Air purification system and air purification device

Abstract

To provide an air purification technology that can be applied relatively easily to buildings.SOLUTION: An air purification system 100 comprises a plurality of air purification devices 10 that can be retrofitted to a building. Each of the plurality of air purification devices 10 comprises: a partition structure 22 that can be installed at a corresponding opening 20 among a plurality of openings 20 so as to separate a purification zone 16 within the building from the outside 12, and has an air intake 23 from the outside 12; a purification filter 26 connected to the air intake 23 of the partition structure 22; a purified air outlet 32 connected to the purification filter 26 so as to supply air 18 purified by the purification filter 26 to the purification zone 16; and an air flow generator 28 that is provided between the air intake 23 and the purification filter 26 or between the purification filter 26 and the purified air outlet 32, and generates an air flow from the air intake 23 through the purification filter 26 to the purified air outlet 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purification system and an air purification device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, when outside air is contaminated with pollutants such as chemically or biologically harmful substances or radioactive substances, an air purification system is known for purifying the air and introducing it into a purification compartment within a building. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-179476 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, when a new building is constructed, the air purification system described above is designed and integrated into the building. Therefore, the introduction of an air purification system requires considerable effort and cost when constructing a new building. Furthermore, retrofitting an air purification system in an existing building that does not have one is either impossible, or, even if possible, involves significant difficulties such as the need for extensive renovation work.

[0005] One exemplary object of certain aspects of the present invention is to provide air purification technology that is relatively easy to apply to buildings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air purification system for a building having multiple openings leading to the outside world. The air purification system includes multiple air purification devices that can be retrofitted to the building. Each of the multiple air purification devices is installable in a corresponding one of the multiple openings to separate a purification section within the building from the outside world, and includes a partition structure having an air intake from the outside world, a purification filter connected to the air intake of the partition structure, a purified air outlet connected to the purification filter to supply air purified by the purification filter to the purification section, and an air flow generator provided between the air intake and the purification filter or between the purification filter and the purified air outlet, and generating an air flow from the air intake through the purification filter to the purified air outlet.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an air purification device can be installed in an opening of a building to separate a purification section within the building from the outside world. The device includes: a partition structure having an air intake from the outside world; a purification filter connected to the air intake of the partition structure; a purified air outlet connected to the purification filter to supply air purified by the purification filter to the purification section; and an air flow generator provided between the air intake and the purification filter or between the purification filter and the purified air outlet, for generating an air flow from the air intake through the purification filter to the purified air outlet. The partition structure includes at least one partition. The partition includes an outer frame adapted to the size of the opening so that the partition closes the opening, and a membrane material made of a non-breathable material and stretched over the outer frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air purification technology that can be applied relatively easily to buildings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an air purification device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of a purification unit of an air purification device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the purified air outlet of the air purification device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an air purification system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description and drawings, identical or equivalent components, parts, and processes are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. The scale and shape of each part shown in the drawings are set for convenience to facilitate explanation, and should not be interpreted as limiting unless otherwise specified. The embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. All features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an air purification device 10 according to an embodiment. The air purification device 10 is configured to take in fresh air 14 from the outside world 12, purify it, and supply purified air 18 to a purification section 16 within a building. The air purification device 10 can be retrofitted to, for example, underground buildings such as subway stations, underground shopping malls, and underground parking lots, or any other type of building. In the event of an emergency in which the fresh air 14 is contaminated by contaminants such as chemical or biological hazards or radioactive materials, the air purification device 10 can be installed or deployed in an opening 20 of the building that leads to the outside world 12, such as an entrance or ventilation duct, to provide air purification functionality for the building.

[0012] The air purification device 10 comprises a partition structure 22, a purification unit 24, and a purified air outlet 32. The purification unit 24 comprises a purification filter 26, an air flow generator 28, and a shutter 30. The partition structure 22, the purification unit 24, and the purified air outlet 32 ​​are arranged and connected in this order from the building opening 20 to the depth of the purification compartment 16. The purification unit 24 and the purified air outlet 32 ​​are disposed in the purification compartment 16.

[0013] The partition wall structure 22 can be installed in an opening 20 of a building to separate the purification section 16 within the building from the outside world 12. The partition wall structure 22 includes at least one partition wall. However, the partition wall structure 22 may have a multi-stage structure, i.e., include multiple partition walls arranged in series in the opening 20. In this example, the partition wall structure 22 includes two partition walls, an outer partition wall 22a and an inner partition wall 22b. As described below, the purification section 16 is at a positive pressure relative to the outside world 12. The multi-stage partition wall structure 22 helps to reduce the pressure differential acting on each partition wall and the resulting load on the partition walls. This allows for the use of partition walls with a simple structure.

