EVAPORATIVE HUMIDIFIER

Abstract

An evaporative humidifier including a power unit housing, a blower assembly, a water tank, and a wick. The power unit housing includes an air entrance and an air exit. The blower assembly positioned in the power unit housing, the blower assembly being configured to draw air through the power unit housing when the evaporative humidifier is in an operational state in which humidified air is being supplied to an ambient environment. The water tank configured for storing water, and having no lower water outlet used when in the operational state. The wick positioned in the water tank such that water is drawn into the wick from the water tank, through the wick, and toward an air outlet, and such that when the evaporative humidifier is in the operational state, the blower assembly moves air from the air exit, through the wick, and toward the air outlet.

Description

BACKGROUND

Conventional evaporative humidifiers are generally designed to increase humidity in a room, building, or similar enclosed space by directing airflow through a wicking element configured for delivering water from a stored water source to the airflow such that the airflow, with humidity from the stored water source, is released into ambient air of the corresponding space. However, there a number of problems associated with these designs that are fundamental to their architecture. These problems include leaking, spillage, and cleaning, among others. These problems are related to and exacerbated by the fact that water is filled and stored in one container (a tank), and metered into a tray of standing water into which the evaporative element sits. In order to control release of water from the tank to the tray, known water tanks are equipped with a float valve mechanism configured for measuring a water level in the tray and causing the tank to release water to the tray when the water level in the tray lowers to a predetermined level. In alternative water tank embodiments, the water tank is positioned with the tray such that a lowest fluid outlet of the water tank is submerged in water when the water level in the tray reaches a predetermined level, obstructing further release of water from the tank to the tray, where the tank retains water elevated above the tray with vacuum pressure. The output of existing evaporative humidifiers is also limited by ambient conditions and the rate at which it can properly humidify a room is a function of those conditions. One variable that can be independently controlled to improve output is the fan speed, but this comes with the penalty of higher noise.

For example, FIG. 1 depicts a conventional humidifier 100 where a stored water source 102 is positioned to maintain a reservoir 104 in the humidifier 100. A wicking element 112 is disposed in the reservoir 104 and is configured for drawing water from the reservoir 104 to a location in front of a fan 114 configured to drive airflow through the wicking element 112. The fan 114 is located between the stored water source 102 and the wicking element 112 along the reservoir 104, and the reservoir 104 is open to allow access by the wicking element 112. With the open design of the reservoir 104 beneath the fan 114, the reservoir 104 is prone to spilling water around the humidifier 100, including on the fan 114 and any other electronic components in the humidifier 100. The known reservoir 104 is invisible to a user, concealed behind plastic walls, and has “nooks and crannies” required for moldability and function such that walls of the reservoir make it difficult to clean slime, residue, and biological growth that build up over time. With respect to cleaning the humidifier 100, users need to disassemble the humidifier 100 to access and clean the reservoir 104. Also, because water is metered into the reservoir 104, there are seals, valves and/or floats that are sources of leakage and failure in the humidifier 100. Finally, the removable tank 102 is prone to dripping when removed.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, an evaporative humidifier including a power unit housing, a blower assembly, a water tank, and a wick. The power unit housing includes an air entrance and an air exit. The blower assembly positioned in the power unit housing, the blower assembly being configured to draw air through the power unit housing when the evaporative humidifier is in an operational state in which humidified air is being supplied to an ambient environment. The water tank configured for storing water, and having no lower water outlet used when in the operational state. The wick positioned in the water tank such that water is drawn into the wick from the water tank, through the wick, and toward an air outlet, and such that when the evaporative humidifier is in the operational state, the blower assembly moves air from the air exit, through the wick, and toward the air outlet.

In addition, an evaporative humidifier can include a water tank configured for storing water, a wick positioned with respect to the water tank such that water is drawn into and through the wick toward an air outlet, a blower assembly including a fan and being configured to move air through the wick and toward the air outlet, and a controller configured to determine a condition of the wick based on a temperature and a humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier, an amount of heat added to the air upstream from the wick, a volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick, and at least one of a water level in the water tank and a temperature and a humidity of air leaving the wick.

For the evaporative humidifier described above, the wick can be positioned in the water tank or the evaporative humidifier can further includes a water reservoir, where the water tank meters water to the water reservoir, and the wick can positioned in the water reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a prior art humidifier.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an evaporative humidifier.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the evaporative humidifier.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the evaporative humidifier with a cover removed therefrom.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the evaporative humidifier with the cover and a cartridge removed therefrom.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the evaporative humidifier with a lid removed therefrom.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the evaporative humidifier with a cover removed therefrom.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the evaporative humidifier with the cartridge removed therefrom.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the water tank with the lid removed therefrom.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the water tank provided at a water source.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cartridge.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a humidifier.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the humidifier.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a wick and cartridge for the humidifier.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the humidifier of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wick according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wick according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wick according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 31 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wick according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wick according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wick according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 34 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 2 depicts an evaporative humidifier 200 including a power unit housing 202 and a blower assembly 204 configured to drive air into a wick 210 disposed in a water tank 212. The wick 210 is positioned in a cartridge 214 disposed in the water tank 212. The cartridge 214 is configured for directing water from the water tank 212 and air from the power unit housing 202 in a height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200, through the wick 210, to an ambient environment.

The power unit housing 202 includes an air entrance 220 defined in a first power unit housing side wall 222, and an air exit 224 defined in a second power unit housing side wall 226. The first power unit housing side wall 222 and the second power unit housing side wall 226 form opposite sides of the power unit housing 202 in a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. The power unit housing 202 defines a channel 232 between the first power unit housing side wall 222 and an inner power unit housing side wall 230 in the direction perpendicular to the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. The inner power unit housing side wall 230 is interposed between and separates the first power unit housing side wall 222 and the second power unit housing side wall 226 in the direction perpendicular to the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200, and the channel 232 connects the air entrance 220 and the air exit 224 in fluid communication around the inner power unit housing side wall 230.

The channel 232 extends in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200, and the air entrance 220 is located below the air exit 224 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. As such, the blower assembly 204 is configured to draw air upward in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200, through the channel 232 and toward the air exit 224.

The blower assembly 204 is positioned in the power unit housing 202 and configured to draw air from ambient atmosphere through the air entrance 220, toward the air exit 224 when the evaporative humidifier 200 is in an operational state in which humidified air is being supplied to an ambient environment. The blower assembly 204 includes a fan 234 positioned in the channel 232, and configured for driving air from the air entrance 220 toward the air exit 224. The evaporative humidifier 200 includes a heater 240 positioned with the blower assembly 204 in the channel 232, downstream of the fan 234 in a direction of airflow through the power unit housing 202. The heater 240 is a heating element configured to raise a temperature air drawn by the blower assembly 204 toward the air exit 224 in the power unit housing 202, one example of the heater 240 being a resistive heating element, but other heating mechanisms could be employed.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, a controller 242 and a memory 244 are disposed in the power unit housing 202 and configured for actuating the blower assembly 204 and the heater 240. The controller 242 is included in a computing device 250 that processes signals and performs general computing and arithmetic functions. Signals processed by the computing device 250 can include digital signals, computer instructions, processor instructions, messages, a bit, a bit stream, that can be received, transmitted and/or detected. The controller 242 can be a variety of various processors including multiple single and multicore processors and co-processors and other multiple single and multicore processor and co-processor architectures. The controller 242 can include logic circuitry to execute actions and/or algorithms stored in the memory 244.

The memory 244 can include volatile memory and/or nonvolatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include, for example, ROM (read only memory), PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM (erasable PROM), and EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM). Volatile memory can include, for example, RAM (random access memory), synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DRRAM). The memory 244 can store an operating system that controls or allocates resources of the computing device 250.

A first sensor 252 is disposed in the power unit housing 202 upstream from the heater 240 and the wick 210 with respect to a direction of airflow from the air entrance 220 toward the air exit 224. The first sensor 252, which can be referred to as an upstream temperature sensor, can be configured to measure an air temperature in the power unit housing 202 upstream from the heater 240, and is configured to output a corresponding signal to the controller 242. The first sensor 252 is disposed in the power unit housing 202 below the blower assembly 204.

A second sensor 254 is disposed downstream from the heater 240 and upstream from the wick 210 with respect to the direction of airflow from the air entrance 220 toward the air exit 224. The second sensor 254, which can also be referred to as an upstream temperature sensor, can be configured to measure an air temperature in the power unit housing 202 downstream from the heater 240, and is configured to output a corresponding signal to the controller 242. The controller 242 can be configured, e.g., programmed, to actuate the heater 240 and the blower assembly 204 to maintain a predetermined air temperature downstream from the heater 240, and to maintain a predetermined rate of airflow through the power unit housing 202, based on output from the first sensor 252 and the second sensor 254.

In the depicted embodiment, the first sensor 252 and the second sensor 254 are each a thermistor, however each of the first sensor 252 and the second sensor 254 can alternatively or additionally include a resistance temperature detector, a thermocouple, and a semiconductor-based sensor such as an integrated circuit temperature transducer without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the first sensor 252 and the second sensor 254 are connected to the controller 242 through a circuit 256, and are configured to communicate with the controller 242 through the circuit 256, however the first sensor 252 and the second sensor 254 may alternatively or additionally be configured to communicate with the controller 242 wirelessly over a network without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

A third sensor, which can also be referred to as an upstream humidity sensor 257, is positioned upstream from the wick 210 and the water tank 212. In the depicted embodiment, the upstream humidity sensor 257 is upstream from the heater 240 and downstream from the blower assembly 204. Alternatively, the upstream humidity sensor 257 can be upstream from the blower assembly 204. The upstream humidity sensor 257 is provided to measure ambient humidity conditions.

A fourth sensor 258 is a water level sensor disposed in the water tank 212 and configured to sense a water level in the water tank 212. While, as depicted, the fourth sensor 258 is a capacitive sensor, the fourth sensor 258 may additionally or alternatively form an acoustic sensor, weight sensor, floatation sensor, or other sensor configured for determining a water level in the water tank 212 without departing from the scope of the present application. The fourth sensor 258 communicates with the controller 242 to determine a water level of the water tank 212, which can be useful to notify users of the water level, and notify users when to add water. The fourth sensor 258 can also be employed by the controller 242 to determine deterioration of the wick 210 by determining an amount of water exhausted by the evaporative humidifier 200 in a given period of time as a function of operating conditions of the evaporative humidifier 200 determined by ambient conditions based on signals from the first sensor 252 and the third sensor 257, operation of the blower assembly 204 including fan speed, which can be measured by the controller 242, and a temperature measured in the evaporative humidifier 200, which can be measured using the second sensor 254 and a later described fifth sensor 260. The controller 242 may modify the fan speed of the blower assembly 204 and modify operation of the heater 240 to realize a targeted rate of evaporation in the evaporative humidifier 200. The targeted rate of evaporation in the evaporative humidifier 200 may be set by the controller 242 or a user such that water in the water tank 212 lasts a predetermined period of time, such as eight hours.

