NL2027616B1 - Domestic air treatment device - Google Patents
Domestic air treatment device Download PDFInfo
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- NL2027616B1 NL2027616B1 NL2027616A NL2027616A NL2027616B1 NL 2027616 B1 NL2027616 B1 NL 2027616B1 NL 2027616 A NL2027616 A NL 2027616A NL 2027616 A NL2027616 A NL 2027616A NL 2027616 B1 NL2027616 B1 NL 2027616B1
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- Prior art keywords
- ultrasonic
- air
- unit
- liquid
- air conditioner
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- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 109
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 27
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000003595 mist Substances 0.000 description 11
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 238000010420 art technique Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000021615 conjugation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000012489 doughnuts Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006199 nebulizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002210 silicon-based material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007666 vacuum forming Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
- F24F6/12—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by forming water dispersions in the air
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
- F24F2006/008—Air-humidifier with water reservoir
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
- F24F2221/36—Modules, e.g. for an easy mounting or transport
Abstract
The invention provides a domestic air treatment device for adapting air humidity, comprising: - a base unit comprising an air displacement device, an electrical power source, and a 5 base unit air duct with an air inlet, and an air outlet, said air displacement device arranged for providing an airflow through said base unit air duct from said air inlet to said air outlet, - an ultrasonic unit comprising a power input detachably coupled to the electrical power source of the base unit, a liquid inlet fluidly arranged for in operation exposing lO liquid from said liquid inlet to ultrasonic vibrations, and an air inlet fluidly coupled to said base unit air outlet and arranged for allowing said airflow to contact said liquid when exposed to said ultrasonic vibrations, - a liquid reservoir comprising a liquid outlet fluidly coupled to said ultrasonic unit liquid inlet, 15 wherein said water reservoir is separately removable from said air treatment device and said ultrasonic unit is separately removable from said air treatment device.
Description
P100538NL00 Domestic air treatment device Field of the invention The invention relates to a domestic air treatment device for adapting air humidity.
In particular, the invention relates to air-humidification by evaporating water in the air.
Background of the invention US2021003303 in it abstract states: "Embodiments of the disclosure provide humidifiers and methods for regulating a humidity in an environment using the humidifiers.
An exemplary humidifier may include a water tank configured to store a supply of water and a chamber in fluid communication with the water tank.
The chamber may be configured to receive the supply of water.
The humidifier may also include a mist generator disposed in the chamber and configured to generate a mist of water droplets from the supply of water.
The humidifier may also include a tube in fluid communication with the chamber to direct the mist of water droplets to flow trom the chamber to an exterior space through an outlet of the humidifier.
The humidifier may further include a mist accelerator disposed in proximity to the outlet and configured to generate a forced air flow to accelerate the mist of water droplets flowing out from the outlet.” US20140264963 in its abstract states: “A reservoir system for an operating unit, such as a humidifier, includes a removable water tank configured to provide the operating unit with water.
The removable water tank includes a primary reservoir for holding water, with an opening in the removable water tank fluidically connecting the primary reservoir with a secondary reservoir in the operating unit.
A plunger is slidably disposed in the opening and movable between an open position in which the opening fluidically connects the primary reservoir to the secondary reservoir, and a closed position that seals the opening to fluidically disconnect the primary reservoir from the secondary reservoir.
A float member in the secondary reservoir includes a buoyant main body and is configured to generate a force upon the plunger to urge the plunger into the open position according to the height of water in the secondary reservoir.” Summary of the invention A disadvantage of prior art is that a disfunctioning of elements causes casting away of a complete device.
Hence, it is an aspect of the invention to provide an alternative device, which preferably further at least partly obviates one or more of above-described drawbacks.
There is provide a domestic air treatment device for adapting air humidity, comprising: - a base unit comprising an air displacement device, an electrical power source, and a base unit air duct with an air inlet, and an air outlet, said air displacement device arranged for providing an airflow through said base unit air duct from said air inlet to said air outlet; - an ultrasonic unit comprising a power input detachably coupled to the electrical power source of the base unit, a liquid inlet fluidly arranged for in operation exposing liquid from said liquid inlet to ultrasonic vibrations, and an air inlet fluidly coupled to said base unit air outlet and arranged for allowing said airflow to contact said liquid when exposed to said ultrasonic vibrations; - a liquid reservoir comprising a liquid outlet fluidly coupled to said ultrasonic unit liquid inlet; wherein said water reservoir is separately removable from said air treatment device and said ultrasonic unit is separately removable from said air treatment device.
