U.S. patent application number 12/695644 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-28 for evaporative cooler with submersible pump system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Champion Cooler Corporation. Invention is credited to Jerry Chun Fan, Timothy Kidwell.
Application Number | 20110179814 12/695644 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44307908 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110179814 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fan; Jerry Chun ; et
al. |
July 28, 2011 |
EVAPORATIVE COOLER WITH SUBMERSIBLE PUMP SYSTEM
Abstract
Evaporative coolers are disclosed. The evaporative cooler
includes a cooler housing, a pump, a float, and a magnetic switch.
The cooler housing defines a receptacle for receiving water. The
pump is disposed at least partially within the receptacle defined
by the cooler housing. The pump is configured to pump water
received in the receptacle defined by the cooler housing. The float
is disposed within the cooler housing and positioned to float on
the water received in the receptacle defined by the cooler housing.
The float includes a magnet. The magnetic switch is mounted on the
cooler housing and configured for activation when the magnet is
proximal to the magnetic switch. The magnetic switch is
electrically coupled to the pump such that the pump is deactivated
when the magnetic switch is activated by the magnet.
Inventors: |
Fan; Jerry Chun;
(Birmingham, AL) ; Kidwell; Timothy; (Trenton,
TX) |
Assignee: |
Champion Cooler Corporation
Little Rock
AR
|
Family ID: |
44307908 |
Appl. No.: |
12/695644 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/121 ;
62/171 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2221/125 20130101;
Y02B 30/54 20130101; F24F 5/0035 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/121 ;
62/171 |
International
Class: |
F25B 39/02 20060101
F25B039/02 |
Claims
1. An evaporative cooler comprising: a cooler housing defining a
receptacle for receiving water; a pump disposed at least partially
within the receptacle defined by the cooler housing, the pump being
configured to pump water from the receptacle defined by the cooler
housing; a float disposed within the cooler housing and positioned
to float on water received in the receptacle defined by the cooler
housing, the float having a magnet; a magnetic switch mounted on
the cooler housing and configured for activation when the magnet of
the float is proximal to the magnetic switch, the magnetic switch
being electrically coupled to the pump such that the pump is
deactivated when the magnetic switch is activated by the magnet of
the float.
2. The evaporative cooler of claim 1, wherein the pump is disposed
within the receptacle such that the pump is at least partially
submerged when the water is received in the receptacle.
3. The evaporative cooler of claim 1, wherein the float moves in a
substantially vertical direction responsive to a change in a level
of the water received in the receptacle.
4. The evaporative cooler of claim 3, wherein the cooler housing
includes a float guide configured to confine the movement of the
float in the substantially vertical direction.
5. The evaporative cooler of claim 4, wherein the magnetic switch
is mounted proximal to the float guide and the float guide is
configured to confine the movement of the float such that the
magnet of the float is proximal to the magnetic switch when a level
of the water received by the receptacle is low.
6. The evaporative cooler of claim 1, wherein the float includes a
water level indicator for visually indicating a level of the water
received in the receptacle.
7. The evaporative cooler of claim 6, wherein the cooler housing
defines a port, the float being positioned such that the water
level indicator of the float is visible through the port defined in
the cooler housing.
8. The evaporative cooler of claim 1, wherein the magnet of the
float is positioned at a top end of the float.
9. The evaporative cooler of claim 1, wherein the magnet of the
float is proximal to the magnetic switch when a level of water
received in the receptacle is low.
10. The evaporative cooler of claim 9, the level of water received
in the receptacle being low when the pump is less than completely
submerged in the water received in the receptacle.
11. The evaporative cooler of claim 1, further comprising: a
controller electrically coupled to the pump, the controller being
configured to activate and deactivate the pump to pump the water
from the receptacle, wherein the magnetic switch is electrically
coupled to the controller such that the controller deactivates the
pump when the magnetic switch is activated by the magnet of the
float.
12. The evaporative cooler of claim 1 further comprising an alarm,
the magnetic switch being electrically coupled to the alarm such
that the alarm is activated when the magnetic switch is activated
by the magnet of the float.
