HUMIDIFIER

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This non-provisional application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (a) to Patent Application No. 10-2024-0103254, filed in the Republic of Korea, on Aug. 2, 2024, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The present disclosure relates to a humidifier, and more particularly, to a humidifier including a heater.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003]A humidifier is a device that evaporates water to emit humidified air with a high moisture content. The humidifier vaporizes water by natural vaporization, heat vaporization, and ultrasonic vibration to generate humidified air.

[0004]Each vaporization scheme has advantages and disadvantages. In the case of the natural vaporization, there is a problem in that a user frequently has to manage a humidification medium to be used.

[0005]In the case of the vaporization by ultrasonic vibration, there is a problem in that humidified air may not move actively into an indoor space by atomizing supplied water by ultrasonic vibration, a problem in that unpleasant humidified air may move into the indoor space when unsterilized water is humidified, and a problem in that an ultrasonic vibrator is vulnerable to high-temperature heat.

[0006]In the case of the heat vaporization, a problem of safety accidents may occur when hot humidified air is directly discharged.

[0007]Korean Patent Registration No. KR 10-0158806 discloses a humidifier that humidifies water supplied from a water tank by heating and ultrasonic vibration.

[0008]However, in the case of the related art document, when water stored in a space for generating humidified air remains, there is a problem in that it is difficult to process the water. That is, a specific structure for draining or sterilizing residual water remaining inside a space formed for heating and humidification is not disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009]The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above-described problems and other problems.

[0010]The present disclosure includes a first humidification water tank that heats water and a second humidification water tank that generates humidified air by ultrasonic vibration. In such a structure, residual water may be generated in each of the first and second humidification water tanks.

[0011]An object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidifier in which the residual water is removed from each of the first humidification water tank and the second humidification water tank.

[0012]In particular, a humidifier having a structure for removing water from the first humidification water tank in which a heater is placed is provided.

[0013]The humidifier may include a drain hose and a drain pipe valve that are configured to remove the residual water. Such a structure may cause a defect in a connection portion of the drain hose as the drain hose is pulled or pushed during a manufacturing process of a product.

[0014]An object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidifier having a structure in which the connection of the drain hose can be stably maintained even during the manufacturing process of the product.

[0015]In order to achieve the object, a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes first humidification water tank configured to heat stored water, and a second humidification water tank configured to generate humidified air by ultrasonic vibration of water supplied from the first humidification water tank. The humidifier includes a first connection pipe configured to send the water to the second humidification water tank, a second connection pipe spaced apart from the first connection pipe, and connecting the first humidification water tank and the second humidification water tank, and a pump disposed in the second connection pipe and configured to supply water from the second humidification water tank to the first humidification water tank. The humidifier includes a drain pipe configured to drain the water of the first humidification water tank.

[0016]The first humidification water tank includes a first humidification water tank wall forming a circumferential surface of the first humidification water tank, and a heater forming a bottom surface of the first humidification water tank and configured to heat the water inside the first humidification water tank. The drain pipe is connected to the heater.

[0017]The heater includes a heater cover forming the bottom surface of the first humidification water tank, and a heating element adhered under the heater cover and heating the heater cover. The drain pipe is connected to the heater cover.

[0018]The heater cover includes a cover base, a cover holder protruding upward on a periphery of the cover base, and forming a space in which the heating element is placed, and a cover rim formed on a periphery of the cover holder and coupled to the first humidification water tank wall. The drain pipe is connected to the cover base.

[0019]The drain pipe is spaced apart from the cover holder.

[0020]The heater includes a heater base adhered under the heating element. The drain pipe passes through the heater base.

[0021]The heater includes a heater plate disposed under the heater base. A first drain pipe hole through which the drain pipe passes is formed in the heater base. A second drain pipe hole through which the drain pipe passes is formed in the heater plate.

[0022]The humidifier includes a drain pipe valve configured to regulate water moving inside the drain pipe; and a drain hose connecting the drain pipe and the drain pipe valve.

[0023]The drain hose includes at least two bending regions.

[0024]The drain hose is connected to the drain pipe under the heater plate.

