GB2318530A - Atomising humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

The humidifier dispenses a spray of atomised water from nozzles fed with supplies of compressed air and water. The humidifier also incorporates a deodorising agent dosing device actuable to dose the agent into the water supply to the nozzles. The humidifier includes a timer linked to the dosing device and an air compressor, a humidity level detector and a water supply control. The dosing device is operable under the action of the timer to release the deodorising agent at predetermined time intervals and durations into the water supply prior to it's injection through the nozzles.

Description

HUMIDIFIERS This invention relates to a humidifier, and in particular a humidifier capable of dispensing a deodorising spray at predetermined intervals.

The use of humidifiers to control the humidity in buildings is well known. Air naturally contains a certain amount of water vapour but the amount depends upon a number of factors including the weather, the time of year and, in buildings, output from air conditioning and heating systems.

When the relative humidity of the air is low, moisture is drawn from the surroundings, including plants, food, furnishings and the exposed body surfaces such as the lips, mouth and skin of people within the building thereby causing discomfort.

In industry, failure to regulate air humidity correctly can cause problems, particularly where the properties of materials and products are moisture sensitive. For example, in the printing industry, dry air can cause paper stacks to dry out causing tight edges, misfeed and creasing. In the textile industry, yarns can lose elasticity and become weaker and more prone to breakage if the atmosphere is too dry. In the tobacco industry, if too much moisture is lost from the tobacco, this can lead to difficulties in processing. Furthermore, in environments where computers and other sensitive electronic apparatus are being used, dry air leads to the build up of static which can cause such apparatus to malfunction. Other examples of situations in which air humidity is a concern include buildings used for cool stores, cheese storage facilities, storage and manufacturing of timber and timber veneers, and electrostatic and dust suppression in a range of industrial environments, as well as environmental conditioning in buildings such as large conservatories and other buildings where solar heating or the heating methods commoniy used can lead to the air becoming uncomfortably dry.

Several types of humidifiers are currently in use, examples being steam humidifiers, evaporative humidifiers and atomising humidifiers. Steam humidifiers, as the name suggests, humidify the air by heating water to create steam which is then released into the ambient atmosphere.

Evaporative humidifiers work by passing a stream of air through a moistened matrix, evaporation from the matrix serving to humidify the air. Atomising humidifiers work by producing a fine spray of moisture which is created by ejecting water through an atomising nozzle by means of compressed air.

The present invention relates in particular to such atomising humidifiers.

In many situations, it is also desirable to provide a means of removing from the air or masking noxious odours, and deodorant dispensers are known for this purpose. The present invention relates to an improved humidifier which is capable of dispensing a deodorising solution either together with, or separately from, a humidifying atomised water spray.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a humidifier comprising: at least one atomising nozzle, the atomising nozzle being arranged to dispense a humidifying spray of atomised water particles into the ambient atmosphere to humidify the atmosphere; an air compressor, the air compressor being arranged to provide a supply of compressed air to the atomising nozzle; a water inlet for connection to a water source, the water inlet being in fluid communication with the or each atomising nozzle so as to provide a water supply thereto; water control means for controlling the water supply to the atomising nozzle or nozzles; a deodorising agent dosing device connectable to a source of deodorising agent, the dosing device being actuable to dispense a dose of deodorising agent into the said water supply; a timer operably linked to the dosing device and the air compressor; a humidity detector, the humidity detector being operably linked to the air compressor; wherein the air compressor and water control means are actuated (i) at the onset of a timing period controlled by the timer or (ii) when the humidity of the air in the vicinity of the humidity detector falls below a predetermined level, the water control means on actuation allowing water to pass to the or each atomising nozzle, and the air compressor supplying compressed air to the or each atomising nozzle to atomise the water and eject the humidifying spray through the atomising nozzle or nozzles; and wherein the dosing device is actuable by the timer at predeterminable intervals and for predeterminabie durations to release deodorising agent into the water supply prior to ejection through the atomising nozzle or nozzles The humidifier preferably is provided with a casing, the air compressor, water control means, deodorising agent dosing device and timer being disposed within the casing.

