air purifier

Abstract

We provide air purifiers, especially those that offer a more hygienic experience throughout their practical lifespan. [Solution] A method for sterilizing the inner surface of an air purifier or the filter material inside an air purifier, comprising the steps of (A) exposing the inner surface or filter material to an airflow and (B) exposing the inner surface or filter material to an ion cloud, wherein steps (A) and (B) can be performed in any order.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved air purifier.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 034 082 discloses an air purifier including an ionization assembly that operates to charge particulate materials in an air stream passing through the purifier. The charged particulate materials are attracted to a filter element having a charge opposite to that of the charged particulate materials and disposed downstream of the ionization assembly, and are retained by the filter element. The purified air passing through the filter is led out of the device, optionally together with a fragrance added to the purified air stream. The ionization assembly is formed of a ground member disposed adjacent to the ionization member, retains electrons generated by the ionization assembly within the purifier, and thus prevents electrostatic discharge from occurring outside the purifier. The air stream is directed through the purifier by a fan to be angled and substantially laminar, and as a result, the efficiency of the purifier is increased.

[0003] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002 141 131 discloses an improved air ionizer including an air inlet, a high voltage source, an electrode electrically connected to the high voltage source to generate ions, and an air outlet. An air mover is provided to allow air to flow into the air ionizer through the air inlet and to flow out of the air ionizer through the air outlet. A perforated filter containing a conductive material is electrically coupled to at least one of the voltage source and ground. The filter is for air flowing into the air inlet, air flowing out of the air outlet, or the electrode

[0004] Air inlet, air outlet, and electrodes are provided so that the air flowing through them passes through the filter. It is placed on at least one of the following. In a preferred embodiment, the filter is a metal grid. Includes head or screen.

[0004] Chinese Patent No. 105 823 131 describes a fresh air purification composite system for teaching areas. It is shown that the fresh air purification combined system includes an air treatment assembly. The Nburi is equipped with a fresh air ventilation system and an air purifier. By arranging them independently and fixing them in different locations within the room, the indoor air quality can be improved by combining them. It can be controlled. According to the fresh air purification combined system for the teaching area, a constant oxygen air The combination of an air purifier and a purifying fresh air ventilation system ensures that the air is always clean and has a constant oxygen level. This allows for the creation of energy-saving, environmentally friendly, and eco-conscious classrooms, providing students with a safe and clean learning environment. It will be done.

[0005] International Publication No. 2018 / 058716 describes the housing (1) and the indoor return air inlet (21). And, an outdoor fresh air outlet (22), a fresh air delivery outlet (2), and an indoor return air outlet (12) The system comprises a power control device located within the housing (1), and within the housing (1) This consists of a Stage 1 filter (3), a heat exchange core (4), an exhaust fan (5), and a stay. The filter (6) of unit 2, the ion cloud dust removal module, the blower (9), and the stage. 3 filters (10) are provided in order, along with an exhaust fan (5) and an ion cloud dust removal system. The module and blower (9) are electrically connected to the power control device, all-in-one This company is disclosing a fresh air purifier. This all-in-one device has both ventilation and air purification functions. By combining these, it is a plug-and-play system, easy to install and maintain, and air pipe It does not cause structural problems such as installation or damage to the room, generates a large amount of negative ions, and has long transport capabilities. It has a long transmission range, powerful dust removal and disinfection effects, and also generates ozone during operation. And, maintain a healthy environment.

[0006] International Publication No. 2020 / 007549 discloses an ionizer for air purifiers. The ionization device is equipped with a corona discharge chip and alternates between positive and negative corona discharges. It can generate both, and the ionizer is a voltage source and, during use, switches from the first polarity to the second polarity. A switch for switching polarity to or from one polarity to the other, and a switch for switching from the first polarity to the second polarity. It features a timer for measuring the time interval between changes, and the switch can be set to 0.2 to 20 seconds. It is operated to switch polarity after a certain period of time. Air purifiers are equipped with such ionizers and The ionizer is equipped with a fan and a filter, and in the direction of airflow, the fan is located behind the fan. Furthermore, it is positioned before the filter. The present invention also comprises such an ionization apparatus. This relates to vehicles and dwellings equipped with such air purifying devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 034 082 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002 141 131 [Patent Document 3] China Patent No. 105 823 131 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2018 / 058716 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2020 / 007549

Summary of the Invention

[0008] Despite the prior art, there is still a need for improvements in air purifiers, particularly air purifiers that are more hygienic throughout their useful life.

