U.S. patent application number 15/758054 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-06 for humidifier and method for controlling same.
The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Sung-June CHO, Eom Ji JANG, Jung Ho KIM, Jun Hyoun KWON.
Application Number | 20180252420 15/758054 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58240257 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180252420 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Jung Ho ; et
al. |
September 6, 2018 |
HUMIDIFIER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME
Abstract
Disclosed herein are a humidifier and a control method of a
humidifier providing with the hygienic humidification since it is
possible to completely evaporate water remaining in a water tub
because a humidifying element of a humidifier is disposed adjacent
to the bottom of the water tub, further, since the humidifier has a
structure configured to raise the humidifying element over the
water surface of the water tub after the end of the humidifying
operation, it is possible to provide the hygienic humidification
without contamination of the humidifying element.
Inventors: |
KIM; Jung Ho; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; JANG; Eom Ji; (Anyang-si, KR) ; CHO;
Sung-June; (Suwon-si, KR) ; KWON; Jun Hyoun;
(Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. |
Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
58240257 |
Appl. No.: |
15/758054 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
September 1, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2016/009787 |
371 Date: |
March 7, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 6/06 20130101; F24F
11/0008 20130101; F24F 2006/065 20130101; F24F 6/16 20130101; F24F
2006/008 20130101; F24F 13/28 20130101; F24F 13/20 20130101; F24F
11/00 20130101; F24F 11/70 20180101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 6/06 20060101
F24F006/06; F24F 6/16 20060101 F24F006/16; F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00; F24F 13/28 20060101 F24F013/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 7, 2015 |
KR |
10-2015-0126090 |
Claims
1. A humidifier comprising: a body; a water tub provided inside of
the body to store water; and a humidifying element rotatably
provided inside of the body and configured to perform
humidification by absorbing water from the water tub, wherein the
humidifying element is disposed such that an outer circumference
thereof is adjacent to a bottom of the water tub to absorb water in
the bottom of the water tub.
2. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the humidifying element is
disposed such that an outer circumference thereof is in contact
with a bottom of the water tub.
3. The humidifier of claim 1, further comprising: a water tank
configured to supply water to the water tub; and a blocking device
configured to block a water outlet of the water tank to prevent
water from being supplied to the water tub.
4. The humidifier of claim 3, wherein the blocking device is
disposed in the water tank or the water tub.
5. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the water tub comprises: a
partition configured to divide into a water supply space to which
water is supplied from the water tank, and a water storage space
configured to supply water to the humidifying element, and provided
with an opening configured to allow water to flow from the water
supply space into the water storage space; and a blocking device
configured to close the opening of the partition.
6. The humidifier of claim 1, further comprising a lifting device
configured to raise the humidifying element.
7. The humidifier of claim 1, further comprising a first cover and
a second cover provided in a front side and a rear side of the
humidifying element, respectively, to support the humidifying
element, wherein the first cover and the second cover are formed in
a disk shape having a radius less than a radius of the humidifying
element.
8. The humidifier of claim 7, wherein: the first cover comprises an
elastic hook protruding toward the second cover to be coupled to
the second cover, the second cover comprises an insertion portion
to which the elastic hook is coupled, and the humidifying element
comprises a through hole through which the elastic hook and the
insertion portion are passed.
9. A humidifier comprising: a body; a water tub provided inside of
the body to store water; a humidifying element configured to
perform humidification by absorbing water from the water tub; a
blocking device configured to block a supply of water in the water
tub; a motor configured to rotate the humidifying element; and a
controller configured to perform a residual water removal mode by
controlling the blocking device and the motor.
10. The humidifier of claim 9, further comprising a water tank
configured to supply water to the water tub, wherein: the blocking
device is disposed in the water tank or the water tub to block a
water outlet of the water tank, and in the residual water removal
mode, the controller controls the blocking device so that the
blocking device prevents water from being supplied from the water
tank to the water tub by blocking the water outlet of the water
tank.
11. The humidifier of claim 9, wherein: the water tub comprises a
partition configured to divide into a water supply space to which
water is supplied from the water tank, and a water storage space
configured to supply water to the humidifying element, and provided
with an opening configured to allow water to flow from the water
supply space into the water storage space, the blocking device is
installed in the water tub to block the opening of the partition,
and in the residual water removal mode, the controller controls the
blocking device so that the blocking device prevents water from
being supplied from the water supply space to the water storage
space, by blocking the opening of the partition.
12. The humidifier of claim 9, wherein in the residual water
removal mode, the controller controls the blocking device so that
the blocking device prevents water from further supplying to the
water tub, and the controller drives the motor to rotate the
humidifying element.
13. The humidifier of claim 12, wherein the controller stops the
drive of the motor when a certain period of time, in which water
remaining in the water tub is completely evaporated, is
expired.
