Humidifier and air treatment device equipped with same

Abstract

This humidifier includes a humidifying element having an intake port, an exhaust port, a water supply port, and a humidification core portion, wherein the intake port and the exhaust port are connected to opposite sides of the humidification core portion, allowing air to flow into and out of the humidification core portion, and water can be injected into the humidification core portion through the water supply port. The humidification core portion includes a plurality of first hollow core sheets that are in communication with the intake port and the exhaust port, a plurality of second hollow core sheets that are in communication with the water supply port, and a plurality of moisture permeable membranes. The moisture permeable membranes are interposed between adjacent first hollow core sheets and second hollow core sheets. The thickness t1 of the first hollow core sheets is greater than the thickness t2 of the second hollow core sheets, and the ratio of the two thicknesses is 0.4≤t2 / t1<1. The humidifier can ensure humidification performance while at the same time reducing the risk of scale formation. The present invention further relates to an air treatment device equipped with the humidifier.

Description

Humidifier and air treatment device equipped with same

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more particularly to air treatment devices including humidifiers, and more particularly to improvements to said humidifiers.

[0002] Air treatment devices such as air conditioners are increasingly being used in people's lives to meet people's needs for living and working environments. Many air treatment devices have a humidifying function to adjust the humidity of the air in the environment.

[0003] Currently, one type of common humidifier transports water to the top of the humidifier, where it is sprayed. The water then permeates downward along the moisture-permeable membrane of the humidifier due to gravity. When dry air passes through the moisture-permeable membrane, the moisture is removed by the air, thereby humidifying the air.

[0004] Another type of humidifier has a filter element with capillary action. The filter element is immersed in a water tank, and capillary action causes the water in the water tank to be drawn up from the bottom to the moisture-permeable membrane of the filter element, humidifying the dry air blown onto the filter element.

[0005] These conventional humidifiers have encountered several problems during application, such as the slow water absorption speed of the moisture-permeable membrane, the limited water absorption capacity, and the limited space for improving the humidification capacity of the humidifier.Furthermore, after long-term use, the moisture-permeable membrane is easily deformed, which affects the humidification function of the humidifier.

[0006] In response to the technical issues of these conventional humidifiers, humidifiers having humidifying elements have been further developed, which include a plurality of hollow core sheets used for the passage of water and air, respectively, which may be referred to as water side core sheets and air side core sheets, and the humidifying element is formed by alternately stacking the water side core sheets and air side core sheets and sandwiching a moisture-permeable membrane between adjacent water side core sheets and air side core sheets.

[0007] For this type of humidifying element, it is possible to design it by reducing the width of the water side, for example, the thickness of the water-side core sheet. However, if the overall width of the core remains the same, the number of air and water layers can be increased to increase the humidifying capacity. Furthermore, reducing the thickness of the water layer relatively increases the cross-sectional area through which air passes in the humidifying element, thereby reducing ventilation resistance. However, it has been found that if the water layer is too narrow during use, drainage becomes difficult due to the surface tension of the water. Thus, when it is necessary to drain or replace the water in the humidifying element, there is a problem in that the water cannot be drained completely. The water remaining in the humidifying element is prone to accumulate scale, which clogs the water passages in the humidifying element and further affects the humidifying performance of the humidifier.

[0008] Therefore, how to improve the humidifying performance of the humidifier as much as possible while simultaneously preventing the accumulation of scale on the humidifying element of the humidifier remains a problem that needs to be solved.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the problems associated with the prior art described above, and aims to provide an improved humidifier and air treatment device equipped with the same, which can improve the humidifying performance of the humidifier, for example, by improving humidifying efficiency and reducing ventilation resistance, while also preventing the accumulation of scale.

[0010] The humidifier according to the present invention includes a humidifying element having an air inlet, an air outlet, a water supply port, and a humidifying core. The air inlet and the air outlet are connected to opposite sides of the humidifying core, allowing air to flow into and out of the humidifying core sheet, and water to be injected into the humidifying core through the water supply port. The humidifying core includes a plurality of first hollow core sections communicating with the air inlet and the air outlet, a plurality of second hollow core sheets communicating with the water supply port and arranged alternately with the first hollow core sheets, and a plurality of moisture-permeable membranes interposed between adjacent first and second hollow core sheets. The first hollow core sheets have a first thickness, and the second hollow core sheets have a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness, and satisfying the condition 0.4≦t2 / t1<1, where t1 is the first thickness and t2 is the second thickness.

