CN214949609U

CN214949609U - Air purifier

Info

Publication number: CN214949609U
Application number: CN202120378008.7U
Authority: CN
Inventors: L·H·顿伯格尔
Original assignee: Blueair AB
Current assignee: Blueair AB
Priority date: 2020-02-14
Filing date: 2021-02-18
Publication date: 2021-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2031-02-18
Also published as: WO2021160683A8; CN113339924A; WO2021160683A1

Abstract

An air cleaner comprising a removable particulate filter, an air displacement device housed in a volute, a motor, and an ionizer disposed at a volute outlet such that air passing from the volute is ionized as it exits the volute towards the removable particulate filter, and wherein the ionizer comprises an emitter electrode and a receiver electrode, and the emitter electrode is disposed substantially centrally in the volute outlet; and a method for removing bacteria, viruses and molds from ambient air by filtering the ambient air with such an air purifier.

Description

Air purifier

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a modified air purifier.

Background

WO 2017/072393(Air0 OY) discloses a corona discharge needle for a corona charger for charging airborne particles in the size range 10 nm-2500 nm. The needle includes a tip and a spring-like member that secures the needle to a support and provides an electrical connection between the tip and the support.

US 2005058582 (Paumier Carine) discloses a device for heating/air-conditioning the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, comprising a powered fan unit which delivers an air flow in an air distribution duct, in which at least one evaporator is provided, an electrostatic filtration system is provided, comprising an ionization section and a collection section, upstream of a plasma catalysis system comprising a plasma generation section.

JP2004358359(Matsushita) discloses an electrostatic atomizer which can stabilize an atomization amount, can improve the atomization amount, and can minimize ozone generation, and an air purifier using the same. In the electrostatic atomizer, a delivery portion having water-absorbing property is provided for delivering water from the water storage portion. A counter electrode portion arranged on the conveying direction side of the conveying portion and facing the conveying portion is provided. An applying electrode is provided which can apply a voltage to the water in a range of a path from the water storage portion to a tip of the transport portion on the counter electrode side. A voltage applying section is provided which applies a high voltage between the applying electrode and the counter electrode section. The counter electrode portion is formed in an arc shape.

WO 2020/007549(Blueair AB) discloses an ionizer for an air cleaning device, wherein the ionizer comprises a corona discharge tip and is capable of alternately generating a positive corona discharge and a negative corona discharge, wherein the ionizer comprises a voltage source, a switch for switching from a first polarity to a second polarity or vice versa during use, and a timer for timing the time interval between switching from the first polarity to the second polarity, and wherein the switch is activated to switch the polarity after a time period of 0.2 to 20 seconds. An air cleaning device comprising such an ionizer, a fan and a filter, and wherein the ionizer is disposed after the fan and before the filter in an air flow direction. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such an ionizer and to a house comprising such an air cleaning device.

US 2018169666 (Loreth Andrzej) discloses a device for cleaning indoor air, comprising a capacitor precipitator (12a, 12b), each consisting of two electrode elements or two sets of electrode elements connected to respective poles of a high voltage power supply, an air delivery fan (13a, 13b), at least one corona electrode (K1, K2) and at least one counter electrode (16a, 16b, 16c), wherein the corona electrode (K1, K2) and the counter electrode (16a, 16b, 16c) are each connected to a pole of a high voltage power supply. The inventive device is characterized in that it comprises two air flow ducts (L1, L2) for the air to be cleaned, the air flow ducts (L1, L2) being arranged along an axial reference line (AA) at a distance (d) from each other in the direction of the axial reference line (AA), each air flow duct (L1, L2) being associated with a condenser precipitator (12a, 12b) and an air moving fan (13a, 13b), at least one corona electrode (K1, K2) being provided in the space between the air flow ducts (L1, L2), at least one counter electrode (16a, 16b, 16c) is located adjacent to the periphery of the air flow conduit (L1, L2), the direction of air flow through one air flow conduit (L1) is diametrically opposed (diametrical) to the direction of air flow through the second air flow conduit (L2), and the air to be cleaned passes into the space between the air flow conduits (L1, L2).

US 2016102589 (Kim Hak Joon) discloses a vehicle air cleaning apparatus. The vehicle air purification apparatus includes: a charger configured to discharge plus (+) ions or minus (-) ions to charge particles contained in the harmful gas; a removable collecting electrode configured to have a positive polarity (+) or a negative polarity (-) to allow particles charged by the charger to adhere thereto; and a filter configured to filter harmful gas and having a positive polarity (+) or a negative polarity (-), and formed in a tubular shape having a blank space therein, and a removable collecting electrode is inserted into the filter.

