Humidifier with Water Control Arrangement

Abstract

A humidifier includes a base, a water tank, a water vaporizing mechanism, and a water control arrangement. The water control arrangement includes a first water level sensing device provided on the water tank and arranged to detect a water level in the water storage cavity, a second water level sensing device provided on the base and arranged to detect a water level in the water accommodating compartment, and a central processing unit. The central processing unit is electrically connected to the first water level sensing device, the second water level sensing device and the water vaporizing mechanism, in such a manner that when the water level in the water storage cavity falls below a predetermined threshold as detected by first water level sensing device, the central processing unit is configured to send a signal to a terminal device for reminding water refill.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a non-provisional application which claims priority to a Chinese patent application having an application number of CN 201911324762.6, and a filing date of Dec. 18, 2019, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of Invention

Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a humidifier, and more particularly to a humidifier comprising a water control arrangement which is capable of detecting water level in a base and a water tank, and transmitting such water level information to a terminal device.

Description of Related Arts

With the advance of technology, humidifiers have been widely utilized around the world for increasing humidity in a designated space, such as a living room or a bedroom. There exist many kinds of humidifiers. Conventional humidifiers may broadly be classified into ultrasonic humidifiers, evaporative humidifiers, vaporizers etc. In those humidifiers where water is continuously heated and evaporated, some sorts of safety mechanisms may be provided for deactivating the humidifier when the water in the base has been used up so as to prevent overheat of the machine.

A major disadvantage of these conventional humidifiers is that while safety mechanisms are provided for preventing overheat, there is no mechanism by which a user may continuously monitor water level in the water tank or the base.

As a result, there is a need to develop a humidifier which is capable of detecting water level in a base and a water tank, and transmitting such water level information to a terminal device.

SUMMARY

Implementations of the present disclosure provide a humidifier comprising a water control arrangement which is capable of detecting water level in a base and a water tank, and transmitting such water level information to a terminal device.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, it provides a humidifier for use in conjunction with a terminal device, comprising:

a base having a water accommodating compartment;

a water tank detachably attached on the base, the water tank having a water storage cavity for storing a predetermined amount of water, and a mist discharge channel and a mist discharge outlet;

a water vaporizing mechanism accommodated in the base and positioned to correspond to the mist discharge channel; and

a water control arrangement, which comprises:

a first water level sensing device provided on the water tank and arranged to detect at least one of a water level and a corresponding water volume in the water storage cavity;

a second water level sensing device provided on the base and arranged to detect at least one of a water level and a corresponding water volume in the water accommodating compartment; and

a central processing unit electrically connected to the first water level sensing device, the second water level sensing device and the water vaporizing mechanism, in such a manner that when at least one of the water volume and the water level in the water storage cavity falls below a predetermined threshold as detected by first water level sensing device, the central processing unit is configured to send a signal to the terminal device for reminding water refill, and when at least one of the water volume and the water level in the water accommodating compartment falls below a predetermined threshold as detected by second water level sensing device, the central processing unit is configured to send a signal to the terminal device.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, it provides a method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier through a terminal device, comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving, by the terminal device, a water level and a corresponding water volume of a water storage cavity of a water tank of a humidifier, wherein the water level is detected by a first water level sensing device of the humidifier;

(b) receiving, by the terminal device, a water level and a corresponding water volume of a water accommodating compartment of base of a humidifier, wherein the water level is detected by a second water level sensing device of the humidifier;

(c) acquiring a remaining total water volume of the humidifier by adding the water volume of the water storage cavity and the water accommodating compartment; and

(d) alerting a user of the humidifier to refill water in the water storage cavity when the remaining water volume of the humidifier falls below a predetermined threshold.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, it provides a method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier through a terminal device, comprising the steps of:

(1) receiving, by said terminal device, a water volume of a water storage cavity of a water tank of a humidifier, wherein said water volume of said water storage cavity is obtained by a water level detected by a first water level sensing device of said humidifier;

(2) receiving, by said terminal device, a water volume of a water accommodating compartment of a base of said humidifier, wherein said water volume of said water accommodating compartment is obtained by a water level detected by a second water level sensing device of said humidifier;

(3) acquiring a water dissipating rate of said humidifier; and

(4) acquiring a remaining operation time of said humidifier based on said water volume of said water storage cavity, said water volume of said water accommodating compartment, and said water dissipating rate.

This summary presented above is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify any key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidifier according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the humidifier according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an electrical diagram of the first water level sensor according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the humidifier according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is partial sectional view of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a top panel of a base of the humidifier according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier through a terminal device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier through a terminal device according to an alternative mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the humidifier according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of major components of a terminal device for use in conjunction with the humidifier according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating major components of the humidifier according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an electrical diagram of the second water level sensor according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description of the embodiments is the preferred mode of carrying out the present disclosure. The description is not to be taken in any limiting sense. It is presented for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of embodiments of the present disclosure.

