Air purifier, method performed in air purifier, user interface for air purifier and cover for air purifier

Abstract

An air purifier (100) comprising a pre-filter (140), a main filter (150) and a fan (160) arranged to generate an air flow (165) flowing through the filters, the air purifier (100) further comprising a control unit (230) arranged to control the pre-filter (140) and the main filter (150). The control unit (230) is arranged to determine the air pressure (P) on the basis of an output signal from an air pressure sensor (170) of the air purifier (100) arranged between the fan (160) and the main filter (150), the control unit (230) being arranged to respond to a test signal triggered by activating a control input device (180) of the air purifier (100), a particle load of the main filter (150) is determined based on the determined air pressure (P), where the pre-filter (140) prevents a user from activating the control input device (180) when in the installed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air purifier for use at a construction site and other environments where it is necessary to remove particulate matter from ambient air. The air purifier is an active air purifier that filters ambient air by means of a blower and a filtration device to capture harmful particulate matter in the surrounding environment. Background Art

[0002] Construction operations such as concrete processing operations are typically associated with dust generation processes that produce dust, which can be harmful to personnel at the construction site. The construction operations at the site may also involve coating operations that release harmful substances into the ambient air, such as painting and spraying.

[0003] An air purifier can be used at a construction site to filter ambient air to remove harmful particles and gases from the air.

[0004] The requirements for air purifiers are that they need to be efficient and easy to use. Cost is also an important factor, so cost-effective solutions need to be found. In addition, the reliability of the air purifier is also very important. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to provide features and functions for improving existing air purifiers. This object can be achieved at least in part by a user interface for an air purifier. The interface includes: a light source configured to emit light of at least two colors in two or more blinking modes; a diffuser connected to the light source; and a control unit. The control unit includes a processing circuit and one or more sensor input ports configured to receive corresponding sensor signals. The control unit is configured to detect the current operating state of the air purifier based on the sensor signals and classify the current operating state of the air purifier into one of at least three categories of operating states through the processing circuit. The control unit is further configured to control the color and blinking mode of the light source according to the category of the current operating state. In this way, the user interface can use a common interface to send signals of multiple different error events and operating states to users near the air purifier. The light source can be configured to emit, for example, any one of white light, green light, yellow light, and red light, and at least two blinking modes can include periodic blinking at 1 Hz and 2 Hz. The periodicity of the blinking mode can be advantageously used to represent the urgency of a notification, where a faster blinking frequency indicates a higher urgency compared to a slower blinking frequency. The user interface further includes an electrical energy storage module configured to supply power to the user interface in the event of a power outage. This is advantageous because the user interface including the control unit can remain operational even in the event of a power outage. At some construction sites, it is very important for the air purifier to remain operational at all times, otherwise the personnel at the construction site may be exposed to harmful particulate matter at the construction site. In the event of a power outage, the fan of the air purifier may not be able to operate, but a warning can still be generated via the user interface to notify nearby personnel that the air purifier is no longer operational. The personnel at the construction site can then evacuate the area where the malfunctioning air purifier is located at the work site. The control unit can be configured to detect a power outage state, for example, when the current and / or voltage of the external power connection exceeds a predetermined voltage and / or current range.

[0006] According to some preferred aspects, the diffuser includes an input end and an output end, wherein the input end is configured to be connected to the light source and has an input height and an input width that match the corresponding dimensions of the light source. The output end has an output width greater than the input width and / or has an output height greater than the input height, that is, the output end is larger than the input end in at least some dimensions and is preferably formed as a light bar. Thus, the output end can implement the light bar of the user interface, which is more eye-catching due to its size. The combination of the width and / or height of the light bar being larger than the dimensions of the light source and the ability of the light bar to blink in different color and blinking mode combinations provides an effective mechanism for notifying personnel near the air purifier of the current operating state of the air purifier. The light bar can also remain operational in the event of a power outage, which is an advantage.

[0007] The control unit can also be configured to deactivate the fan of the air purifier in response to the current operating state of the air purifier being classified as an emergency fan failure operating state. In this way, damage to the air purifier caused by an emergency failure state can be reduced. It is beneficial for the control unit to deactivate the fan rather than the entire air purifier because important control functions and user interface functions will then remain in the operating state. The failure may be associated with, for example, the fan motor, such as an increase in the temperature of the fan motor. In this case, turning off the fan can avoid damage to the fan bearings, etc. The failure may also be related to the fan consuming too much power (such as the drawn current being higher than a predetermined fan current threshold).

[0008] The user interface optionally further includes a buzzer. Then, the control unit is set to operate the buzzer according to the classification category of the current operating state, so as to make the message from the user interface more prominent.

[0009] The control unit is also optionally set to receive an air pressure sensor signal indicating the air pressure downstream of the filter of the air purifier, and detect a filter failure state when the air pressure sensor signal exceeds a predetermined air pressure range. This enables the control unit to detect when one or more filters of the air purifier fail and trigger a notification to inform nearby people that a filter failure event has occurred.

[0010] According to some aspects, the control unit of the user interface is set to monitor the current and / or power drawn by the fan of the air purifier, and detect an air purifier failure state when the current drawn by the fan exceeds a predetermined fan current range. For example, if the filter upstream of the fan is blocked, the fan may draw less power because the resistance encountered by the fan blades is smaller at this time compared to when the fan is in the normal operating state. Therefore, if the fan power consumption drops below a certain predetermined low power threshold (which is configured with a margin below the nominal fan power consumption value), the control unit can declare a failure state. If the fan starts to draw more power than normal, the fan may also fail. Therefore, if the power consumption of the fan exceeds a predetermined high power threshold (which is configured with some margin above the nominal fan power consumption value), the control unit can also declare the fan to be in a failure state.

[0011] The user interface can also be configured to send high particle concentration signals to persons in the vicinity of the air purifier in an efficient manner. The control unit is then set to monitor, for example by means of an integrated particle sensor, the particle concentration in the surroundings of the air purifier and to detect an air purifier fault state in the event that the particle concentration exceeds a predetermined allowable particle concentration range. Thus, integrating the particle sensor device with the user interface in this way is advantageous because the particle sensor benefits from the mechanical protection of the user interface and also from the power supply of the user interface. If combined with an electrical energy storage (such as a battery or a capacitor circuit), further advantages are achieved because the particle sensor and the control unit can still remain operational even if there is a power interruption in the main power connection. The control unit can also be connected to a backup power supply and includes a wake-up timer. The control unit can then be configured to be woken up from a deactivated operating state according to a predetermined schedule to monitor the particle concentration in the surroundings of the air purifier. In this way, even if the air purifier is not enabled (i.e., even if the fan is not operating), the air purifier can be used to monitor the particle concentration in the surroundings, which is also an advantage. In fact, the monitoring function can remain enabled even if the main power connection connected to the air purifier is disconnected or not supplying power for some reason.

[0012] The user interface can be integrated in the cover of the air purifier, which also includes a sealed compartment forming part of the cover. The control unit, the light source, and the diffuser can be located inside the sealed compartment, where they are protected from dust and moisture and from mechanical impacts caused by various objects at the construction site. The light bar of the user interface can form part of the outer surface of the sealed compartment, thus providing a communication channel from the inside of the sealed compartment to the surroundings. The power cord for the main power connection can also extend out from the sealed compartment, thus supplying energy to the sealed compartment in a reliable manner.

[0013] According to some aspects, a partition wall extends from the cover. The partition wall includes an opening in which the fan is arranged. The power cord extends out from the sealed compartment and extends to the fan. This means that all the "electrically starting" components (i.e., the user interface, the controller, the unit, the power supply, and the fan) are all integrated in a single module, and this single module can be removed from the air purifier body in a convenient manner. Then, the rest of the air purifier has no electrical components and can be managed accordingly.