[0009] Air purifiers function by filtering ambient air through a filter. Thus, theoretically, anything in the air can be captured by the filter. There are various types of filtering means, from particulate filters to gas filters, but capturing microorganisms trapped by the air flow is a necessary consequence of the function of an air purifier.

[0010] Also, the main focus being to remove contaminants from the ambient air and the presence of various sensors indicating that particulate matter has been removed are defining characteristics of an air purifier. As a result, it is also very common for an air purifier to operate in an automatic mode, whereby the presence of particulate matter affects the air flow rate through the device. Thus, when air quality is good, it is possible and often desirable to maintain the purifier in an idle or standby mode to conserve energy.

[0011] However, when air is not passing through the air purifier, microorganisms captured by the filter can rapidly grow and form a biofilm, which can negatively affect the lifespan of an effective filter and can also pose a health hazard to users who are accustomed to being in the home environment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] ​​​​​​​​​​​​ Therefore, in the first embodiment, (A) A step of exposing the inner surface or filter material to an airflow, (B) The step of exposing the inner surface or filter material to an ion cloud A method for sterilizing the inner surface of an air purifier or the filter material inside an air purifier, , The method is provided wherein steps (A) and (B) are in any order.

[0013] The inventors have discovered that, surprisingly, the air draft necessary to kill microorganisms is... They discovered that the air draft was significantly less than that required for air filtration. Furthermore, the inventors found that Exposing the surface to an air draft and then to an ionizer, or vice versa. We discovered that this improves sterilization properties.

[0014] Preferably, the air purifier has a removable particulate filter or gas filter. It is equipped with a filter material.

[0015] The airflow velocity measured with a removable filter is known in the art as the medium velocity. The medium velocity is the speed at which air passes through the filter. The medium velocity is the speed at which particulate matter It must be perfectly controlled to ensure that the maximum amount is captured. Too fast And many pollutants fly straight away without being filtered. If it's too late, the purifier won't be able to do it properly. It's not fast enough to reach the furthest corner of the room to be effective.

[0016] Preferably, the airflow (A) velocity (medium velocity) measured with a removable filter is, At least 0.1 cms measured in the filter material -1 The measurement on the filter material is taken on the surface of the filter material. The measurement is taken from the center point of the space on the fan side. If there are two or more filter materials, the air draft measurement is taken. The one used for this purpose is closest to the airflow generator, and therefore first creates an air draft. It is something that is received.

[0017] More preferably, the airflow velocity measured by a removable filter is 0.1 to 2.5 cms -1 Most preferably, the airflow velocity measured by a removable filter is , 0.8~1.2cms -1 That is the case.

[0018] The ionization device used is equipped with an emitter electrode and a ground electrode. The emitter electrode is Preferably a suitable electric current in the range of -10 to 10kV, more preferably in the range of approximately -8 to 8kV. When pressure is applied, an ion cloud is released between the emitter and the receiver.

[0019] The emitter electrode is preferably a single point, a chip, or multiple chips or multiple points. For example, a brush, which is electrically connected to a voltage source. Preferably, the emitter electrode is Within 20 cm, more preferably within 15 cm, and especially preferably within 10 cm from the nearest filter material. Within m, most preferably up to 5 cm, and as needed, during the operation of the ionizer. It is sterilized by immersion in an ion cloud. This distance is from the tip of the emitter electrode to the furthest point. More specifically, up to the nearest part of the filter material, not the structural frame but the filtration This is the distance to a portion of the filter material.