It should be appreciated that the terms “install”, “connect”, “couple”, and “mount” in the following description refer to the connecting relationship in the accompanying drawings for easy understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the connection can refer to permanent connection or detachable connection. Furthermore, “connected” may also mean direct connection or indirect connection, or connection through other auxiliary components. Therefore, the above terms should not be an actual connection limitation of the elements of embodiments of the present disclosure.

It should be appreciated that the terms “length”, “width”, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, vertical”, “horizontal”, “upper”, “lower”, “exterior”, and “interior” in the following description refer to the orientation or positioning relationship in the accompanying drawings for easy understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure without limiting the actual location or orientation of embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the above terms should not be an actual location limitation of the elements of embodiments of the present disclosure.

It should be appreciated that the terms “first”, “second”, “one”, “a”, and “an” in the following description refer to “at least one” or “one or more” in the embodiment. In particular, the term “a” in one embodiment may refer to “one” while in another embodiment may refer to “more than one”. Therefore, the above terms should not be an actual numerical limitation of the elements of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 12 of the drawings, a humidifier for use with conjunction of a terminal device 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Broadly, the humidifier may comprise a base 2 having a water accommodating compartment 21, a water tank 1, a water vaporizing mechanism 30, and a water control arrangement 40.

The water tank 1 may be detachably attached on the base 2. The water tank 1 may have a water storage cavity 111 for storing a predetermined amount of water, a mist discharge channel 15 and a mist discharge outlet 13.

The water vaporizing mechanism 30 may be accommodated in the base 2 and positioned to correspond to the mist discharge channel 15.

The water control arrangement 40 may comprise a first water level sensing device 3, a second level water sensing device 4, and a central processing unit 50.

The first water level sensing device 3 may be provided on the water tank 1 and arranged to detect at least one of a water level and a corresponding water volume in the water storage cavity 111.

The second water level sensing device 4 may be provided on the base 2 and arranged to detect at least one of a water level and a corresponding water volume in the water accommodating compartment 21.

The central processing unit (CPU) 50 may be electrically connected to the first water level sensing device 3, the second water level sensing device 4 and the water vaporizing mechanism 30, in such a manner that when at least one of the water volume and the water level in the water storage cavity 111 falls below a predetermined threshold as detected by first water level sensing device 3, the central processing unit 50 is configured to send a signal to the terminal device 100 for reminding water refill, and when at least one of the water volume and the water level in the water accommodating compartment 21 falls below a predetermined threshold as detected by second water level sensing device 4, the central processing unit 50 may be configured to deactivate the water vaporizing mechanism 30.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the humidifier may take a wide variety of forms and may utilize different humidifying technology. For example, the humidifier of the present invention may be configured as an ultrasonic humidifier, an evaporative humidifier, or a vaporizer. The humidifier of the present invention may be communicated with a terminal device 100, such as a smartphone or a tablet computer, through wireless or wired network. A basic structure of the terminal device 100 may be illustrated in FIG. 10 of the drawings, in which the terminal device 100 may comprise a central processor 101, a storage unit 102 and a wireless transceiver 103.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 to FIG. 5 of the drawings, the base 2 may store a predetermined amount of in the water accommodating compartment 21. The water may be supplied from the water tank 1 when the water tank 1 is detachably attached on the base 2.

The water tank 1 may comprise an inner tank member 11 and an outer tank member 12. The inner tank member 11 may be received and protected within the outer tank member 12, wherein the water storage cavity 111 may be formed in the inner tank member 11 for storing a predetermined amount of water, while the first water level sensing device 3 may be provided on the inner tank member 11.

The water tank 1 may be detachably attached on the base 2 and when this happens, the water stored in the water storage cavity 111 may be guided to flow into the water accommodating compartment 21 for use by the water vaporizing mechanism 30.

In order to refill water in the water tank 1, the water tank 1 may further comprise an opening 121 communicating the water storage cavity 111 with an exterior thereof, and a water cap 120 detachably attached on the water tank 1 at the opening 121 for detachably covering the opening 121. A user may be allowed to refill water to the water storage cavity 111 through the water opening 121.

Referring to FIG. 5 of the drawings, the water tank 1 may further have a plurality of securing slots 122 formed on a bottom panel 12 of the inner tank member 11 whereas the base 2 may further comprise a plurality of securing members 24 extended from a top panel 23 of the base 2 to selectively engage with the securing slots 122 respectively. The securing slots 122 and the securing members 24 may be arranged to secure the position of the water tank 1 on top of the base 2. Note that the positions of the securing slots 122 and the securing members 24 may be interchanged.

The water vaporizing mechanism 30 may comprise a water atomizer 301 provided in the base 2, wherein the water stored in the water accommodating compartment 21 may be arranged to be atomized by the water atomizer 301. In this scenario, the humidifier of the present invention may be configured as an ultrasonic humidifier.

