Humidifier and its control method

Abstract

To provide a humidifier in which contamination of a water tank and / or a humidification member, and the generation of bacteria can be minimized, and a control method of the humidifier.SOLUTION: A humidifier includes; a housing having a suction port into which air flows, and a discharge port from which air flows; an air blowing unit providing air blowing force so that air flowing in from the suction port flows to the discharge port; a water tub having a water feed valve member which is opened and closed so that water housed in the water tub can be discharged; a water tank unit having a water tank receiving the supply of water from the water tub; a humidification member performing humidification using water supplied to the water tank; a water feed adjustment member causing the water feed valve member to open and close so that water is supplied to the water tank from the water tub, or the supply is blocked; and a control unit controlling the supply of water to the water tank from the water tub, and the drive of the air blowing unit. The control unit performs a drying mode for drying the humidification member after a completion of a humidification mode performing humidification, and also performs the drying mode while the supply of water to the water tank from the water tub is blocked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier for increasing the humidity in the air, and more particularly to a vaporizing (blowing) humidifier that vaporizes water through a humidifying member (humidifying filter) to perform humidification.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a humidifier that artificially generates and sprays moisture to increase the humidity indoors is, according to the method of generating moisture, a heating type humidifier that sprays water vapor generated by heating the water stored in a water tank to a predetermined temperature into the room, an ultrasonic humidifier that sprays the water particles refined by ultrasonic vibration of the water stored in the water tank into the room, and a combined humidifier that has both a heating type humidification method and an ultrasonic type humidification method.

[0003] Recently, a vaporizing (blowing) humidifier that immerses a humidifying member (humidifying filter) in a water tank and then vaporizes the water absorbed by the humidifying member by blowing to perform humidification has also been used.

[0004] Generally, in the case of a vaporizing humidifier, when a blower fan sucks in outside air, the air sucked in through the blower fan atomizes while passing through the humidifying filter. Further, the atomized air is discharged to the outside through the humidifier discharge port to humidify the dry indoor air.

[0005] Such a vaporizing humidifier uses a water tank that stores the water supplied from a water bucket, and immerses a humidifying filter in the water stored in the water tank, or contacts a rotating disk with the water stored in the water tank to perform humidification.

[0006] However, in the conventional vaporizing humidifier, even after the humidification is completed, water remains at a preset water level in the water tank. Therefore, there is a problem that not only the humidifying member but also the water tank may generate mold, scale, water scale, odor, or bacteria may proliferate.

[0007] In addition, a conventional vaporizing humidifier is configured such that a water bucket is attached to a water tank and water is supplied from the water bucket to the water tank, and has a structure in which water is continuously supplied so that the water stored in the water tank maintains a constant water level. Therefore, there is a problem that humidification is performed by the water stored in the water tank even when humidification is not desired. In addition, since the water level in the water tank is maintained at a constant level, there is also a problem that the water in the water bucket disappears due to evaporation that occurs even when humidification is not performed.

[0008] Furthermore, in a conventional vaporizing humidifier, when humidification is not performed for a long time, the water in the water bucket remains for a long time. Therefore, there are problems such as the occurrence of mold, scale, water scale, odor, and the growth of bacteria inside the water bucket. In addition, when humidification is performed in this state, humidification is performed with contaminated water, which is not hygienic.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] The present invention has been devised to solve at least some of the problems of the prior art as described above, and an object thereof is to provide a humidifier and a control method thereof that can minimize contamination of the water tank and / or humidifying member and the generation of bacteria.

[0010] And, as one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a humidifier and a control method thereof that can dry not only the humidifying member but also the water tank.

[0011] Also, as one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a humidifier and a control method thereof that can minimize contamination of the water stored in the water bucket and the generation of bacteria.

[0012] And, as one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a humidifier and a control method thereof that can notify the user that it is necessary to replace the water inside the water bucket.

[0013] In addition, as one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a humidifier capable of adjusting whether to supply water from a water bucket to a water tank and a control method thereof.

[0014] And, as one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a humidifier with improved hygiene and a control method thereof.

[0015] In addition, as one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a humidifier and a control method thereof in which water is supplied to the water tank only in a humidification mode and a water bucket empty mode, and water is not supplied to the water tank in a cleaning mode and a drying mode.

[0016] And, as one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a humidifier and a control method thereof in which water can be supplied to the water tank through flow path adjustment inside the humidifier or the supply of water can be cut off without using another driving means for supplying water to the water tank.

[0017] In addition, as one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a humidifier and a control method thereof capable of enhancing humidification efficiency and air cleaning efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0018] As one aspect for achieving the above object, the present invention includes a housing having an air inlet through which air flows in and an air outlet through which air is discharged, a blower unit provided in the housing for providing a blowing force so that the air flowing in from the air inlet flows to the air outlet, a water bucket provided in the housing and having a water supply valve member that opens and closes to enable the discharge of the water stored therein, a water tank unit having a water tank that receives water supply from the water bucket, a humidifying member that performs humidification using the water supplied to the water tank, a water supply adjustment member that opens and closes the water supply valve member so that the water supply from the water bucket to the water tank is performed or blocked, and a control unit that controls the water supply from the water bucket to the water tank and the driving of the blower unit. The control unit performs a drying mode in which the humidifying member is dried after the humidifying mode for performing humidification ends, and the control unit provides a humidifier configured such that the drying mode is performed with the water supply from the water bucket to the water tank blocked.

[0019] The control unit can be configured to control the movement of the water supply adjustment member so that the water supply valve member is in a closed state when the drying mode is being performed, and drive the blower unit so that the humidifying member is dried. When the humidifying mode is being performed, the control unit can be configured to control the movement of the water supply adjustment member so that the water supply valve member is in an open state and drive the blower unit.

[0020] Further, the control unit can adjust the blowing volume of the blower unit based on at least one of the illuminance and the relative humidity when the drying mode is being performed.

[0021] And the control unit can be configured to further perform the drying mode for a preset additional drying time after it is detected that there is no water in the water tank.

[0022] Further, the water supply adjustment member includes a main body portion, a pressing portion formed on one side of the main body portion and configured to move up and down so as to be able to press the water supply valve member, an operating portion formed on the other side of the main body portion, and a rotating shaft portion positioned between the pressing portion and the operating portion. The pressing portion can rotate and move up and down about the rotating shaft portion in response to the movement of the operating portion.

[0023] And, the water tank unit includes the water tank for storing water and a water tank cover covering at least a part of the upper portion of the water tank. The rotating shaft portion can be installed on the water tank cover.

[0024] Also, the humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a pressurizing portion for rotating the operating portion of the water supply adjustment member about the rotating shaft portion. The control unit controls the movement of the pressurizing portion. When the humidifying mode is executed, the pressurizing portion contacts the operating portion and pressurizes the operating portion so that the water supply valve member is in an open state. When the drying mode is executed, the pressurizing portion releases the state of pressurizing the operating portion, so that the water supply valve member can be configured to be in a closed state.

[0025] On the other hand, the discharge port includes a humidified air discharge port through which air flowing in from the intake port and filtered through the air purification filter is discharged through the humidifying member, and a clean air discharge port discharged without passing through the humidifying member. The air blown from the blowing unit can be discharged through at least one of the humidified air discharge port and the clean air discharge port by switching the flow path of the flow path adjustment member. At this time, the pressurizing portion can be configured to rotate integrally with the flow path adjustment member in response to the rotation of the flow path adjustment member, but is not limited thereto.

[0026] And, different from the above, the water supply adjustment member can be configured to open and close the water supply valve member via magnetic force.

[0027] As another aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a humidifier in which water supplied from a water bucket to a water tank is provided to a humidifying member to perform humidification. The method includes a humidifying step of proceeding with a humidifying mode in which humidification is performed via the humidifying member, and a drying step of proceeding with a drying mode in which the humidifying member is dried after the humidifying mode ends. The drying step is performed in a state where the supply of water from the water bucket to the water tank is blocked.

[0028] At this time, the drying step can be configured to allow at least a part of the air blown from the blower unit to flow to the humidifying member.

[0029] Further, the drying step can be configured to be performed with the humidifying member immersed in the water tank so that the water stored in the water tank can be removed.

[0030] And the drying step can be performed during a preset drying set time.

[0031] Also, the drying step can be continued in a state where water is detected in the water tank, and can be further performed during a preset additional drying time even after water is not detected in the water tank.

[0032] On the other hand, the drying step can adjust the air volume based on at least one of the illuminance and the relative humidity. At this time, the drying step may be configured to decrease the air volume when the measured illuminance is equal to or less than a preset reference illuminance value, or may be configured to increase the air volume when the measured relative humidity is equal to or greater than a preset reference relative humidity value compared to when it is less than the preset reference relative humidity value.

[0033] Also, the drying step can be configured to minimize the air volume when the measured illuminance is equal to or less than a preset reference illuminance value, and to compare the measured relative humidity with a preset reference relative humidity value and increase or decrease the air volume when the measured illuminance is greater than the preset reference illuminance value.

[0034] Furthermore, the drying set time and / or additional drying time can be adjusted according to the increase or decrease of the air volume.

[0035] On the other hand, the drying stage is carried out when an end signal of the humidifying stage is input. Here, the end signal includes an end signal for turning off the drive of the humidifier and a third-mode progress signal for performing a third mode other than the humidifying mode and the drying mode. After the drying stage ends, according to the end signal, the drive of the humidifier can be turned off, or a subsequent stage of proceeding with the third mode can be carried out.

[0036] At this time, the third-mode progress signal can include a cleaning mode in which the air filtered through the air purification filter is discharged without passing through the humidifying member.

[0037] In the humidifying mode, the blown air is configured to be humidified through the humidifying member and then discharged through the humidified air discharge port. In the cleaning mode, the blown air is configured to be discharged through the clean air discharge port without passing through the humidifying member. In the drying mode, a part of the blown air can be configured to dry the humidifying member through the humidifying member and then be discharged through the humidified air discharge port, and the remaining air is discharged through the clean air discharge port without passing through the humidifying member.

Advantages of the Invention

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration, it is possible to achieve the effect of minimizing contamination of the water tank and / or the humidifying member and the generation of bacteria.

[0039] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, not only the humidifying member but also the water tank can be dried.

[0040] And according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to achieve the effect of minimizing contamination of the water stored in the water bucket and the generation of bacteria.

[0041] Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, since a user can easily confirm that it is necessary to replace the water inside the water bucket, an effect of preventing the water from remaining in the water bucket for a long time is achieved.

[0042] And, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an effect of being able to easily adjust whether to supply water from the water bucket to the water tank can be achieved. In particular, in the humidification mode or the water bucket empty mode, water supply to the water tank can be configured to be performed, and in the cleaning mode or the drying mode, water supply to the water tank can be configured not to be performed. Thereby, an effect of preventing the water in the water bucket from being continuously supplied to the water tank and wasted unnecessarily can be achieved.

[0043] Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an effect of improving the hygiene of the humidifier is achieved.

[0044] And, according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the supply and cutoff of water to the water tank can be achieved only by the rotation of the flow path adjustment member that rotates between the cleaning mode position and the humidification mode position, an effect of not requiring another driving means for supplying water from the water bucket to the water tank or for cutting off the water supply is achieved.

[0045] Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an effect of being able to enhance the humidification efficiency and the air cleaning efficiency is achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0046]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0047] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified into several other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Also, the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those having average knowledge in the relevant technical field. Therefore, the shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings can be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0048] Also, the singular expressions in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and the same reference numerals throughout the specification refer to the same components or corresponding components.

[0049] Hereinafter, a humidifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention and its control method (S100, S200) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0050] First, various embodiments of the humidifier 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18.

[0051] The humidifier 100 according to the present invention is configured to supply water from a water bucket 130 to a water tank 141, provide the water stored in the water tank 141 to a humidifying member 160 for humidification, and adjust whether the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 is performed or blocked. The humidifier 100 according to the present invention is not limited to a humidifier having only the above-described humidifying function, and as described later, it can include all humidifying cleaners with an air purification function added thereto and humidifiers including other additional functions.

[0052] [Humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment] First, the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 and FIG. 18.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a humidifier 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a water bucket 130 and a water tank unit 140 are separated from the humidifier 100 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the water tank unit 140 and a humidifying member 160 shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the water tank unit 140 and the humidifying member 160 shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, a water supply valve member 135 is also shown for convenience of explanation. Further, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1 after removing the water bucket main body 131 from the humidifier 100 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a flow path adjusting member 180 provided in the humidifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a water supply adjusting member 150 shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the humidifier 100 shown in FIG. 1, where the lower part is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the central part and the upper part is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1 with the water bucket 130 removed. And FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing a state in the cleaning mode at part B of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing states in the humidifying mode and the water bucket empty mode at part B of FIG. 8, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a state in the drying mode at part B of FIG. 8. Further, FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing the operation of a control unit C according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 and FIG. 18, the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 110 that forms the appearance of the product, a water bucket 130 that stores water for humidification and includes a water supply valve member 135, a water tank unit 140 that includes a water tank 141 that receives water supply from the water bucket 130, a humidifying member 160 that performs humidification, a blowing unit 170 that provides blowing force, a water supply adjusting member 150 that opens and closes the water supply valve member 135, and a control unit C that controls the water supply from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 and the driving of the blowing unit 170. Further, the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can further include at least a part of an air purification filter 120 that filters and purifies air, a flow path adjusting member 180 that adjusts the flow of air, and a pressurizing unit 190 that operates the water supply adjusting member 150.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 110 can include a housing body 111 that constitutes the appearance, an intake port 115 through which external air flows into the interior of the housing body 111, and an outlet port 116 through which the air that has passed through the interior of the housing body 111 is discharged to the outside of the housing body 111.

