HUMIDIFIER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2025/004662 designating the United States, filed on Apr. 7, 2025, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0058812, filed on May 2, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to a humidifier including a cover configured to open and close a water storage chamber.

Description of Related Art

In general, a humidifier is a device that maintains the humidity of an indoor space at an appropriate level. The humidifier may vaporize water stored in a water storage chamber and discharge steam into the indoor space.

The humidifier may be broadly classified into vaporization, ultrasonic, and heating types, depending on the humidification method that vaporizes water. In the case of a double heating humidification method, steam may be generated by heating water stored in the water storage chamber and vaporizing the heated water by a steam generator.

The water storage chamber may be formed inside a main body and may store water. A cover for opening and closing the water storage chamber may be installed on the main body. Generally, the cover is installed on an upper portion of the main body, and the water storage chamber may be formed to open upward.

The cover may be provided with a steam outlet to discharge steam and thus the generated steam may be discharged into the internal space.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a humidifier including a structure having improved ease of use.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a humidifier including a cover including a structure capable of more easily opening a water storage chamber.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a humidifier including a structure capable of preventing or suppressing opening of a cover configured to open and close a water storage chamber.

According to an example embodiment, a humidifier comprises: a main body including a water storage chamber; a cover rotatably coupled to the main body and configured to open and close the water storage chamber; a slide hook movably installed on the cover and configured to be couplable to the main body; a button rotatably coupled to the cover and configured to press and move the slide hook, and disposed to cover the slide hook; and a link disposed between the cover and the button, and rotatably coupled to the cover to be movable between a first link position supporting the button to limit rotation of the button, and a second link position spaced apart from the button to allow the rotation of the button.

According to an example embodiment, a humidifier comprises: a main body including a water storage chamber; a cover rotatably coupled to the main body and configured to open and close the water storage chamber and connected to a torsion spring configured to press the cover to open the water storage chamber; a slide hook installed on the cover and configured to be removably coupled to the main body, the slide hook configured to be movable between a first hook position, in which the slide hook is coupled to the main body and configured to fix the cover in response to the cover closing the water storage chamber, and a second hook position, in which the slide hook is separated from the main body; a button coupled to the cover and configured to cover the slide hook and configured to be rotatable to move the slide hook from a first hook position to a second hook position by pressing the slide hook; and a link disposed between the cover and the button, and installed in the cover, the link configured to be rotatable between a first link position supporting a button protruding portion formed on a lower surface of the button and configured to suppress rotation of the button, and a second link position spaced apart from the button protruding portion and configured to allow the rotation of the button.

According to an example embodiment a humidifier comprises: a main body including a water storage chamber configured to store water; a steam generator coupled to the main body and configured to vaporize the water; a cover rotatably coupled to the main body configured to open and close the water storage chamber; a slide hook installed on the cover and configured to be removably coupled to the main body, the slide hook configured to be movable between a first hook position, in which the slide hook is coupled to the main body to fix the cover in response to the cover closing the water storage chamber, and a second hook position, in which the slide hook is separated from the main body; a button disposed to cover the slide hook and rotatably coupled to the cover and configured to press and move the slide hook; and a link disposed between the cover and the button, movably installed on the cover, and supporting the button to limit rotation of the button.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidifier according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the humidifier according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state in which a cover assembly and an upper housing of a main body are separated in the humidifier according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a button at an angle at which a lower surface of the button is viewed in the humidifier according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of the cover assembly in the humidifier according to various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cap and a link separated from the cover assembly of FIG. 5 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the link at an angle at which a lower surface of the link is viewed in the humidifier according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a′ of FIG. 3 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line b-b′ of FIG. 3 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the upper housing at an angle at which a support groove is viewed in the humidifier according to various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the link rotates from a first link position to a second link position in the humidifier according to various embodiments;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a state in which a fixing hook is locked to a fixing protrusion to prevent or limit rotation of the link in the humidifier according to various embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line c-c′ of FIG. 11 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a button of FIG. 13 is pressed and rotates in the humidifier according to various embodiments;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a state in which the fixing hook is separated from the fixing protrusion as the button rotates, in the humidifier according to various embodiments;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line d-d′ of FIG. 11, illustrating a state in which the button is rotated and presses a slide hook according to various embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line e-e′ of FIG. 11, illustrating a state in which the rotated button is pressed upward by a pressing block according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the cover assembly rotates to open the water storage chamber in the humidifier according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described in the disclosure and configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples, and may be modified in various different ways at the time of filing of the present disclosure to replace the various example embodiments and drawings of the disclosure.

The same reference numerals or signs shown in the drawings of the disclosure indicate elements or components performing substantially the same function.

The terms used herein are used to describe various example embodiments and are not intended to limit and/or restrict the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, the terms “including”, “having”, and the like may be used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, but elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, a first element may be termed as a second element, and a second element may be termed as a first element. The term of “and/or” includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.

In the following detailed description, the terms of “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower” and the like may be defined by the drawings, but the shape and the location of the component is not limited by the term.

When an element is said to be “connected”, “coupled”, “supported” or “contacted” with another element, this includes not only when elements are directly connected, coupled, supported or contacted, but also when elements are indirectly connected, coupled, supported or contacted through a third element.

Throughout the description, when a member is “on” another member, this includes not only when the member is in contact with the other member, but also when there is another member between the two members.

As for a rotation direction, the clockwise direction may be expressed as a first direction, and the counterclockwise direction, which is the opposite direction of the first direction, may be expressed as a second direction. These expressions may be commonly used to describe specific contents for implementing the present disclosure, but the rotation direction of the components of the present disclosure is not limited by these terms.

The types of humidifiers may include heating types, ultrasonic types, combination types that combine heating and ultrasonic types, and vaporization types that perform humidification by naturally vaporizing water without using ultrasonic waves or heaters and the types are not limited.

Hereinafter for convenience of description, a humidifier according to various embodiments is illustrated and described as a heating-type humidifier, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The present disclosure may be applied to the heating-type, ultrasonic-type, and combination types humidifiers. In addition, the present disclosure may be applied to various devices other than humidifiers that require a water supply.

Hereinafter various example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidifier according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the humidifier according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the humidifier 1 may include a main body 200 forming a water storage chamber 223, and a cover assembly 100 rotatably coupled to the main body 200 to open and close the water storage chamber 223. The cover assembly 100 may include a cover 130, and the cover 130 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 200.

The main body 200 may include an upper housing 210 in which the cover assembly 100 is installed. The upper housing 210 may form an upper (+Z) portion of the main body 200. The cover assembly 100 may be rotatably coupled to the upper housing 210. A detailed description of the upper housing 210 and the cover assembly 100 will be described below.