The controller 242 compares an amount of water depleted from the evaporative humidifier 200 under certain conditions compared to a model of an ideal, new wick or to a previously known state of the wick 210. This can be done in conjunction with a unique identifier for the cartridge 214, such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag (not shown) to measure and record performance of the cartridge 214. In an embodiment, the controller 242 turns the evaporative humidifier 200 off when the fourth sensor 258 senses a water level in the water tank 212 at a certain level.

As the wick 210 deteriorates, for a given operating condition, exiting air humidity will drop and exiting air temperature will rise in the wick 210. With reference to FIG. 2, the fifth sensor 260 is disposed near where water evaporates from the wick 210 to ambient atmosphere. The fifth sensor 260 is disposed downstream from the wick 210. As depicted, the fifth sensor 260, where a portion of which can be referred to as a downstream humidity sensor and a portion of which can be referred to as a downstream temperature sensor, can be disposed on the power unit housing 202 near an air outlet 314 for the evaporative humidifier 200. The fifth sensor 260 can be configured to sense temperature and humidity, and is in communication with and employed by the controller 242, e.g., via the circuit 256, to determine temperature and humidity in air exiting the cartridge 214 to ambient atmosphere. Based on signals received from the fifth sensor 260 the controller can determine a level of deterioration of the wick 210. For example, the temperature and humidity measured by the fifth sensor 260 after the evaporative humidifier 200 has been operating for a predetermined amount of time can be compared to a temperature measurement and a humidity measurement for an ideal or new wick where the evaporative humidifier 200 is operating under the same conditions, e.g., same fan speed and heater 240 at the same temperature. If the difference between the temperature and humidity measured by the fifth sensor 260 while the evaporative humidifier 200 is operating is different than or outside a predetermined range from the temperature measurement and the humidity measurement for an ideal or new wick where the evaporative humidifier 200 is operating under the same conditions, then this may be indicative that the wick 210 has deteriorated to the point where it needs replaced. When this occurs, the controller 242 can generate an alarm, which can be audio or visual, to alert a user that the wick 210 needs changed.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, a reservoir 262 defined in the power unit housing 202 between the second power unit housing side wall 226 and the inner power unit housing side wall 230 in the direction perpendicular to the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200 extends downward from the air exit 224 and along the channel 232. The reservoir 262 extends from a discontinuity in the channel 232 located downstream of the blower assembly 204 and configured for directing water away from the channel 232, The reservoir 262 extends downward from the discontinuity in the channel 232, from a position in the power unit housing 202 located downstream from the heater 240 and the blower assembly 204, including the fan 234, with respect to the direction of airflow from the air entrance 220 toward the air exit 224. The position from which the reservoir 262 extends downward in the power unit housing 202 is also located upstream of the air exit 224 defined in the second power unit housing side wall 226, with respect to the direction of airflow from the air entrance 220 to the air exit 224. With this construction, the reservoir 262 is configured to collect any water that may be spilled into the power unit housing 202 through the air exit 224 from the water tank 212, including water directed away from the channel 232 by the discontinuity.

In an embodiment not shown, the reservoir 262 connects to an area under the water tank 210. In this manner, the reservoir 262 is configured for drying to ambient atmosphere, and is accessible for cleaning by a user from under the water tank 210.

The water tank 212 is a container configured for storing water as a water reservoir in the evaporative humidifier 200. The water tank 212 defines an opening 264 within a top edge 270 of the water tank 212, where the opening 264 extends from an interior 272 of the water tank 212 to an exterior of the water tank 212. The opening 264 in the water tank 212 is a fluid inlet and outlet configured to communicate air and water between the interior 272 of the water tank 212 and the exterior of the water tank 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 264 in the water tank 212 is the lowest water outlet in the water tank 212. The water tank 212 differs from the water source 102 described above in that it has no lower water outlet in the water tank 212 leading to another water reservoir within the evaporation humidifier 200. In other words, the water tank 212 has no lower water outlet used when in the operational state, even if a drain (not shown) may be provided in the water tank 212 to drain the water tank 212 when the evaporative humidifier is not in operation.

The water tank 212 includes a fill indicator 274 which indicates a maximum water level of the water tank 212 measured in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200 from a bottom 280 of the water tank 212. The water tank 212 is configured for storing water up to the maximum water level in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. The opening 264 in the water tank 212 is positioned above the maximum water level in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. The water tank 212 has no opening extended from the interior 272 of the water tank 212 to the exterior of the water tank 212 at a position lower than the maximum water level in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200 leading to another water reservoir within the evaporation humidifier 200.

While the depicted fill indicator 274 is an incongruity 282 shaped as an edge in a wall 284 forming the water tank 212, the fill indicator 274 may alternatively or additionally include colors and shapes which are visible to a user against the wall 284 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the water tank 212 is formed from a translucent or transparent material such that a water level is visible in the water tank 212 through the wall 284, and the fill indicator 274 is visible from the exterior of the water tank 212.

As shown in FIG. 3, the water tank 212 includes a lid 290 that is a covering configured to selectively cover the interior 272 of the water tank 212 from the exterior of the water tank 212 and the exterior of the evaporative humidifier 200 at the opening 264. The lid 290 is disposed over the top edge 270 of the water tank 212, across the opening 264 when covering the interior 272 of the water tank 212. At the top edge 270 of the water tank 212, the lid 290 is positioned below a top end 292 of the cartridge 214 and the wick 210 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200 such that the power unit housing 202 and the cartridge 214 are in fluid communication with each other over the top edge 270 of the water tank 212 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. The lid 290 is positioned around the wick 210 and the cartridge 214 in the lateral direction of the evaporative humidifier 200 such that the wick 210 and the cartridge 214 are interposed between opposite ends of the lid 290 in the lateral direction of the evaporative humidifier 200.

FIGS. 3-5 depict successive stages in removing the cartridge 214 from the evaporative humidifier 200. In this regard, FIG. 3 depicts the evaporative humidifier 200 assembled with the cartridge 214, the cartridge 214 extending through the opening 264, above the top edge 270 of the water tank 212 and the lid 290 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. The wick 210 and the cartridge 214 extend above the top edge 270 of the water tank 212, and a cover 294 that is a covering disposed around the wick 210 and the cartridge 214, covering the cartridge 214 from an exterior of the evaporative humidifier 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the cover 294 is disposed across an airflow path of air drawn by the blower assembly 204, with the cover 294 interposed between the wick 210 and ambient atmosphere along the airflow path. With reference to FIG. 3, the cover 294 is translucent such that the cartridge 214, and water droplets (not shown) formed in the cover 294, including on an inner cover wall surface 296, are visible through the cover 294 from the exterior of the evaporative humidifier 200.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 294 is removed from the evaporative humidifier 200 by lifting the cover 294 from the power unit housing 202 and the water tank 212 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge 214 is removed from the evaporative humidifier 200 by lifting the cartridge 214 from the power unit housing 202 and the water tank 212 in the height direction of evaporative humidifier 200. In this manner, the wick 210 and the cartridge 214 are removable from the evaporative humidifier 200 and can be replaced in the evaporative humidifier 200. While the depicted cartridge 214 is removable from the evaporative humidifier 200, the cartridge 214 can alternatively be fixed in the water tank 212 and the wick 210 can be removed from the fixed cartridge without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The lid 290 of the water tank 212 is removable from the water tank 212 while the water tank 212 is assembled in the evaporative humidifier 200. As shown in FIG. 6, with the lid 290 removed from the opening 264, the opening 264 in the water tank 212 extends from the interior 272 of the water tank 212 to the exterior of the evaporative humidifier 200. With this construction, the water tank 212 may be filled with water 300 delivered through the opening 264 without removing the water tank 212 from the evaporative humidifier 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 290 of the water tank 212 can be hinged such that a portion of the lid 290 may be lifted from the opening 264 in the water tank 212 for filling the water tank 212 as in FIG. 6, without removing the lid 290 from the water tank 212.

FIGS. 7-11 depict successive stages in removing the water tank 212 from the evaporative humidifier 200 for filling the water tank 212. As shown in FIG. 7, the cover 294 is removed from around the cartridge 214 and placed away from the evaporative humidifier 200 such that the cartridge 214 is exposed to the exterior of the evaporative humidifier 200.

The water tank 212 is supported on a base 302 extended from the power unit housing 202, and is removable from the power unit housing 202 with cartridge 214, and the wick 210 provided in the cartridge 214, disposed in the water tank 212. The base 302 is a platform having a raised outer edge 304 and an overall shape complementary to the bottom 280 of the water tank 212 such that placing the water tank 212 on the base 302 positions the water tank 212 with the power unit housing 202 in the evaporative humidifier 200. While the depicted base 302 extends from the power unit housing 202 and is configured for supporting the water tank 212 in fluid communication with the power unit housing 202, the base 302 can alternatively be formed separate from the power unit housing 202 and the water tank 212, and configured for supporting each of the power unit housing 202 and the water tank 212 in fluid communication with each other without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 8, the cartridge 214, including the wick 210, is removed from the power unit housing 202 and the water tank 212 and placed away from the evaporative humidifier 200. As shown in FIG. 9, the water tank 212 is removed from the power unit housing 202 by lifting the water tank 212 from the base 302. As shown in FIG. 10, the lid 290 is removed from the water tank 212 such that the opening 264 in the water tank 212 extends from the interior 272 of the water tank 212 to the exterior of the evaporative humidifier 200. As shown in FIG. 11, the water tank 212 is provided at a water source 310 for being filled with water. In an alternative embodiment, the water tank 212 is removable from the power unit housing 202 with the wick 210 disposed in the water tank 212.

With reference to FIG. 2, a sixth sensor 312 can be disposed on the water tank 212 (as depicted) or on the power unit housing 210. The sixth sensor 312 can be configured to measure a position of the lid 290 and/or the cover 294 with respect to the water tank 212 and output a corresponding signal to the controller 242. The controller 242 changes operational state settings of at least one of the heater 240 and the blower assembly 204 when, based on output from the sixth sensor 312, the controller 242 determines that the at least one of the lid 290 and the cover 294 is not respectively covering the water tank 212 and the cartridge 214 from the exterior of the evaporative humidifier 200. In an embodiment, the controller 242 turns off at least one of the heater 240 and the blower assembly 204 when, based on output from the sixth sensor 312, the controller 242 determines that the lid 290 is not covering the water tank 212.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the evaporative humidifier 200 includes the air outlet 314 through which air from the power unit housing 202 and evaporated water from the water tank 212 exit the wick 210 to ambient atmosphere. The wick 210 is positioned in the water tank 212 such that water is drawn into the wick 210 from the water tank 212, through the wick 210, and toward the air outlet 314. The wick 210 is also positioned in the water tank 212 such that when the evaporative humidifier 200 is in the operational state, the blower assembly 204 moves air from the air exit 224, through the wick 210, and toward the air outlet 314.

The wick 210 is positioned in the cartridge 214 such that the cartridge 214 encases the wick 210 in the water tank 212. The cartridge 214 can be made from a material impermeable to water, and is configured to restrict fluid flow into and out of the wick 210. The cartridge 214 is disposed in and removable from the water tank 212, and is configured for fluid communication with the power unit housing 202 at the air exit 224.

