DE102020112867B4 - Air treatment system with modular design - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention proposes an air processing system (1) for processing air in which the air flows through a flow area (9, 10) of the air processing device (1), with at least one air inlet (LE) and at least one air outlet (LA) and with a container (3). , which forms part of the flow area (9, 10), wherein the container (3) has a module slot (S) for receiving and fastening a functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) in order to detach the functional module (2). insert and / or exchange and thus achieve a cost advantage, the module slot (S) being connected between the air inlet (LE) and the air outlet (LA) so that the functional module (2) can be flowed through by air.

Description

The invention relates to a system for processing air according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the prior art, for example, from EP 3 093 567 B1 a humidifier is known in which water is stored in a container, with a roller, which partially protrudes into the water, rotating and thus periodically dipping into the water and being moved out of the water again. Air is blown from the environment onto the roller by a fan. By means of cold evaporation, moisture is released into the air in contact between the air and the wetted surface of the roller. In order to prevent bacteria from forming in the container, for example, in this known state of the art a corresponding hygiene agent or disinfectant can be stored in a disk, which in turn is attached to the axis of the roller and therefore rotates with the roller. In this way, the disc is also periodically immersed in the water. In a similar way, softening agents can also be stored in the disk instead and soften the water during operation.

The state of the art is from the DE 43 43 107 C1 a building ventilation system is known in which ventilation devices are designed as modular inserts and can be installed and replaced as necessary in different numbers or different designs (e.g. recirculation instead of ventilation).

The object of the invention is to be able to propose an air treatment system that can bring a cost advantage in connection with production but also for the user.

The task is, based on an air treatment system mentioned at the beginning, solved by the characterizing features of claim 1.

The measures mentioned in the dependent claims make advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention possible.

The air treatment system according to the invention is generally used to prepare the air, for example in the sense of air humidification, air dehumidification, cleaning, cooling or the like. Other functions are also possible, for example the release of a fragrance into the air or the like. For this purpose, the air flows through a flow area of the air treatment system. Accordingly, the air treatment system includes at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The flow area can, for example, run at least partially through the container. The container in turn has a module slot for receiving and attaching a functional module, so that the functional module can be releasably inserted or removed and replaced. The module slot is connected between the air inlet and air outlet so that the flow area covers the functional module and the air can flow through it.

The respective function that is to be fulfilled, for example air treatment by means of air humidification, cleaning, cooling, dehumidification or the like, is assigned to the functional module according to the invention, that is to say the functional module in turn takes over this air treatment by integrating essential device parts for fulfilling this function into the functional modules. Accordingly, the air that flows through the functional module can be processed in the assigned manner. Several advantages can be achieved by this measure: First of all, the air treatment system according to the invention offers decisive advantages for the consumer, since he does not have to buy a completely new air treatment device for different functions, but rather simply exchange the corresponding functional modules, depending on which function is desired can. This increased functionality allows the manufacturing costs for such an air treatment system to be reduced, because the container with the corresponding module slot forms the basic version and is fundamentally the same for all variations and embodiments. Different functional modules may have to be manufactured for the different functions, but these can be inserted into the same container. And the environment can also be protected because less plastic is needed.

In order to specifically supply the air to the air processing device and also to enable a corresponding volume throughput for the processing, the at least one air inlet in one embodiment has a fan module with which air can be guided into the container via the at least one air inlet.

In principle, the container and/or fan module can also be designed as a separate module. For example, it is conceivable that the container is also replaced if, for example, a device with a larger volume or capacity is required. In addition, it is also advantageously made possible for a damaged container to be replaced more easily. The same applies to the fan module. This can also be easily replaced if the fan is defective or if, for example, a different type of fan is to be installed, for example a fan with a different volume flow.

In order to ensure that the functionality of the air treatment system is not impaired during operation and especially when replacing components, in one embodiment of the invention the module slot can have a guide and, accordingly, the functional module can have a storage unit that fits the guide in order to precisely install the functional module and in the or to be able to hold it on the container. Advantageously, such a guide can also be used as coding so that modules suitable for the air treatment system can only be installed. If replicas or modules that are not suitable for use with a corresponding device are used, there is a fundamental risk that the device will be damaged, will not perform its function correctly or, in the worst case, other damage can occur outside the device due to malfunctions (e.g Leakage of water or generation of excessive humidity). Even if a consumer has no direct experience with the device in question, he or she can immediately see whether a module fits into the slot or not. In addition, the guide makes it easier to install or replace functional modules, since a functional module can be brought precisely to the appropriate position without the need for special knowledge.

