Air purification device

Abstract

The invention relates to an air purification device (100) for separating airborne particles from an air flow in an air duct (50). The invention relates to an air purification device comprising an ionization unit (U) arranged to generate an ionization volume during an ionization operation for charging airborne particles present in an air flow. The ionization unit (U) comprises: at least one emitter electrode (10) having at least one emitter discharge protrusion (12) and configured to generate ions by charging; and at least one collector electrode (20). The air purification device further comprises a filter medium (30) arranged to attract at least a subset of the electrically charged particles. The ionization unit (U) comprises one or more neutralization discharge protrusions (22) having a different polarity than the emitter electrode (10), the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions (22) being arranged such that if one or more surfaces (S) within the air duct (50) are charged by means of ions generated by charging the at least one emitter electrode (10), the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions (22) are electrically charged. If so, generation of oppositely charged ions on the basis of the charged surface (S) is facilitated so as to facilitate at least partial neutralization of the surface (S) within the air duct (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an air purification device for separating airborne particles from an air flow in an air duct. Background Art

[0002] In many different areas of technology, for example in different types of vehicles or buildings, air filter systems are used to ensure a desired air quality within the vehicle cabin or building or other enclosed spaces.

[0003] Such a filtration system may include an air purification device for separating airborne particles from an air flow in an air duct, wherein the air purification device includes: an ionization unit configured to generate an ionization volume for charged particles in the air; and a filter medium arranged downstream of the air flow path, the filter medium being arranged to attract at least a subset of the charged carrier particles.

[0004] Such an ionization unit may include: an emitter electrode having one or more corona discharge protrusions; and a collector electrode. The collector electrode may be connected to ground so that when a high voltage is applied across the emitter electrode and the collector electrode, ions are generated in a volume surrounding the corona discharge protrusions of the emitter electrode. The volume in which the ions are generated is referred to as an ionization volume, and the emitter electrode and the collector electrode are preferably arranged so that the ionization volume spans the flow path. When particles pass through the ionization volume, at least a portion of the particles are charged. The charged particles then adhere to the filter medium downstream of the air flow path.

[0005] Air ducts, such as those in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC), are often made of non-conductive materials, usually plastic. During ionization operation, some of the ions that pass through the charge of the emitter electrode may get stuck on surfaces within the air duct, for example, on surfaces of such air ducts made of non-conductive plastic, thereby inhibiting the corona discharge process required to create the ionization volume.

[0006] WO 2019182504 A1 discloses an ionization device for charging particles in an air flow in an air duct, the ionization device comprising a shielding electrode arranged in the air duct, the shielding electrode being arranged to provide shielding for an electromagnetic field emitted from a corona electrode. The shielding electrode is configured to provide a Faraday cage, thereby providing a more controlled electrical environment. Such an ionization device may require more space and a complex design. In addition, it may be necessary to control the Faraday cage potential to avoid current escape.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide an air purification device that facilitates efficient ionization operation and can be provided so that it can be used in places where space for an ionization unit of the air purification device is limited.

[0008] Purpose of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air purification device that seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned deficiencies and disadvantages in the art, either alone or in any combination.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a space efficient air purification device which facilitates efficient ionization operation. Summary of the invention

[0011] These and other objects which will become apparent from the following description are achieved by an air cleaning device as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the air cleaning device are defined in the appended dependent claims.

[0012] In particular, the object of the present invention is achieved by an air purification device for separating airborne particles from an air flow in an air duct. The air purification device includes an ionization unit, which is arranged to generate an ionization volume for charging airborne particles present in the air flow during an ionization operation. The ionization unit includes: at least one emitter electrode, having at least one emitter discharge protrusion and configured to generate ions by charging; and at least one collector electrode. The air purification device includes a filter medium, which is arranged to attract at least a subset of charged carrier particles. The ionization unit includes one or more neutralization discharge protrusions having a different potential from the emitter electrode, and the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions are arranged so that if one or more surfaces in the air duct are charged by means of at least a subset of ions generated by charging at least one emitter electrode, it is beneficial to generate ions with a charge opposite to the ions generated by charging at least one emitter electrode based on the one or more charged surfaces, thereby facilitating at least partially neutralizing the one or more charged surfaces in the air duct. The generation of ions with a charge opposite to that generated by charging the at least one emitter electrode by the one or more discharge protrusions of the at least one collector electrode is based on the opposite charge of the one or more charged surfaces within the air duct. Here, neutralization of the surface means that the charge of the one or more surfaces is reduced due to the attraction of ions of opposite polarity to the one or more charged surfaces, the opposite polarity providing the neutralization.

[0013] Thus, an air cleaning device is provided that is conducive to efficient ionization operation. Thus, the air cleaning device can be applied in a space-constrained place of the ionization unit of the air cleaning device, and is conducive to providing efficient air cleaning during the ionization operation. Such an air cleaning device can be designed with space efficiency, and is still conducive to efficient ionization operation for efficient air cleaning. Thus, it is conducive to ionization operation, which is stabilized at a given potential of the surrounding environment in the air duct, wherein ions of opposite polarity (i.e. positive ions and negative ions) are balanced with each other.

