CN111686532A

CN111686532A - Air purifier and filter for air purifier

Info

Publication number: CN111686532A
Application number: CN202010172059.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 张秋实
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Fansongni Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-13
Filing date: 2020-03-12
Publication date: 2020-09-22

Abstract

An air purifier has an open and closed design. The expandable filter expands and compresses as the air purifier is opened and closed. A fan arrangement is used to drive ambient air through the extendable filter. This provides a portable design in the closed configuration and the design provides effective filtration in the open configuration.

Description

Air purifier and filter for air purifier

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an air purifier and a filter for the air purifier, and more particularly, to a portable air purifier and a filter thereof.

Background

There are many different designs of air purifiers for both domestic and commercial use. A common design of air cleaners is based on a centrifugal blower that pushes air through a filter cartridge to remove particulate and gaseous contaminants.

Due to the size limitations of the components (primarily the filter and blower), it is difficult to design existing air purifiers into smaller and lighter structures. Therefore, there are difficulties in designing a portable air purification solution.

Portable air purifiers are of course desirable because the same device can be used in different environments and locations, thus avoiding the need for duplicate devices and thus reducing costs. The portable air purifier also allows a user to bring his or her own air purifier to a place where the air purifying function is not provided.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is defined by the claims.

According to an example according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air purifier including:

a first outer wall;

a second outer wall; and

an expandable filter extending between a first outer wall and a second outer wall, and the expandable filter defining a closed interior filter volume, wherein the first outer wall and the second outer wall are adjustable between an open configuration in which the expandable filter is expanded and a closed configuration in which the expandable filter is compressed; and

fan means for driving ambient air through the expandable filter between the interior of the closed interior filter volume and the ambient environment.

The air purifier includes a hinge device allowing the integrated structure to be rotatably opened and closed. The amount by which the outer wall is opened or closed determines the size of the air distribution area.

In the closed configuration, the air purifier is compact and therefore easy to carry, the air purifier having a reduced need for storage space. The air purifier may be carried in a bag or a trunk. For example, the air purifier may be designed to fit in a small bag (e.g., having less than 1000 cm)²(e.g., 30cm x 20cm) wallArea and thickness less than 10 cm).

The first and second exterior walls may also provide protection against the closed filter when in the closed configuration to prevent damage to the air purifier when stored or transported.

In the open configuration, a larger filter area is provided. The larger filter area is associated with a longer filter life, and thus may provide a desired long time interval between filter changes (e.g., every 6 months of filter changes). It also provides low airflow resistance, so that a low cost fan can be used with a low pressure head for delivering a given airflow, thereby reducing the required size, weight, noise level, power consumption, and cost of use.

There may be a single fan or multiple fans. For example, the plurality of fans may include a fan associated with each external wall, or even a plurality of fans associated with each external wall.

In one set of examples, the first and second outer walls are parallel and the filter is expanded by moving them away from each other and compressed by moving them toward each other. In another example, the first and second exterior walls are not connected by a coupling mechanism, such as a hinge, and the filter is expanded by moving the first and second exterior walls away from each other and compressed by moving them toward each other. In a particular example, the first outer wall and the second outer wall are not parallel to each other.

In another set of examples, the air purifier includes a hinge device coupling the first exterior wall and the second exterior wall.

The overall structure may then be considered to resemble a book, which may be opened and closed. When opened, the expandable filter opens in an arc (in an arc) to extend between the cover walls (i.e., outer walls).

For example, the air purifier may be opened from closed to any angle near full opening (i.e., 360 degrees). For example, the outer wall may be opened to a small angle (e.g., less than 90 degrees) to provide a directed flow to a localized area. The outer wall may be opened to 90 degrees to rest against the internal corner (inner corner). The air purifier may be opened up to 180 degrees to lie flat on a horizontal surface, or may be positioned flat on a vertical surface. They may be opened up to 270 degrees to accommodate an outside angle (which may be vertical, such as a pair of walls, or horizontal, such as the edge of a work surface). The outer wall may be opened up to 360 degrees to provide omni-directional flow. Thus, the air purifier may be used in different environments, different orientations and configurations.

In all examples, the fan may draw air in either direction. Thus, it may draw air from the surrounding environment through the filter (e.g., radially or laterally inward) and then expel the filtered air (either from the hinge arrangement or through the outer wall), or it may draw air into the hinge arrangement or through the outer wall (not filtered) and then expel that air radially or laterally outward through the filter.

