Air purification apparatus and method for purifying air

Abstract

Air purification device and method for purifying air. The air purification device has at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, between which an air transport means for generating an air flow from the at least one air inlet to the at least one air outlet and an air purification mechanism for purifying foreign bodies and / or dirt particles from the air constituting the air flow are arranged or configured in terms of fluid action, the air purification mechanism comprising at least one electrostatic filter device having an electrically conductive emission electrode for emitting and / or generating electrically charged particles, an electrically conductive dust collecting electrode for separating electrically charged dirt particles, the air purification device comprising at least one high-voltage source for generating a high voltage between the emission electrode and the dust collecting electrode, the air purification mechanism comprising at least one air purification channel for guiding the air flow from the at least one air inlet to the air transport means, the dust collecting electrode delimiting said air purification channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an air purification device having at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, wherein, in terms of fluid action, an air delivery device and an air purification mechanism are arranged or constructed between the at least one air inlet and the at least one air outlet. The air delivery device is used to generate an airflow from the at least one air inlet to the at least one air outlet, and the air purification mechanism is used to purify foreign matter and / or contaminant particles in the air constituting the airflow. The air purification mechanism includes at least one electrostatic filter having a conductive emitting electrode for emitting and / or generating charged particles and a conductive dust collection electrode for separating charged contaminant particles. The air purification device includes at least one high-voltage source for generating a high voltage between the emitting electrode and the dust collection electrode. The air purification mechanism includes at least one air purification channel for guiding the airflow from the at least one air inlet to the air delivery device.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for purifying air, in which air to be purified is conveyed through an electrostatic filtration device having a conductive emitting electrode for emitting and / or generating charged particles and a conductive dust collecting electrode for separating charged pollutant particles, wherein a high voltage is applied between the emitting electrode and the dust collecting electrode. Background Technology

[0003] Air purification devices of the type described in the preface are known in various embodiments. Examples of such air purification devices are illustrated in particular in US 2013 / 0047858 A1. In such air purification devices, the air to be purified is guided through an electric field. Pollutant particles become negatively charged by electrons emitted from the emitting electrode, or positively charged when a positive potential is applied to the emitting electrode. A collecting electrode forms a corresponding electrode relative to the emitting electrode. The charged pollutant particles move toward the collecting electrode in the electric field between the emitting electrode and the collecting electrode. Thus, all the charged pollutant particles filtered from the air to be purified accumulate on the collecting electrode.

[0004] Therefore, for the sustained and reliable operation of air purification equipment, it is necessary to clean the dust collection electrodes of at least one electrostatic filter regularly. This is especially true in air purification equipment, as is known according to US 2013 / 0047858 A1, and can only be achieved at a high cost. As is known in that publication, the electrostatic filter cartridge requires laborious cleaning by the user. It is known that a brush is used to remove the dirt accumulated between the electrode plates.

[0005] A space air purifier is described in DE 10 2022 125 024 A1. An apparatus for purifying oily exhaust gas is known according to DE 10 2008 011561 A1. CN 106032916 A relates to a plasma air purifier. A method for removing dust from air and an electrostatic filter are disclosed in US 2008 / 0250926 A1. A method for filtering odors from an airflow and a filtering apparatus having an odor filter are described in DE 102004 053 030 A1. An automatic air purification mechanism is known according to CN 112178820 A. CN 207299230 U relates to an apparatus for removing dust from air and for purifying sterile air. A plasma air purification mechanism for indoor use is disclosed in CN 111174347 A. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to improve the air purification devices and methods of the type described in the preamble, so that they can be easily operated by the user.

[0007] This task is solved according to the present invention in air purification devices of the type described in the preface, namely, a dust collection electrical limit air purification channel.

[0008] The suggested improvements to air purification equipment particularly enable the simple cleaning of the dust collection electrodes. As described, in air purification equipment with an electrostatic filter, separated dirt particles accumulate on the dust collection electrodes. In such equipment, the user only needs to remove the dirt particles from the dust collection electrodes to ensure the equipment's long-lasting and reliable function. Air purification equipment can, for example, be configured such that the dust collection electrodes can be removed from the air purification equipment, i.e., especially independently of the emitting electrodes, so that the dust collection electrodes can be easily cleaned, for example, under running water.

[0009] Advantageously, at least one electrostatic filter includes only a single dust collection electrode. While air purification equipment may include two or more electrostatic filters, each of these filters includes only a single dust collection electrode. This allows the dust collection electrodes to be constructed and arranged in a way that makes them easy to detach or remove from the air purification equipment. This particularly simplifies the cleaning of the dust collection electrodes.

[0010] The structure of air purification equipment can be simplified in such a way that the dust collection electrode is constructed as a single unit. In particular, it can be constructed as a single piece. This implementation allows the user to remove the dust collection electrode from the air purifier or pull it out of its housing in one piece for cleaning. The dust collection electrode can also be continuously constructed of a conductive material, so that exactly a single dust collection electrode is included in at least one electrostatic filtration device.

[0011] Alternatively, the dust collection electrode can comprise at least two dust collection regions that are electrically insulated from or separate from each other. Thus, in this case, the dust collection electrode is multi-part, formed by the dust collection regions. These dust collection regions can, for example, be strips of conductive material adjacent to the air purification channel, arranged on a dust collection support, for example, on an electrically insulator. The dust collection regions can particularly be configured as a conductive coating on the dust collection support.

[0012] If at least two dust collection areas are arranged or constructed on a common dust collection support, a dust collection electrode having at least two dust collection areas that are electrically insulated from or separated from each other can be formed in a simple manner. In particular, the dust collection support can be constructed in a plate shape. Preferably, the dust collection support is made of an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulated dust collection areas can be constructed in this way by means of dust collection areas that are not electrically connected to each other. These dust collection areas can be constructed in strip or planar shapes, such as polygons, especially triangles, quadrilaterals, or hexagons. Preferably, the dust collection areas can be arranged or constructed on the dust collection support in a regular or irregular pattern.

[0013] The electrostatic filtration device can be constructed in a particularly simple manner if the dust collecting electrode is configured as a plate. Here, the dust collecting electrode can be configured as flat, curved, or corrugated. Plate-shaped should be understood in particular as the dust collecting electrode being made of a flat material. This flat material can have a thickness ranging from approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 3 mm. The plate-shaped dust collecting electrode can, for example, be made of steel or copper plates.

[0014] Advantages for easy cleaning of air purification equipment include the ability to separate the dust collection electrode from the equipment. Specifically, it can be separated from the air purification equipment independently, i.e., independently of the emitting electrode. For example, a single plate-shaped dust collection electrode can be separated from the air purification equipment. This dust collection electrode can be removed from the separated dirt particles in a simple and reliable manner. The dust collection electrode can be cleaned, for example, under running water.

[0015] Dust collection electrodes can be inexpensively and shape-stable made of stainless steel. Furthermore, stainless steel is corrosion-resistant. This allows for the construction of air purification equipment with a long service life.

[0016] Advantages of the electrostatic filtration device's functional design include the use of conductive materials for both the emitting and collecting electrodes. Specifically, both electrodes can be solidly constructed from conductive materials. The conductive materials used to construct the emitting and collecting electrodes can be the same or different. For example, the emitting electrode can be made of tungsten, and the collecting electrode can be made of steel, particularly rust-resistant stainless steel.

[0017] To facilitate the simple charging of contaminant particles, the emitting electrode is constructed in a linear shape. This allows for a high electric field strength in the region of the emitting electrode. Depending on whether the emitting electrode is at a positive or negative potential, the contaminant particles can become positively charged or negatively charged through electrons emitted from the emitting electrode.

[0018] The emitting electrode preferably includes at least one emitting wire, such as two, three, or more emitting wires. The number of emitting wires forming the emitting element of the emitting electrode can, in particular, determine the efficiency of the electrostatic filtration device in charging airborne particles. A larger number of wires can charge more particles.

[0019] Alternatively, or in addition to a emitting wire, the emitting electrode may include multiple emitting needles or emitting blades, or be configured in a mesh-like form. Emitters and emitting blades with pointed or sharply defined edges are well-suited for locally generating high field strengths for emitting charged particles or charging contaminant particles.

[0020] Preferably, the emitting electrode is made of or contains tungsten. Tungsten is particularly well-suited for emitting electrons at relatively high potentials or for positively charging contaminant particles. Furthermore, tungsten is also suitable for forming durable, stable emitting elements in the form of emission lines.