[0014] The above object can also be achieved at least in part by an air purifier, which includes a pre-filter, a main filter, and a fan configured to generate an air flow through these filters. The main filter is preferably but not necessarily arranged upstream of the fan and downstream of the pre-filter, such that the air flow first passes through the pre-filter, then through the main filter, and finally through the fan. However, the fan can also be arranged upstream of the filters, downstream of the filters, or between the pre-filter and the main filter. The air purifier further includes a control unit configured to determine the air pressure based on an output signal from an air pressure sensor arranged between the fan and the main filter of the air purifier. The control unit is configured to determine the particle load of the main filter based on the determined air pressure in response to a test signal triggered by activating a control input device of the air purifier. The pre-filter is configured such that it prevents the user from activating the control input device when in the installed position. In other words, if the pre-filter is installed, for example, because the pre-filter itself covers a control input device such as a button, or because a bracket holding the pre-filter in its operating position covers the control input device, the filter test function for determining the particle load of the main filter cannot be triggered. The filter test function is only triggered when the pre-filter is first removed from the air purifier. A user who wants to perform the filter test function for determining the particle load of the main filter needs to first remove the pre-filter and then can activate the control input device. Therefore, the pre-filter does not affect the filter test function, which means that the test function can be implemented in a more straightforward manner compared to a situation where the pre-filter also has to be considered in the test routine. The control input device can include, for example, a manual input device such as a button, which is located between the pre-filter and the main filter in use and is hidden by the installed pre-filter. Then the user must first manually remove the pre-filter and then can press the button. According to some other aspects, the control input device includes a presence sensor configured to detect whether the pre-filter is installed. Then, the control unit can be configured to determine the particle load of the main filter in response to a user command received via the user interface of the air purifier when the presence sensor does not detect the installed pre-filter. The presence sensor can be implemented, for example, as an electronic switch or a Hall effect sensor, where the electronic switch is actuated by the pre-filter in the installed position, and the Hall effect sensor senses the presence of a metallic object on the pre-filter when the pre-filter is in its installed position. Radio frequency identification (RFID) can also be used as the presence sensor.

[0015] According to other aspects, the control unit is arranged to configure a predetermined fan speed of the fan in response to a test signal. In this way, since the fan speed is known, the particle load level of the main filter can be measured in a more reliable manner based on the measured pressure drop across the filter. A variable and unknown fan speed would affect the air flow through the filter and thus also the pressure drop across the filter caused by different levels of particle load.

[0016] According to some aspects, the air pressure determined by the air pressure sensor is determined relative to a reference pressure, and the control unit is configured to determine the particle load of the main filter based on a predetermined relationship between the measured air pressure (relative to the reference pressure) and the particle load. The predetermined relationship can be formed, for example, in the form of a look-up table or the like, which results in a lower computational complexity of the detection mechanism, which is an advantage. The reference pressure can be, for example, the ambient atmospheric pressure determined by an ambient pressure sensor or a pre-configured reference pressure value. In this way, absolute pressure measurements that typically require calibration are avoided.

[0017] The control unit can be arranged to indicate the determined particle load of the main filter on a user interface of the air purifier. The user interface can, for example, include a light bar device that can display different colors and different blinking patterns. The particle load level of the basic filter can then be visualized in an effective way. For example, the higher the particle load, the faster the blinking, or the color changes from a first color light (such as green) to a second color light (such as red). Optionally, the control unit is also arranged to generate a warning signal via the user interface of the air purifier if the determined particle load of the main filter exceeds a predetermined threshold level.

[0018] According to some aspects, the fan of the air purifier is arranged inside the air purifier in an aperture of a partition wall. The main filter can then include a seal that is arranged to match the surface of the partition wall in order to form a sealed space between the fan and the main filter. This sealed space is particularly suitable for measuring the pressure downstream of the main filter and upstream of the fan for, for example, estimating the particle load level in the main filter, which is part of the filter load test function of the air purifier.

[0019] The control unit can also be set to monitor the current and / or power drawn by the fan during use, and in the event that the current drawn by the fan exceeds a predetermined fan current range, trigger an action via the user interface, such as generating a warning signal and / or requesting a main filter test procedure. As mentioned above, if the filter upstream of the fan is blocked, the power drawn by the fan may be less than the power drawn under normal conditions, as the fan blades operate with less resistance in a lower air pressure environment. If the power drawn by the fan starts to be less than the nominal power (for a given fan speed), it is advisable to perform a filter test routine to determine whether the particulate load level of the filter of the air purifier is too high, or to check whether the orifice of the filter has been blocked by foreign objects such as plastic bags.

[0020] The above object of providing features and functions for improving known air purifiers can also be achieved at least in part by a cover for an air purifier, the cover including a first part which, when in a sealed position, is arranged to mate with and seal an opening of the air purifier body. The cover also includes a second part which is included in the first part. The second part defines an enclosed space which is sealed to be isolated from the surrounding environment of the air purifier and from the internal environment of the air purifier. The enclosed space is accessible via a maintenance opening formed in the second part when the first part is in the sealed position. The first part also includes a partition wall which is arranged to extend into the air purifier body when the first part is in the sealed position, wherein the partition wall includes an opening in which a fan is arranged. The power cord is preferably supported on the partition wall by means of clips, brackets, etc. and extends from the fan into the enclosed space, but it should be understood that the power cord can also extend in an unsupported manner. Thus, the cover and the air purifier body cooperate with each other to form a complete air purifier, wherein all (or at least most) of the control functions and electrical components are housed in the cover part, including the fan and the power source to the fan. The control unit is preferably also located in the second part, where the control unit is protected from moisture and from impacts by objects at the construction site. After, for example, maintaining or inspecting the internal space of the air purifier body, the cover part integrating the control circuit and the fan module can be inserted into the air purifier body in a convenient manner. Since all the electrical components are housed in the cover part, no electrical connection is required between the cover and the body. The control unit located in the second part can also control the user interface integrated in the cover. The electrical components of the user interface (such as its light source) are preferably also enclosed in the second part.

[0021] According to some aspects, an air duct extends from a position on a partition wall into an enclosed space of a second part and to a pressure sensor disposed in the enclosed space of the second part. Thus, the pressure sensor benefits from a protected environment inside the second part. The air duct (which can be a tubular member) provides a controlled passage to a space downstream of the main filter of the air purifier. This enables the control unit to monitor the pressure downstream of the main filter, thereby enabling functions such as filter testing.

[0022] The cover may also include one or more handles configured to enable the cover to be lifted vertically when the air purifier is in its normal operating position. In this way, the cover portion can be removed from the air purifier body in a convenient manner to maintain or inspect the internal space of the air purifier body, which is an advantage. These handles and / or other parts of the cover preferably match corresponding parts of the bottom portion of the air purifier body such that, in situations where additional air purification capacity is required at a construction site, two or more air purifiers of the same type can be stacked on top of each other. Two or more air purifiers configured in a stacked manner can also provide a desired degree of air purification redundancy such that, even if one air purifier fails, its air purification function can still be maintained, which may be desirable at some construction sites. When the air purifiers are configured in a stacked manner, the user interfaces of two or more stacked air purifiers can be interconnected such that, for example, the light bar operations are synchronized to enhance visibility. One air purifier can also indicate via its user interface that another air purifier in the stack has failed. The communication link between the control units of these air purifiers configured in a stacked manner can be a wireless interface or a wired interface. In the case of a wired interface, it may be advantageous to integrate the plug contacts and socket contacts of the data communication interface in the cover and bottom portion of the air purifier body, respectively, such that when the air purifiers are configured in a stacked manner, the plug and socket cooperate with each other to establish a data communication link.

[0023] To simplify operation when configured in a stacked manner, the cover optionally includes an electrical connector arranged to connect to another air purifier when the air purifier is configured in a stacked manner. Thus, when one air purifier is disposed on top of another air purifier when configured in a stacked manner, the two air purifiers are electrically matched in an autonomous manner. This means that only one cable needs to be connected to the main power supply, which is an advantage. The data communication interface and the power interface can be integrally formed as a set of connectors including both power pins and data communication pins.

[0024] In addition, the above-described features and functions for improving a known air purifier can be achieved at least in part by an air purifier including an air purifier body configured to hold a pre-filter, a main filter, and a blower, the blower being configured to generate an air flow passing through the pre-filter and the main filter. The air purifier body includes an air flow main inlet opening configured to receive the air flow generated by the blower, and the blower is preferably but not necessarily arranged downstream of these filters. It should be understood that the blower can be arranged upstream of these filters, downstream of these filters, or between the pre-filter and the main filter. The air purifier body further includes a first elongated pivotable bracket and a second elongated pivotable bracket extending along opposite sides of the main inlet opening and facing each other, wherein the brackets facing each other are configured to pivot from respective open positions to respective closed positions about respective pivot axes extending parallel to the opposite sides of the main inlet opening. The brackets facing each other are configured to allow the main filter to be received in the air purifier body when in the open position. The brackets facing each other are configured to press against the main filter received in the air purifier body when in the closed position to fixedly hold the main filter in place. Thus, an effective and reliable arrangement for receiving and holding the main filter of the air purifier is provided. The brackets facing each other preferably include respective grooves extending parallel to the opposite sides. These grooves face each other when the brackets facing each other are in the closed position and are configured to slidably receive the pre-filter, which prevents the brackets facing each other from pivoting when received in these grooves. In this way, a combined main filter and pre-filter holding device is provided. This mechanism allows for convenient assembly and convenient disassembly of the filtration solution.