14. The humidifier of claim 12, further comprising a residual water
detection sensor configured to detect whether water remains in the
water tub, wherein the controller stops the drive of the motor when
remaining water is not detected by the residual water detection
sensor since water remaining in the water tub is completely
evaporated.
15. The humidifier of claim 12, further comprising a lifting device
configured to raise the humidifying element, wherein when residual
water removal is completed in the residual water removal mode, or
when the residual water removal is stopped by a user's instruction,
the controller drives the lifting device to raise the humidifying
element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is a 371 National Stage of
International Application No. PCT/KR2016/009787 filed Sep. 1, 2016,
which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No.
10-2015-0126090, filed Sep. 7, 2015, the disclosures of which are
fully incorporated herein by reference into the present disclosure
as if fully set forth herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an evaporative humidifier
configured to perform humidification by naturally vaporizing water
without using ultrasonic waves and a heater, and a control method
thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] An evaporative humidifier is provided with a humidifying
element for absorbing water and a blowing fan for forcedly flowing
indoor air so that the humidification is performed by allowing dry
air in the indoor to pass through the humidifying element absorbing
water and to be discharged to the indoor, again.
[0004] Generally, the humidifying element is rotatably provided
inside a body of the evaporative humidifier, and supplied with
water stored in the water tank while rotating. Conventionally,
methods, in which the humidifying element is supplied with water,
may be roughly classified into two types.
[0005] First, a lower portion of the humidifying element is
immersed in the water of the water tub, and thus the humidifying
element directly absorbs the water of the water tub. Second, the
humidifying element is provided not to be immersed in water and a
water pocket disposed in an outer periphery of the humidifying
element is configured to pump up the water in the water tub and
then supply the water to an upper portion of the humidifying
element.
[0006] As for the former method, there may be a risk of reproducing
fungi and bacteria because the lower portion of the humidifying
element is immerged although the humidifying function is stopped.
The latter method may be cleaner than the former method but, as for
the both methods, since the water remains in the water tub after
the humidifying function is stopped, there may be a risk of
reproducing the fungi and bacteria, and the water tub may be
contaminated by the remaining water.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present disclosure is directed to providing a humidifier
having a structure in which a water tub is not contaminated by
water remaining in the water tub after a humidifying operation of
the humidifier is terminated, and a control method thereof
[0008] Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing a
humidifier having a structure in which a humidifying element is not
contaminated by water remaining in a water tub after a humidifying
operation is terminated, and a control method thereof.
[0009] One aspect of the present invention provides a humidifier
including a body, a water tub provided inside of the body to store
water, and a humidifying element rotatably provided inside of the
body and configured to perform humidification by absorbing water
from the water tub, wherein the humidifying element is disposed
such that an outer circumference thereof is adjacent to a bottom of
the water tub to absorb water in the bottom of the water tub.
[0010] Preferably, the humidifying element may be disposed such
that an outer circumference thereof is in contact with a bottom of
the water tub.
[0011] In addition, the humidifier may further include a water tank
configured to supply water to the water tub, and a blocking device
configured to block a water outlet of the water tank to prevent
water from being supplied to the water tub.
[0012] Here, the blocking device may be disposed in the water tank
or the water tub.
[0013] In addition, the water tub may include a partition
configured to divide into a water supply space to which water is
supplied from the water tank, and a water storage space configured
to supply water to the humidifying element, and provided with an
opening configured to allow water to flow from the water supply
space into the water storage space; and a blocking device
configured to close the opening of the partition.
[0014] In addition, the humidifier may further include a lifting
device configured to raise the humidifying element.
[0015] In addition, the humidifier may further include a first
cover and a second cover provided in a front side and a rear side
of the humidifying element, respectively, to support the
humidifying element, wherein the first cover and the second cover
are formed in a disk shape having a radius less than a radius of
the humidifying element.
[0016] Here, the first cover may include an elastic hook protruding
toward the second cover to be coupled to the second cover. The
second cover may include an insertion portion to which the elastic
hook is coupled. The humidifying element may include a through hole
through which the elastic hook and the insertion portion are
passed.
[0017] Another aspect of the present invention provides a
humidifier including a body, a water tub provided inside of the
body to store water, a humidifying element rotatably provided
inside of the body and configured to perform humidification by
absorbing water from the water tub, and a residual water removal
mode in which the humidifying element evaporates water so that the
water does not remain in the water tub.
[0018] Here, the residual water removal mode may be terminated when
the residual water removal is completed since the humidifying
element is rotated for a certain period of time, or the residual
water may be terminated by a residual water removal stop
instruction of a user.
[0019] In addition, in the residual water removal mode, the
humidifying element may be rotated while an outer circumference of
the humidifying element is adjacent to the bottom of the water tub
in order to absorb all water remaining on the bottom of the water
tub.
[0020] The humidifier may further include a blocking device
configured to prevent water from being supplied to the water tub,
wherein the blocking device may be operated in the residual water
removal mode.