The cartridge 214 defines a first opening 320 in fluid communication with a portion of the water tank 212 storing water, a second opening 322 in fluid communication with the air exit 224 when the evaporative humidifier 200 is in the operational state, and a third opening 324 in fluid communication with ambient atmosphere. The wick 210 is positioned in the cartridge 214 such that water is drawn into the wick 210 from the water tank 212 through the first opening 320 in a direction indicated by a first arrow 330, and then drawn through the wick 210 and toward the third opening 324 in a direction indicated by a second arrow 332. In this manner the first opening 320 is configured to direct water from the water tank 212 to the wick 210, and the third opening 324 is configured to exhaust water from the water tank 212 at the air outlet 314.

The wick 210 is also positioned in the cartridge 214 such that when the evaporative humidifier 200 is in the operational state, the blower assembly 204 moves air from the air exit 224, through the second opening 322, and into the wick 210 in a direction indicated by a third arrow 334. In the wick 210, air from the power unit housing 202 is further directed through the wick 210 and toward the third opening 324 with water from the water tank 212 in the direction of the second arrow 332. In this manner, the second opening 322 is configured to direct airflow from the power unit housing 202 to the wick 210, and the third opening 324 is configured to exhaust air from the power unit housing 202 and water from the water tank 212 at the air outlet 314.

The first opening 320 is defined in the cartridge 214 at a position closer to a bottom end 340 of the cartridge 214 as compared to the top end 292 of the cartridge 214 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. In an embodiment, the first opening 320 is defined in a bottom portion of the cartridge 214 at a position in the well portion 286, between the well side walls 288 in the lateral direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. With this construction the cartridge 214 is configured to receive water from the well portion 286, including when a water level in the water tank 212 is at the bottom 280 of the water tank 212.

The second opening 322 and the third opening 324 are defined in the cartridge 214 at positions closer to the top end 292 of the cartridge 214 as compared to the bottom end 340 of the cartridge. The second opening 322 is defined in a position interposed between the first opening 320 and the third opening 324 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200, and the third opening 324 is defined in the top end 292 of the cartridge 214. With this construction, the third opening 324 is defined in the cartridge 214 at a position above the first opening 320 and the second opening 322 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. As such, fluid from the first opening 320 and the second opening 322 directed through the wick 210 toward the third opening 324 travels upward in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200, in the direction indicated by the second arrow 332.

The second opening 322 is defined in a side of the cartridge 214 extended between the top end 292 of the cartridge 214 and the bottom end 340 of the cartridge 214 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. As such, air directed through the second opening 322 and into the wick 210 travels in the direction indicated by the third arrow 334, perpendicular to the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200 and the direction indicated by the second arrow 332. With this construction, the cartridge 214 is configured to direct airflow in the wick 210 from the second opening 322 to the third opening 324 with the water drawn into the wick 210 from the water tank 212 through the first opening 320, perpendicular to a direction of airflow into the wick 210 at the second opening 322. As such, the cartridge 214 is configured to direct at least a portion of airflow through the wick 210 from the second opening 322 to the third opening 324 in a same direction water is drawn through the wick 210 from the first opening 320.

A cavity 344 is defined between an inner cartridge wall surface 350 and the wick 210 such that the inner cartridge wall surface 350 is spaced from the wick 210 along the cavity 344. The cavity 344 extends downward from the second opening 322 in a height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200 such that airflow from the air exit 224 through the second opening 322 is directed downward from the second opening 322 toward the water tank 212 before entering the wick 210, traveling toward a side of the wick 210 opposite the second opening 322, and then upward toward the air outlet 314.

The fill indicator 274 is disposed at a position below a lower edge 352 of the second opening 322, and below the cavity 344 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. With this construction, water in the water tank 212 does not obstruct air directed into the cartridge 214 from flowing through the cavity 344, or spill out from the second opening 322.

While the depicted first opening 320 is defined in a side of the cartridge 214 extended between the top end 292 of the cartridge 214 and the bottom end 340 of the cartridge 214 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200, the first opening 320 can be additionally or alternatively defined in the bottom end 340 of the cartridge 214 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the first opening 320 is in direct fluid communication with the water tank 212, the second opening 322 is in direct fluid communication with the air exit 224 through direct contact with the air exit 224 across a seal 342 positioned between and contacting the power unit housing 202 and the cartridge 214, and the third opening 324 is in direct fluid communication with ambient atmosphere. The air exit 224 in the power unit housing 202 and the second opening 322 in the cartridge 214 are positioned above fill indicator 274 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200, and are in fluid communication with each other over the water tank 212 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200.

As shown in FIG. 12, the seal 342 is fixed on the cartridge 214 around the second opening 322 such that when the cartridge 214 is lowered into the evaporative humidifier 200 with the power unit housing 202, the seal 342 is positioned between and contacts the power unit housing 202 and the cartridge 214. In this manner, as shown in FIG. 2, the seal 342 contacts the power unit housing 202 around the air exit 224, and contacts the cartridge 214 around the second opening 322, connecting the power unit housing 202 and the cartridge 214 in direct fluid communication. While the depicted embodiment features the seal 342 fixed on the cartridge 214 for contacting the power unit housing 202 when the evaporative humidifier 200 is assembled, the seal 342 may be alternatively fixed to the power unit housing 202 for contacting the cartridge 214 when the evaporative humidifier 200 is assembled without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIG. 12, the cartridge 214 at the second opening 322, and the seal 342 fixed around the second opening 322 are inclined along the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200 from the bottom end 340 of the cartridge 214 toward the top end 292 of the cartridge 214, toward the power unit housing 202 when the cartridge 214 is assembled in the evaporative humidifier 200. The cartridge 214 at the second opening 322, and the seal 342 fixed around the second opening 322 form a straight incline taken from a side view of the cartridge 214.

The cartridge 214 includes a first cartridge side wall 354 that defines the first opening 320 and the second opening 322, and includes a second cartridge side wall 360 that forms a side of the cartridge 214 opposite the first cartridge side wall 354, where the first cartridge side wall 354 and the second cartridge side wall 360 define the third opening 324. The first cartridge side wall 354 extends downwardly from the lower edge 352 of the second opening 322 to an upper edge 362 of the first opening 320 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. The first cartridge side wall 354 extends downwardly from an upper surface 364 of the cartridge 214 to an upper edge 370 of the second opening 322 in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the fill indicator 274 is disposed at a position below the upper edge 370 of the second opening 322.

The cartridge 214 can optionally include a mineral collector 372 inserted in the third opening 324, at the air outlet 314. The mineral collector 372 is disposed on the wick 210 at the air outlet 314, the mineral collector 372 being configured to absorb and collect minerals in fluid moving through the wick 210 toward the third opening 324.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 214 can include a water conditioner 384 positioned in the water tank 212, across a direction of fluid flow from the water tank 212 through the first opening 320. The water conditioner 384 includes a container and a chemical agent stored in the container. The chemical agent can be Magnesium Oxide (MgO) configured to react with water in the water tank 212 and raise a pH level of water in the water tank 212 to inhibit biological growth in the water tank 212 and the wick 210.

FIGS. 13 and 14 depict an evaporative humidifier 500 with a power unit housing 502 and an evaporative assembly 504. The evaporative assembly 504 supports a water tank 510 that is configured for being repeatedly removed from and installed in the evaporative assembly 504 at a base portion 512 of the humidifier 500. A wick 514 is disposed in the water tank 510 with a top end portion 520 located closer to a top 522 of the water tank 510 as compared to a bottom 524 of the water tank 510, and with a bottom end portion 530 located closer to the bottom 524 of the water tank 510 as compared to the top 522 of the water tank 510. As such, when the water tank 510 is storing an operational amount of water 532 with respect to the humidifier 500, the bottom end portion 530 of the wick 514 is positioned at least partially below a water level of the water tank 510 and the top end portion 520 is positioned at least partially above the water level of the water tank 510. The water tank 510 is configured for storing the water 532 and has no lower water outlet in the water tank 510 leading to another water reservoir within the humidifier 500. The wick 514 can be a material that can absorb water from the water tank 510, transport it out of the water tank 510, typically through capillary action, and then gives off the moisture to the environment through evaporation, which is typically aided by a blower assembly 534, which will be described in more detail below.

The wick 514 is supported in the water tank 212 at the top end portion 520 of the wick 514 by a platform 540 that creates a fluid-tight seal against the water tank 510 along an inner surface 542 of the water tank 510 between the top 522 of the water tank 510 and the bottom 524 of the water tank 510. In an embodiment, the bottom end portion 530 of the wick 514 is supported by the water tank 510 at the bottom 524 of the water tank 510.

The platform 540 is practically impermeable to fluids such that fluid communication between sections of the water tank 510 interposed between and separated by the platform 540 is restricted to flow through the wick 514. It should be noted that the platform 540 does not need to be air tight or water tight to be effective in guiding the majority of airflow through the wick 514. In this manner, the platform 540 defines a post-evaporation section 544 of the water tank 510 above the platform 540 in a top-bottom direction of the water tank 510, and defines a pre-evaporation section 550 of the water tank 510 below the platform 540 in the top-bottom direction of the water tank 510, where fluid communication between the post-evaporation section 544 of the water tank 510 and the pre-evaporation section 550 of the water tank 510 is largely restricted to being through the wick 514. The post-evaporative section 544 can serve as both a contained area for refilling the tank (through a pitcher or other method) and as a means for visualizing the humidification process, as moisture will condense on the inside walls of the post evaporative section in many environmental conditions. If the post evaporative section is clear or translucent, the condensation will be visible to users. The post evaporative section is not necessary for the humidification process.

The platform 540 occupies a fixed position in the water tank 510 and the wick 514 is fixed with the platform 540 such that an air exit portion 552 of the wick 514 remains fixed in the post-evaporation section 544 of the water tank 510 and does not change in location relative to the water tank 510, or change in size according to the water level in the water tank 510. As depicted, the evaporative assembly 504 includes three wicks 514 which respectively operate in a similar manner and respectively have similar features as the wick 514, including a top end portion 520 and a bottom end portion 530 similarly disposed in the water tank 510, however more or fewer similar wicks can be disposed in the water tank 510 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

With the bottom end portion 530 of the wick 514 at least partially disposed below the water level in the water tank 510, and the top end portion 520 of the wick 514 fixed in the post-evaporation section 544 of the water tank 510, the water 532 in the water tank 510 travels directly from the water tank 510 into the wick 514 without any further connecting structure, and evaporates from the air exit portion 552 of the wick 514 into the post-evaporation section 544 of the water tank 510. An air current through the humidifier 500 drives water evaporated from the wick 514 as a result of air moving through openings 572 in the wick holder below the platform 540, through the wick 514 and the air exit portion 552 into the post-evaporation section 544 of the water tank 510 and through an air outlet 554 defined in a lid 560, into an ambient environment external to the humidifier 500.