[0025] The main filter of the air purifier optionally includes a first gasket extending around the perimeter of the main filter. The first gasket is configured to seal against a partition wall of the air purifier in a sealed manner when the brackets facing each other are in the closed position, the partition wall supporting the blower of the air purifier located downstream of the main filter. The first gasket forms a sealed space between the main filter and the blower to facilitate the air purification operation and also allows for pressure measurements, based on which filter test functions can be performed as discussed above.

[0026] The main filter optionally further includes a second gasket extending around the perimeter of the main filter on a side opposite to the first gasket side. The second gasket is configured to seal against the brackets facing each other in a sealed manner when the brackets facing each other are in the closed position. The second gasket further improves the air purification effect as it prevents air from flowing through the main filter towards the blower.

[0027] According to some aspects, the first and second elongated pivotable brackets facing each other further include corresponding opposing grooves configured to hold the anti-collision grille upstream of the pre-filter (in front of the pre-filter when viewed from the outside of the air purifier). The anti-collision grille protects the pre-filter and the main filter from mechanical impacts. Advantageously, the same elongated pivotable brackets facing each other are also used to hold the anti-collision grille of the air purifier.

[0028] Methods and control units associated with the same advantages discussed above in connection with different devices are also disclosed.

[0029] In general, unless otherwise clearly defined herein, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field. All references to "an / the element, apparatus, component, device, step, etc." should be construed broadly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, device, step, etc., unless otherwise clearly stated. The steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless clearly stated otherwise. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different features of the present invention can be combined without departing from the scope of the present invention to form embodiments other than those described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figures 1A to 1B An exemplary air purifier is schematically shown;

[0032] Figure 2 An exemplary user interface with an associated control unit is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 An exemplary light bar arrangement is schematically shown;

[0034] Figure 4A A cover for the air purifier is shown;

[0035] Figure 4B is a top view of the air purifier;

[0036] Figure 5 A control unit configured to classify the operating state of the air purifier is shown;

[0037] Figures 6A to 6C A filter holding arrangement is shown;

[0038] Figure 7 A portable user interface for the air purifier is shown;

[0039] Figure 8 Schematically shows a user interface notification;

[0040] Figures 9A to 9B Is a flowchart showing a method;

[0041] Figure 10 Schematically shows a control unit;

[0042] Figure 11 Schematically shows a computer program product; and

[0043] Figures 12 to 15 Shows a view of an exemplary air purifier. Detailed Description

[0044] Aspects of the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the different devices and methods disclosed herein may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0045] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing aspects of the present disclosure only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" used herein are also intended to include the plural forms.

[0046] An air purifier is a device for filtering the ambient air in places such as construction sites, workshops or laboratories. The present disclosure mainly relates to an air purifier used at a construction site to remove harmful dust and other unwanted substances from the air. For example, the air purifiers discussed herein can advantageously be used to capture concrete dust generated during floor grinding operations or due to the use of cutting tools and core drilling equipment. Some of the air purifiers disclosed herein can be connected to a suction hose via a sleeve connector to draw air through the suction hose and filter the air, and then release the filtered air into the surrounding environment.

[0047] An air purifier generally includes a blower that is arranged to draw air through some form of filtering device, typically a pre-filter, followed by a main filter. The direction of the air flow generated by the blower is used herein to describe the relative positions of the various components with respect to each other. A first component located upstream of a second component receives the air flow first, and then the air flow reaches the second component. The air flow passing through the air purifier preferably (but not necessarily) first passes through the pre-filter, then through the main filter, and finally reaches the blower, in which case the blower is located downstream of the pre-filter and the main filter. However, the blower can be arranged upstream of these filters, downstream of these filters, or arranged between the pre-filter and the main filter.

[0048] A pre-filter is a relatively coarse filter that captures larger particles, while the main filter is finer and capable of capturing very small particles. The fine particulate dust captured by the main filter is generally considered more harmful to humans compared to the coarser particles captured by the pre-filter.

[0049] Particle filters are discussed, for example, in International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards IEC 60335-2-69 and IEC 60335-2-69. The main filter (i.e., the finer filter arranged downstream of the coarser pre-filter) is sometimes referred to as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, but this nomenclature is not entirely accurate. The term "main filter" should be interpreted broadly herein to refer to a filtering device capable of capturing fine dust particles.

[0050] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An air purifier 100 is schematically shown. Figure 1A is a front view, while Figure 1B is a side cross-sectional view. The air purifier has a cover portion 120 that includes, among other components, a user interface 110. The air purifier 100 also includes an air purifier body 130 having a main air inlet orifice 105 through which an air stream 165 generated by a blower 160 is drawn into the air purifier. Then, particulate matter 101 in the air is purified by a pre-filter 140 that captures larger particles, and subsequently by a main filter 150 that removes finer particulate matter. The air purifier has an outlet (not shown) after the blower that releases the filtered air back into the environment. One or more additional filters 151, such as activated carbon filters, may be arranged downstream of the main filter 150.

[0051] Preferably, the blower 160 is arranged downstream of both the pre-filter 140 and the main filter 150, as shown in the example illustrated. However, it should be understood that the blower 160 may be arranged upstream of these filters, downstream of these filters, or arranged between the pre-filter 140 and the main filter 150.

[0052] A crash grille may be arranged in front of the pre-filter to protect the pre-filter from mechanical damage caused by objects at a construction site. Figure 12 An exemplary crash grille 1230 is shown in

[0053] It is advantageous if the lid part 120 has a shape that matches the bottom part of the air purifier 100, as this means that two or more air purifiers can be stacked on top of each other. To achieve the match, protrusions can be provided, for example, on the lid part, which can enter corresponding recesses formed in the bottom part of the air purifier body 130 (i.e., the side facing the ground when the air purifier is in the normal operating position, as shown, for example, Figure 12 ). The protrusions 1210 can be formed on the handle 460, as shown in Figure 12 . Multiple air purifiers in a stack can share the same main power connection. Electrical connectors 191, 192, 1240 can then be arranged in each air purifier, for example, as part of the lid part and the bottom part (preferably connected to the partition wall 190), such that an electrical connection is formed between two units configured in a stacked manner. For example, each lid part can include a male plug connector, and the bottom part of each air purifier body can include a female socket connector, such that the two units are electrically connected when configured in a stacked manner. Then, only one air purifier needs to be connected to the main power via a cable. The first electrical connector 191 and the second electrical connector 192 are shown in Figure 1B . The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are arranged to cooperate with each other when two air purifiers are configured in a stacked manner. Then, one air purifier can draw power through the main power cable of another air purifier. The electrical connector 192 arranged at the bottom of the air purifier body is preferably integrally formed with the partition wall. Then, the electrical connector preferably enters through a hole 193 formed in the bottom part of the air purifier body 130 via a washer arranged to seal against the connector 192, thereby preventing air from being drawn into the air purifier body through the hole 193. The electrical connector can include a magnetic connector biased towards the mating position. The connector can be used to transfer data in addition to power.

[0054] Alternatively, or in addition, when one or more air purifiers configured in a stacked manner are battery-powered, energy can be transferred from an air purifier with a higher charge state to another air purifier with a lower charge state. In this way, the operating times of the air purifiers in the air purifier stack can be balanced to increase the total combined operating time of the individual units configured in a stacked manner. The data communication channel can be formed via a wireless link between the control units of the air purifiers in the stacked mode, or via a wired communication channel (which can be integrated with the connectors 191, 192). The control units of the air purifiers operating in the stacked configuration can then exchange data indicating the charge state via the data communication channel and thus balance the available power between the two battery-powered air purifiers. In the case where one air purifier is battery-powered and operates together with an air purifier configured in a stacked manner and powered by the main power supply, the battery-powered air purifier can charge its battery via the connectors 191, 192, 1240.

[0055] Reference is also made Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the interface 110 includes a light source 310, a diffuser 320, and a control unit 230. The light source is arranged to emit light of at least two colors in two or more blinking modes. The light source can be, for example, an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of different colors, or a multicolor LED, such as an RGB LED.

