Description

EASY-CLEANING ULTRASONIC HUMIDIFIER

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to the ultrasonic humidifier. More particularly, it relates to an easy-cleaning ultrasonic humidifier comprising: a humidifying unit which is unified to a single body and comprises a water tank which stores the water used for humidification, and a spraying chamber which humidifies the external air; and a base unit which supplies the electrical power and the external air to said humidifying unit when it senses that the necessary water for humidification is sufficient; wherein said humidifying unit and base unit are separable, said water tank has an inlet port for injecting the water from an outside in the lower part of said water tank, and said humidifier has a water- feeding hole or a water- feeding canal in the bottom part of the partition classifying said water tank and humidifying chamber.

[2]

Background Art

[3] While various methods are applied in the humidifier for humidifying the dry indoor air, ultrasonic humidifier is the most popular in that its spraying generation efficiency is much higher compared with other methods. Fig. 1 shows the structure typical of a prior art ultrasonic humidifier, where (a) shows its separated state and (b) shows combined state. As is shown in Fig. 1, an ultrasonic humidifier generally comprises a water tank (210), a humidifying chamber (220), and a base unit (100). The water tank (210) stores water for humidification, from which a spray is generated by the spraying generator (300) installed in the humidifying chamber (220). The base unit (100), when its level sensor (330) senses that the water is sufficient for the generation of a spray, supplies external air into the humidifying chamber (220) through the blast pipe (350) and provides the spraying generator (300) with alternating current of a high frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic vibrator used for spray generation.

[4]

[5] The said humidifying chamber (220) is comprised of a humidification bath (221) which temporarily stores water supplied from the said water tank (210), a level sensor (330) which senses the water level in the said humidification bath (221), a spraying generator (300) which is installed at the lower part of said humidification bath (221) and makes a spray of minute particle from the water stored in the humidification bath (221) with supersonic vibration, a blast pipe (350) for supplying external air to be mixed with said spray, a cover (227) which forms an enclosure so that said spray and

external air be smoothly mixed, a vent (222) which is equipped in the cover (227) and ejects said spray, and a spraying nozzle (226) which is combined with said vent (222) and scatters said spray effectively to a certain direction outside. Here, key components such as humidification bath (221), level sensor (330), spraying generator (300), and blast pipe (350) are altogether formed into a single body, and inseparable from, the base unit (100). Separable parts are no more than cover (227), vent (222) and spraying nozzle (226). Therefore the base unit (100) has to be moved for washing a humidifier, especially cleaning the humidification bath (221).

[6]

[7] On the water tank (210), an inlet port (211) is usually installed at its top or bottom for replenishing water when it is short of the water. And a water- feeding valve (213) for supplying the water to the humidification bath (221) is equipped in the lower part of the water tank (210). The water-feeding valve (213) is opened when it is pushed by the protrusion (113) equipped on the base unit (100), and supplies water to the humidification bath (221). And at the same time, it maintains the water in the humidification bath (221) at a certain level so that the spraying generator (300) can generate a spray in a smooth manner. The water tank (210) is separable from the base unit (100), in order to make it easy to move it and replenish the water.

[8]

[9] However, when the humidifier of the prior art described above is used for a long time, the water tank (210) and humidification bath (221) tends to be contaminated seriously with the proliferation of fungi and bacteria. To prevent this problem, the water tank (210) and humidification bath (221) have to be frequently cleaned. At this time, the water tank (210) is easily cleaned since it is separable, while the humidification bath (221) is very inconvenient for cleaning because it is formed into a single body with the base unit (100) as shown in Fig. 1 and therefore it cannot be moved without moving the base unit (100) as well. Moreover, as the inside of the base unit (100) is comprised of the electronic circuit, washing the base unit could cause the danger of malfunctioning of the humidifier by damaging the insulating state of the electronic circuit with the water inflow or electrifying the human body. Therefore, most consumers wash the humidification bath (221) not so often as they wash the water tank (210), which aggravates the contamination of the humidification bath (221). Although clean water is supplied from water tank (210) to the humidification bath (221), it gets mixed with the water in the humidification bath (221) already seriously polluted. And the indoor air pollution gets worse and worse since the contamination of the humidification bath (221) is continuously accumulated as time passes.

[10]

[11] In order to solve this problem, some humidifiers inject chemicals restraining the re-

production of fungi and bacteria in the water. But since the chemicals are mixed with the humidified air and spread into the indoor, it can hardly be said to be harmless to the human body. And the method has another disadvantage that it adds the expense for the chemicals. Other humidifiers try to sterilize fungi and bacteria by heating water, to 60-70 degrees, but some species of fungi or bacteria survive in such a temperature, and the electricity for heating water is considerably higher than that of humidification, and production cost of the humidifier .also increases.

[12]

[13] According to the Korean Patent Gazette KR10-0513693 Bl and

KR10-2004-0073403 A, a structure is suggested where the humidifying chamber (220) is separated, independently of the water tank (210), from the base unit (100) and therefore separate washing is possible. But this structure is disadvantageous since it uses fluid connection tubing as the communications means (chute channel) between the humidifying chamber (220) and the water tank (210), which is structurally complicated so that it could be a cause of malfunction and also increase production cost. And here is not suggested any specific communications means (such as a power relay means and a sensing and control means) between the base unit (100) and the spraying generator (300). And according to the Utility Models Gazette KR20-0398711 Yl, separation of the humidifying chamber (220) is made possible by applying the contactless power deliver mode between the base unit (100) and spraying generator (300). However it also does not present any specific means which enables the communication (the sensing means) between the humidifying chamber (220) and the base unit (100), the communication (the water supply means) between the water tank (210) and the humidifying chamber (220), and maintenance of water level in the humidification bath (221). And the contactless power delivery technology is already well known and utilized to the people skilled in the art.

[14]

[15] In the meantime, the ultrasonic humidifiers of the prior art have another disadvantage of leaking water contained in the humidification bath (221) and wetting the floor (hereinafter, ground) in case that the humidifier is inclined or tumbled down with an external impact. It needs cleaning of ground and could be a significant disadvantage especially in the homes with infants or babies who lack in circumstantial judgment. In most of the homes with infants, a humidifier is used in the infant's room for the health of the infant. The water flowing out of the humidifying chamber (220) may get the clothes of an infant wet, have it catch a cold, and also have it electrified.

[16]

[17] And although it is well known that the ultrasonic vibrator, which is vulnerable to scratching and therefore needs delicate attention when cleaning, is a kind of

expendable part with the shortest lifecycle among the parts of the humidifier, there is no easy way to remove it for the convenience of washing or replacing, with another disadvantage to the prior art, because it is formed into a single body with the base unit.