There is further provided a domestic air treatment device for adapting air humidity, comprising an ultrasonic unit comprising a moisture chamber comprising an end that is ultrasonically coupled to an ultrasonic device and having a moisture chamber outlet coupled to a vapour guiding duct, wherein said vapour guiding duct comprises a venturi tube comprising a funnelling inlet end extending into said moisture chamber and positioned for receiving liquid droplets from said ultrasonic device, said tunnelling end narrowing into a venturi duct running through said outlet duct and having its outlet near an end of said vapour guiding duct.
The current air treatment device in an embodiment provides a modular device. In the current invention, it was split up in and comprises a liquid reservoir, a base unit,
and an ultrasonic unit. These modules are functionally coupled to one another. This makes cleaning, maintenance and even replacement of parts possible without having to write off or dismiss the complete device. This broad principle is used in some mobile phones that are currently on the market, like Fairphone devices. Applying this broad principle to other devices requires redesign of a device, taking into consideration the functionality, the various functions that are preformed in a device. Analysis of points of failure, safety, and the like.
It was found that breaking up the air treatment device into the current modules offers additional advantages in adding functionality and user friendliness and serviceability.
It was found that in fact the ultrasonic unit is a part of an air treatment device that most often breaks down. Allowing simple replacement by a user/consumer avoids a need to cast away a complete device.
In the context of the current device, reference is made to the word “ultrasonic”.
In its widest scope, it refers to the generally known meaning of ultrasonic, in particular for generating a liquid mist, in particular a water mist. In particular, ultrasonic for providing water moisture relates to a vibration frequency of between 500 kHz and 3 MHz. Often, the ultrasonic unit generates vibrations in the range of 1-3 MHz. Various devices vibrate at a frequency of around 2.4 MHz. In the current domestic device, the output can be 350-450 ml/h at 2.4 MHz and 600-800 ml/h for 1.7 MHz.
Removably in the current description refers to parts like the liquid reservoir and the ultrasonic unit that can be removed from the rest of the air treatment device. In this respect, removable is used in contrast to fixed. In particular, parts may be permanently fixed for instance by using glue, welding, or friction welding, for instance. In particular, parts may be removable without using tools. For instance, the liquid reservoir can be detachable. In an embodiment, subsequently the ultrasonic unit is detachable. In an embodiment, the reservoir can be positioned of placed on the further air treatment device. It may be snapped onto the further device. In an embodiment, positioning elements may be provided in order to insure proper placement. The ultrasonic unit, in an embodiment is fitted onto the further air treatment device. The ultrasonic vibrations may require a snap-fit or bayonet or other non-permanent fixing.
Venturi in a general sense relates to a us of a constricted section (reduction of cross sectional area) that results in a fluid pressure reduction when a fluid flows though the constriction. In fact, a set-up is provided that uses the Bernoulli principle stating that an increase in fluid flow speed results in a reduction in pressure. In the current invention, when reference is made to Venturi, in an embodiment actually a tube is placed substantially concentrically in another tube. At the end of these concentric tubes, air is first forced into the concentric tubes, and at the downstream opposite end the air can flow out and expand. This can for instance be used to design a flow pattern, for instance cause a pressure decrease at the downstream end of the central tube. In an embodiment, channel between the concentric tubes in fact provide a constriction of a venturi.
In an embodiment, the ultrasonic unit is removably attached onto said base unit, and - the liquid reservoir has a lower end which is removably attached to said base unit and with said removable ultrasonic unit between said base unit and said liquid reservoir. In a further embodiment, the lower end of the liquid reservoir comprises an air duct coupling said base unit air outlet to said ultrasonic unit air inlet.
In an embodiment, the removable ultrasonic unit comprises an ultrasonic base part comprising a moisture chamber comprising said liquid inlet.
In an embodiment, the removable ultrasonic unit comprises an ultrasonic device at an end of said moisture chamber and which is ultrasonically coupled to said moisture chamber, and said moisture chamber connecting to an vapour guiding duct having an outlet at a distance from said moisture chamber.
In an embodiment, the vapour guiding duct runs through said liquid reservoir and debouches near a top end of said liquid reservoir.
In an embodiment, the moisture chamber has an open lower end sealing coupled in a liquid tight manner to said ultrasonic device.
In an embodiment, the ultrasonic device has a vibrating surface providing a closing face of said moisture chamber.