Alternatively, the water vaporizing mechanism 30 may comprise a heating element 301′ for heating the water in the water accommodating compartment 21 in a controlled manner. The water may then be slowly evaporated and blew out of the humidifier though the mist discharge channel 15 and the mist discharge outlet 13. In this scenario, the humidifier of the present invention may be configured as an evaporative humidifier. It is important to mention that other mechanisms by which the water is vaporized are also possible.

The first water level sensing device 3 may comprise a plurality of first water level sensors 301 spacedly provided on an exterior surface of the inner tank member 11 of the water tank 10. As shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the first water level sensors 301 may be provided as an array and may be distributed along a vertical direction of the inner tank member 11, wherein a position of each of the first water level sensor 301 may correspond to a corresponding water level in the water storage cavity 111. For example, when the bottommost first water level sensor 301 detects water and the second bottommost first water level sensor 301 does not detect water, the actual water level in the water storage cavity 111 may be estimated to be somewhere between the bottommost first water level sensor 301 and the second bottommost first water level sensor 301.

Note that when the water tank 10 has only a single tank member, the first water level sensors 301 may be provided on an exterior surface of the water tank 10.

Referring to FIG. 3 of the drawings, each of the first water level sensor 301 may comprise a first sensing member 33 and a first sensor circuitry 31. The first sensing member 33 may be configured from metallic material such as copper and may be attached on a desirable position on an exterior surface of the inner tank member 11. As shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, terminal “KEY 1” may be electrically connected to the corresponding first sensing member 33.

When water in the water storage cavity 111 reaches a level corresponding to a first sensing member 33, the first sensing member 33 and the water may form a capacitance which may generate a very small current to the first sensor circuitry 31. This small current may be detected by the first sensor circuitry 31 so as to ascertain the water level in the water storage cavity 111.

The first sensor circuitry 31 may comprise an amplifier 312 electrically connected to the first sensing member 33 and the central processing unit 50. The central processing unit 50 may comprise a microprocessor (MCU 311) electrically connected to the amplifier 312 which may be configured to amplify the very small electrical current generated by the detection of the water. This very small electrical current may be transmitted to the MCU 311 for further processing and analyzing.

It is worth mentioning that each of the first sensor circuitries 31 may be connected to a MCU 311. In this scenario, the central processing unit 50 may comprise a plurality of MCUs 311 electrically connected to the first sensor circuitries 31 respectively. As an alternative configuration, the central processing unit 50 may comprise a single MCU 311 connected to all the amplifiers 312 of the first sensor circuitries 31. In other words, all amplifiers 312 may share a single MCU 311 in this alternative configuration.

Each of the first water level sensors 301 may further comprise an indicating light 32 electrically connected to the corresponding first sensor circuitry 31 and the central processing unit 50, in such a manner that when the first sensor circuitry 31 detects water as described above, the central processing unit 50 may be arranged to drive the indicating light 32 to illuminate so as to signal that the water in the water storage cavity 111 has reached a level corresponding to the height of the corresponding first sensing member 33.

The indicating light 32 may be electrically connected to the corresponding MCU 311 of the central processing unit 50. In the case that the first sensor circuitries 31 share a single MCU 311, all the indicating lights 32 may be electrically connected to the single MCU 311 which may individually activate or deactivate each of the indicating lights 32.

As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 of the drawings, the water control arrangement 40 may further comprise a main Circuit Board (main PCB 22), wherein the first sensor circuitries 31 and the central processing unit 50 may be implemented on the main PCB 22 which may be securely supported in a water-sealed compartment 220 in the base 2 for better protection. The first sensing members 33 may be provided on the inner tank member 11 while the first sensor circuitries 31 may be supported in the base 2.

In order to facilitate electrical connection between the first sensing members 33 and the sensor circuitries 31, the water control arrangement 40 may further comprise a connection device 5 comprising a first connection Printed Circuit Board (first connection PCB 52) and a second connection Printed Circuit Board (second connection PCB 53). As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 of the drawings, the first connection PCB 52 may be supported in the water-sealed compartment 220 of the base 2, while the second connection PCB 53 may be supported at a lower portion 14 of the water tank 1. The connection device 5 may further comprises a plurality of (at least one) connecting members 51 electrically connecting between the first connection PCB 52 and the second connection PCB 53 when the water tank 1 is detachably attached on the base 2. The first connection PCB 52 may be electrically connected to the main PCB 22.

As shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings, the water tank 1 may further comprise a sealing cover 6 provided at the lower portion 14 for forming a sealing compartment 61 within the sealing cover 6. The sealing cover 6 may be attached on the bottom panel 12 within the inner tank member 11 through at least one connecting member 124 so as to form a sealing structure for preventing water in the water storage cavity 111 from entering the sealing compartment 6. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second connection PCB 53 may be supported within the sealing compartment 6 at the lower portion 14 of the water tank 1 so as to be securely protected from water damage. Moreover, the water tank 1 may further have a reinforcing portion 123 supporting the second connection PCB 53.

