air purifier

Abstract

A portable air purifier comprising a removable filter, an airflow generator, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a processor for processing inputs from the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor, and means for operating the airflow generator from a standby configuration based on inputs from both the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor; and a method for operating the airflow generator in a portable air purifier in a standby mode, the method being performed by obtaining information regarding ambient temperature from the temperature sensor and ambient humidity from the humidity sensor, determining the possibility of microbial growth on a removable filter in the purifier, and operating the airflow generator if the situation is such that microbial growth is a defined amount.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] US 2005 055 990 discloses an air cleaner and a method for controlling its operation. The air cleaner includes a cabinet having an inlet and an outlet, a filter assembly for removing dust and odor particles from indoor air, a fan, a sensor assembly for detecting the composition of the indoor air, a source assembly for supplying at least one deficient component of the indoor air to purified air, and a controller for controlling the source assembly based on data related to the composition of the indoor air. In another aspect, a method for controlling the operation of an air cleaner includes the steps of detecting indoor air, measuring the deficient component and its amount, and supplying at least one deficient component of the indoor air to purified air.

[0003] CN 105 587 139 discloses an intelligent sentry box and a method for adjusting environmental conditions during work using the intelligent sentry box. The intelligent sentry box includes a sentry platform (2) and a ceiling (4) disposed above the sentry platform (2). An air guide device (41) is disposed on the bottom surface of the ceiling (4) and includes a first air outlet opening (17). The air guide device (41) is used to guide a temperature-controlled airflow from the first air outlet opening (17) to a person standing on the sentry platform (2). The intelligent sentry box also includes an air conditioner, an air filter (20), and a negative ion generator (21). The air conditioner is used to generate the temperature-controlled airflow, the air filter (20) is used to purify the temperature-controlled airflow, and the negative ion generator (21) is used to generate negative oxygen ions in the temperature-controlled airflow. The intelligent sentry box can provide a good working environment for military, police and civilian sentry box watchmen, and is highly practical.

[0004] CN 104 913 379 discloses a wall-mounted, Internet of Things (IoT) fresh air purification system with remote control and monitoring. The system includes a circular shell, a circular inner shell, an air flow path, a fan, an air intake device, an exhaust device, a purification and sterilization device, a heating device, an air quality sampling module, a monitoring module, a data transmission module, a control module, and a control panel. The circular shell is mounted in the wall, and the air intake device is mounted at an end of the circular shell. The circular inner shell is mounted within the circular shell via a connecting device, with one end covered by the air intake device and the other end covered by the exhaust device. The fan, purification and sterilization device, and heating device are disposed within the circular inner shell, and a controller is positioned at the lower end of the exhaust device. The air intake device includes a filter screen and a closure. The inside of the intake device, the circular inner shell, and the exhaust device form a cylindrical first air flow path, and the gap between the outside of the intake device, the circular inner shell, and the exhaust device and the inside of the circular shell forms a cylindrical second air flow path. Outdoor air is purified, sterilized, and heated and enters the room through the first air flow path, and indoor air flows to the outdoors through the second air flow path.

[0005] CN 110 030 647 discloses a purifier with a case. A fan, a drive for driving the fan to rotate, and a filter for filtering the air are disposed within the case. The case has an air intake and an air outlet. A negative ion generator and a heater for heating the air are disposed on the air outlet. A main controller for controlling the rotation speed of the drive and for starting and stopping the heater is also disposed within the case, so that the fan has at least two air speeds. The purifier can be switched between independent modes of operation: purification, cooling and purification, and warming and purification. The purifier integrates purification, cooling, and heating functions into a single port, and not only has a simple purification function but also the function of discharging cool and warm air. It can be used year-round and can partially replace the function of an air conditioner, improving indoor air quality and promoting human health. The purifier has a dual purification structure of a filter and a negative ion generator, resulting in good purification effect.

