AIR PURIFICATION DEVICE BY PHOTOCATALYSIS AND AIR TREATMENT DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air purification device (1) comprising at least one textile mat (3), in which at least one optical fiber (5) is woven with at least one yarn (7) formed of photocatalyst fibers, each optical fiber (5) being configured to be supplied with light by a light source, each optical fiber (5) having radial light-diffusion means (8) for scattering light radially with respect to the direction of light propagation in the optical fiber (5). The invention also relates to an air treatment apparatus comprising such an air purification device (1). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: PHOTOCATALYTIC AIR PURIFICATION DEVICE AND TREATMENT APPARATUS OF AIR FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of depollution and purification of indoor air in homes, and in particular to an air purification device as well as to an air treatment apparatus provided with such an air purification device.

[0002] It will be noted that, in this document, the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “perpendicular”, “parallel”, “rotation”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “lower”, “upper”, “high”, “lower”, “secant”, “coaxial”, “convex”, “concave”, “plane” used to describe the apparatus according to the invention, refer to this device in a situation of use, when it is placed on a horizontal plane.

[0003] Pollutants are mainly composed of two categories. One includes particulate pollutants such as dust, bacteria, molds, which are large in shape and have complex molecular structures, ranging in size from 0.01 micrometers to several hundred micrometers. The other category includes gaseous pollutants, for example volatile emanations perceived by the sense of smell, such as odors, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as chemical compounds, generally with a simple chemical structure. Gaseous pollutants can be composed of a variety of chemical elements. Their size is small and varies from a few angstroms to a few nanometers.

[0004] Advanced Oxidation Techniques (AOT) allow the oxidization of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The most effective are those that lead to the formation of hydroxyl radicals OH, which have a higher oxidizing power than traditional oxidants. This is the case of photocatalysis. Photocatalysis consists of the irradiation of a semiconductor material (TiO2 type), which will allow the oxidation or reduction of VOCs in contact with the photocatalytic material. The energy provided by the light activates the semiconductor. The semiconductor is considered a catalyst.The principle is based on the absorption of a photon by the semiconductor solid, leading to the promotion of an electron from the valence band to the conduction band by releasing a vacancy, and thus forming free radicals which will either react with compounds present in the surrounding environment or recombine following various mechanisms, thus giving the solid oxidizing and reducing properties. Most organovolatile compounds as well as many pesticides, herbicides, surfactants and dyes are completely . oxidized into less toxic products by this technique, until carbon dioxide CO2 and water H2O are obtained.

[0005] The main VOCs in ambient air are: formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, heptane, alcohols including isopropanol, decane, benzene, toluene. STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Filters for treating VOCs, such as activated carbon filters, are known. Such filters are, for example, integrated into air treatment units. However, these filters have a limited lifespan and must be replaced regularly. In addition, replacing these filters represents a cost, and they are generally not recyclable.

[0007] Air treatment devices are also known that use the photocatalysis technique. However, these devices often release VOCs as by-products, whereas on the contrary they are supposed to eliminate them and purify the air. It is difficult to understand why an air purifier or air purifier releases VOCs even if the VOCs released are different in nature and / or quantity from what was present in the air initially before purification. The major disadvantage of these devices is therefore the production of by-products, which can sometimes be more dangerous than the initial molecules, for example heptane which, when degraded, can form formaldehyde.

[0008] To reduce the formation of these toxic by-products, known air treatment devices propose to lower the operating speed (gas velocity or light intensity) until the VOC content in the air to be purified drops below a certain value. It is therefore unfortunate not to be able to operate the air treatment device precisely when it is most needed, i.e. in the presence of a high VOC concentration. As a result, gaseous phase pollutants cannot be absorbed and eliminated efficiently. In addition, the accumulation of pollutants in the form of particles on the surface of the gaseous elimination filter could lead to other problems, such as the appearance of incubation zones for the growth of bacteria, or a loss of filter efficiency over time. Statement of the invention

[0009] The invention proposes to resolve these drawbacks by proposing an air purification device produced in a simple manner while being permanently effective in eliminating pollutants such as VOCs.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes an air purification device comprising at least one textile sheet, in which at least one optical fiber is woven with at least one thread formed from photocatalyst fibers, each optical fiber being configured to be supplied with light by a light source, each optical fiber having radial light diffusion means in order to diffuse light radially relative to the direction of travel of the light in the optical fiber.