[0014] According to one aspect of the air purification device, one or more neutralization discharge protrusions are arranged so that during the ionization operation, when one or more surfaces in the air duct are charged by means of at least a subset of ions generated by charging at least one emitter electrode, a potential difference is generated between the one or more charged surfaces and the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions. The potential difference generates oppositely charged ions in combination with one or more neutralization discharge protrusions based on the generated potential difference, wherein one or more oppositely charged surfaces attract ions in the oppositely charged ions, thereby facilitating at least partially neutralizing one or more surfaces. Thus, an air purification device that is conducive to efficient ionization operation is provided. Thus, a space-efficient air purification device that is conducive to efficient ionization operation can be provided. Thus, it is conducive to ionization operation, which is stabilized at a given potential of the surrounding environment in the air duct, wherein ions of opposite polarity (i.e., positive ions and negative ions) are balanced with each other on one or more surfaces.

[0015] According to one aspect of the air purification device, one or more neutralization discharge protrusions are arranged so that during the ionization operation, when one or more surfaces in the air duct are charged by means of at least a subset of ions generated by charging at least one emitter electrode, an additional electric field is generated based on one or more charged surfaces in combination with one or more neutralization discharge protrusions. Ions with charges opposite to those generated by charging at least one emitter electrode are thus generated based on the additional electric field generated in combination with one or more neutralization discharge protrusions, wherein one or more charged surfaces attract ions of oppositely charged ions, thereby facilitating at least partially neutralizing one or more surfaces. Thus, an air purification device that is conducive to efficient ionization operation is provided. Thus, a space-efficient air purification device that is conducive to efficient ionization operation can be provided. Thus, an ionization operation is facilitated, which is stabilized at a given potential of the surrounding environment in the air duct, wherein ions of opposite polarity (i.e., positive ions and negative ions) are balanced with each other on one or more surfaces.

[0016] According to one aspect of the air purification device, during the ionization operation, when at least one emitter electrode having at least one emitter discharge protrusion is configured to generate ions by charging, the ions are generated based on the electric field generated in combination with at least one emitter discharge protrusion. When one or more surfaces in the air duct are charged by means of at least a subset of ions generated by charging at least one emitter electrode, the electric field with the same polarity as the one or more surfaces charged thereby is suppressed. Thus, by means of an electric field generated based on one or more charged surfaces, ions with opposite charges are generated in combination with one or more neutralization discharge protrusions. One or more charged surfaces attract ions in the ions with opposite charges, so that it is beneficial to at least partially neutralize one or more charged surfaces, and thereby it is beneficial to rebuild the suppressed electric field, so that it is beneficial to generate ions in combination with at least one emitter discharge protrusion. Thus, an air purification device that is beneficial to efficient ionization operation is provided. Thus, a space-efficient air purification device that is beneficial to efficient ionization operation can be provided. This solution of providing the collector electrode of the ionization unit with a neutralizing discharge protrusion is advantageous for simply retrofitting existing air purification devices, since only the discharge protrusion needs to be added to the collector electrode, thereby facilitating an increase in the efficiency of the ionization operation. This facilitates an ionization operation that is stabilized at a given potential of the surrounding environment in the air duct, wherein ions of opposite polarity (i.e., positive and negative ions) are balanced with each other on one or more surfaces.

[0017] According to one aspect of the air purification device, at least one emitter electrode is connected to a negative voltage and at least one collector electrode is connected to ground or a positive voltage, or wherein at least one emitter electrode is connected to a positive voltage and at least one collector electrode is connected to ground or a negative voltage. Therefore, at least one collector electrode has a different potential from at least one emitter electrode. According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, at least one emitter electrode is connected to a negative voltage, and at least one collector electrode is connected to ground. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, one or more neutralization discharge protrusions are associated with at least one collector electrode so that they have substantially the same potential as at least one collector electrode. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, one or more neutralization discharge protrusions are conductively connected to at least one collector electrode. According to an alternative aspect of the present disclosure, one or more neutralization discharge protrusions have a different potential from the potential of at least one emitter electrode and a different potential from at least one collector electrode. According to one aspect, assuming that one or more neutralization discharge protrusions have a different potential from at least one emitter electrode and therefore have a different potential from one or more emitter discharge protrusions, one or more neutralization discharge protrusions may be connected to a positive voltage or to ground or to a negative voltage.

[0018] According to one aspect, the air purification device further includes: a power supply device; a first connector device, connecting the power supply device to at least one emitter electrode; and a second connector device, connecting the power supply to at least one collector electrode. According to one aspect, the power supply device, the first connector device, and the second connector device are included in the ionization unit of the air purification device. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, if one or more neutralization discharge protrusions are configured to have a different potential from at least one emitter electrode and a different potential from at least one collector electrode, the air purification device further includes a third connector device that connects the power supply to the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the potential of one or more neutralization discharge protrusions is controlled by connection to a specific potential.

