Ultraviolet air purifier with baffle system

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention provides an air purifier having a plurality of baffles mounted adjacent a first port. The baffles are arranged in a spaced-apart arrangement to provide a series of flow channels. The port guide surface guides air to flow between the flow channel and the first port, and the chamber guide surface guides air to flow between the flow channel and the sterilization chamber. Another aspect of the invention provides an air purifier having a plurality of baffles mounted adjacent to the second port for receiving air flowing out of the fan and into the sterilization chamber. The baffle provides a series of port guide surfaces for directing air flow from a fan that produces an air flow through the second port, and a series of chamber guide surfaces oriented generally in the flow direction and for directing air flow from the baffle into the sterilization chamber.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 411,909, filed on September 30, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an air purifier for sterilizing air using ultraviolet rays (UV). Background Art

[0004] Air purifiers that use light radiating in the ultraviolet spectrum (usually the UV-C spectrum) have been used to purify the air. It is known that ultraviolet light can eliminate pathogens such as bacteria and viruses in the air flowing through the purifier. The working principle is believed to be that ultraviolet light can damage the DNA of pathogens, thereby effectively killing the pathogens.

[0005] One concern with air purifiers that use UV light is leakage. Leakage refers to the escape of UV light from inside the air purifier into the room in which it is located. In a stand-alone air purifier, i.e. one that is not designed to be mounted in or on a wall or ceiling, there is more freedom in the use of covers, shields, etc., as these devices are less limited by space as a design constraint. U.S. Patent No. 6,053,968 discloses one such design in which the air purifier is portable and can be located anywhere in a room.

[0006] However, for devices designed to be mounted in or on a wall or ceiling, such devices are typically designed to be thinner in a direction perpendicular to the wall or ceiling, making them more compact, low profile, easier to fit in a wall or ceiling, or less obtrusive when mounted in a wall or ceiling. Typically, both the inlet and outlet ports of such purifiers have grilles or screens, but the grilles / screens are not sufficient to prevent UV light from leaking from the air purifier. U.S. Patent No. 11202847 discloses a UV disinfecting air purifier for ceiling mounting that allegedly slows down air flow over a laterally mounted bulb. The problem with this design is that its ability to achieve higher volume flow rates by increasing the flow rate is limited by the need for sufficient exposure time to UV radiation. It also has the disadvantage that its design does not have an adequate means to address the problem of UV radiation leakage. For example, the patent Figure 5 A space below the fan is shown, which leads to its associated grille, through which UV radiation can easily leak.

[0007] Armstrong sells an air purifier under the brand name VidaShield that uses a single confined tortuous or undulating path between the inlet / outlet grilles and the disinfection chamber that emits UV light. VidaShield has an anti-reflective coating within the tortuous or undulating path, but UV leakage is also governed by the path length and its confinement, reducing the overall volume flow rate.

[0008] The inventors have recognized that a competing need to block UV leakage is the ability to manage air flow to ensure increased exposure of the purified air to UV without significantly affecting the volume flow rate of air turnover in the room / space being cleaned. Summary of the invention

[0009] One aspect of the present application provides an air purifier, comprising: a housing for installation in or on a wall or ceiling of a building space; an ultraviolet disinfection chamber in the housing for guiding an air flow through the ultraviolet disinfection chamber along a flow direction extending between opposite first and second ends of the ultraviolet disinfection chamber; an ultraviolet light source installed in the ultraviolet disinfection chamber for emitting ultraviolet light to disinfect air flowing through the ultraviolet disinfection chamber; and a first port on the housing, communicating with the ultraviolet disinfection chamber at a first end of the chamber to allow air to flow between the ultraviolet disinfection chamber and the building space via the first port. The first port is oriented at an angle to the flow direction to face the building space. A fan generates an air flow from the building space and through the ultraviolet disinfection chamber and the first port. The fan is away from the first port. A plurality of baffles are installed adjacent to the first port. The plurality of baffles are arranged in a spaced-apart arrangement to provide a series of flow channels, the series of flow channels including a series of port guide surfaces and a series of chamber guide surfaces. The port guide surface is configured to guide air to flow between the flow channel and the first port, and the chamber guide surface is configured to guide air to flow between the flow channel and the ultraviolet disinfection chamber.

[0010] In one embodiment, a baffle of the plurality of baffles may have an anti-reflective surface that reduces or eliminates reflection of ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source to reduce or eliminate emission through the first port.

[0011] In some embodiments, the port guide surface can be oriented toward the first port to guide air flow between the flow channel and the first port, and the chamber guide surface can be oriented toward the ultraviolet disinfection chamber substantially along the flow direction to guide air flow between the flow channel and the ultraviolet disinfection chamber. In other embodiments, the chamber guide surface for guiding air flow between the flow channel and the disinfection chamber can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow direction, and they can be vertical or substantially vertical.

[0012] Another aspect of the present application provides an air purifier, which includes: a housing for installation in or on a wall or ceiling of a building space; an ultraviolet disinfection chamber in the housing for guiding an air flow through the ultraviolet disinfection chamber along a flow direction extending between the first and second opposite ends of the ultraviolet disinfection chamber; an ultraviolet light source installed in the ultraviolet disinfection chamber for emitting ultraviolet rays to disinfect the air flowing through the ultraviolet disinfection chamber; a first port on the housing, connected to the ultraviolet disinfection chamber at the first end of the chamber, to allow air to flow between the ultraviolet disinfection chamber and the building space via the first port; and a second port on the housing, connected to the ultraviolet disinfection chamber at the second end of the chamber, to allow air to flow between the ultraviolet disinfection chamber and the building space via the second port. A fan adjacent to the second port generates an air flow to inhale the air flow from the building space through the second port and convey the air flow through the ultraviolet disinfection chamber and discharge it from the first port. A plurality of baffles are installed adjacent to the second port and the fan for receiving air flowing out of the fan and flowing into the ultraviolet disinfection chamber. A baffle in the plurality of baffles provides a series of port guide surfaces for guiding air to flow from the fan that generates the air flow through the second port. The baffles of the plurality of baffles further provide a series of chamber guiding surfaces oriented generally in the direction of flow for guiding air flowing from the baffles into the UV disinfection chamber.

[0013] Other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the side wall is removed to illustrate its basic structure;

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an air purifier of FIG. 1 , wherein components are shown transparently to illustrate its basic structure;

[0016] Figure 3 is similar to Figure 1 , and a cut-out diagram (call-out) for representing an example of a flow pattern in a sterilization chamber;

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial close-up of a baffle used on the fan side of a disinfection chamber in an air purifier;

[0018] Figure 5 is a partial close-up of the baffle used on the other side of the sterilization chamber;

[0019] Figure 6 is from Figure 1A partial perspective view taken from below of an air cleaner of FIG. 1 , wherein the end wall is transparent to show the baffle arrangement;

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 An electrical schematic diagram of the electrical system used in the air purifier;

[0021] Figure 8 is based on Figure 1 Bottom perspective view of the constructed prototype air purifier;

[0022] Fig. 9 is similar to Figure 8 , with the bottom main wall removed to show the internal components;

[0023] Fig.10 is an air purifier, such as Figure 1 a bottom perspective view of the constructed air purifier showing the purifier with the cover installed in the suspended ceiling;

[0024] Fig.11 is similar to using an alternative baffle Figure 3 's view;

[0025] Fig.12 is similar to using an additional replacement baffle Figure 5 's view;

[0026] Fig.13 is similar to using a further additional alternative baffle Figure 5 a view of

[0027] Fig.14 is similar to Figure 4 of the view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The air purifier 10 of the present application is designed to be installed in or on the ceiling or wall. That is to say, the purifier 10 can be installed inside the wall (the internal structure of the wall is also usually referred to as the back of the wall), such as in the gap between two drywall boards, inside the modular office furniture wall, etc. The air purifier 10 can also be installed on the outer surface of the ceiling or wall facing the room, including, for example, hanging below the ceiling surface by cables, chains, rods or other flexible or rigid supports. The purifier 10 can also be installed inside the ceiling (also referred to as in or above the ceiling), such as in the space above the suspended ceiling, in the attic space above the residential ceiling made of drywall, etc. The specific application is not intended to be restrictive, and these examples are intended to provide only some possible installation options.