[0025]The humidifier includes a humidification module housing forming a space in which the first humidification water tank and the second humidification water tank are disposed, and a drain hose connected to the drain pipe, and extending to the outside of the humidification module housing.

[0026]A drain hose hole through which the drain hose passes is formed in the humidification module housing.

[0027]The drain hose includes at least two bending regions. The bending regions are disposed inside the humidification module housing.

[0028]A drain hose groove that is recessed downward so that a portion of the drain hose is disposed is formed on a bottom surface of the humidification module housing.

[0029]An upper projection protruding upward is disposed on the bottom surface of the humidification module housing. The drain hose is disposed to be bent around a periphery of the upper projection.

[0030]The upper projection is disposed to be spaced apart in a circumferential direction from the first humidification water tank.

[0031]The drain hose includes a first bending region bent to one side under the drain pipe, and a second bending region bent at an outer region of the first humidification water tank. The second bending region is placed on the periphery of the upper projection.

[0032]A humidifier includes a first humidification water tank configured to heat water stored therein, a drain pipe configured to drain the water stored in the first humidification water tank, a humidification module housing forming a space in which the first humidification water tank is disposed and a drain hose connected to the drain pipe, and extending to the outside of the humidification module housing.

[0033]The first humidification water tank includes a first humidification water tank wall forming a circumferential surface of the first humidification water tank, and a heater forming a bottom surface of the first humidification water tank and heating the water inside the first humidification water tank. The drain hose includes at least one bending region inside the humidification module housing.

[0034]An upper projection protruding upward is placed on the bottom surface of the humidification module housing. The bending region is placed on a periphery of the upper projection.

[0035]The upper projection is placed to be spaced in a circumferential direction of the first humidification water tank.

[0036]A drain hose groove into which a portion of the drain hose is inserted, and a drain hose hole through which the drain hose passes are formed on the bottom surface of the humidification module housing. The drain hose hole is placed at an end portion of the drain hose groove.

[0037]The drain hose includes a drain pipe connection portion connected to the drain pipe and a hose extension portion passing through the humidification module housing. The drain hose includes at least two bending regions between the drain pipe connection portion and the hose extension portion.

[0038]Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0039]The humidifier of the present disclosure has one or more of the following effects.

[0040]First, residual water of a second humidification water tank can be sent to a first humidification water tank by using a pump. Further, the residual water of the first humidification water tank can be discharged to the outside by using a drain pipe. Therefore, there is an advantage in that insides of the first and second humidification water tanks can be kept clean, as the residual water is removed.

[0041]Second, a drain pipe of the first humidification water tank is placed in a heater placed on a bottom surface, so that the residual water inside the first humidification water tank can be removed to the maximum extent.

[0042]Third, the drain pipe is connected to a drain hose, and the drain hose includes a plurality of bending regions. Thus, a connection portion of the drain hose can be stably maintained during a manufacturing process of a product.

[0043]The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects that are not mentioned may be obviously understood by those skilled in the art from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045]FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. 1.

[0046]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III′ of FIG. 2.

[0047]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for describing a configuration of a humidification module of the present disclosure.

[0048]FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a partial configuration of the humidification module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a heater and a drain configuration in FIG. 5.

[0050]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along one side of the heater and the drain configuration.

[0051]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a humidification module housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view for describing a placement relationship between an upper protrusion and a drain hose of the humidification module housing of the present disclosure.

[0053]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the humidification module housing is mounted to the heater and the drain configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0054]Advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and these embodiments are provided only to allow the disclosure of the present disclosure to be complete, and to completely inform those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs, the scope of the invention, and the present disclosure is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0055]Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining a humidifier according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056]The humidifier of the present disclosure may generate humidified air by ultrasonic vibration of water. The humidifier of the present disclosure may generate humidified air by heating water. Furthermore, the humidifier of the present disclosure may generate humidified air generated by ultrasonic vibration and humidified air generated by heating.

[0057]Referring to FIG. 1, an exterior of the humidifier of the present disclosure is described.

