Air purifier with filter holder

Abstract

An air purifier includes a housing including an intake opening for inflow of air and an output opening for outflow of air, a fan, a motor for rotating the fan, a sleeve configured to at least partially surround the fan and / or the motor, an air purifier unit, and a retainer assembly. The air purifier unit is mounted in the housing to purify air flowing through the housing, and is operatively coupled to the sleeve. The retainer assembly is configured to retain the air purifier unit in the housing and to retain the air purifier unit relative to the sleeve. The retainer assembly includes a retainer and an actuator operatively associated with the retainer and the sleeve, where movement of the actuator from a first position to a second position moves the retainer to securely retain the air purifier unit in the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the earlier filed co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 414,120, filed on October 7, 2022, under 35 USC 119(e), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003] This patent application relates to air purifiers, and particularly to one and / or more air purifiers that include a filter holder. Background Art

[0004] Dust and allergens such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and microorganisms (e.g., germs and bacteria) in the air can affect the health of people breathing the air. Air purifiers are well-known devices that are used in indoor spaces (such as homes and commercial public spaces) to provide fresh air by removing odors, dust, allergens, and other airborne contaminants from the indoor air.

[0005] An air purifier typically includes a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is configured to receive ambient air, and the air outlet is configured to deliver the purified air into the interior space. The housing provides an air flow path from the air inlet to the air outlet. The housing also includes an air filtration system, a fan, and a drive mechanism (e.g., a motor). The air filtration system is disposed in the air flow path to filter dirt present in the ambient air passing therethrough. The fan is configured to move air through the air flow path between the air inlet and the air outlet. The drive mechanism is configured to provide power to suck air into the air inlet, suck air through the air flow path, and discharge the purified air from the air outlet.

[0006] Examples of known air purifiers include U.S. Patent No. 9,737,842 (“the ‘842 patent”) titled “air purifier with intelligent sensors and airflow”; U.S. Design Patent No. USD667097 titled “air purifier”; U.S. Design Patent No. USD667098 titled “air purifier” and U.S. Design Patent No. USD667096 titled “air purifier”; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0154297 titled “air purifier with intelligent sensors and airflow”. These patents and / or patent applications have the same assignee as this patent application. This patent application incorporates each of these patents and / or patent applications by reference in its entirety.

[0007] This patent application is directed to various improvements to known air purifiers or air purification systems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one embodiment of this patent application, an air purifier is provided. The air purifier includes a housing, a fan, a motor for rotating the fan, a sleeve configured to at least partially surround the fan and / or the motor, an air purifier unit, and a retainer assembly. The housing includes an intake opening for the inflow of air and an output opening for the outflow of air. The air purifier unit is installed in the housing to purify the air flowing through the housing. The air purifier unit is operatively coupled to the sleeve. The retainer assembly is configured to hold the air purifier unit in the housing and hold the air purifier unit relative to the sleeve. The retainer assembly includes a retainer and an actuator operatively associated with the retainer and the sleeve. Movement of the actuator from a first position to a second position causes the retainer to move to firmly hold the air purifier unit in the housing.

[0009] In one embodiment, in use, the air purifier unit is substantially coaxial with the fan and / or the motor.

[0010] In one embodiment, the air purifier may include a dual-core configuration having two fans, two motors, two air purifier units, and two retainer assemblies. In each core of the dual-core configuration, the air purifier unit is substantially coaxial with the associated fan and / or the associated motor.

[0011] These and other aspects of the present patent application, as well as the operating methods and functions of the related structural elements, the combination of components, and the economy of manufacture, will become more apparent by considering the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals represent corresponding parts in the respective drawings. In one embodiment of the present patent application, the structural components illustrated herein are drawn to scale. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and are not intended as a definition of the limitations of the present patent application. It should also be understood that the features of one embodiment disclosed herein may be used in other embodiments disclosed herein. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, as used in the specification and claims, the term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be understood that some of the components and features discussed herein may be discussed only in connection with one (single) of such components, and for the sake of reducing redundancy, other similar components that may be disclosed herein may not be discussed in detail.

[0012] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present patent application will become apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] By way of example only, various embodiments are disclosed with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent corresponding parts, wherein,

[0014] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary air purifier according to an embodiment of the present patent application, wherein the air purifier includes a dual-module / core / air channel configuration and the air purifier is suspended from the ceiling using a cable;

[0015] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 of the air purifier, wherein the side panel (from Figure 1 in the closed position) is moved to the open position, for example, for installing / replacing the filter / air purifier unit;

[0016] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 an exploded view of the air purifier;

[0017] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 Another exploded view of an air purifier, where some parts of the air purifier (such as the housing, sensors, controller, etc.) are not shown to better illustrate the other parts of the air purifier;

[0018] Figure 5 Shows the single-module / core mechanism configuration of an exemplary air purifier according to an embodiment of the present patent application, where some parts of the air purifier (such as the housing, sensors, controller, etc.) are not shown to better illustrate the other parts of the air purifier;

[0019] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 The dual-module / core mechanism configuration of an air purifier, where some parts of the air purifier (such as the housing, sensors, controller, etc.) are not shown to better illustrate the other parts of the air purifier;

[0020] Figure 7 Shows the assembly diagram of an exemplary holder assembly of an air purifier unit in an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present patent application;

[0021] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 The exploded view of the holder assembly;

[0022] Figures 9 - 16 Shows various exemplary processes in a method for installing / replacing an air purifier unit in an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present patent application, where Figures 9 - 10 Shows an exemplary process for connecting the carbon filter and the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter of the air purifier unit to each other, Figures 11 - 12 Shows the process of using a filter guide to align / support the air purifier unit so that the air purifier unit can be in an appropriate position relative to a sleeve (configured to at least partially surround the fan and / or motor) before actuating the actuator of the holder assembly to firmly hold the air purifier unit, and Figures 13 - 16 Shows an exemplary process for using the holder assembly to hold the air purifier unit in the housing and hold the air purifier unit relative to the sleeve;

[0023] Figure 17 Shows various views of an exemplary holder assembly (e.g., a spring plate holder assembly / mechanism) for an air purifier unit of an air purifier according to another embodiment of the present patent application;

[0024] Figure 18 Shows various views of an exemplary holder assembly (e.g., rod holder mechanism / component) for an air purifier unit of an air purifier according to another embodiment of the present patent application;

[0025] Figure 19 Shows various views of an exemplary holder assembly (e.g., tab engagement holder assembly / mechanism) for an air purifier unit of an air purifier according to another embodiment of the present patent application;

[0026] Figure 20 Shows various views of an exemplary holder assembly (e.g., spring-based tapered holder assembly / mechanism) for an air purifier unit of an air purifier according to another embodiment of the present patent application;

[0027] Figure 21 shows an air purifier unit / filter of the prior art;

[0028] Figure 22 Shows various views of an exemplary holder assembly (e.g., spring-biased holder assembly / mechanism) for an air purifier unit / filter of an air purifier according to another embodiment of the present patent application;

[0029] Figure 23 Shows an exemplary mixed-flow fan used in an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present patent application;

[0030] Figure 24 Shows Figure 23 the exemplary mixed-flow fan is disposed in a sleeve in the air purifier;

[0031] Figure 25 Shows a part of the housing of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present patent application, in which a sleeve (configured to at least partially surround the fan and / or motor), a motor, a mixed-flow fan, and an outlet / outflow guiding structure are shown;

[0032] Figure 26 Shows a part of an air purifier according to another embodiment of the present patent application, in which a mixed-flow fan, a motor, and an outlet / outflow guiding structure are shown;

[0033] Figure 27 Shows an exemplary simulation of a filter and a fan according to an embodiment of the present patent application;

[0034] Figure 28 Shows a graphical representation of the comparison of pressure and air flow rate through an air purifier, for example, when a centrifugal fan, a mixed-flow fan, or an axial-flow fan is used in the air purifier;

[0035] Figure 29 shows a graphical representation of the prior art of pressure versus air flow rate through an air purifier when an axial fan is used in the air purifier;

[0036] Figure 30 Shows a shared core mechanism configuration (e.g., including an air purifier unit / filter, a mixed-flow fan, an outlet / discharge flow guiding structure, and a holder assembly for the air purifier unit / filter), which is used for different models / configurations of air purifiers, and the configurations include configurations on and within the ceiling, a configuration suspended from the ceiling, configurations on and within the wall, and a floor-standing configuration;

[0037] Figures 31 - 33 Shows an exemplary prototype of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present patent application, wherein Figure 31 Shows an air purifier with a single core mechanism / module configuration, Figure 32 Shows an air purifier with a dual core mechanism / module configuration, Figure 33 Shows an air purifier with a dual core mechanism / module configuration, wherein the filter passage panel is moved to an open position for installing or replacing the air purifier unit / filter; and

[0038] Figures 34 - 35 Shows an exemplary air purifier according to an embodiment of the present patent application, wherein Figure 34 Shows an air purifier with a single core mechanism / module configuration, and Figure 35 Shows an air purifier with a dual core mechanism / module configuration. Detailed Description

[0039] Figures 1 - 6 Shows an air purifier 100. In one embodiment, the air purifier 100 includes a housing 102, a fan 104, a motor 106 for rotating the fan 104, a sleeve 108 configured to at least partially surround the fan 104 and / or the motor 106, an air purifier unit 110, and a holder assembly 112. The housing 102 includes an intake opening 114 for the inflow of air and an output opening 116 for the outflow of air. The air purifier unit 110 is installed in the housing 102 to purify the air flowing through the housing 102 and is operatively coupled to the sleeve 108. The holder assembly 112 is configured to hold the air purifier unit 110 in the housing 102 and hold the air purifier unit 110 relative to the sleeve 108. The holder assembly 112 includes a holder 118 and an actuator 120 operatively associated with the holder 118 and the sleeve 108. The actuator 120 moves from a first position FP (as shown in Figure 13 and 14 shown) to a second position SP (as shown in Figure 16The movement (shown in [ID]) causes the retainer 118 to move to firmly hold the air purifier unit 110 within the housing 102.

