Filtering equipment, air treatment device and operation method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a filtration apparatus (14) for an air treatment device (10), the filtration apparatus (14) comprising a supply tray (70) for providing a treatment liquid (76), a filtration unit (18), and a supply unit (20) at least partially surrounding the filtration unit (18), where the supply unit (20) is actuatable to supply the treatment liquid (76) from the supply tray (70) to the filtration unit (18). The present disclosure also relates to an air treatment device (10) and to a method of operating an air treatment device (10).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of June 7, 2017, application number 201780037026.5, and invention name “Filtering equipment, air treatment device and operating method”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of air treatment devices involving air purification devices. More generally, the present invention relates to household appliances for treating ambient air in buildings in order to improve the well-being of the current inhabitants.

[0003] More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a filter device for an air treatment device for enhancing purification performance. In addition, in some specific embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a filter device that can also humidify the process air passing through the air treatment device. Background Art

[0004] CN 101590268 A discloses a vertical indoor air ultraviolet lamp purification / humidification device, comprising a shell, which comprises a filter chamber, a disinfection chamber and a rotating wheel humidification chamber from top to bottom, wherein a layer of filter material is arranged in the filter chamber, wherein the ultraviolet lamp is arranged in the disinfection chamber, wherein the annular rotating humidification wheel is arranged in the humidification chamber, wherein the humidification wheel is made of porous material, wherein the bottom of the humidification wheel is arranged to be immersed in a water basin, and wherein the inner space of the humidification wheel is connected to the air inlet of the device.

[0005] Air handling devices can be used in housing areas as well as in work areas (including offices, workshops, shops, etc.). So-called single-purpose air cleaning devices are available on the market. Air cleaning equipment is a device arranged to remove small particles and gaseous dirt from the ambient air in a room. These devices are generally considered to be beneficial for allergy sufferers and asthma sufferers, as well as to reduce or eliminate second-hand tobacco smoke. Other areas of application can be envisioned.

[0006] These appliances can be considered as household appliances that improve the quality of indoor air in a building. The air purification device can use, for example, a set of filters to clean the indoor air. In addition, a sensor of air quality can be provided. A ventilation unit can be provided, which generates an air flow through the appliance.

[0007] Indoor air purification is an important issue for human health, as people today generally spend more than 80% of their time in homes, offices, and cars. Indoor air pollutants mainly include three groups: particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (so-called VOCs), and microorganisms. Exposure to VOCs may cause adverse health effects such as irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and may also lead to more serious diseases, including cancer and leukemia.

[0008] Among the various toxic gaseous compounds, formaldehyde has been identified as a particular problem. Formaldehyde is toxic, allergenic, and carcinogenic. High concentrations of formaldehyde have profound effects on the human respiratory, nervous, and immune systems. Long-term exposure to even a few parts per million of formaldehyde in indoor air can pose a variety of adverse health threats. Worse, unlike many other indoor VOCs that are effectively removed by porous adsorbent media via physical adsorption (e.g., granular activated carbon), formaldehyde cannot be satisfactorily removed by pure adsorbent media due to its high vapor pressure (3883 mmHg [2078 for H2O] at 25°C) and relatively low boiling point (-19.3°C [-2.74°F]).

[0009] It is said that the main source of indoor formaldehyde is the generally unregulated use of formaldehyde-based resins in low-cost building and decoration materials. Generally, the use of outdoor ambient air for full natural ventilation is an appropriate method to remove indoor formaldehyde. However, when the outdoor air is polluted or the outdoor temperature is uncomfortable, it becomes less ideal and is therefore less used. In addition, many people tend to minimize natural ventilation for nighttime sleep.

[0010] Therefore, there is a certain need to develop effective and environmentally friendly methods for the removal of formaldehyde. Several methods for formaldehyde removal have been proposed and developed to meet environmental regulations, health regulations, etc. Generally, these methods may include physical adsorption, chemical adsorption, photocatalytic oxidation, thermocatalytic oxidation, plasma technology, and biological / plant filtration.

[0011] However, the removal of indoor formaldehyde remains a challenging problem due to limited adsorption capacity, high energy consumption, high temperature requirement, by-product formation, low efficiency, etc. Among these methods, chemical adsorption is currently considered to be an effective and promising method for indoor formaldehyde removal. The main reason for this is the considerable performance and reasonable cost in practical applications. In the context of this method, air purifier filters are usually impregnated with chemical reagents to react with formaldehyde. The chemicals used for formaldehyde removal are mainly organic amines. The chemical reaction of formaldehyde and amines converts formaldehyde into non-volatile compounds, thereby removing pollutants from the air.

[0012] Considering other indoor gaseous pollutants, such as acidic gas or alkaline gas, corresponding alkaline or acidic chemical agents may be used as functional chemicals for their removal.

[0013] Therefore, the exemplary application scenarios for air treatment devices described above should not be understood in a limiting sense.

[0014] It has been observed that by humidifying and / or wetting the filter with a liquid treatment agent, air cleaning or air purification performance can generally be improved. However, controlling the humidification process and the resulting air purification / humidification program presents some challenges.

[0015] US 2,767,638 discloses an air conditioner for a vehicle. The device comprises a splash and spray wheel for humidifying a filter with water from a reservoir of the device.

