Humidifier and humidifying air purifying device having same

Abstract

A humidifier for humidifying air by heating water, and a humidifying air purifying device having same are disclosed. The humidifier comprises: a water tank in which water is stored; a heating source for heating the lower surface of the water tank; and a dividing member disposed in the water tank so as to divide the inside of the water tank into a steam generation area in which steam is generated by means of the heating source and a storage area in which the water is stored, wherein the dividing member includes: a first portion which is disposed to cover a heating area heated by means of the heating source on the lower surface of the water tank, and which forms a first angle with respect to the vertical direction so that the cross-sectional area of the inside thereof is gradually reduced toward the upper side thereof; and a second portion extending upward from the first portion so as to form, with respect to the vertical direction, a second angle that is different from the first angle.

Description

Humidification device and humidifying air purifier including the same

[0001] Generally, a humidifier refers to a device that maintains the humidity of an indoor space at an appropriate level. A humidifier can vaporize water stored in a reservoir and discharge it into the indoor space.

[0002] Humidifiers can be broadly classified into evaporative, ultrasonic, and heating types based on the humidification method of vaporizing water. Among these, in the case of the heating humidification method, steam can be generated by a steam generating unit heating and vaporizing water contained in a water reservoir.

[0003] A water storage chamber is formed inside the main body and can hold water. A cover for opening and closing the water storage chamber may be installed on the main body. Generally, the cover is installed on the top of the main body, and the water storage chamber may be formed to open upward.

[0004] The air purifier may include an inlet for drawing in contaminated air and a blower fan for forming an airflow.

[0005] An air purifier may include a filter to purify contaminated indoor air. Air drawn into the air purifier passes through the filter to remove pollutants and is purified into clean air, which can then be discharged to the outside through the air purifier's outlet.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a humidification device with improved ease of use and a humidifying air purifier including the same.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a humidification device that can shorten the initial humidification start time and a humidifying air purifier including the same.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a humidification device that minimizes noise generated during humidification and a humidifying air purifier including the same.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a humidification device with improved energy efficiency and a humidifying air purifier including the same.

[0010] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0011] To solve the above problem, a humidification device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a water tank for storing water, a heating source for heating the lower surface of the water tank, and a partitioning member disposed within the water tank for partitioning the interior of the water tank into a steam generating area where steam is generated by the heating source and a storage area where water is stored. The partitioning member may include a first part formed to form a first angle with respect to the vertical direction such that the internal cross-sectional area decreases as it extends upward, and a second part formed to extend upward from the first part to form a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the vertical direction.

[0012] A humidifying air purifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a housing including an inlet; a filter module disposed within the housing for filtering air introduced from the inlet; a blower fan that generates a blowing force so that air introduced from the inlet is filtered by the filter module and discharged; and a humidifying device disposed within the housing for generating steam for humidification, wherein the humidifying device comprises a water tank for storing water, a heating source for heating the lower surface of the water tank, and a partitioning member disposed within the water tank for partitioning the interior of the water tank into a steam generating area where steam is generated by the heating source and a storage area where water is stored; wherein the partitioning member may include a first part formed to form a first angle with respect to the vertical direction such that the internal cross-sectional area decreases as it extends upward, and a second part formed to extend upward in the vertical direction from the first part, wherein the partitioning member is disposed to cover the heating area heated by the heating source on the lower surface of the water tank.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the exterior of a humidifying air purifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a humidifying air purifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the lower part of the water tank shown in Figure 2.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the water tank, lower case, and heating source.

[0017] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water tank and lower case of Figure 4.

[0018] Figure 6 is a drawing illustrating the substructure of the water tank, lower case, and heating source.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a partition member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the partition member of FIG. 7.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between a water tank and a partition member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the backflow prevention valve shown in Figure 2.

[0023] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the state in which the backflow prevention valve in Figure 10 closes the steam outlet.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a partition member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a partition member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the lower surface of a water tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the lower surface of a water tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the lower surface of a water tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] The embodiments described in this disclosure and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosure, and various modifications that may replace the embodiments and drawings of this disclosure may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0030] Additionally, the same reference numerals or symbols presented in each drawing of the present disclosure represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms used in this disclosure are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit or restrict the disclosure. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the disclosure, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0032] Additionally, in the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0033] Additionally, the term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0034] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms, and said terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0035] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the meaning of "identical" includes items that are similar in attributes or similar within a certain range. Additionally, "identical" means "substantially identical." The meaning of "substantially identical" should be understood as including within the scope of "identical" numerical values ​​that fall within the margin of error in manufacturing or differences that do not hold significance relative to a reference value.