[18]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[19] The present invention is invented in order to resolve the problems of the above- described prior art. The first object of the present invention is providing an ultrasonic humidifier having the ergonomic structure which makes the cleaning of the contamination by the breeding of the mold or the bacteria etc. is easy that is generated when the ultrasonic humidifier is used for a long time, and automatically ejects the polluted water which is the reason of the indoor air pollution when replenishing the water.

[20]

[21] The second object of the present invention is providing an ultrasonic humidifier which prevents the water leakage to an outside even in case of a humidifier inclining or tumbling down with the external impact.

[22]

[23] The third object of the present invention is providing an ultrasonic humidifier in which the cleaning and replacement of the spraying generator are convenient.

[24]

Technical Solution

[25] In order to achieve above-mentioned objectives, present invention provides an easy-cleaning ultrasonic humidifier, comprising: a humidifying unit (200) which is unified into a single body and comprises a water tank (210) which stores water used for humidification, and a humidifying chamber (220) which humidifies external air supplied through a blast pipe (350) by generating a spray from the water supplied from the said water tank (210) with a spraying generator (300) and discharges the humidified air through a vent (222); and a base unit (100) which supplies alternating current of the high frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency of an ultrasonic vibrator (301) used for generating a spray with the said spraying generator (300) and which supplies the said external air through a blast pipe (350) in the said humidifying chamber (220), when it senses with the level sensor (330) that water is sufficient for the operation of the humidifying chamber (220). Wherein said humidifying unit (200) and base unit (100) are separable, said water tank (210) has an inlet port (211) for injecting water from outside in the bottom of the water tank (210), and said humidifying unit (200) has a water-feeding hole (202) or a water-feeding canal (203) in

the lower part of the partition (201) which divides the water tank (210) and humidifying chamber (220).

[26]

[27] Preferably, the humidifying unit (200) embodies water leakage prevention feature, with: a flat external shape either vertically or horizontally when viewed from above, so that it lies with only either of its long sides ("lying sides" hereinafter) in case the humidifying unit tumbles down with an external impact; and an internal structure when viewed from above such that a partition (201) dividing the humidifying unit (200) into the water tank (210) and humidifying chamber (220) either encloses said humidifying chamber (220) or is perpendicular to the lying sides, the said vent (222) and the blast pipe (350) equipped in the humidifying chamber (220) are positioned in the same distance away from both lying sides; and the water- feeding hole (202) or the water- feeding canal (203) is located near the side-end of the said partition (201) so that the distance (h4) from one lying side is minimized while the distance from the other lying side is maximized.

[28]

[29] Preferably, said spraying generator (300) comprises: a cylindrical shape bushing

(302) made of elastic materials; an ultrasonic vibrator (301) of disc type which is inserted in the inner circumference of said bushing; a power receiver (311) installed under the bushing (302)which receives high frequency alternating current from the base unit (100) and delivers the current to the ultrasonic vibrator (301); and a cylindrical shape housing (303) which encloses all above. Wherein a horn (304) is formed in a single body with the lower part of the humidifying chamber (220), a female screw (306) is formed on the inner circumference of the upper part of said housing (303), a male screw (305) is formed on the outer circumference of the bottom part of the said horn (304), so that the horn (304) and spraying generator (300) are combined water- tightly with the elasticity of the bushing (302), and acoustical impedance matching is achieved between the ultrasonic vibrator (301) and the water in the humidifying chamber (220), when said male screw (305) and female screw (306) unite.

[30]

[31] Preferably, said level sensor (330) comprises: a float (331) which is equipped at the lower part of the humidifying chamber (200), has a permanent magnet inside it, and indicates the water level of said humidifying chamber (220) or said water tank (210); and a magnetic sensor (334) which senses the magnetic field of said permanent magnet and is equipped in the upper part of the base unit (100), the location of which corresponds to that of said float.

[32]

Advantageous Effects

[33] According to claim 1, since all of the procedures beginning at supplying of the water to the water tank and ending at final discharging of the water of the spray state to an outside are processed only inside of the humidifying unit (200), it has the effect that the present invention ultrasonic humidifier has the ergonomic structure which makes the cleaning of the contamination is easy by separating the humidifying unit (200) without moving the base unit (100) when trying to clean the contamination which is like to be generated in the water movement route inside the humidifier, and automatically ejects the polluted water which is the source of the indoor air pollution when replenishing the water. Since it prevents the troublesome of washing the humidifier that must be accompanied with the moving of the base unit (100), consumers can clean the humidifier frequently. And consequently the contamination of a humidifier by the breeding of the mold or the bacteria etc. is suppressed.

[34]

[35] According to claim 2, it has the effect that the water leakage to an outside is prevented even in case of a humidifier inclining or tumbling down with the extension impact.

[36]

[37] According to claim 3, it has the effect that the washing and replacement of the ultrasonic vibrator (301) are convenient. And it has the effect that the energy efficiency of the ultrasonic vibrator (301) is increased by providing the acoustical impedance matching means between the ultrasonic vibrator (301) and humidifying bath (221).

[38]

[39] According to claim 4, it has the effect that it provides the means sensing the state of water deficiency of humidifying bath (221), and whether the humidifying unit (200) and base unit (100) combined or not, without the connection of the electric wire.

[40]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[41] Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view of an ultrasonic humidifier of the prior art.

[42] Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of an ultrasonic humidifier of the present invention

(first embodiment).

[43] Fig. 3 is an easy-cleaning and water replenishing process diagram of the present invention (first embodiment).

[44] Fig. 4-6 are cross sectional views of an ultrasonic of the present invention when tumbles down (first embodiment).

[45] Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of an ultrasonic humidifier of the present invention

(second embodiment).

[46] Fig. 8 is an easy-cleaning and water replenishing process diagram of the present invention (second embodiment). [47] Fig. 9-10 are cross sectional views of an ultrasonic of the present invention when tumbles down (second embodiment). [48] Fig. 11 is a structure and operation principle explanation diagram of an embodiment of the invention technology water-feeding hole. [49] Fig. 12 is a structure diagram of another embodiment of the invention technology water-feeding hole.

[50] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the invention technology vent looked in the humidifying chamber. [51] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the invention technology vent for illustrating the operation principle of the water-obstructor.

[52] Fig. 15 is a spraying generator structure diagram of the prior art.

[53] Fig. 16- 17 is the spraying generator structure diagram of the invention technology.

[54] Fig. 18 is a level sensor structure diagram of the invention technology.

