GB2580161A

GB2580161A - Ambient air filtration apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2580161A
Application number: GB1821121.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Forrest Smith Philip; John Arthur Dryden Joshua
Original assignee: RECORD POWER Ltd
Current assignee: RECORD POWER Ltd
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2018-12-21
Publication date: 2020-07-15
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-21
Also published as: GB201821121D0; GB2580161B

Abstract

An air filtration apparatus comprises a housing 2 having at least one aperture 4 permitting the ingress of air, a base 1 releasably attached to the housing, a filter 22 attached to the base and within the housing, a suction means 31 drawing air into the housing via the at least one aperture and through the filter, and the housing has a suspension means 3 suspending the apparatus in use away from a ceiling. The base defines a recessed (16, fig 3) rim 18 having an upward extending lip 20 such that the base is tray like. The base comprises an x-shaped handle (17) and the base is attached to the housing using a quick release bayonet fitting. The suspension means comprises at least one eyelet 15 on a mounting component having a plurality of arms 12. The housing comprises first 6, second 7 and third 8 housing portions, with the first and second portions having co-operating recesses 9, 10 defining a single recess to provide a handle. The at least one aperture may be a plurality of apertures disposed around the housing perimeter and air is drawn therethrough into a central cavity 27 through the filter which is annular.

Description

Ambient air filtration apparatus The present invention relates to air filtration apparatus, particularly to ambient air filtration apparatus for a workshop environment.

Dust and other contaminants are often produced in working environments, particularly where wood working is performed, which generates large amounts of sawdust. The dust and contaminants are then ejected into the air. Such contaminants may pose a health risk, reduce visibility or otherwise provide an undesirable work environment. Ambient air filtration apparatus are often used in confined areas, such as workshops, where dust and other airborne contaminants are unable to readily disperse.

Air filtration apparatus may be suspended from a ceiling, beam, gantry or other raised position to provide effective contaminate removal whilst not consuming space on a workshop floor.

Such systems conventionally comprise a filter that is removable in order to allow cleaning of the filter, however, such filters are typically are often difficult to remove and may require the removal of screws or other attachment means. This poses a difficulty when the system is suspended as the user may have difficulty in accessing the system and may require working on a ladder, which is both inconvenient and has inherent safety risks, or the system may have be removed from its suspended position entirely.

The present invention aims to mitigate or resolve one or more of the above problems.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides an ambient air filtration apparatus comprising: a housing comprising opposing first and second ends, and at least one aperture configured to permit ingress of air; a base releasably attached to the first end of the housing; a filter attached to the base and extending into the housing in use; a suction means arranged to draw air into the housing via the at least one aperture, and through the filter; and wherein the housing comprises means to suspend the apparatus in use.

A filter attached to a removable base allows easy removal of a filter from filter apparatus, as the base can easily be accessed in a suspended apparatus. As the filter is attached to the base, the filter can be removed in a single action by the user.

Preferably, the filter is releasably attached to the base.

The separation of the base and the filter allows convenient cleaning, or changing, of the filter.

Preferably, the base has a greater width dimension than the filter, so as to form a rim portion around an end of the filter. Preferably, the rim portion of the base is recessed. Preferably, the rim portion comprises an upwardly extending lip.

Preferably, the base is tray like and extends partially along a side wall of the apparatus, e.g. comprising and/or adjoining a portion of a side wall of the housing.

The recessed rim portion and the upwardly extending lip form a tray like arrangement at the end of the filter. This collects dust and contaminants captured by the filter and prevents such dust and contaminants falling on the user upon removal of the filter.

Preferably, the base comprises a handle. Preferably, the handle is radially aligned with respect to an axis of the filter. Preferably, the handle is X-shaped. Preferably, the base is attached to the housing using a quick release fitting. Preferably, the base is attached to the housing using a bayonet fitting.

This allows convenient gripping and removal of the base by the user.

Preferably, the filter is hollow/annular and the suction means draw air through a central cavity of the filter.

Preferably, a plurality of apertures are disposed in a side wall or around a perimeter of the housing. Openings may be provided over multiple side wall portions so as to face in different directions, e.g. so that air may be drawn in through the apertures from all lateral directions.

Preferably, the housing is substantially drum shaped.

The allows the apparatus to retain a compact figuration and to provide uniform suction around the perimeter of the housing.

Preferably, the suspension means is located at the second end of the housing. Preferably, the suspension means comprises at least one attachment formation, such as a upstanding eyelet, e.g. a plurality of formations such as three or four formations.

