Low-profile air purifier

Abstract

A low profile air cleaner includes: a housing including a pair of plates opposed to each other, an air inlet, and an air outlet; an annular fan rotatably mounted in the housing between the plates, the axis of the annular fan being substantially perpendicular to the plates; the motor is arranged in the central opening of the annular fan and is used for rotating the annular fan; and a filter mounted on the housing for filtering air flowing through the housing. The invention also discloses a modular wall body section. The modular wall body section comprises an inner frame; the air purifier is mounted in the inner frame; and a panel mounted in the inner frame for movement between an open position for accessing the air purifier and a closed position for concealing the air purifier. An air purifier of a modular wall section may have a similar configuration as the low profile air purifier described above.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of prior co-pending U.S. provisional patent application serial number 63 / 340,676, filed on May 11, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present patent application relates to air cleaners, particularly low profile air cleaners and / or air cleaners configured for use in modular wall sections. Background Art

[0003] Dust and allergens such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and microorganisms such as germs and bacteria in the air may affect the health of people who breathe the air. Air purifiers are well-known devices used in interior spaces such as homes and commercial public places to provide fresh air by removing odors, dust, allergens, and other airborne contaminants from the interior air.

[0004] An air purifier generally includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is configured to receive ambient air, and the air outlet is configured to deliver purified air into the interior space. The housing provides an airflow path from the air inlet to the air outlet. The housing also includes an air filtration system, a fan, and a drive mechanism. The air filtration system is disposed in the airflow channel for filtering pollutants present in the ambient air passing therethrough. The fan is configured to move air through the airflow path between the air inlet and the air outlet. The drive mechanism (e.g., a motor) is configured to provide power to draw air into the air inlet, draw air through the airflow path, and discharge purified air out of the air outlet.

[0005] Examples of known air purifiers include U.S. Patent No. 9,737,842 (the "'842 Patent"), entitled "Air Purifier with Smart Sensor and Air Flow"; U.S. Design Patent No. USD667,097, entitled "Air Purifier"; USD667,098, entitled "Air Purifier" and USD667,096, entitled "Air Purifier"; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0154297, entitled "Air Purifier with Smart Sensor and Air Flow". These patents and / or patent applications are jointly owned by the same assignee as this patent application. This patent application incorporates each of these patents and / or patent applications in their entirety by reference.

[0006] This patent application seeks to provide various improvements to known air purifiers or air purification systems.

[0007] In addition, architectural wall systems (also called modular wall systems) are designed to easily subdivide open spaces into offices, meeting rooms, and open spaces using prefabricated components. Because they are designed to be installed and removed, and they do not add additional stability to the building itself (that is, they are not load-bearing walls), they are used by architects and contractors, as well as interior designers, to save time during the renovation and construction phases. Summary of the invention

[0008] In one embodiment of the present patent application, a modular wall section is provided. The modular wall section includes an internal frame; an air purifier mounted within the internal frame; and a panel mounted to the internal frame for movement between an open position and a closed position, the open position being for accessing the air purifier and the closed position concealing the air purifier. The air purifier includes: a housing including an air inlet for air inflow and an exhaust port for air outflow; a rotatably mounted fan; a motor for rotating the fan; and an air purifier unit mounted to the housing for purifying air flowing through the housing.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present patent application, a low-profile air purifier is provided. The low-profile air purifier includes: a housing including a pair of plates opposite to each other, an air inlet for air inflow and an air outlet for air outflow; an annular fan rotatably mounted between the plates in the housing, the axis of the annular fan being substantially perpendicular to the plates; a motor disposed in a central opening of the annular fan for rotating the annular fan; and a filter mounted on the housing for filtering air flowing through the housing.

[0010] These and other aspects of the present patent application, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relevant elements of the structure and the combination and economy of manufacture of the components, will become more apparent when considering the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein the same reference numerals in the various drawings represent corresponding components. In one embodiment of the present patent application, the structural components shown herein are drawn to scale. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustration and description purposes only and not as a limitation of the present patent application. It should also be understood that the features of one embodiment disclosed herein can be used in other embodiments disclosed herein. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms of "one", "an" and "said" include plural indicators unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, as used in the specification and claims, the term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be understood that some components and features discussed herein may be discussed in conjunction with only one (single) of these components, and other similar components disclosed herein may not be discussed in detail in order to reduce redundancy.

[0011] Other aspects, features and advantages of the present patent application will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Various embodiments are disclosed by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, wherein corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 An exemplary low-profile air purifier according to one embodiment of the present patent application is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A partial view of a low-profile air purifier of FIG. 1 , wherein some portions of the air purifier are not shown to better illustrate other portions of the air purifier;

[0015] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 An exploded view of a motor and fan housing of a low-profile air purifier of FIG. 1 , wherein some portions of the air purifier are not shown to better illustrate other portions of the air purifier;

[0016] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 Various views of a housing portion of a low-profile air purifier;

[0017] Figure 5 shows a configuration with Figure 1 An exemplary controller (PCB assembly) for use with a low-profile air cleaner;

[0018] Figure 6 shows a configuration with Figure 1 An exemplary power supply (printed circuit board assembly) for use with a low-profile air purifier;

[0019] Figure 7 shows a configuration with Figure 1 Example input / output components (e.g., a motor interface controller) for use with a low-profile air cleaner;

[0020] Figure 8 shows a configuration with Figure 1 Another exemplary input / output component (e.g., a motor interface tachometer) for use with a low-profile air cleaner;

[0021] Fig. 9 An exemplary low-profile air cleaner mounted in or on a wall according to an embodiment of the present patent application is shown;

[0022] Fig.10An exemplary low-profile air cleaner mounted on a ceiling according to one embodiment of the present patent application is shown;

[0023] Fig.11 An exemplary low-profile air cleaner mounted on a wall and close to the floor according to one embodiment of the present patent application is shown;

[0024] Fig.12 An exemplary modular wall section including an air cleaner mounted thereon according to an embodiment of the present patent application is shown;

[0025] Fig.13 Another exemplary modular wall section including an air cleaner installed therein according to an embodiment of the present patent application is shown;

[0026] Fig.14 Another exemplary modular wall section including an air cleaner installed therein according to an embodiment of the present patent application is shown;

[0027] Fig.15 An exemplary modular wall section including an air purifier installed therein is shown according to an embodiment of the present patent application, wherein a panel mounted to an interior frame of the modular wall section is in its open position to allow access to the air purifier;

[0028] Figures 16A-16C shows different exemplary air flow directions through different air cleaners of modular wall sections according to embodiments of the present patent application;

[0029] Fig.17 Various views showing panels mounted to the interior frame of a modular wall section according to an embodiment of the present patent application;

[0030] Fig.18 An exemplary user interface provided on a panel of a modular wall section according to an embodiment of the present patent application is shown;

[0031] Fig.19 A partial cross-sectional view of a panel of a modular wall section according to an embodiment of the present patent application is shown, showing an air cleaner therein;

[0032] Figures 20A-20C Various air cleaner configurations used in modular wall sections according to embodiments of the present patent application are shown;

[0033] Fig.21 Another view showing various air cleaner configurations used in modular wall sections according to embodiments of the present patent application;

[0034] Fig. 22An air purifier and various other technical components installed in / on a modular wall section according to an embodiment of the present patent application are shown;

[0035] Figure 23-29 Various views showing a slim / low profile version of an air purifier with a UV core according to an embodiment of the present patent application, wherein Figure 23-29 Various views showing a slim / low profile version of an air purifier with a UV core according to an embodiment of the present patent application. Figure 23-25 A slim / low profile UV core air purifier is shown installed in a building or modular wall system. Figure 26-29 A slim / low profile UV core air purifier is shown mounted between studs of a wall;

[0036] Fig.30 Various sizes of slim / low profile, UV core air purifiers mounted between studs of a wall according to embodiments of the present patent application are shown; and

[0037] Fig.31 An exemplary fan for use in a slim / low profile, UV core air purifier according to an embodiment of the present patent application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 A low-profile air purifier 100 according to one embodiment of the present patent application is shown. The low-profile air purifier 100 includes a housing 102, an annular fan 116, a motor 114, and a filter 118, wherein the housing 102 includes a pair of plates 104, 106 opposite to each other, an air inlet 108 for air inflow, and an exhaust port 110 for air outflow. The annular fan 116 is rotatably mounted between the plates 104, 106 in the housing 102. The axis TFA-TFA of the annular fan 116 is substantially perpendicular to the plates 104, 106. The motor 114 may be disposed in a central opening 112 of the annular fan 116 for rotating the annular fan 116. The filter 118 may be mounted on the housing 102 for filtering the air flowing through the housing 102.