[0011] Thus, the air purification device is produced in a particularly simple manner while being particularly effective in eliminating pollutants such as VOCs. Indeed, the arrangement in the form of a textile sheet of at least one optical fiber and at least one thread formed from photocatalyst fibers, makes it possible to maximize photocatalysis while being simple to manufacture, by maximizing the probability that polluted air encounters a photocatalytic site activated by light, by significantly increasing the contact time of the pollutants with photocatalytic sites. Thus, a single element, namely the textile sheet, makes it possible to carry out photocatalysis, because it incorporates both at least one optical fiber and at least one thread formed from photocatalyst fibers. Such an air purification device also has the advantage of being permanent, and does not require regular replacement.Thus, a device, for example an air treatment device, equipped with such an air purification device, is easier to maintain, since it does not require regular replacement of the air purification device.

[0012] According to a second aspect, the invention also proposes an air treatment apparatus comprising: - an air circulation duct between an air inlet and an air outlet, - a light source, and - an air purification device as previously described and arranged in the air circulation duct, in which each optical fiber is supplied with light by the light source.

[0013] The invention is advantageously and optionally supplemented by the following characteristics, taken alone or in any of their technically possible combinations:

[0014] - The photocatalyst consists of at least one photocatalyst material.

[0015] - The photocatalyst is formed solely of at least one catalyst material with photocatalytic action.

[0016] - The photocatalyst is a catalyst with photo-catalytic action, which is not mis metal.

[0017] - The at least one wire formed from photocatalyst fibers is not metallic.

[0018] - Photocatalyst fibers are formed solely of photocatalyst.

[0019] - The at least one yarn formed from photocatalyst fibers is a binding yarn. Thus, Each textile tablecloth is made in a simple way.

[0020] - The radial light diffusion means are formed by alterations in surface of the optical fiber. Thus, the means of radial diffusion of light are produced in a particularly simple manner.

[0021] - Each optical fiber is formed from a material chosen from the group comprising polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC) and cycloolefins (COP), preferably polycarbonate (PC).

[0022] - A free end of each optical fiber is configured to be arranged in looking at a light source to transmit light and radially emit light at the radial light scattering means to activate the photocatalyst.

[0023] - The surface alterations of each optical fiber can be carried out in various ways ways, and in particular by sandblasting, chemical etching or fusion processes using high-intensity light radiation such as a laser. Of course, such alterations can also be carried out by many other mechanical or chemical processes.

[0024] - The surface alterations of each optical fiber can be distributed in such a way symmetrical or asymmetrical (progressive). Indeed, in order to achieve homogeneous illumination in the textile web, and therefore homogeneous activation of the photocatalyst in the textile web, the surface density or the dimension of the alterations can vary from one area to another of the optical fiber. For example, the surface density of the alterations is low on the side of the light source and increases as one moves away from the light source.

[0025] - The textile sheet is formed of warp threads and weft threads, each fiber optical fiber forming a warp thread and each thread formed from photocatalyst fibers forming at least one weft thread. Thus, the textile web is produced in a simple manner while being particularly effective in eliminating pollutants such as VOCs.

[0026] - Each warp thread is an optical fiber. Manufacturing is thus simplified and the efficiency of the textile sheet is improved.

[0027] - Each weft thread is formed entirely of photocatalyst fibers. The fa This simplifies the manufacturing process and improves the efficiency of the textile fabric.

[0028] - The textile tablecloth is woven in plain weave. Thus, the textile tablecloth is made of particularly simple way while being particularly effective in eliminating pollutants such as VOCs.

