A FAN ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fan assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the present
invention provides a humidifying apparatus for generating a flow of moist air and a
flow of air for dispersing the moist air within a domestic environment, such as a room,
office or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Domestic humidifying apparatus is generally in the form of a portable appliance having
a casing comprising a water tank for storing a volume of water, and a fan for creating a
flow of air through an air duct of the casing. The stored water is conveyed, usually
under gravity, to an atomizing device for producing water droplets from the received
water. This device may be in the form of a heater or a high frequency vibrating device,
such as a transducer. The water droplets enter the flow of air passing through the air
duct, resulting in the emission of a mist into the environment. The appliance may
include a sensor for detecting the relative humidity of the air in the environment. The
sensor outputs a signal indicative of the detected relative humidity to a drive circuit,
which controls the transducer to maintain the relative humidity of the air in the
environment around a desired level. Typically, the actuation of the transducer is
stopped when the detected relative humidity is around 5% higher than the desired level,
and is restarted when the detected relative humidity is around 5% lower than the desired
level.
The flow rate of the air emitted from such a humidifier tends to be relatively low, for
example in the range from 1 to 2 litres per second, and so the rate at which the humid
air is dispersed into a room can be very low. Furthermore, as the relative humidity of
the air in the local environment of the humidifier will rise relatively rapidly in
comparison to that of the air in the local environment of the user, the relative humidity
detected by the sensor will not, at least initially, be indicative of the relative humidity of
the air local to the user. As a result, the actuation of the transducer may be stopped
when the relative humidity of the air in the local environment of the user is significantly
below the desired level. Due to the relatively low rate at which the humid air is
dispersed into the room, it can then take some time for the detected relative humidity to
fall to a level at which the actuation of the transducer is restarted. Consequently, it may
take a long period of time for the relative humidity of the air in the local environment of
the user to reach the desired level.
WO 2010/100462 describes humidifying apparatus which comprises a humidifier for
emitting moist air into the atmosphere, and, positioned in front of the humidifier, a fan
assembly which comprises a body housing a motor-driven impeller for creating an air
flow, and an annular nozzle mounted on the body which comprises an interior passage
receiving the air flow and an air outlet for emitting the air flow. The nozzle defines a
bore through which both air from outside the nozzle and the moist air emitted from the
humidifier are drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. The outlet of the
humidifier is located at the same level as the lowermost portion of the bore of the
nozzle. Through the entrainment of the moist air emitted from the humidifier within an
air current generated by the fan assembly, the moist air can be rapidly conveyed away
from the humidifier to a distance of up to several metres. This can enable a user located
at this distance from the humidifier to experience a rapid rise in the relative humidity of
the air in the local environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a fan assembly comprising:
a nozzle having a first section having at least one first air inlet, at least one first
air outlet, and a first interior passage for conveying air from said at least one first air
inlet to said at least one first air outlet; and a second section having at least one second
air inlet, at least one second air outlet, and a second interior passage for conveying air
from said at least one second air inlet to said at least one second air outlet, at least one
of the first and second sections of the nozzle defining a bore through which air from
outside the fan assembly is drawn by air emitted from the nozzle; and
a body on which the nozzle is mounted, the body comprising flow generating
means for generating a first air flow through the first interior passage and a second air
flow through the second interior passage, and means for changing one of the humidity
and composition of the second air flow before it enters the second interior passage;
wherein the second section of the nozzle comprises a detachable casing section
defining, at least in part, the second interior passage.
In an illustrated embodiment, the fan assembly includes a humidifier for humidifying
the second air flow, but the fan assembly may alternatively comprise one of a heater, a
chiller, an air purifier and an ionizer for changing another parameter of the second air
flow.
A difference between the fan assembly of the present invention, when used to emit a
humidified air current, and the humidifying apparatus described in WO 2010/100462 is
that in the present invention, the nozzle of the fan assembly is arranged to emit both the
moistened second air flow and the first air flow which carries the moistened air flow
into the environment. In contrast, in WO 2010/100462 the moistened air flow is
emitted from an outlet of the humidifying apparatus located behind the fan assembly,
and entrained within a lower part of the air flow generated by the fan assembly. The
present invention can thus allow the moistened air flow to be emitted from one or more
different air outlets of the nozzle. These air outlets may be positioned, for example,
about the bore of the nozzle to allow the moistened air flow to be dispersed relatively
evenly within the first air flow. By locating the components that change the humidity of
the second air flow within the body, the second section of the nozzle can have a
relatively small size in comparison to the first section of the nozzle. The present
invention can thus allow the humidifying apparatus to have a compact appearance, a
reduced number of components and therefore reduced manufacturing costs.
The second section of the nozzle comprises a detachable casing section defining, at least
in part, the second interior passage. Through detachment of this detachable casing
section from the remainder of the nozzle, the second interior passage of the nozzle may
be periodically accessed for cleaning by the user to remove any moisture or other matter
which may remain in the second interior passage when the fan assembly is switched off.
The detachable casing section is preferably arranged to define, at least in part, the
second air outlet(s). Removal of the detachable casing section can thus enable the
second air outlet(s) to be easily cleaned by the user. The detachable casing section
preferably comprises the second air inlet(s).
The bore is preferably defined by both of the first and second sections of the nozzle.
The detachable casing section is preferably annular in shape. The detachable casing
section may comprise a plurality of components, but in a preferred embodiment the
detachable casing section comprises a single annular component. The second section of
the nozzle is preferably a front section of the nozzle, and the first section of the nozzle is
preferably a rear section of the nozzle.
In a preferred embodiment, the detachable casing section is a front casing section of the
nozzle, which defines an annular front end of the nozzle. Each of the first air outlet(s)
and the second air outlet(s) is arranged to emit air over at least part of the detachable
casing section to maximise the volume of air which is drawn through the bore by the air
emitted from the nozzle. The detachable casing section preferably comprises a diffuser
surface over which each of the first air outlet(s) and the second air outlet(s) is arranged
to emit air.
The nozzle preferably comprises a second casing section which defines with the
detachable casing section the second interior passage, and to which the detachably
casing section is detachably attached. The detachable casing section may thus be
referred to as a first casing section of the nozzle. The detachable casing section may be
attached directly to the second casing section. Alternatively, the detachable casing
section may be attached directly to a third casing section or other part of the nozzle to
which the second casing section is connected.
The detachment of the detachable casing section from the second casing section, and its
subsequent reattachment to the second casing section, are preferably performable
manually so that the user does not require a tools or other implement to detach and r e
attach the detachable casing section. In a preferred embodiment the detachable casing
section is detachably attached to the second casing section by a snap-fit connection, but
other means for detachably attaching the detachable casing section to the second casing
section may be used. For example, one or magnets, clips or other manually operable
fasteners may be provided for detachably attaching the detachable casing section to the
second casing section.
To detach the detachable casing section from the second casing section, the user may
pull the detachable casing section from the second casing section. Where the attachment
is effected by a snap-fit connection, the casing sections preferably comprises a first set
of interconnecting members located on the detachable casing section, and a second set
of interconnecting members located on the second casing section. One set of
interconnecting members may comprise a plurality of protrusions, and the other set of
interconnecting members may comprise a plurality of recesses each for receiving a
respective protrusion to connect the casing sections. The first set of interconnecting
members are preferably located on a resilient wall of the detachable casing section to
allow the protrusions to move out of the recesses when the user pulls the detachable
casing section to separate the casing sections.
The second section may comprise a single continuous air outlet, which may extend
about the front end of the nozzle. Alternatively, the second section may comprise a
plurality of air outlets, which may be arranged about the bore. For example, the second
air outlets may be located on opposite sides of the front end of the nozzle. Each of the
second air outlets may comprise one or more apertures, for example, a slot, a plurality
of linearly aligned slots, or a plurality of apertures.
The second casing section preferably defines with the detachable casing section the
second air outlet(s). The second air outlet(s) are preferably defined by an external
surface of the detachable casing section and an internal surface of the second casing
section. One of these surfaces may comprise a plurality of spacers spaced along that
surface for engaging the other surface to maintain a relatively constant outlet size along
the length of the second air outlet(s).
The second casing section is preferably annular in shape. The second casing section
preferably defines part of the bore of the nozzle. The second casing section may define,
at least in part, the first interior passage. The first interior passage is preferably isolated
from the second interior passage by a wall of the second casing section, but a relatively
small amount of air may be bled from the first interior passage to the second interior
passage to urge the second air flow through the second air outlet(s).
The second casing section preferably defines, at least in part, the first air outlet(s). The
first section of the nozzle may comprise a single air outlet, which preferably extends
about the bore of the nozzle, and is preferably centred on the axis of the bore.
