air-blowing flow path 940 may be arranged along the circumference of the humidification water tank 200. The airflow flowing through the air-blowing flow path 940 may flow along the circumference of the humidification water tank 200.

[0112] The grill module 300 may be disposed at an upper side of the blower module 100. The grill module 300 may be coupled to the blower module 100. The grill module 300 may be disposed at an upper side of the humidification water tank 200. The grill module 300 and the water tank holder 180 may fix the humidification water tank 200 so that the humidification water tank 200 may not move up and down.

[0113] The grill module 300 may include a middle grill 310. The middle grill 310 may be disposed in the air-blowing flow path 940. For example, the middle grill 310 may be disposed in the air-blowing flow path 940 formed along the circumference of the humidification water tank 200. The middle grill 310 may be disposed in the middle flow path 950. For example, the middle grill 310 may be disposed in the first middle flow path 950a and the second middle flow path 950b. The airflow flowing through the air-blowing flow path 940 may pass through the middle grill 310. An outer circumference of the middle grill 310 may correspond to a circumference of an upper end of the blower module 100. An inner circumference of the middle grill 310 may correspond to a circumference of an upper end of the humidification water tank 200.

[0114] The grill module 300 may include a cover grill 340. The cover grill 340 may be coupled to an upper side of the middle grill 310. The cover grill 340 may be disposed above the air-blowing flow path 940. The cover grill 340 may be disposed above the middle flow path 950. For example, the cover grill 340 may be disposed above the first middle flow path 950a. The airflow flowing through the first middle flow path 950a may pass through the cover grill 340.

[0115] The grill module 300 may include a tank support 350 on which the tank 400 is mounted. The tank support 350 may be coupled to the cover grill 340. The tank support 350 may be coupled to a central portion of the cover grill 340. The tank support 350 may be disposed at an upper side of the cover grill 340. The tank support 350 may be spaced apart from the middle grill 310. The tank support 350 may be spaced upward from the open top of the humidification water tank 200. A space in which the humidified air flows may be formed between the tank support 350 and the humidification water tank 200.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a branching structure of the blower module 100 will be described below. Referring to FIG. 6, the middle blade 160 may branch the air-blowing flow path 940.

[0117] The middle blade 160 may be disposed between the humidification water tank 200 and the blower housing 150. The middle flow path 950 is formed between the humidification water tank 200 and the blower housing 150, and the middle blade 160 may branch the middle flow path 950 into the first middle flow path 950a and the second middle flow path 950b. The first middle flow path 950a may be formed between the middle blade 160 and the humidification water tank 200. The first middle flow path 950a may be formed between the middle blade 160 and the water tank holder 180. For example, the first middle flow path 950a may extend vertically between an inner surface of the middle blade 160 and an outer surface of the water tank holder 180. The second middle flow path 950b may be formed between the middle blade 160 and the blower housing 150. For example, the second middle flow path 950b may extend vertically between the outer surface of the middle blade 160 and the inner surface of the blower housing 150.

[0118] The middle blade 160 may be spaced outward from the humidification water tank 200. For example, the middle blade 160 may be spaced outward from an outer circumference of the humidification water tank 200. The middle blade 160 may be spaced outward from the water tank holder 180. For example, the middle blade 160 may be spaced outward from the outer circumference of the water tank holder 180. The middle blade 160 may include a first surface 164 facing the water tank holder 180. The first surface 164 may face the humidification water tank 200.

[0119] The blower housing 150 may include the middle blade 160. The middle blade 160 may be coupled to the blower housing 150. The middle blade 160 may be fixed to the blower housing 150. The middle blade 160 may be spaced inward from the blower housing 150. For example, the middle blade 160 may be spaced inward from an inner surface of the blower housing 150. The middle blade 160 may include a second surface 166 facing the inner surface of the blower housing 150.