[0029] The air purifier 10 includes a housing 12 for mounting in or on a wall or ceiling of a room. The air purifier 10 may also be installed in any building space including a room, a corridor, a storage space, a manufacturing area, a public space, etc. The housing 12 may have any construction or configuration, and the design shown is not intended to be restrictive. The housing 12 may have any hardware or mounting structure suitable for mounting it in its mounting location, which may typically vary based on the mounting location. The hardware or other mounting structures for devices in or on a wall or ceiling are known in the art and do not require detailed description.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 12 has a generally rectangular shape with generally parallel first and second main walls 14, 16 and side walls 18, 20, 22, 24 connecting the main walls 14 and 16 to enclose the interior space. The corresponding pairs of side walls 18, 20, 22, 24 are also generally parallel to each other. The non-limiting design shown is intended to be installed in a suspended ceiling and may, for example, occupy the length of two panels of a typical suspended ceiling, where suspended ceilings are commonly found in offices and other types of rooms. The main wall 14 may be designed to be placed directly on top of one or more suspended ceiling panels so as to be hidden, or may be designed to replace one or more suspended ceiling panels so as to be exposed (i.e., occupy the space in the suspended ceiling frame that would otherwise be occupied by the panel). The same design may also be used in or on a drywall ceiling or wall, or for any other mounting location.

[0031] For non-limiting dimensional examples, in suspended ceiling applications, the housing 12 may have a length (in the direction of flow) of between 47 and 48 inches, more preferably between 47.1875 and 47.875 inches, and even more preferably 47.875 inches. The illustrated embodiment has a length of 47.875 inches. The housing 12 may also have a width (in the direction between the walls 18, 20, i.e., perpendicular to the walls 18, 20) of between 23 and 24 inches. Figure 1 The housing 12 may also have a height between 8 and 15 inches (in the direction between the walls 14, 16, i.e., Figure 1 The embodiment shown has a height of 8.125 inches. For all of these sizes, larger and smaller sizes may be used.

[0032] The material used to construct the housing 12 can be of any type. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 12 can be constructed of sheet metal components that are fastened together. If the housing 12 is designed to be exposed, i.e., it is mounted in place of one or more ceiling panels, the main wall 14 facing the room can be coated, painted, made of plastic, or configured in any other manner to improve its aesthetic appearance. As another example, the main wall 14 can have an aesthetically pleasing facade piece attached thereto. For example, Fig.10 The embodiment is shown mounted in a ceiling panel position, having a facade member in the form of a cover 15 mounted below the main wall 14. The cover 15 may be secured in place in any suitable manner, such as by magnetic mounting, snap connections, latches, retainers, screws, etc. The cover 15 may be completely removable, or it may be mounted to the main wall 14 by hinges so that the cover can be swung away from the main wall 14 to expose it for servicing the purifier 10.

[0033] The housing 12 includes a UV disinfection chamber 26 in the housing 12 that directs air flow through the chamber along a flow direction F extending between the opposite first and second ends of the chamber 26. The flow direction F is preferably generally parallel to the first main wall 14 so as to be generally parallel to the surface of the wall or ceiling to which it is mounted. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand the flow direction as the primary direction in which flow occurs, but it should be understood that the flow field itself may have a certain amount of curvature or turbulence, and that actual flows in real life are generally not completely aligned in a single direction. The flow direction F may also be referred to as the main axis or longitudinal direction of the chamber 26, as this is the primary direction of flow.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, both walls 14 and 16 are generally parallel, which helps promote laminar flow along the flow direction F. The inventors have recognized that turbulent flow allows some portions of the air flow to remain exposed to the UV disinfecting light for longer (such as recirculation points and dead zones), but this may provide little or no additional benefit, while other portions that are more laminar and flow through turbulent areas may be exposed for a shorter time and may not fully benefit from the disinfecting effects of the radiation. In addition, having turbulent flow reduces the overall turnover efficiency / flow of the device. Therefore, the inventors have recognized that turbulent flow is not as effective and have found that laminar flow is more advantageous from a consistency perspective in terms of radiation exposure time and flow / device turnover management because it has fewer dead zones or recirculation areas that affect the overall flow and air turnover.

[0035] For non-limiting example dimensions, in a suspended ceiling application, the sterilization chamber 26 may have a length (in the direction of flow) of between 34 and 38 inches, more preferably between 34 and 36 inches, and even more preferably between 34 and 35.1875 inches. The length of the illustrated embodiment is 35.1875 inches. The sterilization chamber 26 has a width (in the direction between the walls 18, 20, i.e., perpendicular to the direction of the flow) of Figure 1 The width of the sterilization chamber 26 may also be between 23 and 24 inches, more preferably between 23.5 and 23.75 inches, and even more preferably 23.625 inches. The embodiment shown has a width of 23.625 inches. The sterilization chamber 26 has a height (in the direction between the walls 14, 16, i.e. Figure 1 The height of the embodiment shown is 8 inches. Larger and smaller sizes can be used for all of these sizes.

[0036] A UV light source 28 is mounted in the disinfection chamber 26 for emitting UV light to disinfect air flowing through the disinfection chamber 26. The UV light source 28 is of conventional construction and has a ballast 30 having a power source connected to a power source (typically a building AC power source) and mounting connections, such as brackets 32, 34. A UV bulb 36 powered to emit UV radiation is connected to the ballast 30 to deliver power and is mounted to the brackets 32, 34. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the UV bulb 36 is oriented along the flow direction F so as to extend in a direction between the first end and the second end of the housing 12. This orientation advantageously increases the exposure time of the UV radiation to the air flow passing through the disinfection chamber 26, particularly due to the enhanced laminar flow provided herein.

[0037] The UV light source 28 can be mounted to the main wall 16, on which the ballast 30 and brackets 32, 34 are located. The other main wall 14 facing the room / space includes an access panel 38 that covers the access opening and can be removed therefrom so that the UV light bulb 36 and any related components can be accessed for replacement when necessary. The access panel 38 can be removably fixed by any suitable fastening mechanism, such as screws, snap connections, sliding locks, etc. that pass through the access panel 38 and the opening in the main wall edge. The access panel 38 can be completely removable or can be removable by pivoting around a hinge. The construction and configuration are not intended to be limiting.

[0038] The brackets 32, 34 shown can be formed of plastic, metal or any other suitable material and can have a sheet or plate design. The brackets 32, 34 can be oriented so that the thickness of the plate or sheet is oriented along the flow direction F, so as to be more aerodynamic and reduce the generation of turbulence in the flow in the sterilization chamber. Another example would be to use rods or wires to suspend the bulbs, which also have a low profile to the air flow. The design shown is not intended to be restrictive, and any mounting configuration can be used.

[0039] The spectrum or wavelength of ultraviolet radiation used can be selected to kill pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, which may vary depending on the specific environment. In general, the UV-C spectrum (200-280 nanometers) is effective for killing bacteria and viruses. A wavelength of 254 nanometers can be used in this spectrum, or a wider range of wavelengths including 254 nanometers in the spectrum can be used. Embodiments of the present invention can also use ultraviolet radiation in the far ultraviolet spectrum, which is also a subset of UV-C in the range of 207-222 nanometers. Some other embodiments can use a wider range, which includes a combination of wavelengths or wavelength ranges within any one of the UV-A, UV-B and / or UV-C spectra, which may be beneficial for effectively combating a wider range of pathogens. Any such UV wavelength or wavelength range used to kill pathogens can generally be referred to as pathogenic ultraviolet radiation. The challenge with ultraviolet radiation is that the amount used and the selected spectrum may also be problematic when exposed to human skin and / or eyes, so the amount of leakage or escape from the purifier 10 should be limited or eliminated.