In an embodiment, the ultrasonic device comprises coupling parts for coupling in a removable way to corresponding coupling parts on said ultrasonic base part.
In an embodiment, the moisture chamber has an open lower end sealing coupled in a liquid tight manner to said ultrasonic device, wherein said ultrasonic device comprises an ultrasonic vibrator comprising coupling parts for coupling in a removable way to corresponding coupling parts on said ultrasonic device
In an embodiment, the ultrasonic device has a vibrating surface providing a closing wall of said moisture chamber.
In an embodiment, the ultrasonic unit comprises said moisture chamber, wherein said moisture chamber is cup-shaped having an open end and a bottom, wherein said 5 bottom is provided with an ultrasonic device and said open end provide said air inlet, said liquid inlet, and said moisture outlet.
In an embodiment, the base unit comprises a housing, and a receiving space separate from an interior of said housing, wherein said ultrasonic unit is formed to fit in said receiving space.
In an embodiment, the domestic air treatment device further comprises an ultrasonic unit comprising a moisture chamber comprising an end that is ultrasonically coupled to an ultrasonic device and having a moisture chamber outlet coupled to a vapour guiding duct, wherein said vapour guiding duct comprises a venturi tube comprising a funnelling inlet end extending into said moisture chamber and positioned for receiving liquid droplets from said ultrasonic device, said funnelling end narrowing into a venturi duct running through said outlet duct and having its outlet near an end of said vapour guiding duct.
In an embodiment, the moisture chamber comprises a moisture chamber air inlet, a moisture chamber air outlet coupled to said vapour guiding duct, and a liquid inlet for providing liquid to said ultrasonic device.
In an embodiment, the liquid reservoir is a water reservoir providing water to the ultrasonic unit for in operation evaporating the water for humidifying air.
In an embodiment, the liquid reservoir has a volume of between 0.5 and 10 litre, and/or the domestic air treatment device has a dimension of between 10x10x20 cm and 30x30x50 cm and/or wherein when comprising said air displacement device, the air displacement device in operation can provide an air flow from said domestic air treatment device of up to 100 m3 per hour, in particular up to 50 m3 per hour, more in particular of up to 20 m3 per hour.
There is additionally provided an ultrasonic device for a domestic air treatment device described above.
There is additionally provided an ultrasonic base part for an ultrasonic device for a domestic air treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims.
There 1s further provided a method for replacing an ultrasonic unit of a domestic air treatment device as described, comprising lifting the liquid reservoir from the air treatment device, and subsequently lifting the ultrasonic unit from the base unit and detaching the power input from the power source of the base unit.
As explained above, the current air treatment device in an embodiment provides a modular device.
In an embodiment, the order of the modules (with the device positioned for use) are from bottom up a base unit, placed on the base unit is the ultrasonic unit, and placed on the base unit and “sandwiching” the ultrasonic unit is the liquid reservoir. In this way, the liquid can be supplied to the ultrasonic unit under the influence of gravity. This makes for a simple construction.
The terms “upstream” and “downstream” relate to an arrangement of items or features relative to the flow of air through the device, wherein relative to an air inlet and air outlet, a second position closer to the air inlet is “upstream”, and a third position between the air outlet and the second position is relatively “downstream” with respect to the second position.
The term “substantially” herein, such as in “substantially consists”, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term “comprise” includes also embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of”.
The term "functionally" will be understood by, and be clear to, a person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” as well as “functionally” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective functionally may also be removed. When used, for instance in “functionally parallel”, a skilled person will understand that the adjective “functionally” includes the term substantially as explained above. Functionally in particular is to be understood to include a configuration of features that allows these features to function as if the adjective “functionally” was not present. The term “functionally” is intended to cover variations in the feature to which it refers, and which variations are such that in the functional use of the feature, possibly in combination with other features it relates to in the invention, that combination of features is able to operate or function. For instance, if an antenna is functionally coupled or functionally connected to a communication device, received electromagnetic signals that are receives by the antenna can be used by the communication device. The word “functionally” as for instance used in “functionally parallel” is used to cover exactly parallel, but also the embodiments that are covered by the word “substantially” explained above. For instance, “functionally parallel” relates to embodiments that in operation function as if the parts are for instance parallel. This covers embodiments for which it is clear to a skilled person that 1t operates within its intended field of use as if it were parallel.
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
The devices or apparatus herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.
It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and may comprise a suitably programmed computer. In the device or apparatus claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
The invention further applies to an apparatus or device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.