Specifically, each of the connecting members 51 may be configured from metallic material (i.e. electrical conductor) and may be attached on the first connection PCB 52. The connecting members 51 may be arranged to physically contact with the second connection PCB 53 when the water tank 1 is detachably attached on the base 2.

The second water sensing device 4 may comprise at least one second water level sensor 41 provided on the base 2. The second water level sensor 41 may comprise a second sensing member 411 and a second sensor circuitry 412. The second water level sensor 41 may be provided on an exterior surface of the water accommodating cavity 21. The second water level sensor 41 may operate in a manner similar to the first water level sensor 301 as described above. Thus, referring to FIG. 12 of the drawings, the second water level sensor 41 may comprise a second sensing member 411 and a second sensor circuitry 412. The second sensing member 411 may be configured from metallic material such as copper and may be attached on a desirable position on an exterior surface of the water accommodating cavity 21. As shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings, terminal “KEY 1” may be electrically connected to the corresponding second sensing member 411.

When water in the water accommodating cavity 21 reaches a level corresponding to a second sensing member 411, the second sensing member 411 and the water may form a capacitance which may generate a very small current to the first sensor circuitry 412. This small current may indicate that the water in the water accommodating cavity 21 does not fall below a predetermined threshold.

Note that the second sensor circuitry 412 may also be connected to the central processing unit 50. Thus, the second sensor circuitry 412 may comprise an amplifier 4122 electrically connected to the second sensing member 411 and electrically connected to at least one MCU 311 of the central processing unit 50. The amplifier 4122 may be configured to amplify very small electrical current generated by the detection of the water by the second sensing member 411. When the water in the water accommodating cavity 21 falls below the second sensing member 411, the small current ceases to exist and the MCU 311 may be arranged to deactivate the water vaporizing mechanism 30 so as to prevent overheating of the dehumidifier of the present invention.

Note that the first sensor circuitries 31 and the second sensor circuitry 412 may be implemented on the main PCB 22 so that they may be well protected in a water-sealed environment in the base 2. The signal received by the first sensing members 33 may be transmitted to the first sensor circuitries 31 on the main PCB 22. Similarly, the signal received by the second sensing member 411 may also be transmitted to second sensor circuitry 412 also implemented on the main PCB 22.

Note that, depending on the circumstances in which the present invention is manufactured and to be utilized, central processing unit 50 may comprise a plurality of MCUs 311 so that each of the first sensor circuitries 31 and the second sensor circuitry 412 may have an individual MCU 311. Alternatively, the first sensor circuitries 31 and the second sensor circuitry 412 may share a single MCU so that the central processing unit 50 may need to only comprise one MCU 311, to which all the first sensor circuitries 31 and the second sensor circuitry 412 may be connected.

Moreover, the MCU 311 of the central processing unit 50 may be configured or programed to deactivate the water vaporizing mechanism 30 when the second water level sensing device 4 detects that the water in the water-accommodating compartment 21 of the base 2 has fallen below a predetermined threshold.

The central processing unit 50 may further comprise a communication module 312 electrically connected to the MCU 311 for transmitting and receiving signals through a predetermine wireless or wired network. The communication module 312 may be configured to send a corresponding signal to the terminal device 100 through the wireless or wired network.

It is worth mentioning that as slight variations of the preferred embodiment, each of the first sensor circuities 31, the second sensor circuitries 411 may be implemented on the main PCB 22, the first connection PCB 52 or the second connection PCB 53.

Referring to FIG. 6 of the drawings, the base 2 may further have a plurality of through holes 232 formed on the top panel 23 for allowing the connecting members 51 to pass therethrough. The connecting members 51 may therefore extend from the first connection PCB 52 to the second connection PCB 53 through the through holes 232. Furthermore, the base 2 may further have a plurality of partitioning ridges 231 formed on the top panel 23 for separating each of the through holes 232. When the water tank 1 is attached on or detached from the base 2, a small amount of water may stay on the top panel 23. The purpose of separating the through holes 232 is to prevent such small amount of water from contacting with the all the connecting members 51 so as to minimize the chance of short circuit between the connecting members 51. The base 2 may further have a plurality of guiding grooves 233 formed on the top panel 23, wherein the guiding grooves 233 may extend from the partitioning ridges 231 for guiding water staying on the top panel 23 to flow away from the through holes 232. Thus, each of the guiding grooves 233 may extend from the corresponding through hole 232 to a peripheral portion of the base 2 so as to guide the water to flow away from the through hole 232.

