Source: http://patents.com/us-10094580.html
Timestamp: 2018-12-14 20:00:20
Document Index: 771332918

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 148', 'art 148', 'art 148', 'arts 224', 'arts 224', 'arts 224', 'arts 224', 'arts 224', 'art 224', 'art 244', 'art 244', 'art 387', 'art 247', 'art 247', 'art 244', 'art 387', 'art 387', 'art 247', 'art 387', 'art 247', 'art 244', 'art 244', 'art 247', 'art 224', 'art 244', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1325', 'art 1325', 'art 1325', 'art 1325', 'art 1302', 'art 1302', 'art 1302', 'art 1302', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 1332', 'art 244']

US Patent # 1,009,4580. Humidification and air cleaning apparatus - Patents.com
United States Patent 10,094,580
Son , et al. October 9, 2018
Provided is a humidification and air cleaning apparatus. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus includes a lower water tank storing water, an upper water tank located at an upper part of the lower water tank, an air wash inlet disposed between the upper water tank and the lower water tank, through which air flows from the outside into the inside, and a bridge disposed across the air wash inlet and connecting the lower water tank and the upper water tank.
Son; Sanghyuk (Seoul, KR), Lee; Jungwoo (Seoul, KR), Lee; Younggu (Seoul, KR), Lee; Kunyoung (Seoul, KR), Kwon; Hyuckju (Seoul, KR), Chong; Chungook (Seoul, KR), Kim; Taeyoon (Seoul, KR), Choi; Jieun (Seoul, KR), Lee; Jongsu (Seoul, KR), Lee; Kyoungho (Seoul, KR)
Family ID: 57209398
15/337,906
US 20170122585 A1 May 4, 2017
Jun 30, 2016 [KR] 10-2016-0083087
Oct 6, 2016 [KR] 10-2016-0129318
Current CPC Class: F24F 6/00 (20130101); F24F 6/04 (20130101); F24F 6/16 (20130101); F24F 13/20 (20130101); F24F 3/14 (20130101); B01F 3/04021 (20130101); B01F 3/04 (20130101); B01D 46/10 (20130101); F24F 13/28 (20130101); F24F 2006/008 (20130101); B01D 2279/50 (20130101); F24F 2006/046 (20130101)
Current International Class: B01F 3/04 (20060101); F24F 6/04 (20060101); F24F 3/00 (20060101); B01D 46/10 (20060101); F24F 13/28 (20060101); F24F 13/20 (20060101); F24F 3/14 (20060101); F24F 6/00 (20060101)
54-60948 Apr 1979 JP
2011-242026 Dec 2011 JP
2012-207863 Oct 2012 JP
10-0807726 Feb 2008 KR
This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/248,463 filed Oct. 30, 2015 and 62/355,118 filed Jun. 27, 2016 and Korean Application Nos. 10-2015-0156254 filed Nov. 7, 2015, 10-2015-0185850 filed Dec. 24, 2015, 10-2016-0037235 filed Mar. 28, 2016, 10-2016-0083087 filed Jun. 30, 2016 and 10-2016-0129318 filed Oct. 6, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
1. A humidification and air cleaning apparatus comprising: a lower water tank to store water; an upper water tank disposed over the lower water tank; an air wash inlet disposed between the upper water tank and the lower water tank, through which air flows; a bridge disposed across the air wash inlet to connect the lower water tank and the upper water tank; and a water tank humidification medium formed of a material capable of absorbing water to humidify air passing through the air wash inlet, the water tank humidification medium being disposed inside the air wash inlet.
2. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein a waterdrop prevention flow passage is formed inside the bridge and the waterdrop prevention flow passage guides water flowing down from the upper water tank to the lower water tank.
3. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bridge is manufactured integrally with the lower water tank and is coupled with the upper water tank.
4. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bridge is manufactured integrally with the upper water tank and is coupled with the lower water tank.
5. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the upper water tank is formed of a transparent material.
6. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a watering unit disposed inside the lower water tank to spray water stored in the lower water tank to an inner side surface of the upper water tank; and a reservoir to temporarily store water flowing down along the inner side surface of the upper water tank.
7. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the water temporarily stored in the reservoir is guided to the lower water tank along the bridge.
8. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the reservoir comprises a reservoir opening part to drain water to the bridge.
9. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the reservoir comprises a storage space to store flowing-down water and a reservoir opening part connected to the storage space to drain water to the bridge.
10. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 9, wherein the storage space is formed extending along the inner side surface of the upper water tank.
11. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 9, wherein a bridge space is formed inside the bridge and the bridge space communicates with the storage space and guides the water drained from the reservoir to the inner side surface of the lower water tank.
12. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 9, wherein the reservoir further comprises an insert wall protruding downwardly, and the insert wall is inserted into the bridge.
13. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 9, wherein an insert wall is formed at both sides of the reservoir opening part and a bridge space is formed inside the bridge, and the insert wall is inserted into the bridge space.
14. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a water tank humidification medium housing where the water tank humidification medium is installed, wherein the water tank humidification medium housing is detachably mounted on the reservoir.
15. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a guide to guide the water flowing down from the upper water tank to the inside of the lower water tank at an upper end of the water tank humidification medium housing, wherein the guide is disposed at an upper side of the storage space.
The present invention also provides a humidification and air cleaning apparatus including an air wash inlet between an upper water tank and a lower water tank and allowing air to flow into the inside through the air washing inlet.
The present invention also provides a humidification and air cleaning apparatus for guiding the water flowing from an upper water tank to a lower water tank.
The present invention also provides a humidification and air cleaning apparatus including a waterdrop prevention flow passage for preventing the water flowing from an upper water tank from directly dropping on a water surface.
The present invention also provides a humidification and air cleaning apparatus for coupling an upper water tank and a lower water tank and including a bridge that guides the water flowing down from the upper water tank to the lower water tank.
Embodiments of the present invention provide humidification and air cleaning apparatuses including: a lower water tank storing water; an upper water tank located at an upper part of the lower water tank; an air wash inlet disposed between the upper water tank and the lower water tank, through which air flows from the outside into the inside; and a bridge disposed across the air wash inlet and connecting the lower water tank and the upper water tank.
In some embodiments, a waterdrop prevention flow passage may be formed inside the bridge and the waterdrop prevention flow passage may guide water flowing down from the upper water tank to the lower water tank.
In some embodiments, the bridge may be manufactured integrally with the lower water tank and may be coupled with the upper water tank.
In some embodiments, the bridge may be manufactured integrally with the upper water tank and may be coupled with the lower water tank.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the upper water tank may be formed of a transparent material.