[0019] According to one aspect of the air purification device, the power supply device includes a current regulator, which is configured to operate the ionization unit by means of a substantially constant current. By operating the ionization unit by means of a substantially constant current, the ionization operation can be performed without the efficiency of the ionization operation being negatively affected. The power supply device (e.g., a current generator of the power supply device) may need to make certain adjustments to the voltage during the ionization operation in order to maintain a substantially constant current. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the power supply device includes or is operably connected to an electronic control unit, which is configured to facilitate controlling the current regulator based on determined information including the moisture content of the air flow. According to one aspect, this electronic control unit is an integrated part of the current regulator. According to one aspect, this electronic control unit is operably connected to the current regulator.

[0020] According to one aspect of the air purification device, one or more neutralization discharge protrusions in one or more neutralization discharge protrusions are configured to be arranged in combination with one or more surfaces in the air duct, so as to generate an appropriate number of oppositely charged ions to be attracted to one or more charged surfaces based on the charge of one or more charged surfaces, so as to facilitate at least partially neutralizing one or more surfaces in the air duct. Thus, it is conducive to more efficient ionization operation, because, due to the neutralization discharge protrusions arranged in combination with the surface, it is conducive to at least partially neutralizing the charged surface in the air duct. Thus, due to the neutralization discharge protrusions arranged in combination with the surface, it is conducive to avoid the already charged particles in the air flow by the ions with opposite charges. Thus, due to the neutralization discharge protrusions arranged in combination with the surface, it is conducive to avoid the oppositely charged particles in the air flow by the ions with opposite charges. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, one or more neutralization discharge protrusions are arranged to be closer to one or more surfaces in the air duct than one or more emitter discharge protrusions of at least one emitter electrode, so as to facilitate more efficient ionization operation.

[0021] According to an aspect of the air cleaning device, one or more of the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions are configured to point to one or more surfaces in the air duct. Thus, it is conducive to more efficient ionization operation, because, due to the neutralization discharge protrusions thus arranged in combination with the surface, it is conducive to at least partially neutralizing the charged surface in the air duct. Thus, due to the neutralization discharge protrusions thus arranged in combination with the surface, it is conducive to avoid the already charged particles in the air stream by the ions with opposite charges. Thus, due to the neutralization discharge protrusions thus arranged in combination with the surface, it is conducive to avoid the oppositely charged particles in the air stream by the ions with opposite charges.

[0022] According to one aspect of the air purification device, the one or more surfaces within the air duct include one or more interior surfaces of the air duct and / or one or more surfaces of the filter medium.

[0023] According to one aspect of the air purification device, the number of emitter discharge protrusions of at least one emitter electrode is greater than the number of neutralization discharge protrusions of one or more neutralization discharge protrusions. Thus, a more efficient ionization operation is facilitated, because the number of neutralization discharge protrusions is reduced relative to the number of emitter discharge protrusions, so it is conducive to at least partially neutralizing the charged surface in the air duct. Thus, since the number of neutralization discharge protrusions is reduced relative to the number of emitter discharge protrusions, it is conducive to avoiding the neutralization of already charged particles in the air flow by ions with opposite charges.

[0024] According to an aspect of the air purification device, the ionization unit comprises a supporting device for supporting at least one emitter electrode and at least one collector electrode.

[0025] According to one aspect of the air cleaning device, one or more of the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions are connected to a supporting device. Thus, it is conducive to a more efficient ionization operation, because, due to the neutralization discharge protrusion connected to the supporting device, it is conducive to at least partially neutralizing the charged surface in the air duct. Thus, due to the neutralization discharge protrusion connected to the supporting device, it is conducive to avoid the already charged particles in the air flow by the ions with opposite charges. Thus, due to the neutralization discharge protrusion connected to the supporting device, it is conducive to avoid the oppositely charged particles in the air flow by the ions with opposite charges.

[0026] According to one aspect of the air purification device, one or more neutralization discharge protrusions are associated with at least one collector electrode. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, one or more neutralization discharge protrusions have substantially the same potential as at least one collector electrode. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, one or more neutralization discharge protrusions are conductively connected to at least one collector electrode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

[0028] Figure 1a to Figure 1c Schematically showing a view of an air purification device arranged in an air duct in the air flow direction at different stages of ionization operation according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2a Schematically shows a view of an air purification device according to one aspect of the present disclosure in the air flow direction;

[0030] Figure 2b Schematically shows an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2a A cross-sectional view of an air purification device in FIG.

[0031] Figure 3 Schematically shows a perspective view of an air purification device arranged in an air duct according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 Schematically shows a perspective view of an ionization unit of an air purification device according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5 A perspective view schematically shows an air purification device arranged in an air duct according to one aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0034] Figure 6 A perspective view of an air purification device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] "Air flow" herein refers to air passing through an air cleaning device in use. The air flow may be actively generated, in that the air flow is driven by a fan or other such air displacement device, or the air flow may be passive, in that when a vehicle including such an air cleaning device is driven, the air flow is generated by directing air through a filter of the air cleaning device. The air flow may also be driven by the vehicle's air conditioning system.