[0039] The low profile air purifier 100 may include a generally flat configuration. The low profile air purifier 100 may include a slimmer side profile configuration. The low profile air purifier 100 may include an air purifier that is thinner or slimmer than other air purifiers of its type. The low profile air purifier 100 may include an air purifier having a reduced thickness / depth than other air purifiers of its type. That is, the side walls of the air purifier are thinner or shorter than the side walls of other air purifiers of the type. The low profile air purifier 100 may include an air purifier having a smaller size than other air purifiers of its type. Other air purifiers may include other air purifiers that can be mounted on a wall / ceiling / floor / surface.

[0040] The low-profile air purifier 100 may include an air purifier having a width dimension that is smaller than the width dimension of a standard modular wall section and a thickness dimension that is smaller than the thickness dimension of a standard modular wall section, so that the low-profile air purifier 100 can be easily installed in / on a standard modular wall section.

[0041] As will be apparent from the following discussion, the low profile construction of the air purifier 100 can be achieved by positioning the filter module / subassembly (e.g., including filters 118, 118T, 118B) and the fan module / subassembly (e.g., including fan 116, motor 114, etc.) such that the overall thickness / depth of the air purifier can be reduced without adversely affecting the airflow capacity. For example, the filters 118, 118T, 118B are located at the bevels 120, 122 of the trapezoidal housing 102 of the air purifier 100, as described in detail below. That is, the filter is not located in front of the fan module (e.g., including fan 116, motor 114, etc.), but is located on the sides (also referred to as the upper and lower ends or edges) of the fan module. Thus, positioning the filter module on the side of the fan module (i.e., at the hypotenuse 120, 122 of the trapezoidal-shaped housing 102 of the air purifier 100) provides a low-profile configuration of the air purifier 100 having an inclined orientation that provides an increased area for filtering (compared to the sides perpendicular to the vertical direction). In some embodiments, the configuration need not be trapezoidal and may have angled ends provided by using a parallelogram (non-rectangular) configuration, and in some designs, the ends may be vertical (e.g., square for a rectangular shape). Other end configurations, such as rounded ends (e.g., semicircular, semi-oval, or the like) or wavy ends (e.g., wavy, U-shaped, V-shaped, wavy, etc.) may also be used.

[0042] In addition, the annular fan configuration (i.e., wherein the motor 114 is disposed in the central opening 112 of the annular fan 116 for rotating the annular fan 116) and the positioning of the exhaust port 110 on the side of the air purifier 100 also contribute to the low profile configuration of the air purifier 100. The annular fan has a blade ring extending radially therefrom and in an axial direction, and when the fan rotates about its axis TFA-TFA, the annular fan draws air through its central region and radially discharges the air to circulate air. As described below, the radially discharged air is directed around the baffle wall and discharged from the manifold outlet.

[0043] The dual filter design / configuration with filter 118T located on one bevel 120 and filter 118B located on another bevel 122 is configured to provide an increased filtering surface area even in a low profile configuration. In one embodiment, another filter 118S may be provided on the side air inlet 108S for air inflow. The side filter 118S may further increase the filtering surface area. Filter 118S and side air inlet 108S are optional. One or more pre-filters may be added, such as a large carbon impregnated filter (which may also provide sound insulation). The air purifier 100 may be mounted on a vertical surface (such as a wall) or a horizontal surface (such as a ceiling) so that the air purifier 100 does not occupy floor space. The air purifier 100 may also be mounted on the floor. The air purifier 100 may stand freely on the floor using a bracket. The air purifier 100 may be installed in a wall. The wall may be a modular wall section. Fig. 9 Two air purifiers 1001 , 1002 mounted on modular wall sections 2001 , 2002 are shown. Fig. 9 Also shown is a third air cleaner 1003 installed in the modular wall section 2003. Fig. 9 , for illustration purposes only, air purifiers 1001, 1002, 1003 are shown as being mounted in / on three adjacent modular wall sections 2001, 2002, 2003. Although air purifiers can be mounted in / on adjacent modular wall sections, they are typically not positioned in this manner (i.e., the air purifiers do not need to be positioned in this manner). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, air purifier 100 can be mounted on a wall using a bracket member (not shown) and one or more fastening members for mounting the bracket member to the wall.

[0044] Fig.10 The air purifier 100 is shown mounted on a ceiling 168 (ie, the space formed by the modular wall system). Fig.11 The air cleaner 100 is shown mounted on a wall near the floor 170 (i.e., in the panel area of ​​the space formed by the modular wall system). Fig.11As shown, the air purifier 100 can be integrated as part of the modular wall system. The air purifier 100 can be integrated into the lower portion of the frame of the modular wall system and can provide a hybrid appearance with a minimal footprint. The direction in which dirty air enters the air purifier 100 (air inlet) and the direction in which clean air is discharged from the air purifier 100 (air outlet) is as shown. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown. The air purifier 100 can be configured to be controlled via Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth. Although the air purifier is shown as being installed in / on the modular wall / modular ceiling / floor or other parts of the modular wall system, such as Figure 9-11 As shown, the low-profile air purifier 100 of the present patent application can be configured to be mounted on a non-modular fixed surface (wall / ceiling / floor or other non-modular surface).

[0045] The air purifier 100 can be positioned or installed in the target area. Here, the target area refers to a limited closed space (for example, offices a, b, c; large conference room LCR, small conference room SCR, such as Fig.21 ) or a limited semi-enclosed space (e.g., Hall L, as shown Fig.21 ). For example, the target area may include an enclosed environment. The target area may also be a subsection of a larger space, such as a group of office cubicles, etc.

[0046] The width dimension W of the air purifier 100 may generally be in the range of about 16 inches to about 17 inches, the length dimension L may generally be in the range of about 40 inches to about 42 inches, and the depth or thickness T may generally be in the range of about 3 inches to about 4 inches. In one embodiment, the width dimension W of the air purifier 100 is generally about 16.8 inches, the length dimension L is generally about 41 inches, and the thickness dimension T is generally about 3.7 inches. However, it is conceivable that the air purifier 100 may have other shapes or configurations understood by those skilled in the art. Other dimensions may be used, and these examples are not restrictive. The air purifier 100 may generally weigh about 15 pounds to about 35 pounds. In one embodiment, the air purifier 100 may generally weigh about 28 pounds. None of these details are limiting. The housing 102 has a longitudinal axis HL-HL. The length dimension L of the air purifier 100 may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis HL-HL, and the width dimension W and thickness dimension T of the air purifier 100 may be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis HL-HL. As described below, the housing 102 may have two different length dimensions (eg, the length of the base / parallel sides of the trapezoidal housing 102 ) on opposing sides / ends, one shorter than the other.