13. The evaporative cooler of claim 12, the alarm providing at
least one of a visual or audible indication when the magnetic
switch is activated by the magnet of the float.
14. The evaporative cooler of claim 1, wherein the float pivots
along an arcuate path responsive to a change in a level of the
water received in the receptacle.
15. The evaporative cooler of claim 14, wherein the cooler housing
includes a float pivot configured to confine the movement of the
float in the arcuate path.
16. The evaporative cooler of claim 15, wherein the magnetic switch
is mounted proximal to the float pivot and the float pivot is
configured to confine the movement of the float such that the
magnet of the float is proximal to the magnetic switch when a level
of the water received by the receptacle is low.
17. In an evaporative cooler having a pump configured to pump water
to evaporative media, a method for configuring the evaporative
cooler to deactivate the pump when a level of the water is low
comprises: positioning a float in the evaporative cooler to float
on water received by the evaporative cooler; mounting a magnetic
switch on the evaporative cooler, the magnetic switch being
configured for activation when a magnet of the float is proximal to
the magnetic switch; and electrically coupling the magnetic switch
to the pump such that the pump is deactivated when the magnetic
switch is activated by the magnet of the float.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of electrically
coupling comprises: electrically coupling the magnetic switch to a
controller; and electrically coupling the controller to the pump
such that the controller deactivates the pump when the magnetic
switch is activated by the magnet of the float.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: electrically
coupling the magnetic switch to an alarm such that the alarm is
activated when the magnetic switch is activated by the magnet of
the float.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of positioning
comprises positioning a portion of the float in a float guide of
the evaporative cooler such that the float guide confines the
movement of the float in the substantially vertical direction.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to evaporative coolers, and
more particularly to pump systems for evaporative coolers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Evaporative coolers may be used to cool air by causing air
to flow across a wet evaporative media. The effectiveness of an
evaporative cooler may depend in part on the ability of the cooler
to move air through the evaporative cooler and the ability of the
cooler to manage the evaporation of water into the air flowing
through the evaporative cooler.
[0003] Numerous advances in the effectiveness of evaporative
coolers have been proposed over the year. Improvements in
evaporative coolers are nevertheless desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Aspects of the present invention relate to evaporative
coolers. An evaporative cooler in accordance with an aspect of the
present invention includes a cooler housing, a pump, a float, and a
magnetic switch. The cooler housing defines a receptacle for
receiving water. The pump is disposed at least partially within the
receptacle defined by the cooler housing. The pump is configured to
pump water received in the receptacle defined by the cooler
housing. The float is disposed within the cooler housing and
positioned to float on the water received in the receptacle defined
by the cooler housing. The float includes a magnet, and the
magnetic switch is mounted on the cooler housing and configured for
activation when the magnet is proximal to the magnetic switch. The
magnetic switch is electrically coupled to the pump such that the
pump is deactivated when the magnetic switch is activated by the
magnet.
[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a method is provided for configuring an evaporative cooler having a
pump configured to pump water to evaporative media. The evaporative
cooler is configured to deactivate a pump when a level of the water
is low. A float is positioned in the evaporative cooler to float on
water received by the evaporative cooler. A magnetic switch is
mounted on the evaporative cooler, the magnetic switch being
configured for activation when a magnet of the float is proximal to
the magnetic switch. The magnetic switch is electrically coupled to
the pump such that the pump is deactivated when the magnetic switch
is activated by the magnet of the float.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The invention is best understood from the following detailed
description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.
Included in the drawing are the following figures:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
evaporative cooler in accordance with an aspect of the present
invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a front view of the evaporative cooler of FIG.