[0036] The term "ionization cell" is used herein to denote the combination of an emitter electrode and a collector electrode.

[0037] The term "emitter electrode" may also be denoted as "emitter" or "transmitter electrode".

[0038] The term "collector electrode" may also be denoted as "collector", "receiver electrode" or "receiver".

[0039] The ionization volume generated when a voltage is applied to the emitter electrode may be positive or negative. The voltage applied to the emitter electrode may be any suitable voltage. The voltage applied to the emitter electrode may be, for example, between -12 kV DC and 12 kV DC, preferably between -8 kV DC and 8 kV DC.

[0040] Here, the term "discharge protrusion" refers to a corona discharge protrusion configured to generate an ionized volume based on an electric charge. Such a corona discharge protrusion can be any suitable protrusion, such as a point, a tip, a carbon brush, etc. Such an ionized volume can be generated by such a discharge protrusion, in which the density of the electric field is sufficient for such generation.

[0041] Such a discharge protrusion associated with the emitter electrode (i.e., a corona discharge protrusion) may be one or more discharge protrusions. Such a corona discharge protrusion is referred to herein as an emitter discharge protrusion. In the case where there are more than one emitter discharge protrusion (e.g., multiple emitter discharge protrusions), the multiple emitter discharge protrusions may be arranged on a single emitter electrode, in which case the multiple emitter discharge protrusions are electrically connected to each other. Such an emitter electrode may be one or more emitter electrodes. In the case where there are more than one emitter electrode (e.g., multiple emitter electrodes), the multiple emitter electrodes may be electrically separated from each other, but are configured to work together to generate an electric field that drives an ionization operation. Each emitter electrode may include multiple emitter discharge protrusions.

[0042] This discharge protrusion (i.e., a corona discharge protrusion) having a different potential from at least one emitter electrode can be a corona discharge protrusion associated with at least one collector electrode, and can be one or more discharge protrusions. Due to its intended purpose, this corona discharge protrusion is referred to as a neutralization discharge protrusion in this article. In the case where there is more than one such neutralization discharge protrusion (e.g., multiple neutralization discharge protrusions associated with at least one collector electrode), multiple neutralization discharge protrusions can be arranged on a single collector electrode, in which case, multiple neutralization discharge protrusions are electrically connected to each other. Such a collector electrode can be one or more collector electrodes. In the case where there are more than one collector electrode (e.g., multiple collector electrodes), the multiple collector electrodes can be electrically separated from each other, but are configured to be operably connected to one or more emitter electrodes for providing a potential difference, thereby facilitating the generation of an electric field during ionization operation. One or more neutralizing discharge protrusions associated with the collector electrode are arranged and configured to generate ions with a charge opposite to the ions generated by charging the at least one emitter electrode based on the charge of the one or more charged surfaces during an ionization operation in which the one or more surfaces are charged by means of ions generated by charging the at least one emitter electrode, thereby facilitating neutralization of the one or more charged surfaces within the air duct. One or more of the one or more collector electrodes may include the one or more neutralizing discharge protrusions.

[0043] This discharge protrusion (i.e., a corona discharge protrusion) having a potential different from that of at least one emitter electrode can be a corona discharge protrusion having a potential different from both the emitter electrode and the collector electrode, and can be one or more discharge protrusions. Due to its intended purpose, this corona discharge protrusion is referred to as a neutralization discharge protrusion in this article. In the case where there are more than one such neutralization discharge protrusion (e.g., multiple neutralization discharge protrusions), the multiple neutralization discharge protrusions can be arranged on one or more conductive elements having a potential different from that of both the emitter electrode and the collector electrode. Such one or more conductive elements can be connected to a positive voltage or a negative voltage or to ground. Such one or more neutralization discharge protrusions can be directly or indirectly connected to a positive voltage or a negative voltage or to ground. One or more associated neutralization discharge protrusions having a different potential from the emitter electrode and the collector electrode are arranged and configured to generate ions with a charge opposite to the ions generated by charging the at least one emitter electrode based on the charge of the one or more charged surfaces during an ionization operation in which the one or more surfaces are charged by means of ions generated by charging the at least one emitter electrode, thereby facilitating neutralization of the one or more charged surfaces within the air duct. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in order to obtain a positive discharge from the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions, the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions have a higher potential than the one or more emitter discharge protrusions, wherein the one or more emitter discharge protrusions are configured to generate negative ions through the at least one emitter electrode.

[0044] Figure 1a to Figure 1c Schematically illustrating a view of an air purification device 100 arranged in an air duct 50 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure in a different stage of ionization operation in an air flow direction.

[0045] The air purification device 100 is configured to separate airborne particles from an air flow in the air duct 50 .