Alternatively, the first section of the nozzle may comprise a plurality of air outlets
which are arranged about the bore of the nozzle. For example, the first air outlets may
be located on opposite sides of the bore. The first air outlet(s) are preferably arranged
to emit air through at least a front part of the bore. The nozzle preferably comprises a
diffuser located downstream from the first air outlet(s). The second casing section may
comprise a first portion of the diffuser and the detachable casing section may comprise a
second portion of the diffuser located downstream from the first portion. These two
portions of the diffuser may be separated by the second air outlet(s).
The nozzle is preferably detachable from the body. The detachable casing section is
preferably detachable from the second casing section only when the nozzle is detached
from the body. This can prevent any accidental detachment of the detachable casing
section during use of the fan assembly. The detachable casing section preferably
comprises a base for receiving the second air flow, and this base may be graspable by a
user to detach the detachable casing section from the second casing section. The base of
the detachable casing section is preferably located substantially fully within the body
when the nozzle is mounted on the body.
The fan assembly preferably comprises nozzle retention means for attaching the nozzle
to the body. The nozzle retention means is preferably moveable relative to both the
nozzle and the body to allow the nozzle to be removed from the body. The body
preferably comprises a housing or cavity in which the nozzle retention means is located
so as to be moveable relative to the body and the housing. The body preferably
comprises a user-operable member for moving the nozzle retention means. In a
preferred embodiment, the body comprises a user-operable button which is preferably
depressible by the user to move the nozzle retention means from a retaining position for
attaching the nozzle to the body to a release position for releasing the nozzle for
removal from the body. The nozzle retention means is preferably biased towards the
retaining position, for example by one or more springs located between the body and the
nozzle retention means.
The nozzle retention means is preferably arranged to engage a base of the second
section of the nozzle to retain the nozzle on the body. The nozzle retention means may
comprise a plurality of moveable detents, and the nozzle comprises means for receiving
the detents. The detents may be connected to a carrier member, which is preferably in
the form of a hoop or ring which extends about the base of the nozzle when the nozzle is
attached to the body. The body preferably comprises a plurality of apertures through
which the detents protrude to engage said means for receiving the detents, which may
be in the form of a plurality of grooves formed on the external surface of the nozzle.
The nozzle preferably comprises a third casing section which defines with the second
casing section the first interior passage. The third casing section is preferably in the
form of an outer casing section of the nozzle, and the second casing section is preferably
in the form of an inner casing section of the nozzle. The third casing section defines
with the second section the first air outlet(s). The first air outlet(s) are preferably
defined by an external surface of the second casing section and an internal surface of the
third casing section. One of these surfaces may comprise a plurality of spacers spaced
along that surface for engaging the other surface to maintain a relatively constant outlet
size along the length of the first air outlet(s). The third casing section preferably defines
the base of the second section of the nozzle. The base of the second section of the
nozzle preferably comprises the first air inlet(s) of the nozzle. The base of the second
section of the nozzle is preferably spaced from the base of the detachable casing section
to facilitate the grasping of the base of the detachable casing section by the user.
The body may comprise an air flow inlet for admitting at least the first air flow into the
fan assembly. The air flow inlet may comprise a single aperture, but it is preferred that
the air flow inlet comprises a plurality of apertures. These apertures may be provided
by a mesh, a grille or other molded component forming part of the external surface of
the body.
The body preferably comprises a first air passageway for conveying the first air flow to
the first section of the nozzle, and a second air passageway for conveying the second air
flow to the second section of the nozzle. The first air passageway preferably extends
from the air flow inlet to the first section of the nozzle. The second air passageway may
be arranged to receive air directly from the air flow inlet. Alternatively, the second air
passageway may be arranged to receive air from the first air passageway. In this case,
the junction between the air passageways may be located downstream or upstream from
the flow generating means. An advantage of locating the junction downstream from the
flow generating means is that the flow generating means may comprise a single impeller
and a motor for generating an air flow which is divided into the first and second air
flows downstream from the impeller.
Preferably, the first air flow is emitted at a first air flow rate and the second air flow is
emitted at a second air flow rate which is lower than the first air flow rate.
In a preferred embodiment, the fan assembly comprises a humidifying system which is
configured to increase the humidity of the second air flow before it is emitted from the
nozzle. To provide the fan assembly with a compact appearance and with a reduced
component number, at least part of the humidifying system may be located beneath the
nozzle. At least part of the humidifying system may also be located beneath the
impeller and the motor. For example, a transducer for atomizing water may be located
beneath the nozzle. This transducer may be controlled by a controller that controls the
motor. The body may comprise a removable water tank for supplying water to the
humidifying system. The body may comprise a base comprising the air inlet and the air
flow generating means, and the water tank may be mounted on the base. Preferably, the
base and the water tank each have a curved outer surface, and the outer surfaces of the
base and the water tank may have substantially the same radius. This can further
contribute towards the compact appearance of the fan assembly.
In a second aspect, the present invention provides a nozzle for a fan assembly, the
nozzle comprising having a first section having at least one first air inlet, at least one
first air outlet, and a first interior passage for conveying air from said at least one first
air inlet to said at least one first air outlet; and a second section having at least one
second air inlet, at least one second air outlet, and a second interior passage for
conveying air from said at least one second air inlet to said at least one second air outlet,
at least one of the first and second sections of the nozzle defining a bore through which
air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by air emitted from the nozzle, and wherein
the second section of the nozzle comprises a detachable casing section defining, at least
in part, the second interior passage.
As described above, a single nozzle may comprise both of the interior passages for
conveying the air flows to the air outlets. However, the fan assembly may comprise
two, substantially concentric nozzles, with one nozzle comprising the features of the
first section of the nozzle, and the other nozzle comprising the features of the second
section of the nozzle. In this case, the fan assembly may comprise a nozzle having a
first casing section, a second casing section, at least one air inlet, at least one air outlet,
and an interior passage for conveying air from said at least one air inlet to said at least
one air outlet, the nozzle defining a bore through which air from outside the fan
assembly is drawn by air emitted from the nozzle, and wherein the first casing section is
detachable from the second casing section, the first casing section defining, at least in
part, the interior passage.
In a third aspect, the present invention provides a fan assembly comprising:
a nozzle having a first casing section, a second casing section, at least one air
inlet, at least one air outlet, and an interior passage for conveying air from said at least
one air inlet to said at least one air outlet, the nozzle defining a bore through which air
from outside the fan assembly is drawn by air emitted from the nozzle; and
a body on which the nozzle is detachably mounted, the body comprising flow
generating means for generating an air flow through the interior passage, and means for
changing one of the humidity and composition of the air flow before it enters the
interior passage;
wherein the first casing section is detachable from the second casing section, the
first casing section defining, at least in part, the interior passage.
In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a fan assembly comprising:
a nozzle having a first casing section, a second casing section, at least one air
inlet, at least one air outlet, and an interior passage for conveying air from said at least
one air inlet to said at least one air outlet, the nozzle defining a bore through which air
from outside the fan assembly is drawn by air emitted from the nozzle; and
a body on which the nozzle is detachably mounted, the body comprising flow
generating means for generating an air flow through the interior passage;
wherein the first casing section is detachable from the second casing section, the
first casing section defining, at least in part, the interior passage, and wherein the first
casing section is detachable from the second casing section only when the nozzle is
detached from the body.
