IT202000019441A1 - FILTRATION ASSEMBLY WITH TREATMENT UNIT - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Field of application

[0001] The present invention relates to an air filtration assembly of a room air ventilation system. In addition, the present invention also relates to the interior air ventilation system of a vehicle which comprises said air filtration assembly.

[0002] The context in which the present invention is placed? that of air filtration assemblies suitable for filtering the air destined for the ventilation of environments. In particular, according to the present invention, the air filtration assembly is suitable for being part of an air ventilation system

[0003] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, this is located in the automotive sector; for example, the present invention ? relating to air filtration assemblies for a passenger compartment air ventilation system in such a way as to be suitable for filtering the air flowing into the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

[0004] In other words, these air filtration assemblies are suitable for carrying out solid filtration of the air, obviating the possibility of that external particles, such as dirt and dust, reach a predefined environment, such as the passenger compartment of a vehicle. At the same time, these air filtration assemblies are suitable for performing solid filtration of the air, obviating any that external particles reach, and potentially lead to wear and/or breakage, of any components of the air aeration system positioned fluidically downstream of the air filtration assembly.

[0005] In the state of the art air filtration assemblies are known in which ? been addressed this problem by proposing unity? particularly efficient and effective filters.

[0006] And? otherwise? the need that the air that reaches the environment is not contaminated by undesirable agents, such as pathogens, bacteria, viruses, is strongly felt. Particularly, ? the need to prevent contaminated air from reaching the interior of an environment is strongly felt, settling and contaminating the surfaces of said environment. Moreover, this requirement is particularly felt in closed environments such as for example the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

[0007] In some cases? It has been found that the filtering media themselves are the habitat in which these pathogens nest and proliferate.

[0008] In the state of the art, therefore, suitable components are known which are suitable for being provided or for being fluidically connected with the air aeration system to perform a ?treatment? action? of the air itself, for example by sanitizing it, sanitizing it and/or perfuming it.

[0009] In other words, in the solutions of the state of the art additional components are provided to the air filtration unit such as to allow the resolution of the aforementioned problem as well.

Solution of the invention

[00010] The need to make available an air filtration unit suitable for effectively solving both the problems associated with solid air filtration and the nature of the air itself as well as the problems is therefore strongly felt. to the treatment of the internal surfaces of the air ventilation system.

[00011] In addition, the aforementioned need has acquired greater importance also in light of the recent global pandemic spread resulting from the Sars-Cov-2 virus.

[00012] The purpose of the present invention? just to provide an assembly of air filtration by which ? solved the aforementioned need, responding effectively and efficiently to the needs? of the specific sector of application.

[00013] This purpose? achieved by the air filtration assembly claimed in claim 1.

Furthermore, this purpose? also solved by a cabin air ventilation system comprising said air filtration assembly in accordance with claim 14.

[00014] The dependent claims show preferred embodiments involving further advantageous aspects.

Description of the drawings

[00015] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures in which:

[00016] ? Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a passenger compartment air ventilation system in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment;

[00017] ? figures 1a and 1b respectively show two perspective views of the passenger compartment air ventilation system of figure 1, respectively in a phase in which the air filtration assembly in accordance with the present invention is extracted from a filtration chamber included in the system and in a phase in which the air filtration assembly ? partially inserted in said filtration chamber;

[00018] ? Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view in separated parts of the air filtration assembly in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment;

[00019] ? Figures 3a and 3b illustrate two perspective views of an air filtration assembly in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment;

[00020] ? Figure 4 is a perspective view of some components included in the air filtration assembly in accordance with the present invention. Detailed description

[00021] In the attached figures, with the reference number 1 ? indicated an air filtration assembly in accordance with the present invention. Also, with the reference number 900 ? indicated an air ventilation system in turn in accordance with the present invention. In particular, according to the present invention said air aeration system 900 ? a vehicle cabin air ventilation system.

[00022] The air filtration assembly 1 ? in fact, it can be housed in a filtration chamber 920 specially provided in said air filtration system 900.

[00023] In particular, according to the present invention, the air filtration assembly 1 has the shape of a panel being that it can be inserted into a specifically designed filtration chamber 920.

[00024] Preferably, in fact, the air aeration system 900 comprises an air duct unit 910 in which ? including the filtration chamber 920. Preferably, said filtration chamber 920 is transverse, for example orthogonal, to the direction along which the air flow flows in said air duct unit 910, from the outside towards the inside of the environment.

[00025] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the air duct assembly 910 comprises a lateral opening 915 through which ? the air filtration assembly 1 can be inserted in a transverse position to the direction in which the air flows. In other words, said lateral opening 915 allows access to the filtration chamber 920.