[0016] JP 2005282980A discloses a humidifier in which water from a water tank is dripped onto a humidifying structure using a rotary pump. JP 2005282980A does not disclose removing target pollutants from the air. Summary of the invention

[0017] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a filter device for an air treatment device and a corresponding air treatment device, which enable to improve the air treatment performance, in particular to improve the filtering / purification performance. Preferably, the filter device enhances the air cleaning capacity of the device. In addition, it is desirable to provide a filter device that can be attached to the process air inlet in an airtight manner. More preferably, the filter device allows for improved control of the impregnation state of the filter material, which involves controlling the degree of purification and humidification.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to present a corresponding method of operating an air treatment device, which method facilitates the filter impregnation procedure and preferably involves a control mechanism for the impregnation level of the filter material.

[0019] In a first aspect of the present invention, a filter device for an air treatment device is presented, the filter device comprising:

[0020] - a supply tray for providing the process liquid,

[0021] - a filter unit, and

[0022] - a feed unit at least partially surrounding the filter unit,

[0023] wherein the supply unit is actuatable to supply the process liquid from the supply tray to the filter unit, wherein the supply unit is operable to humidify or wet the filter unit with the process liquid, wherein the filter unit is fixed, and wherein the supply unit is movable.

[0024] This aspect is based on the recognition that when the filter unit, in particular its filter element, is tightly attached and / or arranged in a sealed manner, gaps or even cracks through which air can escape without passing through the filter can be avoided. This applies in particular to the connection between the filter unit and a ventilation unit, which supplies the filter unit with the air flow to be processed. For example, the filter unit may be connected to the ventilation unit, and the filter unit is arranged in a sealed manner so that the air flow to be processed generated by the ventilation unit passes through the filter unit without leakage.

[0025] Another advantage of the above arrangement is that by controlling the moving speed of the feed unit, the supply rate of the process liquid delivered to the filter unit can be easily controlled. This is in contrast to US 2,767,638, which uses a splash and spray wheel to humidify the filter. The device disclosed in US2,767,638 does not allow accurate and easy control of the supply rate of the process liquid to the filter unit, resulting in less efficient filtration. Therefore, an advantage of the present invention is that by at least partially surrounding the filter unit with the feed unit, the liquid can be supplied to the filter unit in an easy and controllable manner using the dripping / dripping of the liquid on the filter unit. Since the humidification of the filter unit can be more accurately controlled, this leads to better or more accurate purification performance of the device.

[0026] As used herein, the feed unit (at least one feed cage / wheel thereof) is arranged to move relative to the filter unit. Therefore, the feed unit can be arranged as a conveyor, which entrains a portion of the treatment liquid from the supply tray so as to transfer the portion to the filter unit. The feed unit can also be referred to as a humidifying unit and / or a humidifying unit. The air treatment device can also be referred to as an air purification device. The air treatment device can also be operated in a humidification mode, which involves humidification of the treated air. Therefore, in some embodiments, the air treatment device can also be referred to as an air combination purification / humidification device.

[0027] The feed unit at least partially surrounds the filter unit. The filter unit may also be referred to as a fixed filter unit. Conversely, the feed unit may also be referred to as a movable filter unit. Since the filter unit is not arranged to be movable, a sealed attachment of the filter unit can be achieved. This prevents undesired bypass air flow, which involves air that does not pass through the filter unit. Thus, the overall air purification performance can be improved.

[0028] Since the filter device is also provided with a feed unit, the immovable filter unit can also be impregnated and / or soaked with the treatment liquid.

[0029] A further advantage is that a significant air cleaning performance is achieved regardless of the humidity of the inlet air, since such dry air can be humidified accordingly.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the filter unit is stationary, wherein the feed unit is movable, and wherein the feed unit is operable to humidify or wet the filter unit with the treatment fluid.

[0031] In other words, when the feed unit moves relative to the filter unit, the treatment liquid can be injected into the filter unit (particularly the filter material forming the filter element). In some embodiments, the feed unit is arranged as a rotatable feed unit. Therefore, at least a portion of the feed unit is arranged to rotate. Preferably, a portion of the feed unit surrounding / surrounding the filter unit is arranged to rotate around the filter unit when the feed unit is actuated. In addition, in some embodiments, there is no direct contact between the movable component of the feed unit and the filter unit. Instead, when the feed unit is actuated, droplets of treatment liquid can drip / drip from the feed unit and be absorbed by the filter material of the filter unit. Another advantage is that excess treatment liquid will fall back into the tray. Therefore, the consumption of treatment liquid is low.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, a spray is generated by the feed unit, which spray is at least partially absorbed by the filter material of the filter unit.

[0033] In another exemplary embodiment, the feeding unit comprises at least one trough which, when the feeding unit is activated, entrains a portion of the process liquid from the supply tray in the bottom region and distributes the process liquid to the filter unit in the top region.

[0034] The feed unit may comprise a corresponding feed cage or a feed wheel. The movable component of the feed unit may also be referred to as a paddle-wheel, a bucket-wheel or a scoop-wheel. Preferably, a plurality of slots are provided, wherein the corresponding slots are angularly offset at the outer circumference of the wheel.

[0035] The bottom zone can also be called the entrainment zone. The top zone can also be called the drip zone.

