WO2014196910A1

WO2014196910A1 - Particulate trap

Info

Publication number: WO2014196910A1
Application number: PCT/SE2014/000073
Authority: WO
Inventors: Conny Norman
Original assignee: Conny Norman
Priority date: 2013-06-03
Filing date: 2014-05-30
Publication date: 2014-12-11

Abstract

The invention is constituted by a particulate trap 1 for extracting particles from an air stream, in which the particulate trap has at least three outer walls 10, 11, 12, 13 and at least one baffle 2, in which the particulate trap 1 is folded during storage and transport and unfolded during use, so that the outer walls 10, 11, 12, 13 form a channel 20, and that the particulate trap 1 is arranged with at least one foldable baffle 2 arranged between two foldable outer walls 10, 11, in which the first of the mounting sides 3 of the baffle is affixed to a first wall 10 and the second of the mounting sides 4 of the baffle is affixed to a second wall 11, in which the baffle 2, when the first wall 10 and the second wall 11 are unfolded, forms a surface A, in which the surface A, after unfolding, is wholly or partially arranged laterally against the outer wall 10, 11, 12, 13. The invention is further constituted by a fan unit, a particulate trap system, and a method for opening up a collapsed particulate trap.

Description

PARTICULATE TRAP

TECHNICAL TRAP

The present patent application relates to a particulate trap for extracting particles from an air stream, in which the particulate trap has at least three outer walls and at least one baffle. The invention is further constituted by a fan unit, a particulate trap system, and a method for opening up a collapsed particulate trap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION, PROBLEM DEFINITION AND PRIOR ART

Particles, such as dust or pollen, for example, are an unwelcome element in indoor air. Traditionally, various types of vacuum cleaners and air cleaners have been used to, in a variety of ways, remove the particles. Due to gravity, the airborne particles will in time end up covering floors and furniture. If the particles can be separated before particles reach a surface, the need for cleaning diminishes. Removal of particles is carried out, for example, for health reasons or aesthetic reasons, but can also be done in order to, in a variety of ways, recover or concentrate substances.

There are a number of methods for filtering particles from a flow, in which traditional methods often include various filters in which the particles get caught and are detained. There are also other methods of filtering, for example by extraction of particles through a change of velocity of the air flow. It is from this method field or technical field that the present invention derives.

Examples of filtering by extraction, also referred to as recovery, of particles in an air flow via a change of velocity of the air flow are shown in patent application SE 0002782-1. Since the principle for air cleaning through a change of velocity of an air flow is extensively described in SE 0002782-1, the principle is not further described in the present text. The device shown in the patent specification does not indicate a collapsible particulate trap . Traditionally, various forms of filters have been used, through which an air stream containing particles passes. The filters are arranged such that particles get caught in the filters, whilst the air stream can pass through the filter. One consideration in the production of the filter is the degree of filtering of the filter. A filter which filters very small particles has the drawback that it becomes clogged, requires a powerful flow of the air stream, is difficult to produce with the correct performance, etc. A filter which only filters larger particles has the drawback that the small particles can pass freely through the filter.

The drawbacks of the traditional filtering methods are, inter alia, that they are loud, have low performance, are bulky and generate a disposable product which is not environmentally friendly, since a filter often contains various forms of plastics materials or other materials and material combinations which cannot be regarded as environmentally friendly.

Problems with currently existing solutions according to the above-stated filtering techniques are thus related to noise level, the possibility of effectively filtering various particle sizes with one filter and of creating an environmentally friendly filter which is simple to transport and fit.

Further problems which the present invention aims to solve emerge in connection with the following detailed description of the various embodiments.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION AND ITS DISTINCTIVE FEATURES

The object of the present invention is a collapsible particulate trap which can be arranged on a fan unit belonging to a particulate trap system.

