Ventilation apparatus

Abstract

Ventilation apparatus (10), comprising a main body (11) provided with at least one rotor (12) for generating an air flow between an inlet (13) and an outlet (14) of said main body (11).

Description

[0001] " VENTILATION APPARATUS "

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns a ventilation apparatus, in particular a multifunctional ventilation apparatus for air purification and heating, and lighting of environments.

[0004] The ventilation apparatus in question can be powered by a normal electricity grid, does not require special installation operations and can be positioned in an environment to be ventilated by resting it on the floor or on a support.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] With the continuous improvement of people’s standards of living, people’s needs in terms of air quality and thermal comfort are also becoming increasingly high. Bacteria, dust, volatile organic compounds and microorganisms present in the air damage people’s health.

[0007] In particular, air quality inside homes, offices, schools, public buildings, healthcare facilities or other private and public buildings where we spend much of our time is an important factor for our well-being. Exposure to hazardous substances, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bacteria and viruses, can lead to a wide range of health problems.

[0008] Opening and closing doors and windows, or installing indoor ventilation systems is one solution, but maintaining effective purification inside a room can be difficult, especially where the outdoor air is already polluted.

[0009] Various ventilation and filtration systems can be used to reduce atmospheric pollutants, in particular microorganisms and odors. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) type capture filters, for example, retain pollutants on a filter medium without destroying them, and when saturated can be clogged by a high concentration of pollutants and become incubators of bacteria and viruses.

[0010] There are also air purifiers with PCO (Photo Catalytic Oxidation) technology that work with ultraviolet UV light and destroy polluting substances present in the air. However, these filters produce ozone and require periodic maintenance and replacement of the UV light source. Normally, UV-based systems also require special attention from the point of view of mechanical design. UV light sources have to be carefully protected to ensure that no emissions are emitted from the product. UV radiation may damage the eyes and skin of occupants. They also damage the inner casing of the product if the materials are not compatible with requirements.

[0011] There are also known solutions based on ionizers, which however generate uncontrolled free radicals in the environment near the occupants. These free radicals can cause damage to occupants.

[0012] There is therefore the need to perfect a ventilation system that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0013] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide a ventilation apparatus, in particular of the type resting on a floor or on a support inside a room, which is equipped with air purification means that are effective and not harmful to health, therefore do not produce radiation or harmful substances, such as ozone, free radicals or other.

[0014] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a ventilation apparatus that can be cleaned effectively, therefore without the risk of becoming an incubator of viruses, bacteria or suchlike.

[0015] Another purpose of the present invention is also to provide a ventilation apparatus that is economical and simple to manufacture and design.

[0016] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0017] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0019] In accordance with the above purposes, a ventilation apparatus according to the present invention comprises a main body, in particular able to be rested on the ground or on a support, provided with at least one rotor for generating an air flow between an inlet and an outlet of the main body.

[0020] According to a characteristic aspect of the invention, an air purification device is positioned between the inlet and the outlet which comprises at least one photocatalytic oxidation filter which is activated by means of one or more light sources with wavelength in the visible spectrum.

[0021] This air purification device, equipped with photocatalytic oxidation filter, is extremely effective in the air purification process and not harmful to health, because it is activated with visible light and does not produce harmful radiations or substances, such as ozone, free radicals or other.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the photocatalytic oxidation filter can be inserted into and extracted from a corresponding housing created in the main body.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the one or more light sources comprise one or more LEDs.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the photocatalytic oxidation filter is illuminated by two light sources located above and below it, respectively.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the photocatalytic oxidation filter is equidistant from the light sources.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the photocatalytic oxidation filter has a honeycomb structure formed by a series of cells.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a HEPA filter located upstream of the photocatalytic oxidation filter with respect to the air flow between the inlet and the outlet.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the photocatalytic oxidation filter is located upstream of the rotor with respect to the air flow between the inlet and the outlet.

[0029] Advantageously, the ventilation apparatus is, moreover, multifunctional, and it can further comprise at least one air heating device located between the inlet and the outlet and / or at least one light source located on the upper part of the main body.

[0030] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0032] - fig. 1 is a first three-dimensional view of a ventilation apparatus according to the present invention;

[0033] - fig. 2 is a second three-dimensional view of a ventilation apparatus according to the present invention;

[0034] - fig. 3 is a longitudinal section view of the ventilation apparatus of fig. 1 and fig. 2;

[0035] - fig. 4 is a larger scale view of part of the section of fig. 3;

[0036] - fig. 5 is another three-dimensional view of the ventilation apparatus, with some parts extracted;

[0037] - fig. 5 a is a larger scale view of a part of a filter of the present ventilation apparatus;

[0038] - fig. 6 is a three-dimensional view of the ventilation apparatus equipped with a deflector in the air outlet zone. We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims. To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

[0039] DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings, by way of a nonlimiting illustration. The phraseology and terminology used here is also for the purposes of providing non-limiting examples.

