EP4166855A1

EP4166855A1 - Air processing devices and methods

Info

Publication number: EP4166855A1
Application number: EP21209805.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tao Kong; Yingdan SHEN; Wei Zhang; Xueming CAO
Original assignee: Versuni Holding BV
Current assignee: Versuni Holding BV
Priority date: 2021-10-14
Filing date: 2021-11-23
Publication date: 2023-04-19

Abstract

There is provided an air processing device (100) comprising: an inlet (102); an outlet (104); a conduit (106) for air to pass between the inlet and the outlet; a fan (120) for driving a flow of air through the conduit between the inlet and the outlet; at least one air processing component (130) selected from: an air filter (132) arranged to filter air passing between the inlet and the outlet; and one or more components (134, 136) for adjusting a concentration of water vapour within the air passing between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the air processing device further comprises: a heater (142); and one or more ducts (144) for carrying heated air from the heater to one or more of the air processing components and/or the outlet respectively, wherein the ducts are arranged to introduce the heated air into the conduit between the inlet and the outlet.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an air processing device and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with an air processing device configured to selectively heat one or more air processing components of the device according to an operating mode of the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air processing devices, such as air purifiers and/or air humidifiers may be provided within a space, e.g. a room, in order to purify and/or adjust the humidity of the air within the room, e.g. by removing airborne contaminants from the air and/or adjusting a concentration of water vapour present within the air. Such air processing devices typically comprise one or more air processing components. For example, air purifiers typically comprise a filter, such as a High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filter, through which air is passed by the device. Air humidifiers may comprise air processing components configured to encourage water vapour to become entrained within the air passing through the device, to thereby adjust the humidity of the air within the space. Water vapour introduced into the air by the air humidifier may be supplied from a water tank provided on the air humidifier.
After a period of operation of the air processing device, it is often desirable to disinfect the air processing device. In particular, it may be desirable to disinfect one or more air processing components of the device, such the air filter, water tank and/or component for introducing water vapour into the air. A number of disinfecting procedures have previously been considered for disinfecting the air processing components. Such disinfecting procedures may include the use of Ultra-Violet (UV) light, High-Intensity Narrow-Spectrum (HINS) light, ozone, plasma, and chemical disinfectants.
However, each of the disinfecting procedures within the prior art is associated with one or more disadvantages. For example, the use of UV light is potentially damaging to users' eyes and skin and can generate harmful ozone gas. Additionally, UV light may be incapable of penetrating to the centre of an air filter, and may cause damage to surface materials of the air filter through photodegradation.
It is desirable to provide an improved air processing device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first specific aspect, there is provided an air processing device comprising:

an inlet;
an outlet;
a conduit for air to pass between the inlet and the outlet;
a fan for driving a flow of air through the conduit between the inlet and the outlet;
at least one air processing component selected from:
- an air filter arranged to filter air passing between the inlet and the outlet; and
- one or more components for adjusting, e.g. increasing, a concentration of water vapour within the air passing between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the air processing device further comprises:
a heater; and
one or more ducts for carrying heated air from the heater to one or more of the air processing components and/or the outlet respectively, wherein the ducts are arranged to introduce the heated air into the conduit between the inlet and the outlet, e.g. midstream into the flow of air passing through the conduit between the inlet and the outlet.

