EP3887055A1

EP3887055A1 - Electrostatic filter module for air cleaner, and air cleaner

Info

Publication number: EP3887055A1
Application number: EP19812983.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Georg Hepperle; Barbara John; Daniel Vollmar
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2018-11-30
Filing date: 2019-11-28
Publication date: 2021-10-06
Also published as: US20220016643A1; CN113056332A; DE102018220720A1; WO2020109489A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrostatic filter module for an air cleaner, having a housing (10), at least one separation unit (11) and at least one ionisation unit (12) which are arranged in the housing (10), wherein the filter module (1) has at least one high-voltage transformer (13), the housing (10) has an installation space (101) for at least the high-voltage transformer (13), the installation space (101) has at least one high-voltage connection (16, 18) and at least one connection (14, 15) for lower voltage, the high-voltage transformer (13) is accommodated in the installation space (101) of the housing (10), and the installation space (101) is sealed at least against ingress of liquid. The invention also relates to an air cleaner having at least one such filter module (1).

Description

Electrostatic filter module for air purifiers and air purifiers

The present invention relates to an electrostatic filter module for an air cleaner and an air cleaner with at least one electrostatic filter module.

In the case of air cleaners, such as extractor hoods, instead of mechanical filter elements, it is known to clean the air stream drawn in by means of an electrostatic filter, which can also be referred to as a filter cassette.

To enable electrostatic separation of particles that are in the air, they must first be charged electrostatically. Charging the particles is also called ionizing. An electrical high voltage of several thousand volts is necessary for both the ionization of particles and their separation. Both positive high voltage and negative

Find high voltage application.

A is used for the generation of this necessary electrical high voltage

High voltage transformer used. This high-voltage transformer supplies the ionization unit, which can also be referred to as the ionization area, and the separation unit, which can also be referred to as the separation area, to the electrostatic filter cassette with electrical high voltage or the resulting electrical energy.

This high-voltage transformer is fixed outside the actual filter cassette in the extractor hood and supplies the electrostatic filter cassette with electrical via one or more main voltage cables and contact points

High voltage. Electromechanical contact points, such as spring contacts, can be used to connect the filter cassette to the high-voltage transformer.

A disadvantage, since these air cleaners have, is that high-voltage cables, plugs and high-voltage contact points are necessary, as a result of which the wiring effort is great, in particular in order to ensure the safety during operation of the air cleaner can. In addition, the handling of the air purifier is complex and possibly involves risks.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution by means of which the handling of the air cleaner is simplified and the safety during operation and handling of the air cleaner is ensured in a simple manner.

According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by an electrostatic

Filter module for an air cleaner, which has a housing, at least one separation unit and at least one ionization unit, which are arranged in the housing. The electrostatic filter module is characterized in that the filter module has at least one high-voltage transformer, that the housing has one

Installation space for at least the high-voltage transformer, that the installation space has at least one high-voltage connection and at least one connection for lower voltage, that the high-voltage transformer in the installation space of the

Housing is received, and that the installation space is sealed at least against the entry of liquid.

An electrostatic filter module for an air cleaner is a module that can be introduced into an air cleaner and that cleans the air by electrostatically charging particles and separating the charged particles. The electrostatic filter module is also referred to below as a filter module or filter cassette. The filter module is a portable filter unit that can be removed from the air cleaner and is pre-assembled. A filter module is referred to as pre-assembled, which can be inserted as a structural unit in the air cleaner and removed from it in a unit.

The filter module has a housing, at least one separation unit and at least one ionization unit, which are arranged in the housing. The separation unit is connected downstream of the ionization unit in the direction of flow. The ionization unit preferably has at least one spray electrode, which is also referred to below as an ionization element, and at least one counter electrode. The deposition unit has at least one positive precipitation electrode and at least one earthed precipitation electrode. The ionization element is with High voltage applied. When contaminated air flows through the ionization unit, solid and liquid substances, which are also referred to as particles, are electrostatically charged by means of the ionization element. The

Separation unit comprises at least one positive precipitation electrode and

at least one grounded precipitation electrode, which is preferably plate-shaped and arranged alternately in the deposition unit. The positive precipitation electrodes of the separation unit are also subjected to high voltage. The charged particles separate due to their charge and the field formed between the electrodes of the separation unit on the precipitation electrode or electrodes.