[0036] In addition, terms such as "~part," "~unit," "~block," "~part," and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the above terms may refer to at least one piece of hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one piece of software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0037] Meanwhile, terms such as "front," "rear," "left," and "right" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0038] Types of humidifiers may include heated, ultrasonic, combined types that combine heated and ultrasonic types, and evaporative types that perform humidification by naturally vaporizing water without using ultrasound or heaters.

[0039] For convenience of explanation, the humidifier according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated and described below as a heated humidifier; however, it is not limited thereto and is applicable to heated, ultrasonic, and hybrid humidifiers. Furthermore, it can be applied to various devices other than humidifiers that require a water supply.

[0040] The present disclosure is not limited to humidifying air purifiers and may be applied to other air conditioners in which air flows. For example, it may be applied to heating and cooling units, which are a type of air conditioner different from air purifiers.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the exterior of a humidifying air purifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a humidifying air purifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the lower part of the water tank shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a water tank, a lower case, and a heating source. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water tank and the lower case of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the lower structure of the water tank, the lower case, and the heating source. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a partition member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the partition member of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between the water tank and the partition member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a backflow prevention valve shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the state in which the backflow prevention valve in FIG. 10 closes the steam outlet.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, the humidifying air purifier (1) may include a housing (10). The housing (10) may form the exterior of the humidifying air purifier (1).

[0044] The housing (10) may include an inlet (11). The inlet (11) may be provided to allow external air to flow into the interior of the housing (10). The inlet (11) may be provided in a structure that penetrates the interior and exterior of the housing (10). The inlet (11) may be provided in the lower region of the housing (10). The inlet (11) may be provided along the side perimeter of the housing (10).

[0045] The humidifying air purifier (1) may include a filter module (20). The filter module (20) may be placed inside the housing (10). The filter module (20) may be placed in the lower region of the housing (10) corresponding to the inlet (11).

[0046] The filter module (20) is an element for filtering air and may include a dust collection structure.

[0047] For example, the filter module (20) may include a charging section (21) and a dust collection section (22) for electrostatic dust collection.

[0048] The charging unit (21) can be configured to charge aerosols in the air. The dust collection unit (22) can collect the aerosols charged by the charging unit (21) and remove them from the air.

[0049] The filter module (20) is an element for filtering air and may be configured to include a dust collection filter such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter and a deodorizing and harmful substance adsorption filter such as an activated carbon filter.

[0050] The humidifying air purifier (1) may include a blower fan (30). The blower fan (30) may be placed on top of the filter module (20).

[0051] The blower fan (30) can be positioned so that the intake part (30a) for sucking in air faces downward and the exhaust part (30b) for discharging air faces upward. Accordingly, the blower fan (30) can generate a blowing force to suck in air filtered from the filter module (20) and discharge it upward.

[0052] The blower fan (30) can be rotatably placed inside the fan housing (31).

[0053] The lower part of the fan housing (31) can be connected to the upper part of the filter module (20). Thus, the air discharged from the filter module (20) can be guided to move upward through the blower fan (30).

[0054] The blower fan (30) can be rotated by a fan motor (32). The fan motor (32) can be composed of a BLDC (Brushless DC) motor that has high efficiency and easy adjustment of rotational speed.

[0055] The housing (10) may include a first discharge port (12). The first discharge port (12) may be positioned above the inlet port (11) and may be formed along the side perimeter of the housing (10). A portion of the air discharged from the blower fan (30) after being filtered through the filter module (20) may be discharged to the outside through the first discharge port (12).

[0056] The humidifying air purifier (1) may include a control unit (40). The control unit (40) may be positioned above the blower fan (30). The control unit (40) may control the operation of the humidifying air purifier (1). The control unit (40) may include a plurality of electrical components (41) that form a circuit for controlling the operation of the humidifying air purifier (1).