The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.
Brief description of the drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which: Figures | and 2 show an exploded view of an exemplary humidifier seen from below (figure 1) and from above (figure 2); Figures 3 A-3D shows a perspective view of four optional replacement options; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the lower side of a water reservoir; Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of the humidifier of figures 1 and 2; Figure 6 shows a venturi added to the humidifier of figures 1-5; Figure 7 shows the humidifier with a venture in cross section view; Figures 8A and 8B show an exploded view of an alternative embodiment; Figure 9 shows a cross section of the embodiment of figures 8A and 8B The drawings are not necessarily on scale Description of preferred embodiments Figures 1 and 2 show an exploded view of a humidifier 1 as an embodiment of a domestic air treatment device for adapting air humidity, seen from below and above. In this embodiment, the humidifier has a block shape with rounded corners. The humidifier can also be cylindrical, in particular circle cylindrical. This is a matter of industrial design. This matter may also have a technical effect.
The main parts of the humidifier 1 are from top to bottom: a diffuser cover 2, a reservoir cover 3, a liquid reservoir 4, an ultrasonic unit 5, a base unit 6 covered with a base bottom 7, and in this embodiment a stand 8.
The base unit 6 houses in the current embodiment the control electronics, power supply and an actuator for providing air displacement, also referred to as an air displacement device. In figures 1-8, the power supply and air displacement device are not depicted. In many embodiments, such an air displacement device will be or comprise a ventilator with an electromotor. It may comprise a fan actuated by an electromotor. This and other implementations of an air displacement device are known in the art as such. The base unit 6 has a base unit air inlet 31 and a base unit air duct 30 coupling the base unit air inlet 31 via the air displacement device to a base unit air outlet.
The ultrasonic unit 5 in the current embodiment is placed on the base unit 6, and provisions like rims and cams and notches can be provided that ensure proper placement of the ultrasonic unit 5 on the base unit 6. As explained in more detail below, the ultrasonic unit 5 is provided on the base unit 6 in such a way that it can be detached from the base unit 6 easily by a consumer, in a particular embodiment even without use of tools. It the embodiment of figures 1 and 2, the base unit 6 is open and the ultrasonic unit 5 provides a closure for it. In particular, the ultrasonic base part 11 provides a lid that can for instance be placed or snapped onto the opening of the base unit 6.
The liquid reservoir 4 has a lower end which in the current embodiment comprises coupling provisions for coupling the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4 to the base unit 6. In particular, in an embodiment the coupling provisions provide a pulling force in such a way that the liquid reservoir is pulled towards the base unit 6, pushing the liquid reservoir 4 against the ultrasonic unit 5. This sealingly presses the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4 against the ultrasonic unit 5. In another embodiment, the liquid reservoir 4 substantially stands freely on the base unit 6, allowing it to be lifted off easily for instance for filling. The liquid reservoir 4 and the base unit 6 in such an embodiment comprises engagement parts for engaging one another for keeping the liquid reservoir 4 stacked onto the base unit 6. It prevents the liquid reservoir 4 from sliding off the based unit 6. In an embodiment, one of the liquid reservoir 4 and the base unit 6 comprises cams and the other unit comprises matching notches. Alternatively, one of the reservoir 4 and base units 6 comprises a collar or flange fitting a groove or step on the other of the base unit 6 and reservoir 4. The engagement parts is provided for keeping the liquid reservoir 4 and the base unit 6 positioned on one another, here the reservoir 4 on top of the base unit 6. In the depicted embodiment of figures 1-5, the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4 has struts 12 fitting into holes in the base unit 6. In addition, the lower end of the reservoir 4 has a circumferential edge and the base unit 6 and a matching circumferential edge, and the ultrasonic base part 11 of ultrasonic unit 5 and a collar fitting about the base unit edge and providing an outer edge fitting the reservoir circumferential edge. The cross section of figure 5 illustrates this.
The liquid reservoir 4 comprises a container space for holding a liquid, and at its lower end has a liquid reservoir liquid outlet 15. In its coupled position with its lower end on the base unit 6, the liquid reservoir outlet 15 fluidly couples to a liquid inlet of the ultrasonic unit 5. For enabling removal, filling and replacing of the reservoir 4, the liquid reservoir liquid outlet 15 can be provided with a stop of a valve. In an embodiment, a float valve is provided. In an embodiment, the float valve 40 (figures 8A, 8B, 9) has a valve part for sealing the liquid outlet 15 and a float body. When the reservoir 4 1s detached, the valve part closes the liquid outlet 15. The float body is coupled to the valve part and regulates the amount of liquid in/at the ultrasonic unit 5.