[0056] The diffuser 320 includes an input end 321 and an output end 322. The input end 321 is arranged to be connected to the light source 310 and has an input height and an input width that match the corresponding dimensions of the light source, which means that the light emitted by the light source is guided by the diffuser 320. The output end 322 has an output width greater than the input width and / or has an output height greater than the input height. Thus, the output end of the diffuser is greater than the input end of the diffuser in at least one dimension. The output end 322 implements the light bar 220 of the user interface 110. Herein, the light bar is a light-transmitting device having a surface arranged to emit light, and the light-transmitting device is elongated, that is, formed in a strip shape, where the side of the strip extending in the elongation direction of the strip is longer than the other side extending transversely to the elongation direction of the strip. It is advantageous that the area of the light bar is larger than the area of the light source. This will be described in more detail below. The light source is arranged inside a sealed compartment where the light source is protected from, for example, dust and water. The space inside the sealed compartment is relatively small, but according to the present teachings, a light bar with a relatively large area can still be achieved using the diffuser. Another advantage is that the diffuser can form part of the wall of the sealed housing that houses the light source. The light bar is advantageously arranged to be connected to the human-machine interface (HMI) 210, through which various notifications can be displayed to the user of the air purifier 100. These notifications will be described below in connection withFigure 8 For a more detailed discussion.

[0057] The control unit 230 includes: a processing circuit 1010, the details of which will be discussed below in conjunction with Figure 10 a more detailed discussion; and one or more sensor input ports configured to receive respective sensor signals from various parts of the air purifier, such as air pressure signals, particulate sensor signals, current and voltage signals, fan power / current consumption signals, and temperature readings. The control unit 230 is arranged to detect the current operating state of the air purifier 100 based on the sensor signals and classify the current operating state of the air purifier 100 into one of at least three categories of operating states through the processing circuit 1010. Then, the control unit 230 controls the color and blinking pattern of the light source according to the category of the current operating state. Thus, by using a relatively simple notification device in the form of a light source that can have different colors and different blinking patterns, the user can be made aware of multiple different detected operating states, including fault states and less urgent states. By adjusting the color and blinking pattern, a sense of urgency can also be conveyed. For example, a rapidly blinking red light is more likely to draw the user's attention and be interpreted as an emergency notification compared to a white or green light that blinks steadily or slowly.

[0058] Figure 5 An overall illustration of the classification function of the control unit 230 is provided. The control unit 230 receives one or more inputs, including for example main voltage data 510, filter air pressure data 520 (e.g., from the air pressure sensor 170), fan current measurements 530, timer data 540 that can be used to schedule various events, and temperature data from a temperature sensor connected to, for example, the fan. Multiple categories 560 are obtained by configuring the control unit 230, and the detected events will be classified into these categories. Then, the control unit executes a classification routine stored in the memory 570 and outputs the classification result. An example of the classification routine is to compare with one or more thresholds. More advanced classification routines can also be used. However, such advanced classification routines are outside the scope of the present disclosure and will not be discussed in detail herein.

[0059] In summary, the system 500 is arranged to monitor various signals and internal states 510 - 550 of the air purifier 100 and process these signals through a classification module included in the control unit 230, which can include a random forest machine learning algorithm, a neural network, or just a set of threshold comparison operations. The classification analysis system 500 can also include a storage device 570 arranged to store the parameter values and states of the monitored air purifier 100. The classification system 500 then outputs the category into which the current operating state is classified.

[0060] Conceptually, the methods disclosed herein rely on the measurement of one or more operating parameters associated with an air purifier, such as the current drawn by a blower, the air pressure downstream of a main filter, etc. Advantageously, various transformations can also be performed on the input data values, such as performing a D-Q transformation on the blower current. Advantageously, various transformations can also be performed on other acquired data (such as temperature-related data). Advantageously, a Fourier transform or a wavelet transform, etc., can be used to classify the current operating state. For example, the methods disclosed herein can rely on the measurement of one or more first parameters associated with the internal conditions of the air purifier (such as internal air pressure, particle level, temperature, and / or air flow) and one or more second parameters associated with the external conditions of the air purifier (such as ambient air pressure, temperature, and / or particle level in the surrounding environment).

[0061] According to a preferred implementation, the light source 310 is set to emit any one of white light, green light, yellow light, and red light, and at least two flashing modes include periodic flashing at 1 Hz and 2 Hz. Red can generally be used to indicate a warning associated with an emergency failure state (such as blower stop, etc.), while yellow can be used to indicate a less urgent notification. Fast flashing (i.e., about 2 Hz) can be used to indicate a more urgent notification, and slower flashing can be used to indicate a less urgent notification and warning.

[0062] The control unit 230 can also be configured to deactivate the blower of the air purifier in response to the current operating state of the air purifier 100 being classified as a blower emergency failure operating state. In addition to deactivating the blower of the air purifier, a warning signal can also be generated. The alarm signal uses the light bar discussed above and can also include other components, such as a wireless signal sent using a radio frequency transceiver on the air purifier. The buzzer 240 can also be used to enhance warnings and notifications. The control unit 230 is then set to operate the buzzer 240 according to the classification category of the current operating state. Some failure states may not trigger the use of the buzzer, while other failure states will trigger the use of the buzzer, thereby increasing the signal transmission dimension in addition to the color and flashing mode of the light bar 220.

[0063] The control unit 230 can also be set to detect a power interruption state in the case where the current and / or voltage of the external power connection 430 exceeds a predetermined voltage and / or current range.

[0064] The user interface 110 optionally includes an electrical energy storage module 250, such as a battery or a capacitive circuit, which is set to supply power to the user interface in the event of a power interruption in the main power supply. In this way, the system can continue to operate even if power cannot be obtained from the main power supply. For example, the electrical energy storage module 250 can include a capacitor or a battery, sized to support the user interface 110 in issuing warnings and notifications for a given period of time (such as one hour or longer) in the event of a power interruption. In this way, in the case where the operation of the air purifier is interrupted due to a power interruption, workers at a construction site can receive notifications, which is an advantage.

[0065] The connection between the control unit 230 and this type of backup power supply 250 also allows the control unit to be periodically awakened to check the status even when the air purifier is not in use. The control unit 230 can, for example, include a wake-up timer and be configured to be periodically awakened from a deactivated operating state in response to a signal from the wake-up timer (e.g., according to a predetermined schedule) to monitor the particulate concentration 101 in the surroundings of the air purifier 100. In this way, even when the air purifier is not operating, in the case where a harmful particulate level is reached, the air purifier 100 will issue a warning to the user near the air purifier, which is an advantage. Due to the intermittent nature of the operation, this type of operation can also be maintained for a long time. The control unit 230 can use a particulate sensor set to sense the presence of particulates in the ambient air around the air purifier to accomplish this sensing task. Such sensors are generally known and will not be discussed in detail herein.

[0066] According to other aspects, the control unit 230 is set to receive an air pressure sensor signal indicating the air pressure downstream of a filter (such as the main filter) of the air purifier and to detect a filter failure state in the case where the air pressure sensor signal exceeds a predetermined air pressure range. The air pressure signal can, for example, be associated with the air pressure downstream of the main filter. If this air pressure drops too much, it can be inferred that the particulate loading level of the pre-filter and / or the main filter is too high, and thus effective air filtration cannot be carried out due to blockage of the one or more filters. In this case, the function of the air purifier may be compromised, and the user may need to take some measures, such as replacing the filter.

[0067] Data on the filter particle load level can also be inferred from the current and / or power drawn by the fan 160. If the fan is operating under vacuum or very low pressure, the resistance encountered by the rotating fan blades will decrease, and thus the current consumption of the motor driving the fan 160 will also decrease. Therefore, according to some aspects, the control unit 230 is set to monitor the current and / or power drawn by the fan 160 and detect an air purification fault state if the current drawn by the fan 160 exceeds a predetermined fan current range. The predetermined fan current range can be, for example, a threshold. The fan drawing excessive power may also indicate a fault. Therefore, if the fan suddenly starts drawing an abnormal amount of power relative to the configured fan speed, a warning signal can be triggered.

[0068] The control unit 230 is optionally also set to monitor the particle concentration 101 in the surrounding environment of the air purifier 100 and detect an air purification fault state if the particle concentration 101 exceeds a predetermined allowable particle concentration range. In this case, the control unit 230 is connected to one or more particle sensors inside the air purifier and / or to the external environment of the air purifier. If one or more of these sensors start reporting too high a particle level, the user interface 110 can be used to signal to nearby people what is happening.

[0069] The user interface 110 and related components (such as the control unit 230) can be advantageously integrated in the cover 120, as Figure 4A schematically shown. The cover 120 includes the user interface 110 and a sealed compartment 420, wherein the control unit 230, the light source 310, and the diffuser 320 are located inside the sealed compartment 420, where they are protected from dust and water. The light bar 220 of the user interface 110 forms part of the outer surface of the sealed compartment.