The main body 200 may include a water tank 220 forming the water storage chamber 223, a side housing 230 accommodating the water tank 220, and a steam generator 300 arranged on the lower (-Z) side of the side housing 230 to heat water within the water storage chamber 223.

The water tank 220 may include a water tank body 221 forming an outer shape and forming the water storage chamber 223 therein. For example, a lower surface of the water tank body 221 may include a material having high thermal conductivity to transfer heat generated from the steam generator 300 to the water storage chamber 223. For example, the water tank body 221 may include a shape of a substantially hollow square pillar, but is not limited thereto.

The side housing 230 may include a side panel 231 forming an outer shape and forming a water tank receiving groove 232 receiving the water tank body 221 therein. For example, the water tank receiving groove 232 formed by being surrounded by the side panel 231 may be formed to allow a volume of the water tank receiving groove 232 to be greater than or equal to a volume of the water storage chamber 223. For example, the water tank 220 and the side panel 231 may include a light-transmitting material. Accordingly, a user can easily determine an amount of water received in the water storage chamber 223 from the outside of the humidifier 1.

The steam generator 300 may include a heating plate 310 configured to generate heat by receiving power, a heater housing 320 in which the heating plate 310 is installed, and a power supply portion 330 provided to allow the heater housing 320 to be installed therein and configured to supply power to the heating plate 310.

For example, the heating plate 310 may include a heating portion 312 configured to generate heat to heat water in the water storage chamber 223. The heating portion 312 may be disposed to be in contact with a lower surface 222 of the water tank 220 and may transfer heat to water contained in the water tank 220. However, this is merely an example, and the heating portion 312 may be configured to conduct heat to the water storage chamber 223 while being spaced apart from the lower surface of the water tank 220. For example, the heating portion 312 may include a shape corresponding to the lower surface of the water tank 220.

For example, the heating portion 312 may include a heat-conducting sheet (not shown) having a square plate shape and provided to allow a heated object to be seated, and a heating tube (not shown) mounted inside the heat-conducting sheet and configured to generate heat by receiving power.

For example, the heating plate 310 may include a plate body 311 in which the heating portion 312 is installed. The plate body 311 may include a groove in which the heating portion 312 is installed. For example, the plate body 311 may include an insulating material.

Accordingly, the heat generated in the heating portion 312 may be transferred to the water storage chamber 223 rather than being transferred to the outside.

The heating plate 310 may be installed in the heater housing 320. The heater housing 320 may include a housing cover 321 forming an outer shape. A terminal 323 may be installed in the heater housing 320 to transmit power from the power supply portion 330 to the heating plate 310.

The heater housing 320 may include a terminal receiving groove 322 in which the terminal 323 is installed. The terminal 323 may be received in the terminal receiving groove 322 and provided to receive power from the power supply portion 330.

The power supply portion 330 may include a power box 331 in which various electronic components are mounted, a dial 334 and a control button 335 which are installed on a front surface of the power box 331 to control an operation of the power box 331, a power supply terminal 332 formed to protrude upward (+Z direction) from an upper surface of the power box 331, and a cable 333 coupled to the power box 331 to supply power to the power supply terminal 332 by being connected to an external power source.

The heater housing 320 may be mounted on an upper portion of the power box 331. The heater housing 320 may be coupled to the power box 331. When the heater housing 320 is coupled to the power box 331, the terminal 323 may be connected to the power supply terminal 332. Accordingly, the terminal 323 may receive power from the power supply terminal 332.

For example, when a user operates the power box 331 by controlling the dial 334 or the control button 335, power may be supplied from an external power source to the power supply terminal 332. The power supplied to the power supply terminal 332 may be transmitted to the heating plate 310 through the terminal 323, and the heating portion may generate heat. The heat generated from the heating portion may be transmitted to the water storage chamber 223 to heat the water contained in the water storage chamber 223, and accordingly, the water may be changed into steam and discharged to the external environment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state in which a cover assembly and an upper housing of a main body are separated in the humidifier according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a button at an angle at which a lower surface of the button is viewed in the humidifier according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of the cover assembly in the humidifier according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 3 to 5), the main body 200 may include an upper housing 210 to which the cover assembly 100 is coupled. The cover assembly 100 may include a cover 130 rotatably coupled to the upper housing 210, a lid 120 provided to cover an upper portion of the cover 130, and a button 110 disposed on the upper portion of the cover 130 and rotatably coupled to the cover 130.

As described above, the upper housing 210 may form an upper portion of the main body 200. The upper housing 210 may include a housing body 211 forming an outer shape, and an upper housing inlet 213 formed at the center of the housing body 211 to penetrate the housing body 211.

The upper housing 210 may be installed on an upper portion of the side housing 230. When the upper housing 210 is installed, the upper housing inlet 213 may communicate with the water storage chamber 223 of the water tank 220. Therefore, a user can supply water to the water storage chamber 223 through the upper housing inlet 213.

The upper housing 210 may include a cover coupling portion 212 provided to allow the cover 130 to be rotatably coupled. For example, the cover coupling portion 212 may be formed as a pair at both ends of a rear portion of the housing body 211. For example, the cover coupling portion 212 may be formed to protrude upward.

The cover 130 may be rotatably installed on the upper housing 210. The cover 130 may be configured to open and close the water storage chamber 223. That is, the cover 130 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 200 to open and close the water storage chamber 223.

The cover 130 may include a cover body 131 configured to close the water storage chamber 223 by covering the upper housing inlet 213, and a cover hinge 134 formed in a pair at both ends of a rear portion (−X direction) of the cover body 131. The cover hinges 134 may each be coupled to the cover coupling portion 212 of the upper housing 210. Accordingly, the cover 130 may be rotatably coupled to the upper housing 210.

The cover 130 may include a second hinge 133 formed to protrude upward (+Z direction) on an upper surface 131a of the cover body. As described below, a first hinge 116 formed on a lower surface of the button 110 may be coupled to the second hinge 133 to rotatably support the button 110 on the cover 130.

The second hinge 133 may include a pair of second hinges 133. The pair of second hinges 133 may be formed symmetrically on the left and right (+−Y) sides with respect to the center of the cover 130.

The lid 120 may be coupled the cover 130 to cover the upper surface 131a of the cover body. The lid 120 may include a lid body 121 forming an outer shape, and a button groove 122 formed to penetrate the lid body 121 in a vertical direction and to accommodate the button 110.

The button groove 122 may be formed to penetrate the center of the lid body 121. When the lid 120 is coupled to the cover 130, the pair of second hinges 133 may be exposed to the outside through the button groove 122.

The button 110 may include a button body 111 forming an outer shape, and the first hinge 116 formed to protrude downward from a lower surface of the button body 111. The first hinge 116 may include a plurality of first hinges 116 formed on the left and right sides with respect to the center of the button 110.