The one or more components for adjusting the concentration of water vapour within the air passing between the inlet and the outlet may comprise a water tank and a wick. The wick may be at least partially received within the water tank and may be at least partially arranged in the flow of air between the inlet and the outlet.
The air processing device may further comprise a heater fan for driving a flow of air from the heater through the one or more ducts towards the one or more air processing components and/or the outlet.
The air processing device may further comprise a nozzle associated with one, more than one or each of the one or more ducts. The nozzles may be for directing the heated air passing through the ducts towards the ones of air processing components and/or the outlet with which the respective ducts are associated.
The air processing device may further comprise one or more valves provided in respective ones of the one or more ducts. The valves may be configured for controlling the flow of heated air through the ducts. One of the valves may be provided in each of the one or more ducts.
The air processing device may further comprise a controller configured to control the operation of the air processing device, e.g. the valves, and optionally the fan. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the air processing device based on an operating mode of the air processing device.
The controller may be configured to selectively operate the air processing device in a first, e.g. air purification, mode, in which each of the valves is closed and in which the fan is controlled to drive the flow of air between the inlet and the outlet.
Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be configured to selectively operate the air processing device in a second, e.g. disinfection, mode, in which one or more of the valves associated with the air filter are opened to permit a flow of air from the heater to the air filter. In the second operating mode, the fan may be controlled so as not to drive the flow of air between the inlet and the outlet.
Additionally or alternatively again, the controller may be configured to selectively operate the air processing device in a third, e.g. humidifcation, mode, in which one or more of the valves associated with the water tank are opened to permit a flow of air from the heater to the water tank. In the third operating mode, the fan may be controlled to drive a flow of air from the inlet to the outlet.
Additionally or alternatively again, the controller may be configured to selectively operate the air processing device in a fourth, e.g. heating, mode, in which one or more of the valves associated with the outlet are opened to permit a flow of air from the heater to outlet. In the fourth operating mode, the fan may be controlled to drive the flow of air from the inlet to the outlet.
In the each of the operating modes, the controller may be configured to control the others of the valves, e.g. which are not opened, to restrict air flow from the heater to the air processing components through the ducts associated with the others of the valves. In other words, the others of the valves may be closed.
The outlet openings from one or more of the ducts may be positioned downstream of the fan with respect to the flow of air from the inlet to the outlet, e.g. which is driven by the fan. In particular, outlet openings from one or more of the ducts associated with one, more than one or each of the water tank, the wick and the outlet may be positioned downstream of the fan with respect to the flow of air from the inlet to the outlet, e.g. which is driven by the fan.
According to a first specific aspect, there is provided a method of operating an air processing device, wherein the air processing device comprises:

an inlet;
an outlet;
a conduit for air to pass between the inlet and the outlet;
a fan for driving a flow of air through the conduit between the inlet and the outlet;
at least one air processing component selected from:
- an air filter arranged to filter air passing between the inlet and the outlet; and
- one or more components for adjusting a concentration of water vapour within the air passing between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the air processing device further comprises:
a heater;

determining an operating mode of the air processing device; and
selectively supplying heated air from the heater to one or more of the air processing components and/or the outlet via the one or more ducts based on the operating mode of the air processing device.

