Air treatment block for ventilation equipment

Abstract

To provide an air treatment block for ventilation equipment.SOLUTION: An air treatment block (1) produced in the form of a cartridge (2) is configured to be positioned on at least part of an air circulation path in ventilation equipment. The treatment block (1) has an interior volume (21), which is coupled with at least one input orifice (3) and at least one output orifice (4) that are positioned at ends of an air circulation path. At least part of the interior surface of the interior volume (21) is equipped with at least one light-emission source (5) with a wavelength between 100 nm and 400 nm, disposed to radiate towards the interior of the volume of the treatment block (1) at at least one section of the air circulation path in the interior of the volume of the treatment block (1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ventilation devices for vehicles, and more particularly to the field of ventilation devices capable of treating ventilated air.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles of public transportation form a significantly enclosed structure, especially when the density of people is temporarily extremely high, particularly during very congested hours, and users come into contact with each other inside. When it gets to a certain degree of congestion, such a large number of people and the flow of passengers inside the vehicle form a place favorable for the circulation and transmission of viruses and bacteria.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The doors of the vehicle open regularly at the stops for passenger transfer, but since these doors are opened only for a limited time, it is impossible to introduce a large amount of fresh air, and thus it is not possible to sufficiently replace the air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Therefore, an exhaust mechanism is incorporated into the vehicle to improve air replacement, on the one hand, to stir the air inside the vehicle and, on the other hand, to be able to take in air from the outside of the vehicle into the passenger compartment. However, the ventilation of the vehicle is generally insufficient, and the amount of air introduced into the passenger compartment is not sufficient to quickly replace the air inside the passenger compartment. As a result, when there are viruses and / or bacteria that can survive at an average temperature in a closed environment, such a ventilation mechanism cannot reduce or prevent infection through the passenger's airway.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose a solution that can further limit and even avoid the risk of infection of vehicle passengers by bacteria and / or viruses floating in the atmosphere, and at the same time can be attached and / or integrated into the existing ventilation mechanism of the vehicle, thereby eliminating the above-mentioned inconveniences.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention relates to an air processing block formed in the shape of a cartridge configured to be positioned in at least a portion of an air circulation path within a ventilation system, wherein the processing block has an internal volume, which is coupled to at least one inlet hole and at least one outlet hole, both positioned at the ends of the air circulation path, and is equipped with a light source with a wavelength of 100 nm to 400 nm, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the internal volume is arranged to radiate toward the interior of the processing block in at least one section of the air circulation path within the volume of the processing block.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a ventilation device incorporating at least one processing block according to the present invention.

[0007] The present invention is given as a non-limiting example and will be better understood by reading the following description of preferred embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an air treatment block according to the present invention.

[0009] [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of baffle arrangement in the peripheral frame of an example of an air treatment block according to the present invention.

[0010] [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a ventilation system incorporating the air treatment block according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The present invention relates to an air processing block 1 formed in the shape of a cartridge 2 configured to be positioned in at least a portion of an air circulation path within a ventilation system, wherein the processing block 1 has an internal volume 21, and this internal volume is coupled to at least one inlet hole 3 and at least one outlet hole 4, both positioned at the ends of the air circulation path, and is equipped with a light source 5 with a wavelength of 100 nm to 400 nm, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the internal volume 21 is arranged to radiate inward towards the volume of the processing block 1 in at least one section of the air circulation path inside the volume of the processing block 1.

[0012] Therefore, the air treatment block 1 of the present invention forms a treatment duct through which a certain amount of air circulates, and at least a portion of the radiation from the light source 5 passes through this amount of air. The light source 5 is particularly selected to emit radiation with wavelengths of 100 nm to 400 nm, i.e., ultraviolet-type radiation having bactericidal and antiviral properties. Preferably, the ultraviolet radiation is mediated by ultraviolet C waves and / or radiation with wavelengths of 250 to 270 nm. Ultraviolet-type radiation is absorbed by nucleic acids, RNA, and DNA that constitute the genetic material of bacteria and viruses, and can reduce the function of such genetic material. Therefore, bacteria and viruses floating in the air circulating within the treatment block 1 are killed by the ultraviolet radiation because the function of their genetic material is reduced. In this way, it is possible to ensure that there are no bacteria or viruses in the airflow at the outlet 4 of the treatment block 1. Depending on the length of the airflow path through the ultraviolet radiation and the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation, the reduction in the function of the genetic material of airborne bacteria and viruses can be strengthened.