The wick 514 draws the water 532 from the water tank 510 at the bottom end portion 530, water travels through the wick 514 from the bottom end portion 530 toward the top end portion 520 upwards in a longitudinal direction of the wick 514, and water evaporates from the top end portion 520 of the wick 514 at the air exit portion 552, into the post-evaporation section 544 of the water tank 510. Air is directed from the power unit housing 502 into lateral sides 562 or ends of the wick 514 at a location above the water level in the water tank 510 along a top-bottom direction of the water tank 510, through the wick 514 in the longitudinal direction (the general direction of capillary action) of the wick 514 with water in the wick 514, and out of the top end portion 520 of the wick 514 toward the lid 560. While the air and capillary flow of the water shown here is vertical (top-bottom), the same principle can be applied to other wick orientations.

As shown in FIG. 15, the wick 514 is disposed in a cartridge 564, where the cartridge 564 is be positioned around the wick 514 to facilitate air and water respectively traveling into and out of restricted portions of the wick 514. The cartridge 564 features the openings 572 to the wick 514 around the wick 514 for restricting fluid flow into, out of, and through the wick 514.

To this end, the cartridge 564 includes a first opening 574 at the bottom end portion 530 of the wick 514, a second opening (or openings) 580 at the top end portion 520 of the wick 514 in the pre-evaporation section 550 of the water tank 510, and a third opening 582 at the top end portion 520 of the wick 514 around the air exit portion 552 of the wick 514 in the post-evaporation section 544 of the water tank 510. The cartridge 564 is configured to restrict fluid flow in and out of the wick 514 to flow at the first opening 574, the second openings 580, and the third opening 582. With this construction, fluid flow of water through the wick 514 in the bottom end portion 530 is restricted to flow along the longitudinal direction of the wick 514 between the first opening 574 and the second openings 580, and fluid flow of air and water through the wick 514 in the top end portion 520 is restricted to flow along the longitudinal direction of the wick 514 between the second openings 580 and the third opening 582. In an alternative embodiment where the cartridge 564 does not cover the wick 514 to restrict where water evaporates from the wick 514, the air exit portion 552 of the wick 514 increases in size with a decreasing water level in the water tank 510. It is also possible that the cartridge 564 includes a solid portion against the wick 514 from the bottom of the third opening 582 down, channeling airflow into a constrained path.

FIG. 16 depicts a schematic view of the humidifier 500 including the power unit housing 502 and the evaporative assembly 504. The power unit housing 502 is configured to deliver air (heated or not) to the evaporative assembly 504 through an air exit 584 that is an aperture defined in a side wall 590 of the power unit housing 502 facing the evaporative assembly 504, and through an air inlet 592 that is an aperture defined in the water tank 510 and aligned with the air exit 584 to facilitate communicating airflow from the power unit housing 502 to the evaporative assembly 504.

The power unit housing 502 includes an air entrance 594 configured for receiving ambient atmosphere deliverable to the air exit 584. A blower assembly 534 including a fan 600 is positioned in the power unit housing 502, the blower assembly 534 being configured to draw ambient atmosphere through the air entrance 594 toward the air exit 584 when the humidifier 500 is in an operational state in which humidified air is being supplied to the ambient environment. The water tank 510 is configured to receive airflow from the power unit housing 502 through the air inlet 592, the air inlet 592 being in fluid communication with the air exit 584 when the humidifier 500 is in the operational state. The water tank 510 also includes the air outlet 554 in the lid 560, the air outlet 554 being configured to release airflow from the water tank 510. The wick 514 is positioned in the water tank 510 on the platform 540 such that when the humidifier 500 is in the operational state, the blower assembly 534 moves air from the air exit 584, through the air inlet 592, through the wick 514, and toward the air outlet 554.

The blower assembly 534 drives airflow through the humidifier 500 with the fan 600 disposed in the power unit housing 502. A heater 602 disposed in the power unit housing 502 is configured for warming airflow to the water tank 510, increasing evaporation rates in the water tank 510 at the wick 514. The heater 602 is useful to warm the air before it enters the pre-evaporation section 550 to more efficiently evaporate water from the wick 514.

One of the primary benefits of using the heater 602 for the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13-27 or the heater 240 shown in FIG. 2 is that the amount of water that warm air can hold before full saturation is non-linear with temperature. This means that for every degree increase in temperature of incoming air, more and more water can be held. Practically speaking, this means that creating an artificially high temperature environment in the pre-evaporation section 550 in FIG. 13 and upstream from the wick 210 in FIG. 2 allows more water to be evaporated from the wick 210 or the wick 514 than using relatively cooler air. The other parameter that affects evaporation is air velocity, but velocity has a linear relationship to evaporation, and every increase in air velocity means a noisier fan and a less pleasant user experience. By increasing the temperature of air from 70 F to 115 F, there is almost a 4× increase in the amount of water that can be held at saturation. This means there that the water evaporates much more quickly from the wick 210 or the wick 514 into this warm, relatively dry air. Furthermore, this localized heating has the significant benefit that the warm air exiting the unit rises and circulates through the room much more effectively than relatively cooler air, and therefore, does a better job distributing moisture through an environment.

This heating can also provide significant user benefits, including creating a warm sensation for the user when they put their hand over the exit, and, as mentioned, a much quieter unit. Humidifiers are frequently used during cold seasons, so without heating, the air exiting an evaporative humidifier is actually colder than the incoming air because of the evaporative cooling effect. For someone who is trying to heat their house, it is much better to feel warm moist air instead of cold moist air.

Because users may try to open the lid to the unit, remove a cartridge and/or remove the separator while the unit is running, the unit may be configured with a sensor to determine that the lid has been open and/or that the tank has been removed and the unit would turn off automatically, or that the heating unit would turn off, or the heating unit would turn off with an increase in fan speed, thereby cooling it, so that a user would not be exposed to hot air.

When air passes by a person's skin, they have a sensation that it is cooler than the actual temperature (aka “wind chill factor”). The faster the air moves, the colder it feels. And, if the air is damp, it feels even colder, because the moisture in the moving air, causes more heat to leave the exposed area of the person. In the case of traditional evaporative humidifiers, this situation can be even further amplified because of the evaporative cooling effect—meaning that air is cooled as it passes by the moist wick and picks up water. The illustrated evaporative humidifiers 200 and 500 optimizes evaporation when users select a “cool” or non-heated mode, by adding enough heat to either fully or partially offset the effects of velocity, moisture and evaporative cooling of the exiting air so that a user feels like the air is at room temperature, even though heat has been added. This means the subject evaporative humidifier can benefit from adding heat to air entering the pre-evaporation section 550 in FIG. 13 or upstream from the wick 210 in FIG. 2 and put more moisture into the room, giving the user the perception of a non-heated mode. This is done by evaluating the air velocity/fan speed, and the temperature and humidity of the exiting air and adjusting it to a zero “windchill factor.”

Normally, a traditional evaporative humidifier would have as much wick exposed as possible to maximize evaporation, since evaporation is related to surface area, among other parameters. However, if the rate of evaporation as a result of the condition of the incoming air (warm & dry, for instance) exceeds what the wick can resupply in water (through capillary action, for instance), then much airflow is effectively wasted, blowing across areas of dry wick to which water cannot be resupplied fast enough. This means extra fan noise and wasted heat/energy with no benefit. And for a given airflow (CFM), this also means having the adverse effect of lower overall velocity through the wettest portions of the wick, where moisture can be most effectively evaporated. Therefore, one of the surprising advantages of restricting the airflow through the opening is that while evaporation area is decreased, for a given volumetric airflow (CFM), the velocity is increased across a concentrated “wet zone,” providing the most output for the lowest fan speed, and therefore minimized noise.

There are also advantages to keeping the wick 210 and the wick 514 moist, since when water fully evaporates from a wick material, leaving it completely dry, minerals that were in water can attach themselves permanently to the wick 210 or the wick 514, inhibiting capillary action. A surprising aspect of providing axial airflow is that even though water might not be resupplied quickly enough to the very top portions of the wick 210 or the wick 514, the humid air resulting from evaporation from the wick 210 or the wick 514 in the concentrated zones effectively bathes all of the wick above it in moist air, preventing it from drying.

Furthermore, another unusual aspect of driving the airflow “axially” along the wick 210 or the wick 514 is that in situations where the wick can resupply water fast enough (for instance, in a “cool” mode), the additional length (and therefore surface area) above the third openings 582 in the cartridge 564 allow more surface area for evaporation.

An advantage of axial flow is that refilling the water tank 510 can take place conveniently through the air exit portion 552 of the wick 514, providing two distinct benefits. First, in a situation where the wick 514 has not been used before, or where the unit is completely dry (and therefore, the wick 514 is dried out), the entire wick 514 is immediately wet by the passing water, allowing the humidifier to immediately perform at peak capacity. Otherwise, some significant time would have to pass before the water could move up the length of the wick 514 via capillary action and properly moisten the wick 514. A second advantage is that additives can be placed in the upper portion of the wick holder, allowing the passing water to extract some of these additives and condition the water. These additives may perform benefits like inhibiting microbial growth, binding or precipitating minerals to prevent them from attaching to the wick 514 or changing the pH of the water.

Additionally, as mentioned, a benefit of the axial flow configuration is the opportunity for parallel operation. This means that more than one wick 514 can be placed in the tank/water, and with a commensurate increase in airflow at a given temperature, the output of the humidifier can double, triple or quadruple with two, three or four wicks, respectively. This is not the case with transverse flow, where the size of a unit would become impractical and unmanageable if one were to place wicks side by side by side.

In all proposed configurations, whether axial airflow (along the direction of capillary water travel) or transverse flow (across the wick and across or not aligned with the direction of capillary water travel), an unusual aspect of the evaporative humidifiers described herein

is that the water level in the tank, in which the wick and wick holder are submerged, varies from its full height (for instance 8″ or 10″) to completely empty. In the case of a transverse flow architecture, as depicted in FIG. 16, among others, there is always a minimum amount of wick (4″, for instance) that remains above the highest water level to create enough area for air to flow and for water to be evaporated from the wick surface. As the water level drops, the area for evaporation increases and offsets the fact that the rate of water supply via wicking may prevent water from reaching the upper portion of the wick and saturating it.

In the case of axial flow (FIGS. 14 and 26, among others), the evaporation zone is fixed (and therefore, the evaporation area fixed), and as long as enough water can be supplied to keep up with the rate of evaporation, the conditions in the evaporation zone remain constant, regardless of water height in the tank. It should be noted that for different wick materials and methods, there will be practical limits to the height and rate at which water can wick, and the location of the evaporation zone would be adjusted based on these parameters.