[0058]The humidifier includes a casing 10 that forms the appearance, and has an inlet 24a and an outlet 12a. The casing 10 may have a generally cylindrical shape.

[0059]The casing 10 may include an intake grille 24 that forms the inlet 24a through which air enters, and a discharge grille 12 that forms the outlet 12a through which air is discharged. The inlet 24a may be formed on a circumferential surface of the casing 10 having the cylindrical shape. The outlet 12a may be formed on a top surface of the casing 10 having the cylindrical shape. In other words, the inlet 24a may be located below the outlet 12a. The humidifier of the present disclosure may allow air into be admitted through the circumferential surface and be discharged through the top surface.

[0060]The intake grille 24 includes a plurality of grilles 24b that extend vertically. The plurality of grilles 24b may be spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the intake grille 24. A plurality of inlets 24a may be formed between the plurality of grilles 24b. The plurality of grilles 24b may surround the humidifier 10 in a circumferential direction of the humidifier.

[0061]The casing 10 may include a water tank cover 14 placed on a top of a water tank 100.

[0062]The humidifier may include a discharge grille 12 that forms the outlet 12a and a water tank cover 14 which is placed on the top of the water tank 100.

[0063]The discharge grille 12 may be configured to be separated upward from an outer shell 22 to be described later. The water tank cover 14 may be configured to be separated from the discharge grille 12 or from the water tank 100 to be described later.

[0064]The discharge grille 12 may include a plurality of ribs 12b that extend radially from the outer periphery of the water tank cover 14. The plurality of ribs 12b placed at the discharge grille 12 may be spaced apart circumferentially from the outer periphery of the water tank cover 14.

[0065]The casing 10 may include the outer shell 22 that guides air moving therein to the outlet 12a.

[0066]The outer shell 22 includes an upper outer shell 22a placed under the discharge grille 12 and a lower outer shell 22b placed under the upper outer shell 22a. The lower outer shell 22b may be made of a transparent material. The lower outer shell 22b may contact the upper outer shell 22a.

[0067]The humidifier may include a base 28 placed under the casing 10, which causes the casing 10 to be spaced a certain distance apart from the ground. An upper end of the base 28 may be connected to a lower end of the casing 10. A width of the base may be larger than a width of the casing 10.

[0068]Hereinafter, a top portion of the humidifier will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0069]The water tank cover 14 may include a central cover 16 and a peripheral cover 18 placed around the central cover 16. The central cover 16 may bulge upward toward the center. A water supply hole 20 may be formed between the peripheral cover 18 and the central cover 16 to allow water to move into the water tank 100.

[0070]A plurality of outlets 12a may be placed between the plurality of ribs 12b formed at the discharge grille 12.

[0071]Hereinafter, an internal construction of the humidifier will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The humidifier includes a filter unit placed inside the casing 10, for filtering the air admitted into the inlets 24a. The humidifier includes a blower 60 placed inside the casing 10, for moving the air inside the casing 10 from the inlets 24a to the outlets 12a. Furthermore, the humidifier includes a water tank 100 placed inside the casing 10, for holding water. The humidifier includes a humidification module that generates humidified air from water supplied from the water tank 100.

[0072]The humidifier may include a base 28. The base 28 may cause the casing 10 to be spaced upward from the ground. The base 28 may be connected to a bottom wall 26 of the casing 10.

[0073]The casing 10 may include a bottom wall 26 which covers the bottom of the intake grille 24.

[0074]An upper end portion of the base 28 may be connected to the bottom wall 26. The bottom wall 26 may be placed in such a way as to cover a bottom surface of the humidifier which is spaced upward from the ground by the base 28.

[0075]The intake grille 24 may cover the outsides of a filter 50 and a blower housing 68 to be described below. A length of the intake grille 24 may be longer than a length of the filter 50. The intake grille 24 may have a plurality of inlets 24a that are vertically formed and circumferentially spaced apart. The inlets 24a may be formed around where the filter 50 is placed. The inlets 24a may be formed in a lower portion of the intake grille 24. The lower portion of the intake grille 24 may be formed with inlets 24a, and a top portion of the intake grille 24 may be enclosed to protect the internal construction of the humidifier. The outer shell 22 may be placed over the intake grille 24.