[0021] In addition, the humidifier may further include a lifting
device configured to raise the humidifying element, wherein the
lifting device may be operated when the residual water removal mode
is terminated.
[0022] Still another aspect of the present invention provides a
humidifier including: a body; a water tub provided inside of the
body to store water; a humidifying element configured to perform
humidification by absorbing water from the water tub; a blocking
device configured to block the supply of water in the water tub; a
motor configured to rotate the humidifying element; and a
controller configured to perform a residual water removal mode by
controlling the blocking device and the motor.
[0023] In the residual water removal mode, the humidifying element
may be rotated while being adjacent to the bottom of the water tub
in order to absorb water on the bottom of the water tub.
[0024] In addition, the humidifier may further include a water tank
configured to supply water to the water tub. The blocking device
may be disposed in the water tank or the water tub to block a water
outlet of the water tank. In the residual water removal mode, the
controller may control the blocking device so that the blocking
device prevents water from being supplied from the water tank to
the water tub by blocking the water outlet of the water tank.
[0025] In addition, the water tub may include a partition
configured to divide into a water supply space to which water is
supplied from the water tank, and a water storage space configured
to supply water to the humidifying element, and provided with an
opening configured to allow water to flow from the water supply
space into the water storage space. The blocking device may be
installed in the water tub to block the opening of the partition.
In the residual water removal mode, the controller may control the
blocking device so that the blocking device prevents water from
being supplied from the water supply space to the water storage
space, by blocking the opening of the partition.
[0026] In addition, in the residual water removal mode, the
controller may control the blocking device so that the blocking
device prevents water from further supplying to the water tub, and
the controller drives the motor to rotate the humidifying
element.
[0027] In addition, the controller may stop the drive of the motor
when a certain period of time, in which water remaining in the
water tub is completely evaporated, is expired.
[0028] In addition, the humidifier may further include a residual
water detection sensor configured to detect whether water remains
in the water tub. The controller may stop the drive of the motor
when remaining water is not detected by the residual water
detection sensor since water remaining in the water tub is
completely evaporated.
[0029] The humidifier may further include a lifting device
configured to raise the humidifying element when the residual water
removal mode is completed in the residual water removal mode, or
when the residual water removal is stopped by a user's instruction,
the controller may drive the lifting device to raise the
humidifying element.
[0030] Still another aspect of the present invention provides a
control method of a humidifier including performing a
humidification mode by rotating a humidifying element disposed to
absorb water stored in a water tub; when a residual water removal
mode is started, operating a blocking device to prevent water from
being supplied to the water tub; and rotating the humidifying
element in a state in which the supply of water to the water tub is
blocked.
[0031] In the residual water removal mode, the humidifying element
may be rotated while being adjacent to the bottom of the water tub
in order to absorb water on the bottom of the water tub.
[0032] In addition, the residual water removal mode may be
automatically performed when the humidification mode is
terminated.
[0033] The control method may include stopping the rotation of the
humidifying element when a certain period of time, in which all the
remaining water of the water tub is evaporated, is expired by
counting a period of time from when the residual water removal mode
is started.
[0034] In addition, the humidifier may further include a residual
water detection sensor configured to detect whether water remains
in the water tub, wherein the control method may include stopping
the rotation of the humidifying element when remaining water is not
detected by the residual water detection sensor since water
remaining in the water tub is completely evaporated.
[0035] The residual water removal mode may be terminated when the
residual water removal is completed in the water tub, or the
residual water removal mode may be terminated by a residual water
removal stop instruction of a user.
[0036] When the residual water removal mode is terminated, a
lifting device may be operated to raise the humidifying
element.
[0037] Whether to perform the residual water removal mode when the
humidification mode is terminated may be preset and when the
humidification mode is terminated, the residual water removal mode
may be performed by determining whether the residual water removal
mode is set or not.
[0038] When the humidification mode is terminated, the residual
water removal mode may be performed by identifying whether to
perform the residual water removal mode.
[0039] A user can be provided with the hygienic humidification
since it is possible to completely evaporate water remaining in a
water tub because a humidifying element of a humidifier is disposed
adjacent to the bottom of the water tub.
[0040] Since the humidifier has a structure configured to raise the
humidifying element over the water surface of the water tub after
the end of the humidifying operation, it is possible to provide the
hygienic humidification without contamination of the humidifying
element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a humidifier
according to an embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view illustrating the
humidifier of FIG. 1.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a front exploded perspective view illustrating the
humidifier of FIG. 1.
[0044] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
humidifier element assembly of the humidifier of FIG. 1.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the water tub
and the humidifier element assembly of the humidifier of FIG.
1.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which the humidifier element assembly of FIG. 5 is lifted.