[0006] CN 110 906 486 discloses an air circulation capillary network air conditioner and its control method. The air circulation capillary network air conditioner mainly comprises an indoor temperature control system and an outdoor air system. During use, the outdoor air system is used to replace indoor air with clean air, and then the indoor temperature control system circulates the replaced air indoors. During the circulation process, the temperature is adjusted and the air is released into the room through the open capillary network. The temperature-adjusted air is released directly into the room through the capillary network, allowing for rapid room temperature adjustment without generating the noise and windy feeling that traditional air conditioners produce. Both the outdoor air system and the indoor temperature control system filter the air exhausted into the room, keeping the indoor air clean. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] US 2005 055 990 [Patent Document 2] CN 105 587 139 [Patent Document 3] CN 104 913 379 [Patent Document 4] CN 110 030 647 [Patent Document 5] CN 110 906 486 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Despite the prior art, there remains a need for improved air cleaners, particularly air cleaners that are more hygienic throughout their useful life.

[0009] Air purifiers work by filtering ambient air through a filter. Thus, anything in the air can theoretically be captured by the filter. There are various types of filtration means, from particulate filters to gas filters, but it is a corollary of the function of an air purifier to also capture microorganisms trapped in the air stream.

[0010] It is also a customary feature of air purifiers that their primary focus is removing contaminants from ambient air, with various sensors indicating that particulates are being removed. As a result, it is also very customary for air purifiers to operate in an automatic mode, where the presence of particulates affects the airflow rate through the device. Therefore, when air quality is good, it is possible, and often desirable, to keep the purifier in an idle or standby mode to conserve energy.

[0011] However, if the air is not passed through the purifier, microorganisms trapped by the filter can rapidly multiply and form biofilms, which can adversely affect the effective filter lifespan and pose health hazards to users accustomed to that home environment. Moreover, the microorganisms often carry harmful viruses.

[0012] Thus, in a first aspect, there is provided an air purifier comprising a removable filter, an airflow generator, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, one or more processors for processing inputs from the temperature and humidity sensors, and means for operating the airflow generator from a standby configuration based on inputs from both the temperature and humidity sensors. Preferably, the air purifier is portable in that it is movable by a consumer. This is in contrast to a fixed air conditioning system.

[0013] The inventors have surprisingly found that even small airflow rates, well below what might be called standard filtered airflow rates, can prevent microbial growth and dramatically reduce the prevalence of live microorganisms blown into the ambient air and released into the environment during filter changes.

[0014] Such microorganisms include gram positive bacteria, gram negative bacteria, spores, molds and fungi, and any viruses in the airstream and within the microorganisms.

[0015] The inventors have surprisingly found that providing a low airflow rate can dramatically reduce the survival rate of microorganisms on the inner surface of an air purifier, particularly on the filter media. While the purifier is operating, the risk of microorganisms growing and multiplying on the filter does not increase. However, when the purifier is in idle mode or standby mode and conditions are favorable, microorganisms will grow.

[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, the purifier identifies possible conditions conducive to microbial growth and, if such conditions are deemed to exist, activates the airflow generator from a standby or idle mode to kill microorganisms on the filter or even on the interior surfaces of the purifier.

[0017] Alternatively, if the processor determines that conditions are conducive to microbial growth, it may provide an indication to a remote device, such as a cell phone, either by visual or audio signal or electronic means, thereby informing the user that an airflow generator should be used, or, as described herein, automatically operate a fan or impeller at a low speed sufficient to prevent microbial growth or directly kill the microorganisms.

[0018] The one or more processors consult accessible lookup tables to determine the probability of microbial growth based on temperature and humidity, which may be different for different floor plans as described herein.

[0019] Preferably, the purifier has a first mode with the following options: No action, where the conditions determined by the humidity and temperature sensors are such that no or low microbial growth is expected; An alert via an electronic signal to the portable device that alerts the user that conditions are favorable for microbial growth and allows the user the option to turn on the fan; and An alert level that warns the user that microbial growth is likely and strongly recommends the user turn on the fan or impeller.

[0020] A second mode may operate similarly in that the instructions are determined by input from the temperature and humidity sensors, but instead of a warning or alert, the machine will automatically turn on when conditions indicate that microbial growth is likely.

[0021] Of course, the user may select one of these two modes as appropriate.

[0022] Temperature sensors are known in the art and are commercially available from Sensirion. Suitable examples of temperature sensors include the STS3x series.

[0023] Humidity sensors are known in the art and are commercially available from Sensirion. Suitable examples of humidity sensors include the SHT3x series.