[0020] The receiving electrode is where ions are consumed as they move away from the emitter and are attracted towards the receiver. The ring-shaped metal component is necessary so that the resulting ion cloud becomes three-dimensional. Preferably, the receiving electrode extends in the direction of airflow so as to be away from the light-emitting electrode. This is the form of a filter. More preferably, the receiving electrodes are arranged in a mesh configuration and are directed toward the filter. It extends in the past. Such an extended portion is located downstream of the emitting electrode in the direction of airflow from the receiving electrode. They may have a hemispherical or partially cylindrical shape.

[0021] Preferably, the emitter is centrally located between the ring-shaped receivers. The emitter may be positioned facing or away from the airflow during use, It is preferable that the device is facing the surface to be sterilized, such as the inner wall or the filter material.

[0022] Preferably, the airflow generator provides air suitable for sterilizing the inner surface and / or filter material of the air purifier. It generates airflow for 1 second to 10 hours.

[0023] Preferably, (A) and (B) are carried out exclusively. This is because the surface to be sterilized is first When exposed to an air draft, and then when the air draft is stopped, the surface rapidly ionizes. It means being exposed. Similarly, ionization can occur before air draft. It has a sex.

[0024] Furthermore, air is used so that the surface being sterilized is intermittently subjected to both air draft and ionization. It is preferable that the draft and subsequent ionization occur consecutively, or vice versa. It's nice.

[0025] Preferably, (A) has a duration of 1 minute to 10 hours.

[0026] Preferably, (B) has a duration of 1 minute to 10 hours.

[0027] In the second embodiment, a removable particulate filter or gas filter and an airflow generator are provided. , means for controlling the airflow generator, and first air for air filtration airflow velocity Air flow setting and air purifier and / or removable A second airflow setting correlated with sterilization of the inner surface of the particulate filter or gas filter, and ionization An air purifier equipped with the device is provided.

[0028] Preferably, the air purifier includes an operable mode for sterilizing the internal surface or filter material. Therefore, the air draft matches the second airflow setting, which is the period of ionization. It is activated either before or after.

[0029] Surprisingly, the inventors have found that a combination of appropriate airflow and ionization treatment is microorganism-based It prevents the proliferation of substances and releases living organisms into the surrounding air during filter replacement. They discovered that it can dramatically reduce the spread of microorganisms.

[0030] Such microorganisms include Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, spores, molds and fungi, and pre This includes any virus within the microorganism.

[0031] Surprisingly, the inventors have discovered that a low-speed air draft and the subsequent rapid ionization occur. Or, by providing the opposite, the survival of microorganisms on the inner surface of the air purifier, especially on the filter material. We discovered that the rate can be significantly reduced. While the purifier is running, microorganisms The risk of proliferation and reproduction on the filter does not increase. However, if it is in idle mode or In standby mode, if conditions are favorable, microorganisms will grow.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air purifier can identify the possibility of conditions that promote the growth of microorganisms. If it is confirmed and such a situation is considered to exist, the airflow generator and / or ionization device The device is activated to destroy microorganisms on the filter, or even on the inside of the air purifier.

[0033] The processor references inputs from, for example, temperature and humidity sensors, and then performs the appropriate operation. Refer to the checkup table and if you determine that the situation promotes microbial growth, process The system can be accessed, for example, by visual or audible signals, or by electronic signals transmitted to remote devices such as mobile phones. The system provides instructions to the user, and as a result, the user should use an airflow generator, or air The airflow generator automatically operates the fan or impeller at a low speed as described herein. You will be instructed to either or activate the ionization device, which will prevent the growth of microorganisms. or sufficient to directly destroy microorganisms. Note that this operation is only appropriate when the device is in standby or idle mode. This is important. When the ionizer is functioning, or when the fan is functioning, Microorganisms cannot grow on the filter.

[0034] Preferably, the air purifier has a first mode in which the options are one of the following: Furthermore, the conditions determined by the humidity sensor and temperature sensor indicate that there is no or minimal microbial growth. In situations where it is not expected that there will be no action, or the situation is The system warns the user that it is favorable for microorganisms and then prompts the user to activate the fan. This enables electronic alerts to mobile devices, or when microbial growth occurs. The system warns the user of the impending danger and activates the fan, impeller, or ionizer. This is one of the warning levels that strongly recommends that the user perform the action.