In some embodiments, the humidification and air cleaning apparatuses may further include: a watering unit disposed inside the lower water tank and spraying water stored in the lower water tank to an inner side surface of the upper water tank; and a reservoir temporarily storing water flowing down along the inner side surface of the upper water tank.
In some embodiments, the water temporarily stored in the reservoir may be guided to the lower water tank along the bridge.
In some embodiments, the reservoir may include a reservoir opening part draining water to the bridge.
In some embodiments, the reservoir may include a storage space storing flowing-down water and a reservoir opening part connected to the storage space and draining water to the bridge.
In some embodiments, the storage space may be formed extending long along the inner side surface of the upper water tank.
In some embodiments, a bridge space may be formed inside the bridge and the bridge space may communicate with the storage space and guide the water drained from the reservoir to the inner side surface of the lower water tank.
In some embodiments, the reservoir may further include an insert wall protruding downwardly and the insert wall may be inserted into the bridge.
In some embodiments, the reservoir opening part may be formed between the insert walls and a bridge space may be formed inside the bridge and the insert wall may be inserted into the bridge space.
The humidification and air cleaning apparatuses may further include: a water tank humidification medium formed of a material capable of absorbing water and covering the air wash inlet and providing humidification on air passing through the air wash inlet; and a water tank humidification medium housing where the water tank humidification medium is installed, wherein the water tank humidification medium housing may be detachably mounted on the reservoir.
In some embodiments, the humidification and air cleaning apparatuses may further include a guide guiding the water flowing down from the upper water tank to the inside of the lower water tank at an upper end of the water tank humidification medium housing, wherein the guide may be disposed at an upper side of the storage space.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a water tank shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of C in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a front view of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a left cross-sectional view of FIG. 6;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of D in FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an air wash module where a water tank humidification medium housing in FIG. 9 is mounted;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an air wash module where a water tank humidification medium housing in FIG. 8 is mounted;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a water tank humidification medium housing shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of B in FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of C in FIG. 16;
FIG. 19 is a partial exploded perspective view of FIG. 13;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view when seen from the lower side of FIG. 19;
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D of FIG. 21;
FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a watering unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 24 is a coupling perspective view of a watering unit shown in FIG. 23;
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 24;
FIG. 26 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating a water tank including a bridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 27 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating a water tank including a bridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
The air wash module 200 may include a lower water tank 300 for storing water. The lower water tank 300 may be separable from the air clean module 100 when the air wash module 200 is separated. The air wash module 200 may be disposed over the air clean module 100.
A user may supply water into the air wash module 200. The air wash module 200 may have a water supply flow passage 109 formed therein to supply water from the outside to the lower water tank 300.
The air wash module 200 may include a lower water tank 300, a watering unit 400, a humidification medium 50, a visual body 210, and a top cover assembly 230. The lower water tank 300 may store water for humidification, and may be detachably disposed over the air clean module 100. The watering unit 400 may be disposed in the lower water tank 300, and may spray water in the lower water tank 300. The humidification medium 50 may be wetted with water sprayed from the watering unit 400, and may provide moisture to flowing air. The visual body 210 may be coupled to the lower water tank 300, and may be formed of a transparent material. The top cover assembly 230 may be detachably disposed over the visual body 210, and may include a discharge flow passage 107 through which air is discharged and a water supply flow passage 109 through which water is supplied.
The upper body 120 may include an upper outer body 128 forming the exterior of the base body and coupled to the lower body 130, an upper inner body 140 disposed inside the upper outer body 128, having the lower water tank 300 inserted therein, and providing the connection flow passage 103, and an air guide 170 coupling the upper inner body 140 and the upper outer body 128 and guiding air to the lower water tank 300.
Since the upper body 120 is disposed to separate the connection flow passage and the water tank insertion space, water of the lower water tank 300 flowing into the connection flow passage can be minimized. Particularly, since the connection flow passage is divided by the upper inner body 140 and disposed outside a space in which water is stored, water can be inhibited from flowing into the connection flow passage.
The upper inner body 140 may be formed to be opened at the upper side thereof, and may receive the lower water tank 300. The upper inner body 140 may form a portion of the clean connection flow passage 104 into which filtered air flows.
The air guide 170 may cover the outside of the upper inner body 140 360 degrees of a circumference of the upper inner body 140. The air guide 170 may guide air to the lower water tank 300 in all directions of 360 degrees of a circumference of the water tank 300. The air guide 170 may inwardly collect air guided along the outside of the lower body 130, and may supply the collected air to the lower water tank 300. Through this structure, the flow rate of air supplied to the lower water tank 300 can be sufficiently secured.
A portion of the clean connection flow passage 104 may be formed outside the upper inner body 140. The air guide 170 may form a portion of the clean connection flow passage 104. Air passing the clean connection flow passage 104 may flow into the lower water tank 300 through the upper inlet 121 and the air wash inlet 31.
The inner body extension part 148 may correspond to a bridge 380. When the lower water tank 300 is placed, the bridge 380 may be located inside the inner body extension part 148. The inner body extension part 148 and the bridge 380 may overlap each other inside and outside.
The upper inner body 140 may have the water tank insertion space 125 formed therein so as to receive the lower water tank 300.
The clean connection flow passage 104 may be disposed outside the upper inlet 121, and the water tank insertion space 125 may be disposed inside the upper inlet 121. Air flowing along the clean connection flow passage 104 may pass through the upper inlet 121. When the lower water tank 300 is placed in the water tank insertion space 125, filtered air passing through the upper inlet 121 may flow into the lower water tank 300.
The display module 160 may be disposed inside the outer visual body 214. The display module 160 may be disposed to adhere closely to the inner side surface of the outer visual body 214. When viewed from top, the display module 160 may have a donut shape. The lower water tank 300 may be inserted into the display module 160.
The display module 160 may be supported by the outer visual body 214. The inner edge of the display module 160 may be supported by the upper inner body ring 126. The display module 160 may be disposed over the air guide 170. The display module 160 may be manufactured integrally with a base connector 260.
The air wash module 200 may increase humidity in the filtered air. The air wash module 200 may implement a rain view in the humidification flow passage 106. The air wash module 200 may spray and circulate water in the lower water tank 300. The air wash module 200 may change water into small-sized droplets, and may again wash filtered air through scattered droplets. When filtered air is washed through scattered droplets, humidification and filtering may be performed once again.
The air wash module 200 may include the lower water tank 300, the watering unit 400, the humidification medium 50, the visual body 210, the top cover assembly 230, and a handle 180.
The humidification connection flow passage 105 may be disposed outside the lower water tank 300, and may guide air into the lower water tank 300. The humidification connection flow passage 105 may be disposed outside the visual body 210, and may guide air into the visual body 210.