[0057] The humidifying air purifier (1) may include a humidification device (100). The humidification device (100) is a device for humidifying indoor air by vaporizing water.

[0058] The humidification device (100) may be positioned above the aforementioned filter module (20), blower fan (30), and control unit (40).

[0059] A humidification device (100) may include a water tank (110) for receiving water and a case (120) for receiving the water tank (110). The case (120) may include a lower case (121) and an upper case (125).

[0060] The water tank (110) can be accommodated within a case (120) and, in this manner, can be mounted within the humidification device (100). The water tank (110) can be separated from the case (120) and moved outside the humidification device (100).

[0061] The water tank (110) can be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the lower case (121) can also be formed in a cylindrical shape corresponding to the water tank (110).

[0062] A heating source (130) for heating water inside the water tank (110) may be disposed at the bottom of the lower case (121). The heating source (130) may be an induction heating coil configured to generate a magnetic field.

[0063] The lower case (121) may be formed of a material that has high transmittance to the magnetic field generated by the heating source (130) and is heat-resistant. For example, the lower case (121) may be formed of a material such as heat-resistant glass, ceramic, or heat-resistant plastic.

[0064] The water tank (110) may include a metal material capable of being heated by the magnetic field of an induction heating coil, which is a heating source (130), or may be formed entirely of a metal material capable of being heated by a magnetic field. For example, the metal capable of being heated and generating an induced current by a magnetic field may be a metal containing iron, nickel, etc., which can generate an induced current by a magnetic field. The water tank (110) may be formed of stainless steel.

[0065] Therefore, when the induction heating coil, which is the heating source (130), is operated, an induction current is generated on the lower surface of the water tank (110) adjacent to the induction heating coil, and as the lower surface of the water tank (110) is heated, the water inside the water tank (110) is heated and steam can be generated.

[0066] The humidification device (100) may include a water tank case (115). The water tank case (115) may be formed in a cylindrical shape and arranged to surround the water tank (110), and the upper and lower parts of the water tank case (115) may be open.

[0067] The water tank case (115) can be formed of plastic material rather than metal material.

[0068] The lower case (121) may include a protrusion (122). The protrusion (122) may be formed on the lower surface of the lower case (120). The protrusion (122) may be formed to protrude upward toward the water tank (110). In another aspect, the protrusion (122) may be formed to be recessed upward relative to the lower part of the lower case (121) and protruded upward relative to the upper part of the lower case (121).

[0069] The upper case (125) can be placed on top of the lower case (121). The upper case (125) can accommodate the upper part of the water tank (110).

[0070] The protrusion (122) may be formed with a shape and size corresponding to the heating source (130) so that at least a portion of the heating source (130) can be accommodated in its lower portion. If the heating source (130) is circular, the protrusion (122) may be formed to have a diameter equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the heating source (130) so that the heating source (130) can be accommodated in the inner space.

[0071] The water tank (110) may include a protrusion (112). The protrusion (112) may be formed to protrude upward relative to the upper part of the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) so as to correspond to the protrusion (122) of the lower case (121). In another aspect, the protrusion (112) may be formed to be sunken upward relative to the lower part of the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110).

[0072] The protrusion (112) of the water tank (110) may be formed to have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the protrusion (122) of the storage container (120) so that the protrusion (122) of the storage container (120) can be accommodated in the lower part thereof.

[0073] Through the protrusions (112, 122), the heating source (130) can be brought closer to the internal space of the water tank (110) to induce heating of the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110).

[0074] Additionally, as a protrusion (112) is formed on the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110), the heating area of ​​the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110), which is heated by being influenced by the magnetic field generated from the induction heating coil, which is the heating source (130), can be increased.

[0075] The lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) may be composed of multiple layers. For example, the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) may include a first layer (1111), a second layer (1112), and a third layer (1113).

[0076] The first layer (1111) is the uppermost layer that comes into contact with the water inside the water tank (110), and can be formed of the same material as other parts of the water tank (110) other than the bottom surface.

[0077] For example, the first layer (1111) can be formed of STS304 material, which is resistant to heat and corrosion among stainless steel materials.

[0078] The second layer (1112) is placed below the first layer (1111) and can be formed of aluminum, a metal with good thermal conductivity.