[0120] The grill module 300 may be disposed at an upper side of the middle blade 160. The grill module 300 may be located more downstream of the air flow path than the middle blade 160. The airflow having passed through the middle blade 160 may pass through the grill module 300. The grill module 300 may be seated at an upper end of the middle blade 160. The grill module 300 may include a grill support 326 seated at the upper end of the middle blade 160. The grill support 326 may support the grill module 300. The grill support 326 may extend upward from the upper end of the middle blade 160. The grill support 326 may branch the air-blowing flow path 940. The first middle flow path 950a may be formed between the grill support 326 and the humidification water tank 200. The second middle flow path 950b may be formed between the grill support 326 and the blower housing 150. Accordingly, a downstream end of the middle flow path 950 may be located above the open top of the humidification water tank 200.

[0121] The middle blade 160 may extend vertically. The middle blade 160 may be formed in an airfoil shape. A first surface 164 of the middle blade 160 may be a curved surface. The first surface 164 of the middle blade 160 may be convex inward. The first surface 164 of the middle blade 160 may be formed in the shape of an upper camber or a lower camber of the airfoil. A second surface 166 of the middle blade 160 may be a flat surface. Alternatively, the second surface 166 of the middle blade 160 may be a curved surface having a curvature smaller than a curvature of the first surface 164. A length of the second surface 166 may be smaller than a length of the first surface 164. The length may be a length of a path in which air flows in contact therewith. That is, the length may refer to an actual moving distance, rather than a straight-line distance from a start point to an end point. Accordingly, when the airflow passes through the middle blade 160, the length of the path of the airflow flowing along the first surface 164 may be greater than the length of the path of the airflow flowing along the second surface 166.

[0122] A width d of a cross-sectional area of the middle place 160 may increase and then decrease toward the top. The width d of the cross-sectional area may refer to a thickness of the middle blade.

[0123] The middle blade 160 may include a leading edge 162 at which air is introduced, and a trailing edge 168 at which the air is discharged. For example, the leading edge 162 of the middle blade 160 may be a lower end, and the trailing edge 168 of the middle blade 160 may be an upper end. The middle grill 310 may be seated at the trailing edge 168 of the middle blade 160. The grill support 326 may extend upward from the trailing edge 168 of the middle blade 160.

[0124] As the length of the first surface 164 is greater than the length of the second surface 166, pressure of the first middle flow path 950a may be relatively lower than pressure of the second middle flow path 950b. Accordingly, the humidified air generated in the humidification water tank 200 may flow to the first middle flow path 950 having a relatively lower pressure.

[0125] The first surface 164 of the middle blade 160 may be spaced outward from the humidification water tank 200. The second surface 166 of the middle blade 160 may be spaced inward from the inner surface of the blower housing 150. The leading edge 162 of the middle blade 160 may be disposed below the humidification water tank 200. The leading edge 162 of the middle blade 160 may be disposed in the air-blowing flow path 940. The trailing edge 168 of the middle blade 160 may be disposed below the upper end of the humidification water tank 200. However, in another embodiment of FIG. 7, the trailing edge 168 of the middle blade 160 may be disposed above the upper end of the humidification water tank 200. In this case, the length of the middle blade 160 that extends vertically may increase.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 8, the humidification water tank 200 may include a humidification pot 230 in which humidified air is generated, an ultrasonic vibrator 220 coupled to the humidification pot 230 and configured to atomize water stored therein, and a floater 242 configured to measure the level of water stored in the humidification pot 230.

[0127] A humidification space 2000, in which the humidified air is generated, may be formed in the humidification pot 230. Water supplied from the tank 400 may be stored in the humidification space 2000. The humidification pot 230 may have cylindrical shape.

[0128] The humidification water tank 200 may include a water tank base 210. The water tank base 210 may form a lower surface of the humidification water tank 200. The water tank base 210 may be coupled to a lower part of the humidification pot 230.

[0129] The ultrasonic vibrator 220 may be disposed on a bottom surface of the humidification pot 230. The ultrasonic vibrator 220 may atomize the water stored in the humidification pot 230. The ultrasonic vibrator 220 may be disposed between the lower surface of the humidification pot 230 and the water tank base 210.