[0036] In another exemplary embodiment, the feed unit comprises a rotatable feed wheel surrounding at least a portion of the filter unit and provided with a plurality of angularly staggered slots.

[0037] In other words, the grooves can be evenly or unevenly distributed along the circumference of the feed wheel. The feed wheel can be arranged as a cage wheel with a hollow interior, in which the filter elements of the filter unit are arranged. In addition, at the circumference of the feed wheel, the grooves can be arranged for fluid entrainment and / or distribution.

[0038] The feed wheel can be provided with a wheel frame having a plurality of horizontally extending grooves on its circumference. The wheel frame surrounds the outer surface of the drum-shaped filter element. When the wheel frame rotates, the groove draws a treatment liquid (usually a chemical solution) from a tray placed below the filter and drips the treatment liquid onto the filter element. Therefore, the filter remains wet, which is conducive to or promotes the chemical reaction between the components of the filter element and the polluted gas. Therefore, the filter element of the filter unit or the filter element of the filter unit is configured to remove the target pollutant from the air when the air is transmitted through the unit or element.

[0039] In another exemplary embodiment, the feeding unit includes a feeding drive, and wherein the feeding drive is operable to adjust a moving speed of the feeding unit to control a supply rate of the treatment liquid to the filtering unit.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the feed drive is operable to adjust the rotation speed of a feed wheel or feed cage of the feed unit.A pump for supplying process liquid to the filter element is not required.

[0041] In a further exemplary embodiment, the filter unit is placed above a filling level in the supply tray and wherein the supply unit is at least partially immersed in the process liquid when the supply tray is filled to the filling level.

[0042] Such a filter unit is not in direct contact with the process liquid stored in the supply tray. Between the filter unit and the supply tray, a feed unit (at least its feed wheel) is arranged. When the feed unit is moved, at least one slot of the feed unit is immersed in the process liquid arranged in the supply tray. Thus, when the supply tray is filled with process liquid up to a defined filling level, the bottom end of the supply wheel is immersed in the process liquid.

[0043] In another exemplary embodiment, the filter unit comprises a filter element provided with an inlet opening and a cavity defined by a circumferential wall and closed opposite ends, and wherein the inlet opening is arranged to couple with an outlet opening of the ventilation unit in a sealed manner.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment, a filter unit comprises a filter element provided with an inlet opening and a cavity defined by a circumferential wall and closed opposite ends.

[0045] The filter element can be arranged as a cylindrical filter element. The filter element can also be referred to as a filter element. Preferably, near the inlet opening, the filter element is attached to the outlet of the ventilator in an airtight manner. Therefore, the filter element is preferably flange-mounted to the outlet of the ventilator in a sealed manner. Therefore, a sealed fluid line between the outlet of the ventilator and the inlet opening of the filter element of the filter unit is provided. This reduces or prevents potential air leakage / bypass flow.

[0046] In another exemplary embodiment, the filter element is arranged in a can-like or cartridge-like manner, wherein a circumferential wall and a closed end opposite the inlet opening define the interior of the filter element, wherein the filter element comprises a gas-permeable filter material.

[0047] For example, the filter element can be shaped in a cylindrical manner, wherein the feed unit (particularly its feed wheel) is also arranged in a cylindrical manner, and wherein the feed wheel is arranged in a manner radially offset from the filter element. In other words, the outer diameter of the filter element is less than the inner diameter of the feed wheel.

[0048] A further advantage of the cylindrical arrangement of the filter element is that a large filter surface is provided as the circumferential wall and the front end of the filter element can be used to filter the air passing therethrough.

[0049] The filter element can be arranged as a non-rotatable drum filter having an open front end into which air carrying pollutants flows, a closed rear end longitudinally opposite the front end, and a cylindrical section extending between the front end and the rear end. The front end, the rear end and the extended section define the internal area of ​​the drum filter. The open front end covers the entire passage of the airflow, so that all inlet air is introduced into the drum filter interior from the open front end and, after passing through the filter material, is output from the closed rear end and the cylindrical extended section.

[0050] In another exemplary embodiment, the filter element comprises a filter material, which is a hydrophilic substrate material. Therefore, the filter element can be arranged as a hydrophilic carrier permeable to air flow, and the hydrophilic carrier is made of a hydrophilic material (e.g., ceramic, polymer, paper, etc.). The filter element can also be referred to as a drum filter. The filter element can be formed into a wrinkled form characterized by a plurality of open air passages.

[0051] In another exemplary embodiment, the filtration device further comprises a control unit, which is operable to control the feed unit to control the supply rate of the treatment liquid. The humidity can be controlled within the desired appropriate range simply by controlling the speed / rotation state of the rotating wheel frame. In some embodiments, the feed unit can be activated and deactivated. In some improved embodiments, other features of the movement of the feed unit can be controlled, for example, movement speed, rotation speed, etc.

[0052] In another exemplary embodiment, the treatment fluid is a water-based liquid and comprises a chemical air purification solution.

[0053] For example, if formaldehyde is the target contaminant, the solution may contain tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane as a functional formaldehyde detergent, potassium bicarbonate as an alkaline agent, and potassium formate as a humectant. Other ingredients and chemical formulations may be utilized depending on the type of target contaminant(s).

[0054] In certain embodiments, when the process fluid comprises entirely or almost entirely water, the device may be operated in a humidification mode rather than in a (chemisorption-based) air purification mode.