[0047] The housing 102 of the air purifier 100 may have a generally trapezoidal shape or configuration. That is, the housing 102 includes two parallel trapezoidal ends / bases 124, 128 (vertical side edges as shown) and two trapezoidal bevel ends 120, 122. As will be apparent from the following discussion, the two trapezoidal bevel ends 120, 122 may be interchangeably referred to as two opposite longitudinal ends 120, 122 of the housing 102, and the two parallel trapezoidal ends / bases 124, 128 may be interchangeably referred to as two opposite longitudinal edges 124, 128 of the housing 102. The longitudinal edge 124 of the housing 102 is substantially parallel to the opposite longitudinal edge 128, and the longitudinal edges 124, 128 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis HL-HL. The two trapezoidal bevel ends 120, 122 are oriented at a non-perpendicular angle NPA relative to the longitudinal axis HL-HL.

[0048] Each of a pair of plates 104, 106 of the housing 102 may include a rectangular portion 130 and two triangular portions 132, 134. The two triangular portions 132, 134 may be arranged adjacent to the rectangular portion 130 so that the short side of the rectangular portion 130 has the same size as the base of the two triangular portions 132, 134. The rectangular portion 130 and the two triangular portions 132, 134 together provide a trapezoidal-shaped configuration for each plate 104, 106 of the housing 102. The opposing pair of plates 104, 106 may be the first pair of opposing plates of the housing 102. The triangular portions 132, 134 may be integrated into a single piece with the rectangular portion to avoid the need for separate components. In other designs that do not use a trapezoidal shape, the portions 132, 134 may have different shapes (or if the overall shape is rectangular, they may be omitted).

[0049] The housing 102 may also include a second pair of opposing plates 136, 138 that are generally perpendicular to the opposing plates 104, 106. The opposing plates 136, 138 may have a generally rectangular shape or configuration. One of the opposing pair of plates 136, 138 may be shorter than the other of the opposing pair of plates 136, 138. The shorter one of the opposing pair of plates 136, 138 has the same size as the shorter of the two parallel sides of the trapezoidal housing 102 (e.g., the longer side size of the rectangular portion) and forms the shorter of the two parallel sides of the trapezoidal housing 102. The longer one of the opposing pair of plates 136, 138 has the same size as the longer of the two parallel sides of the trapezoidal housing 102 (e.g., the sum of the longer side size of the rectangular portion 130 and the height size of each of the two triangular portions 132, 134) and forms the longer of the two parallel sides of the trapezoidal housing 102. A second opposing pair of plates 136 , 138 of the housing 102 are disposed at the two parallel trapezoidal end / base portions 128 , 124 , respectively.

[0050] The first pair of opposing plates 104, 106 and the second pair of opposing plates 136, 138 can be made of sheet metal or aluminum material. In another embodiment, the first pair of opposing plates 104, 106 and the second pair of opposing plates 136, 138 can be made of other materials. Portions of the housing can be formed of a suitable molded plastic material. The housing can be formed of a combination of plastic material and metal material.

[0051] The first pair of opposing plates 104, 106 and the second pair of opposing plates 136, 138 can be connected to each other to form a peripheral (continuous) surface / wall having openings at the top and bottom (i.e., at the two opposite longitudinal ends 120, 122 of the housing 102). That is, the first pair of opposing plates 104, 106 and the second pair of opposing plates 136, 138 can be connected to each other to form at least a portion of the airflow path 140 of the air purifier 100 between the air inlet 108 and the exhaust port 110.

[0052] In one embodiment, Figure 4As shown, the first pair of opposing plates 104, 106 and the second pair of opposing plates 136, 138 are connected to each other (e.g., using spot welding or other connection methods) to form a top mounting portion. Similarly, although not shown, the first pair of opposing plates 104, 106 and the second pair of opposing plates 136, 138 are joined to each other (e.g., using spot welding or other connection methods) to form a bottom mounting portion. In addition, the first pair of opposing plates 104, 106 and the second pair of opposing plates 136, 138 are connected to each other (e.g., using spot welding or other connection methods) to form a center mounting portion. The top, center and bottom mounting portions can be connected to each other (e.g., using spot welding or other connection methods) to form the trapezoidal housing 102.

[0053] The top mounting portion and the bottom mounting portion may include inlets 108T, 108B, respectively. The portions of the first pair of opposing plates 104, 106 forming the top mounting portion / bottom mounting portion may include portions of the triangular portions 132, 134 and rectangular portions 130 of the plates 104, 106. In another embodiment, the portions of the first pair of opposing plates 104, 106 forming the top mounting portion / bottom mounting portion may include only the triangular portions 132, 134 of the plates 104, 106. The portions of the opposing pair of plates 104, 106 forming the center mounting portion may include the rectangular portions 130 of the plates 104, 106. The plates 104, 106 may have seats for seating an associated filter.

[0054] The air inlet 108 may be interchangeably referred to as an air inlet and may be configured to receive ambient air. The exhaust port 110 may be interchangeably referred to as an air outlet and may be configured to deliver purified air. The housing 102 also provides an air flow path 140 between the air inlet 108 and the exhaust port 110 .

[0055] The air inlet 108 may include a pair of air inlets 108T, 108B located at opposite longitudinal ends 120, 122 of the housing 102, each air inlet 108T, 108B oriented at a non-perpendicular angle NPA relative to the longitudinal axis HL-HL. Since the opposite longitudinal ends 120, 122 of the housing 102 are the hypotenuse ends of the trapezoidal housing 102, the opposite longitudinal ends 120, 122 of the housing 102 are longer than the width dimension W of the housing 102. For example, such a configuration in which the pair of air inlets 108T, 108B are located at opposite longitudinal ends / hypotenuse ends 120, 122 of the housing 102 facilitates a longer air inlet 108 (and having an increased surface area for air inlet) compared to an air inlet 108 located along the width dimension W of the housing 102. This configuration also enables the use of longer filters (and / or filters with increased filtering surface area) compared to filters located on the air inlet 108 along the width dimension W of the housing 102 .

[0056] The air inlets 108T, 108B may be configured to engage / connect / receive filters 118T, 118B at the air inlets 108T, 108B, respectively.

[0057] The exhaust port 110 is arranged on the longitudinal edge 124 of the shell 102, and the longer one of the pair of opposing plates 136, 138 may include the exhaust port 110, and the longer one of the two parallel sides of the trapezoidal shell 102 has the same size as the longer one of the two parallel sides of the trapezoidal shell 102 and forms the longer one of the two parallel sides of the trapezoidal shell 102.

[0058] The air purifier 100 also includes an output plenum 126 attached to the longitudinal edge 124 of the housing 102 for distributing the outflowing air leaving the exhaust port 110. The output plenum 126 can be a chamber (with closed longitudinal ends) extending along the longitudinal axis HL-HL of the housing 102. The output plenum 126 can be longer than the housing 102. The output plenum 126 can be configured to receive purified air from the exhaust port 110 along its first longitudinal edge. The output plenum 126 can include an opening to discharge or deliver the purified air from the output plenum 126 to a target area around the air purifier 100. The opening can be located at an opposite second longitudinal edge, a closed longitudinal end, and / or an opposite sidewall (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal edge of the output plenum 126).

[0059] The fan 116 is configured to move air through an airflow path 140 between the air inlet 108 and the air outlet 110. The fan 116 can be configured to pull air through the air purifier 100 and push air out of the air purifier 100 (eg, into the output plenum 126).