[55]

[56] <The principal symbol description of the drawing>

[57]

[58] 100: base unit 101: first screw 102: second screw 103: electric wire 113: protrusion

[59] 200: humidifying unit 201: partition 202: water- feeding hole 203: water-feeding canal 204: combining member 205: water-film 206: the clean water 207: the polluted water

[60] 210: water tank 211: inlet port 212: stopper 213: water-feeding valve

[61] 220: humidifying chamber 221: humidification bath 222: vent 223: water-obstructor

224: side cutout 225: leakage-preventing route 226: spraying nozzle 227: cover [62] 300: spray generator 301: ultrasonic vibrator 302: bushing 303: housing 304: horn

305: male screw 306: female screw [63] 310: power transmitter 311: power receiver 312: printed circuit board 313: circular contact 314: annular contact 315: springy contact 316: magnetic core 317: receive coil

318: transmit coil 319: resonant coil [64] 330: level sensor 331: float 332: guiding pipe 333: detecting pipe 334: magnetic sensor 335: small hole 336: bar 337: hinge [65] 350: blast pipe 351: connecting pipe

[66] L: left side R: right side F: front side B: back side G: ground

[67]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [68] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments which are provided in order to assist your

understanding of the present invention, are circumstantially illustrated with reference to attached drawings. Because the following embodiments are provided for more easy understanding of the present invention, the scope of right of the present invention is not restricted by these embodiments. Moreover, in the descriptions of this specification and the attached drawings, it is announced that although the configuration and drawing were changed, the element of the configuration having the same purpose and function has the same name and diagram symbol as long as it was possible, and the consistency is maintained.

[69]

[70] [First embodiment]

[71]

[72] Fig. 2 is a drawing showing the structure of the present invention humidifier. Fig.

2(a) shows separated state, and Fig. 2(b) shows the combined state. As shown in Fig. 2, it is comprised of a base unit (100) and a humidifying unit (200). Said base unit (100) and humidifying unit (200) can be easily coupled and separated. And all water- flow routes from the water injection process to the final discharge process are resident inside of the humidifying unit (200). Therefore, the humidifying unit (200) can be easily separated from the base unit (100), moved and washed without the need to move the base unit (100), when the humidifier-cleaning is needed.

[73]

[74] Said humidifying unit (200) which is unified to a single body and comprises a water tank (210) which stores the water used for humidification, and a spraying chamber (220) which humidifies the external air supplied through the blast pipe (350) by generating a spray from the water supplied from the water tank (210) with the spraying generator (300) and discharges the humidified air through a vent (222). And said humidifying unit (200) has a water-feeding hole (202) or a water-feeding canal (203) in the bottom part of the partition classifying said water tank (210) and humidifying chamber (220).

[75]

[76] As to the base unit (100), if it senses with the level sensor (330) that the necessary water is sufficient for the operation of the humidifying chamber (220), it supplies the external air to the humidifying chamber (220) through the blast pipe (350), and the alternating current of the high frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic vibrator included in the spraying generator (300) to the spraying generator (300).

[77]

[78] As the spraying generator (300), the level sensor (330), the blast pipe (350) which were unified in the base unit (100) in the prior art, are altogether unified in the hu-

midifying unit (200) in the present invention, the means for functional connection between those and the base unit (100) are needed.

[79]

[80] Water-feeding hole

[81]

[82] In the present invention humidifier, since the water tank (210) and humidifying chamber (220) are formed into one body and cannot be separated, the water-feeding valve (213) at the prior art is unnecessary. Instead of that, a water- feeding hole (202) is installed for the water supply between the humidifying chamber (220) and the water tank (210). The water-feeding hole (202) is installed at the bottom part of the partition

(201) classifying the water tank (210) and humidifying chamber (220). It functions as connecting means (the water feeding channel) between the humidifying chamber (220) and the water tank (210) in the functional side. And it determines the water level of the humidifying bath (221) when the humidifier operations. Moreover, it determines the full water level of the water tank (210) when replenishing the water in the water tank (210). This is due to turning the humidifying unit (200) upside down when the water is replenished, since the inlet port (211) is equipped in the lower part of the water tank (210).

[83]

[84] Fig. 11 is a drawing augmenting the water-feeding hole (202) part of Fig. 2.

Initially, in the state where the humidifying bath (221) is empty, if the water begins to be supplied to the humidifying bath (221) from the water tank (210) through the water- feeding hole (202) and the water level of the humidifying bath (221) climbs. The final water level of the humidifying bath (221) is not the top end of the water- feeding hole

(202) but somewhat (about 6 - 8 mm) lower than that as shown in (a) of Fig. 11. Because the water-film (205) is built due to the surface tension of the water under the balanced condition of force between the atmospheric pressure and the resultant sum (hereafter, water pressure) of the pressure by the weight of the water and the pressure by the air (a kind of the vacuum condition) within the water tank (210) which is airtight. At this time, the water-film (205) is not destroyed although the unbalance of the force is generated less than the range of the surface tension.

[85]

[86] If the water level of the humidifying bath (221) decreased minutely while a spraying is generated by the spraying generator (300), the water-film (205) is enlarged downwards more and more as shown in (b) of Fig. 11. At this time, the atmospheric pressure is nearly fixed but the relative water level within the water tank (210) based on the bottom of the water-film (205) is raised.(h2 > hi) Therefore, the balance between the atmospheric pressure and the water pressure gradually collapses because

the water pressure is enhanced at the bottom part of the water-film (205). If the water- film (205) is unable to withstand the water pressure of the water tank (210) when the water-film (205) is enlarged sufficiently, the water-film (205) is destroyed, then the water of the water tank (210) is provided to the humidifying bath (221) at a time, then the water level of the humidifying bath (221) is recovered. At this time, the air among an atmosphere is supplied to the water tank (210) as much as the volume of the water supplied to the humidifying bath (221) since the atmospheric pressure is instantaneously higher than the water pressure of the water tank (210). Since this air forms the air bubbles and moves to the upper part of the water tank (210), a new balance of the force between the atmospheric pressure and water pressure is built. Therefore, a new water-film (205) is formed in the water-feeding hole (202). While repeating this process, the water level of the humidifying bath (221) repeats a lowering and rising in the narrow range, but the water level of the water tank (210) continues to go lower.

[87]

[88] If the water of the water tank (210) is more discharged and the water level goes lower than the upper end of the water-feeding hole (202), the water-film (205) disappears and the water level of the humidifying bath (221) and water tank (210) is identical since the water tank (210) is not the airtight space any more. Generally, the plane area of the water tank (210) is very broader than that of the humidifying bath (221). Therefore, at the moment when the water-film (205) disappears, large amount of the water is suddenly supplied to the humidifying bath (221) and the water level of the humidifying bath (221) goes high. At this time, the incremental water level of the humidifying bath (221) becomes the value dividing the volume corresponding to the value multiplying the plane area of the water tank (210) and height of the water-film (205) by the sum total of the water surface area of the water tank (210) and humidifying bath (221). Of course, the maximum value is smaller than the height of the water- film (205) that disappeared just before.

