Humidifier with sterilization function

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present invention, a humidifier is provided comprising: a main body; a water tank providing a containment space; an atomizing module including an atomizing unit; a heater installed inside the main body and positioned between the main body and the water tank; and a processor that controls the heater to heat the water tank, wherein the processor heats the heater to a first temperature while the atomizing unit is operating, or heats the heater to a second temperature higher than the first temperature so that the temperature of the water inside the water tank can be heated or maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier with a sterilization function. [Background Art]

[0002] Humidifiers come in various types according to their humidification principles, such as heated humidifiers, ultrasonic humidifiers, and composite humidifiers. Among these, the composite humidifier adopts the principle of heating water with a heating plate (or a heater), and atomizing the heated water with an ultrasonic vibrator to form mist.

[0003] Generally, in such a composite humidifier, a containing portion for storing water is formed separately from the main body, and a heating plate is provided at a portion where the lower part of the containing portion abuts against the main body for heating the water stored in the containing portion.

[0004] Hygiene management is important for a composite humidifier formed with the above structure. However, conventional humidifiers have a problem that cleaning or sterilization is difficult. There are many parts where the internal components of the humidifier cannot be sufficiently separated, and even if separation is possible, it is troublesome that a separate sterilization process has to be performed. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier capable of simultaneously sterilizing an atomization module, a water tank and a cover, which are internal components of the humidifier.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier capable of sterilizing the interior of the humidifier.

[0008] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to provide a humidifier that automatically performs sterilization when atomization is completed during the operation of the humidifier. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A typical configuration of the present invention for achieving the above objective is as follows.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a humidifier is provided comprising: a main body; a water tank providing a containment space; an atomizing module including an atomizing unit; a heater installed inside the main body and positioned between the main body and the water tank; and a processor that controls the heater to heat the water tank, wherein the processor heats the heater to a first temperature while the atomizing unit is operating, or heats the heater to a second temperature higher than the first temperature so that the temperature of the water inside the water tank can be heated or maintained within a predetermined temperature range. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously sterilize the atomizing module, water tank, and cover, which are internal components of a humidifier.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to sterilize the inside of a humidifier.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically perform sterilization when atomization is completed during the operation of the humidifier. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows a humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a separate view of some of the components of the humidifier shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows the atomization module, hinge assembly, and sensor of the humidifier separated. [Figure 4]This figure shows the humidifier's atomization module, hinge assembly, and sensor in their assembled state. [Figure 5] This figure shows the pivot point of the atomization module of the humidifier shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This figure schematically shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line AA' in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the humidifier. [Figure 8] Figure 1 shows an image illustrating a sterilization test of the humidifier. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows images of the culture medium before and after the sterilization test of the test bacteria inoculated into the water inside the aquarium. [Figure 10] Figure 8 shows images of the culture media before and after the sterilization test of the test bacteria inoculated onto the inner surface and cover of the aquarium. [Figure 11] Figures 9 and 10 show the results of the sterilization tests in a table format. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The detailed description of the present invention, as described below, refers to the accompanying drawings illustrating specific embodiments in which the present invention may be carried out. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to be sufficient for a person skilled in the art to carry out the present invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are different from one another but do not need to be mutually exclusive. For example, certain shapes, structures and characteristics described herein can be modified from one embodiment to another without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that the position or arrangement of individual components in each embodiment can also be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the detailed description described below is not intended to be restrictive, and the scope of the present invention should be interpreted as encompassing the scope claimed by the claims and all equivalent scopes. In the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals represent identical or similar components across multiple embodiments.

[0016] Hereinafter, several preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the present invention. Humidifier configuration

[0017] Figure 1 is a view showing a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view showing a partial configuration of the humidifier of Figure 1.

[0018] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a humidifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main body 100 and an upper body 200.

[0019] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the main body 100 may form the exterior of the humidifier. The main body 100 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main body 100 may provide an internal space. Further, the main body 100 may have a shape with an open top surface.

[0020] Referring to Figure 1, the upper body 200 may form the exterior of the humidifier. The upper body 200 may be openably and closably coupled to the main body 100. For example, the upper body 200 may be pivotably coupled or connected to the main body 100. The upper body 200 can open and close the internal space of the main body 100. Further, the upper body 200 may be provided with a plurality of buttons (physical buttons or touch buttons) for operating the humidifier.