The invention relates to a particulate trap for extracting particles from an air stream, in which the particulate trap has at least three outer walls and at least one baffle, in which the particulate trap is folded during storage and transport and unfolded during use, so that the outer walls form a channel, and that the particulate trap is arranged with at least one foldable baffle arranged between two foldable outer walls, in which the first of the mounting sides of the baffle is affixed to a first wall and the second of the mounting sides of the baffle is affixed to a second wall, in which the baffle, when the first wall and the second wall are unfolded, form a surface, in which the surface, after unfolding, is wholly or partially arranged laterally against the outer wall. According to further aspects of the improved particulate trap for extracting particles from an air stream: the deployed baffle forms a surface, in which the surface wholly or partially slopes towards a point, in which the point is arranged close to or against one or more outer walls, to which outer walls the baffle is affixed; the particulate trap is arranged with at least four outer walls, in which the first outer wall is arranged foldably with the second outer wall, and in which the second outer wall is arranged foldably with the third outer wall, and in which the third outer wall is arranged foldably with the fourth outer wall, and in which the fourth outer wall is arranged with a mounting tab for mounting of the fourth outer wall against the first outer wall, forming, in the unfolded position, a substantially square channel containing at least one deployed baffle; the particulate trap is arranged with at least two baffles, which are fixedly arranged against the inner side of the outer walls, in which the first mounting side of the first baffle is arranged against the first outer wall and the second mounting side of the first baffle is arranged against the second outer wall, in which the first baffle, in the opened-up position, spans a surface, and in which the first mounting side of the second baffle is arranged against the fourth outer wall and the second mounting side of the second baffle is arranged against the third outer wall, in which the second baffle, in the opened-up position, spans a surface; further baffles, over and above the first baffle and the second baffle, are placed such that the flow path through the particulate trap is extended by alternately arranging a baffle against the first outer wall and the second outer wall, and the next baffle against the third outer wall and the fourth outer wall; the particulate trap is made from plastic, metal or other solid material or paper, cardboard, board or other fibre- based material; the surface of the fibre-based material is arranged with a film; the film is made of plastic.

The invention is further constituted by a fan unit for a particulate trap, in which the fan unit has an intake for air, as well as a fan, in which the fan unit is arranged with a mounting device for mounting a particulate trap according to the above on the output of the fan unit, so that the fan unit transports air through the particulate trap.

The invention is further constituted by a particulate trap system, in which a particulate trap according to the above is arranged with a fan unit according to the above.

The invention is further constituted by a method for opening up a collapsed particulate trap, in which the particulate trap, in the collapsed state, comprises four collapsed outer walls, so that the outer walls are in bearing contact one against the other, and in which at least two baffles are arranged, folded together, between two of the outer walls; in which: i.) opening up of the first outer wall, which bears against the second outer wall, so that at least a first baffle, which is arranged against the first outer wall and the second outer wall, is opened up and spans a plane, ii.) opening up of the fourth outer wall, which bears against the third outer wall, so that at least a second baffle, which is arranged against the third outer wall and the fourth outer wall, is opened up and spans a plane, iii. ) collapsing of the first outer wall and the second outer against the third outer wall and the fourth outer wall, forming a substantially rectangular channel, iv. ) mounting of a particulate trap with a mounting tab arranged on the fourth outer wall, so that the fourth outer wall is arranged against the first outer wall. ADVANTAGES AND EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

The advantage of the present invention is that the particulate trap is simple to transport, small to store and stock, cost-effective in its design, and environmentally friendly both in terms of production and in terms of disposal of a spent particulate trap.

FIGURE DRAWING

The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the attached figures, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a diagram of an opened-up particulate trap in cross section according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a diagram of a collapsed particulate trap in cross section according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3a shows the opening up of a part of a particulate trap in a first position according to one embodiment of the invention .

Fig. 3b shows the opening up of a part of a particulate trap in a second position according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3c shows the opening up of a part of a particulate trap in a third position according to one embodiment of the invention .