[0056] Further, the outlet port 116 can be configured to be separated into a humidified air outlet port 118 through which the air flowing in from the intake port 115 is discharged via an air purification filter 120 and a humidifying member 160 described later, and a clean air outlet port 117 through which the air flowing in from the intake port 115 is discharged without passing through the humidifying member 160 after passing through the air purification filter 120.

[0057] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the intake port 115 is formed at the lower front part of the housing 110, and the humidified air outlet port 118 is formed at the upper front part of the housing 110. Also, the clean air outlet port 117 may be formed on the upper surface of the housing 110, and the installation positions and numbers of the intake port 115 and the outlet ports (116; 117, 118) can be variously changed. For example, the intake port 115 may be installed on a plurality of surfaces among the front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the housing 110 so as to be able to suck air in a plurality of directions, and the installation positions and numbers of the humidified air outlet port 118 and the clean air outlet port 117 can also be changed.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 8, the air purification filter 120 can be arranged in the air flow path at the rear stage of the intake port 115 and configured to filter (purify) the air flowing in from the intake port 115. Also, the air purification filter 120 can be installed in the front stage flow path of the blower unit 170 so that the air flowing in from the intake port 115 flows into the blower unit 170 after being filtered by the air purification filter 120.

[0059] Such an air purification filter 120 can be configured in a square shape corresponding to the shape and cross-sectional area of the air flow path behind the suction port 115. Therefore, all the air flowing in through the suction port 115 of the housing 110 can pass through the air purification filter 120. However, the shape of the air purification filter 120 is not limited to the above-mentioned square shape, and known filters in various forms can be used. For example, the air purification filter 120 can be composed of a three-dimensional filter having a circular or angular cross-section and having a space formed inside.

[0060] Also, such an air purification filter 120 can be selected from known filters having various forms and functions for air filtration, and the type, number, form, etc. of the filter used as the air purification filter 120 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 8, and various changes are possible.

[0061] And the water bucket 130 can include a water bucket main body 131 that stores water for humidification inside, and a water supply valve member 135 that opens and closes so that the water stored in the water bucket main body 131 can be discharged.

[0062] Such a water bucket 130 can have a structure separated from the humidifier 100 so that the inside of the water bucket main body 131 can be easily filled with water. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water bucket 130 can be configured to be separable from the housing 110. Also, the water bucket main body 131 may be configured to form a part of the appearance of the housing 110, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured separately from the appearance of the housing 110 as in the case of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

[0063] And the water supply valve member 135 can be installed as a cap structure that is screwed to the inlet (injection port) of the water bucket main body 131. Such a water supply valve member 135 can include an opening and closing part (136 in FIG. 9) that is elastically supported by an elastic member (spring).

[0064] The water supply valve member 135 has a configuration commonly used for the water tank 130 of a normal humidifier. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a schematic configuration of the water supply valve member 135 will be described. The water supply valve member 135 can include a cap member 137 coupled to the inlet of the water tank body 131, and an opening / closing portion 136 that opens and closes to discharge the water stored in the water tank 130. Further, the opening / closing portion 136 can include a sealing member 136a that opens or seals the discharge port formed in the cap member 137, a rod member 136b that moves the sealing member 136a up and down in the vertical direction, and an elastic member 136c that provides an elastic force so that the sealing member 136a seals the discharge port of the cap member 137. On the other hand, FIGS. 15 and 16 show that the cap member 137 has a double structure composed of two caps 137a and 137b, but the cap member 137 can also be composed of a single member.

[0065] Thus, the water supply valve member 135 can have a mechanical valve structure that maintains a closed state by the elastic force of the elastic member when the opening / closing portion 136 is not pressurized, and maintains an open state when the opening / closing portion 136 is pressurized.

[0066] Next, the water tank unit 140 is installed inside the housing 110 and is configured to store the water supplied from the water tank 130 in response to the opening of the water supply valve member 135.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the water tank unit 140 can include a water tank 141 that stores the water supplied from the water tank 130, and a water tank cover 148 that is configured to cover at least a part of the upper portion of the water tank 141 and on which the water tank 130 is placed.

[0068] And, on the water tank cover 148, a cover extension part 145 that extends to the side of the humidifying member mounting part 146 where the humidifying member 160 is mounted can be connected. On the other hand, inside the housing 110, a partition plate (112 in FIG. 2) that blocks the air flow path part (F1, F2, F3 in FIG. 8) formed inside the housing 100 from the opening 113 where the water bucket 130 is installed is formed. Also, on the upper side of the cover extension part 145, when the water tank unit 140 is mounted on the opening 113 of the housing 110, an opening cover 143 that closes the through hole (112b in FIG. 2) formed in the partition plate (112 in FIG. 2) can be installed.

[0069] Also, on the water tank cover 148, an installation groove 147 where a water supply adjustment member 150 described later is installed can be formed. And, on the water tank unit 140, a water detection sensor (LS in FIG. 18) can be installed so as to be able to detect the water level and the presence or absence of water stored in the water tank 141. Such a water detection sensor LS may be a water level detection sensor that detects the height of the water stored in the water tank 141, but is not limited thereto, and may be composed of a sensor that detects the presence or absence of water at the bottom of the water tank 141. Incidentally, the water detection sensor LS may be installed inside the water tank unit 140, but in order to facilitate the cleaning of the water tank unit 140, when it is installed outside the water tank unit 140 and the water tank unit 140 is coupled, it can be configured to measure the water level and the presence or absence of water using capacitance or the like.

[0070] And, as shown in FIG. 2, the water tank unit 140 can be installed so that it can be separated from the housing 110 by a sliding method in a state where the water bucket 130 is separated from the housing 110.

[0071] In addition, the humidifying member (humidifying filter) 160 humidifies in a vaporization (blowing) manner using the water supplied to the water tank 141 of the water tank unit 140. Incidentally, it can be installed side by side with the front surface of the housing 110 adjacent to the humidified air discharge port 118. Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the humidifying member 160 is disposed at the rear stage of the blowing unit 170 on the air flow path. Thereby, the air flowing due to the operation of the blowing unit 170 is humidified through the humidifying member 160 and then discharged through the humidified air discharge port 118 (see FIG. 10).

[0072] In this way, since the air purification filter 120 is disposed in the front stage of the blowing unit 170 and the humidifying member 160 is disposed in the rear stage of the blowing unit 170, when only the air cleaning function is performed (see FIG. 9), the air filtered by the air purification filter 120 is discharged through the clean air discharge port 117 without passing through the humidifying member 160, so that the air cleaning efficiency can be increased. Thereby, even if the blower fan provided in the blowing unit 170 is driven at a relatively low RPM and low power, it is possible to ensure a sufficient discharge amount and reduce the generation of noise. Also, when humidifying is performed through the switching of the flow path of the flow path adjusting member 180 described later (see FIG. 10), the humidifying efficiency is increased by causing the air blown from the blowing unit 170 to flow entirely to the humidifying member 160 side.

[0073] Such a humidifying member 160 can be configured to have a material and shape with excellent hygroscopicity so as to be able to sufficiently absorb the water stored in the water tank 141 of the water tank unit 140. As an example, the humidifying member 160 can have a structure immersed in the water stored in the water tank 141 as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. However, the humidifying member 160 is not limited to the above-described structure, and various known vaporization humidification structures such as a disk shape that rotates as long as vaporization humidification is possible can also be used.

[0074] Then, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the humidifying member 160 can be attached to and detached from the water tank unit 140 via the humidifying member mounting portion 146. Further, after separating the water bucket 130 from the housing 110, the humidifying member 160 can be separated from the housing 110 by a sliding method while being attached to the water tank unit 140.

[0075] On the other hand, since the humidifying member 160 is disposed in the humidifying flow path F3 among the air flow paths F1, F2, and F3 corresponding to the inside of the partition plate 112, in order to dispose the water tank unit 140 to which the humidifying member 160 is attached in the humidifying flow path F3, a through hole 112b through which a portion of the humidifying member 160 is retracted or pulled out can be formed in the partition plate 112. In order to close the through hole 112b, the water tank unit 140 can be provided with an opening cover 143.

[0076] Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the blower unit 170 provides a blowing force so that the air flowing in from the suction port 115 flows to the discharge port (116; 117, 118) through the air flow paths F1, F2, and F3 formed between the suction port 115 and the discharge port (116; 117, 118).

[0077] Referring to FIG. 8, the air flow paths F1, F2, and F3 can include a blowing flow path F1 located on the outlet side of the blower unit 170, a clean flow path F2 through which the air from the blowing flow path F1 flows to the clean air discharge port 117, and a humidifying flow path F3 through which the air from the blowing flow path F1 flows to the humidified air discharge port 118.

[0078] Specific air flow paths of such air flow paths F1, F2, and F3 can be variously changed according to the positions of the suction port 115 and the discharge port (116; 117, 118) and the suction / discharge positions and directions of the blower unit 170.

[0079] Further, the blower unit 170 can include a blower fan (not labeled in the drawing) that moves air and a fan motor (not shown) that drives the blower fan, similar to a normal blower used in an air purifier. FIG. 8 shows the blower unit 170 disposed behind the air purification filter 120 with respect to the air flow path and having a structure that sucks air from one side. However, the installation position and suction structure of the blower unit 170 are not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 8, and various modifications are possible. For example, the blower fan provided in the blower unit 170 can also have a double suction structure.

[0080] And the flow path adjustment member 180 can be arranged to be rotatable in the air flow path portions F1, F2, F3 and configured to adjust the flow of air to the discharge ports (116; 117, 118).

[0081] Referring to FIG. 8, the flow path adjustment member 180 can be configured to switch the flow path so that the air flowing through the air flow path portions F1, F2, F3 is discharged through at least one of the humidified air discharge port 118 and the clean air discharge port 117.

[0082] For example, the flow path adjustment member 180 can be configured to rotate between a clean mode position (see FIG. 9) where the air filtered by the air purification filter 120 and discharged from the blower unit 170 flows through the clean flow path F2 to the clean air discharge port 117 and a humidification mode position (see FIG. 10) where the air from the blower unit 170 flows through the humidification flow path F3 to the humidified air discharge port 118. That is, the air purified through the air purification filter 120 is discharged in a humidified state through the humidified air discharge port 118 after passing through the humidification member 160 when the flow path adjustment member 180 is in the humidification mode position shown in FIG. 10, and is discharged through the clean air discharge port 117 without passing through the humidification member 160 when the flow path adjustment member 180 is in the clean mode position shown in FIG. 9.

[0083] On the other hand, the flow path adjustment member 180 may be located at a third position (dry mode position) located between the cleaning mode position and the humidifying mode position (see FIG. 11). In this case, the air from the blower unit 170 can be branched into the cleaning flow path F2 and the humidifying flow path F3 and flow to both the clean air outlet 117 and the humidified air outlet 118.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, the flow path adjustment member 180 may include a main body portion 181 configured to cross at least a part of the air flow path portions F1, F2, and F3 so as to open and close at least a part of the air flow path portions F1, F2, and F3, and a rotation shaft 183 that forms the rotation center of the main body portion 181.

[0085] Further, the flow path adjustment member 180 can be configured to rotate by a drive unit M composed of a motor or the like. Therefore, by controlling the drive unit M via the control unit C, the flow path adjustment member 180 rotates between the cleaning mode position and the humidifying mode position.

[0086] And the water supply adjustment member 150 operates to open and close the water supply valve member 135, and the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 is performed or blocked by the opening and closing of the water supply valve member 135.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, such a water supply adjustment member 150 is installed on the water tank cover 148 of the water tank unit 140 and can be separated for cleaning of the water supply adjustment member 150 and / or the water tank unit 140. That is, since the water supply adjustment member 150 is installed on the water tank cover 148 that can be separated from the water tank 141 without being installed on the bottom surface of the water tank unit 140, it does not have any influence during the cleaning of the water tank unit 140.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 7, the water supply adjustment member 150 can include a pressing portion 157 that moves up and down to press the water supply valve member 135.

[0089] Specifically described, the water supply adjustment member 150 includes a main body portion 151, a pressing portion 157 formed on one side of the main body portion 151 and arranged to be able to press the water supply valve member 135 of the water bucket 130, an operating portion 155 formed on the other side of the main body portion 151 and arranged to be able to be pressurized by a pressurizing portion 190 described later, and a rotating shaft portion 153 located between the pressing portion 157 and the operating portion 155 and coupled to an installation groove 147 formed in the water tank cover 148.