US 2011100221 (Wu Fu-Chi) discloses an air purifier comprising a vertically arranged housing provided with a wire mesh filter, an electric fan and an air filter element. The electric fan sucks outside air around the floor vertically into the bottom air inlet of the housing toward the top air outlet of the housing, so that the air flow flows upward to a certain height while flowing out of the air outlet, and then spreads and descends in all directions around the housing. By the drawing of the air flow, the difference in air convection between the low air pressure and the high air pressure at the bottom and top sides of the housing, high concentrations of automobile exhaust gas, fine dust particles, dusting, microfibers and other harmful industrial odors that fall to the floor or float on the floor close to the floor due to the action of gravity are sucked into the interior of the housing by the low air pressure zone at the open bottom side of the housing and then removed by the filter element.

Despite the prior art, there remains a need for improved air purifiers.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Accordingly, in a first aspect, there is provided an air cleaner comprising a removable particulate filter, an air displacement device housed in a volute, an electric motor and an ionizer, the ionizer being disposed at a volute outlet such that air passing from the volute is ionized as it exits the volute towards the removable particulate filter, and wherein the ionizer comprises a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode, and the transmitting electrode is disposed substantially centrally in the volute outlet.

We have surprisingly found that improvements can be made by placing the ion generator at the exit of the volute. In particular, ionization efficiency is improved as the ion distribution within the ion cloud is more uniform. Further, ozone generation is reduced.

The air purifier includes an ionizer for generating an ion cloud during use. Preferably, the ionizer includes a corona (corona) discharge tip (ion emitter) and a receiving electrode. When the corona discharge tip is subjected to a suitable voltage, preferably from-10 kV to 10kV, it creates an ion cloud between the tip and the receiving or ground electrode.

To create an ion cloud that bathes (bathes) the removable filter media during use, the ionizer is preferably located before the removable filter in the direction of airflow.

In addition, the air purifier may further include an external ionizer. If the ionizer is provided outside the device, it is preferably provided on the top of the device. Placing the external ionizer on top of the device means that the household dust particles are ionized as they fall through the air to the ground and are therefore more likely to collect as they become charged. As they become more and more concentrated, they are more easily caught by the air circulation patterns created by the device and are therefore more easily filtered.

Preferably, the device comprises an internal ionizer and an external ionizer. The external ionizer facilitates the collection of household dust particles and the internal ionizer facilitates the capture of the collected dust particles by the removable particle filter. In both cases, the ionization allows for a less dense filter media and low air velocity (fan speed).

Preferably, the airflow generator is housed within the volute, and more preferably, the ionizer is disposed at or near an outlet of the volute.

Preferably, the volute comprises an airflow outlet through which air flows from the airflow generator to the removable filter medium, said outlet being defined by a perimeter (perimeter) and preferably comprising a receiving electrode and an associated transmitting electrode, such that when the transmitting electrode is subjected to an appropriate voltage, an ion cloud is formed between said receiving and transmitting electrodes. The receiving electrode may thus be arranged around a part or all of the perimeter of the outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the emitter electrode or corona discharge tip is disposed substantially centrally in the outlet such that air flowing from the volute to the one or more removable filters experiences an ion cloud.

Preferably, the receiving electrode includes a peripheral portion and a mesh portion. In such embodiments, the mesh portion extends within the perimeter and provides a more uniform distribution of ions in the ion cloud. More preferably, the mesh portion extends from the peripheral portion to form a substantially arch-shaped receiving electrode. In such embodiments, the web portion extends away from the generally planar surface of the peripheral portion to form an arch-like structure. In the most preferred embodiment, the distance between the emitter electrode and any point on the mesh portion does not deviate from 30% of the average distance. Most preferably, the distance is substantially constant.

Preferably, the receiving electrodes form an arch-like or bridge-like arrangement, whereby the ends are located near or on the perimeter of the volute outlet and an intermediate portion between the two ends extends away from the volute towards the removable filter. In such embodiments, in side cross-section, the receiving electrode assumes an arc extending from the perimeter of the volute outlet to the filter and back to the opposite side of the volute outlet.

Preferably, the arcuate receiving electrode extends away from the volute and towards the removable particulate filter. In such embodiments, the ion cloud is dispersed toward the filter and away from the volute. This improves the ionization step in air filtration.

An additional benefit of the mesh-shaped receiving electrode is to act as an anti-poke device (poke guard) for the volute.

Preferably, the air purifier includes a pair of removable particulate filters disposed in an inverted "V" shape and facing the volute and the ionizer.

