HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a humidifying apparatus. 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.
It is known to provide an ultraviolet (UV) lamp or other UV radiation generator to
sterilize water that is conveyed to the atomizing device. For example, US 5,859,952
describes a humidifier in which the water supplied from a tank is conveyed through a
sterilizing chamber before being conveyed by a pipe to a chamber containing an
ultrasonic atomizer. The sterilizing chamber has a UV transparent window beneath
which a UV lamp is located to irradiate water as it passes through the sterilizing
chamber. US 7,540,474 describes a humidifier in which the water tank includes a UV
transparent tube for conveying water to an outlet of the tank, and a main body upon
which the tank is mounted includes a UV lamp which irradiates water as it passes
through the tube to the outlet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of generating a humid air flow,
comprising the steps of:
irradiating water stored in a reservoir with ultraviolet radiation;
conveying an air flow over water stored in the reservoir; and
atomizing water stored in the reservoir to humidify the air flow;
wherein water stored in the reservoir is agitated for a period of time during the
irradiation of water stored in the reservoir and which is prior to the atomization of water
stored in the reservoir.
The invention can enable a humidifying apparatus to have a compact appearance
through both irradiating and atomizing water stored within a common reservoir. To
enable the number of bacteria within the stored water to be reduced before the
atomization of the stored water commences, there is a delay between the irradiation of
the stored water with UV radiation and the commencement of the atomization of the
stored water to humidify the air flow conveyed over the reservoir. During the period of
time in which the irradiation is performed prior to the atomization of stored water, the
water stored in the reservoir is agitated to generate a flow or swirl of water within the
reservoir, and which conveys water through the UV radiation emitted into the reservoir.
This can increase the volume of the stored water which is irradiated with UV radiation
prior to the atomization of the stored water, and thus increase the rate of reduction of the
number of bacteria within the water stored in the reservoir.
The duration of the period of time for which the stored water is irradiated with UV
radiation prior to the commencement of the atomization of stored water will depend,
inter alia, on the volume of the reservoir and the desired reduction in the number of
bacteria within the stored water. For example, the duration of this period of time may
be in the range from 10 to 300 seconds to achieve an appropriate reduction in the
number of bacteria within the maximum volume of water which can be stored in the
reservoir. The duration may be reduced depending on the length of time which has
elapsed since the humidifying apparatus was previously operated. Water is preferably
supplied to the reservoir from a tank which is removably mountable on a base or
housing in which the reservoir is located. The water tank and the housing may together
provide a body of the humidifying apparatus. The duration of the period of time for
which water is irradiated prior to atomization may be set automatically to a maximum
value when the water tank is removed from the housing, for example for replenishment.
The removal of the water tank from the housing may be detected by a proximity sensor
located on the housing, and which interacts with a magnet or other feature located on
the water tank to detect the presence or absence of the water tank on the housing. Both
the agitation and the irradiation of stored water are preferably suspended if the water
tank is removed from the housing.
The atomization and the irradiation of the stored water may also be suspended
depending on the volume of water within the reservoir. For example, a level detector
may be located in the reservoir for outputting a signal indicative of a low level of water
in the reservoir, in response to which the atomization and the irradiation of the stored
water are suspended.
The atomization of water stored in the reservoir may be suspended when the humidity
of the air flow conveyed to the reservoir is above a first level, and resumed when the
humidity of the air flow conveyed to the reservoir is below a second level lower than
the first value. The first and second levels may be set according to a humidity level
selected by a user either using a user interface located on the apparatus or using a
remote control, and may be, for example, any relative humidity within the range from
30 to 80% at 20°C. For example, the first level may be 1% at 20°C higher than the
selected level, whereas the second level may be 1% at 20°C lower than the selected
level. Both the agitation and the irradiation of the stored water may be continued as the
detected humidity falls from the first level to the second level. A sensor for detecting
the humidity of the air flow conveyed to the reservoir may be provided at any
convenient location upstream of the reservoir. For example, the sensor may be located
immediately downstream from an air inlet of the apparatus.
The irradiation of the stored water with UV radiation may be performed by a UV lamp
or other UV radiation generator. The UV radiation generator may be located behind a
window which partially defines the volume of the reservoir. Alternatively, the UV
radiation generator may be located in the reservoir. For example, the UV radiation
generator may comprise a UV transparent tube at least partially located in the reservoir
so that agitated water moves along or around the outer surface of the tube. The
reservoir may comprise a reflective surface for directing the UV radiation to one or
more regions of the reservoir. This surface may define at least part of the reservoir, or it
may be located above or within the reservoir. For example, at least part of one wall of
the reservoir may be formed from, or coated with, reflective material. The reflective
surface may extend around the tube. This can allow water surrounding the tube to be
irradiated by UV radiation, thereby increasing the volume of water which can be
irradiated in comparison to a system where a UV radiation generator is located adjacent
to a window provided on one side of the reservoir. As the air flow is conveyed over
water stored in the reservoir, a swirl of water is preferably generated within the stored
water in such a direction as to generate a flow of water adjacent to, and preferably
along, the tube.
Water is preferably supplied to the reservoir from an inlet located adjacent to the
location at which the stored water is irradiated. At least one wall, baffle or other fluid
guiding means may be provided in the reservoir to guide a flow of water entering the
reservoir from the water tank adjacent to, and preferably along, the UV transparent tube
or window behind which the UV radiation generator is located. As a result, water
entering the reservoir from the tank - to replenish the reservoir during water atomization
or when the reservoir is refilled - is irradiated with UV radiation before it is atomized.
The agitation of the stored water preferably promotes the movement of water along
and/or around the UV radiation generator.
The agitation of the water stored in the reservoir may be performed in one or more of a
number of different ways. For example, the stored water may be agitated mechanically
by an agitating device, such as a stirrer or other moveable device, provided in the
reservoir for movement relative to the reservoir to agitate the stored water. As another
example, the water stored in the reservoir may be agitated sonically by a transducer
located in the reservoir. As a further example, the water stored in the reservoir may be
agitated by aerating the stored water, for example by pumping air over or through the
stored water. This pumped air may be diverted from the air flow conveyed over the
stored water, or it may be generated separately from that air flow. As yet another
example, the stored water may be agitated through oscillation or vibration of one or
more of the walls of the reservoir.
In a preferred embodiment, the stored water is agitated by the air flow conveyed over
the water stored in the reservoir, and so in a second aspect, the present invention
provides a method of generating a humid air flow, comprising the steps of:
(i) irradiating water stored in a reservoir with ultraviolet radiation;
(ii) conveying an air flow over water stored in the reservoir; and
(iii) atomizing water stored in the reservoir to humidify the air flow;
wherein steps (i) and (ii) are performed simultaneously for a period of time prior to step
(iii).
The air flow is preferably conveyed into or over the reservoir above the maximum level
to which water may be stored in the reservoir. For example, if the maximum water
level is at the upper periphery of the reservoir, then air is preferably conveyed over the
upper periphery of the reservoir. If the maximum water level is below the upper
periphery of the reservoir, then air may be conveyed into the reservoir between the
upper periphery of the reservoir and the maximum water level.