The air processing device may further comprise one or more valves provided in respective ones of the one or more ducts. Selectively supplying heated air from the heater to one or more of the air processing components and/or the outlet may comprise selectively operating the valves associated with the air processing components and/or the outlet according to the operating mode of the air processing device, e.g. by opening the valves associated with the air processing components to which heated air is to be supplied.
These and other aspects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an air processing device according to arrangements of the present disclose; and
Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an air processing device, such as the air processing device illustrated in Fig. 1, according to arrangements of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With reference to Fig. 1, an air processing device 100 according to arrangements of the present disclosure comprises an inlet 102, an outlet 104 and a conduit 106 for air to pass between the inlet and the outlet. The air processing device 100 may comprise a housing 110. The inlet 102 and outlet 104 may be formed by openings 112, 114 in the housing 110, e.g. in walls of the housing. The conduit 106 may be formed by an interior space 116 defined by the housing 110.
The air processing device 100 further comprises an air moving device, such as a fan 120, for driving a flow of air through the conduit 106 between the inlet 102 and the outlet 104. As depicted, the fan 120 may be provided in the conduit 106, e.g. within the interior space 116 defined by the housing 110.
The air processing device 100 further comprises at least one air processing component 130. The air processing components may comprise an air filter 132, such as a HEPA filter. The air filter 132 may be arranged such that air passing between the inlet 102 and the outlet 104, e.g. though the conduit 106, passes through the air filter 132. Additionally or alternatively, the air processing components may comprise one or more components for adjusting, e.g. increasing, a concentration of water vapour within the air passing through the air processing device 100. For example, the air processing components 130 may comprise one or more components for encouraging water vapour to become entrained within the flow of air passing through the air processing device 100. In some embodiments, the air processing component 130 comprise a water tank 134 and a water vapour introducing component, such as a wick 136. When the air processing device 100 comprises the air filter 132, the air processing device 100 may be referred to as an air purifier. When the air processing device 100 comprises the water tank 134 and the wick 136, the air processing device 100 may be referred to as an air humidifier. When the air processing device 100 comprises the air filter 132, and the water tank 134 and the wick 136, the air processing device 100 may be referred to as an air purifier and humidifier.
As depicted in Fig. 1, when the air processing device 100 comprises the water tank 134 and the wick 136, the wick 136 is at least partially received within the water tank 134, e.g. so as to be in contact with water contained within the water tank 134, and the wick 136 is arranged at least partially within the flow of air passing through the conduit 106 between the inlet 102 and the outlet 104.
The air processing device 100 further comprises a heater assembly 140. The heater assembly 140 comprises a heater 142 and one or more ducts 144 for carrying heated air from the heater 142 to one, more than one or each of the air processing components 130 and/or the outlet 104. In particular, the air processing device 100 may comprise a first duct 144a for carrying heated air from the heater 142 to the air filter 132. Additionally or alternatively, the air processing device may comprise a second duct 144b for carrying heated air from the heater 142 to the water tank 134. Additionally or alternatively again, the air processing device may comprise a third duct 144c for carrying heated air from the heater 142 to the wick 136. Additionally or alternatively again, the air processing device may comprise a fourth duct 144d for carrying heated air from the heater 142 to the outlet 104.
Each of the ducts 144 may be configured to direct heated air towards, e.g. directly towards, a particular one of the air processing components 130 or towards, e.g. directly towards, the outlet 104. In other words, each of the ducts 144 may be associated with one of the air processing components 130 or the outlet 104. The ducts 144 may be configured, in conjunction with the heater 142, to heat, e.g. increase a temperature of, respective ones of the air processing components 130 and/or the air passing through the outlet 104.
The ducts 144 may be arranged to introduce the heated air into the flow of air passing from the inlet 102 to the outlet 104, e.g. into the conduit 106, upstream, e.g. immediately upstream, of the air processing component with which the duct is associated, or the outlet 104. The ducts 144, may terminate in respective nozzles 146. The nozzles 146 may be configured to direct the air passing through the ducts 144 towards the particular air processing components with which the ducts are respectively associated, or towards the outlet 104. Outlet openings from the ducts 144, e.g. formed on the nozzles 146, may be arranged adjacent, e.g. immediately adjacent, to or in contact with the air processing component with which the duct is associated.