The button 110 may be rotatably accommodated in the button groove 122 of the lid 120. When the button 110 is accommodated in the button groove 122, the plurality of first hinges 116 may be respectively coupled to the plurality of second hinges 133 exposed through the button groove 122.

When the first hinge 116 is coupled to the second hinge 133, the first hinge 116 may be configured to rotate with respect to the second hinge 133. That is, the button 110 may be coupled to the cover 130 so as to be rotatable. For example, the button 110 may rotate to allow a front or rear portion of the button body 111 to rise or fall. In other words, the button 110 may be coupled to the cover 130 so as to rotate with respect to a rotation axis R of the button 110 extending in the left and right direction. For example, the button 110 may include a substantially disk shape, but is not limited thereto.

The cover 130 may include an outlet forming member 135 formed in the front portion of the cover body 131 and a steam outlet 132 provided in the outlet forming member 135 to discharge steam generated in the water storage chamber 223 to the outside.

The outlet forming member 135 may be arranged at the center of the front portion (+X direction) of the cover body 131. The steam outlet 132 may be formed to penetrate the outlet forming member 135 in the vertical direction. The steam outlet 132 may communicate with the upper housing inlet 213 and the water storage chamber 223. Accordingly, steam formed in the water storage chamber 223 may be discharged to the outside through the steam outlet 132.

The humidifier 1 may include a torsion spring (TS; refer to FIG. 18) that connects the cover 130 and the main body 200 to press the cover 130 in a direction of opening the water storage chamber 223, a link 140 installed on the cover 130 to control the rotation of the button 110, a slide hook 170 installed on the cover 130 and provided to support the cover 130 on the main body 200 when the cover 130 closes the water storage chamber 223, so as to prevent or limit the cover 130 from rotating by the torsion spring TS, and a cap 150 coupled to the cover 130 to cover the link 140 and the slide hook 170.

The torsion spring TS (refer to FIG. 18) may connect the cover hinge 134 and the cover coupling portion 212 to connect the cover 130 and the upper housing 210. For example, the cover 130 may be always pressed by the torsion spring TS to rotate in the direction of opening the water storage chamber 223.

The link 140 may be rotatably coupled to an upper surface of the cover 130. The link 140 may be disposed between the cover 130 and the button 110.

For example, the link 140 may be configured to rotate about the rotation axis R extending vertically from the center of the cover body 131. As will be described in greater detail below, the link 140 may be configured to support the button 110 and rotate between a first link position LP.1 in which the link 140 is disposed to support the button 110 to prevent and/or reduce rotation of the button 110, and a second link position LP.2 that is rotated from the first link position LP.1 and spaced apart from the first link position LP.1 so as to allow the rotation of the button 110 (refer to FIG. 11).

The link 140 may include a link body 141 forming an outer shape, a link protrusion 143 formed on one end of the link body 141 and provided to support the button 110 when the link 140 is disposed at the first link position LP.1, and a link hook 144 formed on the other end of the link body 141 and provided to support the button 110 when the link 140 is disposed at the first link position LP.1.

For example, the link protrusion 143 and the link hook 144 may be formed to protrude upward from the link body 141. For example, the link protrusion 143 and the link hook 144 may be formed to be positioned on opposite sides with respect to the rotation axis R.

The link 140 may include a grip portion 142 formed at the other end of the link body 141 and extending upward. When the lid 120 and the button 110 are coupled to the cover 130 to cover the cover 130, the grip portion 142 may protrude outward through a portion of the space of the button groove 122 in which the button 110 and the lid body 121 are spaced apart.

A user can hold the grip portion 142 and rotate the link 140. Accordingly, the link 140 may rotate between the first link position LP.1 and the second link position LP.2. A more detailed description thereof will be provided below.

The slide hook 170 may be movably coupled to the cover body 131. The slide hook 170 may be moved by being pressed by the lower surface of the button 110 when the button 110 rotates. For example, the button 110 may be rotated to allow a front portion thereof to be lowered so as to press the slide hook 170. The slide hook 170 may be disposed between the cover 130 and the button 110.

The slide hook 170 may be movable between a first hook position HP.1 (refer to FIG. 8) that connects the cover 130 and the main body 200 and prevents or suppresses the cover 130 from rotating to open the water tank 223, and a second hook position HP.2 (refer to FIG. 16) that releases the connection between the cover 130 and the main body 200 and allows

Rotation of the Cover 130 (refer to FIG. 16).

For example, the slide hook 170 may be coupled to the upper surface 131a of the cover body so as to be movable in the front and rear directions (+−X directions). For example, the slide hook 170 may include a second inclined portion 172 formed to protrude upward and provided to be pressed by the button 110.

The second inclined portion 172 may be pressed to slide by a first inclined portion 118 formed in a lower portion (−Z direction) of the button 110. When the first inclined portion 118 presses the second inclined portion 172, the slide hook 170 may move backward (−X direction). A detailed description of the slide hook 170, a feature of preventing or limiting rotation of the cover 130 by the slide hook 170, and a movement of the slide hook 170 will be described below.

The humidifier 1 may include a pressing block 160. When the button 110 rotates, the pressing block 160 may support a front lower surface of the button 110 to allow the button 110 to return to a state before pressing the slide hook 170. The pressing block 160 may be installed on the upper surface of the cover 130. The pressing block 160 may include a plurality of pressing blocks 160 arranged symmetrically left and right with respect to the center of the cover 130.

The cap 150 may be installed on the upper surface of the cover 130 to cover the link 140 and the slide hook 170. The cap 150 may be disposed between the cover 130 and the button 110.

The cap 150 may include a cap body 151 forming an outer shape and provided to be coupled to the cover 130, a button support portion 152 connected to a button support member 117 (described in greater detail below) of the button 110 to support the button 110 on the upper side of the cap 150, and a link receiving portion 153 disposed inside the cap body 151 to receive the link 140.

For example, the cap body 151 may include a substantially disk shape, but is not limited thereto, and may include various shapes provided to cover the link 140 and the slide hook 170. The cap body 151 may be coupled to the cover 130. For example, the cap body 151 may be removably coupled to the cover 130.

The button support portion 152 may be formed to be recessed downward (−Z direction) from the upper surface of the cap body 151. The button support member 117 protruding from the lower surface of the button 110 may be inserted and coupled to the button support portion 152. For example, the button support member 117 may protrude from a lower surface of the front portion of the button 110.

When the button support member 117 is coupled to the button support portion 152, the upward movement of the button support member 117 may be restricted. In other words, the button support member 117 may be hook-coupled to the button support portion 152, and the button support member 117 may be provided to be hooked to the button support portion 152 and thus the upward movement of the button support member 117 may be restricted.