The air flow may be conveyed downwardly towards the surface of the stored water.
The air flow may be emitted over the water in the reservoir from a first location, and the
water stored in the reservoir may be irradiated at a second location proximate to the first
location so that the agitation is initiated close to the irradiation device to maximise the
rate at which the stored water moves relative to the irradiation device. The humidifying
apparatus may comprise an inlet duct for conveying the air flow to the reservoir, and an
outlet duct for conveying a humidified air flow away from the reservoir. An outlet port
of the inlet duct may be shaped to emit the air flow in such a direction and/or with such
a profile as to generate a swirling movement of the water stored in the reservoir.
The atomization is preferably conducted at a third location within the reservoir, with the
second location being disposed between the first and third locations. This can prevent
the air flow entering the reservoir from blowing stored water away from the location at
which atomization is performed. The atomization may be performed by a heater but in
a preferred embodiment the atomization is performed by a vibrating transducer. The
transducer may be vibrated at one of a number of different modes. The water may be
atomized by vibrating the transducer in an atomization mode, and agitated, with no or
little atomization thereof, by vibrating the transducer in an agitation mode. In the
atomization mode, the transducer is vibrated at a first frequency fi, which may be in the
range from 1 to 2 MHz. In the agitation mode, the transducer may be vibrated at a
second frequency / 2, where f > f i > 0. Alternatively, in the agitation mode the
transducer may be vibrated at the first frequency fi, but with reduced amplitude.
Additionally, or alternatively, the duty cycle of the signals output to the transducer may
be varied between the atomization and agitation modes.
The agitation of the stored water may be performed simultaneously by the transducer
and by the air flow conveyed to the reservoir. Alternatively, the agitation of the stored
water may be performed by one of the transducer and the air flow. Therefore, in a third
aspect the present invention provides a method of generating a humid air flow,
comprising the steps of:
irradiating water stored in a reservoir with ultraviolet radiation;
conveying an air flow over water stored in the reservoir; and
vibrating a transducer in an atomization mode to atomize water stored in the
reservoir to humidify the air flow;
wherein, before the water is atomized, the transducer is vibrated in an agitation
mode to agitate water stored in the reservoir for a period of time during which stored
water is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation.
When atomization is not required, for example when the detected humidity is above the
first level, the mode of vibration of the transducer may be changed. This mode of
operation may be the same as, or different from, the agitation mode. For example, the
vibration of the transducer may be suspended when atomization is not required.
A threshold inhibitor, such as a polyphosphate, may be introduced to the stored water to
inhibit the precipitation of limescale on the surfaces of the atomization device and the
UV transparent tube or window which are in contact with stored water. The
polyphosphate forms a thin coating on the aforementioned surfaces which prevents
precipitation of limescale thereon. Where the atomization is performed by a transducer,
the presence of this coating has been found to increase significantly the lifetime of the
transducer. An amount of polyphosphate may be stored within a chamber located
between the water tank and the reservoir and through which the water passes to the
reservoir so that the polyphosphate is added to the water entering the reservoir. As
water passes over the polyphosphate stored within the chamber, the polyphosphate
gradually dissolves, and so a barrier may be provided upstream from the reservoir for
preventing relatively large amounts of polyphosphate from entering the reservoir and
becoming deposited on the transducer. This barrier may be in the form of a mesh
located between the chamber or the reservoir, or in the form of a wall located in the
chamber or between the bottom wall of the chamber and an outlet through which water
is exhausted from the chamber. The outlet may comprise a plurality of apertures
formed in a side wall of the chamber. The chamber may be located immediately
beneath the water tank so that water pours into the chamber when the water tank is
mounted on the reservoir. An upper wall of the chamber may comprise an inlet through
which water enters the chamber from the water tank, and through which air is displaced
as the chamber fills with water. The outlet of the chamber is preferably located beneath
the inlet of the chamber.
In a fourth aspect the present invention provides humidifying apparatus comprising a
housing comprising a water reservoir; a water tank mounted on the housing for
supplying water to the reservoir; air flow generating means for generating an air flow
over water in the reservoir; an air outlet for emitting at least part of the air flow;
atomizing means for atomizing water in the reservoir; irradiating means for irradiating
water in the reservoir with ultraviolet radiation; and a chamber for conveying water
from the water tank to the reservoir, the chamber containing a threshold inhibitor.
In a fifth aspect the present invention provides humidifying apparatus comprising a
housing comprising a water reservoir; a water tank mounted on the housing for
supplying water to the reservoir; air flow generating means for generating an air flow
over water in the reservoir; an air outlet for emitting at least part of the air flow;
atomizing means for atomizing water in the reservoir; irradiating means for irradiating
water in the reservoir with ultraviolet radiation; and guide means for guiding a flow of
water entering the reservoir adjacent to the irradiating means.
The present invention extends to humidifying apparatus for performing any of the above
methods for generating a humid air flow.
In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides humidifying apparatus comprising a
housing comprising a water reservoir; air flow generating means for generating an air
flow over water in the reservoir; an air outlet for emitting at least part of the air flow;
atomizing means for atomizing water in the reservoir; irradiating means for irradiating
water in the reservoir with ultraviolet radiation; and control means for controlling the
actuation of the air flow generating means, the atomizing means and the irradiating
means, wherein the control means is configured to actuate the air flow generating means
and the irradiating means for a period of time prior to the actuation of the atomizing
As mentioned above, the atomizing means may comprise at least one transducer, and so
the control means may be configured to actuate vibration of the transducer in an
atomization mode, and to actuate vibration of the transducer in an agitation mode,
different from the atomization mode, during said period of time to agitate the stored
water. Therefore, in a seventh aspect the present invention provides humidifying
apparatus comprising a housing comprising a water reservoir; air flow generating means
for generating an air flow over water in the reservoir; an air outlet for emitting at least
part of the air flow; atomizing means for atomizing water in the reservoir, the atomizing
means comprising a transducer; irradiating means for irradiating water in the reservoir
with ultraviolet radiation; and control means for controlling the actuation of the air flow
generating means and the irradiating means, and for controlling the frequency of
vibration of the transducer; wherein the control means is configured to actuate vibration
of the transducer in an atomization mode to atomize water, and to actuate
simultaneously the irradiating means and vibration of the transducer in an agitation
mode to agitate water in the reservoir for a period of time prior to the actuation of the
vibration of the transducer in the atomization mode.
The control means may comprise one or more control circuits or drive circuits of the
humidifying apparatus, and which may each comprise a separate processor. For
example, a drive circuit may be located proximate to the transducer, and which is
connected to a central drive circuit for operating the air flow generating means and the
irradiating means. The air flow generating means preferably comprises an impeller and
a motor for rotating the impeller to generate the air flow. The irradiating means
preferably comprises a UV radiation generator, such as a UV lamp.