[0047] FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views illustrating the
water tub and the water tank to illustrate an operation of a
blocking device of the humidifier in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0048] FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views illustrating a
water tub and a water tank to illustrate an operation of a blocking
device of a humidifier in accordance with another embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a control block diagram illustrating the
humidifier according to an embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for
performing a residual water removal mode in the humidifier
according to an embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method in
which a residual water removal stop instruction input step (405) is
added to the control method of FIG. 10.
[0052] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control method in
which a step to confirm whether to perform the residual water
removal mode is added to the control method of FIG. 10.
[0053] FIG. 13 is flowchart illustrating a control method in which
a step to raise the humidifying element is added to the control
method of FIG. 11.
[0054] FIG. 14 is flowchart illustrating a control method in which
a step to raise the humidifying element is added to the control
method of FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0055] Embodiments described in the present disclosure and
configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of the
embodiments of the present disclosure, and may be modified in
various different ways at the time of filing of the present
application to replace the embodiments and drawings of the present
disclosure.
[0056] In addition, the same reference numerals or signs shown in
the drawings of the present disclosure indicate elements or
components performing substantially the same function.
[0057] Also, the terms used herein are used to describe the
embodiments and are not intended to limit and/or restrict the
present disclosure. The singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are
intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context
clearly indicates otherwise. In this present disclosure, the terms
"including", "having", and the like are used to specify features,
numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations
thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or
more of the features, elements, steps, operations, elements,
components, or combinations thereof.
[0058] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various
elements, but elements are not limited by these terms. These terms
are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For
example, without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure, a first element may be termed as a second element, and
a second element may be termed as a first element. The term of
"and/or" includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or
any one item among a plurality of relevant items.
[0059] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure
will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0060] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a humidifier
according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view
illustrating the humidifier of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a front
exploded perspective view illustrating the humidifier of FIG.
1.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an humidifier 1 includes a body
10 forming an appearance thereof, a blowing fan 40 provided in the
inside of the body 10 to forcedly flow air, a water tub 200
provided in the inside of the body 10, and an humidifying element
assembly 10 rotatably provided in the body 10 to perform the
humidification by receiving the water from the water tub 200 and by
evaporating the water.
[0062] The body 10 includes a main housing 11, a front cover 13
coupled to a front opening of the main housing 11, a side cover 14
coupled to a side opening of the main housing 11, and an upper
cover 12 coupled to an upper portion of the housing 11.
[0063] An inlet 11a through which dry air in the indoor flows into
the body 10 may be provided in a rear surface of the main housing
11, and an outlet 11b through which air, which is moisture by being
humidified in the inside of the body 10, is discharged to the
indoor, may be provided in the upper surface of the main housing
11. A grill portion 12a corresponding to the outlet 11b is provided
on the upper cover 12.
[0064] Therefore, the dry air in the indoor flows into the inside
of the body 10 through the rear inlet 11a of the body 10, and then
humidified in the inside of the body 10, and then flows upward
through the outlet 11b of the body 10.
[0065] This forced airflow may be performed by the blowing fan 40.
Particularly, the blowing fan 40 may be a centrifugal fan, and the
blowing fan 40 is rotated by a first motor 50 to generate airflow
so that air behind the body 10 moves upwardly of the body 10.
[0066] The front cover 13 may be provided with a display 20
configured to allow various information of the evaporative
humidifier 1 to be displayed and an input 30 configured to allow
various functions of the evaporative humidifier 1 to be
operated.
[0067] A humidifying element assembly 100 may be rotatably
supported by a support frame 90. The humidifying element assembly
100 may be rotated by receiving a rotational force from a second
motor 60.
[0068] The support frame 90 is coupled to the water tub 200. The
humidifying element assembly 100 may be separated from the
supporting frame 90. Therefore, after the side cover 14 is
detached, the water tub 200 and the humidifying element assembly
100 may be mounted or separated in the left-to-right direction
inside the body 10. The detail configuration of the humidifying
element assembly 100 will be described later.
[0069] The humidifier 1 may further include a filter portion 80
configured to purify the air flowing into the body 10 and a water
tank 70 configured to supply water to the water tub 200.
[0070] The water tank 70 is configured to store water required for
the humidification and supply a proper amount of water to the water
tub 200. The water tank 70 may be mounted to the water tub 200 in a
cassette manner. A structure of the water tank 70 and the water tub
200 will be described later in detail.
[0071] The filter portion 80 may include a dust filter, and a
deodorization filter. That is, the humidifier 1 may perform an air
cleaning function together. The filter portion 80 and the water
tank 70 may be mounted or detached to the inside of the body 10 in
the vertical direction after the upper cover 12 is detached.
[0072] Hereinafter a configuration of the humidifying element
assembly 100, the water tub 200 and the water tank 70 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8.