[0011] In a humidifier of the above structure, the first hollow core sheet is an air-side core sheet because it communicates with the air intake and exhaust ports and allows air to flow in, and the second hollow core sheet is a water-side core sheet because it communicates with the water supply port and allows water for humidification to flow in. Research has shown that by making the thickness of the first hollow core sheet (air-side core sheet) greater than that of the second hollow core sheet (water-side core sheet), and specifically setting the ratio of the two thicknesses in the range of 0.4 to 1, it is possible to achieve excellent humidification efficiency and reduce resistance to air flowing through the humidifying element, while preventing water from remaining due to water tension when draining, thereby reducing the risk of scale formation on the humidifying element.

[0012] At least one of the first hollow core sheet and the second hollow core sheet is made of a synthetic resin, and specifically, the synthetic resin may include one selected from polypropylene and polycarbonate.

[0013] Preferably, the second hollow core sheet is treated by a hydrophilic process, for example, by applying a hydrophilic coating to the second hollow core sheet or by corona treating the second hollow core sheet. When the first hollow core sheet and the second hollow core sheet are made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene or polycarbonate, they exhibit hydrophobicity, and the surface tension of water inhibits water discharge. However, by treating the second hollow core sheet with a hydrophilic process, water can be uniformly distributed on the surface of the hollow core sheet, making it less likely to collect, and contributing to water discharge.

[0014] Preferably, a moisture-permeable membrane is attached to each side of the second hollow core sheet, which facilitates subsequent processing of the humidifying element.

[0015] Preferably, the moisture-permeable membrane can be bonded to both sides of the second hollow core sheet using an adhesive, and the adhesive may be at least one selected from a silicone resin-based adhesive, an epoxy resin-based adhesive, a urethane-based adhesive, an acrylic adhesive, a vinyl acetate-based adhesive, a vinyl chloride-based adhesive, a cyclic polyolefin resin-based adhesive, and a latex-based adhesive.

[0016] Alternatively, the moisture-permeable membrane may be attached to the second hollow core sheet using other methods such as hot melt.

[0017] In a preferred structure, each first hollow core sheet includes a first frame and at least one first reinforcing rib extending between two opposing sides of the first frame, and each second hollow core sheet includes a second frame and at least one second reinforcing rib extending between two opposing sides of the second frame, and the first hollow core sheet and the second hollow core sheet are arranged so that the first reinforcing rib and the second reinforcing rib intersect with each other. Here, the first reinforcing rib and the second reinforcing rib are provided in at least one of the following cases: the first reinforcing rib is inclined with respect to the two opposing sides of the first hollow core sheet, and the second reinforcing rib is inclined with respect to the two opposing sides of the second hollow core sheet.

[0018] The inclined placement of the first and second reinforcing ribs can improve humidification efficiency by facilitating uniform distribution of air and water flow in the hollow core sheet.

[0019] Preferably, the humidifying element includes a first portion corresponding to a portion where the air flow velocity is high in the air intake port, and a second portion corresponding to a portion where the air flow velocity is low in the air intake port, wherein the thickness of the first hollow core sheet in the first portion is smaller than the thickness of the first hollow core sheet in the second portion.

[0020] The invention further relates to an air treatment device equipped with such a humidifier.

[0021] Preferably, the air treatment device includes a housing provided with an air intake, an air exhaust, and an air passage extending between the air intake and the air exhaust, wherein the humidifier is located in or communicates with the air passage.

[0022] Preferably, the region between the humidifying element and the air intake includes a first region whose cross section in a direction perpendicular to the air flow path faces the air intake, and a second region adjacent to the first region, wherein the humidifying element includes a first part and a second part, and when the humidifying element is attached to the housing, the first part corresponds to the first region and the second part corresponds to the second region, the first hollow core sheet in the first part has a third thickness, the first hollow core sheet in the second part has a fourth thickness, and the third thickness is smaller than the fourth thickness.