Fig. 3d shows the opening up of a part of a particulate trap in a fourth position according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 shows the particulate trap 1 opened up and in cross section. The particulate trap consists of at least three outer walls 10, 11, 12 and preferably of four walls 10, 11, 12, 13, a first outer wall 10, a second outer wall 11, a third outer wall 12 and a fourth outer wall 13. Where four outer walls 10, 11, 12, 13 are utilized, a substantially rectangular channel 20 is formed, and where three outer walls are utilized, a substantially triangular channel (not shown in the figure) is formed. A baffle is a screen or wall of some kind which leads gas, liquid, particles or sound in a desired direction. In a particulate trap 1, at least one baffle 2 is arranged. The outer walls 10, 11, 12, 13 are arranged such that a channel 20 is formed, in which one or more baffles 2 are arranged. In the opened-up position, the particulate trap 1 is arranged with a lower opening 21 and an upper opening 22. The outer walls have an inner side and an outer side, in which the inner side is arranged against the channel. The baffles 2 are fixedly arranged against the inner side of the outer walls, in which the first mounting side 3 of the baffle 2 is arranged against the first outer wall 10 and the second mounting side 4 is arranged against the second outer wall 11. In the opened-up position, the baffle 2 spans a surface A, in which the surface is divided in the middle by a foldable centre line 5. In the opened-up position, the surface A is arranged wholly or partially perpendicular to or laterally against one or more outer walls, so that the surface A is a surface A which is arranged against the outer wall, yet projects into the channel 20. The surface A of the baffle is inclined or otherwise slopes towards the point 6, which is arranged close to or against one or more outer walls, so that, by virtue of gravity and the air stream, particles extracted from the air stream are transported or otherwise move towards the point 6. Where a plurality of baffles are arranged in a particulate trap 1, a second baffle 2^' is preferably arranged such that the first mounting side 3 ' of the second baffle 2^' is arranged against the fourth outer wall 13 and the second mounting side 4' of the second baffle 2' is arranged against the third outer wall 12. In the opened-up position, the second baffle 2^' spans a surface A^' . Following baffles are preferably placed so that the flow path through the particulate trap 1 is extended by alternately placing a baffle against the outer walls 10, 11 and the next baffle against the outer walls 12, 13.

Fig. 2 shows the particulate trap 1 in the collapsed position and partially in cross section. In the collapsed position, the outer walls 10, 11, 12, 13 are arranged such that the outer wall 10 bears against the outer wall 11 and that the outer wall 13 bears against the outer wall 12. The outer wall 13, the fourth outer wall, is arranged with a mounting tab (not shown in the figure) along the long side of the outer wall. With the mounting tab, the fourth outer wall 13 can be arranged against the first outer wall 10.

FIG . 3a shows the particulate trap 1 in the fully collapsed position in cross section, wherein only two of the outer walls 11, 12 are shown. The baffle 2 is fully collapsed along the foldable centre line 5.

FI G . 3b shows the particulate trap 1 in the partially collapsed position in cross section, wherein only two of the outer walls 11, 12 are shown. The baffle 2 has begun to be deployed.

FI G . 3c shows the particulate trap 1 in the partially opened-up position in cross section, wherein only two of the outer walls 11, 12 are shown.

FI G . 3d shows the particulate trap 1 in the fully opened-up position in cross section, wherein only two of the outer walls 11, 12 are shown. The outer walls are now in the opened-up position, so that the angle between the second outer wall 11 and the third outer wall 12 is wholly or partially perpendicular or 90 degrees. The second mounting side 4 of the baffle 2 is affixed to the second outer wall 11 and the first mounting side 3 of the baffle 2 is affixed to the first outer wall 10 (not shown in the figure) .

The particulate trap is fitted by unfolding of the outer walls, in that the first outer wall 10 and the fourth outer wall 13 are separated from the second outer wall 11 and the third outer wall 12. The outer walls 10, 11, 12, 13 are placed such that the outer walls are perpendicular to the nearest adjacent outer wall, so that the first outer wall 10 is perpendicular to the fourth outer wall 13 and the second outer wall 11 and, in the same way, so that the third outer wall 12 is perpendicular to the second outer wall 11 and the fourth outer wall 13, forming a substantially rectangular channel 20. The fourth outer wall 13 is arranged with a mounting tab, so that the fourth outer wall 13 can be affixed to the first outer wall 10. The particulate trap 1 can also be arranged with a device for preventing the possibility of a larger angle than 90 degrees between two of the outer walls where the particulate trap 1 has four outer walls 10, 11, 12, 13, in order to make the particulate trap easier to fit.

The particulate trap 1 preferably includes a number of baffles 2 separated by a predetermined distance which is adapted on the basis of the dimensions of the particulate trap 1 and the desired efficiency of the separation. Since the heavier particles which are separated off by the particulate trap 1 end up on the baffles which are closer to the inlet of the flow, the configuration of the baffles can be adapted such that baffles suited to heavier particles are arranged in the lower part of the particulate trap 1 and baffles suited to lighter particles are arranged in the upper part of the particulate trap 1.