The air outlet may be located on the housing. Alternatively, the air outlet may be
located on a nozzle mounted on the housing. The nozzle is preferably annular in shape,
and extends about a bore through which air from outside the humidifying apparatus is
drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. The air outlet may be located in a front end of
the nozzle. The air outlet may comprise a plurality of apertures each for emitting a
respective humid air stream, and each aperture may be located on a respective side of
the bore. Alternatively, the nozzle may comprise a single air outlet extending about the
bore. The nozzle may comprise an air inlet for receiving the humid air flow, and an
interior passage extending about the bore for conveying the air flow to the, or each, air
outlet. The interior passage may surround the bore of the nozzle.
The nozzle may be arranged to emit both the humid air flow, and a separate air flow for
conveying the humid air flow away from the humidifying apparatus. This can enable
the humid air flow to be experienced rapidly at a distance from the humidifying
apparatus. This separate air flow may be generated by the air flow generating means
which generates the air flow over the reservoir. For example, the housing may comprise
a first air passageway for conveying the separate air flow to the nozzle and a second air
passageway for conveying the humid air flow to the nozzle. This second air passageway
may be defined by the inlet and outlet ducts which convey air to and from the reservoir.
The first air passageway preferably extends from an air inlet of the housing to a first air
inlet of the nozzle. The second air passageway may be arranged to receive air directly
from the air inlet of the housing. 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 air flow
generating means. An advantage of locating the junction downstream from the air 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 two air flows downstream from
the impeller.
The nozzle may thus comprise at least one first air inlet, at least one first air outlet, a
first interior passage for conveying air from said at least one first air inlet to said at least
one first air outlet, 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, with the nozzle defining a bore through which air from
outside the humidifying apparatus is drawn by air emitted from the nozzle.
In an eighth aspect the present invention provides humidifying apparatus comprising:
a nozzle comprising at least one first air inlet, at least one first air outlet, a first
interior passage for conveying air from said at least one first air inlet to said at least one
first air outlet, 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, the nozzle defining a bore through which air from outside the
humidifying apparatus is drawn by air emitted from the nozzle; and
a body on which the nozzle is mounted, the body comprising air flow generating
means for generating a first air flow through the first interior passage and a second air
flow through the second interior passage, a water reservoir, a first air passageway for
conveying the first air flow to the at least one first air inlet, a second air passageway for
conveying the second air flow over water in the reservoir to the at least one second air
inlet, atomizing means for atomizing water in the reservoir to increase the humidity of
the second air flow, irradiating means for irradiating water in the reservoir with
ultraviolet radiation, and control means for controlling the actuation of the air flow
generating means, the atomizing means and the irradiating means;
wherein the control means is configured to actuate the air flow generating means
and the irradiating means for a period of time prior to the actuation of the atomizing
means.
The nozzle may thus be arranged to emit both the moistened second air flow and the
first air flow which carries the moistened air flow into the environment. The moistened
second air flow can 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.
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. The first air
flow rate may be a variable air flow rate, and so the second air flow rate may vary with
the first air flow rate.
The first air outlet(s) are preferably located behind the second air outlet(s) so that the
second air flow is conveyed away from the nozzle within the first air flow. Each
interior passage is preferably annular. The two interior passages of the nozzle may be
defined by respective components of the nozzle, which may be connected together
during assembly. Alternatively, the interior passages of the nozzle may be separated by
a dividing wall or other partitioning member located between inner and outer walls of
the nozzle. As mentioned above, the first interior passage is preferably isolated from
the second interior passage, 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) of the nozzle.
As the flow rate of the first air flow is preferably greater than the flow rate of the second
air flow, the volume of the first interior passage of the nozzle is preferably greater than
the volume of the second interior passage of the nozzle.
The nozzle may comprise a single first air outlet, which preferably extends at least
partially about the bore of the nozzle, and is preferably centred on the axis of the bore.
Alternatively, the nozzle may comprise a plurality of first 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 first air outlet(s) may be arranged to emit
air over a surface defining part of the bore to maximise the volume of air which is
drawn through the bore by the air emitted from the first air outlet(s). Alternatively, the
first air outlet(s) may be arranged to emit the air flow from an end surface of the nozzle.
The second air outlet(s) of the nozzle may be arranged to emit the second air flow over
this surface of the nozzle. Alternatively, the second air outlet(s) may be located in a
front end of the nozzle, and arranged to emit air away from the surfaces of the nozzle.
The first air outlet(s) may therefore be located adjacent to the second air outlet(s). The
nozzle may comprise a single second air outlet, which may extend at least partially
about the axis of the nozzle. Alternatively, the nozzle may comprise a plurality of
second air outlets, which may be arranged about the front end of the nozzle. For
example, the second air outlets may be located on opposite sides of the front end of the
nozzle. Each of the plurality of air outlets may comprise one or more apertures, for
example, a slot, a plurality of linearly aligned slots, or a plurality of apertures. The first
air outlets may extend parallel to the second air outlets.
As mentioned above, the body may comprise a removable water tank for supplying
water to the reservoir. To provide the body with a compact appearance, the water tank
preferably extends about the flow generating means. In a preferred embodiment, the
water tank surrounds the flow generating means. The water tank may surround at least
part of the first air passageway, and at least part of the second air passageway. The
body may comprise a base comprising an air inlet through which air enters the
humidifying apparatus, and the water tank may be mounted on the base. Preferably, the
base and the water tank each have a cylindrical outer surface, and the outer surfaces of
the base and the water tank have substantially the same radius. This can further
contribute towards the compact appearance of the humidifying apparatus.
The nozzle may be mounted on the body so that the water tank surrounds a lower
section of the interior passages of the nozzle. For example, the water tank may have an
upper wall which is upwardly curved or concave in shape, and the nozzle may be
mounted centrally on the water tank so that the upper wall extends around a lower part
of the nozzle. This can allow the humidifying apparatus to have a compact appearance,
and can allow the capacity of the water tank to be maximised.
The body may comprise means for releasably retaining the nozzle on the body. For
example, the body may comprise a detent which is locatable at least partially within a
recess located on the nozzle to retain the nozzle on the water tank. The body may
comprise a catch which is operable to move the detent away from the recess to release
the nozzle from the body. This can allow the nozzle to be removed from the body
before the water tank is removed from the base, for example to refill the water tank.
The catch may be moveable between a first position and a second position to move the
detent away from the recess. The body may comprise means for retaining the catch in
the second position until the nozzle is replaced on the body. For example, the body may
comprise a wedge, hook or other profiled member for retaining the catch in the second
position.
The water tank may comprise a handle which is moveable between a stowed position
and a deployed position to facilitate the removal of the water tank from the base. The
water tank may comprise a spring or other resilient element for urging the handle
towards the deployed position. As the nozzle is replaced on the body, the nozzle may
engage the handle to move the handle, against the biasing force of the resilient element,
towards its first position. As the handle moves towards the stowed position, the handle
may engage the catch to urge the catch away from the wedge to release the catch from
its second position. The detent is preferably biased towards a deployed position for
retaining the nozzle. The release of the catch from the second position can allow the
detent to move automatically to its deployed position.