[0055] In another exemplary embodiment, the filtration device further comprises a replenishment indicator for at least one of the following: a treatment liquid, water used to prepare the treatment liquid, a chemical component used to prepare the treatment liquid, and a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, relatively frequent and expensive filter replacement is not required. Instead, the user only needs to replace a relatively inexpensive chemical solution from time to time.

[0056] In another exemplary embodiment, the filtration apparatus further comprises a reservoir for the treatment liquid, wherein a tank of the reservoir and the supply tray are operably coupled for refilling the supply tray.

[0057] By way of example, a refill valve may be arranged between the tank of the reservoir and the supply tray. Thus, the filling level in the supply tray may be maintained or restored. Depending on the capacity of the reservoir, a certain operating time may be ensured.

[0058] The tank of the reservoir may be arranged as a water tank. The tank may be removable, which facilitates the water refilling procedure. When the tank contains water, a concentrate of a chemical solution may be provided in the tray, the concentrate being diluted with water from the tank. The component chemicals for the treatment fluid may initially be provided in the form of a powder or a concentrated solution. Since the tank is primarily arranged for water supply, the tank is not in direct contact with the chemicals, which further facilitates the refilling procedure.

[0059] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an air treatment device is provided, the device comprising:

[0060] - housing part,

[0061] - a filtering device according to at least one embodiment as discussed herein, and

[0062] A ventilation unit which draws inlet air and blows process air towards the filter unit.

[0063] The air treatment device may in particular be arranged as an air cleaning device.The air treatment device may take the form of a household appliance or a household appliance.

[0064] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating an air handling device is presented, the method comprising the steps of:

[0065] - providing a supply tray for providing the treatment liquid,

[0066] - filter units providing air treatment,

[0067] - providing a feed unit at least partially surrounding the filter unit,

[0068] - a supply unit is movable independently of the filter unit to supply the filter unit with process liquid from the supply tray, and

[0069] - Blowing process air into the impregnated filter unit, for example blowing process air into the impregnated filter unit in a sealed manner so that all process air passes through the impregnated filter unit without leakage.

[0070] Preferably, the method may use an air treatment device and / or a filtering apparatus according to at least one embodiment as described herein.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment of the operating method, there is further provided a step of controlling the rotation speed or the movement speed of the feed unit to control the level of humidification of the process air.

[0072] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. It shall be understood that the claimed method has similar and / or identical preferred embodiments as the claimed device and / or apparatus and as defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and elucidated with reference to one or more embodiments described hereinafter. In the following drawings:

[0074] Figure 1 A simplified schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of an air handling device implementing a filtering apparatus is shown;

[0075] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A detailed cross-sectional elevation view of the filter unit and the feed unit of the filter apparatus of the illustrated air handling device; and

[0076] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram illustrating several steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method of operating an air treatment device according to the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Figure 1An exemplary embodiment of an air treatment device is shown in a schematically simplified view, which is designated by reference numeral 10. The device 10 is arranged as an air purification device. In addition, the device 10 is operable to humidify the treated air. Therefore, in at least some embodiments, the device 10 can also be referred to as a combined purification / humidification device.

[0078] The device 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 may be implemented as a one-piece design. However, in at least some embodiments, at least some components of the device 10 may be arranged as separate components. Therefore, according to these embodiments, the device 10 may be implemented as a distributed design.

[0079] The housing 12 typically includes at least one inlet grille and at least one outlet grille for the respective air flow to be processed. In addition, operator controls, power connectors, etc. may be provided. In addition, a service / replenishment cover and / or connector may be arranged at the housing 12.

[0080] Such a device 10 may be arranged as a mobile device, for example provided with wheels, rollers etc. Thus, the mobile device 10 may be moved (rolled or lifted and carried) through a building.

[0081] In an alternative embodiment, the device 10 is arranged as a static device. The static device can be arranged in a fixed installation location in a building.

[0082] The air treatment device 10 comprises a filter device 14. Furthermore, a ventilation unit 16 is provided, which blows the air to be treated towards and into the filter device 14.

[0083] The filter device 14 comprises a filter unit 18 and a so-called feed unit 20. Furthermore, the air treatment device 10 comprises a reservoir 22 for the treatment liquid.

[0084] The device 10 can be operated via a control unit 24 including control elements (eg user interface, indicators, display elements, etc.).

[0085] The ventilation unit 16 is arranged to suck in inlet air, see arrow 28. The inlet air 28 is pressurized and propelled towards the filter unit 18. Therefore, the ventilation unit 16 comprises at least one fan 30, which is arranged between an inlet 32 ​​and an outlet 34 of the ventilation unit 16. The filter device 14 is sealingly coupled to the ventilation unit 16. For example, the filter unit 18 is attached to a connecting wall 38 between the ventilation unit 16 and the filter device 14. Via a passage 40 between the fan 30 of the ventilation unit 16 and the filter unit 18, process air can be blown into the filter unit 18 for air treatment purposes.

[0086] The motor for the fan 30 of the ventilation unit 16 is Figure 1 The motor 36 rotates the fan 30 so as to draw in, pressurize and blow the air to be treated toward the filter unit 18. The corresponding fan outlet air flow is Figure 1 The arrow designated by reference numeral 42 in FIG.