The water control means can take the form of a valve, such as a solenoid valve disposed between the water inlet and the atomising nozzle or nozzles. The water control means, e.g. the valve, can be actuated directly by a signal from the timer and/or the humidity detector, or it can be actuated in a more indirect manner. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the water control means is made responsive to changes in the air pressure created by the air compressor following actuation of the air compressor by the timer or humidity detector. Thus a valve, e.g. a solenoid valve, may be arranged so as to be actuated when the air pressure reaches a pre-defined minimum level. To this end, a pressure switch responsive to the air pressure may be provided, switching of the pressure switch serving to actuate the valve to allow water to flow to the atomising nozzle(s).

Water drainage means can also be provided for draining water out of the humidifier at the end of a humidification period, thereby preventing the nozzles from dripping. The water drainage means preferably also allows release of any air pressure within the humidifier at the end of the humidification period. The water drainage means can take the form of a second solenoid valve which may, for example, be arranged alongside the solenoid valve forming part of the water control means. Thus a pair of solenoid valves can be provided, a first solenoid valve being actuable at the beginning of a humidification period to open to allow water to pass to the atomising nozzles, and a second solenoid valve, actuable at the end of a humidification period to release air pressure within the humidifier and to allow water within the humidifier to drain through a drainage outlet to waste.

Advantageously, an air reservoir chamber can be disposed between the air compressor and the atomising nozzle(s). The air reservoir chamber smooths out the effects of any pulsing of air emerging from the compressor, thereby reducing noise. The air reservoir chamber can be, for example, an elongate generally cylindrical body linked to the compressor by an air line or hose, and the atomising nozzle(s) can, for example, be mounted on the said cylindrical body.

The atomising nozzle or nozzles can be mounted within the casing, or can be mounted at a location remote from the casing. Where the nozzles are remote from the casing, appropriate air and water lines will extend between the casing and the nozzle(s).

The deodorising agent dosing device is arranged to dispense deodorising agent into the water supply passing through the humidifier. In order to prevent back-flow of water into the dosing device, a one way valve is preferably positioned between the dosing device outlet and the water supply. A mixing chamber can be provided in which the deodorising agent is mixed into the water supply. The mixing chamber can be constituted by an enlarged region of a water supply line between the water inlet and the atomising nozzles(s). For example, the mixing chamber can be defined by an enlarged region of the water supply line immediately downstream of the water control means e.g. by an enlarged downstream region of the solenoid valve body itself. As an alternative, the dosing device can be connected directly to the body of the or each atomising nozzle, such that mixing takes place in a chamber within the said body immediately upstream of the nozzle itself.

The deodorising agent is typically provided as a liquid concentrate which may, for example be in the form of a solution or suspension, and most preferably is a concentrated solution. A reservoir of deodorising agent can be retained within the casing of the humidifier or the casing can be provided with an deodorising agent inlet connectable to an external source of deodorising agent. The dosing device is preferably controllable to enable a range of different doses of deodorising agent (e.g. deodorising solution) to be dispensed into the water supply, the dosage size selected depending on the degree of deodorising capability required. The dosing device typically comprises a pump such as a peristaltic pump.

The humidifier can be actuated to dispense a deodorised humidifying spray of atomised water particles, or an undeodorised humidifying spray and can be programmed to dispense both deodorised and undeodorised sprays in a given operating programme. It will be appreciated that actuation can be in response to a signal from the timer, or in response to a signal from the humidity detector, or both.

In general, the humidifier will be set up to dispense a deodorising spray for pre-defined periods at pre-defined intervals, whereas the dispensing of a humidifying spray in response to a signal from the humidity detector will typically be made at irregular intervals depending upon the level of humidity in the ambient air.