[89]

[90] In order to prevent abrupt increment of the water level of the humidifying bath

(221) at the moment in which the water- film (205) disappears, the water surface area of the water tank (210) of the moment in which the water-film (205) disappears can be reduced. Fig. 12 shows the shape of the water tank having the structure of being like that. In Fig. 12, (b) shows the drawing looked at (a) in the right side of (a), in order to help the understanding of three-dimensional shape. But since the height of the water tank (210) is decreased as much as h3, the volume of the water contained in the water tank (210) is reduced. Therefore the actual profit is not big.

[91]

[92] Inlet port

[93]

[94] Because of two objectives, the present invention humidifier has the inlet port (211) on the lower part of the water tank (210) for replenishing the water from an outside.

First objective is that the polluted water (207) remaining in the humidifying chamber

(220) is automatically discharged through the vent (222), by making the consumer turn the humidifying unit (200) upside down when replenishing the water in the water tank (210). Second objective is to fill the water into the water tank (210) fully without any leak of the water through the water- feeding hole (202) when replenishing the water in the water tank (210). If it is assumed that it has the inlet port (211) on the top of the water tank (210), the water of the water tank (210) is continuously flowed out into the humidifying chamber (220) through the water-feeding hole (202) until the water levels of the humidifying bath (221) and water tank (210) are identical, since the inlet port (211) is in the open state in order to replenish the water. Therefore, the water tank (210) cannot be filled fully with the water, and the water level of the humidifying bath

(221) cannot be maintained properly. [95]

[96] Easy-cleaning and water replenishing process

[97]

[98] Generally the water tank (210) of a humidifier stores an amount of the water to humidify about 8 - 12 hours. Therefore, the water tank (210) is replenished with the water at least one time per day in case of heavy use of the humidifier, or one time in several days even in case of light use. Generally, when replenishing the water in the water tank (210), a consumer fills up the clean water (206) after washing the water tank (210). In this case, it is rare to be polluted because the mold or the bacteria nearly is unable to propagate although several days are passed. Even in that situation, in the humidifier of the prior art, the reason why the contamination becomes a problem is that the consumer dose not wash the humidifying chamber (220) including the humidifying bath (221) for a long term although he/she frequently washes the water tank (210). And the other reason is that, in case of not using the humidifier for a long term, he/she leaves the humidifier in the state of not empty of water, although all waters within the humidifier must be emptied in order to prevent the contamination. The more essential source of those reasons is the troublesomeness of moving the base unit (100) in which the humidifying bath (221) is installed, for the washing of the humidifying bath (221).

[99]

[100] As to the humidifier of the present invention, the water movement route does not exist inside the base unit (100) at all and it exists only inside the humidifying unit (200). Therefore, after conveniently separating the humidifying unit (200) from the base unit (100) and moving the humidifying unit (200), the consumer can wash the

whole water movement route that includes the humidifying bath (221), and can replenish the water of the water tank, at the same time. Fig. 3 is a drawing for illustrating the easy-cleaning and water replenishing process of the present invention humidifier. In case the contamination is not so serious, the procedures described in the following are processed.

[101]

[102] (1) When the water in the water tank (210) which was full is all consumed by the humidifying operation, the water remaining in the humidifying bath (221) is in the state a little bit polluted with the natural breeding of the mold or the bacteria, as been seen in (a) of Fig. 3.

[103] (2) The consumer separates the humidifying unit (200) from the base unit (100) in order to replenish the water of the water tank (210), and moves to the place replenishing the water including the sink of the kitchen or the bathroom etc. At this time, the base unit (100) senses the separation of the humidifying unit (200) and it stops the humidifying operation.

[104] (3) When the water of the water tank (210) begins to be replenished after the humidifying unit (200) is turned upside down and the stopper (300) is opened, the polluted water (207) remaining in the humidifying bath (221) is automatically discharged through the vent (222), as been seen in (b) of Fig. 3.

[105] (4) If the water tank (210) is filled up with the water, the consumer puts the stopper

(300) on. After that, he/she again turns the humidifying unit (200) upside down and moves to the place where the base unit (100) is placed, as been seen in (c) of Fig. 3. At this time, the humidifying bath (221) is filled with the clean water (206) through the water- feeding hole (202).

[106] (5) If the consumer again unites the humidifying unit (200) with the base unit

(100), the base unit (100) senses the bind of the humidifying unit (200) and again starts the humidifying operation.

[107]

[108] Here, it must be noted that there is no conscious cleaning process of a consumer among the processes. In case of heavy use of a humidifier, the water is frequently replenished and the contamination nearly does not occur. Therefore, by passing through above-described procedures the washing and water replenishing are done conveniently and ergonomically.

[109]

[110] In the meantime, in case the contamination is a little bit serious by infrequent use of a humidifier, it is possible to clean the contamination by once rinsing the water tank (210) and humidifying chamber (220) with fresh water in the in-between of the procedure described in the (3). In case the contamination is very serious because that

the humidifier is not used for a long term, the hand must be put in inside the water tank (210) and humidifying chamber (220) and it has to be wiped off with the rag etc. soft. Therefore, if we look from the viewpoint of washing the humidifying chamber (220) and water tank (210), it is preferable that the hole-size of the inlet port (211) and vent (222) is big as much as the adult male's hand goes in and out.

[I l l]

[112] In the meantime, a humidifying unit is equipped with several combining members

(204) in the lower part of the humidifying unit in order to achieve objectives which are easy union/separation of the humidifying unit and base unit (attachment/detachment of the humidifying unit to/from the base unit), and maintaining the stabilized posture of the humidifying unit in contact with the ground if it is provisionally put on the ground, during the easy-cleaning and water-replenishing procedure. And the humidifying unit can be furnished with a handle (not illustrated) for the convenience of lifting and moving the humidifying unit.

[113]

[114] Water leakage preventing structure

[115]

[116] As illustrated before, the water- feeding hole (202) is positioned in the lower part of the partition (201) for easy washing and water replenishing. However it is not yet determined exactly where it should be located in the lower part of the partition (201). It is time to determine the detailed and desirable location of the water-feeding hole for the prevention of water leakage, considering various cases where a humidifier tumbles down with an external impact. In short, the location of the water- feeding hole (202) in the humidifier with the structure as shown in Fig. 2 should be either at the back-end in the lower part of the partition (201) (the top when tumbling down forwards, and the bottom when tumbling down backwards), or at the front-end (the bottom when tumbling down forwards, the top when tumbling down backwards).

