Air purification device

Abstract

A purification device (2) for sterilizing and filtering intake air (4) is disclosed. The purification device (2) includes a housing (10) having a number of inlet holes (8) for allowing the intake air (4) to enter and a number of outlet holes (8') for allowing the air (6) purified by the purification device (2) to leave. The purification device (2) further includes a fan (12) disposed inside the housing (10) for drawing the intake air (4) into the housing (10) and blowing the purified air (6) out of the housing (10). The purification device (2) further includes an ultraviolet radiation lamp (14) disposed inside the housing (10) for irradiating the intake air (4). The purification device (2) further includes a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter (20) disposed to filter the intake air (4) before it leaves the housing (10) as purified air (6). The filter (20) has a plurality of pleats (32) arranged such that the angle (θ) between adjacent pleats (32) is 30° or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purification device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable air purification device.

Background Art

[0002] The increase in population constituted with rapid urbanization amplifies the possibility that bacteria and viruses spread rapidly. Therefore, the need for air purification and sterilization is increasing to eliminate the risk of infection for vulnerable inpatients and residents of nursing facilities. Coronavirus disease COVID-19 poses a risk of infection to vulnerable elderly or inpatients, as well as residents of nursing facilities, focusing on various diseases.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an air purification device that can reduce the risk of infection of vulnerable people by viruses such as the coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

[0004] Most viruses vary in diameter from 20 to 400 nm. Therefore, many prior art air purification devices include air filters with efficiency standards, such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, but these purification devices cannot effectively sterilize viruses because of their small size. Therefore, prior art air purification devices cannot be used to protect against floating or aerosolized pathogens.

[0005] Filters meeting the HEPA standard must remove at least 99.95% (European standard) or 99.97% (American Society of Mechanical Engineers, U.S. Department of Energy) of particles equal in diameter to 0.3 μm from the air passing through the filter, respectively.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide an air purification device that can effectively purify air containing viruses, thereby reducing the risk for vulnerable individuals to become infected with viruses that cause infectious diseases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The objectives of the present invention can be achieved by the purification unit defined in claim 1 and by the method defined in claim 12. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims, described below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0008] The purification device according to the present invention is a purification device for sterilizing and filtering inhaled air: - A housing provided with several inlet holes to allow intake air to enter, and several outlet holes to allow the air purified by the purification device to leave; -A fan is located inside this housing, drawing in intake air into the housing and blowing out purified air from the housing; - An ultraviolet radiation lamp is positioned inside the housing and irradiates the intake air; -A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, positioned to surround this ultraviolet radiation lamp and filter the intake air before it leaves the housing as purified air, with multiple folds positioned at an angle of 30° or less between adjacent folds. The purification device is arranged and configured to draw intake air radially into the housing, the intake air is drawn in at a first predetermined distance above the floor, and the purified air is further separated from the housing at a second predetermined distance above the floor that is shorter than the first distance, and includes a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. It is equipped with.

[0009] Due to the small acute angle θ, the filter's retention capacity can be increased. Therefore, the purification device provides more efficient purification of virus-containing air. In this way, by using a purification device to purify the air to which vulnerable people are exposed (for example, in hospital rooms or nursing rooms), it is possible to reduce the risk of vulnerable people becoming infected with viruses that cause infectious diseases.

[0010] In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 28°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 26°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 24°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 22°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 20°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 18°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 16°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 15°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 14°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 12°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 10°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 8° or less.

[0011] The number of folds is inversely correlated with the angle between adjacent folds. Therefore, by applying a large number of folds, it is possible to achieve a small angle between adjacent folds.

[0012] Furthermore, the total filter area is proportional to the number of folds. Therefore, it is possible to increase the total filter area by increasing the number of folds. Having a larger filter area is advantageous because the filtration capacity (maximum flow rate) is proportional to the filter area.

[0013] The small angle between adjacent folds allows viruses to adhere to the inner surface of the HEPA filter. Since the filter surrounds the ultraviolet radiation lamp, there is ample time for the virus to be eliminated by irradiation with ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, this purification unit has a unique ability to hold viral particles within the filter-enclosed space and irradiate them with ultraviolet radiation to kill the viral particles.