In the hinged design, the internal filter volume is defined by the first and second exterior walls, the hinge arrangement and the expandable filter. In the parallel design or hingeless design, the inner filter volume is defined by the first and second outer walls and the expandable filter.

Thus, in all cases, a closed inner filter volume is formed behind the extendable filter. Thus, the expandable filter forms a continuous structure that is collapsed for the closed configuration and expanded for the open configuration. A fan generates an airflow between the enclosed volume and the ambient environment through the filter. The closed volume remains closed for all positioning settings so that all airflow is driven through the filter.

In a first set of examples, the fan comprises a fan mounted at one of the outer walls, or a pair of fans, each fan being mounted at each of the outer walls. Another option is to install multiple fans (two or more) at each outer wall to provide the desired flow field shape to achieve a particular air transfer pattern.

The fan (or fans) then provide a flow path between the outside of one or both of the outer walls and the corresponding inner surface. This inner surface then communicates with the closed volume behind the filter. The hinge arrangement then only needs to provide the required relative movement of the outer walls.

The or each fan may then comprise an axial fan for generating a flow across the outer wall. This makes the filter design simple and compact. The air flow passes through the outer wall and into the enclosed volume so that the air must then pass through the filter to escape from the enclosed volume.

The or each fan may then alternatively comprise a centrifugal fan for generating and coupling first and second flows, the first flow being parallel to the outer wall and the second flow being perpendicular to the outer wall. The first and second streams do not represent the order of the streams, and the "first" and "second" are used in order to distinguish the two streams from each other.

The vertical flow is coupled to the closed volume and the parallel flow is coupled to the ambient environment. The or each outer wall may for example comprise a cavity and the first (parallel) flow is followed by a flow to or from the edge of the cavity. In one embodiment using a centrifugal fan, the second flow may be a vertical flow drawn into the air purifier and the first flow may be a parallel flow drawn from the fan. In another embodiment using a centrifugal fan, the first flow may be a parallel flow drawn into the air purifier and the second flow may be a perpendicular flow drawn from the fan. The direction of flow is determined by the installation attitude of the centrifugal fan.

For example, the expandable filter includes an interconnected set of filter sheets extending between a first outer wall and a second outer wall. The sheets are connected together to form a closed volume, but they can be moved together and apart to provide the desired expansion and compression.

The sheets are unfolded by unfolding and form pockets, and the sheets are contracted by folding and close the pockets. They may be connected around three sides (e.g. if the fourth side is closed by a hinge arrangement). If the fans deliver air through openings in the central region of the outermost sheet, they may be connected everywhere (e.g., around four sides). For example, the filter may be formed from a single indented (concenternead) sheet defining the edge interconnects, and with additional interconnects at the top and bottom. Alternatively, the filter may be formed as individual pieces that are joined together to form a unitary structure. The flap opens and closes like a bellows, maintaining a closed interior volume. This design creates a large surface area for the filter. The more open configurations, the less flow resistance caused by the filter device and the greater the area over which flow is created.

Each filter sheet may comprise a profile having internal cut-out portions, wherein the cut-out portions together form a mixing chamber within the closed volume. The fan then provides coupling between the ambient environment and the mixing chamber, resulting in a more uniform airflow across the area of the filter. The space formed by the cut-out portion may also be used to accommodate an electronic or fan module, which further reduces the overall size.

In a second set of examples with a hinge device, the hinge device comprises a centrifugal fan for generating and coupling a first flow and a second flow, the first flow being parallel to the hinge axis and the second flow being radial to the hinge axis.

In this design, the hinge device is integrated with the fan. In this example, the fan has an inlet or outlet along the hinge axis and a radial outlet or inlet. Thus, the fan may draw air in along the hinge axis and expel the air into the closed volume, or it may draw air in radially from the closed volume and expel the air along the hinge axis.

In a third set of examples having a hinge device, the hinge device includes a tangential fan for generating and coupling first and second flows, the first flow being radial to the hinge axis and the second flow being radial to the hinge axis. In this design, the hinge arrangement is again integrated with the fan. In this example, the fan has a radial inlet and outlet. Thus, at one angular position around the hinge means, air is radially sucked in and at another angular position around the hinge means, air is radially discharged.

In these designs, the hinge device may include two fans having a shared fan motor between them. This provides a compact arrangement with a fan at each end of the hinge arrangement.

The hinge means may further comprise flow directing means for defining the first and second flows. For example, the flow guiding device includes a flow deflector that is used (in conjunction with the fan rotational direction and the fan blade design) to define an inlet flow path and an outlet flow path.