[0076]The filter unit may allow the air admitted through the inlets 24a to be filtered through the filter 50. The filter unit may allow the filtered air to move upward.

[0077]The filter unit includes a filter 50 for filtering the air admitted through the inlets 24a and a filter mounting portion for fixing the filter 50 in place inside the casing 10.

[0078]The filter 50 may have the cylindrical shape. Accordingly, the filter 50 is able to filter air drawn in from longitudinal and lateral directions perpendicular to the vertical direction. The air admitted through the inlets 24a may move to an inside space of the filter 50. The air passed through the filter 50 may move to the blower 60 placed over the filter 50.

[0079]The filter mounting portion includes a lower plate 52 placed on a lower side of the filter 50, an upper plate 54 placed on an upper side of the filter 50, and a supporter connecting the lower plate 52 and the upper plate 54.

[0080]The lower plate 52 is placed on a lower side of the filter 50. The lower plate 52 may move up and down and detect whether the filter 50 is placed. A fan sterilizer 53 may be placed in the center of the lower plate 52 to emit ultraviolet light upward. The fan sterilizer 53 may be located along a central vertical axis of the humidifier.

[0081]The fan sterilizer 53 may sterilize a blower fan 62 to be described below or the inside of the filter 50.

[0082]An orifice 56 is formed in the upper plate 54. The orifice 56 may be formed in the center of the upper plate 54. The orifice 56 may allow the air admitted to the inside of the filter 50 to move to the blower fan 62. An inner circumferential end of the upper plate 54 may be bent upward so as to guide the upward movement of air in the inside space of the filter 50 to the blower fan 62.

[0083]The supporter may connect the lower plate 52 and the upper plate 54. The supporter may be circumferentially spaced apart.

[0084]The blower 60 includes a blower fan 62 that forms an air flow within the casing 10 and a fan motor 64 that rotates the blower fan 62. The blower fan 62 may have a fan intake opening on one side facing the orifice 56 and a fan discharge opening on the opposite side of the fan intake opening. The blower fan 62 may be a diagonal flow fan in which the fan discharge opening on the opposite side of the fan intake opening faces in a centrifugal direction. The blower fan 62 may include a hub connected to the fan motor 64, a shroud spaced apart from the hub by a certain distance and forming the fan intake opening, and a blade extending radially to connect the hub and the shroud.

[0085]The blower fan 62 may be activated to send air upward from below. Accordingly, air can be blown from the intake grille 24 to above the blower fan 62. The blower fan 62 may draw air toward the orifice 56 and discharge air to the blower housing 68 where a diffuser 72 is placed. Additionally, the fan motor 64 may be placed over the blower fan 62.

[0086]The blower includes a motor cover 66 that covers the outside of the fan motor 64, and a blower housing 68 spaced radially outward from the motor cover 66, that guides the upward movement of air blown by the blower fan 62.

[0087]A blower channel 70 through which the air moving by the blower fan 62 moves upward may be formed between the motor cover 66 and the blower housing 68. The blower channel 70 may extend to a region where a humidification module housing 410 and a channel housing 430 are formed.

[0088]The intake grille 24 may be placed on the outside of the blower housing 68.

[0089]The blower 60 includes a diffuser 72 placed between the motor cover 66 and the blower housing 68, that reduces rotational components of the air blown upward by the blower fan 62. A plurality of diffusers 72 may be circumferentially spaced apart between the motor cover 66 and the blower housing 68.

[0090]A control box 74 forming a space within which a circuit board 76 is placed may be placed over the motor cover 66. The control box 74 may be spaced apart inwardly from the blower housing 68. Accordingly, the blower channel 70 may be formed in the space between the control box 74 and the blower housing 68 as well. A plurality of circuit boards 76 may be placed within the control box 74.