[0029] - The textile tablecloth is woven in satin weave. Thus, the textile tablecloth is made of way of optimizing the diffusion surface of optical fibers, and is particularly effective in eliminating pollutants such as VOCs.

[0030] - The textile sheet has two opposite visible faces, optical fibers and threads formed from photocatalyst fibers held by binding threads being visible on the two opposite sides of the sheet.

[0031] - The textile sheet comprises a superposition of textile layers, each of the layers being formed of optical fibers and threads formed of photocatalyst fibers held by binding threads.

[0032] - The textile sheet has two opposite visible faces, the optical fibers being visible on one side and the threads formed from photocatalyst fibers being visible on the other side.

[0033] - The textile sheet has two opposite visible faces, the optical fibers being visible on one side and the threads formed from photocatalyst fibers being visible on both sides.

[0034] - The textile sheet has two opposite visible faces, the optical fibers being visible on both sides and the threads formed from photocatalyst fibers being visible on one of the two sides.

[0035] - The air purification device comprises means for maintaining in position the textile sheet or each textile sheet, the means for holding in position preferably comprising a frame, the means for holding in position preferably comprising spacers configured to space the textile sheets apart. Thus, the air purification device is of modular design, which facilitates its assembly or integration into a device, such as an air treatment device.

[0036] - The photocatalyst is activated by light which can be of the ultraviolet type, by through at least one optical fiber configured to diffuse light. A simple cutting of the textile sheet to the dimensions of the air purification device or the means for holding it in position makes it possible to produce air purification devices of any size.

[0037] - The textile sheet has a transverse dimension less than or equal to 20 centigrade. timers.

[0038] - The textile sheet has a longitudinal dimension less than or equal to 1 meter.

[0039] - The photocatalyst fibers have a smaller dimension of at least 10 micrometers. Thus, the resistance of the thread formed by the photocatalyst fibers is improved.

[0040] - The photocatalyst fibers are macroscopic. For the purposes of this invention, by macroscopic fiber is meant a strand in which the smallest dimension is at least 10 micrometers. Preferably, the strand has two average dimensions orthogonal to its longitudinal axis, the first average dimension (corresponding to its width) varies from 30 to 60 micrometers, preferably from 40 to 50 micrometers, and the second average dimension (corresponding to its thickness) varies from 10 to 40 micrometers, preferably from 10 to 20 micrometers.

[0041] - The photocatalyst is a semiconductor material. Thus, the photocatalyst is made in a simple way.

[0042] - The photocatalyst comprises at least one oxide chosen from the group consisting of of TiO2, ZnO, CeO2. Thus, the photocatalyst is made in a simple way while being particularly effective.

[0043] - The photocatalyst comprises at least partially crystalline TiO2, preference for predominantly crystalline TiO2. Thus, the photocatalyst is particularly effective.

[0044] - The air purification device comprises several superimposed textile sheets and spaced apart by at least a predetermined value such that air to be purified circulates between the textile sheets, preferably the predetermined value being greater than or equal to 5 millimeters. Thus, the spacing of a predetermined value present between the textile sheets increases the efficiency of the air purification device, such an air purification device making it possible to purify a high air flow rate while being of compact construction. The air to be purified circulates between the textile sheets in order to come into contact with the photocatalyst. Advantageously, the air circulation is carried out according to a flow at a low but swirling average flow rate. These textile sheets allow the air to circulate along the textile sheets and / or between the textile sheets, in a direction parallel to the textile sheets. This makes it possible to maximize the contact of the air to be purified with the photocatalyst.If the textile layers are too far apart, the air only circulates in a laminar manner and the probability of air contact with the photocatalyst is reduced, decreasing the purification efficiency. Advantageously, the textile layers are close enough together to maximize air contact with the photocatalytic surface, and cause vortices in the air flow.

[0045] - The textile sheets are arranged in parallel layers, preferably flat or not. planes.

[0046] - The textile tablecloths are curved.