[0040] The housing 102 may include an elongated housing. The housing 102 may include a base 122, a plurality of side walls 124, and a top 126. In one embodiment, at least three of the plurality of side walls 124, the base 122, and the top 126 together define an internal cavity 123 of the air purifier 100. The internal cavity 123 may be configured to receive various components of the air purifier 100 therein (including the motor 106, the fan 104, the retainer assembly 112, and the air purifier unit 110). A fourth side wall 124 of the housing 102 may be movably attached to the housing 102 and may serve as a filter access panel 171, as will be described in detail below.

[0041] The base 122 may be perforated to include an intake opening 114 for the inflow of air. The intake opening 114 may be interchangeably referred to as an air inlet and may be configured to receive ambient air. The intake opening 114 may include a plurality of intake openings. The intake opening 114 is positioned near the air purifier unit 110, as will be described in detail in the discussion below.

[0042] At least one of the plurality of side walls 124 includes an output opening 116 for the outflow of air. The output opening 116 may be interchangeably referred to as an air outlet and may be configured to convey the purified air. The housing 102 also provides an air flow path between the intake opening 114 and the output opening 116.

[0043] The housing 102 may also include an outlet window panel 128 disposed adjacent to the outlet opening 116. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art (POSITA), the outlet window panel 128 is configured to effectively direct or guide the purified air, which is discharged from the housing 102 through the outlet opening 116 to the environment around the air purifier 100 after air purification. The window panel 128 may direct or guide the purified air to a location (in the environment around the air purifier 100) different from the location (in the environment around the air purifier 100) where the ambient air is received into the housing 102 via the intake opening 114.

[0044] Portions of the housing 102 may be made of a suitable molded plastic material. Portions of the housing 102 may be formed of sheet metal, aluminum, or other metallic materials. Portions of the housing 102 may be formed of a combination of plastic materials and metallic materials.

[0045] The base 122, the plurality of side walls 124, and the top 126 of the housing 102 may be connected to each other to form a peripheral surface / wall, with an intake opening 114 in the base 122 and an outlet opening 116 in at least one of the side walls 124. That is, the base 122, the plurality of side walls 124, and the top 126 of the housing 102 may be connected together to form at least a part of the air flow path between the intake opening 114 and the output opening 116 of the air purifier 100.

[0046] The air purifier 100 may include a single-core mechanism configuration or a dual-core mechanism configuration. The single-core mechanism configuration and the dual-core mechanism configuration of the air purifier 100 will be described in detail below. In the dual-core mechanism configuration, as Figures 1 - 3 shown, the air purifier 100 may include two output openings 116A, 116B for the outflow of air on the first pair of opposite side walls 124A, 124B. Portions of the second pair of opposite side walls 124C, 124D may form panels. One of these panels is fixed to the housing 102, and the other of these panels may be configured to be hingedly (e.g., using a friction hinge or other type of hinge 169) or movably connected to the top 126 or other part of the housing 102. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that in a friction hinge, pressure may be applied to at least one of the fixed part of the hinge and the movable part of the hinge (e.g., attached to the panel) to create friction in the hinge and prevent the panel from rotating about the axis of the shaft connecting the fixed part and the movable part. In another embodiment, both panels may be movably connected to the housing 102. The movable panel may be referred to as panel 171 or the filter access panel, and will be described in detail below.

[0047] Figure 7 and 8 show a retainer assembly 112, which is configured to hold the air purifier unit 110 in the housing 102 and hold the air purifier unit 110 relative to the sleeve 108. Figure 7 shows an assembled view of the retainer assembly 112 of the air purifier 100, while Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the retainer assembly 112. In Figure 7 and 8 , the sleeve 108 and the guide ring 138 are fixed to and relative to the housing 102 of the air purifier 100, while the actuator 120 and the retainer 118 are movable relative to the sleeve 108 and the guide ring 138. The actuator 120 and the retainer 118 are movable relative to the housing 102 of the air purifier 100. Figure 8 The guide ring 138 in the embodiment of Figure 8A is different from the embodiment of Figure 8The guide ring 138 therein is assembled to the sleeve 108. Thus, the guide ring 138 does not move after being assembled to the sleeve 108. As will be apparent from the following discussion, the guide ring 138 forms an angled guide path 132 for the actuator 120. The torsional or rotational movement of the actuator 120 can cause the axial movement of the actuator 120 and the retainer 118 through the cam action of the actuator 120 in the angled guide path 132.

[0048] Figure 8A Another retainer assembly 112' is shown, in which the guide / rail 132' is provided on the sleeve 108 or another component, the other component being held fixed on or relative to the housing and not including a separate guide ring (such as Figures 7 - 8 the guide ring 138). The sleeve 108' is fixed to the housing of the air purifier, while the actuator 120' and the retainer 118' are movable relative to the sleeve 108' and the housing of the air purifier. Figure 8A The retainer 118' of Figure 8A can extend the entire axial length of the sleeve 108, while Figure 8A the retainer 118'' of Figure 7 and 8 can extend the entire axial length of the sleeve 108 in some portions and not extend the entire height of the sleeve 108 in other portions. Figure 8A The retainers 118' and 118'' of Figure 7 and 8 have a configuration slightly different from that of the retainer 118 of

[0049] The retainer assembly 112 includes a retainer 118 and an actuator 120 operatively associated with the retainer 118 and the sleeve 108. The movement of the actuator 120 from a first position FP (as shown in Figure 13 and 14 ) to a second position SP (as shown in Figure 16 ) causes the retainer 118 to move to firmly hold the air purifier unit 110 in the housing 102. The actuator 120 can include one or more intermediate positions IP (as shown in Figure 15 ) between the first position FP and the second position SP.

[0050] The actuator 120 can be an actuator ring having an annular / ring-shaped configuration. The actuator 120 can include an engagement member 130 provided thereon. The engagement member 130 can be a pin or a protrusion provided on the inner circumferential surface 133 of the actuator 120. The engagement member 130 can be configured to face the sleeve 108.

[0051] As will be apparent from the following detailed discussion, the engagement member 130 is configured to engage with the guide / rail 132 provided on the sleeve 108 and / or the guide ring 138 when the actuator 120 moves from the first position FP (as shown in Figure 13 and 14 ) to the second position SP (as shown in Figure 16 ) so as to advance / move the retainer 118 to firmly hold the air purifier unit 110 in the housing 102. The engagement and / or movement of the engagement member 130 of the actuator 120 in the guide 132 provided on the sleeve 108 and / or the guide ring 138 enables an operative association to be achieved between the actuator 120 and the sleeve 108.

[0052] The engagement member 130 of the actuator 120 can be one of a plurality of engagement members 130 that are provided at regular intervals on the inner circumferential surface 133 of the actuator 120. For example, as shown in Figure 8A , the actuator 120 can include two engagement members 130' that are provided at 180-degree intervals on the inner circumferential surface of the actuator 120'. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 8 , the actuator 120 can include four engagement members 130 that are provided at 90-degree intervals on the inner circumferential surface 133 of the actuator 120. In yet another embodiment, the actuator 120 can include three engagement members that are provided at 120-degree intervals on the inner circumferential surface of the actuator 120. The number of the engagement members 130 can vary. As will be described in detail below, the number of the engagement members 130 matches the number of the guides 132 provided on the sleeve 108 and / or the guide ring 138.

[0053] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 8A , the engagement member 130' can also extend / protrude outward from the outer (peripheral / circumferential) surface 135' of the actuator 120' so as to engage with the guide / rail 137' of the retainer 118'. The movement of the inner portion of the engagement member 130' of the actuator 120' in the guide 132' of the sleeve 108' and the movement of the outer portion of the engagement member 130' of the actuator 120' in the guide / rail 137' of the retainer 118' enable the retainer 118' to advance (in the direction of AD).

[0054] The engaging member 130' of the actuator 120' in the guide 132' of the sleeve 108' can be a cam follower that undergoes axial cam motion during circumferential rotation. The outer portion of the engaging member 130' of the actuator 120' can be a separate component. The outer portion of the engaging member 130' of the actuator 120' can be configured to connect to the retainer 118' without rotating the retainer 118' (which would result in a large frictional force when the retainer 118' is pressed against the air purifier unit / filter 110).

[0055] As Figure 7 and 8 shown, the actuator 120 can be configured to be movable / rotatable relative to the sleeve 108 and the guide ring 138 fixed to the housing 102 of the air purifier 100. As Figure 8A shown, the actuator 120' can be configured to be movable / rotatable relative to the sleeve 108' fixed to the housing 102 of the air purifier 100.

[0056] The actuator 120 can also include a flange portion 150 configured to be received in a receiver portion 152 of the retainer 118. The flange portion 150 is provided on the lower portion 154 of the actuator 120.