[00026] According to a preferred embodiment, the air filtration assembly 1 is specially shaped to be insertable through said lateral opening 915 through a single axial insertion operation. In other words, the air filtration assembly 1 ? a panel that can be inserted transversely to the air flow circulating in the air duct assembly 910. In other words, the air filtration assembly 1 ? a section panel substantially complementary to the dimensions of the side opening 915.

[00027] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the passenger compartment air ventilation system 900 comprises a rotationally controllable intake fan unit 950 to suck in air from the external environment and push it into the vehicle passenger compartment.

[00028] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the suction fan unit 950 is placed fluidically downstream of the air filtration assembly 1. Preferably, therefore, the air that passes through the air filtration assembly 1 ? object of a suction action induced by the suction fan assembly 950. Preferably, the air reaching said suction fan assembly 950 is already been subjected to the filtration and treatment operations described below. In addition, as extensively described below, said suction fan assembly 950 can benefit from the effects and advantages offered by the air filtration assembly 1.

[00029] In accordance with the present invention, the air filtration assembly 1 comprises a unit? filter 2 suitable for filtering the air from external particles.

[00030] In accordance with the present invention, the unit? filter 2 comprises a support structure 20 which defines a filter chamber 200.

[00031] The unit? filter 2 also comprises a filtering media 25 which can be traversed by air during filtration.

[00032] The filtering media 25 housed in said filter chamber 200 identifies a first region LS, positioned fluidically upstream of the filtering media 25 in which the air to be filtered flows. In other words, the filtering media 25 locates a "dirty side" upstream of it.

[00033] Furthermore, the filtering media 25 housed in said filter chamber 200 identifies a second region LP positioned fluidically downstream of the filtering media 25 in which filtered air flows. In other words, the filtering media 25 locates a "clean side" downstream of it.

[00034] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the filter media 25? of the type belonging to the panel filter family, preferably of the type with filtering material in the form of a pleated sheet.

[00035] Preferably, the filtering media 25 comprises a filtering material of the type belonging to the family of high efficiency particle filters, for example of the HEPA type.

[00036] According to a preferred embodiment, the filtering media 25 comprises a multilayer filtering structure comprising a filtering layer suitable for the filtration of solid contaminants and an adsorbent layer, preferably placed downstream along the flow direction, suitable for absorbing any gaseous contaminants.

[00037] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the unit? filter 2 comprises a support structure 20 in which ? inserted and supported the filter media 25.

[00038] Preferably, the basic structure 20 comprises side walls 21, 22, 23, 24.

[00039] Preferably, the basic structure 20 comprises at least three side walls 21, 22, 23.

[00040] Preferably, the base structure 20 comprises a head wall 21 suitable for extending parallel to a transverse axis.

[00041] Preferably, the base structure 20 comprises two longitudinal walls 22, 24 which extend from said head wall 21.

[00042] Preferably, the two longitudinal walls 22, 24 are joined by a bottom wall 23.

[00043] Preferably, the filter media 25? fixable to said support structure 20 in a removable manner. Preferably, the filter media 25 can be supported by a support frame (not shown) additional to the support structure 20 in order to make a self-contained filter insert? standing. In this way, the manipulation operations of the filter insert are facilitated both during the assembly operations of the filtration unit 1 and during the periodic maintenance operations, facilitating the removal and replacement of the filter insert only.

[00044] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the base structure 20 also comprises sealing portions able to engage the walls of the filtration chamber 920, sealingly separating the upstream region and the downstream region of the unit. filter 2.

[00045] In other words, the sealing portions of the base structure 20, in a configuration with the filtration assembly 1 installed inside the duct of the aeration system 900, hermetically separate the first region LS from the second region LP. Preferably, these sealing portions can be included on the same perimeter gasket provided on the base structure 20.

[00046] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the filter chamber 200? defined in the space defined by the side walls 21, 22, 23, 24.

[00047] In accordance with the present invention, the air filtration assembly 1 further comprises treatment means 3 suitable for carrying out a biocidal treatment of the filtering media 25.

[00048] In accordance with the present invention, the treatment means 3 comprise at least one emitter element 35 suitable for emitting a beam of UV rays suitable for carrying out a biocidal treatment of the filtering media 25.

[00049] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, the treatment means 3 performs a biocidal treatment on the side walls and the internal surfaces of the duct of the air aeration system 900 in which ? the filtration assembly 1 is housed.

[00050] According to a preferred embodiment, the action of the UV ray beam involves a sanitizing action of the filtration assembly 1.