[0079] The third layer (1113) is a layer that is placed below the second layer (1112) and forms the exterior of the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110), and can be formed of STS430 material, which has excellent heat generation characteristics against magnetic fields among stainless steel materials.

[0080] The humidification device (100) may include a partition member (140). The partition member (140) may be placed inside the water tank (110).

[0081] The partition member (140) can be configured to divide the internal space of the water tank (110) into a steam generation area (S1) in which steam is generated by heating by a heating source (130) and a storage area (S2) in which water is stored.

[0082] The partition member (140) may include a first part (141) and a second part (142).

[0083] The first part (141) may be provided to cover a heating area heated by a heating source (130) on the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110). For example, the lower part (141a) of the first part (141) may be provided to have at least the same size as the area corresponding to the heating source (130) from the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) upward, or to be slightly larger than the area corresponding to the heating source (130). If the heating source (130) is circular, the diameter of the lower part (141a) of the first part (141) may be formed to be the same as the diameter of the heating source (130) or larger than the diameter of the heating source (130).

[0084] As shown in FIG. 9, the first part (141) may be provided to cover a protrusion (112) that is heated by a heating source (130) on the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110).

[0085] Accordingly, the first part (141) may be formed such that the lower portion (141a) has at least the same size as the area corresponding to the protrusion (112) on the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110), or is slightly larger than the area corresponding to the protrusion (112). For example, the inner diameter of the lower portion (141a) of the first part (141) may be formed to have a diameter equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the protrusion (112).

[0086] As a protrusion (112) is formed on the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) and the first part (141) is positioned to completely cover the protrusion (112), the amount of heat generated by the heating source (130) can be concentratedly transferred to the inner space of the first part (141), so that steam can be generated within a short time from the initial operation of the heating source (130).

[0087] By forming a protrusion (112) on the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110), the placement position can be guided by positioning the protrusion (112) on the inner side of the first part (141) when the partition member (140) is placed inside the water tank (110).

[0088] In addition, a protrusion (112) is positioned on the inner side of the first part (141), so that when the partition member (140) is positioned inside the water tank (110), the position of the partition member (140) inside the water tank (110) can be stably maintained.

[0089] The first part (141) can be positioned so as to be in contact with the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) with the lower part (141a) open downward. Accordingly, the fluid in the heating area (S1), which is the inner area of ​​the first part (141), and the fluid in the storage area (S2), which is the outer area of ​​the first part (141), can be partitioned without freely mixing with each other. However, the lower part (141a) of the first part (141) and the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) are not completely sealed with each other, and through a small gap existing between the surface of the lower part (141a) and the lower surface (111), if the water level inside the partition member (140) is lower than the water level outside the partition member (140), water can gradually flow from the storage area (S2) into the steam generation area (S1), which is inside the partition member (140), due to the difference in water pressure when the water level inside the partition member (140) is lower than the water level outside the partition member (140).

[0090] The first part (141) may be configured such that the internal cross-sectional area decreases from the lower part (141a) to the upper part (141b). The first part (141) may be formed with an inclined structure in which the inner surface forms a first angle (a1) with respect to the vertical direction so that the internal cross-sectional area decreases from the lower part (141a) to the upper part (141b).

[0091] The first part (141) can be formed such that the first angle (a1) is greater than 45° so that the internal cross-sectional area decreases rapidly from the lower part (141a) to the upper part (141b).

[0092] The first part (141) may have an inner diameter that gradually decreases from the lower part (141a) to the upper part (141b), and accordingly may include a conical inner surface inclined at a first angle (a1) with respect to the vertical direction.

[0093] The first part (141) is provided to cover a heating area heated by a heating source (130) on the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110), and can be formed such that the internal cross-sectional area decreases rapidly toward the top. Accordingly, the first part (141) can divide the interior of the water tank (110) into a steam generation area (S1), which is an inner area where water evaporates and steam is generated by heating by a heating source (130) along the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110), and a storage area (S2), which is an outer area where water is stored.

[0094] Accordingly, the heat generated at the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) by the heating source (130) can be used intensively to heat the water in the steam generation area (S1), which is the inner area of ​​the first part (141), and accordingly, the time required for steam generation from the initial operation of the heating source (130) can be significantly reduced.