[0057] Referring Figures 12 - 16 , the actuator 120 can also include a manually engagable actuator tab 153 fixed thereto. The manually engagable actuator tab 153 is configured to be manually engaged by a user such that the engagement and movement of the manually engagable actuator tab 153 by the user causes the actuator 120 of the air purifier 100 to move between its second position (as Figure 16 shown) and its first position (as Figures 13 - 14 shown). For example, when the manually engagable actuator tab 153 is moved in a first circumferential direction FD (as Figure 16 shown), this causes the actuator 120 of the air purifier 100 to move from its first position (as Figures 13 - 14 shown) to its second position (as Figure 16 shown). When the manually engagable actuator tab 153 is moved in a second circumferential direction SD (as Figure 16 shown), this causes the actuator 120 of the air purifier 100 to move from its second position (as Figure 16 shown) to its first position (as Figures 13 - 14 shown). The second direction SD and the first direction FD are both in Figure 16As shown, and the second direction SD is opposite to the first direction FD. For example, one of the second direction SD and the first direction FD may be the clockwise direction, while the other of the second direction SD and the first direction FD may be the counterclockwise direction.

[0058] In one embodiment, the sleeve 108 is configured to at least partially surround the fan 104 and / or the motor 106. In such an embodiment, the fan 104 and the motor 106 may each have their own separate housings, may be disposed together in a separate housing, or may be disposed separately or together in the housing 102 of the air purifier 100 (i.e., disposed in the main housing without their own housings).

[0059] In another embodiment, the sleeve 108 may be referred to as a fan and motor housing, which is configured to at least partially receive the fan 104 and the motor 106 therein. In yet another embodiment, the sleeve 108 may be referred to as a fan housing, which is configured to at least partially receive the fan 104 therein. In such an embodiment, the motor 106 may have a separate housing, or may be disposed in the housing 102 of the air purifier 100 (i.e., disposed in the main housing without its own housing).

[0060] The sleeve 108 may be referred to as a collet or an outlet collet. The sleeve 108 may have a frustoconical or truncated conical configuration (e.g., with a peripheral surface having a certain curvature along the axial or longitudinal direction). The truncated conical configuration of the sleeve 108 may enable the sleeve 108 to at least partially surround / receive the motor 106 and / or the fan 104. The sleeve 108 may be configured to be fixed relative to the housing 102 of the air purifier 100.

[0061] The retainer assembly 112 further includes a guide / track 132. In one embodiment, as Figure 8 shown, a part (or half) 140 of the guide 132 is disposed on the outer (peripheral) surface 134 of the sleeve 108, and a part (or the other half) 142 of the guide 132 is disposed on the guide ring 138, such that the part 140 of the sleeve 108 and the part 142 of the guide ring 138 are configured to form the guide 132 (e.g., an angled guide path). As Figure 8 and 8A shown, the guides 132, 132' may be disposed near the lower part of the sleeve 108' (e.g., see Figure 8 148).

[0062] The track / guide 132 can be interchangeably referred to as a cam guide. The track / guide 132 can be linear or nearly linear. The track / guide 132 can be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing 102. The track / guide 132 can be more like a helical segment. The track / guide 132 can be along a portion of a helix (i.e., a segment of a helix).

[0063] The guide 132 is configured to receive the engagement member 130 of the actuator 120 therein such that during movement of the actuator 120 between a first position FP (as shown in Figures 13 - 14 and a second position SP (as shown in Figure 16 ), the engagement member 130 slidably engages the surface 136 of the guide 132.

[0064] There can be a plurality of guides 132 disposed at regular circumferential intervals on the sleeve 80 and / or the guide ring 138. For example, as shown in Figure 8A , there can be two guides 132' disposed at 180-degree intervals on the sleeve 108'. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 8 , there can be four engagement members 130 disposed at 90-degree intervals on the sleeve 80 and / or the guide ring 138. In yet another embodiment, there can be three guides 132 disposed at 120-degree intervals on the sleeve 80 and / or the guide ring 138. The number of guides 132 can vary. The number of guides 132 on the sleeve 80 and / or the guide ring 138 matches the number of engagement members 130 on the actuator 120.

[0065] The guide ring 138 can have an annular configuration or a ring-like configuration. The guide ring 138 can be configured to be fixed relative to the sleeve 108. The guide ring 138 and the sleeve 108 are fixed relative to the housing 102 of the air purifier 100. The actuator 120 can be configured to be movable / rotatable relative to the sleeve 108 and / or the guide ring 138. As described above and as described with respect to Figure 8A , the guide ring can be optional and the track 132' is disposed on the outer (peripheral) surface 134' of the sleeve 108'.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8 , the guide ring 138 can have a guide portion 144 disposed on its outer surface 146. The fixed configuration of the guide ring 138 relative to the housing 102 and / or the sleeve 108 is configured such that the guide slot 156 in the retainer 118 can properly engage and be guided by the guide rib / portion 144 of the guide ring 138. This helps the axial movement of the retainer 118 relative to (towards and away from) the guide ring 138.

[0067] The guiding portion 144 is configured to engage with an associated guiding slot 156 in the retainer 118 so as to enable the retainer 118 to advance / move (e.g., in the AD direction) when the actuator 120 moves from the first position FP (as shown in Figures 13 - 14 ), to the second position SP (as shown in Figure 16 ), and to enable the retainer 118 to retract / move (e.g., in a direction opposite to the AD direction) when the actuator 120 moves from the second position SP (as shown in Figure 16 ), to the first position FP (as shown in Figures 13 - 14 ).

[0068] The guiding portion 144 may be positioned at regular intervals on the outer surface 146 of the guiding ring 138 and may be positioned between two adjacent guiding members 132. Figure 7 and 8 show four guiding portions 144 on the guiding ring 138 and four corresponding guiding slots 156 in the retainer 118. The number of guiding portions 144 of the guiding ring 138 and the number of guiding slots 156 of the retainer 118 may vary. The number of guiding portions 144 of the guiding ring 138 matches the number of guiding slots 156 of the retainer 118.

[0069] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 8A , a guiding portion 144' may be provided on the outer surface 134' of the sleeve 108'. The guiding portion 144' is configured to engage with an associated guiding slot 156' in the retainer 118' so as to enable the retainer 118' to advance / move (e.g., in the direction AD) when the actuator 120' moves from the first position FP (as shown in Figures 13 - 14 ), to the second position SP (as shown in Figure 16 ), and to enable the retainer 118' to retract / move (e.g., in a direction opposite to the direction AD) when the actuator 120' moves from the second position SP (as shown in Figure 16 ), to the first position FP (as shown in Figures 13 - 14 ). The guiding portion 144' may be positioned at regular intervals on the outer surface 134' of the sleeve 108' and may be positioned between two adjacent guiding members 132'. Figure 8A shows two guiding portions 144' on the sleeve 108', which may be positioned to correspond to two guiding slots 156' in the retainer 118'. The number of guiding portions 144' may vary. The number of guiding portions 144' of the sleeve 108' matches the number of guiding slots 156' of the retainer 118'.

[0070] The receiver portion 152 of the retainer 118 is configured to receive the flange portion 150 of the actuator 120. The receiving portion 152 is provided on the portion 158 of the retainer 118 (i.e., in the illustrated embodiment, on the upper portion of the retainer 118 and thus in a direction opposite to the direction AD). Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, on the upper portion of the retainer 118 and thus in a direction opposite to the direction AD).

[0071] A portion 160 of the retainer 118 (i.e., in the illustrated embodiment, on the lower portion of the retainer 118 and thus in the direction AD) includes a flange portion 162. The flange portion 162 of the retainer 118 is configured to engage with multiple portions of the air purifier unit 110 so as to hold the air purifier unit 110 in the housing 102 and hold the air purifier unit 110 relative to the sleeve 108. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, on the lower portion of the retainer 118 and thus in the direction AD) includes a flange portion 162. The flange portion 162 of the retainer 118 is configured to engage with multiple portions of the air purifier unit 110 so as to hold the air purifier unit 110 in the housing 102 and hold the air purifier unit 110 relative to the sleeve 108.

[0072] The movement of the actuator 120 between a first position FP (as shown in Figure 13 and 14 ) and a second position SP (as shown in Figure 16 ) is a rotational movement. That is, the rotation of the actuator 120 from the first position FP (as shown in Figure 13 and 14 ) to the second position (as shown in Figure 16 ) causes the retainer 118 to advance / move (in the direction AD) against a portion of the air purifier unit 110 to firmly hold the air purifier unit 110 in the housing 102 and hold the air purifier unit 110 relative to the sleeve 108. The said portion of the air purifier unit 110 is the sealing portion 164 (as shown in Figure 4 ). The sealing portion 164 is a sealing gasket.

[0073] When the actuator 120 is in the first position FP (as shown in Figure 13 and 14 ), the retainer 118 is in a first position in which the retainer 118 does not engage with the air purifier unit 110. When the actuator 120 moves to the second position SP (as shown in Figure 16 ), the retainer 118 moves to a second position in which the retainer 118 firmly holds the air purifier unit 110 in the housing 102 of the air purifier 100 and holds the air purifier unit 110 relative to the sleeve 108.

[0074] The retainer 118 is a retaining ring configured to firmly hold the air purifier unit 110. The retaining ring can be configured to apply sufficient frictional force to prevent the air purifier unit from being pulled away from the sleeve 108. The actuator 120 is rotatably mounted relative to the sleeve 108 to engage with the retaining ring 118 and press the retaining ring 118 against the air purifier unit 110. Rotation of the actuator 120 relative to the sleeve 108 causes the actuator 120 to perform a cam motion toward the retaining ring 118 to hold the air purifier unit 110. The sealing function is provided by compression.