Preferably, the suspension means is disposed on a mounting component releasably attached to the housing. Preferably, the suspension means comprises a plurality of arms, e.g. each arm carrying an attachment formation.

Preferably, a second housing portion comprises a recessed portion in a lower surface and a first housing portion comprises a recessed portion in an upper surface, the respective recessed portion beings aligned so as to provide a single recessed portion in order to provide a handle.

10 15 20 25 This arrangement provides a compact handle that can formed by moulding of the first and second housings.

Preferably, the suction means is configured to exhaust air in a radial direction. One or more outlet/exhaust apertures may be provided in a side wall or around a perimeter of the housing. Outlet apertures may be provided over multiple side wall portions so as to face in different directions, e.g. so that air may be blown out through the apertures in multiple/all lateral directions.

This permits exhaust air to be distributed uniformly around the apparatus, e.g. to prevent draughts.

Embodiments of the invention will be described in further detail below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Fig. 1 is a front view of an ambient air filter according to an example of the invention; Fig. 2 is a first isometric view of an ambient air filter according to an example of the invention; Fig. 3 is a second isometric view of an ambient air filter according to an example of the invention; Fig. 4 is a cross section view of a central axis of an ambient air filter according to an example of the invention; Fig. 5 is a first isometric view of an ambient air filter according to an example of the invention with the base and filter removed; Fig. 6 is a second isometric view of an ambient air filter according to an example of the invention with the filter removed from the base; Fig. 7 is an exploded view an ambient air filter according to an example of the invention showing the assembly of the upper portion of the housing;

Detailed description of the invention

Turning to fig. 1, the ambient air filtration apparatus comprises: a base 1; a housing generally designated as 2; a suspension means 3; a plurality of apertures 4 to permit ingress of air into the housing 2; and a plurality of apertures 5 in the housing to permit exhaust of air from a suction means located within the housing.

The housing 2 is comprised of three portions: a first housing portion 6, at a first end of the housing, releasably connected to the base 1; a second housing portion 7; and a third housing portion 8, at a second end of the housing. The housing portions are releasably connected to the adjacent housing portion(s), e.g. in a stacked sequence. This provides convenient assembly and disassembly, for example, to replace or clean any of the component parts.

The housing may be formed from a polymeric material. This may comprise a thermoplastic, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The housing is manufactured using an injection moulding technique. However, the housing may be made from other materials, such as metal, or manufactured using different moulding techniques, such as blow moulding, rotational moulding or gas injection moulding.

The first housing portion 6 may be constructed by producing two shells portions, uniting the shell portions and securing them together (see fig. 5 particularly), for example, using screws, interference fit, latches/clips and/or other conventional fasteners. Similarly, this allows a modular construction to provide convenient assembly/disassembly.

The housing is substantially drum shaped. This allows for a simpler manufacturing process and provides an even air suction distribution around the device. However, the housing may be rectangular, triangular or form any polygonal shape as desired.

The first housing portion 6 comprises a plurality of apertures 4 disposed around the perimeter and over substantially the full height of the first housing portion. The apertures are arranged into plurality of adjacent cells, the cells being arranged in a pattern or array over the surface of the first housing portion 6, e.g. covering the majority, or all, of the exterior of first housing portion.

Each of the cells comprises a plurality of elongate apertures 4, the elongate apertures in one cell extending in a different direction to the elongate apertures of each adjacent cell. The cells in this example are generally quadrilateral in plan, in this example being diamond shaped, although different geometric cell shapes could be provided. The varying direction of the elongate apertures 4 ensures that structural rigidity of the housing is not degraded despite a large flow area through the apertures.

The arrangement of the apertures/cells permits an even distribution of air flow into the apertures around the first housing portion, as suction is provided through the apertures in a plurality of radial directions. This also provides a relatively large inlet flow area for flow through the filter, so a majority of the surface area of the filter is exposed to the incoming air flow and a large volume of air can be filtered for a given envelope of the apparatus. This may also allow the apparatus to be used in confined spaces, e.g. where one side of the apparatus may be partially or fully obscured.

A significant portion, or majority, of the external surface of the first housing portion may be provided by the apertures. Thus, the available flow area may be at least 30%, 40% or 50% of the external surface area of the first housing portion 6.

The edges of the cells also comprise an inwardly extending rib or wall on the inner surface of the first housing portion. This adds to the structural rigidity of the first housing portion for a given wall thickness, e.g. without disrupting the air flow through the apertures.