In such embodiments, the air purifier includes first and second removable filter media that are angled with respect to each other such that there is an acute angle between the first and second media, the acute angle facing the direction of the airflow, and the purifier includes an ion generator that creates an ion cloud between the first and second filter media during use. In such embodiments, the filter is bathed in the ion field. Although in the usual case the ion cloud is intended to ionize any particles carried in the gas stream, we have surprisingly found that the ion cloud alone provides significant disinfection of the filter media and the internal surfaces of the purifier. This is particularly useful when the purifier is in a standby mode or turned off, whether for energy saving or simply because the user believes that the air quality is sufficiently good. The ionizer uses significantly less energy than the airflow generator and it is therefore possible to maintain the sterility inside without having to turn on the fan.

Preferably, the emitter electrode is arranged substantially between notional lines between the proximal ends of said first and second filter media, said proximal ends facing the airflow generator. In such embodiments, the air purifier includes a pair of filter media angled relative to one another such that they form an acute angle therebetween. In such embodiments, it is preferred that the tips of the filter media contact or are proximate to each other such that they assume an inverted book-like arrangement, the tips pointing in the direction of the airflow, and the proximal ends of the filter media face the airflow generator.

Preferably, the ionizer is disposed substantially between the proximal ends of the filter media such that, in use, the filter media is bathed in the ion field. More preferably, the emitter electrode emits a stream of ions in the direction of the gas flow.

In a second aspect, a method of removing airborne microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, viruses, moulds or spores thereof) from ambient air by filtering the ambient air with an air purifier according to the first aspect is provided.

Typical viruses include influenza, cold and coronavirus.

In a third aspect, there is provided a method of disinfecting an interior surface of an air purifier or a filter medium in an air purifier according to the first aspect by subjecting the filter to an ion cloud.

More preferably, the method comprises:

(A) subjecting the inner surface or filter media to a flow of gas;

(B) subjecting the inner surface or filter media to an ion cloud;

wherein steps (A) and (B) are performed in any order or simultaneously.

In a preferred embodiment, the flow generator and the ionizing step are automatically controlled based on input from temperature and humidity sensors. In such embodiments, the sensor senses temperature and/or humidity on a continuous or intermittent basis and sends information back to the processor. The processor determines whether conditions favor microbial growth based at least on temperature or humidity. Preferably, the processor determines whether conditions favor microbial growth based on temperature and humidity. More preferably, the processor also determines the likelihood of microbial growth based on parameters such as geographic location, time of day, week, month or quarter, or even contamination level, as well as any particular situation occurring (e.g., a viral pandemic or a jungle fire), and any combination of these.

For example, in south asia, the wet season is usually defined by monsoon and occurs in summer. In contrast, the summer season in europe and north america is characterized by a drier climate. Similarly, hemispheres have different seasonal characteristics.

Preferably, the geographical location is determined by GPS or by the purifier WIFI functionality. Or may be provided by way of user input during the setup process.

Temperature sensors are known in the art and are commercially available from Sensirion. Suitable examples of temperature sensors include the STS3x series.

Humidity sensors are known in the art and are commercially available from Sensirion. Suitable examples of humidity sensors include the SHT3x series.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the purifier determines the possibility of conditions favoring the growth of microorganisms and, when such conditions are deemed to exist, it activates the airflow generator to destroy the microorganisms on the filter, or even those on the internal surface of the purifier.

When the processor determines that conditions are favorable for microbial growth, it provides an indication, for example by way of a visual or audible signal, or electronically provides an indication to a remote device (e.g., a mobile phone) so that the user is informed that an airflow generator should be used, or it automatically activates a fan or impeller at a low speed as described herein and sufficient to prevent microbial growth or directly destroy microbes.

Preferably, the purifier has a first mode wherein the selection is: no action, in which case the conditions determined by the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor are such that no or low microbial growth is expected; an option to alert the mobile device by way of an electronic signal to alert the user that conditions are favorable for microbes and to allow the user to activate a fan; and a warning level, in which case the user is warned that microbial growth is possible and strongly advised that the user activate the fan or impeller.

The second mode may operate similarly, where the indication is determined by input from temperature and humidity sensors, but when conditions are such that microbial growth is possible, the machine automatically turns on, rather than issuing a warning or alarm.

The user can of course select one of these two modes as appropriate.

We have surprisingly found that the ventilation required to kill microorganisms is significantly lower than that required for air filtration.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the air purifier comprises means for controlling said airflow generator, a first airflow setting having an air filtration airflow velocity and a second airflow setting relating to the disinfection of the interior surfaces of the air purifier and/or the removable particle or gas filter.