[0075] When the actuator 120 of the air purifier 100 moves from its first position (as shown in Figure 16 ) to its second position (as shown in Figures 13 - 14 ) in a first direction FD (as shown in Figure 16 ), the engaging member 130 of the actuator 120 is configured to travel along the surface 136 of the guide / track 132 provided on the sleeve 108 and / or the guide ring 138 to assist the actuator 120 in moving from its first position to its second position. This movement of the engaging member 130 of the actuator 120 along the guide / track 132 causes the actuator 120 to also advance axially (in the direction AD and) away from the sleeve 108. Since the guide ring 138 does not move with the actuator 120 and since the guide ring 138 is assembled to the sleeve 108, this advancement of the actuator 120 further causes the retainer 118 to also advance axially away from the sleeve 108 in the direction AD. This configuration of the guide ring 138, the actuator 120, and the sleeve 108 creates / forms the guide 132 (e.g., an angled cam ramp) in which the pin 130 of the actuator ring 120 travels.

[0076] That is, due to this cam action, the retainer 118 moves from a first axial position to a second axial position. The second axial position is axially spaced from the sleeve 108 by a greater axial distance than the first axial position. The movement of the retainer 118 between the first axial position and the second axial position can be guided by the engagement between the guide portion 144 (or guide portion 144’) of the guide ring 138 and the guide slot 156 (or guide slot 156’) in the retainer 118. In one embodiment, when in the second axial position, the retainer 118 can be configured to engage with the inner surface of the air purifier unit 110 using a friction fit to hold the air purifier unit 110 in place.

[0077] When the actuator 120 of the air purifier 100 moves from its second position (as shown in Figure 16 ) to its first position (as shown in Figure 16 ) in a second direction SD (as shown inFigures 13 - 14 When as shown in [FIG.], the engaging member 130 of the actuator 120 is configured to travel along the surface 136 of the guide / rail 132 provided on the sleeve 108 and / or the guide ring 138 to assist the actuator 120 in moving from its second position to its first position.

[0078] This movement of the engaging member 130 of the actuator 120 along the guide / rail 132 causes the actuator 120 to axially retract towards the sleeve 108 in the direction RD. Since there is no cam action between the surfaces of the actuator 120 and the retainer 118, this retraction of the actuator 120 further causes the retainer 118 to also axially retract towards the sleeve 108 in the direction RD. This axial retraction of the retainer 118 away from the air purifier unit 110 causes the air purifier unit 110 to be released from the retainer 118 (and the retainer assembly 112).

[0079] The air purifier unit 110 may be installed in the housing 102 for filtering air flowing through the housing 102 and flowing in the air flow path between the intake opening 114 and the output opening 116 of the air purifier 100. The air purifier unit 110 may include a filter 110F. The retainer assembly 112 is configured to hold the filter 110F in the housing 102 and hold the filter 110F relative to the sleeve 108.

[0080] The air purifier unit 110 may include an annular or tubular configuration, such as a cylindrical tubular shape. The fan 104 may be disposed adjacent to the annular air purifier unit 110F so as to suck dirty air / environmental air from the surrounding environment through the annular filter / air purifier unit 110F into the air inlet 114 and suck through the air inlet 114.

[0081] The annular filter / air purifier unit 110 may include an external particulate pre-filter for removing particles of a first size and an internal HEPA filter for removing different particles of a second size. The annular filter / air purifier unit 110 may include an outermost particulate pre-filter for removing particles of a first size, an internal HEPA filter for removing different particles of a second size, and an innermost carbon (or activated carbon) filter for removing particles of a third size different from the sizes of the first and second size particles. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the particles of the first size are larger than the particles of the second size, and the particles of the second size are larger than the particles of the third size. The UV lamp may be positioned inside the filter / air purifier unit 110 or near the intersection of the filter / air purifier unit 110 and the fan 104 and the motor 106. After filtering, the purified air flows out through the exhaust window panel and then returns to the environment.

[0082] The filter 110F can include any porous material or component configured to remove particles, dirt, impurities, solid particles, odors, dust, allergens, and other airborne contaminants from the air passing through the filter. The filter 110F can be interchangeably referred to as an air filtration medium / component or an air purification component. The air purifier 100 can be configured to receive different types of filtration media, different types of air purification components, or different types of air filtration media and air purification components.

[0083] Reference Figures 9 - 10 , the air purifier unit 110 can include a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter 110HF and a carbon filter 110CF. Although the filter 110F includes Figure 9 and 10 the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF in

[0084] the HEPA filter 110HF can include an H13 HEPA with a filter life of 1 year. The carbon filter 110CF can have a filter life of 6 months. The filter 110F can also be configured to generate an ionization field to purify the air. The filter 110F can have any type of filter medium and / or purification technology, such as thermodynamic sterilization technology, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation technology, HEPA filter, ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation (UVPCO) technology, electrostatic technology, activated carbon filter, photocatalytic oxidation technology, titanium dioxide (TiO2) technology, ion generator purification technology, ozone generator technology, etc. For example, the filter 110F can include two or more UV-C lamps. The filter 110F can include a filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which is typically in the range of about MERV-13+ to MERV-17+. The filter 110F can include a granular / pelletized (non-pelletized) activated carbon filter. The filter 110F can include an activated carbon filter with a filter life of 1 year. Thus, the air purifier unit 110 in the system can be filter-based, can use non-filter-based methods, or can be a combination of both, and is a known type of structural device for removing impurities from the air.

[0085] The filter 110F may include a pre-filter component, an activated carbon filter component, a MERV-13+ filter component or a True HEPA (MERV-17+) filter component, two or more UV-C lamps, and a photocatalytic air purification component (e.g., TiO2). The filter 110F may also include a plasma (ion generator) air purification component. The True HEPA filter component of the filter 110F may also include an antimicrobial agent. The pre-filter or pre-filter component may comply with the ISO 16890 standard, which establishes an efficiency classification system for air filters for general ventilation based on particulate matter (PM).

[0086] In use, the air purifier unit 110 / filter 110F is substantially coaxial with the fan 104 and / or the motor 106. In use, the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF of the air purifier unit 110 / filter 110F are substantially coaxial with the fan 104 and / or the motor 106.

[0087] Reference Figure 9 and 10 and, the HEPA filter 110HF of the filter 110F has opposite first and second ends 172, 174. The HEPA filter 110HF may include opposite first and second end caps 184, 186 at the first and second ends 172, 174, where a filter medium 192 of a tubular, e.g., cylindrical structure (e.g., corrugated) extends therebetween. The structure of the filter medium 192 defines an open filter interior 196, which also corresponds to the clean air duct / clean air chamber in use. The filter medium 192 of the tubular structure is fixed (or bonded) to the end caps 184, 186. The HEPA filter 110HF may also include an internal support tube or liner and an external support tube or liner. Each of the internal liner and the external liner helps provide structural integrity or support for the filter medium 192.

[0088] The carbon filter 110CF of the filter 110F has opposite first and second ends 176, 178. The carbon filter 110CF can include opposite first and second end caps 188, 190 at the first and second ends 176, 178, with a filter medium 194 of a tubular, preferably cylindrical structure (e.g., corrugated) extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the second end cap 190 of the carbon filter 110CF can be optional, and the filter medium 194 can extend from and be fixed to the first end cap 188. The structure of the filter medium 194 defines an open filter interior 198, which also corresponds to the clean air duct / clean air chamber in use. The filter medium 194 of tubular structure is fixed (or bonded) to one end cap 188 or both end caps 188, 190. The carbon filter 110CF can also include an internal support tube or liner and an external support tube or liner. Each of the internal liner and the external liner helps to provide structural integrity or support for the filter medium 194. The end caps can alternatively be referred to as bonding rings.

[0089] When the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF are connected to each other, the first end 172 of the HEPA filter 110HF and the first end 176 of the carbon filter 110CF are aligned with each other.

[0090] The first end 176 of the carbon filter 110CF can include a first mating portion 180 disposed on its first end cap 188. The first mating portion 180 can be configured to engage a second mating portion 182 disposed on the first end cap 184 (at the first end 172) of the HEPA filter 110H so as to (e.g., removably or permanently) connect the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF together. The mating portions 180, 182 can have any shaped configuration so as to enable the connection between the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF. In the illustrated embodiment, in Figures 9 - 10 which, the mating portions 180, 182 include a male mating portion and a female mating portion.

[0091] The connection between the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF can be achieved by other retainer structures / machines, such as but not limited to snap-fit structures / machines, friction-fit structures / machines, latch mechanisms, spring pawl mechanisms, etc.

[0092] When the life of one of the filters 110HF, 110CF is shorter than that of the other of the filters 110HF, 110CF, the connection between the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF can be a removable connection so that the shorter-lived filter can be easily removed and replaced. When the two filters have the same life, the connection between the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF can be a permanent connection, in which case the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF can be replaced together simultaneously.

[0093] When the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF are connected to each other, the second end 174 of the HEPA filter 110HF and the second end 178 of the carbon filter 110CF are aligned with each other. The retainer assembly 112 is configured to hold the filter 110F (including Figure 9 and 10 the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF in the illustrated embodiment) in the housing 102 and hold the filter 110F relative to the sleeve 108. The retainer assembly 112 is configured to engage with the end cap 186 (at the second end 174) of the HEPA filter 110HF, or with the end caps 186, 190 (at the second ends 174, 178) of the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF, so as to hold the filter 110F in the housing 102 and hold the filter 110F relative to the sleeve 108.