[0091]The humidification module includes a first humidification reservoir 300 which heats water. The humidification module includes a second humidification reservoir 350 which generates humidified air from water. The humidification module may include a humidification module housing 410 that covers peripheries of a first humidification water tank 300 and a second humidification water tank 350. The path housing 430 may be placed on an outer periphery of the humidification module housing 410. The blower channel 70 may be formed between the humidification module housing 410 and the channel housing 430.

[0092]The humidifier includes a water tank 100 forming a space in which water is held, an inner shell 180 forming a space in which the water tank 100 is placed, and a middle tray 200 placed under the inner shell 180. The water tank 100 may be located above the humidification module.

[0093]The water tank 100 may have an inner reservoir 102 is placed inside an outer reservoir 160. Accordingly, a connector 120 may be placed in a through-hole 164 of the outer reservoir 160.

[0094]The outer reservoir 160, while placed inside the inner shell 180, may be placed over the middle tray 200. The middle tray 200 may be a structure that supports the outer reservoir 160 and the inner reservoir 102. Thus, the weights of the inner reservoir 102, the outer reservoir 160, and the inner shell 180 may be transferred to the middle tray 200.

[0095]The outer reservoir 160 is placed on the outer periphery of the inner reservoir 10.

[0096]The inner reservoir 102 may be placed inside the outer reservoir 160. When the inner reservoir 102 is placed inside the outer reservoir 160, an outer circumferential surface of the inner reservoir 102 may be placed in such a way as to make contact with an inner circumferential surface of the outer reservoir 160.

[0097]The humidifier also includes a water softener 140 placed within the inner reservoir 102. Specifically, the water softener 140 may be located at a lower portion of the inner reservoir 102.

[0098]The water softener 140 is placed inside the inner reservoir 102. The water softener 140 may be fixed in place as it is connected to the connector 120 placed inside the inner reservoir 102.

[0099]The inner shell 180 is placed to be spaced apart from the outer reservoir 160. The inner shell 180 is placed to be spaced apart from the water tank 100. A first discharge passage 32 along which humidified air moves is formed between the inner shell 180 and the outer reservoir 160.

[0100]A second discharge passage 34 is formed between the outer shell 22 and the inner shell 180.

[0101]The inner shell 180 and the outer shell 22 are placed to be spaced apart from each other and form the second discharge passage 34. Filtered clean air blown by the blower 60 may move along the second discharge passage 34.

[0102]The discharge grille 12 may be placed over the first discharge passage 32 and the second discharge passage 34 which will be described below.

[0103]The discharge grille 12 may have a vertically constant height. Thus, a mixture passage 13 may be formed between the plurality of ribs 12b of the discharge grille 12. In the mixture passage 13, the air moving through the first discharge passage 32 and the air moving through the second discharge passage 34 may be mixed together.

[0104]Each of the plurality of ribs 12b is formed in such a way that an outer peripheral end is placed higher than an inner peripheral end. Thus, the air moving through the first discharge passage 32 and the second discharge passage 34 may be guided radially inwardly. Accordingly, a portion of the plurality of ribs 12b may be located higher than the water tank cover 14.

[0105]A display 30 is placed at one side of the case 10. The display 30 may allow a user to adjust a power or an operation of the humidifier. A display for displaying an operation state of the humidifier to the user may be placed in the display 30.

[0106]A configuration and an operation of will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0107]The humidifier of the present disclosure may include a humidification module that heats water and generates humidified air. The humidification module may include a first humidification water tank 300 that forms a first chamber 300a that heats water, and a second humidification water tank 350 that forms a second chamber 350a that generates the humidified air by a vibrator 370. The vibrator 370 may be located at a lower portion of the second chamber 350a.

[0108]The humidification module may include a first connection pipe 390 and a second connection pipe 392 that connect the first humidification water tank 300 and the second humidification water tank 350.

[0109]The first connection pipe 390 may supply the water heated in the first humidification water tank 300 to the second humidification water tank 350. A second valve 402 is placed in the first connection pipe 390. The second valve 402 opens and closes an internal passage of the first connection pipe 390 to supply the water heated in the first humidification water tank 300 to the second humidification water tank 350.

[0110]A pump 404 is placed in the second connection pipe 392. When the pump 404 is operated, the water in the second humidification water tank 350 may move to the first humidification water tank 300.