[0023] By providing such different thicknesses of the first hollow core sheet, the air flow rate can be made approximately uniform throughout the humidifier element, and the uniform air flow rate contributes to improving the humidification efficiency of the humidifier element.

[0024] Specific embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the structures illustrated in the drawings, where each drawing is as follows:

[0025] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a humidifying element of a humidifier according to the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a plan view of adjacent first and second hollow core sheets stacked in the humidifying element of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of adjacent first and second hollow core sheets stacked in the humidifying element of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 shows a partially enlarged view of part P in Fig. 3. Fig. 7 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an air treatment device having a humidifier.

[0026] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the following detailed description will be given of specific embodiments of the humidifier in the air treatment device according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. The drawings are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be understood as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious modifications, variations, and equivalent substitutions to the present invention based on the embodiments shown in the drawings, and can arbitrarily combine the components of the different embodiments described below, provided that they are not inconsistent, and all of these are within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] In the following detailed description of the present invention, the terms "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom" and the like are based on the usage state of the humidifier shown in the drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a humidifier element 10 of a humidifier according to the present invention, which humidifier element 10 can be used, for example, in an air treatment device.

[0029] The humidifier element 10 includes fixing frames 11 provided at the top and bottom of the humidifier element 10, with a top plate 12 provided at the top and a bottom plate 13 provided at the bottom of the humidifier element 10. The fixing frames 11 secure a humidifier core 20, which is made up of multiple stacked core sheets, and prevent the multiple core sheets constituting the humidifier core 20 from coming apart. The top plate 12 and bottom plate 13 further secure the humidifier core 20 from the top and bottom, and also seal the humidifier core 20 from the top and bottom. Preferably, side plates 14 are further provided on both sides of the humidifier core 20, which contribute to improving the strength and sealing of the humidifier element 10.

[0030] In the structure shown in the figure, the fixing frame 11 is provided on both the top and bottom of the humidifying element 10, but the fixing frame 11 may be provided on either the top or bottom.

[0031] The humidifying element 10 further includes a water inlet and a water outlet. For example, in the illustrated exemplary structure, the top plate 12 of the humidifying element 10 is provided with a first pipe 15 that functions as a water outlet. The bottom plate 13 of the humidifying element 10 is provided with a second pipe 16 that can function as a water inlet, allowing water to be injected into the humidifying core 20 of the humidifying element 10 through the second pipe 16. While water is being injected into the humidifying core 20 from the second pipe 16, air in the humidifying core 20 can be discharged through the first pipe 15, ensuring that the humidifying core 20 is filled with water. When humidification is stopped, water can be discharged from the humidifying core 20 through the first pipe 15, preventing the growth of bacteria caused by water remaining in the humidifying core 20 for a long period of time. Such a water inlet-outlet arrangement not only has a simple structure and contributes to convenient water supply and drainage, but also provides high operational efficiency for adding and draining water to the humidifying core. Of course, a port that functions as both a water inlet and a water outlet may be provided at the bottom of the humidifying element 10. When humidification is required, water is replenished into the humidifying core 20 from the bottom upward through this port, and at the same time, the top port (e.g., first pipe portion 15) is used only to exhaust air to make space for the water.

[0032] As shown, the bottom port of the humidification element is provided with a second tubing 16 which can be connected to a water line to allow the humidification core to be replenished with water.

[0033] This water supply method quickly expels air from the humidifying core 20, maintains air pressure balance within the humidifying core 20, and increases the contact area between the water and the moisture-permeable membrane 50 (described in detail below), further contributing to improved humidifying capacity. By supplying and draining water through the same port, the internal pressure of the humidifying core 20 of the humidifying element 10 is balanced when refilling with water, preventing deformation and even damage to the moisture-permeable membrane 50 due to force, thereby contributing to extending the service life of the humidifying element 10. Furthermore, draining water cleans the moisture-permeable membrane, preventing scaling.