[0130] The floater 242 may be disposed inside the humidification pot 230. The floater 242 may be disposed in the humidification space 2000. The floater 242 may float above the water stored in the humidification space 2000. The floater 242 may move according to the level of water stored in the humidification space 2000. The floater 242 may be fixed to the humidification pot 230. The floater 242 may be fixed to the humidification pot 230 and may rotate according to a change in water level.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 9, there are included a middle grill 310 having middle openings 3100 and 3200 formed therein, and a cover grill 340 seated on top of the middle grill 310.

[0132] A shape of the middle grill 310 may correspond to a shape of a cross-section of the air-blowing flow path 940. The middle grill 310 may be seated on top of the blower module 100.

[0133] The middle grill 310 may include the middle openings 3100 and 4300 corresponding to the air-blowing flow path 940. The middle openings 3100 and 3200 may correspond to the middle flow path 950.

[0134] The middle openings 3100 and 3200 may include a first middle opening 3200 corresponding to the first middle flow path 950a, and a second middle opening 3300 corresponding to the second middle flow path 950b. The first middle opening 3200 and the second middle opening 3300 may be divided from each other.

[0135] The first middle opening 3200 may be positioned more inwardly from the middle grill 310 than the second middle opening 3300. The first middle opening 3200 and / or the second middle opening 3300 may extend vertically. The first middle opening 3200 may be disposed between the first middle flow path 950a and the discharge flow path 960. The first middle opening 3200 may connect the first middle flow path 950a and the discharge flow path 960.

[0136] The second middle opening 3300 may be disposed between the second middle flow path 950b and the discharge flow path 960. The second middle opening 3300 may connect the second middle flow path 950b and the discharge flow path 960.

[0137] The airflow having passed through the first middle flow path 950a may be discharged through the first middle opening 3200, and the airflow having passed through the second middle flow path 950b may be discharged through the second middle opening 3300. The airflow having passed through the first middle opening 3200 and the airflow having passed through the second middle opening 3300 may join in the discharge flow path. In this case, the humidified air generated in the humidification water tank 200 may also join in the discharge flow path 960.

[0138] The middle grill 310 may include an inner opening corresponding to the open top of the humidification water tank 200. A circumference of the inner opening 3100 may correspond to a circumference of the upper end of the humidification water tank 200. The humidified air generated in the humidification water tank 200 may be discharged from the humidification water tank 200 through the inner opening 3100. The humidified air having passed through the inner opening 3100 may flow to the discharge flow path 960. In this case, the humidified air is drawn by the airflows having passed through the middle openings 3100 and 3200, and may flow through the discharge flow path 960.

[0139] The middle grill 310 may include a first middle grill portion 320 having the first middle opening 3200 formed therein, and a second middle grill portion 330 having the second middle opening 3300 formed therein. The first middle grill portion 320 may be disposed inside the second middle grill portion 330. The inner opening 3100 may be formed inside the first middle grill portion 320. The first middle grill portion 320 may be disposed between the inner opening 3100 and the second middle grill portion 330. The first middle opening 3200 may be formed between the inner opening 3100 and the second middle opening 3300. Each of the first middle grill portion 320 and the second middle grill portion 330 may have an annular shape. The first middle opening 3200 may be formed through the first middle grill portion 320. The second middle opening 3300 may be formed through the second middle grill portion 330.

[0140] The cover grill 340 may be seated on top of the middle grill 310. The cover grill 340 may partially cover the middle grill 310. The cover grill 340 may cover the inner opening 310. The cover grill 340 may cover the first middle opening 3200. The cover grill 340 may cover the first middle grill 320. The airflow having passed through the first middle opening 3200 may pass through the cover grill 340 to flow to the discharge flow path 960. The humidified air generated in the humidification water tank 200 may pass through the cover grill 340 to flow to the discharge flow path 960. The cover grill 340 may include a cover opening 3400 through which the humidified air and / or blown airflow passes. A plurality of cover openings 3400 may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the cover grill 340. The cover grill 340 may include an outer rim 346 forming an outer circumference thereof. The outer rim 346 may be disposed between the first middle grill portion 320 and the second middle grill portion 330.