[00051] According to a preferred embodiment, the action of the UV ray beam involves an action of destruction of the bacteria and pathogens nestled in the filtering media 25, in particular an action of destruction of the molecular bonds in the DNA of the microorganisms , making them harmless and preventing their growth and reproduction. Preferably, the action of the beam of UV rays involves an action of destruction of the bacteria and pathogens contained in the air itself.

[00052] According to a preferred embodiment, the UV emitter ? configured to emit a beam of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 100 and 400nm. Preferably, the? UV emitter ? configured to emit ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength between 100 and 280nm. Preferably, the UV emitter emits ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of 270nm.

[00053] In accordance with the present invention, the treatment means 3 also comprise a support branch 30 on which said at least one emitter element 35 ? housed.

[00054] Said support branch 30 extends between two opposite side walls. Preferably, the support branch 30 extends between the two longitudinal side walls 22, 24.

[00055] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the support branch 30 extends diagonally between two opposite corners of the support structure.

[00056] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the support branch 30 extends diagonally between two opposite side walls.

[00057] According to the present invention, therefore, the emitter element 35 is positioned in such a way as to emit the UV ray beam towards the filter media 25.

[00058] In other words, the emitter element 35 ? positioned in such a way as to emit a beam of UV rays in a transversal direction to the filtering media 25, ie in a direction parallel to the air flow.

[00059] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the support branch 30 and the emitter element 35 are housed in said second region, i.e. upstream of the filter media 25.

[00060] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the support branch 30 and the emitter element 35 are housed in said second region, i.e. downstream of the filter media 25.

[00061] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the at least one emitter element 35 ? positioned facing the filter chamber 200.

[00062] In accordance with a variant embodiment, the at least one emitter element 35 ? a UV LED element.

[00063] In accordance with a variant embodiment, the at least one emitter element 30 ? a UV-C LED element. Preferably, emitting element 30? capable of emitting wavelengths between 100 and 280nm.

[00064] According to a preferred embodiment, each UV LED element has a supply voltage of between 7 and 10 Volts.

[00065] According to a preferred embodiment, each UV LED element generates a UV dose or an irradiance equal to 1.9 mW/cm2 (if powered at 7V and absorbing 100mA).

[00066] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each emitter element 30 emits a beam of UV rays. Preferably, said beam of UV rays has a substantially conical shape. Preferably, said beam of UV rays has an emission angle equal to or greater than 90?. Preferably, said beam of UV rays has an emission angle of about 120?. By emission angle we mean the portion of the UV light beam in which the intensity? of the electromagnetic radiation emitted? greater than or equal to 50% of the rated power.

[00067] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the treatment means 3 comprise a plurality of of emitter elements 35 housed on a support branch 30.

[00068] Preferably, the emitter elements 35 on the same branch are equidistant.

[00069] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the emitter elements 35 on the same branch are positioned in such a way as to avoid overlapping of the respective UV beams.

[00070] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the treatment means 3 comprise a plurality of of longitudinally spaced support branches 30 each comprising at least one emitter element 35.

[00071] Preferably, each support branch 30 houses a plurality of of emitter elements 35.

[00072] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the positioning of the emitter elements 35 on the respective support branches 30 ? such as to avoid overlapping of the respective beams of UV rays.

[00073] According to a preferred embodiment, in which the at least one support branch 30 extends between the two side walls 22, 24 with an arcuate trajectory.

[00074] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one support branch 30 is elastically yielding.

[00075] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each support branch 30? configurable in a raised position with air filtration assembly 1 installed in the filtration chamber 920 and in a collapsed position when inserting or withdrawing the air filtration assembly 1 into/from the filtration chamber 920.

[00076] In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, each support branch 30 ? suitable for modifying its shape/position to allow insertion operations into the filtration chamber 920.

[00077] Preferably, in the insertion and withdrawal operations, each support branch 30 is arranged proximal to the filtering media 25.

[00078] In other words, each support branch 30, in the installed configuration, is arranged in an operating position in which the emitter elements 35 are spaced from the filter media 25.

[00079] According to a preferred embodiment, each support branch 30 has one end? fixed 31 solidly connected to a side wall 24 and one end? mobile 32 engaged movably free to the other side wall 22.

[00080] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each support branch 30 ? metal.

[00081] According to a preferred embodiment, the treatment means 3 comprise control and power supply members 36 housed on the base structure 20 and on the at least one support branch 30 suitable for controlling the actuation of the at least one emitter element 35 and therefore the emission of the UV beam.

[00082] According to a preferred embodiment, the control and power supply members 36 comprise a unit? command 361 and an electric circuit suitable for connecting the at least one emitter element 35 to the unit? command 361.