The housing preferably has an air inlet and an air outlet. According to one embodiment, the housing represents a frame that is attached to

opposite sides is open. The separation unit and the ionization unit are arranged in the housing. In particular, the electrodes of the units are arranged in the housing. For this purpose, a receiving space for the electrodes is preferably formed in the housing.

An air cleaner is a device in which at least one filter module is arranged and which has a blower or can be connected to a blower in such a way that an air flow is guided through the at least one filter module.

The electrostatic filter module is characterized in that the filter module has at least one high-voltage transformer, the housing has an installation space for at least the high-voltage transformer, which has at least one

Has high-voltage connection and at least one connection for lower voltage, the high-voltage transformer in the installation space of the housing

is accommodated, and the installation space is at least sealed against the ingress of liquid.

The high-voltage transformer can also be used as a high-voltage generator,

High-voltage power supply or ionizer. The high-voltage transformer is used in particular to generate the high voltage (> 1,000 V) required for the separation unit and ionization unit from low voltage or low voltage. The High-voltage transformer has in particular a primary side to which the

Low voltage or low voltage is applied, and a secondary side, through which the applied low voltage (<50V AC, <120V DC) or low voltage (<

1,000 V AC, <1,500 V DC) is generated. By doing

A high-voltage transformer can, for example, be provided with a corresponding circuit. The circuit can have a transformer, for example.

The high-voltage transformer is integrated in the electrostatic filter module. For this purpose, the housing has an installation space for at least the high-voltage transformer. The high-voltage transformer is accommodated in the installation space. In addition, other components, in particular electrically conductive ones, can also be installed in the installation space

Fasteners may be included. The installation space has at least one high-voltage connection and at least one connection for lower voltage. A connection for the lower voltage is called a connection via which

Low voltage or low voltage can be applied.

The installation space is at least sealed against the ingress of liquid. In addition, the installation space is preferably also sealed against the entry of particles. The installation space can also be airtight. An installation space is a part of the housing that represents a closed space. The installation space is preferably arranged so that this to the separation unit and the

Ionization unit is adjacent. According to one embodiment, the installation space extends over the entire height and depth of the housing. The installation space can have an insertion opening, through which the high-voltage transformer can be introduced into the installation space and connected there. The insertion opening can then be closed by a door or a plate after the high-voltage transformer has been connected. Here, the sealing of the installation space is achieved, for example, by sealing material on the edge of the insertion opening.

By integrating a high-voltage transformer in the filter module according to the invention, a number of advantages can be achieved. In particular, it is no longer necessary to lay high-voltage cables on the air cleaner itself. This considerably reduces the wiring effort. Also high voltage plugs and

High-voltage contact points are no longer required on the air purifier. Hereby, dangerous short circuits and transitions on connectors cannot occur. Also a probability of failure of the cable insulation

Material fatigue does not have to be taken into account here. From an EMC perspective

(electromagnetic compatibility) there are also advantages, since long high-voltage cables installed in the air cleaner can lead to electromagnetic interference. The installation complexity of the filter in the air cleaner also decreases because none

High-voltage individual parts must be installed in the extractor housing, which require special assembly steps. This also results in a cost advantage because by omitting expensive high-voltage cables, plugs and special ones

High-voltage contact points material costs can be saved. In addition, there is a space saving in the air cleaner because experience has shown that high-voltage lines / cables, plugs and contacts are larger in size to accommodate electrical air and air

Creepage distances to be taken into account according to the standard. If there is a defect in the

High voltage transformer and if it no longer works, only the respective filter module with the defective high voltage transformer needs to be replaced. It is not necessary to repair the air cleaner. This has advantages in terms of repair and customer service.