As shown in FIG. 16, the wick 514 is oriented substantially vertically from the bottom 524 of the water tank 510 to the platform 540. In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 17, a wick 604 includes a top end portion 610 that is bent away from a substantially vertical orientation, and extends toward a lid 612 in a water tank 614. The water tank 614 is configured for storing water and has no lower water outlet in the water tank 614 leading to another water reservoir. With this construction, the top end portion 610 of the wick 604 is elongated relative to the top end portion 520 of the wick 514 depicted in FIG. 16, increasing a surface area of the wick 604 at the top end portion 610 which facilitates water evaporating from the wick 604. While the depicted top end portion 610 is bent away from a substantially vertical orientation, the top end portion 610 can be positioned with a substantially vertical orientation in the water tank 614 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The water tank 614 is configured for storing water and has no lower water outlet in the water tank 614 leading to another water reservoir. Unless otherwise stated, the wick 604 operates in a similar manner and has similar features as architectures previously described with reference to the wick 514.

In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 18, a power unit housing 620 includes an evaporative assembly 622 disposed therein, where a water tank 624 is disposed in the power unit housing 620. The water tank 624 is positioned above the fan 600 and the heater 602 in the power unit housing 620, where the fan 600 and the heater 602 are configured to direct a heated airflow upwards through the power unit housing 620, around the water tank 624, to an air outlet 630 defined in a lid 632.

A wick 634 is disposed in the water tank 624, along an outer wall 640 of the water tank 624. The water tank 624 is configured for storing water and has no lower water outlet in the water tank 624 leading to another water reservoir. A top end portion 642 of the wick 634 is bent over the outer wall 640 of the water tank 624 and extends radially outward from the water tank 624 to an outer wall 640 of the power unit housing 620. With the top end portion 642 of the wick 634 extended to the outer wall 640 of the power unit housing 620, airflow from the fan 600 and the heater 602 to the air outlet 554 at a top 644 of the water tank 624 flows through the top end portion 642 of the wick 634. A bottom 650 of the water tank 624 supports a bottom end portion 652 of the wick 634. The bottom end portion 652 of the wick 634 extends downward into the water tank 624, toward the bottom 650 of the water tank 624 to deliver the water 532 in the water tank 624 to the top end portion 642. Unless otherwise stated, the power unit housing 620 and the evaporative assembly 622 respectively operate in a similar manner and have similar features as architectures previously described with reference to the power unit housing 502 and the evaporative assembly 504.

In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 19, an evaporative assembly 654 includes a wick 660 which floats on the water 532 in a water tank 662 such that an upper surface 664 of the wick 660 is maintained above a water level in the water tank 662. The bottom surface of the wick 660 is in contact with the water or an intermediate material(s) to draw water into the wick 660. As the wick 660 floats on the water 532 in the water tank 662, the wick 660 moves up and down with the water level, and maintains a constant exposure to the water 532 in the water tank 662, and to airflow from a power unit housing 670. As shown, airflow from the power unit housing 670 is directed down and over the wick 660 and out of the water tank 662 through a lid 672.

The water tank 662 is configured for storing water and has no lower water outlet in the water tank 662 leading to another water reservoir. Airflow in the power unit housing 670 is directed through a serpentine path configured to separate water spilled from the water tank 662 from the fan 600 and the heater 602 in the power unit housing 670. As shown, airflow received in an air entrance 674 of the power unit housing 670 is driven downward through a first channel 680 by the fan 600, over the heater 602, and around a partition wall 682 extended from a top wall 684 of the power unit housing 670. The first channel 680 is defined between a first side wall 690 of the power unit housing 670 and the partition wall 682. Airflow directed around the partition wall 682 travels upward, through a second channel 692 defined between the partition wall 682 and a second side wall 694 of the power unit housing 670, the second side wall 694 forming a side of the power unit housing opposite the first side wall 690 across the power unit housing 670. With this construction, any water spilled from the water tank 662 falls to a reservoir 700 located below the water tank 662 and the power unit housing 670, containing water from the water tank 662 away from the power unit housing 670 including the fan 600 and the heater 602. In an embodiment, an airflow path through the power unit housing 670 includes weep holes (not shown) which allow water to exit the reservoir to prevent the water level rising to a level which could jeopardize other components or electronics.

Unless otherwise stated, the power unit housing 670 and the evaporative assembly 654 respectively operate in a similar manner and have similar features as described with reference to the power unit housing 502 and the evaporative assembly 504.

In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 20, a power unit housing 702 is formed in a lid 704 such that the fan 600 and the heater 602 are incorporated in the lid 704. As shown, an air entrance 710 and an air exit 712 are formed in the lid 704, where the air exit 712 delivers airflow into an evaporative assembly 714. Airflow from the air exit 712 is directed into a water tank 720 through an air inlet 722 defined in the water tank 720 at a side of the water tank 720 opposite from an air outlet 724 defined in the water tank 720. The water tank 720 is configured for storing water and has no lower water outlet in the water tank 720 leading to another water reservoir. A wick 730 is disposed in the water tank 720 such that airflow from the air inlet 722 to the air outlet 724 flows through the wick 730. The wick 730 has a substantially vertical orientation in the water tank 720, with a top end portion 732 of the wick 730 in a substantially vertical orientation and extended toward the lid 704. Unless otherwise stated, the power unit housing 702 and the evaporative assembly 714 respectively operate in a similar manner and have similar features as described with reference to the power unit housing 502 and the evaporative assembly 504. This configuration could also be utilized for an axial flow approach instead of transverse, as shown.

In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 21, a power unit housing 802 is disposed below an evaporative assembly 804, including a water tank 810. A wick 812 disposed in the water tank 810 includes a bottom end portion 814 extended downward into the water tank 810 to a bottom 820 of the water tank 810, and a top end portion 822 of the wick 812 extends upward from the water tank 810, and toward a side wall 824 of a lid 830. The water tank 810 is configured for storing water and has no lower water outlet in the water tank 810 leading to another water reservoir. Airflow directed from the power unit housing 802 to the wick 812 in the lid 830 travels through a channel 832 formed between a side wall 834 and a partition wall 840 disposed along the side wall 824. With airflow from the power unit housing 802 directed toward the wick 812 at the lid 830, an air exit portion 842 of the wick 812 that interacts with the airflow therethrough remains a constant length along the lid 830 in an illustrated ‘X’ direction, even as a water level in the water tank 810 changes. Unless otherwise stated, the power unit housing 802 and the evaporative assembly 804 respectively operate in a similar manner and have similar features as described with reference to the power unit housing 502 and the evaporative assembly 504.

In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 22, airflow from a power unit housing 902 to an evaporative assembly 904, including a water tank 910, is first communicated through a lid 912. To this end, an air exit 914 defined in the power unit housing 902 is aligned with a first aperture 920 defined in the lid 912, and an air inlet 922 of the water tank 910 is aligned with a second aperture 924 defined in the lid 912. With this construction, airflow is directed from the power unit housing 902 through the first aperture 920 at a back end portion 930 of the lid 912, across the lid 912 to the second aperture 924 at a front end portion 932 of the lid 912, into the water tank 910 at the air inlet 922. A wick 934 is interposed between and separates the air inlet 922 and an air outlet 940 such that airflow through the water tank 910 flows through the wick 934. Airflow directed from the air outlet 940 exits to the ambient environment through the lid 912 at the back end portion 930 of the lid 912. The water tank 910 is configured for storing water and has no lower water outlet in the water tank 910 leading to another water reservoir. In an embodiment, the lid 912 includes weep holes or ramped geometry (not shown) which allow water collected in the lid 912 to exit the lid 912 and return to the water tank 910, including when water enters the lid 912 as a result of moving the water tank 212, tilting the water tank 212, or otherwise sloshing water in the water tank 212. Unless otherwise stated, the power unit housing 902 and the evaporative assembly 904 respectively operate in a similar manner and have similar features as described with reference to the power unit housing 502 and the evaporative assembly 504. The architecture depicted in FIG. 22 allows for humid air to be brought back into contact with the power unit housing 902 where a humidity sensor (not shown, but mounted to the power unit housing 902 near the air outlet 940) to measure the humidity of the exiting air without putting electronics in the lid 912.

In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 23, an evaporative assembly 1002 includes a wick 1004 disposed in a water tank 1010, where the wick 1004 has a U-shape with a first bottom end portion 1012 extended downward into the water tank 1010 to the bottom 1014 of the water tank 1010, a second bottom end portion 1020 extended downward into the water tank 1010 to the bottom 1014 of the water tank 1010, and a top end portion 1022 connecting the first bottom end portion 1012 and the second bottom end portion 1020. The water tank 1010 is configured for storing water and has no lower water outlet in the water tank 1010 leading to another water reservoir. The first bottom end portion 1012 is positioned in front of an air inlet 1024 of the water tank 1010 such that airflow from the air inlet 1024 is directed through the wick 1004 at the first bottom end portion 1012. The top end portion 1022 of the wick 1004 is disposed along a lid 1030 such that airflow exiting the water tank 1010 through the lid 1030 flows through the top end portion 1022 of the wick 1004. Unless otherwise stated, the evaporative assembly 1002 operates in a similar manner and has similar features as described with reference to the evaporative assembly 1002. The architecture depicted in FIG. 23 allows for water to be wicked up from two sides, doubling the water supply to the wick 1004, so that the wick 1004 can better keep up with the heated removal of water. In an embodiment, the wick 1004 is rotated 90 degrees around a vertical axis of the evaporative assembly 1002 such that air enters the U-shape of the wick 1004 at an open end of the wick 1004, and exits the wick 1004 through the first bottom end portion 1012, the second bottom end portion 1020, or the top end portion 1022 of the wick 1004.

In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 24, an evaporative assembly 1102 includes a wick 1104 that extends through a water tank 1110 and into a lid 1112, and airflow from a power unit housing 1114 interacts with the wick 1104 in the lid 1112. The water tank 1110 is configured for storing water and has no lower water outlet in the water tank 1110 leading to another water reservoir. As shown, an air exit 1120 of the power unit housing 1114 is aligned with a first aperture 1122 defined in the lid 1112 such that the lid 1112 is configured to receive airflow from the power unit housing 1114 at the first aperture 1122. The lid 1112 includes a second aperture 1124, where a top end portion 1130 of the wick 1104 is interposed between and separates the first aperture 1122 and the second aperture 1124 along the lid 1112 such that airflow from the first aperture 1122 to the second aperture 1124 flows through the wick 1104. Unless otherwise stated, the power unit housing 1114 and the evaporative assembly 1102 respectively operate in a similar manner and have similar features as described with reference to the power unit housing 502 and the evaporative assembly 504.

In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 25, airflow from a power unit housing 1252 to an evaporative assembly 1254, including a water tank 1256, is first communicated through a lid 1258. To this end, an air exit 1264 defined in the power unit housing 1252 is aligned with a first aperture 1266 defined in the lid 1258, and an air inlet 1272 of the water tank 1256 is provided on a lower side of an internal wall 1274 so that a serpentine airflow path is provided in the lid 1258. With this construction, airflow is directed from the power unit housing 1252 through the first aperture 1266, across the lid 1258 around the internal wall 1274 into the water tank 1256 at the air inlet 1272. The water tank 1256 is configured for storing water and has no lower water outlet in the water tank 1256 leading to another water reservoir. A wick 1276 is interposed between and separates the air inlet 1272 and an air outlet 1280 such that airflow through the water tank 1256 flows through the wick 1276. Airflow directed from the air outlet 1280 exits to the ambient environment through the lid 1258. Such a configuration eliminates or greatly reduces spillage from moving or tilting the water tank 1256, or otherwise sloshing water in the water tank 1256 into the electronics by creating a serpentine lid through which the air flows.