[0090] With such a configuration, the water supply adjustment member 150 can have a structure in which the pressing portion 157 rotates and moves up and down about the rotating shaft portion 153 in response to the movement of the operating portion 155. That is, when the operating portion 155 is pressurized and moved by the pressurizing portion 190, and when the contact between the pressurizing portion 190 and the operating portion 155 is released and the operating portion 155 moves by the elastic force of an elastic member provided in the water supply valve member 135, the pressing portion 157 and the operating portion 155 of the water supply adjustment member 150 can be configured to be capable of a seesaw motion about the rotating shaft portion 153 (see the arrows in FIGS. 3 and 7).

[0091] Also, since the rotating shaft portion 153 of the water supply adjustment member 150 is coupled to the installation groove 147 formed in the water tank cover 148, the water tank 141 does not have a structure for pressing the water supply valve member 135 or a structure for installing the water supply adjustment member 150, so there is an advantage that the bottom surface of the water tank 141 is easy to clean.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the installation groove 147 of the water tank cover 145 where the water supply adjustment member 150 is installed can be configured as an arcuate groove in which the operating portion 155 side (upper side) is open and the pressing portion 157 side (lower side) is closed with the water supply adjustment member 150 installed on the water tank cover 145. Thereby, the water supply adjustment member 150 can maintain a stable position without detaching from the installation groove even when the pressurizing portion 190 described later pressurizes the operating portion 155 of the water supply adjustment member 150.

[0093] On the one hand, the pressing part 190 is configured to press the operating part 155 of the water supply adjusting member 150 so that the water supply adjusting member 150 can rotate about the rotating shaft part 153.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, 8, and 10, when the pressing part 190 presses the operating part 155 of the water supply adjusting member 150 downward, the pressing part 157 moves up and down about the rotating shaft part 153, so that the water supply valve member 135 can be opened. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the pressing part 157 moves upward, the opening and closing part 136 of the water supply valve member 135 elastically supported by the elastic member moves upward, and a space for water to flow out is formed around the opening and closing part 136. Thereby, water is supplied from the water bucket 130 to the water tank unit 140. Further, when the pressing part 190 rotates and the contact (pressing state) between the pressing part 190 and the operating part 155 of the water supply adjusting member 150 is released, the water supply valve member 135 is closed by the elastic force of the elastic member provided on the opening and closing part 136 of the water supply valve member 135.

[0095] In order for such a pressing part 190 to perform the function of pressing the operating part 155 of the water supply adjusting member 130, it may have a configuration that operates independently of other components, or may be configured to rotate integrally with the flow path adjusting member 180 in accordance with the rotation of the flow path adjusting member 180. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the main body part 181 of the flow path adjusting member 180 rotates about the rotating shaft 183 by the drive of the drive part M, so that the pressing part 190 can rotate together with the flow path adjusting member 180. The pressing part 190 may be integrally formed on one side of the flow path adjusting member 180 or may be coupled to one side.

[0096] Accordingly, the opening and closing of the water supply valve member 135 provided in the water bucket 130 can be performed by the rotation of the pressurizing unit 190 together with the flow path adjusting member 180. For example, when humidification is performed through the humidifying member 160 (that is, when the flow path adjusting member 180 is in the humidification mode position), the flow path adjusting member 180 is in a position to open the humidification flow path F3, and the pressurizing unit 190 positions itself at a position to pressurize the operating portion 155 of the water supply adjusting member 150, so that the water supply valve member 135 provided in the water bucket 130 is opened, and water can be supplied from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141. Thus, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since the opening and closing of the water supply valve member 135 provided in the water bucket 130 is performed by the pressurizing unit 190 that rotates together with the flow path adjusting member 180, the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank unit 140 can be efficiently blocked, and there may be an advantage that no separate driving means for supplying water to the water tank unit 140 is required.

[0097] On the other hand, referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the housing 110 can include an opening 113 in which the water bucket 130 is installed and a partition plate 112 that partitions the air flow paths F1, F2, and F3 through which air flows. At this time, the water supply adjusting member 150 can be located at the opening 113 corresponding to the outside of the partition plate 112, and the flow path adjusting member 180 can be located in the air flow paths F1, F2, and F3 corresponding to the inside of the partition plate 112. However, the pressurizing unit 190 connected to the flow path adjusting member 180 can be configured to be exposed to the opening 113 through a through hole 112a formed in the partition plate 112 so as to be able to pressurize the operating portion 155 of the water supply adjusting member 150 located at the opening 113.

[0098] Then, referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, when the water tank unit 140 is installed in the housing 110, if the operating portion 155 of the water supply adjusting member 150 is in a state of being lifted upward, it may come into contact with and interfere with the side surface of the pressurizing unit 190 connected to the flow path adjusting member 180. When such interference occurs, the water tank unit 140 cannot be completely installed, and water supply from the water bucket 130 stops.

[0099] In order to solve such a problem, with the water supply adjustment member 150 installed on the water tank cover 148, as shown in FIG. 7, the water supply adjustment member 150 is configured such that a weight portion 159 for adding weight is disposed on the other side of the main body portion 151, that is, on the operation portion 155 side, so that the operation portion 155 side has a state of tilting downward about the rotation shaft portion 153. Thus, when the water tank unit 140 is separated from the housing 110, due to the load of the weight portion 159, the operation portion 155 is in a state of tilting downward. Even when the water tank unit 140 is attached to the housing 110, the operation portion 155 of the water supply adjustment member 150 is not interfered by the pressurizing portion 190 connected to the flow path adjustment member 180, and the attachment of the water tank unit 140 can be stably performed.

[0100] Finally, the control unit C controls the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 and the driving of the blower unit 170. That is, the control unit C can perform a cleaning mode for air cleaning and a humidifying mode for humidification by controlling the supply of water to the water tank 141 and the driving of the blower unit 170. In addition, after the humidifying mode ends, the control unit C can perform a drying mode in which the humidifying member 160 is dried. Further, when the condition set in advance is satisfied, the control unit C can perform a water bucket empty mode in which the water in the water bucket 130 is emptied.

[0101] Also, the control unit C can adjust the rotational position of the flow path adjustment member 180 in order to guide the air flow according to the cleaning mode, the humidifying mode, the drying mode, and the water bucket empty mode by controlling the driving of the flow path adjustment member 180.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the cleaning mode, the humidifying mode, the drying mode, and the water bucket empty mode will be described.

[0103] [Cleaning Mode] First, as shown in FIG. 9, in the cleaning mode, in order to open the cleaning flow path F2 of the air flow path parts F1, F2, and F3, the control unit C controls the position of the flow path adjustment member 180 so that the flow path adjustment member 180 faces the vertical direction, and the blower unit 170 can be driven. In this way, when the main body part 181 of the flow path adjustment member 180 is installed in parallel with the cleaning flow path F2, the air blown from the blower unit 170 passes through the cleaning flow path F2 opened by the flow path resistance of the humidifying member 160 installed in the humidifying flow path F3, and can be discharged through the clean air discharge port 117.

[0104] In this case, since the pressurizing part 190 connected to the flow path adjustment member 180 is in a state of being separated from (not in contact with) the operating part 155 of the water supply adjustment member 150, the pressing part 157 of the water supply adjustment member 150 does not pressurize the water supply valve member 135. Therefore, the opening / closing part 136 provided in the water supply valve member 135 maintains a closed state by the elastic force of the elastic member (spring), and the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank unit 140 is stopped.

[0105] When the blower unit 170 is driven in such a flow path state in the cleaning mode, the air flowing in from the suction port 115 is filtered through the air purification filter 120, and then can pass through the cleaning flow path F2 without passing through the humidifying member 160 and be discharged to the clean air discharge port 117.

[0106] [Humidifying mode] Next, as shown in FIG. 10, in the humidification mode, the control unit C can control the position of the flow path adjustment member 180 so that the clean flow path F2 of the air flow path parts F1, F2, and F3 is closed, that is, so that the flow path adjustment member 180 is positioned in a direction crossing the lateral cross-section of the clean flow path F2, for example, in an oblique direction. That is, the flow path adjustment member 180 can be positioned such that the upper end of the main body part 181 inclines toward the humidified air clean discharge port 118. In this case, since the upper end of the main body part 181 of the flow path adjustment member 180 comes to be adjacent to the partition wall W and the lower end comes to be adjacent to the opposite side of the partition wall W, the flow of air into the clean flow path F2 is blocked, and the air flowing through the air flow path part flows into the humidification flow path F3 through the through-hole WH formed in the partition wall W. Thereby, the air blown from the blower part 170 can be humidified through the humidifying member 160 and then discharged to the outside of the housing 110 through the humidified air discharge port 118.

[0107] When performing such a humidification mode, the control unit C controls the movement of the water supply adjustment member 150 so that the water supply valve member 135 is in an open state, and drives the blower part 170. Specifically, when performing the humidification mode, the control unit C causes the pressurizing part 190 connected to the flow path adjustment member 180 to be in a state of contacting and pressurizing the operating part 155 of the water supply adjustment member 150. Accordingly, the operating part 155 of the water supply adjustment member 150 moves downward with respect to the rotary shaft part 153, and the pressing part 157 of the water supply adjustment member 150 moves upward with respect to the rotary shaft part 153. Then, the pressing part 157 of the water supply adjustment member 150 pressurizes the opening and closing part 136 of the water supply valve member 135 upward so that the opening and closing part 136 moves upward. Therefore, the opening and closing part 136 is in an open state, and water is supplied from the water bucket 130 to the water tank unit 140.

[0108] When the blower part 170 is driven in such a flow path state of the humidification mode, the air flowing in from the suction port 115 is filtered through the air purification filter 120, then humidified through the humidifying member 160 and the humidification flow path F3, and can be discharged to the humidified air discharge port 118.

[0109] [Drying mode] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, after the humidification mode ends, the control unit C can perform a drying mode so that the humidifying member 160 and / or the water tank 141 are dried. When performing such a drying mode, the control unit C cuts off the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141, and drives the blower unit 170 so that the water absorbed by the humidifying member 160 and / or the water stored in the water tank 141 is dried.

[0110] And, when performing the drying mode, the control unit C controls the movement of the water supply adjustment member 150 so that the water supply valve member 135 is in a closed state. That is, when the flow path adjustment member 180 rotates from the humidification mode position to the drying mode position by the control unit C, the contact between the pressurizing unit 190 connected to the flow path adjustment member 180 and the operating part 155 of the water supply adjustment member 150 is released. Therefore, the operating part 155 of the water supply adjustment member 150 moves downward by the elastic force of the elastic member (spring). When the opening / closing part 136 provided in the water supply valve member 135 is in a closed state by such an elastic force, the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank unit 140 is cut off.

[0111] Also, after the humidification ends, the control unit C can control the position of the flow path adjustment member 180 so that the flow path adjustment member 180 has a third position (drying mode position) located between the cleaning mode position and the humidification mode position for performing the drying mode. In this state, the blower unit 170 is driven so that the water absorbed by the humidifying member 160 and / or the water stored in the water tank 141 can be dried.

[0112] Specifically, in the flow path adjustment member 180, as shown in FIG. 11, the inclination angle with respect to the vertical direction is set to be smaller than the inclination angle with respect to the vertical direction at the humidification mode position in FIG. 10. In this case, the upper end of the flow path adjustment member 180 is slightly separated from the partition wall W, and the lower end is slightly separated from the opposite side of the partition wall W. Therefore, a part of the air flows into the clean flow path F2, and a part of the air flows into the humidification flow path F3 through the through hole WH formed in the partition wall W. As a result, the air passing through the humidification member 160 can dry the humidification member 160. Further, the humidification member 160 can have a structure that enables moisture absorption of the water stored in the water tank unit 140. In this case, the water stored in the water tank 141 of the water tank unit 140 can also be dried according to the drying of the humidification member 160.

[0113] At this time, in order to improve the drying efficiency, the position of the flow path adjustment member 180 in the drying mode can be set to ensure a sufficient air volume to be sent to the humidification flow path F3. For example, the position of the flow path adjustment member 180 in the drying mode can be set to rotate slightly from the humidification mode position so that the contact between the pressurizing unit 190 and the operating unit 155 of the water supply adjustment member 150 is released and the opening / closing unit 136 can be closed.

[0114] On the other hand, the control unit C can adjust the air volume of the blower unit 170 based on at least one of the illuminance and the relative humidity when the drying mode is being performed.

[0115] For example, when the measured illuminance sensed by the illuminance sensor (IS in FIG. 18) is equal to or lower than a preset reference illuminance value, such as at night (bedtime), the control unit C can reduce the air volume of the blower unit 170 for quiet operation.

[0116] In addition, when the measured relative humidity is equal to or higher than a preset reference relative humidity value, since there is a large amount of water vapor in the air and the drying of the humidifying member 160 and the water tank 141 is not smooth, in order to perform a fast drying operation, the air volume can be increased compared to the case where it is smaller than the reference relative humidity value. At this time, the measured relative humidity can be obtained via various known sensors such as the temperature and humidity sensor HS shown in FIG. 18.

[0117] Then, when the measured illuminance is equal to or lower than a preset reference illuminance value, the control unit C minimizes the air volume, and when the measured illuminance is greater than the preset reference illuminance value, the control unit C compares the measured relative humidity with the preset reference relative humidity value and can increase or decrease the air volume.