[0087] Since the filter unit 18 is coupled to the ventilation unit 16, in particular the outlet 34 thereof, there is no relative movement between the filter unit 18 and the connecting wall 38 forming the air flow passage 40. In other words, the filter unit 18 may be referred to as a fixed (immovable) filter unit 18.

[0088] The filter unit 18 comprises a filter element 44, which may also be referred to as a filter cartridge. The filter element 44 is arranged in a cylindrical or can / cup-like manner. The filter element 44 comprises a circumferential wall 46. At a first end of the circumferential wall 46, an inlet opening 48 is provided. The inlet opening 48 of the filter element 44 matches the passage 40 or the outlet 34 of the ventilation unit 16.

[0089] At the end of the filter element opposite to the inlet opening 48, the filter element 44 comprises a closed end 50. The circumferential wall 46 and the closed end 50 of the filter element 44 define and delimit an interior space. Thus, a large air permeable treatment surface can be provided by the filter element 44, which enhances the filter performance. The purified air can escape from the filter element 44 axially and / or radially.

[0090] The circumferential wall 46 and the corresponding wall forming the closed end (front end wall) 50 contain or preferably are substantially made of a filter material 52. Preferably, the filter material 52 is a gas permeable filter material. The filter material 52 can be considered as an air purification filter material. Therefore, the purified air (see Figure 1 The arrow 54 in FIG. 4 can pass through the filter element 44 and escape from the filter element 44 .

[0091] Since no gap and relative movement are provided between the ventilation unit 16 and the filter element 44 of the filter unit 18, the possibility of air leakage between the filter element 44 and the ventilation unit 16 is greatly reduced, or more preferably, air leakage is completely prevented.

[0092] It has been observed that the filter performance of the filter unit 18 can be enhanced by humidifying and / or wetting the filter unit 18, in particular the filter material 52 of its filter element 44. Furthermore, it would be advantageous if the air treatment device 10 was also able to humidify the process air.

[0093] In this context, filter devices have been proposed which are arranged in a movable manner in order to impregnate or humidify the filter material in a continuous or intermittent manner. However, as according to these methods, the filter element must be moved relative to the ventilation unit, at least one small gap must be provided at the location where there is relative movement. Therefore, at least a certain proportion of the process air can escape through this gap. As a result, the filter performance is reduced and the air purification function is significantly impaired.

[0094] According to the present disclosure, since the filter element 44 of the filter unit 18 is sealingly coupled with the outlet 34 of the ventilation unit 16 , air leakage does not occur between the ventilation unit 16 and the filter unit 18 .

[0095] A supply unit 20 is provided for supplying the treatment liquid (reference numeral 76) to the filter unit 18. The supply unit 20 comprises a supply wheel 56 which is movably arranged at / in the housing 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the supply wheel 56 is arranged to rotate around the filter element 44 of the filter unit 18. In this context, further reference is made to Figure 2 , a partial front view of a cross section of the filter unit 18 and the feed unit 20 is shown.

[0096] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the feed unit 20 includes a plurality of slots 58. Figure 2 In the front view of , eight grooves 58-1, 58-2, 58-3, 58-4, 58-5, 58-6, 58-7 and 58-8 are provided, which are angularly distributed on the circumference of the feeding unit 20, in particular the circumference of its feeding wheel 56. Needless to say, in other embodiments, a varying number of grooves 58 may also be present at the feeding wheel.

[0097] The feed wheel 56 may also be referred to as a feed cage. The feed wheel 56 is arranged in a circular / cylindrical manner and surrounds the filter element 44 of the filter unit 18. The feed wheel 56 is arranged to move about the rotation axis 60. Thus, at least in combination with Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the main extension axis of the filter element 44 and the feed wheel 56 is a horizontal axis. Figure 2 Indicated by the curved arrow designated by reference numeral 62 in FIG.

[0098] exist Figure 1 In the side view of FIG. 2 , a feed drive 64 is provided for the feed unit 20. The feed drive 64 may include a motor that operates / actuates the feed wheel 56.

[0099] The air handling device 10 also includes a supply tray 70. The tray 70 can be assigned to the reservoir 22. The reservoir 22 also includes a tank 72. The tray 70 and the tank 72 are operably coupled. For example, a refill valve 74 is arranged between the tray 70 and the tank 72 for refilling the tray 70. Figure 1 , the filling level of the tank 72 is indicated by reference numeral 78. The filling level of the tray 70 is indicated by reference numeral 80. At the tray 70, a filling level sensor 84 for the tray 70 is provided. Furthermore, a filling level sensor 82 for the tank 72 is provided. Thus, the refill valve 74 can be operated in order to maintain a defined filling level in the tray 70.

[0100] In certain embodiments, the tank 72 is removably disposed in / at the housing 12 of the device 10, which facilitates a refilling procedure.

[0101] In certain embodiments, in tank 72, a water-based treatment fluid 76 is stored. Treatment fluid 76 flows into tray 70 via refill valve 74. Treatment fluid 76 is entrained from tray 70 via trough 58 and ultimately transferred to filter element 44 as feed wheel 56 of feed unit 20 moves.