Features described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention are equally
applicable to each of the second to fourth aspects of the invention, and vice versa.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a humidifying apparatus;
Figure 2 is a front view of the humidifying apparatus;
Figure 3 is a side view of the humidifying apparatus;
Figure 4 is a rear view of the humidifying apparatus;
Figure 5(a) is a top view of a nozzle of the humidifying apparatus, and Figure 5(b) is a
bottom view of the nozzle;
Figure 6(a) is a top sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 2, and Figure 6(b) is a
close-up of area K indicated in Figure 6(a);
Figure 7(a) is a side sectional view taken along line E-E in Figure 5(a), Figure 7(b) is a
close-up of area L indicated in Figure 7(a), and Figure 7(c) is a close-up of area M
indicated in Figure 7(a);
Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the nozzle, with a front casing section of the
nozzle detached from the remainder of the nozzle;
Figure 9(a) is a perspective view, from above, of the base of the humidifying apparatus,
Figure 9(b) is a similar view to Figure 9(a) following a partial rotation of the base, and
with an outer wall of the base partially removed, Figure 9(c) is a similar view to Figure
9(a) following a further partial rotation of the base, with a number of external walls of
the base partially removed, and Figure 9(d) is a close-up of area R indicated in Figure
9(c);
Figure 10 is a top view of the base;
Figure 11 is a side sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 2;
Figure 12 is a perspective rear view, from above, of a water tank mounted on the base,
with the handle in a deployed position;
Figure 13(a) is a rear view of the water tank, Figure 13(b) is a top view of the water tank
and Figure 13(c) is a bottom view of the water tank;
Figure 14(a) is top view of the water tank mounted on the base, and Figure 14(b) is a
front sectional view taken along line D-D in Figure 14(a);
Figure 15 is a perspective view of a water reservoir of the base;
Figure 16(a) is a top view of the water reservoir, and Figure 16(b) is a side sectional
view taken along line C-C in Figure 16(a);
Figure 17 is a front perspective view of an upper part of the humidifying apparatus, with
the nozzle of the humidifying apparatus detached from the body;
Figure 18(a) is a front view of the nozzle, and Figure 18(b) is close-up of area N
indicated in Figure 18(a);
Figure 19(a) is a top view of the humidifying apparatus, Figure 19(b) is a sectional view
taken along line F-F in Figure 19(a), and Figure 19(c) is a sectional view taken along
line G-G in Figure 19(a);
Figure 20 is a bottom sectional view taken along line H-H in Figure 4;
Figure 21(a) is a perspective view of a collar of the base, and Figure 21(b) is close-up of
area P indicated in Figure 21(a);
Figure 22 is a schematic illustration of a control system of the humidifying apparatus;
and
Figure 23 is a flow diagram illustrating steps in the operation of the humidifying
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figures 1 to 4 are external views of a fan assembly. In this example, the fan assembly is
in the form of a humidifying apparatus 10. In overview, the humidifying apparatus 10
comprises a body 12 comprising an air inlet through which air enters the humidifying
apparatus 10, and a nozzle 14 in the form of an annular casing mounted on the body 12,
and which comprises a plurality of air outlets for emitting air from the humidifying
apparatus 10.
The nozzle 14 is arranged to emit two different air flows. The nozzle 14 comprises a
rear section 16 and a front section 18 connected to the rear section 16. Each section 16,
18 is annular in shape, and extends about a bore 20 of the nozzle 14. The bore 20
extends centrally through the nozzle 14 so that the centre of each section 16, 18 is
located on the axis X of the bore 20.
In this example, each section 16, 18 has a "racetrack" shape, in that each section 16, 18
comprises two, generally straight sections located on opposite sides of the bore 20, a
curved upper section joining the upper ends of the straight sections and a curved lower
section joining the lower ends of the straight sections. However, the sections 16, 18
may have any desired shape; for example the sections 16, 18 may be circular or oval. In
this embodiment, the height of the nozzle 14 is greater than the width of the nozzle, but
the nozzle 14 may be configured so that the width of the nozzle 14 is greater than the
height of the nozzle 14.
Each section 16, 18 of the nozzle 14 defines a flow path along which a respective one of
the air flows passes. In this embodiment, the rear section 16 of the nozzle 14 defines a
first air flow path along which a first air flow passes through the nozzle 14, and the
front section 18 of the nozzle 14 defines a second air flow path along which a second air
flow passes through the nozzle 14.
With reference also to Figures 5 to 8, the rear section 16 of the nozzle 14 comprises an
annular outer casing section 22 connected to and extending about an annular inner
casing section 24. Each casing section 22, 24 extends about the bore axis X. Each
casing section may be formed from a plurality of connected parts, but in this
embodiment each casing section 22, 24 is formed from a respective, single moulded
part. Each casing section 22, 24 is preferably formed from plastics material. As shown
in Figure 6(b), the front part of the inner casing section 24 has an annular outer wall 24a
which extends generally parallel to the bore axis X, a front end wall 24b and an annular
intermediary wall 24c which extends generally perpendicular to the bore axis X and
which joins the outer wall 24a to the end wall 24b so that the end wall 24b protrudes
forwardly beyond the intermediary wall 24c. During assembly, the external surface of
the outer wall 24a is connected to the internal surface of the front end of the outer
casing section 22, for example using an adhesive.
The outer casing section 22 comprises a tubular base 26 which defines a first air inlet 28
of the nozzle 14. The outer casing section 22 and the inner casing section 24 together
define a first air outlet 30 of the nozzle 14. The first air outlet 30 is defined by
overlapping, or facing, portions of the internal surface 32 of the outer casing section 22
and the external surface 34 of the inner casing section 24. The first air outlet 30 is in
the form of a slot. The slot has a relatively constant width in the range from 0.5 to
5 mm. In this example the first air outlet has a width of around 1 mm. Spacers 36 may
be spaced about the first air outlet 30 for urging apart the overlapping portions of the
outer casing section 22 and the inner casing section 24 to control the width of the first
air outlet 30. These spacers may be integral with either of the casing sections 22, 24.
In this embodiment, the first air outlet 30 extends partially about the bore 20. The first
air outlet 30 extends along the curved upper section and the straight sections of the
nozzle 14. However, the first air outlet 30 may extend fully about the bore 20. The
nozzle 14 includes a first sealing member 38 for inhibiting the emission of the first air
flow from the curved lower section of the nozzle 14. In this embodiment, the first
sealing member 38 is located on and preferably integral with the inner casing section
24. The first sealing member 38 is generally U-shaped. The first sealing member 38 is
located on the rear end of the inner casing section 24, and lies in a plane which is
substantially perpendicular to the axis X. The end of the first sealing member 38
engages a U-shaped protrusion 39 extending forwardly from the rear end of the curved
lower section of the outer casing section 22 to form a seal therewith.
The first air outlet 30 is arranged to emit air through a front part of the bore 20 of the
nozzle 14. The first air outlet 30 is shaped to direct air over an external surface of the
nozzle 14. In this embodiment, the external surface 34 of the inner casing section 24
comprises a Coanda surface 40 over which the first air outlet 30 is arranged to direct the
first air flow. The Coanda surface 40 is annular, and thus is continuous about the
central axis X. The external surface 34 of the inner casing section 24 also includes a
diffuser portion 42 which tapers away from the axis X in a direction extending from the
first air outlet 30 to the front end 44 of the nozzle 14.
The casing sections 22, 24 together define an annular first interior passage 46 for
conveying the first air flow from the first air inlet 28 to the first air outlet 30. The first
interior passage 46 is defined by the internal surface of the outer casing section 22 and
the internal surface of the inner casing section 24. A tapering, annular mouth 48 of the
rear section 16 of the nozzle 14 guides the first air flow to the first air outlet 30. The
first air flow path through the nozzle 14 may therefore be considered to be formed from
the first air inlet 28, the first interior passage 46, the mouth 48 and the first air outlet 30.
The front section 18 of the nozzle 14 comprises an annular front casing section 50. The
front casing section 50 extends about the bore axis X, and has a "racetrack" shape which
is similar to that of the other casing sections 22, 24 of the nozzle 14. Similar to the
casing sections 22, 24, the front casing section 50 may be formed from a plurality of
connected parts, but in this embodiment the front casing section 50 is formed from a
single moulded part. The front casing section 50 is preferably formed from plastics
material. As explained in more detail below, the front casing section 50 is detachably
attached to the remainder of the nozzle 14. In this embodiment, the front casing section
50 is detachably attached to the inner casing section 24, but depending on the
arrangement of the outer casing section 22 and the inner casing section 24 the front
casing section 50 may be detachably attached to the outer casing section 22. In this
embodiment, a snap-fit connection is used to connect the front casing section 50 to the
remainder of the nozzle 14 but other methods for connecting the front casing section 50
may be used. For example, one or more magnets may be used to detachably connect the
front casing section 50 to the remainder of the nozzle 14.
The front casing section 50 comprises an annular outer wall 50a which extends
generally parallel to the bore axis X, an annular inner wall and an annular front wall 50b
which connects the outer side wall 50a to the inner wall. The inner wall comprises a
front section 50c which extends generally parallel to the front wall 24b of the inner
casing section 24, and a rear section 50d which is angled to the front section 50c so that
the rear section 50d tapers towards the axis X in a direction extending from the first air
outlet 30 to the front end 44 of the nozzle 14.
The front casing section 50 comprises a plurality of catches 52 extending inwardly from
the internal surface of the outer wall 50a. Each catch 52 is generally cuboid in shape.
The catches 52 are preferably regularly spaced about the bore axis X. The outer wall
24a of the inner casing section 24 comprises a plurality of recesses 54 similarly spaced
about the bore axis X for receiving the catches 52. During assembly, the front casing
section 50 is pushed on to the front of the inner casing section 24. The outer wall 50a
deflects elastically outwardly as each catch 52 slides over the outer wall 24a to enter a
respective recess 54. The outer wall 50a relaxes as the catches 52 enter the recesses 54,
which prevents the catches 52 from becoming readily removed from the recesses 54,
thereby attaching the front casing section 50 to the inner casing section 24.