[0070] The power cord 430 for the main power connection can be configured to extend from the sealed compartment 420. Additionally, a partition wall 190 can extend from the cover. The partition wall includes an opening in which the fan 160 is arranged, and the power cord 450 extends from the sealed compartment 420 and extends to the fan 160. This means that the user interface and its associated controllers and peripheral components are integrated together with the fan and sensor system of the air purifier in a common module. All the intelligent and electrical components of the air purifier are located on the cover, which is an advantage as it makes maintenance easier and also provides a more robust design, thus being more easily proven in terms of waterproofness, etc.

[0071] In summary, the present disclosure discloses a cover 120 for an air purifier 100. The cover is configured to seal an opening of the air purifier body 130 to isolate it from the surrounding environment of the air purifier. The cover 120 includes an enclosed space that is sealed to isolate it from the surrounding (external) environment of the air purifier and the internal environment of the air purifier 100. The enclosed space houses power electronics and a control circuit to supply power and control one or more operations of the air purifier 100, as discussed elsewhere herein. The cover also includes a partition wall 190, which is a planar member configured to extend into the air purifier body 130 to divide the internal space of the air purifier body into two parts, for example, as Figure 1B shown. The partition wall 190 includes an opening 195 and supports a blower 160, which is configured to generate an air flow 165 flowing through the opening 195.

[0072] For example Figure 1B the air purifier 100 shown includes a control unit 230, which is configured to determine an air pressure P based on an output signal from an air pressure sensor 170 of the air purifier 100. The air pressure sensor 170 can be a physical sensor device arranged between the blower 160 and the main filter 150 and connected to the control unit by a wire, or an air duct configured to connect a pressure sensor arranged near the control unit to a position between the blower 160 and the main filter 150.

[0073] The control unit 230 can then be configured to determine the particle load of the main filter 150 based on the determined air pressure P in response to a test signal triggered at least in part by activating a control input device 180 of the air purifier 100. Thus, the user can initiate a filter test function by triggering the test signal, whereby the control unit 230 uses the air pressure sensor to determine the air pressure P. A filter loaded with particles produces a lower pressure, while a filter not loaded with particles produces a smaller pressure drop, so the filter particle load can be determined by mapping the determined air pressure to the particle load using, for example, a look-up table or some form of predetermined analysis function.

[0074] The simplest version of the filter test system includes only a single air pressure sensor. Thus, if a pre-filter 140 and a main filter 150 are installed, both filters will affect the determined air pressure P. However, according to the present teachings, the pre-filter 140 prevents the user from activating the control input device 180 when in the installed position, because the pre-filter itself covers the control input device, or a bracket holding the pre-filter in its operating position covers the control input device.

[0075] This means that the user must first remove the pre-filter before starting the control input device 180, thus ensuring that only the main filter generates the air pressure P, through which the particle load level of the main filter can be determined in a reliable manner. The control input device 180 can, for example, include a manual input device such as a button that is located between the pre-filter 140 and the main filter 150 during use. In this case, the user must first remove the pre-filter before starting the control input device 180, thus ensuring that the air pressure measurement is carried out with the pre-filter not in place.

[0076] According to another example, the control input device 180 includes a presence sensor configured to detect whether the pre-filter 140 is installed, and the control unit 230 is configured to determine the particle load of the main filter 150 in response to a user command received via the user interface 110 of the air purifier 100. Although this implementation is slightly more complex than, for example, a button hidden by the pre-filter, this function still ensures that the main filter is only load-tested when the pre-filter is not installed. Of course, the presence sensor can be used in combination with a manual input device or alone without a manual input device.

[0077] The control unit 230 is preferably also configured to configure a predetermined fan speed of the fan 160 in response to a test signal. This predetermined fan speed makes the particle load measurement more reliable because, for a given particle load, the fan speed will of course affect the measured pressure P. Alternatively, the control unit 230 can be configured to determine the particle load based on both the measured air pressure P and the current fan speed to compensate for different fan speeds used during the filter load test. The mapping between the pressure level, the fan speed, and the filter particle load can be determined through actual experiments and / or through mathematical modeling and computer simulations.

[0078] The air pressure P can be determined relative to a reference pressure, in which case the control unit 230 is configured to determine the particle load based on a predetermined relationship between the air pressure P relative to the reference pressure and the particle load. The reference pressure can, for example, be the ambient atmospheric pressure determined by a pressure sensor or a pre-configured reference pressure value.

[0079] After the control unit 230 has determined the particle load level of the main filter, the determined particle load of the main filter can be displayed on the user interface 110 of the air purifier 100, for example, in a manner from a scale corresponding to a new purified filter value to a full-load particle filter that needs to be replaced. If the result of the particle load test indicates that the particle load is higher than an acceptable level, for example, in the case where the determined particle load of the main filter exceeds a predetermined threshold level, a warning can be triggered.

[0080] AsFigure 1B As shown, the blower 160 is arranged within the air purifier 100 in the orifice 195 of the partition wall 190. The main filter 150 herein includes a seal 155 which is arranged to match the surface of the partition wall so as to form a sealed space between the blower 160 and the main filter 150. In this way, a sealed space is formed between the blower and the main filter 150, and as long as the pre-filter is not installed, the pressure of this sealed space is mainly controlled by the pressure drop across the main filter 150. Advantageously, the filter test can be carried out by a single pressure sensor arranged in a single sealed space. Alternatively, two pressure sensors are arranged on both sides of the main filter 150, and the pressure difference between the two pressure sensors is used to determine the pressure drop across the main filter, and then this pressure drop is used to determine the particle load of the main filter, but this method requires two separate sensors and the space between the pre-filter and the main filter must be sealed.

[0081] As mentioned above, the control unit 230 can also be arranged to monitor the current and / or power drawn by the blower 160 during use and trigger an action via the user interface 110 if the current drawn by the blower 160 exceeds a predetermined blower current range, such as generating a warning signal and / or requesting a main filter test procedure. Generally, the lower the air pressure P encountered by the blower blades, the smaller the torque required for the blower to rotate at a given blower speed. Therefore, the lower the current drawn by the blower, the more particles the main filter is loaded with. Thus, an abnormally low current drawn by the blower 160 may indicate that the main filter is loaded with particles and / or the pre-filter is loaded with particles (if installed).

[0082] The control input device can also be used to determine the total filter particle load, that is, the combined resistance of both the pre-filter 140 and the main filter 150 to the air flow 165. This can be achieved, for example, by starting the filter test function using some other control input device after the pre-filter is installed, such that the air pressure P is the result of the pressure drop across both the pre-filter and the main filter. An exemplary way of utilizing this is to first determine the particle load level of the main filter with the pre-filter removed and then determine the air pressure again with the pre-filter installed. In this way, the particle load of the pre-filter can also be determined at least approximately.

[0083] Figure 4A and Figure 4BShows some aspects of the air purifier 100, which integrates all or at least most of the control functions and electrical components of the air purifier 100 in the cover 120 of the air purifier. This is advantageous because it simplifies matters such as ingress protection (IP) rating, general electrical compliance, and maintenance. The IP rating or IP code classifies the degree of protection provided by the enclosure of electrical equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 72.5 kV. The IP rating is defined by the international standard EN 60529.

[0084] Figure 4A The cover in [text] includes: a first part 410 which, when in the sealed position, is arranged to mate with and seal an opening of the air purifier body 130; and a second part 420 which is included in the first part 410. The second part defines an enclosed space which is sealed to be isolated from the surrounding environment of the air purifier and from the internal environment of the air purifier 100. The enclosed space is accessible via a maintenance port formed in the second part 420 when the first part is in the sealed position. Thus, all control circuits, sensors, and power electronics can be arranged in the enclosed space, which can be, for example, of an IP rating. The first part 410 also includes a partition wall 190 which is arranged to extend into the air purifier body 130 when the first part 410 is in the sealed position. The partition wall 190 includes an opening 195 in which a blower 160 is arranged. The power supply line 450 is preferably supported on the partition wall 190 and extends from the blower 160 into the enclosed space, where the power supply line can be connected to, for example, power electronics, etc. Of course, the power supply line 450 can also extend between the blower and the enclosed space in a non-supported manner. In addition, the power supply line can be relatively long or relatively short, and can even be realized by, for example, electrical connection pins directly connecting the blower to the power electronics in the enclosed space. The control unit 230 discussed above can also be arranged in the enclosed space of the second part 420 together with the light source 310.

[0085] The air duct optionally extends from a position on the partition wall 190 into the enclosed space of the second part 420, and the air duct extends to a pressure sensor arranged in the enclosed space of the second part 420. Thus, the pressure sensor is arranged in the enclosed space where it is protected from common harsh conditions outside the enclosed space.