The second housing portion 7 is interposed between, and releasably attached to, the first 6 and third 8 housing portions when the apparatus is assembled. The second 7 and third 8 housing portions may come together to form a housing for the suction means, e.g. which may form a head assembly that is attachable atop the first housing portion 6.

An inner portion of the second housing portion 7 supports the suction means and seals against the filter (described below). The second housing portion comprises a recessed portion 9 in a lower surface (e.g. in the vicinity of the lower peripheral edge) and the first housing portion comprises a recessed portion 10 in an upper surface thereof (e.g. in the vicinity of its upper peripheral edge). The respective recessed portions are aligned to provide a single recessed portion, which forms a handle for the assembled apparatus. This arrangement provides a compact handle that can formed conveniently by moulding of the first and second housings and so does not require any external components to be attached. Two diametrically opposed handles may be formed, i.e. on opposing sides of the housing.

The third housing portion 8 provides a hood, cap or lid formation over the upper end of the housing.

The third housing portion 8 comprises a plurality of outlet apertures 5 disposed around the perimeter of the third housing portion. Multiple outlet apertures 5 are angularly spaced in circumferential array. This permits an even distribution of air flow exiting the housing over a relatively large flow area and can prevent a draught being formed, i.e. creating a diffuse exhaust flow.

The outlet apertures 5 are elongate in form and extend in a direction that is generally aligned with a longitudinal/axial direction of the apparatus.

An upper part of the third housing portion has a reduced width, forming a ledge or shoulder formation 35 between the upper part and a lower part in which the apertures 5 are provided.

The outlet apertures 5 extend along a side wall of the housing portion 8 as well as around a corner formed by the ledge 35. Thus a portion of the outlet apertures faces upwardly, as well as laterally outwardly, in use. The apertures extend onto the ledge 35 to form an L-shaped aperture.

The apertures 5 are angled/offset with respect to a radial direction from the third housing portion, i.e. being oriented to direct exhausted air in a circumferential direction or else a direction between radial and circumferential directions. The apertures may be angled, for example, between 30 and 60 degrees away from the radial direction. The apertures 5 comprise an inwardly extending rim 36 that extends around the perimeter of the aperture (see fig. 4). The rims 36 are angled to conform to the angle of the apertures 5. This gives additional structural support to the wall surrounding the aperture, allowing a reduction in the thickness of said wall, and helps guide the air flow to the desired aperture angle. This may accommodate the swirl in the air exhausted by the rotor of the suction means.

Turning to figure 2, the suspension means 3 will be described. The suspension means 3 comprises at least one eyelet 15, although other means may be used, for example, hooks, loops, pulleys etc. The suspension means comprise attachment points by which the apparatus may be hung in use, e.g. using cords, rope, chains or the like suspended from a beam, ceiling or other attachment point above the ground.

The eyelets are attached to a mounting component 11. The mounting component comprises a substantially circular central portion 13, which is releasably attached to the end of the of third housing portion 8. The mounting component is mounted in a recess formed in the end of the third housing portion 8, the recess conforming to the shape of the mounting component. The mounting component may be attached via screws, an interference fit, clips, latches, a bayonet fitting, or similar fastening(s).

The mounting component further comprises a plurality of arms 12, which extend over the side of the third housing portion 8, with the eyelets 15 being attached adjacent the end of the arms. The arms allow for a wide attachment span to suspend the apparatus, whilst not requiring an increase in the width of the of the housing.

A power button 14 is provided in the central portion 13 of the mounting component to allow convenient operation of the apparatus. In various embodiments, the power button could be provided elsewhere or else the apparatus could be operated by a remote control signal, i.e. the housing having a wireless signal receiver in addition to, or instead of, the power button 14.

Turning to fig. 3, the base 1 will be described. The base is releasably attached to the lower end of the first housing portion 6. The base is attached using a quick release mechanism, for example, a bayonet fitting. However, other releasable attachment means may be used, for example, a screw thread, an interference fit, clips or latches. A bayonet fitting advantageously allows quick, single-handed release, although a short screw thread fitting (e.g. requiring less than a whole turn for engagement/disengagement) may provide a similar benefit.

The base 1 is releasably attached to a filter (described below) using a quick release mechanism, for example, a bayonet fitting, however, other means may be used, for example, a screw thread, an interference fit, or latches.