The liquid reservoir 4 in the current embodiment further comprises a vapour guiding duct 16 incorporated into the liquid reservoir 4. In the current embodiment the vapour guiding duct 16 runs from the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4 all the way to the (in use upper) opposite end of the liquid reservoir 4. In this embodiment, the vapour guiding duct 16 1s a separate pipe, as will be explained further below. In an alternative embodiment, outer walls of the liquid reservoir 4 may provide part of the vapour guiding duct 16.
Usually, most parts of the housing and the parts like the diffuser cover 2, reservoir cover 3, liquid reservoir 4, parts of the ultrasonic unit 5, a housing of the base unit 6, the base bottom 7 and stand 8 may be injection moulded. These parts may be from plastic, like a thermoplastic material such as ABS, PE, PP, polyester, or other known polymers used in the art.
As mentioned above, the humidifier 1 in an embodiment is for domestic use. In such an application, the liquid reservoir can have has a volume of between 0.5 and 10 litre. In an embodiment, the domestic air treatment device has a dimension (length x width x height) of between 10x10x20 cm and 30x30x50 cm. Another way of defining the device as humidifier in particular for domestic use and when comprising the air displacement device, the air displacement device in operation can provide an air flow of below 100 m’ per hour. In particular the air flow in use is below 50 m® per hour. Specifically, the air flow is below 20 m’ per hour. In the application as a humidifier, the liquid is water which is turned into mist by the ultrasonic unit 5 and which mist is subsequently token through the vapour guiding duct 16 and out of the air treatment device 1.
In figure 3A-3D, some embodiments of the ultrasonic unit 5 are illustrated. It illustrates different options for replaceability and repair. The embodiments shown are shaped for fitting into/onto the base unit 6 illustrated above. In an embodiment of that base unit 6, it comprises an upper sealing part that liquid-tightly seals the interior of the base unit 6. Such a sealing part would comprise an air outlet coupled with an air duct in the base unit 6. In an embodiment, the outer shape of the upper sealing part or base unit sealing cover is shaped to receive the ultrasonic unit 5. In an embodiment, it is shaped to receive the ultrasonic unit base part 11 of the ultrasonic unit 5 fittingly or form-fittingly, holding the ultrasonic unit 5 in place on the base unit 6. In this way, the wall thickness of the ultrasonic unit base part 11 might be reduced, making in more advantageous to be replaceable. Alternatively, the ultrasonic base part 11 may be from flexible or even rubber or silicon material, allowing easy cleaning.
The ultrasonic unit 5 illustrated in an embodiment in figures 3A-3D has an ultrasonic base part 11. The ultrasonic base part 11 1s shaped to fit onto the base unit 6. Furthermore, it is shaped in this embodiment to fit sealingly (in a sealing manner) onto the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4. In particular (not illustrated), it may comprises a liquid inlet liquid tightly fitting the liquid outlet of the lower end of the liquid reservoir. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic base part 11 has an air outlet 22 extending into an air duct 14 formed into the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4. It may even fit liquid tightly, in particular even air tightly, sealingly onto an air inlet end of the air duct 14 of the liquid reservoir 4.
In one embodiment, the ultrasonic base part 11 has an air inlet that sealingly fits onto an air outlet of the base unit 6. In another or combined embodiment, the ultrasonic base part air inlet is coupled via an air duct 14 formed at least partly into the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4. In the embodiment of figure 3A, the complete ultrasonic unit 5 comprises the ultrasonic base plate 11, an ultrasonic device 9 attached to it, and an ultrasonic vibrator 11 coupled to and part of the ultrasonic device 9 and attached to the ultrasonic base plate 11. The parts may be attached to the ultrasonic base plate 11 via screws, glued, or even be co-moulded.
Thus in this embodiment, the complete ultrasonic unit 5 would be replaced by a consumer in case of damage or malfunctioning.
In an embodiment, the ultrasonic device 9 and the base unit 6 comprise a mutually complementary plug and socket, allowing a power coupling between the ultrasonic unit 5 and the base unit 6. In an embodiment, the ultrasonic device 9 comprises a lead with a plug and the base unit 6 comprises a socket for the plug.
In figure 3B, the ultrasonic device 9 is removably attachable to the ultrasonic base part 11. The ultrasonic device 9 is attached for instance via a bayonet fitting, a form fitting, or via a snap fitting.