[0014] Since the filter prevents any virus particles from passing through, and any virus particles present on the inner surface of the filter are killed by radiation from the ultraviolet lamp, the filter will be free of virus particles when it needs to be replaced (during maintenance). Therefore, service personnel do not need to wear protective suits or biohazard protective suits when replacing the filter. Furthermore, service personnel can remove the filter without the risk of infection. The filter will be free of virus particles when the purification device is turned off. Therefore, it is safe to move the purification device from one room to another.

[0015] The unique ability to contain virus particles within a filtered space and irradiate them with ultraviolet radiation to kill them results in a remarkable improvement in effectiveness. Test protocols show that this device can reduce the number of airborne virus particles in a room by 99.98% after 15 minutes, and that no virus particles are detectable after 30 minutes.

[0016] The HEPA filter can also be confirmed to have a viral load below the detection limit after 15 minutes. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient method for reliably cleaning an area and ensuring the safety of maintenance personnel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the distance from the UV lamp and the inner portion of the HEPA filter is less than 20 cm.

[0018] In one embodiment, the distance from the UV lamp and the inner portion of the HEPA filter is less than 18 cm.

[0019] In one embodiment, the distance from the UV lamp and the inner portion of the HEPA filter is less than 16 cm.

[0020] In one embodiment, the distance from the UV lamp and the inner portion of the HEPA filter is less than 14 cm.

[0021] In one embodiment, the housing is cylindrical.

[0022] In one embodiment, the housing is box-shaped.

[0023] In one embodiment, the HEPA filter area is 2 square meters or more.

[0024] In one embodiment, the HEPA filter area is 3 square meters or more.

[0025] In one embodiment, the HEPA filter area is 4 square meters or more.

[0026] In one embodiment, the lowermost position of the UV lamp is the distal portion of the UV lamp, and a gap is provided between the bottom plate of the housing and the distal portion of the UV lamp.

[0027] Thereby, the shadow area (where the unirradiated intake air leaves the housing) can be avoided. Furthermore, the particles that have fallen on the bottom plate of the housing will be exposed to the UV irradiation from the UV lamp. Thus, the particles on the bottom plate will be killed by the UV irradiation.

[0028] In one embodiment, the light irradiation portion of the UV lamp extends vertically.

[0029] In one embodiment, the housing includes a bottom portion and an upper portion configured to be removably attached to the bottom portion.

[0030] Thereby, it becomes easy to access the structure inside the housing. This is advantageous during maintenance and replacement.

[0031] In one embodiment, the fan is located in the upper part, and the light-emitting portion of the UV lamp is located in the lower part. This makes it possible to introduce intake air into the upper part of the housing, blow this intake air into the lower part of the housing, and perform UV irradiation treatment on the air blown into the lower part of the housing.

[0032] In one embodiment, an inlet hole is provided in the upper part, while an outlet hole is provided in the bottom part. This allows intake air to be guided into the upper part of the housing through the inlet hole, and purified air to be blown out from the bottom part of the housing through the outlet hole. In this way, the airflow pattern can be controlled in a simple and reliable manner.

[0033] In one embodiment, the fan has a horizontally oriented intake portion and a vertical output portion for pressurized air to exit the fan vertically downwards. As the intake air enters the upper portion of the purification device, this intake air enters the purification device without drawing in particles from floor level. The purified air exits the purification device at a height lower than the height at which the intake air enters the purification device.

[0034] Since the intake air enters the upper part of the purification device at a height of more than 200 mm above the floor, this purification device meets the requirements for use in Nordic hospitals where it is considered that the floor zone and the zone extending 200 mm above the floor zone will be contaminated.

[0035] In one embodiment, the intake air enters the upper part of the purification device at a height of more than 400 mm above the floor.

[0036] The intake air enters the upper part of the purification device at a height of 500-700 mm or more above the floor.

[0037] In one embodiment, the height of the purification device is 60-100 cm.

[0038] In one embodiment, the height of the purification device is 70-90 cm.

[0039] In one embodiment, the height of the purification device is 75-85 cm, for example, 80 cm.

[0040] In one embodiment, the purification device is cylindrical and has a diameter in the range of 30 to 55 cm.

[0041] In one embodiment, the purification device is cylindrical and has a diameter in the range of 35 to 50 cm.

[0042] In one embodiment, the purification device is cylindrical and has a diameter in the range of 40-45 cm, for example, 42 cm.

[0043] In one embodiment, the fan is 600m 3 It is configured to deliver flows up to / time.

[0044] In one embodiment, the fan is 560m 3 It is configured to deliver flows up to / time.