The lower end of the front casing section 50 comprises a tubular base 56. To
subsequently detach the front casing section 50 from the inner casing section 24, the
user grasps the base 56 of the front casing section 50 and pulls the front casing section
50 away from the inner casing section 24. The outer wall 50a deforms elastically under
the force exerted on the outer wall 50 due to the abutment of the catches 52 with the
walls of the recesses 54. If a sufficient pulling force is applied to the front casing
section 50 by the user, the outer wall 50a deforms sufficiently to move the catches 52
out from the recesses 54, thereby allowing the front casing section 50 to move away
from the inner casing section 24.
The base 56 defines a plurality of second air inlets 58 of the nozzle 14. In this
embodiment, the base 56 comprises two second air inlets 58. Alternatively the base 56
may comprises a single air inlet 58. The front casing section 50 defines with the inner
casing section 24 a second air outlet 60 of the nozzle 14. In this example, the second air
outlet 60 extends partially about the bore 20, along the curved upper section and the
straight sections of the nozzle 14. Alternatively, the second air outlet 60 may extend
fully about the bore 20. The second air outlet 60 is in the form of a slot having a
relatively constant width in the range from 0.5 to 5 mm. In this example the second air
outlet 60 has a width of around 1 mm. The second air outlet 60 is located between the
internal surface of the end wall 24b of the inner casing section 24 and the external
surface of the rear section 50d of the inner wall of the front casing section 50. Spacers
62 may be spaced along the second air outlet 60 to urge apart the overlapping portions
of the inner casing section 24 and the front casing section 50 to control the width of the
second air outlet 60. These spacers may be integral with either of the casing sections
24, 50.
The second air outlet 60 is configured to emit the second air flow over the external
surface of the rear section 50d of the inner wall of the front casing section 50. This
surface thus provides a Coanda surface over which each second air outlet 60 is arranged
to direct a respective portion of the second air flow. This Coanda surface is also
continuous about the axis X, but as the air outlet 60 only extends about part of the bore
20 this Coanda surface may similarly extend about part of the bore 20. The external
surface of the front section 50c of the front casing section 50 provides a diffuser portion
which tapers away from the axis X in a direction extending from the second air outlet
60 to the front end 44 of the nozzle 14.
With reference to Figures 7(b) and 8, the nozzle 14 comprises a second sealing member
64 for inhibiting the emission of air from the curved lower section of the nozzle 14. In
this embodiment, the second sealing member 64 is located on and preferably integral
with the front casing section 50. The second sealing member 64 is generally U-shaped.
The second sealing member 64 is located on the curved lower section of the front casing
section 50, and extends rearwardly from the rear section 50d of the inner wall. When
the front casing section 50 is attached to the inner casing section 24, the end of the
second sealing member 64 locates within a U-shaped groove located between the end
wall 24b and the intermediary wall 24c of the inner casing section 24 to form a seal with
the inner casing section 24.
The casing sections 24, 50 together define an annular second interior passage 68 for
conveying the second air flow from the second air inlets 58 to the second air outlet 60.
The second interior passage 68 is defined by the internal surfaces of the inner casing
section 24 and the front casing section 50. The second air flow path through the nozzle
14 may therefore be considered to be formed by the second air inlets 58, the interior
passage 68 and the second air outlet 60.
Returning to Figures 1 to 4, the body 12 is generally cylindrical in shape. The body 12
comprises a base 70. Figures 9 and 10 are external views of the base 70. The base 70
has an external outer wall 72 which is cylindrical in shape, and which comprises an air
inlet 74. In this example, the air inlet 74 comprises a plurality of apertures formed in
the outer wall 72 of the base 70. A front portion of the base 70 may comprise a user
interface of the humidifying apparatus 10. The user interface is illustrated
schematically in Figure 22, and described in more detail below. A mains power cable
(not shown) for supplying electrical power to the humidifying apparatus 10 extends
through an aperture formed in the base 70.
With reference also to Figure 11, the base 70 comprises a first air passageway 76 for
conveying a first air flow to the first air flow path through the nozzle 14, and a second
air passageway 78 for conveying a second air flow to the second air flow path through
the nozzle 14. The first air passageway 76 passes through the base 70 from the air inlet
74 to the first air inlet 28 of the nozzle 14. The base 70 comprises a flat bottom wall 80
connected to the lower end of the outer wall 72. A tubular central wall 82, having a
smaller diameter than the outer wall 72, is connected to the outer wall 72 by an arcuate
supporting wall 84. The central wall 82 is substantially co-axial with the outer wall 72.
The supporting wall 84 is located above, and generally parallel to, the bottom wall 80.
The supporting wall 84 extends partially about the central wall 82 to define an opening
for receiving a water reservoir 160 of the base 70, as described in more detail below.
The central wall 82 extends upwardly away from the supporting wall 84. In this
example, the outer wall 72, central wall 82 and supporting wall 84 are formed as a
single component of the base 70, but alternatively two or more of these walls may be
formed as a respective component of the base 70. An upper wall of the base 70 is
connected to the upper end of the central wall 82. The upper wall has a lower frustoconical
section 86 and an upper cylindrical section 88 into which the base 26 of the
nozzle 14 is inserted.
The central wall 82 extends about an impeller 90 for generating a first air flow through
the first air passageway 76. In this example the impeller 90 is in the form of a mixed
flow impeller. The impeller 90 is connected to a rotary shaft extending outwardly from
a motor 92 for driving the impeller 90. In this embodiment, the motor 92 is a DC
brushless motor having a speed which is variable by a drive circuit 94 in response to a
speed selection by a user. The maximum speed of the motor 92 is preferably in the
range from 5,000 to 10,000 rpm. The motor 92 is housed within a motor bucket
comprising an upper portion 96 connected to a lower portion 98. The upper portion 96
of the motor bucket comprises a diffuser 100 in the form of a stationary disc having
curved blades. The upper wall extends about a plurality of stationary guide vanes 102
for guiding air emitted from the diffuser 100 towards the first air inlet 28 of the nozzle
14. The guide vanes 102 preferably form part of a single molded component connected
to the upper wall of the base 70.
The motor bucket is located within, and mounted on, a generally frusto-conical impeller
housing 104. The impeller housing 104 is, in turn, mounted on an annular platform 106
extending inwardly from the central wall 82. An annular inlet member 108 is connected
to the bottom of the impeller housing 104 for guiding the air flow into the impeller
housing 104. An annular sealing member 110 is located between the impeller housing
104 and the platform 106 to prevent air from passing around the outer surface of the
impeller housing 104 to the inlet member 108. The platform 106 preferably comprises a
guide portion for guiding an electrical cable from the drive circuit 94 to the motor 92.
The first air passageway 76 extends from the air inlet 74 to the inlet member 108. From
the inlet member 108, the first air passageway 76 extends, in turn, through the impeller
housing 104, the upper end of the central wall 82 and the sections 86, 88 of the upper
wall.
The second air passageway 78 is arranged to receive air from the first air passageway
76. The second air passageway 78 is located adjacent to the first air passageway 76.
The second air passageway 78 comprises an inlet duct for receiving air from the first air
passageway 76. With reference to Figure 11, the inlet duct comprises a first section 110
which is defined by the central wall 82 of the base 70. The first section of the inlet duct
110 is located adjacent to, and in this example radially external of, part of the first air
passageway 76. The first section 110 of the inlet duct has an inlet port 112 located
downstream from, and radially outward from, the diffuser 100 so as to receive part of
the air flow emitted from the diffuser 100, and which forms the second air flow. With
particular reference to Figures 9(c) and 9(d), a second section of the inlet duct is defined
by a flexible tube 114. The tube 114 extends between a tubular connector 116 for
receiving air from the first section 110 of the inlet duct to a manifold 118. The
manifold 118 has an outlet port 120. Optionally, the manifold 118 may be connected by
a second flexible tube (not shown) to a second manifold 122 having an outlet port 124.
Each manifold 118, 122 includes a tubular connector 125 on to which one of the second
flexible tube is located to place the manifolds 118, 122 in fluid communication.
The second air passageway 78 further comprises an outlet duct 126 which is arranged to
convey the second air flow to the second air inlets 58 of the nozzle 14. The outlet duct
126 comprises two inlet ports 128 located in the side wall of the outlet duct 126,
towards the lower end thereof. The inlet ports 128 have substantially the same shape as
the outlet ports 120, 124. The outlet duct 126 also comprises two outlet ports 130
located at the upper end thereof. Each of the second air inlets 58 of the nozzle 14 is
arranged to receive air from a respective one of the outlet ports 130.