As already shown, depending on the design variant, several air inlets can in principle be provided. Accordingly, it is also conceivable that the fan module includes a fan for each individual air inlet. It is conceivable that the fans can each feed air into a different functional module. It is therefore also conceivable that this measure not only enables a higher volume flow for processing, but also that, for example, the flow areas are structurally separated from one another and different functional modules can be flowed through separately or in parallel. However, it is also conceivable, for example, for air purification and air humidification to be carried out in parallel.

In principle, functional modules can also be connected in series. It is also conceivable that if there are two or more air inlets, a corresponding fan module is provided for each air inlet. Since a module as such can be replaced as a whole, when using individual fan modules, one can be replaced per air inlet without the entire operation of the air processing system having to be shut down because the remaining module is still working.

In order to obtain the greatest possible flexibility in a further development of the invention, the modules can be designed in such a way that they can be removed or attached separately. It is also conceivable that two modules are releasably attached to one another. The way in which the individual modules are attached can have an impact on whether and how a module can be replaced. Depending on the situation, a module that is not intended to be replaced or is affected by a malfunction may also have to be removed in order to be able to access another module given the existing structural design. When arranging and mechanically connecting the modules to one another, boundary conditions regarding space and costs must be taken into account. However, due to the modular structure and the detachable connection of the modules to one another, costs and manufacturing effort can generally be saved. In addition, overall flexibility in using the device is increased.

Different variants can be used as air treatment devices by using different functional modules in the form of humidifier modules, air purifiers, air coolers or even for air dehumidification. Pure scent modules or the integration of scent modules into other modules, such as a humidifier, are also fundamentally possible.

Air humidification can occur, for example, through cold evaporation. A rotating roller in the water is periodically dipped in and out of the water. The roller is designed in such a way that its surface is enlarged compared to a cylinder surface (the cylinder being the enveloping basic shape of the roller). For this purpose, the roller comprises, for example, a stack of plates. With an additional surface profile, the surface area of each individual plate in the stack can be increased. The surface is wetted through contact with the water. If air is passed through this stack of plates, this, usually dry air, can absorb some of the moisture through cold evaporation. The device releases the humidified air into the environment so that a pleasant room climate can be created. In the same way, air purification is also made possible, as small particles in the air, such as dust, can be separated from the water. The water layer on the roller can absorb these corresponding dirt particles. The particles can then be released into the container when the plates are immersed in water be washed around. If necessary, the container will be cleaned and the water replaced.

It is also conceivable that other principles of mechanical deposition are used; For example, a HEPA filter insert can be used, for example in combination with an activated carbon layer. This can advantageously be used to filter out odors from the room air, for example. It is again conceivable that such a functional module for air purification itself has a new modular structure or includes at least one removable module, for example a HEPA filter or an activated carbon filter. These can then be regularly removed from the functional module, for example in the form of a cassette, and changed. However, if, for example, a different function is selected for the entire air treatment system because, for example, the device is to be used in a room where air humidification is more important, the functional module for air purification can be exchanged for a corresponding air humidification module. A modular structure according to the invention can therefore also include module inserts for interchangeable use in modules.

In a particularly advantageous manner, such a functional module can have a housing that can be removed as a whole and reinstalled, making it easier for the consumer to replace a module as a compact unit. The risk of damage to the modules or contamination of the parts inside the modules is also reduced.

In order to bring the roller into contact with the liquid, the roller is partially in the water and is rotated so that an area is always immersed in the water and the surface of the plates or stack of plates is always in contact with the stored water or with the air can come. The air sucked in by a fan module can be directed onto the outer surface of the roller and thus penetrate the stack of plates. Depending on the embodiment of the invention, a corresponding fan module can be arranged, for example, above the container, so that the path of the air to the functional module in turn runs in such a way that the air is guided essentially downwards in the direction of gravity. This also makes it easier for dirt particles, for example, to be separated while they are transported downwards in the direction of gravity. An air inlet in the upper area draws in ambient air, but less air that is directly on the ground, even if the device is placed on the ground. Conversely, the air can leave the functional module against the direction of gravity for better particle separation. Overall, such an embodiment has the advantage that air circulation can be generated in the room because the air is drawn in and blown out at different points and in different directions. An air outlet against the direction of gravity can in turn advantageously improve the cleaning effect during particle separation.