[0045] In one embodiment, an additional layer is placed outside the filter.

[0046] In one embodiment, this additional layer comprises activated carbon.

[0047] An additional layer sandwiched between the housing and the filter, which may comprise activated carbon, can be advantageous. This allows the activated carbon to act as an adsorbent, removing undesirable odors. The adsorbent traps and retains odors within the activated carbon. Furthermore, the additional layer can prevent UV light from escaping into the surroundings.

[0048] In one embodiment, the upper portion includes a coarse filter. This coarse filter is slidably positioned on one or more filter tracks that extend axially near the edge of the upper portion. This facilitates the replacement of the coarse filter.

[0049] In one embodiment, the upper portion comprises two, three, or four separate filter segments that constitute a coarse filter. These filter segments are slidably positioned on filter tracks that extend axially near the edge of the upper portion.

[0050] In one embodiment, the upper portion comprises four coarse filter segments, which are slidably arranged in filter tracks that extend axially near the edge of the upper portion.

[0051] In one embodiment, the purification device includes a particle sensor positioned to detect the level of particles in the air.

[0052] In one embodiment, the particle sensor is positioned inside the housing. This allows the particle sensor to detect the level of particles in the intake air entering the housing.

[0053] In one embodiment, the particle sensor is positioned inside the upper part of the housing. This allows the particle sensor to detect the level of particles in the intake air entering the upper part of the housing.

[0054] In one embodiment, the particle sensor is positioned inside the bottom portion of the housing. This allows the particle sensor to detect the level of particles in the intake air entering the bottom portion of the housing.

[0055] In one embodiment, the purifying device is equipped with a smoke detector. This allows the purifying device to warn people in the same room as the purifying device in the event of a fire.

[0056] In one embodiment, the smoke detector is positioned inside the housing. This allows the smoke detector to detect the level of smoke in the intake air entering the housing.

[0057] In one embodiment, the smoke detector is positioned inside the upper part of the housing. This allows the smoke detector to detect the level of smoke in the intake air entering the upper part of the housing.

[0058] In one embodiment, the smoke detector is positioned inside the bottom portion of the housing. This allows the smoke detector to detect the level of smoke in the intake air entering the bottom portion of the housing.

[0059] In one embodiment, the purification device includes a control unit, which is configured to control the fan speed based on the detected level of airborne particles.

[0060] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the fan speed based on measurements made by a smoke detector.

[0061] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to turn on the fan if the particle content of the intake air exceeds a predetermined level.

[0062] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to turn on the UV lamp if the particle content of the intake air exceeds a predetermined level.

[0063] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to turn on the fan and the UV lamp when the particle content of the intake air exceeds a predetermined level.

[0064] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to adjust the fan speed based on the detected level of particle content (detected by the particle sensor).

[0065] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to adjust the fan speed to adopt one of two or more predetermined levels other than zero.

[0066] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to adjust the fan speed to adopt one of three or more predetermined levels other than zero.

[0067] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to adjust the fan speed non-stepwise based on the detected level of particle content. This can be achieved by adapting the fan using a permanent magnet motor and a frequency converter. Furthermore, this will enable the smallest possible energy consumption measures.

[0068] In one embodiment, the predetermined particle content level is an initial setting. However, in another embodiment, the predetermined particle content level can be adjusted by using a control unit of the purification device.

[0069] The present invention provides a method for sterilizing and filtering inhaled air, and includes the following steps: - A fan positioned inside the housing draws in intake air, which is then introduced into the housing through several inlet holes provided within the housing; - A fan blows the purified air out of the housing through several air outlet holes provided in the housing; - A step of irradiating the intake air with an ultraviolet radiation lamp located inside the housing; - A step in which the intake air is filtered by a HEPA filter before it leaves the housing as purified air. Includes. This method involves applying a filter having multiple folds arranged with an angle of 30° or less between adjacent folds. The method includes the step of applying a purification device which is positioned and configured to draw intake air radially into a housing, the intake air being drawn in at a first distance above the floor, and the purified air being moved away from the housing at a second predetermined distance shorter than the first distance above the floor.

[0070] Thus, this method provides an improved way to purify the air (e.g., hospital rooms or nursing home rooms) exposed to vulnerable individuals. Therefore, this method makes it possible for vulnerable individuals to reduce their risk of infection with viruses that cause infectious diseases.