In an advantageous embodiment, the particulate trap is - configured for single usage. When the particulate trap 1 is deemed to be spent, after a certain period or after the particulate trap has been filled with a certain quantity of particles, then the particulate trap is collapsed and discarded. The particulate trap can then be arranged to be easily able to be folded and discarded in the household waste. The particulate trap can also be made from materials which are compostable, which means that both the particulate trap 1 and the particles collected in the particulate trap 1 are compostable. The particulate trap 1 can also be arranged with a device for sealing the lower opening 21, as well as the upper opening 22, of the particulate trap 1 in order to prevent the particles in the particulate trap 1 from leaving the particulate trap 1. The particulate trap 1 can be arranged with various forms of indicators which indicate that the particulate trap 1 is full, for example by virtue of part of the trap being transparent, and in which levels are indicated for when the particulate trap 1 shall be considered full, or with an electrical or mechanical sensor.

The particulate trap 1 can consist of a number of smaller modules, in which each module contains at least one baffle 2, the modules have a lower opening 21, through which the inlet of the air stream is arranged, and an upper opening 22, through which the air flows after the particulate trap 1 has been passed through. The lower opening 21 of a second module is arranged against the upper opening 22 of a first module. The process of arranging two or more modules together enables a particulate trap 1 to be assembled with an optional number of modules and thus with an optional number of baffles 2. Each module is preferably placed such that the flow path through the particulate trap 1 is extended, by the modules with the baffle 2 being alternately placed in a first and a second direction respectively. Preferably, an assembled particulate trap 1 is arranged such that the flow path is winding or that the flow path meanders through the particulate trap 1.

A fan unit is arranged together with the particulate trap 1 in order to generate an air stream through the particulate trap 1. Where an air stream already exists, such as in a ventilation system, for example, the particulate trap 1 can be arranged in the ventilation system. The fan unit together with the particulate trap 1 is referred to as a particulate trap system. A particulate trap system consists of at least one fan unit and at least one particulate trap 1. The fan unit is preferably arranged as a base or a unit to which the particulate trap 1 is affixed. The fan unit transports air from the surface to which the fan unit is affixed. Where the fan unit is placed on a floor, cold floor air containing particles, such as dust, will be transported through the particulate trap 1, in which the particles will be separated or otherwise extracted from the air stream against baffles 2 arranged in the particulate trap 1, which baffles 2 are arranged sloping towards the outer walls 10, 11, 12, 13 of the particulate trap, so that the particles, as a result of gravity, are placed on the baffle 2 against the wall of the particulate trap 1, the air stream flows onward out through the upper opening 22 of the particulate trap. The transportation of the air stream will mean that cold air close to a floor is transported upwards, whereby the heat distribution in the room is improved .

The fan unit is preferably arranged with a fan, for example an axial fan or a radial fan. The speed of the fan can be regulated on the basis of size of particulate trap, type of particulate trap, point in time, temperature, presence of humans, the quantity of particles, or other parameters relevant to controlling the speed of the fan. The principle of the fan for the transportation of gas is well known and is not discussed further in this patent specification. On the high-pressure side of the fan, the particulate trap 1 is arranged such that an air flow is driven, by the fan, through the particulate trap 1. The fan unit can also be provided with an automatic control system, in which the operating time for the particulate trap 1 is measured. In one embodiment, the fan unit can issue an alarm after a predetermined time in order to indicate that the particulate trap 1 is ready to be replaced or emptied.

The particulate trap can also be provided with a conventional filter, such as a carbon filter, for example, in order to filter away organic substances, gases and odours .

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically shown, but can be varied in different ways within the scope of the patent claims.

It will be appreciated, for example, that the number of particulate traps, fan units, and baffles, as well as the integral elements and component parts, is adapted to the filter system(s), dust traps or other air-cleaning systems and other current design characteristics.

It will be appreciated that the above-described method for the extraction of particles can be applied, in principle, to all systems for cleaning or separating particles from gases, liquids or solid materials in particle form.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

Particulate trap (1) for extracting particles from an air stream, in which the particulate trap has at least three outer walls (10), (11), (12), (13) and at least one baffle (2), characterized in that the particulate trap (1) is folded during storage and transport and unfolded during use, so that the outer walls (10), (11), (12), (13) form a channel

(20), and in that the particulate trap (1) is arranged with at least one foldable baffle (2) arranged between two foldable outer walls (10),

(11), in which the first of the mounting sides (3) of the baffle is affixed to a first wall (10) and the second of the mounting sides (4) of the baffle is affixed to a second wall (11), in which the baffle (2), when the first wall (10) and the second wall (11) are unfolded, forms a surface (A), in which the surface (A) , after unfolding, is wholly or partially arranged laterally against the outer wall (10), (11), (12), (13).