[0060] The fan 116 may be an annular fan. The fan 116 may have a central opening 112 configured to receive the motor 114. The term "annular" as used herein may generally include a sector similar to a torus or a ring. The annular fan may be configured to receive the motor 114 within the annular fan ring (e.g., in a central annular hole). This configuration of the annular fan may be advantageous for a low profile configuration. The fan 116 may be other types of fans, and the fan 116 may not be an annular fan. The annular fan may be (but does not have to be) a centrifugal fan (i.e., sucking air from the center and discharging the air radially).

[0061] The fan 116 may be a centrifugal fan that allows air to enter the fan around the area of ​​the axis (e.g., TFA-TFA) of the fan 116 and allows the air to exit through the exhaust port 110 (i.e., the air is rotated radially outward by deflection and centrifugal forces). The axis TFA-TFA of the fan may be substantially perpendicular to the plates 104, 106 of the housing 102.

[0062] The fan 116 can be configured to operate at different fan speeds or a continuous range of fan speeds. The different fan speeds can include turbo fan speeds, high fan speeds, medium fan speeds, low fan speeds, and sleep (e.g., at 0 RPM). The fan 116 can operate at three, four, or five different fan speeds. However, the fan speeds can vary significantly in number, or be continuously variable.

[0063] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the fan is mounted in an offset manner. The airflow path 140 is partially defined by the wall on which the fan is mounted, and air flows from Figure 2 The filter 118 behind the wall in the Figure 1 ) and is pulled through the center of the fan 116. The fan 116 also exhausts the air radially outward, and baffles or manifolds around the fan 116 direct the air outward to Figure 2 10, which in this non-limiting embodiment is delivered by a vertical manifold. The offset mounting allows air to flow vertically from the inlet 108 and the filter (which leads to this offset area) and into the center of the fan 116. The fan 116 does not necessarily need to be offset, and in the embodiment shown this is done to create a larger volume to receive airflow from the filter and inlet opening 108; therefore, offsetting is an option.

[0064] The motor 114 may be interchangeably referred to as a drive mechanism. The motor 114 may be configured to drive the fan 116 at a variable speed to move air through an airflow path 140 between the air inlet 108 and the air outlet 110. The motor 114 may be configured to provide power to draw air into the air inlet 108, draw air through the airflow path 140, and deliver / expel air out of the air outlet 110 of the housing 102.

[0065] The motor 114 can be an electric motor. The motor can be a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. The motor 114 can be a battery-powered motor. The motor 114 can include an output shaft or motor shaft. The fan 116 can be operably connected to the output shaft of the motor 114 to draw air into the air inlet 108, draw air through the airflow path 140, and deliver / exhaust air to the air outlet 110 of the housing 102. The motor 114 can be connected to a first end of the output shaft or motor shaft, and the fan 116 is connected to a second end of the output shaft. The air purifier 100 can also include a power switch and other electrical contacts for connecting a power cord from a power source to operate the air purifier 100.

[0066] In one embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the fan 116 and the motor 114 can be disposed in a motor and fan housing 150. The motor and fan housing 150 can include a rear plate 152, a front plate 154, and a vortex plate 156. The rear plate 152 and the front plate 154 can be opposite to each other, and the vortex plate 156 is disposed between the rear plate and the front plate. The rear plate 152, the front plate 154, and the vortex plate 156 can be connected to each other, for example, by spot welding (i.e., spot welding tabs on each of these plates) or by other connection methods.

[0067] The rear plate 152, the front plate 154, and the swirl plate 156 can define the outlet opening 110 when connected to each other. The rear plate 152 and the front plate 154 can be disposed on opposite sides of the fan 116, which is mounted in the swirl plate 156. The front plate 154 includes an opening 158 configured to receive the motor 114 and enable a connection between the motor 114 and the fan 116. The opening 158 of the front plate 154 can allow filtered air from the air flow path 140 to enter the motor and fan housing 150 (e.g., near the center of the fan 116) and the fan 116. The bracket 156 can be configured to mount the motor 114 to the motor and fan housing 150.

[0068] The filter 118 may include a pair of air inlet filters 118T, 118B, each of which is detachably mounted at a corresponding air inlet 108T, 108B. The filters 118T and 118B may be interchangeably referred to as an upper filter and a lower filter, respectively. Each of the filters 118, 118T, 118B may have one or more filter components. Each of the filters 118, 118T, 118B may have a layered construction.

[0069] The filter 118 may include any porous material or component configured to remove pollutants, impurities, solid particles, odors, dust, allergens, and other airborne pollutants from the air passing through the filter. The filter 118 may be interchangeably referred to as an air filter medium / component or an air purification component. The air purifier 100 may be configured to receive different types of filter media, different types of air purification components, or different types of air filter media and air purification components.

[0070] The filter 118 may include a high efficiency particulate absorption (HEPA) filter and a carbon filter. The filter 118 may also be configured to generate an ionization field to purify the air. The filter 118 may have any type of filter media and / or purification technology, such as thermodynamic disinfection technology, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation technology, HEPA filter, ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation (UVPCO) technology, electrostatic technology, activated carbon filter, photocatalytic oxidation technology, titanium dioxide (TiO2) technology, ion generator purification technology, ozone generator technology, etc. For example, the filter 118 may include two or more UV-C lamps. The filter 118 may include a filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which is generally in the range of about MERV-13+ to MERV-17+. The filter 118 may include a granular / granular (not a pellet) activated carbon filter. Therefore, the air purifier unit in the system may be filter-based, or may use a non-filter-based method, or may be a combination of the two, and is a known type of structural device for removing impurities from the air.

[0071] The filter 118 may include a pre-filter component, an activated carbon filter component, a MERV-13+ filter component or a true HEPA (MERV-17+) filter component, two or more UV-C lamps, and a photocatalytic air purification component (e.g., TiO2). The filter 118 may also include a plasma (ionizer) air purification component. The true HEPA filter component of the filter 118 may also include an antimicrobial agent.

[0072] The air purifier 100 may generally be configured to provide purified air at a clean air delivery rate (CADR) of about 95 CADR. The air purifier 100 may generally be configured to provide an air flow rate ranging from about 35 to about 100 cubic feet per minute (CFM). When the fan is running at a low speed, the air purifier 100 may generally have a noise level in the range of about 50 decibels (dB) to about 60 decibels (dB), and when the fan is running at a high speed, the air purifier 100 may generally have a noise level in the range of about 45 decibels to about 64 decibels. None of these exemplary details are restrictive. When the door is closed, this will further reduce the sound level.

[0073] The air purifier 100 may include a sensor disposed in or on the housing 102, which may be configured to monitor one or more conditions in a predetermined area near the air purifier 100 to detect the presence or movement of an object in the predetermined area. In another embodiment, the sensor may also be configured to sense other conditions in the predetermined area. The air purifier 100 may also include a controller. The controller may include a control circuit. However, without departing from the scope of the present patent application, the controller may optionally include any other type of suitable controller. For example, the controller may include a processor that executes code; an integrated computer system that runs a program; an analog or digital circuit; and the like. The controller may be configured to communicate with the sensor to receive sensor input. Based on the received sensor input, the controller may also be configured to control the operation of the air purifier 100. The controller may be configured to communicate with the motor 114 and the fan 116 to control the operation of the air purifier 100. Such sensors and controller / control systems are described in detail in the '842 patent and are not described in detail here.

[0074] The air purifier 100 may include a user interface 172 (e.g., Fig.11 , 13 -14 and 18-19), which are operably connected to the controller and configured to display information (e.g., operating performance) and / or request information of the air purifier 100 to the user and allow the user to input data and / or other parameters of the air purifier 100. Although the user interface 172 is not shown as being disposed on the housing 102, in one embodiment, the user interface 172 can be disposed on the housing 102.