[0034] The humidifying element 10 further includes an air inlet 21 and an air outlet 22 connected to the humidifying core 20. Air enters the humidifying core 20 through the air inlet 21 and exits through the air outlet 22. In the structure shown in FIG. 1 , the air inlet 21 is actually a surface of the humidifying element 10 extending between the two side panels 14. This surface is open and faces the air inlet 3 (see FIG. 5 ) of the air treatment device 1, forming an opening that covers the entire front surface of the humidifying core 20, thereby allowing air to flow into the humidifying core. Correspondingly, the air outlet 22 is a surface (the back surface in FIG. 1 ) positioned opposite the air inlet 21. This surface is also open and forms an opening that covers the entire back surface of the humidifying core 20, thereby allowing air to flow out. As the air flows through the humidifying core 20, it comes into contact with water in the humidifying core 20 and is humidified. 1 , the cross section of the humidifying element 10 preferably has a rectangular shape along the height direction of the humidifying element 10. The water supply port and / or the water outlet port are provided at positions corresponding to the long sides of the rectangle, and the air intake port 21 and the air exhaust port 22 are provided at positions corresponding to the short sides of the rectangle. By configuring them in this way, it is possible to increase the amount of water stored in the humidifying element 10, and further, for the same humidification amount, it is possible to reduce the volume of the humidifying element 10, thereby contributing to a more compact humidifying element 10.

[0035] The structure of the humidifying core 20 will now be described in more detail.

[0036] The humidifying core section 20 includes a plurality of first hollow core sheets 30, a plurality of second hollow core sheets 40, and a plurality of moisture-permeable membranes 50. The first hollow core sheets 30 and the second hollow core sheets 40 are arranged alternately, and a moisture-permeable membrane 50 is provided between adjacent first hollow core sheets 30 and second hollow core sheets 40. The first hollow core sheets 30, the second hollow core sheets 40, and the moisture-permeable membranes 50 are stacked to form the humidifying core section 20, and the above-mentioned fixing frame 11, top plate 12, and / or bottom plate 13 hold the stacked first hollow core sheets 30, the second hollow core sheets 40, and the moisture-permeable membranes 50 together to prevent them from coming apart. The first hollow core sheet 30 communicates with the air intake port 21 and the air exhaust port 22, allowing air to flow through the first hollow core sheet 30. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the passages in the first hollow core sheet 30 communicate with the air intake port 21, allowing air to flow into the first hollow core sheet 30 through the air intake port 21. On the back side in Fig. 1, the passages in the first hollow core sheet 30 further communicate with the air exhaust port 22, allowing air to flow out. The second hollow core sheet 40 communicates with the first pipe portion 15 (water outlet) and the second pipe portion 16 (water supply port), allowing water to be stored in the second hollow core sheet 40. Specifically, a space for storing water is formed in the base plate 13, the second pipe portion 16 communicates with the space in the base plate 13 to allow water to enter the space, and the passage in the second hollow core sheet 40 communicates with the space in the base plate 13 to allow water to flow into the second hollow core sheet 40. As can be seen from this, the first hollow core sheet 30 functions as an air-side core sheet, and the second hollow core sheet 40 functions as a water-side core sheet.

[0037] Preferably, the first hollow core sheet 30 and the second hollow core sheet 40 have a plurality of hollow passages, which can provide the first hollow core sheet 30 and the second hollow core sheet 40 with good waterproofing, corrosion resistance, and high strength. For example, the first hollow core sheet 30 and the second hollow core sheet 40 can be made of cardboard.

[0038] At least one of the first hollow core sheet 30 and the second hollow core sheet 40 can be made of a synthetic resin material, such as polypropylene (PP) or polycarbonate. Synthetic resin materials such as polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate have hydrophobic properties, making it difficult for water in the second hollow core sheet 40 to drain due to tension. Therefore, the second hollow core sheet 40 is preferably subjected to a hydrophilic process, such as applying a hydrophilic coating to the second hollow core sheet 40 or subjecting the second hollow core sheet 40 to a corona treatment. The hydrophilic process allows water to be uniformly distributed on the surface of the second hollow core sheet 40, promoting water flow and facilitating water drainage.

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of an exemplary structure of a laminated first hollow core sheet 30 and a second hollow core sheet 40, Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the laminated first hollow core sheet 30 and the second hollow core sheet 40, and Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view of part P in Fig. 3. The first hollow core sheet 30 includes a first frame portion 31 and at least one, preferably a plurality of, first reinforcing ribs 32 extending between two opposing sides (e.g., two vertical sides in the figure) of the first frame portion 31. Preferably, the first reinforcing rib 32 extends at an angle to the first frame portion 31, for example, as shown in the figure, forming a first angle α with the two vertical sides of the first frame portion 31.