[0073] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
humidifier element assembly of the humidifier of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is
a cross-sectional view illustrating the water tub and the
humidifier element assembly of the humidifier of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6
is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the
humidifier element assembly of FIG. 5 is lifted. FIG. 7 is a
cross-sectional view illustrating the water tub and the water tank
to illustrate an operation of a blocking device of the humidifier
in accordance with an embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional
view illustrating a water tub and a water tank to illustrate an
operation of a blocking device of a humidifier in accordance with
another embodiment.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 4, the humidifying element assembly 100
includes a humidifying element 110 configured to absorb and
vaporize water, and a first cover 120 provided in the front side of
the humidifying element 110 to support the humidifying element 110,
and a second cover 130 provided in the rear side of the humidifying
element 110 to support the humidifying element 110.
[0075] The humidifying element 110 may be formed of a highly
absorbent material such as fibers or paper, and may have a
substantially disc shape. The humidifying element 110 is provided
to be immersed in the water contained in the water tub 200, wherein
the humidifying element 110 directly absorbs the water in the water
tub, keeps the absorbed water, and then performs the humidification
on the air passing through the humidifying element 110.
[0076] At this time, foreign materials such as dust contained in
air are filtered by the humidifying element 110, and thus only pure
air may pass through the humidifying element 110. Accordingly, the
humidifying element 110 may perform the function of filtering
together with humidification.
[0077] In addition, the first cover 120 and the second cover 130
may have a disc shape having a radius smaller than a radius of the
humidifying element 110. The first cover 120 and the second cover
130 may be integrally injection molded by using a resin
material.
[0078] The first cover 120 and the second cover 130 may be provided
with rotating shafts 123 and 133, respectively and the humidifying
element 110 may be provided with a first through hole 111 through
which the rotating shafts 123 and 133 are passed. The rotating
shafts 123 and 133 may be rotatably supported by the support frame
90.
[0079] The first cover 120 may have an elastic hook 124 protruding
toward the second cover 130 to be engaged with the second cover
130, and the second cover 130 may have an insertion portion 134
into which the elastic hook 124 is inserted. Therefore, as the
elastic hook 124 is inserted into the insertion portion 134, the
first cover 120 may be coupled to the second cover 130.
[0080] The elastic hook 124 and the insertion portion 134 may be
disposed on outer portions 122 and 132 of the first cover 120 and
the second cover 130, respectively. The humidifying element 110 may
be provided with a second through hole 112 through which the
elastic hook 124 and the insertion portion 134 are passed.
[0081] When it is required that the first cover 120 and the second
cover 130 are separated from each other for the wash and the
replacement of the humidifying element 110, it may be possible to
separate the first cover 120 and the second cover 130 from each
other by pressing the elastic hooks 124.
[0082] Alternatively, other coupling structures other than the
above-described coupling structure may be used as long as capable
of separating the first cover 120 and the second cover 130 from
each other.
[0083] Although not shown in the drawings, the first cover 120 and
the second cover 130 may form a water pocket on the outer portions
122 and 132 by coupling to each other so as to supply water from
the upper portion of the humidifying element 110.
[0084] As for the water pocket, when the water pocket is placed in
a lower side, the water pocket may accommodate the water of the
water tub 200, and when the water pocket reaches the upper portion,
the water may be dropped by a self-weight and thus the water pocket
may supply water to the upper portion of the humidifying element
110.
[0085] An outer periphery of the first cover 120 is provided with a
toothed portion 125 to receive the rotational force from the second
motor 60. Alternatively, the toothed portion 125 may be provided on
the second cover 130.
[0086] The first cover 120 and the second cover 130 may support the
humidifying element 110. For this, the first cover 120 may include
a first support rib 121 configured to support the humidifying
element 110.
[0087] The first support rib 121 may be disposed in a radial center
of the first cover 120 and may have an approximately spoke shape to
allow air to pass through the first cover 120.
[0088] Likewise, the second cover 130 may have a second support rib
131 configured to support the humidifying element 110. The second
support rib 131 may be disposed in a radial center of the second
cover 130 and may also have a spoke shape to allow the air to pass
through the second cover 130.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, the water tub 200 is provided
in the lower portion of the humidifying element assembly 100, and
may receive and store water supplied from the water tank 70. In
this way, the water stored in the water tub 200 is supplied to the
humidifying element 110.
[0090] The water tub 200 may include a water supply space 202
configured to receive water from the water tank 70 and a water
storage space 201 configured to store water, which is to be
supplied to the humidification element 110.
[0091] The water supply space 202 and the water storage space 201
may be partitioned by a partition 210. The partition 210 may be
provided with an opening to allow water supplied from the water
supply space 202 to supply to the water storage space 201.
[0092] A cap 73 may be provided in a lower side of the water tank
70. The cap 73 may be provided with a water outlet valve 72,
wherein the water outlet valve 72 is configured to close a water
outlet 71 when the water tank 70 is separated from the humidifier
1, and configured to open the water outlet 71 when the water tank
70 is mounted to the humidifier 1.