[0075] The user interface 172 may allow a user to modify one or more parameters of the air purifier 100. For example, the user interface 172 may be a display such as a graphical display. The display may be a touch screen display or a liquid crystal display (LCD). In addition, the user interface 172 may include one or more buttons or other controls that allow the user to modify one or more parameters of the air purifier 100. For example, the one or more buttons or other controls of the user interface 172 may be operated by touch or tactile manipulation or mechanical type controls.

[0076] The user interface 172 may be configured to be removably attached to the air purifier 100, so that the user interface 172 is configured to be located on the air purifier 100 and used as the main user interface. The user interface 172 may be configured to be removed from the air purifier 100 and configured to be placed in a remote location. In such an embodiment, the user interface 172 may be configured to operate from a remote location. The remote location may refer to a location away from the air purifier 100. The user interface 172 may include a rechargeable power supply that is configured to be charged when the user interface 172 is attached to the air purifier 100. When the user interface 172 is disconnected and remote, the user interface 172 and the air purifier 100 may communicate via wired or wireless signals.

[0077] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An exemplary controller (PCBA) 160 and an exemplary power supply 162 (PCBA) are shown, respectively. The controller 160 and the power supply 162 can be configured for use with the low-profile air purifier 100. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Exemplary input / output components 164, 166 are shown (e.g., Figure 7 The motor interface controller 164 and Figure 8 The motor interface tachometer 166 in the embodiment is configured for use with the low profile air purifier 100. The controller may be touch screen operated to allow the panel or door to be smooth (e.g., back-painted glass), or may have a radio frequency (IR) receiver for remote operation.

[0078] Fig.12 A modular wall section 200 including an air cleaner is shown. The air cleaner of the modular wall section 200 is interchangeably referred to as an air handling system. The modular wall section 200 may be a portion or part of a modular or architectural wall / panel system. Fig.12 The air purifier 100 is shown mounted on a modular wall section 200. Figure 13-15 The air cleaner 100 is shown installed in a modular wall section 200 .

[0079] See also Figure 13-15 The modular wall section 200 includes an internal frame 202, an air purifier 100 mounted in the internal frame 202, and a panel 204 mounted to the internal frame 202, the panel 204 being used to open the air purifier 100 in the open position (such as Fig.15 as shown) and the closed position (as Fig.14 and 15 As shown), the open position is used to approach the air purifier 100, and the closed position is used to hide the air purifier 100.

[0080] The panel 204 may be movably (eg, hingedly) mounted to the inner frame 202. The panel 204 may be interchangeably referred to as a hinged door or a filter access panel. Fig.17 Various views of panel 204 are shown. Fig.19 The panel 204 is shown to be configured to provide easy access to the filter 118. The air purifier 100 may also include a security or anti-tampering lock on the panel 204 to prevent a thief from attempting to access the internal components of the air purifier 100. The panel 204 may be configured to receive the user interface 172 thereon.

[0081] Figure 13-15 An exemplary panel system with integrated technology air handling / air purifier is shown. As will be explained in detail below, air enters one of the vertical slots along the panel 204 (with integrated controls) and enters the interior cavity or space 208 between the exterior wall panels of the modular wall section 200, passes through the air handling filter 100 (or ultraviolet (UV) or ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation (UVPCO) or any non-filter treatment technology unit) to treat the air, and then the treated air is discharged back into the room through the opposite vertical slot of the panel 204.

[0082] like Fig.13 As shown, when in the closed position, the panel 204 is at its edge E O Provide a gap G O The air collection system 126 of the air purifier 100 (disposed in the inner frame 202 of the modular wall section 200) may be adjacent to the gap G. O Positioned to direct the outflow of air O through the gap G O .although Fig.13 The gap G shown in O Displayed on side edge E O However, the gap can be located at the other side edge E I (near the hinge of panel 204), top or bottom. Gap G O It may be an outflow port.

[0083] Similarly, if Fig.13As shown, when in the closed position, the panel 204 is at its edge E I Provide a gap G I . Gap G I It can be configured to guide the inflow flow I of the air through the gap G I .although Fig.13 The gap G shown in I Located at the side edge E I But the gap G I Can be located at the other side edge E O At, top or bottom. Gap G I It can be an inflow port.

[0084] In one embodiment, the modular wall section 200 may have an air inlet on one side edge for air to flow in, and the other side edge of the modular wall section 200 may have an air outlet for air to flow out. This configuration may be used for a double stack air purifier 100. LCR1 , 100 LCR2 (like Fig.21 Shown and referenced Fig.21 ), when the air handling unit 100 D1 and the lower air handling unit 100 D2 When facing or towards the same space / large conference room LCR, double stack air purifier 100 LCR1 , 100 LCR2 is configured to provide double the air purification / air handling performance. For larger rooms (e.g., large conference rooms LCR), multiple (i.e., upper and lower) air handling units 100 D1 and 100 D2 Can be installed behind a single modular wall panel / wall section 200.

[0085] In addition, this configuration (of the air inlet and the air outlet disposed on the side edge) can also be used for a single air purifier 100 L (like Fig.21 Shown and referenced Fig.21 As described above), the single air purifier 100 L Configured to receive air inflow from a single area / space (lounge L) and provide purified / clean air to lounge L.

[0086] In one embodiment, one half of the modular wall segment 200 may have an air inlet thereon for air to flow in, and one half of the modular wall segment 200 may have an air outlet thereon for air to flow out. Fig.21 This half of the modular wall section 200 may be configured to receive an air purifier 100 facing into or toward the large conference room LCR. SCR2The air inlet and the air outlet may face the large conference room LCR or toward the large conference room LCR. In one embodiment, the other half of the modular wall section 200 may have an air inlet for air to flow in, and the other half of the modular wall section 200 may have an air outlet for air to flow out. Fig.21 The other half of the modular wall section 200 may be configured to receive an air purifier 100 facing into or toward a small conference room SCR. SCR1 The air inlet and outlet can be facing or towards the small meeting room SCR.

[0087] In one embodiment, the modular wall section 200 may have air inlets for air inflow and air outflows for air outflow located on two sides (e.g., facing two different rooms / spaces), so that air from two rooms / spaces is received by the air purifier and mixed, cleaned / purified, and then output back into those rooms / spaces.

[0088] In one embodiment, the rear wall 206 may have an air inlet for air to flow in. In such an embodiment, the panel 204, the side edge of the front, the top or the bottom may have an outlet for air to flow out. This configuration may be used for cross-room (cross-ventilation) air handling units 100a, 100b, 100c, such as Fig.21 Shown and referenced Fig.21 Description, wherein the inflow of air can come from one space / room facing the rear wall 206, and the outflow of air can enter another space / room facing the front opposite to the rear wall 206. In another embodiment, the inflow of air can come from one space / room facing the front opposite to the rear wall 206, and the outflow of air can enter another space / room facing the rear wall 206.

[0089] The air purifier of the modular wall section 200 can be similar or identical to the air purifier 100 described in the present patent application. The air purifier 100 can generally include a housing 102, the housing 102 including a pair of plates 104, 106 facing each other, an air inlet 108 for air to flow in, and an exhaust port 110 for air to flow out. The air purifier 100 can also include a fan 116 rotatably mounted between the plates 104, 106 in the housing 102, a motor 114 configured to rotate the fan 116, and a filter 118 mounted to the housing 102 for filtering the air flowing through the housing 102.