1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the evaporative cooler of
FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional top view of the evaporative
cooler of FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the evaporative
cooler of FIG. 1 along the line 5-5 in FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the fan and motor
assembly of the evaporative cooler of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a back view of the evaporative cooler of FIG. 1
along the line 7-7 in FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of the evaporative cooler of
FIG. 5, showing a float of the evaporative cooler at a high water
level;
[0015] FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of the evaporative cooler of
FIG. 5 showing a float of the evaporative cooler at a low water
level;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the float of the
evaporative cooler of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional back view of another embodiment
of an evaporative cooler in accordance with an aspect of the
present invention, showing a float at a high water level;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional back view of the evaporative
cooler of FIG. 11 showing a float at a low water level;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the float of the
evaporative cooler of FIG. 11; and
[0020] FIG. 14 is a top view of the display of the evaporative
cooler of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not
intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various
modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range
of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the
invention.
[0022] The invention is best understood from the following detailed
description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing
figures, which show exemplary embodiments of the invention selected
for illustrative purposes. The invention will be described with
reference to the figures. Such figures are intended to be
illustrative rather than limiting and are included herewith to
facilitate the explanation of the present invention.
[0023] As an overview, FIGS. 1-12 show an embodiment of an
evaporative cooler, generally referenced by numeral 100, in
accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Broadly,
evaporative cooler 100 includes a cooler housing 102, fan 120,
motor 130, pump system 140, and float 160. Additional details of
evaporative cooler 100 will be provided herein.
[0024] Cooler housing 102 defines the interior region of
evaporative cooler 100. Cooler housing 102 further defines an air
inlet 106 for permitting air flow into the interior region of
cooler 100, and an air outlet 110 for permitting air flow out of
the interior region of cooler 100. Air inlet 106 permits air flow
generally along an inlet axis (indicated by inlet axis 107), while
air outlet 110 permits air flow generally along an outlet axis
(indicated by outlet axis 111).
[0025] Cooler housing 102 includes a side wall 104 and a front wall
108. Side wall 104 defines air inlet 106, and front wall 108
defines air outlet 110. Cooler housing 102 may optionally include
only a single air inlet 106. Including only one air inlet 106 may
improve air flow through cooler housing 102. Specifically, air flow
through a primary inlet opening (as opposed to air flow through
plural openings positioned about the cooler housing) is believed to
reduce the generation of air turbulence and to promote an air flow
pattern more like laminar flow.
[0026] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, cooler housing 102 may be
shaped such that the height of side and front walls 104 and 108 is
longer than their width. This shape may provide for a larger volume
of cooled air within the interior region of cooler housing 102 or
an increased capacity of the cooler to deliver cooled air while at
the same time reducing the floor space or area or footprint
required for evaporative cooler 100.
[0027] Additionally, side and front walls 104 and 108 may define
air inlet and outlet 106 and 110 such that the height of air inlet
and outlet 106 and 110 is longer than their width. This shape may
provide for a larger volume of air flow into and out of cooler
housing 102. It will be understood, however, that the shape of
cooler housing 102 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 is illustrative and not
limiting and may be selected from a wide variety of shapes. Cooler
housing 102 may therefore have any shape or size as dictated by
non-functional, ornamental, and aesthetic considerations.
[0028] Cooler housing 102 may further include an inlet grating 112
covering air inlet 106 and an outlet grating 114 covering air
outlet 110, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. Inlet grating 112 may be
angled to direct air flow into the interior region of housing 102
along the general direction of inlet axis 107. Inlet grating 112
may be coupled to evaporative media 113. Evaporative media 113 may
cover the entire area of air inlet 106. Thus, air flowing into the
interior region of cooler housing 102 may pass through evaporative
media 113. Outlet grating 114 may be angled to direct air flow out
of the interior region of housing 102 along the general direction
of outlet axis 111. Outlet grating 114 may further be adjustable.
For example, vertical vanes of outlet grating 114 may be movable to
direct air flowing from cooler housing 102 in different directions.
Accordingly, a user of cooler 100 may use outlet grating 114 to
control the direction of air flow out of the interior region of
cooler housing 102 through air outlet 110.