This allows a consumer to easily remove the ultrasonic device 9 from the ultrasonic base part 11 without using additional tools.
In this embodiment, a vibrator 10 is attached to and part of the ultrasonic device 9. It may be attached via a series of screws, be co-moulded, glued onto the rest of the ultrasonic device 9. In an embodiment, the moisture chamber 13 comprises a moisture chamber ultrasonic unit coupling part 20 and the ultrasonic device 9 comprises an ultrasonic unit coupling part 21, cooperating with ultrasonic unit coupling part 20, here part of the moisture chamber 13. It allows a consumer to easily clean the ultrasonic unit 5, and to replace the ultrasonic device 9 when it is damaged or broken.
Figure 3D show the embodiment of figure 3B from the other side.
In the depicted embodiment, the ultrasonic device 9 has a collar 20 which fits into the collar 21 of the ultrasonic base part 11. In an embodiment the bottom of the moisture chamber 13 can be co-formed with the moisture chamber base part 11. In such an embodiment, the complete ultrasonic device can be placed into the moisture chamber.
Alternatively, the ultrasonic device 9 is ultrasonically coupled to the bottom of the moisture chamber 13. In operation, this makes the bottom vibrate ultrasonically.
In figure 3C, another embodiment of the ultrasonic unit 5 is illustrated.
In this embodiment, the ultrasonic base part 11 and the ultrasonic device 9 excluding the ultrasonic vibrator 10 are integrated in one part.
The ultrasonic device 9 in this embodiment can be glued or welded onto the ultrasonic base part 11. Alternatively, the ultrasonic device 9 can be co-moulded into/onto the ultrasonic base part 11. In yet another alternative, it can for instance be attached via screws. This might in theory allow replacement, though using tools, and requiring good sealing after replacement.
The vibrator 10 in this embodiment is replaceable by a consumer. In an embodiment, it is replaceable without the use of tools. This may for instance comprise attachment via a bayonet, a snap-fit, or a form-fit coupling. Furthermore, it may comprise a power lead with a plug to fit a socket on the further ultrasonic device 9.
The ultrasonic unit 5 comprises a moisture chamber 13. The moisture chamber 13 comprises a liquid inlet 17, an air inlet 19, and a lower wall coupling ultrasonically to an ultrasonic device 9. In the embodiment depicted in figures 3A-3D, the moisture chamber is formed into the ultrasonic base part 11. In that embodiment, it can have a lower end that is open, as illustrated. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic device 9 and/or the vibrator 10 provides an ultrasonically vibrating wall 25.
Figure 4 shows the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4 in some more detail, and figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of the embodiment earlier discussed. In this embodiment, the humidifier 1 comprises a vapour guiding duct 16 running through the liquid reservoir 4. The vapour guiding duct 16 comprises an inlet end 35 arranged to receive moisture droplets/vapour from the moisture chamber 13. The vapour guiding duct 16 here is a straight tube part or piece or end. The inlet end 35 is here arranged at or near the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4. The vapour guiding duct 16 comprises an outlet end 36 at or near the opposite end of the liquid reservoir 4. In this embodiment, the outlet end 36 of the vapour guiding duct 16 connects to an outlet piece of the reservoir cover 3. The liquid reservoir cover 3 further comprises a cover 2, which in this embodiment leaves a circumferential gutter.
In figures 6 and 7, a further embodiment of a humidifier is disclosed providing an extension part that can for instance be added to the embodiment already discussed. This would/might only require an amended cover 2. This embodiment comprises a venturi tube 36 that can be inserted into the vapour guiding duct 16. The venturi tube 26 comprises a funneling inlet end 27, funneling into a venturi duct 28. The funneling inlet end 27 ends into a venturi inlet. Clearly, the cross sectional area of the venturi inlet is larger that a cross sectional area of the venturi duct 28. The ratio venturi inlet cross sectional area over the venturi duct cross sectional area can be between 1.5-5. In most embodiments it will be between 2 and 4.
The venturi inlet will be positioned in proximity of the ultrasonic vibrator or of the moisture chamber wall ultrasonically coupled to the vibrator. In most applications, it will be between 1 mm up to lcm from the ultrasonic vibration.