In addition, according to the invention, since the high-voltage transformer is accommodated in an installation space of the housing of the filter module, the installation space having at least one high-voltage connection and at least one connection for lower voltage, and the installation space being sealed at least against the entry of liquid, the high-voltage transformer can be contacted from outside the installation space and in particular with a lower voltage and the

The high-voltage transformer is completely protected against dirt, moisture and water. In addition, the high voltage outputs of the

High voltage transformer and the inputs for lower voltages of the

High voltage transformer protected from dirt, moisture and water influence. Connecting elements that are provided between the high-voltage transformer and the connections on the installation space are also preferably located in the interior of the installation space. The filter module according to the invention can thus be washed after removal from the air cleaner, without the high-voltage transformer having to be removed or the high-voltage transformer or the Fasteners are damaged or accumulate on these contaminants.

According to a preferred embodiment, the installation space is filled with a filler mass, in particular a casting compound. The filler mass can preferably be resin, in particular polyurethane resin (UR), or polybutadiene. Alternatively, the filler mass can preferably be a silicone-based casting compound. It is also possible to use an epoxy potting compound as the filler compound. The

Filler mass is introduced into the installation space after the

High voltage transformer is inserted and connected in this. The

The high-voltage transformer is therefore permanently connected to the filter module. In this embodiment, a separate door or plate for closing the insertion opening can be omitted. The integrated and encapsulated high-voltage transformer is protected from moisture and dirt by encapsulation with filler material and can be cleaned together with the removable filter module in a dishwasher or under running water. The filler mass also prevents the risk of possible electrical creepage distances, short circuits and arcing. In addition, the position of the encapsulated high-voltage transformer is determined by the filler mass, and accidental slipping and possibly disconnection can be prevented.

The installation space is preferably arranged in the interior of the housing in such a way that it adjoins at least one side wall of the housing of the filter module and at least one receiving space for electrodes of the separation unit and / or the ionization unit. This position makes it possible to contact the high-voltage transformer arranged in the installation space. In particular, this can be supplied with low or low voltage in a simple manner and high voltage can be applied to the electrodes of the separating unit and / or the ionization unit in a simple and reliable manner.

According to one embodiment, there is at least one in the installation space

high-voltage connecting element between the high-voltage transformer and one of the at least one high-voltage connection and at least one electrical connecting element for lower voltages between the High voltage transformer and at least one of the connections for lower

Tension. The high-voltage connecting element can be a

Be high voltage cables. The live connection element for lower voltages can be a cable for low or low voltage. In addition, at least one connecting element, which represents a return line, is accommodated in the installation space. The return line is used to connect the at least one negative or grounded precipitation electrode of the separation unit and the at least one counter electrode of the ionization unit. The connection of the

Connecting elements with the connections on the walls of the installation space can be made, for example, via terminals. Since the high-voltage transformer is not directly connected to the high-voltage connection, that is to say it rests on the latter, the high-voltage transformer can be connected to more than one high-voltage connection in a simple manner. In addition, the size of the high-voltage transformer and / or the installation space can be chosen flexibly by providing connecting elements in the installation space.

The connection for the lower voltage can be an electromechanical contact or an inductive connection.

According to a preferred embodiment, a contactless, inductive

Power supply used to supply the high voltage transformer with low voltage or low voltage. The voltage supply can take place through the wall of the installation space and in particular a wall of the housing. In this embodiment, the connection for lower voltages is an inductive connection, for example in the form of a coil, in the interior of the installation space. By using an inductive power supply for the high-voltage transformer, no electromechanical contact points are used as an interface between the

Air purifier and the filter module needed more. Wear elements such as contacts / plugs for low and low voltage are eliminated in this embodiment. This further simplifies the construction of the filter module and in particular its handling.

In the embodiment in which the connection for lower voltage is one

represents electromechanical contact, this connection is preferably at least in regions on the outside of the installation space and in particular on the Outside of the housing of the filter module. The connection can be formed, for example, by a spring contact or a battery contact. The connector or connectors can be located on the top or bottom, the front or rear or the side parts of the housing of the filter module. Electromechanical connections can also be referred to as contact points.

By providing the connections on the outside of the installation space, the voltage supply for the high-voltage transformer can be provided from outside

Installation space and in particular from outside the housing of the filter module. In the case of an electromechanical connection in particular, the contact required when inserting the filter module into the air cleaner can be replaced by a corresponding one

Counterpart on the air purifier are made. Therefore is a separate one

Wiring or other connection of the high-voltage transformer is not required. Instead, this is automatically supplied with voltage after being inserted into the air cleaner.