The humidification connection flow passage 105 may be disposed at the outside of at least one of the lower water tank 300 and the visual body 210, and may guide air into one of the lower water tank 300 and the visual body 210.
Since the air clean module 100 and the air wash module 200 are separably assembled through the upper body 120, a base connector 260 may be disposed in the upper body 120 to provide power for the air wash module 200.
The top cover assembly 230 of the air wash module 200 may be provided with a control part and a display which requires power. A top connector 270 may be disposed in the air wash module 200, and may be separably connected to the base connector 260. The top connector 270 may be disposed in the top cover assembly 230.
In this embodiment, since the top cover assembly 230 is separable, the inner side surface of the visual body 210 or the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300 can be conveniently cleaned.
The top cover assembly 230 may include the water supply flow passage 109 formed therein, and may form the discharge flow passage 107 with the visual body 210 in between. The top cover assembly 230 may be installed separably from the visual body 210. The top cover assembly 230 may include the top connector 270 disposed therein and electrically connected to the base connector 260.
When the top cover assembly 230 is placed, the top connector 270 may be disposed over the base connector 260. The top cover assembly 230 may be supplied with electricity from the base connector 260 via the top connector 270.
A water level display part (not shown) may be disposed around the water supply flow passage 109 to display the water level of the lower water tank 300. Thus, a user can check the water level of the lower water tank 300 when supplying water. By disposing the water level display part on the movement line of water supply, a user can be prevented from excessively supplying water, and the lower water tank 300 can be prevented from overflowing.
The water level display part may be disposed in the top cover assembly 230. The separable power supply structure of the top connector 270 and the base connector 260 may achieve effective water supply from the upper side.
The lower water tank 300 may be separably placed in the upper body 120. The watering unit 400 may be disposed inside the lower water tank 300, and may rotate inside the lower water tank 300.
The lower water tank 300 may include a water tank body 320 storing water, an air wash inlet 31 formed at the side surface of the water tank body 320, and a bridge 380 upwardly extending from the water tank body 320 and coupled to the visual body 210.
In this embodiment, the bridge 380 and the lower water tank 300 may be manufactured integrally.
The bridge 380 may upwardly extend from the lower water tank 300. The bridge 380 may form the air wash inlet 31. The air wash inlet 31 may be formed between the bridges 380.
The air wash inlet 31 may be formed in the side surface of the water tank body 320. The air wash inlet 31 may be formed on the water tank body 320 in all directions of 360 degrees. The air wash inlet 31 may communicate with the humidification connection flow passage 105 of a circumference of the water tank body 320.
The bridge 380 may guide water flowing down from the inner side surface of the visual body 210 into the lower water tank 300. The noise of dropping water can be minimized by guiding water flowing down from the visual body 210.
The bridge 380 may be fastened to the lower end of the visual body 210.
In this embodiment, the air wash inlet 31 may be formed by the configuration of the water tank body 320. Unlike this embodiment, the air wash inlet 31 may also be formed by disposing the bridge 380 in the visual body 210. Also unlike this embodiment, a portion of a plurality of bridges 380 may be disposed in the lower water tank 300, and other bridges 380 may be disposed in the visual body 210 to configure the air wash inlet 31. Unlike this embodiment, the air wash inlet 31 may also be formed in a separate configuration distinguished from the visual body 210 and the lower water tank 300. Unlike this embodiment, the air wash inlet 31 may also be formed by forming an opened surface in the visual body 210 and by forming an opened surface in the lower water tank 300.
That is, the air wash inlet 31 may be disposed in at least one of the lower water tank 300 and the visual body 210. The air wash inlet 31 may be formed by combination of the lower water tank 300 and the visual body 210. The air wash inlet 31 may be disposed in a separate configuration distinguished from the lower water tank 300 and the visual body 210, and then the separate configuration may be disposed between the lower water tank 300 and the visual body 210. The air wash inlet 31 may be formed by combination of the lower water tank 300 and the visual body 210.
The visual body 210 may be coupled to the lower water tank 300, and may be located over the lower water tank 300. At least a portion of visual body 210 may be formed of a material through which a user can see the inside.
The lower water tank 300 may include the air wash inlet 31 which is formed thereon and through which air passes. The air wash inlet 31 may be located between the connection flow passage 103 and the humidification flow passage 106. The air wash inlet 31 may be an outlet of the connection flow passage 103, and may be an inlet of the humidification flow passage 106.
In this embodiment, the lower water tank humidification medium 51 may be disposed at the air wash inlet 31 of the water tank 300.
Water flowing down after wetting the water tank humidification medium 51 may be stored in the lower water tank 300. Water flowing down after wetting the water tank humidification medium 51 may be configured so as not to flow out of the lower water tank 300.
The humidification medium 50 may promote the natural evaporation of water. In this embodiment, the humidification medium 50 may be wetted with water, but may not be immersed in the lower water tank 300.
Since disposed separately from water stored in the lower water tank 300, the water tank humidification medium 51 and the discharge humidification medium 55 may not be always wet even though there is water stored in the lower water tank 300. That is, the water tank humidification medium 51 and the discharge humidification medium 55 may become wet only during the operation of humidification mode, and the water tank humidification medium 51 and the discharge humidification medium 55 may be maintained at a dry state during the operation of air cleaning mode.
The water tank humidification medium 51 may cover the air wash inlet 31, and air may penetrate the water tank humidification medium 51 to flow into the lower water tank 300.
The clean connection flow passage 104 and the humidification connection flow passage 105 may also be formed in a form of duct to form a clear flow passage. In this embodiment, the connection flow passage 103 may distributedly disposed in the structure of the upper body 120 and the structure of the lower water tank 300.
The connection flow passage 103 may also be formed using a configuration such as duct. However, when air is supplied into the water tank 300 through a structure such as duct, the flow resistance may significantly increase due to the duct, and it may be difficult to secure a sufficient flow rate. When the flow rate supplied into the lower water tank 300 is limited, RPM of the blower fan 24 needs to increase, and thus power consumption and noise may increase.
In this embodiment, the connection flow passage 103 may provide air to the lower water tank 300 in all directions of 350 degrees, thereby securing a sufficient flow rate.
Unlike this embodiment, when the height of the upper inner body 140 is small or zero, the outer wall of the lower water tank 300 may provide the humidification connection flow passage 105. In other words, when there is only the bottom 141 of the upper inner body 140 and no side wall of the upper inner body 140, the outside of the side wall of the lower water tank 300 may provide the humidification connection flow passage 105, and the inner side of the air guide 170 may provide the clean connection flow passage 104. Also, when the lower water tank 300 is placed on the bottom 141, the connection flow passage 103 may be connected.