[0094] Reference Figure 9 and 10 shows that the housing 102 includes a guide 197, and the guide 197 is configured to enable the air purifier unit 110 to slide relative to the sleeve 108 into a proper position before actuating the actuator 120 to firmly hold the air purifier unit 110. The guide 197 can be referred to as a filter guide. The guide 197 can include a semi-circular configuration with a circular outer surface 195 and a circular inner surface 193. The circular inner surface 193 can include flat end portions 191, 189 at its two end portions 187, 185. The end cap 184 at the first end 172 of the air purifier unit 110HF includes complementary-shaped flat end portions 183, 181, and the flat end portions 183, 181 are configured to engage with the flat end portions 191, 189 of the guide 197 when the air purifier unit 110 slides relative to the sleeve 108 into a proper position. Figure 11 and 12 show the filter 110F before and after being received / engaged by the guide 197. Figure 11 shows the filter 110F sliding into the guide 197. Figure 12Shows the filter 110F fully seated in or engaged with the guide 197. The guide 197 is configured to hold the filter 110F in place (within the housing 102 and relative to the sleeve 108) prior to the filter holding step / process / operation.

[0095] One of the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF is configured to be positioned concentrically relative to the other of the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF. In the illustrated embodiment, as Figures 9 - 10 shown, the carbon filter 110CF is positioned concentrically within the HEPA filter 110HF. The pre-filter or pre-filter component can be configured to be positioned concentrically to surround the HEPA filter 110HF.

[0096] The carbon filter 110CF can be referred to as a carbon filter layer. The HEPA filter 110HF can be referred to as a HEPA filter layer. The carbon filter 110CF can be located outside the HEPA filter 110HF. That is, the carbon filter 110CF can be configured to be positioned concentrically to surround the HEPA filter 110HF. The pre-filter can be configured to be positioned concentrically to surround the carbon filter 110CF and the HEPA filter 110HF (in that order). As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, when the carbon filter 110CF is positioned outside the HEPA filter 110HF, the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110HF can also be combined together to form an integral replaceable filter.

[0097] One of ordinary skill in the art will also understand that these are merely a few examples of the various configurations and layering of the filter layers. The configuration and layering of the filter layers should not be limited to these configurations and layering of the filter layers.

[0098] In one embodiment, the air purifier unit 110 / filter 110F can include a pre-filter, the carbon filter 110CF, and the HEPA filter 110HF. The pre-filter can be configured to be positioned concentrically to surround the carbon filter 110CF, and the carbon filter 110CF (along with the pre-filter) can be configured to be positioned concentrically to surround the HEPA filter 110HF. In such an embodiment, each of the pre-filter, the carbon filter 110CF, and the HEPA filter 110HF can have a filter life of 1 year.

[0099] The fan 104 is configured to move air through an air flow path between an air inlet 114 and an air outlet 116. The fan 104 can be configured to pull air through the air purifier 100 and push air away from the air purifier 100. The fan 104 can have a central opening 166 configured to receive the motor 106. The fan 104 can be configured to receive the motor 106 within the annular / inner perimeter of the fan 104. In use, the fan 104 is coaxial with the air purifier unit 110 and the motor 106.

[0100] The fan 104 can be rotatably mounted in the housing 102. Referring to Figures 23 - 27 , the fan 104 is a mixed-flow fan, where the outflow of air is axial and perpendicular to the inflow of air. The fan 104 includes an impeller 179 and a plurality of impeller blades 127 disposed on the impeller 179. The mixed-flow fan 104 is configured to twist the air flowing through the air flow path between the air inlet 114 and the air outlet 116. The fan 104 can suck air from the center and discharge the air radially and axially. The fan 104 can be configured to allow air to enter the fan 104 in a region around the longitudinal axis of the fan 104 and allow the air to exit via the output opening 116 (i.e., rotate the air outward by deflection and centrifugal force).

[0101] The mixed-flow fan 104 is configured to move air in a straight line in a manner similar to an axial-flow fan, but due to an inclination of typically 45 degrees, the air in the mixed-flow fan 104 is configured to flow axially and radially relative to the axis and is configured to generate a higher pressure compared to an axial-flow fan while achieving a higher flow rate more efficiently compared to a centrifugal fan. In contrast, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, a centrifugal fan is configured to suck air at the center and the fan blades radiate the air outward at a right angle, thereby pushing the air toward the guiding wall.

[0102] The fan 104 can be configured to operate at different fan speeds or within a continuous range of fan speeds. The different fan speeds can include a turbo fan speed, a high fan speed, a medium fan speed, a low fan speed, and a sleep mode speed (e.g., a speed of 0 rpm). The fan 104 can operate at three, four, or five different fan speeds. However, the number of fan speeds can vary significantly or can be continuously variable.

[0103] Referring to Figures 25 - 27, the air purifier 100 may include an outlet / outflow guiding structure 175. The outlet / outflow guiding structure 175 may include a plurality of outlet / outflow guiding vanes 177. The outlet / outflow guiding structure 175 may be a part of the outlet guiding vane housing 173. The outlet / outflow guiding structure 175 may be complementary to the structure / design of the mixed-flow fan 104 to ensure redirection of the outflow of the air purifier 100 for efficiency, performance, and sound.

[0104] The plurality of outlet / outflow guiding vanes 177 are configured to convert a portion of the energy in the air flow from rotational speed into pressure increase. The plurality of outlet / outflow guiding vanes 177 increase the volume of the air flow achieved by the mixed-flow fan 104 when significant resistance is applied to the air inlet (i.e., the work required to pull air through the filter medium 110F), and a significant pressure difference may be generated from the fan air inlet to the outlet. The plurality of outlet / outflow guiding vanes 177 and the fan blades 127 may be designed and configured to work effectively together and complement each other, as Figure 27 confirmed by the computational fluid dynamics model in. Any fan operating at a fixed rotational speed will lose air flow as the resistance increases, but the vane design significantly reduces this loss compared to the open air rated flow rate.

[0105] The motor 106 may be disposed in the central opening 166 of the fan 104 to rotate the fan 104. The motor 106 may be interchangeably referred to as a drive mechanism. The motor 106 may be configured to drive the fan 104 at a variable speed to move air through the air flow path between the air inlet 114 and the air outlet 116.

[0106] The motor 106 may be configured to provide power to suck air into the air inlet 114, suck air through the air flow path, and deliver / discharge the air out of the air outlet 116 of the housing 102.

[0107] The motor 106 may be an electric motor. The motor 106 may be a brushless DC (BLDC) motor. The motor 106 may be a battery-powered motor. The motor 106 may include an output shaft or a motor shaft. The fan 104 may be operatively connected to the output shaft of the motor 106 to suck air into the air inlet 114, suck air through the air flow path, and deliver / discharge the air out of the air outlet 116 of the housing 102. The motor 106 may be connected to the first end of the output shaft or the motor shaft, and the fan 104 is connected to the second end of the output shaft. The air purifier 100 may further include a power switch and other electrical contacts for connecting a power cord from a power source to operate the air purifier 100.

[0108] As Figures 2 - 3As shown in FIGS. 31 - 33, the panel 171 can be movably (or hingedly, e.g., using a friction hinge 169 or other type of hinge as shown in Figure 2 ) mounted to the housing 102. The panel 171 can alternatively be referred to as a hinge door or a filter access panel.

[0109] The panel 171 can be movably attached to the top 126 of the housing 102. Referring to Figure 1 and 2 , the panel 171 can be configured to move from a closed position as shown in Figure 1 to an open position as shown in Figure 2 . In the closed position, the panel 171 covers the internal cavity 123 of the housing 102 (along with the fan 104, motor 106, retainer assembly 112, air purifier unit 110, etc. contained / received therein). In the open position, the panel 171 is configured to provide access to the air purifier unit 110 disposed in the internal cavity 123 of the housing 102 for installing or replacing the air purifier unit 110. Figure 2 and Figure 33 show the panel 171 in its open position to enable easy access to the air purifier unit 110.

[0110] The air purifier 100 can also include a security or anti - vandalism lock on the panel 171 to prevent burglars from attempting to access the internal components of the air purifier 100. In one embodiment, the panel 171 can be configured to receive the user interface 168 thereon.

[0111] In one embodiment, the filter access panel 171 can be removably attached to the housing 102 using fasteners such that removal of the (fasteners and) filter access panel 171 from the housing 102 provides access to the air purifier unit 110.

[0112] The method / operation for installing or replacing the air purifier unit 110 in the air purifier 100 can include multiple processes, and these processes are explained in detail with reference to Figures 1 - 2 and FIGS. 9 - 16.

[0113] Referring to Figures 1 - 2 , in a first process, when the filter replacement indicator 163 (including the HEPA filter replacement indicator 161 and / or the carbon filter replacement indicator 159) signals the user via the user interface 168 that the HEPA filter 110HF and / or the carbon filter 110CF need to be replaced, the user can move the filter access panel 171 to its open position ( Figure 2in) so as to approach the internal cavity 123 in which the air purifier unit 110 is provided in the air purifier. In one embodiment, the user may have to unlock the security lock or anti-tamper lock on the filter access panel 171 to move the filter access panel 171 from its closed position ( Figure 1 in) to its open position ( Figure 2 in).