According to one embodiment, the at least one high-voltage connection is also located at least in regions on the outside of the installation space of the filter module.

The high-voltage connection preferably projects through a wall of the installation space. Preferably, the outside of the installation space through which the

High-voltage connection protrudes through the receiving space of the electrodes

Separation unit and / or the receiving space of the electrodes facing the ionization unit.

According to one embodiment, the installation space can have at least one

Have high voltage connection and a feedback connection. The one or more high-voltage connections are arranged on the installation space such that they are preferably in direct contact with at least one electrode of the separation unit and the ionization unit.

On the secondary side, that is to say the high-voltage side of the high-voltage transformer, two variants are possible with regard to the contacting to the ionization and separation area. According to one embodiment, the high-voltage transformer has an output on the secondary side and this output is connected to a high-voltage connection, the ionization elements of the ionization unit and the positive precipitation electrodes of the separation unit being connected to the one high-voltage connection. In this embodiment, only one high-voltage output is used, which supplies the ionization area and the separation area with only one electric voltage of the same amount. In addition, a return of the secondary side is provided, via which the counter electrodes of the ionization unit and the negative precipitation electrodes of the separation unit are connected. The return lines do not have to be high-voltage cables.

According to a further embodiment, the high-voltage transformer has two outputs on the secondary side and each of the outputs is connected to one of the

High-voltage connections connected, the ionization elements of the ionization unit on one high-voltage connection and on the second

High voltage connection the positive precipitation electrodes of the separation unit are connected. The two high voltage outputs are from the electrical

Voltage value different. In this embodiment, the

Ionization unit and the separating unit supplied with electrical high voltages that differ in magnitude. In addition, a return of the secondary side, via which the counter electrodes of the ionization unit and the negative precipitation electrodes of the separating unit are connected, is also provided in this embodiment. The return lines do not have to be high-voltage cables.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to an air cleaner. The air cleaner is characterized in that it has at least one electrostatic filter module according to the invention. The filter module or filters are preferably arranged in the area of the inlet opening of the air cleaner, via which the air is sucked into the air cleaner. If the air cleaner is, for example, an extractor hood, this is or the filter modules are preferably arranged in the vicinity of the suction opening. If several filter modules are provided, they can be arranged in parallel or in series with one another in the direction of flow. io

Advantages and features that are described with respect to the electrostatic filter module apply - if applicable - accordingly to the invention

Air purifier and vice versa.

The air cleaner preferably has at least one connection for connecting to the connection for lower voltage on the filter module. The connection can be an electromechanical contact. Alternatively, the connection to the

Air purifier be an inductive connection and in particular represent a coil. In the case of an electromechanical contact, the connection can represent, for example, a spring contact which, when the filter module is inserted into the air cleaner, has a contact on an electromechanical connection on the filter module.

The air cleaner can be an extractor hood, in particular an extractor hood, for the kitchen. These air cleaners require frequent cleaning of the filter modules due to the vapors and vapors they are intended to clean. Therefore, the advantages of the present invention can be used particularly with such air cleaners. Since the high-voltage transformer is integrated in the filter module, it can be easily inserted into and removed from the extractor hood. According to an alternative example, the air purifier is a room air purifier. This can be used in private rooms or public spaces. The advantages of the present invention can also be used particularly with these air cleaners. These air cleaners also require frequent cleaning of the filter modules. On the other hand, the filter modules in these air cleaners are usually changed by the user. Thus, the fact that the user does not have to handle high voltage connections when inserting and removing the filter modules increases the safety when handling the filter module. According to a further alternative, the air purifier can also be a

Indoor air purifier for a motor vehicle. The advantages of the invention can also be used in this embodiment. In particular by the

High-voltage transformer in a hermetically sealed installation space

is recorded, this can also with extreme environmental conditions of the

Motor vehicle are reliably protected from liquids and thus its safe operation can be guaranteed. The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the filter module according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective rear view of the embodiment of

Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the

Separation unit according to Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic view of an open installation space of another

Embodiment of the filter module;

Figure 5 is a schematic front view of the embodiment of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the

filter module according to the invention;

FIG. 7: a schematic basic sketch of a further embodiment of the filter module according to the invention; and

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an air cleaner according to the prior art.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the

Filter module 1 according to the invention. The filter module 1 has a separation unit 11 and an ionization unit 12. In the embodiment shown, the

Separation unit 11 and the ionization unit 12 in separate housing parts

arranged, which together form the housing 10. The entry page of the

Ionization unit 12 is covered with a grille 19. The outlet side of the ionization unit 12 borders on the separating unit 11. The ionization unit 12 is in Flow direction arranged in front of the separating unit 1 1, that is to say the flow is passed first during operation.