Third, humidification may be performed by moisture that is evaporated in the lower water tank 300.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a water tank shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of C shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a left cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of C shown in FIG. 8.
The water tank may include a lower water tank and an upper water tank.
The lower water tank may be for storing water. The upper water tank may be located at the upper part of the lower water tank. The air wash inlet 31 may be formed between the lower water tank and the upper water tank.
In this embodiment, the lower water tank may be disposed at the lower part of the water tank and the upper water tank may be disposed at the upper part of the water tank. At least a portion of the upper water tank may be formed of a transparent material. In this embodiment, the upper body may be the visual body 210, the entire of which is formed of a transparent material.
In this embodiment, the lower water tank and the upper water tank are manufactured separately but unlike this embodiment, they may be manufactured integrally and the air wash inlet 31 communicating the inside and the outside may be formed.
The visual body 210 may be formed of a transparent material or a translucent material, and a user may see through the inside of the visual body 210. A user may check an operating status of the inside of the lower water tank 300 through the visual body 210.
Unlike this embodiment, the upper water tank may be formed of an opaque material.
The visual body 210 may be integrally fixed to the lower water tank 300. In this embodiment, the visual body 210 may be located at the upper part of the lower water tank 300 and coupled to the upper side of the water tank 300. The air flowing into the inside of the lower water tank 300 through the air wash inlet 31 may flow into the upper side along the visual body 210.
The visual body 210 may form a continuous surface with the lower water tank 300 and minimize the resistance of air.
The above-mentioned outer visual body 214 may be disposed at the radial outside of the visual body 210. Unlike this embodiment, the outer visual body 214 may be omitted. In this embodiment, the visual body 210 may be used as an inner visual body.
The visual body 210 may be formed as the upper side and the lower side are opened. In this embodiment, in relation to the visual body 210, the upper side opening surface may be formed wider than the lower side opening surface. The side surface 216 of the visual body 210 may be formed slantly.
The visual body 210 may be formed in a hopper shape. The visual body 210 may be inserted into the inside of the outer visual body 214. The outer visual body 214 may be fixed to a base body 110 and the visual body 210 may be inserted into the inner part of the outer visual body 214. The upper end of the visual body 210 may closely contact the upper end of the outer visual body 214.
A reservoir for temporarily storing water may be disposed at the visual body 210. In this embodiment, the visual body 210 may include an upper reservoir 220 disposed at the inner side and storing water temporarily and a lower reservoir 240 disposed at the inner side and disposed at the lower side of the upper reservoir 220.
The reservoir of the visual body 210 may be provided in one or provided in three or more. After the water stored in the reservoir is stored temporarily, it may be moved to the lower side by gravity. The water supplied from the upper side through the reservoir may be prevented from flowing to the lower side drastically. When excessive water flows to the lower side, it may be likely to be leaked through the air wash inlet 31. Additionally, when excessive water flows to the lower side, excessive dripping noise may occur at the water surface of the lower water tank 300.
The upper reservoir 220 may be disposed at the lower side of a top cover assembly 230. The upper reservoir 220 may be mounted to allow the top cover assembly 230 to be detachable.
An upper storage space 225 for storing water temporarily may be formed in the upper reservoir 220 and a lower storage space 245 for storing water temporarily may be formed in the lower reservoir 240.
The upper storage space 225 may be formed by a visual body 210, a reservoir base 223, and a reservoir wall 222. The lower storage space 245 may be also formed by a visual body 210, a reservoir base 243, and a reservoir wall 242.
The reservoir bases 223 and 243 may be formed as protruding from a side surface 216 of the visual body 210 to the inside.
The reservoir walls 222 and 242 may protrude from the inside ends of the reservoir bases 223 and 243 to the upper side.
In this embodiment, the reservoir walls 222 and 242 may be formed in plurality and reservoir opening parts 224 and 244 may be disposed between the reservoir walls 222 and 242.
Temporarily-stored water may flow to the lower side through the reservoir opening parts 224 and 244.
In this embodiment, the reservoir opening parts 224 and 244 may be opened inwardly and formed. Unlike this embodiment, the reservoir opening parts 224 and 244 may be opened downwardly and formed and in this case, the reservoir opening parts 224 and 244 may be formed at the reservoir bases 223
The water drained through the upper reservoir opening part 224 may flow downwardly along the side surface 216 of the visual body 210.
The water drained through the lower reservoir opening part 244 may flow downwardly along the bridge 380.
A handle 180 may be installed at the upper reservoir 220. The handle 180 may be installed at the upper storage space 225. The handle 180 may be insertingly installed to the upper storage space 225 and concealed.
A handle fixer 182 may be fixed at the upper reservoir 220, and the handle 180 may be rotatably coupled to the handle fixer 182. Therefore, when lifting up the handle 180, a user may lift up the entire air wash module 200. Unlike this embodiment, it may be regardless that the handle fixer 182 is not installed and only the handle 180 is installed at the visual body 210.
The lower water tank 300 may be coupled to the lower reservoir 240. Additionally, the lower reservoir 240 may allow temporarily-stored water to flow through the bridge 380.
In this embodiment, the bridge 380 may perform various functions. The bridge 380 may be a structure for coupling the visual body 210 and the lower water tank 300. The bridge 380 may provide a dripping water prevention flow passage for guiding the water flowing from the upper side into the lower water tank 300. The bridge 380 may be a structure for forming the air wash inlet 31.
Although the bridge 380 is integrally manufactured with the lower water tank 300 in this embodiment, unlike this embodiment, it may be integrally manufactured with the visual body 210. Additionally, after the bridge 380 is manufactured as a separate component distinguished from the lower water tank 300 or the visual body 210, it may be fastened to each of the lower water tank 300 and the visual body 210.
The bridge 380 may guide water to the inside where the humidification flow passage 106 is disposed. A bridge space 385 may be formed inside the bridge 380. The bridge 380 may include a guide wall 386 for forming the bridge space 385.
The bridge space 385 may communicate with the lower reservoir opening part 244.
In this embodiment, the bridge space 385 may be opened toward the inside of the lower water tank 300 and the guide wall 386 may be disposed at both sides of the bridges 380 and surround the bridge space 386. The guide wall 386 may protrude from the side surface edge of the bridge 380 toward the inside.
A fastening structure of the lower water tank 300 and the visual body 210 may be formed at each of the bridge 380 and the lower reservoir 240. In order to fasten the lower water tank 300 and the visual body 210, a bridge fastening part 387 may be formed at the bridge 380 and a visual fastening part 247 may be formed at the lower reservoir 280.