[0035] In the second mode, the instruction is determined by input from the temperature sensor and humidity sensor. They can function similarly in that respect, but instead of a warning or alert, microbial growth occurs. The machine automatically turns on when a situation is likely to occur.

[0036] Of course, the user may choose one of these two modes as appropriate.

[0037] If the processor determines that the situation promotes the growth of microorganisms, it will, for example, use visual signals or Instructions are provided via audible signals or electronically to remote devices such as mobile phones, and as a result, the air The user will be notified that an airflow generator and / or ionizer should be used.

[0038] Temperature sensors are well known in this field and are commercially available from Sensirion. Suitable examples of sensors include the STS3x series.

[0039] Humidity sensors are well-known in this field and are commercially available from Sensirion. A suitable example of the sensor is the SHT3x series.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, based on the input from the sensor, an airflow generator and / or ion The means of controlling the processing device are performed automatically, for example, by a processor. In this configuration, the sensor continuously or intermittently detects temperature and / or humidity and processes the information. It will be sent back to the manufacturer. The processor will check the conditions based on at least temperature or humidity to determine if the microorganisms are increasing. Determine whether it promotes reproduction. Preferably, the processor determines based on temperature and humidity. The system determines whether the conditions promote the growth of microorganisms. More preferably, the processor Geographic location, time (day, week, month or season), or level of contamination, and any occurrence Specific situations, such as a viral pandemic or wildfires, and any combination thereof. The potential for microbial growth is determined based on parameters such as combinations.

[0041] For example, in Asia, the humid season is typically defined by the monsoon and occurs in the summer. In contrast, summers in Europe and North America are characterized by drier weather. Similarly, in the hemisphere The seasonal characteristics differ.

[0042] Preferably, the geographical location is determined by GPS or the purifier's Wi-Fi performance. This may also be provided by user input during the setup process.

[0043] The air purifier is powered by any suitable power source, including an internal power source such as a battery, and an external power source. Power is supplied. The power is used to drive the motor, which requires at least air. If flow generators and ionizers are present, power will be supplied to them.

[0044] Preferably, the filter material is carbon, activated carbon, nonwoven fabric, thermoplastic material, thermosetting material, porous material. Foam, fiberglass, paper, high-loft spunbond web, low-loft spunbond web Among meltblown media of the following types: meltblown webs and / or bimodal fiber diameters It includes at least one of the following.

[0045] Preferably, a removable particulate filter is used to filter out high-efficiency particulate air. This is an air purification (particulate filtration) filter (HEPA). The filter part of an air purifier is an important part of its function, but air purifiers are usually located in a designated area. Please understand that they are not manufactured with filters already installed. They are actually always separate. They are manufactured by different commercial companies, and most importantly, by companies that are not the manufacturers of the air purifiers themselves. They are often manufactured in this way. Also, the filter manufacturer may have different manufacturers producing them. It is also common to manufacture filters for different air purifier models. The filter should be compared to any existing pre-filter or dust filter. The pre-filter and dust filter have particulate capture capabilities as demonstrated by the HEPA filter. Since it does not have, it is not considered a HEPA filter. Preferably, the filter is an air cleaner It is pre-charged before being applied to the cleaner.

[0046] The pre-filter has low air resistance and does not allow the user to touch the volute or impeller assembly. This filter also functions as a poke guard to prevent pokes. Pre-filters are not intended to have a significant effect on air purification. , it does not have the air resistance or particle capture capability of a dedicated particulate filter. Preferably, prefix Ruta is not a HEPA filter.

[0047] The purifier of the present invention also comprises a fan or impeller. The fan is a bladeless fan, an axial fan. A flow fan is acceptable, but a radial fan is preferred.

[0048] Preferably, the air purifier includes an ionizer. Preferably, the ionizer is a corona It comprises a discharge chip and a receiving electrode. When the corona discharge chip is exposed to an appropriate voltage, The ion discharge chip generates an ion cloud between the chip and the receiving electrode or ground electrode.