[0047] - Other arrangements of each textile sheet can be envisaged, for example under roll form where each textile sheet is rolled up on itself like a roll of carpet.

[0048] - Optical fibers are powered by a single light source. Thus, the fa Construction is simplified, as only one light source is used.

[0049] - The light source may be composed of several identical light sources or different, which may be of different natures, and in particular be in the form of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or extended sources such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent tubes or discharge tubes incorporating a gas such as neon.

[0050] - The light source supplies light to a free end of each fiber optical.

[0051] - The air treatment device comprises several air inlets, identical or different different.

[0052] - The air treatment device comprises several air outlets, identical or different different.

[0053] - The air treatment device is a domestic device comprising a casing forming the outer casing of the air handling unit.

[0054] - The air treatment device is configured to be movable during its operation. operation. This simplifies handling and moving the unit. In fact, the air treatment unit is movable and not fixed to a support. Thus, the air treatment unit can be carried by a user in order to move it, either by pushing it with the foot or by grasping it with the hands, whether the air treatment unit is in operation or not.

[0055] - The air treatment device is an individual domestic device and not a centralized air conditioning system, for example in a hospital, airport, shopping center, metro or train station.

[0056] - The air treatment device is an individual portable device suitable for small spaces such as a single-family home or a caravan.

[0057] - The light source is a UV light source. Thus, the photo-ca action talytic is carried out in a simple manner while being particularly effective.

[0058] - The light source may comprise a collector capable of focusing in a manner point or linear natural solar light towards at least one free end of at least one optical fiber.

[0059] - The light source comprises an LED. Thus, the light source is made of simple way while being particularly effective.

[0060] - The light source can be made with a UVA, UVB or UVC LED. Such a system allows to combine minimal energy consumption with notable efficiency.

[0061] - The air treatment apparatus further comprises a gold compound analyzer volatile organic compounds and an automatic adjustment member, which is configured to automatically adjust, depending on the content of volatile organic compounds analyzed by the analyzer, the speed of the air entering the air inlet and / or the light intensity of the light source.

[0062] - Each textile sheet is arranged parallel to the air flow in the cir duct air circulation. Thus, the air flow flows along at least one textile sheet, in other words tangentially to it, and the photocatalytic action is improved.

[0063] - Each textile sheet is arranged transversely to the air flow in the duct of air circulation. Thus, the air flow necessarily passes through each layer textile, and the photocatalytic action is improved.

[0064] - The air treatment device further comprises a particle filter. Such a particle filter particles separates particles from the air by mechanical action, retaining on the surface particles whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the pores of the filter and being able to retain particles whose diameter is smaller than that of the pores of the filter by the action of electrostatic forces.

[0065] - The particle filter is arranged, according to the movement of the air between the air inlet and the air outlet, upstream of the air purification device. This prevents the air purification device from becoming clogged with particles.

[0066] - The particle filter is a HEPA filter, acronym for High Efficiency Par- HEPA filter, meaning high efficiency particulate air filter. The HEPA filter is preferably capable of filtering, in one pass, at least 99.97% of particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 micrometers.

[0067] - The air treatment device further comprises a carbon filter active. Thus, the air purification device can more effectively remove pollutants that pass through the activated carbon filter. Activated carbon filters were developed in response to industrial emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In an activated carbon adsorption system, contaminated air is directed over a bed of carbon. The carbon extracts VOCs from the air and adsorbs them, holding them on the surface.

[0068] - The activated carbon filter is arranged, according to the movement of air between the inlet air inlet and the air outlet, downstream of the air purification device. Thus, the activated carbon filter eliminates "by-product" pollutants passing through the air purification device, which could be produced exceptionally (for example in connection with an abnormal peak in pollutant concentrations). Activated carbon filters were developed in response to industrial emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In an activated carbon adsorption system, contaminated air is directed onto a bed of carbon. The carbon extracts the VOCs from the air and adsorbs them, keeping them on the surface. Since this activated carbon filter is only present to act exceptionally, it is a permanent part of the device, and not a consumable.