Features described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention are equally
applicable to each of the second to eighth 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 view of a humidifying apparatus;
Figure 2 is a side view of the humidifying apparatus;
Figure 3 is a rear view of the humidifying apparatus;
Figure 4(a) is a side sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 1, with the nozzle of
the humidifying apparatus retained on the body, and Figure 4(b) is a similar view to
Figure 4(a) but with the nozzle released from the body;
Figure 5(a) is a top sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 1, and Figure 5(b) is a
close-up of area P indicated in Figure 5(a);
Figure 6(a) is a perspective view, from above, of the base of the humidifying apparatus
with an outer wall of the base partially removed, and Figure 6(b) is a similar view to
Figure 6(a) following a partial rotation of the base;
Figure 7(a) is a perspective rear view, from above, of the water tank mounted on the
base, with the handle in a deployed position, and Figure 7(b) is a close-up of area R
indicated in Figure 7(a);
Figure 8 is a top sectional view taken along line D-D in Figure 4(a);
Figure 9 is a sectional view take along line F-F in Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a rear perspective view, from below, of the nozzle;
Figure 11 is a top sectional view taken along line E-E in Figure 4(a);
Figure 12(a) is a front sectional view taken along line C-C in Figure 2, with the nozzle
of the humidifying apparatus retained on the body, and Figure 12(b) is a similar view to
Figure 12(a) but with the nozzle released from the body;
Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a control system of the humidifying apparatus;
and
Figure 14 is a flow diagram illustrating steps in the operation of the humidifying
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figures 1 to 3 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 Figure 4(a), the rear section 16 of the nozzle 14 comprises an
annular first 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. As illustrated in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), a rear portion 26 of the first outer casing
section 22 is curved inwardly towards the bore axis X to define a rear end of the nozzle
14 and a rear part of the bore 20. During assembly the end of the rear portion 26 of the
first outer casing section 22 is connected to the rear end of the inner casing section 24,
for example using an adhesive. The first outer casing section 22 comprises a tubular
base 28 which defines a first air inlet 30 of the nozzle 14.
The front section 18 of the nozzle 14 also comprises an annular second outer casing
section 32 connected to and extending about an annular front casing section 34. Again,
each casing section 32, 34 extends about the bore axis X, and may be formed from a
plurality of connected parts, but in this embodiment each casing section 32, 34 is
formed from a respective, single moulded part. In this example, the front casing section
34 comprises a rear portion 36 which is connected to the front end of the outer casing
section 22, and a front portion 38 which is generally frusto-conical in shape and flared
outwardly from the rear portion 36 away from the bore axis X. The front casing section
34 may be integral with the inner casing section 24. The second outer casing section 32
is generally cylindrical in shape, and extends between the first outer casing section 22
and the front end of the front casing section 34. The second outer casing section 32
comprises a tubular base 40 which defines a second air inlet 42 of the nozzle 14.
The casing sections 24, 34 together define a first air outlet 44 of the nozzle 14. The first
air outlet 44 is defined by overlapping, or facing, surfaces of the inner casing section 24
and the rear portion 36 of the front casing section 34 so that the first air outlet 44 is
arranged to emit air from a front end of the nozzle 14. The first air outlet 44 is in the
form of an annular slot, which has a relatively constant width in the range from 0.5 to
5 mm about the bore axis X. In this example the first air outlet 44 has a width of around
1 mm. Where the inner casing sections 24, 34 are formed from respective components,
spacers 46 may be spaced along the first air outlet 44 for urging apart the overlapping
portions of the casing sections 24, 34 to control the width of the first air outlet 44.
These spacers may be integral with either of the casing sections 24, 34. Where the
casing sections 24, 34 are formed from a single component, the spacers 46 are replaced
by fins which are spaced along the first air outlet 44 for connecting together the inner
casing section 24 and the front casing section 34.
The nozzle 14 defines an annular first interior passage 48 for conveying the first air
flow from the first air inlet 30 to the first air outlet 44. The first interior passage 48 is
defined by the internal surface of the first outer casing section 22 and the internal
surface of the inner casing section 24. A tapering, annular mouth 50 guides the first air
flow to the first air outlet 44. The tapering shape of the mouth 50 provides for a
smooth, controlled acceleration of air as it passes from the first interior passage 48 to
the first air outlet 44. A first air flow path through the nozzle 14 may therefore be
considered to be formed from the first air inlet 30, the first interior passage 48, the
mouth 50 and the first air outlet 40.
The front casing section 34 defines a plurality of second air outlets 52 of the nozzle 14.
The second air outlets 52 are also formed in the front end of the nozzle 14, each on a
respective side of the bore 20, for example by moulding or machining. Each of the
second air outlets 52 is located downstream from the first air outlet 44. In this example,
each second air outlet 52 is in the form of a slot having a relatively constant width in the
range from 0.5 to 5 mm. In this example each second air outlet 52 has a width of
around 1 mm. Alternatively, each second air outlet 52 may be in the form of a row of
circular apertures or slots formed in the front casing section 34 of the nozzle 14.
The nozzle 14 defines an annular second interior passage 54 for conveying the second
air flow from the second air inlet 42 to the second air outlets 52. The second interior
passage 54 is defined by the internal surfaces of the casing sections 32, 34, and by the
front part of the external surface of the first outer casing section 22. The second interior
passage 54 is isolated within the nozzle 14 from the first interior passage 48. A second
air flow path through the nozzle 14 may therefore be considered to be formed by the
second air inlet 42, the second interior passage 54 and the second air outlets 52.
Returning to Figure 4(a) the body 12 is generally cylindrical in shape. The body 12
comprises a base 56. The base 56 has an external outer wall 58 which is cylindrical in
shape, and which comprises an air inlet 60. In this example, the air inlet 60 comprises a
plurality of apertures formed in the outer wall 58 of the base 56. A front portion of the
base 56 may comprise a user interface of the humidifying apparatus 10. The user
interface is illustrated schematically in Figure 13, 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 56.
The base 56 comprises a first air passageway 62 for conveying a first air flow to the first
air flow path through the nozzle 14, and a second air passageway 64 for conveying a
second air flow to the second air flow path through the nozzle 14.
The first air passageway 62 passes through the base 56 from the air inlet 60 to the first
air inlet 30 of the nozzle 14. With reference also to Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the base 56
comprises a bottom wall 66 connected to the lower end of the outer wall 58, and a
generally cylindrical inner wall 68 connected to the outer wall 58 by a recessed annular
wall 70. The inner wall 68 extends upwardly away from the annular wall 70. In this
example, the outer wall 58, inner wall 68 and annular wall 70 are formed as a single
component of the base 56, but alternatively two or more of these walls may be formed
as a respective component of the base 56. An upper wall is connected to the upper end
of the inner wall 68. The upper wall has a lower frusto-conical section 72 and an upper
cylindrical section 74 into which the base 28 of the nozzle 14 is inserted.