[0046] The air purification device 100 comprises an ionization unit U which, during an ionization operation, is arranged to generate an ionization volume for charging airborne particles present in the air flow.

[0047] The ionization unit U includes an emitter electrode 10. The emitter electrode 10 includes an emitter discharge protrusion 12. The emitter electrode 10 is configured to generate ions by charging. Figure 1a to Figure 1c In the schematic example in FIG. 1 , one emitter electrode 10 having one discharge protrusion 12 is shown. However, the ionization unit may include one or more emitter electrodes 10 , wherein the one or more emitter electrodes 10 may include at least one emitter discharge protrusion 12 .

[0048] The ionization unit U further comprises a collector electrode 20 , here a pair of collector electrodes 20 . The respective collector electrode 20 comprises a neutralizing discharge protrusion 22 .

[0049] according to Figure 1a to Figure 1c In the schematic example shown in , air purification, the emitter electrode 10 is connected to the negative voltage -HV, and the collector electrode 20 is connected to the ground G.

[0050] The air purification device 100 includes a power supply device (not shown) configured to provide power via connections to the emitter electrode and the collector electrode 20 to facilitate charging of the emitter electrode.

[0051] The air purification device 100 comprises a filter medium 30 arranged to attract at least a subset of electrically charged particles. According to one aspect, the filter medium 30 is arranged downstream of at least the emitter electrode of the ionization unit U relative to the air flow. The filter medium comprises a surface S arranged to face the emitter electrode 10.

[0052] According to an alternative aspect, the filter medium may be a filter medium comprising an electrically conductive material and configured to act as a collector electrode. According to this alternative aspect, the collector electrode is thus an integral part of the filter medium. According to this alternative aspect, at least one neutralizing discharge protrusion is operatively connected to the filter medium.

[0053] The air duct 50 is configured to allow air flow to flow toward the ionization unit 11 and the filter medium 30 of the air purification device 100 in the air duct 50, and pass through the ionization unit and the filter medium. The air duct has an inner surface S, which is arranged in combination with the air purification device 100 and at least partially faces the air purification device when the air purification device is arranged in the air duct 50. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the surface S is at least partially a non-conductive surface. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the surface S may not have electrical conductivity or may have low electrical conductivity. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the surface S may be conductive and may not be connected to any specific potential.

[0054] Figure 1a The diagram schematically shows a view of an air purification device 100 arranged in an air duct 50 in a first stage of an ionization operation in an air flow direction according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0055] During this first stage of the ionization operation, the emitter electrode 10 having the emitter discharge protrusion 12 is charged for generating ions, thereby generating an ionization volume V1 for charging airborne particles present in the air flow. The ions are generated based on the electric field generated in combination with the emitter discharge protrusion 12. The electric field is generated by a negative high voltage -HV applied to the emitter electrode 10, thereby providing a potential difference between the grounded G collector electrode 20. The ionization volume V1 thus generated includes negative ions -I, i.e., negatively charged ions -I.

[0056] During this first phase of ionization operation, one or more surfaces S within the air duct 50 are charged by means of a subset of negative ions -I generated by charging the emitter electrode 10, so that the surface S becomes negatively charged.

[0057] Figure 1b Schematically illustrating a view of an air purification device 100 arranged in an air duct 50 in a second stage of an ionization operation in an air flow direction according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0058] During this second phase of the ionization operation, the electric field generated in conjunction with the emitter discharge protrusion 12 is suppressed, this electric field being a negative electric field and therefore having the same polarity as the surface or surfaces S thus negatively charged.

[0059] Furthermore, during this second phase of the ionization operation, an ionization volume V2, V3 having positively charged ions +I is generated in conjunction with the neutralization discharge protrusion 22, which is associated with the collector electrode 20. The positive ions +I are generated by the electric field generated thereby based on the one or more negatively charged surfaces S, thereby providing a potential difference between the grounded G neutralization discharge protrusion 22 and the one or more negatively charged surfaces S.

[0060] Furthermore, during the second phase of the ionization operation, the one or more charged surfaces S attract at least a subset of the positive ions +I.

[0061] Figure 1c The diagram schematically shows a view of the air purification device 100 arranged in the air duct 50 in the air flow direction at the third stage of the ionization operation according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0062] During this third stage of the ionization operation, which is a transition from the second stage, the one or more charged surfaces S have attracted at least a subset of the positive ions +I, so as to facilitate neutralization of the one or more charged surfaces S. When the one or more surfaces S are at least partially neutralized, the suppressed negative electric field generated in conjunction with the emitter discharge protrusion 12 is reestablished, so as to facilitate generation of negative ions in conjunction with the emitter discharge protrusion 12.

[0063] After this third phase of the ionization operation, the ionization operation is stabilized at a given potential of the surrounding environment, for example one or more surfaces S inside the air duct 50, on which positive ions +I and negative ions -I are balanced with each other. Thus, the physical principle of the problem (i.e., during the ionization operation, one or more charged surfaces S of the surrounding environment of the air duct leads to a decrease in the ion density in the ionization volume produced by the ionization unit U) is used to achieve automatic electrical stabilization inside the surrounding environment, wherein the surface S is at least partially non-conductive, for example non-conductive or has a low conductivity, or the surface is not connected to any specific potential.