The humidifying apparatus 10 is configured to increase the humidity of the second air
flow before it enters the nozzle 14. With reference now to Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 11
to 14, the humidifying apparatus 10 comprises a water tank 140 removably mountable
on the base 70 of the body 12. The water tank 140 has a cylindrical outer wall 142
which has the same radius as the outer wall 72 of the base 70 of the body 12 so that the
body 12 has a cylindrical appearance when the water tank 140 is mounted on the base
70. The water tank 140 has a tubular inner wall 144 which surrounds the walls 82, 86,
88 of the base 70 when the water tank 140 is mounted on the base 70. The outer wall
142 and the inner wall 144 define, with an annular upper wall 146 and an annular lower
wall 148 of the water tank 140, an annular volume for storing water. The water tank
140 thus surrounds the impeller 90 and the motor 92, and so at least part of the first air
passageway 76, when the water tank 140 is mounted on the base 70. The lower wall
148 of the water tank 140 engages, and is supported by, the supporting wall 84 of the
base 70 when the water tank 140 is mounted on the base 70.
The outlet duct 126 passes through the water tank 140. A lower portion of the outlet
duct 126 protrudes from the lower wall 148 of the water tank 140, and the inlet ports
128 are located in the side wall of this lower portion of the outlet duct 126. The outlet
ports 130 are located in a recessed portion 149 of the upper wall 146 of the water tank
140.
The water tank 140 preferably has a capacity in the range from 2 to 4 litres. With
reference to Figure 9, a spout 150 is removably connected to the lower wall 148 of the
water tank 140, for example through co-operating threaded connections. In this example
the water tank 140 is filled by removing the water tank 140 from the base 70 and
inverting the water tank 140 so that the spout 150 is projecting upwardly. The spout
150 is then unscrewed from the water tank 140 and water is introduced into the water
tank 140 through an aperture exposed when the spout 150 is disconnected from the
water tank 140. Once the water tank 140 has been filled, the user reconnects the spout
150 to the water tank 140, returns the water tank 140 to its non-inverted orientation and
replaces the water tank 140 on the base 70. A spring-loaded valve 152 is located within
the spout 150 for preventing leakage of water through a water outlet of the spout 150
when the water tank 140 is re-inverted. The valve 152 is biased towards a position in
which a skirt of the valve 152 engages the upper surface of the spout 150 to prevent
water entering the spout 150 from the water tank 140.
The upper wall 146 of the water tank 140 comprises one or more supports 154 for
supporting the inverted water tank 140 on a work surface, counter top or other support
surface. In this example, two parallel supports 154 are formed in the periphery of the
upper wall 146 for supporting the inverted water tank 140.
With reference now to Figures 9 to 11 and Figures 14 to 16, the base 70 comprises a
water reservoir 160 for receiving water from the water tank 140. The water reservoir
160 is a separate component which is inserted between the ends of the supporting wall
84 of the base 70. The water reservoir 160 comprises an inlet chamber 162 for receiving
water from the water tank 140, and an outlet chamber 164 for receiving water from the
inlet chamber 162, and in which water is atomised to become entrained within the
second air flow. The inlet chamber 162 is located on one side of the water reservoir
160, and the outlet chamber 164 is located on the other side of the water reservoir 160.
The water reservoir 160 comprises a base 166 and a side wall 168 extending about and
upstanding from the periphery of the base 166. The base 166 is shaped so that the depth
of the outlet chamber 164 is greater than the depth of the inlet chamber 162. The
sections of the base 166 located within each chamber 162, 164 are preferably
substantially parallel, and are preferably parallel to the bottom wall 80 of the base 70 so
that these sections of the base 166 are substantially horizontal when the humidifying
apparatus 10 is located on a horizontal support surface. The connector 116 for receiving
one end of the flexible tube 114 of the inlet duct is connected to, and preferably integral
with, the side wall 168 of the water reservoir 160. During assembly, the water reservoir
160 is connected to the base 70 so that the upper end of the connector 116 is aligned
with, and abuts, the lower end of the first section 110 of the inlet duct.
The water reservoir 160 is separated into the inlet chamber 162 and the outlet chamber
164 by a dividing wall 170 which extends partially across the water reservoir 160 from
the inner periphery of the side wall 168. An aperture 172 located between the end of the
dividing wall 170 and the side wall 166 allows water to pass from the inlet chamber 162
to the outlet chamber 164.
The dividing wall 170 defines in part the second manifold 122. The outlet port 124 is
formed in the dividing wall 170 so as to emit part of the second air flow into the outlet
chamber 164. The manifold 118 is located on the opposite side of the outlet chamber
164 to the manifold 122, and is connected to, and preferably integral with, the side wall
166. The outlet port 120 is formed in the side wall 166 so as to emit at least part of the
second air flow into the outlet chamber 164; where the second manifold 122 is not
connected to the manifold 118 then the outlet port 120 will emit all of the second air
flow into the outlet chamber 164, but otherwise each outlet port 120, 124 will emit part
of the second air flow into the outlet chamber 164. Each outlet port 120, 124 lie in a
respective plane PI, P2. Each plane PI, P2 is substantially perpendicular to the section
of the base 166 defining the outlet chamber 164. The planes PI, P2 are arranged so that
the plane P I is inclined at an acute angle to plane P2. In this embodiment, the angle a
subtended between the planes PI, P2 is in the range from 30 to 70°. The outlet ports
120, 124 have substantially the same shape, and are located at the same vertical distance
from the section of the base 166 defining the outlet chamber 164.
With reference to Figures 14(a) and 14(b), when the water tank 140 is mounted on the
base 70 the lower portion of the outlet duct 126 extends into the outlet chamber 164.
The lower portion of the outlet duct 126 is shaped so that each inlet ports 128 of the
outlet duct 126 is aligned with a respective outlet port 120, 124 of the inlet duct so that
air emitted from each outlet port 120, 124 passes immediately through a respective inlet
port 128 of the outlet duct 126 to enter the outlet duct 126.
Returning to Figures 15 and 16, a pin 174 extends upwardly from the section of the base
166 defining the inlet chamber 162. When the water tank 140 is mounted on the base
70, the pin 174 protrudes into the spout 150 to push the valve 152 upwardly to open the
spout 150, thereby allowing water to pass under gravity into the inlet chamber 162. As
the inlet chamber 162 fills with water, water passes through the aperture 172 to enter the
outlet chamber 164. As water is output from the water tank 140, it is replaced within
the water tank 140 by air which enters the water tank 140 through a slot 175 located in
the side wall of the spout 150. As the chambers 162, 164 fill with water, the level of
water within the chambers 162, 164 equalizes. The spout 150 is arranged so that the
water reservoir 160 can be filled with water to a maximum level which is substantially
co-planar with the upper end of the slot 175 located within the side wall of the spout
150; above that level no air can enter the water tank 140 to replace water output from
the water tank 140. This maximum water level is preferably selected so that at least part
of each outlet port 120, 124 of the inlet duct lies above this maximum water level. As a
result, the second air flow enters the water reservoir 160 directly over the surface of the
water located in the outlet chamber 164 of the water reservoir 160.
The section of the base 166 defining the outlet chamber 164 comprises a circular
aperture for exposing a piezoelectric transducer 176. The drive circuit 94 is configured
to actuate vibration of the transducer 176 in an atomization mode to atomise water
located in the outlet chamber 164. In the atomization mode, the transducer 176 may
vibrate ultrasonically at a frequency fi, which may be in the range from 1 to 2 MHz.
The water reservoir 160 also includes an ultraviolet radiation (UV) generator for
irradiating water within the water reservoir 160. In this embodiment, the UV generator
is arranged to irradiate water within the outlet chamber 164 of the water reservoir 160.
The UV generator is in the form of a UV lamp 180 located within a UV transparent tube
182. The tube 182 is in turn located within the outlet chamber 164. The tube 182 may
be wholly located within the outlet chamber 164. Preferably, one end of the tube 182
protrudes through an aperture formed in the side wall 168 of the water reservoir 160 to
expose one or more electrical connectors 184 that allow electrical connections to be
made between the drive circuit 94 and the UV lamp 180. An O-ring sealing member
may be provided between the tube 182 and the aperture formed in the side wall 168 to
inhibit water leakage through the aperture. The UV generator is positioned within the
outlet chamber 164 along a portion of the side wall 168 positioned adjacent to the
aperture 172 through which water enters the outlet chamber 164.