When the button support member 117 is coupled to the button support portion 152, the button support member 117 may be provided to move downward. In other words, when the button support member 117 moves downward, the hook connection with the button support portion 152 may be released. Thereafter, when the button support member 117 rises again, the button support member 117 may be hook-coupled to the button support portion 152 again.

The link receiving portion 153 may include a first hole 1531 provided to allow the link hook 144 to pass through, a second hole 1534 provided to expose the link protrusion 143 when the link 140 is disposed at the first link position LP.1, a third hole 1532 provided to allow a fixing protrusion 115 of the button 110 (described in greater detail below) to be inserted, and a link groove 1533 formed inside the cap body 151 to accommodate the link 140.

The link 140 may be received to be rotatable in the link receiving portion 153. The link receiving portion 153 may be formed inside the link body 141. The link hook 144 may be formed to protrude upward from the link body 141.

The first hole 1531 may be formed in a portion of the cap body 151 that is positioned at a position corresponding to a position at which the link hook 144 is positioned when the cap 150 covers 130 the link 140. The first hole 1531 may be formed to penetrate the cap body 151 in the vertical direction. The link hook 144 may pass through the first hole 1531 and extend to the upper portion of the cap body 151. Accordingly, the link hook 144 may be positioned so as to be in contact with the lower portion of the button 110.

For example, the first hole 1531 may be extended along a rotation radius formed by the link hook 144 through the rotation of the link body 141. Accordingly, even when the link hook 144 moves, the link hook 144 may not come into contact with the cap body 151.

The second hole 1534 may be formed in a portion of the cap body 151 that is positioned at a position corresponding to a position at which the link protrusion 143 is positioned when the cap 150 covers 130 the link 140. The second hole 1534 may be formed to penetrate the cap body 151 in the vertical direction (+−Z direction).

For example, the second hole 1534 may be formed at a position corresponding to a position at which the link protrusion 143 is positioned when the link 140 is positioned at the first link position LP.1. Accordingly, the link protrusion 143 may come into contact with the lower surface of the button 110.

For example, the first hole 1531 and the second hole 1534 may be arranged in opposite directions with respect to the rotation axis R of the link 140.

The third hole 1532 may be arranged adjacent to the second hole 1534. For example, the third hole 1532 may be formed at a position that is further away from the center of the cap 150 than the first hole 1531. The third hole 1532 may be formed to penetrate the cap body 151 in the vertical direction. The third hole 1532 may be arranged to be located at the upper portion of the link body 141 when the link 140 is disposed at the second link position LP.2.

The fixing protrusion 115 of the button 110 may be inserted into the third hole 1532. That is, the third hole 1532 may be formed at a position corresponding to the fixing protrusion 115 when the button 110 covers the cap 150.

For example, the fixing protrusion 115 inserted into the third hole 1532 may be removed from the third hole 1532 according to the rotation of the button 110. A detailed description thereof will be described below.

The link groove 1533 may be formed inside the cap body 151. For example, the link groove 1533 may refer, for example, to a space formed by a portion of the cap body 151 and the cover 130.

The link 140 may be accommodated to be rotatable in the link groove 1533. For example, the link groove 1533 may be formed to be open on one side of the cap body 151 to allow the grip portion 142 to extend outward from the lower side of the cap 150.

The button 110 may include the button body 111 forming an outer shape, a steam discharge duct 1191 formed in the front portion of the button body 111, and a steam flow path 1192 formed by the steam discharge duct 1191.

The button 110 may be coupled to the cover 130 to cover the cap 150. The button 110 may be rotatably coupled to the cover 130. When the button 110 is coupled to the cover 130, the steam outlet 132 of the cover 130 and the steam flow path 1192 of the button 110 may communicate with each other. Accordingly, the steam formed in the water storage chamber 223 may be discharged to the outside through the steam outlet 132 and the steam flow path 1192.

The button 110 may include lower surfaces 1111 and 1112 forming the lower surface of the button body 111. Particularly, the button 110 may include a first lower surface 1111 located at the rear, and a second lower surface 1112 located at the front when the button body 111 is coupled to the cover 130.

For example, when the button 110 rotates to press the slide hook 170, the button 110 may rotate to allow the first lower surface 1111 to rise and to allow the second lower surface 1112 to descend. For example, a user can rotate the button 110 by pressing the upper portion of the button body 111 located opposite to the second lower surface 1112, which may be referred to as an ‘opening operation’.

The button 110 may include the first hinge 116 configured to rotatably couple the button body 111 to the cover 130, a button protrusion 113 formed to protrude downward (-Z direction) so as to be in contact with the link protrusion 143, the first inclined portion 118 formed to protrude downward so as to be in contact with the slide hook 170, the button support member 117 formed to protrude downward so as to be insertable into the button support portion 152 of the cap 150, the button hook 114 formed to protrude downward so as to be in contact with the link hook 144, and the fixing protrusion 115 couplable to the link 140 to stop rotation of the link 140.

For example, the first hinge 116 may include the plurality of first hinges 116 arranged symmetrically left and right with respect to the center of the button 110. The button 110 may be coupled to the cover 130 to allow the first hinge 116 to be coupled to the second hinge 133 of the cover 130. For example, the button 110 may be coupled to the cover 130 so as to be rotatable with respect to an extension line provided to connect the plurality of first hinges 116.

For example, the button protrusion 113 may be formed to protrude downward from the second surface. When the button 110 is coupled to the cover 130, the button protrusion 113 may be positioned at a position corresponding to the position of the link protrusion 143 of the link 140 positioned at the first link position LP.1.

Accordingly, even when a user performs the opening operation, the button 110 may not rotate because the button protrusion 113 is supported by the link protrusion 143. Because the button 110 does not rotate, the slide hook 170 may not move, and thus the phenomenon of the cover 130 being opened may be prevented and/or reduced.

The button protrusion 113 may include a button protrusion support surface 1131 formed at one end to come into contact with the link protrusion 143, and a button protrusion extension surface 1132 connecting the button protrusion support surface 1131 to the second lower surface 1112. For example, the button protrusion 113 may include a substantially cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

For example, the link 140 may include a link protrusion support surface 1432 formed at one end of the link protrusion 143 to be in contact with the button protrusion support surface 1131, and a link protrusion inclined surface 1431 formed to be inclined at one side of the link protrusion support surface 1432. As described in greater detail below, when the link 140 returns from the second link position to the first link position, the button protrusion support surface 1131 may come into contact with the link protrusion support surface 1432 through the link protrusion inclined surface 1431. Accordingly, the button protrusion support surface 1131 and the link protrusion support surface 1432 may come into contact more stably.

For example, the first inclined portion 118 may be formed to protrude downward from the second surface. The first inclined portion 118 may include a first inclined surface 118a formed at one end of the first inclined portion 118 and formed to be inclined.