The base comprises a substantially flat, central or radially-inner portion 16, which is recessed relative to the radially-outer or rim portion 18 that defines the lowermost face of the base 1. The apparatus may be stood on the rim portion 18 for use if desired.

The base comprises a handle 17 disposed on a lower surface of the base 1, i.e. the underside of the inner portion 16. The handle is thus provided in the recessed portion of the base 1.

The handle 17 is radially aligned with respect to a longitudinal axis of the base 1 and/or housing 2. The handle 17 is substantially X-shaped ("+" shaped or cross-shaped), which allows the user to grasp the handle from multiple orientations to permit easy release of the quick release mechanism, e.g. using a twisting action.

The base further comprises a plurality of upward recessed portions 19 formed on the rim portion 18, the recessed portions 19 corresponding in depth to the height of the eyelets 15, to allow stable stacking of the apparatus. A plurality of frictional pads 37 or projections are provided on the lower surface of rim portion 18.

Turning to fig. 4, the internal components of the apparatus will be described.

A filter 22 is attached to an upper/inner surface of the base 1, e.g. to the recessed portion 19 thereof. The base 1 has a greater width dimension than the filter 22, so that the rim portion 18 is disposed around the end of the filter 22 that is attached to the base.

The rim portion 18 is recessed internally and comprises an upwardly extending lip 20 at its outer peripheral edge. This forms a tray-like base that extends partially along a side wall of the apparatus and the lip 20 lies flush with the side wall of the first housing 6 when connected thereto in use. This allows the base to collect dust and other particulates contaminates during operation that do not pass through the filter 22. The rim portion 18 and lip 20 also prevent dust and contaminates falling onto the user when removing the filter as will be described below.

The filter 22 is located centrally within the housing. The filter comprises annular side walls 26 formed from filter material, and a substantially cylindrical central cavity 27. The walls 26 may comprise a pleated filter arrangement. The filter 22 is releasably attached to the base 1 by a first end cap/connector 24 of the filter 22 and is sealed against the inner portion of second housing portion 7 by a second cap/connector 23 at the opposing end of the filter.

The filter 22 is sealed against the underside of the second housing portion 7 by an 5 annular deformable seal 28 on the second end cap 23. The second housing portion 7 comprises an annular groove 25 that, in use, is located in a recess 29 formed on the second end cap 23, in order to secure the filter in place.

Suction means 21 is mounted in the second housing portion 7, preferably, in a central portion thereof, such that the suction means is aligned with cavity 27 in the filter. The suction means comprises an impellor or fan and an electric motor, i.e. with the fan being driven by the rotor of the electric motor, which are collectively referred to herein below as fan 31.

The suction means is controlled by the power switch 14 formed on the mounting component 11, which controls the supply of power to the fan 31. Other means to control the power supply to the vacuum may be provided, for example, a timer to automatically control operation of the apparatus, or a remote-control receiver, configured to receive remote commands from a user/controller.

The fan 31 and its housing is shaped/configured to draw air into the fan through the central cavity 27 of the filter and to exhaust the air in an at least partially radial direction, through the outlet apertures 5.

The second housing portion 7 thus has a central/axial inlet opening 32 for the fan 31. The housing portions 7 and 8, when brought together enclose the fan 31 and define the flow passage from the inlet 32, through the fan and to the outlet apertures 5.

Fig. 7 shows an exploded view in which the first housing portion 6, the second housing portion 7, the third housing portion 8 and the component 11 are separated. As discussed previously, forming the apparatus from separate components permits a modular design that is convenient to manufacture and assemble/disassemble.

Figs. 5 and 7 show the radial/centrifugal fan 31 mounted in the fan housing, e.g. on the second housing 7, and configured to direct the exhaust air flow from the fan 31 outwardly. The fan comprises a plurality of curved/angled walls 34 acting as impeller blades. The walls 34 extend between upper and lower annular plates so as to define flow channels 33 there-between, the width of the flow channels increasing with radial distance. The curved nature of the walls 34 means that the flow channels 33 extend in both a radial and circumferential direction. This arrangement propels the air in both a radial and circumferential direction to uniformly expel the air around the perimeter of the housing. The air is dispersed and dissipates in a plurality of directions and thus reduces air velocity quickly as it leaves the housing.

Operation of the apparatus When in use, the apparatus is fully assembled, as shown in Figs. 1 to 4, and may be suspended from a raised fixing location by the suspension means S. The filter 22 is attached to the base 1; the base is attached to the lower edge of the first housing portion 6; and the filter 22 is sealed between the base 1 and the underside of the second housing portion 7.