[0014] The partition structure 22 has an air intake 23 from the outside 12. If the partition structure 22 has a multi-stage structure, the air intake 23 is provided in each partition, i.e., the outer partition 22a and the inner partition 22b. A purification unit 24 is connected to the air intake 23. As shown in the figure, the air intake 23 may be connected to the purification unit 24 by an intake duct 25. Because the outside air 14 is taken into the purification unit 24 from the air intake 23 through the intake duct 25, the intake duct 25 is made of a non-air-permeable material, i.e., a material that does not allow air to pass through. For example, the intake duct 25 may be a flexible hose made of an appropriate synthetic resin material.

[0015] Both the partitions, that is, the outer partition 22a and the inner partition 22b, comprise an outer frame 34 and a membrane material 36 stretched over the outer frame 34.

[0016] The outer frame 34 is adapted to the size of the opening 20 so that the partition wall closes the opening 20. That is, the outer frame 34 is designed to have the same shape and dimensions as the opening 20, so that the partition wall can close the opening 20. For example, if the opening 20 is rectangular, the outer frame 34 has a rectangular shape of the same size. The outer frame 34 may be formed of a rigid material, such as a metal material, to maintain the shape of the partition wall.

[0017] The membrane material 36 is formed of a non-breathable material, similar to the intake duct 25, to prevent outside air 14 from entering the purification section 16. For example, the membrane material 36 may be a flexible sheet or film formed of an appropriate synthetic resin material. The membrane material 36 is more flexible than the outer frame 34, and its periphery is supported by the outer frame 34.

[0018] Furthermore, in addition to the outer frame 34 as a framework constituting the partition wall, the partition wall may include a reinforcing member 38 that reinforces the outer frame 34. As an example, the reinforcing member 38 may be provided along a diagonal line of the outer frame 34.

[0019] In addition, to improve the airtightness of the partition structure 22, the small gap between the opening 20 and the outer frame 34 may be filled with an elastic material such as urethane foam or other suitable sealing material.

[0020] The partition structure 22 may include a relief valve 40 configured to release the positive pressure of the purification compartment 16 relative to the outside world 12. The relief valve 40 is configured to open when the pressure inside the partition exceeds a predetermined value relative to the pressure outside the partition, and to close when the pressure difference does not exceed the predetermined value. When the relief valve 40 is open, air can be released from the purification compartment 16 to the outside world 12. When the relief valve 40 is closed, the partition structure 22 isolates the purification compartment 16 from the outside world 12. The set differential pressure of the relief valve 40 may be selected from a pressure range of 10 Pa to 50 Pa, for example, and may be 30 Pa, for example. When the partition structure 22 has a multi-stage structure, as in this example, a relief valve 40 is provided in each partition, i.e., the outer partition 22a and the inner partition 22b.

[0021] The relief valve 40 prevents excessive pressure differential across the bulkhead and consequent damage to the bulkhead, and also reduces fluctuations in air pressure that may occur when moving between the outside world 12 and the purification section 16.

[0022] The partition may be foldable for efficient storage when the air purification device 10 is not in use. For example, the outer frame 34 may be detachable from the membrane 36, and the outer frame 34 and the membrane 36 may each be foldable. When the air purification device 10 is in use, the partition may be assembled and placed in the opening 20. After use of the air purification device 10, the partition may be removed from the opening 20, disassembled, and stored again.

[0023] The purification filter 26 is connected to the air intake 23 of the partition structure 22. As described above in this example, the purification filter 26 may be connected to the air intake 23 by the intake duct 25. The purification filter 26 includes at least one filter for purifying contaminants contained in the outside air 14. As a typical example, the purification filter 26 may include multiple filters, for example, a pre-filter for capturing relatively large particles and a filter (e.g., a HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, etc.) downstream of the pre-filter for capturing particles smaller than the target particles of the pre-filter. Furthermore, if necessary, additional filters, such as a filter for preventing shock waves generated by disasters and / or a coarse dust filter for preventing large debris, may be provided upstream of the pre-filter, for example, upstream of the air flow generator 28.

[0024] The air flow generator 28 is provided between the air intake 23 and the purification filter 26 and generates an air flow from the air intake 23 through the purification filter 26 to the purified air outlet 32. The air flow generator 28 may also be provided between the purification filter 26 and the purified air outlet 32. The air flow generator 28 may be, for example, a blower or any other suitable device that generates an air flow. The air flow generator 28 may be powered by the building in which the air purification device 10 is installed, or may be powered by a generator brought in with the air purification device 10.