When the button 110 is coupled to the cover 130, the first inclined portion 118 may be positioned at a position corresponding to a position at which the second inclined portion 172 of the slide hook 170 is positioned. Accordingly, when a user performs the opening operation, the first inclined portion 118 may descend and come into contact with the second inclined portion 172, and press the second inclined portion 172 so as to move the slide hook 170.

In other words, the first inclined surface 118a of the first inclined portion 118 may come into contact with the second inclined surface 172a of the second inclined portion 172, and the first inclined surface 118a and the second inclined surface 172a may be formed to be inclined. Accordingly, a force acting downward on the second inclined surface 172a may be converted into a direction that moves the slide hook 170 backward.

When the slide hook 170 moves backward, the connection between the main body 200 and the slide hook 170 may be released. Accordingly, the cover 130 may rotate in a direction that opens the water storage chamber 223, which may be referred to as ‘opening’ of the cover 130.

For example, the first inclined surface 118a and the second inclined surface 172a may be inclined in corresponding directions. For example, inclinations of the first inclined surface 118a and the second inclined surface 172a may be identical to each other. For example, the first inclined surface 118a and the second inclined surface 172a may be arranged to be in surface contact with each other.

For example, the first inclined portion 118 may include a plurality of first inclined portions 118 arranged symmetrically to each other on the left and right with respect to the center of the button 110. The plurality of first inclined portions 118 may be arranged so as to be in contact with the plurality of second inclined portions 172, respectively.

The button support member 117 may be formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the button 110. The button support member 117 may include a plurality of button support members 117 arranged to be symmetrical left and right with respect to the center of the button 110. Each of the plurality of button support members 117 may be inserted into the button support portion 152 of the cap 150.

The button hook 114 may be formed to protrude downward from the first lower surface 1111.

For example, the button hook 114 may include a button hook body 1141 extending downward from the first lower surface 1111, and a button hook tip 1142 formed by bending from the button hook body 1141. For example, the hook tip may extend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the button hook body 1141 extends.

The button hook 114 may include a button hook receiving groove 1143 formed by the first lower surface 1111, the button hook body 1141, and the button hook tip 1142. The link hook 144 of the link 140 positioned at the first link position LP.1 may be inserted into the button hook receiving groove 1143.

For example, when the link 140 rotates from the second link position LP.2 to the first link position LP.1, the link hook 144 protruding upward may be received in the button hook receiving groove 1143. Accordingly, the button hook tip 1142 may be provided to support the link hook 144.

When the link 140 is disposed at the first link position LP.1, the button hook 114 may be supported by the link hook 144. Accordingly, the first lower surface 1111 may be pressed downward by the link hook 144. In conclusion, the phenomenon of the first lower surface 1111 rotating upward may be prevented/suppressed, and thus the rotation of the button 110 may be prevented/limited.

The fixing protrusion 115 may protrude from the first lower surface 1111 and extend downward. When the link 140 is disposed at the second link position LP.2, the link 140 may be coupled to the fixing protrusion 115. When the link 140 is coupled to the fixing protrusion 115, the link 140 may be prevented/limited from rotating from the second link position LP.2 to the first link position LP.1. A more detailed description thereof will be provided below.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cap and a link separated from FIG. 5 according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the link at an angle at which a lower surface of the link is viewed in the humidifier according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a′ of FIG. 3 according to various embodiments. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line b-b′ of FIG. 3 according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the upper housing at an angle at which a support groove is viewed in the humidifier according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 6 to 10), the cap 150 may include a second hinge through-hole 154 formed by penetrating the cap body 151 to allow the second hinge 133 to pass therethrough. The second hinge through-hole 154 may be formed at a position corresponding to a position in which the second hinge 133 is positioned when the cap 150 is coupled to the cover 130. Accordingly, even when the cap 150 is coupled to the cover 130, the second hinge 133 may be coupled to the first hinge 116 of the button 110.

For example, the cap 150 may include a second inclined portion through-hole 155 formed by penetrating the cap body 151 to allow the second inclined portion 172 of the slide hook 170 to pass therethrough. The second inclined portion through-hole 155 may be formed at a position corresponding to a position in which the second inclined portion 172 is arranged when the cap 150 is coupled to the cover 130. Accordingly, even when the cap 150 is coupled to the cover 130, the second inclined portion 172 may come into contact with the first inclined portion 118 of the button 110.

For example, the cap 150 may include a pressing block through-hole 156 formed by penetrating the cap body 151 to allow the pressing block 160 of the slide hook 170 to pass therethrough. The pressing block through-hole 156 may be formed at a position corresponding to a position in which the pressing block 160 is placed when the cap 150 is coupled to the cover 130. Accordingly, even when the cap 150 is coupled to the cover 130, the pressing block 160 may come into contact with the second lower surface 1112 of the button 110.

The cap 150 may include an outlet forming member receiving groove 157 formed to be recessed in the front (+X direction) and provided to receive the outlet forming member 135. The outlet forming member receiving groove 157 may be located in the front portion of the cap body 151 and formed to be recessed in the rear. When the cap 150 is coupled to the cover 130, the outlet forming member 135 may be seated in the outlet forming member receiving groove 157.

The cap 150 may include a first support surface 1535 provided to support the link 140 at the first link position LP.1 and a second support surface 1536 provided to support the link 140 at the second link position LP.2. The first support surface 1535 and the second support surface 1536 may form a side portion of the link groove 1533. In other words, the link groove 1533 may be formed between the first support surface 1535 and the second support surface 1536.

The cap 150 may include a third support surface 1537 provided to cover the upper portion of the link 140 and provided to form the link groove 1533 together with the first support surface 1535 and the second support surface 1536. The third support surface 1537 may form an upper portion of the link groove 1533. That is, the third support surface 1537 may cover the upper portion of the link body 141. For example, the first hole 1531 and the second hole 1534 described above may be formed in the third support surface 1537.

For example, the link hook 144 may include a link hook tip 1441 formed at one end thereof. For example, the link hook tip 1441 may extend to be inclined upward (+Z direction). The link hook 144 may include a link hook receiving groove 1442 formed on a lower side of the link hook tip 1441.

When the link 140 rotates from the second link position LP.2 to the first link position LP.1, the button hook tip 1141 may be inserted into the link hook receiving groove 1442. Accordingly, the button 110 may be supported on the link 140 so as to be prevented/limited from rotating.

The link 140 may include a link rotation groove 147 in which a center of rotation of the link 140 is formed. The link body 141 may rotate with respect to the link rotation groove 147. For example, the link rotation groove 147 may be formed to penetrate the link body 141 in the vertical direction.

The link 140 may include a first guide groove 145 formed on the lower side of the link body 141. The first guide groove 145 may accommodate a first guide protrusion 1361 (described in greater detail below) formed to protrude from the upper surface of the cover 130. When the link 140 rotates, the first guide groove 145 may be guided by the first guide protrusion 1361. Accordingly, the link 140 may be effectively rotated.