[0069] - The air treatment device further comprises a formaldehyde filter. Thus, the formaldehyde that could exceptionally come out of the air purification device would be captured.

[0070] - The air treatment apparatus further comprises a dehumidifier. Such a Dehumidifier serves to reduce the moisture content of the air and increases the efficiency of the air handling unit.

[0071] - The air treatment apparatus further comprises an air movement member configured to move air from the air inlet to the air outlet. Thus, air movement is forced between the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0072] - The air displacement member is for example a radial flow or radial flow turbine mixed, or a fan, arranged downstream of the air purification device. In this case, a motor fan unit can be arranged on the air outlet side, above the air purification device.

[0073] - The air treatment device further comprises one or more fans, agitators or turbulators. Thus, the presence of one or more fans, agitators or turbulators makes it possible to generate turbulence in the air flow passing through the air purification device, for example so as to generate vortices between the textile layers, which further increases its efficiency.

[0074] - The air treatment device has a volume of less than 1 m3, preferably less than 0.8 m3, more preferably less than 0.6 m3.

[0075] - The air treatment device has a mass less than or equal to 30 kg, of preferably less than 20 kg, more preferably less than 6 kg.

[0076] - The air treatment device has an apparent surface of textile sheet of at least less than 4000 cm2, preferably at least 6000 cm2, more preferably at least 8000 cm2. By apparent surface is meant the surface of the textile sheet in contact with the air flow.

[0077] - The air flow moving in the air purification device has a speed less than 1 m / s, preferably less than 0.5 m / s, more preferably less than 0.2 m / s.

[0078] - A contact time of the pollutants with the textile sheet is at least 0.5 s and can be as long as possible, for example by having the air flow parallel to the textile fabric, either parallel to each optical fiber or orthogonally to each optical fiber, or by having the air flow to be treated in a swirling manner. Thus, the air flow to be treated has a rotational speed at all points. The swirling flow increases the average contact time between the air to be treated and the air purification device. The longer the contact time, the less risk there is of producing polluting by-products. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0079] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description below, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples and in which:

[0080] [Fig.l] is a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of an air purification device;

[0081] [Fig.2] is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a light source supplying light to the air purification device;

[0082] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an air treatment device;

[0083] [Fig.4] is a schematic diagram of the circulation of air in the air treatment device;

[0084] [Fig.5] is a schematic diagram of the air circulation in the air purification device of the air treatment unit.

[0085] Throughout the figures, similar elements are designated by identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0086] [Fig.l] shows an air purification device 1. The air purification device 1 comprises at least one textile web 3, in which at least one optical fiber 5 is woven with at least one yarn 7 formed of photocatalyst fibers. In this example, the air purification device comprises a textile web 3, in which a plurality of optical fibers 5 are woven with a yarn 7 formed of photocatalyst fibers.

[0087] The textile sheet 3 is formed of warp threads and weft threads, each optical fiber 5 forming a warp thread and each thread 7 formed of photocatalyst fibers forming at least one weft thread. More precisely in this example, each warp thread is an optical fiber 5, and each weft thread is entirely formed of photocatalyst fibers.

[0088] Advantageously, the textile sheet 3 is woven in plain weave.

[0089] Preferably, the at least one yarn 7 formed of photocatalyst fibers is a binding yarn. More precisely, a single yarn 7 formed of photocatalyst fibers passes alternately above and below optical fibers 5 in a straight line and forms a weft yarn. Once the last optical fiber 5 is reached, the yarn 7 forms a meander in order to pass again above and below the optical fibers 5 and forms a new weft yarn, and so on.