[0095] The first part (141) can be formed to have a very small internal volume while covering the heating area of ​​the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) being heated, as the internal cross-sectional area decreases rapidly from the bottom to the top. Accordingly, the volume of water contained in the first part (141) is also very small, so rapid humidification is possible in which the time required for the water to start heating and generate steam is greatly reduced.

[0096] The first part (141) can be formed in a flat shape to minimize the internal volume while covering a wide heating area of ​​the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110). For example, the first part (141) can be formed such that the ratio (h / R) of the height (h) to the radius (R) of the lower part is 1.0 or less.

[0097] In the first part (141), if the ratio (h / R) of the height (h) to the radius (R) of the lower part is greater than 1.0, the time required for initial humidification and the time for noise generation may increase significantly.

[0098] The smaller the ratio (h / R) of the height (h) to the radius (R) of the lower part of the first part (141), the more advantageous it is to shorten the initial operating time for steam to be discharged after the operation of the heating source.

[0099] When the heating source (130) is used as an induction heating coil, the heating time can be shortened by causing the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) that comes into contact with water to generate heat through an induction current, compared to a heater method in which heat is transferred by conduction. In addition, by allowing heat to be generated over a wide area of ​​the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) according to the size of the induction heating coil, which is the heating source (130), the heat density, which is the amount of heat per unit area, can be lowered, and accordingly, when the heating source (130) heats the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) for humidification, the noise generated during the water heating process can be reduced due to the low heat density.

[0100] The second part (142) may be formed to extend upward from the upper part (141b) of the first part (141). The second part (142) may guide the steam upward so that the steam generated in the first part (141) can be discharged outside the water tank (110) in a partitioned state without mixing with the water in the storage area (S2). The second part (142) may be formed to extend to a position at least higher than the maximum water level in the water tank (110).

[0101] The second part (142) may be formed in a long cylindrical shape. The second part (142) may include a cylindrical side parallel to the vertical direction. In this case, the second angle formed by the inner surface of the second part (142) and the vertical direction may be 0°.

[0102] If the inner diameter of the second part (142) is small, the volume of the steam generation area (S1), which is the inner region of the partition member (140), is reduced, and thus the time required for steam generation from the initial operation time of the heating source (130) may be reduced. However, if the inner diameter of the second part (142) is small, the time for rapid humidification may be shortened, but if the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) is sufficiently heated and the water boils vigorously on the lower surface (111) of the water tank (110), the bubbles generated as steam and water mix in the steam generation area (S1) may rise along the second part (142) and cause an overflow phenomenon to occur at the top of the second part (142). For example, if the inner diameter of the second part (142) is 30 mm or less, an overflow phenomenon may occur at the top of the second part (142). If the inner diameter of the second part (142) exceeds 70 mm, no overflow occurs, but as the inner diameter of the second part (142) increases, the volume of the second part (142) increases, and the time required for steam to be generated from the initial operation of the heating source (130) may increase excessively.

[0103] Accordingly, the inner diameter (D) of the second part (142) can be formed in a range of 40 mm or more and 60 mm or less.

[0104] For example, if the inner diameter (D) of the second part (142) is set to about 50 mm, the ratio (h / R) of the height (h) to the radius (R) of the lower part of the first part (141) can be formed to 0.25, and no overflow phenomenon may occur.

[0105] As described above, the first part (141) is formed with an inner surface that is inclined at a first angle (a1) with respect to the vertical direction so that the internal cross-sectional area decreases from the lower part (141a) to the upper part (141b), and the second part (142) can be formed in a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, the partition member (140) can be formed in the shape of a triangular flask overall.

[0106] The partition member (140) may be formed from a metal material with good corrosion resistance. For example, the partition member (140) may be formed from stainless steel. The material of the partition member (140) is not limited to metal, and may be formed from, for example, a heat-resistant plastic material or a ceramic material.

[0107] The humidification device (100) may include a cover (150) and a second discharge port (101).

[0108] The cover (150) may be placed on the upper part of the water tank (110). The cover (150) may be placed on the upper part of the humidification device (100) while attached to the water tank (110). The cover (150) may be provided to cover the open upper part of the water tank (110). The cover (150) may be provided to be detachably attached to the water tank (110).