[0141] The tank 400 may be seated on the tank support 350. The tank support 350 may support the tank 400. The tank support 530 may be coupled to the cover grill 340. The tank support 350 may be disposed at an upper side of the cover grill 340. The tank support 350 may include a seating portion 352 on which the tank 400 is seated. The tank support 350 may include an insertion space 3500 into which the tank 400 is inserted. The tank 400 may be inserted and fixed in the insertion space 3500. The tank 400 disposed on the tank support 350 may supply water to the humidification water tank 200 disposed under the tank 400.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 14, the humidification water tank 200 is disposed at the center of the blower module 100, and the grill module 300 may be disposed between the blower module 100 and the humidification water tank 200.

[0143] The humidification water tank 200 may generate humidified air at the center of the blower module 100.

[0144] The humidification water tank 200 may be disposed at the center of the grill module 300. The humidification water tank 200 may generate the humidified air at the center of the grill module 300. The middle openings 3100 and 3200 of the middle grill 310 may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the humidification water tank 200. For example, a plurality of first middle openings 3200 may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the humidification water tank 200, and a plurality of second middle openings 3300 may be spaced apart from each other along an inner circumference of the blower module 100. Accordingly, a blown airflow passing through the grill module 300 may flow upward along the outer circumference of the humidification water tank 200, and may draw in the humidified air. The humidified air may join the blown airflow to flow through the discharge flow path 960.

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the cover grill 340 may be seated on top of the middle grill 310, and the tank support 350 may be disposed on top of the cover grill 340.

[0146] The middle grill 310 may be disposed inside the blower module 100. For example, the second middle grill portion 330 may be disposed inside the blower module 100. The plurality of second middle openings 3300 may be arranged along the inner circumference of the blower module 100.

[0147] The cover grill 340 may be inclined upward toward the center. The cover grill 340 may extend downward in an outward direction. The cover grill 340 may be disposed at an upper side of the first middle grill portion 320. The cover opening 3400 may be disposed at an upper side of the first middle opening 3200. A plurality of cover openings 3400 may be disposed closer to the center of the humidifier 1 than a plurality of second middle openings 3300. The blown airflow and the humidified air having passed through the first middle opening 3200 may flow upward through the cover opening 3400. The airflow having passed through the cover opening 3400 may join the airflow having passed through the second middle opening 330, to flow upward.

[0148] The insertion space 3500 of the tank support 350 may be disposed at an upper side of the humidification water tank 200. The tank 400 may be inserted into the insertion space 3500. Water falling from the tank 400 inserted into the insertion space 3500 may be stored in the humidification water tank 200. The tank support 350 may be spaced upward from the humidification water tank 200. The tank support 350 may be coupled to an upper end of the cover grill 340. For example, the cover grill 340 may extend upward toward the center, and the tank support 350 may be disposed at the center of the cover grill 340. A circumferential wall of the tank support 350 may be inclined. The circumferential wall of the tank support 350 may be inclined downward toward the center. The circumferential wall of the tank support 350 may be inclined radially upwardly. Accordingly, the tank support 350 may not obstruct the airflow having passed through the cover opening 3400.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 13, residual water remaining in the case 500 may be collected into the humidification water tank 200 through the middle grill 310.

[0150] The middle grill 310 may include drains 324 and 334 through which the residual water flows. The drains 324 and 334 may be formed on an upper surface of the middle grill 310. The drains 324 and 334 may be recessed downward from the upper surface of the middle grill 310. The drains 324 and 334 may be a flow path through which the residual water flows. The drains 324 and 334 may be formed between the middle openings 3100 and 3200. The plurality of drains 324 and 334 may be formed between the plurality of middle openings 3100 and 3200. The drains 324 and 334 may be inclined downward toward the center of the middle grill 310.

[0151] The drains 324 and 334 may include a first drain 324 formed on the first middle grill portion 320. A plurality of first drains 324 may be formed between a plurality of first middle openings 3200. An upper end of a circumference of the first middle opening 3200 may protrude further than the first drain 324. In this manner, the residual water flowing through the first drain 324 may not leak through the first middle opening 3200. The plurality of first drains 324 may be inclined downward toward the center of the first middle grill portion 320. In this manner, the residual water flowing through the first drain 324 may flow toward the center. The humidification water tank 200 may be disposed at the center of the first middle grill portion 320. The residual water flowing toward the center of the first middle grill portion 320 may fall into the internal space of the humidification water tank 200.