[0090] Alternatively, other weaving patterns are possible: - Textile tablecloth 3 can be woven in satin weave. - The textile sheet 3 may have two opposite visible faces, optical fibers 5 and threads 7 formed from photocatalyst fibers held by binding threads being visible on the two opposite faces of the sheet. - The textile sheet 3 may comprise a superposition of textile layers, each of the layers being formed of optical fibers 5 and threads 7 formed of photocatalyst fibers held by binding threads. - The textile sheet 3 may have two opposite visible faces, the optical fibers 5 being visible on one of the faces and the threads 7 formed from photocatalyst fibers being visible on the other face. - The textile sheet 3 may have two opposite visible faces, the optical fibers 5 being visible on one of the faces and the threads 7 formed from photocatalyst fibers being visible on both faces. - The textile sheet 3 may have two opposite visible faces, the optical fibers 5 being visible on both faces and the threads 7 formed from photocatalyst fibers being visible on one of the two faces.

[0091] Advantageously, each optical fiber 5 has radial light diffusion means 8 in order to diffuse light radially relative to the direction of movement of the light in the optical fiber 5.

[0092] Each optical fiber 5 is configured to be supplied with light by a light source 9, as shown for example in [Fig. 2]. A free end of each optical fiber 5 is for example configured to be arranged opposite the light source 9 to transmit the light and emit light radially at the level of the radial light diffusion means 8 to activate the photocatalyst.

[0093] For example, each optical fiber 5 is formed from a material selected from the group comprising polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC) and cycloolefins (COP), preferably polycarbonate (PC). In this example, each optical fiber 5 is formed from polycarbonate (PC).

[0094] As shown for example in [Fig.2], the air purification device 1 preferably also comprises means 13 for holding the textile sheet 3 in position. The means 13 for holding in position preferably comprise a frame.

[0095] The photocatalyst consists of at least one photocatalyst material. In this example, the photocatalyst is formed solely of at least one catalyst material with photocatalytic action. Thus, the photocatalyst fibers are formed solely of photocatalyst.

[0096] Furthermore, the photocatalyst is a catalyst with photocatalytic action, which is not metallic. Thus, the at least one wire 7 formed from photocatalyst fibers is not metallic.

[0097] In this example, the photocatalyst fibers have a smallest dimension of at least 10 micrometers. Thus, the photocatalyst fibers are macroscopic. In other words, a macroscopic fiber is understood to mean a strand in which the smallest dimension is at least 10 micrometers.

[0098] Preferably, the strand has two average dimensions orthogonal to its longitudinal axis, the first average dimension (corresponding to its width) varying from 30 to 60 micrometers, preferably 40 to 50 micrometers, and the second average dimension (corresponding to its thickness) varying from 10 to 40 micrometers, preferably 10 to 20 micrometers.

[0099] The photocatalyst is preferably a semiconductor material. In this example, the photocatalyst comprises at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of TiO2, ZnO, CeO2.

[0100] Advantageously, the photocatalyst comprises at least partially crystalline TiO2, preferably predominantly crystalline TiO2. Preferably, the photocatalyst is made of at least partially crystalline TiO2, preferably predominantly crystalline TiO2.

[0101] The photocatalyst is activated by light which may be of the ultraviolet type, via at least one optical fiber 5.

[0102] A simple cutting of the textile sheet 3 to the dimensions of the air purification device 1 or the position holding means 13 makes it possible to produce air purification devices of any size. Advantageously, the textile sheet 3 has a transverse dimension less than or equal to 20 centimeters and a longitudinal dimension less than or equal to 1 meter.

[0103] The radial light diffusion means 8 are for example formed by alterations to the surface of the optical fiber 5. The alterations to the surface of each optical fiber 5 can be carried out in various ways, and in particular by sandblasting, chemical etching or fusion processes using high-intensity light radiation such as a laser. Obviously, such alterations can also be carried out by numerous other mechanical or chemical processes.

[0104] The surface alterations of each optical fiber 5 may be distributed symmetrically or asymmetrically (progressively). Indeed, in order to achieve homogeneous illumination in the textile sheet 3, and therefore homogeneous activation of the photocatalyst in the textile sheet 3, the surface density or the dimension of the alterations may vary from one zone to another of the optical fiber 5.

[0105] For example, the surface density of the alterations is low on the side of the light source 9 and increases as one moves away from the light source 9.