[0086] As discussed above, the partition wall can also include electrical and / or data connectors 192 arranged to mate with corresponding electrical and / or data connectors 191, 1240 on the cover part of the air purifier 100. Then, the connectors on the partition wall are connected to the power circuits and / or control units enclosed in the cover part of the air purifier 100.

[0087] The cover 120 may further include one or more handles 460 configured to enable the cover to be lifted vertically when the air purifier 100 is in the normal operating position. This means that the entire cover (including the fan, all control components, and the pressure sensor 170) can be lifted as a single unit from the air purifier body 130. The air purifier body holding the pre-filter 140 and the main filter 150 can then be maintained in a convenient manner and is well accessible from above.

[0088] The air purifier body 130 optionally includes vertically extending opposing grooves 470 configured to receive and hold the partition wall 190. Thus, the partition wall 190 can be slid into place, whereby the partition wall also guides the cover to an accurate sealing position where the seal 440 accurately engages a mating surface, such as on the air purifier body 130. Figure 4B The vertically extending opposing grooves 470 and the partition wall 190 are shown as viewed from above. The seal 440 is configured to form an airtight or at least nearly airtight seal between the cover portion 120 and the air purifier body 130. The seal extends along the lower edge of the cover portion 120, i.e., along the edge of the cover portion that engages the air purifier body when the cover portion and the air purifier body 130 are assembled, as shown, for example, in Figure 1A or Figure 12 illustrated. The seal 440 can be a rubber seal or some other form of elastic material member that forms an airtight or at least nearly airtight seal between the cover portion 120 and the air purifier body 130. The seal 440 can be attached to the cover portion 120 and / or the air purifier body 130.

[0089] Figures 6A to 6C Details of an air purifier, such as the air purifier 100, are schematically shown. The air purifier includes an air purifier body 130, 600 configured to hold a pre-filter 140 and a main filter 150 upstream of a fan 160. The air purifier body 130, 600 includes a main air inlet opening 105 configured to receive an air stream 165 generated by the fan 165 in a known manner. The air purifier body 130, 600 further includes a first elongated pivotable bracket and a second elongated pivotable bracket 610, 620 extending along opposite sides of the main air inlet opening 105 and facing each other, wherein the opposing brackets are configured to pivot from respective open positions about respective pivot axes 630, 640 extending parallel to the opposite sides of the main air inlet opening 105 to respective closed positions.

[0090] The opposing brackets 610, 620 are arranged to allow the main filter 150 to be received at least partially via the main air inlet opening 105 (see arrow I) in the air purifier bodies 130, 600 when in the open position. The opposing brackets can then be pivoted such that they bear against (see force arrow F) the main filter 150 received in the air purifier bodies 130, 600 when in the closed position, thereby holding the main filter 150 in place. The opposing brackets can then be locked in place to firmly hold the main filter in the air purifier, which is the main purpose of the brackets.

[0091] According to an alternative, the main filter alternatively includes other holding means, such as gaskets, etc., for holding the main filter in place without the pressure F. Thus, an air purifier 100 is also disclosed herein, which includes air purifier bodies 130, 600 arranged to hold a pre-filter 140, a main filter 150, and a blower 160, the blower being arranged to generate an air flow 165 flowing through these filters. The air purifier bodies 130, 600 include: a main air inlet opening 105 arranged to receive the air flow 165 generated by the blower 165; and opposing first and second elongate pivotable brackets 610, 620 extending along opposite sides of the main air inlet opening 105. The opposing brackets are arranged to pivot R from respective open positions about respective pivot axes 630, 640 extending parallel to the opposite sides of the main air inlet opening 105 to respective closed positions. The opposing brackets 610, 620 are arranged to allow the main filter 150 to be received I in the air purifier bodies 130, 600 when in the open position. The opposing brackets are arranged to allow the pre-filter to be received in its operating position (and held in that operating position) when in the closed position. It should be understood that the blower 160 can be arranged upstream of these filters, downstream of these filters, or between these filters.

[0092] The opposing brackets 610, 620 optionally include respective grooves 615, 625 extending parallel to the opposite sides, as Figures 6A to 6C shown. These grooves face each other when the opposing brackets are in the closed position (see Figure 6B and Figure 6C ), and are arranged to slidably receive the pre-filter 140, which prevents the opposing brackets 610, 620 from pivoting when received in the grooves, as Figure 6C shown.

[0093] According to some aspects, the pre-filter 140 is arranged to be inserted into the air purifier body in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the main filter 150. For example, as shown in the attached drawings, the pre-filter can be inserted into the air purifier body in the main direction of the air flow 165, while the main filter can be inserted downward into the air purifier body in the vertical direction.

[0094] The blower 160 (including a motor arranged to drive the blower 160) is mounted on a planar member (forming at least a part of the partition wall 190) attached to the cover part 120 and is connected to an orifice 161 formed in the planar member. The blower 160 sucks the air flow 165 through the orifice 161. This feature can be clearly seen in Figure 15 which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0095] In this example, the main filter 150 includes a first gasket 155 extending around the perimeter of the main filter 150. The first gasket 155 is arranged to seal against the partition wall 190 of the air purifier 100 downstream of the main filter 150 when the brackets 610, 620 facing each other are in the closed position. The main filter 150 may also include a second gasket 650 that extends around the perimeter of the main filter 150 on a side opposite to the first gasket side. The second gasket 650 is arranged to seal against the brackets 610, 620 facing each other when the brackets 610, 620 facing each other are in the closed position.

[0096] Figures 12 to 15 An exemplary implementation of the air purifier 100 discussed above is shown. Figure 15 The exploded view in shows specifically some of the key concepts discussed above. As the air flow 165 flows downstream, the air first passes through the pre-filter 140 and then through the main filter 150 (shown here as a frame without a filter medium). These two filters are arranged to be inserted into the air purifier body 130 in a convenient manner. The pre-filter 140 can be inserted into a groove 145 formed in the air purifier body 130 from the front or the top of the air purifier. Here, an additional filter 151 is inserted downstream of the main filter 150.

[0097] Figures 12 to 15 The main advantage of the design shown in and discussed above is that the blower, power electronics, and control circuit are integrated in a single structure that includes the cover 120 and the blower 160 supported by a planar blower support structure 165 that has a dedicated groove formed in the air purifier body. This means that the blower, all power electronics, and the HMI and control circuit can be conveniently removed from the body 130 as a single integrated unit. The air pressure sensor arrangement 170 ( Figures 12 to 15not shown) includes pressure sensor electronics and a pressure sensing conduit that extends downward into the body 130. These pressure sensing conduits are attached to the planar blower support structure 165.

[0098] Figure 12 Features of the cover portion 120 and the air purifier body 130 are shown that allow two or more air purifier units to be stacked. The handle portion 460 includes a protrusion that mates with a corresponding recess formed in the bottom portion of the air purifier body 130. As discussed above, the air purifiers can be arranged to be electrically connected when configured in a stacked manner such that only one wire is needed to connect the stack to the main power supply, or the battery capacities of different stacked units can be shared in the stack.

[0099] Figure 12 An optional lock nut 1220 for securing the pre-filter 140 is also shown. Figure 14 The lock nut can also be seen. The lock nut can be replaced or supplemented with a latch or other locking device.

[0100] A crash guard grille 1230 can be positioned in front of (i.e., upstream of) the pre-filter 140 to protect the pre-filter from impact by objects. The crash guard grille can be a honeycomb structure as Figure 12 shown. The crash guard grille can be held in grooves 1410 formed in elongated pivotable brackets 610, 620 that face each other.

[0101] Note the position of the control input device 180 and how the control input device is hidden behind the pre-filter 140 when the pre-filter 140 is in its intended operating position (as Figure 12 shown).

[0102] Figure 7 An addition to the user interface 110 discussed above is shown here, which is a tablet device 700 or a smart phone for running various applications related to data obtained through the control unit 230 in the air purifier 100.

[0103] The device 700 is optionally connected to a remote server 730 via a wireless link 720, from which various configuration data and operating parameters can be obtained. The remote server 730 can also be configured to receive data from the air purifier 100.

[0104] The device 700 can be configured to display data related to the air purifier, such as the filter status 740 (in terms of particle load), the filter loading rate 750 (i.e., the rate at which the filter clogs), and the estimated duration until the next filter replacement 760.

[0105] The current data on device 700 can be compared with data stored on, for example, server 730 to determine whether the current operating characteristics meet expectations or whether there is some room for improvement. In such a case, the operator can be notified of this sub-optimal air purification operation, and then one or more operating parameters can be changed to improve the performance of a given air purifier.