[0064] Figure 2a schematically shows a view of an air purification device 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure in an air flow direction; and Figure 2b Schematically shows an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2a 1 is a cross-sectional view of the air purification device 100 in FIG.

[0065] The air purification device 100 is configured to separate airborne particles from an air flow A in an air duct 50 .

[0066] The air purification device 100 comprises an ionization unit U which, during an ionization operation, is arranged to generate an ionization volume for charging airborne particles present in the air flow.

[0067] The ionization unit U includes an emitter electrode 10. The emitter electrode 10 includes a plurality of emitter discharge protrusions 12. Figure 2a In the embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the emitter electrode 10 has an elongated configuration, which is provided as an elongated member, such as a rod or the like. Figure 2a In the embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of emitter discharge protrusions 12 are arranged to be distributed along the elongated emitter electrode 10 . Figure 2a In the embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of emitter discharge protrusions 12 are configured to point away from the filter medium 30. The emitter electrode 10 is configured to generate ions by charging.

[0068] The ionization unit U further comprises a collector electrode 20, here a pair of collector electrodes 20. The corresponding collector electrode 20 comprises a neutralization discharge protrusion 22, here a pair of neutralization discharge protrusions 22. Figure 2a In the embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 2 , the respective collector electrode 20 has an elongated configuration, which is provided as an elongated member, such as a rod or the like.

[0069] according to Figure 2a to Figure 2bIn the schematic example shown, one of the elongated collector electrodes 20 is arranged at a side at a certain distance from the elongated emitter electrode 10 and is configured to extend substantially parallel to the elongated emitter electrode 10, and the other of the elongated collector electrodes 20 is arranged at an opposite side at a certain distance from the elongated emitter electrode 10 and is configured to extend substantially parallel to the elongated emitter electrode 10.

[0070] The air purification device 100 comprises a power supply device P configured to provide power via connections C1 , C2 to the emitter electrode and the collector electrode 20 , thereby facilitating charging of the emitter electrode 10 .

[0071] The air purification device 100 includes a first connector device C1 connecting the power device P to the emitter electrode 10, and a second connector device C2 connecting the power device P to the collector electrode 20. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the power device P includes a power operation unit P1.

[0072] The emitter electrode 10 may be connected to a negative voltage and the collector electrode 20 may be connected to ground or a positive voltage, or alternatively, the emitter electrode 10 may be connected to a positive voltage and the collector electrode 10 may be connected to ground or a negative voltage. According to a preferred embodiment, the emitter electrode 10 is connected to a negative high voltage and the collector electrode 20 is connected to ground.

[0073] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the ionization unit U includes a support device 40 for supporting at least one emitter electrode 10 and at least one collector electrode 20. Such a support device can have any suitable shape and configuration. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support device 40 is configured to be suitable for the shape of the air duct 50, thereby facilitating the assembly of the air purification device 100 in the air duct. Figure 2a to Figure 2b In the schematic example shown, the support device 40 has a frame-like structure, here formed as a rectangular frame member, having a first side 42, a second side 44 opposite to the first side 42, a third side 46 orthogonal to the first side 42 and the second side 44, and a fourth side 48 opposite to the third side 46, these sides 42, 44, 46, 48 form the frame-shaped support device 40.

[0074] according to Figure 2a to Figure 2b In the schematic example shown, the emitter electrode 10 is configured to be centrally connected to the frame-like support device 40 at its respective ends between a first side 42 and an opposite second side 44 of the frame-like support device 40, wherein one of the collector electrodes 20 is configured to extend along a third side 46 and another of the collector electrodes 20 is configured to extend along a fourth side 48, and the collector electrodes extend substantially in parallel at each side of the emitter electrode 10.

[0075] The air purification device 100 comprises a filter medium 30, which is arranged to attract at least a subset of charged carrier particles. According to one aspect, the filter medium 30 is configured to be arranged downstream of at least the emitter electrode of the ionization unit relative to the air flow. The filter medium comprises a surface S configured to face the emitter electrode 10.

[0076] The filter medium has a first side 30a configured to face the air flow A and an opposite second side 30b. The first side 30a of the filter medium 30 may be denoted as the upstream side, and the second side 30b of the filter medium 30 may be denoted as the downstream side. The first side 30a of the filter medium 30 has one or more surfaces S. Figure 2b In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream side 30 a of the filter medium 30 is arranged to face the ionization unit U including the emitter electrode 10 and the collector electrode 20 .

[0077] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, Figure 2b As shown, the filter media 30 has a curled configuration, ie, a corrugated configuration.

[0078] according to Figure 2a In the embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the plurality of emitter discharge protrusions 12 are configured to point away from the filter medium 30 .