[0040] Although the illustrated embodiment is shown as having a single UV light source 28, some embodiments may have multiple UV light sources. For example, in one embodiment, two (or more) UV light sources 28 may be used. In such an embodiment, multiple UV light sources 28 may be parallel to each other. When multiple light sources 28 are used, a non-limiting option is to have different bulbs 30 emit at different wavelengths or wavelength ranges to increase the spectral coverage. In addition, other UV light sources such as LEDs (light emitting diodes) may be used instead of bulbs, and the LEDs used may also emit the same wavelength or different wavelengths / wavelength ranges to increase the spectral coverage.

[0041] The interior surfaces of the disinfection chamber 26 may have reflective properties to increase exposure of the ultraviolet radiation to the air passing therethrough. By reflective properties, this is defined and understood to mean that the surface has the ability to reflect the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the ultraviolet light source, or at least a subset of its spectral range that has pathogenic efficacy.

[0042] Reflective properties can be provided by coating the inner surface of the disinfection chamber 26 with a reflective material. An example of such a reflective coating material may include, but is not limited to, aluminum, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or any other material that reflects ultraviolet light. Another example may be to install a panel coated with such a reflective coating material, or made of a reflective metal or other material, inside the disinfection chamber 26 on the inner side of the housing 12, or to construct a portion of the housing 12 that defines the disinfection chamber 26 with such a panel. An example of a panel made of a reflective metal material may be a panel made of Alanod Micro-UVC material from Alanod Ltd. of the United Kingdom. Other examples are the use of polished metals, such as anodized aluminum, metal plating, etc. Preferably, the spectral light reflectance of the reflective surface (regardless of the type) is greater than 70% for the emitted ultraviolet radiation (or at least a subset of its spectral range that has pathogenic efficacy), more preferably greater than 80%, and even more preferably greater than 90%.

[0043] As will be more clearly seen from the discussion below regarding the use of baffles to address UV leakage, in one embodiment, the surfaces within the disinfection chamber 26 having reflective properties may be some or all of the surfaces of the main walls 14, 16 and the side walls 18, 20 as shown extending along the flow direction F. The use of baffles is to prevent UV rays (including increased reflections) from being directed to the ports discussed below, reducing UV leakage.

[0044] A first port 40 is provided on the housing 12. The port 40 is connected to the UV disinfection chamber 26 at the first end of the chamber to allow air to flow between the disinfection chamber 26 and the room via the UV chamber port 40. Therefore, the port may also be referred to as the UV chamber port 40, which, for convenience, is used to indicate that it is a port at an end not associated with the fan discussed below; it may include additional structures and does not need to be directly connected to the disinfection chamber 26 where the UV bulb 36 is located. The UV chamber port 40 is oriented at an angle to the flow direction F to face the room. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the UV chamber port 40 is oriented approximately perpendicular to the flow direction F (i.e., it faces perpendicular to the flow direction). The port 40 may have any shape, design or configuration. In the embodiment shown, the port 40 is an opening in the first main wall 14 at the end of the housing 12, which is covered by a grille 42. The grille 42 may be removable or permanently integrated in the housing. This design is not intended to be limiting, and the port 40 may have any construction or configuration that allows air to flow between the chamber 26 and the room.

[0045] Since the UV chamber port 40 is disposed adjacent to the housing end wall 22, as an option, the wall 22 is not designed to be reflective in the manner discussed above. Making the end wall 22 reflective increases the probability that UV light incident thereon will be reflected from its inner surface and leak through the UV port 40. Likewise, as an option, the inner surfaces on the portions of the walls 14, 16, 18, 20 adjacent to the UV port 40 (i.e., at or outside the associated baffles discussed below) are also preferably not made reflective for the same reasons. In some embodiments, the portions of the walls 14, 16, 18, 20 outside the baffles 60 or one or more of these surfaces of the wall 22 can be anti-reflective in the same manner as discussed below with respect to the baffles 60.

[0046] The purifier 10 includes a fan 44 for generating an air flow from the room and through the UV disinfection chamber 26 and the UV chamber port 40. The fan 44 is remote from the UV chamber port 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan 44 is located in a fan chamber or plenum 46 contained in the housing 12 adjacent to the second end of the disinfection chamber 26. The fan chamber 46 has a wall 48 between the fan chamber 46 and the disinfection chamber 26. The wall 48 separates the fan chamber 46 from the disinfection chamber 26 and has an opening 50 for communicating the fan chamber 46 with the disinfection chamber 26. Thus, the air flow between the chambers 26 and 46 passes through the opening 50.

[0047] The fan 44 can be of any type, with the design shown having a centrifugal or mixed flow fan. The particular type of fan 44 used is not intended to be limiting. A single fan 44 is preferred, but multiple smaller fans 44 may also be used. The fan 44 may have an integrated motor or may have a separate motor 45 and controller system ( Fig.14 ).

[0048] The second port 52 on the housing 12 is connected to the ultraviolet disinfection chamber 26 at the second end of the chamber to allow air to flow between the disinfection chamber 26 and the room via the second port 52. In the illustrated embodiment, this communication is carried out through the opening 50 in the fan 44 and the wall 48, and the interior of the fan chamber 46 can also be included in the communication path. Therefore, the second port 52 can also be referred to as a fan port 52. Like the ultraviolet chamber port 40, the fan port 52 is oriented to be angled with the flow direction F to face the room, and in the illustrated embodiment, it is oriented perpendicular to the flow direction. The port 52 can have any shape, design or configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the port 52 is an opening in the first main wall 14 at the end of the housing 12 associated with the fan chamber 46, which can be covered by a grille 54. The grille 54 can be removable or permanently integrated in the housing. This design is not intended to be restrictive, and the port 52 can have any structure or configuration that allows air to flow through between the chamber 26 and the room.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the fan 44 is configured to draw air flow from the room through the fan port 52, convey the air flow through the disinfection chamber 26, and then exhaust it back to the room through the UV chamber port 40. Therefore, the UV light source 28 in the chamber 26 can disinfect the air flowing therethrough by exposing the air to UV radiation. The direction of flow is not important, and for some embodiments, it can also be designed so that the air flows in the opposite direction, with the fan applying negative pressure to the disinfection chamber 26, so that air is drawn in through the UV chamber port 40, and the air is exhausted through the fan port 52 under positive pressure.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment where the fan 44 draws air flow from the room through the fan port 52, a filter 56 can be installed in the fan port 52. The filter 56 removes particulate matter from the air before the air enters the fan 44 and the disinfection chamber 26, thereby reducing the collection of particulate matter within the purifier 10. This type of filter is generally referred to as a pre-filter because it filters the air before subsequent purification. The type of filter used is not intended to be limiting, and for example, a HEPA filter may be included. The advantage of a HEPA filter is that it captures some pathogens, thereby reducing the amount required for disinfection. However, any type of filter may be used. For example, a carbon filter may also be used to remove odors and volatile organic compounds. If a grille 54 is used, the filter 56 may be installed in the fan port 52 and covered by the grille 54. Similarly, the filter 56 may be installed in place without the use of a grille.