The venturi tube 26 in an embodiment is coaxial with the vapour guiding duct
16. This will provide an air channel between the venturi duct 28 and the vapour guiding duct 16. The relatively fast flowing air in that resulting air channel will cause a lowering of pressure at the end 29 of the venturi duct 28, causing the liquid-droplets to accelerate in the venturi duct 28. This will cause a stronger flow of moisturized air. In order to position the venturi duct 28 in the vapour guiding duct 16, centering ends 32 are provided on the venturi ducts’ outside for engaging the inner surface of the vapour guiding duct 16, or resting upon corresponding engagement members in the inner surface of the vapour guiding duct 16. The venturi tube 26 may be removable in this way. In this embodiment, the cover 2 has an opening 34 or hole for filling around the vapour guiding duct. 16 The liquid reservoir cover 3 in this embodiment is also modified for passing and extending the vapour guiding duct. In this embodiment, in fact the channel between the venturi tube and the vapour guiding duct 16 provide the constriction of the venturi. Through this venturi, a channel is provided for the moisture or vapour.
Figures 8A and 8B and 9 show an alternative embodiment of the humidifier 1. It has also design aspects that may be susceptible for design protection. In this design with a round or elliptic cross section, the vapour guiding duct 16 is positioned centrally through the liquid reservoir 4. The removable venturi tube 26 discussed with reference to figures 6 and 7 in included in this design. It is replaceable and can be installed by a user at will.
This embodiment also shows a mechanical floater part or floater valve 40 that fits inside the moisture chamber 13 and which functions as a closure part for closing off the liquid outlet 15 of the liquid reservoir 4. It can also steer the amount of liquid exiting the liquid reservoir 4 and entering the moisture chamber 13.
In the embodiment of figures 8A, 8B and 9, the base unit 6 comprises a lid 42 for sealing the base unit 6. In this embodiment, the lid 42 has a receiving space which in this embodiment has a bottom which rests against the bottom of the base unit 6. In this way, in fact the complete doughnut shaped space (or part) of the base unit 6 is the base unit air duct 30.
In this embodiment, the ultrasonic unit 5, in particular the ultrasonic unit base part 11, does not comprise and provide an air duct.
In this embodiment, the base unit lid 42 comprises a receiving space for the ultrasonic unit 5. The ultrasonic unit base part 11 in this embodiment de facto is the moisture space 13 formed as a cup having a bottom comprising the ultrasonic device 9. The ultrasonic unit base part 11 has a rim about 1ts cup edge that fits a collar around the receiving space of the base unit lid 42. In the depicted embodiment, the ultrasonic unit base part 11 can be formed from a sheet of material in a deep-draw or vacuum forming process. This makes the part easy to produce as a replacement part.
The reservoir outlet 15 is closed by a float valve 40 that closes the outlet 15 when the reservoir 4 is removed from the device 1, in fact from the base unit 6. The float body of the float valve 40 fits in the moisture chamber 13. In the embodiment illustrated, it comprises an opening providing a passage for vapour from the ultrasonic device 9. It can be designed such that it controlls the amount of liquid in the moisture chamber 13. In an embodiment, the float valve 40 is the following. The outlet 15 comprises a valve which is in a closed position when the reservoir 4 is removed from the air treatment device. The float valve 40 further comprises a float body positioned in the moisture chamber 13. The float body or floater comprises activation end that opens the valve when no liquid is available in the moisture chamber 13. When the float body starts floating in liquid in the moisture chamber, it will increase closure of the valve, until a desired liquid level in the moisture chamber 13 is attained.
In the current application, reference is made to an air treatment device comprising an ultrasonic unit. In particular, a liquid is converted into droplets in an airflow. This effect can also be accomplished using in general a nebulizer, which converts a liquid in a fine mist. To that end, nozzles can for instance be used. An ultrasonic unit 5 provides a simple and efficient way of providing a mist.
It will also be clear that the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many more embodiments will be evident to a skilled person. These embodiments are within the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and are obvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of this patent.