[0021] Referring to Figure 2, a water tank 310 may be detachably accommodated, coupled or mounted in the internal space of the main body 100. The water tank 310 may have a cylindrical shape. The water tank 310 may provide an internal space. The water tank 310 may have a shape with an open top surface. The water tank 310 may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity. The water tank 310 may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity such as metal, alloy, graphite, silicon carbide, etc. For example, the water tank 310 may be formed of stainless steel.

[0022] Referring to Figure 2, the heater 110 can be installed on the inner surface of the main body 100. The heater 110 can be located on the underside of the inner surface of the main body 100. Alternatively, the heater 110 can be located between the water tank 310 and the main body 100. For example, the heater 110 may be a PTC heater 110.

[0023] Referring to Figure 2, the heating plate 120 can be installed on the inner surface of the main body 100. The heating plate 120 can be located on the lower surface of the inner surface of the main body 100. The heating plate 120 can cover the upper surface of the heater 110. The heating plate 120 can be located between the water tank 310 and the main body 100. The heating plate 120 can also be in contact with at least one of the heater 110 and the water tank 310. The heating plate 120 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The heating plate 120 may also be made of a material such as the water tank 310. For example, the heating plate 120 may be made of stainless steel. This allows the heating plate 120 to quickly diffuse and transfer the heat from the heater 110 to the water tank 310.

[0024] Referring to Figure 2, the cover 320 can be detachably housed, coupled, or attached to the inner surface of the upper body 200. The cover 320 may have a disc shape. The cover 320 can cover the top surface of the water tank 310. The cover 320 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity. Alternatively, the cover 320 may be made of a material such as the water tank 310. For example, the cover 320 may be made of stainless steel.

[0025] Referring to Figure 2, the atomizing module 400 may have an elongated shape. At least a portion of the atomizing module 400 may be housed in the water tank 310. The upper part of the atomizing module 400 may be pivotably connected, coupled, or mounted to the inner surface of the upper body 200.

[0026] The humidifier may include a processor (not shown). The processor is electrically connected to the electronic components of the humidifier and can control the operation of the humidifier.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the atomization module 400, hinge assembly 210, and sensor 220 of the humidifier in Figure 1 separated. Figure 4 shows the atomization module 400, hinge assembly 210, and sensor 220 of the humidifier in Figure 1 in an assembled state.

[0028] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the atomizing module 400 may include an atomizing section 410 and an arm 420. The arm 420 may have an elongated shape. The atomizing section 410 may be provided at the lower end of the arm 420. The upper end of the arm 420 may be detachably connected, coupled, or mounted to the hinge assembly 210. The atomizing section 410 may include a transducer 411. The transducer 411 may be exposed to the outside. For example, the transducer 411 may be an ultrasonic transducer 411. The transducer 411 can generate mist by atomization.

[0029] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the hinge assembly 210 may be provided on the upper body 200. The hinge assembly 210 may be rotatably mounted with respect to a rotation axis r. The hinge assembly 210 may further include an identifier 211. The identifier 211 may be formed integrally with the hinge assembly 210. The identifier 211 may rotate together with the hinge assembly 210.

[0030] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the sensor 220 may be provided on the upper body 200. The sensor 220 can detect the rotation of the hinge assembly 210 or the identifier 211. The sensor 220 can detect at least one of the rotation amount, phase, rotation direction, and position of the identifier 211. For example, the sensor 220 may be a photosensor 220. If the atomizing module 400 is coupled to the hinge assembly 210, the sensor 220 can detect at least one of the pivot amount, pivot angle, pivot direction, and position of the atomizing module 400.

[0031] Figure 5 shows the pivot of the atomizing module 400 in the humidifier of Figure 1. Referring to Figure 5, the atomizing module 400 is connected to the upper body 200 and can move while pivoting inside the water tank 310.

[0032] Referring to Figure 5, when the water tank 310 contains water (W), the atomizing module 400 can pivot in accordance with the water level. The atomizing unit 410 may be made of a structure (e.g., a hollow structure) or material (e.g., a material with a specific gravity lower than water) that can itself have a predetermined buoyancy in water. The atomizing module 400 may float to the extent that only the atomizing unit 410 or the transducer 411 is submerged in water due to the buoyancy it receives from the water. Alternatively, even if the water level changes, the atomizing module 400 can be pivoted by the hinge assembly 210 so that only the atomizing unit 410 or the transducer 411 is submerged in water.