[0051] The purifier 10 has a plurality of baffles 60 mounted near the UV chamber port 40. The baffles 60 provide a series of port guide surfaces 62 oriented toward the UV chamber port 40 for guiding air to flow between the disinfection chamber 26 and the UV chamber port 40 in the direction of the UV chamber port 40. More specifically, the port guide surfaces 62 are configured to guide air to flow between the flow channel defined between the baffles 60 and the port 40. As will be discussed below, the surface 62 need not be oriented in the exact direction of the chamber port 40 (i.e., precisely perpendicular to the flow direction F in the illustrated embodiment), and in some embodiments, it may be sufficient to be oriented generally in that direction. This term is generally used to indicate that a part or surface is oriented at an angle having a substantial component (in a vector sense) in a particular direction. Structures that extend completely or very close to that direction are generally considered to be in that direction, while structures that have a substantial component (up to 45 degrees, including 45 degrees) will be considered to be generally oriented in that direction. The baffles 60 also provide a series of chamber guide surfaces 64 oriented generally along the flow direction F for guiding air flow to guide flow in the disinfection chamber 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the air flow is directed toward the baffles 60, and thus the chamber guiding surfaces 64 operate to direct the air flow by collecting or receiving the air flow generally along the flow direction F into the series of baffles 60. That is, the chamber guiding surfaces 64 are configured to direct the air flow between the sterilization chamber 26 and the flow path between the baffles 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the chamber guiding surfaces 64 may also optionally direct the flow in a manner that promotes or induces laminar flow in the field received by the baffles 60 from the chamber 26, thereby reducing turbulence within the chamber 20. Figure 3 It shows how the air flow becomes more laminar as it enters the baffle 60, which is facilitated in part by the orientation of the chamber guide surface 64. The flow field shown shows a substantial amount of laminar flow in the air of the UV bulb, which helps ensure that the amount of air passing through is continuously exposed to the UV light.

[0052] The terms port guide surface and chamber guide surface are used for convenience to identify the role of these surfaces in guiding the flow of air to / from the chamber or port, respectively. The term "directing" is used to include the direction of directing the flow of air away from the baffle and the direction of directing the flow of air into the baffle, including collecting air (e.g., entering the baffle from the sterilization chamber 26). In addition, the terms first and second are used for convenience to refer to the walls or surfaces of the baffle (or any other structure), and do not indicate any particular order, maximum number, or any other meaning.

[0053] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each of the plurality of baffles 60 includes a first baffle wall 66 extending toward the disinfection chamber 26 and a second baffle wall 68 extending toward the UV chamber port 40. Thus, the first baffle wall 66 provides the chamber guide surface 64 and the second baffle wall 68 provides the port guide surface 62. As shown, each of the plurality of baffles 60 has first and second walls 66, 68 connected to each other, which connection can be achieved by forming the baffle 60 into a continuous, integral piece such as a bent sheet metal, molded plastic, or other similar piece. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each of the plurality of baffles 60 is L-shaped, with the first and second walls 66, 68 being substantially perpendicular. As shown, the plurality of baffles 60 are oriented such that the first baffle wall 66 is substantially parallel to the flow direction F and the first main wall 14 of the housing 12, and the second baffle wall 68 extends substantially perpendicular to the first main wall 14 of the housing 12 toward the UV chamber port 40. The specific configuration shown is not intended to be limiting, and any baffle configuration may be used.

[0054] As shown, the plurality of baffles 60 are arranged in a stepped, nested, and spaced arrangement. That is, they are spaced apart from one another so that air can flow between the baffles, and they are nested, with overlapping portions, to achieve compactness and limit UV leakage (as discussed below). Specifically, the first walls 66 of adjacent baffles 60 overlap one another in a spaced manner, and the second walls 68 overlap one another in a spaced manner. This arrangement is referred to as stepped because the baffles are offset from one another in the vertical and horizontal directions of the cross-section and extend slightly diagonally. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, the stepped arrangement is generally oblique (i.e., at the position of the first main wall 14 (on which the port 40 is located) and toward the adjacent end wall 22. Figure 5 The circumference of the image is shown in Figure 1. ...

[0055] The baffle 60 in the illustrated design also provides the additional function of reducing or eliminating the escape of ultraviolet radiation through the ultraviolet port 40. To help achieve this function, the baffle 60 of the plurality of baffles may have an anti-reflective surface that reduces or eliminates reflection of ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source to reduce or eliminate emission through the ultraviolet chamber port 40.

[0056] When UV light is incident on the baffle surface, if the surface is sufficiently reflective, the radiation may be reflected directly or indirectly toward the UV chamber port 40, thereby allowing it to be emitted from the port 40 (leakage). This situation can be reduced or eliminated by using an anti-reflective surface. For example, by making the inner surface 62 of the second wall 68 facing the direction of the light source 28 anti-reflective, radiation incident on these surfaces at a certain angle will not be reflected (or its reflectivity is significantly reduced), thereby limiting the radiation directed to the UV chamber port 40. In addition, as another option, making any one or both surfaces 64 of each first wall 66 anti-reflective, which will also eliminate or reduce the radiation reflected from these surfaces toward the UV port 40 (including radiation that will be reflected from these surfaces onto the inner surface of the wall 68). Similarly, by making the outer surface 62 of the wall 68 anti-reflective, this can further reduce the reflection toward the UV port 40. Although radiation from the bulb 30 is not directed toward these exterior surfaces, to the extent that any amount of radiation is reflected onto the interior surface of the first wall 66 or the second wall 68, as a further option, these exterior surfaces 62 of the baffle 60 are anti-reflective, which helps limit the amount of UV radiation leakage through the UV chamber port 40.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle 60 is preferably arranged in a width direction transverse to the flow direction F (i.e., perpendicular to the Figure 1 The cross section of the purifier extends over the entire width of the purifier, and their arrangement is preferably also in the entire height direction (i.e. Figure 1 They can be mounted in any suitable manner such as brackets, fasteners, snap connections, adhesives, etc.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, an additional baffle wall 70 is provided adjacent the baffle 60 closest to the UV chamber port 40. The additional baffle wall 70 is optionally used to block UV radiation from escaping through the edge of the second wall 68 of the baffle 60. The additional baffle wall 70 is also spaced apart from the second wall 68 of the baffle 60 to allow air to escape therebetween, thereby limiting the amount of backflow or turbulence in this area.

[0059] The surface of the baffle 60 discussed above can be made anti-reflective in any suitable manner. By anti-reflective, the term is defined to mean limiting or eliminating reflection of at least ultraviolet radiation, and the anti-reflective properties can be tailored to specific wavelengths of the UV wavelength range where it is desired to avoid or eliminate reflection. For example, anti-reflection can be intended to limit reflection of UV-C radiation or a specific subset of wavelengths therein. Similarly, it may be intended to limit a wide range of ultraviolet radiation that includes UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, or any combination thereof or any combination of their wavelengths (also discussed above). The target radiation wavelength can also be determined by the bulb 30 used for the ultraviolet radiation source (because not every bulb type can emit the full ultraviolet spectrum, so anti-reflection issues may not need to be considered for wavelengths that are not emitted or emitted in negligible amounts).

[0060] One example of providing an anti-reflective surface is coating the baffle surface with an anti-reflective coating. Examples of such coatings include titanium oxide (particularly for UV-C), Nanomyte, or a paint coating containing a polymer additive. An anti-reflective film is also considered a coating as the term is used herein. Another example is making the baffle or part thereof from an anti-reflective material so that no coating needs to be added. Preferably, the spectral light reflectance (relative to UV radiation) for the anti-reflective coating or other material is less than 15%, more preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%, and still more preferably less than 1%. Preferably, this same reflection percentage / range can be for a specific subset of UV radiation that is considered more harmful, such as UV-C or a subset thereof emitted by the bulb 36.

[0061] With the illustrated design of the particular baffle arrangement used, the anti-reflectivity will generally "add up" because radiation will generally have to reflect from two or more surfaces before reaching the UV port 40. For example, if light reflects from two surfaces that are 10% reflective, the total reflectivity is 1% because the first surface reflects 10% of the radiation, and then the second surface reflects 10% of that 10%, or 1%; if three reflections occur, it is 0.1%, and so on. Thus, even a less efficient anti-reflective material can achieve an overall high amount of anti-reflection where the geometry dictates that multiple reflections are required from it to exit the port 40.