[0118] The increase or decrease of the air volume can be achieved by adjusting the driving RPM of the air blowing unit 170. Hereinafter, the case where the air blowing stage of the humidifier 100 is composed of five stages from the lowest RPM of 1 to the highest RPM of 5 will be taken as an example for explanation. When the measured illuminance is equal to or lower than the preset reference illuminance value, the air blowing unit 170 can be driven at stage 1 with the lowest RPM so as not to interfere with the user's rest (going to bed) (that is, for quiet operation). When the measured illuminance is greater than the preset reference illuminance value, the air blowing unit 170 can be driven at stage 2 or higher than stage 1. In addition, when the measured relative humidity is equal to or higher than the reference relative humidity value, since there is a large amount of water vapor in the air, in order to perform a fast drying operation, the air blowing unit 170 can be driven at stage 4 or 5. Conversely, when the measured relative humidity is smaller than the reference relative humidity value, the air blowing unit 170 can be driven at stage 3 or 2 so that the air volume is less than that when it is equal to or higher than the reference relative humidity value.

[0119] In contrast, based on the air supply stage corresponding to the current state of the air (e.g., the amount of dust), it is also possible to drive by increasing or decreasing the air supply stage according to the illuminance or relative humidity. For example, when the set value of the air supply stage corresponding to the current state of the air (e.g., the amount of dust) is 3 levels, if the measured illuminance is equal to or lower than a preset reference illuminance value, the air supply unit 170 is driven at an air supply stage lower than the current set air supply stage (3 levels) (e.g., 1 level or 2 levels), and if the measured illuminance is greater than the preset reference illuminance value, the current set air supply stage (3 levels) can be maintained, or for the performance of a fast drying operation, the air supply unit 170 can be driven at 4 levels or 5 levels higher than the current set air supply stage (3 levels). Also, when the measured relative humidity is equal to or higher than the reference relative humidity value, for the performance of a fast drying operation, the air supply unit 170 is driven at 4 levels or 5 levels higher than the current set air supply stage (3 levels), and when the measured relative humidity is smaller than the reference relative humidity value, the current set air supply stage (3 levels) can be maintained, or the air supply unit 170 can be driven at 2 levels or 1 level lower than the current set air supply stage (3 levels).

[0120] On the other hand, the above-mentioned preset reference illuminance value or reference relative humidity value may be one value, or may be two or more values. In this way, when the reference illuminance value or reference relative humidity value is two or more, the increase or decrease of the air supply volume can be controlled corresponding to the interval corresponding to the measured illuminance or measured relative humidity. Thus, the method of adjusting, increasing, or decreasing the air supply volume considering illuminance or relative humidity is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and various changes are possible.

[0121] And the control unit C can be made to perform the drying mode during a preset drying set time. Such a drying set time can be preset in consideration of the volume of water stored in the water tank 141, the amount of water absorbed by the humidifying member 160, and the like. On the other hand, as described above, the control unit C can increase or decrease the air supply volume of the air supply unit 170 based on at least one of illuminance and relative humidity. In this case, the drying set time can be set further considering the increase or decrease of the air supply volume.

[0122] On the one hand, with the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 blocked, the control unit C drives the blower unit 170. As the water absorbed by the humidifying member 160 and / or the water stored in the water tank 141 dries out, the water stored in the water tank 141 gradually disappears. As a result, the water level in the water tank 141 gradually decreases, and finally, it may be sensed via the water sensor LS that the water level in the water tank 141 reaches the bottom water level or there is no water at the bottom of the water tank 141.

[0123] In this way, even after it is sensed via the water sensor LS that there is no water in the water tank 141, the humidifying member 160 maintains the absorbed state for a certain period of time. Therefore, in order to completely dry the water absorbed by the humidifying member 160, after it is sensed that there is no water in the water tank 141, the control unit C can further perform the drying mode during a preset additional drying time.

[0124] At this time, the additional drying time can be preset in consideration of factors such as the amount of water absorbed by the humidifying member 160. On the other hand, as described above, the control unit C can increase or decrease the air volume of the blower unit 170 based on at least one of the illuminance and the relative humidity. In this case, the additional drying time can be set by further considering the increase or decrease of the air volume.

[0125] In this way, when the blower unit 170 is driven in the flow path state of the drying mode, a part of the air flowing in from the suction port 115 can be filtered through the air purification filter 120, then dry the water absorbed by the humidifying member 160 and / or the water stored in the water tank 141 through the humidifying member 160 and the humidifying flow path F3, and then be discharged from the humidified air discharge port 118. A part of the air can be filtered through the air purification filter 120 and then discharged from the clean air discharge port 117 through the clean flow path F2 without passing through the humidifying member 160.

[0126] However, when performing such a drying mode, the air supply passage formed by the flow path adjustment member 180 is not limited to the configuration illustrated via FIG. 11 described above. For example, as in the second embodiment described later, when the driving of the pressurizing unit 190 that operates the water supply adjustment member 150 is performed independently of the operation of the flow path adjustment member 180, the flow path adjustment member 180 is controlled so as to be positioned at the humidifying mode position in FIG. 10, and the pressurizing unit 190 can be independently controlled so that the water supply valve member 135 is closed. Therefore, it is also possible to perform the drying mode in a state where the water supply valve member 135 is closed and the flow path adjustment member 180 is positioned in the humidifying mode of FIG. 10. In this case, it is also possible that all of the air blown from the blower unit 170 passes through the humidifying passage F3 and is discharged through the humidified air discharge port 118.

[0127] [Water tank empty mode] On the other hand, after the humidifying mode and / or the drying mode are completed, if a long time has passed without the user draining the water that has been stored in the water tank 130 or replacing it with new water, there is a problem that the water stored inside the water tank 130 becomes contaminated or bacteria proliferate.

[0128] To solve such a problem, when the humidifying mode and / or the drying mode are completed and the preset conditions are met, the control unit C supplies the water stored in the water tank 130 to the water tank 141 and performs forced humidification via the humidifying member 160, thereby enabling a water tank empty mode in which the water in the water tank 130 is emptied.

[0129] When performing such a water tank empty mode, the control unit C controls the movement of the water supply adjustment member 150 so that the water supply valve member 135 is in an open state in order to perform forced humidification, and drives the blower unit 170 so that at least a part of the air blown from the blower unit 170 is blown to the humidifying member 160 and forced humidification via the humidifying member 160 is performed.

[0130] That is, the control unit C controls the movement of the water supply adjustment member 150 so that the water supply valve member 135 is in an open state when the water tank empty mode is executed, in the same manner as the humidification mode shown in FIG. 10, and drives the blower unit 170 for forced humidification. Specifically, when performing forced humidification via the water tank empty mode, the control unit C causes the pressurizing unit 190 connected to the flow path adjustment member 180 to come into contact with the operating portion 155 of the water supply adjustment member 150 and pressurize the operating portion 155. Accordingly, the operating portion 155 of the water supply adjustment member 150 moves downward with respect to the rotation shaft portion 153, and the pressing portion 157 of the water supply adjustment member 150 moves upward with respect to the rotation shaft portion 153. Then, the pressing portion 157 of the water supply adjustment member 150 pressurizes the opening / closing portion 136 of the water supply valve member 135 upward so that the opening / closing portion 136 moves upward. Therefore, the opening / closing portion 136 is in an open state, and water is supplied from the water tank 130 to the water tank unit 140.

[0131] And the control unit C can control the position of the flow path adjustment member 180 so that the clean flow path F2 of the air flow paths F1, F2, F3 is closed when the water tank empty mode is executed, in the same manner as the humidification mode shown in FIG. 10. That is, the flow path adjustment member 180 can be positioned in a direction crossing the lateral cross section of the clean flow path F2, for example, in an oblique direction. That is, the upper end of the main body portion 181 of the flow path adjustment member 180 can be positioned so as to be inclined toward the humidified air clean discharge port 118. In this case, the upper end of the main body portion 181 of the flow path adjustment member 180 becomes adjacent to the partition wall W, and the lower end becomes adjacent to the opposite side of the partition wall W, so that the flow of air into the clean flow path F2 is blocked, and the air flowing through the air flow path portion flows into the humidification flow path F3 through the through hole WH formed in the partition wall W. Thereby, the air blown from the blower unit 170 can be humidified via the humidifying member 160 and then discharged to the outside of the housing 110 through the humidified air discharge port 118.

[0132] When the blower unit 170 is driven in the flow path state of such a water tank empty mode, the air flowing in from the suction port 115 is filtered through the air purification filter 120, and then humidified through the humidifying member 160 and the humidifying flow path F3, and can be discharged to the humidified air discharge port 118. Since water is supplied from the water tank 130 to the water tank 141 in the process of forced humidification, the water in the water tank 130 can be emptied.

[0133] However, when performing such a water tank empty mode, the air flow path formed by the flow path adjustment member 180 is not limited to the configuration illustrated through FIG. 10 described above. For example, as in the second embodiment described later, when the driving of the pressurizing unit 190 that operates the water supply adjustment member 150 is performed independently of the operation of the flow path adjustment member 180, the flow path adjustment member 180 is controlled so as to be positioned at the drying mode position in FIG. 11, and the pressurizing unit 190 can be independently controlled so that the water supply valve member 135 is opened. Therefore, it is also possible to perform the water tank empty mode in a state where the water supply valve member 135 is opened and the flow path adjustment member 180 is positioned in the drying mode in FIG. 11. In this case, part of the air blown from the blower unit 170 may pass through the humidifying flow path F3 and be discharged through the humidified air discharge port 118, and part may pass through the clean flow path F2 and be discharged through the clean air discharge port 117.

[0134] In addition, after the humidification mode or the drying mode has progressed, when the preset alarm setting time (first setting time) elapses without the user draining the water that has been stored in the water tank 130 (until now) or replacing it with new water, the control unit C can be configured to guide the user as to whether it is necessary to empty the water tank 130 or replace the water. That is, before performing the water tank emptying mode, by directly guiding the user visually and / or aurally as to whether it is necessary to empty the water tank or replace the water, it can be configured so that the water tank emptying mode is not performed too frequently unnecessarily. Such an alarm setting time can be set to a fixed time (for example, 48 hours) calculated from the end of the humidification mode or the drying mode, but it is also possible to configure it to vary in consideration of seasons, ambient temperature, humidity, etc.

[0135] In this way, whether the user has emptied the water tank 130 or replaced the water can be determined by whether the user has separated the water tank 130 from the housing 110. Also, for detecting whether the water tank 130 has been separated, various known detection methods can be used, such as a sensor (not shown) that senses the weight of the water tank 130 or a sensor (not shown) that determines the presence or absence of the water tank 130 attached by using a magnetic field or the like.

[0136] Then, when the separation of the water tank 130 is detected before the alarm setting time, it is determined that there has been drainage or replacement of the water stored inside the water tank 130, and the alarm setting time (first setting time) is reset and initialized.

[0137] On the one hand, the conditions for performing the preset water tank empty mode can be configured as the condition that after the humidification mode ends, the separation of the water tank 130 is not sensed and a preset water tank empty setting time (second setting time) has elapsed. Also, the conditions for performing the preset water tank empty mode can also be configured as the condition that after the above-described drying mode ends, the separation of the water tank 130 is not sensed and a preset water tank empty setting time has elapsed. Such a water tank empty setting time has a value larger than the above-described alarm setting time and can be set to a fixed time (for example, 60 hours) calculated from the end of the humidification mode or the drying mode, but it can also be configured to vary in consideration of seasons, ambient temperature, humidity, etc.

[0138] In contrast, the conditions for performing the preset water tank empty mode can also be configured as the condition that after the humidification mode or the drying mode ends, the measured microbial quantity measured by the water inside the water tank 130 is equal to or greater than a preset set microbial value. Such measurement of the microbial quantity can be performed using a known microbial detection sensor (MS in FIG. 18) such as a biosensor or a mold sensor. Also, the set microbial value may have a fixed numerical value, but it can also be configured to vary in consideration of seasons, ambient temperature, humidity, etc. so as to be able to consider the growth rate of microorganisms, etc. And for the measurement of the microbial quantity, the microbial detection sensor MS may be installed inside the water tank 130, but the installation position is not limited thereto. Also, as long as the microorganisms can be detected by a known microbial detection sensor, the types thereof are not limited and can include molds, yeasts, bacteria, viruses, etc.

[0139] When the separation of the water tank 130 is sensed, it is determined that there is drainage or water exchange of the water stored inside the water tank 130, and both the above-described alarm setting time (first setting time) and the water tank empty setting time (second setting time) are reset and initialized.

[0140] On the other hand, when the control unit C performs the water tub emptying mode in the same manner as the drying mode described above, it can also adjust the air volume of the blower unit 170 based on at least one of the illuminance and the relative humidity.

[0141] For example, when the measured illuminance sensed by the illuminance sensor (IS in FIG. 18) is equal to or less than a preset reference illuminance value, such as at night (bedtime), the control unit C can reduce the air volume of the blower unit 170.