Especially, the visual fastening part 247 may be disposed at the lower reservoir opening part 244 and the bridge fastening part 387 may be disposed at the bridge space 385. The bridge fastening part 387 and the visual fastening part 247 may be insertingly coupled to each other and then, fastened. In this embodiment, after the bridge fastening part 387 is inserted into the visual fastening part 247, fastening may be made outside the bridge 380.
Also, in order to guide the water of the lower reservoir 240 to the bridge space 385, the lower reservoir 240 may further include an insert wall 246 inserted into the bridge space 385.
The insert wall 246 may be connected to any one of the reservoir base 243 or the reservoir wall 242 and protrude downwardly.
The insert wall 246 may be formed at the both sides of the lower insert opening part 244 and form the lower insert opening part 244. The visual coupling part 247 may be disposed between the insert walls 246.
The insert wall 246 may be inserted into the bridge space 385 and disposed at the inner side of the guide wall 386. The insert wall 246 may be located between the guide walls 386 and insertingly fixed at the bridge 380.
Moreover, the visual body 210 may include a connector support part on which the top connector 270 is placed. At least a portion of the top connector 270 may be placed on the connector support 212. The top connector 270 may be located over the connector support 212, and the base connector 260 may be located under the connector support 212.
The top connector 270 may be limited in horizontal movement when being placed on the connector support 212. For this, the visual body 210 may include a connector stopper 211 formed therein and limiting the horizontal movement of the top connector 270. When the top connector 270 is placed, the connector stopper 211 may be adhered closely to the side part of the top connector 270.
The visual body 210 may include a connector opening 213 formed therein. The connector opening 213 may be formed to penetrate the visual body 210. The connector opening 213 may be formed to be opened in a vertical direction.
The connector opening 213 and the connector support 212 may be disposed at different locations. In this embodiment, the connector opening 213 may be disposed in the connector support 212. A portion of the connector support 212 may be opened to form the connector opening 213.
A water flowing process through the visual body 210 will be described as follows.
First, when an upper water supply is implemented on the top cover assembly 230, water may be dropped to the humidification flow passage 106 through the water supply flow passage 109. During the upper water supply, water overflowing from the top cover assembly 230 may flow to the upper reservoir 220.
After the water temporarily stored in the upper reservoir 220 flows along the upper storage space 225, it may flow the inside of the visual body 210 through the reservoir opening part 224. The water flowing along the inner side surface 216 of the visual body 210 may be temporarily stored in the lower reservoir 240.
After the water stored in the upper reservoir 240 flows along the upper storage space 245, it may flow to the bridge 380 through the lower reservoir opening part 244. After the water flowing to the bridge 380 flows downwardly along the bridge space 385, it may be stored in the lower water tank 300.
In such a way, the upper reservoir 220, the side surface 216 of the visual body 210, the lower reservoir 240, and the bridge 380 may provide a dripping water prevention flow passage through which water drops. The dripping water prevention flow passage may be a structure for preventing water from directly dropping on the water surface of the lower water tank 300.
The upper reservoir 220, the side surface 216 of the visual body 210, the lower reservoir 240, and the bridge 380, which configure the dripping water prevention flow passage, may continuously guide water.
Especially, the lower reservoir 240 located at the upper side of the air wash inlet 31 may prevent water from dropping on the air wash inlet 31 and through this, prevent water from being leaked to the air wash inlet 31.
After the water of the lower reservoir 240 is distributed through the plurality of bridges 380, it may be guided to the lower water tank 300. That is, even when a large amount of water flows to one side, as the water flows along the lower storage space 245, it may buffer a flow rate through the adjacent bridge 380.
Especially, in order to prevent an excessive amount of water from being supplied to the lower reservoir 240, an inner upper frame 1312 of a water tank humidification medium housing 1300, described later, may guide flowing water to the inside of the water tank humidification medium housing 1300.
The dripping water prevention flow passage may be disposed at the water tank humidification medium housing 1300. This will be described with reference to a structure of the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 below.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an air wash module where a water tank humidification medium housing in FIG. 9 is mounted. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an air wash module where a water tank humidification medium housing in FIG. 8 is mounted. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a water tank humidification medium housing shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a perspective view when seen from the lower side of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a front view of FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of B in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of C in FIG. 16. FIG. 19 is a partial exploded perspective view of FIG. 13. FIG. 20 is a perspective view when seen from the lower side of FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a front view of FIG. 19. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D of FIG. 21.
In this embodiment, a housing where the water tank humidification medium 51 in the humidification medium 51 is installed may be defined as a water tank humidification medium housing 1300.
In this embodiment, it may be characterized in that the water tank humidification medium 51 is disposed spaced from the water stored in the lower water tank 300. Since the water tank humidification medium 51 is separated from water, when a humidification medium is not in use, a dry status may be maintained.
When the lower water tank 300 is full, the lower end of the water tank humidification medium 51 may be located higher than the surface of water stored in the lower water tank 300.
Additionally, the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 where the humidification medium 51 is installed may be disposed spaced from water.
In this embodiment, the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may be disposed at the lower water tank 300. Especially, the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may be disposed inside the air wash inlet 31. In this embodiment, the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may be mounted on the visual body 210 and disposed inside the lower water tank 300. Unlike this embodiment, the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may be installed at the lower water tank 300.
The water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may pass the air entered through the air wash inlet 31. The water tank humidification medium 51 may perform humidification on the passing air.
The air passing the air wash inlet 31 may flow from the outside of the lower water tank 300 into the inside of the lower water tank 300.
The water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may supply moisture to flowing air as installing the water tank humidification medium 51 and also prevent water from overflowing from the lower water tank 300 as covering the upper side of the lower water tank 300.
For example, when an external impact is applied, the water stored in the lower water tank 300 may overflow from the lower water tank 300. For example, when the air wash module 200 is separated and moved, the water of the lower water tank 300 may overflow. For example, when the base body 110 is tilted, the water of the lower water tank 300 may overflow to the outside.
In order to prevent this, the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may closely contact the upper edge of the lower water tank 300 and through this, suppress the water of the lower water tank 300 from overflowing to the outside.
In this embodiment, the lower end of the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may be located inside the lower water tank 300. The lower end of the water tank humidification medium 51 may be also located at the inside of the lower water tank 300.
Additionally, the lower end of the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may overlap the upper end of the lower water tank 300. The lower end of the water tank humidification medium 51 may also overlap the upper end of the lower water tank 300.
The overlap may prevent the water of the lower water tank 300 from flowing out the air wash inlet 31. The overlap may pass the air flowing to the air wash inlet 31 through the water tank humidification medium 51 always.