[0093] A water supply protrusion 220 may be formed in the water
supply space 202 of the water tub 200 to open the water outlet
valve 72 of the water tank 70 when the water tank 70 is mounted to
the humidifier 1.
[0094] The humidifying element assembly 100 may be disposed such
that an outer circumference thereof is adjacent to a bottom 203 of
the water tub 200, so that the humidifying element 110 may absorb
water at the bottom 203 of the water tub 200. It is appropriate
that the outer circumference of the humidifying element 110 is in
contact with the bottom 203 of the water tub 200.
[0095] Since a radius of the humidifying element 110 is larger than
a radius of the first cover 120 and the second cover 130, the outer
circumference of the humidifying element 110 may be in contact with
the bottom 203 of the water tub 200.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 6, the supporting frame 90 may be provided
with a lifting device 91 configured to raise the humidifying
element assembly 100. The lifting device 91 may raise the
humidifying element 110 above the water surface of the water stored
in the water tub 200 so that the humidifying element 110 is not
immersed in the water stored in the water tub 200.
[0097] During the humidifier 1 is being used, the lifting device 91
may be lowered to allow the humidifying element 110 to absorb the
water of the water tub 200, and during the humidifier 1 is not
used, the lifting device 91 may be raised so that the humidifying
element 110 is not immersed in the water in a state in which the
water is stored in the water tub 200.
[0098] According to an embodiment, the water supply protrusion 220
configured to open the water outlet valve 72 of the water tank 70
may be used as the blocking device 230 configured to block the
water outlet valve 72.
[0099] FIG. 7A is a view illustrating a case in which the water
outlet 71 is opened since the water supply protrusion 220 is raised
and pushes up the water outlet valve 72 of the water tank 70, and
FIG. 7B is a view illustrating a case in which the water outlet
valve 72 of the water tank 70 blocks the water outlet 71 since the
water supply protrusion 220 is raised.
[0100] Although not shown in the drawings, the water outlet valve
72 of the water tank 70 may be opened by the blocking device 230
provided in the water tank 70 when the water tank 70 is mounted to
the humidifier 1 in a state in which the water supply protrusion
220 is not provided in the water tub 200.
[0101] In this case, an electrically operated valve may be used as
the water outlet valve 72 of the water tank 70, wherein the
electrically operated valve may be configured such that the water
tank 70 and the humidifier 1 transmits an electric signal and a
terminal is connected to allow the water tank 70 to receive the
power, when the water tank 70 is mounted to the humidifier 1.
[0102] When the water blocking device 230 disposed in the water tub
200 or the water tank 70 blocks the water outlet 71 of the water
tank 70, water may be prevent from being supplied from the water
tank 70 to the water tub 200 and thus the supply of water to the
humidifying element 110 may be stopped.
[0103] According to another embodiment, the water outlet valve 72
of the water tank 70 may be opened by the water supply protrusion
220 provided in the water supply space 202 of the water tub 200,
and the opening 211 of the partition 210 may be blocked by the
blocking device 230, wherein the opening 211 is configured to allow
water to flow from the water supply space 202 to the water storage
space 201.
[0104] FIG. 8A is a view illustrating a state in which the opening
211 of the partition 210 is opened since the blocking device 230 is
raised, and FIG. 8B is a view illustrating a state in which the
opening 211 of the partition 210 is closed since the blocking
device 230 is lowered.
[0105] Since the water, which is supplied to the water supply space
202 from the water tank 70, does not flow into the water storage
space 201 when the blocking device 230 closes the opening 211 of
the partition 210, the water supply to the humidifying element 110
may be stopped.
[0106] FIG. 9 is a control block diagram illustrating the
humidifier according to an embodiment.
[0107] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the humidifier 1 may include an
input 30, a display 20, a controller 300 and a drive circuit
310.
[0108] The input 30 may receive a control instruction from a user.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the input 30 may be provided as a button
type on the front cover 12, but is not limited thereto. The input
30 may implemented by a dial, a switch, or a touch pad, but is not
limited thereto. The input 30 may include a variety of devices
configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to an
input by a user's manipulation, such as pressing, touching,
pressure, or rotating.
[0109] The display 20 may display information related to the
humidifier 1 in accordance with a display control signal of the
controller 300. The display 20 may be configured to allow a user to
identify an operation state of the humidifier 1 by displaying
user's operation state by recognizing information inputted through
the input 30, and by displaying a humidification mode state or a
residual water removal mode state of the humidifier 1.
[0110] The display 20 may be disposed on the front cover 12 as
illustrated in FIG. 1, but is not limited thereto. The display 20
may be implemented a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting
diode (LED), an organic emitting diode (OLED), an active matrix
organic light emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible display, or a
three-dimensional display (3D display).
[0111] In response to a drive control signal of the controller 300,
the drive circuit 310 may drive the first motor 50, the second
motor 60, the blocking device 230, and the lifting device 91, which
are related to the operation of the humidifier 1.