[0102] In some embodiments, water is stored in a tank 72. In the tray 70, the treatment liquid 76 is provided in concentrated form. Thus, water from the tank 72 can refill the tray 70, which involves diluting the concentrated treatment liquid 76 in the tray 70. The advantage of this method is that the tank 72 is not in direct contact with the chemicals of the treatment liquid 76.

[0103] As in Figure 2 , the filter element 44 of the filter unit 18 is placed above the filling level 80 of the process liquid 76 in the tray 70. In other words, the lowest point of the filter material 52 of the filter element 44 is elevated relative to the filling level 80. The filter element 44 is vertically spaced apart from the filling level 80.

[0104] In contrast, when the tray 70 is filled to the desired filling level 80 , the bottom portion of the feed wheel 56 of the feed unit 20 is at least partially immersed in the treatment liquid 76 .

[0105] Thus, as the feed wheel 56 rotates, the troughs dip into the tray (reference numeral 58-1) and entrain a portion of the treatment liquid 76 (reference numerals 58-2 and 58-3). As the rotation of the feed wheel 56 continues, the treatment liquid is dispensed from the troughs (reference numerals 58-4 and 58-5), also referred to for purposes of illustration. Figure 298. Thus, when the feed unit 20 is activated, the filter material 52 of the filter element 44 is constantly supplied with the process liquid 76. Excessive portions of the process liquid 76 fall back into the tray 70. In addition, the empty slots (reference numerals 58-6, 58-7 and 58-8) are returned to the tray 70.

[0106] According to the actual operating state and the speed of rotation, the supply rate of the treatment liquid 76 can be controlled. As a result, the air treatment process can be controlled. For example, a humidification process and / or an air purification process can be implemented and controlled in this way.

[0107] The feed wheel 56 may also be referred to as a shovel wheel, a paddle wheel or a scoop wheel. Therefore, the slots 58 may be arranged as paddles, buckets and / or shovels. A plurality of slots 58 may be arranged at the outer circumference of the feed wheel 56 at a defined angle offset.

[0108] like Figure 2 As indicated by radial arrows 54, process air passes through the impregnated filter material 52 and is thereby purified and / or humidified.

[0109] Air leaks are avoided due to the fixed, immovable arrangement of the filter element 44 of the filter unit 18. Due to the movable supply unit 20, a limited impregnation of the filter material 52 with the treatment liquid 56 can be achieved. Since the impregnation rate depends essentially on the rotation speed of the supply wheel 56, it is easy to control the supply rate of the treatment liquid 76 to the filter element 54 and thus the humidification rate.

[0110] Reference again Figure 1 , which illustrates the overall layout of an exemplary arrangement of an air handling device 10 according to the present disclosure.

[0111] As indicated above, a control unit 24 is provided. The control unit 24 may be arranged as a central control unit controlling the ventilation unit 16, the feeding unit 20 and other components of the device 10. However, in alternative embodiments, separate (distributed) control units 24 may be provided.

[0112] In order to control the supply rate of the treatment liquid 76 to the filter element 44, the control unit 24 can operate and control the feed drive 64 so as to set the rotation speed of the feed wheel 56. In addition, the control unit 24 can control the motor 34 of the ventilation unit 16.

[0113] In addition, the control unit 24 can be operably coupled to at least one of a fill level sensor 82 of the tank 72 and a fill level sensor 84 of the tray 70. In particular, the control unit 24 can operate the refill valve 74 to ensure that the fill level 80 of the treatment fluid 76 in the tray 70 is reached and maintained.

[0114] In addition, the control unit 24 can indicate that the liquid in the tank 72 needs to be replenished. For this purpose, at least one replenishment indicator 94 can be provided. The same applies to the replenishment of chemicals that form the treatment liquid in a water-soluble state. Other indicators, control elements, user interfaces, displays, etc. may be present. For example, exemplary operator controls are shown in FIG. Figure 1 denoted by reference numeral 96. Operator controls may include, but are not limited to, dials, buttons, keys, switches, knobs, sensor pads, LEDs, touch screens, and the like.

[0115] At the device 10, at least one output / outlet sensor 90 may be provided. In some embodiments, the sensor 90 is arranged as an air quality sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor is arranged as a humidity sensor. It goes without saying that a combined sensor and / or a set of sensors 90 may also be provided.

[0116] The sensor 90(s) can detect the level of humidification of the output air flow (reference numeral 54). In addition, the sensor 90(s) can detect the degree of purification. Therefore, the signal provided by the sensor 90 can be used to correspondingly adapt the supply rate of the treatment liquid 76 by adjusting the movement speed of the feed drive 64. For example, the device 10 can include a controller configured to adjust the movement speed of the feed drive based on the output signal of the sensor 90(s).

[0117] In one embodiment, filter element 44 may be arranged as a drum filter positioned above tray 70 at an appropriate height so that no portion of filter element 44 directly contacts process fluid 76 (chemical solution) in tray 70. Filter element 44 is arranged in a horizontal manner.

[0118] In certain embodiments, filter element 44 can be made of various air permeable materials and manufactured with various structures.For example, filter element 44 is mainly made of hydrophilic material, for example, paper, polymer, ceramic and mixture thereof.In addition, filter element 44 is preferably configured into porous structure, and it provides large contact surface area, and this causes relatively low pressure drop.In certain embodiments, preferred pore size is between 0.5mm to 5mm.In order to eliminate air flow leakage / bypass, filter element 44 is connected with ventilation unit 16 in an airtight manner.For example, connecting wall 38 between filter element 44 and ventilation unit 16 can be provided, wherein the passage 40 for handling air is formed in connecting wall 38.Filter element 44 is attached to connecting wall 38 sealingly.