The inner wall 68 extends about an impeller 76 for generating a first air flow through
the first air passageway 62. In this example the impeller 76 is in the form of a mixed
flow impeller. The impeller 76 is connected to a rotary shaft extending outwardly from
a motor 78 for driving the impeller 76. In this embodiment, the motor 78 is a DC
brushless motor having a speed which is variable by a drive circuit 80 in response to a
speed selection by a user. The maximum speed of the motor 78 is preferably in the
range from 5,000 to 10,000 rpm. The motor 78 is housed within a motor bucket
comprising an upper portion 82 connected to a lower portion 84. The upper portion 82
of the motor bucket comprises a diffuser 86 in the form of a stationary disc having
curved blades. The diffuser 86 is located beneath the first air inlet 30 of the nozzle 14.
The motor bucket is located within, and mounted on, a generally frusto-conical impeller
housing 88. The impeller housing 88 is, in turn, mounted on an annular support 90
extending inwardly from the inner wall 68. An annular inlet member 92 is connected to
the bottom of the impeller housing 88 for guiding the air flow into the impeller housing
88. An annular sealing member 94 is located between the impeller housing 88 and the
annular support 90 to prevent air from passing around the outer surface of the impeller
housing 88 to the inlet member 92. The annular support 90 preferably comprises a
guide portion 96 for guiding an electrical cable from the drive circuit 80 to the motor
78. The base 56 also includes a guide wall 98 for guiding air flow the air inlet 60 to an
air inlet port of the inlet member 92.
The first air passageway 62 extends from the air inlet 60 to the air inlet port of the inlet
member 92. The first air passageway 62 extends, in turn, through the impeller housing
88, the upper end of the inner wall 68 and the sections 72, 74 of the upper wall.
An annular cavity 99 is located between the guide wall 98 and the annular wall 70. The
cavity 99 has an opening which is located between the inlet member 92 and the guide
wall 98 so that the cavity 99 is open to the first air passageway 62. The cavity 99
contains a static pocket of air which serves to reduce the transmission of vibrations
generated during use of the humidifying apparatus 10 to the outer surface of the body
12.
The second air passageway 64 is arranged to receive air from the first air passageway
62. The second air passageway 64 is located adjacent to the first air passageway 62.
The second air passageway 64 comprises an inlet duct 100. With reference to Figures
6(a) and 6(b), the inlet duct 100 is defined by the inner wall 68 of the base 56. The inlet
duct 100 is located adjacent to, and in this example radially external of, part of the first
air passageway 62. The inlet duct 100 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis
of the base 56, which is co-linear with the rotational axis of the impeller 76. The inlet
duct 100 has an inlet port 102 located downstream from, and radially outward from, the
diffuser 86 so as to receive part of the air flow emitted from the diffuser 86, and which
forms the second air flow. The inlet duct 100 has an outlet port 104 located at the lower
end thereof.
The second air passageway 64 further comprises an outlet duct 106 which is arranged to
convey the second air flow to the second air inlet 42 of the nozzle 14. The second air
flow is conveyed through the inlet duct 100 and the outlet duct 106 in generally
opposite directions. The outlet duct 106 comprises an inlet port 108 located at the lower
end thereof, and an outlet port located at the upper end thereof. The base 40 of the
second outer casing section 32 of the nozzle 14 is inserted into the outlet port of the
outlet duct 106 to receive the second air flow from the outlet duct 106.
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(a) and Figure
7, the humidifying apparatus 10 comprises a water tank 120 removably mountable on
the base 56. The base 56 and the water tank 120 together form the body 12 of
humidifying apparatus 10. The water tank 120 has a cylindrical outer wall 122 which
has the same radius as the outer wall 58 of the base 56 of the body 12 so that the body
12 has a cylindrical appearance when the water tank 120 is mounted on the base 56.
The water tank 120 has a tubular inner wall 124 which surrounds the walls 68, 72, 74 of
the base 56 when the water tank 120 is mounted on the base 56. The outer wall 122 and
the inner wall 124 define, with an annular upper wall 126 and an annular lower wall 128
of the water tank 120, an annular volume for storing water. The water tank 120 thus
surrounds the impeller 76 and the motor 78, and so at least part of the first air
passageway 62, when the water tank 120 is mounted on the base 56. The lower wall
128 of the water tank 120 engages the outer wall 58 of the base 56, and non-recessed
parts of the annular wall 70, when the water tank 120 is mounted on the base 56.
The water tank 120 preferably has a capacity in the range from 2 to 4 litres. A window
130 is provided on the outer wall 122 of the water tank 120 to allow a user to see the
level of water within the water tank 120 when it is disposed on the base 56.
With reference to Figure 9, a spout 132 is removably connected to the lower wall 128 of
the water tank 120, for example through co-operating threaded connections. In this
example the water tank 120 is filled by removing the water tank 120 from the base 56
and inverting the water tank 120 so that the spout 132 is projecting upwardly. The
spout 132 is then unscrewed from the water tank 120 and water is introduced into the
water tank 120 through an aperture exposed when the spout 132 is disconnected from
the water tank 120. Once the water tank 120 has been filled, the user reconnects the
spout 132 to the water tank 120, returns the water tank 120 to its non-inverted
orientation and replaces the water tank 120 on the base 56. A spring-loaded valve 134
is located within the spout 132 for preventing leakage of water through a water outlet
136 of the spout 132 when the water tank 120 is re-inverted. The valve 134 is biased
towards a position in which a skirt of the valve 134 engages the upper surface of the
spout 132 to prevent water entering the spout 132 from the water tank 120.
The upper wall 126 of the water tank 120 comprises one or more supports 138 for
supporting the inverted water tank 120 on a work surface, counter top or other support
surface. In this example, two parallel supports 138 are formed in the periphery of the
upper wall 126 for supporting the inverted water tank 120.
With reference also to Figures 6(a), 6(b) and 8, the outer wall 58, inner wall 68 and the
recessed portion of the annular wall 70 of the base 56 define a water reservoir 140 for
receiving water from the water tank 120. The base 56 comprises a water treatment
chamber 142 for treating water from the water tank 120 before it enters the water
reservoir 140. The water treatment chamber 142 is located to one side of the water
reservoir 140, within the recessed portion of the annular wall 70. A cover 144
connected to the annular wall 70 comprises a water inlet 146 and a water outlet 148 of
the water treatment chamber 142. In this embodiment, each of the water inlet 146 and
the water outlet 148 comprises a plurality of apertures. Water outlet 148 is located on
an inclined surface of the cover 144 so that the water outlet 148 is located beneath the
water inlet 146. The cover 144 is supported by a supporting pin 150 which extends
upwardly from the annular wall 70 to engage the lower surface of the cover 144.