The water reservoir 160 comprises a baffle plate 186 for guiding water entering the
outlet chamber 164 along the tube 182. The baffle plate 186 extends across the outlet
chamber 164 from the dividing wall 170 to the portion of the side wall 166 in which the
outlet port 120 is formed, and serves to divide the outlet chamber 164 into an inlet
section 164a for receiving water from the inlet chamber 162, and an outlet section 164b
within which water is atomized by the transducer 176. The baffle plate 186 is shaped so
that the lower edge of the baffle plate 186 engages the tube 182 along the length thereof.
The lower edge of the baffle plate 186 thus divides the outer surface of the tube 182 into
an upper portion located within the inlet section 164a to one side of the baffle plate 186,
and a lower portion located within the outlet section 164b to the other side of the baffle
plate 186. The upper portion of the tube 182 delimits a lower surface of the inlet
section 164a of the outlet chamber 164, and the lower portion of the tube 182 delimits
part of a side surface of the outlet section 164b of the outlet chamber 164. As water
enters the outlet chamber 164, it is guided by the baffle plate 186 to flow along the inlet
section 164a, adjacent the upper portion of the tube 182. A notch formed in the lower
edge of the baffle plate 186 defines with the tube 182 an aperture 188 through which
water flows from the inlet section 164a to the outlet section 164b.
The upper edge of the baffle plate 186 is located above the maximum water level of the
water reservoir 160 A level sensor 190 (illustrated schematically in Figure 22) is
located within the water reservoir 160 for detecting the level of water within the water
reservoir 160. The base 70 may also include a proximity sensor 192 for detecting that
the water tank 140 has been mounted on the base 70. The proximity sensor 192 may be
in the form of a reed switch which interacts with a magnet (not shown) located on the
lower wall 148 of the water tank 140 to detect the presence, or absence, of the water
tank 140 on the base 70.
As illustrated in Figure 12, when the water tank 140 is mounted on the base 70 the inner
wall 144 surrounds the upper wall of the base 70 to expose the open upper end of the
upper cylindrical section 88 of the upper wall. The water tank 140 includes a handle
194 to facilitate removal of the water tank 140 from the base 70. The handle 194 is
pivotably connected to the water tank 140 so as to be moveable relative to the water
tank 140 between a stowed position, in which the handle 194 is housed within a
recessed section 196 of the upper wall 146 of the water tank 140, and a deployed
position, in which the handle 194 is raised above the upper wall 146 of the water tank
140. One or more resilient elements, such as torsion springs, may be provided in the
recessed section 196 of the upper wall 146 for biasing the handle 194 towards its
deployed position, as illustrated in Figure 12.
With reference to Figure 17, when the nozzle 14 is mounted on the body 12, the base 26
of the outer casing section 22 of the nozzle 14 is located over the open end of the upper
cylindrical section 88 of the upper wall of the base 70, and the base 56 of the front
casing section 50 of the nozzle 14 is located over the recessed portion 149 of the upper
wall 146 of the water tank 140. The user then pushes the nozzle 14 towards the body 12
so that the base 26 enters the upper cylindrical section 88 of the upper wall of the base
70. Simultaneously, the lower external surface of the outer casing section 22 pushes the
handle 194 towards its stowed position, against the biasing force of the resilient
elements. A protrusion may be provided on the lower external surface of the outer
casing section 22 to engage the handle 194 as the nozzle 14 is pushed on to the body 12.
When the bases 26, 56 of the nozzle 14 are fully inserted in the body 12, a first annular
sealing member 198 forms an air tight seal between the lower end of the base 26 and an
annular ledge 200 extending radially inwardly from the cylindrical section 88 of the
upper wall of the base 70. Second sealing members 202 located within the recessed
section 149 of the upper wall 146 of the water tank 140 198 form air tight seals between
the lower end of the base 56 and the periphery of the outlet ports 130. The upper wall
146 of the water tank 140 has a concave shape so that, when the nozzle 14 is mounted
on the body 12, the water tank 140 surrounds a lower part of the nozzle 14. This not
only can this allow the capacity of the water tank 140 to be increased, but can also
provide the humidifying apparatus 10 with a compact appearance.
A mechanism is provided for releasably retaining the nozzle 14 on the body 12. With
reference to Figures 17 to 21, in this embodiment the base 70 of the body 12 comprises
the mechanism for releasably retaining the nozzle 14 on the body 12. The mechanism
for releasably retaining the nozzle 14 on the body 12 comprises a hoop 210 located
within a cavity 212 defined by the cylindrical section 88 of the upper wall of the base
70. The cavity 212 is located between an inner section 214 and an outer section 216 of
the cylindrical section 88 of the upper wall of the base 70. The inner section 214
comprises a plurality of angularly spaced, co-planar slots 218. In this embodiment, the
inner section 214 comprises three slots 218. The hoop 210 comprises a plurality of
detents 220 extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the hoop 210. Each
detent 220 protrudes through a respective one of the slots 218. The hoop 210 is
rotatable within the cavity 212 to enable the detents 220 to move along the slots 218.
Each detent 220 is moveable between a first, retaining position for retaining the nozzle
14 on the body 12, and a second, release position for allowing the nozzle 14 to be
removed from the body 12. Resilient elements are provided for biasing the detents 220
towards their retaining positions. In this example, the resilient elements are in the form
of helical tension springs 222. Each spring 222 has one end connected to a respective
pin 224 depending downwardly from the lower end of the hoop 210, and the other end
connected to a respective pin 226 depending downwardly from the outer section 216 of
the cylindrical section 88 of the upper wall of the base 70.
The outer surface of the base 26 of the nozzle 14 comprises a plurality of recesses 228
each for receiving the distal end of a respective detent 220. Each recess 228 is shaped
so as to have a lower, open end 230, an upper, closed end 232, a first side wall having
an inclined section 234 extending from the lower end 230 and a horizontal section 236
extending from the inclined section 234 to the closed end 232, and a second, generally
vertical second side wall 238 opposite to the first side wall.
As the nozzle 14 is mounted on the body 12, each detent 220 engages the lower end of
the inclined section 234 of the side wall of a respective recess 228. With further
depression of the nozzle 14 on to the body 12, the force applied to the detents 220 by
the side walls of the recesses 228 causes the hoop 210 to rotate relative to the nozzle 14,
against the biasing force applied thereto by the springs 222, to allow the detents 220 to
move from their retaining positions along the inclined sections 234 of the recesses 228.
As the detents 220 reach the upper ends of the inclined sections 234 of the recesses 228,
the force applied to the detents 220 by the side wall of the recesses 228 is removed. The
springs 222 relax, and urge the hoop 210 to rotate within the cavity 212 to return the
detents 220 rapidly to their retaining positions. The detents 220 thus become located at
the closed ends 232 of the recesses 228. The biasing force applied to the hoop 210 by
the springs 222 keeps the detents 220 in their retained positions. In the event that a user
should attempt to lift the humidifying apparatus 10 by grasping the nozzle 14 and
pulling the nozzle 14 upwards, the engagement of the detents 220 with the horizontal
sections 236 of the recesses 228 prevents the nozzle 14 from becoming detached from
the body 12.
The body 12 comprises a depressible button 240 for moving the detents 220 from their
retaining positions to their release positions to allow the nozzle 14 to be removed from
the body 12. In this example, the button 240 is located on the base 70, and is moveable
within a housing 242 defined by the upper wall of the base 70. The water tank 140 is
shaped so that the upper surface of the button 240 is substantially flush with the upper
wall 146 of the water tank 140 when the water tank 140 is mounted on the base 70 and
the button 240 is in the raised position.
A notch having an inclined surface 244 is formed on the lower end of the button 240. A
finger 246 provided on the outer surface of the hoop 210 extends into the notch so that
the finger 246 engages the lower end of the inclined surface 244 of the notch.
Depression of the button 240 by the user causes the inclined surface 244 of the notch to
apply a force to the finger 246, which in turn causes the hoop 210 to rotate relative to
the nozzle 14, against the biasing force applied thereto by the springs 222. This rotation
of the hoop 210 moves the detents 220 along the horizontal sections 236 of the recesses
228 from their retaining positions to their release positions, in which the detents 220 are
located adjacent the second side walls 238 of the recesses 228. While the detents 220
are maintained in their release positions, through the depression of the button 240 by the
user, the user may pull the nozzle 14 from the body 12. With this relative movement
between the nozzle 14 and the body 12, the second side walls 238 of the recesses 228
slide along the detents 220 to disengage the detents 220 from the recesses 228, and so
release the nozzle 14 from the body 12. Once the nozzle 14 has been lifted from the
body 12, the button 240 may be released by the user. The springs 222 urge the hoop
210 to rotate within the cavity 212 to move the detents 220 back to their retaining
positions. An additional spring may be located beneath the button 240 to urge the
button 240 back to its raised position.