[0142] In addition, when the measured relative humidity is equal to or greater than a preset reference relative humidity value, since there is a large amount of water vapor in the air and drying (emptying the water tub) using the humidifying member 160 is not smooth, the control unit C can increase the air volume compared to the case where it is less than the reference relative humidity value in order to perform a fast water tub emptying operation. At this time, the measured relative humidity can be obtained through various known sensors such as the temperature and humidity sensor HS shown in FIG. 18.

[0143] Then, when the measured illuminance is equal to or less than a preset reference illuminance value, the control unit C minimizes the air volume, and when the measured illuminance is greater than the preset reference illuminance value, it can compare the measured relative humidity with the preset reference relative humidity value and increase or decrease the air volume.

[0144] The increase or decrease of the air volume can be achieved by adjusting the driving RPM of the blower unit 170. Hereinafter, taking the case where the blowing stages of the humidifier 100 are composed of five stages from the lowest RPM of stage 1 to the highest RPM of stage 5 as an example, the description will be given. When the measured illuminance is equal to or lower than a preset reference illuminance value, the blower unit 170 can be driven at stage 1, which is the lowest RPM, so as not to interfere with the user's rest (going to bed) (that is, for quiet operation). And when the measured illuminance is greater than the preset reference illuminance value, the blower unit 170 can be driven at stage 2 or higher than stage 1. Also, when the measured relative humidity is equal to or higher than the reference relative humidity value, since there is a large amount of water vapor in the air, for the purpose of performing a fast water tank emptying operation, the blower unit 170 can be driven at stage 4 or stage 5. Conversely, when the measured relative humidity is smaller than the reference relative humidity value, the blower unit 170 can be driven at stage 3 or stage 2 so that the air volume is less than when it is equal to or higher than the reference relative humidity value.

[0145] Differently, based on the blowing stage corresponding to the current state of the air (for example, the amount of dust), the blowing stage can also be increased or decreased according to the illuminance or relative humidity and then driven. For example, when the set value of the blowing stage corresponding to the current state of the air (for example, the amount of dust) is stage 3, when the measured illuminance is equal to or lower than the preset reference illuminance value, the blower unit 170 is driven at a blowing stage lower than the current set blowing stage (stage 3) (for example, stage 1 or stage 2). When the measured illuminance is greater than the preset reference illuminance value, the current set blowing stage (stage 3) can be maintained, or for the purpose of performing a fast water tank emptying operation, the blower unit 170 can be driven at stage 4 or stage 5, which is higher than the current set blowing stage (stage 3). Also, when the measured relative humidity is equal to or higher than the reference relative humidity value, for the purpose of performing a fast water tank emptying operation, the blower unit 170 is driven at stage 4 or stage 5, which is higher than the current set blowing stage (stage 3). When the measured relative humidity is smaller than the reference relative humidity value, the current set blowing stage (stage 3) can be maintained, or the blower unit 170 can be driven at stage 2 or stage 1, which is lower than the current set blowing stage (stage 3).

[0146] On the one hand, the above-mentioned preset reference illuminance value or reference relative humidity value may consist of one value, or may consist of two or more values. In this way, when the reference illuminance value or reference relative humidity value is two or more, it is possible to control the increase or decrease of the air volume corresponding to the interval corresponding to the measured illuminance or measured relative humidity.

[0147] In addition, the method for adjusting, increasing, or decreasing the air volume considering illuminance or relative humidity in this way is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and various changes are possible.

[0148] On the one hand, while the control unit C cuts off the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141, as the air blowing unit 170 is driven and the water in the humidifying member 160 is dried to progress the water bucket emptying operation, the water stored in the water tank 141 gradually decreases. As a result, the water level in the water tank 141 gradually becomes lower, and finally, it may be sensed that the water level in the water tank 141 reaches the bottom water level via the water sensor LS, or that there is no water at the bottom of the water tank 141.

[0149] In this way, even after it is sensed via the water sensor LS that there is no water in the water tank 141, the humidifying member 160 maintains the wetted state for a certain period of time. Therefore, in order to completely dry the water absorbed by the humidifying member 160, the control unit C can further perform the water bucket emptying mode during a preset additional drying time after it is sensed that there is no water in the water tank 141.

[0150] At this time, the additional drying time can be set in advance considering the amount of water absorbed by the humidifying member 160 and the like. On the one hand, as described above, the control unit C can increase or decrease the air volume of the air blowing unit 170 based on at least one of illuminance and relative humidity. In this case, the additional drying time can be set considering the increase or decrease of the air volume.

[0151] Thus, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since the pressurizing unit 190 is connected to the flow path adjusting member 180 and rotates integrally with the flow path adjusting member 180, the humidification mode / water tank empty mode in which water is supplied from the water tank 130 to the water tank 141, and the cleaning mode / drying mode in which water is not supplied from the water tank 130 to the water tank 141 can be easily realized by a simple operation of rotating the flow path adjusting member 180.

[0152] Also, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, water is supplied to the water tank unit 140 only when the flow path adjusting member 180 is in the humidification mode and / or the water tank empty mode position, and the supply of water to the water tank unit 140 is blocked in the cleaning mode and / or the drying mode position. Thereby, after the humidification mode ends, the drying mode is performed to remove moisture present in the water tank unit 140 and / or the humidifying member 160, so that contamination and generation of bacteria in the water tank unit 140 and / or the humidifying member 160 can be minimized. Further, by performing the water tank empty mode, the water stored in the water tank 130 can be emptied, and as a result, contamination and generation of bacteria in the water stored inside the water tank 130 can be minimized.

[0153] On the one hand, in the case of the first embodiment of the present invention, it has been described that the humidifying member 160 is immersed in the water stored in the water tank 141. However, as long as the water supplied from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 can be provided to the humidifying member 160 for humidification, the shape, structure, and / or operation method of the humidifying member 160 are not limited to the immersion-type humidification structure described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, the structure for supplying water to the humidifying member 160 can be a structure in which the water stored in the water tank 141 is sprayed onto the humidifying member 160, or the water stored in the water bucket 130 or the water tank 141 flows along the surface of the humidifying member 160, and a water tank 141 is installed below the humidifying member 160 so that the water flowing down through the humidifying member 160 is stored, or the humidifying member 160 has a structure in the form of a rotating disk, etc. Various modifications are possible. Even in such cases, with the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 blocked, by blowing air to the humidifying member 160 side, a drying mode can be performed in which the water stored in the water tank 141 and / or the humidifying member 160 dries. When it meets the preset conditions, the water in the water bucket 130 can be supplied to the water tank 141, and forced humidification can be performed through the humidifying member 160, so that a water bucket emptying mode can be performed to empty the water in the water bucket 130.

[0154] [Humidifier 100 According to the Second Embodiment] Next, the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16.

[0155] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the water bucket 130 and the water tank unit 140 provided in the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the water tank unit 140 shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a part of the water tank unit 140 shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of FIG. 14, showing a state in which the water supply valve member 135 is closed. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of FIG. 14, showing a state in which the water supply valve member 135 is opened.

[0156] Also in the case of the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, similar to the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 and FIG. 18, it can be configured to include a housing 110, a water tank 130, a water tank unit 140, a humidifying member 160, a blowing unit 170, a water supply adjustment member 150, and a control unit C, and can further include at least a part of an air purification filter 120, a flow path adjustment member 180, and a pressurizing unit 190.

[0157] The humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a configuration of a housing 110, a water tank 130, a humidifying member 160, a blowing unit 170, an air purification filter 120, and a flow path adjustment member 180 that is the same as or similar to the configuration of the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment. However, there are some differences in the configurations of the water tank unit 140, the water supply adjustment member 150, and the pressurizing unit 190, and there is a difference in that the opening and closing operation of the water supply valve member 135 and the switching of the flow path of the flow path adjustment member 190 are performed independently via the control unit C. Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication, detailed descriptions of the same or similar parts are omitted.

[0158] First, the water tank unit 140 is installed inside the housing 110 and is configured to store the water supplied from the water tank 130 in response to the opening of the water supply valve member 135.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the water tank unit 140 can include a water tank 141 in which a water storage space 141a for storing the water supplied from the water tank 130 is formed, and a water tank cover 148 configured to cover at least a part of the upper part of the water tank 141 and on which the water tank 130 is installed. And the water tank 141 can include a humidifying member mounting portion 146 on which the humidifying member 160 is mounted.

[0160] In addition, the water tank cover 148 is detachably installed on the upper part of the water tank 141, and the water bucket 130 can be placed on the mounting surface 148a of the water tank 141. That is, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the lower surface of the water supply valve member 135 provided in the water bucket 130 can be supported by the mounting surface 148a of the water tank cover 148. Since such a water tank cover 148 is separable from the upper part of the water tank 141, the cleaning work of the water tank 141 can be easily performed.

[0161] And, in the water tank cover 148, there can be formed an installation groove 147 in which a rotation shaft portion 153 of a water supply adjustment member 150 described later is installed, a through hole 148c formed through for the operation of the rod member 136b of the water supply valve member 135 and the pressing portion 157 of the water supply adjustment member 150, and a mounting opening 148b formed through for the operation of the pressurizing portion 190.

[0162] Also, in the water tank unit 140, a water detection sensor (LS in FIG. 18) can be installed so as to be able to detect the water level and the presence or absence of water stored in the water tank 141. Such a water detection sensor LS may be installed inside the water tank unit 140, but in order to facilitate the cleaning of the water tank unit 140, when it is installed outside the water tank unit 140 and coupled to the water tank unit 140, it can be configured to measure the water level using capacitance or the like.

[0163] And, the water supply adjustment member 150 operates to open and close the water supply valve member 135, and the supply or interruption of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 is performed by the opening and closing of the water supply valve member 135.

[0164] Such a water supply adjustment member 150 is installed on the water tank cover 148 of the water tank unit 140 as shown in FIGS. 13, 15, and 16, and can be separated for the cleaning of the water supply adjustment member 150 and / or the water tank unit 140. That is, since the water supply adjustment member 150 is not installed on the bottom surface of the water tank unit 140 but is installed on the water tank cover 148 separable from the water tank 141, it does not have any influence during the cleaning of the water tank unit 140.

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, the water supply adjustment member 150 can include a pressing portion 157 that moves up and down to press the water supply valve member 135.

[0166] Specifically, the water supply adjustment member 150 includes a main body portion 151, a pressing portion 157 formed on one side of the main body portion 151 and arranged to be able to press the water supply valve member 135 of the water bucket 130, an operating portion 155 formed on the other side of the main body portion 151 and arranged to be able to be pressed by a pressing portion 190 described later, and a rotating shaft portion 153 located between the pressing portion 157 and the operating portion 155 and coupled to an installation groove 147 formed in the water tank cover 148.

[0167] With such a configuration, the water supply adjustment member 150 can have a structure in which the pressing portion 157 rotates and moves up and down about the rotating shaft portion 153 in response to the movement of the operating portion 155. That is, when the operating portion 155 is pressed and moved by the pressing portion 190, the contact between the pressing portion 190 and the operating portion 155 is released, and when the operating portion 155 moves by the elastic force of an elastic member provided in the water supply valve member 135, the pressing portion 157 and the operating portion 155 of the water supply adjustment member 150 can be configured to be capable of a seesaw motion about the rotating shaft portion 153.

[0168] In addition, since the rotating shaft portion 153 of the water supply adjustment member 150 is coupled to the installation groove 147 formed in the water tank cover 148, there is an advantage that the bottom surface of the water tank 141 is easy to clean because no structure for pressing the water supply valve member 135 or for installing the water supply adjustment member 150 is formed in the water tank 141.

[0169] And the pressing portion 190 is configured to press the operating portion 155 of the water supply adjustment member 150 so that the water supply adjustment member 150 can rotate about the rotating shaft portion 153.

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, different from the first embodiment of the present invention, since the flow path adjusting member 180 and the pressurizing unit 190 are driven via another power source, the pressurizing unit 190 can be independently controlled via another driving unit M.

[0171] Since such a driving unit M requires power supply to move the pressurizing unit 190, it can be arranged in the housing 110. That is, by installing the driving unit M on the base portion 114 of the housing 110 adjacent to the water tank unit 140, the separation operation of the water tank unit 140 for cleaning is prevented from affecting the driving unit M.

[0172] Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the driving unit M, the pressurizing unit 190, and the water supply adjusting member 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16.

[0173] The water supply adjusting member 150 includes an operating portion 155 that protrudes upward on the other side of the main body portion 151. Further, the pressurizing unit 190 is configured to slide so as to be able to contact the operating portion 155.