[0109] The cover (150) may include a steam discharge section (151) that can be connected to the partition member (140). The steam discharge section (151) may be configured to be coupled to a second part (142) of the partition member (140). The steam discharge section (151) may include a steam outlet (151a). When the cover (150) is coupled to the water tank (110), the steam discharge section (151) may be coupled to the second part (142) of the partition member (140), so that the steam discharge section (151) and the second part (142) can be connected. Accordingly, steam generated within the partition member (140) can be discharged to the steam outlet (151a) through the second part (142).

[0110] The cover (150) may include a steam discharge passage (152). The steam discharge passage (152) may be provided between the steam outlet (151a) and the second discharge port (101) outside the cover (150) to allow the steam outlet (151) and the second discharge port (101) to communicate.

[0111] The cover (150) may include a backflow prevention valve (153). The backflow prevention valve (153) may be placed in the steam discharge section (151) and may be placed below the steam discharge port (151a).

[0112] The backflow prevention valve (153) can prevent water inside the partition member (140) from flowing back to the outside through the steam outlet (151a) and the steam discharge path (152) when the water tank (110) is tilted.

[0113] The backflow prevention valve (153) may include a valve body (154) and an opening / closing member (155).

[0114] The valve body (154) may have a valve hole (1541) formed in the center that is open in the vertical direction, and the opening / closing member (155) may be positioned so as to be movable in the vertical direction within the valve hole (1541).

[0115] The inlet (1541a) of the valve hole (1541) is in communication with the inner space of the second part (142) below it, and the outlet (1541b) of the valve hole (1541) can be in communication with the steam outlet (151a).

[0116] The valve body (154) may include a plurality of through holes (1542). The through holes (1542) may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the valve body (154) around the valve hole (1541). The through holes (1542) may connect the inner space of the second part (142) with the outlet (1541b) of the valve hole (1541). Thus, steam generated within the partition member (140) in the normal state when the water tank (110) is mounted on the humidification device (100) can be discharged to the steam outlet (151a) through the through holes (1542).

[0117] However, if the humidifying air purifier (1) is tilted while the water tank (110) is separated or mounted on the humidifying air purifier (1), the opening / closing member (155) moves toward the steam outlet (151a) and can close the steam outlet (151a). Therefore, even if the humidifying air purifier (1) is tilted while the water tank (110) is separated or mounted on the humidifying air purifier (1), the water within the partition member (140) can be prevented from flowing back into the water tank (110) through the steam outlet (151a) and the steam discharge path (152) and the discharge can be blocked.

[0118] The humidification device (100) may include a discharge guide (102). The discharge guide (102) may be positioned on the upper part of the humidification device (100). The discharge guide (102) may be formed in a cylindrical shape with a hollow space formed on the inside.

[0119] The discharge guide (102) can be positioned on the outside of the cover (150) to surround the cover (150).

[0120] The diameter of the discharge guide (102) can be formed to be larger than the diameter of the cover (150), and accordingly, the inner surface (1021) and the outer surface of the cover (150) can be spaced apart.

[0121] The second discharge port (101) may be formed in the spaced-apart space between the inner surface (1021) of the discharge guide (102) and the outer surface of the cover (150). The second discharge port (101) may be formed in a circular shape along the perimeter of the discharge guide (102) and the cover (150).

[0122] Accordingly, steam generated within the compartment member (140) can be discharged to the steam outlet (151a) through the second part (142), then pass through the steam discharge path (152), and finally be discharged to the outside through the second discharge port (101).

[0123] The discharge guide (102) can be extended in an upward and downward direction so that the airflow discharged through the second discharge port (101) is directed upward.

[0124] A portion of the air discharged from the blower fan (30) after being filtered through the filter module (20) can rise along the space inside the housing (10) in the humidification device (100), and can move along the space between the upper case (125) and the water tank (110) and be discharged to the outside through the second discharge port (101).

[0125] Accordingly, at the second discharge port (101), steam discharged through the steam discharge channel (152) and a portion of the air discharged from the blower fan (30) after being filtered through the filter module (20) can be mixed together and discharged.

[0126] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a partition member according to one embodiment.

[0127] The partition member (140) may include a first part (141) and a second part (142).

[0128] The first part (141) can be formed to have a first angle (a1) with respect to the vertical direction such that the internal cross-sectional area decreases as it goes upward.