In an embodiment depicted in FIGS. 26 and 27, a humidifier 1300 has a power unit housing 1302 that includes a partition wall 1304 configured to block water spilled from a water tank 1310 from reaching electronic components such as the fan 600, the heater 602, and other electronics 1312 located in the power unit housing 1302 and configured for operating the power unit housing 1302. The other electronics 1312 include a user interface, e.g. control knobs 1314 and a display 1316, which could be a touch screen, and a controller, which can be part of the other electronics 1312, configured for operating the fan 600 and the heater 602 based on user inputs at the user interface. The controller is also configured to operate the fan 600 and the heater 602 based on sensed conditions of the power unit housing 1302 and the evaporative assembly 1320. To this end, the power unit housing 1302 includes humidity sensors 1322 respectively located in a first channel 1324 upstream from the fan 600 with respect to a direction of airflow, and in a second channel 1330 adjacent an air exit 1332 of the power unit housing 1302, a humidity sensor 1322 can mount to the power unit housing 1302 and extend in a post-evaporation section 1340 of the water tank 1310. The power unit housing 1302 also includes temperature sensors 1342 respectively located in the first channel 1324 upstream from the fan 600 with respect to a direction of airflow, and in the second channel 1330 at the air exit 1332. Another temperature sensor 1342 can mount to the power unit housing 1302 and extend in the post-evaporation section 1340 of the water tank 1310. The water tank 1310 is configured for storing water and has no lower water outlet in the water tank 1310 leading to another water reservoir similar to the water tank 212 described above.

In an embodiment, at least one of a presence of the water tank 1310 and a position of the lid 1334 is sensed and communicated to the controller, where the controller determines if a pre-evaporation section 1344 of the water tank 1310 is accessible by a user. If the controller determines the pre-evaporation section 1344 of the water tank 1310 is accessible by a user, the controller disables the heater 602.

In an embodiment, the controller actuates the fan 600 to increase an operation speed of the fan 600 until air at the air exit 1332 or in the water tank 1310 has cooled to a predetermined value. In an embodiment, humidity and temperature are monitored in the pre-evaporation section 1344 and the post-evaporation section 1340 of the water tank 1310, where the controller actuates the fan 600 and the heater 602 such that a temperature and velocity of airflow through the evaporative assembly 1320 are adjusted based on reaching a desired humidity.

In an embodiment, sensor data via signals communicated to the controller enables the controller to determine an operating condition of a wick 1350 and communicate the determined operating condition through the user interface. To this end, at least one of a sensed water level, wick type, pre-evaporation section 1344 temperature, pre-evaporation section 1344 humidity, post-evaporation section 1340 temperature, and post-evaporation section 1340 humidity are input to the controller to determine an amount of deterioration in the wick 1350. Notably, deterioration in the wick 1350 causes a measurable decrease in evaporative output under a given operating condition such that sensor data indicative of evaporative output and the given operating condition can be used by the controller to determine deterioration in the wick 1350. A unique identifier for the wick 1350 may also be included in the determination, to associate the life with a particular wick. An example of this would be an RFID tag.

A filter life of the wick 1350 based on the determined amount of deterioration in the wick 1350 is communicated through the user interface. User controls are actuated through the user interface for operating a blower assembly 1352 disposed in the power unit housing 1302. In an embodiment, the other electronics 1312 include a transceiver configured to transmit wireless data, and the interface is located on a mobile terminal, such as a phone or a computer, which is wirelessly linked to the controller. In another embodiment, the user can set a predetermined time for the water to last (e.g. 8 hours) and the humidifier will adjust the temperature and/or velocity of the air with input from a water level sensor 1356, which is in electrical communication with the electronics 1312 including the controller and can be configured similarly to the water sensor 258 described above, to evaporate the water such that it will be evenly metered out (or at some other predetermined profile) during that predetermined time period. In addition, the unit can be programmed, either internally or by the user, not to exceed a certain level of room humidity (as measured by the incoming temperature and humidity sensor or an external sensor), and not use the entire amount of water in the tank during that predetermined period.

Lighting is disposed in the pre-evaporation section 1344 and the post-evaporation section 1340 of the water tank 1310, with settings respectively configured for adjustment based on a visibility of water in the pre-evaporation section 1344 and water in the post-evaporation section 1340 from outside the humidifier 1300. The nature of the lighting can change based on the mode of the humidifier. For instance, if it is running in its warmest mode, the lighting in the pre-evaporation zone might be orange/red and a lighter orange or yellow in the post evaporation or condensation zone. If the unit is run in a cool mode, with little or no heat, then the colors may be more blue in nature.

As shown, airflow in the power unit housing 1302 is directed through a serpentine path configured to separate water spilled from the water tank 1310 (or resulting from a user over-filling the tank) from the fan 600 and the heater 602. As shown, airflow received in an air entrance 1354 of the power unit housing 1302 is driven downward through the first channel 1324 by the fan 600, over the heater 602, and around the partition wall 1304 extended from a top wall 1360 of the power unit housing 1302. The first channel 1324 is defined between a first side wall 1362 of the power unit housing 1302 and the partition wall 1304. Airflow directed around the partition wall 1304 travels upward, through the second channel 1330 defined between the partition wall 1304 and a second side wall 1364 of the power unit housing 1302, the second side wall 1364 forming a side of the power unit housing 1302 opposite the first side wall 1362 across the power unit housing 1302. In the event that water spills back through the air entrance 1354 into the pre-evaporative section, the water can either exit out weep holes, or collect in a reservoir at the bottom, in one configuration, under the tank.

The air exit 1332 of the serpentine path in the power unit housing 1302 is aligned with an air inlet 1370 of the water tank 1310 and positioned below a platform 1372 in the pre-evaporation section 1344 of the water tank 1310 such that airflow is directed into the wick 1350 through lateral walls 1374 of the wick 1350, and upward through the wick 1350 in a longitudinal direction of the wick 1350 from a bottom end portion 1376 of the wick 1350 to a top end portion 1378 of the wick 1350. As depicted in FIG. 27, water evaporated from the wick 1350 leaves from a top surface 1384 of the wick 1350 and into the post-evaporation section 1340 of the water tank 1310 is released through an air outlet 1390 of the water tank 1310, the air outlet 1390 being a plurality of apertures defined in the lid 1334. It should be noted that the post-evaporation section 1340 is not necessary for humidification, but serves as a means for both filling and providing visibility of the humidification through condensation on the walls. As heated air is directed from the power unit housing 1302 to the pre-evaporation section 1344 of the water tank 1310, the pre-evaporation section 1344 of the water tank 1310 forms a hot air zone configured for delivering hot air into the wick 1350 for facilitating evaporation from the wick 1350 when water in the wick 1350 reaches the top surface 1384 of the wick 1350. When water evaporated from the wick 1350 leaves the top surface 1384 of the wick 1350, the post-evaporation section 1340 of the water tank 1310 forms a condensation and fill zone configured to release condensed water vapor to the ambient environment through the air outlet 1390. In an embodiment, airflow through the lid 1334 at the air outlet 1390 is directed through a diffuser (not shown) configured to distribute airflow more evenly.

Unless otherwise stated, the power unit housing 1302 and the evaporative assembly 1320 respectively operate in a similar manner and have similar features as described with reference to the power unit housing 502 and the evaporative assembly 504.

In an embodiment depicted in FIGS. 16 and 28, there is no cartridge to restrict airflow through the wick 514. Instead, airflow from an air inlet 592 in a water tank 510 travels transversely through the wick 514, otherwise unrestricted. With this, as shown in FIG. 28, airflow draws moisture from portions the wick 514 located over the water 532 in the water tank and exposed to the airflow. As the water level drops, the amount of wick 514 exposed to the passing air increases. In this and other configurations, a diffuser element can be placed in between exiting air and the wick 514 to more uniformly or preferentially distribute air to the wick 514.

In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 29, a cartridge 1402 restricts airflow through a wick 1404 to a top end portion 1410 of the wick 1404. With this construction, moisture in the wick 1404 is directed out of the wick 1404 by airflow through the wick 1404 at the top end portion 1410, above the cartridge 1402. Unless otherwise stated, the cartridge 1402 and the wick 1404 respectively operate in a similar manner and have similar features as described with reference to the cartridge 564 and the wick 514.

In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 30, a cartridge 1502 restricts airflow through a wick 1504 to a top end portion 1510 of the wick 1504. More specifically, the cartridge 1502 restricts airflow through a restricted part of the top end portion 1510 spaced from a top 1512 of the wick 1504 such that when the cartridge 1502 and the wick 1504 are disposed in a water tank of an apparatus shown in, for example, FIGS. 13, 14, and 26, the top 1512 of the wick 1504 is spaced from a top of the water tank, and is spaced from a water level in the water tank. With this construction, airflow is directed transversely through the wick 1504 at a concentrated part of the top end portion 1510, the concentrated part of the top end portion 1510 being located spaced from the top of the water tank and the water level in the water tank. Unless otherwise stated, the cartridge 1502 and the wick 1504 respectively operate in a similar manner and have similar features as described with reference to the cartridge 564 and the wick 514.

An embodiment depicted in FIG. 31 includes an air inlet of an apparatus shown in, for example, FIGS. 13, 14, 16, 26, and 27, and a water tank positioned above a wick supported by a platform such that airflow through the water tank is directed downward along a longitudinal direction of a wick disposed in the water tank. As shown in FIG. 31, airflow through the wick 1614 is directed against a direction of flow of the water 532 from the water tank, and directs the water 532 from the water tank and out of the wick 1614 at openings 1620 in a cartridge 1622 positioned along lateral sides 1624 of the wick 1614. This ensures that the air passes by the wettest portion of the wick (closest to the water) before exiting. It also has the advantage of utilizing the extra area of the wick 1614 above the openings 1620 in cool modes, when more surface area is required to optimally evaporate water. Unless otherwise stated the wick 1614 and the cartridge 1622 respectively operate in a similar manner and have similar features as described with reference to the wick 514 and the cartridge 564.

In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 32, an air inlet of an apparatus shown in, for example, FIGS. 13, 14, 16, 26, and 27, is positioned below a platform in a water tank such that airflow through the water tank is directed through openings 1710 in a cartridge 1712 disposed along lateral sides 1714 of a wick 1720. The openings are defined in the cartridge 1712 at a pre-evaporation section of the water tank located below the platform. This configuration has a number of advantages, including: (1) the wick is wettest at openings 1710 to facilitate optimal water evaporation; (2) the moist air bathes the upper portion of the wick 1720 as it leaves, preventing it from drying out and allowing minerals to dry, binding to the wick and deteriorating its performance; and (3) in cool modes, where heat is not used or minimally used, the area 1722 above the openings provides additional evaporative area for water transfer to the passing air.