[0114] In the next process, the manually engagable actuator tab 153 of the actuator 120 is moved in the second direction SD (as Figure 16 shown in), which causes the actuator 120 of the air purifier 100 to move in the second direction SD from its second position (as Figure 16 shown in) to its first position (as Figures 13 - 14 shown in), in the second position, the retainer 118 firmly holds the air purifier unit 110 in the housing 102 of the air purifier 100 and holds the air purifier unit 110 relative to the sleeve 108, in the first position, the retainer 118 does not engage with the air purifier unit 110. As explained in detail above, this movement of the actuator 120 from its second position to its first position in the second direction SD causes the air purifier unit 110 to be released from the retainer 118 / retainer assembly 112.

[0115] Even after the retainer 118 / retainer assembly 112 is released from the air purifier unit 110, the engagement between the portion of the end cap 184 of the filter 110F and the portion of the filter guide 197 can still hold the air purifier unit 110 in place relative to the sleeve 108 (i.e., the air purifier unit 110 is fully seated in the filter guide 197 even though it is not held by the retainer 118). Then, for example, the portion of the end cap 184 of the filter 110F is disengaged from the filter guide 197 by sliding the filter 110F outward away from the housing 102.

[0116] Then, the user can dispose of the components of the filter 110F or the entire filter 110F, and install / replace a new filter 110F or new components of the filter 110F. For example, if the life of one of the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF has ended while the life of the other of the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF still remains, only the filter with the ended life will be replaced. This is because of the removable connection between the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF, as described in detail above.

[0117] In the next process, a new filter 110F (including the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF) is installed or replaced.

[0118] Figure 9 Show the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF before being connected to each other, Figure 10 Show the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF when connected to each other, and Figure 11 Show the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF after being connected to each other.

[0119] Reference Figure 9 and 10 , as described in detail above, the carbon filter 110CF and the HEPA filter 110HF can be permanently or removably connected to each other based on their related lifetimes. The first mating portion 180 of the carbon filter 110CF (on the first end cap 188 provided at the first end 176) can be configured to engage with the second mating portion 182 of the HEPA filter 110H (on the first end cap 184 provided at the first end 172) so as to (e.g., removably or permanently) connect the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF together.

[0120] Then, slide the new filter 110F (including the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF connected to each other) towards the housing 102 and slide it relative to the sleeve 108 into the proper position. Figure 11 Show the new filter 110F being slid into the proper position, while Figure 12 Show the new filter 110F fully seated in the filter guide 197 through the engagement between a portion of the end cap 184 of the filter 110F and a portion of the filter guide 197. This configuration of the new filter 110F being fully seated in the filter guide 197 enables one-handed operation during the installation or replacement of the filter 110F. This configuration may also be very useful in the purifier 100 installed inside the ceiling, on the ceiling, or in the less accessible upper portion of the wall.

[0121] In the next process, move the manually engagable actuator tab 153 of the actuator 120 in the first direction FD (as Figure 16 shown in), which causes the actuator 120 of the air purifier 100 to move from its first position (as Figures 13 - 14 shown in) to its second position (as Figure 16As shown in [figure reference], in the first position, the retainer 118 is not engaged with the air purifier unit 110. In the second position, the retainer 118 firmly holds the air purifier unit 110 within the housing 102 of the air purifier 100 and holds the air purifier unit 110 relative to the sleeve 108. As explained in detail above, this movement of the actuator 120 from its first position to its second position in the first direction SD causes the air purifier unit 110 to be firmly held within the housing 102 of the air purifier 100 by the retainer 118 / retainer assembly 112 and to be firmly held relative to the sleeve 108.

[0122] The filter retention feature of this patent application (where the actuator 120 rotates) cam moves closely with the retainer 118 such that the retainer 118 firmly holds the air purifier unit 110. This configuration can be very useful for air purifiers 100 mounted on the ceiling or high on a wall as they can be easily locked with one hand. The filter retention feature of this patent application is more of a pressing function and is more friction-based in function.

[0123] Figures 17 - 22 An air purifier 100 is shown using different retainer assemblies / mechanisms. For example, Figure 17 A view of a spring plate retainer assembly / mechanism for the air purifier unit 110 of the air purifier 100 is shown, Figure 18 A view of a rod retainer mechanism / assembly for the air purifier unit 110 of the air purifier 100 is shown, Figure 19 A view of a tab engagement retainer assembly / mechanism for the air purifier unit 110 of the air purifier 100 is shown, Figure 20 A view of a spring-based tapered retainer assembly / mechanism for the air purifier unit 110 of the air purifier 100 is shown, Figure 22 A view of another spring-biased retainer assembly / mechanism for the air purifier unit 110 of the air purifier 100 is shown. Figure 21 shows an exemplary air purifier unit 110 having portions configured to engage portions of the retainer assembly 112 of the air purifier 100.

[0124] Figure 17An engine / core mechanism is shown with a fan 204, a motor 206, an air purifier unit 210, and an output opening 216. A retainer assembly 212L is positioned at one end of the air purifier unit 210 adjacent to the motor 206 and the fan 204. A support structure 212R is positioned at the other end of the air purifier unit 210 not adjacent to the motor 206 and the fan 204. The support assembly 212R may include one or more springs 205, anti-rotation features 207, and a plurality of members 209 that together enclose the springs 205. The support assembly 212R is configured to control orientation via a central rib feature. Figure 17 A and C in show configurations in which the filter is installed, where the members 209 of the support assembly 212R are spaced apart and the springs 205 are in their extended configuration. Figure 17 B in shows a configuration in which the filter is removed, where the members 209 of the support assembly 212R are in their overlapping configuration and the springs 205 are in their compressed configuration. A filter sensing PCB may be mounted on the air purifier unit 210. Figure 17 C in shows that the total width impact of the filter retainer / support assembly 212R is 20.4 or 21 millimeters (mm).

[0125] In Figure 17 an embodiment of, when the air purifier unit 210 is pushed towards the support assembly 212R, the support assembly 212R on one end of the air purifier unit 210 is capable of generating compression, thereby releasing the opposite end of the air purifier unit 210 from the retainer assembly 212L (e.g., a plate with a retaining ring). The compression of the support assembly 212R will be greater than the protruding retaining ring 212L, thereby allowing the air purifier unit / filter 210 to be pulled out when the support assembly 212R is compressed.

[0126] Figure 18 An engine mechanism / core mechanism is shown with a fan 304, a motor 306, an air purifier unit 310, and an output opening 316. A retainer assembly 312 is positioned at one end of the air purifier unit 310 not adjacent to the motor 306 and the fan 304. The retainer assembly 312 may include a rod handle / rod lock 320 and a retainer 318. The operation of the rod lock 320 may include rotating the rod handle 320 from a first position to a second position, and may be similar to the operation of the actuator 120. The retainer 318 may have a structure and operation similar to the retainer 118 described in other embodiments. In this embodiment, a single-handed operation may be performed with minimal movement applied to the housing 102. In the absence of a filter installed, the locking handle may be positioned to block the access door. A filter sensing PCB may be mounted on the front or rear of the filter unit 310. This embodiment does require the use of a large molded cover on the air purifier unit 310.

[0127] Figure 19 An engine mechanism / core mechanism is shown with a fan 404, a motor 406, an air purifier unit 410, and an output opening 416. A retainer assembly 412 is positioned on one end of the air purifier unit 410 adjacent to the motor 406 and the fan 404. The air purifier unit 410 includes (plastic) top and bottom (end) covers. The air purifier unit 410 can be directly mounted to the fan assembly, eliminating the need for a support structure at the other end (releasing some axial space). In this configuration / embodiment, one of the end covers of the air purifier unit 410 can include a protruding tab that needs to be inserted in the shown direction and slide through the face of the fan assembly. In the last inch or so, hooks on both sides hold the respective faces tightly together. The protruding tab on the end cover of the air purifier unit 410 is bent into a corresponding retaining shape with side walls. When the protruding tab aligns with the support retainer, the protruding tab bends back to its natural state, locking the air purifier unit / filter 410 in place. The most accessible tab corresponding to the insertion direction can be a bonded tab retainer that the operator presses to release the bonded tab, allowing the air purifier unit / filter 410 to be pulled out against the retaining force applied to the other tab retainers.

[0128] Figure 19 A in shows the tab fully inserted. The act of inserting the purifier unit 410 with the tab and corresponding receiver compresses the seal gasket, ensuring that the air purifier element is properly inserted.

[0129] Figure 20 An engine mechanism / core mechanism is shown with a fan 504, a motor 506, an air purifier unit 510, and an output opening 516. Retainer assemblies 512 are positioned on both ends of the air purifier unit 510. The retainer assemblies 512 can include tapered portions of the air purifier unit 510 and the housing 502 and a formed spring 505. The air purifier unit 510 includes tapered portions on both ends, and the housing 502 has opposing / complementary tapered portions. This engagement of the tapered portions of the air purifier unit 510 and the housing 502 ensures a proper seal after the air purifier unit 510 is installed in the housing 502. Figure 20 C in shows the tapered portions on both ends of the air purifier unit 510 and the housing 502. The formed spring 505 is configured to swing open and snap into the top of the housing 502 when closed. The top portion 507 of the formed spring 505 can be locked to a tab on the housing 502, and the pressure of the spring 505 will keep the air purifier unit 510 sealed. The thin profile of the spring 505 is configured to have a negligible effect on the air flow.Figure 20 A bent wire filter retainer is shown, where the top portion 507 extends over a corresponding hook 509 assembled within a housing 502 (e.g., within the top 526 of the housing 502), and the distal end of the top portion 507 away from the spring 505 bends outwardly so as to act like a hinge, and its protruding outwardly bent end is held by the housing 502 (e.g., the top 526 of the housing 502). A receiving rib with the hook 509 engages the filter retainer return top portion 507 formed by the wire of the spring 505.