[0021] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the emitting electrode can be arranged or configured to face the dust collecting electrode and define the air purification channel. In other words, the emitting electrode and the dust collecting electrode are opposite each other and each defines the air purification channel on one side. The air to be purified flows between the emitting electrode and the dust collecting electrode. The air to be purified does not need to flow around the emitting electrode. This significantly reduces the risk of damage during operation of the air purification equipment.

[0022] Advantageously, the emitting electrode extends transversely, and especially perpendicularly, to the flow direction defined by the air purification channel. This embodiment particularly enables the formation of a barrier for contaminant particles through the electric field created by the emitting electrode and the collecting electrode, through which the contaminant particles must pass. Here, they are forced to become charged and move towards the collecting electrode in the electric field. The proposed orientation of the emitting electrode allows for a larger effective cross-section of the electrostatic filtration device.

[0023] Advantageously, the air purification channel has a channel inlet and a channel outlet, and the channel inlet is in direct fluid connection with at least one air inlet. Air to be purified can enter the air purification device through at least one air inlet and be directly directed to the channel inlet of the air purification channel in the manner described.

[0024] Advantageously, the emitting electrode is arranged or constructed directly after the inlet of the air purification channel. This implementation particularly enables the contaminant particles to become charged upon entering the air purification channel, and then the entire air purification channel is used as a separation path to move the charged contaminant particles toward the collecting electrode in the electric field of the electrostatic filter. There, they are discharged and separated.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment, the air purification channel may have an electrode recess opposite to the dust collection electrode and open in the direction toward it, and the emitting electrode may be arranged or constructed in or within the electrode recess. This embodiment particularly allows for a protected arrangement of the emitting electrode, i.e., such that it laterally confines the air purification channel, rather than being directly arranged or constructed therein. In this way, it is particularly ensured that an electric field between the emitting electrode and the dust collection electrode can be formed transversely to the flow direction in the air purification channel, so as to move charged dirt particles transversely toward the dust collection electrode in the flow direction.

[0026] Preferably, the air purification device has only one air outlet. Regardless of whether the air purification device has one, two, or more air inlets, the purified air is discharged from the air purification device through the single air outlet. In this way, the purified air can be specifically directed to the space in which the air purification device is located.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the air delivery device may include a fan or be configured as a fan, and include a fan wheel for delivering air. Using such an air delivery device, air can be delivered in a simple manner through air purification equipment, particularly through air purification channels.

[0028] For ease of operation and, particularly, for protection of sensitive components from damage, air purifiers include a housing having a lower housing side, a upper housing side, a front housing side, a rear housing side, and two housing sides connecting the front and rear housing sides. The housing can also be used to protect the user from contact with the electrostatic filter, especially the emitting or collecting electrodes. In cases where the housing has a circular, substantially circular, or elliptical cross-section, the given housing sides, as well as the front and rear housing sides, are formed or defined by housing sections defining corresponding angular ranges.

[0029] If the air purification equipment is arranged or constructed such that, when the air purification equipment is used as specified, the upper side of the housing is arranged or constructed above the lower side of the housing in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity, a particularly compact structure of the air purification equipment can be achieved. This is especially true for constructing air purification equipment in the form of so-called tower equipment. Such tower equipment typically has a height greater than the lateral dimension of the lower side of the housing.

[0030] To facilitate the placement of the air purification device, particularly in front of a wall, it is advantageous to have at least one air outlet arranged or constructed on the upper side of the housing. This air purification device can input purified air upwards, that is, into the space in the opposite direction of gravity when used as intended.

[0031] Furthermore, it is advantageous that at least one air inlet is arranged or constructed on the front side of the housing. This particularly allows the air purification device to be positioned in front of a wall or in a corner of the housing within a space. The air to be purified can enter the housing through the air inlet on the front side of the housing and exit through at least one air outlet, for example, through an air inlet arranged on the upper side of the housing. It is particularly advantageous that at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet are arranged on different sides of the housing. This effectively prevents purified air exiting from at least one air outlet from being directly reintroduced through at least one air inlet.

[0032] Advantageously, the air delivery device has an intake inlet and a discharge outlet, with the discharge outlet arranged or configured to point towards the upper side of the housing. This embodiment particularly enables the air delivered by the delivery device to be directly discharged from the housing through at least one air outlet when at least one air outlet is arranged or configured on the upper side of the housing.

[0033] Preferably, the intake port is arranged or configured to point towards the housing side and, more particularly, towards the direction transverse to, and especially perpendicular to, at least one air inlet. This arrangement particularly enables air to be introduced into the region in front of the intake port, thereby creating the smallest possible dead volume within the housing.

[0034] Advantageously, the housing includes or forms a technical chamber, and the technical chamber is arranged or constructed in the region between the two air purification channels. The air purification device may, for example, include two separate air purification channels, and in particular, two electrostatic filter devices. Arranging the technical chamber in this manner allows for a particularly compact structure of the air purification device.

[0035] The air purification device can be constructed in a more compact manner if the technical chamber has a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, and the chamber outlet forms or includes at least one air outlet. In particular, the chamber outlet can be arranged or constructed on the upper side of the housing. This makes it particularly possible to enclose the technical chamber using the upper side of the housing.

[0036] Preferably, the air delivery device is arranged or constructed within a technical chamber. This allows it to be arranged or constructed in a way that protects it from external influences.

[0037] Furthermore, it is advantageous to place or construct the high-voltage source within the technical chamber. This approach optimizes user protection against contact with high voltage.

[0038] Advantageously, the lower side of the housing forms a technical support and encloses the technical chamber in the direction of gravity. Air purification devices can be constructed in such a compact manner. The lower side of the housing can also serve a dual function. On the one hand, it can enclose the technical chamber and the housing in the direction of gravity. On the other hand, it can be used to support components of the air purification device, such as air delivery devices or high-voltage sources, and position them in a defined manner inside the housing.

[0039] Preferably, the upper side of the housing is positioned to seal the technical chamber against the direction of gravity. This effectively prevents air from escaping from the technical chamber out of the housing.

[0040] Advantageously, the intake inlet of the air delivery device is directed into the technical chamber. In this way, the technical chamber specifically forms a collection space for the air delivered by the air delivery device to be used within the housing of the air purification equipment.

[0041] Advantageously, the technical chamber includes a technical chamber wall, and the emitting electrode is held, arranged, or constructed on the outer side of the technical chamber wall. This embodiment, for example, allows the technical chamber wall to serve as a separator between the technical chamber and the air purification channel. With the proposed embodiment of the technical chamber wall, no other components are required for holding or positioning the emitting electrode of at least one electrostatic filter device.

[0042] To achieve high efficiency in air purification equipment, it is advantageous to include two electrostatic filter devices. Alternatively, it may include only a single electrostatic filter device. In the case of two electrostatic filter devices, for example, the two air purification channels of the two electrostatic filter devices can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the technical chamber in the housing. This allows for a particularly compact structure of the air purification equipment. Furthermore, this also reduces the structural height of the air purification equipment, because with the same cross-section of the air purification channel, if two electrostatic filter devices are used instead of one, only half the structural height of the air purification equipment is required.

[0043] If two electrostatic filtration devices are arranged or constructed in the same manner or with mirror symmetry about a mirror plane extending between the air purification channels, a particularly simple and compact structure of the air purification equipment can be achieved. In particular, the housing can also be mirror symmetric with respect to the mirror plane. The air delivery device can also, in principle, be arranged mirror symmetric with respect to the mirror plane. However, it is preferable that it is arranged or constructed asymmetrically with respect to the mirror plane in order to optimize the use of the technical chamber as a collection space for the air to be delivered.

[0044] In particular, when the mirror plane extends through the upper and lower sides of the housing, a simple structure for the air purification device is obtained.

[0045] Preferably, the air purification device includes a single air inlet, which is assigned to two channel inlets of two electrostatic filters. This embodiment particularly enables the distribution of air to be purified, which enters the housing of the air purification device through the single air inlet, to the two electrostatic filters for purification, so that air particles can flow into their respective air purification channels either through one or the other channel inlet.

[0046] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the air purification device includes two air inlets that are fluidly separated from each other, and each air inlet is equipped with a channel inlet for one of two electrostatic filters. This configuration allows the air inlets to be arranged or constructed on the same side of the housing, such as the front side, or on different sides, so that air can be input into the air purification device from different directions for purification. The separation of the air inlets also helps to reduce the flow velocity through the air inlets and thus reduces noise generation during operation of the air purification device.