An upwardly extending pin 152 of the cover 144 is located between apertures of the
water inlet 146. When the water tank 120 is mounted on the base 56, the pin 152
protrudes into the spout 132 to push the valve 134 upwardly to open the spout 132,
thereby allowing water to pass under gravity through the water inlet 146 and into the
water treatment chamber 142. As the water treatment chamber 142 fills with water,
water flows through the water outlet 148 and into the water reservoir 140. The water
treatment chamber 142 houses a threshold inhibitor, such one or more beads or pellets
154 of a polyphosphate material, which becomes added to the water as it passes through
the water treatment chamber 142. Providing the threshold inhibitor in a solid form
means that the threshold inhibitor slowly dissolves with prolonged contact with water in
the water treatment chamber 142. In view of this, the water treatment chamber 142
comprises a barrier which prevents relatively large pieces of the threshold inhibitor from
entering the water reservoir 140. In this example, the barrier is in the form of a wall 156
located between the annular wall 70 and the water outlet 148.
Within the water reservoir 140, the annular wall 70 comprises a pair of circular
apertures each for exposing a respective piezoelectric transducer 160. The drive circuit
80 is configured to actuate vibration of the transducers 160 in an atomization mode to
atomise water located in the water reservoir 140. In the atomization mode, the
transducers 160 may vibrate ultrasonically at a frequency fi, which may be in the range
from 1 to 2 MHz. A metallic heat sink 162 is located between the annular wall 70 and
the transducers 160 for conveying heat away from the transducers 160. Apertures 164
are formed in the bottom wall 64 of the base 56 to dissipate heat radiated from the heat
sink 162. Annular sealing members form water-tight seals between the transducers 160
and the heat sink 162. As illustrated in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the peripheral portions
166 of the apertures in the annular wall 70 are raised to present a barrier for preventing
any particles of the threshold inhibitor which have entered the water reservoir 140 from
the water treatment chamber 142 from becoming lodged on the exposed surfaces of the
transducers 160.
The water reservoir 140 also includes an ultraviolet radiation (UV) generator for
irradiating water stored in the water reservoir 140. In this example, the UV generator is
in the form of a UV lamp 170 located within a UV transparent tube 172 located in the
water reservoir 140 so that, as the water reservoir 140 fills with water, water surrounds
the tube 172. The tube 172 is located on the opposite side of the water reservoir 140 to
the transducers 160. One or more reflective surfaces 173 may be provided adjacent to,
and preferably about, the tube 172 for reflecting ultraviolet radiation emitted from the
UV lamp 170 into the water reservoir 140. The water reservoir 140 comprises baffle
plates 174 which guide water entering the water reservoir 140 from the water treatment
chamber 142 along the tube 172 so that, during use, the water entering the water
reservoir 140 from the water treatment chamber 142 is irradiated with ultraviolet
radiation before it is atomized by one of the transducers 160.
A magnetic level sensor 176 is located within the water reservoir 140 for detecting the
level of water within the water reservoir 140. Depending on the volume of water within
the water tank 120, the water reservoir 140 and the water treatment chamber 142 can be
filled with water to a maximum level which is substantially co-planar with the upper
surface of the pin 152. The outlet port 104 of the inlet duct 100 is located above the
maximum level of water within the water reservoir 140 so that the second air flow
enters the water reservoir 140 over the surface of the water located in the water
reservoir 140.
The inlet port 108 of the outlet duct 106 is positioned above the transducers 160 to
receive a humidified air flow from the water reservoir 140. The outlet duct 106 is
defined by the water tank 120. The outlet duct 106 is formed by the inner wall 124 of
the water tank 120 and a curved wall 180 about which the inner wall 124 extends.
The base 56 includes a proximity sensor 182 for detecting that the water tank 120 has
been mounted on the base 56. The proximity sensor 182 is illustrated schematically in
Figure 13. The proximity sensor 182 may be in the form of a reed switch which
interacts with a magnet (not shown) located on the lower wall 128 of the water tank 120
to detect the presence, or absence, of the water tank 120 on the base 56. As illustrated
in Figures 7(a), 7(b) and 11, when the water tank 120 is mounted on the base 56 the
inner wall 124 and the curved wall 180 surround the upper wall of the base 56 to expose
the open upper end of the upper cylindrical section 74 of the upper wall. The water tank
120 includes a handle 184 to facilitate removal of the water tank 120 from the base 56.
The handle 184 is pivotably connected to the water tank 120 so as to be moveable
relative to the water tank 120 between a stowed position, in which the handle 184 is
housed within a recessed section 186 of the upper wall 126 of the water tank 120, and a
deployed position, in which the handle 184 is raised above the upper wall 126 of the
water tank 120. With reference also to Figures 12(a) and 12(b), one or more resilient
elements 188, such as torsion springs, may be provided for biasing the handle 184
towards its deployed position, as illustrated in Figures 7(a) and 7(b).
When the nozzle 14 is mounted on the body 12, the base 28 of the first outer casing
section 22 of the nozzle 14 is located over the open end of the upper cylindrical section
74 of the upper wall of the base 56, and the base 40 of the second outer casing section
32 of the nozzle 14 is located over the open upper end of the outlet duct 106 of the
water tank 120. The user then pushes the nozzle 14 towards the body 12. As illustrated
in Figure 10, a pin 190 is formed on the lower surface of the first outer casing section 22
of the nozzle 14, immediately behind the base 28 of the first outer casing section 22. As
the nozzle 14 moves towards the body 12, the pin 190 pushes the handle 184 towards its
stowed position, against the biasing force of the resilient elements 188. When the bases
28, 40 of the nozzle 14 are fully inserted in the body 12, annular sealing members 192
form air-tight seals between the ends of the bases 28, 40 and annular ledges 194 formed
in the upper cylindrical section 74 of the upper wall of the base 56, and in the outlet
duct 106. The upper wall 126 of the water tank 120 has a concave shape so that, when
the nozzle 14 is mounted on the body 12, the water tank 120 surrounds a lower part of
the nozzle 14. This not only can this allow the capacity of the water tank 120 to be
increased, but can also provide the humidifying apparatus 10 with a compact
appearance.
The body 12 comprises a mechanism for releasably retaining the nozzle 14 on the body
12. Figures 4(a), 11 and 12(a) illustrate a first configuration of the mechanism when the
nozzle 14 is retained on the body 12, whereas Figures 4(b) and 12(b) illustrate a second
configuration of the mechanism when the nozzle 14 is released from the body 12. The
mechanism for releasably retaining the nozzle 14 on the body 12 comprises a pair of
detents 200 which are located on diametrically opposed sides of an annular housing
202. Each detent 200 has a generally L-shaped cross-section. Each detent 200 is
pivotably moveable between a deployed position for retaining the nozzle 14 on the body
12, and a stowed position. Resilient elements 204, such as torsion springs, are located
within the housing 202 for biasing the detents 200 towards their deployed positions.