In the second and third sets of examples, the expandable filter may further include an interconnected set of filter sheets extending between the first and second outer walls.

For example, each filter sheet is spaced from the hinge arrangement such that the spacing collectively forms a mixing chamber within the enclosed volume. The mixing chamber is formed as part of a ring (annulus) between the hinge means and the filter. Again, the mixing chamber helps to ensure that the airflow is able to reach the full area of the filter.

In all examples, the extendable filter may be removable for cleaning or replacement, or the extendable filter, and the first and second outer walls may be removable for cleaning or replacement.

The fan may be adapted to automatically turn off in response to the air purifier being in the closed configuration. In this way, to turn off the fan and stop using the air purifier, the user need only close the air purifier, which is an action already required for storing or transporting the air purifier.

These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1A and 1B show two possible examples of air purifiers in a closed configuration;

fig. 2A and 2B illustrate two possible examples of the air purifier of fig. 1A and 1B in an open configuration;

3(a) -3 (c) illustrate the air purifier of FIG. 2A configured to various angles;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the use of an axial fan or fan;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the use of a centrifugal fan or fan;

fig. 6 shows an outer wall with an opening in or on which a corresponding fan is to be mounted;

fig. 7 shows an example in which the hinge device includes a pair of centrifugal fans;

FIG. 8 shows an example in which the hinge arrangement comprises a pair of tangential fans;

FIG. 9 shows the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 from above to illustrate the mixing chamber; and

fig. 10 shows a flow guiding device.

Detailed Description

The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems, and methods of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

The present invention provides an air purifier having an open and closed design. The expandable filter expands and compresses as the air purifier is opened and closed. One or more fans are provided to drive ambient air through the extendable filter. This provides a design that is portable in the closed configuration and provides effective filtration in the open configuration.

Fig. 1A and 1B show two possible examples of air purifiers in their closed configurations. The air purifier 10 includes a first outer wall 12 and a second outer wall 14. The device of fig. 1A also has a hinge device 16 coupling the first outer wall and the second outer wall.

The expandable filter extends between the first outer wall 12 and the second outer wall 14. In the closed configuration, the expandable filter is compressed and enclosed by and protected by the outer wall. The air purifier is compact and thus portable. For example, the wall area is less than 1000cm²(e.g., 30cm x 20cm), and the entire structure may have a thickness of less than 10 cm.

Fig. 2A and 2B show two examples of air purifiers in an open configuration. The filter 20 can be seen in its expanded state.

The amount of opening or closing by the

outer walls

12, 14 may be adjustable by the user. The space created between the outer walls forms an opening and the opening defines an air distribution area. Air may be drawn into the opening for filtering by the filter 20 or expelled from the area after being filtered by the filter 20.

In the open configuration, the filter is deployed in the manner of a bellows. Thus, the filter unfolds and thus presents a large filter surface area. However, the filter provides a continuous barrier between the ambient environment and the interior closed volume behind the filter.

Fig. 2A shows an implementation with a hinge such that the two outer walls open and close like a book. Fig. 2B shows an implementation in which two outer walls are separated or brought together in a direction perpendicular to the outer walls themselves.

For example, the filter includes a set of filter sheets 22 that are connected together. An adjacent pair of filter sheets defines the pockets and the entire filter includes a set of these pockets. The bladders are connected together and their internal volumes are interconnected. The opening and closing of the bladder causes the deployment and compression of the filter structure.

The connection between the sheets/bladders allows the creation of a closed volume. When the air purifier is turned on, the bladder opens.

For the version of fig. 1A and 2A, the bladder is formed by a connection around three sides (i.e., all sides except the hinge). Thus, they open and close like a bellows, maintaining a closed internal volume. The bladders may be connected together near the hinge means, defining a set of radial bladders (see fig. 9), or they may be connected at a more central location (see fig. 6). When joined at a central location, the bladder may be formed by a join around the periphery of a pair of adjacent sheets.

For the version of fig. 2A and 2B, the balloon is formed around the structure, so the central region is the channel to the interior volume (see fig. 6).

Thus, various designs are possible for a bellows-type filter structure, providing a filter layer with an interface between the internal volume and the surroundings, and which can be opened and closed.

The bellows design gives a larger filter area than conventional corrugated filter cartridges.

For example, the filter sheet is formed of a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) layer for removing particles from an air stream and one or more support layers for increasing the mechanical strength of the sheet. Typical thicknesses of the individual sheets may range from 0.2 to 0.4mm, depending on the number of layers and materials selected.