For example, the first guide protrusion 1361 may be provided so as not to come into contact with the link body 141 forming the first guide groove 145. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent or limit the link body 141 or the first guide protrusion 1361 from being worn.

For example, the link 140 may include the link rotation groove 147 formed to be inserted into a link shaft 137 protruding from the upper surface of the cover 130. For example, the link shaft 137 may be formed at the center of the cover 130, but is not limited thereto.

The link rotation groove 147 may be formed by being recessed upward from the lower surface of the link body 141. For example, the link rotation groove 147 may be positioned between the link protrusion 143 and the link hook 144. The link 140 may be coupled to the cover 130 to allow the link rotation groove 147 to be inserted into the link shaft 137.

The link 140 may be coupled to a link spring 139 installed on the link shaft 137. For example, the link 140 may include a first opening 147a in which one end of the link spring 139 is received, and a second opening 147b in which the other end of the link spring 139 is received.

The first opening 147a and the second opening 147b may be spaced apart from each other. The link rotation groove may be disposed between the first opening 147a and the second opening 147b. The first opening 147a may communicate with the link rotation groove 147. The second opening 147b may communicate with the link rotation groove 147.

One end 139a of the link spring 139 accommodated in the first rotation groove may extend to the outside of the first rotation groove so as to be supported by a hook spring support protrusion 1363 protruding on the upper surface of the cover 130. The other end 139b of the link spring 139 accommodated in the second rotation groove may be supported by the link body 141. Accordingly, the link spring 139 may press the link 140 to rotate from the second link position LP.2 to the first link position LP.1.

The link 140 may include a fixing hook 148 installed in the link body 141. The fixing hook 148 may be accommodated inside the link body 141. The fixing hook 148 may be covered by the link body 141.

The fixing hook 148 may prevent or limit the rotation of the link 140 by being coupled to the fixing protrusion 115. For example, the fixing hook 148 may include a locking portion 1483 supported by the fixing protrusion 115 and coupled to the fixing protrusion 115 when the link 140 is placed at the second link position LP.2, so as to prevent limit the link 140 from rotating to the first link position LP.1, an extending portion 1481 connected to the locking portion 1483 and provided to be elastically deformed to move the locking portion 1483, and a protrusion receiving groove 1482 formed by the locking portion 1483 and the extending portion 1481.

The link 140 may include a second guide groove 146 formed by cutting a portion of the link body 141 to allow a portion of the fixing hook 148 to communicate with the outside. For example, the second guide groove 146 may be formed by cutting the upper and side surfaces of the link body 141. For example, the second guide groove 146 may be formed by cutting a surface of the link body 141 facing the locking portion 1483. For example, the fixing protrusion 115 may be inserted into the second guide groove 146.

The fixing protrusion 115 may be inserted into the protrusion receiving groove 1482 when the link 140 rotates from the first link position LP.1 to the second link position LP.2. Particularly, the cover 130 may include a second guide protrusion 1362 spaced apart from the first guide protrusion 1361 and formed to protrude from the lower surface of the cover 130.

For example, the second guide protrusion 1362 may be positioned on a rotation path of the locking portion 1483 when the link 140 rotates. For example, the second guide protrusion 1362 may be positioned on a rotation path of the protrusion receiving groove 1482 when the link 140 rotates. For example, the second guide protrusion 1362 may include an arc shape that is convex in a direction toward the center of the cover 130. The second guide protrusion 1362 may press the locking portion 1483 to insert the fixing protrusion 115 into the protrusion receiving groove 1482. A detailed description thereof will be described below.

The slide hook 170 may include a hook body 171 formed to extend in the front and rear direction, the second inclined portion 172 formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the hook body 171, a slide hook tip 171a formed at one end of the hook body 171 facing forward, and a hook spring 173 connected to the hook body 171 to press the slide hook 170 forward. The hook spring 173 may be supported by a hook support member 138 formed to protrude from the upper surface of the cover 130.

For example, the hook body 171 may be positioned to be movable on the upper surface of the cover 130. For example, the hook body 171 may slide forward and backward on the upper surface of the cover 130.

For example, the slide hook 170 may be positioned to allow one end of the hook body 171 to protrude outwardly from the cover body 131. That is, the slide hook 170 may be positioned to allow the slide hook tip 171a to penetrate the cover body 131 so as to be positioned on the outside of the cover 130.

For example, the upper housing 210 may include a support groove 214 formed recessed in the front portion of the housing body 211. For example, the support groove 214 may include a plurality of support grooves 214 formed symmetrically left and right with respect to the center of the housing body 211.

When the cover 130 is positioned to close the water storage chamber 223, the slide hook tip 171a of the slide hook 170 may be inserted into the support groove 214 of the upper housing 210. For example, the corresponding position of the slide hook 170 may be referred to as a ‘first hook position HP.1’.

As described above, the cover 130 may be pressed in the direction of opening the water storage chamber 223 by the torsion spring TS. However, because the slide hook 170 coupled to the cover 130 is inserted into the support groove 214 of the upper housing 210 and is supported by an upper surface 211a, which is a portion of the housing body 211 forming the support groove 214 (refer to FIG. 16), the rotation of the cover 130 may be prevented/limited.

As described above, the second inclined portion 172 may be provided to be pressed by the first inclined portion 118 of the button 110. The second inclined portion 172 may be formed at a position corresponding to a position at which the first inclined portion 118 is arranged when the button 110 covers the slide hook 170. When the second inclined portion 172 is pressed by the first inclined portion 118, the hook body 171 may be pressed and moved backward.

For example, the hook spring 173 may be connected to the rear side of the hook body 171. The hook spring 173 may be connected to the hook support member 138 protruding from the upper surface of the cover 130. Accordingly, the hook spring 173 may press the hook body 171 forward. As described above, when the button 110 rotates and the second inclined portion 172 is pressed by the first inclined portion 118, the hook body 171 may move rearward to compress the hook spring 173.

Thereafter, when the second inclined portion 172 is separated from the first inclined portion 118, the compression of the hook spring 173 may be released and the hook spring 173 may push the hook body 171 forward to return to the original state thereof.

As described above, the pressing block 160 may be provided to press the lower portion of the button 110 to return the button 110 to its original position when the button 110 rotates. For example, the pressing block 160 may include a pressing body 161 provided to be in contact with the lower surface of the button 110 and movable in the vertical direction. The pressing block 160 may include a pressing spring 162 provided to connect the pressing body 161 and the upper surface of the cover 130 and press the pressing body 161 upward.