Unless otherwise stated the cartridge 1712 and the wick 1720 respectively operate in a similar manner and have similar features as described with reference to the cartridge 564 and the wick 514.

In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 33, a cartridge 1802 includes a moveable baffle 1804 which is mobile on a wick 1810 to change a configuration of the cartridge 1802 in response to at least one of a sensed operating condition and a user input, where a controller (not shown) actuates the moveable baffle 1804 along lateral sides 1812 of the wick 1810 to variably restrict openings of the cartridge 1802. In an alternative embodiment, the moveable baffle 1804 floats on a water level in a water tank of an apparatus as shown in, for example, FIGS. 13 and 14. Whether the moveable baffle 1804 is actuated by the controller or floats in the water tank, airflow into the wick 1810 is restricted to between the moveable baffle 1804.

In an embodiment, the moveable baffle 1804 is actuated based on at least one of a sensed air temperature and humidity. In an embodiment, the moveable baffle 1804 is actuated based on a sensed location of a water level in the water tank. Unless otherwise stated, the cartridge 1802 and the wick 1810 respectively operate in a similar manner and have similar features as described with reference to the cartridge 564 and the wick 514.

As mentioned above, it can be desirable to determine an operating condition of a wick in an evaporative humidifier as well to adjust the temperature in an evaporative humidifier and the air velocity, or volumetric flow rate, traveling through the evaporative humidifier appropriate for particular room conditions. These aspects were described above with reference to evaporative humidifiers having a water tank where the water tank has no lower water outlet used when in the operational state. As explained with reference to FIG. 34, these aspects, however, are also useful for an evaporative humidifier 2100 including a water tank 2102 configured for storing water where the water tank 2102 includes an outlet 2104 that meters water to a water reservoir 2106 and a wick 2108 is positioned in the water reservoir 2106. Similar to known evaporative humidifiers, to control release of water from the water tank 2102 to the water reservoir 2106, the evaporative humidifier 2100 can be equipped with a float valve mechanism configured for measuring a water level in the water reservoir 2106 and causing the water tank 2102 to release water to the water reservoir 2106 when the water level in the water reservoir 2106 lowers to a predetermined level. Alternatively, the water tank 2102 can be positioned with respect to the water reservoir 2106 such that a lowest fluid outlet of the water tank 2102 is submerged in water when the water level in the water reservoir 2106 reaches a predetermined level, obstructing further release of water from the water tank 210 to the water reservoir 2106, where the water tank 2102 retains water elevated above the water reservoir 2106 with vacuum pressure.

The wick 2108 is positioned with respect to the water tank 2102 such that water is drawn into and through the wick 2108 toward an air outlet 2112. The wick 2108 can be made from a wicking material similar to those described above capable of transporting water via capillary action.

A blower assembly including a fan 2114 is configured to move air through the wick 2108 and toward the air outlet 2112. The fan 2114 is shown upstream from the wick 2108; however, the fan 2114 could also be located downstream from the wick 2108.

A water level sensor 2116, which can be similar in configuration to the water level sensors described above, e.g., a capacitive water sensor, is configured to determine a water level of the water tank 2102. As illustrated, the water level sensor 2116 is positioned next to the water tank 2102 the water tank 2102 extending upwardly from a housing or tray 2118 that defines the water reservoir 2106.

The evaporative humidifier 2100 further includes an upstream temperature sensor 2022, which can be similar to the first sensor 252 and the second sensor 254, positioned upstream from the wick 2108. The evaporative humidifier 2100 further includes an upstream humidity sensor 2024, which can be similar to the upstream humidity sensor 257, positioned upstream from the wick 2108. The evaporative humidifier 2100 further includes a downstream temperature sensor 2026, which can be similar to the first sensor 252 and the second sensor 254, positioned downstream from the wick 2108. The evaporative humidifier 2100 further includes a downstream humidity sensor 2028, which can be similar to the upstream humidity sensor 257, positioned downstream from the wick 2108. The evaporative humidifier 2100 can further includes another (second) upstream temperature sensor 2030, which can be similar to the (first) upstream temperature sensor 2022, positioned upstream from the wick 2108 and downstream from the (first) upstream temperature sensor 2022. The evaporative humidifier 2100 further includes a user interface 2032, which can include a display and/or a touchscreen. A controller 2034, which can be similar to the controllers described above, is in electrical communication with the upstream temperature sensors 2022, 2030 the upstream humidity sensor 2024, the downstream temperature sensor 2026, the downstream humidity sensor 2028 and the user interface 2032.

The controller 2034 can be configured to determine an operating condition of the wick 2108 based on signals received from the upstream temperature sensors 2022, 2030 the upstream humidity sensor 2024, the downstream temperature sensor 2026, and the downstream humidity sensor 2028. The controller 2034 is in electrical communication with the fan 2114 and can be configured to determine a volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick 2108 based on a speed at which the fan 2114 is rotating, which can be determined based on, for example, the voltage being delivered to the fan 2114 as determined by the controller 2034. The controller 2034 can be further configured to determine the operating condition of the wick 2108 based on the determined fan speed.

For example, and similar to that described above, the temperature and humidity measured by the downstream temperature sensor 2026 and the downstream humidity sensor 2028 after the evaporative humidifier 2100 has been operating for a predetermined amount of time can be compared to a temperature measurement and a humidity measurement for an ideal or new wick where the evaporative humidifier 2100 is operating under the same conditions, e.g., same fan speed and the upstream temperature sensor 2022 and the upstream humidity sensor 2024 measuring the same temperature. If the difference between the temperature and humidity measured by the downstream temperature sensor 2026, and the downstream humidity sensor 2028 while the evaporative humidifier 2100 is operating is different than or outside a predetermined range from the temperature measurement and the humidity measurement for an ideal or new wick where the evaporative humidifier 2100 is operating under the same conditions, then this may be indicative that the wick 2108 has deteriorated to the point where it needs replaced.

The controller 2034 can be configured to determine the condition of the wick 2108 based on a change in the water level in the water tank 2102 over a predetermined period of time as compared to a calculated change in the water level in the water tank over the predetermined period of time for a new or ideal wick with the evaporative humidifier operating with the same temperature and humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier, the same amount of heat added to the air upstream from the wick, the same volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick. If the change in the water level, which can be measured by the water level sensor 2116 is below a predetermined threshold, then this may indicate that the wick 2108 has deteriorated to the point where it needs replaced.

The controller 2034 can be configured to determine the condition of the wick 2108 based on a change in the water level in the water tank 2102 over a predetermined period of time as compared to a previously recorded change in the water level in the water tank 2102 over the predetermined period of time for the wick 2108 with the evaporative humidifier operating with the same temperature and humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier, the same amount of heat added to the air upstream from the wick 2108, the same volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick 2108. For example, the controller 2034 can communicate or include a memory (similar to the memory described above) that can store an identification, e.g., via an RFID, for the wick 2108 and record a change in the water level in the water tank 2102 over a predetermined period of time when the evaporative humidifier is operating at a particular temperature and humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier, with a particular amount of heat being added to the air upstream from the wick 2108, and a particular volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick 2108. This recorded change can be compared to a measured change in the water level in the water tank 2102 for the predetermined period of time when the evaporative humidifier is operating at the particular temperature and humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier, with the particular amount of heat being added to the air upstream from the wick 2108, and the particular volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick 2108. If the measured change differs from the recorded change beyond a predetermined threshold, then this may indicate that the wick 2108 has deteriorated to the point where it needs replaced.

The controller 2034 can be configured to determine the condition of the wick 2108 based on comparing the temperature and humidity of the air leaving the wick 2108 to a calculated temperature and humidity of air leaving the wick 2108 for a new or ideal wick with the evaporative humidifier operating with the same temperature and humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier, the same amount of heat added to the air upstream from the wick, the same volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick. If the measured temperature and humidity of the air leaving the wick 2108 differs beyond a predetermined threshold from the calculated temperature and humidity of air leaving the wick 2108 for a new or ideal wick, then this may indicate that the wick 2108 has deteriorated to the point where it needs replaced.

The controller 2034 can be configured to determine the condition of the wick 2108 based on comparing the temperature and humidity of the air leaving the wick 2108 to a previously recorded temperature and a previously recorded humidity of air leaving the wick 2108 with the evaporative humidifier operating with the same temperature and humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier, the same amount of heat added to the air upstream from the wick 2108, the same volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick 2108. Again, the controller 2034 can communicate or include a memory (similar to the memory described above) that can store an identification, e.g., via an RFID, for the wick 2108 and record the temperature and humidity of the air leaving the wick 2108. If the previously recorded temperature and the previously recorded humidity of air leaving the wick 2108 differs beyond a threshold from the measured temperature and humidity of the air leaving the wick 2108, then this may indicate that the wick 2108 has deteriorated to the point where it needs replaced.

In each of the examples discussed above, the heat added to the air upstream from the wick 2108 may be zero, e.g., a heater 2040 is not operating. The evaporative humidifier 2100 can also include the heater 2040, which can be similar to the heater 240 described with reference to FIG. 2, in electrical communication with the controller 2034 and upstream from the wick 2108. Also, amount of heat added can be determined by the controller 2034 based on an amount of power being delivered to the heater, e.g., 20 watts, 40 watts, 60 watts, or by measuring a temperature differential between the (second) upstream temperature sensor 2030, which is downstream from the heater 2108, and the (first) upstream temperature sensor 2022, which is upstream from the heater 2108. Also, when the controller determines an indication that the wick 2108 has deteriorated to the point where it needs replaced, the controller 2034 can generate an alarm on or via the user interface 2032.

The controller 2034 can also be configured, e.g., programmed, to adjust the speed at which the fan 2114 is rotating based on signals received from the downstream temperature sensor 2026 and the downstream humidity sensor 2028.

The controller 2034 is configured to receive a signal from the user interface 2032 indicative of a predetermined time the humidifier 2100 is to operate and adjusts operation of at least one of the heater 2040 and the fan 2114 based on input from the water level sensor 2116 during the predetermined time period. The controller 2034 can be configured to adjust the temperature, e.g., by controlling power delivery to the heater 2040, and/or velocity of the air e.g., by controlling power delivery to the fan 2114, with input from the water level sensor 2116, which is in electrical communication with the controller 2034, to evaporate the water such that it will be evenly metered out (or at some other predetermined profile) during that predetermined time period.

The manner in which the controller 2034 determines the condition of the wick 2108 for the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 34 is applicable to the other embodiments of evaporative humidifiers described herein. Also, each of the evaporative humidifiers described above include a power source or are connectable to an electrical power source in a conventional manner to power the electrical components mentioned above.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also features from one embodiment can be employed in other embodiments, and various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. An evaporative humidifier comprising: a power unit housing including an air entrance and an air exit;a blower assembly positioned in the power unit housing, the blower assembly being configured to draw air through the power unit housing when the evaporative humidifier is in an operational state in which humidified air is being supplied to an ambient environment;a water tank configured for storing water, and having no lower water outlet used when in the operational state; anda wick positioned in the water tank such that water is drawn into the wick from the water tank, through the wick, and toward an air outlet, and such that when the evaporative humidifier is in the operational state, the blower assembly moves air from the air exit, through the wick, and toward the air outlet.