[0025] The air flow generator 28 can draw in outside air 14 from the outside world 12 through the air intake 23 and supply the air 18 purified by the purification filter 26 to the purification section 16 through the purified air outlet 32. By sending air into the purification section 16 by the air flow generator 28, the purification section 16 is at a positive pressure relative to the outside world 12. The positive pressure in the purification section 16 also helps prevent the outside air 14 from entering the purification section 16 from the outside world 12.

[0026] The shutter 30 is provided between the air intake 23 and the purification filter 26, and is configured to open when the air flow generator 28 is operating and close when the air flow generator 28 is stopped. When the air flow generator 28 is not operating, the shutter 30 is closed, preventing the intrusion of outside air 14. The shutter 30 may be opened and closed mechanically by differential pressure, like the relief valve 40. Alternatively, the shutter 30 may be opened and closed electrically in conjunction with the on / off switching of the air flow generator 28. In this case, the shutter 30 may be powered by the building or a generator, just like the air flow generator 28.

[0027] 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of the purification unit 24 of the air purification device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the purification filter 26 is combined with the air flow generator 28 and the shutter 30 to form a unit. In this manner, the purification unit 24 is portable, making it convenient to assemble the air purification device 10 for use.

[0028] The purification filter 26, air flow generator 28, and shutter 30 are combined so as to be removable from one another. Therefore, the purification filter 26, air flow generator 28, and shutter 30 can each be replaced individually as needed. For example, a purification filter 26 that has deteriorated with use can be replaced with a new filter. Furthermore, the purification unit 24 can be configured by selecting and combining purification filter 26, air flow generator 28, and shutter 30 models with the required performance depending on various conditions, such as the size and structure of the building in which the air purification device 10 is installed and the number of occupants to be accommodated in the purification section 16.

[0029] 1 , the purified air outlet 32 ​​is connected to the purification filter 26 to supply the air 18 purified by the purification filter 26 to the purification section 16. The purified air outlet 32 ​​includes a diffusion duct 32a and an air supply duct 32b. The diffusion duct 32a is connected to the purification filter 26 by the air supply duct 32b. The diffusion duct 32a is formed, for example, from a cloth or other breathable material, and is positioned anywhere within the purification section 16 from which it is desired to release the purified air 18. The diffusion duct 32a helps to evenly diffuse the purified air 18 within the purification section 16. The diffusion duct 32a also helps to reduce noise when the purified air 18 is released.

[0030] The air supply duct 32b is made of a non-breathable material and guides the air 18 purified by the purification filter 26 to the diffusion duct 32a. The air supply duct 32b may be, for example, a flexible hose made of an appropriate synthetic resin material. By extending the air supply duct 32b, the purified air 18 can be delivered to a depth of the purification section 16.

[0031] 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the purified air outlet 32 ​​of the air purifier 10 according to the embodiment. Similar to the example described above, the purified air outlet 32 ​​includes a diffusion duct 32a and a blower duct 32b, with the diffusion duct 32a connected to the end of the blower duct 32b. As shown in the figure, the diffusion duct 32a may form a loop at the end of the blower duct 32b. By forming a relatively large loop, the purified air 18 can be evenly released over a wider area.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an air purification system 100 according to an embodiment. The air purification system 100 can be installed in a building having multiple openings 20 that connect to the outside world 12, in this example, an underground building such as a subway station. The air purification system 100 includes multiple air purification devices 10 that can be retrofitted to such an existing building. As an example, this subway station has two entrances and exits to the ground as openings 20, and the air purification system 100 includes two air purification devices 10 that are installed at each of these openings 20. The air purification system 100 is constructed as a distributed, retrofittable air purification system in which multiple air purification devices 10 are retrofitted to each of the openings 20 of the building.

[0033] The air purification device 10 may be the same as that described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Thus, the air purification device 10 includes a partition structure 22 having an air intake 23 and a relief valve 40, a purification unit 24, and a purified air outlet 32. The purification unit 24 includes a purification filter 26, an air flow generator 28, and a shutter 30. The purified air outlet 32 ​​includes a diffusion duct 32a and a blower duct 32b. The partition structure 22 of each air purification device 10 is installed in a corresponding one of the multiple openings 20 to separate a purification section 16 within the building from the outside world 12. The purification unit 24 and the purified air outlet 32 ​​are installed in the purification section 16. The purification unit 24 and the purified air outlet 32 ​​may be installed relatively deep within the purification section 16, for example, on the ticket gate floor of a subway station.