In one embodiment of the invention, the container can in turn have a storage device for storing the roller, the roller being in particular removable from the container separately. If the functional module has been placed in the intended position in the container, this storage device can, for example, be brought into engagement with the roller. Storage device can advantageously be coupled to a motor so that the roller can be driven. If only the roller is replaced, it can also be removed separately if necessary. It is conceivable, for example, that the functional module includes the roller including the axis of rotation, but the axis of rotation is releasably attached in such a way that the roller as such can be removed even without detaching the entire functional module. It is also conceivable that the roller is viewed as a separate module.

Depending on the design variant, the air treatment system can have a functional module such as a dehumidifier, which uses, for example, a silica gel/silica gel and has a corresponding receiving device for this purpose. If necessary, this receiving device can also be opened in order to be able to remove the silica gel or the like separately.

A functional module such as an air cooler can in principle be operated with so-called cold packs and can be designed to be able to replace the cold packs separately. In the case of this type of functional module with a cooling function, this variant and a corresponding module replacement are characterized in particular by the fact that this is actually required in a similar way often, since when used with ice packs they are usually replaced after just a few hours. However, it is also conceivable that other cooling units, including those with separate power supplies, can be used that do not need to be replaced as frequently.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the air outlet can also have an insert for holding a particle filter so that the particle filter can be replaced regularly. If necessary, this can also be a separate module. The separated particles can be stored in an exchangeable module be taken. Such a variant advantageously facilitates handling in daily use.

As already shown, drive devices can be provided for various functions, for example to drive the roller, but also for the fan modules at the air inlet or air outlet. As a rule, a fast-rotating fan is used for the fan module, while a slow drive, but possibly with a higher torque, is required for the roller.

In one embodiment of the invention, the drive device may have a drive shaft or gear, which is arranged so that it can be coupled to the roller in order to drive it. A gear drive in particular makes it possible to generate a comparatively high torque through relatively slow rotation.

In the particularly preferred development of the invention, the air cleaner can in turn have a filter or contact path which is charged by using the triboelectric effect in order to attract particles, fine dust, gases or the like through electrostatic charging and to separate them from the air. Through electrostatic attraction of the charged particles, they can be attracted and deposited within the contact path. For this purpose, the air cleaner can comprise a rotation element, which can be driven in particular by the drive device and has a friction body on which the rotation element rests and is mounted in a sliding manner during rotation. In this way, frictional charge separation can occur and electrostatic charging can be achieved so that charged particles can be deposited there. Plastic materials, for example, can be used for charging, in particular polyamide or polypropylene. Despite the frictional forces that occur, it is advantageous that, compared to conventional drives, it is generally not necessary to use a more powerful motor, since the cleaning forces can be kept comparatively low.

Examples:

• 1: eine schematische Darstellung des modularen Aufbaus eines Luftaufbereitungssystems gem. der Erfindung mit Kühlmodul,
• 2: eine schematische Darstellung des modularen Aufbaus eines Luftaufbereitungssystems gem. der Erfindung mit Filter,
• 3: eine schematische Darstellung eines Luftbefeuchter-Moduls,
• 4: eine schematische Darstellung eines Luftentfeuchter-Moduls,
• 5: ein schematischer Schnitt durch einen Luftbefeuchter gem. der Erfindung,
• 6: einen schematischen Aufbau eines Luftbefeuchters mit zusätzlichem HEPA-Filter, sowie
• 7, 8: schematische Darstellungen der Anordnung aus Filteraufnahme und des Filterelement als Funktionsmodul.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below with further details and advantages. Show in detail:

• 1 : a schematic representation of the modular structure of an air treatment system according to the invention with a cooling module,
• 2 : a schematic representation of the modular structure of an air treatment system according to the invention with filter,
• 3 : a schematic representation of a humidifier module,
• 4 : a schematic representation of a dehumidifier module,
• 5 : a schematic section through a humidifier according to the invention,
• 6 : a schematic structure of a humidifier with an additional HEPA filter, as well
• 7 , 8th : Schematic representations of the arrangement of the filter holder and the filter element as a functional module.

1 shows schematically the modular structure of an air treatment system 1 according to the invention with a functional module 2 in the form of an air cooler. The air treatment device 1 includes a container 3 into which the functional module 2 in the form of the air cooler can be inserted. The air cooler 2 in turn has a storage device 4 inside for holding ice packs 5.

In 1 This modular structure of the air treatment system 1 is shown in different stages of construction from left to right. The entire device 1 with container 3 and lid 6 is shown in the left section. Next to it is a representation in which the lid 6 has been removed and only the container 3 with the functional module 2 inserted therein is shown. The functional module 2 is inserted into the container 3 in the module slot S provided for this purpose. The module 2 in turn has a module housing 7 on the outside, which is designed to be universal. In the middle there is a hole in which an axle can be rotatably mounted. In the present case according to 1 This hole is not required for the air cooler module 2, since the ice packs 5 are not rotatably mounted and do not need to be rotated. Overall, this structure simplifies production since the housings 7 can be used universally for the individual functional modules and a different module housing 7 does not have to be provided depending on the desired function.