[0049] The ionizer is preferably placed inside the purifier. However, if the purifier is It is also preferable to include an ionization device located outside the air purifier. It is preferable that an optional external ionizer be placed on top of the air purifier. Placing the air purifier on top allows household dust particles to fall through the air towards the ground. This means that it is ionized when it becomes charged, and therefore is likely to aggregate as it becomes charged. As they become more condensed, they create an air circulation pattern generated by the air purifier. It is easily drawn in by the sieve, and therefore filtered more easily.

[0050] When the ionizer is placed inside the air purifier, the ionizer is positioned in the direction of the airflow. It is preferable that it be positioned before the removable particulate filter.

[0051] Preferably, the air purifier comprises an internal ionizer and an external ionizer. The ionization device promotes the aggregation of household dust particles, and the internal ionization device has removable particulate filters. It facilitates the capture of aggregated dust particles by the filter. In both cases, ionization is This enables the use of low-density filter material and low airflow (fan) speed.

[0052] [Example 1] The following experiment shows the effect of ionization on the viability of microorganisms on a substrate, in this case a particulate filter. The purpose is to evaluate only the effect. To release an ion flow, the ionizer is -5kV was applied.

[0053] In this experiment, the airflow applied to the substrate was zero.

[0054] The microorganisms used were Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and were used to form a biofilm. The incubation period was 5 days.

[0055] result: [Table 1]

[0056] [Table 2]

[0057] Conclusion: The closer the ionizer emitter is to the substrate, the better its effect on microbial survival. Furthermore, ionizing it all at once in about two hours works best.

[0058] [Example 2] The following experiment compares the survival rate of microorganisms on a substrate, in this case a particulate filter, with low air pressure. The objective was to evaluate the effect of the raft alone. No ionization of the substrate occurred.

[0059] The microorganisms used were Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and were used to form a biofilm. The incubation period was 5 days.

[0060] result: [Table 3]

[0061] 0.018ms -1 The low airflow draft did not result in a reduction in microbial growth. However, this still resulted in some slowdown in growth.

[0062] [Example 3] Air purifiers use a particulate filter that ionizes air, reducing airflow to a low volume (1.0 cms). - 1 It was set to be exposed to ) air draft for 10 hours and ionization for 2 hours. The ionization step was performed first.

[0063] Again, the ionization device was set to -5kV, and for 5 days prior to the test, the test microorganism (yellow budworm) was irrigated. (Coccus pylori and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were grown.

[0064] The control group showed a logarithmic microbial count of 6, and its test score was 2.5.

[0065] [Example 4] The air purifier's inner surface is designed to ionize and create a low-volume air draft (1.0 cms). -1 ) It was set to be exposed to air draft for 10 hours and ionization for 2 hours. The activation step was performed first.

[0066] Again, the ionization device was set to -5kV, and for 5 days prior to the test, the test microorganism (yellow budworm) was irrigated. (Coccus pylori and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were grown.

[0067] The control group showed 152 microbial colonies and scored 6 on the test.

Claims

1. (A) A step of exposing the inner surface or filter material to an airflow, and (B) the inner surface or filter material to an airflow By exposing the air purifier to clouds, the inner surface of the air purifier or the filter material inside the air purifier is sterilized. A method for doing so, wherein steps (A) and (B) are in any order.

2. The air purifier is equipped with a removable filter material, and the measurement taken with the removable filter material The airflow velocity during step (A) is 0.1 to 1.2 cms －１ Claim 1 is as follows: Method of description.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein (A) and (B) are carried out exclusively.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein (A) has a duration of 1 minute to 10 hours. 。

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein (B) has a duration of 1 minute to 10 hours. 。

6. The air purifier includes a removable particulate filter or gas filter and an airflow generator. and means for controlling the airflow generator and a first air flow velocity for air filtration Airflow settings and the air purifier and / or removable particulate filter or gas filter The invention provides a second airflow setting that correlates with sterilization of the inner surface, as described in any one of claims 1 to 5. The method.

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