[0013] It should be noted that the processing block 1 according to the present invention does not have a dedicated ventilation mechanism. This processing block 1 is suitable for integration into ventilation equipment and is configured to act on bacteria and viruses floating in the circulating air by utilizing the airflow generated by the ventilation equipment, and no ventilation mechanism specific to the processing block 1 is required. Thus, since there is no additional ventilation mechanism to be incorporated into the processing block 1, it is also possible to limit the operating noise associated with the motorization of air circulation.

[0014] According to one configuration example related to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the air treatment block 1 has an internal volume 21, and at least a portion of its inner surface is formed in a shape suitable for reflecting at least a portion of radiation with wavelengths of 100 nm to 400 nm, which is focused in at least one section of the air circulation path within the volume 21 of the treatment block 1. By positioning the reflective surface within the internal volume 21 of the air treatment block 1, the distribution of radiation from a single radiation source into the volume 21 of the treatment block 1 can be optimized. This is because the reflection of radiation within the internal volume limits energy loss by concentrating the radiation in the circulation path of the airflow within the treatment block 1. The reflective surface allows the same light rays to pass through the airflow multiple times within the treatment block 1, increasing the chances of hitting airborne bacteria or viruses and thus increasing the radiation's effect on their genetic material. In this way, the effectiveness of radiation supplied by a single light source 5 for treating the circulating airflow is optimized within the internal volume 21 of the treatment block 1. The various reflective surfaces of the internal volume 21 of the air treatment block 1 can correspond to flat surfaces or surfaces having convex or concave portions. Additionally, these surfaces may be formed by a combination of flat and / or convex and / or concave portions. According to one example configuration, these reflective surfaces are formed, for example, as mirrors or as chrome or aluminum type paint or coatings.

[0015] According to one configuration example relating to another modified embodiment of the present invention, which can be combined with the various modified embodiments described above, the air treatment block 1 is characterized in that the air circulation path within the volume of the treatment block 1 is provided with at least one baffle 22 positioned within the internal volume 21, so that no light rays from at least one light source 5 can pass through at least one inlet hole 3 and / or at least one outlet hole 4 of the treatment block 1. One of the walls of the baffle 22 is positioned on the inside of the treatment block 1 so that light with wavelengths of 100 nm to 400 nm is not emitted outwards from the air treatment block 1. Thus, the effect of UV radiation from the light source 5 of the treatment block 1 on nucleic acids is strictly limited to the internal volume 21. Only elements present within the internal volume 21 of the treatment block 1, in particular elements suspended in the circulating air flow, are exposed to UV radiation. The risk of this UV radiation affecting areas outside the treatment block is avoided. Therefore, by incorporating the treatment block 1 according to the present invention into a vehicle, particularly in an environment accessible to passengers or users, it can be operated without any UV radiation emitted inside the treatment block 1 reaching any passenger or user. According to one preferred configuration, the baffle 22 is positioned between at least one light source 5 and at least one inlet 3 and / or at least one outlet 4 of the processing block 1. For example, at least one wall of the baffle 22 is positioned to mask at least one inlet 3 and / or at least one outlet 4 from one or more radiation points of the light source 5. According to another embodiment relating to one feature of a modified embodiment of this configuration, the air processing block 1 includes a plurality of baffles 22, and by their distribution and positioning within the internal volume of the processing block 1, a plurality of the individual walls of these baffles 22 can be combined to mask at least one inlet 3 and / or at least one outlet 4 from one or more radiation points of the light source 5. According to another embodiment relating to another feature of a modified embodiment of this configuration, at least one surface of the baffle is also adaptable to the reflection of at least a portion of radiation with wavelengths of 100 nm to 400 nm, optimizing the retention of radiation into the interior of the processing block 1.