[0047] Advantageously, the outlets of the two air purification channels are fluidly connected to the intake of the air delivery device. In other words, with this embodiment, air purified by two electrostatic filters via the two air purification channels is combined and directed to the intake of the air delivery device.

[0048] Advantageously, the dust collection electrode extends at least partially along the rear side of the housing. This embodiment particularly extends the separation path of charged contaminant particles. Furthermore, in a corresponding design, the dust collection electrode can also be used to deflect air flowing through the air purification channel, especially towards a direction transverse to the flow direction defined by the air purification channel.

[0049] To achieve the largest possible cross-section of the air purification channel, and consequently, higher efficiency of the air purification device, it is advantageous for the dust collection electrode and / or emitting electrode to extend from the lower side of the housing to the upper side. This effectively allows the entire height of the air purification device to be used for air purification using at least one electrostatic filter.

[0050] Advantageously, a handle element is arranged or constructed on the dust collection electrode for removing the electrode from the housing. In this way, the user can quickly and easily separate the dust collection electrode from the air purifier. They only need to hold the electrode on the handle element and then pull it out of the housing. This allows for easy removal of deposited dirt particles from the electrode, for example, under running water or with a damp cloth. Preferably, the handle element is made of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic. This, in particular, prevents contact between the conductive components of the air purifier and the user during operation.

[0051] Advantages for the ease of operation of air purifiers include a handle element that extends from the top of the housing. This allows the user to pull the dust collection electrode out of the housing, for example, upwards, i.e., against the direction of gravity.

[0052] Advantageously, the air purification channel has a channel height and a channel length, with the channel height extending from the lower side of the housing to the upper side, and the channel length extending laterally, and more particularly perpendicularly, to the channel height. This embodiment particularly enables the predetermined action path of the electrostatic filter device, i.e., through the channel length.

[0053] Advantageously, the two housing sides define the housing side height and housing side width respectively, and the channel length is greater than the housing side width, especially at least 1.2 times it. This embodiment particularly enables the air purification channel to be guided not only along the housing sides, but also partially along the front and / or rear sides of the housing. In this way, the effective channel length can be predetermined to be as large as possible within the compact structure of the air purification device.

[0054] Advantageously, the channel height is greater than the channel length, especially at least 1.2 times, and even more especially at least 1.5 times. This allows for the simple construction of air purification devices in the form of tower units with the smallest possible base surface, which is predetermined, particularly by the shape and size of the lower side of the housing.

[0055] In order to form the longest possible action path for the electrostatic filtration device, it is advantageous for the dust collection electrode to extend from the front side of the housing to the rear side of the housing.

[0056] In an advantageous manner, the front side of the housing has a closed area, and at least one air inlet is arranged or constructed between the closed area and the housing side. This embodiment particularly allows for the provision of two air inlets, separated from each other by the closed area on the front side of the housing. These two air inlets can be fluidly separated from each other or fluidly connected to each other. In the first case, air can be directly introduced to the channel inlet of the electrostatic filter. In the second case, if two electrostatic filters are provided, the incoming air must first be distributed to both electrostatic filters.

[0057] Advantageous for the operation of air purification equipment is that it includes a holding and guiding device for the dust collection electrode. This allows the dust collection electrode of at least one electrostatic filter to be held in a defined manner on the air purification equipment. In particular, in the case of a fixedly mounted emitting electrode, a defined relative position can be predetermined for the dust collection electrode.

[0058] Preferably, the retaining and guiding device includes electrode receiving portions in the areas of the channel inlet and channel outlet to accommodate the opposing end edges of the dust collection electrodes. This method effectively prevents the dust collection electrodes from moving along the air purification channel.

[0059] If the electrode housing is configured as a groove extending between the lower and upper sides of the housing, an air purification device can be constructed in a simple manner. The plate-shaped dust collection electrode can be easily pushed into the two grooves.

[0060] According to another preferred embodiment, at least one electrostatic filtration device includes a capacitive channel section disposed downstream of the emitting electrode in the flow direction, having a field electrode that demarcates the air purification channel in the region of the channel section and is opposed to the dust collection electrode. An advantage of this embodiment is that contaminant particles charged by the emitting electrode not only move towards the dust collection electrode in the region of the emitting electrode by the force of the electric field, but also experience a force transverse to the flow direction through the air purification channel along the capacitive channel section, thus allowing them to be separated at the dust collection electrode along the air purification channel. Therefore, the capacitive channel section is particularly useful for generating a force transverse to the flow direction on the charged contaminant particles, thereby allowing these particles to be separated at the dust collection electrode. This particularly prevents charged particles from leaving the air purification channel through the channel outlet. More precisely, this ensures that all charged contaminant particles are separated at the dust collection electrode.

[0061] An advantage of the simple electrical structure of air purification equipment is that the same high voltage is applied between the field electrode and the dust collection electrode as it is between the emitting electrode and the dust collection electrode. This allows for the generation of an electric field with virtually the same field strength in a simple manner. Furthermore, the same high voltage source can be used to construct the electric field in the capacitive channel section and the electric field in the emitting section, which is defined between the emitting electrode and the dust collection electrode.

[0062] Preferably, the channel width in the channel section is constant or approximately constant. This, in particular, ensures a constant electric field between the field electrode and the dust collection electrode.

[0063] Advantageously, the ratio of channel width to channel height is in the range of approximately 0.02 to approximately 0.07. Preferably, the ratio is approximately 0.05. Selecting the channel width to channel height ratio of the air purification channel or capacitive channel section as given allows for a predetermined cross-section of the air purification channel or capacitive channel section such that the flow velocity of the air to be purified is sufficiently slow and the residence time of contaminant particles in the air purification channel is sufficiently long, especially in capacitive channel sections, and further optimizes the separation of all charged contaminant particles in the emitting section onto the collecting electrode as completely as possible. An advantageous ratio is obtained particularly when the channel height is 500 mm and the channel width is in the range of approximately 12.5 mm to approximately 35 mm. The high voltage applied between the emitting electrode or field electrode on one side and the collecting electrode on the other should not be less than the minimum channel width to avoid breakdown between the electrodes. At a high voltage of approximately 20 kV, the channel width should be as close as possible to approximately 20 mm. If the channel width is chosen to be too large, it will cause a sharp drop in the electric field strength, especially in the capacitive channel section. This will make it impossible to achieve the supporting effect of the electric field on the separation of charged dirt particles on the dust collection electrode.

[0064] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the dust collection electrode includes a deflection region extending from the channel section to the rear side of the housing, for redirecting the airflow in a direction transverse to, and especially perpendicular to, the flow direction defined by the channel section. Moreover, the deflection region is particularly advantageous because charged contaminant particles can reach the dust collection electrode not only based on the electric field force, but also when their flow direction is redirected from, for example, a straight-extending air purification channel.

[0065] To prevent coarse contaminants from entering the air purification equipment, and especially from at least one electrostatic filter, it is advantageous to seal at least one air inlet with a pre-filter. The pre-filter can, for example, be constructed in the form of a fabric mesh, which is held on a filter support.

[0066] According to another preferred embodiment, the air purification mechanism may include a catalyst, particularly for decomposing ozone and / or nitrogen oxides, and / or include a filter, particularly in the form of an activated carbon filter, for decomposing ozone and / or for adsorbing nitrogen oxides. Such a catalyst or filter can, in particular, achieve the decomposition of ozone that is virtually unavoidable during the operation of at least one electrostatic filtration device, thus preventing it from being emitted by the air purification equipment into the space where the air should be purified. Furthermore, the adsorption of nitrogen oxides contributes to improving air quality.

[0067] Preferably, the filter is configured as a flat-pleated filter. It may be coated with activated carbon or supported by activated carbon. The filter may also optionally include or support a catalyst for decomposing ozone and / or nitrogen oxides.

[0068] Advantageously, the filter and / or catalyst are arranged or constructed in the flow direction between the air purification channel and the intake inlet. This embodiment particularly prevents ozone and / or nitrogen oxides from entering the air delivery device. In particular, the filter and / or catalyst can be arranged or constructed downstream of the electrostatic filtration device. This particularly ensures that the air delivered by the air delivery device has been purified by at least one electrostatic filtration device and the filter or catalyst. In this way, the contamination of the air delivery device, and especially the technical chamber, can also be kept very low.

[0069] Preferably, the filter and / or catalyst seals the chamber inlet. In this way, air already purified by at least one electrostatic filtration device is additionally guided through the filter or catalyst. The air, thus maximally purified, enters the technical chamber and subsequently the delivery system. Therefore, only purified air is delivered through the air delivery system, thereby virtually eliminating contamination of the air delivery system.