[0062] As mentioned above, the interior surfaces of the walls 14, 16, 18, 20 on the portions adjacent to the UV ports 40 (i.e., at or outside the associated baffles 60) are also preferably not made reflective. In some embodiments, these surfaces may also have an anti-reflective surface to eliminate or reduce further reflection of UV radiation escaping through the baffles 60. This is an option and may not be a necessary feature if the baffles 60 provide adequate protection from UV radiation leakage.

[0063] In addition, other joints, gaps, connection points, etc. on the housing 12 can be provided with materials that block the escape of ultraviolet radiation. For example, the access panel 38 or the opening that receives it can be provided with a seal or gasket to limit or eliminate the escape of ultraviolet radiation. Similarly, the area where the housing wall is connected can be sealed with a decorative seal, tape, opaque caulk, etc. This can also be done for any holes where fasteners are installed. These additional features for preventing the escape of ultraviolet radiation are optional and are not meant to be limiting.

[0064] Fig.11 A cross section of a baffle 74 having an alternative design is shown, which has first and second baffle walls 76 arranged in a V-shaped configuration. The plurality of baffles 74 are oriented such that the first baffle wall 76 extends at a first angle relative to the flow direction toward the first main wall 14 of the housing 12 and the disinfection chamber 26, and the second baffle wall 78 extends at a second angle relative to the flow direction F toward the first main wall 14 of the housing 12 and the UV chamber port 40. That is, the angles are not perpendicular to the flow direction F (and the main wall 14), diverging from each other, so that the V-shape is open / facing in the direction of the first main wall 14 and the UV chamber port 40. Although the surfaces of the first and second baffle walls 76, 78 (the chamber guide surfaces and port guide surfaces thereof, respectively) are not oriented parallel to the flow direction F and the port 40 direction, they are generally oriented in these directions. The plurality of baffles 74 are arranged in a nested, spaced-apart arrangement, and the first walls 76 of adjacent baffles 74 overlap each other in a spaced-apart manner, and the second walls 78 overlap each other in a spaced-apart manner. This design does not have the stepped arrangement of the previous embodiment.

[0065] Fig.12 Another cross section of a baffle 80 having another alternative design is shown. The plurality of baffles 80 are oriented such that a first baffle wall 82 extends generally parallel to the first main wall 14 (also in the flow direction) and the disinfection chamber 26 (as discussed in the first embodiment), and a second baffle wall 84 extends at an angle relative to the flow direction toward the first main wall 14 and the UV chamber port 40 (as discussed in the second embodiment). As shown, the plurality of baffles 80 are arranged in a nested arrangement, and the first walls 82 of adjacent baffles 80 overlap each other in a spaced-apart manner, and the second walls 84 overlap each other in a spaced-apart manner.

[0066] Optionally, the first and second walls 82, 84 of each of the plurality of baffles 80 are connected by at least one intermediate wall, the plurality of baffles 80 are arranged in a nested arrangement, and the first walls 82 of adjacent baffles 80 overlap each other in a spaced-apart manner, the second walls 84 overlap each other in a spaced-apart manner, and the intermediate walls overlap each other in a spaced-apart manner. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the at least one intermediate wall includes a third wall 86 that is generally parallel to the first wall 14 (and the flow direction F) of the housing 12 and connected to the second wall 84, and a fourth wall 88 that extends at a first angle relative to the flow direction F toward the first main wall 14 and the disinfection chamber 26 and is connected to the first wall 82 and the third wall 86. As an advantage, this provides additional surface area for incident ultraviolet radiation to be absorbed due to repeated reflections.

[0067] In each of these alternative baffle designs (or any other baffle design), the surface thereof may be anti-reflective in the same manner as discussed above, which need not be repeated.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, a second plurality of baffles 90 are mounted adjacent to the fan ports 52 (if used, the baffles on the UV side discussed above may be considered the first plurality of baffles). In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, baffles 90 of the second plurality of baffles are shown positioned within the sterilization chamber 26 adjacent to the inner surface of the wall 48. As will be discussed, this enables the baffles 90 to collect air exiting the fan 44 through the opening 50 in the fan chamber wall 48 and direct a more laminar air flow into the sterilization chamber 26 toward an opposing baffle at the other end of the sterilization chamber 26.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle 90 has the same configuration as the baffle used at the other end of the sterilization chamber 26, such as, but not limited to, Figure 1-6 , they are shown to be identical to baffle 60. Baffle 90 may optionally be inverted relative to baffle 60 (i.e., so that their second walls 68, 98 extend in opposite directions and first walls 66, 96 extend toward each other), but this is not a limiting feature. Baffle 90 may have any other baffle configuration discussed herein, such as baffles 70 and 80 used on the UV side. For example, Fig.11 The same baffles as baffles 70 are shown used on the fan side, arranged in an inverted manner so that the V-shape opens toward wall 16 instead of toward wall 14 (but could also be arranged in the same manner as baffles 70). Similarly, Fig.12The same baffle 80 in the fan housing 26 is preferably flipped around the height axis so that the wall 82 extends toward the UV chamber 26. In addition, the baffle on the fan side can have any other configuration or arrangement, and the design shown is not intended to be limiting. A non-limiting advantage of using the same type of baffle on both sides is to use more common components to reduce costs, but this is not a necessary feature to implement the present invention.

[0070] The illustrated non-limiting baffle 90 of the second plurality of baffles provides a series of port guide surfaces 92 for directing air flow between the fan 44 and the sterilization chamber 26. These surfaces 92 need not extend in any particular direction, and as shown, they are oriented perpendicular to the flow direction F and the fan output direction, which makes them parallel to the fan chamber wall 48 and perpendicular to the main wall 14. Since they extend toward the fan 44 in the flow path from the fan 44 to the chamber 26, these surfaces 92 are still considered to be oriented toward the fan 44. The orientation with a component perpendicular to the fan output provides the advantage of helping to collect the air flow from the fan in a more laminar manner. More specifically, due to the rotation of the blades, the air leaving the fan generally has a twisted or rotational component relative to its flow field (this is more pronounced in some fans, such as mixed flow fans), and thus having a surface 92 oriented at an angle relative to the flow direction (preferably approximately perpendicular to the flow direction) helps to reduce the rotational momentum imparted to the flow field leaving the fan 44 through the opening 50 when entering the baffle 90. For example, for a flow axis at Figure 1 For centrifugal fans in the vertical direction (i.e., perpendicular to both the flow direction F and the width direction) of the fan, the air exiting the fan tends to flow radially from the fan relative to the fan axis. The radial component in the middle of the width direction tends to be more in the flow direction, while the radial component toward the sidewalls tends to be at an angle to the flow direction. Also due to the rotation of the fan, the air flow may also have a circumferential component. The baffle, and particularly the baffle surface 92, helps to collect the air flow exiting the fan so that it can be delivered from the baffle 90 in the flow direction F in the chamber 26 in a more laminar manner.

[0071] The second plurality of baffles 90 also provide a series of chamber guiding surfaces 94 oriented generally in the flow direction F for guiding the flow of air in the sterilization chamber 26. Specifically, the chamber guiding surfaces 94 are preferably oriented in the flow direction F so that the air flow collected by and exiting from the baffles 90 is directed in a more laminar pattern.