The sheet is flexible to deform, but also has strength and durability to maintain its structure after multiple compression and expansion operations.

Fig. 3 illustrates that the air purifier of fig. 1A and 2A may be configured at any angle.

Fig. 3(a) shows the outer wall opened to a full 360 degrees to provide full-enclosure flow. For example, the air purifier may be upright and deliver airflow in all directions.

Fig. 3(b) shows the outer wall opened to 270 degrees to fit around the outer corner 30.

Fig. 3(c) shows the outer wall opened to 180 degrees to lie flat on a horizontal surface 32 or to be positioned flat on a vertical surface.

The air purifier may be wall mounted, hung, positioned on a flat surface, or hoisted.

A fan arrangement may be used to drive air through the filter. In most simple implementations it may comprise a single fan, or it may use multiple fans.

In a first set of examples (which may be applied to both types of fig. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B), the fan comprises a fan mounted at one of the outer walls, or a pair of fans, each fan being mounted at each of the outer walls.

Fig. 4A shows a single axial fan 40 mounted on the first outer wall 12. One side of the fan is the ambient environment and the other side of the fan is the closed volume behind the filter. An axial fan 40 drives air vertically through the outer wall 12. There may be one fan on each outer wall.

Fig. 4B shows two axial fans 40 mounted on the first outer wall 12 to provide different flow patterns.

Fig. 5A shows a single centrifugal fan 50, the single centrifugal fan 50 being used to generate and couple a first flow 52 and a second flow, the first flow 52 being parallel to the outer wall and the second flow being perpendicular to the outer wall.

The vertical flow is in turn coupled to the closed volume behind the filter and the parallel flow 52 is coupled to the ambient environment. The outer wall may then comprise a cavity, and the parallel flow is then the flow from the fan and in turn from the edge of the cavity (e.g., along the channel 54 formed in the cavity). The fan may then not be visible at all, but may be part of the internal structure of the outer wall. The channel leads along the leading edge of the outer wall to a channel opening (as shown at 56 in fig. 2).

Fig. 5B shows two centrifugal fans 50 mounted on the first outer wall 12 to provide different flow patterns.

Fig. 6 shows that in one design (which may again be applied to both types of designs of fig. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B), each

outer wall

12, 14 has an opening 60, and a respective fan will be mounted in or on the opening 60.

In addition, each of the sets of filter sheets forming the filter also has a contour with internal cut-out

portions

62, 64, 66. The cut-out portions together form a mixing or dispensing chamber 68 within the closed volume behind the filter. The fan then provides coupling between the ambient environment and the mixing chamber 68 to produce a more uniform flow across the area of the filter.

In an alternative design suitable for use with the type of designs of fig. 1A and 2A, the fan is integrated into the hinge arrangement.

Fig. 7 shows an example in which the hinge device 16 comprises a pair of centrifugal fans 70 (possibly only one), each centrifugal fan 70 being for generating and coupling a first flow 72 and a second flow 74, the first flow 72 being parallel to the hinge axis and the second flow 74 being radial to the hinge axis. The motor 71 drives the pair of fans.

In the example shown, the fan draws air axially along the hinge axis and discharges air radially. Alternatively, however, the fan may draw air from the closed volume and expel the air along the hinge axis.

Again forming a mixing chamber which provides an interface between the hinge means and the filter capsule. Each filter sheet or capsule defines a volume that is spaced apart from, for example, the hinge device 16, such that the spacing collectively forms a mixing chamber 80 within the closed volume. Thus, the mixing chamber is formed as part of the annulus between the hinge means and the filter. Again, it helps to ensure that the airflow is able to reach the full area of the filter. Dashed outline 82 represents the location of each individual bladder.

Fig. 8 shows an example in which the hinge device 16 comprises a pair of tangential fans 84 (there may be only one). As in the example of fig. 7, both fans may be driven by a shared motor 71. The tangential fan is used to generate a first flow 86 and a second flow 88 and to couple the first flow 86 and the second flow 88, the first flow 86 being radial to the hinge axis and the second flow 88 being radial to the hinge axis. The hinge assembly in turn incorporates a fan. In this example, the fan has a radial inlet and outlet. Thus, at one angular position around the hinge means 16, air is radially sucked in, and at another angular position around the hinge means, air is discharged.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view from above fig. 8 to show the mixing chamber 80, the mixing chamber 80 forming part of a generally closed volume 90 (which is also closed at the top and bottom).