[0070] For ease of operation and maintenance of air purification equipment, the filter and / or catalyst are arranged or constructed to be removable from the housing via the lower side. The filter and / or catalyst can be held in a bracket on the housing for this purpose. The bracket can be open towards the lower side of the housing to allow for removal of the filter and / or catalyst. The catalyst can, for example, be arranged or constructed on a catalyst support to enable simple and safe operation of the catalyst.

[0071] Advantageously, the air purification equipment includes control and / or regulation devices for controlling and / or regulating the operation of the air purification equipment. For example, the delivery power of the air delivery device can be predetermined using the control and / or regulation devices. Additionally, the high voltage of the high voltage source can optionally be adjusted to control the operation of the emitting electrode.

[0072] Advantages for users operating air purification equipment include an operating device that works in conjunction with control and / or regulation devices. The operating device can particularly be configured as an input device, allowing the user to, for example, preset the output power of the air purification equipment.

[0073] For comfortable operation of air purifiers, the control device is located or constructed on the upper side of the housing. This makes it easily accessible and clearly visible to the user.

[0074] Advantageously, the operating device includes an input device and a display device. The user can thus, for example, pre-set the desired power output of the air purifier, especially by selecting the appropriate operating mode. The selected operating mode of the air purifier can be displayed to the user using the display device.

[0075] If the display device includes or forms an input device, the air purification device can be compactly constructed. The operating device can, for example, be constructed in the form of a so-called touchscreen.

[0076] Advantageously, the control and / or regulation devices are configured to detect damage to the emitting electrode, especially breakage. In this way, air purification equipment can be automatically disabled to protect it from further damage.

[0077] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the control and / or regulation device is configured to automatically shut off the air purification device when the dust collection electrode is removed. This, in particular, prevents the dust collection electrode from remaining under high voltage when the user removes it from the housing.

[0078] If the control and / or regulation devices are arranged or constructed in the technical chamber, the air purification equipment can be constructed in a particularly compact manner. If the technical chamber forms a pre-chamber in front of the intake inlet of the air delivery device, as described above, the purified air delivered through the technical chamber can also be used to cool the control and / or regulation devices and, if necessary, to cool the high-voltage source of the air purification equipment.

[0079] For the air purification equipment to have a reliable and compact structure, it is advantageous that the control and / or regulation devices and / or high voltage sources are arranged or constructed on a technical support.

[0080] Furthermore, an advantage for operating air purifiers is that they include an interface device that works in conjunction with control and / or regulation devices to connect the air purifier to external communication devices, particularly smartphones, for control purposes. This allows users to control the air purifier via, for example, a smartphone or tablet, or via the internet.

[0081] The interface device can be easily configured as a wireless interface device. For example, it can be configured as a W-LAN or Bluetooth interface device. This implementation, in particular, enables wireless communication between air purifiers and external control units such as smartphones.

[0082] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the air purification device includes at least one sensor device that works in conjunction with a control and / or regulation device to measure the temperature, humidity, and / or formaldehyde content in the air to be purified. In particular, the at least one sensor device can acquire data and transmit it to the control and / or regulation device, thereby enabling it to automatically adjust the purification and / or delivery power of the purification device based on the measured values ​​of (ambient) temperature, humidity, and / or formaldehyde content.

[0083] Preferably, the control and / or regulating device is configured to control the delivery power of the air delivery device based on measured air quality. The better the air quality, the lower the predetermined delivery power of the air delivery device should be. If the air quality is poor, the control and / or regulating device can automatically increase the delivery power of the air delivery device again.

[0084] Advantageously, the air conveying device is configured to convey at least 200 m³ per hour. 3 The air volume. In particular, it can be configured to transport at least approximately 500 m³ per hour. 3 The volume of air. Such a volume of common space can reliably purify the air of pollutants.

[0085] Advantageously, the air purification unit includes a pre-filter that seals at least one air inlet. This is particularly effective in preventing larger dirt particles from entering the air purification device and, for example, clogging the air purification passage.

[0086] An advantage of this air purifier is its portability. Users do not need to lift and move the air purifier from one location to another. Rather, users can simply push the air purifier to its new placement location.

[0087] Advantageously, the air purifier includes at least three, and especially four, casters arranged or constructed on the side of the device. These casters can be, for example, constructed as omnidirectional wheels. This allows the air purifier to be moved by the user in a simple manner.

[0088] If the rollers are arranged or constructed on a technical support, a compact structure for the air purification equipment can be achieved.

[0089] The task described in the foregoing is further solved according to the present invention in the aforementioned type of method as follows: during purification, the air to be purified is guided through at least one air purification channel, the air purification channel being defined by a dust collection limit.

[0090] As mentioned above, this optimizes air purification. The separated dirt particles on the dust collection electrode can be easily removed from it.

[0091] Advantageously, a high voltage in the range of approximately 10 kV to approximately 20 kV is applied between the emitting electrode and the collecting electrode. This high voltage allows for the reliable charging of contaminant particles, which then move towards the collecting electrode in the electric field between the two electrodes.

[0092] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the air to be purified, after flowing through the electric field formed by the high voltage between the emitting electrode and the collecting electrode, is guided in the flow direction through the electric field between the collecting electrode and the opposing field electrode. As already described, this creates a capacitive field path, allowing charged dirt particles more time to reach the collecting electrode and deposit there. The purification results can thus be improved.

[0093] In addition, a use is proposed for performing one of the above-mentioned methods for purifying air using one of the aforementioned air purification devices. Attached Figure Description

[0094] The following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0095] Figure 1 A schematic perspective general view showing an embodiment of an air purification device;

[0096] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 A schematic partial exploded view of the layout scheme;

[0097] Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the arrangement scheme when the dust collection electrode is removed;

[0098] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 A partial perspective view of the layout scheme;

[0099] Figure 5 Showing according to Figure 2 Another schematic partial exploded view of the layout scheme;

[0100] Figure 6 Show along Figure 7 Sectional view of line 6-6 in the middle;

[0101] Figure 7Show along Figure 6 Sectional view of line 7-7 in the middle;

[0102] Figure 8 Show along Figure 7 Sectional view of line 8-8 in the middle;

[0103] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the air purification channel and the components of the air purification equipment is provided.

[0104] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing the functional components of an air purification device; and

[0105] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the synergistic effect between the control and / or regulation devices and sensor devices of an air purification equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0106] exist Figures 1 to 8 The image schematically illustrates an air purification device identified by reference numeral 10.

[0107] The air purification device 10 includes a generally rectangular parallelepiped housing 12, having a lower housing side 14, an upper housing side 16 opposite to the lower housing side 14, a front housing side 18, a rear housing side 20, and two housing sides 22 and 24 connecting the front housing side 18 and the rear housing side 20. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the vertical edges of the housing 12 are chamfered.

[0108] The air purification device 10 is arranged or constructed such that, when the air purification device 10 is used as specified, the upper side 16 of the housing is arranged or constructed above the lower side 14 of the housing, opposite to the direction of gravity 26 indicated by the arrow.

[0109] A technical chamber 28 is arranged or constructed inside the housing 12. An air delivery device 30 is arranged or constructed in the technical chamber 28.

[0110] The technical chamber 28 has a chamber inlet 32 ​​and a chamber outlet 34. The chamber inlet 32 ​​points toward the rear side 20 of the housing. Conversely, the chamber outlet 34 points toward the upper side 16 of the housing.

[0111] The lower side 14 of the housing forms a technical support 36 and encloses the technical chamber 28 in the direction of gravity 26.

[0112] The upper side of the shell 16 is opposite to the direction of gravity 26, which encloses the technical chamber 28.

[0113] The air purification device 10 shown in the figure is configured to be movable. It includes at least three, i.e., four, casters 38 arranged or constructed on the lower side 14 of the housing. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the four casters 38 are constructed identically, i.e., in the form of casters 40.

[0114] The casters 40 each include two discs 42, which are rotatably supported about a rotation axis 44 extending parallel to the lower side 14 of the housing and are anti-rotatably connected to each other. Furthermore, the casters 40 are rotatable about a steering axis 46, which is transverse to, i.e., perpendicular to, the lower side of the housing and, consequently, parallel to the direction of gravity 26 when the air purification device 10 is used as intended. This embodiment allows the discs 42 of each caster 40 to rotate together about the steering axis 46, enabling the air purification device 10 to be pushed in any direction across a support surface, for example, the ground 48.

