CN211914183U - Air purification apparatus for separating airborne particles from an air stream - Google Patents

Abstract

An air purification device for separating airborne particles from an air flow, the air purification device comprising an ionization unit arranged to create an ionization volume for charging airborne particles present in the air flow, the ionization unit comprising an emitter electrode, a conical cross-section and a pair of collector electrodes. Each collector electrode comprises a conical air flow inlet wall. The emitter electrode is in the form of a rod or vane and is disposed along the central axis between a pair of collector electrodes. This enables the generation of a substantially uniform ionization volume when using the air purification apparatus, thereby providing substantially uniform charging of airborne particles in the ionization volume.

Description

Air purification apparatus for separating airborne particles from an air stream

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of air purification. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an air purification apparatus for separating airborne particles (airborn particles) from an air stream.

Background

In many different technical fields, like for example different types of vehicles or buildings, air filtration systems are used to ensure a desired air quality in a cabin or a building or other enclosed space.

Ionization filtration systems are often used because they provide effective cleaning of airborne particles. The ionization filter system includes an ionizer configured to generate an ionization volume for charging particles in air such that the particles adhere to a filter medium disposed downstream of an air flow path.

Ions can be generated in several ways, but one frequently used arrangement comprises an emitter electrode and a collector electrode, e.g. a corona tip surrounded by a collector electrode which can be connected to ground, such that when a high voltage is applied across the emitter electrode and the collector electrode, ions are generated in a volume surrounding the emitter electrode (i.e. the corona tip). The volume in which the ions are generated is referred to as the ionization volume, and the emitter and collector electrodes are preferably arranged such that the ionization volume spans the flow path. At least a portion of the particles become charged as they pass through the ionization volume. The charged particles then adhere to the filter media downstream of the airflow path.

When providing an ionization filter system in a vehicle, there are several parameters to consider, such as the need for an ionization volume of sufficient size, i.e. the volume where airborne particles are charged by the ion field, limited space for different systems and components, limited possibilities for the influence of electromagnetic emissions from the ionization filter system to affect other components and to adapt to other devices and arrangements, the addition of other arrangements in the air flow to affect the air flow, etc. Therefore, there is a need for an ionization arrangement that provides a suitable compromise between different limiting parameters.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an air purification apparatus that seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination.

This object is achieved by the air cleaning device provided by the present disclosure.

An air purification apparatus for separating airborne particles from an air stream is provided. The air purification device comprises an ionization unit arranged to create an ionization volume for charging airborne particles present in an air flow. The ionization unit includes an emitter electrode and a pair of collector electrodes. Each collector electrode comprises a conical air flow inlet wall. Furthermore, the emitter electrode comprises at least one corona discharge point and is in the form of a rod or blade, which is arranged along the central axis between a pair of collecting electrodes.

The collecting electrodes 1a, 1b comprise a conical intake wall, i.e. a wall that is curved in such a way that the intake cross-section narrows as ambient air enters the ionization unit. The air flow inlet walls are opposed to each other.

By air flow is meant the air flow through the equipment in use. The air flow may be actively generated in that it is driven by a fan or other such air displacing means, or it may be passive in that it is generated by directing air through a filter while a vehicle comprising such a device is being driven. The air flow may also be driven by the air conditioning system of the vehicle.

For example, the emitter electrode and/or collector electrode may be partially or completely recessed into the filter medium without making electrical contact therewith.

Furthermore, the collecting electrode may be arranged such that the at least one corona discharge point of the emitter electrode is at substantially the same distance from a corresponding portion of the collecting electrode. This enables the generation of a substantially uniform ionization volume when using the air purification apparatus, thereby providing substantially uniform charging of airborne particles in the ionization volume.

The corona generated when applying a voltage to the emitter may be either positive or negative. The voltage applied to the emitter electrode may be between-10 kV DC and 10kV DC, more preferably between-7 kV DC and 7kV DC.

The at least one corona discharge point may be, for example, a tip, a carbon brush, to create a point where the electric field density is sufficient to create a corona.

If there is more than one corona discharge point, they may be arranged on a single emission electrode, in which case they are electrically connected to each other.