[117]

[118] If we call the side which has an operation panel the front (F) of a humidifier, it has a shape in which a width is longer than a depth when viewed from above. In the embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed for convenience that a humidifier has such a shape. Here, since front (F) and back (B) are just difference of the point of view, the same principle is applied as far as the location of the water- feeding hole (202) is concerned. Additionally, backward-forward axis and left?right axis are another difference of the point of view. And although a humidifier, for the sake of design differentiation, could have a shape different from the assumption described above, it is still the difference of the point of view and the same principle shall be applied. Therefore, an explanation of a single case suffices to illustrate the generalized de-

scription including all cases regardless of the difference of the point of view. Thus, only such a case is illustrated hereinafter that the water-feeding hole (202) is located at the back end of the lower part in the partition (201), (at the top of the partition in the plan view), in the humidifier with the shape assumed above.

[119]

[120] In Fig. 4, (a) shows the case where the front (F) of the present invention humidifier contacts with the ground (G), while (b) shows the case where the back (B) contacts with the ground (G). In case of tumbling down as is shown in (a) of Fig. 4, that is, the front (F) of a humidifier contacts with the ground (G), the water level of the water tank (210) is lower than the location of the water-feeding hole (202) and there is no flow of water to the humidifying chamber (220) from the water tank (210). Nor does the water leak out of the humidifier since the water level of the humidifying chamber (220) by the water in the humidifying bath (221) is lower than the location of the vent (222) and the blast pipe (350). Next, in case of tumbling down as is shown in (b) of Fig. 4, that is, the back (B) of a humidifier contacts with the ground (G), there is no flow of water to the humidifying chamber (220) from the water tank (210) since the water left in the humidifying bath (221) prevents air from flowing through the water- feeding hole (202) into the water tank (210) from the humidifying chamber (220). Nor does the water leak out of the humidifier for the same reason as in (a) of Fig. 4. Here it can be illustrated that the water level of the humidifying chamber (220) is lower than the location of the vent (222) and blast pipe (350) regardless of the side to which the humidifying chamber tumbles down, if both are positioned at approximately the middle of the front (F) and back (B).

[121]

[122] Since the humidifier of the present invention shown in the first embodiment has a rectangular shape when viewed from above, the probability is considerably low that it tumbles down with left or right side contacting the ground (G). Anyway this case is taken below. In Fig. 5, (a) shows the case in which the right side (R) contacts with the ground (G), while (b) shows the case in which the left side (L) contacts with the ground (G). As is shown in (a) of Fig. 5, in case that a humidifier tumbles down so that the right side (R) contacts with the ground (G), the water in the humidifying bath (221) flows back into the water tank (210) so water does not leak out of the humidifier through the vent (222) or the blast pipe (350). On the other hand, as is shown in (b) of Fig. 5, in case that a humidifier tumbles down so that the left side (L) contacts with the ground (G), the water in the water tank (210) flows out into the humidifying chamber (220) since the water in the humidifying bath (221) is unable to stop up the water- feeding hole (202), and the water leaks out of the humidifier once the water level of the humidifying chamber (220) goes up to the location of the vent (222) or the blast pipe

(350). This problem can be solved if the water-feeding hole (202) is replaced with a water-feeding canal (203), as is shown as a dotted line in (b) of Fig.5. Here the mouth of the water-feeding canal (203) is sunk in the water of the humidifying bath (221), which prevents the external air from flowing into the water tank (210), and therefore the balance between water pressure in the water tank (210) and atmospheric pressure in the humidifying chamber (220) prevents water outflow from water tank (210) into humidifying chamber (220).

[123]

[124] A more desirable method for resolving the problem is that the external shape of a humidifier precludes to the possibility that the left or right side contacts with the ground (G). As shown in Fig. 6, if the outer shape of the humidifier is so made that its front and back are flat while its right and left sides have a convex shape (a semicircle or any other swollen shape), then it is impossible for the humidifier to lie with its left or right side on the ground (G). In that way finally the front (F) or the back (B) reaches safe and sound in contact with the ground (G) even though at first right or left side contacts with the ground (G). That is, the front (F) and back (B) are the lying sides. In (a) of Fig. 6, the front (F) of the present invention humidifier contacts with the ground (G) while (b) of Fig. 6 shows the case in which the humidifier back (B) contacts with the ground (G). In these cases, both the principles that it is impossible for the water to flow from the water tank (210) to the humidifying chamber (220) and that no water leaks out of the humidifier are identical to those illustrated in Fig.4, which do not need additional illustration.

[125]

[126] One thing to be noted here is that said flatness is a relative concept, not meaning a partial plane but meaning that the radius of curvature is bigger. This concept complies with its lexical meaning and social convention as well. Even in case that right and left sides (L, R) have the shape of a plane and front (F) and back (B) are convex, if the length between left and right sides (L-R) is considerably longer than that of front and back (F-B), the radius of curvature of front and back (F, B) is still bigger than that of right and left sides (L, R). And here the front (F) and back (B) become the lying sides. In this case, lest someone put a humidifier on purpose so that the left (L) or the right side (R) contacts with the ground (G), even though left or right side first contacts with the ground when the humidifier tumbles down with an external impact, finally one of the seating/lying sides shall contact with the ground safe and sound.

[127]

[128] In the meantime, as is shown in Fig. 6, the internal structure of the humidifying unit (200) is such that a partition is formed in perpendicular to the lying sides, water tank (210) and humidifying chamber (220) are divided by the partition, the vent (222)

and blast pipe (350) are located approximately in the middle of both lying sides, The location of the water- feeding hole (202) equipped in the partition (201) is at the lower part of a partition in the front view and at the spot in which the distance (h4) to a lying side (the back, B) is minimized in the plan view.

[129]

[130] With very rare probability, a humidifier could be completely turned over with a strong external impact and the top contacts with the ground (G). In this case, as is shown in (b) of Fig. 3, water does not flow from water tank (210) to humidifying chamber (220) since the location of the water-feeding hole (202) is higher than the water level of the water tank (210. However, it is inevitable that water in the humidifying bath (221) leaks out of the humidifier. Therefore, in the normal operating state, amount of the water filled with the humidifying bath (221) need to be minimized.

[131]

[132] In the meantime, it is well known that water level of the humidifying bath (221) has to be maintained at a certain level to be determined by the characteristic of the ultrasonic vibrator (301) in order that the size of the sprayed particle be constant and the spraying generation by the ultrasonic vibrator (301) be efficient. For example, the typical value of the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic vibrator popular in humidifiers is 1.65 MHz, in which case the optimum water level for spraying generation efficiency is 38 mm. If the water level is higher or lower than this, the spraying generation gets less efficient. Thus, the water level of the humidifying bath (221) cannot be lowered too much in order to minimize amount of the water filled with the humidifying bath (221). Rather, humidifying bath (221) structure has to be able to minimize the amount of the water therein on condition that water level of the humidifying bath (221) is constant in the normal operating state.