[0040] The second hollow core sheet 40 includes a second frame portion 41 and at least one, preferably a plurality of, second ribs 42 extending between two opposing sides (e.g., two horizontal sides in the figure) of the second frame portion 41. Preferably, the second rib 42 extends at an angle to the second frame portion 41, for example, as shown, forming a second angle β with the two horizontal sides of the second frame portion 41.

[0041] It is preferable that the first reinforcing rib 32 and the second reinforcing rib 42 shown in the figures extend at an angle. The first reinforcing rib 32 may be provided at right angles to the two vertical sides of the first frame portion 31, and the second reinforcing rib 42 may be provided at right angles to the two horizontal sides of the second frame portion 41. This is also within the scope of the present application.

[0042] A moisture-permeable membrane 50 is interposed between the first hollow core sheet 30 and the second hollow core sheet 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the first hollow core sheet 30 and the second hollow core sheet 40 support the moisture-permeable membrane 50 therebetween, thereby preventing the moisture-permeable membrane 50 from deforming during use. Specifically, the moisture-permeable membrane 50 can be sealed between the adjacent first hollow core sheet 30 and second hollow core sheet 40 by heat pressing, gluing, or other methods. During humidification, water contained in the second hollow core sheet 40 permeates the moisture-permeable membrane 50 and is absorbed by dry air passing through the first hollow core sheet 30, thereby humidifying the passing air.

[0043] When the first hollow core sheet 30 and the second hollow core sheet 40 are laminated, the first reinforcing ribs 32 of the first hollow core sheet 30 and the second reinforcing ribs 42 of the second hollow core sheet 40 intersect with each other, thereby further improving the strength of the humidifying core 20 and contributing to preventing deformation of the moisture-permeable membrane 50. The first reinforcing ribs 32 and the second reinforcing ribs 42 also intersect with each other to separate multiple moisture-permeable regions 23.

[0044] Preferably, a moisture-permeable membrane 50 is attached to both sides of the second hollow core sheet 40. For example, the moisture-permeable membrane 50 can be adhered to the second hollow core sheet 40 with an adhesive. The adhesive that adheres the second hollow core sheet 40 and the moisture-permeable membrane 50 may be at least one selected from a silicone resin adhesive, an epoxy resin adhesive, a urethane adhesive, an acrylic adhesive, a vinyl acetate adhesive, a vinyl chloride adhesive, a cyclic polyolefin resin adhesive, and a latex adhesive.

[0045] The moisture-permeable membrane 50 may be attached to the second hollow core sheet 40 by other methods than adhesive, such as hot melt.

[0046] Furthermore, the first hollow core sheet 30 and the second hollow core sheet 40 are arranged so that the direction of air flow through the first hollow core sheet 30 (indicated by arrow A in Fig. 2) intersects with the direction of water flow through the second hollow core sheet 40 (indicated by arrow B in Fig. 2). In this way, the water pressure and air pressure acting on the moisture-permeable membrane 50 are in different directions, which reduces the pressure on the moisture-permeable membrane 50 and thereby contributes to reducing deformation.

[0047] Preferably, the first angle α is an acute angle, i.e., the first reinforcing rib 32 extends at an angle relative to the first frame portion 31. In this manner, the first reinforcing rib 32 has a first through-hole 33 formed therein that communicates with the corresponding moisture permeable region 23, thereby contributing to the air flowing in and distributing uniformly in the moisture permeable region 23.

[0048] Similarly, it is preferable that the second angle β is an acute angle, i.e., the second reinforcing rib 42 extends at an angle relative to the second frame portion 41, and the second reinforcing rib 42 includes a second through hole 43 leading to the corresponding moisture-permeable region 23, thereby contributing to water flowing in and being distributed evenly in the moisture-permeable region 23.

[0049] 2 , in the first hollow core sheet 30, the pitch between two adjacent first reinforcing ribs 32 is preferably equal, which is a first pitch L1. In the second hollow core sheet 40, the pitch between two adjacent second reinforcing ribs 42 is also preferably equal, which is a second pitch L2. Preferably, the first pitch L1 is smaller than the second pitch L2. By making the first pitch L1 between adjacent first reinforcing ribs 32 smaller than the second pitch L2 between adjacent second reinforcing ribs 42, the moisture-permeable membrane 50 is prevented from deforming excessively due to the action of water pressure, thereby preventing the air passage from narrowing, thereby enabling smoother airflow.