The humidity detector, which can take the form of a humidistat, is typically located at a position remote from the humidifier, usually at a position central to the area being humidified.

The invention will now be illustrated, but not limited, by reference to the specific embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view from the front of a humidifier according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a view from direction A of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view from the front of the humidifier illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 but with the front door removed; Figure 4 is a wiring diagram for the humidifier illustrated in Figures 1 to 4; and Figure 5 is a sectional view through a typical atomising nozzle used in the humidifier of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, the humidifier comprises a casing 2 fabricated from sheet metal and having a removable front panel or door 4.

Keyhole slots 1 2 are provided in rear panel 8 to enable the casing to be mounted on a wall or other support.

Side panel 6 has attached thereto a water inlet 14 which in use is connected to an external water supply (not shown). Also mounted in panel 6 are a cooling fan and filter assembly 16, a deodorising solution inlet 17, a pressure gauge 18, a drainage outlet 20, a water supply regulator 22, a mains switch 22 and neon indicator light 24 for indicating when the humidifier is switched on. The electronic control circuitry for the humidifier is accommodated in a compartment 25 behind a removable cover 26.

The removable front panel 4 is provided with two grilles 28 having central openings 30. The front panel 4 is hinged at one side by means of a pair of hinges 32 and can be fastened shut by means of two screws 34 on the other side of the panel.

Located inside the casing and attached to the bottom panel 10 by means of bolts 36 is an air compressor 38, rubber feet 40 serving to cushion the compressor to reduce the transmission of vibration to the casing. The output from compressor 38 is linked by via air line 41 to an elongate cylindrical chamber or air reservoir 42. Elongate cylindrical chamber 42 serves to smooth out the pulses of air emerging from the compressor thereby reducing the noise emitted from the humidifier. A pair of atomising nozzles 44 are mounted on the air reservoir 42 by means of fastening clamps 45. A typical atomising nozzle is shown in Figure 5. Each atomising nozzle 44 is capable of dispensing a fine spray or mist through the openings 30 in the front panel 4. Also mounted on the air reservoir 42 is an air pressure switch 43 which is located to the rear of the air reservoir and hence cannot be seen clearly in Figure 3.

As can be seen from Figure 5, the atomising nozzle has a main body formed from two body portions 46 and 48 coupled together by means of threads 50, 52. Forward body portion 46 has an internal thread 54 into which is screwed a jet 56 which has a central passage 58 leading to jet orifice 60. A cleaning pin 62 is disposed within the central passage and, when the nozzle is not in use, protrudes into the orifice 60 to keep the orifice clear of any blocking materials. A dust-resisting air cap 64 is mounted on the exterior of forward body portion 46 by means of threads 66 and 68. The interior chamber 70 of the nozzle is divided by a diaphragm 72 which is held in place by being clamped between the two body portions 46 and 48. The diaphragm 72 surrounds non-drip stop valve 74 which, in its rest position, seals against and closes the central passage 58 of the jet 56.

On the rearward side of the valve 74 is a return spring 76 which biases the valve against the jet 56 to seal the central passage 58. The tension of the return spring 76 can be adjusted by means of the backscrew 78. An air inlet 80 is provided on the lower surface of the nozzle, whilst a water inlet 82 is provided on the upper surface of the nozzle. Air inlet 80 communicates with air passage 84 through the forward body portion 46 and an annular space 86 between the air cap 64 and the jet 56.

The two atomising nozzles 44 are connected by means of lengths of hose 48, 50 linked together by a three way connector 52. A hose 54 extends from the connector 52 to the mixing chamber 21.

The wiring diagram for the humidifier shown in Figures 1 to 3 is shown in Figure 4.