[0029] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, inlet axis 107 and outlet
axis 111 are angled with respect to one another. This may allow the
general direction of air flow through air inlet 106 into the
interior region of cooler housing 102 to differ from the general
direction of air flow through air outlet 110 from the interior
region of cooler housing 102. In an exemplary embodiment, cooler
housing 102 has a roughly rectangular horizontal cross-section, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4. Preferably, side wall 104 and front
wall 108 are oriented such that the inlet axis 107 of air inlet 106
and the outlet axis 111 of air outlet 110 form an angle of between
approximately 45.degree. and 135.degree. with respect to each
other, and more preferably approximately 90.degree. with respect to
each other, though other angles can be optionally selected. Angling
inlet axis 107 with respect to outlet axis 111 may provide for
better cooling and/or flow of air in cooler housing 102 and/or air
flow in the vicinity of the cooler housing 102 in a room or space
to be cooled.
[0030] Cooler housing 102 receives water for use in evaporative
cooling. In an exemplary embodiment, cooler housing 102 defines a
receptacle for receiving water in the interior region of cooler
housing 102. The receptacle may be formed in a bottom portion of
cooler housing 102, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The receptacle for
receiving water may be defined in part by the outer walls of cooler
housing 102. Alternatively, cooler housing 102 may include a
separate structure defining the receptacle such as, for example, a
basin positioned in the interior region of cooler housing 102. The
receptacle may extend up to the bottom edges of air inlet 106
and/or air outlet 110.
[0031] Cooler housing 102 may further include a water access port
116 for allowing a user to provide water to the interior region of
cooler housing 102, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. A user may
pour water through water access port 116. Water access port 116 may
further include a door for closing water access port 116 during
operation of evaporative cooler 100. Water received in the
receptacle defined by cooler housing 102 may be used to cool the
air flowing through cooler housing 102 by the process of
evaporation. The evaporative cooling process of evaporative cooler
100 will be described herein.
[0032] Cooler housing 102 may be formed from a single integral
piece of material, or from multiple pieces of material. Suitable
materials for forming cooler housing 102 include, for example,
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high-impact polystyrene
(HIPS), polypropylene, polystyrene, and other suitable polymers or
plastics. Other suitable materials for forming cooler housing 102
will be known to one of ordinary skill in the art from the
description herein. Cooler housing 102 may be formed, for example,
by injection molding.
[0033] Fan 120 blows air out of cooler housing 102. As illustrated
in FIGS. 4-6, for example, fan 120 is mounted within the interior
region of cooler housing 102. In an exemplary embodiment, fan 120
is a centrifugal fan, and is oriented to blow air outward with
respect to the axis of rotation 122 of fan 120. The axis of
rotation 122 of fan 120 may be a vertical axis with respect to
cooler housing 102. The axis of rotation 122 of fan 120 may further
be substantially orthogonal to inlet and outlet axes 107 and
111.
[0034] Fan 120 includes a number of fan blades 124. Fan blades 124
are angled with respect to the direction of rotation of fan 120, as
illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, fan 120 may have forward facing
blades, such that fan blades 124 angle in the direction of rotation
of fan 120 as they extend outward in the radial direction. In FIG.
4, fan 120 may preferably rotate counterclockwise, such that fan
blades 124 are forward facing. Fan 120 may alternatively have
backward facing blades, such that fan blades 124 angle in the
direction opposite the direction of rotation of fan 120 as they
extend outward in the radial direction. Fan blades 124 may further
be curved, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0035] Fan 120 is positioned to facilitate air flow through cooler
housing 102. As illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, fan 120 may be
configured to receive air from the interior region of cooler
housing 102 in a central location of fan 120, e.g., in an area
corresponding to the axis of rotation 122 of fan 120. Fan 120 may
be positioned within cooler housing 102 such that the general
direction of air flow through air inlet 106 into the interior
region of cooler housing 102 is toward fan 120. Additionally, fan
120 may be positioned directly adjacent air outlet 110, as
illustrated in FIG. 4. Fan 120 may further include a fan housing
126 disposed around at least a portion of fan 120, such that fan
housing 126 forms a fan scroll. Optionally, fan housing 126 may be
integrally formed with cooler housing 102, such that cooler housing
102 forms a fan scroll. The above features may promote the blowing
of air out of cooler housing 102 by fan 120 and promote easier
manufacturing of evaporative cooler 100.