[0115] As described above, four rollers 38 are arranged or constructed on the technical support 36.

[0116] Air purification device 10 is configured to purify air. Air purification takes place inside housing 12. Air is introduced into housing 12 through at least one air inlet 50. The embodiment shown in the figure includes two air inlets 50 that are fluidly separated from each other. The two air inlets 50 are arranged or constructed on the front side 18 of housing.

[0117] A closed region 52 is also constructed on the front side 18 of the housing, that is, between the two air inlets 50. The closed region extends from the lower side 14 of the housing to the upper side 16 of the housing. The two air inlets 50 are arranged or constructed between the closed region 52 and each of the two housing sides 20 or 22.

[0118] The air purification device 10 also includes at least one air outlet 54. In the embodiment shown in the figure, only one air outlet 54 is provided, which is arranged or constructed on the upper side 16 of the housing.

[0119] The air delivery device 30 is arranged or constructed in terms of fluid action between at least one air inlet 50 and at least one air outlet 54 for generating an airflow 56 from at least one air inlet 50 to at least one air outlet 54.

[0120] like Figure 10 As schematically shown, the air purification device 10 also includes an air purification mechanism 58 for purifying foreign objects and / or dirt particles in the air constituting the airflow 56.

[0121] The air purification unit 58 includes at least one electrostatic filter 60. An embodiment of the air purification device 10 schematically shown in the figure includes two electrostatic filters 60.

[0122] like Figure 9 As schematically shown, each electrostatic filtration device 60 includes an emitting electrode 62 for emitting or generating charged particles and a conductive dust collection electrode 64 for separating charged dirt particles.

[0123] The air purification device 10 also includes at least one high voltage source 66 for generating a high voltage between the emitting electrode 62 and the dust collecting electrode 64.

[0124] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As schematically shown, the air purification mechanism 10 also includes at least one air purification channel 68 for guiding airflow 56 from at least one air inlet 50 to the air delivery device 30. The dust collection electrode 64 of the electrostatic filter device 60 is arranged or configured such that it spatially limits the air purification channel 68. Thus, the air to be purified, i.e., the airflow 56 generated by the air delivery device 30, flows along the dust collection electrode 64 through the air purification channel 68.

[0125] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the air purification device 10 includes two electrostatic filter devices 60, but only one high-voltage source 66 is used to provide high voltage to the two electrostatic filter devices 60.

[0126] In the embodiment shown in the figure, each electrostatic filter in the electrostatic filter device 60 includes only a single dust collection electrode 64.

[0127] The emitting electrode 62 and the dust collecting electrode 64 work together to form the emitting section 70 of the air purification channel 68.

[0128] The dust collection electrode 64 is constructed as a single piece, i.e., integral. This dust collection electrode 64 is constructed in a plate shape and can be separated from the air purification equipment, especially in… Figure 3 and Figure 4 As illustrated in the diagram.

[0129] The dust collection electrode 64 is made of a conductive material. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the dust collection electrode 64 is made of stainless steel.

[0130] The emitting electrode 62 is also made of a conductive material. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the emitting electrode 62 is made of or contains tungsten. The emitting electrode 62 is also configured as a wire and includes at least one emitting line 72. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the emitting electrode 62 includes three emitting lines 72. These emitting lines 72 are parallel to each other and tensioned at a constant distance 74 from the dust collecting electrode 64.

[0131] In an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the emitting electrode 62 includes a plurality of emitting needles or emitting blades. In another embodiment not shown, it is configured in the form of a wire mesh.

[0132] Instead of three emitter lines 72, a single emitter line 72 can be used. Two, four, or more emitter lines can also be used to form the emitter electrode 62.

[0133] When the air purifier 10 is used as specified, the emission lines 72 extend parallel to the direction of gravity 26. Therefore, they are tensioned approximately from the upper side 16 to the lower side 14 of the housing. Thus, especially in… Figure 9 As can be clearly seen, they extend perpendicular to the airflow 56. Thus, the airflow 56, and consequently the air to be purified, flows into the air purification channel 68 along the linear emitting electrodes 62. This causes the dirt particles to become charged along the emitting section 70 as they enter the air purification channel 68, and then the dirt particles have time to migrate along the entire flow path of the air purification channel 68 towards the dust collection electrode 64 in the electric field.

[0134] As already described, the emitting electrode 62 is arranged or configured to oppose the dust collecting electrode 64 and define the air purification channel 68. It also extends transversely, i.e., perpendicularly to the flow direction 76 defined by the air purification channel 68, as described.

[0135] The air purification channel 68 has a channel inlet 78 and a channel outlet 80. In order for the air to be purified to enter the air purification channel 68, the channel inlet 78 is in direct fluid connection with at least one air inlet 50.

[0136] The emitting electrode 62 is arranged or constructed directly after the channel inlet 78 in the air purification channel 68. To prevent the emitting electrode 62 from extending into the air purification channel 68, the air purification channel 68 has an electrode recess 82 that faces and opens toward the dust collection electrode 64. The emitting electrode 62 is arranged or constructed in or within the area of ​​the electrode recess 82.

[0137] The air purification device 10 also includes a holding and guiding device 84 for the dust collection electrode 64. It includes an electrode receiving portion 86 or 88 in the area of ​​the channel inlet 78 and the area of ​​the channel outlet 80, respectively, for receiving the mutually oppositely pointing end edges 90 or 92 of the dust collection electrode 64.

[0138] The electrode receiving portions 86 and 88 are configured as grooves 94 or 96, which extend between the lower side 14 and the upper side 16 of the housing.

[0139] At least one electrostatic filter 60 of the air purification device 10 also includes a capacitive channel section 98 disposed downstream of the emitting electrode 62 and further downstream of the emitting section 70 in the flow direction 76. The capacitive channel section 98 includes a field electrode 100 that delimits the air purification channel 68 in the region of the channel section 98 and is opposite to the dust collection electrode 64.

[0140] The field electrode 100 is at the same potential as the emitting electrode 62. Therefore, the same high voltage is applied between the field electrode 100 and the dust collecting electrode 64 as between the emitting electrode 62 and the dust collecting electrode 64.

[0141] The channel width 102 in the region of the capacitive channel segment 98 is constant or substantially constant. In the embodiment shown in the figure, it has a value of 25 mm. In the embodiment shown, the ratio of the channel width 102 to the channel height 132 is in the range of approximately 0.02 to approximately 0.07. It is approximately 0.05.

[0142] In particular, when the channel height 132 is 500 mm, a favorable ratio is obtained when the channel width 102 is in the range of approximately 12.5 mm to approximately 35 mm.

[0143] By relying on the high voltage applied between the emitting electrode 62 or field electrode 100 on one side and the collecting electrode 64 on the other side, a minimum channel width 102 that should not be lower than this is obtained to avoid breakdown between the electrodes 62, 100 on one side and the electrode 64 on the other side. At a high voltage of approximately 20 kV, the channel width 102 should be no less than approximately 20 mm. If the channel width 102 is chosen to be too large, this results in a significant decrease in the electric field strength, especially in the region of the capacitive channel segment 98, which in turn makes it impossible to achieve the supporting effect of the electric field on the separation of charged contaminant particles on the collecting electrode 64.

[0144] By appropriately selecting the ratio of the channel width 102 to the channel height 132 of the air purification channel 68 or the capacitive channel section 98, the cross-section of the air purification channel 68 or the capacitive channel section 98 can be predetermined, so that the flow velocity of the air to be purified is sufficiently low and the residence time of the dirt particles in the air purification channel 68 is correspondingly long enough, especially in the capacitive channel section 98, thereby enabling all charged dirt particles in the region of the emitting section 70 to be separated as completely as possible on the dust collection electrode 64.

[0145] The dust collection electrode 64 includes a deflection region 104 that extends from the capacitive channel section 98 into the area of ​​the rear side 20 of the housing until it almost reaches the electrode receiving portion 88. The deflection region 104 is used to redirect the airflow 56 in a direction transverse to, and in particular perpendicular to, the flow direction 76 defined by the capacitive channel section 98, which extends substantially transversely, i.e., perpendicular to the line connecting the front side 18 and the rear side 20 of the housing, and thus substantially parallel to the two housing sides 22 and 24.

[0146] At least one air inlet 50 is sealed using a pre-filter 106. This prevents coarse contaminants from entering the air purification channel 68 through the air inlet 50.