[0106] Figure 8 Some exemplary notifications 810, 820 that the HMI 210 can display are shown. As long as the air purifier is operating well and without faults, a confirmation 810 of acceptable air purifier performance can be displayed. This notification can be enhanced by the light bar 220, as discussed above. If the control unit 230 detects that the air purifier performance is not so good, a notification 820 of this fact can be displayed, and optionally in combination with an error code 830. This notification can also be enhanced by the operation of the light bar 220, as discussed above. The advantage of supplementing the HM1210 with the light bar 220 is that it is easier for the operator to notice a triggered notification, such as a warning.

[0107] Figure 9A and Figure 9B is a flowchart showing a method that summarizes some of the above discussion. Figure 9A A computer-implemented method performed in the user interface 110 of the air purifier 100 is shown. The interface includes a light source 310, a diffuser 320, and a control unit 230. The light source is configured to emit at least two colors of light in two or more flashing modes. The diffuser 320 includes an input end 321 and an output end 322. The input end 321 is configured to be connected to the light source 310, and the input end has an input height and an input width that match the corresponding dimensions of the light source. The output width of the output end 322 is greater than the input width and / or the output height is greater than the input height. The output end 322 implements the light bar 220 of the user interface 110. The method includes: receiving at least one sensor signal using the control unit 230 including a processing circuit 1010 and one or more sensor input ports (step Sa1); detecting the current operating state of the air purifier 100 based on the sensor signal using the control unit 230 (step Sa2); and classifying the current operating state of the air purifier 100 into one of at least three categories of operating states using the processing circuit 1010 of the control unit 230 (step Sa3). The method further includes: controlling the color and flashing mode of the light source according to the category of the current operating state using the control unit 230 (step Sa4). Figure 9BA computer-implemented method performed in an air purifier 100 is shown. The air purifier includes a pre-filter 140, a main filter 150, and a blower 160. The blower is arranged to generate an air flow 165 flowing through these filters. The main filter 150 is arranged upstream of the blower and downstream of the pre-filter 140. The method includes: when the pre-filter 140 is in the installed position, preventing a user from activating a control input device 180 of the air purifier 100 (step Sb1). The method further includes: in response to a test signal triggered by activating the control input device 180, using a control unit 230 of the air purifier 100 to determine an air pressure P based on an output signal from an air pressure sensor 170 arranged between the blower 160 and the main filter 150 of the air purifier 100 (step Sb2); and using the control unit 230 of the air purifier 100 to determine a particle load of the main filter 150 based on the determined air pressure P (step Sb3).

[0108] Figure 10 General components of the control unit 230 are schematically shown in the form of a plurality of functional units. The processing circuit 1010 is provided by any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit CPU, a multi-processor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor DSP, etc., and is capable of executing software instructions stored in a computer program product (for example, in the form of a storage medium 1030). The processing circuit 1010 can also be provided as at least one application specific integrated circuit ASIC or a field programmable gate array FPGA.

[0109] Specifically, the processing circuit 1010 is configured to cause the automatic feedback unit 100 to perform a set of operations or steps, such as in combination with Figure 9A and Figure 9B and the methods discussed above and other discussions. For example, the storage medium 1030 can store the set of operations, and the processing circuit 1010 can be configured to retrieve the set of operations from the storage medium 1030 to cause the device to perform the set of operations. The set of operations can be provided as a set of executable instructions. Therefore, the processing circuit 1010 is thus arranged to perform the methods disclosed herein.

[0110] The storage medium 1030 can also include a permanent memory, which can be, for example, any one or combination of a magnetic memory, an optical memory, a solid state memory, or even a remotely installed memory.

[0111] The control unit 230 can also include an interface 1020 for communicating with at least one external device. Therefore, the interface 1020 can include one or more transmitters and receivers, which include analog components and digital components and a suitable number of ports for wired communication or wireless communication.

[0112] Processing circuit 1010 controls the general operation of control unit 230, for example, by sending data and control signals to interface 1020 and storage medium 1030, receiving data and reports from interface 1020, and retrieving data and instructions from storage medium 1030.

[0113] Figure 11 A computer-readable medium 1110 carrying a computer program is shown, the computer program including program code means 1120 which, when the program product is run on a computer, execute the method shown in FIG. 9. The computer-readable medium and the code means together may form a computer program product 1100.

Claims

1. An air purifier (100), comprising: a pre-filter (140), a main filter (150) and a blower (160), the blower being arranged to generate an air flow (165) flowing through these filters, the air purifier (100) further comprises a control unit (230), the control unit being arranged to determine an air pressure (P) based on an output signal from an air pressure sensor (170) of the air purifier (100) arranged between the blower (160) and the main filter (150), the control unit (230) is arranged to determine a particle load of the main filter (150) based on the determined air pressure (P) in response to a test signal triggered by activating a control input device (180) of the air purifier (100), wherein the pre-filter (140) prevents the user from activating the control input device (180) when in the installed position.

2. The air purifier (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The control input device (180) includes a manual input device, such as a button, located between the pre-filter (140) and the main filter (150) during use.

3. The air purifier (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control input device (180) includes a presence sensor arranged to detect whether the pre-filter (140) is installed, wherein the control unit (230) is arranged to determine a particle load of the main filter (150) in response to a user command received via a user interface (110) of the air purifier (100) when the presence sensor does not detect that the pre-filter (140) is installed.

4. The air purifier (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control unit (230) is arranged to configure a predetermined blower speed of the blower (160) in response to the test signal.

5. The air purifier (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The air pressure (P) is determined relative to a reference pressure, and wherein the control unit (230) is configured to determine a particle load of the main filter (150) based on a predetermined relationship between the air pressure (P) relative to the reference pressure and the particle load.

6. The air purifier (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The reference pressure is the ambient atmospheric pressure determined by an ambient pressure sensor, or a pre-configured reference pressure value.

7. The air purifier (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control unit (230) is arranged to indicate the determined particle load of the main filter on a user interface (110) of the air purifier (100).

8. The air purifier (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control unit (230) is arranged to generate a warning signal via a user interface (110) of the air purifier (100) when the determined particle load of the main filter exceeds a predetermined threshold level.

9. The air purifier (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The blower (160) is arranged inside the air purifier (100) in an orifice (195) of a partition wall (190), wherein the main filter (150) includes a seal (155), the seal being arranged to match the surface of the partition wall so as to form a sealed space between the blower (160) and the main filter (150).

10. The air purifier (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control unit (230) is arranged to monitor the current and / or power drawn by the blower (160) during use and trigger an action via the user interface (110) if the current drawn by the blower (160) exceeds a predetermined blower current range, such as generating a warning signal and / or requesting a main filter test procedure.

11. A computer-implemented method performed in an air purifier (100), the air purifier comprising: A pre-filter (140), a main filter (150) and a blower (160), the blower being arranged to generate an air flow (165) flowing through these filters, the method comprising: When the pre-filter (140) is in the installed position, preventing (Sb1) the user from activating the control input device (180) of the air purifier (100), and In response to a test signal triggered by activating the control input device (180), determining (Sb2) the air pressure (P) by the control unit (230) of the air purifier (100) based on the output signal from an air pressure sensor (170) of the air purifier (100) arranged between the blower (160) and the main filter (150), and Determining (Sb3) the particle loading of the main filter (150) by the control unit (230) of the air purifier (100) based on the determined air pressure (P).

12. An air purifier (100) comprising an air purifier body (130, 600) arranged to hold a pre-filter (140), a main filter (150) and a blower (160), the blower being arranged to generate an air flow (165) flowing through the pre-filter (140) and the main filter (150), Among them, The air purifier body (130, 600) comprises an air flow main inlet orifice (105) arranged to receive the air flow (165) generated by the blower (165), The air purifier body (130, 600) comprises a first elongated pivotable bracket and a second elongated pivotable bracket (610, 620) extending along opposite sides of the main inlet orifice (105) and facing each other, wherein the brackets facing each other are arranged to pivot (R) from respective open positions about respective pivot axes (630, 640) extending parallel to the opposite sides of the main inlet orifice (105) to respective closed positions, wherein the brackets (610, 620) facing each other are arranged to allow the main filter (150) to be received (I) in the air purifier body (130, 600) when in the open position, wherein the brackets facing each other are arranged to press against (F) the main filter (150) received in the air purifier body (130, 600) when in the closed position to fixedly hold the received main filter (150) in place.

13. The air purifier (100) according to claim 12, wherein, The opposing brackets (610, 620) include respective grooves (615, 625) extending parallel to the opposing sides, wherein the grooves face each other when the opposing brackets are in the closed position, and the grooves are configured to slidably receive the pre-filter (140), and the pre-filter, when received in the grooves, prevents the opposing brackets (610, 620) from pivoting relative to each other.