[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, fan 120 may be shaped such
that the height of fan 120, extending along the axis of rotation
122 of fan 120, is longer than the diameter of fan 120. This shape
may provide for a larger volume of air blown out of cooler housing
102 by fan 120. It will be understood, however, that the shape of
fan 120 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 is illustrative and not
limiting. Fan 120 may have any shape or size.
[0037] Suitable materials for forming fan 120 include, for example,
a combination of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and
fiberglass or a combination of nylon and fiberglass. Other suitable
materials for forming fan 120 will be known to one of ordinary
skill in the art from the description herein. Fan 120 may be
formed, for example, by injection molding.
[0038] Motor 130 rotates fan 120. Motor 130 is mounted within the
interior region of cooler housing 102. As illustrated in FIG. 6,
motor 130 is coupled to fan 120 in order to rotate fan 120 about
the axis of rotation 122. In an exemplary embodiment, motor 130 is
positioned along the axis of rotation 122 of fan 120, and is
configured to rotate fan 120. Motor may include a shaft 132 For
example, motor 130 may be positioned below fan 120, and may rotate
fan 120 about the vertical axis.
[0039] Motor 130 may be an electric motor. Suitable motors 130 for
use with evaporative cooler 100 include permanent split capacitor
motors. Other suitable motors 130 will be known to one of ordinary
skill in the art from the description herein.
[0040] Evaporative cooler 100 may further include a motor housing
134. Motor housing 134 may surround motor 130. Motor housing 134
may protect motor 130 from contacting the water received in cooler
housing 102. Motor housing 134 may be formed integrally with cooler
housing 102. Alternatively, motor housing 134 may be formed
separately and affixed to cooler housing 102. Motor housing 134 may
be formed from the same materials as cooler housing 102. Other
suitable materials for forming motor housing 134 will be known to
one of ordinary skill in the art from the description herein.
[0041] FIG. 5 show an embodiment of a pump system 140 in accordance
with an aspect of the present invention. Pump system 140 circulates
the water received in cooler housing 102 to enable evaporative
cooling. Pump system 140 includes a pump 142, tubing 148, and pump
controller 150. Additional details of pump system 140 are provided
below.
[0042] Pump 142 pumps the water received in cooler housing 102. As
illustrated in FIG. 11, pump 142 has a water inlet 144 in
communication with the water received in cooler housing 102. In an
exemplary embodiment, pump 142 is disposed at least partially
within the receptacle defined by cooler housing 102, and water
inlet 144 of pump 142 is configured to contact water that is
received in the receptacle. Pump 142 may be partially or completely
submerged when water is received in the receptacle. Pump 142 is
operable to pump water from water inlet 144 to a water outlet 146
of pump 142. Suitable pumps will be understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art from the description herein.
[0043] Tube 148 receives water pumped by pump 142. Tube 148 is
coupled to receive water from water outlet 146 of pump 142. Water
pumped by pump 142 may travel out water outlet 146 and through tube
148. In an exemplary embodiment, tube 148 releases the water pumped
by pump 142 at a top portion of evaporative media 113 when media
113 is coupled to inlet grating 112. The pumped water may then flow
downward over evaporative media 113. Tube 148 may be formed from
any suitable waterproof material.
[0044] Pump controller 150 controls the operation of pump 142. Pump
controller 150 is electrically coupled to pump 142 in order to
activate and deactivate pump 142. For example, controller 150 may
be configured to activate pump 142 to pump water upon receipt of a
signal. Additionally, controller 150 may be configured to
deactivate pump 142 from pumping water upon receipt of another
signal. A suitable pump controller 150 for controlling the
operation of pump 142 will be understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art from the description herein.