[0033] For example, when the water level is at a first height (h2), the angle between the upper body 200 and the atomizing module 400 may be B. In this case, the atomizing unit 410 or the transducer 411 can be located below the water surface. Furthermore, the processor can detect the angle between the upper body 200 and the atomizing module 400 or the water level via the sensor 220.

[0034] Furthermore, when the water level drops to a second height (h1) due to the operation of the humidifier, the atomizing module 400 may pivot around the hinge assembly 210, and the angle between the upper body 200 and the atomizing module 400 may be C. The angle C may be greater than the angle B. At this time, the atomizing unit 410 or the transducer 411 may be positioned below the water surface. In addition, the processor can detect the angle between the upper body 200 and the atomizing module 400 or the water level via the sensor 220. Sterilization function

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line AA' in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 6, the processor can heat the heater 110 to a first temperature while the atomizing module 400 is performing atomization. At this time, the first temperature may be a temperature that can heat or maintain the water temperature at approximately 30-50°C. The first temperature may also be higher than the water temperature. For example, when the heater 110 is heated to the first temperature, the water temperature may be approximately 40°C. The processor can control the heater 110 so that the water temperature is maintained at a constant level while the atomizing module 400 is performing atomization.

[0036] Furthermore, if the atomizing module 400 stops after atomization, the processor can heat the heater 110 to a second temperature higher than the first temperature. At this time, the second temperature may be a temperature that can heat or maintain the water temperature at approximately 60 to 100°C. The second temperature may be higher than the water temperature. For example, when the heater 110 is heated to the second temperature, the water temperature may be approximately 70°C. In addition, the processor can stop the operation of the heater 110 when the water temperature reaches a predetermined temperature. At this time, the predetermined temperature may be 60 to 80°C. The processor can also lower the water temperature by operating a fan (not shown) provided inside the main body 100 to cool the water tank 310, and can stop the fan when the water temperature drops to approximately 30 to 50°C.

[0037] Furthermore, the processor can sterilize at least one of the following: the water tank 310, the water (W) inside the water tank, the atomizing module 400, and the cover 320, by the heater control method described above. Specifically, the processor can control the heater 110 to heat the water tank 310, and the heat from the heated water tank is transferred to the water inside the water tank, causing the temperature of the water inside the water tank to rise. At this time, the heat from the water inside the water tank is transferred to the atomizing unit 410 or the vibrator 411 of the atomizing module 400 which is immersed in water, and the atomizing unit 410 or the vibrator 411 is sterilized. Also, since the water tank 310 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, the entire water tank 310 is heated, and sterilization occurs on all surfaces of the water tank 310. In addition, the heat generated inside the water tank 310 (either on the internal surface of the water tank 310 or in the water inside the water tank) is transferred to the arm 420 and the cover 320, causing sterilization to occur on the arm 420 and the cover 320 as well. This allows users to maintain the humidifier hygienically without having to separate or clean its internal components.

[0038] Referring to Figure 6, the processor can control the heater 110 based on the pivot of the atomizing module 400. By controlling the heater 110 based on the pivot of the atomizing module 400, the processor can sterilize at least one of the following: the water tank 310, the water (W) inside the water tank, the atomizing module 400, and the cover 320.

[0039] For example, the processor can detect the rotation of identifier 211 or the pivot of atomizing module 400 via sensor 220. The processor can obtain the water level by detecting the amount of rotation or position of identifier 211 via sensor 220. Alternatively, the processor can obtain the water level by detecting the amount of pivot or position of atomizing module 400 via sensor 220. Furthermore, the processor can obtain the water level by detecting the angle between upper body 200 and atomizing module 400 via sensor 220. The processor can then stop the operation of transducer 411 when the water level has dropped sufficiently, allowing sterilization to proceed.

[0040] Referring to Figure 6, the processor can control the heater 110 based on the angle between the upper body 200 and the atomizing module 400. For example, the processor can detect the angle between the upper body 200 and the atomizing module 400 via the sensor 220 and obtain the water level based on this.