The hinge device may further comprise a flow guide device 100 for defining the first flow and the second flow as shown in fig. 10. For example, the flow guiding device 100 includes flow deflectors for defining (in combination with fan rotational direction and fan blade design) an inlet flow path and an outlet flow path.

There may be a single inlet path and a single outlet path, or multiple outlet paths may be defined (such as the two outlet paths shown in fig. 10).

In all examples, the extendable filter 20 may be removable for cleaning or replacement. To this end, extendable filter 20 may be removably attached to the outer wall. Alternatively, the extendable filter and the first and second outer walls may be removable as a unit for cleaning or replacement. The most important component that can be reused is the fan and its associated electronics. For example, the hinge arrangement (with integrated fan and electronics) may be one part and the filter and optional outer wall may be another separate part.

Different designs of the above will be suitable for different scenarios. For example, the version of fig. 4 may not work when lying flat on a surface, whereas the design of fig. 5 allows this. If the air purifier is intended to be placed upright on a flat surface, it is appropriate to have a fan that draws in or expels air only from the top of the hinge assembly, rather than using both ends of the hinge assembly. For the example of fig. 8, the entrance or exit to the ambient from the hinge apparatus may not be at the rear of the hinge apparatus, such that one of the exterior walls may be laid flat on a surface without obstructing the flow 86.

The fan electronics can be used to implement various functions.

For example, the fan may be adapted to automatically turn off in response to the air purifier being in the closed configuration.

In this way, to turn off the fan and stop using the air purifier, the user need only close the air purifier, which is an action that has been required for storing or transporting the air purifier.

The air purifier may be opened and closed manually, but the opening and closing of the air purifier may also be motor driven by a user control. In addition, the air purifier may also be provided with an air quality sensor and an output device (such as a light having a light color that indicates an air quality level).

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. If a computer program is discussed above, the computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or the description, it should be noted that the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A portable air purifier (10), comprising:

a first outer wall (12);

a second outer wall (14); and

an expandable filter (20) extending between the first and second outer walls, and the expandable filter (20) defining a closed interior filter volume, wherein the first and second outer walls are adjustable between an open configuration in which the expandable filter is expanded and a closed configuration in which the expandable filter is compressed; and

fan means (40, 50, 70, 84) for driving ambient air through the expandable filter between the interior of the closed interior filter volume and the ambient environment.

2. An air purifier according to claim 1, wherein the fan arrangement comprises a fan (40, 50), the fan (40, 50) being mounted at one of the outer walls, or a pair of fans, each fan being mounted at each of the outer walls, or a plurality of fans being mounted at each of the outer walls.

3. An air cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the or each fan comprises an axial fan (40) or a centrifugal fan (50).

4. An air cleaner according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the expandable filter comprises an interconnected set of filter sheets (22), the set of filter sheets (22) extending between the first and second outer walls.

5. The air purifier of claim 4, wherein each purifier tile includes a profile having interior cutout portions (62, 64, 66), wherein the cutout portions collectively form a mixing chamber (68) within the closed volume.

6. An air purifier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a hinge arrangement coupling the first and second outer walls.

7. The air purifier of claim 6 wherein the closed interior filter volume (90) is defined by the first exterior wall, the second exterior wall, the hinge arrangement, and the expandable filter.

8. An air cleaner according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the hinge arrangement comprises a centrifugal fan (70) of the fan arrangement for generating and coupling a first flow parallel to the hinge axis and a second flow radial to the hinge axis.

9. An air purifier as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the hinge arrangement comprises a tangential fan (84) of the fan arrangement for generating and coupling a first flow and a second flow, the first flow being radial to the hinge axis and the second flow being radial to the hinge axis.

10. An air purifier as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the hinge arrangement comprises two fans of the fan arrangement having a shared fan motor (71) therebetween.

11. An air cleaner according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the hinge arrangement further comprises a flow guide arrangement (100), the flow guide arrangement (100) being for defining the first flow and the second flow.

12. An air cleaner according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the expandable filter comprises an interconnected set of filter sheets (22), the interconnected set of filter sheets (22) extending between the first and second exterior walls, and wherein each filter sheet is spaced from the hinge arrangement such that the spacing collectively forms a mixing chamber (80) within the closed volume.

13. An air purifier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein:

the extendable filter is removable for cleaning or replacement; or

The extendable filter, and the first and second outer walls are removable for cleaning or replacement.

14. An air purifier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the fan is adapted to be automatically switched off in response to the air purifier being in the closed configuration.

15. An extendable filter for use in a portable air purifier as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.