[0072] Similar to the baffle 60, the second plurality of baffles 90 are arranged in a spaced-apart arrangement to provide a series of flow channels including the series of port guide surfaces 92 and the series of chamber guide surfaces 94. As discussed, the port guide surfaces 92 are configured to guide air to flow between the flow channel and the fan 44 that generates the air flow via the second port 52, and the chamber guide surfaces 94 are oriented generally in the flow direction to guide air to flow between the flow channel and the sterilization chamber. Each of the baffles 90 can be L-shaped, having a first wall 96 that provides the laminar flow guide surface 94 and a second wall 98 that provides the port guide surface 92. As shown, the first baffle wall 96 can extend toward the sterilization chamber 26, and the second baffle wall 98 extends generally or substantially perpendicular to the main walls 14, 16 at the outer end of the first baffle wall 96. The walls 96 and 98 can be connected together as a single continuous component, as discussed above with respect to the baffle 60. Likewise, any construction or configuration can be used for the baffle 90, and the design shown is not intended to be limiting.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle 90, like the other baffles discussed above, is preferably arranged in a width direction transverse to the flow direction F (i.e., perpendicular to the direction of the Figure 1 The cross section of the purifier extends over the entire width of the purifier, and their arrangement is preferably also in the entire height direction (i.e. Figure 1 They can be mounted in any suitable manner such as brackets, fasteners, snap connections, adhesives, etc. In addition, Figure 4 As shown, the baffles 90 are arranged in a stepped, nested and spaced arrangement. Specifically, the stepped arrangement is generally oblique (i.e., the oblique direction is in the direction of the first main wall 14) away from the fan 44 and away from the second port 52. Figure 4 In the figure, the vertical direction extends upward and to the right. Fig.14 are additional views showing additional structural features including the fan 44 and related components discussed herein.

[0074] In one non-limiting embodiment, baffles 90 (or any other design) in the second plurality of baffles have an anti-reflective surface, such as a coating, film, or achieved through inherent properties of the materials used, which reduces or eliminates reflection of ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source to reduce or eliminate transmission through the fan port 52. The anti-reflective property can be provided in the same manner as the other baffles discussed above, and the above discussion applies equally.

[0075] On the fan side, the path that light takes to travel to the fan port 52 is typically more tortuous / complex, including the opening 50 in the chamber wall 48, the fan 44 itself, and any filter 56 or grille 54 used on the opening 52. UV radiation leakage is less likely to occur on the fan side because it is more difficult for UV radiation to reflect off these various surfaces and exit the fan port 52, especially if a filter 56 with low transmittance to UV radiation is used. However, UV leakage is still possible, especially if structures such as the inner surface of the fan or the fan blades are made of materials that are highly reflective to UV radiation. Therefore, the use of an anti-reflective surface on the baffle on the fan side can be beneficial, but may also be optional and can be omitted.

[0076] Similarly, if the device is configured so that UV leakage through the fan port 54 is not a problem, the baffles and / or chamber walls 48 on the fan side may also have surfaces that are reflective of UV radiation, similar to the disinfection chamber surfaces discussed above, to increase the radiation intensity within the chamber. Even if UV leakage is not a problem, it may still be beneficial to protect the fan components from UV radiation because UV radiation, particularly in the UV-C spectrum, can degrade materials over time, particularly any plastics, rubbers, etc. used in the fan structure. Therefore, the present invention may be implemented with or without anti-reflective properties on the baffles or walls 48 on the fan side, which may be used for different reasons than the UV side, where there is a more direct path from the disinfection chamber 26 to the UV side port 40.

[0077] Figure 7 The basic electrical system for the purifier 10 is shown in schematic form. Any system suitable for activating the fan 44 and the bulb 36 can be used, and the design shown is not limiting. The non-limiting design shown includes the bulb 36, the fan 44, a power supply 100 for controlling the power to the fan 44, a UV ballast for controlling the power to the bulb 36, an interlock switch 102 (which can be activated by a manual switch on the purifier housing 12, by a remote wired or wireless signal, or both) and a power supply 104 for transmitting power through the interlock switch 102. An indicator 106 may also be included, such as an LED indicator on the outside of the housing 12 (usually on the wall 14 or on the cover 15 so as to be visible) to notify the user when the UV bulb 36 is working to emit UV radiation. The indicator 106 can also be used to indicate when the bulb 36 is not working, such as being damaged, burned out or otherwise not functioning, to notify the user that the bulb needs to be replaced.

[0078] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the volumetric turnover rate (the amount of air flowing through it per unit time) of the air purifier 10 can be in the range of 50-159 cfm (cubic feet per minute), preferably 75-125 cfm, and even more preferably 90-100 cfm. The flow rate may be different for other considerations, such as noise reduction, slower cleaning (lower cfm) at night to reduce energy consumption, higher cleaning when noise is not an issue when working away from the office, etc. Due to the overall configuration of the design and the ability to manage UV radiation leakage through structures that facilitate laminar flow, the volumetric turnover can be in these high ranges while still providing air flow sufficient exposure to UV radiation to achieve pathogenic power.

[0079] Generally speaking, the model for evaluating the survival of pathogens irradiated by UV light can be the classic first-order single-stage decay model. The equation is:

[0080] S=e -kD

[0081] Where k is in m 2 / J UV rate constant (for target pathogens), D is in J / m 2 The UV dose is the fractional survival rate of the pathogen. This model is usually applicable to disinfection rates of the order of 90-99% and can be used to model the UV dose. Because the UV dose (D) is the irradiance (unit W / m 2 ) times the exposure time, which in turn is related to the flow rate, which can be adjusted based on the expected pathogens, the irradiance of the bulb 36, the desired fractional survival rate, and other factors such as energy consumption. All of these factors can be balanced according to design needs.

[0082] Ultraviolet emission testing can be performed according to the UL-507 test protocol of the Underwriters Laboratory. The photobiological evaluation standards in ANSI RP-27 can be used. The UV-C radiation emitted by the purifier, for example at any port 40, 52, is preferably less than 0.1 μW / cm 2 (This is not limiting.) These references to existing standards refer to the standards in effect as of the filing date of this application. These are not binding or essential to the scope of the present invention, as standards may change and compliance may vary in different jurisdictions.

[0083] Fig.13 Another non-limiting arrangement for baffles at the first or UV chamber end is shown. Fig.13 The baffle 110 in the embodiment is arranged in an inverted manner. Figure 1-3The same as the baffle 60 in 5-6. For convenience, the same reference numerals will be used for common structures in these figures. Figure 1-3 and Figure 5 As in the case of FIG. 1 , the baffles 110 are similarly arranged in a nested, stepped and spaced configuration, with the inclined direction of the stepped arrangement extending away from the first major wall 14 and away from the UV chamber 26. Fig.13 The embodiments may be used independently of or in combination with any baffle arrangement on the fan side / second end (eg, the baffle arrangements in the previous figures or described above).

[0084] exist Fig.13 In the non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the first baffle wall 112 (66 in the previous figure) is oriented to extend away from the second baffle wall 114 (68 in the previous figure) toward the port 40 and is located at the end of the second baffle wall 114 closer to the first main wall 14 and the port 40. As shown, the plurality of baffles 110 are oriented so that the first baffle wall 112 extends toward the first port 40 generally parallel to the first main wall 14 of the housing 12, but they can also be angled relative to the first main wall 4 toward the port 40 (i.e., forming an obtuse angle with the second baffle wall 114, rather than the perpendicular angle shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the second baffle wall 114 extends in a direction away from the first main wall 14 at the inner end of the first baffle wall 112, and as shown, the second baffle wall 114 is generally perpendicular to the first main wall 14 and the flow direction F. Thus, the first baffle wall 112 provides a series of port guide surfaces 116 oriented toward the UV chamber port 40 for guiding air between the sterilization chamber 26 and the UV chamber port 40, and in particular between the flow channel of the baffle 110 and the port 40, in the direction of the UV chamber port 40. Similarly, the second baffle wall 114 provides a series of chamber guide surfaces 118 for guiding air between the flow channel of the baffle 110 and the sterilization chamber 26. As shown, the chamber guide surfaces 118 guide the air flow by collecting or receiving air flowing generally in the flow direction F and guiding it downward toward the first baffle wall 112 for output to the port 40.

[0085] Fig.13 The inverted configuration in FIG. 1 reduces UV emission due to the longer second wall 114 , particularly the second wall closest to the first main wall 14 facing the chamber 26 .