[0174] Specifically, the pressurizing unit 190 is configured to be exposed above the water tank cover 148 through a mounting opening 148b formed in the water tank cover 148, and a rack gear portion 191 is formed on one side of the pressurizing unit 190. Further, the driving unit M includes a driving gear PG that rotates by a motor (not shown), and the driving gear PG is configured to slide the pressurizing unit 190 while rotating in mesh with the rack gear portion 191 of the pressurizing unit 190.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 15, when the lower side of the pressurizing unit 190 does not press the operating portion 155 of the water supply adjusting member 150, the pressing portion 157 does not press the rod member 136b of the water supply valve member 135, so that the sealing member 136a seals the discharge port of the cap member 137, and the water in the water bucket 130 is not supplied to the water tank unit 140.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 16 together with FIGS. 12 to 14, when the drive unit M is operated in the closed state of the water supply valve member 135 in FIG. 15, the drive gear PG starts to rotate, and the pressurizing unit 190 having the rack gear portion 191 meshing with the drive gear PG slides and moves (in the downward direction in FIG. 14, in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 16). The pressurizing unit 190 that slides and moves contacts the operating portion 155 of the water supply adjusting member 150 and moves the operating portion 155 in the downward direction. As a result, the pressing portion 157 moves upward around the rotary shaft portion 153 to press the rod member 136b of the water supply valve member 135. As a result, the sealing member 136a opens the discharge port of the cap member 137, and the water in the water tub 130 is supplied to the water tank unit 140.

[0177] In this way, by opening and closing the water supply valve member 135 through the configurations of the drive unit M and the water supply adjusting member 150, the supply of water from the water tub 130 to the water tank unit 140 can be independently adjusted.

[0178] Therefore, the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can independently control whether to supply water to the water tank 141 through the switching of the flow path of the flow path adjusting member 180 and the opening and closing of the water supply valve member 135. Therefore, also in the case of the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, under the control of the control unit C, the cleaning mode, the humidifying mode, the drying mode, and the water tub empty mode described through the first embodiment can be performed.

[0179] Particularly, in the case of the second embodiment, since the switching of the flow path of the flow path adjustment member 180 and whether to supply water to the water tank 141 can be individually controlled via the control unit C, the flow path configuration in the case of performing the drying mode and the water tank empty mode can be diversified. That is, when the drying mode is executed, in order to dry the water stored in the humidifying member 160 and / or the water tank 141, with the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 blocked, as shown in FIG. 10, air may be discharged only from the humidified air discharge port 118, or as shown in FIG. 11, air may be branched and discharged from the humidified air discharge port 118 and the clean air discharge port 117. Also, when the water tank empty mode is executed, in order to perform forced humidification to empty the water stored in the water bucket 130, with the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 being carried out, as shown in FIG. 10, air may be discharged only from the humidified air discharge port 118, or as shown in FIG. 11, air may be branched and discharged from the humidified air discharge port 118 and the clean air discharge port 117.

[0180] [Humidifier 100 according to the third embodiment] Next, the humidifier 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

[0181] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing structure of the water supply valve member 135 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0182] In the case of the humidifier 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention as well, similar to the humidifier 100 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 and FIG. 18, it can be configured to include a housing 110, a water bucket 130, a water tank unit 140, a humidifying member 160, a blowing unit 170, a water supply adjustment member 150, and a control unit C, and can further be configured to include at least a part of an air purification filter 120, a flow path adjustment member 180, and a pressurizing unit 190.

[0183] The humidifier 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention has the same or similar configurations of a housing 110, a water tank 130, a humidifying member 160, a blower unit 170, an air purification filter 120, and a flow path adjustment member 180 as those of the humidifier 100 according to the first and second embodiments. However, compared with the configuration of the second embodiment, the humidifier 100 according to the third embodiment has differences in some configurations of the water tank cover 148, the water supply adjustment member 150, and a part of the pressurizing unit 190 of the water tank unit 140, and there is a difference in that the opening and closing operation of the water supply valve member 135 is performed via magnetism through the control unit C. Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication, detailed descriptions of the same or similar parts are omitted.

[0184] In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the water supply adjustment member 150 is installed on the base portion 114 of the housing 110 and is configured to open and close the water supply valve member 135 via magnetism so that water can be supplied from the water tank 130 to the water tank 141.

[0185] That is, a magnetic force member 136d made of a permanent magnet or a material with strong magnetism can be attached to the tip of the rod member 136b of the water supply valve member 135, and correspondingly, a magnetic force generation unit 195 to which magnetism is applied by power supply can be provided on the base portion 114 of the housing 110.

[0186] Therefore, when magnetism is applied to the magnetic force generation unit 195 that constitutes the water supply adjustment member 150 by the drive unit M, the water supply valve member 135 can be opened and closed.

[0187] For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when magnetism is applied to the magnetic force generation unit 195 so that a repulsive force acts between the magnetic force member 136d and the magnetic force generation unit 195, the magnetic force member 136d rises due to the repulsive force. As a result, the sealing member 136a opens the discharge port of the cap member 137, and water can be supplied from the water tank 130 to the water tank unit 140.

[0188] Therefore, the humidifier 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention can independently control whether to switch the flow path of the flow path adjustment member 180 and whether to supply water to the water tank 141 through the opening and closing of the water supply valve member 135. Therefore, also in the case of the humidifier 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, under the control of the control unit C, the cleaning mode, the humidifying mode, the drying mode, and the water tank empty mode described through the first embodiment can be performed.

[0189] Also, in the case of the third embodiment, similar to the case of the second embodiment, since the switching of the flow path of the flow path adjustment member 180 and whether to supply water to the water tank 141 can be individually controlled through the control unit C, the configuration of the flow path in the case of performing the drying mode and the water tank empty mode can be diversified.

[0190] Next, a control method (S100, S200) of the humidifier according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 29.

[0191] The control method (S100, S200) of the humidifier according to the present invention includes a control method (S100) of the humidifier including a drying stage for drying the water stored in the water tank 141, and a control method (S200) including a water tank emptying stage so that the water stored in the water bucket 130 can be emptied.

[0192] At this time, the control method (S100, S200) of the humidifier according to the present invention can be applied to the humidifier 100 in which the water supplied from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 is provided to the humidifying member 160 for humidification.

[0193] Hereinafter, the humidifier control methods (S100, S200) according to the present invention will be described based on the humidifier 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18. However, the humidifier 100 to which the humidifier control method (S100, S200) according to the present invention is applied is not limited to the configuration of the humidifier 100 described via FIGS. 1 to 18 as long as it can control whether water is supplied from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141. Further, the humidifier 100 to which the humidifier control method (S100, S200) according to the present invention is applied is not limited to a humidifier having only a humidifying function, and can include all humidifiers with an added air purification function and humidifiers including other additional functions.

[0194] [Control method (S100) of humidifier including drying stage] With reference to FIGS. 19 to 24, a control method (S100) of a humidifier including a drying stage of the water tank 141 will be described.

[0195] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a control method (S100) of a humidifier including a drying stage according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 20 to 24 are flowcharts showing various embodiments of the drying stage among the control methods (S100) shown in FIG. 19.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 19, a control method (S100) of a humidifier including a drying stage according to an embodiment of the present invention relates to a control method of a humidifier 100 in which water supplied from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 is provided to the humidifying member 160 for humidification, and includes a humidifying stage (S110) and a drying stage (S150 to S170), and can further include a subsequent stage (S190) performed after the drying stage.

[0197] First, the humidification stage (S110) is configured to proceed in a humidification mode in which humidification is performed via the humidification member 160. Such a humidification stage (S110) corresponds to the humidification mode described via the first to third embodiments of the humidifier 100, and a detailed description of the humidification stage (S110) is substituted for the description of the above-described humidification mode. Such a humidification stage (S100) is performed until a humidification end signal is input, and when the humidification end signal is input (S120), the humidification mode ends.

[0198] Such a humidification end signal may include an end signal for turning off (OFF) the drive of the humidifier 100 and a third mode progress signal for performing a third mode other than the humidification mode and the drying mode. At this time, the third mode progress signal may include a standby signal for ending the humidification stage and waiting. Such an end signal and the third mode progress signal can be input by a user's selection or the setting of the humidifier 100.

[0199] And after the humidification mode ends, a drying stage (S150 to S170) for proceeding in a drying mode in which the water tank 141 and / or the humidification member 160 is dried is performed.

[0200] Such a drying stage (S150 to S170) may include, as shown in FIG. 19, a drying mode execution stage (S150) in which the drying mode is performed with the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 blocked, a determination stage (S160) for determining whether the drying mode is completed, and an end stage (S170) for ending the drying mode after the drying mode is completed.

[0201] First, the drying mode execution stage (S150) corresponds to the drying mode described via the first to third embodiments of the humidifier 100. And the drying mode execution stage (S150) is performed with the water supply valve member 135 closed, and the operation for closing the water supply valve member 135 in the drying mode execution stage (S150) is substituted for the description of the above-described drying mode.

[0202] In the drying mode execution stage (S150), at least a part of the air blown from the blower unit 170 can be configured to flow to the humidifying member 160. For example, as described through the first embodiment of the humidifier 100, by driving the blower unit 170 with the flow path adjustment member 180 in the position shown in FIG. 11, part of the air passes through the humidifying member 160 and is discharged through the humidified air discharge port 118, and the remaining air can be configured to be discharged through the clean air discharge port 117. Also, as described through the second and third embodiments of the humidifier 100, when the driving of the flow path adjustment member 180 and the opening and closing of the water supply valve member 135 are performed independently of each other, not only can the flow path adjustment member 180 be controlled to be in the position shown in FIG. 10, but it can also be controlled to be in the position shown in FIG. 11. Therefore, it is also possible to make the air blown from the blower unit 170 pass through the humidifying member 160 and be discharged through the humidified air discharge port 118.

[0203] On the other hand, the drying mode execution stage (S150) can be configured such that the removal of the water stored in the water tank 141 becomes possible through the blowing of air to the humidifying member 160 by performing the drying mode execution stage (S150) with the humidifying member 160 immersed in the water tank 141.

[0204] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 24, the drying mode execution stage (S150) can be configured to adjust the air volume based on at least one of the illuminance and the relative humidity.

[0205] For example, the drying mode execution stage (S150) may be configured to adjust the air volume considering both the illuminance and the relative humidity as shown in FIGS. 20 and 23, may be configured to adjust the air volume considering the illuminance as shown in FIGS. 21 and 24, or may be configured to adjust the air volume considering the relative humidity as shown in FIG. 22.

[0206] Then, as shown in FIGS. 20, 21, 23, and 24, the drying mode execution stage (S150) is configured to compare the measured illuminance with a preset reference illuminance value (S151), and when the measured illuminance is equal to or less than the reference illuminance value, the air volume can be decreased (S155). As shown in FIGS. 20, 22, and 23, the measured relative humidity is compared with a preset reference relative humidity value (S153), and when the measured relative humidity is equal to or greater than the reference relative humidity value, the air volume can be increased compared to the air volume in the case where it is smaller than the reference relative humidity value (S156) (S157).

[0207] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 23, in the drying mode execution stage (S150), the measured illuminance sensed by the illuminance sensor (IS in FIG. 18) is compared with the reference illuminance value (S151). When the measured illuminance is equal to or less than the reference illuminance value, such as at night (bedtime), the blower unit 170 is driven at the lowest RPM to minimize the air volume (S155). When the measured illuminance is greater than the reference illuminance value, the measured relative humidity is compared with the reference relative humidity value (S153). When the measured relative humidity is equal to or greater than the reference relative humidity value, since there is a large amount of water vapor in the air and the drying of the humidifying member 160 is not smooth, for the execution of fast drying work, the blower unit 170 is driven at a high RPM to increase the air volume (S157). When the measured relative humidity is less than the reference relative humidity value, the blower unit 170 can be driven at a low RPM to decrease the air volume (S156).

[0208] Then, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 24, in the drying mode execution stage (S150), it can have a configuration that takes illuminance into account and does not take relative humidity into account. In this case, the measured illuminance is compared with the reference illuminance value (S151). When the measured illuminance is equal to or less than the reference illuminance value, such as at night (bedtime), the blower unit 170 is driven at the lowest RPM to minimize the air volume (S155). When the measured illuminance is greater than the reference illuminance value, the blower unit 170 can be driven at a low RPM or a normal RPM selected according to the air quality to adjust the air volume (S156).

[0209] Also, as shown in FIG. 22, in the drying mode execution stage (S150), it can have a configuration that takes into account the relative humidity and does not take into account the illuminance. In this case, the measured relative humidity is compared with the reference relative humidity value (S153). When the measured relative humidity is equal to or higher than the reference relative humidity value, since there is a large amount of water vapor in the air and the drying of the humidifying member 160 is not smooth, in order to perform a fast drying operation, the blower unit 170 is driven at a high RPM to increase the air volume (S157). When the measured relative humidity is smaller than the reference relative humidity value, the blower unit 170 can be driven at a low RPM to reduce the air volume (S156).

[0210] The increase and decrease of such air volume can be configured to simply increase the driving RPM of the blower unit 170 according to the illuminance and / or relative humidity. However, based on the blowing stage corresponding to the current state of the air (for example, the amount of dust), it is also possible to drive by raising or lowering the blowing stage according to the illuminance or relative humidity. For example, assume that the blowing stage of the humidifier 100 is composed of five levels from the lowest RPM level 1 to the highest RPM level 5, and the set value of the blowing stage corresponding to the current state of the air (for example, the amount of dust) is level 3. In this case, when the measured illuminance is equal to or lower than the reference illuminance value, for quiet operation, the blower unit 170 is driven at a blowing stage lower than the current set blowing stage (level 3) (for example, level 1 or level 2) (S155). When the measured illuminance is larger than the reference illuminance value, the current set blowing stage (level 3) can be maintained, or for performing a fast drying operation, the blower unit 170 can be driven at level 4 or level 5 higher than the current set blowing stage (level 3) (S157). Also, when the measured relative humidity is equal to or higher than the reference relative humidity value, for performing a fast drying operation, the blower unit 170 is driven at level 4 or level 5 higher than the current set blowing stage (level 3). When the measured relative humidity is smaller than the reference relative humidity value, the current set blowing stage (level 3) can be maintained, or the blower unit 170 can be driven at level 2 or level 1 lower than the current set blowing stage (level 3).