[133]

[134] Vent

[135]

[136] In the meantime, if the moment when the humidifying unit (200) tumbles down with the external impact is a little more illustrated in detail, the water contained in the humidifying bath (221) is drastically turned towards the vent (222) with the said impact and bumps into the upper side of a humidifier. If the said impact is considerably great, since the water rising quickly after colliding with the upper side of the humidifying chamber (220), it is highly probable that the water with inertia leaks through the vent (222) to an outside. Fig. 13 is the drawing showing that a water-obstructor (223) is equipped below the vent (222) as the means for preventing the water leaked in such situation. It is the detailed perspective view of the vent (222) part of the point of view of looking from the inside of the humidifying chamber (220) at the ceiling of the

humidifying chamber (200). As seen in Fig. 13, the water-obstructor (223) is equipped below the vent (222) along the circumference of that, and the said water-obstructor has side cutouts (224) in left-right (L-R) direction of the humidifier. In the above-described easy-cleaning and water replenishing process, when the humidifying unit (200) is turned upside down, said side cutouts (224) have effects in which the water of the humidifying bath (221) is smoothly ejected.

[137]

[138] Fig. 14 is the detail sectioned drawing of the vent (222) part for showing the operating principle of the water-obstructor (223). It shows the case in which the front side (F) of the humidifying unit (200) is in contact with the ground (G) when the humidifier tumbles down. At the moment that the external impact is applied and the humidifier tumbles down, the water of the humidifying bath (221) moves according to the leakage-preventing route (225) shown as an arrow in Fig. 14. It collides with the upper side of the humidifying unit (200), thereafter again collides with the water- obstructor (223). So, the direction of the water movement route is changed towards the humidifying bath (221). Therefore the water-obstructor (223) prevents the water leakage to the outside through the vent (222).

[139]

[140] In the meantime, since spraying nozzle (226) is combined with the vent (222) and seals the side cutouts (224) during the period the humidifier operates, it contributes to the prevention of leakage in case the humidifier tumbles down by the external impact. Therefore, the spraying nozzle (226) is not easily separated from the vent (222) though the external impact is applied. And the water-obstructor (223) can be long enough as much as its end reaches the location a little higher than the humidifying bath (221). It has the effect that the spray can be mixed well enough with the external air, in addition to the effect of the water leakage prevention. In this case, it is preferable that holes replace the side cutouts (224).

[141]

[ 142] Spraying generator

[143]

[144] In order that the technical difference between the prior art spraying generator (300) and the spraying generator (300) of the present invention are clearly compared, the spraying generator (300) structure of the prior art is briefly illustrated. Firstly, according to the well known acoustics technology, by establishing the acoustically impedance matching between the sound source and the medium, the efficiency in which the electrical energy is transformed to the sound energy is increased to a maximum. And a horn (304) is generally used as a means for the said impedance matching. The megaphone is the representative example. Therefore, it is necessary to

have the horn (304) between the sound source (the spraying generator, more, accurately, the ultrasonic vibrator) and medium (the water of the humidifying bath) of the ultrasonic humidifier as the acoustically impedance matching means in order to raise the efficiency. And in the condition that maintains a constant water level of the humidifying bath (221), the horn (304) is helpful to minimize amount of the water filled into the humidifying bath (221).

[145]

[146] Fig. 15 is an augmented drawing of the spraying generator (300) part of the ultrasonic humidifier of the prior art. In the ultrasonic humidifiers of the prior art, the humidifying bath (221) is integrated on the top of the base unit (100) with the base unit (100). And the horn (304) is attached to and under the humidifying bath by screwing together, generally using a few of the first screw. Generally the horn (304) is cast in the metal material with superior thermal conductance. The reason for this is that the power semiconductors used for the driver circuit of the ultrasonic vibrator (301) are attached to the horn (304) and cooled down. That is, the horn (304) also serves as the role of a heat sink. In the meantime, as to the spraying generator (300), after diagonally inserting the ultrasonic vibrator (301) of the disc type into the inner circumference of the bushing (302) of the cylindrical shape being made of the elastic material including the rubber etc., the bushing is mounted inside of the housing (304) of the cylindrical shape. And the housing (303) is attached to the lower part of the horn (304) by screwing together using a few of the second screw. Here, the reason for diagonally inserting the ultrasonic vibrator (301) is to maintain the relatively smooth acoustically impedance matching in spite of the minute water level changing of the humidifying bath (221). In the meantime, since the spraying generator is equipped in the base unit (100), said driver circuits directly supplies the electrical power to the ultrasonic vibrator (301) through the electric wire (103).

[147]

[148] In contrast to above, the spraying generator (300) of the present invention technology comprises as the followings. After diagonally inserting the ultrasonic vibrator (301) of the disc type into the inner circumference of the bushing (302) of the cylindrical shape being made of the elastic material including the rubber etc., a power receiver (311) is installed under the bushing (302) which receives high frequency alternating current from the base unit (100) and delivers the current to the ultrasonic vibrator (301). All of these are mounted inside of the housing (304) of the cylindrical shape. In the meantime, the horn (304) is formed in a single body with the lower part of the humidifying chamber (220), a female screw (306) is formed on the inner circumference of the upper part of said housing (303), a male screw (305) is formed on the outer circumference of the bottom part of the said horn (304), so that the horn (304)

and spraying generator (300) are combined water-tightly with the elasticity of the bushing (302), and acoustical impedance matching is achieved between the ultrasonic vibrator (301) and the water in the humidifying chamber (220), when said male screw (305) and female screw (306) unite. The means connecting the spraying generator (300) to the base unit (100) is implemented by equipping the power transmitter (310) in the location of the base unit (100) top corresponding to the location of the power receiver (311).

[149]

[150] Figs. 16 and 17 show structure of the spraying generator (300) of the present invention humidifier. Fig. 16 shows the contact type in which the electrical power is supplied to the ultrasonic vibrator (301) through the electrical contacts, and Fig. 17 shows the non-contact type in which the electrical power is supplied to the ultrasonic vibrator (301) by the magnetic induction.

[151]

[152] As shown in (b) of Fig. 16, the power receiver (311) of the contact type is implemented by forming the circular contact (313) and annular contact (314) on the printed circuit board (312) of the disc type so that the center coincides with. In the meantime, as shown in (c) of Fig. 16, the power transmitter (310) is provided by having two springy contacts (315) in the location of the base unit (100) top corresponding to the location of the annular contact (314) and circular contact (313). At this time, the springy contact (315) does the function of steadily maintaining the contact between the contacts with the elasticity when the humidifying unit (200) and base unit (100) unite.