[0045] FIGS. 7-10 show an embodiment of a float 160 for use with
evaporative cooler 100 in accordance with an aspect of the present
invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 12-16, float 160 is disposed
within cooler housing 102 and is positioned to float on the water
received in cooler housing 102. Thus, float 160 may move in a
substantially vertical direction within cooler housing 102
responsive to changes in the water level of the water received in
cooler housing 102.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, float 160 includes a floating
portion 162 and an elongated portion 164. The floating portion 162
of float 160 contacts the surface of the water received in cooler
housing 102. The elongated portion 164 is coupled to and extends
from floating portion 162. Elongated portion 164 of float 160 is
received in a float guide 166 formed on the front wall 108 of
cooler housing 102. Float guide 166 confines the movement of float
160 such that float 160 moves only in a substantially vertical
direction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, float guide 166
may form a gap or recess in which the elongated portion 164 of
float 160 may be inserted. Thus, float 160 may move up and down in
the substantially vertical direction within the gap defined by
float guide 166 responsive to changes in the water level of the
water received in cooler housing 102.
[0047] Float 160 may include further include a water level
indicator 168 for visually indicating the level of water received
in the receptacle defined by the cooler housing 102. Water level
indicator 168 is formed on the elongated portion 164 of float 160.
Water level indicator 168 may indicate the level of the water based
on the height of floating portion 162 within cooler housing 102. In
an exemplary embodiment, cooler housing 102 includes a port 118 for
enabling a user to view water level indicator 168. Port 118 may be
located near float guide 166 such that the water level indicator
168 of float 160 is visible through port 118, as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2.
[0048] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when a large amount
of water is received in the receptacle, floating portion 162 is
located at a high point within cooler housing 102, and a lower
portion of water level indicator 168 is visible through port 118.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, when a low amount of water is received in
the receptacle, floating portion 162 is located a low point within
cooler housing 102, and an upper portion of water level indicator
168 is visible through port 118. Thus, a user of evaporative cooler
100 may visually determine the level of water received in cooler
housing 102 based on the portion of water level indicator 168 that
is visible through port 118.
[0049] Floating portion 162 of float 160 may be formed from any
buoyant material or a substantially hollow body suitable for
floatation. Suitable materials for forming floating portion 162
include, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),
high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polypropylene, polystyrene, and
other suitable polymers or plastics. Other suitable materials for
forming floating portion 162 will be known to one of ordinary skill
in the art from the description herein. Elongate portion 164 of
float 164 may be formed from any suitable materials, which will be
known to one of ordinary skill in the art from the description
herein. Elongate portion 164 and floating portion 162 may be formed
from the same or different materials and may be integrally formed.
While float 160 is illustrated having a floating portion 162 and an
elongate portion 164, it will be understood that the shape and
orientation of float 160 illustrated in FIGS. 7-10 is illustrative
and not limiting.
[0050] FIGS. 11-13 show an alternative embodiment of a float 260
for use with an evaporative cooler in accordance with an aspect of
the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, float 260 is
disposed within a cooler housing 202 and is positioned to float on
the water received in cooler housing 202. In an exemplary
embodiment, float 260 includes a floating portion 262 and an
elongated portion 264. The floating portion 262 of float 260
contacts the surface of the water received in cooler housing 202.
The elongated portion 264 is coupled to and extends from floating
portion 262.
[0051] Elongated portion 264 of float 260 is rotatably mounted to
the front wall of cooler housing 202 at a float pivot 266. Float
pivot 266 confines the movement of float 260 such that float 260
rotates relative to float pivot 266. Thus, floating portion 262 may
move up and down in elevation but along a generally arcuate path
defined by elongated portion 264 responsive to changes in the water
level of the water received in cooler housing 202.
[0052] Float 260 may further include a water level indicator 268
for visually indicating the level of water received in the
receptacle defined by the cooler housing 202. Water level indicator
268 is coupled to the elongated portion 264 of float 260. Water
level indicator 268 may indicate the level of the water based on
the height of floating portion 262 within cooler housing 202. In an
exemplary embodiment, cooler housing 202 includes a port for
enabling a user to view water level indicator 268, similar to the
port 118 disclosed with respect to evaporative cooler 100. The port
may be located near float pivot 266 such that the water level
indicator 268 of float 260 is visible through the port.