The pressing body 161 and the pressing spring 162 may be positioned in the front portion of the cover 130 so as to come into contact with the second lower surface 1112 of the button 110. For example, the pressing body 161 may include a hollow cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Before the pressing body 161 is pressed by the second lower surface 1112 of the button 110, a position of an upper end of the pressing body 161 may be referred to as the ‘first block position DP.1’.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the link rotates from a first link position to a second link position in the humidifier according to various embodiments. FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a state in which a fixing hook is locked to a fixing protrusion to prevent or suppress rotation of the link in the humidifier according to various embodiments.

For example, the second guide protrusion 1362 may be positioned on the rotation path of the locking portion 1483 when the link 140 rotates. For example, when the link 140 is positioned at the first link position LP.1, the second guide protrusion 1362 may be positioned between the locking portion 1483 of the link 140 and the fixing protrusion 115.

Therefore, when the link 140 rotates from the first link position LP. 1 to the second link position LP. 2, the locking portion 1483 may come into contact with the second guide protrusion 1362 before the fixing protrusion 115. The locking portion 1483 in contact with the second guide protrusion 1362 may be pressed toward the link rotation groove 147 by the second guide protrusion 1362. At this time, the extending portion 1481 may be elastically deformed. When the link 140 is disposed at the first link position LP. 1, the locking portion 1483 may be disposed between the protrusion receiving groove 1482 and the fixing protrusion 115.

The link 140 rotates from the first link position LP.1 to the second link position LP.2 and thus the button 110 rotates, which may be referred to as ‘first unlocking’ state of the cover 130. The first unlocking process of the cover 130 will be described in greater detail.

The cover 130 is positioned to close the water storage chamber 223 and the link 140 is positioned at the first link position LP.1, which may be referred to as ‘locking state’.

In the locking state, the button protrusion 113 and the button hook 114 formed on the lower surface of the button 110 are supported by the link protrusion 143 and the link hook 144 of the link 140, respectively, and thus a phenomenon in which the button 110 is rotated and presses the slide hook 170 may be prevented or reduced.

In the locking state, a user can hold the grip portion 142 of the link 140 and rotate the link 140 from the first link position LP.1 to the second link position LP.2.

The link protrusion 143 and the link hook 144 of the link 140 may rotate and be separated from the button protrusion 113 and the button hook 114 of the button 110. Accordingly, the button 110 may be in a rotatable state.

In a process in which the link 140 rotates to the second link position LP.2, the locking portion 1483 of the fixing hook 148 may come into contact with the second guide protrusion 1362. At this time, the locking portion 1483 may be pressed by the second guide protrusion 1362 and move closer to the link rotation groove 147, and the extending portion 1481 may be elastically deformed.

When the locking portion 1483 moves, the protrusion receiving groove 1482 may be exposed to the fixing protrusion 115 of the button 110. Thereafter, when the link 140 continues to rotate and is placed at the second link position LP.2, the fixing protrusion 115 may be seated in the protrusion receiving groove 1482, the contact between the second guide protrusion 1362 and the locking portion 1483 may be released, and the locking portion 1483 may be moved away from the link rotation groove 147 by the extending portion 1481 that is elastically deformed. The locking portion 1483 may be supported by the fixing protrusion 115 received in the protrusion receiving groove 1482.

When a user releases the grip portion 142, the link spring 139 connected to the link 140 may press the link body 141 to allow the link 140 to rotate from the second link position LP.2 to the first link position LP.1.

Because the locking portion 1483 is supported by the fixing protrusion 115, the link 140 may be fixed to the second link position LP.2, and the rotation of the link 140 may be prevented/limited. Accordingly, the button 110 may be maintained in the rotatable state.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line c-c′ of FIG. 11 according to various embodiments. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the button 110 of FIG. 13 is pressed and rotates in the humidifier according to various embodiments. FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a state in which the fixing hook is separated from the fixing protrusion as the button rotates, in the humidifier according to various embodiments. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line d-d′ of FIG. 11, illustrating a state in which the button is rotated and presses a slide hook according to various embodiments. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line e-e′ of FIG. 11, illustrating a state in which the rotated button is pressed upward by a pressing block according to various embodiments. FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the cover assembly rotates to open the water storage chamber in the humidifier according to various embodiments.

The button 110 rotates to press the slide hook 170, and the slide hook 170 moves rearward to allow the slide hook tip 171a to be removed from the support groove 214, which may be referred to as the ‘second unlocking’ of the cover 130. Hereinafter the second unlocking process of the cover 130 will be described in greater detail.

As described above, when the link 140 is positioned at the second link position LP.2, the button 110 may be in the rotatable state. For example, in the first unlocking state, the button 110 may be in the rotatable state.

A user can rotate the button 110 by pressing (P) the front portion of the button 110 downward. The second lower surface 1112 of the button 110 may be lowered.

When the second lower surface 1112 of the button 110 is lowered, the first inclined portion 118 protruding downward may come into contact with the second inclined portion 172 of the slide hook 170. Thereafter, when the button 110 continues to be lowered, the first inclined surface 118a of the first inclined portion 118 may press the second inclined surface 172a of the second inclined portion 172 to press the hook body 171 rearward.

The slide hook 170 may be moved rearward by being pressed by the button 110, and the slide hook tip 171a of the slide hook 170 may be removed from the support groove 214 of the upper housing 210. For example, the corresponding position of the slide hook 170 may be referred to as a ‘second hook position HP.2’.

For example, the slide hook 170 may be moved from the first hook position HP.1 to the second hook position HP.2 by being pressed by the button 110. When the slide hook 170 moves to the second hook position HP.2, the connection between the cover 130 and the upper housing 210 by the slide hook 170 may be released.

When the connection between the cover 130 and the upper housing 210 is released, the cover 130 may be pressed by the torsion spring TS to rotate in the direction of opening the water storage chamber 223. Accordingly, a user can easily open the cover 130 so as to fill the water storage chamber 223 with water.

When a user presses and rotates the button 110, the first lower surface 1111 of the button 110 may rise, and the fixing protrusion 115 protruding downward from the first lower surface 1111 may also rise.

When the fixing protrusion 115 rises, the fixing protrusion 115 may be removed from the protrusion receiving groove 1482. Because the fixing protrusion 115 is removed from the protrusion receiving groove 1482, the link 140 may be rotated by the link spring 139 to return from the second link position LP.2 to the first link position LP.1. Accordingly, a user can easily rotate the link 140 from the second link position LP.2 to the first link position LP.1 without a separate return operation.

Further, when a user presses the button 110 to rotate the button 110, the pressing block 160 may be pressed downward by the second lower surface 1112 of the button 110. Particularly, when a user presses and rotates the button 110, the pressing body 161 may come into contact with the second lower surface 1112 and be pressed downward, and the pressing spring 162 may be compressed. When the pressing body 161 is pressed by the second lower surface 1112 of the button 110 and moved, the position of the upper end of the pressing body 161 may be referred to as the ‘second block position DP.2’.