In this embodiment, both the upper end and the lower end of the water tank humidification medium 51 may overlap the lower water tank 300. Both the upper end and the lower end of the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may overlap the lower water tank 300.
When the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 is mounted at the visual body 210, the lower end closely contacts the upper edge of the lower water tank 300. Unlike this embodiment, as the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 is fastened or coupled to the upper end of the lower water tank 300, water overflowing may be prevented completely.
The upper end of the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may be located outside the lower water tank 300, and the lower end may be located inside the lower water tank 300. Additionally, the upper end of the water tank humidification medium 51 may be located outside the lower water tank 300, and the lower end may be located inside the lower water tank 300.
Additionally, the upper end of the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may overlap the visual body 210 and the lower end may overlap the lower water tank 300.
When seen from the front, the appearance of the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may be formed slantly. When seen from the front, the water tank humidification medium 51 may be formed slantly.
The water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may include an inner medium frame 1310 disposed inside the water tank humidification medium 51, supporting the water tank humidification medium 51, and including an inner medium inlet 1311 where air passes, an outer medium frame 1320 disposed outside the water tank humidification medium 51, supporting the water tank humidification medium 51, and including an outer medium inlet 1321 where air passes, and a water overflowing prevention cover 1330 coupled to at least one of the inner medium frame 1310 or the outer medium frame 1320 and preventing the water overflowing of the lower water tank 300 as closely contacting the lower water tank 300.
The water tank humidification medium 51 may be disposed between the inner medium frame 1310 and the outer medium frame 1320. The water tank humidification medium 51 may cover the air wash inlet 31. The water tank humidification medium 51 may be formed in a ring shape. In this embodiment, the water tank humidification medium 51 may be formed in a hopper shape with a small lower cross-sectional area and a large upper cross-sectional area. The water tank humidification medium 51 may be disposed slanted with respect to a vertical direction. The slant of the water tank humidification medium 51 may consider an air flowing direction.
The air flowing to the air wash inlet 31 through the connection flow passage 103 may form a flow slanted in the upper direction rather than a horizontal movement. The slantly-formed water tank humidification medium 51 may be disposed orthogonal to the air flowing direction.
In order to fix the water tank humidification medium 51, a humidification medium fixing means for fixing the water tank humidification medium 51 may be formed on at least one of the outer medium frame 1320 or the inner medium frame 1310.
The humidification medium fixing means may include a fixing protrusion 1302 formed on one of the outer medium frame 1320 or the inner medium frame 1310 and a fixing groove 1302 formed on the other one. The fixing protrusion 1302 is inserted into the fixing groove 1302.
In this embodiment, the fixing protrusion 1302 may be formed at the outer medium frame 1320 and the fixing groove 1304 may be formed at the inner medium frame 1310. Unlike this embodiment, they may be disposed opposite to their locations. The discharge humidification medium 51 may be disposed between the fixing protrusion 1302 and the fixing groove 1304 and fixed when the fixing protrusion 1302 is inserted into the fixing groove 1304.
In this embodiment, in order to form the fixing groove 1304, a portion of the inner medium frame 1310 may protrude upwardly.
The fixing groove 1304 may be formed to be open downwardly and the fixing protrusion 1302 may be formed to protrude upwardly.
It may have an effect that the inner medium frame 1310 is coupled to the outer medium frame 1320 by the coupling of the fixing protrusion 1302 and the fixing groove 1304.
An inner medium inlet 1311 where air passes may be formed at the inner medium frame 1310. An outer medium inlet 1321 where air passes may be formed at the outer medium frame 1320.
The inner medium inlet 1311 and the outer medium inlet 1321 may be formed to receive air in 360-degree all directions of a circumference thereof. The inner medium inlet 1311 and the outer medium inlet 1321 may be disposed facing each other.
The inner medium frame 1310 may be formed with a large upper diameter and a small lower diameter. The outer medium frame 1320 may be also formed with a large upper diameter and a small lower diameter. In this embodiment, the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may be formed in a hopper shape as a whole.
The outer medium frame 1320 and the inner medium frame 1310 may be coupled to each other in a force fitting manner. When the outer medium frame 1320 and the inner medium frame 1310 are forcingly fitted, the water tank humidification medium 51 may be fixed.
The water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may prevent the water overflowing of the lower water tank 300 by covering a portion of the upper side surface of the lower water tank 300. Additionally, the water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may provide a function for preventing the water flowing from the upper side from directly dropping on the water surface of the lower water tank 300.
The water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may be assembled at the lower sides of the outer medium frame 1320 and the inner medium frame 1310. The water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may be assembled at the lower sides of the outer medium frame 1320 and the inner medium frame 1310.
The assembled outer medium frame 1320 and inner medium frame 1310 may be defined as a medium frame assembly.
The water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may be disposed at the lower end of the medium frame assembly and support the medium frame assembly. The water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may temporarily store the flowing-down water and guide the temporarily-stored water to the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300. In this embodiment, the water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may provide a portion of a dripping water prevention flow passage.
The water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may guide the flowing-down water and minimize dripping water noise. The water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may be formed to support at least a portion of the lower end of the medium frame assembly. In this embodiment, the water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may surround the entire lower end of the medium frame assembly and prevent water from directly dropping on the water surface of the lower water tank 300.
The water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may be formed in a donut shape when seen from the top view. The upper side surface of the water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may collect water flowing from the medium assembly and guide the collected water to the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300. The lower side surface of the water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may block the inner side edge of the lower water tank 300 to prevent water from overflowing to the outside of the lower water tank 300.
The inner medium frame 1310 may include an inner upper frame 1312 mounted on the visual body 210, an inner vertical frame 1313 extending downwardly from the inner upper frame 1312 and forming the inner medium inlet 1311, and an inner lower frame 1314 connected to the inner vertical frame 1313 and mounted on the upper side surface of the water overflowing prevention cover 1330.
The inner vertical frame 1313 may be disposed in plurality between the inner upper frame 1312 and the inner lower frame 1314. The inner medium inlet 1311 may be formed between the inner upper frame 1312 and the inner lower frame 1314 and the inner vertical frame 1313.
In relation to the inner upper frame 1312, the upper side surface may be formed facing the side surface. The inner upper frame 1312 may be a guide for guiding the water flowing down along the visual body 210 to the inside. The inner upper frame 1312 may be formed with a curved surface. The exterior of the inner upper frame 1312 may closely contact the side surface 216 of the visual body 210.
The inner upper frame 1312 may be disposed at the upper side of the lower reservoir 240 and guide flowing water to the inside to save water flowing to the lower reservoir 240.
In this embodiment, a guide formed at the upper side surface of the inner upper frame 1312 may be formed with a curved surface and guide the water flowing down along the visual body 210 to the water tank humidification medium 51.