[0090] The inner frame 202 may include two side frame members (eg, one on each side) 202 S1 and 202 S2 、Top frame member 202 T and bottom frame member 202 BIn another embodiment, the inner frame 202 may include four side frame members (eg, two on each side), two top frame members, and two bottom frame members. However, the number of frame members in the inner frame 202 may vary. Top frame member 202 T can be a ceiling member / support, while the bottom frame member 202 B A floor support may be formed. Side frame members 202 of the inner frame 202 S1 and 202 S2 The side frame members 202 of the internal frame 202 may have the same length dimensions as the length dimensions of adjacent modular wall sections 201 and 203 to which the internal frame 202 / modular wall section 200 may be connected. S1 and 202 S2 The length dimension is adjustable. The top frame member 202 of the inner frame 202 T and bottom frame member 202 B The width size is adjustable.

[0091] Two side frame members 202 S1 and 202 S2 、Top frame member 202 T and bottom frame member 202 B The two side frame members 202 may be configured to be connected to each other (eg, using connectors) to form the inner frame 202. S1 and 202 S2 、Top frame member 202 T and bottom frame member 202 B Together, the interior frame 202 may define an interior space 208. The air purifier 100 may be configured to be housed in the interior space 208. The interior space 208 may be inside the modular wall section 200.

[0092] Panel 204 may be removably attached to side frame member 202 S1 and 202 S2 The inner frame 202 may be configured to receive / connect to the rear wall 206. The inner frame 202 may be configured to receive / connect to two side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. In another embodiment, the top wall and the bottom wall are optional, and the top frame member and the bottom frame member are configured to serve as the top wall and the bottom wall. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the two side walls are optional, and the two side frame members are configured to serve as the two side walls.

[0093] In yet another embodiment, when the modular wall segment 200 is attached to adjacent wall segments 201 and 203 (eg, Fig.13 and 14), portions of adjacent wall segments 201 and 203 are configured to serve as two side walls of the inner frame 202. In one embodiment, one or more of the adjacent wall segments 201 and 203 (such as Fig.13 and 14 100) can be an existing modular wall section. The modular wall section 200 (with the air purifier 100) can be connected to the existing modular wall section. In this embodiment, the modular wall section 200 can have only one exterior fascia (e.g., the rear wall) and the removable panel 204 (i.e., on the front).

[0094] like Fig.13 and 14 As shown, modular wall segment 200 has a smaller width dimension than one or more of adjacent wall segments 201 and 203. Frame members 202 may be formed of a metallic material (eg, steel, aluminum, etc.).

[0095] The internal frame 202 may also include an intermediate frame member 202 M , which is configured to support the side frame members 202 at the middle portion of the inner frame 202 S1 and 202 S2 . Intermediate frame member 202 M is optional. Intermediate frame member 202 M It can also be configured to divide the interior space 208 into two compartments 210 and 212. Each of the two compartments 210 and 212 can be configured to receive the air purifier 100, such as Fig. 20B and 20C shown. Fig.15 and Fig. 20A The air purifier 100 is shown received in the top compartment 210, while the bottom compartment 212 may receive a half wall panel section therein.

[0096] Figures 16A-16C Exemplary airflow paths are shown for an air purifier 100 having two fan motor assemblies 150 (ie, having two fans, two motors, two fan motor housings, etc.).

[0097] like Fig. 16B and 16C As shown, a double stack air cleaner / treatment unit may require control of two cores (i.e., the core includes the fan, motor, exhaust port, etc.). Fig. 16B The dual air purifier / treatment unit shown may have a single door / panel (or interchangeably referred to as a door front), while the Fig. 16C The dual air purifier / processing unit shown may have two separate door fronts. The dual air purifier / processing unit may be configured to use two single cores (ie, the core includes the fan, motor, exhaust, etc.) and a controller.

[0098] For example, Fig.16A Two diagonally positioned fan motor assemblies are shown, and the two fan motor assemblies and one or more filter assemblies are somewhat staggered relative to each other. One or more filter assemblies and inlet openings (for the inflow of air) can be provided near the two fan motor assemblies (i.e., at the top or bottom thereof). Fig. 16B Two fan motor assemblies are shown stacked one above the other and adjacent to one or more filter assemblies. One or more filter assemblies and inlet openings (for inflow of air) may be provided adjacent to (and to the sides of) the two stacked fan motor assemblies. Fig. 16B The configuration in can provide the air purifier Fig.16A and 16B The most efficient air path among the three air purifiers shown in . Fig. 16C Two fan motor assemblies are shown, stacked and spaced / positioned from each other. One or more filter assemblies and inlet openings (for inflow of air) may be provided between the two stacked fan motor assemblies. Fig. 16C The configuration in Figures 16A-16C The smallest width air purifier among the three air purifiers shown in FIG.

[0099] Reference Fig.18 , the air purifier 100 may include an air purity or air quality sensor configured to monitor air quality. The air purity or air quality sensor may be configured to send an output signal (air quality / purity signal) to a controller of the air purifier 100. The controller of the air purifier 100 may automatically adjust the fan speed or notify the user of the air quality using an air quality indicator 252 in response to the air quality / purity signal received from the air purity or air quality sensor. The air quality indication may include a graphical representation, a visual (percentage, number, or changing color), an audio signal, or any other communication channel.

[0100] Fig.18It is also shown that the air purifier 100 may include a maintenance light / indicator that alerts / signals the user (by flashing or otherwise via a user interface) when the air purifier 100 requires maintenance or repair. The air purifier 100 may include filter replacement indicators 254 and 256 that signal the user via a user interface when the HEPA filter and activated carbon filter require replacement. For example, the air purifier 100 may include a HEPA filter replacement indicator 254 and a carbon filter replacement indicator 256. The air purifier 100 may also include other indicators, such as an electric filter assembly filter replacement indicator, a sleep mode indicator indicating that the air purifier is in sleep mode, a motion sensor indicator indicating that the motion sensor has detected an object, an audio sensor indicator for indicating detection of an object by an audio sensor, an odor level indicator for providing feedback to the user regarding the odor level sensed by the odor sensor, and the like. ( Figure 12-21 The sensors and controllers of the air purifier can be connected with the above ( Figure 1-11 The sensors and controls are the same as those described for the ) air purifier 100. Other indicators can be the fan speed and status of the air entering the unit and the fan speed and status of the air being processed and leaving the unit, and what mode (e.g., silent, normal, and auto modes).

[0101] Fig. 20A A single air cleaner 100 is shown installed in a modular wall section 200. S Arrow O shows the direction of the air from the air purifier 100. S Although the air purifier 100 shown S Installed in the upper part of the modular wall section 200, the air purifier 100 S It can also be mounted in the lower half of the modular wall section 200. The wall mounted version of the air purifier 100 can be mounted in a partial height wall or a free standing wall that loosely defines a space or work area or workstation.

[0102] Fig. 20B Dual air cleaners 100 are shown installed in modular wall sections 200 D1 and 100 D2 . Air Purifier 100 D1 and 100 D2 One of the air purifiers 100 is installed on the upper half of the modular wall section 200, and the air purifier 100 D1 and 100 D2 The other one is installed in the lower half of the modular wall section 200. When the upper and lower air handling units 100 D1 and 100D2 When facing or oriented toward the same space, the single modular wall section 200 can provide double the air purification / air treatment performance, such as Fig. 20B Arrow O shows the direction from the air purifier 100 D1 and 100 D2 Outflow of purified air.

[0103] Fig. 20C Dual air cleaners 100 are shown installed in modular wall sections 200 D1 and 100 D2 . Air Purifier 100 D1 and 100 D2 One of the air purifiers 100 is installed on the upper half of the modular wall section 200, and the air purifier 100 D1 and 100 D2 The other one is installed in the lower half of the modular wall section 200. However, Fig. 20B The configuration shown is different. Fig. 20C Air Purifier 100 D1 and 100 D2 Installed to face in opposite directions, a single modular wall panel 200 can serve two different offices / spaces. Arrow O shows the direction of movement of the air purifier 100. D1 and 100 D2 Outflow of purified air.