[0041] Furthermore, if the angle between the upper body 200 and the atomizing module 400 becomes greater than or equal to a first value, the processor can determine that the water level has dropped sufficiently and stop the operation of the transducer 411, allowing sterilization to proceed. For example, the first value can refer to the angle between the upper body 200 and the atomizing module 400 when the water level from the bottom of the tank 310 is approximately 40 mm to 60 mm. Also, when the angle between the upper body 200 and the atomizing module 400 is greater than or equal to the first value, the atomizing unit 410 or the transducer 411 may be immersed in water.

[0042] Referring to Figure 6, the processor can heat the heater 110 to a first temperature if the angle between the atomizing module 400 and the upper body 200 is less than a first value. In this case, the first temperature may be a temperature at which the water temperature can be heated or maintained at approximately 30-50°C. Alternatively, the first temperature may be higher than the water temperature.

[0043] Furthermore, if the angle between the atomizing module 400 and the upper body 200 is greater than or equal to a first value, the processor can heat the heater 110 to a second temperature higher than the first temperature. In this case, the second temperature may be a temperature at which the water temperature can be heated or maintained at approximately 60-100°C. Also, the second temperature may be higher than the water temperature.

[0044] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the humidifier in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 7, the processor can determine whether the atomization mode is on or off (S710). If the atomization mode is on, the processor can operate the oscillator 411 (S710). The oscillator 411 can generate mist by atomization. Furthermore, the processor can determine whether the sterilization reservation mode is on or off (S720). The sterilization reservation mode can mean generating mist by atomization while the water temperature is maintained at approximately 30-50°C. If the sterilization reservation mode is on, the processor can heat the heater 110 to a first temperature (S730). In this case, the first temperature can mean a temperature at which the water temperature can be heated or maintained at approximately 30-50°C. The first temperature can also be higher than the water temperature.

[0045] The processor can determine whether the angle between the atomizing module 400 and the upper body 200 is greater than or equal to a first value (S740). In this case, the first value can mean the angle between the atomizing module 400 and the upper body 200 when the water level from the bottom of the water tank 310 is approximately 40 mm to 60 mm. Also, when the angle between the upper body 200 and the atomizing module 400 is greater than or equal to the first value, the atomizing unit 410 or the vibrator 411 may be immersed in water.

[0046] The processor can turn off the atomization mode and the sterilization reservation mode if the angle between the atomization module 400 and the upper body 200 is greater than or equal to a first value. Furthermore, the processor can heat the heater 110 to a second temperature (S750). Heating the heater 110 to a second temperature can be referred to as the sterilization mode. In this case, the second temperature can mean a temperature at which the water temperature can be heated or maintained at approximately 60-100°C. The second temperature may also be higher than the water temperature. When the water temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, the processor can stop heating the heater 110 and operate a fan located inside the main body 100 to lower the water temperature. In this case, the predetermined temperature may be 60-80°C. Furthermore, when the water temperature drops to approximately 30-50°C, the processor can stop the fan and terminate the sterilization mode. For example, the processor can output a notification of termination of the sterilization mode when the water temperature reaches 40°C.

[0047] On the other hand, the processor can perform sterilization independently of the atomization mode. The processor can terminate the humidifier's operation after executing the sterilization mode. For example, after the sterilization mode is complete, the processor can stop the heater 110 and prevent the atomizing unit 410 from operating. In this case, the processor can turn on the sterilization mode independently of the water level in the water tank 310. Alternatively, the processor can turn on the sterilization mode without detecting the angle between the atomizing module 400 and the upper body 200.

[0048] Furthermore, the processor can switch to atomization mode after executing sterilization mode. At this time, the processor can remain in standby mode until the water temperature inside the tank 310 reaches a temperature suitable for atomization mode, or it can operate a fan installed inside the main unit 100 to lower the water temperature. Then, when the water temperature inside the tank 310 has dropped to a predetermined appropriate level, the processor can operate the transducer 411. Humidifier sterilization test

[0049] A sterilization test was conducted to confirm the sterilization performance of a humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the test conditions were as follows.

[0050] - Test strains: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Listeria monocytogenes

[0051] - Inoculation sites for test bacteria: Humidifier cover, inner surface of the aquarium, and water inside the aquarium.