When setting up the humidifier to run for the first time, the external water supply line to the water inlet is firstly purged to ensure that it is clean, and thereafter the water pressure reducing valve or water regulator 22 is closed by turning it fully anti-clockwise. The regulator 22 is provided with a coloured blocking ring which is pulled away from the casing 2 to release the knob. Having closed the water pressure reducing valve, the water is then turned on. The humidistat is set to maximum, the power supply is turned on, and the mains switch 22 switched on. The red neon light then illuminates and the air compressor 38 starts up. At a predetermined air pressure, for example 2 bar, the green "Humidifier ON" neon light illuminates, and water solenoid valve 23 is caused to open by actuation of the pressure switch 43. Water is then allowed to flow to the nozzle 46 by gradually turning the water regulator valve 22 clockwise. As water enters the nozzle through water inlet 82, the water pressure displaces the diaphragm rearwardly against the restoring force of the non-drip valve thereby allowing the water to pass into the central passage 56 of the jet.

Water is ejected out through the jet orifice and is atomised by the compressed air flowing through the air inlet 80, passage 84, and annular space 86. The water pressure is adjusted until a finely atomised spray is obtained. A water pressure of about 2.2 bars typically will be sufficient for this purpose. The system is then checked thoroughly for leaks. To complete the start-up procedure, the humidistat setting is changed from maximum to the required level. For example, a maximum humidity of 70% may be established.

Once the humidifier has been installed as indicated above, its operation thereafter will take place on an automatic basis. Thus if the atmospheric humidity falls below the level programmed into the humidistat, the humidistat will send a signal to the air compressor 38 which will then start up, the water solenoid valve 23 being opened once the air pressure reaches the predetermined value (e.g. 2 bar). The humidifier will continue to dispense a finely atomised spray of water into the atmosphere until the humidistat detects that the humidity has reached the required value, at which point the compressor is shut down. As the air pressure drops, the water solenoid valve 23 is caused to close shutting off the water supply to the nozzles. The resulting reduction in water pressure within the nozzle body allows the force of the return spring to close the diaphragm valve 74.

Simultaneously, a drainage solenoid valve (not shown) located rearwardly of the water solenoid valve 23 is actuated and opens releasing any air pressure within the system and allowing any remaining water between the water solenoid valve 23 and the nozzles to drain away along hose 54 through the drainage valve and out through the drainage outlet 20. As a result of the immediate release of system pressure when the compressor shuts down and the closure of the water solenoid valve 23, dripping from the nozzles is prevented.

The humidification action of the humidifier is initiated each time the humidistat indicates that the ambient humidity has fallen below a desired value. However, superimposed on the basic humidifying action, is the deodorising action controlled by the timer 90. Timer 90 forms part of control circuit 92 mounted in compartment 25 behind the removable cover 26. The electrical connections to the timer 90 are shown in Figure 4. The control circuit 92 and timer 90 are connected to deodorising solution dosing device 94 by means of electrical connections 96, 98. The timer 90 is also electrically connected to the air inlet fan and compressor via junction block 100.

The deodorising solution dosing device 94 has an inlet port 102 connected via a length of tubing 104 to the deodorising solution inlet 17 mounted in panel 6. A first outlet port 106 of the dosing device 94 is linked via length of tubing 108 to the mixing chamber 21. Within the dosing device is a peristaltic pump (not shown) which pumps the deodorising solution along tubing 108 into the mixing chamber 21 where mixing with the main water supply occurs. The deodorised water then passes along hose 54 to the three way connector 52 and thence to the atomising nozzles 44. The dosages of deodorising solution introduced into the water supply in the mixing chamber 21 are controlled by regulator 1 16 which is mounted on the side of the compartment 25 housing the control circuitry.

The timer can be set to actuate the compressor and supply deodorising solution to the nozzles at any desired interval, for any desired period of time. In addition, the deodorising solution dosing device can be adjusted to vary the strength of the deodorising solution depending upon the degree of deodorising capability required.

It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations may be made to the humidifier shown in the accompanying drawings without departing from the principles underlying this invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this Application.