[0079] The air duct 50 is configured to allow an air flow A to flow within the air duct 50 toward the ionization unit U and the filter medium 30 of the air purification device 100 and pass through the ionization unit and the filter medium. The air duct has an inner surface S, which is arranged in conjunction with the air purification device 100 and at least partially faces the air purification device when the air purification device is arranged within the air duct 50. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the surface S is an at least partially non-conductive surface. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the surface S may have no conductivity or have low conductivity. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the surface S is conductive and is not connected to any specific potential. According Figure 2a In the embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 8 , the neutralization discharge protrusions 22 are configured to point away from the filter medium 30 .

[0080] As mentioned above Figure 1a to Figure 1cAs described, during the ionization operation, the emitter electrode 10 having the emitter discharge protrusion 12 is charged for generating an ionization volume for charging airborne particles present in the air flow A. The ions are generated based on the electric field generated in conjunction with the emitter discharge protrusion 12. The electric field is generated by a high voltage applied to the emitter electrode 10 by the power supply device P, thereby providing a potential difference between the grounded collector electrode 20. Thereby, one or more surfaces S within the air duct 50 can be charged by means of a subset of the ions generated by charging the emitter electrode 10, so that the surface S is charged.

[0081] The neutralization discharge protrusion 22 associated with the at least one collector electrode 20 is arranged so that during ionization operation, when one or more surfaces S within the air duct 50 are charged by means of at least a subset of ions generated by charging the at least one emitter electrode 10, a potential difference is generated between the one or more charged surfaces S and the neutralization discharge protrusion 22. The potential difference generates oppositely charged ions in conjunction with the neutralization discharge protrusion 22 based on the generated potential difference.

[0082] One or more surfaces S charged (e.g., negatively charged) by means of a subset of ions generated by charging (e.g., negatively charged) at least one emitter electrode 10 attracts ions of the opposite charge generated in conjunction with the neutralizing discharge protrusion 22, wherein the charge of the one or more charged surfaces S is at least partially neutralized.

[0083] In e.g. Figure 2a to Figure 2b In the illustrated embodiment, the neutralizing discharge protrusion 22 of the collector electrode 20 is configured to be arranged in conjunction with the surface S of the air duct 50, thereby facilitating the generation of an appropriate number of oppositely charged ions to be attracted to one or more charged surfaces S based on the charge of the surface S, thereby facilitating the neutralization of one or more surfaces S within the air duct 50.

[0084] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, Figure 2a to Figure 2b As shown in the exemplary embodiment in , the number of emitter discharge protrusions 12 of the emitter electrode 10 is greater than the number of neutralization discharge protrusions 22 in the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions 22 associated with at least one collector electrode 20. Thus, since the number of neutralization discharge protrusions 22 is reduced relative to the number of emitter discharge protrusions 12, it is advantageous to avoid neutralization of already charged particles in the air flow A by ions with opposite charges. Thus, since the number of neutralization discharge protrusions 22 is reduced relative to the number of emitter discharge protrusions 12, it is advantageous to avoid oppositely charged particles in the air flow A by ions with opposite charges.

[0085] According to one aspect of the air purification device 100, the power supply device P includes an electronic control unit 200. According to one aspect of the air purification device 100, the power supply operation unit P1 of the power supply device P includes the electronic control unit 200. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electronic control unit 200 is configured to control the ionization operation of the ionization unit U of the air purification device 100.

[0086] According to one aspect of the air purification device 100, the power supply device P comprises a current regulator CR configured to operate the ionization unit U by means of a substantially constant current. According to one aspect of the air purification device 100, the power supply operation unit P1 of the power supply device P comprises the current regulator CR. The power supply device (e.g., a current generator of the power supply device) may require some adjustment of the voltage during the ionization operation in order to maintain a substantially constant current.

[0087] According to an aspect, the electronic control unit 200 is an integral part of the current regulator. According to an aspect, the electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the current regulator CR.

[0088] By thereby operating the ionization unit U by means of controlling the current regulator CR at a substantially constant current, the ionization operation can be performed without negatively affecting the efficiency of the ionization operation.

[0089] Figure 3 A perspective view schematically shows an air purification device 100 arranged in an air duct 50 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The air purification device 100 shown in FIG. Figure 2a to Figure 2b The difference between the air purification device 100 in FIG. 1 is that the power supply device is not shown and there is no Figure 2a to Figure 2b Support equipment shown.

[0090] Figure 4 The ionization unit U of the air purification device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is schematically shown in a three-dimensional view. The ionization unit basically corresponds to Figure 2a to Figure 2b The ionization unit of the air purification device 100 is shown.

[0091] Figure 5 A perspective view schematically illustrates an air purification device arranged in an air duct according to one aspect of the present disclosure; and. Figure 5 The air purification device 100 shown in FIG. Figure 2a to Figure 2b The difference between the air purification device 100 in FIG. 1 is that the power supply device is not shown.