[0111]The humidifier includes a drain pipe 394 that drains the water present in the first humidification water tank 300, and a drain pipe valve 396 that is placed at an end portion of the drain pipe 394, and opens and closes the drain pipe 394 to allow water to exit the first humidification water tank 300. The drain pipe valve 396 may be directly or indirectly connected to the drain pipe 394. The drain valve 396 may regulate the movement of water inside the drain pipe. The drain pipe 394 may discharge the water stored in the first humidification water tank 300 to the outside.

[0112]The humidifier includes a first temperature sensor 336 that senses a temperature of the water stored inside the first humidification water tank 300, and a first water level sensor 338 that senses a water level of the water stored inside of the first humidification water tank 300.

[0113]The humidifier includes a second temperature sensor 364 that senses a temperature of the water stored inside the second humidification water tank 350, and a second water level sensor 366 that senses a water level of the water stored inside of the second humidification water tank 350.

[0114]The first humidification water tank 300 includes a first humidification water tank wall 302 that has a first chamber 300a that forms a space in which water is stored therein, and a heater 340 that is placed at a lower side of the first humidification water tank wall 302 and heats the water inside the first humidification water tank wall 302.

[0115]A specific configuration of the heater 340 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0116]The first temperature sensor 336 is placed at one side of the first humidification water tank 300. A recovery inflow hole 314 through which water is admitted from the second connection pipe 392 is formed at one side of the humidification water tank 300. An outflow hole 316 through which water moves out to the first connection pipe 390 may be formed at one side of the first humidification water tank 300.

[0117]The outflow hole 316 may be placed at a position higher than the recovery inflow hole 314.

[0118]The first water level sensor 338 is placed over the first temperature sensor 336. The first water level sensor 338 may sense a water level of water inside the first humidification water tank 300.

[0119]A communication pipe 310 communicating with the second humidification water tank 350 is placed over the first humidification water tank 300. The humidified air generated and rising in the first humidification water tank 300 may move to the second humidification water tank 350 through the communication pipe 310.

[0120]The second humidification water tank 350 includes a second humidification water tank wall 352 that has a second chamber 350a that forms a space in which water is stored therein, and a vibrator 370 that is placed at a lower side of the second humidification water tank wall 352 and vibrates to atomize the water inside the second humidification water tank wall 352.

[0121]The vibrator 370 is placed on a bottom surface of the second humidification water tank 350. An inflow hole 358 through which the water of the first humidification water tank wall 302 is supplied may be formed on one side of the second humidification water tank wall 352. A recovery discharge hole 360 through which the water of the second humidification water tank wall 352 moves to the first humidification water tank 302 may be formed on one side of the second humidification water tank wall 352. The recovery discharge hole 360 may be located adjacent to the vibrator 370.

[0122]The second temperature sensor 364 is placed on one side of a circumferential surface of the second humidification water tank 350. The second temperature sensor 364 may be placed at a position higher than the recovery discharge hole 360. The second temperature sensor 364 may be placed at a position lower than or equal to the inflow hole 358.

[0123]A water level sensor cover 368 may be placed inside the second humidification water tank 350. The water level sensor cover 368 may be placed between the second water level sensor 366 and the vibrator 370.

[0124]The second water level sensor 366 is placed over the second temperature sensor 364. The second water level sensor 366 may sense a water level of water inside the second humidification water tank 350.

[0125]A placement and a shape of the drain pipe will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0126]The first humidification water tank 300 includes a first humidification water tank wall 302 that has a space in which water is stored therein, and a heater 340 that is placed at a lower side of the first humidification water tank wall 302 and heats the water inside the first humidification water tank wall 302.

[0127]The heater 340 may form a bottom surface of the first humidification water tank 300.

[0128]The drain pipe 394 is connected to the bottom surface of the first humidification water tank 300, which is formed by the heater 340. The drain pipe 394 extends downward from the heater 340.

[0129]The humidifier includes a drain hose 395 connecting the drain pipe 394 and the drain pipe valve 396. The drain hose 395 has at least one bending region and is connected to the drain pipe valve 396.