The communication module 312 of the central processing unit 50 may also be implemented on the main PCB 22 and may be configured to communicate with the terminal device 100 through wired or wireless communication, such as through wireless Internet network. Thus, the communication module 312 may comprise a transceiver 3121 which support popular wireless communication protocols such as ultra high frequency (UHF) short radio wave transmission protocol (e.g. BLUETOOTH), a wireless network protocol (e.g. WIFI) etc. The connection between the communication module 312 and the terminal device 100 may be through a server 500.

The communication module 312 may be arranged to transmit information about water level in the water storage cavity 111 and/or the water accommodating compartment 21 to the terminal device 100 or through a predetermined server 500. The water level information may be accompanied by warning signal advising a user of the present invention to refill water when the water level in the water storage cavity 111 and/or the water accommodating compartment 21 falls below a predetermined threshold.

The water control arrangement 40 may further comprise at least one speaker 43 mounted in the base 2 and electrically connected to the main PCB 22 and the microprocessor 311. The speaker 43 may be arranged to deliver audible sound when the water level in the water storage cavity 111 and/or the water accommodating compartment 21 fall below the predetermined threshold. The speaker 43 may be connected on the main PCB 22 or any other suitable portion on the base 2.

Referring to FIG. 11 of the drawings, the water control arrangement 40 may further comprise an input device 60 and a storage device 70 electrically connected to the CPU 50 for allowing a user to input operational command and for operational data to be stored respectively. The input device 60 may be configured as at least one button provided on the water tank 1 or the base 2. The input device 60 may also be configured as a touch screen which may allow a user to input commands through touching the touch screen. The input device 60 may also be configured as a control panel for allowing a user to control an operation of the humidifier such as switching mist volume. Moreover, the water control arrangement 40 may further comprise an output device 7 provided on the base 2 for displaying an operational status of the humidifier. The output device 7 may be configured as a display for visually displaying an operational status of the humidifier. Moreover, the input device 60 and the output device 7 may be implemented on the single touch-screen display for allowing a user to input commands or visually observe operational status of the humidifier.

The storage device 70 may be a conventional storage medium, such as a hard drive, flash drive, or any other storage mediums for storing data.

Referring to FIG. 7 of the drawings, the present invention may also provide a method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier through a terminal device 100, comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving, by the terminal device 100, a water level and a corresponding water volume of a water storage cavity 111 of a water tank 11 of a humidifier, wherein the water level may be detected by a first water level sensing device 3 of the humidifier;

(b) receiving, by the terminal device 100, a water level and a corresponding water volume of a water accommodating compartment 21 of base 2 of a humidifier, wherein the water level may be detected by a second water level sensing device 4 of the humidifier;

(c) acquiring a remaining total water volume of the humidifier by adding the water volume of the water storage cavity 111 and the water accommodating compartment 21; and

(d) alerting a user of the humidifier to refill water in the water storage cavity 111 when the remaining water volume of the humidifier falls below a predetermined threshold.

In step (a) above, the water volume of the water storage cavity 111 may be calculated by the water level detected by the first water level sensing device 3. Similarly, the water volume of the water accommodating compartment 21 may be calculated by the water level detected by the second water level sensing device 4. The calculation of the water volume in the water storage cavity 111 and the water accommodating compartment 21 may be performed in the CPU 50 of the humidifier, in the properly-programed terminal device 100, or in the server 500.

In step (a) and step (b), the water level or the corresponding water volume in the water storage cavity 111 of the water tank 1 and the water accommodating compartment 21 of the base may be wirelessly transmitted to the terminal device 100 through the predetermined network described above. Moreover, in step (a) and step (b) above, the terminal device 100 may acquire the water volume of the water storage cavity 111 of the water tank 1 and the water volume of the water accommodating compartment 21 of the base directly from the communication module 312 of the humidifier, or from a server wirelessly connected to the humidifier.

As mentioned above, the wireless communication between the communication module 3121 of the central processing unit 50 and the terminal device 100 may be accomplished by typical wireless communication protocols such as ultra high frequency (UHF) short radio wave transmission protocol (e.g. BLUETOOTH), a wireless network protocol (e.g. WIFI) etc.

Step (a) through step (c) may be performed at a predetermined time interval so that the remaining total water volume of the humidifier may be periodically monitored so that water may be refilled into the water storage cavity 111 in time. This predetermined time interval may be pre-set by the manufacturer of the present invention, or by a user through the terminal device 100 by using a designated software.

The method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier may further comprise a step, in between step (c) and step (d), of displaying, by the terminal device 100, the remaining water volume of the humidifier. The terminal device 100 may display the remaining water volume of the humidifier through a built-in display screen or through an external display connected to the terminal device 100. The remaining water volume of the humidifier may be displayed to the user of the present invention through texts, graphics, or a combination of texts and graphics. For example, if the maximum remaining water volume of the humidifier is 5000 ml, and the actual remaining water volume of the humidifier is 2300 ml, a 46% colored-filled portion of a whole graphical element (e.g. a humidifier) may graphically represent the remaining water volume of the humidifier.