[0050] The inclination angles of the first reinforcing rib 32 and the second reinforcing rib 42 and the installation methods of their first and second pitches L1 and L2 contribute to maximizing the area of ​​the moisture permeable region and further ensure the humidifying efficiency of the humidifying element.

[0051] 4, the first hollow core sheet 30 has a first thickness t1, and the second hollow core sheet 40 has a second thickness t2. Here, the second thickness t2 is smaller than the first thickness t1, and for example, the second thickness t2 may be 1 to 2 mm, e.g., 1.8 mm, and the first thickness t1 may be 2 to 4 mm, e.g., 3 mm.

[0052] Furthermore, the ratio of the second thickness t2 to the first thickness t1 is preferably selected from the range of 0.4≦t2 / t1<1. For example, when the second thickness t2 is 1.8 mm and the first thickness t1 is 3 mm, t2 / t1 is 0.6.

[0053] The thickness of the first hollow core sheet 30 within the same humidifier element 10 may vary. It has been discovered that during use, the flow rate of air entering the air inlet 21 varies, with some locations experiencing higher flow rates and others experiencing lower flow rates. Specifically, the flow rate of the incoming air is relatively high in the portion of the air inlet 21 that is approximately aligned with the air inlet 3 of the air treatment device 1, while the flow rate of the incoming air is relatively low in the surrounding area. To address this phenomenon, the humidifier element 10 may be configured to include a first portion corresponding to the portion of the air inlet 21 where the flow rate of the incoming air is high, and a second portion corresponding to the portion of the air inlet 21 where the flow rate of the incoming air is low. The thickness of the first hollow core sheet 30 in the first portion may be smaller than the thickness of the first hollow core sheet 30 in the second portion. The smaller thickness of the first hollow core sheet 30 provides a narrower air passage, thereby increasing the flow resistance to the air and slowing down fast-flowing air. In this way, the air flow rate can be made approximately uniform throughout the humidifier element 10. The uniformity of the air flow speed contributes to improving the humidifying efficiency of the humidifying element 10.

[0054] Furthermore, the humidifier may optionally include a tank and an adjusting valve in addition to the humidification element 10. The tank can be connected to a water inlet, for example, the second pipe section 16 shown in the figure, and the adjusting valve is provided between the tank and the second pipe section 16 and is used to adjust the amount of water input to the humidification core section 20.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, the tank may be connected to a city water supply or water may be added manually, all of which are within the scope of the present invention.

[0056] Specifically, a humidifier equipped with the humidifying element 10 can be used in an air treatment device 1. As shown in Figure 5, the air treatment device 1 includes a housing 2 having an air intake 3 and an air exhaust 4, with an air passage 5 formed between the air intake 3 and the air exhaust 4. A water supply unit 6, a tank 7, and the humidifying element 10 of the humidifier are sequentially provided in the air passage. Preferably, the water supply unit 6 and the tank 7 are provided adjacent to the side wall of the housing, which minimizes the obstruction to the airflow caused by each unit of the humidifier, and this layout is advantageous for making the air treatment device 1 compact.

[0057] The water supply unit 6 and the tank 7 are connected via a first water pipe 8, and the water supply unit 6 can be connected to a water source, such as city water, so that water can flow into the tank 7 via the water supply unit 6 and the first water pipe 8.

[0058] The tank 7 and the humidifying element 10 are connected via a second water pipe 9, and the above-mentioned regulating valve, for example a three-way valve, is disposed in the second water pipe 9. The three-way valve can be switched between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the tank 7 and the humidifying element 10 are connected, and water in the tank 7 flows into the humidifying element 10 via the second water pipe 9 and the second pipe portion 16 of the humidifying element 10. In the second position, the humidifying element 10 is in a draining state, and water in the humidifying element 10 flows through the second pipe portion 16 to the three-way valve and is discharged from the outlet end of the three-way valve.