Only the insert 4 is provided so that the ice packs can be stored in it if necessary. In 2 the same air treatment system 1 can be seen, which, however, is provided with an air purification module 12 inside. Otherwise the structure is identical. Here too, a module housing 7 is provided, which is universal and essentially the same 1 matches. Insert 4 is also identical in this case to the in 1 . Instead of the ice packs 5, however, HEPA removable filter inserts 15 (possibly in combination with activated carbon) are used in the present case, which can be inserted into the insert 4.

3 in turn shows an air humidification module 22, which in the same way replaces the modules 2, 12 from the 1 and 2 can be inserted into the container 3. A roller 23 is inserted into the housing 7 and carries a stack of plates. The roller 23 is in turn rotatably mounted via the bore 8 and can be rotated.

The air paths 9, 10 are also shown, with a flow taking place via the outer sections 9 to the functional module 22 or to the plate stack or to the roller 23 and the processed air flows back towards the air outlet via the path 10. The paths 9, 10 thus form the flow area.

In 4 In turn, a module 32 is shown with a housing 7, which has an insert 4, in which inserts 35 can be filled with silica gel or silica gel as a drying agent. Here too, the side paths 9 lead into the functional module 32 and the air flows via the path 10 to the air outlet.

5 shows a schematic section through an air treatment system 1 with a humidifier. The functional module 22 therefore comprises a stack of plates 23. In the container 3, the roller 23 is partially submerged in water. Driven by the drive device 11 with a gear, the roller 23 rotates standing in the water. Air is sucked in via the air inlets LE in the direction 9, moved downwards by gravity, directed onto the plate stack of the roller 23 and, after passing the surface of the plate stack in the direction 10, directed upwards through the air outlet LA out of the device 1. This achieves effective humidification of the air, but particles can also be separated at the same time. The air is, so to speak, channeled between the plates of the plate stack. The narrowing of the channel causes an increase in the flow velocity. This can increase the efficiency of air humidification and cleaning.

In principle, functional modules 2, 12, 22, 32 can also be provided with a removal handle for easier handling.

6 shows an air treatment system 1 with a container 3 and a lid 6. A functional module such as a humidifier is inserted into the container 3. Two air inlets LE, each with a fan V, and an air outlet LA are integrated in the cover 6. The air outlet LA is provided with a flap 6a, which is formed from ribs so that air can flow through. The flap 6a allows access to a particle filter insert F, ie the air is mechanically filtered again before it leaves the device 1 via the air outlet LA. In the variant according to 6 A display D is also attached, which can be connected, for example, to measuring devices such as a hygrometer, thermometer, a clock or the like and thus displays the relevant properties of the room climate. Furthermore, other information can also be shown on the display, such as when the next filter change should take place.

The 7 , 8th show a part of a further functional module 42, which enables an air purification effect via electrostatic attraction of the particles or gases to be separated. In 7 First, the air path with the inflowing air 9 and the outflowing air 10 is sketched as part of the flow area. Shows a schematic section 8th with a filter holder 43, in which the filter element 44 is rotatably mounted. The filter holder 43 is designed like a housing and has a cylindrical recess on the inside in which the filter element 44 is inserted. The outer wall or the jacket of the filter element 44 made of polypropylene rubs against the inner wall of the filter holder 43 made of polyamide during rotation. During operation, particles/gases from the air flowing through are separated in the electrostatic areas.

Reference symbol:

1

Air treatment system/device

2

Air cooler/functional module

3

container

4

Storage device/use

5

Ice pack

6

Lid

6a

flap

7

Module housing

8th

Drilling/bearing d. Axis/bearing device

9

Air path in the flow area/flow area/air path/path/direction/incoming air

10

Air path in the flow area/flow area/air path/path/direction/outflowing air

11

Gear drive device/drive device

12

Air purifier/functional module

15

HEPA spin-on filter inserts

22

Humidifier/functional module

23

Roller / plate stack

32

Dehumidifier/functional module

35

Silica gel inserts

42

Filter function module

43

Filter recording

44

Filter element

D

display

F

Filter insert

LE

Air intakes

LA

Air outlet

S

Module slot

v

Fan module

Claims (19)