In step (d), the predetermined threshold for alerting refill may be pre-set by manufacturer of the present invention. Alternatively, the threshold may be set by the user of the present invention through the terminal device 100 by using a designated software. The alert for the user may be in the form of an audible sound generated by at least one of the terminal device 100 or the humidifier.

The method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier may further comprise a step (e) of determining, by at least one of the terminal device 100 and the server 500, a water dissipating rate of the humidifier.

The water dissipating rate of the humidifier is closely related to the operation of the humidifier. For example, the humidifier of the present invention may be configured to have three operational modes (such as high, medium, low) which correspond to three different mist setting. When the humidifier is set as high mist operational mode, the humidifier may discharge the highest amount of mist and the water dissipating rate will the highest. When the humidifier is set as low mist operational mode, the humidifier may discharge the smallest amount of mist and the water dissipating rate will be the lowest. The medium mist operational mode is somewhere between the high mist operational mode and the low mist operational mode.

As a result, the terminal device 100 or the server may determine a corresponding water dissipating rate of the humidifier. For example, when the humidifier is set as high mist operational mode, the water dissipating rate may be 500 ml/hour, and when the humidifier is set as low mist operational mode, the water dissipating rate may be 100 ml/hour, and when the humidifier is set as medium mist operational mode, the water dissipating rate may be 300 ml/hour. The terminal device 100 or the server 500 may determine the water dissipating rate by detecting the operational mode of the humidifier.

Note that the water dissipating rate of the humidifier for each of the operational modes may be determined by a pre-set parameter from the manufacturer. Alternatively, the water dissipating rate may be calculated by actual water dissipation in the humidifier as detected by the first water level sensing device 3 and the second water level sensing device 4. During a particular operational mode, the water level in the water storage cavity 111 and the water accommodating compartment 21 may be detected in regular intervals (such as 1-minute interval) so as to determine the remaining total water volume of the humidifier before and after the interval. After that, the water dissipating rate may be calculated by dividing the difference between the remaining total water volume of the humidifier by the time interval. For example, the remaining total water volume before a 1-minute interval is 3005 ml and after the 1-minute interval is 3000 ml. The water dissipating rate may be calculated as 3005 ml−3000 ml=5 ml per minute.

The method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier may further comprise a step (f) of determining a remaining operation time of the humidifier based on the remaining total water volume and the water dissipating rate of the humidifier obtained in step (e), and displaying the remaining operation time on the terminal device 100.

The remaining operating time of the humidifier may be determined by dividing the remaining total water volume by the water dissipating rate obtained in step (e) above. For example, when the remaining total water volume is 3000 ml, and the water dissipating rate is 300 ml/hour, the remaining operating time is 3000/300=10 hours.

In step (f) above, the remaining operation time may be periodically updated when the operational mode of the humidifier changes. Thus, step (f) may comprise a step of periodically updating the remaining operation time when the operational mode of the humidifier changes. Since different operational mode may cause different water dissipating rate, when the operational mode changes (such as from low to medium), the water dissipating rate may increase and the remaining operation time of the humidifier may decrease due to the change in the operational mode.

The method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier may further comprise a step (g) of deactivating, by the CPU 50, the water vaporizing mechanism 30 of the humidifier when the water volume of the water accommodating compartment 21 of base 2 falls below a predetermined threshold.

From the forgoing descriptions, one skilled in the art may appreciate that the terminal device 100 may alert the user for refilling water when the water in the water storage cavity 111 falls below a predetermined threshold. Moreover, the CPU 50 of the humidifier may deactivate the water vaporizing mechanism 30 when the water in the water accommodating compartment 21 falls below another predetermined threshold.

Alternatively, the deactivation of the water vaporizing mechanism 30 may also be triggered when the CPU 50 or the terminal device 100 determines that the remaining operation time of the humidifier may be less than a predetermined threshold, such as 5 minutes.

Referring to FIG. 8 of the drawings, an alternative mode of the method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier through a terminal device 100 is illustrated. In this alternative mode, the method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier may comprise the steps of:

(1) receiving, by the terminal device 100, a water volume of a water storage cavity 111 of a water tank 11 of a humidifier, wherein the water volume of the water storage cavity 111 may be obtained by a water level detected by a first water level sensing device 3 of the humidifier;

(2) receiving, by the terminal device 100, a water volume of a water accommodating compartment 21 of base 2 of a humidifier, wherein the water volume of the water accommodating compartment 21 may be obtained by a water level detected by a second water level sensing device 4 of the humidifier;

(3) acquiring a water dissipating rate of the humidifier; and

(4) acquiring a remaining operation time of the humidifier based on the water volume of the water storage cavity 111, the water volume of the water accommodating compartment 21, and the water dissipating rate.