As illustrated, the outlet openings of each of the ducts 144, other than the first duct 144a, may be arranged downstream of the fan 120 with respect to the flow of air from the inlet 102 to the outlet 104.
As depicted, the heater assembly 140 may be provided within the housing 110, e.g. within the interior space 116 defined by the housing. The heater assembly 140 may be provided within the conduit 106.
The heater assembly 140 may further comprise a chamber 148. The heater 142 may be arranged within the chamber 148 for heating air inside the chamber 148. The chamber 148 may comprise an inlet 148a, which may be in fluidic communication with the inlet 102, e.g. via part of the conduit 106. Alternatively, the chamber 148 may otherwise be in fluidic communication with the space outside the housing 110 via the inlet 148a.
The ducts 144 may be in fluidic communication with the chamber 148 and may be arranged to carry heated air from the chamber 148 towards the air processing components 130 and/or the outlet 104. In use of the heater assembly 140, air may be drawn into the chamber 148 via the inlet 148a to be heated by the heater 142 before passing through the ducts 144 to reach the air processing components 130 and/or the outlet 104.
The heater assembly 140 may be configured such that the flow of air through the inlet 148a, chamber 148 and ducts 144 is driven by convection, without a dedicated air moving device being provided to drive the flow of air through the heater assembly 140. Alternatively, the heater assembly 140 may further comprise an air moving deice, such as a heater fan 149, configured to drive a flow of air through the inlet 148a, chamber 148 and ducts 144.
The heater assembly 140 may further comprise one or more valves 150 provided in respective ones of the ducts 144. The valves 150 may be configured to control the flow of heated air through the ducts 144. The heater assembly 140 may comprise a first valve 150a provided in the first duct 144a, a second valve 150b provided in the second duct 144b, a third valve 150c provided in the third duct 144c and/or a fourth valve 150d provided in the fourth duct 144d. As depicted, the valves 150 may be provided at positions at which the ducts 144 are fluidically coupled to the chamber 148.
The air processing device 100 may further comprise a controller 160 configured to control the operation the valves 150 in order to control which of the air processing components 130 of the air processing device 100 is being heated by the heater 142. The controller 160 may also be configured to control the operation of the heater 142 and/or the heater fan 149. In some arrangements, the controller 160 may be configured to control the operation of the fan 120. In other arrangements, a further controller (not shown) may be provided for controlling the operation of the fan 120. The controller 160 may be configured to control the operation of the valves 150 and optionally the heater 142, heater fan 149 and/or the fan 120 based on an operating mode of the air processing device 100.
When the air processing device 100 is operating in a first operating mode, which may be referred to as an air purification mode, the controller 160 may be configured to control the operation of the valves 150 to close each of the valves, so that the air processing components 130 and the outlet 104 are not heated. In the first operating mode, the controller 160 may be configured to control the operation of the heater 142, and optionally the heater fan 149, so that the heater 142, and optionally the heater fan 149, are deactivated. When the air processing device is operating in the first operating mode, the controller 160, or the further controller, may be configured to control the operation of the fan 120 to drive a flow of air between the inlet 102 and the outlet 104.
When the air processing device 100 is operating in a second operating mode, which may be referred to as a disinfection mode, the controller 160 may be configured to control the operation of the valves 150 to open one or more of the valves associated with the air filter 132 and/or the wick 136. For example, the controller 160 may control the operation of the first and third valves 150a, 150c to permit a flow of heated air through the first and/or third ducts 144a, 144c. In the second operating mode, the controller 160 may be configured to control the operation of the heater 142, and optionally the heater fan 149, so that the heater 142 heats air within the chamber 148, and optionally so that a flow of heated air is driven though the ducts by the heater fan 149. When the air processing device 100 is operating in the second operating mode, the controller 160, or the further controller, may be configured to control the operation of the fan 120 to deactivate the fan 120, e.g. so that air is not driven through the conduit between the inlet and the outlet.
When the air processing device 100 is operating in the second operating mode, the controller 160 may be configured to control the operation of the others of the valves 150, not associated with the air filter 132 and/or the wick 136, to close.