[0211] On the one hand, the above-mentioned reference illuminance value or reference relative humidity value may consist of one value or two or more values. When the reference illuminance value or reference relative humidity value is two or more in this way, it is possible to control the increase or decrease of the air volume corresponding to the section to which the measured illuminance or measured relative humidity corresponds.

[0212] In this way, the method for adjusting or increasing or decreasing the air volume in consideration of illuminance or relative humidity is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and various changes are possible.

[0213] And the completion determination step (S160) for determining whether or not the drying mode has ended can be determined according to whether or not a preset drying set time has elapsed (S161) as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22. When the drying set time has elapsed, the drying mode is ended (S170).

[0214] That is, the drying stage (S150 to S170) can be performed during a preset drying set time. Such a drying set time can be set in advance in consideration of the volume of water stored in the water tank 141, the amount of water absorbed by the humidifying member 160, and the like. On the other hand, as described above, in the drying mode execution stage (S150), the air volume of the air supply unit 170 can be increased or decreased based on at least one of illuminance and relative humidity. In this case, the drying set time can be set in further consideration of the increase or decrease of the air volume.

[0215] On the contrary, the completion determination step (S160) for determining whether or not the drying mode has ended can be configured to include a step (S165) of determining whether or not it is sensed that there is no water in the water tank 141 and a step (S166) of determining whether or not an additional drying time has elapsed after it is sensed that there is no water in the water tank 141 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. When the additional drying time has elapsed, the drying mode can be configured to end (S170).

[0216] That is, as the drying mode execution stage (S150) progresses with the supply of water from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141 blocked, the water stored in the water tank 141 gradually disappears, the water level in the water tank 141 gradually drops, and finally, there is no water at the bottom of the water tank 141. Even after it is detected that there is no water in the water tank 141 in this way, the humidifying member 160 maintains the absorbed state for a certain period of time. Therefore, in order to completely dry the water absorbed by the humidifying member 160, in the determination stage (S160) of whether to end the drying mode, after it is detected that there is no water in the water tank 141, the drying mode can be further performed during the additional drying time.

[0217] At this time, the additional drying time can be set in advance in consideration of the amount of water absorbed by the humidifying member 160 and the like. On the other hand, as described above, in the drying mode execution stage (S150), the air volume of the blower unit 170 can be increased or decreased based on at least one of the illuminance and the relative humidity. In this case, the additional drying time can be set in further consideration of the increase or decrease in the air volume.

[0218] And after the drying mode ends (S170), subsequent steps are performed (S190). As described above, the drying stage (S150 to S170) is performed after the humidification end signal is input (S120). Also, the humidification end signal can include a humidifier drive end signal and a third mode progress signal.

[0219] Therefore, the subsequent step (S190) is to turn off the drive of the humidifier 100 or progress to the third mode according to the humidifier end signal after the drying stage ends (S170). At this time, the third mode progress signal can include a cleaning mode in which the air filtered through the air purification filter 120 is discharged without passing through the humidifying member 160.

[0220] [Control method of humidifier including water bucket emptying stage (S200)] Finally, with reference to FIGS. 25 to 29, a control method (S200) of a humidifier including a water bucket emptying stage capable of emptying the water stored in the water bucket 130 will be described.

[0221] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a control method of a humidifier including a water tank empty stage according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a control method of a humidifier including a water tank empty stage according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 27 to 29 are flowcharts showing various embodiments of the water tank empty stage among the control methods shown in FIG. 25 and / or FIG. 26.

[0222] Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, a control method (S200) of a humidifier including a water tank empty stage according to an embodiment of the present invention relates to a control method of a humidifier 100 in which water supplied from a water tank 130 to a water tank 141 is provided to a humidifying member 160 for humidification, and includes a humidification / drying stage (S210), a performance determination stage (S240, S240a) for determining whether to perform a water tank empty mode, and a water tank empty stage (S250 to S270), and may further include a water exchange alarm stage (S230) performed before the water tank empty stage (S250 to S270) and a water tank separation detection stage (S280) performed during the progress of each stage.

[0223] First, in the humidification / drying stage (S210), a humidification mode or a drying mode is to be advanced. Among the humidification / drying stage (S210), the humidification stage is configured to advance a humidification mode in which humidification is performed via a humidifying member 160. The execution of such a humidification mode corresponds to the humidification mode described via the first to third embodiments of the humidifier 100, and a detailed description of the humidification stage is substituted for the description of the humidification mode described above. Also, among the humidification / drying stage (S210), the drying stage is configured to advance a drying mode in which the water tank 130 is cut off from supplying water to the water tank 141 and the water tank 141 and / or the humidifying member 160 are dried after the humidification mode for performing humidification ends. The execution of such a drying mode corresponds to the drying mode described via the first to third embodiments of the humidifier 100, and a detailed description of the drying stage is substituted for the description of the drying mode described above. On the other hand, the humidification / drying stage (S210) shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 may be configured not only to perform a drying stage after a humidification stage but also to include only a humidification stage.

[0224] After the completion of such a humidification / drying stage (S210), it is determined whether or not the conditions necessary for performing the preset water tank emptying mode are met through a determination stage of whether to perform (S240, S240a). When the preset conditions are met, a water tank emptying stage (S250 to 270) for advancing the water tank emptying mode in which the water in the water tank 130 is emptied by supplying the water in the water tank 130 to the water tank 141 and performing forced humidification through the humidifying member 160 can be performed.

[0225] At this time, the control method (S200) of the humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention may further go through a water exchange alarm stage (S230) for directly guiding the user visually and / or aurally as to whether it is necessary to empty the water tank or whether water exchange is necessary before the determination stage of whether to perform (S240, S240a) in order to prevent the water tank emptying mode from being performed too frequently and unnecessarily.

[0226] That is, after the above-described humidification / drying stage (S210) is completed, it is determined (S220) whether or not a preset alarm setting time (first setting time) has elapsed without the user draining the water previously stored in the water tank 130 or replacing it with new water. When the alarm setting time (first setting time) has elapsed, the user can be guided through the water exchange alarm stage (S230) as to whether to empty the water tank 130 or whether water exchange is necessary. Such an alarm setting time can be set to a fixed time (for example, 48 hours) calculated from after the end of the humidification mode or the drying mode, but it can also be configured to vary in consideration of seasons, ambient temperature, humidity, and the like.

[0227] Also, whether or not the user performs water tank 130 or water exchange can be determined by whether or not the user separates the water tank 130 from the housing 110 (S280). At this time, for the detection of the separation of the water tank 130, various known detection methods such as a sensor (not shown) for detecting the weight of the water tank 130 or a sensor (not shown) for determining the presence or absence of the attachment of the water tank 130 using a magnetic field or the like can be used.

[0228] When it is detected that the water bucket 130 is separated before the alarm setting time (the first setting time), it is determined that there is drainage or replacement of the water stored inside the water bucket 130, and the alarm setting time (the first setting time) is reset and initialized (S290), and then it waits until the humidification mode or the drying mode is performed and then ends (S210). Also, when the separation of the water bucket 130 is not detected, it proceeds to the next step (S285), and it is determined again whether the alarm setting time (the first setting time) has elapsed (S220).

[0229] Also, when the alarm setting time (the first setting time) has elapsed, the water exchange alarm step (S230) is advanced so as to directly visually and / or aurally guide the user as to whether it is necessary to empty the water bucket or whether water replacement is necessary.

[0230] After the water exchange alarm step (S230), it is determined whether the user separates the water bucket 130 from the housing 110 (S280). When the separation of the water bucket 130 is detected, the alarm setting time (the first setting time) is reset and initialized (S290), and then it waits until the humidification mode or the drying mode is performed and then ends (S210). Also, when the separation of the water bucket 130 is not detected, it proceeds to the next step (S285), and it is determined again whether the empty water bucket mode has been completed (S240, S240a).

[0231] In the execution determination step (S240, S240a) for determining whether to perform the empty water bucket mode, it is determined whether it meets the conditions for performing the preset empty water bucket steps (S250 to S270).

[0232] Thus, as shown in FIG. 25, the conditions under which the preset water tank empty mode is performed can be configured such that after the humidification mode or the drying mode ends and the separation of the water tank 130 is not detected, a preset water tank empty setting time (second setting time) has elapsed (S240). Such a water tank empty setting time can have a value larger than the above-described alarm setting time and can be set to a fixed time (for example, 60 hours) calculated after the end of the humidification mode or the drying mode (S210). However, it is also possible to configure it to vary in consideration of seasons, ambient temperature, humidity, etc. When the separation of the water tank 130 is detected during or after the execution determination step (S240) (S280), it is determined that there is drainage or water exchange of the water stored inside the water tank 130, and both the above-described alarm setting time (first setting time) and the water tank empty setting time (second setting time) are reset and initialized (S285).

[0233] Differently, as shown in FIG. 26, the conditions under which the preset water tank empty mode is performed can also be configured such that after the humidification mode or the drying mode ends, the measured microbial quantity measured by the water inside the water tank 130 is equal to or greater than a preset set microbial value (S240a). Such measurement of the microbial quantity can be performed using a known microbial detection sensor (MS in FIG. 18) such as a biosensor. Also, the set microbial value may have a fixed numerical value, but it is also possible to configure it to vary in consideration of seasons, ambient temperature, humidity, etc. so as to be able to consider the growth rate of microorganisms. When the separation of the water tank 130 is detected during or after the execution determination step (S240a) (S280), it is determined that there is drainage or water exchange of the water stored inside the water tank 130, and both the above-described alarm setting time (first setting time) and the water tank empty setting time (second setting time) are reset and initialized (S285).

[0234] When the condition for performing the preset water tank empty mode is met (S240 in FIG. 25 and S240a in FIG. 26), the water tank empty stage (S250 to S270) is performed. At this time, the water tank empty stage (S250 to S270) can be performed when the separation of the water tank 130 is not detected even after the water exchange alarm stage (S230). However, as described above, the humidifier control method (S200) according to an embodiment of the present invention does not necessarily include the above-described water exchange alarm stage (S230). Therefore, the water tank empty stage (S250 to S270) can also be performed when the condition for performing the preset water tank empty mode is met (S240, S240a) without going through the water exchange alarm stage (S230).

[0235] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, such a water tank empty stage (S250 to S270) includes a water tank empty mode execution stage (S250) in which the water tank empty mode is performed while water is being supplied from the water tank 130 to the water tank 141, a completion determination stage (S260) for determining whether the water tank empty mode is completed, and an end stage (S270) for ending the water tank empty mode after the water tank empty mode is completed.

[0236] First, the water tank empty mode execution stage (S250) corresponds to the water tank empty mode described through the first to third embodiments of the humidifier 100. The water tank empty mode execution stage (S250) is performed with the water supply valve member 135 open and water being supplied to the water tank 141, and the operation for opening the water supply valve member 135 in the water tank empty mode execution stage (S250) is substituted for the description of the above-described water tank empty mode.

[0237] And in the water tank empty mode execution stage (S250), at least a part of the air blown from the blower unit 170 can be configured to flow to the humidifying member 160. For example, as described through the first embodiment of the humidifier 100, with the flow path adjusting member 180 in the position shown in FIG. 11, the blower unit 170 is driven, and a part of the air passes through the humidifying member 160 and is discharged through the humidified air discharge port 118, and the remaining air can be configured to be discharged through the clean air discharge port 117. Also, as described through the second and third embodiments of the humidifier 100, when the driving of the flow path adjusting member 180 and the opening and closing of the water supply valve member 135 are performed independently of each other, not only can the flow path adjusting member 180 be controlled to be in the position shown in FIG. 10, but also it can be controlled to be in the position shown in FIG. 11. Therefore, it is also possible to make the air blown from the blower unit 170 pass through the humidifying member 160 and be discharged through the humidified air discharge port 118.

[0238] On the other hand, in the water tank empty mode execution stage (S250), by making the humidifying member 160 be in a state of being immersed in the water tank 141, it can be configured such that the water supplied from the water tank 130 to the water tank 141 can be removed through the blowing to the humidifying member 160.

[0239] Referring to FIGS. 27 to 29, the water tank empty mode execution stage (S250) can be configured to adjust the air volume based on at least one of the illuminance and the relative humidity.

[0240] For example, as shown in FIG. 27, the water tank empty mode execution stage (S250) may be configured to adjust the air volume considering both the illuminance and the relative humidity. As shown in FIG. 28, it may be configured to adjust the air volume considering the illuminance. As shown in FIG. 29, it may be configured to adjust the air volume considering the relative humidity.