Air treatment system (1) for processing air in that the air flows through a flow area (9, 10) of an air treatment device, with at least one air inlet (LE) and at least one air outlet (LA) and with a container (3) which forms part of the flow area (9, 10), wherein the container (3) has a module slot (S) for receiving and fastening a functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) to the functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42 ) can be detachably inserted and/or replaced, the module slot (S) being connected between the air inlet (LE) and the air outlet (LA) in such a way that air can flow through the functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42). is, characterized in that different functional modules (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) with different functions are provided, with at least one functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) acting as a humidifier (22) for humidifying the air Liquid and at least one functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) as an air cleaner (12) for cleaning dirt particles from the air and at least one functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) as an air cooler (2) for cooling the air and at least one functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) is designed as a dehumidifier (32) for dehumidifying the air. Air preparation system (1). Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one air inlet (LE) has a fan module (V) with which air can be guided into the container (3) via the at least one air inlet (LE). Air treatment system (1). Claim 2 , characterized in that the container (3) and/or the fan module (V) are/is designed as a separate module. Air treatment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module slot (S) has a guide and the functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) has a storage unit suitable for the guide in order to hold the functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) to be able to insert and hold them precisely. Air treatment system (1) according to one of the Claims 2 until 4 , characterized in that a. at least two air inlets (LE) are provided and the fan module (V) comprises a fan for each of the air inlets (LE), the fan module (V) and the container (3) being connectable to one another in such a way that the fans each blow air into the functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) can feed in and/or b. at least two air inlets (LE) are provided and one of the fan modules (V) is provided for each air inlet (LE) in order to be able to feed air into the functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42). Air treatment system (1) according to one of the Claims 2 until 5 , characterized in that the modules, in particular the fan module (V) and/or the functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) and/or the container (3): a. are designed to be separately removable and/or attachable and/or b. at least two of the modules can be attached to one another and detached from one another. Air treatment system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (3) is designed to hold a liquid, in particular water, and the functional module (22) is designed as an air humidifier which has a roller (23) for humidifying the air by cold evaporation of the liquid which is rotatably mounted and is mounted in the container (3) in such a way that the roller (23) can be at least partially immersed in a liquid stored in the container (3) in order to be able to deal with the wetted part of the liquid that emerges from the liquid upon further rotation Roller (23) releases the liquid into the air to be humidified by cold evaporation, the roller (23) in particular comprising a stack of plates in order to be able to enlarge the surface. Air treatment system (1). Claim 7 , characterized in that the air sucked in by the fan module (V) is guided onto the lateral surface of the roller (23). Air treatment system (1) according to one of the Claims 2 until 7 , characterized in that the at least one fan module (V) is arranged above the container (3) and the path of the air (9) to the functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) is designed so that the air is essentially is guided downwards in the direction of gravity. Air treatment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) is designed such that the air flows through the functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) counter to the direction of gravity leaves again. Air treatment system (1) according to one of the Claims 7 and 8th , characterized in that the container (3) has a storage device (8) for rotatably supporting the roller (23), the roller (23) being particularly removable from the container (3). Air treatment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional module (32), in particular the air dehumidifier, comprises a receiving device for receiving silica gel. Air treatment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional module (2), in particular the air cooler, has a receiving device for interchangeably receiving at least two ice packs (5). Air treatment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional module (12), in particular the air purifier, has at least one receiving device for the exchangeable accommodation of filters, in particular HEPA replacement filters and/or activated carbon filters. Air treatment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air outlet (LA) has an insert for holding a particle filter. Air treatment system (1) according to one of the Claims 2 - 15 , characterized in that a drive device is provided which: a. at the air outlet (LA) and/or b. in the fan module (V) and/or c. between two of the fans and/or d. is arranged above the functional module (2, 12, 22, 32, 42). Air treatment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device (11) has a drive shaft and / or a drive gear, which is arranged so that it can couple to the roller (23), to drive the roller (23), the roller (23) in particular having a gear that is coupled to the drive gear. Air treatment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional module (42) is designed as an air cleaner and/or filter and has a contact path which can be charged by the triboelectric effect in order to remove particles, To be able to attract fine dust or gases and separate them from the air. Air treatment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional module (42) is designed as an air cleaner and/or filter and has a rotation element, which can be driven and rotated in particular by the drive device (11), and a friction body in which the rotation element is mounted adjacently and in a sliding manner during rotation in order to achieve the friction-related charge separation and electrostatic charging, in particular the rotation element and / or the friction body are each at least partially made of plastic, preferably made of polyamide and / or polypropylene.

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