Reference numbers 1 humidifier 2 cover 3 reservoir cover 4 liquid reservoir 5 ultrasonic unit 6 base unit 7 base plate 8 stand 9 ultrasonic device 10 ultrasonic vibrator 11 ultrasonic base part 12 reservoir coupling ends 13 moisture chamber 14 reservoir air duct 15 reservoir liquid outlet 16 vapour guiding duct 17 moisture chamber liquid inlet 18 moisture chamber vapour outlet 19 moisture chamber air inlet 20 moisture chamber ultrasonic unit coupling part 21 ultrasonic unit coupling part, cooperating with part 22 ultrasonic unit air duct 23 ultrasonic unit air duct outlet 24 ultrasonic unit air duct inlet 25 ultrasonic surface 26 venturi tube 27 venturi funneling inlet 28 venturi duct 29 venturi outlet 30 base unit air duct 31 base unit air inlet 32 venturi vapour guiding duct engagement end
33 liquid reservoir filling opening 34 cover vapour duct opening 35 vapour guiding duct inlet 36 vapour guiding duct outlet 40 float valve 41 air displacement device 42 base unit lid 43 base unit air outlet
Claims (1)
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NL2027616A NL2027616B1 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2021-02-22 | Domestic air treatment device |
PCT/NL2022/050100 WO2022177441A1 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2022-02-22 | Domestic air treatment device |
JP2023575491A JP2024507411A (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2022-02-22 | household air treatment devices |
CN202280025981.8A CN117222848A (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2022-02-22 | Domestic air treatment device |
EP22709420.8A EP4295088A1 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2022-02-22 | Domestic air treatment device |
KR1020237031078A KR20230153403A (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2022-02-22 | household air handling units |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NL2027616A NL2027616B1 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2021-02-22 | Domestic air treatment device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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NL2027616A NL2027616A (en) | 2022-09-19 |
NL2027616B1 true NL2027616B1 (en) | 2022-09-19 |
Family
ID=77519695
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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NL2027616A NL2027616B1 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2021-02-22 | Domestic air treatment device |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP4295088A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2024507411A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20230153403A (en) |
CN (1) | CN117222848A (en) |
NL (1) | NL2027616B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022177441A1 (en) |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2008060089A1 (en) * | 2006-11-13 | 2008-05-22 | Daekyu Bak | Easy-cleaning ultrasonic humidifier |
US20110226868A1 (en) * | 2007-11-16 | 2011-09-22 | Monster Mosquito Systems | Ultrasonic humidifier for repelling insects |
US20140264963A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Helen Of Troy Limited | Removable top fill tank |
EP3022496A1 (en) * | 2013-07-15 | 2016-05-25 | Dong Jin Seo | Floating type humidifier |
US10168064B1 (en) * | 2018-07-13 | 2019-01-01 | Zhongshan Titan Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd. | Ultrasonic humidifier |
EP3722688A1 (en) * | 2017-12-04 | 2020-10-14 | Kankyo Co., Ltd. | Ultrasonic humidifier |
US20210003303A1 (en) | 2019-07-02 | 2021-01-07 | Shenzhen Tokyun Technology Co., Ltd. | Ultrasonic humidifier for regulating humidity in an environment |
-
2021
- 2021-02-22 NL NL2027616A patent/NL2027616B1/en active
-
2022
- 2022-02-22 KR KR1020237031078A patent/KR20230153403A/en unknown
- 2022-02-22 CN CN202280025981.8A patent/CN117222848A/en active Pending
- 2022-02-22 EP EP22709420.8A patent/EP4295088A1/en active Pending
- 2022-02-22 JP JP2023575491A patent/JP2024507411A/en active Pending
- 2022-02-22 WO PCT/NL2022/050100 patent/WO2022177441A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2008060089A1 (en) * | 2006-11-13 | 2008-05-22 | Daekyu Bak | Easy-cleaning ultrasonic humidifier |
US20110226868A1 (en) * | 2007-11-16 | 2011-09-22 | Monster Mosquito Systems | Ultrasonic humidifier for repelling insects |
US20140264963A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Helen Of Troy Limited | Removable top fill tank |
EP3022496A1 (en) * | 2013-07-15 | 2016-05-25 | Dong Jin Seo | Floating type humidifier |
EP3722688A1 (en) * | 2017-12-04 | 2020-10-14 | Kankyo Co., Ltd. | Ultrasonic humidifier |
US10168064B1 (en) * | 2018-07-13 | 2019-01-01 | Zhongshan Titan Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd. | Ultrasonic humidifier |
US20210003303A1 (en) | 2019-07-02 | 2021-01-07 | Shenzhen Tokyun Technology Co., Ltd. | Ultrasonic humidifier for regulating humidity in an environment |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP4295088A1 (en) | 2023-12-27 |
NL2027616A (en) | 2022-09-19 |
WO2022177441A1 (en) | 2022-08-25 |
KR20230153403A (en) | 2023-11-06 |
CN117222848A (en) | 2023-12-12 |
JP2024507411A (en) | 2024-02-19 |
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