[0024] Preferably, the means for generating an air flow is a fan or impeller. The fan may be a bladeless fan or an axial fan, but is preferably a radial fan.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the means for controlling the airflow generator based on input from the sensor is performed automatically, for example, by a processor. In such an embodiment, the sensor continuously or intermittently senses temperature and / or humidity and sends information back to the processor. The processor determines whether conditions are conducive to microbial growth based on at least the temperature or humidity. Preferably, the processor determines whether conditions are conducive to microbial growth based on the temperature and humidity. More preferably, the processor determines the likelihood of microbial growth further based on parameters such as geographic location, time of day, week, month, or season, or pollution levels, and any particular conditions occurring, such as a viral pandemic or forest fire, and any combination thereof.

[0026] For example, in Asia, the rainy season is typically defined by monsoons and occurs in the summer. In contrast, summer in Europe and North America is characterized by drier weather. Similarly, the hemispheres have different seasonal characteristics.

[0027] Preferably, the geographic location is determined by GPS or the purifier's WIFI capabilities, which may also be provided by user input during the setup process.

[0028] Preferably, the air purifier comprises an ion generator. Preferably, the ion generator comprises a corona discharge tip and a powered electrode. When the corona discharge tip is subjected to an appropriate voltage, the ion generator generates an ion cloud between the tip and the powered or grounded electrode.

[0029] The ion generator may be disposed inside or outside the purifier. If the ion generator is disposed outside the device, it is preferably disposed on the top of the device. Locating the external ion generator on the top of the device means that dust particles in the home are ionized as they pass through the air and fall toward the ground, and therefore are more likely to agglomerate as they become electrically charged. As they become more agglomerated, they are more easily caught in the air circulation pattern created by the device and are therefore more easily filtered.

[0030] If the ion generator is arranged inside the device, it is preferably positioned in front of the removable particulate filter in the air flow direction.

[0031] Preferably, the device includes an internal ion generator and an external ion generator: the external ion generator promotes agglomeration of dust particles in the home, and the internal ion generator promotes capture of the agglomerated dust particles by a removable particulate filter. In both cases, ionization allows for a less dense filtration media and lower air (fan) velocities.

[0032] Preferably, the filter media comprises at least one of carbon, activated carbon, nonwoven fabric, thermoplastic, thermoset material, porous foam, fiberglass, paper, high loft spunbond web, low loft spunbond web, meltblown web, and / or bimodal fiber diameter meltblown material.

[0033] Preferably, the removable filter is a particulate filter. More preferably, the removable filter is a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. While the filter portion of an air purifier is a crucial part of its function, it should be understood that air purifiers are not typically manufactured with filters in place. They are in fact always manufactured separately, and most importantly, often by commercial companies different from the manufacturer of the air purifier itself. It is also typical for filter manufacturers to manufacture filters for various air purifier models made by different manufacturers. Particulate filters should be contrasted with any pre-filters or dust filters present. Pre-filters and dust filters are not considered HEPA filters because they do not have the particulate capturing capabilities exhibited by HEPA filters. Preferably, the filters are pre-charged before application to the air purifier.

[0034] Pre-filters are filters that have low air resistance and also function as poke guards to prevent the user from touching the volute or impeller assembly. Pre-filters are not intended to provide any significant air purification benefits. They do not have the air resistance or particle entrainment capabilities of dedicated particulate filters. Preferably, pre-filters are not HEPA filters.

[0035] The inventors have surprisingly found that the airflow required to kill microorganisms is significantly lower than the airflow required for air filtration. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the air purifier includes a means for controlling the airflow generator, a first airflow setting for air filtration airflow rate, and a second airflow setting that correlates with sterilization of the air purifier's internal surfaces and / or removable particulate or gas filters.

[0036] Preferably, the airflow velocity measured at the removable filter in the first air filtration setting is at least 1.5 cms -1Measurements on the filter media are taken from the spatial center point on the fan side of the media surface. If more than one filter media is present, the one used for the airflow measurement is the one closest to the airflow generator and therefore first to receive the airflow.