[0130] Figure 21 shows a prior art air purifier unit with a filter retaining portion configured to engage with an improved filter retaining mechanism of the present patent application as shown in Figure 22 That is, the improved filter retaining mechanism of the present patent application as shown in Figure 22 can be used with a prior art air purifier unit as shown in Figure 21.

[0131] Figure 22 A “twist lock” similar to a bayonet mount is shown, where the air purifier is sealed to a flat receiving surface by twist locking. In Figure 22 an engine mechanism / core mechanism with a fan, a motor, an air purifier unit 710, and an output opening 716 is shown. A retainer assembly 712 is positioned at one end of the air purifier unit 710 adjacent to the motor 706 and the fan 704. Figure 22 An improved assembly is shown, which includes an engaging portion 705 that is elastically biased outwardly from a sleeve 708 and is configured to engage a portion of the air purifier unit 710 (e.g., in an end cap) to hold the air purifier unit 710 relative to the sleeve 708. This embodiment allows for different filter axial lengths. A filter sensing PCB can be mounted on the filter unit 710. Its function is similar to a bayonet mount, and additional sealing and retaining features are improved.

[0132] As Figures 4 - 5 shown, the single core mechanism / engine mechanism configuration of the air purifier 100 can include one air passage, a single fan 104, a single motor 106, a single retainer assembly 112, a single air purifier unit 110, and a single output opening 116.

[0133] Referring to Figure 3 and 6, the dual-core mechanism / engine mechanism configuration of the air purifier 100 can include two air channels, two fans 104, two motors 106, two retainer assemblies 112A, 112B, two air purifier units 110A, 110B, and two output openings 116A, 116B. The two air purifier units 110A, 110B in the dual-core configuration are positioned adjacent to each other, but slightly spaced apart to enable replacement / installation of the respective air purifier units 110A, 110B. The two output openings 116A, 116B are located at opposite ends of the dual-core mechanism / engine mechanism air purifier 100. The dual-core mechanism / engine mechanism air purifier 100 can include a single housing and a single controller and sensor arrangement. The dual-core mechanism / engine mechanism air purifier 100 can include two single housings and two separate controller and sensor arrangements. The dual-core mechanism / engine mechanism air purifier 100 can include two separate housings and two separate controller and sensor arrangements.

[0134] The fan 104 can optimally include strong performance and pressure values and is configured to reduce the likelihood of stall. The applicant of this patent application has found that a mixed-flow fan 104 is suitable for this type of use.

[0135] FIG. 29 shows a graphical representation of the prior art of pressure versus air flow rate through an air purifier when an axial fan is used in the air purifier. In FIG. 29, the static pressure (measured in pounds per square inch (PSI)) is shown on the Y-axis, and the air flow rate (measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM)) is shown on the X-axis. A "stall region" is shown in FIG. 29. In the stall region, a small increase in resistance or suction results in a large decrease in flow rate.

[0136] The mixed-flow fan 104 of this patent application does not have the stall region characteristics of the prior art axial (vane axial) fan. Figure 28 A comparative graphical representation of pressure versus air flow rate through an air purifier is shown, for example, when a centrifugal fan, a mixed-flow fan, or an axial fan is used in the air purifier, respectively. In Figure 28 , the static pressure (measured in PSI) is shown on the Y-axis, and the air flow rate (measured in CFM) is shown on the X-axis. For example, CF shows the pressure versus air flow rate representation of an air purifier with a centrifugal fan, MFF shows the pressure versus air flow rate representation of the air purifier 100 of this patent application with the mixed-flow fan 104, and AF shows the pressure versus air flow rate representation of an air purifier with an axial fan. As Figure 28 shown in MFF in

[0137] This patent application provides a high-performance air handling core that includes a mixed-flow fan 104, a motor 106, an outlet guiding vane structure 175, a filter 110F, and a filter holder assembly / machine 112. The air handling core allows for different housing configurations to be provided for different applications. The different applications can include configurations on the ceiling, within the ceiling, suspended / dropped from the ceiling, on the wall, within the wall, and floor-standing (tower) configurations. For example, filters shared by multiple air purifier models can ensure that users have a consistent experience and can also reduce the number of different filters required to support different models of air purifiers. The design of sharing a core engine can achieve efficiency and consistency in terms of design and mechanism certification among different models of air purifiers.

[0138] Figure 30 Shows a shared core configuration (e.g., including an air purifier unit / filter 110 / 110F, a mixed-flow fan 104, a motor 106, an outlet / outflow guiding structure 175, and a holder assembly 112 for the air purifier unit / filter 110 / 110F), which is used for different models / configurations of air purifiers 100. The configurations include configurations on / in the ceiling / wall, suspended from the ceiling / wall, on / in the wall, and floor-standing configurations. For example, Figures 1 - 2 Shows an air purifier 100 suspended from a ceiling 157 using a cable 155. The cable 155 can be an aviation cable. The air purifier 100 can optionally have an electric lowering unit configured to lower the air purifier 100 for repair / maintenance. Figures 31 - 33 Shows an exemplary prototype of an air purifier 100 installed on a ceiling according to an embodiment of this patent application. Figure 31 Shows an air purifier with a single-core / module configuration, Figure 32 Shows an air purifier with a dual-core / module configuration, and Figure 33 Shows an air purifier with a dual-core / module configuration, where the panel 171 of the air purifier is moved to its open position for installing or replacing its air purifier unit / filter 110 / 110F.

[0139] Figures 34 - 35 Shows an exemplary air purifier installed in a ceiling 157’ according to an embodiment of this patent application, where Figure 34 Shows an air purifier with a single-core / module configuration that can be configured to deliver 300 CFM and has a maximum noise level in the range of about 54 to about 59 decibels (dB). Figure 35An air purifier with a dual-core / module configuration is shown. The air purifier can be configured to deliver 600 CFM and have a maximum noise level in the range of about 55 to about 60 decibels (dB).

[0140] As Figures 34 - 35 shown, the filter passage panel 171' can be removably attached to the housing 102'. The filter passage panel 171' can have intake through-holes for the inflow of air thereon. When the filter passage panel 171' is removably attached, the air purifier 100 provides a gap G at its side edge E. The air chamber of the air purifier 100 can be positioned adjacent to the gap G for guiding air to flow out through the gap G. The air purifier 100 can be positioned in the direction of arrow L-R. Although the gap G is shown at the left and right edges E, the gap G can be located at other side edges E. In such an embodiment, the air purifier 100 can be positioned in the direction of arrow T-B. The gap G can be an outflow through-hole.

[0141] The air purifier 100 can be positioned or installed in a target area. Herein, the target area refers to a defined enclosed space (e.g., an office, a home, a meeting room) or a defined semi-enclosed space (e.g., a hall). For example, the target area can include an enclosed environment. The target area can also be a sub-part of a larger space, such as a group of office cubicles or the like.

[0142] The air purifier 100 can be configured to deliver 300 cubic feet per minute (CFM) at a speed of 1500 revolutions per minute (RPM). The air purifier 100 can be configured to deliver 625 CFM. The air purifier 100 can be configured to have a maximum noise level in the range of about 55 to about 59 decibels (dB).

[0143] The air purifier 100 can be configured to be controlled via wi-fi and / or Bluetooth.

[0144] The air purifier 100 can be installed on a vertical surface such as a wall or a horizontal surface such as a ceiling so that the air purifier 100 does not occupy floor space. The air purifier 100 can also be installed on the ground. The air purifier 100 can stand freely on the ground using a bracket. The air purifier 100 can be installed inside a wall or a ceiling. Although the air purifier can be installed inside / on a vertical surface such as a wall or installed inside / on a horizontal surface such as a ceiling, they are not typically positioned in this way (i.e., it is not necessary to position them in this way). As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the air purifier 100 can be installed on a wall / ceiling using a bracket member (not shown) and one or more fastening members for attaching the bracket member to the wall / ceiling.

[0145] The air purifier 100 may include sensors disposed in or on the housing 102. The sensors may be configured to monitor one or more conditions in a predetermined area near the air purifier 100 to detect the presence or movement of an object in the predetermined area. In another embodiment, the sensors may also be configured to sense other conditions in the predetermined area.

[0146] Reference Figures 1 - 2 , the air purifier 100 may include an air purity or air quality sensor, which is configured to monitor air quality. In one embodiment, the air quality sensor may be a particulate sensor 167 as shown in Figure 3 . The air purity or air quality sensor may be configured to send an output signal (air quality / purity signal) to the controller of the air purifier 100. In response to the air quality / purity signal received from the air purity or air quality sensor, the controller of the air purifier 100 may automatically adjust the fan speed, or may use the air quality indicator 165 to notify the user of the air quality. The air quality indication may include a graphical representation, a visual presentation (percentage, number or changing color), an audio signal or any other communication channel.