[0147] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the air purification mechanism 58 includes a catalyst 108 or a filter 110. The catalyst 108 or filter 110 is included in a common filtration unit 112. The catalyst 108 is particularly configured for decomposing ozone or nitrogen oxides (NOx). x Filter 110 is specifically configured as an activated carbon filter and is used for decomposing ozone or for adsorbing nitrogen oxides. Filter 110 is configured as a flat pleated filter.

[0148] A filter unit 112 having a filter 110 or a catalyst 108 is arranged or constructed in the flow direction 76 between the air purification channel 68 and the air delivery device 30, that is, it is located upstream of the suction inlet 114 of the air delivery device 30.

[0149] A filter unit 112, equipped with a filter 110 or a catalyst 108, seals the chamber inlet 34. This ensures that the air to be purified must pass through the filter unit 112 after flowing through the air purification passage 68 before entering the technical chamber 28. In this way, ozone and nitrogen oxides can be reliably decomposed or adsorbed, in particular, before they come into contact with the air delivery device 30 and are conveyed out of the housing.

[0150] The filter unit 112, which has a filter 110 or a catalyst 108, is arranged or configured to be withdrawable from the housing 12 through the lower side 14 of the housing. For this purpose, a push-in opening 116 is arranged or configured on the lower side 14 of the housing, through which the filter unit 112 can be pushed into the correspondingly configured filter unit receiving portion 118 and can also be removed again when needed, for example, to replace the filter unit 112 when it is depleted.

[0151] The air purification device 10 according to the embodiment shown in the figure includes only a single air outlet 54.

[0152] Especially in Figure 7As can be clearly seen, the air delivery device 30 is arranged or constructed in the technical chamber 29 such that the pressure outlet 120 is open or arranged or constructed pointing towards the upper side 16 of the housing. Therefore, the pressure outlet 120 of the air delivery device is in direct fluid connection with the air outlet 54. In the embodiment shown in the figure, no other filter device or filter element is installed. The air to be purified by the air purification device 10 is purified after flowing through the filter unit 112 and after entering the technical chamber 28.

[0153] The intake port 114 of the air delivery device 30 is arranged or configured to point toward the housing side 22. Therefore, its direction is transverse to, and more particularly perpendicular to, the direction of at least one air inlet 50.

[0154] The technical chamber 28 includes a technical chamber wall 122 that limits the technical chamber in the direction toward the two air purification channels 68. The emitting electrode 62 is held, arranged, or constructed on its outer side.

[0155] The air delivery device 30 includes or is configured as a fan 124. The fan 124 includes a fan wheel 126 (not shown in detail) for delivering air to be purified.

[0156] The air purification device 10, as exemplarily shown in the figures, includes two of the aforementioned electrostatic filter devices 60. They are arranged or constructed in the same manner or in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to a mirror plane 128 extending between air purification channels 68. The mirror plane 128 extends through the upper side 16 and lower side 14 of the housing. It also extends through the front side 18 and rear side 20 of the housing. It extends generally parallel to the housing sides 22 and 24, which, in the embodiment shown in the figures, are not flat but are configured to curve away from the ground-facing weakly convex surface of the technical chamber 28.

[0157] In an alternative embodiment of the air purification device 10, only a single air inlet 50 is provided. If the air purification device 10 includes two electrostatic filters 60 as shown in the embodiment, then the air inlet is fluidly connected to two channel inlets 78.

[0158] In the embodiment shown in the figure, as already described, two air inlets 50 are provided that are separate from each other in terms of fluid action. Each air inlet 50 is associated with a channel inlet 78 of one of the two electrostatic filter devices 60.

[0159] The two outlets 80 of the two air purification channels 68 are fluidly connected to the intake inlet 114 of the air delivery device 30. (As in...) Figure 8As can be clearly seen, the airflows 56 flowing from the channel outlets 80 of the two electrostatic filter devices 60 converge before flowing through the filter unit 112.

[0160] By providing a turning area 104, the dust collection electrode 64 extends at least partially along the rear side 20 of the housing. Figure 8 As can be clearly seen, the dust collection electrodes 64 of the two electrostatic filter devices 60 extend approximately one-third of the total length of the rear side 20 of the housing. The end edges 92 of the two dust collection electrodes 64 point towards each other, but are arranged or constructed to be spaced apart from each other.

[0161] To achieve the most efficient air purification possible using the air purification device 10, the dust collection electrode 64 and the emitting electrode 62 extend approximately from the upper side 16 of the housing to the lower side 14 of the housing. This allows the air purification channel 68 of the electrostatic filter device 60 to be constructed almost along the entire structural height of the air purification device 10. This allows for the delivery of the largest possible volumetric flow for purification through the two air purification channels 68 of the two electrostatic filters 60.

[0162] For ease of cleaning, the dust collection electrodes 64 are designed to be removable from the air purifier 10. They can be completely pulled out of the housing 12 through a slit in the upper side 16 of the housing by means of a handle element 130 disposed thereon. The handle element 130 is made of electrically insulating material. For ease of operation by the user, it extends from the upper side 16 of the housing.

[0163] The air purification channel 68 has a channel height 132 and a channel length 134. The channel height 132 extends from the lower side 14 of the housing to the upper side 16 of the housing. The channel length 134 extends laterally, and more particularly perpendicularly, to the channel height 132. The channel length 134 is defined by the distance between the channel inlet 78 and the channel outlet 80, thus defining the purification path of the airflow 56 through the air purification channel 68.

[0164] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the two housing sides 22, 24 define a housing side height 136 and a housing side width 138. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the channel length 134 is greater than the housing side width 138, specifically 1.2 times it.

[0165] Furthermore, the channel height 132 is greater than the channel length 134. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the channel height 132 is 1.2 times the channel length 134, that is, especially or even at least 1.5 times it.

[0166] The entire channel length 134 is predetermined by the length of the dust collection electrode 64, which extends from the front side 18 of the housing, i.e., from the channel inlet 78, to the rear side 20 of the housing, i.e., the channel outlet 80.

[0167] The air purification device 10 also includes a control and / or regulation device 140 for controlling and / or regulating the operation of the air purification device 10. This device is arranged or constructed within the technical chamber 20. To give the air purification device 10 a low center of gravity, the control and / or regulation device 140 is arranged or constructed on the technical support 36.

[0168] Also arranged on the technical support 36 is a high-voltage source 66 used to generate the high voltage required for the two electrostatic filtration devices 60. It is configured to generate a maximum voltage of approximately 20 kV. The positive terminal of the high-voltage source 66 is conductively connected to the emitting electrode 62, and the negative terminal of the high-voltage source 66 is conductively connected to the dust collection electrode 64.

[0169] The high-voltage source 66 includes a power supply with a power consumption of approximately 25 watts. Therefore, it can generate current in the range of 1 mA.

[0170] The high-voltage source 66 is configured to be controllable and connected to the control and / or regulation device 140 in terms of controllability. This, in particular, enables the high voltage to be reduced to 15 kV, thereby significantly reducing power consumption.

[0171] Because the emitting electrode 62 is placed at a positive potential relative to the dust collecting electrode 64, ozone production is significantly reduced compared to when the emitting electrode is placed at a negative potential. Therefore, the cost required for ozone decomposition can also be significantly reduced in the proposed air purification device 10. This can significantly extend the service life of the filter unit 112, which has the catalyst 108 or the filter 110.

[0172] The control and / or regulation device 140 is also configured to detect damage to the emitting electrode 62, particularly breakage. In particular, current monitoring of the high-voltage source 66 can be configured to detect, for example, breakage of the emitting line 72.

[0173] The control and / or regulation device 140 is also configured to automatically shut off the air purification device 10 when the dust collection electrode 64 is removed.

[0174] As described, the technical chamber 28 can be arranged in the area between the two air purification channels 68 of the two electrostatic filter devices 60, and this arrangement compactly constructs the air purification device 10.

[0175] The technical chamber 28 and its chamber outlet 34 are arranged and constructed such that the chamber outlet 34 forms or includes a single air outlet 54, which also results in a compact structure of the air purification device.

[0176] The air purification device 10 also includes an operating device 142 that works in conjunction with the control and / or regulation device 140. For example, especially in Figures 1 to 4As can be clearly seen, the operating device 142 is arranged or constructed on the upper side 16 of the housing.

[0177] The operating device 142 includes an input device 144 and a display device 146. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the display device 146 includes or forms the input device 144. The display device 146 is configured as a touchscreen and thus forms a human-machine interface (HMI).