[0071] In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 28°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 26°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 24°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 22°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 20°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 18°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 16°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 15°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 14°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 12°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 10°. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent folds is 8° or less.

[0072] The number of folds is inversely correlated with the angle between adjacent folds. Therefore, by applying more folds, it is possible to achieve a smaller angle between adjacent folds.

[0073] Furthermore, since the total filter area is proportional to the number of folds, it is possible to increase the total filter area by increasing the number of folds.

[0074] In one embodiment, irradiation is performed by using a UV lamp. The lowest position of the UV lamp is the distal portion of the UV lamp, and a gap is provided between the bottom plate of the housing and the distal portion of the UV lamp.

[0075] This avoids shadowed areas (where unlit intake air leaves the housing). Furthermore, particles that fall onto the bottom plate of the housing are exposed to UV radiation from the UV lamp.

[0076] In one embodiment, light irradiation is performed by using a vertically extended UV lamp.

[0077] In one embodiment, the method applies a housing comprising a bottom portion and an upper portion configured to be detachably attached to the bottom portion.

[0078] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a fan located in the upper part, and the light-emitting portion of the UV lamp located in the lower part.

[0079] In one embodiment, the method is performed using an inlet hole provided in the upper part of the housing and an outlet hole provided in the bottom part of the housing.

[0080] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a fan having a horizontally oriented intake portion and a vertical output portion for pressurized air to leave the fan vertically downward.

[0081] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying an additional layer placed outside the filter.

[0082] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying an additional layer comprising activated carbon.

[0083] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying an additional layer, which is sandwiched between the housing and the filter and comprises activated carbon.

[0084] This allows the activated carbon to act as an adsorbent, removing undesirable odors. The adsorbent traps and retains the odors within the activated carbon. Furthermore, the additional layer prevents UV light from escaping into the surroundings.

[0085] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a coarse filter to filter the intake air before the intake air is drawn into the fan.

[0086] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a particle sensor, which is positioned to detect the level of particles in the air.

[0087] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a particle sensor located inside the housing. The particle sensor can then detect the level of particles in the intake air entering the housing.

[0088] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a particle sensor positioned inside the upper part of the housing. This allows the particle sensor to detect the level of particles in the intake air entering the upper part of the housing.

[0089] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a particle sensor positioned inside the bottom portion of the housing. This allows the particle sensor to detect the level of particles in the intake air entering the bottom portion of the housing.

[0090] This method includes the step of applying a smoke detector positioned to detect the amount of smoke in the air.

[0091] This method includes the step of applying a smoke detector placed inside the housing. This allows the smoke detector to detect the level of smoke in the intake air entering the housing.

[0092] In one embodiment, the smoke detector is positioned inside the upper part of the housing. This allows the smoke detector to detect the level of smoke in the intake air entering the upper part of the housing.

[0093] This method includes the step of applying a smoke detector positioned inside the bottom portion of the housing. This allows the smoke detector to detect the level of smoke in the intake air entering the bottom portion of the housing.

[0094] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of controlling the speed of a fan based on the level of particles detected in the air.

[0095] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a control unit configured to control the speed of a fan based on measurements made by a smoke detector.

[0096] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a control unit configured to turn on a fan if the particle content of the intake air exceeds a predetermined level.

[0097] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a control unit configured to turn on a UV lamp if the particle content of the inhaled air exceeds a predetermined level.

[0098] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a control unit configured to turn on a fan and a UV lamp when the particle content of the intake air exceeds a predetermined level.

[0099] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a control unit configured to adjust the speed of a fan based on the detected level of particle content (detected by a particle sensor).

[0100] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to adjust the fan speed to adopt one of two or more predetermined levels other than zero.

[0101] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a control unit configured to adjust the speed of a fan to adopt one of three or more predetermined levels other than zero.

[0102] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of applying a control unit configured to adjust the fan speed non-stepwise based on the detected level of particle content. This can be done by adapting the fan using a permanent magnet motor and a frequency converter. Furthermore, this will enable the smallest possible energy consumption measures.

[0103] In one embodiment, the predetermined particle content level is an initial setting. However, in another embodiment, the predetermined particle content level can be adjusted by using a control unit of the purification device.