On the housing 10 are in the embodiment shown in the area of

Separation unit 1 1 contacts 140, 150 provided. These contacts 140, 150 are located on the outside of the housing 10. Low voltage or low voltage can be applied via the contacts 140, 150.

In the embodiment shown, the filter module 1 has a box shape, the width being greater than the depth and height of the filter module 1. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the dimensions of the filter module 1 or its shape differ from the embodiment shown.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective rear view of the filter module 1 according to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the separating unit 11 of this embodiment of the filter module 1. A receiving space 100 is formed in the housing 10 of the filter module 1. In this recording room 100 are the positive ones

Precipitation electrodes 110 and the negative precipitation electrodes 11 1, which are also referred to as grounded precipitation electrodes, of the deposition unit 11 are arranged. A corresponding receiving space (not visible) is formed in the housing 10 for the electrodes of the ionization unit 12. The positive ones

Precipitation electrodes 1 10 and negative precipitation electrodes 1 11 represent plate-shaped electrodes and are arranged alternately in the deposition unit 11.

In addition, an installation space 101 is formed in the housing 10. The installation space 101 lies in the embodiment shown to the receiving space 100 for the positive

Precipitation electrodes 1 10 and the negative precipitation electrodes 1 11 of the deposition unit 11 are laterally adjacent. The size of the installation space 101 is small compared to the receiving space 100. In addition, the installation space 101 in the embodiment shown extends only over the housing part in which the separation unit 11 is located. The receiving space 100 for the electrodes of the ionization unit 12 can therefore be wider than the receiving space 100 for the electrodes of the separation unit 11

Installation space 101 accommodates a high-voltage transformer 13. On the outside Side wall of the installation space 101, which represents a side wall of the housing 100, the contacts 140, 150 are arranged.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the outer side wall of the installation space 101, which represents a side wall of the housing 10, is a separate plate in the embodiment shown, which is connected to the housing 10, for example glued or welded on. Connections 14, 15 for the application of a lower voltage, in particular a low voltage or, are on the side wall of the housing 10

Low voltage provided. These can be on the inside of the installation space or in the side wall. The contacts 140, 150 are fastened to these connections 14, 15. In addition, a high-voltage connection 16 and a connection 17 of the negative precipitation electrodes 11 and counter electrodes 121 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) are provided in a wall of the installation space 101 which faces the receiving space 100 of the housing 10. In the embodiment shown, the

High voltage connection 16 and the connection for the 17 of the negative

Precipitation electrodes 1 11 and counter electrodes 121 on the front of the

Installation space 101, that is to say on the side facing the ionization unit 12. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the high-voltage contact 16 and the connection for the 17 of the negative precipitation electrodes 11 and counter electrodes 121 or additional contacts (not shown) are located on the side wall of the installation space 101, that of the side wall on which the connections 14 , 15 for the lower voltage, is opposite, that is to say in the embodiment shown faces the receiving space 100 for the electrodes of the deposition unit 11.

Contacts 160, 170 can be connected to the connections 16, 17, via which the connections 16, 17 can be connected to the electrodes of the separating unit 11 and the ionization unit 12.

The connections 14, 15, 16, 17 are connected to the high-voltage transformer 13 via connecting elements (not shown), which in particular represent cables.

As an alternative to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in which electromechanical contacts 140, 150 are provided for supplying the high-voltage transformer 13 with a low voltage, the voltage supply can also be an inductive one Represent power supply. In this embodiment, the connections 14, 15 are formed, for example, in the form of coils on the inside of the installation space 101.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a further embodiment of the invention

Filter module 1 shown. This embodiment has essentially the same structure as the filter module 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In this embodiment, however, the side wall of the housing 10, in which the connections 14, 15 are provided, is pivotably attached to the housing 10. In addition, the connecting elements are shown in Figure 4, which are in the installation space 101.