[0034] In the event of an emergency in which the outside air 14 is contaminated by contaminants such as chemically or biologically hazardous substances or radioactive materials, the air purification system 100 can supply purified air 18 to a purification section 16 within a building. The air purification system 100 can provide a simple shelter to protect personnel who have evacuated into the building in such an emergency. Because the air purification system 100 has a decentralized configuration, the location and number of air purification devices 10 can be changed to suit the building, depending on various conditions such as the size and structure of the building in which it is installed and the number of occupants that can be accommodated in the purification section 16.

[0035] It is not necessary to install an air purification device 10 in every opening of a building. As shown in Fig. 4, in place of the air purification device 10, a partition structure 22 alone may be installed in some openings of a building (e.g., vents 42, passageways 44) to isolate the purification section 16 from the outside world 12. Such a partition structure 22 that is not connected to a purification unit 24 may also constitute a part of the air purification system 100. Although not shown in Fig. 4, such a standalone partition structure 22 may also be provided with a relief valve 40.

[0036] The present invention has been described above based on examples. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and that various design changes and modifications are possible, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. Various features described in relation to one embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments. A new embodiment created by combining embodiments will have the combined effects of the respective combined embodiments.

[0037] In the above-described embodiment, the partition wall structure 22 has been described as having a multi-stage structure, but this is not essential. The partition wall structure 22 may be incorporated into another rigid wall, such as an existing door of a building, in which case the partition wall structure 22 may be a single-stage (i.e., one) partition wall.

[0038] The present invention has been described using specific terms based on the embodiments, but the embodiments merely illustrate one aspect of the principles and applications of the present invention, and many modifications and changes in arrangement are permitted to the embodiments as long as they do not deviate from the concept of the present invention as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 10 air purification device, 12 outside, 16 purification compartment, 18 purified air, 20 opening, 22 partition structure, 23 air intake, 26 purification filter, 28 air flow generator, 30 shutter, 32 purified air outlet, 32a diffusion duct, 32b air supply duct, 34 outer frame, 36 membrane material, 40 relief valve, 100 air purification system.

Claims

1. 1. An air purification system for a building having a plurality of openings to the outside world, comprising: The building includes a plurality of air purification devices that can be retrofitted to the building, and each of the plurality of air purification devices includes: a partition wall structure that can be installed at a corresponding one of the plurality of openings so as to separate a purification section in the building from the outside world, the partition wall having an air intake from the outside world; a purification filter connected to the air intake of the partition structure; a purified air outlet connected to the purification filter to supply air purified by the purification filter to the purification compartment; an air flow generator provided between the air intake and the purification filter, or between the purification filter and the purified air outlet, for generating an air flow from the air intake through the purification filter to the purified air outlet.

2. The partition structure includes at least one partition, the partition having: an outer frame adapted to the size of the corresponding opening so that the partition wall closes the corresponding opening; 2. The air purification system according to claim 1, further comprising a membrane material made of a non-breathable material and stretched over the outer frame.

3. The air purification system according to claim 1 , wherein the partition structure comprises a plurality of partitions arranged in series at the corresponding openings.

4. 10. The air purification system of claim 1, wherein the partition structure comprises a relief valve configured to release positive pressure in the purification compartment relative to the outside world.

5. 2. The air purification system according to claim 1, wherein the purified air outlet comprises a diffusion duct made of a breathable material and a blower duct made of a non-breathable material that guides the air purified by the purification filter to the diffusion duct.

6. 6. The air purification system of claim 1, further comprising a shutter provided between the air intake and the purification filter, the shutter being configured to open when the air flow generator is activated and to close when the air flow generator is deactivated.

7. 7. The air purification system according to claim 6, wherein the purification filter is combined with the air flow generator and the shutter to form a unit.

8. 8. The air purification system according to claim 7, wherein the purification filter, the air flow generator, and the shutter are removably combined with each other.

9. 2. The air purification system according to claim 1, wherein the building is an underground building.

10. A partition wall structure that can be installed at an opening of the building so as to separate a purification section within the building from the outside world, and that has an air intake from the outside world; a purification filter connected to the air intake of the partition structure; a purified air outlet connected to the purification filter to supply air purified by the purification filter to the purification compartment; an air flow generator provided between the air intake and the purification filter or between the purification filter and the purified air outlet, for generating an air flow from the air intake through the purification filter to the purified air outlet; The partition structure includes at least one partition, the partition having: an outer frame adapted to the size of the opening so that the partition wall closes the opening; and a membrane material formed of a non-breathable material and stretched over the outer frame.

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