[0104] The present invention will be more fully understood from the "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" given below. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0105] [Figure 1] This is a side perspective view of the air purification device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the purification device shown. [Figure 3A] This is a schematic top view of the filter according to the present invention. [Figure 3B] This is an enlarged view of the filter shown in Figure 3A. [Figure 3C] This is a diagram showing a filter from prior art. [Figure 4]This is an enlarged (stretched) view of a portion of the internal space enclosed by the filter of the purification device according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the purification device according to the present invention. [Figure 6] This flowchart illustrates how the purification device according to the present invention can be automatically controlled by a particle sensor. [Figure 7A] This graph illustrates the concentration over time. [Figure 7B] This graph illustrates the relative concentration over time. [Figure 8] This is a table of test results. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the settings used in the test. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0106] Next, referring in detail to drawings intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, the air purification device 2 of the present invention is shown in Figure 1.

[0107] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of the air purification device 2 according to the present invention. The air purification device 2 comprises a housing 10 having a bottom portion 16 and an upper portion 18 configured to be detachably attached to the bottom portion 16.

[0108] The bottom section 16 is equipped with wheels 24 to improve the mobility of the air purification device 2.

[0109] The upper portion 18 is cylindrical and includes a panel 28 located at the top of the upper portion 18. In one embodiment, both include a display and one or more buttons.

[0110] The upper section 18 comprises a coarse filter 26 separated into four filter segments, which are slidably arranged on filter tracks extending axially near the edge of the upper section 18. Multiple air inlet holes 8 are provided on the cylindrical outer surface of the upper section 18. The coarse filter 26 is adapted to prevent objects larger than a predetermined size (e.g., 5-20 μm) from entering the internal space of the upper section 18.

[0111] The electrically driven fan 12 is located inside the internal space of the upper section 18. The fan 12 is an axial flow fan designed so that intake air 4 flows through the fan 12 in an axial direction parallel to the shaft on which the fan blades rotate. The fan 12 has a horizontally oriented intake section and a vertical output section for the pressurized air from the fan 12 to leave the fan 12 in a downward vertical direction.

[0112] The bottom portion 16 comprises an internal space 22 defined by a surrounding cylindrical high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. An ultraviolet radiation lamp 14 is centrally located in the internal space 22. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation lamp 14 is a germicidal lamp (ultraviolet C lamp). This can be advantageous because ultraviolet C lamps (wavelength range of 100-280 nm) kill and inactivate bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

[0113] The UVC lamp 14 is positioned to irradiate the intake air 4 flowing into the internal space 22 of the bottom portion 16. In this way, the UVC lamp 14 can sterilize the intake air 4 flowing into the internal space 22 of the bottom portion 16.

[0114] The purification device is configured to receive intake air 4 through an air inlet hole 8, and for this intake air 4 to flow through a filter 20 and leave the bottom portion 16 through an air outlet hole 8' provided in the housing 10. In the upper portion 18, four coarse filter segments 26 are slidably arranged in filter tracks that extend axially near the edge of the upper portion.

[0115] Figure 2 illustrates an upper perspective view of the purification device 2 shown in Figure 1. It can be seen that the purification device 2 is equipped with an electrical plug 30 for electrically connecting the purification device 2 to an electrical power source. This allows power to be supplied to the fan inside the housing 10 of the purification device 2. It can be seen that multiple air inlet holes 8 are provided in the upper part. It can be seen that multiple air outlet holes 8' are provided in the bottom part.

[0116] Figure 3A illustrates a schematic top view of the filter 20 according to the present invention. The filter 20 comprises a plurality of folds.

[0117] Figure 3B illustrates an enlarged view of the filter 20 shown in Figure 3A, and Figure 3C illustrates a prior art filter 20'. The angle α between the airflow direction 42 and the side portion of adjacent folds 32 of the filter 20, as shown in Figure 3B, is smaller than the angle β between the airflow direction 42 and the side portion of adjacent folds 32 in the prior art filter 20 shown in Figure 3C. Furthermore, the angle θ between adjacent folds 32 of the filter 20 in the purification device 2 according to the present invention is smaller than the angle ω between adjacent folds 32 of the filter 20 in the prior art shown in Figure 3C.

[0118] Due to the small acute angle θ, the holding capacity of the filter 20 is increased by having an increased number of folds 32 compared to the prior art filter shown in Figure 3C.

[0119] In one embodiment, the angle θ is 30° or less.