[0086] Because the entire inner surface of the second wall 114 of the baffle 110 closest to the first main wall 14 faces the chamber 26, it blocks a large amount of light from entering the baffle arrangement (and thus the port 40). Figure 3 The design is different. Figure 3In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , some of the light striking the corresponding baffle 60 closest to the first major wall 14 may be reflected into the plenum chamber where the port 40 is located, thereby allowing some potential UV leakage. A trade-off is that Fig.13 The arrangement of the baffles in the chamber 26 will increase turbulence somewhat. However, the inventors have found that the increase in turbulence is modest and does not materially affect the exposure of the airflow to UV radiation or the volume flow rate in the chamber 26, while at the same time UV emission is greatly reduced. Even though the wall 114 is perpendicular to the direction of flow as shown (this is not limiting), the baffles 110 still work to collect a large cross-sectional airflow from the chamber 26. Either design may be used, and the choice may depend on overall size constraints, flow rates used, UV bulb brightness / intensity, etc.

[0087] The reflection can also be enhanced by providing the baffle surface with anti-reflective properties as discussed above. Fig.13 For example, the inner surface 118 of the second wall 114 facing the light source 28 (at Fig.13 If the outer surfaces 118 (facing left in the figure) of the wall 114 are anti-reflective, radiation incident on these surfaces at certain angles will not be reflected (or its reflectivity will be significantly reduced), thereby limiting the radiation directed toward the UV chamber port 40. In addition, as another option, making either or both surfaces 116 of each first wall 112 anti-reflective will also eliminate or reduce radiation reflected from these surfaces toward the UV port 40 (including radiation that will be reflected onto the inner surface of the wall 114). Similarly, by making the outer surface 118 of the wall 114 (facing left in the figure) anti-reflective, radiation incident on these surfaces at certain angles will not be reflected (or its reflectivity will be significantly reduced), thereby limiting the radiation directed toward the UV chamber port 40. Fig.13 14 and 15. In some embodiments, the first and second major walls 14 and 15 are preferably arranged in a manner that is symmetrical and that is not necessarily directed toward the UV chamber port 40 ...

[0088] Fig.13Also shown is a cover 15, which is attached by a hinge and can be pivoted downward to provide access to the panel for replacing light bulbs 36, filters, or other maintenance / repair purposes. A plastic trim 120 is attached to port 40, which helps direct air through port 40. A similar trim 121 can be used at the second end at fan port 52, or a single continuous trim can extend around the cover 15 to help direct air flow through ports 40, 52. Fig.13 It can also be seen that, as discussed above, the reflective panels 122 are shown mounted on the inner surfaces of the side walls 18, 20 and may also be mounted on the inner surfaces of the main walls 14, 16.

[0089] As can be seen from the various figures, the plurality of baffles used in the first or second end (UV port end or fan end) in various embodiments are arranged in a spaced arrangement to provide a series of flow channels including port guide surfaces and chamber guide surfaces. It is preferred to use a plurality of separate or separate channels to guide the flow without substantial restrictions, because the plurality of baffles provide an increased surface area while maintaining a relatively large cross-sectional flow area, so the guide surface guides the air flow through it with greater improvement. The use of thin walls for the baffles, such as plastics, metal plates, etc. in the form of thin walls, helps to provide an increased surface area for air flow control while maintaining a larger cross-sectional flow area. For example, the wall can be in the range of 0.05-0.25 inches, and 10 gauge or 12 gauge stainless steel metal plates (thickness is approximately 0.141 and 0.109 inches, respectively) are non-limiting examples. As can be seen, the baffles in each design can be arranged roughly throughout the height direction, thereby allowing a larger cross-sectional area to be provided for the air flow entering and leaving any given series of baffles. Similarly, the baffles can extend through roughly the entire width direction, thereby even further increasing the cross-sectional flow area.

[0090] The baffles at either end may have any configuration or design and may be used in different combinations (e.g., a baffle used at the fan end of one embodiment may be used in the design of a baffle at the UV port end of another embodiment). For example, curved baffles, including continuously curved baffles, may be used in place of baffles having different angles between the walls defining the port guide surface and the chamber guide surface, with the understanding that the portion of the curve adjacent to the chamber 26 would be considered a chamber guide surface, while the portion adjacent to the port would be considered a port guide surface.

[0091] The above detailed description has been provided to illustrate the structural and functional principles of the present invention, but it is not intended to be limiting. On the contrary, the present invention includes all modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air purifier, include: A housing for mounting in or on a wall or ceiling of a building space; a UV disinfection chamber within the housing for directing a flow of air through the UV disinfection chamber in a flow direction extending between opposing first and second ends of the UV disinfection chamber; An ultraviolet light source installed in the ultraviolet disinfection chamber, for emitting ultraviolet light to disinfect air flowing through the ultraviolet disinfection chamber; a first port on the housing in communication with the UV disinfection chamber at a first end of the UV disinfection chamber to allow air to flow between the UV disinfection chamber and the building space via the first port, the first port being oriented at an angle to the flow direction to face the building space; a fan for generating an air flow from the building space and through the UV disinfection chamber and the first port, the fan being remote from the first port; a plurality of baffles mounted adjacent to the first port, Wherein, the plurality of baffles are arranged in a spaced-apart arrangement to provide a series of flow channels, the series of flow channels comprising a series of port guide surfaces and a series of chamber guide surfaces, the port guide surfaces being configured to guide air to flow between the flow channel and the first port, and the chamber guide surfaces being configured to guide air to flow between the flow channel and the ultraviolet disinfection chamber.

2. The air purifier according to claim 1, in, A baffle of the plurality of baffles has an anti-reflective surface that reduces or eliminates reflection of ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source to reduce or eliminate emission through the first port.

3. The air purifier according to claim 2, in, The port guide surface is oriented toward the first port to guide air flow between the flow channel and the first port, and the chamber guide surface is generally oriented toward the UV disinfection chamber in a flow direction to guide air flow between the flow channel and the UV disinfection chamber.

4. The air purifier according to claim 3, in, The housing has a first main wall and a second main wall that are parallel and a side wall connecting the first main wall and the second main wall, and the first port is an opening in the first main wall; Each of the plurality of baffles comprises a first baffle wall extending toward the ultraviolet disinfection chamber and a second baffle wall extending toward the first port, the first baffle wall providing the chamber guide surface, and the second baffle wall providing the port guide surface.

5. The air purifier according to claim 4, in, The first baffle wall and the second baffle wall of each baffle of the plurality of baffles are connected to each other.

6. The air purifier according to claim 5, in, Each of the plurality of baffles is L-shaped, and the first baffle wall and the second baffle wall are substantially perpendicular.

7. The air purifier according to claim 6, in, The plurality of baffles are oriented such that a first baffle wall is generally parallel to the first major wall of the housing and a second baffle wall extends generally perpendicular to the first major wall of the housing toward the first port.

8. The air purifier according to claim 6, in, The plurality of baffles are arranged in a stepped, nested and spaced arrangement, and first baffle walls of adjacent baffles overlap one another in a spaced manner and second baffle walls overlap one another in a spaced manner.

9. The air purifier according to claim 7, in, The plurality of baffles are arranged in a stepped, nested and spaced arrangement, and first baffle walls of adjacent baffles overlap one another in a spaced manner and second baffle walls overlap one another in a spaced manner.

10. The air purifier according to claim 5, in, The plurality of baffles are oriented such that a first baffle wall extends at a first angle toward the first major wall of the housing and the UV disinfection chamber, and wherein a second baffle wall extends at a second angle toward the first major wall of the housing and the first port.

11. The air purifier according to claim 10, in, The plurality of baffles are arranged in a nested, spaced-apart arrangement with first baffle walls of adjacent baffles overlapping one another in a spaced-apart manner and second baffle walls overlapping one another in a spaced-apart manner.

12. The air purifier according to claim 5, in, The plurality of baffles are oriented such that a first baffle wall extends generally parallel to the first major wall and the direction of flow, and a second baffle wall extends at an angle toward the first major wall and the first port.