[0112] The first motor 50 rotates the blowing fan 40 and the second
motor 60 rotates the humidifying element assembly 100. The blocking
device 230 prevents water from being supplied to the water tub 200
from the water tank 70 or prevents water from flowing into the
water storage space 201 from the water supply space 202 of the
water tub 200. The lifting device 91 raises the humidifying element
110 over the water surface of water remaining in the water tub 200
or the water storage space 201 of the water tub 200.
[0113] The humidifier 1 may further include a residual water
detection sensor 320 and/or a memory 330. The residual water
detection sensor 320 may identify whether water remains in the
water tub 200, and transmit information to the controller 300. The
memory 330 may store setting information such as whether to perform
the residual water removal function when the use of the humidifier
1 is terminated.
[0114] Hereinafter an operation process and effect of the
humidifier including the residual water removal mode, and a control
method of the humidifier according to an embodiment will be
described.
[0115] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for
performing a residual water removal mode in the humidifier
according to an embodiment.
[0116] As for a conventional evaporative humidifier, residual water
is present in a water tub even after a humidification operation is
terminated. The humidifier 1 according to an embodiment includes a
residual water removal mode in which the humidifying element 110
evaporates the residual water of the water tub 200 so that water
does not remain in the water tub 200 after the humidification
operation is completed.
[0117] Through the residual water removal mode, it may be possible
to prevent the humidifying element 110 from being contaminated by
fungi or bacteria during the humidifier 1 is not used, and it may
be possible to perform the hygienic humidification since clean
water is newly supplied to the water tub 200 when the
humidification operation is re-started.
[0118] The residual water removal mode may be started by a start
instruction to start the residual water removal mode, which is
input by a user through the input 30. It may be possible to set the
residual water removal mode to be automatically started by an end
instruction of the humidification mode, which is input by a user.
The humidification mode represents an operation state in which the
humidification is performed by continuously supplying water to the
humidifying element 110 while rotating the humidifying element
110.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 10, when the residual water removal mode
of the humidifier 1 is started, the controller 300 may drive the
blocking device 230 to prevent the water from being supplied to the
water tub (401).
[0120] The step of blocking the supply of water to the water tub
(401) includes preventing the water from being supplied to the
water storage space 201 since the blocking device 230 blocks the
water outlet 71 of the water tank 70 and the blocking device 230
blocks the opening 211 provided in the partition 210 of the water
tub 200. That is, the step of blocking the supply of water to the
water tub (401) is to prevent water from being additionally
supplying to the water tub 200 or the water storage space 201.
[0121] When the residual water removal mode is started during the
operation of the humidification mode, the controller 300 operates
the second motor 60 to continuously rotate the humidification
element 110 to remove residual water. On the other hand, when the
residual water removal mode is started in a state in which the
humidifying element 110 is not rotated, the controller 300 operates
the second motor 60 to rotate the humidifying element 110
(402).
[0122] In the residual water removal mode, the humidifying element
110 may be rotated while the outer circumference of the humidifying
element 110 is adjacent to the bottom 203 of the water tub 200, in
order to absorb and evaporate all water remaining on the bottom of
the water tub 200. Particularly, it may be appropriate that the
outer circumference of the humidifying element 110 is disposed in
slightly contact with the bottom 203 of the water tub 200. More
particularly, in order not to generate a noise by the friction
between the humidifying element 110 and the bottom 203 of the water
tub 200, it may be more appropriate that the humidifying element
110 is disposed apart from the bottom 203 of the water tub 200 by a
distance, which allows all water in the water tub 200 to be
absorbed into the humidifying element 110 by the surface tension of
the water.
[0123] When the humidifying element 110 rotates to remove the
residual water, the controller 300 determines whether the residual
water removal is completed (403). When the humidifying element 110
rotates, absorbs and evaporates all the remaining water in the
water tub 200, the removal of the remaining water is completed. The
completion of the removal of the remaining water may not represent
the termination of the residual water removal mode.
[0124] In the humidifier 1 according to the embodiment, a period of
time in which all the remaining water of the water tub 200 is
evaporated by the rotation of the humidifying element 110, is
stored in the memory 330. The controller 300 may count a period of
time from when the residual water removal mode is started, and when
the counted period of time exceeds the certain period of time,
which is stored in the memory, the controller 300 may determine
that the residual water removal is completed.
[0125] According to another embodiment, in order to identify
whether water remains in the water tub 200, the controller 300 may
determine whether the residual water removal is completed or not,
by using the residual water detection sensor 320 provided in the
water tub 200. When the water in the water tub 200 is completely
evaporated and the remaining water is not detected by the residual
water detection sensor 320, the controller 300 determines that the
residual water removal is completed.
[0126] When it is determined that the residual water removal is not
completed, the controller 300 performs the residual water removal
by continuously rotating the humidifying element 110 and determines
again whether the residual water removal is completed (403).