In step (3), as mentioned earlier, the water dissipating rate of the humidifier is closely related to the operation of the humidifier. For example, the humidifier of the present invention may be configured to have three operational modes (such as high, medium, low) which correspond to three different mist setting. The terminal device 100 or the server may determine or detect a corresponding water dissipating rate of the humidifier.

The method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier may further comprise a step of displaying, by the terminal device 100, the remaining operation time of the humidifier. The terminal device 100 may display the remaining operation time of the humidifier through a built-in display screen or through an external display connected to the terminal device 100. The remaining operation time of the humidifier may be displayed to the user of the present invention through texts, graphics, or a combination of texts and graphics.

Step (2) may comprise the steps of:

(2.1) setting the water volume of the water accommodating cavity 21 to be maximum when the water volume of the water storage cavity 111 is greater than zero;

(2.2) when the water volume of the water storage cavity 111 is equal to or greater than zero, detecting, by a second water level sensing device 4, a water level in the water accommodating cavity 21; and

(2.3) acquiring the water volume of the water accommodating cavity 21 based on the detected water level in the water accommodating cavity 21.

The method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier through a terminal device 100 may further comprise a step (5) of alerting a user of the humidifier to refill water in the water storage cavity 111 when the remaining operation time of the humidifier falls below a predetermined threshold.

The method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier through a terminal device 100 may further comprise a step, in between step (4) and step (5), of acquiring a water volume of the water accommodating compartment 21 based on the maximum water volume of the water accommodating compartment 21, the water dissipating rate, and the time lapsed after the water volume of the water storage cavity 111 becomes zero.

In this situation, step (5) may alert a user of the humidifier to refill water in the water storage cavity 111 when at least one of the remaining operation time and the water level in the water accommodating compartment 21 of the humidifier falls below a predetermined threshold.

The method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier through a terminal device 100 may further comprise a step (6) of deactivating the water vaporizing mechanism 30 when the remaining operation time of the humidifier falls below a predetermined threshold. The remaining operation time may be pre-set by the manufacturer or by the user through the terminal device 100.

Embodiments of the present disclosure, while illustrated and described in terms of disclosed embodiments and several alternatives, is not limited to the particular description contained in this specification. Additional alternative or equivalent components could also be used to practice embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A humidifier for use in conjunction with a terminal device, comprising:

a base having a water accommodating compartment;

a water tank detachably attached on said base, said water tank having a water storage cavity for storing a predetermined amount of water, and a mist discharge channel and a mist discharge outlet;

a water vaporizing mechanism accommodated in said base and positioned to correspond to said mist discharge channel; and

a water control arrangement, which comprises:

a first water level sensing device provided on said water tank and arranged to detect a water level in said water storage cavity;

a second water level sensing device provided on said base and arranged to detect a water level in said water accommodating compartment; and

a central processing unit electrically connected to said first water level sensing device, said second water level sensing device and said water vaporizing mechanism, in such a manner that when said water level in said water storage cavity falls below a predetermined threshold as detected by first water level sensing device, said central processing unit is configured to send a signal to said terminal device, and when said water level in said water accommodating compartment falls below a predetermined threshold as detected by second water level sensing device, said central processing unit is configured to send a signal to said terminal device.

2. The humidifier, as recited in claim 1, wherein said water tank comprises a outer tank member and an inner tank member received in said outer tank member, and further has a plurality of securing slots formed on a bottom panel of said inner tank member, said base further comprising a plurality of securing members extended from a top panel of said base to selectively engage with said securing slots respectively.

3. The humidifier, as recited in claim 2, wherein said first water level sensing device comprises comprise a plurality of first water level sensors spacedly provided on an exterior surface of the inner tank member of said water tank, said first water level sensors being provided as an array and distributed along a vertical direction of the inner tank member, wherein a position of each of the first water level sensor corresponds to a corresponding water level in said water storage cavity.

4. The humidifier, as recited in claim 3, wherein each of said first water level sensor comprises a first sensing member and a first sensor circuitry electrically connected to said first sensing member, in such a manner that when water in said water storage cavity reaches a level corresponding to said first sensing member, said first sensing member and said water are arranged to form a capacitance which generates a very small current to said first sensor circuitry, each of said first sensor circuitries comprising an amplifier electrically connected to said corresponding first sensing member and said central processing unit.

5. The humidifier, as recited in claim 4, wherein said central processing unit comprising at least one microprocessor electrically connected to said amplifier of each of said first sensor circuitries, wherein when said water level in said water storage cavity falls below a predetermined threshold as detected by first water level sensing device, said central processing unit is configured to send a signal to said terminal device for reminding refill of said water, wherein when said water level in said water accommodating compartment falls below a predetermined threshold as detected by second water level sensing device, said central processing unit is configured to deactivate said water vaporizing mechanism.