[153]

[154] In the meantime, the power transmitter (310) and power receiver (311) of the non- contact type are implemented with each of the coils wound on the respective separable magnetic core (316). Fig. 17 (b) shows the transverse section of the said power transmitter (310) and receiver (311). After dividing the magnetic core (316) of the pot type into the half, the transmit coil (318) and receive coil (317) are implemented by winding electrical wires on the each half of the magnetic core. But, if magnetically closed circuit is formed and the close coupling state can be maintained when two magnetic cores united, it is well known that there is no definite need that the transmit coil (318) and receive coil (317) should be wound on the identically shaped magnetic core (316), and the shape of each magnetic core (316) can be variously diversified. Furthermore, the air-core coil which does not use the magnetic core (316) can be used.

[155]

[156] The transmit coil (318) and receive coil (317) function as the primary coil and the secondary coil of the separable high-frequency transformer respectively. And if the

base unit (100) and humidifying unit (200) are combined, both coils couple magnetically and operate as one complete high-frequency transformer. In that way, without any exposure of the electrical contact to an outside, the connection means between the base unit (100) and the humidifying unit (200) can be implemented by the non-contact method of the magnetic induction.

[157]

[158] In the meantime, the power transmission efficiency can be increased by letting the primary-side and/or the secondary- side circuits of the said high frequency transformer comprise a resonant circuit which operates at a frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic vibrator (301). The series or parallel resonant circuit can be used as the said resonant circuit. But, when looking on the equivalent circuit of the ultrasonic vibrator (301), the stray capacitance which exists between the electrodes of the ultrasonic vibrator (301) is much greater than the intrinsic capacitance of the ultrasonic vibrator (301). Therefore, in order to offset the effect of the stray capacitance, the secondary-side parallel resonant circuit is preferable in which the resonant coil (319) is connected in parallel with the ultrasonic vibrator (301). In this case, the resonant coil (319) and the stray capacitance comprise the parallel resonance circuit. And Fig. 17 (a) shows the example in which the resonant circuit using the resonant coil (319) is comprised.

[159]

[160] From the description described in the above, the advantage of the invention technology spraying generator (300) compared with the spraying generator (300) of the prior art is clear. Firstly, when the spraying generator (300) is replaced or washed, a convenient separation is possible in the invention technology by lifting the humidifying unit (200), and turning the spraying generator (300) which is attached to the lower part of the humidifying unit (200) using the hands. Whereas, in the conventional technology, since a separation becomes possible only when loosening the second screws (102) attaching the spraying generator (300) to the horn (304) with a driver after opening the base unit (100), it must be processed through the very complicated procedures. As to the spraying generator (300), a replacement has to be facilitated since being a kind of the expendable parts. Secondly, in the invention technology, since the horn (304) is formed into one body at the lower part of the humidifying unit (200) using the same material (ordinarily, the plastic) as the humidifying unit (200), it is structurally simple and the assembly process is unnecessary and the production cost is low. Whereas, in the conventional technology, since the horn (304) is a distinct part which is a cast of metal material, the assembly process is complicated and the production cost is high. In the meantime, in the invention technology, there is no cooling measure of the power semiconductor. This is solved by using the general

purpose heat sink inside the base unit (100). [161] [162] Level sensor

[163]

[164] Before that the means connecting the level sensor (330) to the base unit (100) is explained, referring to Fig. 1, the float switch will be illustrated which is commonly used as a level sensor (330) in the humidifier of the prior art. The float switch is comprised of the float (331) of an annular shape and guiding pipe (332) of a rod-type as shown in Fig. 1. Generally, the float (331) includes the permanent magnet in the inside and floats on the water because the specific gravity is smaller than the water. Therefore it indicates the water level of the humidifying bath (221) while moving to top and bottom along the guiding pipe (332). The reed switch which is commonly used as the magnetic sensor (334) sensitive to the magnetic field of the permanent magnet is installed inside the guiding pipe (332) at the location corresponding to that of the float (331). And, if the water level of the humidifying bath (221) is the normal water level, the switch contact becomes short-circuit (switch on) and if the water level goes lower, the switch contact becomes open-circuit (switch off). As to the base unit (100), if the switch contact state is the short-circuit condition, it determines as the state where the water of the humidifying bath (221) is sufficient and it maintains the humidification operation. If the switch contact state is the open-circuit condition, it determines as the state of water deficiency of the humidifying bath (221) and it stops the humidification operation. Here, as to the magnetic sensor (334) sensing the magnetic field, not only the reed switch but also the Hall device can be used.

[165]

[166] In the humidifier of the present invention, since all movement routes of the water exist inside the humidifying unit (200) forming the water tank (210) and humidifying chamber (220) into one body, only when being certainly equipped in the humidifying unit (200), the float (331) can sense the water level of the humidifying bath (221). Therefore, the means connecting the float switch to the base unit (100) can be achieved by equipping connecting contacts, one at the lower part of the guiding pipe (332) and the other on the top of the base unit (100) which will mate with previous one.

[167]

[168] More preferably, as been seen in Fig. 2 or Fig. 18 (a), a detecting pipe (333) which can be inserted into and coupled with the guiding pipe (332) is equipped at the upper part of the base unit (100) and the reed switch is included inside of the detecting pipe (333). In that way, the connecting means between the base unit (100) and the float switch can be comprised without any exposure of the electrical contacts to an outside. In the meantime, since the float switch contacts is open-circuit if the humidifying unit

(200) is separated from the base unit (100), the base unit (100) stops the humidification operation without any concern with the normality whether or not of the humidifying bath (221) water level. That is, the level sensor (330) is good at the function not only sensing that the necessary water is sufficient in the operation of the spraying generator (300), but also sensing that whether the humidifying unit (200) unites with base unit (100) or not.

[169]

[170] In the meantime, in the humidifier of the prior art, the level sensor (330) certainly has to sense the water level of the humidifying bath (221) since the water tank (210) and humidifying chamber (220) are separated. However, in the humidifier of the present invention, there is no need that the level sensor (330) certainly sense the water level of the humidifying bath (221) since the water tank (210) and humidifying chamber (220) are formed into one body, and the same objective can be achieved even if the water level of the water tank (210) is directly sensed. If the level sensor (330) is equipped in the water tank, it becomes possible to manufacture the humidifying unit (200) which has the very desirable water leakage preventing structure since it becomes possible to very miniaturize the humidifying chamber (220) including the humidifying bath (221).