[0059] In another alternative embodiment, the humidifier may be provided outside the housing 2 and connected to the air flow path 5 in the housing 2 .

[0060] In this way, the humidifier can send humidified air into the room by utilizing the air blowing unit and air blowing path of the air treatment device, and the humidifier can humidify the air sent into the room after the air treatment device has processed the air (e.g., introduced fresh air, adjusted the air temperature, purified the air), thereby further ensuring the comfort and cleanliness of the humidified air.

[0061] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1: Air treatment device 2: Housing 3: Air intake port 4: Air exhaust port 5: Air supply path 6: Water supply unit 7: Tank 8: First water pipe 9: Second water pipe 10: Humidification element 11: Fixing frame 12: Top plate 13: Base plate 14: Side plate 15: First pipe section 16: Second pipe section 20: Humidification core section 21: Air intake port 22: Air exhaust port 23: Moisture-permeable area 30: First hollow core sheet 31: First frame section 32: First reinforcing rib 33: First through-hole 40: Second hollow core sheet 41: Second frame section 42: Second reinforcing rib 43: Second through-hole 50: Moisture-permeable membrane α: First angle β: Second angle L1: First pitch L2: Second pitch t1: First thickness t2: Second thickness A: Air flow B: Water flow

Claims

1. A humidifier comprising a humidifying element having an air intake, an exhaust outlet, a water supply port, and a humidifying core section, the air intake and the exhaust outlet being connected to opposite sides of the humidifying core section, allowing air to flow into and out of the humidifying core section while injecting water into the humidifying core section via the water supply port, the humidifying core section comprising: a plurality of first hollow core sheets communicating with the air intake and the exhaust outlet; a plurality of second hollow core sheets communicating with the water supply port and arranged alternately with the first hollow core sheets; and a plurality of moisture permeable membranes respectively interposed between adjacent first and second hollow core sheets, the first hollow core sheet having a first thickness and the second hollow core sheet having a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness, and satisfying the condition 0.4≦t2 / t1<1, where t1 is the first thickness and t2 is the second thickness.

2. The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the first hollow core sheet and the second hollow core sheet is made of synthetic resin.

3. The humidifier according to claim 2, characterized in that the synthetic resin includes one selected from polypropylene and polycarbonate.

4. The humidifier according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the second hollow core sheet is treated by a hydrophilic process.

5. The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the moisture-permeable membrane is attached to both sides of the second hollow core sheet.

6. The humidifier according to claim 5, characterized in that the moisture-permeable membrane is adhered to the second hollow core sheet by an adhesive, and the adhesive is at least one selected from the group consisting of silicone resin-based adhesives, epoxy resin-based adhesives, urethane-based adhesives, acrylic-based adhesives, vinyl acetate-based adhesives, polyvinyl chloride-based adhesives, cyclic polyolefin resin-based adhesives and latex-based adhesives.

7. The humidifier described in claim 1, characterized in that each of the first hollow core sheets includes a first frame portion and at least one first reinforcing rib extending between two opposing sides of the first frame portion, each of the second hollow core sheets includes a second frame portion and at least one second reinforcing rib extending between two opposing sides of the second frame portion, the first hollow core sheet and the second hollow core sheet are arranged so that the first reinforcing rib and the second reinforcing rib intersect with each other, and the first reinforcing rib and the second reinforcing rib are provided in at least one of the cases where the first reinforcing rib is inclined with respect to the two opposing sides of the first hollow core sheet and where the second reinforcing rib is inclined with respect to the two opposing sides of the second hollow core sheet.

8. An air treatment device comprising a humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The air treatment device according to claim 8, comprising a housing provided with an air intake, an air exhaust, and an air passage extending between the air intake and the air exhaust, and the humidifier is located in the air passage or communicates with the air passage.

10. The air treatment device of claim 9, wherein the region between the humidifying element and the air intake includes a first region whose cross section in a direction perpendicular to the air flow path faces the air intake and a second region adjacent to the first region, the humidifying element includes a first portion and a second portion, when the humidifying element is attached to the housing, the first portion corresponds to the first region and the second portion corresponds to the second region, the first hollow core sheet in the first portion has a third thickness and the first hollow core sheet in the second portion has a fourth thickness, and the third thickness is smaller than the fourth thickness.

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