[0152] The first middle grill portion 320 may include a first grill blade 322 that divides the first middle opening 3200. A plurality of first grill blades 322 may form the plurality of first middle openings 3200. The first drain 324 may be formed between the plurality of first grill blades 322. The first grill blade 322 may protrude above the first drain 324.

[0153] The drains 324 and 334 may include a second drain 334 formed on the second middle grill portion 330. A plurality of second drains 334 may be formed between the plurality of second middle openings 3300. An upper end of a circumference of the second middle opening 3300 may protrude further than the second drain 334. In this manner, the residual water flowing through the second drain 334 may not leak through the second middle opening 3300. The plurality of second drains 334 may be inclined downward toward the center of the second middle grill portion 330. In this manner, the residual water flowing through the second drain 334 may flow toward the first drain 324. The first middle grill portion 320 may be disposed at the center of the second middle grill portion 330. The residual water flowing toward the center of the second middle grill portion 330 may fall into the internal space of the humidification water tank 200.

[0154] The second middle grill portion 330 may include a second grill blade 332 that divides the second middle opening 3300. A plurality of second grill blades 332 may form the plurality of second middle openings 3300. The second drain 334 may be formed between the plurality of second grill blades 332. The second grill blade 332 may protrude above the second drain 334.

[0155] The second drain 334 may extend along an outer circumference of the middle grill 310. The second drain 334 may extend along an inner circumference of the case 500. The second drain 334 may be disposed below the discharge flow path 960. Residual water condensed from the humidified air flowing through the discharge flow path 960 may flow downward along an inner surface of the case 500. The condensed residual water may be collected into the second drain 334 that extends along a circumference of the inner surface of the case 500. The collected residual water may flow into the first drain 324 along the second drain 334 and may flow into the humidification water tank 200.

[0156] The middle grill 310 may include a grill inner end 312 that defines an inner circumference. The grill inner end 312 may be connected to the first drain 324. The grill inner end 312 may extend from the first drain 324 toward the center and may be bent downward. The grill inner end 312 may extend downward. The grill inner end 312 may be seated at an upper end of the humidification water tank 200. The grill inner end 312 may be positioned more inwardly from the humidification water tank 200 than the upper end of the humidification water tank 200. In this manner, the residual water flowing from the first drain 324 may fall into the humidification water tank 200 along the grill upper end 312. The upper end of the humidification water tank 200 may be disposed outside the grill upper end 312.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 15, the flow path module may include the upper case 520 forming the exterior, the tank 400 disposed inside the upper case 520, and the top cover 600 coupled to the open top of the upper case 520.

[0158] The tank 400 may be inserted into the upper case 520. The tank 400 may extend vertically. The upper case 520 may extend vertically. The upper case 520 may have a cylindrical shape with a cross-sectional area that decreases toward the top. The tank 400 may have a cylindrical shape with a constant cross-sectional area in the vertical direction. The tank 400 may be made of a material that allows the interior thereof to be visible from the outside. The upper case 520 may be made of a material that allows the interior thereof to be visible from the outside. In this manner, a user may check with the naked eye the level of water stored in the tank 400. The tank 400 and the upper case 520 may be separated from each other. The upper case 520 may cover the tank 400.

[0159] The top cover 600 may be coupled to the upper end of the upper case 520. The upper case 520 may have an open top, and the top cover 600 may cover the open top of the upper case 520.

[0160] The humidified air may flow between the upper case 520 and the tank 400, and may be discharged to the indoor space through the top cover 600.

[0161] The tank 400 may include a water storage space 4000. The tank 400 may include an injection portion 410 through which water, stored in the water storage space 4000, is supplied into the humidification water tank 200. The injection portion 410 may be formed at a lower portion of the tank 400. The tank 400 may be seated on the tank support 350. The injection portion 410 of the tank 400 may be disposed in the insertion space 3500. The tank 400 may be coupled and fixed to the tank support 350.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 16, the top cover 600 may include the outlet 6000 through which the humidified air is discharged, and an injection port 640 through which supplied water is introduced.