6. The humidifier, as recited in claim 5, wherein said base further has a water-sealed compartment, said water control arrangement further comprises a main printed circuit board, wherein said first sensor circuitries and said central processing unit are implemented on said main printed circuit board, said main circuit board being securely supported in said water-sealed compartment in said base.

7. The humidifier, as recited in claim 6, wherein said water control arrangement further comprises a connection device comprising a plurality of connecting members, a first connection printed circuit board and a second connection printed circuit board, said first connection printed circuit board being supported in said water-sealed compartment, while said second connection printed circuit board being supported at a lower portion of said water tank, said connecting members electrically connecting said first connection printed circuit board and said second connection printed circuit board when said water tank is detachably attached on said base.

8. The humidifier, as recited in claim 7, wherein said second water sensing device comprises at least one second water level sensor provided on the base, said second water level sensor comprising a second sensing member and a second sensor circuitry electrically connected to said second sensing member, in such a manner that when water in said water accommodating compartment reaches a level corresponding to said second sensing member, said second sensing member and said water are arranged to form a capacitance which generates a very small current to said second sensor circuitry, said second sensor circuitry comprising an amplifier electrically connected to said second sensing member and said central processing unit, said second sensor circuitry being implemented on said main printed circuit board.

9. The humidifier, as recited in claim 8, wherein said central processing unit further comprises a communication module electrically connected to said microprocessor for transmitting and receiving signals through a predetermine network, said communication module comprising a transceiver connected to said main printed circuit board.

10. A method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier through a terminal device, comprising said steps of:

(a) receiving, by said terminal device, a water level and a corresponding water volume of a water storage cavity of a water tank of a humidifier, wherein said water level is detected by a first water level sensing device of said humidifier;

(b) receiving, by said terminal device, a water level and a corresponding water volume of a water accommodating compartment of base of a humidifier, wherein said water level is detected by a second water level sensing device of said humidifier;

(c) acquiring a remaining total water volume of said humidifier by adding said water volume of said water storage cavity and said water accommodating compartment; and

(d) alerting a user of said humidifier to refill water in said water storage cavity when said remaining water volume of said humidifier falls below a predetermined threshold.

11. The method, as recited in claim 10, further comprising a step, in between said step (c) and said step (d), of displaying, by said terminal device, said remaining water volume of said humidifier.

12. The method, as recited in claim 11, further comprising a step (e) of determining, by at least one of said terminal device and a server, a water dissipating rate of said humidifier.

13. The method, as recited in claim 12, wherein said water dissipating rate is determined by actual water dissipation in said humidifier as detected by said first water level sensing device and said second water level sensing device.

14. The method, as recited in claim 13, further comprising a step (f) of determining a remaining operation time of said humidifier based on said remaining total water volume and said water dissipating rate of said humidifier obtained in said step (e), and displaying said remaining operation time by said terminal device.

15. The method, as recited in claim 14, further comprising a step (g) of deactivating, by a central processing unit of said humidifier, a water vaporizing mechanism of said humidifier when said water volume of said water accommodating compartment of base falls below a predetermined threshold.

16. A method of monitoring and controlling water volume in a humidifier through a terminal device, comprising said steps of:

(1) receiving, by said terminal device, a water volume of a water storage cavity of a water tank of a humidifier, wherein said water volume of said water storage cavity is obtained by a water level detected by a first water level sensing device of said humidifier;

(2) receiving, by said terminal device, a water volume of a water accommodating compartment of a base of said humidifier, wherein said water volume of said water accommodating compartment is obtained by a water level detected by a second water level sensing device of said humidifier;

(3) acquiring a water dissipating rate of said humidifier; and

(4) acquiring a remaining operation time of said humidifier based on said water volume of said water storage cavity, said water volume of said water accommodating compartment, and said water dissipating rate.

17. The method, as recited in claim 16, wherein said step (2) comprises the steps of:

(2.1) setting said water volume of said water accommodating cavity to be maximum when said water volume of said water storage cavity is greater than zero;

(2.2) when said water volume of said water storage cavity is equal to zero, detecting, by a second water level sensing device, a water level in said water accommodating cavity; and

(2.3) acquiring said water volume of said water accommodating cavity based on said detected water level in said water accommodating cavity.

18. The method, as recited in claim 17, further comprising a step of alerting a user of said humidifier to refill water in said water storage cavity when said remaining operation time of said humidifier falls below a predetermined threshold.

19. The method, as recited in claim 18, further comprising a of deactivating said water vaporizing mechanism when said remaining operation time of said humidifier falls below a predetermined threshold.

20. The method, as recited in claim 19, further comprising a step of deactivating, by a central processing unit of said humidifier, a water vaporizing mechanism of said humidifier when said water volume of said water accommodating compartment of base falls below a predetermined threshold.