A handle 1315 may be formed at the inner vertical frame 1313. The handle 1315 may be formed in plurality. The handle 1315 may protrude toward the inner side in the inner vertical frame 1313. A user may lift up the entire water tank humidification medium housing 1300 through the handle 1315.
The inner upper frame 1312 may be formed in a ring shape and its inside may be open. The inner lower frame 1314 may be formed in a ring shape and its inside may be open.
The inner upper frame 1312 may further protrude to the outside in a radial direction than the outer medium frame 1320 to be mounted on the lower guide groove 217 of the visual body 210.
The outer medium frame 1320 may have a similar structure to the inner medium frame 1310. Like the inner medium frame 1310, the outer medium frame 1320 may include an outer medium inlet 1321, an outer upper frame 1322, an outer vertical frame 1323, and an outer lower frame 1324.
A storage space may be formed in the outer lower frame 1324. Flowing-down water may be temporarily stored in the storage space 1328. The storage space 1328 may be formed in a ring shape. A vertical wall may be formed at the inside of the outer lower frame 1324, and prevent water from overflowing to the inside. The water of the storage space 1328 may flow to an outer medium guide 1325 described later.
Unlike the inner medium frame 1310, the outer medium frame 1320 may further include the outer medium guide 1325 for connecting the outer upper frame 1322 and the outer row frame 1324.
The outer medium guide 1325 may support the outer upper frame 1322 and the outer lower frame 1324. An empty space may be formed inside the outer medium guide 1325. The outer medium guide 1325 may be connected to the storage space 1328.
The outer medium guide 1325 may drain the water of the water tank humidification medium 51 to an overflowing prevention guide 1330.
An outer medium guide hole 1326 for draining water inside to the overflowing prevention guide 1330 may be formed at the lower side end. The outer medium guide hole 1326 may form a step in a radial direction. Therefore, the outer medium guide hole 1326 may be drawn to the inside and formed. The overflowing prevention guide 1330 and the outer medium guide 1325 are mutually assembled.
The undersurface of the outer medium guide 1325 may be formed as an inclination surface 1327. The inclination surface 1327 may be formed with a high inner side and a low outer side. Therefore, the water of the outer medium guide 1325 may be guided to the outer medium guide hole 1326 along the inclination surface 1327. The outer medium guide hole 1326 may be disposed at the end of the inclination surface 1327.
In this embodiment, the outer medium guide 1325 may be disposed in three. Each of the outer medium guides 1325 may be disposed at equal intervals and disposed in a radial shape.
The water of the storage space 1328 may flow to the outer medium guide 1325 by self-load. After flowing in a circumferential direction, the water of the storage space 1328 may flow to the outer medium guide 1325 and may be drained to the water overflowing prevention cover 1330 through the outer medium guide hole 1326.
Through a structure of the storage space 1328, the outer medium guide 1325, the outer medium guide hole 1326, and the water overflowing prevention cover 1330, water may be prevented from dropping on the water surface of the lower water tank 300 in the water tank humidification medium housing 1300.
The water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may include a cover part 1332 for covering the upper part of the lower water tank 300, a barrier 1334 connected to the cover part 1332 and forming a housing space 1338 as bent from the cover part 1332, a cover insertion groove 1335 formed at the cover part 1332, where the outer medium guide 1325 is inserted, and a cover hole 1336 formed at the cover insertion groove 1335 and communicating with the inside of the lower water tank 300 to drain water.
The cover part 1332 may be disposed at the lower side of the medium frame assembly. The cover part 1332 may be disposed inside the lower water tank 300. The cover part 1332 may cover a portion of the upper part of the lower water tank 300. In this embodiment, the cover part 1332 may be formed along the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300.
The cover insertion groove 1335 may be concavely formed toward the lower side at the cover part 1332. The outer medium guide 1325 may be inserted into the cover insertion groove 1335. The cover insertion groove 1335 may be concavely formed in a vertical direction and the outer medium guide 1325 may be inserted in a vertical direction.
The outer medium guide 1325 inserted into the cover insertion groove 1335 may be restricted from moving in the lateral direction. The cover insertion groove 1335 may be spaced a predetermined interval from the outer medium guide hole 1326.
A cover hole 1336 may be formed in the cover insertion groove 1335. The cover hole 1336 may be formed through penetration in a radial direction. The cover hole 1336 may communicate with the inside of the lower water tank 300. The cover hole 1336 may be formed toward the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300. The water drained from the cover hole 1336 may flow along the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300.
The undersurface of the cover insertion groove 1335 may be formed as an inclination surface 1337. The inclination surface 1337 may correspond to the inclination surface 1327 of the outer medium guide 1325.
An insertion groove 1335a may be formed on at least one of the cover insertion grooves 1335, and an insertion part 1325a corresponding to the insertion groove 1335a may be formed at the outer medium guide 1325.
The insertion part 1325a may be formed protruding downwardly and inserted into the insertion groove 1335a in a vertical direction. The insertion part 1325a and the insertion groove 1335a may be used as a position determination means for checking a coupling position of the outer medium frame 1320 and the water overflowing prevention cover 1330. If the insertion part 1325a and the insertion groove 1335a do not match each other, the outer medium frame 1320 and the water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may not be assembled.
The cover part 1302 may closely contact the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300. The cover part 1302 may closely contact the upper end edge of the lower water tank 300. The cover part 1302 may overlap the upper end of the lower water tank 300. In this embodiment, the cover part 1302 may closely contact the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300 and closely contact the upper end edge of the lower water tank 300.
The inclination surface 1337 may be formed with a high inner side and a low outer side. The cover hole 1336 may be disposed at the end of the inclination surface 1337. The water discharged to the cover hole 1336 may contact the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300. Water may be guided to the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300 through the inclination surfaces 1327 and 1337.
The cover part 1332 may be formed slantly. The cover part 1332 may be formed with a high outer side and a low inner side. The inclination of the cover part 1332 may suppress water at the upper side from flowing to the outside of the cover part 1332. Water at the upper side surface of the cover part 1332 may flow to the inside along the inclination.
Water flowing along the upper side of the cover part 1332 may be guided to the storage space 1328. Therefore, water flowing down along the upper side surface of the cover part 1332 may be guided to the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300 through the storage space 1328, the outer medium guide hole 1326, and the cover hole 1336. It may be possible to prevent water flowing through such a structure from directly dropping on the water surface of the lower water tank 300.
The barrier 1334 may form the housing space 1338 together with the cover part 1332. The housing space 1338 may be formed at the lower side of the cover part 1332. When the water of the lower water tank 300 fluctuates, the housing space 1338 may accommodate the water fluctuating along the inner side wall of the lower water tank 300 and guide it to the lower side of the lower water tank 300.