[0163] The top cover 600 may include a cover circumferential wall 630 which is removably coupled to the upper case 520. The cover circumferential wall 630 may define a circumferential surface of the top cover 600. The cover circumferential wall 630 may extend upward from the upper end of the upper case 520.

[0164] The top cover 600 may include a cover guide 610 disposed at an upper side of the cover circumferential wall 630. The cover guide 610 may be spaced upward from the cover circumferential wall 630. The cover guide 610 may cover the open top of the upper case 520. The cover guide 610 may have a curved shape. The cover guide 610 may extend upward and outward. The cover guide 610 may extend in a curved shape. The cover guide 610 may extend in an upward and lateral direction. The cover guide 610 may extend laterally toward the edge.

[0165] The top cover 600 may include a cover plate 620 disposed at an upper side of the cover guide 610. The cover plate 620 may be spaced upward from the cover guide 610. The cover plate 620 may have a flat top surface.

[0166] The outlet 6000 may be formed between the cover guide 610 and the cover circumferential wall 630. The humidified air flowing through the discharge flow path 960 may be supplied to the indoor space through the outlet 6000. The outlet 6000 may face the lateral direction.

[0167] The injection port 640 may be formed between the cover plate 620 and the cover guide 610. The supplied water may flow along the cover guide 610, and may be introduced through the injection port 640 formed between the cover guide 610 and the cover plate 620.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 17, the top cover 600 may include a water supply hole 650 through which the water supplied through the injection port 640 flows to the tank 400.

[0169] The water supply hole 650 may be formed at a lower side of the cover plate 620. The water supply hole 650 may be positioned more inwardly than the upper end of the tank 400. The water supply hole 650 may pass through the center of the top cover 600. The water supplied through the injection port 640 may fall into the water storage space 4000 of the tank 400 through the water supply hole 650. The falling water may be stored in the tank 400. A gap through which the supplied water flows may be formed between the cover plate 620 and the cover guide 610. The cover guide 610 may guide the supplied water to the water supply hole 650. The cover guide 610 may have a top surface that is convex upward. The cover guide 610 may extend radially upward in a curved shape. The supplied water may flow to the water supply hole as the cover guide 610 is inclined.

[0170] The humidified air flowing through the discharge flow path may be discharged through the outlet 6000 formed between the cover guide 610 and the cover circumferential wall 630. The outlet 6000 may be formed in the lateral direction, and the humidified air may be discharged in the entire lateral direction. The cover guide 610 may have a concave lower surface. The cover guide 610 may guide a discharged air flow in the lateral direction. A flow direction of the humidified air flowing upward may be changed from an upward direction to a lateral direction along the cover guide 610.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 18, an air flow and water supply mechanism of the humidifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0172] The indoor air may be drawn into the humidifier 1 by the blower fan 140 through the inlet 910. The indoor air drawn in through the inlet 910 may be filtered by the filter 110. The filtered air may flow to the blower fan 140 through the suction flow path 920. The air in the suction flow path 920 passes through the orifice 930 and may be heated by the heater 120. The temperature of air having passed through the heater 120 may increase. The blower fan 140 may cause the heated air to flow through the air-blowing flow path 940. The middle blade 60 may branch the flow of air that flows through the air-blowing flow path 940. The branched airflow may flow through the first middle flow path 950a and the second middle flow path 950b. In this case, the pressure of an airflow flowing through the first middle flow path 950a may be relatively lower than the pressure of an airflow flowing through the second middle flow path 950b, and the humidified air in the humidification water tank 200 may be induced to the air flow side that flows through the first middle flow path 950a in which a relatively low pressure is formed. In this manner, the humidified air in the humidification water tank 200 may join the airflow. The humidified air may be drawn upward by the airflow, and the humidified air may flow through the discharge flow path 960. The humidified air may pass through the discharge flow path 960 to be supplied to the indoor space through the outlet 6000. In this case, the top cover 600 may guide the flow of the discharged air in the lateral direction.