Drawings

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating example embodiments.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an emitter electrode of a first type of air purification apparatus of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a first type of emitter electrode and a pair of tapered collector electrodes used in an embodiment of the air cleaning device of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a second type of emitter electrode and a pair of tapered shaped collector electrodes used in an embodiment of the air cleaning device of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Aspects of the present disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The devices disclosed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the disclosure only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an air purification apparatus of the present disclosure. The ionization unit of the air purification device is arranged to generate an ionization volume for charging airborne particles in the air flow. This is done by applying a positive or negative voltage to the emitter electrode to generate a corona at one or more corona discharge points. The voltage applied to the emitter electrode may be between-10 kV DC and 10kV DC, and more preferably between-7 kV DC and 7kV DC. The ionization unit comprises an emitter electrode in the form of a blade 2 or a rod, which is arranged along a central axis and comprises at least one corona discharge point. The at least one corona discharge point may be a pin, tip, brush, or the like, and is in electrical contact with the emitter electrode. The ionization unit further comprises a pair of collecting electrodes 1a, 1b with a conical air flow inlet wall. The tapered wall is narrower in the direction of the air flow.

The air purification apparatus may further comprise a filter medium (not shown) adjacent to the ionization unit and arranged to attract at least a subset of the charged airborne particles in the air flow.

In particular, fig. 1 shows two collecting electrodes 1a and 1b comprising a conical wall introducing an air flow for ionization. The collecting electrodes 1a, 1b comprise longitudinal surfaces that are curved with respect to the direction of the air flow between them, so that the distance between the collecting electrodes becomes smaller as the air goes from the outside to the inside of the device.

In this embodiment, the emitter electrode 2 is centrally arranged along a central axis and is in the form of a rod or blade 2, which emitter electrode 2 comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of corona discharge tips. These corona discharge tips may be directed equidistantly between them, i.e. towards the air flow inlet.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a first type of emitter electrode 2, which first type of emitter electrode 2 may be used in embodiments of the air purification apparatus of the present disclosure (e.g., the air purification apparatus disclosed in fig. 1). The emitter electrode 2 of the first type is elongated and in the form of a blade.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a second type of emitter electrode 2, which second type of emitter electrode 2 may be used in embodiments of the air purification apparatus of the present disclosure. The emitter electrode 2 of the second type is cylindrical and may be formed using, for example, a copper wire.

Each ionization unit comprises a pair of collecting electrodes 1a, 1b and an emitter electrode 2, the emitter electrode 2 having at least one corona discharge point, the at least one corona discharge point being arranged equidistantly between the collecting electrodes.

In the present embodiment the collecting electrodes 1a, 1b are quarter-cylindrical and have a convex surface directed towards the emitter electrode 2, such that when the collecting electrodes 1a, 1b are arranged in the air cleaning device, the collecting electrodes 1a, 1b will create an ionization volume in a direction away from the filter medium when the air cleaning device is used.

Two collectors 1a, 1b are arranged on each side of the emitter electrode 2 and substantially parallel to the emitter electrode 2.

Each air inlet wall is adapted to guide ambient air into the ionization unit and also serves as a collecting electrode 1a, 1 b. Ambient air is received by the central discharge point of the emitter electrode 2.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus according to the present disclosure may not necessarily comprise a particulate filter at the time of manufacture or sale, but it may comprise means for positioning such a particulate filter after the ionization unit in the direction of the airflow during use. Particulate filters are well known in the art and are manufactured and sold separately from air cleaning equipment. However, they may comprise cooperating means for securing the filter in the device. The filter is typically mounted such that air from the optional fan passes through the apparatus and towards and out of the apparatus must pass through the filter. In this way, the air is ionized by the ionization unit and then passes through the particulate filter.

Where the term "filter" is included herein, it is to be understood that the filter may be installed separately and need not be included in the manufactured product.

In the case where the apparatus is for domestic use, the apparatus will also preferably include a fan or impeller. Such fans and impellers are well known in the art and draw air into the apparatus and through the ionizer prior to the filter. The fan or impeller may be positioned before or after the ionizer and before or after the particulate filter.

It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed and the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. It should also be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the example embodiments may be implemented at least partly in both hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments. However, many variations and modifications may be made to these embodiments. Accordingly, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the embodiments being defined by the following claims.

Claims (2)

1. An air purification apparatus for separating airborne particles from an air stream, the air purification apparatus comprising:

an ionization unit arranged to create an ionization volume for charging airborne particles present in the air flow, the ionization unit comprising an emitter electrode, a conical cross-section and a pair of collector electrodes; and is

Wherein each collector electrode comprises a conical air flow inlet wall, and

wherein the emitter electrode is in the form of a rod or blade and is disposed between the pair of collector electrodes along a central axis.

2. Air cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the collecting electrode is arranged such that at least one corona discharge point of the emitter electrode is at the same distance from the respective portion of the collecting electrode.

Images