The inner barrier 1331 and the outer barrier 1333 may be formed bent downwardly at the cover part 1332. The inner barrier 1331 may be formed along the inside edge of the cover part 1332 and bent downwardly. The outer barrier 1333 may be formed along the outside edge of the cover part 1332 and bent downwardly.
The outer barrier 1333 may closely contact the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300.
The inner barrier 1331 may closely contact the outer medium frame 1320. In more detail, the inner barrier 1331 may closely contact the outer lower frame 1324.
The inner barrier 1331 and the outer lower frame 1324 may be mutually coupled to each other. A stopping protrusion 1339 may be formed on at least one of the inner barrier 1331 or the outer lower frame 1324, and a stopping groove 1329 may be formed on the other one. In this embodiment, the stopping protrusion 1339 may be formed at the inner barrier 1331 and the stopping groove 1329 may be formed at the outer lower frame 1324.
In this embodiment, the water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may be disposed at the inner side of the lower water tank 300 and the outer barrier 1333 may closely contact the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300.
Therefore, in a case that water stored in the lower water tank 300 fluctuates, after the water rises along the inner side wall of the lower water tank 300, it may flow along the outer barrier 1333, the cover part 1332, and the inner barrier 1331. That is, after the water rising along the inner side wall of the lower water tank 300 switches its direction to the lower part in the housing space 1338, it may be guided to the center of the lower water tank 300 again.
In such a way, the water overflowing prevention cover 1330 may prevent the water of the lower water tank 300 from overflowing the outside of the lower water tank 300.
Additionally, the water tank humidification medium housing 1300 may provide a dripping water prevention flow passage for preventing the water flowing down from the visual body 210 to the water surface of the lower water tank 300 through a configuration of the inner upper frame 1312, the storage space 1328, the outer medium guide hole 1326, the cover part 1332, and the cover hole 1336.
FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a watering unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a coupling perspective view of a watering unit shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 24.
The watering housing 800 may be a configuration for spraying water stored in the lower water tank 300. The watering housing 800 may be a component for spraying water stored in the lower water tank 300.
The watering housing 800 may rotate by a torque of a watering motor 42, and upon rotation, may draw water stored in the lower water tank 300 and then pump water upward. Water pumped into the watering housing 800 may be discharged through a nozzle 410.
A pumping unit may be disposed in the watering housing 800. The pumping unit may upwardly pump water in the lower water tank 300. The pumping of water in the water tank 300 may be implemented in various methods.
The lower end of the watering housing 800 may be spaced from the undersurface of the lower water tank 300 by a certain gap to form a suction gap 801. Water of the lower water tank 300 may be drawn into the watering housing 800 through the suction gap 801.
The column 35 of the lower water tank 300 may be located inside the watering housing 800, and a power transmission module 600 may be disposed inside the column 35. The watering housing 800 may be disposed to cover the column 35.
The lower end of the watering housing 800 may be disposed to be spaced from the undersurface of the lower water tank 300 by a certain gap.
After the water sprayed to the nozzle 410 is temporarily stored in a reservoir disposed at the visual body 210, it may be guided to the inside of the lower water tank 300 through the bridge 380.
FIG. 26 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating a water tank including a bridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a bridge 380 may be integrally formed with a visual body 210 that is an upper water tank.
Like the first embodiment, the bridge 380 may include a waterdrop prevention flow passage therein and guide the water of the lower reservoir 240 to a lower water tank. A lower reservoir opening part 244 may communicate with a bridge space 385.
The lower end of the bridge 380 may be fastened to the lower water tank.
The water flowing down from the visual body 210 may be guided to the bridge space 385 and then moved along the inner side surface of the lower water tank. Since the water flowing down from the upper side flows along the visual body 210, the bridge 380, and the inner side surface of the lower water tank 300, waterdrop noise may be prevented.
In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a bridge body 1380 including an air wash inlet 31 may be disposed. The bridge body 1380 may be manufactured as a separated component distinguished from the lower water tank 300 and the upper water tank (for example, the visual body 210). The air wash inlet 31 may be formed at the bridge body 1380.
The bridge 1380 may be coupled to each of the upper water tank and the lower water tank 300.
The bridge body 1380 may include an upper bridge 1382 closely contacting the lower end of the upper water tank, a lower bridge 1384 closely contacting the upper end of the lower water tank 300, and a bridge 300 for connecting the upper bridge 1382 and the lower bridge 1384.
The air wash inlet 31 may be formed between the upper bridge 1382, the lower bridge 1384, and the bridge 380.
The upper bridge 1382 may closely contact the entire lower end of the visual body 210 and seal a space therebetween. The lower bridge 1384 may closely contact the entire upper end of the lower water tank 300 and seal a space therebetween.
Through the sealing, the air outside the water tank may flow into the water tank only through the air wash inlet 31.
Like the first embodiment, the bridge 380 may include a waterdrop prevention flow passage.
The fastening of the bridge body 1380 and the visual body 210 may be implemented by at least one of the upper bridge 1382 or the bridge 380.
The fastening of the bridge body 1380 and the lower water tank 300 may be implemented by at least one of the lower bridge 1384 or the bridge 380.
First, since a bridge is disposed across an air wash inlet, the water flowing down from an upper water tank can be guided to a lower water tank.
Second, a bridge can provide a coupling structure for coupling an upper structure and a lower structure.
Third, a bridge can provide a waterdrop prevention flow passage for guiding the water flowing from an upper water tank to a lower water tank and through this, prevent water from directly dropping from an upper water tank to the water surface of the lower water tank.
Fourth, since a reservoir for temporarily storing water flowing down from an upper water tank is disposed at the upper side of a bridge, excessively supplying water to the bridge can be prevented.
Fifth, since an upper reservoir is disposed at the upper side of an upper water tank and a lower reservoir is disposed at the lower part, the water flowing from the upper side can be temporarily stored in several steps and through this, the amount of water supplied to the bridge can be adjusted.
Sixth, since an insert wall configuring a lower reservoir of an upper water tank is inserted into a bridge, they can be assembled temporarily before the fastening of the upper water tank and the lower water tank.
Seventh, since a guide of a water tank humidification medium housing is located at the upper side of a reservoir, when an excessive amount of water flows down, some of the water can be guided to the water tank humidification medium housing instead of a reservoir, and guided to a water tank along a waterdrop prevention flow passage formed at the water tank humidification medium housing.
Eighth, since a storage space of a reservoir is formed extending long along the inner side surface of an upper water tank, the retention time of the water flowing down from the upper side can be extended.
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