[0173] A user may supply water to the top of the top cover 600. The supplied water may pass through the injection port 640 along the cover guide 610 of the top cover 600 to flow into the water supply hole 650. The supplied water may fall into the water storage space 4000 of the tank 400 through the water supply hole 650.

[0174]

[0175] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 18, a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a case having an inlet and an outlet, the case having a flow path through which air, drawn in through the inlet, flows to the outlet; a blower fan disposed in the case and generating a flow of air that flows through the flow path; a humidification water tank disposed in the case and generating humidified air; a heater disposed in the flow path and heating air; and a blade disposed in the flow path, wherein a portion of the flow path is formed between the case and the humidification water tank, and the blade is disposed between the case and the humidification water tank to branch the flow path, wherein a length of a first surface of the blade facing the humidification water tank is greater than a length of a second surface of the blade facing the case.

[0176] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade may be formed in an airfoil shape.

[0177] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a width of the blade may gradually increase and then decrease toward a top.

[0178] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade may include: a leading edge which is one end where air is introduced; and a trailing edge which is another end where the air is discharged, wherein a position of the trailing edge of the blade may be higher than a position of an upper end of the humidification water tank.

[0179] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first surface of the blade facing the humidification water tank may be convex toward the humidification water tank.

[0180] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second surface of the blade facing the case may be flat.

[0181] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater may be located more upstream of an air flow path than the blower fan.

[0182] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the humidifier may include a duct guide guiding air, introduced through the inlet, to the blower fan, wherein the duct guide may include: a duct inlet at which the heater is disposed; and a duct shell extending from the duct inlet and defining a duct flow path.

[0183] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an area of the duct flow path may gradually increase toward the blower fan.

[0184] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the humidifier may include a middle grill disposed at an upper side of the middle blade, wherein the middle grill may include: a first middle opening communicating with a first middle flow path formed between the middle blade and the humidification water tank; a second middle opening communicating with a second middle flow path formed between the middle blade and the case; and an inner opening communicating with an internal space of the humidification water tank.

[0185] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the middle grill may include a grill support seated at an upper end of the middle blade, wherein the first middle flow path may extend between the grill support and the humidification water tank, and the second middle flow path may extend between the grill support and the case.

[0186] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the humidification water tank may include a water tank opening that opens at a top, wherein a position of the first opening and a position of the second opening may be higher than a position of the water tank opening.

[0187] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the middle grill may include: a first middle grill portion having the first middle opening; and a second middle grill portion having the second middle opening, wherein the first middle grill portion may include a first drain formed between first middle openings and guiding residual water to the internal space of the humidification water tank, and the second middle grill portion may include a second drain extending along an inner circumference of the case and guiding the residual water to the first drain.

[0188] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the middle grill may include a grill inner end extending downward and located further inside in a horizontal direction than the upper end of the humidification water tank, wherein the grill inner end may be connected to the first drain.

[0189] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first drain and the second drain may be inclined downward toward the humidification water tank.

[0190] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the humidifier may include a tank disposed above the humidification water tank and having an open top, wherein a discharge flow path, through which humidified air flows, may be formed between the case and the tank.

[0191] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the case may include: an upper case having an open top and spaced outward from the tank; and a top cover disposed at the open top of the upper case, wherein the discharge flow path may be formed between the upper case and the tank, and the top cover may include the outlet through which the humidified air is discharged, and a water supply hole formed at an upper side of the tank.

[0192] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the top cover may include a cover guide extending radially upward from an upper end of the tank, wherein the cover guide may be spaced upward from an upper end of the upper case, and the outlet may be formed between the upper end of the upper case and the cover guide.

[0193] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper surface of the cover guide may be convex, and a lower surface of the cover guide may be concave.

[0194] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the top cover may include a cover plate spaced apart from the upper surface of the cover guide, the cover plate covering the water supply hole.

[0195] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the humidification water tank may include an ultrasonic vibrator disposed on a bottom surface and configured to atomize stored water.