In particular, FIG. 4 shows connecting elements 132 in the form of cables which connect the connections 14, 15 on the side wall of the installation space 101 to the

High-voltage transformer 13, in particular the primary side of the

Connect high voltage transformer 13. It is also

High-voltage connection element 133 shown in the form of a high-voltage cable that connects the high-voltage transformer 13 to the high-voltage connection 16.

The connection 17, which is not visible in FIG. 4, represents the connection 17 both the connection for the negative precipitation electrode 11 and for the counter electrode 121. The connection between the high-voltage transformer 13 and the contact is therefore not necessarily designed as a high-voltage cable.

In the embodiments shown, the installation space 101 is open towards the rear when the filter module 1 is assembled. During assembly, the installation space 101 is preferably filled with a filler mass 2. In particular, the

High-voltage transformer 13 cast in the installation space 101 after connection to the connections 14, 15, 16, 17. In the assembled state, the installation space 101 is completely filled with filler mass 2, which is shown schematically in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the back of the installation space 101 can also be closed. In this case, the rear side can be formed by a further separate side wall (not shown) which closes the open side of the installation space 101 after assembly. The rear wall can be connected, for example, to the installation space 101 by gluing or welding. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the installation space 101 has only one open side during assembly, which is the

Introducing opening through which the high voltage transformer 13 and Connecting elements 132, 133 are introduced and connected. This open side can be closed by a side wall when assembling the filter module 1. A seal can be provided on the contact surface of the side wall with the housing 10. In this embodiment, too, the installation space is hermetically sealed at least against liquids.

In Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention

Filter module 1 shown. On the housing 10 there are connections 14, 15 for smaller ones

Tensions provided. These are connected to the connecting elements 132

High voltage transformer 13 connected. In particular, the connecting elements 132 are connected to inputs 1300, 1301 on the primary side 130 of the high-voltage transformer 13. In the high-voltage transformer 13, the lower voltage in

Transfer high voltage. This high voltage is output via outputs 1310, 131 1 on the secondary side 131 of the high voltage transformer 13. The outputs 1310, 131 1 are connected to a high-voltage connection 16 and the feedback connection 17 via connecting elements 133. The high-voltage transformer 13 and the connecting elements 132, 133 are located in the installation space 101 of the housing 10. The positive precipitation electrodes 110 of the separating unit 11 and the ionization elements 120, which are also referred to as spray electrodes, of the ionization unit 12 are supplied with high voltage via the high-voltage connection 16, that is, high voltage is applied to the electrodes. The secondary side is returned via the connection 17, to which the counter electrodes 121 of the ionization unit 12 and the negative precipitation electrodes 11 of the separation unit 11 are connected. In the embodiment shown, the electrodes of the deposition unit 11 represent plate-shaped positive precipitation electrodes 110 and plate-shaped negative precipitation electrode 11 1, which are arranged alternately. The electrodes of the ionization unit 12 are wire-shaped in the embodiment shown

Ionization elements 120 and plate-shaped counter electrodes 121, which are arranged alternately.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the high-voltage connection 16 is connected to the output 1310 of the high-voltage transformer 13. The

High-voltage connection 16 is in turn connected to the positive precipitation electrodes 110 and the counter electrodes 120 via a branch. This means, that the separation unit 11 and the ionization unit 12 are operated with a high voltage of the same amount in this embodiment.

The connection 17 for the counter electrodes 121 and the negative ones

Precipitation electrodes 1 11 are connected to the output 1311 of the high-voltage transformer 13 and form the return line on the high-voltage side, that is

Secondary side of the high-voltage transformer 13. The connection 17 is connected to the negative or grounded precipitation electrode 11 and the counter electrode 210.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the filter module 1. This embodiment differs from that shown in FIG. 6

Embodiment only in that three outputs 1310, 1311, 1312 are provided on the high-voltage transformer 13 and three connections 16, 17 and 18 are provided. The connection 16 is in this embodiment with the

Ionization elements 120 of the ionization unit 12 and the connection 18 are connected to the positive precipitation electrodes 110 of the deposition unit 11 and supply them with high voltage. As a result, the high voltage which is applied to the positive precipitation electrodes 110 of the deposition unit 11 can differ from the amount of the high voltage which is applied to the ionization elements 120 of the

Ionization unit 12 is created. In this embodiment too, the negative precipitation electrodes 11 and the counter electrodes 121 are connected to the connection 17.