[0053] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, when a high level of
water is received in the receptacle, floating portion 262 is
located a high point within cooler housing 202, and a lower portion
of water level indicator 268 is visible through port 218. As
illustrated in FIG. 12, when a low amount of water is received in
the receptacle, floating portion 262 is located at a low point
within cooler housing 202, and an upper portion of water level
indicator 268 is visible through port 218. Thus, a user of
evaporative cooler 200 may visually determine the level of water
received in cooler housing 202 based on the portion of water level
indicator 268 that is visible through the port in cooler housing
202.
[0054] Floating portion 262 and elongated portion 264 of float 260
may be formed from the same materials as floating portion 162 and
elongated portion 164 of float 160, respectively. While float 260
is illustrated having a floating portion 262 and an elongate
portion 264, it will be understood that the shape and orientation
of float 260 illustrated in FIGS. 11-13 is illustrative and not
limiting.
[0055] Returning to evaporative cooler 100, it may be desirable for
float 160 to operate in conjunction with pump system 140. For
example, it may be desirable that pump 142 not run when there is
insufficient water in cooler housing 102 to pump, in order to avoid
damage to pump 142. Accordingly, float 160 may operate such that
pump controller 150 deactivates pump 142 when float 160 indicates a
low level of water in cooler housing 102. Operation of float 160 in
conjunction with pump system 140 will be described below. While the
aspects of the invention will be discussed below with reference to
float 160, it will be understood that the same aspects could be
employed with the use of float 260.
[0056] Float 160 may include a magnet 170. Magnet 170 may be
coupled to the elongated portion 164 of float 160, as illustrated
in FIGS. 7-10. Magnet 170 may be any type of permanent magnet.
[0057] Evaporative cooler 100 may further include a magnetic switch
172, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Magnetic switch 172 may be
mounted on cooler housing 102. Magnetic switch 172 is configured
for activation by magnet 170 when magnet 170 is proximal to
magnetic switch 172. Magnetic switch 172 may be, for example, a
hall effect switch. Suitable magnetic switches for use with the
present invention will be understood by one of ordinary skill in
the art from the description herein.
[0058] Magnetic switch 172 may be configured for activation by
magnet 170 when a water level in the receptacle of cooler housing
102 is low. Accordingly, magnet 170 of float 160 may be positioned
proximal to magnetic switch 172 when the water level is low within
cooler housing 102. In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
FIGS. 8 and 9, magnetic switch 172 is mounted adjacent float guide
166. Float 160 may be positioned within float guide 166 such that,
when a large amount of water is received in the receptacle,
floating portion 162 is located at a high point within cooler
housing 102, and magnet 170 is not proximal to magnetic switch 172,
as illustrated in FIG. 8. Conversely, when a low amount of water is
received in the receptacle, floating portion 162 is located a low
point within cooler housing 102, and magnet 170 is proximal to
magnetic switch 172, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Thus, magnetic
switch 172 may be activated only when there is a low water level in
cooler housing 102. The level of water in cooler housing 102 may be
defined as low when pump 142 is less than completely submerged in
the water received the receptacle defined by cooler housing
102.
[0059] As described above, it may be desirable that pump 142 not
run when there is insufficient water in cooler housing 102 to pump,
in order to avoid damage to pump 142. Accordingly, magnetic switch
172 may be electrically coupled to pump 142. When magnetic switch
172 is activated by magnet 170, e.g., when there is a low level of
water in cooler housing 102, magnetic switch 172 may deactivate
pump 142.
[0060] Further, magnetic switch 172 may be electrically coupled to
controller 150. When magnetic switch 172 is activated by magnet
170, e.g., when there is a low level of water in cooler housing
102, magnetic switch 172 may send a signal to controller 150, and
controller 150 may deactivate pump 142.