Particulate trap (1) for extracting particles from an air stream according to Claim 1, characterized in that the deployed baffle (2) forms a surface

(A) , in which the surface (A) wholly or partially slopes towards a point (6), in which the point (6) is arranged close to or against one or more outer walls (10), (11), (12), (13), to which outer walls

(10), (11), (12), (13) the baffle (2) is affixed.

Particulate trap (1) for extracting particles from an air stream according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the particulate trap

(I) is arranged with at least four outer walls (10), (11), (12), (13), in which the first outer wall (10) is arranged foldably with the second outer wall (11), and in which the second outer wall

(II) is arranged foldably with the third outer wall (12), and in which the third outer wall (12) is arranged foldably with the fourth outer wall (13), and in which the fourth outer wall (13) is arranged with a mounting tab for mounting of the fourth outer wall (13) against the first outer wall (10), forming, in the unfolded position, a substantially square channel (20) containing at least one deployed baffle (2) . Particulate trap (1) for extracting particles from an air stream according to Claim 3, characterized in that the particulate trap (1) is arranged with at least two baffles (2), (2^'), which are fixedly arranged against the inner side of the outer walls, in which the first mounting side (3) of the first baffle (2) is arranged against the first outer wall (10) and the second mounting side (4) of the first baffle (2) is arranged against the second outer wall (11), in which the first baffle (2), in the opened-up position, spans a surface (A) , and in which the first mounting side (3^') of the second baffle (2') is arranged against the fourth outer wall (13) and the second mounting side (4^') of the second baffle (2^') is arranged against the third outer wall (12), in which the second baffle (2^'), in the opened-up position, spans a surface (Α^') .

Particulate trap (1) for extracting particles from an air stream according to Claim 4, characterized in that further baffles (2), (2^'), over and above the first baffle (2) and the second baffle (2^'), are placed such that the flow path through the particulate trap (1) is extended by alternately arranging a baffle against the first outer wall (10) and the second outer wall (11), and the next baffle against the third outer wall (12) and the fourth outer wall (13) .

Particulate trap (1) for extracting particles from an air stream according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the particulate trap (1) is made from plastic, metal or other solid material or paper, cardboard, board or other fibre- based material.

Particulate trap (1) for extracting particles from an air stream according to Claim 6, characterized in that the surface of the fibre-based material is arranged with a film.

Particulate trap (1) for extracting particles from an air stream according to Claim 7, characterized in that the film is made of plastic.

Fan unit for a particulate trap (1), in which the fan unit has an intake for air, as well as a fan, characterized in that the fan unit is arranged with a mounting device for mounting a particulate trap (1) according to any one of Patent Claims 1 - 8 on the output of the fan unit, so that the fan unit transports air through the particulate trap (1) .

Particulate trap system, characterized in that a particulate trap (1) according to any one of Patent Claims 1 - 8 is arranged with a fan unit according to Patent Claim 9.

Method for opening up a collapsed particulate trap (1), characterized in that the particulate trap (1), in the collapsed state, comprises four

collapsed outer walls (10), (11), (12), (13), so that the outer walls are in bearing contact one against the other, and in which at least two baffles (2), (2^') are arranged, folded together, between two of the outer walls, in which:

i. ) opening up of the first outer wall (10), which bears against the second outer wall (11), so that at least a first baffle (2), which is arranged against the first outer wall (10) and the second outer wall (11), is opened up and spans a plane

(A) ,

ii. ) opening up of the fourth outer wall (13), which bears against the third outer wall (12), so that at least a second baffle (2^'), which is arranged against the third outer wall (12) and the fourth outer wall (13), is opened up and spans a plane (A^' ) ,

iii. ) collapsing of the first outer wall (10) and the second outer wall (11) against the third outer wall (12) and the fourth outer wall (13), forming a substantially rectangular channel (20),

iv. ) mounting of a particulate trap (1) with a mounting tab arranged on the fourth outer wall (13), so that the fourth outer wall (13) is arranged against the first outer wall (10).