[0106] The light source 9 is preferably single. Alternatively, the light source 9 may be composed of several identical or different light sources, which may be of different natures, and in particular be in the form of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or extended sources such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent tubes or discharge tubes incorporating a gas such as neon.

[0107] In this example, the light source 9 supplies light to a free end of each optical fiber 5. In this example, the light source 9 is a source of UV light, and includes an LED. For example, the light source 9 can be made with a UVA, UVB or UVC LED.

[0108] Alternatively or in a complementary manner, the light source 9 may comprise a collector capable of focusing natural sunlight in a point or linear manner in the direction of at least one free end of at least one optical fiber.

[0109] [Fig. 3] represents a first example of an embodiment of an air treatment device 15. Such an air treatment device 15 comprises an air purification device 1 as previously described, a light source 9 as previously described, and an air circulation duct 17 between an air inlet 19 and an air outlet 21.

[0110] Alternatively, the air treatment device 15 comprises several air outlets, identical or different, and the air treatment device 15 comprises several air inlets, identical or different.

[0111] The air purification device 1 is arranged in the air circulation duct 17. Each optical fiber 5 is supplied with light by the light source 9.

[0112] In this example, the air treatment device 15 is a domestic appliance comprising a casing 23 forming the outer casing of the air treatment device 15.

[0113] Preferably, the air treatment apparatus 15 is configured to be movable during its operation. Thus, the air treatment apparatus 15 is an individual domestic appliance and not a centralized air conditioning system, for example of a hospital, an airport, a shopping center, a metro or train station.

[0114] Furthermore, the air treatment device 15 is preferably an individual portable device suitable for small spaces such as that of an individual dwelling or a caravan. Thus, the air treatment device 15 has a volume of less than 1 m3, preferably less than 0.8 m3, more preferably less than 0.6 m3.

[0115] Furthermore, the air treatment device has a mass less than or equal to 30 kg, preferably less than 20 kg, more preferably less than 6 kg.

[0116] The air treatment apparatus 15 further comprises an air movement member 25. The air movement member 25 is configured to move air from the air inlet 19 to the air outlet 21. The air movement member 25 is for example a radial flow or mixed flow turbine, or a fan, arranged downstream of the air purification device 1. In this case, as shown in [Fig. 3], a motor-fan unit 26 may be arranged on the side of the air outlet 21, above the air purification device 1.

[0117] In the example shown in [Fig.3], the air purification device 1 comprises several textile sheets 3 superimposed and spaced apart by at least a predetermined value such that air to be purified circulates between the textile sheets 3. Preferably, the predetermined value is greater than or equal to 5 millimeters. In this example, the textile sheets 3 are arranged in parallel layers. The parallel layers may be flat or non-flat. Thus, the textile sheets 3 are not necessarily flat and may be curved.

[0118] Advantageously, the position holding means 13 hold each textile sheet 3, and preferably comprise a frame. The position holding means 13 preferably comprise spacers configured to space the textile sheets 3 apart.

[0119] Alternatively, other arrangements of each textile sheet may be envisaged, for example in the form of a roll where each textile sheet is rolled up on itself like a roll of carpet.

[0120] Furthermore, in this example, each textile sheet 3 is arranged parallel to the air flow in the air circulation duct 17. Alternatively, each textile sheet is arranged transversely to the air flow in the air circulation duct.

[0121] In this example, the air treatment device 15 has an apparent textile web surface area of ​​at least 4000 cm2, preferably at least 6000 cm2, more preferably at least 8000 cm2.

[0122] For example, the air flow moving in the air purification device 1 has a speed of less than 1 m / s, preferably less than 0.5 m / s, more preferably less than 0.2 m / s. Thus, a contact time of the pollutants with the textile sheet 3 is at least 0.5 s.

[0123] The air treatment apparatus further comprises a volatile organic compound analyzer 27 and an automatic adjustment member 29. The automatic adjustment member 29 is configured to automatically adjust, as a function of the volatile organic compound content analyzed by the analyzer 27, the speed of the air entering the air inlet 19 and / or the light intensity of the light source 9.