[0037] The airflow velocity measured at the removable filter is known in the art as media velocity. Media velocity is the speed at which air travels through the filter. Media velocity must be perfectly controlled to ensure the maximum amount of particles is captured. If it's too fast, many contaminants will fly straight through unfiltered. If it's too slow, the purifier won't reach the farthest corners of the room fast enough to be effective.

[0038] Preferably, the air flow velocity (media velocity) measured at the removable filter in the second setting is 1-40% of the air flow velocity generated in the first setting.

[0039] More preferably, the airflow velocity measured at the removable filter in the second setting is between 0.1 and 1.2 cms -1 is.

[0040] Most preferably, the airflow velocity measured at the removable filter in the second setting is between 0.7 and 1.0 cms. -1 is.

[0041] Preferably, the processor activates the airflow generator to generate an airflow suitable for sterilizing the inner surface and / or filter media of the air purifier for a period of 1 second to 10 hours.

[0042] The purifier is powered by any suitable power source, including an internal power source, e.g., a battery, and an external power source. The power is used to drive a motor, which powers at least the airflow generator and, if present, the ionizer.

[0043] In a second aspect, there is provided a method for operating an airflow generator in an air purifier in a standby mode, the method being performed by obtaining information regarding ambient temperature from a temperature sensor, obtaining information regarding ambient humidity from a humidity sensor, determining the possibility of microbial growth on a removable filter in the purifier, and operating the airflow generator if the situation is such that microbial growth is at a defined threshold.

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the processor and sensors. The processor receives input from temperature and humidity sensors. If conditions are calculated to be in a zone consistent with significant microbial growth, the processor activates an ionizer or fan to generate an ion cloud or airflow that will reduce microbial growth. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing how information from sensors (temperature and humidity) is fed to a processor to perform calculations to determine whether microbial growth is likely to occur in a way that could be harmful to the consumer.

[0046] If the processor determines that conditions are conducive to microbial growth, it operates the fan, the ionizer, or both in a controlled manner. For example, the ionizer and fan may be operated intermittently so that the interior surface is subjected to a pattern of ionization and air draft, or at a lower level of air draft than required for air filtration.

[0047] [Example] Table 1 provides an example of the relationship between humidity and temperature and microbial growth. The resulting actions can be modified by the user during setup, for example, to adapt performance according to the user's needs and requirements.

[0048] [Table 1]

[0049] [Table 2]

[0050] In Mode 1, the purifier only alerts or warns the user by sending an electronic signal to a remote device, such as a cell phone. If the user so desires, the user may remotely activate the purifier, thereby reducing microbial growth on the filters or interior surfaces of the purifier. Alerting the user means indicating that microbial growth is possible and that operation of the purifier fan is recommended. Warning the user means that microbial growth is likely and that operation of the fan is strongly recommended.

[0051] In Mode 2, the purifier automatically enters Germshield mode, i.e., by automatically operating the fan at a speed that prevents microbial growth. This is done without any intervention by the user.

Claims

1. 1. An air purifier comprising: a removable particulate or gas filter; an airflow generator; a temperature sensor; a humidity sensor; one or more processors for processing inputs from the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor; and means for activating the airflow generator from a standby mode based on inputs from both the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor; The air cleaner comprises means for controlling the air flow generator, a first air flow setting for air filtering airflow velocity, and a second air flow setting that correlates with sterilization of an internal surface of the air cleaner and / or correlates with sterilization of the removable particulate filter or the gas filter, and wherein the air flow velocity measured at the removable filter at the second air flow setting is between 0.1 and 1.2 cms －１ That is, an air purifier.

2. 2. The air purifier of claim 1, wherein the means for generating air flow is a fan.

3. 3. The air purifier of claim 1 or 2, wherein the means for controlling the airflow generator based on inputs from the temperature and humidity sensors operates the airflow generator automatically.

4. The air purifier according to claim 1 , further comprising an ion generator.

5. 5. A method for operating the air flow generator in the air purifier of claim 1 during the standby mode, the method being performed by obtaining information about the ambient temperature from the temperature sensor, obtaining information about the ambient humidity from the humidity sensor, determining the possibility of microbial growth on the removable particulate filter or gas filter in the air purifier, and operating the air flow generator when the situation is such that microbial growth is at a defined threshold.

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