13. The air purifier according to claim 12, in, The plurality of baffles are arranged in a nested, spaced-apart arrangement with first baffle walls of adjacent baffles overlapping one another in a spaced-apart manner and second baffle walls overlapping one another in a spaced-apart manner.

14. The air purifier according to claim 12, in, The first baffle wall and the second baffle wall of each baffle of the plurality of baffles are connected by at least one intermediate wall.

15. The air purifier according to claim 14, in, The plurality of baffles are arranged in a nested, spaced-apart arrangement, with first baffle walls of adjacent baffles overlapping one another in a spaced-apart manner, second baffle walls overlapping one another in a spaced-apart manner, and intermediate walls overlapping one another in a spaced-apart manner.

16. The air purifier according to claim 14, in, The at least one intermediate wall includes a third wall that is substantially parallel to the first main wall of the housing and connected to the second baffle wall, and a fourth wall that extends toward the first main wall at an angle relative to the flow direction and connected to the first baffle wall and the third wall.

17. The air purifier according to claim 15, in, The at least one intermediate wall includes a third wall that is substantially parallel to the first main wall of the housing and connected to the second baffle wall, and a fourth wall that extends toward the first main wall at an angle relative to the flow direction and connected to the first baffle wall and the third wall.

18. The air purifier according to claim 2, in, The port guide surface is oriented toward the first port for guiding air flow between the flow channel and the first port, and the chamber guide surface for guiding air flow between the flow channel and the UV disinfection chamber is generally oriented perpendicular to the flow direction.

19. The air purifier according to claim 18, in, The housing has a first main wall and a second main wall that are parallel and a side wall connecting the first main wall and the second main wall, and the first port is an opening in the first main wall; Wherein, each of the multiple baffles includes a first baffle wall extending toward the first port and a second baffle wall extending at an inner end of the first baffle wall substantially perpendicular to the first main wall and the second main wall, the first baffle wall providing the port guide surface, and the second baffle wall providing the chamber guide surface.

20. The air purifier according to claim 19, in, The first baffle wall and the second baffle wall of each baffle of the plurality of baffles are connected to each other.

21. The air purifier according to claim 20, in, Each of the plurality of baffles is L-shaped, and the first baffle wall and the second baffle wall are substantially perpendicular.

22. The air purifier according to claim 21, in, The plurality of baffles are oriented such that a first baffle wall extends generally parallel to the first major wall of the housing toward the first port and a second baffle wall is generally perpendicular to the first major wall of the housing.

23. The air purifier according to claim 21, in, The plurality of baffles are arranged in a stepped, nested and spaced arrangement, with first baffle walls of adjacent baffles overlapping one another in a spaced manner and second baffle walls overlapping one another in a spaced manner.

24. The air purifier according to claim 22, in, The plurality of baffles are arranged in a stepped, nested and spaced arrangement, with first baffle walls of adjacent baffles overlapping one another in a spaced manner and second baffle walls overlapping one another in a spaced manner.

25. The air purifier according to claim 1, further comprising: include: a second port on the housing in communication with the UV disinfection chamber at a second end of the UV disinfection chamber to allow air to flow between the UV disinfection chamber and the building space via the second port, the second port being oriented at an angle to the flow direction to face the building space; wherein the plurality of baffles installed adjacent to the first port are a first plurality of baffles, the air purifier further comprises a second plurality of baffles installed adjacent to the second port, and the fan is located between the second plurality of baffles and the second port to generate an air flow through the second port, The baffles of the second plurality of baffles are arranged in a spaced-apart arrangement to provide a series of flow channels, the series of flow channels including a series of port guide surfaces and a series of chamber guide surfaces, the port guide surfaces being configured to guide air to flow between the flow channels and a fan that generates an air flow via the second port, and the chamber guide surfaces being configured to be oriented generally in a flow direction to guide air to flow between the flow channels and the ultraviolet disinfection chamber.

26. The air purifier according to claim 25, in, The baffles of the second plurality of baffles have anti-reflective surfaces, and the anti-reflective surfaces of the second plurality of baffles reduce or eliminate reflection of ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source to reduce or eliminate emission through the second port.

27. The air purifier according to claim 26, in, The housing comprises a fan chamber having a wall between the fan chamber and the ultraviolet disinfection chamber, the wall of the fan chamber having an opening for communicating the fan chamber and the disinfection chamber, and wherein the fan chamber has the second port and the fan is located in the fan chamber.

28. The air purifier according to claim 27, in, The fan is configured to draw air flow from the building space through the second port, convey the air flow through the UV disinfection chamber and exhaust it into the building space through the first port.

29. The air purifier according to claim 28, in, The air purifier also includes a filter installed in the fan port.

30. An air purifier, include: A housing for mounting in or on a wall or ceiling of a building space; a UV disinfection chamber within the housing for directing a flow of air through the UV disinfection chamber in a flow direction extending between opposing first and second ends of the UV disinfection chamber; An ultraviolet light source installed in the ultraviolet disinfection chamber, for emitting ultraviolet light to disinfect air flowing through the ultraviolet disinfection chamber; a first port on the housing, communicating with the UV disinfection chamber at a first end of the UV disinfection chamber to allow air to flow between the UV disinfection chamber and the building space via the first port; a second port on the housing, communicating with the UV disinfection chamber at a second end of the UV disinfection chamber to allow air to flow between the UV disinfection chamber and the building space via the second port; a fan adjacent to the second port for generating an air flow to draw the air flow from the building space through the second port and convey the air flow through the UV disinfection chamber and out of the first port; A plurality of baffles are installed adjacent to the second port and the fan for receiving air flowing out of the fan and flowing into the ultraviolet disinfection chamber, wherein the baffles in the plurality of baffles provide a series of port guide surfaces for guiding air to flow from the fan that generates the air flow through the second port, and the baffles in the plurality of baffles also provide a series of chamber guide surfaces oriented generally in the flow direction for guiding air to flow from the baffle into the ultraviolet disinfection chamber.

31. The air purifier according to claim 30, in, The plurality of baffles are arranged in a spaced-apart arrangement to provide a series of flow channels including the port guide surface and the chamber guide surface.

32. The air purifier according to claim 31, in, The plurality of baffles are arranged in a stepped, nested and spaced arrangement.

33. The air purifier according to claim 31, in, The port guide surfaces are oriented generally perpendicular to the direction of flow.

34. The air purifier according to claim 23, in, The plurality of baffles are arranged in a stepped, nested and spaced arrangement.

35. The air purifier according to claim 24, in, The stepped arrangement extends generally diagonally away from the fan and away from the first main wall including the second port.

36. The air purifier according to claim 35, in, The housing has a first main wall and a second main wall that are parallel and a side wall connecting the first main wall and the second main wall, and the first port is an opening in the first main wall; Wherein, each of the multiple baffles includes a first baffle wall extending toward the ultraviolet disinfection chamber and a second baffle wall extending at an outer end of the first baffle wall approximately perpendicular to the first main wall and the second main wall, the first baffle wall provides the chamber guide surface, and the second baffle wall provides the port guide surface.

37. The air purifier according to claim 36, in, The first baffle wall and the second baffle wall of each baffle of the plurality of baffles are connected to each other.

38. The air purifier according to claim 37, in, Each of the plurality of baffles is L-shaped, and the first baffle wall and the second baffle wall are substantially perpendicular.

39. The air purifier according to claim 38, in, The plurality of baffles are oriented such that a first baffle wall is generally parallel to the first major wall of the housing and a second baffle wall extends generally perpendicular to the first major wall of the housing.

40. The air purifier according to claim 38, in, The plurality of baffles are arranged in a stepped, nested and spaced arrangement, with first baffle walls of adjacent baffles overlapping one another in a spaced manner and second baffle walls overlapping one another in a spaced manner.

41. The air purifier according to claim 39, in, The plurality of baffles are arranged in a stepped, nested and spaced arrangement, with first baffle walls of adjacent baffles overlapping one another in a spaced manner and second baffle walls overlapping one another in a spaced manner.

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