[00083] Preferably, the electric circuit extends inside the base structure 20 and on the at least one support branch 30.

[00084] Preferably, the electric circuit ? co-molded with the base structure 20 and/or with the support branch 30.

[00085] According to a preferred embodiment, the support branch 30 itself? electrically conductive and therefore included in the electrical circuit.

[00086] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the unit? command 361 ? housed in the end wall 21.

[00087] According to a preferred embodiment, the control and power supply members 36 comprise a battery 362. Preferably, said battery 362? a lithium battery.

[00088] Preferably, said battery 362 electrically supplies the unit? command 361.

[00089] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the unit? command 361 commands the emission of UV rays in an alternating manner.

[00090] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the unit? of command 361 enables the activation of the treatment means 3 when particular conditions occur.

[00091] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the unit? control 361 enables the treatment means 3 so as to carry out a sanitization of the filtration unit 1 at least once a day.

[00092] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the unit? command 361 enables the treatment means 3 so as to enable each emitting element 35 for the minimum duration useful for reaching a minimum irradiation dose of the filtering media equal to 3.7mJ/cm2.

[00093] For example, for purely indicative purposes, considering UV LEDs with irradiance equal to 1.9 mW/cm2 and an emission angle equal to 120?, the unit? command 361 enables each emitter element 35 for a minimum time of 4 seconds.

[00094] According to a preferred embodiment variant, the treatment means 3 are connected directly to a control unit of the vehicle by means of the control and supply members 36.

[00095] In accordance with a variant embodiment, the air filtration unit 1? operatively connected to a control unit included in the vehicle in such a way that the action of the treatment means 3 ? performed according to the state of the vehicle, for example in motion or in a mode? stationary. Preferably, the treatment action performed by the treatment means 3 is executable in correspondence with the motion of the vehicle. Or preferably, the treatment action performed by the treatment means is executable under a mode? stationary of the vehicle, for example when recharging the battery pack of an electric and/or hybrid powered vehicle.

[00096] Innovatively, the air filtration assembly and the passenger compartment air ventilation system which comprises it described above largely fulfill the object of the present invention by overcoming the typical problems of the prior art.

[00097] Advantageously, the air filtration assembly ? suitable for performing both solid filtration operations and air treatment and sanitization operations in an extremely effective manner. Therefore advantageously, the air filtration assembly ? suitable for sanitizing or disinfecting the air and the filter media.

[00098] Advantageously, ? prevented that an environment is reached by dirty air, i.e. including bacteria and/or pathogens, offering adequate protection to the people present in said environment

[00099] Advantageously, the air filtration assembly has the emitter elements in a strategic position for the treatment of the filtered air and the filtering media.

[000100] Advantageously, the support branches are suitable for modifying their shape to allow simple and intuitive insertion and removal operations of the air filtration assembly in the passenger compartment air ventilation system.

[000101] Advantageously, the at least one support branch or support branches are arranged so that they uniformly cover the filter surface.

[000102] Advantageously, the presence of one or more support branches allows the surface of the filtering material to be adequately covered, minimizing the portions of the non-irradiated filtering surface.

[000103] Advantageously, the number of emitter elements ? optimized as much as possible according to the area to be treated.

[000104] Advantageously, the air filtration assembly comprises a filtering media with high particle efficiency (of the HEPA type) so to capture and retain pathogens (bacteria, viruses) of micrometric / sub-micrometric dimensions on the unit? filter and subsequently sanitize the filtration area through the action of the treatment means and in particular through the emission of a beam of UV rays.

[000105] Advantageously, the air filtration assembly ? controllable in treatment when necessary for any needs/conditions. For example, advantageously, the air filtration assembly ? programmable in treatment when necessary for a preferred time interval.

[000106] Advantageously, calibration and positioning of the emitter elements allow uniform distribution of the UV ray beams and therefore uniform treatment of the filtering surface.

[000107] Advantageously, the air filtration unit has compact dimensions thanks to the use of one or more filters. LED emitters, typically very compact in size. Advantageously, the air filtration assembly has the same dimensions as the solutions of known air filtration assemblies.

[000108] Advantageously, the filtration assembly integrates a UV sanitization system with one or more filters. LED emitters by limiting the consumption of electrical power and creating a sanitization system with reduced energy consumption, particularly advantageous both in the case of electric vehicles and in the case of filtration assemblies equipped with their own independent battery.

[000109] Advantageously, the filtration assembly allows the sanitization system to be applied to filtering panels of different sizes simply by adapting the number of UV emitting elements installed on the support structure and/or the number of support branches.