As the nozzle 14 is lifted from the body 12, the resilient element within the water tank
140 urges the handle 194 to its deployed position. The user can then use the handle 194
to lift the water tank 140 from the base 70 to allow the water tank 140 to be filled or
cleaned as required. One or more sections of the water tank 140 are preferably
removable to facilitate cleaning of the water tank 140. For example, a section 250 of the
outlet duct 126 may be removed from the water tank 140 to allow the internal surfaces
of the outlet duct 126 to be cleaned. While the nozzle 14 is removed from the body, 12,
the user may clean the internal surfaces of the second interior passage 68 of the nozzle
14 by pulling the front section 50 of the nozzle 14 from the inner casing section 24 of
the nozzle 14 to expose the internal surfaces of the second interior passage 68. Once the
water tank 140 has been filled or cleaned, the user replaces the water tank 140 on the
base 70, and then replaces the nozzle 14 on the body 12.
A user interface (not shown) for controlling the operation of the humidifying apparatus
may be located on the outer wall 72 of the base 70 of the body 12. Alternatively, or
additionally, the humidifying apparatus 10 may comprise a remote control 260 for
transmitting control signals to a user interface circuit 262 of the humidifying apparatus
10. Figure 22 illustrates schematically a control system for the humidifying apparatus
10, which includes the remote control 260, the user interface circuit 262 and other
electrical components of the humidifying apparatus 10. In overview, the remote control
260 comprises a plurality of buttons which are depressible by the user, and a control
unit for generating and transmitting infrared light signals in response to depression of
one of the buttons. The infrared light signals are emitted from a window located at one
end of the remote control 260. The control unit is powered by a battery located within a
battery housing of the remote control 260.
A first button is used to activate and deactivate the motor 92, and a second button is
used to set the speed of the motor 92, and thus the rotational speed of the impeller 90.
The control system may have a discrete number of user selectable speed settings, each
corresponding to a respective different rotational speed of the motor 92. A third button
is used to set a desired level for the relative humidity of the environment in which the
humidifying apparatus 10 is located, such as a room, office or other domestic
environment. For example, the desired relative humidity level may be selected within a
range from 30 to 80% at 20°C through repeated actuation of the third button.
The user interface circuit 262 comprises a sensor or receiver 264 for receiving signals
transmitted by the remote control 260, and a display 266 for displaying a current
operational setting of the humidifying apparatus 10. For example, the display 266 may
normally indicate the currently selected relative humidity level. As the user changes the
rotational speed of the motor 92, the display 266 may indicate briefly the currently
selected speed setting. The receiver 264 and the display 266 may be located
immediately behind a transparent or translucent part of the outer wall 72 of the base 70.
The user interface circuit 262 is connected to the drive circuit 94. The drive circuit 94
comprises a microprocessor and a motor driver for driving the motor 92. A mains
power cable (not shown) for supplying electrical power to the humidifying apparatus 10
extends through an aperture formed in the base 70. The cable is connected to a plug.
The drive circuit 94 comprises a power supply unit connected to the cable. The user
interface may also comprise one or more LEDs for providing a visual alert depending
on a status of the humidifying apparatus 10. For example, a first LED 268 may be
illuminated to indicate that the water tank 140 has become depleted, as indicated by a
signal received by the drive circuit 94 from the level sensor 190.
A humidity sensor 270 is also provided for detecting the relative humidity of air in the
external environment, and for supplying a signal indicative of the detected relative
humidity to the drive circuit 94. In this example the humidity sensor 270 may be
located immediately behind the air inlet 74 to detect the relative humidity of the air flow
drawn into the humidifying apparatus 10. The user interface may comprise a second
LED 272 which is illuminated by the drive circuit 94 when an output from the humidity
sensor 270 indicates that the relative humidity of the air flow entering the humidifying
apparatus 10, i¾, is at or above the desired relative humidity level, H s, set by the user.
With reference also to Figure 23, to operate the humidifying apparatus 10, the user
actuates the first button of the remote control, in response to which the remote control
260 generates a signal containing data indicative of the actuation of this first button.
This signal is received by the receiver 264 of the user interface circuit 262. The
operation of the button is communicated by the user interface circuit 262 to the drive
circuit 94, in response to which the drive circuit 94 actuates the UV lamp 180 to
irradiate water stored in the outlet chamber 164 of the water reservoir 160. In this
example, the drive circuit 94 simultaneously activates the motor 92 to rotate the
impeller 90. The rotation of the impeller 90 causes air to be drawn into the body 12
through the air inlet 74. An air flow passes through the impeller housing 104 and the
diffuser 100. Downstream from the diffuser 100, a portion of the air emitted from the
diffuser 100 enters the inlet duct through the inlet port 112, whereas the remainder of
the air emitted from the diffuser 100 is conveyed along the first air passageway 76 to
the first air inlet 28 of the nozzle 14. The impeller 90 and the motor 92 may thus be
considered to generate a first air flow which is conveyed to the nozzle 14 by the first air
passageway 76 and which enters the nozzle 14 through the first air inlet 28.
The first air flow enters the first interior passage 46 at the lower end thereof. The first
air flow is divided into two air streams which pass in opposite directions around the
bore 20 of the nozzle 14. As the air streams pass through the first interior passage 46,
air enters the mouth 48 of the nozzle 14. The air flow rate into the mouth 48 is
preferably substantially even about the bore 20 of the nozzle 14. The mouth 48 guides
the air flow towards the first air outlet 30 of the nozzle 14, from where it is emitted from
the humidifying apparatus 10.
The air flow emitted from the first air outlet 30 causes a secondary air flow to be
generated by the entrainment of air from the external environment, specifically from the
region around the first air outlet 30 and from around the rear of the nozzle 14. Some of
this secondary air flow passes through the bore 20 of the nozzle 14, whereas the
remainder of the secondary air flow becomes entrained, in front of the nozzle 14, within
the air flow emitted from the first air outlet 30.
As mentioned above, with rotation of the impeller 90 air enters the second air
passageway 78 through the inlet port 112 of the inlet duct to form a second air flow.
The second air flow passes through the inlet duct and is emitted through the outlet ports
120. 124 over the water stored in the outlet section 164b of the outlet chamber 164. The
emission of the second air flow from the outlet ports 120, 124 agitates the water stored
in the outlet section 164b of the outlet chamber 164. This generates movement of water
in front of the lower portion of the tube 182 of the UV generator, increasing the volume
of water which is irradiated by the UV lamp 180 prior to actuation of the transducer
176. The relative inclination of the outlet ports 120, 124 can enable the second air flow
to generate a swirling motion of water in the outlet section 164b of the outlet chamber
164 to convey water alongside the lower portion of the tube 182.
In addition to the agitation of the water stored in the outlet chamber 164 by the second
air flow, the agitation may also be performed by the vibration of the transducer 176 in
an agitation mode which is insufficient to cause atomization of the stored water.
Depending, for example on the size and the number of transducers 176, the agitation of
the stored water may be performed solely by vibration of the transducer 176 at a
reduced second frequency / 2, and/or at a reduced amplitude, or with a different duty
cycle. In this case, the drive circuit 94 may be configured to actuate the vibration of the
transducer 176 in this agitation mode simultaneously with the irradiation of the stored
water by the UV lamp 180.
The agitation and irradiation of the stored water continues for a period of time sufficient
to reduce the level of bacteria within the outlet chamber 164 of the water reservoir 160
by a desired amount. In this example, the outlet chamber 164 has a maximum capacity
of 200 ml, and the agitation and irradiation of the stored water continues for a period of
120 seconds before atomization of the stored water commences. The duration of this
period of time may be lengthened or shortened depending on, for example, the degree of
agitation of the stored water, the capacity of the outlet chamber 164 of the water
reservoir 160, and the intensity of the irradiation of the stored water, and so depending
on these variables the duration of this period of time may take any value in the range of
10 to 300 seconds to achieve the desired reduction in the number of bacteria within the
stored water.
At the end of this period of time, the drive circuit 94 actuates the vibration of the
transducer 176 in the atomization mode to atomize water stored in the outlet section
164b of the outlet chamber 164 of the water reservoir 160. This creates airborne water
droplets above the water located within the outlet chamber 164 of the water reservoir
160. In the event that the stored water was agitated previously by vibration of the
transducer 176 alone, the motor 92 is also activated at this end of this period of time.