[0119] In certain embodiments, the reservoir 22 has two main components: a tray 70 and a tank 72. The tank 72 holds water and releases water into the tray 70 as needed via a refill valve 74. The tank 72 can be removed by the user to add fresh water if necessary. As the feed wheel 56 rotates, the chemical solution in the tray 70 is continuously consumed due to evaporation of water caused by air flowing through the filter element 44. When the fill level 80 in the tray 70 drops below a certain level, fresh water from the tank 72 can be automatically introduced into the tray 70 through the refill valve 74.

[0120] The treatment fluid 76 comprises water and a chemical reagent. The chemical reagent may comprise a primary active component and one or more auxiliary agents, the primary active component being reactive with the target gaseous pollutant(s) to form non-volatile and non-hazardous products.

[0121] For example, formaldehyde undergoes a condensation reaction with an organic amine to form a non-volatile compound, thereby removing formaldehyde from the air. In one embodiment, the chemical tris-hydroxymethyl-aminomethane (Tris, (CH2OH)3C-NH2) is identified as a formaldehyde binder, which does not exceed 25% w / w (mass fraction) in the solution and potassium bicarbonate is used as an adjuvant not exceeding 33% w / w (mass fraction) in the solution. When air passes through the filter element 44, contaminants such as formaldehyde will react with the active compounds on / in the filter element 44.

[0122] The control unit 24 is arranged to indicate the need to refill the reservoir 22 or replenish the chemical solution (based on the chemical solution of the treatment fluid 76 provided). For example, when the solution level in the tray 70 is below a preset level, a reminder can be sent via an LED or an audible notification. The reminder to replenish the chemical solution can be obtained by calculating the total amount of air flow that has passed through the filter element 44. If the device 10 is equipped with pollutant sensors upstream and downstream of the filter element 44, the sensor 90 can be used to indicate the need to replace the chemical solution in the filter. Even if the pollutant removal efficiency is still too low after a certain rotation of the feed wheel 56, replenishing the chemical solution can also be recommended.

[0123] refer to Figure 3 , an exemplary block diagram is shown, which represents an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating an air treatment device. The method comprises a step S10, which involves providing a filter unit for an air treatment program. In addition, there is a step S12, which involves providing a supply tray for providing a treatment liquid. Another step S14 involves providing a supply unit, which is arranged to at least partially surround the filter unit, in particular its filter element.

[0124] The filter unit provided in step S10 is arranged as a fixed filter unit, i.e., non-movable or non-rotatable. More specifically, the feed unit includes a feed element, which can be arranged as a feed cage or a feed wheel that can be moved relative to the filter element of the filter unit. In certain embodiments, the feed unit is provided with at least one groove or bucket. The feed unit is arranged so that when the feed unit moves, at least one groove or bucket is immersed in the treatment liquid contained in the supply tray and entrains a part of the treatment liquid, and the treatment liquid can be transferred to the filter unit eventually. Such a filter unit does not directly contact the reservoir treatment liquid contained in the supply tray.

[0125] In a subsequent step S16, the feed unit is actuated at a defined movement speed / rotation speed. As a result, a transfer of process liquid with a defined supply rate from the supply tray to the filter unit is established. Thus, the filter unit is at least partially impregnated with process liquid.

[0126] In a further step S18, the ventilation unit of the air treatment device is operated so as to blow the process air into the filter unit. Thus, when the process air passes through the filter material of the filter unit, the process air is purified and / or humidified. Since the filter unit is arranged as a fixed filter unit, an undesired bypass flow of the process air can be avoided.

[0127] In another step S20, a sensing operation is performed. For this purpose, at least one of an air quality sensor and / or an air humidity sensor may be provided. The signal provided by the sensor may be used to adjust the movement speed of the feeding unit, which ultimately results in an adapted supply rate, with reference to the feedback arrow between step S20 and step S16.

[0128] Finally, in step S22, an outlet air flow of the treated air is provided. Depending on the current operating mode, the outlet air flow may involve humidified air and / or purified air. The humidification level and / or purification level may be controlled by controlling the supply rate of the treatment liquid. In addition, the supply rate may be adapted to the current air throughput, which may be controlled by controlling the ventilation unit of the air treatment device. In addition, the supply rate may be adapted to the current humidification state of the air being passed through.

[0129] Other exemplary embodiments of the method can be envisioned. In certain embodiments, when the user first puts the air purification device into operation, additional chemicals are provided, for example in powder or solution form. In the initial setup, the user places the chemicals in a tray and adds water to the tank of the reservoir. Thus, a treatment solution is formed. The device is then ready for an air treatment procedure.

[0130] Additionally, when operating the appliance, the sensor may detect and monitor at least one of: filter efficiency, relative humidity of inlet air, relative humidity of outlet air, liquid level in the tray, liquid level in the tank, etc.

[0131] When a deviation from a defined range and / or minimum value of a state variable is detected, the control unit alerts the user to take appropriate measures. This may involve water replenishment, chemical replenishment, etc. For example, a decrease in filter efficiency may indicate the need for chemical replenishment.