[0052] - Inoculation amount of surface test bacteria: 10 μl

[0053] - Humidifier sterilization course operation time: 2 hours

[0054] The procedure for the sterilization test is as follows:

[0055] Fill the humidifier's water tank with water to a height of 50mm to 75mm and turn on the humidifier. At the same time, press the sterilization reservation button to schedule the sterilization function to activate (when the humidifier is turned on, atomization will begin, and when the water level in the tank reaches approximately 50mm, the sterilization function will automatically start).

[0056] Before starting the sterilization process, the test bacteria, which have been cultured in advance, are inoculated into the locations where the sterilization test will be conducted (humidifier cover, inner surface of the water tank, and water inside the water tank) by opening the top of the humidifier (see Figure 8).

[0057] Close the top of the humidifier and wait until the sterilization cycle (approximately 2 hours) is complete.

[0058] After the sterilization course is complete, the test bacteria are collected again from the inoculation site and compared with the culture medium in which the existing test bacteria were cultured. The bacterial reduction rate is measured using the colony-forming unit (CFU) as the reference.

[0059] Figures 9 and 10 show images of the culture media before and after the sterilization test, for the test bacteria inoculated into the water inside the tank, the inner surface of the tank, and the cover, as in the sterilization test in Figure 8. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, it can be visually confirmed that all of the test bacteria collected after the sterilization test were largely sterilized and disappeared at each test location.

[0060] Figure 11 is an image showing the results of the sterilization tests in Figures 9 and 10 as a table. Referring to Figure 11, it can be confirmed that the reduction rate of all test bacteria used in the test was 99.9% or higher.

[0061] As is clear from the results of the sterilization tests described above, the humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used as a heater for warming and humidifying while simultaneously performing sterilization, and can be hygienically managed despite its simple structure. Furthermore, the humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention can reduce most bacteria throughout the entire internal components of the humidifier (cover, water tank, and atomizing module) through sterilization, and has excellent sterilization effect.

[0062] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific components and other details, limited embodiments, and drawings, these are provided merely to facilitate a general understanding of the invention, and the invention is not limited to the above embodiments. A person with ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains can make various modifications and changes based on these descriptions.

[0063] Therefore, the concept of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described above, but rather, not only the matters described in the claims described later, but also the scope equivalent to said claims, or all scopes equivalently modified therefrom, should be understood to fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100: Main unit 110: Heater 120: Heating plate 200: Upper body 210: Hinge Assembly 211: Identifier 220: Sensor 310: Aquarium 320: Cover 400: Atomization Module 410: Atomization section 411: Oscillator 420: Arm

Claims

1. Main unit; A tank that provides a space for storage; Atomization module including the atomizing unit; A heater installed inside the main body and positioned between the main body and the water tank; and Includes a processor that controls the heater to heat the water tank; A humidifier characterized in that the processor heats the heater to a first temperature while the atomizing unit is operating, or heats the heater to a second temperature higher than the first temperature so that the temperature of the water inside the water tank can be heated or maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

2. The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature range is 60 to 100°C.

3. The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the water tank is detachably installed inside the main body.

4. The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when a liquid is contained inside the water tank, the atomizing module is configured to float in the liquid while at least a portion of it is immersed in the liquid.

5. The main body and the water tank are open at the top, The humidifier according to claim 4, further comprising an upper body that covers the main body and the upper surface of the water tank.

6. The upper body further includes a hinge assembly provided on its inner surface, The humidifier according to claim 5, characterized in that the atomizing module is detachably attached to the hinge assembly via an arm.

7. The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the water tank is made of a material with high thermal conductivity.

8. The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the water tank is made of stainless steel.

9. The atomizing module is pivotably mounted on the hinge assembly on the inner surface of the upper body. The humidifier according to claim 6, characterized in that the upper body includes a sensor for detecting the pivot of the atomizing module.

10. The humidifier according to claim 9, characterized in that the sensor detects the rotation of the hinge assembly.

11. The humidifier according to claim 9, characterized in that the processor controls the atomizing unit and the heater based on the pivot of the atomizing module.

12. The humidifier according to claim 11, characterized in that the processor controls the atomizing unit to operate when the angle between the atomizing module and the upper body is less than a first value, and to stop the operation of the atomizing unit when the angle is greater than or equal to the first value.

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