In a fourth aspect, an air purifier is provided that includes a removable particulate filter or gas filter, an airflow generator, means for controlling the airflow generator, a first airflow setting having an air filtration airflow velocity, and a second airflow setting associated with sterilization of interior surfaces of the air purifier and/or the removable particulate filter or gas filter.

In a fifth aspect, an air purifier is provided that includes a "bacteria-shielding" arrangement that activates an ionizer in the absence of an air flow, and/or that generates an air flow that is lower than is typically required for filtering, e.g., about 1cms^-1For disinfecting the inner surfaces or filter media in the purifier. The "bacteria-barrier" arrangement is one that allows the inner surface of the purifier including the filter media to be disinfected without ordinary operation as a filtration means. For example, when in a standby state, the user may be alerted that microbial growth is a particularly likely environmental situation. Such an alert may be provided by the purifier as calculated by a processor receiving information from sensors (e.g., temperature and/or humidity sensors). The alarm may be issued by an indicator on the device or perhaps the user may be alerted on their portable electronic device (e.g., mobile phone or tablet).

However, when they are alerted, the user may run the settings to operate the ionizer without the airflow generator. This results in the internal surfaces of the device being subjected to the ion field and therefore the microbial growth rate is reduced or even reversed such that such microorganisms are destroyed.

Preferably, the ionisation of the inner surfaces may be accompanied by simultaneous or sequential aeration, preferably low aeration as described above, to provide a synergistic disinfection effect.

The air flow rate measured at the removable filter is known in the art as the media velocity. The media velocity is the velocity of air traveling through the filter. The media velocity must be perfectly controlled to ensure that the maximum amount of particles is captured. Too quickly, many contaminants fly through without filtration. Too slow the scrubber does not reach the farthest corner of your room fast enough to be of no use at all.

Preferably, the air flow rate (media speed) measured at the removable filter at the first "air filtration" setting is at least 1.5cms^-1. The measurement at the filter medium is taken from the spatial center point of the fan side of the filter medium surface. In the case of more than one filter media, the filter media used to obtain the ventilation measurement is the one closest to the airflow generator and therefore receiving ventilation first. An "air filtration" arrangement refers to an arrangement that delivers an air flow commensurate with conventional filtration efficacy.

Preferably, the air flow rate measured at the removable filter at the second setting is 1% to 40% of the air flow rate generated at the first setting.

More preferably, the air flow rate measured at the removable filter at the second setting is 0.1 to 1.2cms^-1。

Most preferably, the air flow rate measured at the removable filter at the second setting is 0.8 to 1.1cms^-1。

Preferably, the processor activates the airflow generator to generate an airflow commensurate with disinfection of the interior surfaces and/or filter media of the air purifier for a period of 1 second to 12 hours.

In a seventh aspect, a method is provided for sanitizing an interior surface or filter media of an air purifier, wherein the air purifier includes a removable particulate filter or gas filter, an air flow generator, an ionizer, means for controlling the air flow generator, a first air flow setting having an air filtration air flow velocity, and a second air flow setting relating to sanitizing an interior surface and/or removable particulate filter or gas filter of the air purifier.

The purifier is powered by any suitable power source, including an internal power source (e.g., a battery) and an external power source. The power is used to drive the motor, which in turn powers at least the airflow generator and ionizer (if present).

Preferably, the filter media comprises at least one of carbon, activated carbon, nonwoven fabric, thermoplastic, thermoset, porous foam, fiberglass, paper, high loft (loft) spunbond web, low loft spunbond web, meltblown web, and/or bimodal fiber diameter meltblown media.

Preferably, the filter medium is a particle filter or a gas filter.

Preferably, the removable particulate filter is a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. It should be understood that while the filter portion of the air purifier is an important part of its function, the air purifier is typically not manufactured in-situ with the filter. They are in fact always manufactured separately, most importantly usually by a commercial enterprise other than the manufacturer of the air purifier itself. Filter manufacturers also typically make filters for different air purifier models produced by different manufacturers. The particulate filter will be compared to the pre-filter or any dust filter present. Pre-filters and dust filters are not considered HEPA filters because they do not have the particle capture capabilities exhibited by HEPA filters. Preferably, the filter is pre-charged prior to application to the air purifier.

The pre-filter is a filter with low air resistance and may also function as an anti-poke device to prevent a user from contacting the volute or impeller assembly. The pre-filter is not intended to show any major role in air purification. They do not have the air resistance or particle entrainment capability of a dedicated particulate filter. Preferably, the pre-filter is not a HEPA filter.