[0129] The second part (142) can be formed to have a second angle (a2) with respect to the vertical direction such that the internal cross-sectional area decreases as it goes upward.

[0130] The second angle (a2) is formed to be smaller than the first angle (a1), so that the second part (142) can be formed to have a gentle slope from the bottom toward the top.

[0131] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a partition member according to one embodiment.

[0132] The partition member (140) may include a first part (141) and a second part (142).

[0133] The first part (141) is formed such that the internal cross-sectional area decreases from the bottom to the top, and the second part (142) can be formed in a cylindrical shape so that the internal cross-sectional area is maintained constant in the vertical direction.

[0134] The partition member (141) may include a third part (143). The third part (143) may extend from the second part (142) and be positioned above the second part (142).

[0135] The third part (143) may have an expandable internal space in which the internal cross-sectional area increases from the bottom to the top.

[0136] FIGS. 14 to 16 are drawings illustrating the lower surface of a water tank according to one embodiment.

[0137] The lower surface (111) of the water tank (110) may include a protrusion (113) and a depression (114) as a curved portion for improving heat transfer performance.

[0138] The protrusion (113) can be formed to protrude upward, and the depression (114) can be formed to be depressed downward.

[0139] The protrusions (113) and depressions (114) can be arranged alternately and repeatedly.

[0140] The protrusion (113) and the depression (114) can be formed with various cross-sectional shapes.

[0141] For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the protrusion (113) and the depression (114) may have a cross-sectional shape that is semicircular.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 15, the protrusion (113) and the depression (114) may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 16, the protrusion (113) and the depression (114) may have a triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0144] The cross-sectional shape of such protrusions (113) and depressions (114) may be formed by combining rectangles, triangles, and semicircles.

[0145] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0146] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A water tank where water is stored; A heating source for heating the lower surface of the above water tank; and A partitioning member disposed within the water tank to partition the interior of the water tank into a steam generation area where steam is generated by the heating source and a storage area where water is stored; The above partition member is, A first portion disposed to cover a heating area heated by the heating source on the lower surface of the water tank, and formed to form a first angle with respect to the vertical direction such that the internal cross-sectional area decreases as it extends upward; and A humidification device comprising: a second part extending upward from the first part to form a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the vertical direction.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first part is a humidification device in which the ratio (h / R) of the height (h) to the radius (R) of the lower part is 1.0 or less.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above second part is a humidification device formed to extend above the water surface inside the water tank so that water vapor generated in the above first part is discharged outside the water tank.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above first part is a humidification device comprising a conical inner surface inclined at the first angle with respect to the vertical direction.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above second part is a humidification device comprising a cylindrical inner surface parallel to the vertical direction.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above second part is a humidification device comprising a conical side inclined at a second angle smaller than the first angle with respect to the vertical direction.

7. In Paragraph 5, The above second part is a humidification device having a diameter between 40 and 60 mm.

8. In Paragraph 1, A humidification device in which the heating source is an induction heating coil configured to generate a magnetic field.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above water tank is a humidification device comprising a metal material that is heated by the magnetic field of the above induction heating coil.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above water tank is, A first layer formed of stainless steel, forming the inner surface of the water tank on the lower surface; A second layer disposed below the first layer and formed of aluminum material; and A humidification device comprising: a third layer disposed below the second layer and formed of stainless steel.

11. In Paragraph 9, The above water tank is a humidification device comprising a curved section formed in a curved manner to increase the surface area on the lower surface.

12. In Paragraph 9, It further includes a lower case for accommodating the above water tank, and A humidification device comprising a lower case having a first protrusion formed by being recessed upward relative to the lower part of the lower case so as to accommodate at least a portion of the heating source.

13. In Paragraph 12, A humidification device comprising a water tank having a second protrusion formed to protrude upward relative to the upper surface of the lower side of the water tank, corresponding to the first protrusion.

14. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a cover detachably provided with the water tank to cover the open top of the water tank, and The above cover is, A steam discharge portion configured to be coupled with the second portion and discharges steam generated within the partition member while coupled with the second portion; and A humidification device comprising a steam discharge passage provided between the steam discharge section and the outside of the cover.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above cover is a humidification device comprising a backflow prevention valve disposed in the steam discharge section to prevent water within the partition member from flowing back to the outside through the steam discharge passage.

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