[0104] Fig.21 Various operational configurations of air purifiers 100 mounted in / on modular wall sections 200 are shown. For example, office a has modular wall section 200a. Office a and office b may share modular wall section 200b. Office a and office c may share modular wall section 200c. Air purifier 100a may be mounted in modular wall section 200a, air purifier 100b may be mounted in modular wall section 200b, and air purifier 110c may be mounted in modular wall section 200c.

[0105] Air purifier 100a can be configured to receive inflow air from outside of office a and provide purified / cleaned air to office a. Air purifier 100b can be configured to receive inflow air from office a and provide purified / cleaned air to office b. Air purifier 100b can also be configured to receive inflow air from office b and provide purified / cleaned air to office a. Air purifier 100c can be configured to receive inflow air from office b and provide purified / cleaned air to office c. Air purifier 100c can also be configured to receive inflow air from office c and provide purified / cleaned air to office b. 100a, 100b, 100c are interchangeably referred to as cross-room air handling units or air purifier units.

[0106] Fig. 20A -C and 21 can be configured to provide a cross flow of purified air between modular wall sections (e.g., offices a, b, c) to ensure air flow even when barrier walls have been installed. This configuration ensures building circulation even in difficult areas within the building. As long as the wall components have been installed, the air handling / air purification system (with clean air flow) can also be configured to generate white noise within the office to enhance privacy and sound quality issues within enclosed / semi-enclosed / open spaces / offices. Moreover, the pre-installation and pre-wiring into the modular wall panels makes it easy to add the integrated air handling unit 100 to a new office space, which is much easier than cutting into an existing wall and having to bring power and wiring to the unit.

[0107] A cross-flow manifold arrangement on the flow outlet of the unit can have an adjustable baffle that can be positioned to direct a percentage of the exhaust airflow into one of the shared office spaces (i.e., the office on the opposite side of the wall with the purifier) ​​while the remainder of the airflow flows into the other office. Fig.21 This is shown in the form of an office layout as a means of ensuring proper air flow, with the added benefit that this flow is purified air.

[0108] In addition, if Fig.21 As shown, the lounge L (ie, a partially or semi-enclosed space) has modular wall sections 200. L The modular wall section 200 L With air purifier 100 L . Air Purifier 100 L The air purifier 100 may be configured to receive an inflow of air from the lounge L and provide purified / cleaned air to the lounge L. LCan be a single air handling unit / air purifier and can have Fig. 20A The configuration of the air purifier shown and described.

[0109] Reference Fig.21 , Large conference room LCR with modular wall sections 200 L , which has an air purifier 100 LCR1 and 100 LCR2 . Air Purifier 100 LCR1 and 100 LCR2 The air purifier 100 may be configured to receive an inflow of air from the large conference room LCR and provide purified / cleaned air to the large conference room LCR. LCR1 and 100 LCR2 Can be installed in modular wall section 200 L The double-layer stacked air handling unit / air purifier may have a FIG20 B The structure of the air purifier shown and described. When the upper air handling unit 100 D1 and lower air handling unit 100 D2 When facing or oriented to the same space / large conference room LCR, a single modular wall section 200 L Provides double the air purification / air treatment performance.

[0110] Reference Fig.21 , large conference room LCR and small conference room SCR can share modular wall section 200 S . Modular wall sections 200 S With air purifier 100 SCR1 and 100 SCR2 . Air Purifier 100 SCR1 and 100 SCR2 Can be installed in modular wall section 200 S The double-layer stacked air handling unit / air purifier may have Fig. 20C The structure of the air purifier shown and described. Air purifier 100 SCR1 and 100 SCR2 Mounted in the same modular wall section facing opposite directions 200 S On, a single modular wall section 200 S Can supply two different offices / spaces (i.e. Large meeting room LCR and small meeting room SCR). Air Purifier 100 SCR1 The air purifier 100 may be configured to receive an inflow of air from the small conference room SCR and provide purified / cleaned air to the small conference room SCR. SCR2It can be configured to receive an inflow of air from the large conference room LCR and provide purified / cleaned air to the large conference room LCR.

[0111] The air purifier 100 may generally be configured to purify air in a space or target area having an area of ​​about 150 to about 250 square feet. LCR1 , 100 LCR2 or 100 SCR1 , 100 SCR2 Typically, the air purifiers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, 100f, 100f, 100g, 100g, 100g, 100g, 100g, 100f ... L Typically, it can be configured to purify the air in a space or target area of ​​about 120 to about 150 square feet. In one embodiment, a single air purifier unit can cover an area of ​​about 120 to about 150 square feet. In one embodiment, a single air purifier unit can be used in a small or medium-sized office space.

[0112] The air purifier 100 can be configured to detect the presence of other air purifiers within its given proximity and within the target area. For example, using an infrared (IR) transmitter and receiver or other wired or wireless signal system (e.g., near field communication (NFC), local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth, RF, Wi-Fi, etc.), other air purifiers 100 within a given proximity of the air purifier 100 are detected to allow one of the air purifiers 100 to be designated as a master purifier and other subsequent air purifiers 100 to be designated as slave purifiers. This "master-slave" arrangement allows for simple control of multiple air purifiers 100 within a given environment. For example, the air purifier 100 recognizes the presence of other air purifiers 100 and coordinates the controllers to work together to optimally clean the air in the target area. This master-slave arrangement is described in detail in the '842 patent.

[0113] Figure 12-21 Air handlers / purifiers are shown added at the factory / manufacturing facility as finished panel inserts or wall sections or as field installable modules and / or upgrades.

[0114] Similarly, if Fig. 22As shown, in addition to the air handler / purifier, audio-visual units (including video, sound, speakers, etc.), lighting (e.g., full spectrum lighting), sound mitigation technology, noise shielding, recessed blinds / shades (e.g., between glass panels), privacy screens / panels, can be added at the factory as finished panel inserts or wall sections, or as field-installable modules and / or upgrades. Since modular wall panels / sections are easily separated compared to cutting a gypsum (drywall) covered wall, it is easier to add these additional accessories and wire them within the modular wall panels / sections. Fig.12 Another example of a panel system with these integrated technologies is also shown.

[0115] Integration of some of these technologies is made more difficult due to their size, such as embedded large flat screens or displays. It is much easier to insert a new modular wall panel designed for an embedded flat screen than to retrofit an existing wall and adapt it. The modular wall sections of this patent application can be easily constructed to add the additional accessories mentioned above. Modular wall sections make customized and semi-custom integration of technology easier due to the interoperability and upgradeability of the wall, panels and electrical equipment.

[0116] Various views of the slim / low profile version of the Air Purifier 2300 with UV core in Figure 23-30 As shown in Fig.28 and 29 As shown, the UV core air purifier 2300 may include a fan 2303, a UV bulb / lamp 2301, a UVC isolation baffle 2305, and a UVC reflector 2307. The UV core air purifier 2300 may also include an elongated longitudinal housing in which the fan 2303, the UV bulb / lamp 2301, the UVC isolation baffle 2305, and the UVC reflector 2307 are disposed. The fan 2303 may be disposed at the air inlet of the UV core air purifier 2300.

[0117] Figure 23-25 A slim / low profile, UV core air purifier 2300 is shown installed in a building wall. Figure 26-29 A slim / low profile, UV core air purifier 2300 is shown mounted between studs of a wall. Fig.30 Various sizes of slim / low profile, UV core air purifiers 2300 are shown mounted between studs in a wall.