[0061] Still further, magnetic switch 172 may be electrically
coupled to an alarm 174 for alerting a user of evaporative cooler
100. When magnetic switch 172 is activated by magnet 170, e.g.,
when there is a low level of water in cooler housing 102, magnetic
switch 172 may send a signal to alarm 174, and alarm 174 may alert
a user that there is a low level of water in cooler housing 102.
Alarm 174 may be a visual or audible alarm. In an exemplary
embodiment, alarm 174 is a visible alarm located on the display 176
of evaporative cooler 100, as illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0062] Operation of evaporative cooler 100 will now be described.
Generally, the principles of air cooling are described below.
Background information regarding evaporative coolers is available
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/037,348, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, a user of evaporative cooler 100
may turn on fan 120. Fan 120 may rotate about the axis of rotation
122, thereby blowing air in the interior region of cooler housing
102 outwards and out of air outlet 110. As blown air flows out of
air outlet 110 through outlet grating 114, other air flows into the
interior region of cooler housing 102 through air inlet 106. Air
flowing into cooler housing 102 may pass through inlet grating 112
and evaporative media 113. A user may adjust the speed of fan 120
and the direction of outlet grating 114 to generate a desired flow
of air from evaporative cooler 100.
[0064] Pump system 140 may be employed to cool the air blown by
evaporative cooler 100. As described above, pump system 140 may
pump water received in cooler housing 102 up to a top portion of
media 113. The pumped water may then flow downwards over
evaporative media 113 by the force of gravity, and fall back down
into the receptacle of cooler housing 102, to be recirculated.
Evaporative media 113 may promote the evaporation of water flowing
over evaporative media. This evaporating water may cool the air
flowing into cooler housing 102 through evaporative media 113. This
cooled air may then be blown out of cooler housing 102. Evaporative
media 113 may be specially designed to promote the evaporation of
water. Suitable materials for forming evaporative media 113 may
include paper or cellulose, for example. Suitable evaporative media
will be known to one of ordinary skill in the art from the
description herein.
[0065] As described above, water level indicator 168 of float 160
may be used to determine the amount of water in cooler housing 102
to be circulated. As water evaporates during evaporative cooling,
the water level in cooler housing 102 may lower. When a low water
level is reached, magnet 170 may be configured to activate magnetic
switch 172. Activation of magnetic switch 172 may cause alarm 174
to alert a user that the water level in cooler housing 102 is low,
and needs to be refilled via water access port 116. Further, when a
low water level is reached, magnetic switch 172 may deactivate pump
142, in order to prevent damage to pump 142 that may arise from
operating pump 142 without water in cooler housing 102.
[0066] Accordingly, as set forth above, evaporative cooler 100 may
be configured to deactivate pump 142 when a level of the water
received in cooler housing 102 is low. A method for so configuring
evaporative cooler 100 is disclosed in accordance with an aspect of
the present invention. Float 160 is positioned in cooler housing
102 to float on water received in cooler housing 102. Optionally,
float 160 may be positioned in float guide 166 such that float
guide 166 confines the movement of float 160 in the substantially
vertical direction. Magnetic switch 172 is mounted on cooler
housing 102. Magnetic switch 172 is configured for activation when
magnet 170 is proximal to magnetic switch 172. Further, magnetic
switch 172 is electrically coupled to pump 142 such that pump 142
is deactivated when magnetic switch 172 is activated by magnet 170
of float 160.
[0067] Optionally, magnetic switch 172 may be electrically coupled
to controller 150, and controller 150 may be electrically coupled
to pump 142, such that controller 150 deactivates pump 142 when
magnetic switch 172 is activated by magnet 170. Magnetic switch 172
may also be coupled to alarm 174 such that alarm 174 is activated
when magnetic switch 172 is activated by magnet 170.
[0068] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown
and described herein, it will be understood that such embodiments
are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes
and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is
intended that the appended claims cover all such variations as fall
within the spirit and scope of the invention.
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