[000110] Advantageously, the use of LED emitters allows the emission angle of the emitted light beam to be exploited to cover the desired filtering surface while keeping the shape of the support structure simple, possibly combining LED emitters with different emission angles.

[000111] Advantageously, the filtration unit has an extremely simple configuration which is flexible and adaptable to various applications.

[000112] Advantageously, the air filtration assembly ? suitable for allowing the retrofitting of current air filtration assemblies installed, for example, on passenger compartment air ventilation systems.

[000113] It is clear that a technician in the sector, in order to satisfy contingent needs, could make modifications to the air filtration assembly and to the passenger compartment air ventilation system, all contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Reference number list:

[000114]

1 air filtration assembly

2 units? filtering

20 basic structure

21 head wall

22, 23 side walls

24 back wall

25 filter media

3 means of treatment

30 support branch

35 emitting element

36 control and power units 361 units? of command

362 battery

900 air ventilation system

910 air duct assembly

915 side opening

920 filtration chamber

950 LS first region intake fan assembly

LP second region

Claims (16)

1. An air filtration assembly (1) for a room air ventilation system (900), preferably for a vehicle interior air ventilation system, which comprises a filtration chamber (920), wherein said air filtration assembly air filtration (1) ? which can be housed in said filtration chamber (920) comprising: - a unit? filter (2) which comprises a base structure (20) comprising side walls (21, 22, 23, 24) defining a filter chamber (200) and comprises a filter media (25) housed in the filter chamber (200) which can be passed through in filtration from the air by identifying a first region (LS), fluidically positioned upstream of the filtering media (25) in which air to be filtered flows, and a second region (LP) fluidically positioned downstream of the filtering media (25) in which filtered air flows ; - treatment means (3) suitable for carrying out a biocidal treatment of the filter media (25) comprising at least one support branch (30) which extends between two opposite side walls (22, 24) and at least one suitable emitting element (35) to emit a beam of UV rays, in which said at least one emitter element (35) ? housed on said support branch (30) and emits said beam of UV rays towards the filtering media (25). 2. Air filtration assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the treatment means (3) comprise a plurality of of emitter elements (35) housed on a support branch (30). 3. Air filtration assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment means (3) comprise a plurality of of longitudinally spaced support branches (30) each comprising at least one emitter element (35). 4. Air filtration assembly (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one support branch (30) extends between the two side walls (22, 24) with an arcuate trajectory. 5. Air filtration assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one support branch (30) is? elastically compliant in such a way as to be configurable in a squashed position in the insertion or withdrawal operations of the air filtration assembly (1) in the filtration chamber (920). 6. Air filtration assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein each support branch (30) has an end? fixed (31) solidly connected to a side wall (24) and one end? movable (32) engaged movably free to the other side wall (22). 7. Air filtration assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one support branch (30) and the at least one emitter element (35) are positioned in the first region (LS). 8. An air filtration assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter media (25) is? of the type belonging to the family of panel filters, preferably of the type with filtering material in the form of a pleated sheet, preferably belonging to the family of high efficiency particle filtering materials, for example of the HEPA type. 9. An air filtration assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said air filtration assembly (1) is? specially shaped to be insertable in the filtration chamber (920) included in the air filtration system (900) by means of an insertion operation along an insertion axis which extends transversally to the direction in which the air flows in said filtration system air (900), wherein the at least one support branch (30) extends parallel to said insertion axis. 10. Air filtration assembly (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment means (3) comprise control and supply members (36) housed on the base structure (20) and on at least one branch support elements (30) suitable for controlling the actuation of the at least one emitter element (35), and therefore the emission of the UV ray beam. 11. Air filtration assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein the control and power supply members (36) comprise a unit? command (361) and an electric circuit suitable for connecting the at least one emitter element (35) to the unit? of command (361). The air filtration assembly (1) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the control and supply members (36) comprise a battery (362). 13. Air filtration assembly (1) in accordance with any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the unit? control (361) alternately controls the emission of UV rays. 14. A cabin air ventilation system (900) of a vehicle comprising a filtration chamber (920) and an air filtration assembly (1) houseable in said filtration chamber (920) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims. The cabin air ventilation system (900) according to claim 14, comprising an air duct assembly (910) in which ? including the filtration chamber (920), wherein the air duct assembly (910) includes a side opening (915) through which the air filtration assembly (1) can be inserted in a transverse position to the direction in which the air flows. 16. Cabin air ventilation system (900) according to any one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the air filtration assembly (1) is ? operatively connected to a control unit included in the vehicle in such a way that the action of the treatment means ? performed according to the state of the vehicle, for example in motion or in a mode? stationary.