[0120] In one embodiment, the angle θ is 28° or less. In one embodiment, the angle θ is 26° or less. In one embodiment, the angle θ is 24° or less. In one embodiment, the angle θ is 22° or less. In one embodiment, the angle θ is 20° or less. In one embodiment, the angle θ is 18° or less. In one embodiment, the angle θ is 16° or less. In one embodiment, the angle θ is 14° or less. In one embodiment, the angle θ is 12° or less. In one embodiment, the angle θ is 10° or less. In one embodiment, the angle θ is 8° or less. The number of folds 32 is inversely correlated with the angle θ. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a smaller angle θ by applying more folds 32.

[0121] Furthermore, the total filter area is proportional to the number of folds 32. Therefore, it is possible to increase the total filter area by increasing the number of folds 32.

[0122] Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the internal space enclosed by the filter 20 of the purification device according to the present invention. It can be seen that the filter 20 is provided with through-openings 38. The through-openings 38 are configured to hold larger virus particles inside the internal space, while allowing smaller particles to pass through the filter 20 via the through-openings 38.

[0123] Many virus particles 36 are positioned near the entrance to the through-opening 38. The virus particles 36 are interconnected and arranged in a cloud-like structure 34 containing the virus particles 36 and mucus. As a result, the cloud-like structure 34 cannot escape through the through-opening 38, even if the size of the individual virus particles 36 is smaller than the width D of the through-opening 38. In fact, the cloud-like structure 34 with the virus particles 36 and mucus will adhere to the inner surface of the filter 20.

[0124] The virus particles 36 are irradiated with UV light from a UV (preferably UVC) lamp positioned to irradiate the air and particles present in the internal space. Since the virus particles 36 are trapped inside the space defined by the inner surface of the filter 20, there is sufficient time available to kill the virus particles 36 with ultraviolet (UV) light 50.

[0125] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the purification device 2 according to the present invention. The purification device 2 comprises a housing 10 provided with a plurality of air outlet holes 8' that allow purified air 6 to leave the purification device 2.

[0126] The purification device 2 is configured to blow intake air 4 downwards into the internal space at the bottom of the purification device 2. As the intake air 4 enters the upper part of the purification device 2, this intake air 4 enters the purification device 2 without drawing in particles from floor level. The purified air 6 leaves the purification device 2 at a height lower than the height at which the intake air 4 enters the purification device 2.

[0127] The purification device 2 includes a UV light source (preferably a UVC lamp) 14 configured to irradiate the intake air 4 flowing into the internal space 22 at the bottom of the purification device 2. This makes it possible to sterilize the intake air inside the internal space 22 at the bottom of the purification device 2.

[0128] The purification device 2 includes a HEPA filter 20. The HEPA filter 20 has a large number of folds (as described with reference to Figure 3B) to achieve a small angle α (less than 15°, for example, as shown and described with reference to Figure 3B) and a large total filter area.

[0129] The lowest point of the UV lamp 14 is the distal portion of the UV lamp 14, which is located above the bottom plate 44 of the housing 10. Therefore, a gap 44 is provided between the bottom plate 46 of the housing 10 and the distal portion of the UV lamp 14. The wheel is rotatably mounted on the bottom plate 46.

[0130] The additional layer 40 may optionally be placed outside the filter 20. In one embodiment, the additional layer 40 may be a layer comprising activated carbon. The activated carbon can act as an adsorbent to remove undesirable odors. This adsorbent captures and retains odors inside the activated carbon.

[0131] An additional layer 40 can prevent UV light 50 from escaping into the surroundings.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment, the additional layer 40 is an additional layer 40 sandwiched between the housing 10 and the filter 20, and this additional layer 40 comprises activated carbon.

[0133] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating how the purification device according to the present invention can be automatically controlled by a particle sensor.

[0134] First, the purification device is turned on. In one embodiment, the particle sensor of the purification device is turned on as an initial setting. In one embodiment, the particle sensor of the purification device is turned on and cannot be turned off.

[0135] The particle sensor in the purification device is configured to measure the particle content of the intake air. If the particle content of the intake air exceeds a predetermined level, the fan of the purification device is turned on (or remains on if the fan is already on).

[0136] On the other hand, if the particulate matter content of the intake air does not exceed a predetermined level, the fan of the purification device is turned off (or, if the fan is already turned off, it remains off).

[0137] In one embodiment, both the fan and the UV lamp are turned on if the particle content of the intake air exceeds a predetermined level.