[0016] By incorporating one or more baffles 22 inside the processing block 1, the advantage of enabling UV emission with high intensity and output within the internal volume 21 of the processing block 1 is similarly obtained. For example, this emission is at least about 3 mJ / cm². 2 Ideally, at least about 3.5 mJ / cm² 2 It is possible to provide an energy quantity of approximately 900 μW / cm². Similarly, as an example, this radiation is approximately 900 μW / cm². 2 Ideally, at least about 950 μW / cm² 2 It is possible to implement this to provide an energy intensity. Therefore, in these embodiments in which radiation is carried out for at least about 30 seconds, it is possible to exert at least about 99%, and even about 99.99%, of a virucidal effect on the treated airflow.

[0017] According to one configuration example relating to another modified embodiment of the present invention, which can be combined with the various modified embodiments described above, the processing block 1 includes at least one light source or at least one set of light sources 5 with wavelengths of 100 nm to 400 nm, positioned in a section near each individual inlet hole 3 in the air circulation path within the volume 21 of the processing block 1. By specifically positioning at least one UV light source 5 inside the processing block 1 in this manner, an arrangement is achieved in which the sterilizing or antiviral effect of radiation is imparted to the airflow closest to the inlet within the processing block 1, and this effect can be utilized in the largest portion of the air circulation path within the processing block 1. Furthermore, by positioning the UV light source 5 near each inlet hole 3 of the processing block 1, it becomes possible to perform sterilizing / antiviral treatment specific to, and even suitable for, each of the incoming airflows. According to one preferred configuration example, the light sources 5 are coupled to each inlet hole 3 of the processing block 1 such that the internal volume 21 of the processing block 1 is covered by radiation from these light sources 5.

[0018] According to one configuration example relating to another modified embodiment of the present invention, which can be combined with the various modified embodiments described above, the processing block 1 is formed in the shape of a cartridge 2, which has a substantially flat arrangement defining a peripheral frame 23 on one side and two broad opposing surfaces 24 positioned on both sides of the cartridge 2, respectively, surrounded by the peripheral frame 23, and at least one of these two surfaces 24 includes at least one outflow hole 4. According to this configuration example, the flat arrangement of the cartridge 2 makes it possible to manufacture a small processing block 1, and the processing block can be easily positioned inside an existing ventilation, in particular, in one section of the circulation path portion in which the airflow travels within the ventilation. Since the cartridge 2 is thus substantially flat, it is equally possible to position the processing block 1 to block one section of the airflow circulating within the ventilation, so that at least a portion of the airflow within the ventilation always travels through the processing block 1. By positioning the airflow outlet 4 of the cartridge 2 at the level of one of the two surfaces 24, it is similarly possible to orient the airflow at the outlet in a direction substantially perpendicular to the intermediate surface of the processing block 1, so that the air is effectively reintroduced into the ventilation circulation path at the outlet of the processing block 1. According to one embodiment relating to the features of this modified embodiment, the outlet 4 is supported in the peripheral frame 23 of the cartridge 2 by a structure that forms a wing, for example, as a projection. In this case, the outlet 4 is positioned on the plane of one of the surfaces 24 of the cartridge 2 so that the flow is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the average surface of the processing block 1. According to one configuration example relating to another modified embodiment, the inlet 3 is similarly positioned on a surface different from one of the surfaces 24 of the cartridge 2, preferably the surface supporting the outlet 4.

[0019] According to one configuration example relating to another modified embodiment of the present invention that can be combined with the modified embodiments described in detail above, the cartridge 2 includes at least one inlet 3 located on at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the frame 23. Thus, the direction of the airflow entering the cartridge 2 is oriented along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the direction of the airflow leaving the cartridge 2. This difference in the directions of the inlet and outlet airflow allows for the generation of various turbulences within the internal volume 21 of the cartridge 2, if this internal volume is larger than the inlet 3 and outlet 4 of the cartridge 2. As a result, airborne bacteria and viruses can remain in this internal volume 21 longer and be exposed to UV radiation from the light source 5 for a longer period of time. Similarly, this difference in direction can slow down the circulation of airflow within the cartridge 2, thus also exposing airborne bacteria and viruses to UV radiation for a longer period of time. In one particular configuration example, the inlet 3 supported by the peripheral frame 23 has at least one grid-like or groove-like arrangement, which is configured to have a structure that forms a plurality of baffles juxtaposed and distributed along the length of the inlet 3. Thus, such grid-like or groove-like arrangements in the form of baffles make it possible to achieve airflow into the cartridge 2 while preventing some of the UV radiation supplied into the cartridge 2 by the light source 5 from being emitted outside the processing block 1. In one configuration example, these baffles supported by the inlet 3 have the shape of one or more rows of fixed flaps oriented substantially parallel to each other in an arrangement similar to a shutter.