[0130]The drain hose 395 includes two bending regions. The drain hose 395 includes a first bending region 395b that extends the drain hose 395 extending downward to the outside of the first humidification water tank 300, and a second bending region 395c that is bent in an outside region of the first humidification water tank 300.

[0131]A configuration of the heater, and configurations of the drain pipe and the drain hose will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0132]The heater 340 includes a heater cover 342 that forms a bottom surface of the first humidification water tank 300, a heating element 343 that is adhered to a lower side of the heater cover 342 to heat the heater cover 342, a heater base 344 that is adhered to a lower side of the heating element 343, and a heater plate 346 that is placed under the heater base 344. In addition, more than one heating element 343 may be adhered to the lower side of the heater cover 342.

[0133]The heater cover 342 may be coupled to a lower end of the first humidification water tank wall 302 to form a bottom surface of the first humidification water tank wall 302. A top surface of the heater cover 342 may be in contact with water stored in the first chamber 300a. The heating element 343 and the heater base 344 may be adhered to the lower side of the heater cover 342. The heater cover 342 heated by the heating element 343 may heat the water stored in the first chamber 300a.

[0134]The heater cover 342 may have a circular periphery, and have a plurality of bends in a vertical direction formed at concentric positions. A portion of the heater cover 342 may protrude upward in an annular shape. A portion of the heater cover 342 may protrude to the inside of the first humidification water tank wall 302 to form a space in which the heating element 343 is accommodated. Further, a portion of the heater cover 342 may be placed between the water stored in the first chamber 300a and the heating element 343. As a result, the heating element 343 may not be in direct contact with the water stored in the first chamber 300a.

[0135]The heater cover 342 may include a disk-shaped cover base 342a, a cover holder 342b that protrudes upward on a periphery of the cover base 342a, and a cover rim 342c that is formed on a periphery of the cover holder 342b and is coupled to the first humidification water tank wall 302.

[0136]The cover base 342a may be formed of a disk to form a central portion of the heater cover 342. The heater base 344 may be adhered to a lower side of the cover base 342a. Center portions of the cover base 342a and the heater base 344 may be adhered by brazing.

[0137]The drain pipe 394 is connected to the cover base 342a. A drain hole 342al is formed at one side of the cover base 342a. The drain pipe 394 is placed under the drain hole 342a1. The drain pipe 394 may be adhered to the cover base 342a. The drain pipe 394 is placed to be spaced apart from the heating element 343.

[0138]The cover holder 342b may be formed in a ring shape protruding upward. The cover holder 342b may form an annular space in which a portion of the heating element 343 is accommodated.

[0139]The cover rim 342c may be formed in a rim shape. The cover rim 342c may be formed to surround a lower end periphery of the first humidification water tank wall 302. A peripheral end of the cover rim 342c may protrude upward and may be coupled to the first humidification water tank wall 302.

[0140]The heating element 343 may be spaced apart from a portion of the heater cover 342 whose outer periphery forms an annular space. A portion of the heating element 343 may be accommodated in the annular space formed in the heater cover 342 and placed at an inner side of the first humidification water tank wall 302. The heating element 343 may be placed at a lower side of the heater cover 342 that forms the bottom surface of the first humidification water tank wall 302. Furthermore, more than one heating element 343 may be provided.

[0141]The heater base 344 may be heated by the heating element 343 to heat the cover base 342a of the heater cover 342. The heater base 344 evenly disperses the heat of the heating element 343 to evenly heat the heater cover 342.

[0142]A first drain pipe hole 344a through which the drain pipe 394 passes is formed in the heater base 344. The drain pipe 394 is placed to pass through the first drain pipe hole 344a. More than one first drain pipe hole 344a may be located on the heater base 344.

[0143]A second drain pipe hole 346a through which the drain pipe 394 passes is also formed in the heater plate 346.