When the air processing device 100 is operating in a third operating mode, which may be referred to as a humidification mode, the controller 160 may be configured to control the operation of the valves 150 to open one or more of the valves associated with the water tank 134. For example, the controller 160 may control the operation of the second valve 150b to permit a flow of heated air through the second duct 144b. In the third operating mode, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the heater 142, and optionally the heater fan 149, so that the heater 142 heats air within the chamber, and optionally so that a flow of heated air is driven though the ducts by the heater fan 149. When the air processing device 100 is operating in the third operating mode, the controller 160, or the further controller, may be configured to control the operation of the fan 120 to drive a flow of air between the inlet 102 and the outlet 104.
When the air processing device 100 is operating in the third operating mode, the controller 160 may be configured to control the operation of the others of the valves 150, not associated with the water tank 134, to close.
When the air processing device is operating in a fourth operating mode, which may be referred to as a heating mode, the controller 160 may be configured to control the operation of the valves 150 to open one or more of the valves associated with the outlet 104. For example, the controller 160 may control the operation of the fourth valve 150d to permit a flow of heated air through the fourth duct 144d. In the fourth operating mode, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the heater 142, and optionally the heater fan 149, so that the heater 142 heats air within the chamber, and optionally so that a flow of heated air is driven though the ducts by the heater fan 149. When the air processing device 100 is operating in the fourth operating mode, the controller 160, or the further controller, may be configured to control the operation of the fan 120 to drive a flow of air between the inlet 102 and the outlet 104.
When the air processing device 100 is operating in the fourth operating mode, the controller 160 may be configured to control the operation of the others of the valves 150, not associated with the outlet 104, to close.
The air processing device 100 may comprise one or more user input components (not shown), such as a multi-position switch. The one or more user input components may enable a user to select an operating mode of the air processing device 100. The one or more user input components may be configured such that a single operating mode of the air processing device 100 can be selected at any particular time. In some arrangements, the user input components may comprise a wireless receiver configured to receive the user inputs through wireless communications, such as near field communication techniques, Wi-Fi^®, Bluetooth^® and/or any other wireless communication.
As noted above, the outlet openings of each of the ducts 144, other than the first duct 144a, may be arranged downstream of the fan 120 with respect to the flow of air from the inlet 102 to the outlet 104. Additionally, when heated air is being supplied though the first duct 144a, e.g. in the second operating mode, the controller 160, or the further controller, may be configured to control the operation of the fan 120 to deactivate the fan 120. The operating modes of the air processing device 100 detailed above may thereby avoid introducing heated air upstream of the fan 120 whilst the fan 120 is operating.
With reference to Fig. 2, a method 200 of operating an air processing device, such as the air processing device 100 depicted in Fig. 1, will now be described. The method 200 comprises a first block 202, at which an operating mode of the air processing device 100 is determined. The operating mode of the air processing device 100 may be determined based on a user input received via one or more user input components provided on the air processing device. For example, the operating mode may be determined based on the position of a multi-position switch provided on the air processing device 100.
The method 200 may further comprise a second block 204, at which heated air is selectively supplied from the heater 142 to one or more of the air processing components 130 of the air processing device, and/or the outlet 104 of the air processing device via the one or more ducts 144 based on the operating mode of the air processing device.
Selectively supplying heated air from the heater 142 to one or more of the air processing components 130, and/or the outlet 104 may comprise selectively operating the valves 150 associated with the air processing components 130 and/or the outlet 104 according to the operating mode of the air processing device, as described above. At the second block 204, heated air may be supplied to the air processing components 130 and/or the outlet 104 depending on whether the air processing device is operating in the first, second, third or fourth operating mode, as described above.
Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the principles and techniques described herein, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