[0132] When the user replenishes water and chemicals accordingly, the device is reinstalled and can be operated again.

[0133] In some embodiments, the device may also be used primarily as a humidifier when only water is present in the reservoir. In some alternative embodiments, if humidification is not required, the control unit may simply stop the feed wheel from rotating when the filter element is fully impregnated and loaded with the treatment liquid (chemical solution). In this mode, the device will be operated primarily for air cleaning / purification.

[0134] Generally, removal performance and humidification efficiency depend on several parameters, such as air flow rate, air / filter contact area, treatment time, chemical concentration, temperature, initial contaminant concentration, inlet air humidification, etc. Many of these parameters can be optimized / controlled to achieve the desired purification / humidification results.

[0135] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description should be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive; the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0136] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0137] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A filter device (14) for an air treatment device (10), the filter device (14) comprising: - a supply tray (70) for providing a treatment liquid (76), - a fixed filter unit (18) for removing target pollutants from the air, and - a feeding unit (20), wherein the supply unit (20) is actuatable to supply the treatment liquid (76) from the supply tray (70) to the filter unit (18), and wherein the supply unit (20) is operable to moisten or wet the filter unit (18) with the treatment liquid (76), The feed unit (20) at least partially surrounds the filter unit (18), The filter unit (18) is fixedly arranged to allow sealed attachment of the filter unit (18) to prevent undesired bypass air flow around the filter unit (18), and the supply unit (20) is a rotatable supply unit and rotates around the filter unit (18) when actuated so that the treatment liquid drips from the supply unit (20) and is absorbed by the filter material of the fixedly arranged filter unit.

2. The filtering device (14) according to claim 1, wherein the feeding unit (20) comprises at least one groove (58), which, when the feeding unit (20) is activated, entrains a portion of the treatment liquid (76) from the supply tray (70) in the bottom area and distributes the treatment liquid (76) toward the filtering unit (18) in the top area.

3. A filtering device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed unit (20) comprises a rotatable feed wheel (56), the rotatable feed wheel (56) surrounds at least a portion of the filter unit (18), and the rotatable feed wheel (56) is provided with a plurality of angularly staggered grooves (58).

4. A filtering device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed unit (20) includes a feed drive (64), and wherein the feed drive (64) is operable to adjust the movement speed of the feed unit (20) and thereby control the supply rate of the treatment liquid (76) to the filtering unit (18).

5. A filtering device (14) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter unit (18) is placed above a filling level in the supply tray (70), and wherein when the supply tray (70) is filled to the filling level, the feed unit (20) is at least partially immersed in the treatment liquid (76).

6. The filter device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter unit (18) comprises a filter element (44) provided with an inlet opening (48) and a cavity defined by a circumferential wall (46) and a sealed end (50).

7. A filtering device (14) according to claim 6, wherein the filter element (44) is arranged in a can-like or cylindrical manner, wherein the circumferential wall (46) and the closed end (50) opposite to the inlet opening (48) define the interior of the filter element (44), and wherein the filter element (44) includes a gas-permeable filter material (52).

8. The filter device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element (44) comprises a filter material (52), the filter material (52) being a hydrophilic base material.

9. The filtering device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control unit operable to control the feeding unit (20) to control the supply rate of the treatment liquid (76).

10. The filtration device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a replenishment indicator (94) for at least one of the following items: the treatment liquid (76), the water used to prepare the treatment liquid (76), the chemical components used to prepare the treatment liquid (76), and combinations thereof.

11. The filtering device (14) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a reservoir (22) for the treatment liquid (76), wherein a tank (72) of the reservoir (22) and the supply tray (70) are operably connected for refilling the supply tray (70).

12. An air treatment device (10), comprising: - a housing part (12), - A filter device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and - A ventilation unit (16) which sucks in inlet air and blows process air towards the filter unit (18).

13. An air treatment device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the filter unit (1) is connected to the ventilation unit (16), and wherein the filter unit (18) is arranged in a sealed manner so that the air flow to be treated generated by the ventilation unit (16) passes through the filter unit (18) without leakage.

14. An air treatment device (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the filter unit (18) comprises a filter element (44) provided with an inlet opening (48), and a cavity defined by a circumferential wall (46) and a closed end (50), and wherein the inlet opening (48) is coupled to the outlet opening (34) of the ventilation unit (16) in a sealed manner.

15. A method of operating an air treatment device (10), the method comprising the steps of: - providing a supply tray (70) for providing a treatment liquid (76), - providing a filter unit (18) for removing target pollutants from the air - providing a feed unit (20) at least partially surrounding the filter unit (18), wherein the feed unit (20) is movable independently of the filter unit (18), - moving the supply unit (20) to supply the treatment liquid (76) from the supply tray (70) to the supply filter unit (18), and - blowing process air into the impregnated filter unit (18), The feed unit (20) at least partially surrounds the filter unit, the filter unit (18) is fixedly arranged to allow sealed attachment of the filter unit (18) to prevent undesired bypass air flow around the filter unit (18), and the feed unit (20) is a rotatable feed unit and rotates around the filter unit (18) when actuated so that the treatment liquid drips from the feed unit (20) and is absorbed by the filter material of the fixedly arranged filter unit.

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