[0020] According to one configuration example related to another modified embodiment of the present invention that can be combined with the various modified embodiments described above, the processing block 1 also includes at least one mounting interface positioned at a part around the cartridge 2, and / or at least one connection interface for connecting the light-emitting source 5 to the power supply network. Therefore, this mounting interface can incorporate and block the processing block 1 at a predetermined position within the ventilation equipment. As an example, this mounting interface can be formed as a screw-tightening interface or a clipping mechanism that enables the easy assembly of the processing block 1 into the ventilation device 6, particularly into the circulation hole of the air flow of the device 6. The connection interface enables the supply of at least one light-emitting source 5 of the processing block 1 from an external power supply network of the processing block, so an on-board energy source when operating the processing block 1 is unnecessary. By using an external power source through such a connection interface, the miniaturization of the processing block 1 can also be optimized.

[0021] According to one configuration example related to an alternative configuration of the modified embodiment described above, the processing block 1 includes at least one on-board unit for supplying the light-emitting source 5 of this processing block 1. As an example, this on-board unit can take the form of one or more batteries incorporated into the processing block 1, particularly dedicated to one light-emitting source 5 of the processing block 1 or a set of light-emitting sources consisting of multiple light-emitting sources 5.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a ventilation device 6, characterized in that the ventilation device 6 incorporates at least one processing block 1 according to the present invention. Such incorporation of the processing block 1 is carried out such that the processing block 1 blocks a section of at least one portion of the air circulation path within the ventilation device 6. Thus, by blocking that section of the circulation path, the processing block 1 can reliably intervene in the entire airflow moving through that portion of the circulation path. The processing block 1 realizes an element that is structurally independent from the other parts of the ventilation device 6. The movement of the airflow is carried out by one or more ventilation mechanisms inherent in the ventilation device 6, and the processing block 1 has no ventilation mechanism at all. As an example, the ventilation device 6 has a flow rate of approximately 834 m³ / h 3 It is configured to generate an airflow rate such that, when used in a passenger compartment 7 of a public transport vehicle, the entire air volume of the passenger compartment 7 can be replaced in less than 5 minutes, and even a ventilation cycle of approximately 3 to 2 minutes is possible.

[0023] For safety reasons, it should be noted that access to the processing block 1 within the ventilation system 6 is coupled to the operational shutdown mechanism of the processing block 1, particularly the power shutdown mechanism for the various light sources 5. Therefore, handling of the processing block 1 is carried out safely for workers. In addition, the operation of the various light sources 5 in the processing block 1 is coupled to visible spectrum light signals to warn workers as needed that the power to these various light sources 5 is not shut off and that handling the processing block 1 may involve hazards.

[0024] According to one configuration example related to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the ventilation device 6 is coupled to the passenger compartment 7 so as to ventilate the air in the passenger compartment 7, and at least one processing block 1 is positioned between at least one inlet hole 63 and at least one outlet hole 64 in the air circulation path within the ventilation device 6, and the entire air that exits the passenger compartment 7 and circulates within the ventilation device 6 passes through at least one processing block 1. According to one configuration example, the ventilation device 6 includes a single inlet hole 63 and / or a single outlet hole 64 for the air flow, and the processing block 1 that can process the entire air flow passing through the ventilation device 6 is positioned there. According to another configuration example, the ventilation device 6 includes a plurality of inlet holes 63 and / or a plurality of outlet holes 64, and the processing block 1 is positioned at the inlet or outlet at each hole. According to each of these embodiments, the entire air flow moving inside the ventilation device 6 is guided to pass through at least one block 1 of the present invention and is processed there.