When power is provided to the suction means 21, air is drawn into the apertures 4 in the first housing 6, passes through the filter walls 26, and is drawn into the internal cavity 27 of the filter 22. The air then passes through the opening 32 and fan 31, driven by the impeller blades 34 of the fan, and is exhausted through the apertures 5 in the third housing portion 8.

The outlet apertures 5 are angled such that they are aligned with the direction of the air flowing out from the fan 31. This reduces the turbulence of the air in the third housing 8 and so increases the air flow through the device and/or reduces the noise of the device.

Dust and contaminates will collect on the filter material of the filters wall 26 and may subsequently fall into the recessed portion 18 formed on the base.

As the apertures 4 in the first housing portion 6 are spaced around the perimeter of the apparatus, air is drawn uniformly from a plurality of directions into the device.

As shown in fig. 5, when the user is required to remove the filter 22, the user may grab the handle 17 formed on the base 1 in order to twist the base and release the base 1 from the housing 2. This allows the user to remove the filter 22 in order to clean or replace the filter without direct contact with the filter. As the filter 22 is attached to the base 1 and the base comprises a handle, the user can remove both the base and the filter in a single action, and the action can be performed using a single hand.

The filter 22 attached to the base 1 also permits easier access from beneath the apparatus. The recessed rim 18 also prevents any dust or contaminants falling onto the user during removal, for example into the user's eyes. This greatly increases the ease in which the filter 22 can changed if the apparatus is suspended and/or has restricted access.

The user may hold the handle 17 to tip the contents of the rim 18 into a bin and/or to tap or shake the filter 22 to remove further dust or particulates that have collected on the filter.

Fig 6. shows the filter 22 detached from base 1. Once the filter and base arrangement has been detached from the housing, the filter 22 may be separated from the base 1, if desired. This allows the user to further clean the filter 22 or to allow replacement of the filter. The lower surface of the filter end cap 24 comprises a series of slots 30. The slots 24 engage with a series of bayonet formations formed on the base to form a connection there between. This allows the user to simply twist the filter 22 to separate the filter and the base 1.

The lower surface of the filter end cap 24 comprises one or more alignment/cross features. One or more ribs are located on the upper surface of the base 1 in corresponding locations, such that the ribs engage the alignment/cross features to maintain relative orientation of the filter 22 and the base 1.

Claims

1. An ambient air filtration apparatus comprising: a housing comprising opposing first and second ends, and at least one aperture configured to permit ingress of air; a base releasably attached to the first end of the housing so as to close the first end of the housing; a filter attached to the base and extending into the housing in use, wherein the filter is removable from the housing on the base; suction means arranged to draw air into the housing via the at least one aperture, and through the filter; and wherein the housing comprises means to suspend the apparatus in use.

2. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to claim 1, where the filter is releasably attached to the base.

3. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to any preceding claim, where the base has a greater width dimension than the filter, so as to form a rim portion around an end of the filter.

4. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to claim 3, where the rim portion of the base is recessed.

5. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to claims 3 or 4, where the rim portion comprises an upwardly extending lip.

6. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to claims 3-5, where the base is tray like and extends partially along a side wall of the apparatus.

7. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to any preceding claim, where the base comprises a handle.

8. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to claim 7, where the handle is radially aligned with respect to an axis of the filter.

9. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to claims 7 or 8, where the handle is X-shaped.

10. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to claims 7-9, where the base is attached to the housing using a quick release fitting.

11. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to claim 10, where the base is attached to the housing using a bayonet fitting.

12. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to any preceding claim, where the suspension means is located at the second end of the housing.

13. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to any preceding claim, where the suspension means comprises at least one upstanding eyelet.

14. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to any preceding claim, where 20 the suspension means is disposed on a mounting component releasably attached to the housing

15. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to claim 14, where the mounting component comprises a plurality of arms 25

16. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to any preceding claim, where a second housing portion comprises a recessed portion on a lower surface and a first housing portion comprises a recessed portion on an upper surface, the respective recessed portion beings aligned so as to provide a single recessed portion, in order to provide a handle.

17. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to any preceding claim, where the filter is annular and the suction means draw air through a central cavity in the filter.

18. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to any preceding claim, where a plurality of apertures are disposed around the perimeter of the housing.

19. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to any preceding claim, where the housing is substantially drum shaped.

20. An ambient air filtration apparatus according to any preceding claim, where the suction means is configured to exhaust air in a radial direction.