2. The evaporative humidifier of claim 1, further comprising a heater disposed in the power unit housing.

3. The evaporative humidifier of claim 1, wherein the power unit housing defines a channel connecting the air entrance of the power unit housing to the air exit of the power unit housing in fluid communication, and the power unit housing includes a discontinuity located downstream of the blower assembly and configured for directing water entering the power unit housing away from the channel.

4. The evaporative humidifier of claim 3, wherein the discontinuity is a reservoir that extends downward from the air exit, at a position in the power unit housing located downstream from the blower assembly.

5. The evaporative humidifier of claim 3, wherein an airflow path of air drawn by the blower assembly forms a serpentine shape in the evaporative humidifier between the blower assembly and the water tank along the airflow path.

6. The evaporative humidifier of claim 3, further comprising a reservoir configured to collect water directed away from the channel by the discontinuity.

7. The evaporative humidifier of claim 1, wherein the power unit housing defines a channel between a first power unit housing side wall and a second power unit housing side wall, the first power unit housing side wall and the second power unit housing side wall form opposite sides of the power unit housing, the channel extends in a height direction of the evaporative humidifier between the air entrance and the air exit in fluid communication, and the air entrance is located below the air exit in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier such that the blower assembly is configured to draw air upward through the channel and toward the air exit.

8. The evaporative humidifier of claim 1, further comprising a cartridge disposed in and removable from the water tank, wherein the cartridge defines a first opening in fluid communication with a portion of the water tank storing water, a second opening in fluid communication with the air exit when the evaporative humidifier is in the operational state, and a third opening in fluid communication with ambient atmosphere, wherein the wick includes at least one material capable of wicking water and is positioned in the cartridge such that water is drawn into the wick from the water tank through the first opening, through the cartridge, and toward the third opening, and such that when the evaporative humidifier is in the operational state, the blower assembly moves air from the air exit through the second opening, through the wick, and toward the third opening.

9. The evaporative humidifier of claim 8, wherein the first opening is defined in the cartridge at a position closer to a bottom end of the cartridge as compared to a top end of the cartridge in a height direction of the evaporative humidifier.

10. The evaporative humidifier of claim 8, wherein the second opening is defined in the cartridge at a position interposed between the first opening and the third opening in a height direction of the evaporative humidifier.

11. The evaporative humidifier of claim 10, wherein the third opening is defined in the cartridge at a position above the first opening and the second opening in a height direction of the evaporative humidifier.

12. The evaporative humidifier of claim 8, wherein the first opening of the cartridge is in direct fluid communication with the water tank, the second opening of the cartridge is in direct fluid communication with the air exit through direct contact between the power unit housing and the cartridge, and the third opening of the cartridge is in direct fluid communication with ambient atmosphere.

13. The evaporative humidifier of claim 8, wherein the first opening of the cartridge is in direct fluid communication with the water tank, the second opening of the cartridge is in fluid communication with the air exit across a seal positioned between and contacting the power unit housing and the cartridge, and the third opening of the cartridge is in direct fluid communication with ambient atmosphere.

14. The evaporative humidifier of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the air exit in the power unit housing and at least a portion of the second opening in the cartridge are positioned above a maximum water level of the water tank in a height direction of the evaporative humidifier, and are in fluid communication with each other over the water tank in the height direction of the evaporative humidifier.

15. The evaporative humidifier of claim 8, wherein a cavity is defined between an inner cartridge wall surface and the wick such that the inner cartridge wall surface is spaced from the wick along the cavity, and the cavity extends downward from the second opening in a height direction of the evaporative humidifier.

16. The evaporative humidifier of claim 8, wherein the water tank includes a fill indicator which indicates a maximum water level of the water tank, and the fill indicator is disposed at a position below an upper edge of the second opening in a height direction of the evaporative humidifier when the cartridge is positioned in the water tank in an operating position.

17. The evaporative humidifier of claim 8, wherein the cartridge is configured to direct at least a portion of airflow through the wick from the second opening to the third opening in a same direction water is drawn through the wick.

18. The evaporative humidifier of claim 8, further comprising a cover disposed across an airflow path of air drawn by the blower assembly, the cover interposed between the wick and ambient atmosphere along the airflow path, wherein the cover is made from a material such that water droplets formed on an inner cover wall surface are visible through the cover from an exterior of the evaporative humidifier.

19. The evaporative humidifier of claim 1, further comprising: a heater positioned in the power unit housing with the blower assembly such that the heater is configured to heat air drawn by the blower assembly toward the air exit; anda controller disposed in the power unit housing, and configured for actuating the blower assembly and the heater;a covering configured to selectively cover at least one of the cartridge and an interior of the water tank from an exterior of the evaporative humidifier; anda sensor disposed on the water tank, the sensor being configured to measure a position of the covering with respect to the water tank and output a corresponding signal to the controller,wherein the controller changes operational state settings of at least one of the heater and the blower assembly when, based on output from the sensor, the controller determines that the covering has changed position with respect to the water tank.

20. The evaporative humidifier of claim 1, further comprising: a heater positioned in the power unit housing with the blower assembly such that the heater is configured to heat air drawn by the blower assembly toward the air exit; anda controller disposed in the power unit housing, and configured for actuating the blower assembly and the heater;a first sensor disposed in the power unit housing, in front of the heater with respect to a direction of airflow from the air entrance toward the air exit, the first sensor being configured to measure an air temperature in the power unit housing upstream from the heater, and configured to output a corresponding signal to the controller; anda second sensor disposed downstream from the heater with respect to the direction of airflow from the air entrance toward the air exit, the second sensor being configured to measure an air temperature in the power unit housing downstream from the heater, and configured to output a corresponding signal to the controller;wherein the controller actuates the heater and the blower assembly to maintain a predetermined air temperature behind the heater, and to maintain a predetermined rate of airflow through the power unit housing, based on output from the first sensor and the second sensor.

21. The evaporative humidifier of claim 1, wherein the water tank is removable from the power unit housing with the wick disposed in the water tank.

22. An evaporative humidifier comprising: a water tank configured for storing water;a wick positioned with respect to the water tank such that water is drawn into and through the wick toward an air outlet;a blower assembly including a fan, the blower assembly being configured to move air through the wick and toward the air outlet; anda controller configured to determine a condition of the wick based on a temperature and a humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier, an amount of heat added to the air upstream from the wick, a volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick, and at least one of a water level in the water tank and a temperature and a humidity of air leaving the wick.

23. The evaporative humidifier of claim 22, further comprising: an upstream temperature sensor in electrical communication with the controller and positioned upstream from the wick, the upstream temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature of air entering the evaporative humidifier; andan upstream humidity sensor in electrical communication with the controller and positioned upstream from the wick, the upstream humidity sensor being configured to measure the humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier.

24. The evaporative humidifier of claim 22, further comprising a water level sensor configured to determine the water level of the water tank.

25. The evaporative humidifier of claim 24, further comprising a water reservoir, wherein the water tank meters water to the water reservoir.

26. The evaporative humidifier of claim 25, wherein the wick is positioned in the water reservoir.

27. The evaporative humidifier of claim 22, wherein the volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick is based on fan velocity, which is measured or determined by the controller.

28. The evaporative humidifier of claim 22, further comprising: a first upstream temperature sensor in electrical communication with the controller and positioned upstream from the wick, the first upstream temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature of air entering the evaporative humidifier;an upstream humidity sensor in electrical communication with the controller and positioned upstream from the wick, the upstream humidity sensor being configured to measure the humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier; anda second upstream temperature sensor in electrical communication with the controller and positioned upstream from the wick and downstream from the first upstream temperature sensor;wherein the controller is configured to determine the amount of heat added to the air upstream from the wick by comparing signals from the first upstream temperature sensor and the second upstream temperature sensor.

29. The evaporative humidifier of claim 28, further comprising a heater in electrical communication with the controller and positioned downstream from the first upstream temperature sensor and upstream from the second upstream temperature sensor and the wick.

30. The evaporative humidifier of claim 22, further comprising: an upstream temperature sensor in electrical communication with the controller and positioned upstream from the wick, the upstream temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature of air entering the evaporative humidifier; andan upstream humidity sensor in electrical communication with the controller and positioned upstream from the wick, the upstream humidity sensor being configured to measure the humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier;a downstream temperature sensor in electrical communication with the controller and positioned downstream from the wick, the downstream temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature air leaving the wick; anda downstream humidity sensor in electrical communication with the controller and positioned downstream from the wick, the downstream humidity sensor being configured to measure the humidity air leaving the wick,wherein the controller is configured to determine the operating condition of the wick based on signals received from the upstream temperature sensor, the upstream humidity sensor, the downstream temperature sensor, and the downstream humidity sensor.

31. The evaporative humidifier of claim 22, further comprising a user interface, wherein the controller is in electrical communication with the fan and the user interface and is configured to determine the volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the evaporative humidifier based on a speed at which the fan is rotating, and the controller is further configured to adjust the speed at which the fan is rotating based on signals received from the user interface.

32. The evaporative humidifier of claim 31, further comprising a heater in electrical communication with the controller, and the controller receives a signal from the user interface indicative of a predetermined time the humidifier is to operate and adjusts operation of at least one of the heater and the fan based on input from the water level sensor during the predetermined time period.

33. The evaporative humidifier of claim 22, wherein the wick is positioned in the water tank.

34. The evaporative humidifier of claim 22, wherein the controller is configured to determine the condition of the wick based on a change in the water level in the water tank over a predetermined period of time as compared to a calculated change in the water level in the water tank over the predetermined period of time for a new or ideal wick with the evaporative humidifier operating with the same temperature and humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier, the same amount of heat added to the air upstream from the wick, the same volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick.

35. The evaporative humidifier of claim 22, wherein the controller is configured to determine the condition of the wick based on a change in the water level in the water tank over a predetermined period of time as compared to a previously recorded change in the water level in the water tank over the predetermined period of time for the wick with the evaporative humidifier operating with the same temperature and humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier, the same amount of heat added to the air upstream from the wick, the same volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick.

36. The evaporative humidifier of claim 22, wherein the controller is configured to determine the condition of the wick based on comparing the temperature and humidity of the air leaving the wick to a calculated temperature and humidity of air leaving the wick for a new or ideal wick with the evaporative humidifier operating with the same temperature and humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier, the same amount of heat added to the air upstream from the wick, the same volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick.

37. The evaporative humidifier of claim 22, wherein the controller is configured to determine the condition of the wick based on comparing the temperature and humidity of the air leaving the wick to a previously recorded temperature and a previously recorded humidity of air leaving the wick with the evaporative humidifier operating with the same temperature and humidity of air entering the evaporative humidifier, the same amount of heat added to the air upstream from the wick, the same volumetric flow rate of air traveling through the wick.