The utility model discloses a clarifier still includes fan or impeller. The fan may be a bladeless fan, an axial fan, but preferably the fan is a radial fan.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a cross section of an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the purifier from the side and in section, showing the housing (2) and the impeller (3) housed in the volute (4).

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the receiver showing a cage structure.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the same electrode and shows a curved arrangement in which each cross-bar (33) and cross-end-bar (33) are shaped to trace a curve.

Fig. 5 shows the same electrode as in fig. 3 and 4, and is an end view.

Fig. 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams of a comparison device with a ring-shaped receiving electrode (8), seen from the side in fig. 6 and from above in fig. 7.

The ionizer is shown in fig. 8 to include a receiving electrode.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following, wherein figure 1 shows a cross-section of an embodiment.

In particular, fig. 1 shows an air purifier (1) comprising a housing (2) and a fan (3) contained in a volute (4). The fan (3) is shown in simplified form and no attempt is made to describe its physical features or arrangement. The volute (4) comprises an outlet (5) through which air passes from the fan (3) to the filter (6). The filters (6) are joined at their top edges (7) to form a vertex. The volute outlet (5) further comprises an ion emitter (9) and an ion receiver (14) for generating an ion cloud (not shown) extending towards the filter (6). The ion receptor is in two parts: a periphery (8) and a cage-like structure (14) extending towards the filter (6).

In use, air flows into the purifier from the surrounding environment through the air inlet (10), the air inlet (10) being secured with the pre-filter (12), the pre-filter (12) acting as an initial filter to prevent large items carried in the air stream from entering and clogging the internal mechanism of the device, but also acting as an anti-poke device.

An air flow is then generated by the fan (3), which passes through the volute and to the filter (6), where it is cleaned.

The air then flows out through the outlet (13). Similarly, the outlet (13) is also fixed with the pre-filter (11).

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the purifier from the side and in section, showing the housing (2) and the impeller (3) housed in the volute (4). The impeller (3) is shown in cross-section. The volute (4) comprises an outlet (5) through which air flows from the impeller (3) to the filter (6). The filters (6) are joined at their top edges (7) to form a vertex. The volute outlet (5) further comprises an ion emitter (9) and an ion receiver (14) for generating an ion cloud (not shown) extending towards the filter (6).

In use, an airflow is then generated by the impeller (3) and air passes through the volute and towards the filter (6), where it is cleaned (6).

The air then flows out through the outlet (13).

Fig. 3, 4 and 5 are ionization receiving electrodes. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the receiver showing its cage-like structure. The electrode has a pair of end bars (31) spaced from each other by parallel bars (32). The end bars (31) and the parallel bars (32) are crossed by orthogonally arranged cross bars (33), the two outermost cross bars forming a crossed end bar (30).

The electrodes are made of any suitable electrically conductive material.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the same electrode and shows a curved arrangement in which each cross-bar (33) and cross-end-bar (33) are shaped to trace a curve. The parallel bars and the end bars are straight at the same time, so that the structure as a whole forms an arch.

Fig. 5 shows the same electrode as in fig. 3 and 4, and is an end view.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a comparison device with a ring-like receiving electrode (8), seen from the side in fig. 6 and from above in fig. 7. The emitter electrode (5) emits a corona discharge which forms an ion cloud in which particles are ionized as they pass from a fan (not shown) to a filter (not shown). The ion stream is conveyed upwardly from the emitter electrode before returning toward the receiver electrode. In this arrangement, the ion cloud is not uniform, which means that the ionization performance is not uniform.

In contrast, in fig. 8, the ionizer includes receiving electrodes, such as those described in fig. 4, 5 and 6. The ion cloud produced is uniform and therefore improves ionization performance.

Claims

1. An air cleaner comprising a removable particulate filter, an air displacement device housed in a volute, a motor, and an ionizer disposed at a volute outlet such that air passing from the volute is ionized as it exits the volute towards the removable particulate filter, and wherein the ionizer comprises a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode, and the transmitting electrode is disposed substantially centrally in the volute outlet.

2. The air purifier of claim 1, wherein the receiving electrode comprises a perimeter portion and a mesh portion.

3. The air purifier of claim 2, wherein the mesh portion extends from the perimeter portion to form a substantially arcuate-shaped receiving electrode.

4. The air purifier of claim 3 wherein the peripheral portion of the receive electrode is disposed at a perimeter of the volute outlet.

5. An air cleaner according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the arched receiving electrode extends away from the volute towards the removable particulate filter.

6. The air purifier of claim 1 including a pair of removable particulate filters disposed in an inverted "V" shape and facing the volute and ionizer.