[0196]

[0197] Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined or combined with each other in configuration or function.

[0198] For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

[0199] The foregoing embodiments are merely examples and are not to be considered as limiting the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalents of the disclosure are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1.A humidifier comprising:a case having an inlet and an outlet, the case having a flow path through which air, drawn in through the inlet, flows to the outlet;a blower fan disposed in the case and generating a flow of air that flows through the flow path;a humidification water tank disposed in the case and generating humidified air;a heater disposed in the flow path and heating air; anda blade disposed in the flow path,wherein a portion of the flow path is formed between the case and the humidification water tank, and the blade is disposed between the case and the humidification water tank to branch the flow path,wherein a length of a first surface of the blade facing the humidification water tank is greater than a length of a second surface of the blade facing the case.2.The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the blade is formed in an airfoil shape.3.The humidifier of claim 1, wherein a width of the blade gradually increases and then decreases toward a top.4.The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the blade comprises:a leading edge which is one end where air is introduced; anda trailing edge which is another end where the air is discharged,wherein a position of the trailing edge of the blade is higher than a position of an upper end of the humidification water tank.5.The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the first surface of the blade facing the humidification water tank is convex toward the humidification water tank.6.The humidifier of claim 5, wherein the second surface of the blade facing the case is flat.7.The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the heater is located more upstream of an air flow path than the blower fan.8.The humidifier of claim 1, further comprising a duct guide guiding air, introduced through the inlet, to the blower fan,wherein the duct guide comprises:a duct inlet at which the heater is disposed; anda duct shell extending from the duct inlet and defining a duct flow path.9.The humidifier of claim 8, wherein an area of the duct flow path gradually increases toward the blower fan.10.The humidifier of claim 1, further comprising a middle grill disposed at an upper side of the blade,wherein the middle grill comprises:a first middle opening communicating with a first middle flow path formed between the blade and the humidification water tank;a second middle opening communicating with a second middle flow path formed between the blade and the case; andan inner opening communicating with an internal space of the humidification water tank.11.The humidifier of claim 10, wherein the middle grill comprises a grill support seated at an upper end of the blade,wherein the first middle flow path extends between the grill support and the humidification water tank, and the second middle flow path extends between the grill support and the case.12.The humidifier of claim 10, wherein the humidification water tank comprises a water tank opening that opens at a top,wherein a position of the first middle opening and a position of the second middle opening are higher than a position of the water tank opening.13.The humidifier of claim 10, wherein the middle grill comprises:a first middle grill portion having the first middle opening; anda second middle grill portion having the second middle opening,wherein the first middle grill portion comprises a first drain formed between first middle openings and guiding residual water to the internal space of the humidification water tank, and the second middle grill portion comprises a second drain extending along an inner circumference of the case and guiding the residual water to the first drain.14.The humidifier of claim 13, wherein the middle grill comprises a grill inner end extending downward and located further inside in a horizontal direction than the upper end of the humidification water tank,wherein the grill inner end is connected to the first drain.15.The humidifier of claim 13, wherein the first drain and the second drain are inclined downward toward the humidification water tank.16.The humidifier of claim 1, further comprising a tank disposed above the humidification water tank and having an open top,wherein a discharge flow path, through which humidified air flows, is formed between the case and the tank.17.The humidifier of claim 16, wherein the case comprises:an upper case having an open top and spaced outward from the tank; anda top cover disposed at the open top of the upper case,wherein the discharge flow path is formed between the upper case and the tank, and the top cover comprises the outlet through which the humidified air is discharged, and a water supply hole formed at an upper side of the tank.18.The humidifier of claim 17, wherein the top cover comprises a cover guide extending radially upward from an upper end of the tank,wherein the cover guide is spaced upward from an upper end of the upper case, and the outlet is formed between the upper end of the upper case and the cover guide.19.The humidifier of claim 18, wherein an upper surface of the cover guide is convex, and a lower surface of the cover guide is concave.20.The humidifier of claim 18, wherein the top cover comprises a cover plate spaced apart from the upper surface of the cover guide, the cover plate covering the water supply hole.

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