In this example, the water tank 120 comprises the mechanism for releasably retaining
the nozzle 14 on the body 12. The housing 202 comprises a pair of diametrically
opposed apertures 206 which align with similarly shaped apertures 208 formed on the
upper cylindrical section 74 of the upper wall of the base 56 when the water tank 120 is
mounted on the base 56. The outer surface of the base 28 of the nozzle 14 comprises a
pair of diametrically opposed recesses 210 which align with the apertures 206, 208
when the nozzle 14 is mounted on the body 12. When the detents 200 are in their
deployed position, the ends of the detents 200 are urged through the apertures 206, 208
by the resilient elements 204 to enter the recesses 210 in the nozzle 14. The ends of the
detents 200 engage the recessed outer surface of the base 28 of the nozzle 14 to prevent
the nozzle 14 from becoming withdrawn from the body 12, for example if the
humidifying apparatus 10 is lifted by a user gripping the nozzle 14.
The body 12 comprises a depressible catch 220 which is operable to move the
mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration, by moving the
detents 200 away from the recesses 210 to release the nozzle 14 from the body 12. The
catch 220 is mounted within the housing 202 for pivoting movement about an axis
which is orthogonal to the axes about which the detents 200 pivot between their stowed
and deployed positions. The catch 220 is moveable from a stowed position, as
illustrated in Figures 4(a), 11 and 12(a), to a deployed position, as illustrated in Figures
4(b), 7(a), 7(b) and 12(b), in response to a user depressing a button 222 located on the
body 12. In this example, the button 222 is located on the upper wall 126 of the water
tank 120 and above a front section of the catch 220. A compression spring or other
resilient element may be provided beneath the front section of the catch 220 for urging
the catch 220 towards is stowed position. The rotational axis of the catch 220 is located
proximate to to the front section of the catch so that, as the catch 220 moves towards its
deployed position, the catch 220 urges the detents 200 to pivot away from the recesses
210 against the biasing force of the resilient elements 204.
The body 12 is configured to retain the catch 220 in its deployed position when the user
releases the button 220. In this example, the housing 202 of the water tank 120
comprises a wedge 224 over which a hook 226 located on the rear section of the catch
220 slides as the catch 220 moves towards its deployed position. In the deployed
position, the end of the hook 226 snaps over the tapered side surface of the wedge 224
to engage the upper surface of the wedge 224, resulting in the catch 220 being retained
in its deployed position. As the hook 226 moves over the upper surface of the wedge
224, the hook 226 engages the bottom of the handle 184 and urges the handle 184
upwardly away from the recessed section 186 of the water tank 120. This in turn causes
the handle 184 to push the nozzle 14 slightly away from the body 12, providing a visual
indication to the user that the nozzle 14 has been released from the body 12. As an
alternative to having features on the water tank 120 and the catch 220 which co-operate
to retain the catch 220 in its deployed position, one or more magnets may be used to
retain the catch 220 in its deployed position.
In its deployed position, the catch 220 holds the detents 200 in their stowed positions, as
illustrated in Figures 4(b) and 12(b), to allow the user to remove the nozzle 14 from the
body 12. As the nozzle 14 is lifted from the body 12, the resilient elements 188 urge the
handle 184 to its deployed position. The user can then use the handle 184 to lift the
water tank 120 from the base 56 to allow the water tank 120 to be filled or cleaned as
required.
Once the water tank 120 has been filled or cleaned, the user replaces the water tank 120
on the base 56, and then replaces the nozzle 14 on the body 12. As the bases 28, 40 of
the nozzle 14 are pushed into the body 12 the pin 190 on the nozzle 14 engages the
handle 184 and pushes the handle 184 back to its stowed position within the recessed
section 186 of the water tank 120. As the handle 184 moves to its stowed position, it
engages the hook 226 on the catch 220 and pushes the hook 226 away from the upper
surface of the wedge 224 to release the catch 220 from its deployed position. As the
hook 226 moves away from the wedge 224, the resilient elements 204 urge the detents
200 towards their deployed positions to retain the nozzle 14 on the body 12. As the
detents 200 move towards their deployed position, the detents 200 move the catch 220
back to its stowed position.
A user interface for controlling the operation of the humidifying apparatus is located on
the outer wall 58 of the base 56 of the body 12. Figure 13 illustrates schematically a
control system for the humidifying apparatus 10, which includes this user interface and
other electrical components of the humidifying apparatus 10. In this example, the user
interface comprises a plurality of user-operable buttons 240a, 240b and 240c, and a
display 242. The first button 240a is used to activate and deactivate the motor 78, and
the second button 240b is used to set the speed of the motor 78, and thus the rotational
speed of the impeller 76. The third button 240c 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 240c. The display 242 provides an indication of the
currently selected relative humidity level.
The user interface further comprises a user interface circuit 244 which outputs control
signals to the drive circuit 80 upon actuation of one of the buttons, and which receives
control signals output by the drive circuit 80. The user interface may also comprise one
or more LEDs for providing a visual alert depending on a status of the humidifying
apparatus. For example, a first LED 246a may be illuminated by the drive circuit 80
indicating that the water tank 120 has become depleted, as indicated by a signal
received by the drive circuit 80 from the level sensor 176.
A humidity sensor 248 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 80. In this example the humidity sensor 248 may be
located immediately behind the air inlet 60 to detect the relative humidity of the air flow
drawn into the humidifying apparatus 10. The user interface may comprise a second
LED 246b which is illuminated by the drive circuit 80 when an output from the
humidity sensor 248 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 14, to operate the humidifying apparatus 10, the user
actuates the first button 240a. The operation of the button 240a is communicated to the
drive circuit 80, in response to which the drive circuit 80 actuates the UV lamp 170 to
irradiate water stored in the water reservoir 140. In this example, the drive circuit 80
simultaneously activates the motor 78 to rotate the impeller 76. The rotation of the
impeller 76 causes air to be drawn into the body 12 through the air inlet 60. An air flow
passes through the impeller housing 88 and the diffuser 86. Downstream from the
diffuser 86, a portion of the air emitted from the diffuser 86 enters the inlet duct 100
through the inlet port 102, whereas the remainder of the air emitted from the diffuser 86
is conveyed along the first air passageway 62 to the first air inlet 30 of the nozzle 14.
The impeller 76 and the motor 78 may thus be considered to generate a first air flow
which is conveyed to the nozzle 14 by the first air passageway 62 and which enters the
nozzle 14 through the first air inlet 30.
The first air flow enters the first interior passage 48 at the base of the rear section 16 of
the nozzle 14. At the base of the first interior passage 48, the 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 48, air enters the mouth 50 of
the nozzle 14. The air flow into the mouth 50 is preferably substantially even about the
bore 20 of the nozzle 14. The mouth 50 guides the air flow towards the first air outlet
44 of the nozzle 14, from where it is emitted from the humidifying apparatus 10.
The air flow emitted from the first air outlet 40 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 44 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 within the air flow emitted from
the first air outlet in front of the nozzle 14.