[0124] Preferably, as shown in [Fig. 4], the air treatment device 15 further comprises at least one filter 31. The filter 31 is arranged, depending on the movement of the air between the air inlet 19 and the air outlet 21, upstream or downstream of the air purification device 1.

[0125] For example, a filter 31 can be placed upstream of the air purification device 1. In this case, it is possible in particular to provide a particle filter, of the HEPA filter type.

[0126] Advantageously, at least one filter, such as an activated carbon filter or a formaldehyde filter, is arranged downstream of the air purification device 1.

[0127] Alternatively or additionally, the air treatment device 15 further comprises a dehumidifier.

[0128] For example, as shown in [Fig. 5], the air treatment apparatus 15 further comprises one or more fans 31, agitators or turbulators. Thus, the air is circulated according to a flow at low average flow rate but swirling between the textile sheets 3. Optionally, the air treatment apparatus 15 also comprises at least one deflector 33, configured to reduce the air turbulence before the air outlet 21.

Claims

Claims

1. Air purification device (1), characterized in that it comprises at least one textile sheet (3), in which at least one optical fiber (5) is woven with at least one thread (7) formed of photocatalyst fibers, each optical fiber (5) being configured to be supplied with light by a light source (9), each optical fiber (5) having radial light diffusion means (8) in order to diffuse light radially relative to the direction of movement of the light in the optical fiber (5).

2. An air purification device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one yarn (7) formed from photocatalyst fibers is a binding yarn.

3. An air purification device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radial light diffusion means (8) are formed by surface alterations of the optical fiber (5).

4. An air purification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the textile web (3) is formed of warp threads and weft threads, each optical fiber (5) forming a warp thread and each thread (7) formed of photocatalyst fibers forming at least one weft thread.

5. An air purification device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the textile web (3) is woven in plain weave or satin weave.

6. Air purification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises means for holding in position (13) the textile sheet (3), the means for holding in position (13) preferably comprising a frame.

7. Air purification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises several textile sheets (3) superimposed and spaced apart by at least a predetermined value such that air to be purified circulates between the textile sheets (3), preferably the predetermined value being greater than or equal to 5 millimeters.

8. Air purification device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the position holding means (13) hold each textile sheet (3) in position and comprise a frame and spacers configured to space the textile sheets (3) apart.

9. An air purification device (1) according to any one of the claims- dications 1 to 8, wherein the photocatalyst fibers have a smallest dimension of at least 10 micrometers.

10. An air purification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the photocatalyst is a semiconductor material.

11. An air purification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the photocatalyst comprises at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of TiO2, ZnO, CeO2.

12. An air purification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the photocatalyst comprises at least partially crystalline TiO2, preferably predominantly crystalline TiO2.

13. Air treatment apparatus (15) comprising: - an air circulation duct (17) between an air inlet (19) and an air outlet (21), - a light source (9), and - an air purification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 arranged in the air circulation duct (17), in which each optical fiber (5) is supplied with light by the light source (9).

14. An air treatment apparatus (15) according to claim 13, which is a domestic appliance comprising a casing (23) forming the outer casing of the air treatment apparatus (15).

15. An air treatment apparatus (15) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the light source (9) is a UV light source.

16. An air treatment apparatus (15) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the light source (9) comprises an LED.

17. Air treatment apparatus (15) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, which further comprises: - an analyzer (27) of volatile organic compounds and - an automatic adjustment member (29), which is configured to automatically adjust, depending on the content of volatile organic compounds analyzed by the analyzer (27), the speed of the air entering the air inlet (19) and / or the light intensity of the light source (9).

18. Air treatment apparatus (15) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein each textile sheet (3) is arranged pa- connection to the air flow in the air circulation duct (17).

19. Air treatment apparatus (15) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein each textile sheet (3) is arranged transversely to the air flow in the air circulation duct (17).

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