14. The air purifier (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The first and second elongated pivotable brackets (610, 620) facing each other include respective opposing grooves configured to hold the anti-collision grille (1230) upstream of the pre-filter (140).

15. An air purifier assembly, comprising the air purifier (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, and a main filter (150) received in the air purifier body (130, 600), wherein, The main filter (150) includes a first gasket (155) extending around the perimeter of the main filter (150), wherein the first gasket (155) is configured to sealingly abut against a partition wall (190) of the air purifier (100) that supports a blower (160) downstream of the main filter (150) when the opposing brackets (610, 620) are in the closed position.

16. The air purifier assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The main filter (150) includes a second gasket (650) extending around the perimeter of the main filter (150) on a side opposite to the side of the first gasket, wherein the second gasket (650) is configured to sealingly abut against the opposing brackets (610, 620) when the opposing brackets (610, 620) are in the closed position.

17. An air purifier (100) includes an air purifier body (130, 600) configured to hold a pre-filter (140), a main filter (150), and a blower (160), the blower being configured to generate an air flow (165) flowing through the pre-filter (140) and the main filter (150). Among them, The air purifier body (130, 600) includes an air flow main inlet port (105) configured to receive the air flow (165) generated by the blower (165). The air purifier body (130, 600) includes a first and a second elongated pivotable bracket (601, 620) extending along opposite sides of the main inlet port (105) and facing each other, wherein the opposing brackets are configured to pivot (R) from respective open positions about respective pivot axes (630, 640) extending parallel to the opposite sides of the main inlet port (105) to respective closed positions. Wherein the opposing brackets (610, 620) are configured to allow the main filter (150) to be received (I) in the air purifier body (130, 600) when in the open position. Wherein the opposing brackets are configured to allow the pre-filter to be received in an operating position when in the closed position, and the pre-filter, when in the operating position, is installed in the opposing brackets.

18. An air purifier (100) includes an air purifier body (130) and a cover (120). The cover (120) includes: A first part (410) that, when in a sealed position, is arranged to mate with and seal an opening of the air purifier body (130). A second part (420) that is included in the first part (410), the second part defining an enclosed space that is sealed off from the surroundings of the air purifier and from the internal environment of the air purifier (100), wherein the enclosed space is accessible via a maintenance opening formed in the second part (420) when the first part is in the sealed position. Wherein a control unit (230) is arranged in the enclosed space of the second part (420). The first part (410) further includes a partition wall (190) that is arranged to extend into the air purifier body (130) when the first part (410) is in the sealed position, wherein the partition wall (190) includes an opening (195) in which a blower (160) is arranged. Wherein the air purifier body (130) includes opposing grooves (470) arranged to receive and hold a vertical extension (V) of the partition wall (190), and Wherein the cover (120) includes one or more handles (460) configured to enable the cover to be lifted vertically (V) when the air purifier (100) is in a normal operating position.

19. The air purifier (100) according to claim 18, wherein, The control unit (230) is arranged to control a user interface (110) integrated in the cover (120).

20. The air purifier (100) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, An air duct extends from a location on the partition wall (190) into the enclosed space of the second part (420) and to a pressure sensor arranged in the enclosed space of the second part (420).

21. The air purifier (100) according to any one of claims 18 to 20 includes electrical connectors (191, 1240) arranged to connect with electrical connectors of another air purifier, the other air purifier being configured in a stacked manner with the air purifier (100) including the cover (120).

22. The air purifier (100) according to claim 21, wherein, The electrical connectors (191, 1240) further include means for transmitting data signals between these air purifiers configured in a stacked manner.

23. The air purifier (100) according to any one of claims 18 to 22, comprising a planar member arranged to extend from the cover (120), wherein, The planar member includes an aperture (161) and a blower (160) mounted to connect with the aperture (161) to draw an air stream (165) through the aperture (161).

24. The air purifier (100) according to any one of claims 18 to 23, comprising an air purifier body (130) having a bottom portion, wherein, The bottom part of the air purifier body (130) includes an electrical connector (192) arranged to mate with an electrical connector provided at a corresponding location on the cover of the air purifier (100).

25. The air purifier (100) according to claim 24, wherein, The electrical connector (192) of the bottom part of the air purifier body (130) is integrally formed with the partition wall (190) of the cover part.

26. A user interface (110) for an air purifier (100), the user interface comprising: A light source (310) configured to emit light of at least two colors in two or more blinking modes; a diffuser (320) connected to the light source (310); and a control unit (230), The control unit (230) includes a processing circuit (1010) and one or more sensor input ports configured to receive corresponding sensor signals. Wherein, the control unit (230) is configured to detect the current operating state of the air purifier (100) based on the sensor signals, and classify the current operating state of the air purifier (100) into one of at least three categories of operating states through the processing circuit (1010), Wherein, the control unit (230) is configured to control the color and blinking mode of the light source according to the category of the current operating state, and Wherein, the user interface (110) includes an electrical energy storage module (250) configured to supply power to the user interface in the event of a power outage.

27. The user interface (110) according to claim 26, wherein, The light source (310) is configured to emit any one of white light, green light, yellow light, and red light, and wherein, the at least two blinking modes include periodic blinking at 1 Hz and 2 Hz.

28. The user interface (110) according to claim 26 or 27, wherein, The control unit (230) is configured to deactivate the blower (160) of the air purifier in response to the current operating state of the air purifier (100) being classified as an emergency blower failure operating state.

29. The user interface (110) according to any one of claims 26 to 28, further comprising a buzzer (240), wherein, The control unit (230) is configured to operate the buzzer (240) according to the classification category of the current operating state.

30. The user interface (110) according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein, The control unit (230) is configured to receive an air pressure sensor signal indicating the air pressure downstream of the filters (140, 150) of the air purifier, and detect a filter failure state when the air pressure sensor signal exceeds a predetermined air pressure range.

31. The user interface (110) according to any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein, The control unit (230) is configured to detect a power outage state when the current and / or voltage of the external power connection (430) exceeds a predetermined voltage and / or current range.

32. The user interface (110) according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein, The control unit (230) is configured to monitor the current and / or power drawn by the blower (160) of the air purifier (100), and detect an air purifier failure state when the current drawn by the blower (160) exceeds a predetermined blower current range.

33. The user interface (110) according to any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein, The control unit (230) is configured to monitor the particle concentration (101) in the surrounding environment of the air purifier (100), and detect an air purifier failure state when the particle concentration (101) exceeds a predetermined allowable particle concentration range.

34. The user interface (110) according to claim 33, wherein, The control unit (230) is connected to a backup power supply (250), and the control unit includes a wake-up timer. Wherein, the control unit (230) is configured to be woken up from a deactivated operating state according to a predetermined schedule to monitor the particle concentration (101) in the surrounding environment of the air purifier (100).

35. A cover (120) for an air purifier (100), the cover comprising a sealed compartment (420) and a user interface (110) according to any one of claims 26 to 34, wherein, The control unit (230), the light source (310), and the diffuser (320) are accommodated in the sealed compartment (420), and wherein the light bar (220) of the user interface (110) forms a part of the outer surface of the sealed compartment.

36. The cover (120) according to claim 35, wherein, A power cord (430) for connecting to the main power supply extends from the sealed compartment (420).

37. The cover (120) according to claim 35 or 36, wherein, A partition wall (190) extends from the cover, the partition wall includes an opening in which a blower (160) is arranged, and wherein a power cord (450) extends from the sealed compartment (420) and extends to the blower (160).

38. An air purifier (100) comprising a user interface (110) according to any one of claims 26 to 34 and / or a cover according to any one of claims 35 to 37.

39. A computer-implemented method performed in a user interface (110) of an air purifier (100), the user interface comprising: An electrical energy storage module (250) configured to supply power to the user interface in the event of a power interruption, A light source (310) configured to emit light of at least two colors in two or more blinking modes; a diffuser (320) connected to the light source; And a control unit (230), The method includes: Receiving (Sa1) at least one sensor signal using a control unit (230) including a processing circuit (1010) and one or more sensor input ports, Detecting (Sa2) the current operating state of the air purifier (100) using the control unit (230) based on the sensor signal, and Classifying (Sa3) the current operating state of the air purifier (100) into one of at least three categories of operating states using the processing circuit (1010) of the control unit (230); Controlling (Sa4) the color and blinking mode of the light source using the control unit (230) according to the category of the current operating state, and In the event of a power interruption, supplying power to the user interface (110) using the electrical energy storage module (250).

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