[0144]The drain hose 395 is placed under the heater plate 346. The drain hose 395 is connected to the drain pipe 394 under the heater plate 346. The drain hose 395 includes a drain pipe connection portion 395a connected to the drain pipe 394 and extending downward, a first bending region 395b forming a bending region at a lower end of the drain pipe connection portion 395a, and a second bending region 395c forming the bending region at a position spaced outward from the first humidification water tank wall 302.

[0145]The drain hose 395 includes a first hose extension portion 395d that connects the first bending region 395b and the second bending region 395c, and a second hose extension portion 395e that connects the second bending region 395c and the drain pipe valve 396.

[0146]The second hose extension portion 395e may include an additional bending region. The second hose extension portion 395e is connected to the drain pipe valve 396.

[0147]The drain hose 395 includes a drain pipe connection portion 395a connected to the drain pipe 394, and a second hose extension portion 395e passing through a humidification module housing 410, which will be described below. At least two bending regions are placed between the drain pipe connection portion 395a and the hose extension portion 395e.

[0148]The humidification module housing will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0149]The humidifier includes a humidification module housing 400 that forms a space in which the first humidification water tank 300 and the second humidification water tank 350 are placed.

[0150]A drain hose groove 414 in which one side of the drain hose 395 is placed and a drain hose hole 416 through which the drain hose 395 passes are formed on a bottom surface of the humidification module housing 410. The drain hose hole 416 may be placed at an end portion formed by the drain hose groove 414.

[0151]An air guide rib 412 is placed on one side of a outer circumferential surface of a peripheral wall of the humidification module housing 410. The air guide rib 412 may guide air moving into the second humidification water tank 350. In addition, more than one air guide rib 412 may be placed on one side of the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the humidification module housing 410.

[0152]A bottom surface hole 415 is formed on the bottom surface of the humidification module housing 410. A top portion of a control box 74 may be placed in the bottom surface hole 415.

[0153]A housing discharge hole 420 through which water generated inside or admitted into the humidification module housing 410 is discharged is formed on the bottom surface of the humidification module housing 410.

[0154]An upper projection 417 protruding upward is placed on the bottom surface of the humidification module housing 410. The upper projection 417 protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the humidification module housing 410.

[0155]The upper projection 417 is placed to be spaced radially outward from a center of the bottom surface of the humidification module housing 410. The upper projections 417 are placed to be spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the first humidification water tank 300. Here, the circumferential direction may be a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0156]The drain hose 395 may be placed on a periphery of the upper projection 417. The second bending region 395c of the drain hose 395 is placed on the periphery of the upper projection 417.

[0157]Placement of the drain hose will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0158]The drain pipe 394 is placed on a bottom surface of the heater 340. The drain pipe 394 is placed on a bottom surface of the first humidification water tank 300. The drain hose 395 is connected to the drain pipe 394.

[0159]The drain hose 395 includes at least one bending region. The drain hose 395 includes a second bending region 395c that is bent on the periphery of the upper projection 417 of the humidification module housing 410.

[0160]The second bending region 395c is placed at an outer side of the first humidification water tank 300. The second bending region 395c is placed on the periphery of the upper projection 417.

[0161]Placement of the drain pipe and the drain hose will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0162]The drain pipe 394 is connected to the heater cover 342 of the heater 340. A drain hole 342al opened at a portion where the drain pipe 394 is connected is formed in the heater cover 342.

[0163]A portion of the drain hose 395 is placed to be in contact with the periphery of the drain pipe 394. The drain hose 395 connected to the drain pipe 394 extends downward. The drain hose 395 includes a first bending region 395b that is bent to one side under the drain pipe 394.

[0164]The first bending region 395b may bend the drain hose 395 in a direction in which the upper projection 417 is placed.

[0165]A first hose extension portion 395d extends from the first bending region 395b to the second bending region 395c. The first hose extension portion 395d extends from the first bending region 395b in a direction in which the upper projection 417 is placed. The first hose extension portion 395d may extend from the first bending region 395b in an upward direction.

[0166]A second hose extension portion 395e extends from the second bending region 395c to the drain pipe valve 396. A portion of the second hose extension portion 395e passes through the drain hose hole 416. A portion of the second hose extension portion 395e is placed in the drain hose groove 414.