When a user does not press the button 110, the pressing body 161 may press the second lower surface 1112 upward by the elastic force of the pressing spring 162. Accordingly, the button 110 may return to the state before rotating.

The humidifier according to an example embodiment may include: a main body including a water storage chamber, a cover rotatably coupled to the main body and configured to open and close the water storage chamber, slide hook movably installed on the cover and configured to be couplable to the main body, a button rotatably coupled to the cover and configured to press and move the slide hook, and disposed to cover the slide hook, and a link disposed between the cover and the button, and rotatably coupled to the cover and configured to be movable between the first link position supporting the button to prevent or limit rotation of the button, and a second link position spaced apart from the button to allow the rotation of the button.

The button may include: a button protrusion protruding from the lower surface of the button; and a button hook protruding from the lower surface of the button and spaced apart from the button protrusion. The link disposed at the first link position may include a link protrusion supporting the button protrusion and a link hook supporting the button hook by being coupled to the button hook to prevent or limit the rotation of the button.

The humidifier may further include: a link spring configured to press the link to rotate the link positioned at a second link position to the first link position. The link may include a link body connected to a link spring, and a fixing hook installed in the link body. The button 110 may include a fixing protrusion protruding from the lower surface of the button and coupled to the fixing hook to prevent or suppress rotation of the link in response to the link being positioned at the second link position.

The button may further include a first lower surface configured to rise in response to the button rotating to press the slide hook, the first lower surface on which the fixing protrusion is formed. The fixing protrusion may be configured to rise to be separated from the fixing hook in response to the button rotating to press the slide hook.

The slide hook may be configured to be movable between the first hook position in which the slide hook is coupled to the main body to fix the cover in response to the cover closing the water storage chamber, and the second hook position in which the slide hook is separated from the main body.

The button may further include a second lower surface configured to descend in response to the button rotating to press the slide hook, and the first inclined portion protruding from the second lower surface. The slide hook may include a hook body coupled to the cover to be movable between the first hook position and the second hook position, and a second inclined portion protruding upward from the hook body and configured to be pressed by the first inclined portion to move the hook body from the first hook position to the second hook position.

The humidifier may further include: a first guide protrusion protruding upward from the cover and extending in an arc shape with respect to a rotation center of the link, the first guide protrusion configured to guide the rotation of the link by being inserted into a guide groove recessed on the link.

The fixing hook may further include locking portion supported on the fixing protrusion; and a protrusion receiving groove formed on an opposite side of the fixing protrusion with respect to the locking portion and configured to receive the fixing protrusion, in response to the link being positioned at the first link position. The fixing protrusion may be disposed on the rotation path of the protrusion receiving groove.

The cover may further include a second guide portion disposed between the locking portion and the fixing protrusion, protruding from the upper surface of the cover, and disposed on the rotation path of the locking portion to press and move the locking portion in a direction opposite to the rotation radius of the locking portion in response to the link rotating from the first link position to the second link position.

The humidifier may further include a pressing block configured to elastically support a second lower surface by including a pressing body in contact with the second lower surface and a pressing spring connected to the cover and configured to press the pressing body upward.

The humidifier may further include a button groove in which the button is rotatably received, and the lid coupled to the cover to cover the upper side of the cover. The link may further include a grip portion extending to the outside through the button groove.

The humidifier may further include a cap disposed between the button and the cover to form the link groove configured to receive the link, and coupled to the cover.

The cap may include a first support surface configured to support the link at the first link position, and a second support surface configured to support the link at the second link position. A link groove may be formed between the first support surface and the second support surface.

The cap may further include a third support surface configured to cover an upper portion of the link and forming the link groove together with the first support surface and the second support surface. The third support surface may include a first hole through which the link hook is configured to pass, and a second hole configured to expose the link protrusion.

The cover may further include a hook spring installed on an upper surface of the cover and configured to press the hook body in a direction from the second hook position to the first hook position.

The humidifier according to an example embodiment may include: a main body including a water storage chamber, a cover rotatably coupled to the main body and configured to open and close the water storage chamber and connected to a torsion spring configured to press the cover to open the water storage chamber, a slide hook installed on the cover and removably coupled to the main body, the slide hook configured to be movable between the first hook position in which the slide hook is coupled to the main body to fix the cover in response to the cover closing the water storage chamber, and a second hook position in which the slide hook is separated from the main body, a button coupled to the cover to cover the slide hook and configured to be rotatable to move the slide hook from the first hook position to the second hook position by pressing the slide hook, and a link disposed between the cover and the button, and installed in the cover, the link configured to be rotatable between the first link position supporting a button protruding portion formed on the lower surface of the button and configured to prevent or limit rotation of the button, and the second link position spaced apart from the button protruding portion to allow the rotation of the button.

The button protruding portion may include a button protrusion protruding from the lower surface of the button, and a button hook spaced apart from the button protrusion and protruding from the lower surface of the button. The link disposed at the first link position may include a link protrusion supporting the button protrusion and the a hook supporting the button hook by being coupled to the button hook and configured to prevent or limit the rotation of the button.

The humidifier may further include: a link spring configured to press the link to rotate the link positioned at the second link position to the first link position. The link may include a link body connected to the link spring and supporting the lower surface of the button, and a fixing hook installed in the link body. The button 110 may include a fixing protrusion protruding from the lower surface of the button and coupled to the fixing hook to prevent or limit rotation of the link in response to the link being positioned at the second link position.

The fixing protrusion may be formed on a portion of the lower surface of the button and configured to rise in response to the button rotating to press the slide hook to be separated from the fixing hook.

The humidifier according to an example embodiment may include: a main body including a water storage chamber configured to store water, a steam generator coupled to the main body and configured to vaporize the water, a cover rotatably coupled to the main body and configured to open and close the water storage chamber, a slide hook installed on the cover and configured to be removably coupled to the main body, the slide hook 170 configured to be movable between the first hook position in which the slide hook is coupled to the main body to fix the cover in response to the cover closing the water storage chamber, and a second hook position in which the slide hook is separated from the main body, a button disposed to cover the slide hook and rotatably coupled to the cover and configured to to press and move the slide hook, and a link disposed between the cover and the button, movably installed on the cover, and configured to support the button to limit rotation of the button.

According to the present disclosure, a user can rotate a cover by rotating a link and by pressing a button with one hand, and thus the user can easily open a water storage chamber.

Further, a link may return from a second link position to a first link position when a cover is opened by pressing a slide hook of a button, and thus the ease of use may be improved.

Further, in order to rotate a cover by pressing a button, it may be required that a link first be rotated from a first link position to a second link position, and thus it is possible to prevent or suppress a water storage chamber from being unexpectedly opened by a pet or the like.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the present disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.