[0127] When it is determined that the residual water removal is
completed, the controller 300 may stop the rotation of the
humidifying element 110 by stopping the rotation of the second
motor 60 (404), and thus the residual water removal mode of the
humidifier 1 may be terminated.
[0128] During the humidifier 1 performs the residual water removal
mode, a user may command stopping the residual water removal mode
through the input 30, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a
control method in which a residual water removal stop instruction
input step (405) is added to the control method of FIG. 10.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 11, when a residual water removal stop
instruction is input by a user (405) in a state in which the
humidifying element 110 is rotated (402) for the residual water
removal since the residual water removal mode is started and the
water supply to the water tub is stopped (401), the controller 300
may stop the rotation of the humidifying element 110 (404) by
immediately stopping the operation of the second motor 60 and
terminate the residual water removal.
[0130] When the residual water removal stop instruction is not
input (405), the controller 300 may maintain the rotation of the
humidifying element 110 and determine whether the residual water
removal is completed (403) by counting a rotation time of the
humidifying element 110 or by using a residual water detection
signal of the residual water detection sensor 320. When the
residual water removal is completed, the controller 300 may stop
the rotation of the humidifying element 110 and terminate the
residual water removal mode.
[0131] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control method in
which a step to confirm whether to perform the residual water
removal mode is added to the control method of FIG. 10.
[0132] As described above, the residual water removal mode may be
started by the start instruction of the residual water removal
mode, which is input by a user through the input 30. Alternatively,
it may be possible to set such that the residual water removal mode
is automatically started when the user's humidification mode end
instruction is input, or it may be possible to perform the residual
water removal mode by allowing a user to confirm whether to perform
the residual water removal mode, when the user's humidification
mode end instruction is input.
[0133] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, the termination of the
humidification mode represents the beginning of the flowchart. When
the humidification mode is terminated, the controller 300
determines whether to perform the residual water removal mode
(407). The method of determining whether to perform the residual
water removal mode may be a method of determining whether it is
preset in the memory 330 or a method of determining by allowing the
user to select through the input 30.
[0134] According to the former method, when it is possible to
preset such that the residual water removal mode is started upon
the termination of the humidification mode, in the memory 330, the
controller 300 may determine whether the residual water removal
mode is set in the memory 330 (407) when the humidification mode is
terminated.
[0135] It may be set such that the humidifying element 110 is
continuously rotated from when the humidification mode end
instruction is input until the step (407) to confirm whether to
perform the residual water removal mode, and when it is determined
not to perform the residual water removal mode (407), the
controller 300 stops the rotation of the humidifying element 110
(404) and terminates.
[0136] On the other hand, when it is determined to perform the
residual water removal mode (407), the humidifying element is
continuously rotated to remove the residual water (402), and the
water supply to the water tank is blocked (401).
[0137] According to the latter method, when determining whether to
perform the residual water removal mode, the controller 300 may
display a question of whether to perform the residual water removal
mode, on the display 20 and allow a user to confirm whether to
perform the residual water removal mode (407), and when the user
inputs the performance of the residual water removal mode, to the
input 30, the controller 300 performs the residual water removal
mode in response to the input.
[0138] Although not shown in the drawings, in the latter method, it
may be set such that the rotation of the humidifying element 110 is
immediately stopped when the humidification mode end instruction is
input. In this case, on the step of confirming whether to perform
the residual water removal mode (407), when it is input such that
the residual water removal mode is not to be performed, or when
there is no input related to the performance of the residual water
removal mode, the controller 300 immediately terminates the mode,
and when it is input such that the residual water removal mode is
to be performed, the controller 300 stops the supply of water to
the water tub (401) and rotates the humidifying element 110 to
remove the residual water, again (402).
[0139] The humidifier 1 may include the lifting device 91
configured to raise the humidifying element 110 or the humidifying
element assembly 100. FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts illustrating a
control method in which a step to raise the humidifying element is
added to the control methods of FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0140] Referring to FIG. 13, when the residual water removal is
completed or when the residual water removal mode is interrupted by
a user's instruction, the controller 300 stops the rotation of the
humidifying element 110 (404), and the controller 300 drives the
lifting device 91, wherein the lifting device 91 raises the
humidifying element 110 so that the humidifying element 110 is not
immerged in the residual water in the water tub 200.
[0141] Referring to FIG. 14, when it is input such that the
residual water removal mode is not to be performed (407), the
controller 300 drives the lifting device 91, wherein the lifting
device 91 raises the humidifying element 110 so that the
humidifying element 110 is not immerged in the residual water in
the water tub 200.
[0142] In addition, although not shown in the drawings, it may be
set such that when the residual water removal mode is terminated,
the lifting device 91 is operated to raise the humidifying element
110.
[0143] While the present disclosure has been particularly described
with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by
those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and
details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present disclosure.
* * * * *