Finally, a basic sketch of an air cleaner is shown in FIG. By doing

Housing G of the air cleaner are two removable electrostatic

Filter cassettes F arranged. Here, the high-voltage transformer 13 in the

Housing G of the air cleaner permanently installed. The high-voltage transformer 13 supplies the removable filter cassettes F via one or more high-voltage cables 133. For this purpose, two connections A are provided on the filter cassettes F, each of which represents electromechanical contact points, such as spring contacts. The electromechanical contact points are necessary here because the filter cassette (s) F have to be removed from the housing G of the air cleaner for cleaning after a certain operating time. For this reason, the electrical cables / wires 133 of the secondary side of the high-voltage transformer 13 is not mechanically and electrically connected to the filter cassette F.

In the present invention, however, the high-voltage transformer is implemented in the filter module and is accordingly integrated in it. Will the

Implementation of the high-voltage transformer carried out according to the invention, there are several advantages for the use of an electrostatic filter module.

In particular, according to the invention, an electrostatic filter module, which can also be referred to as a filter cassette, is provided with an integrated high-voltage transformer. The high voltage transformer can also be referred to as a high voltage generator, high voltage power supply or ionizer. Here is the

High-voltage transformer integrated in the removable and preferably cleanable filter module. The electrostatic filter module can vary in its geometrical dimensions, such as width, height, depth and the design with or without intervention protection. The filter module or filters are used, for example, in an extractor hood, in particular an extractor hood for the kitchen, a room air cleaner, or in a holder for the interior filter of an automobile or removed for cleaning. The high-voltage transformer is not permanently installed in the housing of the

Extractor hood, air cleaner or separately in the engine compartment of a car, directly and immediately in the removable filter module. The power supply of the

High-voltage transformer takes place, for example, via contact points which are located on the outside of the filter module. The power supply of the

The primary side of the high-voltage transformer is used, for example, with

Low voltage (<= 50V AC; <= 120 V DC) or low voltage (<= 1000V AC; <=

1500V DC). As an alternative, a contactless, inductive power supply can take place through the filter module housing. In the filter module for the

High-voltage transformer the necessary installation space is provided for implementation.

The present invention has a number of advantages.

By integrating the high-voltage transformer into the actual one

Filter cassette / filter module are no high voltage cables, plugs and

High voltage contact points in the air purifier needed more. In this case, the air cleaner does not require any high-voltage cables to the respective filter module (s) be relocated. The cabling effort is therefore kept to a minimum.

In addition, wiring the high-voltage transformer in the air cleaner is no longer required. This can lead to dangerous short circuits and transitions

Connectors are prevented. Also a probability of failure of the

Cable insulation due to material fatigue does not have to be taken into account. By limiting the high voltage to the filter module itself, the risk potential of a faulty high voltage is reduced. From an EMC perspective (electromagnetic

Compatibility) there are also advantages, since there is a long

High-voltage cables can lead to electromagnetic interference, but these are not required in the present invention. The installation complexity of the filter module in the air cleaner also decreases because no high-voltage individual parts need to be installed in the housing of the air cleaner, which require special installation steps. These measures lead to a cost advantage because material costs are saved by omitting expensive high-voltage cables, plugs and special high-voltage contact points in the air cleaner. In addition, the filter modules can be integrated as flexibly as possible in different designs or target devices, i.e. air purifiers. In particular, a modular concept that is as independent as possible is possible, whereby the number of components and arrangement can be scaled and adapted in accordance with the required filter performance. Each filter module can also be flexibly exchanged thanks to the integrated high-voltage unit and the geometry can be varied flexibly within certain parameters.