As water within the water reservoir 160 is atomized, the water reservoir 160 is
constantly replenished with water received from the water tank 140 via the inlet
chamber 162, so that the level of water within the water reservoir 160 remains
substantially constant while the level of water within the water tank 140 gradually falls.
As water enters the outlet chamber 164 from the inlet chamber 162, it is guided by the
baffle plate 186 to flow along the upper portion of the tube 182 so that it is irradiated
with ultraviolet radiation emitted from the upper portion of the tube 182 before passing
through aperture 188 located between the tube 182 and the baffle plate 186. This water
is then further irradiated with ultraviolet radiation emitted from the lower portion of the
tube 182 before being atomized by the transducer 176. The direction of the movement
of the water within the outlet chamber 164, as generated by the second air flow and/or
the vibration of the transducer 176, is preferably such that the water flows from the
aperture 188 along the lower portion of the tube 182, and in a direction generally
opposite to that in which water flows along the upper portion of the tube 182, before
being atomized by the transducer 176.
With rotation of the impeller 90, airborne water droplets become entrained within the
second air flow emitted from the outlet ports 120, 124 of the inlet duct. The - now
moist - second air flow passes upwardly through the outlet duct 126 of the second air
passageway 78 to the second air inlets 58 of the nozzle 14, and enters the second
interior passage 68 within the front section 18 of the nozzle 14.
At the base of the second interior passage 68, the second air flow is divided into two air
streams which pass in opposite directions around the bore 20 of the nozzle 14. As the
air streams pass through the second interior passage 68, each air stream is emitted from
the second air outlet 60. The emitted second air flow is conveyed away from the
humidifying apparatus 10 within the air flow generated through the emission of the first
air flow from the nozzle 14, thereby enabling a humid air current to be experienced
rapidly at a distance of several metres from the humidifying apparatus 10.
The moist air flow is emitted from the nozzle 14 until the relative humidity i¾ of the air
flow entering the humidifying apparatus 10, as detected by the humidity sensor 270, is
1% at 20°C higher than the relative humidity level Hs, selected by the user using the
third button of the remote control 260. The emission of the moistened air flow from the
nozzle 14 may then be terminated by the drive circuit 94, preferably by changing the
mode of vibration of the transducer 176. For example, the frequency of the vibration of
the transducer 176 may be reduced to a frequency / 3, where >f ³ 0, below which
atomization of the stored water is not performed. Alternatively the amplitude of the
vibrations of the transducer 176 may be reduced. Optionally, the motor 92 may also be
stopped so that no air flow is emitted from the nozzle 14. However, when the humidity
sensor 270 is located in close proximity to the motor 92 it is preferred that the motor 92
is operated continually to avoid undesirable humidity fluctuation in the local
environment of the humidity sensor 270. Also, it is preferred to continue to operate the
motor 92 to continue agitating the water stored in the outlet section 164b of the outlet
chamber 164 of the water reservoir 160. Operation of the UV lamp 180 is also
continued.
As a result of the termination of the emission of a moist air flow from the humidifying
apparatus 10, the relative humidity i¾ detected by the humidity sensor 270 will begin to
fall. Once the relative humidity of the air of the environment local to the humidity
sensor 270 has fallen to 1% at 20°C below the relative humidity level Hs selected by the
user, the drive circuit 94 re-activates the vibration of the transducer 176 in the
atomization mode. If the motor 92 has been stopped, the drive circuit 94
simultaneously re-activates the motor 92. As before, the moist air flow is emitted from
the nozzle 14 until the relative humidity H detected by the humidity sensor 270 is 1%
at 20°C higher than the relative humidity level Hs selected by the user.
This actuation sequence of the transducer 176 (and optionally the motor 92) for
maintaining the detected humidity level around the level selected by the user continues
until the first button is actuated again, or until a signal is received from the level sensor
190 indicating that the level of water within the water reservoir 160 has fallen below the
minimum level. If the first button is actuated, or upon receipt of this signal from the
level sensor 190, the drive circuit 94 deactivates the motor 92, the transducer 176 and
the UV generator to switch off the humidifying apparatus 10. The drive circuit 94 also
deactivates these components of the humidifying apparatus 10 in response to a signal
received from the proximity sensor 192 indicating that the water tank 140 has been
removed from the base 70.

CLAIMS
1. A fan assembly comprising:
a nozzle having a first casing section, a second casing section, at least one air
inlet, at least one air outlet, and an interior passage for conveying air from said at least
one air inlet to said at least one air outlet, the nozzle defining a bore through which air
from outside the fan assembly is drawn by air emitted from the nozzle; and
a body on which the nozzle is detachably mounted, the body comprising flow
generating means for generating an air flow through the interior passage, and means for
changing the humidity of the air flow before it enters the interior passage;
wherein the first casing section is detachable from the second casing section, the
first casing section defining, at least in part, the interior passage.
2 . A fan assembly comprising:
a nozzle having a first casing section, a second casing section, at least one air
inlet, at least one air outlet, and an interior passage for conveying air from said at least
one air inlet to said at least one air outlet, the nozzle defining a bore through which air
from outside the fan assembly is drawn by air emitted from the nozzle; and
a body on which the nozzle is detachably mounted, the body comprising flow
generating means for generating an air flow through the interior passage;
wherein the first casing section is detachable from the second casing section, the
first casing section defining, at least in part, the interior passage, and wherein the first
casing section is detachable from the second casing section only when the nozzle is
detached from the body.
3 . A fan assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first casing section
is arranged to define, at least in part, said at least one air outlet.
4 . A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first casing
section comprises said at least one air inlet.
5 . A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first casing
section is annular in shape.
6 . A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein both of the first and
second casing sections define said bore.
7 . A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said at least one air
outlet is arranged to emit air over at least part of the first casing section.
8 . A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first casing
section is detachably attached to the second casing section by a snap-fit connection.
9 . A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second casing
section defines with the first casing section said at least one air outlet.
10. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second casing
section is annular in shape.
11. A fan assembly comprising:
a nozzle having a first section having at least one first air inlet, at least one first
air outlet, and a first interior passage for conveying air from said at least one first air
inlet to said at least one first air outlet; and a second section having at least one second
air inlet, at least one second air outlet, and a second interior passage for conveying air
from said at least one second air inlet to said at least one second air outlet, at least one
of the first and second sections of the nozzle defining a bore through which air from
outside the fan assembly is drawn by air emitted from the nozzle; and
a body on which the nozzle is mounted, the body comprising flow generating
means for generating a first air flow through the first interior passage and a second air
flow through the second interior passage, and means for changing the humidity of the
second air flow before it enters the second interior passage;
wherein the second section of the nozzle comprises a detachable casing section
defining, at least in part, the second interior passage.
12. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the detachable casing section is
arranged to define, at least in part, said at least one second air outlet.
13. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the detachable
casing section comprises said at least one second air inlet.
14. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the detachable
casing section is annular in shape.
15. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14, wherein both of the first
and second sections of the nozzle define said bore.
16. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15, wherein each of said at
least one first air outlet and said at least one second air outlet is arranged to emit air
over at least part of the detachable casing section.
17. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the nozzle
comprises a second casing section which defines with the detachable casing section the
second interior passage, and wherein the detachable casing section is detachably
attached to the second casing section.
18. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the detachable casing section is
detachably attached to the second casing section by a snap-fit connection.
19. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the second casing
section defines with the detachable casing section said at least one second air outlet.
20. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the second casing
section is annular in shape.
21. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the second casing
section defines, at least in part, the first interior passage.
22. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein the second casing section
defines, at least in part, said at least one first air outlet.
23. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 17 to 22, wherein the nozzle
comprises a diffuser located downstream from said at least one first air outlet, and
wherein the second casing section comprises a first portion of the diffuser and the
detachable casing section comprises a second portion of the diffuser.
24. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 23, wherein said at least one second air
outlet is located between the first portion of the diffuser and the second portion of the
diffuser.
25. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 17 to 24, wherein the nozzle is
detachable from the body, and wherein the detachable casing section is detachable from
the second casing section only when the nozzle is detached from the body.
26. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 17 to 25, wherein the detachable
casing section comprises a base for receiving the second air flow, and wherein the base
is graspable by a user to detach the detachable casing section from the second casing
section.
27. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 17 to 26, wherein the nozzle
comprises a third casing section which defines with the second casing section the first
interior passage.
28. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 27, wherein the third casing section defines
with the second section said at least one first air outlet.
29. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 11 to 28, wherein the body
comprises a first air passageway for conveying the first air flow to the first section of
the nozzle, and a second air passageway for conveying the second air flow to the second
section of the nozzle.