[0178] The air purification device 10 also includes an interface device 148 that works in conjunction with the control and / or regulation device 140 to connect the air purification device 10 to an external communication device 150 in terms of control. These external communication devices 150 may be configured, for example, in the form of a smartphone 152, a tablet computer, or a smartwatch.

[0179] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the interface device 148 is configured as a wireless interface device. It may optionally be configured as a W-LAN or Bluetooth interface device.

[0180] like Figure 11 The diagram schematically illustrates that the air purification device 10 includes at least one sensor device 154 that works in conjunction with the control and / or regulation device 140. Specifically, the sensor device 154 can be configured to measure the ambient temperature or room temperature, or the temperature of the air flowing through the air purification channel 68 and the air to be purified. The sensor device can be arranged or constructed on the exterior or interior of the housing 12. Furthermore, the sensor device 154 can also be configured to determine the humidity and / or formaldehyde content of the air to be purified. For this purpose, the sensor device 154 is particularly arranged or constructed in the area between the air inlet 50 and the channel inlet 78.

[0181] The control and / or regulating device 140 is configured to control the delivery power of the air delivery device 30 in a measurement-dependent manner based on air quality. Thus, if, in particular, one or more sensor devices 154 transmit measurement values ​​to the control and / or regulating device 140 that are below predetermined thresholds stored in the control and / or regulating device 140, the control and / or regulating device 140 can automatically reduce the delivery power of the air delivery device 30 to conserve energy during the operation of the air purification equipment 10.

[0182] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the air delivery device 30 is configured to deliver an air volume of at least 200 m³ per hour. In particular, it can also be configured to deliver an air volume of at least approximately 500 m³ per hour. This air volume delivery enables the purification of spaces of common sizes using a single air purification device.

[0183] The advantageous embodiments and examples described above for the air purification device 10 are particularly effective in purifying air. In this purification method, the air to be purified is conveyed through one or more electrostatic filtration devices 60, wherein the electrostatic filtration device 60 includes a conductive emitting electrode 62 for emitting and / or generating charged particles and a conductive dust collecting electrode 64 for separating charged contaminant particles.

[0184] A high voltage is applied between the emitting electrode 62 and the collecting electrode. During purification, the air to be purified is guided through at least one air purification channel 68, which is defined by the collecting electrode 64. This method achieves air purification in a simple manner. The collecting electrode 64 can be particularly used to guide the air to be purified in a defined manner.

[0185] In the proposed purification method, a high voltage ranging from approximately 10 kV to approximately 20 kV is applied between the emitting electrode 62 and the dust collecting electrode 64. The worse the air quality, the higher this voltage value should be selected.

[0186] Furthermore, after flowing through the electric field formed by the high voltage between the emitting electrode 62 and the collecting electrode 64, the air to be purified is guided in the flow direction 76 through the electric field between the collecting electrode 64 and the opposing field electrode 100. In this way, the separation path can be extended in a simple manner. Charged contaminant particles can move towards the collecting electrode 64 in the electric field between the collecting electrode 64 and the field electrode 100 and be electrically neutralized there.

[0187] The air purification device 10 can also perform one of the methods described for purifying air.

[0188] As described, the embodiments of the air purification devices can achieve a simple and compact structure. They can be placed in front of a wall in a space-saving manner, and also in a corner of a space if necessary.

[0189] Furthermore, the electrostatic filtration device 60 can remove and separate contaminant particles from the air without the need for expensive filter elements. The separated contaminant particles deposited on the dust collection electrode 64, as described, can be easily removed by removing the dust collection electrode 64 from the housing 12 of the air purifier 10. The dust collection electrode 64 can be cleaned, in particular, under running water or with a damp cloth. After cleaning, it can be pushed back into the housing 12.

[0190] List of reference numerals

[0191] 10. Air purification equipment

[0192] 12. Shell

[0193] 14. Lower side of the casing

[0194] 16. Upper side of the shell

[0195] 18 Front side of the casing

[0196] 20 Rear side of the housing

[0197] 22. Shell side

[0198] 24. Shell side

[0199] 26. Direction of Gravity

[0200] 28 Technical Chambers

[0201] 30 Air delivery device

[0202] 32 Chamber entrance

[0203] 34. Chamber outlet

[0204] 36 Technical Support

[0205] 38 rollers

[0206] 40 swivel wheels

[0207] 42 Roulette

[0208] 44 Rotation axis

[0209] 46 Steering axis

[0210] 48 Ground

[0211] 50 Air Inlet

[0212] 52 Closed Area

[0213] 54 Air outlet

[0214] 56 Airflow

[0215] 58 Air Purification Organizations

[0216] 60 Electrostatic Filtration Device

[0217] 62 Emitting Electrode

[0218] 64 Dust Collection Electrode

[0219] 66 High Voltage Source

[0220] 68 Air purification channels

[0221] Launch Segment 70

[0222] 72 firing lines

[0223] 74 spacing

[0224] 76. Flow direction

[0225] Entrance to Channel 78

[0226] 80 Channel Exit

[0227] 82 Electrode recess

[0228] 84 Holding and guiding device

[0229] 86 Electrode Receiving Section

[0230] 88 Electrode Receiving Section

[0231] 90 End edge

[0232] 92 End edge

[0233] 94 Grooves

[0234] 96 Grooves

[0235] 98 Capacitive channel section

[0236] 100 field electrodes

[0237] 102 Channel Width

[0238] 104 Turning Area

[0239] 106 Pre-filter

[0240] 108 Catalyst

[0241] 110 Filter

[0242] 112 Filter Unit

[0243] 114 Suction Inlet

[0244] 116 Push into the opening

[0245] 118 Filter unit housing

[0246] 120 Pressure Discharge Outlet

[0247] 122 Technical Chamber Wall

[0248] 124 Fan

[0249] 126 Fan Wheel

[0250] 128 Mirror Plane

[0251] 130 Handle Components

[0252] 132 Channel Height

[0253] 134 Channel Length

[0254] 136 Shell side height

[0255] 138 Casing side width

[0256] 140 Control and / or regulating devices

[0257] 142 Operating device

[0258] 144 Input Device

[0259] 146 Display Device

[0260] 148 Interface Device

[0261] 150 Communication Equipment

[0262] 152 Smartphones

[0263] 154 Sensor Device

Claims

1. An air purification device (10), said air purification device having at least one air inlet (50) and at least one air outlet (54), wherein, In terms of fluid action, an air delivery device (30) and an air purification mechanism (58) are arranged or constructed between the at least one air inlet (50) and the at least one air outlet (54), the air delivery device being used to generate an airflow (56) from the at least one air inlet (50) to the at least one air outlet (54), and the air purification mechanism being used to purify foreign matter and / or contaminant particles in the air constituting the airflow (56), wherein the air purification mechanism (58) includes at least one electrostatic filter (60) having functions for emitting and / or generating charged particles. The air purification device (10) includes a conductive emitting electrode (62) and a conductive dust collecting electrode (64) for separating charged pollutant particles. The air purification device (10) includes at least one high-voltage source (66) for generating a high voltage between the emitting electrode (62) and the dust collecting electrode (64). The air purification device (10) includes at least one air purification channel (68) for guiding the airflow (56) from at least one air inlet (50) to an air delivery device (30). The dust collecting electrode (64) defines the air purification channel (68).

2. The air purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one electrostatic filtration device (60) includes only a single dust collection electrode (64).

3. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The dust collection electrode (64) is constructed as a single unit, especially as an integral unit.

4. The air purification device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The dust collection electrode (64) includes at least two dust collection areas that are electrically insulated from or separated from each other, wherein, in particular, the at least two dust collection areas are arranged or constructed on a common, in particular plate-shaped, dust collection support.

5. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The dust collection electrode (64) is constructed in a plate shape.

6. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The dust collection electrode (64) can be separated from the air purification device (10).

7. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The dust collection electrode (64) is made of stainless steel.

8. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The emitting electrode (62) includes at least one emitting line (72), especially two, three or more emitting lines (72), and / or includes multiple emitting needles or emitting blades, or is configured in the form of a mesh.

9. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The emitting electrode (62) is arranged or configured to face the dust collecting electrode (64) and define the air purification channel (68).

10. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The emitting electrode (62) extends transversely, and in particular perpendicularly, to the flow direction (76) defined by the air purification channel (68).

11. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The air purification channel (68) has a channel inlet (78) and a channel outlet (80), and the channel inlet (78) is in direct fluid connection with the at least one air inlet (50). In particular, the emitting electrode (62) is arranged or constructed in the air purification channel (68) directly after the channel entrance (78).

12. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The air purification channel (68) has an electrode recess (82) opposite to the dust collection electrode (64) and open in the direction toward it, and the emitting electrode (62) is arranged or constructed in the electrode recess (82) or in the region of the electrode recess (82).

13. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The air purification device (10) has only one air outlet (54).

14. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The air purification device (10) includes a housing (12) having a lower housing side (14), an upper housing side (16), a front housing side (18), a rear housing side (20), and two housing sides (22, 24) connecting the front housing side (18) and the rear housing side (20). In particular: a) The air purification device (10) is arranged or configured such that, when the air purification device (10) is used as specified, the upper side (16) of the housing is arranged or configured above the lower side (14) of the housing opposite to the direction of gravity (26). and / or b) The at least one air outlet (54) is arranged or constructed on the upper side (16) of the housing. and / or c) The at least one air inlet (50) is arranged or constructed on the front side (18) of the housing.

15. The air purification device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The air delivery device (30) has an intake inlet (114) and a discharge outlet (120), and the discharge outlet (120) is arranged or configured to point toward the upper side (16) of the housing. In particular, the suction inlet (114) is arranged or configured to point toward the housing side (22) and toward a direction that is transverse to, and in particular perpendicular to, at least one air inlet (50).

16. The air purification device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The housing (12) includes or forms a technical chamber (28), and the technical chamber (28) is arranged or constructed in the region between the two air purification channels (68). In particular: a) The technical chamber (28) has a chamber inlet (32) and a chamber outlet (34), and the chamber outlet (34) forms or includes the at least one air outlet (54). and / or b) The air delivery device (30) is arranged or constructed in the technical chamber (28), and / or c) The high-voltage source (66) is arranged or constructed in the technical chamber (28), and / or d) The lower side (14) of the housing forms a technical support (36) and closes the technical chamber (28) in the direction of gravity (26). and / or e) The upper side (16) of the housing closes the technical chamber (28) in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity (26). and / or f) The technology chamber (28) includes a technology chamber wall (122), and the transmitting electrode (62) is held, arranged, or constructed on the outside of the technology chamber wall (122).

17. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The air purification device (10) includes two electrostatic filter devices (60). In particular: a) The two electrostatic filter devices (60) are arranged or constructed in the same manner or in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to the mirror plane (128) extending between the air purification channels (68). and / or b) The air purification device (10) includes a single air inlet (50) which is associated with two channel inlets (78) of the two electrostatic filter devices (60). and / or c) The air purification device (10) includes two air inlets (50) that are separated from each other in terms of fluid action, and wherein each air inlet (50) is provided with a channel inlet (78) of one of the two electrostatic filter devices (60). and / or d) The channel outlets (80) of the two air purification channels (68) are connected in fluid action to the suction inlet (114) of the air delivery device (30).

18. The air purification device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, The dust collection electrode (64) a) Extends at least partially along the rear side (20) of the housing, and / or b) and / or the emitting electrode (62) extends from the lower side (14) of the housing to the upper side (16) of the housing.

19. The air purification device according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that, A handle element (130) is arranged or constructed on the dust collecting electrode (64) for pulling the dust collecting electrode (64) out of the housing (12). In particular, the handle element (130) extends from the upper side (16) of the housing.

20. The air purification device according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that, The air purification channel (68) has a channel height (132) and a channel length (134), the channel height (132) extending in a direction from the lower side (14) of the housing to the upper side (16) of the housing, and the channel length (134) extending laterally, and more particularly perpendicularly, to the channel height (132). In particular: a) Two shell sides (22, 24) define a shell side height (136) and a shell side width (138), respectively, and the channel length (134) is greater than the shell side width (138), in particular at least 1.2 times it. and / or b) The channel height (132) is greater than the channel length (134), especially at least 1.2 times it, and even more especially at least 1.5 times it.

21. The air purification device according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that, The dust collection electrode (64) extends from the front side (18) of the housing to the rear side (20) of the housing.

22. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The air purification device (10) includes a holding and guiding device (84) for the dust collection electrode (64). In particular, the holding and guiding device (84) includes electrode receiving portions (86, 88) in the regions of the channel inlet (78) and the channel outlet (80) for receiving the opposing end edges (90, 92) of the dust collecting electrode (64). In particular, the electrode receiving portions (86, 88) are configured as grooves (94, 96) extending between the lower side (14) and the upper side (16) of the housing.

23. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one electrostatic filter (60) includes a capacitive channel section (98) disposed downstream of the emitting electrode (62) in the flow direction (76), the channel section having a field electrode (100) that delimits the air purification channel (68) in the region of the channel section (98) and is opposite to the dust collection electrode (64). In particular: a) Apply the same high voltage between the field electrode (100) and the dust collecting electrode (64) as between the emitting electrode (62) and the dust collecting electrode (64). and / or b) The channel width (102) in the region of the channel segment (98) is constant or approximately constant. and / or c) The dust collection electrode (64) includes a deflection region (104) extending from the channel section 98 to the region of the rear side (20) of the housing, for turning the airflow (56) toward a direction transverse to, and in particular perpendicular to, the flow direction (76) defined by the channel section (98).

24. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The air purification mechanism (58) includes, in particular, a catalyst (108) for decomposing ozone and / or nitrogen oxides, and / or includes a catalyst for decomposing ozone and / or a catalyst for adsorbing nitrogen oxides (NOx). x ) and especially the form of activated carbon filter (110). In particular: the filter (110) a) It is constructed in the form of a flat pleated filter. and / or b) and / or the catalyst (108) is arranged or constructed in the flow direction between the air purification channel (68) and the intake port (114), and / or c) and / or the catalyst (108) closes the chamber inlet (34). and / or d) and / or the catalyst (108) is arranged or configured to be withdrawable from the housing (12) through the lower side (14) of the housing.

25. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The air purification device (10) includes a control and / or adjustment device (140) for controlling and / or adjusting the operation of the air purification device (10). In particular: a) The air purification device (10) includes an operating device (142) that works in conjunction with the control and / or adjustment device (140), the operating device being arranged or constructed on the upper side (16) of the housing, and / or including an input device (144) and a display device (146). and / or b) The control and / or regulation device (140) is configured to detect damage, particularly breakage, of the emitting electrode (62). and / or c) The control and / or regulation device (140) is configured to automatically shut off the air purification device (10) when the dust collection electrode (64) is removed. and / or d) The control and / or regulation device (140) is arranged or constructed in the technical chamber (28), and / or e) The control and / or regulation device (140) and / or the high voltage source (66) are arranged or constructed on the technical support (36), and / or f) The air purification device (10) includes an interface device (148) that works in conjunction with the control and / or regulation device (140) for connecting the air purification device (10) to an external communication device (150), particularly to a smartphone (152), in terms of control. In particular, the interface device (148) is configured as a wireless interface device, especially as a W-LAN or Bluetooth interface device. and / or g) The air purification device (10) includes at least one sensor device (154) that works in conjunction with the control and / or regulation device (140) to measure the temperature, humidity and / or formaldehyde content in the air to be purified. and / or h) The control and / or regulation device (140) is configured to control the delivery power of the air delivery device (30) in accordance with the measured air quality.

26. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, a) The air conveying device (30) is configured to convey at least 200 m³ per hour. 3 The air volume, especially at least about 500 m³ per hour. 3 air volume, and / or b) The air purification mechanism (10) includes a pre-filter (106), and the pre-filter (106) closes the at least one air inlet (50). and / or c) The air purification device (10) is configured to be portable.

27. A method for purifying air, wherein air to be purified is conveyed through an electrostatic filter (60), the electrostatic filter having a conductive emitting electrode (62) for emitting and / or generating charged particles and a conductive dust collecting electrode (64) for separating charged contaminant particles, wherein... A high voltage is applied between the emitting electrode (62) and the dust collecting electrode (64), characterized in that, during purification, the air to be purified is guided through at least one air purification channel (68), the air purification channel being bounded by the dust collecting electrode (64). In particular: a) Apply a high voltage, ranging from approximately 10 kV to approximately 20 kV, between the emitting electrode (62) and the collecting electrode (64). and / or b) After the air to be purified flows through the electric field formed by the high voltage between the emitting electrode (62) and the dust collecting electrode (64), it is guided in the flow direction (76) through the electric field between the dust collecting electrode (64) and the field electrode (100) opposite it.

28. The air purification device according to any one of claims 1 to 26 is used to perform the method according to claim 27.

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