[0241] Then, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, in the water tank empty mode execution stage (S250), by comparing the measured illuminance with a preset reference illuminance value (S251), when the measured illuminance is less than or equal to the reference illuminance value, the air volume can be configured to decrease (S255). As shown in FIGS. 27 and 29, by comparing the measured relative humidity with a preset reference relative humidity value (S253), when the measured relative humidity is greater than or equal to the reference relative humidity value, the air volume can be configured to be increased compared to the air volume in the case where it is less than the reference relative humidity value (S256) (S257).

[0242] Referring to FIG. 27, in the water tank empty mode execution stage (S250), by comparing the measured illuminance sensed by the illuminance sensor (IS in FIG. 18) with the reference illuminance value (S251), when the measured illuminance is less than or equal to the reference illuminance value, such as at night (bedtime), the blower unit 170 is driven at the lowest RPM to minimize the air volume (S255). When the measured illuminance is greater than the reference illuminance value, the measured relative humidity is compared with the reference relative humidity value (S253). When the measured relative humidity is greater than or equal to the reference relative humidity value, since there is a large amount of water vapor in the air and the emptying of the water in the water tank 130 through the humidifying member 160 is not smooth, for the execution of a fast water tank emptying operation, the blower unit 170 is driven at a high RPM to increase the air volume (S257). When the measured relative humidity is less than the reference relative humidity value, the blower unit 170 can be driven at a low RPM to reduce the air volume (S256).

[0243] Then, as shown in FIG. 28, in the water tank empty mode execution stage (S250), it can have a configuration that takes illuminance into account and does not take relative humidity into account. In this case, by comparing the measured illuminance with the reference illuminance value (S251), when the measured illuminance is less than or equal to the reference illuminance value, such as at night (bedtime), the blower unit 170 is driven at the lowest RPM to minimize the air volume (S255). When the measured illuminance is greater than the reference illuminance value, the blower unit 170 can be driven at a low RPM or a normal RPM selected according to the air quality to adjust the air volume (S256).

[0244] Also, as shown in FIG. 29, in the water tank emptying mode execution stage (S250), it is also possible to have a configuration that takes into account the relative humidity and does not take into account the illuminance. In this case, the measured relative humidity is compared with the reference relative humidity value (S253). If the measured relative humidity is equal to or greater than the reference relative humidity value, the amount of water vapor in the air is large, and the emptying operation of the water in the water tank 130 through the humidifying member 160 is not smooth. Therefore, for the rapid execution of the water tank emptying operation, the blower unit 170 is driven at a high RPM to increase the air volume (S257). If the measured relative humidity is less than the reference relative humidity value, the blower unit 170 can be driven at a low RPM to reduce the air volume (S256).

[0245] The increase or decrease of such an air volume can be configured to simply increase the driving RPM of the blower unit 170 according to the illuminance and / or relative humidity. However, based on the blowing stage corresponding to the current state of the air (for example, the amount of dust), the blowing stage can also be increased or decreased according to the illuminance or relative humidity for driving. For example, assume that the blowing stage of the humidifier 100 is composed of five levels from the lowest RPM of level 1 to the highest RPM of level 5, and the set value of the blowing stage corresponding to the current state of the air (for example, the amount of dust) is level 3. In this case, if the measured illuminance is less than or equal to the reference illuminance value, for quiet operation, the blower unit 170 is driven at a blowing stage lower than the current set blowing stage (level 3) (for example, level 1 or level 2) (S255). If the measured illuminance is greater than the reference illuminance value, the current set blowing stage (level 3) can be maintained, or for the rapid execution of the water tank emptying operation, the blower unit 170 can be driven at level 4 or level 5 higher than the current set blowing stage (level 3) (S257). Also, if the measured relative humidity is equal to or greater than the reference relative humidity value, for the rapid execution of the water tank emptying operation, the blower unit 170 is driven at level 4 or level 5 higher than the current set blowing stage (level 3). If the measured relative humidity is less than the reference relative humidity value, the current set blowing stage (level 3) can be maintained, or the blower unit 170 can be driven at level 2 or level 1 lower than the current set blowing stage (level 3).

[0246] On the one hand, the above-mentioned reference illuminance value or reference relative humidity value may consist of one value or two or more values. When the reference illuminance value or reference relative humidity value is two or more in this way, it is possible to control the increase or decrease of the air volume corresponding to the section to which the measured illuminance or measured relative humidity corresponds. The method of adjusting, increasing, or decreasing the air volume in consideration of illuminance or relative humidity as described above is not limited to the above-described method, and various changes are possible.

[0247] And the determination step (S260) for determining whether or not the water bucket empty mode has been completed can be configured to include a step (S265) of determining whether or not it is sensed that there is no water in the water tank 141 and a step (S266) of determining whether or not an additional drying time has elapsed after it is sensed that there is no water in the water tank 141, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, and when the additional drying time has elapsed, it can be configured to end the water bucket empty mode (S270).

[0248] That is, as the water bucket empty mode execution step (S250) progresses in a state where water is supplied from the water bucket 130 to the water tank 141, the water stored in the water tank 141 gradually disappears. As a result, the water level of the water stored in the water tank 141 gradually decreases, and finally, there is no water at the bottom of the water tank 141. Thus, even after it is sensed that there is no water in the water tank 141, the humidifying member 160 maintains the absorbed state for a certain period of time. Therefore, in order to completely dry the water absorbed by the humidifying member 160, in the determination step (S260) of determining whether or not the water bucket empty mode has been completed, the water bucket empty mode can be further performed during the additional drying time after it is sensed that there is no water in the water tank 141 (S265).

[0249] At this time, the additional drying time can be set in advance in consideration of the amount of water absorbed by the humidifying member 160 and the like. On the other hand, as described above, in the water bucket empty mode execution step (S250), the air volume of the air blowing unit 170 can be increased or decreased based on at least one of illuminance and relative humidity. In this case, the additional drying time can be set in consideration of the increase or decrease of the air volume.

[0250] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. However, the scope of the rights of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious to those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field that various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the technical idea of the present invention described in the claims.

[0251] In particular, the present invention includes, in the various embodiments described above, deleting some configurations that are not essential for the drying mode or the water tank empty mode, replacing them with other configurations, or adding other configurations for implementation. Further, the present invention can be configured to include those in which the configurations of the above-described embodiments are combined in a composite manner.

Explanation of Signs

[0252] 100 Humidifier 110 Housing 111 Housing main body 112 Partition plate 112a, 112b Through holes 113 Opening 115 Suction port 116 Discharge port 117 Clean air discharge port 118 Humidified air discharge port 120 Air purification filter 130 Water tank 131 Water tank main body 135 Water supply valve member 136 Opening / closing part 136a Sealing member 136b Rod member 136c Elastic member 136d Magnetic member 137 Cap member 140 Water tank unit 141 Water tank 143 Opening cover 145 Cover extension part 146 Humidifying member mounting part 147 Installation groove 148 Water tank cover 148a Seating surface 148b Mounting opening 148c Through-hole 150 Water supply adjustment member 151 Main body part 153 Rotating shaft part 155 Actuating part 157 Pressing part 159 Weight part 160 Humidifying member 170 Blowing part 180 Flow path adjustment member 181 Main body part 183 Rotating shaft 190 Pressurizing part 195 Magnetic force generating part C Control part F1 Blowing flow path F2 Cleaning flow path F3 Humidifying flow path HS Temperature and humidity sensor IS Illuminance sensor LS Water detection sensor M Driving part MS Microorganism detection sensor PG Driving gear W Partition wall WH Through-hole

Claims

1. A housing having an air inlet through which air flows in and an air outlet through which air is discharged, A blower unit provided in the housing to provide a blowing force so that the air flowing in from the air inlet flows to the air outlet, A water bucket provided in the housing and having a water supply valve member that opens and closes so that the water stored inside can be discharged, A water tank unit having a water tank that receives water supply from the water bucket, A humidifying member that performs humidification using the water supplied to the water tank, A water supply adjustment member that opens and closes the water supply valve member so that water supply from the water bucket to the water tank is performed or blocked, A control unit that controls the water supply from the water bucket to the water tank and the driving of the blower unit, Including, After the humidification mode for performing humidification ends, the control unit performs a drying mode in which the humidifying member is dried by the air blown from the blower unit, After the humidification mode ends, when the preset conditions are met, the control unit supplies the water stored in the water bucket to the water tank and performs forced humidification through the humidifying member to perform a water bucket emptying mode in which the water in the water bucket is emptied, The control unit is a humidifier that performs the drying mode with the water supply from the water bucket to the water tank blocked.

2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the movement of the water supply adjustment member so that the water supply valve member is in a closed state when the drying mode is performed, and drives the blower unit so that the humidifying member is dried.

3. The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the movement of the water supply adjustment member so that the water supply valve member is in an open state when the humidification mode is performed, and drives the blower unit.

4. The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein the control unit adjusts the air volume of the blower unit based on at least one of illuminance and relative humidity when the drying mode is performed.

5. The humidifier according to claim 4, wherein the control unit further performs the drying mode for a preset additional drying time after it is detected that there is no water in the water tank.

6. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water supply adjustment member includes a pressing portion that moves up and down to press the water supply valve member.

7. The water supply adjustment member includes a main body portion, a pressing portion formed on one side of the main body portion and arranged to be able to pressurize the water supply valve member, an operating portion formed on the other side of the main body portion, and a rotating shaft portion positioned between the pressing portion and the operating portion. The humidifier according to claim 6, wherein the pressing portion rotates and moves up and down about the rotating shaft portion in response to the movement of the operating portion.

8. The water tank unit includes the water tank for storing water and a water tank cover covering at least a part of the upper portion of the water tank. The humidifier according to claim 7, wherein the rotating shaft portion is installed on the water tank cover.

9. The water supply adjustment member further includes a pressurizing portion that rotates the operating portion of the water supply adjustment member about the rotating shaft portion. The control unit controls the movement of the pressurizing portion, and when the humidifying mode is being performed, the pressurizing portion contacts the operating portion and pressurizes the operating portion so that the water supply valve member is in an open state, and when the drying mode is being performed, the pressurizing portion releases the state of pressurizing the operating portion so that the water supply valve member is in a closed state. The humidifier according to claim 7.

10. The discharge port includes a humidified air discharge port through which air flowing in from the suction port and filtered through an air purification filter is discharged through the humidifying member, and a clean air discharge port that is discharged without passing through the humidifying member. The air blown from the air blowing portion is discharged through at least one of the humidified air discharge port and the clean air discharge port by switching the flow path of the flow path adjustment member. The humidifier according to claim 9.

11. The pressurizing portion is configured to rotate integrally with the flow path adjustment member in response to the rotation of the flow path adjustment member. The humidifier according to claim 10.

12. The water supply adjustment member opens and closes the water supply valve member via magnetism. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

13. In a control method of a humidifier in which water supplied from a water bucket to a water tank is provided to a humidifying member to perform humidification, a humidifying stage of proceeding with a humidifying mode in which humidification is performed through the humidifying member; a drying stage of proceeding with a drying mode in which air is blown after the humidifying mode ends and the humidifying member is dried; a water bucket emptying stage in which the water stored in the water bucket can be emptied; including When the water bucket emptying stage meets the preset conditions after the humidification mode ends, the water stored in the water bucket is supplied to the water tank, and forced humidification is performed through the humidifying member to empty the water in the water bucket. The drying stage is a control method of a humidifier, which is performed in a state where the supply of water from the water bucket to the water tank is blocked.

14. The drying stage of the control method of the humidifier according to claim 13 is configured to make at least a part of the air blown from the blowing unit flow to the humidifying member.

15. The drying stage of the control method of the humidifier according to claim 14 is performed with the humidifying member immersed in the water tank, and is configured to enable the removal of the water stored in the water tank.

16. The drying stage of the control method of the humidifier according to claim 13 is performed during a preset drying setting time.

17. The drying stage of the control method of the humidifier according to claim 13 continues in a state where water is detected in the water tank, and is further performed during a preset additional drying time even after no water is detected in the water tank.

18. The drying stage of the control method of the humidifier according to claim 16 or claim 17 adjusts the air volume based on at least one of the illuminance and the relative humidity.

19. In the drying stage of the control method of the humidifier according to claim 18, when the measured illuminance is less than or equal to a preset reference illuminance value, the air volume is decreased.

20. In the drying stage of the control method of the humidifier according to claim 18, when the measured relative humidity is greater than or equal to a preset reference relative humidity value, the air volume is increased compared to the case where it is less than the preset reference relative humidity value.

21. In the drying stage of the control method of the humidifier according to claim 18, when the measured illuminance is less than or equal to a preset reference illuminance value, the air volume is minimized, and when the measured illuminance is greater than the preset reference illuminance value, the measured relative humidity is compared with the preset reference relative humidity value to increase or decrease the air volume.

22. The drying stage increases or decreases the air volume based on at least one of the illuminance and the relative humidity. The drying setting time of the control method of the humidifier according to claim 16 is adjusted according to the increase or decrease of the air volume.

23. The drying stage increases or decreases the air volume based on at least one of the illuminance and the relative humidity. The control method of a humidifier according to claim 17, wherein the additional drying time is adjusted according to an increase or decrease in the air volume.

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