In addition, space can be saved in the air purifier, since experience has shown that high-voltage lines / cables, plugs and contacts are larger in size in order to take electrical air and creepage distances into account in accordance with standards, and these do not have to be provided separately in the air purifier. It is also possible to use an inductive power supply for the high-voltage transformer on the primary side, which means that no electromechanical contact points are required as an interface between the air cleaner and the filter module. Wear elements such as

Contacts / plugs for low and low voltage fall with the preferred

Embodiment away.

By preferably completely encapsulating the high-voltage transformer in the housing of the filter module, the filter module with its high-voltage outputs is protected from dirt, The effects of moisture and water are fully protected. If there is a defect in the high-voltage transformer and it no longer works, then only the respective filter module with the defective high-voltage transformer needs to be replaced. A repair of the air cleaner is not necessary. This brings further advantages in terms of repair and customer service.

REFERENCES

1 electrostatic filter module

10 housing

100 electrodes electrodes

101 installation space

1 1 separation unit

1 10 positive precipitation electrode

1 1 1 grounded precipitation electrode

12 ionization unit

120 ionization element (spray electrode)

121 counter electrode

13 high-voltage transformers

130 primary side

1300 entrance

1301 entrance

131 secondary side

1310 output

131 1 exit

1312 output

132 connecting element

133 high voltage connector

14 Connection of lower voltage

140 contact

15 Connection of lower voltage

150 contact

16 high-voltage connection

160 contact

17 Connection of the negative precipitation electrode and counter electrode

170 contact

18 high-voltage connection

19 Protection grille

Filler mass G Air purifier housing

F filter cassette

FG housing filter cassette

A connection

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Electrostatic filter module for an air cleaner, which has a housing (10), at least one separation unit (11) and at least one ionization unit (12), which are arranged in the housing (10), characterized in that the filter module (1 ) has at least one high-voltage transformer (13), that the housing (10) has an installation space (101) for at least the high-voltage transformer (13), that the installation space (101) has at least one high-voltage connection (16, 18) and at least one connection ( 14, 15) for lower voltage, that the high-voltage transformer (13) is accommodated in the installation space (101) of the housing (10) and that the installation space (101) is at least sealed against the ingress of liquid.

2. Electrostatic filter module according to claim 1, characterized in that the installation space (101) is filled with a filler mass (2), in particular a potting compound.

3. Electrostatic filter module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the installation space (101) in the interior of the housing (10) is formed on at least one side wall of the housing (10) and on at least one receiving space (100) for electrodes Separation unit (11) and / or the ionization unit (12) adjoins.

4. Electrostatic filter module according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that in the installation space (101) at least one high-voltage connec tion element (133) between the high-voltage transformer (13) and one of the at least one high-voltage connection (16, 18) and at least one electrostatic Connection element (132) for lower voltages between the high-voltage transformer (13) and at least one of the connections (14, 15) for lower voltage.

5. Electrostatic filter module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connection (14, 15) represents an electromechanical contact or an inductive connection for lower voltages.

6. Electrostatic filter module according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connections (14, 15) for lower voltage and the high voltage connections (16, 18) at least in regions on the outside of the installation space (101) of the filter module (1 ) lie.

7. Electrostatic filter module according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the high-voltage transformer (13) on the secondary side (131) has an output (1310) which is connected to a high-voltage connection (16), to which a high-voltage connection (16), the ionization elements (120) of the ionization unit (12) and the positive precipitation electrodes (110) of the separation unit (11) are connected.

8. Electrostatic filter module according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the high-voltage transformer (13) on the secondary side (131) has two outputs (1310, 1312) and each of the outputs (1310, 1312) with one of the high-voltage connections ( 16, 18) is connected, to the one high-voltage connection (16) the ionization elements (120) of the ionization unit (12) and to the second high-voltage connection (18) the positive precipitation electrodes (1 10) of the separation unit (11) are connected.

9. Air cleaner, characterized in that it has at least one electrostatic filter module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Air cleaner according to claim 9, characterized in that the air cleaner has at least one connection for connecting to the connection (14, 15) for lower voltage on the filter module (1).

1 1. Air purifier according to claim 10, characterized in that the connection is an inductive connection.

12. Air cleaner according to one of claims 9 to 1 1, characterized in that the air cleaner is an extractor hood, a room air cleaner or an interior air cleaner of a motor vehicle.