[0138] In one embodiment, the fan speed is selected based on the detected level of particle content.

[0139] In one embodiment, the fan speed can be set to two or more predetermined levels other than zero.

[0140] In one embodiment, the fan speed can be set to three or more predetermined levels other than zero.

[0141] In one embodiment, the fan speed can be continuously adjusted based on the detected level of particle content. This can be achieved by adapting the fan using a permanent magnet motor and a frequency converter. Furthermore, this will enable the smallest possible energy consumption measures.

[0142] In one embodiment, the predetermined particle content level is an initial setting. However, in another embodiment, the predetermined particle content level can be adjusted by using a control unit of the purification device.

[0143] Figures 7A and 7B show graphs representing the results of a study conducted by the Danish Technologic Institute using a modified ISO 16000-36:2018 method to determine the effectiveness of the present invention (air purification device) in reducing the concentration of activated aerosolized emesvirus zinderi (MS2) bacteriophage.

[0144] Figure 7A shows a graph illustrating the time-dependent active MS2 concentration in product testing and reference experiments. The y-axis scale is logarithmic.

[0145] After 30 minutes, the air purification device was observed to reduce the concentration of activated aerosolized MS2 bacteriophage to below the detection limit.

[0146] Figure 7B shows a graph plotting relative concentration against time. The rate of decrease is calculated as described in ISO 16000-36:2018 section 8.3.

[0147] The change in relative concentration is observed to be almost 100%.

[0148] In particular, this study concludes that the reduction rate was 99.98% at 15 minutes and 99.99% at 30 minutes.

[0149] Figure 8 shows a table of test results for evaluating the antiviral effect of the UV-C photodecomposition system, which is an air purifier.

[0150] In the test, the virus was captured by the device's HEPA filter when the device removed aerosolized MS2 bacteriophages from the air, and the virus was then exposed to UV-C light inside the device. This test was designed to determine whether the virus remained active in the filter after it had been removed from the air.

[0151] Samples were taken before and after the air purification system had been running for 30 minutes. This test was conducted after the other tests shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0152] The samples were analyzed according to the Danish Technical Association method: MIA-216.

[0153] Thirty minutes after using the air purification device (of the present invention), the viral load decreased to below the detection limit.

[0154] This demonstrated that effective purification was carried out on both the filter and the surrounding air, proving the remarkable effectiveness of the solution provided by the present invention.

[0155] Thus, the present invention provides an effective means for purifying the air of virus particles and a device that is safe for human maintenance.

[0156] Figure 9 shows the settings used in the test. This test was conducted at 20m 3 The experiment was conducted in an airtight room with a certain capacity. A sprayer 54 placed in the room was used to generate an aerosol. A stirring fan 52 was installed in the room to provide air circulation. The purification device 2 was placed in the center of the room on the floor, and the sampling point 56 was located on the wall of the room. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0157] 2. Purification device 4. Intake air 6. Purified air 8 Air inlet holes 8' Air outlet hole 10 Housing 12 Fans 14. UV radiation lamp 16 Bottom part 18 Upper part 20 filters 22. Internal space (enclosure) 24 wheels 26. Coarse filter 28 Control Panel 30 Electrical plugs 32 folds 34 Cloud configuration 36 Virus particles 38 Through-opening 40 additional layers 42 Air flow direction 44 void 46 Bottom plate 50 Ultraviolet (UV) light 52 Agitation fan 54 Sprayer 56 sampling ports α, β, θ, ω angles D width

Claims

1. A purification device (2) for purifying intake air (4), A housing (10) is provided with several inlet holes (8) to allow intake air (4) to enter, and several outlet holes (8') to allow the air (6) purified by the purification device (2) to leave, A fan (12) is positioned inside the housing (10) and draws in intake air (4) into the housing (10) and blows out purified air (6) from the housing (10). An ultraviolet radiation lamp (14) is positioned inside the housing (10) with its longitudinal direction facing downward and irradiates the intake air (4), The system includes a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter (20) that surrounds the ultraviolet radiation lamp (14) and is positioned to filter the intake air (4) as it flows from the inside to the outside of the surface surrounding the ultraviolet radiation lamp (14) before the intake air (4) leaves the housing (10) as purified air (6), Herein, the purification device (2) is characterized in that the filter (20) comprises a plurality of folds (32) arranged such that the angle (θ) between adjacent folds (32) is 30° or less, and the purification device (2) is arranged and configured to draw in intake air (4) radially into the housing (10), the intake air (4) is drawn in at a first predetermined distance above the floor, and furthermore, the purified air (6) leaves the housing at a second predetermined distance above the floor which is shorter than the first predetermined distance.