[171]

[172] (b) ~ (d) of Fig. 18 shows the case of directly sensing the water level of the water tank (210). Fig. 18 (b) shows the case that the guiding pipe (332) is installed in the bottom of the water tank (210), and the float (331) of an annular shape is installed around the guiding pipe (332) in order that the float (331) can rise and fall along the outer circumference of the guiding pipe, and the magnetic sensor (334) is installed on the top of the base unit (100) where the location corresponding to that of the guiding pipe (332). Fig. 18 (c) shows the case that the guiding pipe (332) is installed in the bottom of the water tank (210), and the small holes (335) are bored in the upper and lower part of the guiding pipe (332) so that the water of the water tank (210) is free to go in and out, and the float (331) of the cylindrical shape is inserted inside the guiding pipe (332), and the magnetic sensor (334) is installed on the top of the base unit (100) where the location corresponding to that of the guiding pipe (332). Fig. 18 (d) shows the case that the float (331) is connected at one end of the bar (336), and the other end of the bar (336) is coupled with the bottom of the water tank (210) through the hinge (337) so that the float (331) can go up and down according to the water level of the water tank (210), and the magnetic sensor (334) is installed on the top of the base unit (100) where the location corresponding to that of the guiding pipe (332).

[173]

[174] In case of (b) ~ (d) of Fig. 18, extra means is needed which judges whether the

base unit (100) and the humidifying unit (200) are united or not, since the magnetic field is detected when the water of the water tank (210) completely empty contrary to the case of Fig. 18 (a). And the micro switch, the magnetic sensor, the photo interrupter etc. can be used for the purpose.

[175]

[176] Blast pipe

[177]

[178] In the humidifier of the prior art, the blast pipe (350) being a part of the humidifying chamber (220) is unified in the base unit (100), but the blast pipe (350) of the present invention has to be separable from the base unit (100) because the blast pipe (350) is equipped in the humidifying unit (200). Therefore, it needs the means connecting the blast pipe (350) to the base unit (100). That is achieved by a connecting pipe (351) which is equipped on the top of the base unit (100) so that the connecting pipe (351) is inserted into and coupled with the blast pipe (350) as shown in Fig. 3 when the humidifying unit (200) and base unit (100) unite. At this time, it is preferable for the efficient ventilation that the air does not leak at the connecting part of the connecting pipe (351) and blast pipe (350). In the meantime, it is preferable that the external air supplied to the humidifier from outside should be supplied to the humidifying chamber (220) through the connecting pipe (351) and blast pipe (350) after being used for the cooling of the heat generated from the internal electronic circuits etc.

[179]

[180] [Second embodiment]

[181]

[182] While the humidifying unit (200) of the present invention humidifier which is seen in the above-described first embodiment has the structure that the humidifying chamber (220) is arranged at left side, and the water tank (210) is arranged at the right side based on the partition (201), the structure in which the humidifying chamber (220) is arranged inside the water tank (210) can be considered from the viewpoint of design. The outline of the present invention humidifier which is seen in the second embodiment is a dome shape of which the front and back side are flat. Fig. 7 is a front view drawing looking at a structure from the direction of the front side (F). In the first embodiment, it is the partition (201) only the side in which the humidifying chamber (220) and water tank (210) contact. Whereas, as been seen in the drawings of the second embodiment, the partition (201) surrounds all around the humidifying chamber (220), since the cylindrical humidifying chamber (220) is arranged inside the water tank (210) of dome shape. It is announced that, in the drawing, the level sensor (330) is not shown, and only the name of the important parts are shown.

[183]

[184] Fig. 8 is a drawing for illustrating the easy-cleaning and water replenishing process of the present invention humidifier. The detailed operating procedure is omitted since being identical with the description of the first embodiment.

[185]

[186] Figs. 9 and 10 show case, the present invention humidifier tumbles down with the external impact. Fig. 9 (a) shows the case in which the front side (F) of the present invention humidifier contacts with the ground (G). In this case, the water-feeding canal (203) is used instead of the water-feeding hole (202) since the top end of the humidifying chamber (220) is lower than water level of the water tank (210). And the outflow of the water from the water tank (210) to the humidifying chamber (220) must be prevented by making the location of the end of the water-feeding canal (203) higher than the water level of the water tank (210). Fig. 9 (b) shows the case in which the back side (B) of the humidifier contacts to the ground (G). In this case, since the water in the humidifying bath (221) stops up the water-feeding canal (203) and the air cannot flow into the water tank (210) from the humidifying chamber (220), there is no outflow of the water from the water tank (210) to the humidifying chamber (220). In both of the above cases, there is no water leakage toward the outside of the humidifier since the water level of the humidifying chamber (220) is lower than the location of the vent (222) or the blast pipe (350).

[187]

[188] In the meantime, the water- feeding hole (202) can be used instead of the water- feeding canal (203) by making the center of the humidifying chamber (220) not concentric but eccentric with that of the water tank (210) when looked at in the plan view. Fig. 10 (a) shows the case that the front side (F) contacts with the ground (G), and Fig. 10 (b) shows the case that the back side (B) contacts with the ground (G). In this case, the center of the humidifying chamber (220) is eccentric with that of the water tank (210) so that the location of the water- feeding hole (202) is higher than or equal to the water level of the water tank (210). Therefore the water leakage to the outside of the humidifier is prevented. In Fig. 10, the humidifying chamber (220) can be made eccentric to not only up and down but also left and right directions, if the condition is fulfilled that the location of the water- feeding hole (202) is higher than the water level of the water tank (210).

[189]

[190] In the meantime, if we look into the internal structure of the humidifying unit (200) in Figs. 9 and 10, the water tank (210) surrounds the humidifying chamber (220), and the partition (201) is formed all around the humidifying chamber (220). And the vent (222) and blast pipe (350) are positioned at approximately middle point between the

two lying sides. The location of the water-feeding hole (202) or the water- feeding canal (203) equipped in the partition (201) is the bottom part of a partition on the front view but it is the spot in which the distance (h4) of safe arrival direction (front and back, F-B) of one lying side (back side, B) are minimized in the plan view.

[191]

[192] Here, it must be pointed out that, in the second embodiment unlike the first embodiment, it has the swollen shape (dome- shaped) not only right and left side but also the upper side so that it is impossible to seat stable on the ground (G). Therefore, although the upper side contacts firstly with the ground (G) by the strong external impact, finally the front side (F) or the back side (B) contacts with the ground (G) and seat stably. Therefore, a little water leaks only at the moment when the upper side contacts firstly on the ground (G) by the external impact, and after that moment there is no water leakage to the outside of the humidifier.

[193]

[194] Although the present invention has been fully described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, they should be construed as being included therein.

[195]