[0147] Figure 1 and 2 Also shown is that the air purifier 100 may include a maintenance light / indicator, which alerts / signals the user (by flashing or otherwise via the user interface) when the air purifier 100 needs maintenance or repair. The air purifier 100 may include a filter replacement indicator 163, which signals the user via the user interface 168 when the HEPA filter 110HF and the carbon filter 110CF need to be replaced. For example, the air purifier 100 may include a HEPA filter replacement indicator 161 and a carbon filter replacement indicator 159.

[0148] The air purifier 100 may also include other sensors and their corresponding indicators. The air purifier 100 may include a plurality of control and / or comfort sensors. The sensors may include, but are not limited to, an indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor, a particulate matter (PM) sensor, a temperature sensor, a relative humidity (RH) sensor, a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor, a total volatile organic compound (TVOC) sensor, a motion sensor, an audio / sound sensor, a light sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. The PM sensor may be a PM2.5 sensor.

[0149] For example, the air purifier 100 may further include an electric filter component filter replacement indicator, a sleep mode indicator indicating that the air purifier is in the sleep mode, a motion sensor indicator indicating that the motion sensor has detected an object, an audio sensor indicator indicating that the audio sensor has detected an object, an odor level indicator, etc. The odor level indicator provides feedback to the user regarding the odor level detected by the odor sensor.

[0150] The controller of the air purifier 100 may include a control circuit. However, without departing from the scope of the present patent application, the controller may alternatively include any other type of suitable controller. For example, the controller may include a processor that executes code; an integrated computer system that runs a program; analog or digital circuits, etc.

[0151] The controller may be configured to communicate with the sensors to receive sensor inputs. Based on the received sensor inputs, the controller may also be configured to control the operation of the air purifier 100. The controller may be configured to communicate with the motor 106 and the fan 104 to control the operation of the air purifier 100. Such sensors and controller / control systems are described in detail in the '842 patent and will not be described in detail herein.

[0152] The air purifier 100 may be configured to detect the presence of other air purifier(s) in its given adjacent area and target area. For example, by using an infrared (IR) transmitter and receiver or other wired or wireless signal systems (such as near field communication (NFC), local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth, RF, Wi-Fi, etc.), other air purifiers 100 in the given adjacent area of the air purifier 100 are detected, so as to allow one of the air purifiers 100 to be designated as the main air purifier, and subsequent other air purifiers 100 to be designated as slave air purifiers. Such a "master-slave" arrangement allows for the simple control of multiple air purifiers 100 in a given environment. For example, the air purifier 100 recognizes the presence of other air purifiers 100 and coordinates the controllers to work together to purify the air in the target area in an optimal manner. Such a master-slave arrangement is described in detail in the '842 patent.

[0153] The air purifier 100 may include a user interface 168 (e.g., Figures 2 - 3 ), the user interface 168 is operatively connected to the controller 170 and is configured to display information (such as operating performance) of the air purifier 100 to the user, and / or request information, and to allow the user to input data and / or other parameters of the air purifier 100. The user interface 168 may be disposed on the housing 102.

[0154] The user interface 168 may allow a user to modify one or more parameters of the air purifier 100. For example, the user interface 168 may be a display, such as a graphical display. The display may be a touch screen display or a liquid crystal display (LCD). Additionally, the user interface 168 may include one or more buttons or other controllers that allow the user to modify one or more parameters of the air purifier 100. For example, one or more buttons or other controllers of the user interface 168 may be operated by touch or tactile manipulation or mechanical control.

[0155] In one embodiment, the user interface 168 may be configured to be removably attached to the air purifier 100 such that the user interface 168 is configured to be located on the air purifier 100 and serve as the primary user interface. The user interface 168 may be configured to be removed from the air purifier 100 and configured to be placed at a remote location. In such an embodiment, the user interface 168 may be configured to operate from the remote location. The remote location may refer to a location away from the air purifier 100. The user interface 168 may include a rechargeable power source that is configured to be charged when the user interface 168 is attached to the air purifier 100. When the user interface 168 is disconnected and at the remote location, the user interface 168 and the air purifier 100 may communicate via a wired or wireless signal.

[0156] This patent application and its various embodiments as described above uniquely address the observed, noted, and studied findings and provide improvements over the existing and current state of the prior art systems. As described in this patent application, the listed products, features, and embodiments should in no way be considered restrictive.

[0157] Although this patent application has been described in detail for purposes of illustration, it should be understood that such details are for purposes of illustration only and that this patent application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, it is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Additionally, it should be understood that this patent application contemplates, to the extent possible, the combination of one or more features of any embodiment with one or more features of any other embodiment.

[0158] The exemplary description of the embodiments of this patent application should in no way be considered restrictive, because countless configurations and methods using this patent application can be achieved based on what has been disclosed or revealed in this patent application. The systems, features, and embodiments described in this patent application should in no way be considered restrictive. The said exemplary description represents possible structural and mechanical embodiments and methods for obtaining the desired features. The position and / or form of any minor design details specified in this patent application or the specified materials can be changed, and such changes will not be considered new materials, because this patent application covers these embodiments in the broadest form.

[0159] The foregoing embodiments illustrated are for illustrative purposes of the structural and functional principles of this patent application and are not restrictive. On the contrary, this patent application is intended to cover all modifications, variations, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air purifier, comprising: a housing, the housing including an intake opening for the inflow of air and an output opening for the outflow of air; a fan; a motor for rotating the fan; a sleeve, the sleeve being configured to at least partially surround the fan and / or the motor; an air purifier unit, the air purifier unit being mounted in the housing so as to purify air flowing through the housing, the air purifier unit being operatively coupled to the sleeve; and a retainer assembly, the retainer assembly being configured to hold the air purifier unit in the housing and hold the air purifier unit relative to the sleeve, the retainer assembly including: a retainer; and an actuator operatively associated with the retainer and the sleeve, wherein movement of the actuator from a first position to a second position causes the retainer to move to firmly hold the air purifier unit in the housing.

2. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is an actuator ring having an annular configuration, and wherein the actuator includes engagement members provided thereon.

3. The air purifier according to claim 2, wherein The actuator is configured to be movable / rotatable relative to the sleeve, wherein the retainer assembly further includes a guide provided on the sleeve, and wherein the guide is configured to receive the engagement member of the actuator therein such that during movement of the actuator between the first position and the second position, the engagement member of the actuator slidably engages the surface of the guide.

4. The air purifier according to claim 3, wherein When the actuator is in the first position, the retainer is in a first position, in which first position of the retainer, the retainer does not engage the air purifier unit, and wherein when the actuator moves to the second position, the retainer moves to a second position, in which second position of the retainer, the retainer firmly holds the air purifier unit in the housing.

5. The air purifier according to claim 4, wherein, Rotation of the actuator from the first position to the second position causes the retainer to advance against a portion of the air purifier unit to firmly hold the air purifier unit in the housing and firmly hold the air purifier unit relative to the sleeve.

6. The air purifier according to claim 5, wherein, The portion of the air purifier unit is a sealing portion.

7. The air purifier according to claim 6, wherein, The retainer is a retaining ring configured to firmly hold the air purifier unit.

8. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is an actuating rod.

9. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a guide configured to enable the air purifier unit to slide to a proper position relative to the sleeve before actuating the actuator to firmly hold the air purifier unit, wherein the guide includes a semi-circular configuration having a circular outer surface, a circular inner surface, and a flat end portion, and wherein a first end of the air purifier unit includes a complementary flat end portion configured to engage the flat end portion of the guide when the air purifier unit slides to a proper position relative to the sleeve.

10. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein the air purifier unit includes a filter, Among them, the filter having a cylindrical configuration, and wherein the retainer assembly is configured to hold the filter.

11. The air purifier according to claim 10, wherein the air purifier unit includes a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter and a carbon filter.

12. The air purifier according to claim 11, wherein, The HEPA filter has a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the carbon filter has a first end and an opposite second end, and wherein the first end of the carbon filter includes a first mating portion configured to engage a second mating portion on the first end of the HEPA filter so as to removably connect the HEPA filter and the carbon filter.

13. The air purifier according to claim 11, wherein, The HEPA filter and the carbon filter are configured to be positioned concentrically relative to each other, and wherein the carbon filter is concentrically positioned within the HEPA filter.

14. The air purifier according to claim 13, further comprising a pre-filter concentrically positioned to surround the HEPA filter.

15. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein, The fan is a mixed-flow fan in which the outflow of air is axial and perpendicular to the inflow of air.

16. The air purifier according to claim 2, wherein, The fan includes an impeller and a plurality of impeller blades provided on the impeller.

17. The air purifier according to claim 2, further comprising an outlet / outflow guiding structure, wherein the outlet / outflow guiding structure includes a plurality of outlet / outflow guiding vanes.

18. The air purifier according to claim 2, wherein, In use, the air purifier unit is substantially coaxial with the fan and / or the motor.

19. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein, The air purifier includes a dual-core configuration having two fans, two motors, two air purifier units, and two retainer assemblies, wherein in each core of the dual-core configuration, the air purifier unit is substantially coaxial with the associated fan and / or the associated motor.

20. The air purifier according to claim 2, wherein, The retainer assembly further includes a guiding ring assembled to the sleeve, wherein the actuator is configured to be movable / rotatable relative to the sleeve and the guiding ring, wherein the retainer assembly further includes a guide, wherein angled cam slopes on the sleeve and angled cam slopes on the guiding ring form the guide, and wherein the guide is configured to receive an engaging member of the actuator such that during movement of the actuator between the first position and the second position, the engaging member of the actuator slidably engages the angled cam slope of the guide.

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