2. The purification device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lowest position of the ultraviolet radiation lamp (14) is distal to the upper part of the ultraviolet radiation lamp (14), and the gap (44) is provided between the bottom plate (46) of the housing (10) and the distal part of the ultraviolet radiation lamp (14).

3. The purification device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (10) has a bottom portion (16) and an upper portion (18) configured to be detachably attached to the bottom portion (16).

4. The purification device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the fan (12) is located in the upper portion (18), and the light-emitting portion of the ultraviolet radiation lamp (14) is located in the bottom portion (16).

5. The purification device (2) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the inlet hole (8) is provided in the upper portion (18), while the outlet hole (8') is provided in the bottom portion (16).

6. The purification device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fan (12) has a horizontally directed intake portion and a vertical output portion for the air (4) pressurized by the fan (12) to leave the fan (12) in a downward vertical direction.

7. The purification device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an additional layer (40) is sandwiched between the housing (10) and the filter (20), and the additional layer (40) comprises activated carbon.

8. The purification device (2) according to claim 3, or any one of claims 4 to 7 as dependent on claim 3, wherein the upper portion (18) comprises a coarse filter (26), and the coarse filter (26) is slidably arranged in one or more filter tracks extending axially near the edge of the upper portion (18).

9. A purification device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by comprising a particle sensor positioned to detect the level of particles in the air.

10. A purification device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by being equipped with a smoke detector.

11. The purification device (2) according to claim 9, further comprising a control unit configured to control the speed of the fan (12) based on the level of particles detected in the air.

12. A method for purifying inhaled air (4), A fan (12) positioned inside the housing (10) draws in intake air (4) into the housing (10), and the intake air (4) is introduced into the housing (10) through several inlet holes (8) provided in the housing (10). The steps include: blowing the purified air (6) out of the housing (10) through several air outlet holes (8') provided in the housing (10) using the fan (12); The steps include irradiating the intake air (4) with an ultraviolet radiation lamp (14) positioned inside the housing (10) with its longitudinal direction facing downward, The process includes the step of filtering the intake air (4) flowing from the inside to the outside of the surface surrounding the ultraviolet radiation lamp (14) by a HEPA filter (20) surrounding the ultraviolet radiation lamp (14) before the intake air (4) leaves the housing (10) as purified air (6), The method includes the step of applying the filter (20) having a plurality of folds (32) arranged such that the angle (θ) between adjacent folds is 30° or less, The method, wherein the method comprises the step of applying a purification device (2) which is positioned and configured to draw intake air (4) radially into the housing (10), characterized in that the intake air (4) is drawn in at a first predetermined distance above the floor, and the purified air (6) moves away from the housing (10) at a second predetermined distance shorter than the first predetermined distance above the floor.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that irradiation is performed by using an ultraviolet radiation lamp (14), the lowest position of the ultraviolet radiation lamp (14) is distal to the upper part of the ultraviolet radiation lamp (14), and a gap (44) is provided between the bottom plate (46) of the housing (10) and the distal part of the ultraviolet radiation lamp (14).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the housing (10) has a bottom portion (16) and an upper portion (18) configured to be detachably attached to the bottom portion (16).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the fan (12) is located in the upper portion (18), and the light-emitting portion of the ultraviolet radiation lamp (14) is located in the bottom portion (16).

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the inlet hole (8) is provided in the upper portion (18), while the outlet hole (8') is provided in the bottom portion (16).

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the fan (12) has a horizontally directed intake portion and a vertical output portion for the air (4) pressurized by the fan (12) to leave the fan (12) in a downward vertical direction.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that an additional layer (40) is sandwiched between the housing (10) and the filter (20), and the additional layer (40) comprises activated carbon.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized by including the step of applying a coarse filter (26) for filtering the intake air (4) before the intake air (4) is drawn into the fan (12).

20. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized by comprising the step of applying a particle sensor positioned to detect the level of particles in the air.

21. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 20, characterized by comprising the step of applying a smoke detector for detecting the amount of smoke in the air.

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized by including the step of controlling the speed of the fan (12) based on the detected level of particles in the air.

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