Claims (21)

1. A humidifier comprising: at least one atomising nozzle, the atomising nozzle being arranged to dispense a humidifying spray of atomised water particles into the ambient atmosphere to humidify the atmosphere; an air compressor, the air compressor being arranged to provide a supply of compressed air to the atomising nozzle; a water inlet for connection to a water source, the water inlet being in fluid communication with the or each atomising nozzle so as to provide a water supply thereto; water control means for controlling the water supply to the atomising nozzle or nozzles; a deodorising agent dosing device connectable to a source of deodorising agent, the dosing device being actuable to dispense a dose of deodorising agent into the said water supply; a timer operably linked to the dosing device and the air compressor; a humidity detector, the humidity detector being operably linked to the air compressor; wherein the air compressor and water control means are actuated (i) at the onset of a timing period controlled by the timer or (ii) when the humidity of the air in the vicinity of the humidity detector falls below a predetermined level, the water control means on actuation allowing water to pass to the or each atomising nozzle, and the air compressor supplying compressed air to the or each atomising nozzle to atomise the water and eject the humidifying spray through the atomising nozzle or nozzles; and wherein the dosing device is actuable by the timer at predeterminable intervals and for predeterminable durations to release deodorising agent into the water supply prior to eiection through the atomising nozzle or nozzles.

2. A humidifier according to claim 1 which is provided with a casing, the air compressor, water control means, deodorising agent dosing device and timer being disposed within the casing.

3. A humidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the water control means takes the form of a valve disposed between the water inlet and the atomising nozzle or nozzles.

4. A humidifier according to claim 3 wherein the valve is a solenoid valve.

5. A humidifier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the water control means is actuated directly by signal from the timer and/or the humidity detector.

6. A humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the water control means is responsive to changes in the air pressure created by the air compressor following actuation of the air compressor by the timer or humidity detector.

7. A humidifier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein water drainage means are provided for draining water out of the humidifier at the end of a humidification period, thereby preventing the nozzle or nozzles from dripping.

8. A humidifier according to claim 7 wherein the water drainage means also allows release of any air pressure within the humidifier at the end of the humidification period.

9. A humidifier according to claim 7 or claim 8 having a pair of solenoid valves, a first solenoid valve being actuable at the beginning of a humidification period to open to allow water to pass to the atomising nozzle or nozzles2 and a second solenoid valve, constituting the water drainage means, actuable at the end of a humidification period to release air pressure within the humidifier and to allow water within the humidifier to drain through a drainage outlet to waste.

10. A humidifier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an air reservoir chamber is disposed between the air compressor and the atomising nozzle(s).

11. A humidifier according to claim 10 wherein the air reservoir chamber is an elongate generally cylindrical body linked to the compressor by an air line or hose, and the atomising nozzle is mounted on the said cylindrical body.

12. A humidifier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the atomising nozzle(s) is or are mounted within the casing.

13. A humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the atomising nozzle(s) is or are mounted at a location remote from the casing.

14. A humidifier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a one way valve is positioned between the dosing device output and the water supply.

15. A humidifier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a mixing chamber is provided in which the deodorising agent is mixed into the water supply.

16. A humidifier according to claim 15 wherein the mixing chamber is constituted by an enlarged region of a water supply line between the water inlet and the atomising nozzle(s).

17. A humidifier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the deodorising agent dosing device is controllable to enable a range of different doses of deodorising agent to be dispensed into the water supply.

18. A humidifier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the dosing device comprises a pump such as a peristaltic pump.

19. A humidifier according to any one of the preceding claims which is set up to dispense a deodorising spray for pre-defined periods at pre-defined intervals2 whereas the dispensing of humidifying spray in response to a signal from the humidity detector is made at irregular intervals depending upon the level of humidity in the ambient air.

20. A humidifier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the humidity detector is located at a position remote from the humidifier.

21. A humidifier substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.