An air processing device (100) comprising:
an inlet (102);

an outlet (104);

a conduit (106) for air to pass between the inlet and the outlet;

a fan (120) for driving a flow of air through the conduit between the inlet and the outlet;

at least one air processing component (130) selected from:
an air filter (132) arranged to filter air passing between the inlet and the outlet; and

one or more components (134, 136) for adjusting a concentration of water vapour within the air passing between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the air processing device (100) further comprises:

a heater (142); and

one or more ducts (144) for carrying heated air from the heater to one or more of the air processing components (130) and/or the outlet (104) respectively, wherein the ducts are arranged to introduce the heated air into the conduit (106) between the inlet (102) and the outlet (104).
The air processing device (100) of claim 1, wherein the one or more components for adjusting the concentration of water vapour within the air passing between the inlet (102) and the outlet (104) comprise a water tank (134) and a wick (136), wherein the wick is at least partially received within the water tank and in the flow of air between the inlet and the outlet.
The air processing device (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the air processing device further comprises:
a heater fan (149) for driving a flow of air from the heater (142) through the one or more ducts (144) towards the one or more air processing components (130) and/or the outlet (104).
The air processing device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the air processing device further comprises:
a nozzle (146) associated with each of the one or more ducts (144), the nozzles for directing the heated air passing through the ducts towards the ones of air processing components (130) and the outlet (104) with which the respective ducts (144) are associated.
The air processing device (100) of the preceding claims, wherein the air processing device further comprises one or more valves (150) provided in respective ones of the one or more ducts (144), the valves for controlling the flow of heated air through the ducts.
The air processing device (100) of claim 5, wherein the air processing device further comprises a controller (160) configured to control the operation of the valves (150), and optionally the fan (120), based on an operating mode of the air processing device.
The air processing device (100) of claim 6, wherein the controller (160) is configured to selectively operate the air processing device in a first mode, in which each of the valves (150) is closed and in which the fan (120) is controlled to drive the flow of air between the inlet (102) and the outlet (104).
The air processing device (100) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the controller (160) is configured to selectively operate the air processing device in a second mode, in which one or more of the valves (150) associated with the air filter (132) are opened to permit a flow of air from the heater (142) to the air filter, and in which the fan (120) is controlled so as not to drive the flow of air between the inlet (102) and the outlet (104).
The air processing device (100) of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the controller (160) is configured to selectively operate the air processing device in a third mode, in which one or more of the valves (150) associated with the water tank (134) are opened to permit a flow of air from the heater (142) to the water tank, and in which the fan (120) is controlled to drive a flow of air from the inlet (102) to the outlet (104).
The air processing device (100) of any of claims 6 to 11, wherein the controller (160) is configured to selectively operate the air processing device in a fourth mode, in which one or more of the valves (150) associated with the outlet (104) are opened to permit a flow of air from the heater (142) to outlet, and in which the fan (120) is controlled to drive the flow of air from the inlet (102) to the outlet (104).
The air processing device (100) of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein in the each of the operating modes the controller (160) is configured to control the others of the valves (150) to restrict air flow from the heater (142) to the air processing components (130) through the ducts (144) associated with the others of the valves.
The air processing device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein outlet openings from one, more than one or each of the ducts (144) are positioned downstream of the fan (120) with respect to the flow of air from the inlet (102) to the outlet (104).
The air processing device (100) of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein outlet openings from one or more of the ducts (144) associated with one, more than one or each of the water tank (134), the wick (136) and the outlet (104) are positioned downstream of the fan (120) with respect to the flow of air from the inlet (102) to the outlet (104).
A method (200) of operating an air processing device (100), wherein the air processing device comprises:
an inlet (102);

an outlet (104);

a conduit (106) for air to pass between the inlet and the outlet;

a fan (120) for driving a flow of air through the conduit between the inlet and the outlet;

at least one air processing component (130) selected from:
an air filter (132) arranged to filter air passing between the inlet and the outlet; and

one or more components (134, 136) for adjusting a concentration of water vapour within the air passing between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the air processing device (100) further comprises:

a heater (142);
one or more ducts (144) for carrying heated air from the heater to one or more of the air processing components (130) and/or the outlet (104) respectively, wherein the ducts are arranged to introduce the heated air into the conduit (106) between the inlet (102) and the outlet (104), wherein the method (200) comprises:
determining an operating mode of the air processing device (100); and

selectively supplying heated air from the heater (142) to one or more of the air processing components (130) and/or the outlet (104) via the one or more ducts (144) based on the operating mode of the air processing device.
The method (200) of claim 14, wherein the air processing device (100) further comprises one or more valves (150) provided in respective ones of the one or more ducts (144), wherein selectively supplying heated air from the heater (142) to one or more of the air processing components (130) and/or the outlet (104) comprises selectively operating the valves (150) associated with the air processing components (130) and/or the outlet (104) according to the operating mode of the air processing device.