[0025] According to another configuration example related to a modified embodiment of the present invention that can be combined with one of the aforementioned modified embodiments, the ventilation device 6 is coupled to the passenger compartment 7 so as to ventilate the air in the passenger compartment 7, and this ventilation device also similarly includes at least one inlet hole 65 for the air that comes from the outside of the passenger compartment 7 and goes towards the inside of the passenger compartment 7. According to the configuration according to this modified embodiment, the circulation path of the air flow within the ventilation device 6 is configured such that the air that comes from the inside of the passenger compartment 7 and is processed by the processing block 1 is mixed with the air flow that comes from the outside of the vehicle and then ventilated towards the inside of the passenger compartment 7. In the configuration according to this modified embodiment, in addition to replacing the air in the passenger compartment 7, it is similarly possible to ventilate towards the inside of the passenger compartment 7, thereby generating a slight overpressure within the passenger compartment 7. This overpressure is particularly balanced by the phenomenon that air is discharged from the inside of the passenger compartment 7, on the one hand, at various joints of the elements of the passenger compartment 7 that are not sealed, and on the other hand, particularly when the vehicle is for public transportation and the doors of the passenger compartment 7 are opened at each stop of the vehicle.

[0026] Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Various modifications are still possible without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, particularly in terms of the configuration of various elements or by substituting equivalent technologies. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0027] 1 Processing block 2 cartridges 3 Inflow hole 4 Outlet holes 5 light sources 6. Ventilation system 7 guest rooms 21 Internal volume 22 baffles 23 frames 24. Opposing surfaces of cartridges 63 Inflow hole 64 Outlet holes 65 Inflow hole

Claims

1. An air treatment block (1) is formed in the shape of a cartridge (2) configured to be positioned in at least a portion of an air circulation path within a ventilation system, and has an internal volume (21), the internal volume being coupled to at least one inlet hole (3) and at least one outlet hole (4) both positioned at the ends of the air circulation path, wherein the treatment block (1) is equipped with a light source (5) with a wavelength of 100 nm to 400 nm, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the internal volume (21) is arranged to radiate toward the interior of the volume of the treatment block (1) in at least one section of the air circulation path inside the volume of the treatment block (1).

2. The air treatment block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the inner surface of the internal volume (21) is formed in a shape suitable for reflecting at least a portion of radiation with wavelengths of 100 nm to 400 nm, and this radiation is focused in at least one section of the air circulation path within the internal volume (21) of the treatment block (1).

3. The air treatment block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the air circulation path within the volume of the treatment block (1) comprises at least one baffle (22) positioned within the internal volume (21), and no light rays from at least one light source (5) can pass through at least one inlet hole (3) and / or at least one outlet hole (4) of the treatment block (1).

4. The air treatment block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the treatment block (1) includes at least one light source or at least one set of light sources (5) with wavelengths of 100 nm to 400 nm, which are arranged in a section near each inlet hole (3) in the air circulation path within the volume (21) of the treatment block (1).

5. The air treatment block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cartridge (2) has a substantially flat arrangement that defines a peripheral frame (23) on one side and two wide opposing surfaces (24) that are surrounded by the peripheral frame (23) and positioned on both sides of the cartridge (2) on the other side, and at least one of these two surfaces (24) includes at least one outlet hole (4).

6. The air treatment block (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the cartridge (2) comprises at least one inlet hole (3) positioned on at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the frame (23).

7. The air processing block (1) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one mounting interface positioned in part around the cartridge (2), and / or at least one connection interface for connecting the light source (5) to a power grid.

8. A ventilation device (6) characterized in that it incorporates at least one air treatment block (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The ventilation device (6) according to claim 8, characterized in that the ventilation device (6) is coupled to the guest room (7) to ventilate the air in the guest room (7), at least one processing block (1) is positioned between at least one inlet hole (63) and at least one outlet hole (64) in the air circulation path within the ventilation device (6), and all of the air that leaves the guest room (7) and circulates within the ventilation device (6) passes through at least one processing block (1).

10. The ventilation device (6) according to claim 8, wherein the ventilation device (6) is coupled to the guest room (7) to ventilate the air in the guest room (7), and the ventilation device (6) similarly comprises at least one inlet (65) for air coming from outside the guest room 7 and going towards the inside of the guest room (7).

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