[0092] Figure 6 A perspective view of an air purification device 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0093] The air purification device 100 and, for example, Figure 2a to Figure 2b The difference of the air purification device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is that the neutralization discharge protrusion 22 is connected to the supporting device 40. Figure 6 In the embodiment of the invention, the collector electrode 20 is included in the support device 40. Therefore, the discharge protrusion 22 is operatively connected to the collector electrode 20 integrated with the support device so that they have the same potential. Figure 2a to Figure 2b Compared with the neutralization and discharge protrusion 22 of the air purification device 100 shown in FIG. Figure 6 The illustrated neutralization discharge protrusions 22 are arranged closer to the surface S of the air duct 50 .

[0094] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that other persons skilled in the art can understand the various embodiments of the present invention and envision various modifications suitable for specific purposes.

Claims

1. An air purification device (100) for separating airborne particles from an air stream in an air duct (50), the air purification device comprising: - an ionization unit (U) arranged to generate an ionization volume during an ionization operation for charging airborne particles present in the air stream, the ionization unit (U) comprising: at least one emitter electrode (10) having at least one emitter discharge protrusion (12) and configured to generate ions by charging, and at least one collector electrode (20), - a filter medium (30) arranged to attract at least a subset of the charged airborne particles, wherein the ionization unit (U) includes one or more neutralization discharge protrusions (22) having a potential different from that of the emitter electrode (10), the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions (22) being arranged such that if one or more surfaces (S) within the air duct (50) are charged by at least a subset of the ions generated by charging the at least one emitter electrode (10), it is conducive to generating ions having a charge opposite to that of the ions generated by charging the at least one emitter electrode (10) based on the one or more charged surfaces (S), so as to facilitate at least partially neutralizing the one or more charged surfaces (S) within the air duct (50).

2. The air purification device according to claim 1, wherein, the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions (22) are arranged such that during the ionization operation, when one or more surfaces (S) within the air duct (50) are charged by at least a subset of the ions generated by charging the at least one emitter electrode (10), a potential difference is generated between the one or more charged surfaces (S) and the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions (22), and the potential difference generates ions with opposite charges in combination with the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions (22) based on the generated potential difference, wherein one or more charged surfaces (S) attract the ions among the ions with opposite charges, so as to facilitate at least partially neutralizing the one or more surfaces (S).

3. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, During the ionization operation, when the at least one emitter electrode (10) having at least one emitter discharge protrusion (12) is configured to generate ions by charging, the ions are generated based on an electric field generated in combination with the at least one emitter discharge protrusion (12), wherein when one or more surfaces (S) within the air duct (50) are charged by means of at least a subset of the ions generated by charging the at least one emitter electrode (10), the electric field having the same polarity as the one or more thus-charged surfaces (S) is suppressed, wherein, by means of the electric field thus generated based on the one or more charged surfaces (S), ions having opposite charges are generated in combination with the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions (22), wherein the one or more charged surfaces (S) attract ions among the ions having opposite charges, such that at least partial neutralization of the one or more charged surfaces (S) is facilitated, and thereby reconstruction of the suppressed electric field is facilitated, such that generation of ions in combination with the at least one emitter discharge protrusion (12) is facilitated.

4. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the at least one emitter electrode (10) is connected to a negative voltage, and the at least one collector electrode (20) is connected to ground or a positive voltage, or wherein the at least one emitter electrode (10) is connected to a positive voltage, and the at least one collector electrode (10) is connected to ground or a negative voltage.

5. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a power supply device (P); a first connector device (C1) connecting the power supply device (P) to the at least one emitter electrode (10); and a second connector device (C2) connecting the power supply (P) to the at least one collector electrode (20).

6. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the power supply device (P) includes a current regulator configured to operate the ionization unit with a substantially constant current.

7. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, one or more of the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions (22) are configured to be arranged in combination with the one or more surfaces (S) within the air duct (50) so as to facilitate generation of an appropriate number of ions having opposite charges to be attracted to the one or more charged surfaces (S) based on the charge of the one or more charged surfaces (S), thereby facilitating at least partial neutralization of the one or more surfaces (S) within the air duct (50).

8. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, one or more of the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions (22) associated with the at least one collector electrode (20) are configured to point towards the one or more surfaces within the air duct (50).

9. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, One or more surfaces (S) within the air duct (50) include one or more inner surfaces of the air duct (50) and / or one or more surfaces of the filter medium (30).

10. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the number of emitter discharge protrusions (12) of the at least one emitter electrode (10) is greater than the number of neutralization discharge protrusions (22) among the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions (22) associated with the at least one collector electrode (20).

11. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the ionization unit (U) includes a support device (40) for supporting the at least one emitter electrode (10) and the at least one collector electrode (20).

12. The air purification device according to claim 11, wherein, one or more of the neutralization discharge protrusions (22) among the one or more discharge protrusions (22) are connected to the support device (40).

13. The air purification device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the one or more neutralization discharge protrusions (22) are associated with the at least one collector electrode (20).

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