[0118] UV core air purifier 2300 typically uses UVC radiation. UVC radiation is typically the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum, and UVC rays / radiation may have the shortest wavelength.

[0119] In a low profile version of the UV air purifier 2300, air enters the fan inlet and is then moved by the UV light 2301. All viruses exposed to the UV light 2301 for a certain period of time are subsequently killed. The UV light 2301 on the air purifier 2300 can be configured to use the UVC spectrum of the UV light to kill all exposed viruses. In one embodiment, the UV light 2301 can be a T8 18WUVC (254nm) dual pin. The UVC light 2301 can emit UVC light that can include 100-280 nanometers, with photons that vibrate the fastest and carry the most energy. The UV air purifier 2300 may include a fan other than a centrifugal or circular fan. The fan 2303 of the UV core air purifier 2300 can be such as Fig.31 A cross-flow tangential fan is shown.

[0120] In one embodiment, the UV air purifier 2300 can be configured to draw air into the UV air purifier 2300. The air can pass through a filter, such as a HEPA filter. The air can then pass through an internal chamber where the air is exposed to UVC light 2301. The flow through the UV core air purifier 2300 is slower than the flow through an air purifier with a filter based on HEPA material. The flow rate of the UV core air purifier 2300 can range between 100 and 150 cubic feet per minute (CFM). The average exposure dwell time at this flow rate can be 0.6145 seconds.

[0121] UVC isolation baffles 2305 may be provided or positioned on both sides (longitudinal ends) of the interior chamber of the UV air purifier 2300 having the UV light 2301 therein. The UVC isolation baffles 2305 may be configured to isolate the UV light, preventing it from "leaking" or being seen by the human eye, to ensure safe operation. The flow rate on the UV-based air purifier is lower to ensure the time of exposure to the UV light before reaching the outlet.

[0122] The UV reflector 2307 may be configured to reflect the UV light emitted by the UV light 2301 onto all surfaces of the interior chamber so as to distribute the UV light emitted by the UV light 2301 in the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the UV reflector 2307 may at least partially surround the UV light 2301. In another embodiment, the UV reflector 2307 may be laterally positioned / set and partially separated from the UV light 2301. The reflective material of the UV reflector 2307 may be an aluminum material, or an aluminum material coated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The reflective material of the UV reflector 2307 may have a reflectivity of 95% at 254 nanometers (nm).

[0123] Fig.3023 shows an exemplary size when the UV core air purifier 2300 is in a column mounting form. In another embodiment, the UV core air purifier 2300 can be mounted to a building wall. That is, the UV core air purifier 2300 can be installed in a column mounting type or a building wall type.

[0124] In one embodiment, when the UV core air purifier 2300 is installed in a stud mount type (i.e., between studs of a wall), a large portion of the UV core air purifier 2300 is exposed and protrudes from the wall in which it is installed. That is, there is nothing hidden or not exposed about the cover plate. In addition, in a wall mount installation, the UV core air purifier 2300 may not be configured to have any common wall use or cross ventilation arrangement as described in other embodiments of the present patent application.

[0125] This patent application and its various embodiments as described above uniquely address observed, noted and researched findings and improve upon the current state of the art systems.The listed products, features and embodiments described in this patent application should not be considered limiting in any way.

[0126] Although the present patent application has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration, it should be understood that such detail is only for the purpose of illustration, and the present patent application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, on the contrary, the present patent application is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that the present patent application contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

[0127] The description of the embodiments of this patent application should not be considered limiting in any way, because countless configurations and methods using this patent application can be realized from what has been disclosed or revealed in this patent application. The systems, features, and embodiments described in this patent application should not be considered limiting in any way. These illustrations represent possible structural and mechanical embodiments and methods of obtaining desired features. The location and / or form of any minor design details or materials specified in this patent application may be changed, and doing so will not be considered new material, because this patent application covers these implementations in the broadest form.

[0128] The above embodiments are provided to illustrate the structural and functional principles of the present patent application, rather than to limit the present patent application. On the contrary, the present patent application is intended to include all modifications, changes and substitutions within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular wall section comprising: Internal framework; An air purifier mounted within the internal frame, the air purifier comprising: a housing, the housing comprising an air inlet for air to flow in and an air outlet for air to flow out; a rotatably mounted fan; a motor for rotating the fan; and an air cleaner unit mounted to the housing, the air cleaner unit cleaning air flowing through the housing; and A panel is mounted to the inner frame for movement between an open position for accessing the air purifier and a closed position for concealing the air purifier.

2. The modular wall segment according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing includes a pair of plates facing each other. wherein the fan is rotatably mounted between the plates, and Wherein, the air purifier unit comprises a filter.

3. The modular wall section according to claim 2, characterized in that The fan is an annular fan, the axis of which is substantially perpendicular to the plate, and Wherein, the motor is arranged in the central opening of the annular fan to rotate the annular fan.

4. The modular wall section according to claim 3, wherein: The housing has a longitudinal axis, and the air inlet includes a pair of air inlets located at opposite longitudinal ends of the housing.

5. The modular wall section according to claim 4, characterized in that each said air inlet is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to said longitudinal axis, Wherein, the filter comprises a pair of air intake filters, each of which is removably mounted at a corresponding air inlet.

6. A modular wall section according to claim 5, wherein: The exhaust port is arranged on a longitudinal edge of the housing.

7. The modular wall section of claim 6, further comprising an output plenum attached to said longitudinal edge of said housing for distributing outflow air exiting said exhaust port, wherein: The panel in the closed position provides a gap at an edge of the panel, and the output plenum is positioned adjacent the gap for directing outflow air through the gap.

8. The modular wall section of claim 4, wherein: The exhaust port is arranged on a longitudinal edge of the housing.

9. The modular wall section of claim 8, further comprising an output plenum attached to the longitudinal edge of the shell for distributing outflow air exiting the exhaust port, wherein The panel in the closed position provides a gap at an edge thereof, and the output plenum is positioned adjacent the gap for directing outflow air through the gap.

10. A modular wall section according to claim 9, wherein: The air purifier unit also includes a source of ultraviolet radiation.

11. A low profile air purifier comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a pair of plates facing each other, the housing further comprising an air inlet for air to flow in and an air outlet for air to flow out; an annular fan rotatably mounted in the housing between the plates, the annular fan having an axis substantially perpendicular to the plates; a motor, the motor being disposed in a central opening of the annular fan and being used to rotate the annular fan; and The filter installed on the housing is used to filter the air flowing through the housing.

12. The low profile air cleaner according to claim 11, wherein: The housing has a longitudinal axis, and the air inlet includes a pair of air inlets located at opposite longitudinal ends of the housing.

13. The low profile air cleaner according to claim 12, wherein: Each of said air inlets is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to said longitudinal axis, and Wherein, the filter comprises a pair of air intake filters, each of which is removably mounted at a corresponding air inlet.

14. The low profile air cleaner according to claim 13, wherein: The exhaust port is arranged on a longitudinal edge of the housing.

15. The low-profile air cleaner of claim 14, further comprising an output plenum attached to the longitudinal edge of the housing for distributing outflow air exiting the exhaust port.

16. The low profile air cleaner of claim 14, wherein: The longitudinal edges of the housing are substantially parallel to the opposing longitudinal edges, and the longitudinal edges are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

17. The low profile air cleaner of claim 16, wherein: The housing has a trapezoidal shape.

18. The low profile air cleaner of claim 11, wherein: The air purifier is installed on or in a wall.

19. The low profile air cleaner of claim 11, wherein: The air purifier further includes an air purifier unit mounted to the housing to purify air flowing through the housing; Wherein, the air purifier unit comprises an ultraviolet radiation source.

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