As mentioned above, with rotation of the impeller 76 air enters the second air
passageway 64 through the inlet port 102 of the inlet duct 100 to form a second air flow.
The second air flow passes through the inlet duct 100 and is emitted through the outlet
port 104 over the water stored in the water reservoir 140. The emission of the second
air flow from the outlet port 104 agitates the water stored in the water reservoir 140 to
generate movement of water along and around the UV lamp 170, increasing the volume
of water which is irradiated by the UV lamp 170. The presence of the threshold
inhibitor within the stored water causes a thin layer of the threshold inhibitor to be
formed on the surfaces of the tube 172 and the transducers 160 which are exposed to the
stored water, inhibiting the precipitation of limescale on those surfaces. This can both
prolong the working life of the transducers 160 and inhibit any degradation in the
illumination of the stored water by the UV lamp 170.
In addition to the agitation of the water stored in the water reservoir 140 by the second
air flow, the agitation may also be performed by the vibration of the transducers 160 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 160 of the base 56,
the agitation of the stored water may be performed solely by vibration of the transducers
160 at a reduced second frequency / 2, and/or at a reduced amplitude, or with a different
duty cycle. In this case, the drive circuit 80 may be configured to actuate the vibration
of the transducers 160 in this agitation mode simultaneously with the irradiation of the
stored water by the UV lamp 170.
The agitation and irradiation of the stored water continues for a period of time sufficient
to reduce the level of bacteria within the water reservoir 140 by a desired amount. In
this example, the water reservoir 140 has a maximum capacity of 200 ml, and the
agitation and irradiation of the stored water continues for a period of 60 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 water reservoir 140, 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 80 actuates the vibration of the
transducers 160 in the atomization mode to atomize water stored in the water reservoir
140. This creates airborne water droplets above the water located within the water
reservoir 140. In the event that the stored water was agitated previously by vibration of
the transducers 160 alone, the motor 78 is also activated at this end of this period of
time.
As water within the water reservoir 140 is atomized, the water reservoir 140 is
constantly replenished with water received from the water tank 120 via the water
treatment chamber 142, so that the level of water within the water reservoir 140 remains
substantially constant while the level of water within the water tank 120 gradually falls.
As water enters the water reservoir 140 from the water treatment chamber 142, in which
the threshold inhibitor is added to the water, it is guided by the walls 174 to flow along
the tube 172 so that it is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation before it is atomized.
With rotation of the impeller 76, airborne water droplets become entrained within the
second air flow emitted from the outlet port 104 of the inlet duct 100. The - now moist
- second air flow passes upwardly through the outlet duct 106 of the second air
passageway 64 to the second air inlet 42 of the nozzle 14, and enters the second interior
passage 54 within the front section 18 of the nozzle 14.
At the base of the second interior passage 54, 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 54, each air stream is emitted from
a respective one of the second air outlets 52 located in the front end of the nozzle 14 in
front of the first air outlet 44. 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 248, is
1% at 20°C higher than the relative humidity level Hs, selected by the user using the
third button 240c. The emission of the moistened air flow from the nozzle 14 may then
be terminated by the drive circuit 80, preferably by changing the mode of vibration of
the transducers 160. For example, the frequency of the vibration of the transducers 160
may be reduced to a frequency / 3, where > > 0, below which atomization of the
stored water is not performed. Alternatively the amplitude of the vibrations of the
transducers 160 may be reduced. Optionally, the motor 78 may also be stopped so that
no air flow is emitted from the nozzle 14. However, when the humidity sensor 248 is
located in close proximity to the motor 78 it is preferred that the motor 78 is operated
continually to avoid undesirable temperature fluctuation in the local environment of the
humidity sensor 248. Also, it is preferred to continue to operate the motor 78 to
continue agitating the water stored in the water reservoir 140. Operation of the UV
lamp 170 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 248 will begin to
fall. Once the relative humidity of the air of the environment local to the humidity
sensor 248 has fallen to 1% at 20°C below the relative humidity level Hs selected by the
user, the drive circuit 80 re-activates the vibration of the transducers 160 in the
atomization mode. If the motor 78 has been stopped, the drive circuit 80
simultaneously re-activates the motor 78. As before, the moist air flow is emitted from
the nozzle 14 until the relative humidity i¾ detected by the humidity sensor 248 is 1%
at 20°C higher than the relative humidity level Hs selected by the user.
This actuation sequence of the transducers 160 (and optionally the motor 78) for
maintaining the detected humidity level around the level selected by the user continues
until button 240a is actuated again, or until a signal is received from the level sensor
176 indicating that the level of water within the water reservoir 140 has fallen below the
minimum level. If the button 240a is actuated, or upon receipt of this signal from the
level sensor 176, the drive circuit 80 deactivates the motor 78, the transducers 160 and
the UV lamp 170 to switch off the humidifying apparatus 10. The drive circuit 80 also
deactivates these components of the humidifying apparatus 10 in response to signal
received from the proximity sensor 182 indicating that the water tank 120 has been
removed from the base 56.
CLAIMS
1. Humidifying apparatus comprising:
a housing comprising a water reservoir;
a water tank mounted on the housing for supplying water to the reservoir;
air flow generating means for generating an air flow over water in the reservoir;
an air outlet for emitting at least part of the air flow:
atomizing means for atomizing water in the reservoir;
irradiating means for irradiating water in the reservoir with ultraviolet radiation;
and
guide means for guiding a flow of water entering the reservoir adjacent to the
irradiating means.
2 . Humidifying apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide means
comprises one or more baffles.
3 . Humidifying apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the guide
means are located adjacent to the irradiating means.
4 . Humidifying apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a
chamber for conveying water from the water tank to the reservoir, and wherein the
guide means are located adjacent to a water outlet of the chamber.
5 . Humidifying apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the
irradiating means is located at least partially within the reservoir.
6 . Humidifying apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the irradiating means
comprises an ultraviolet radiation transparent tube located at least partially within the
reservoir.
7 . Humidifying apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the guide means is
arranged to guide water entering the reservoir along the tube.
8 . Humidifying apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the
atomizing means comprises a transducer, and the apparatus comprises control means for
controlling the frequency of vibration of the transducer.
9 . Humidifying apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the transducer is located
on the opposite side of the reservoir to the irradiating means.
10. Humidifying apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an inlet
duct for conveying the air flow to the reservoir, and an outlet duct for conveying the air
flow away from the reservoir.
11. Humidifying apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the inlet duct comprises
an outlet port shaped to emit the air flow in such a direction as to generate a swirling
movement of the water stored in the reservoir.
12. Humidifying apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the inlet
duct extends along at least part of the outlet duct.
13. Humidifying apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the
housing comprises the inlet duct, and the water tank comprises the outlet duct.
14. Humidifying apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a nozzle
for receiving the air flow, the nozzle comprising said air outlet, the nozzle extending
about an opening through which air from outside the apparatus is drawn by air emitted
from the nozzle.