[0040] With reference to the attached drawings, see in particular fig. 1, fig. 2 and fig. 3, a ventilation apparatus 10 comprises a main body 11 able to be rested on the ground and provided with at least one rotor 12 for generating an air flow between an inlet 13 and an outlet 14 of the main body 11. The air outlet 14 is located on the upper part of the main body 11 , while the inlet 13 is located at the base of the main body 11. Between the inlet 13 and the outlet 14 there is positioned an air purification device 15 comprising at least one photocatalytic oxidation filter 16 which is activated by means of one or more light sources 17, 18 with wavelength in the visible spectrum, preferably between about 380 nm and about 500 nm. The main body 11 comprises a base 19, by means of which it can be rested on the ground or on a support of an environment to be ventilated. The ventilation apparatus 10 is electrically powered and is provided with a normal plug 20 to be inserted into a corresponding socket. A space, preferably annular, is left between the base 19 and the main body 11 , for air to enter. A light source 29 is positioned between the lower surface of the main body 11 and the base 19, see the section of fig. 3, which can be annular in shape and surround the lower end. As an alternative or in combination with the light source 29, a hollow space can be provided between the base 19 and the main body 11, from which the light produced by the one or more light sources 17, 18 filters.

[0041] The ventilation apparatus 10 comprises a user interface 21, located for example on top of the main body 11. The user interface 21 can provide a series of keys 22 with which to set the various functions of the ventilation apparatus 10. The user interface 21 can provide a display 26 for displaying operating information.

[0042] On the upper part of the main body 11 it is provided to position a light source 23, fig. 2, for example a series of LEDs 24 disposed in a ring. The light source 23 is therefore located in proximity to the air outlet 14 and, in this example, surrounds it.

[0043] The main body 11 comprises a door 27 from which it is possible to access its interior.

[0044] Downstream of the inlet 13, the main body 11 comprises a HEPA filter 28, in particular with a cylindrical shape, which can be inserted into and removed from the ventilation apparatus 10 by means of the door, see also fig. 5.

[0045] The photocatalytic oxidation filter 16 is advantageously able to be inserted into and extracted from a corresponding housing 30 created in the main body 11, see also fig. 4. In particular, the photocatalytic oxidation filter 16 is positioned in a drawer 31 which can be inserted into or extracted from the housing 30. The drawer 3 1 can provide a protruding gripping portion 32.

[0046] The photocatalytic oxidation filter 16 is lit, in particular, by two light sources 17 and 18, located above and below it, respectively. The light sources 17 and 18 respectively comprise a certain number of LEDs 33 and 34, which emit light in the visible spectrum, as stated preferably between about 380 nm and about 500 nm. The LEDs 33 and 34 can be set on planar supports 35 and 36, opposing each other and facing toward the photocatalytic oxidation filter 16. The photocatalytic oxidation filter 16 is therefore positioned between the planar supports 35 and 36, in such a way as to be equidistant from the LEDs 33 and 34 provided thereon. The number of the LEDs 33 and 34 may be the same or different, preferably the same, so as to have a uniform distribution of light above and below the photocatalytic oxidation filter 16.

[0047] The distance DI between the first light source 17 and the photocatalytic oxidation filter 16 can be variable between about 10 and about 20 mm, and preferably about 15 mm. The distance D2 between the second light source 18 and the photocatalytic oxidation filter 16 can be variable between about 10 and about 20 mm, and preferably about 15 mm.

[0048] The thickness El of the photocatalytic oxidation filter 16 can be comprised between about 5 and about 15 mm, and preferably equal to about 10 mm. The color temperature of the LEDs 33 and 34 can be variable between about 4000 and about 7000 K, and preferably comprised between about 4500 and about 6500 K.

[0049] The irradiance of the LEDs 33 and 34 can be variable between about 14 and about 20 W / m2. The photocatalytic oxidation filter 16, see fig. 5a, has a honeycomb structure formed by a series of cells 37. This structure allows optimal air passage even at low speeds and low flow rates. The average diameter of the cells 37 of the honeycomb structure can be variable between about 2 mm and about 3 mm. The photocatalytic oxidation filter 16 can be made of polycarbonate or suchlike. The photocatalytic oxidation filter 16 is at least partly transparent to visible light.

[0050] The ventilation apparatus 10 can therefore be operated at low air flow rates, for example during night hours to purify the air of an environment. The operating flow rates of the ventilation apparatus 10 can vary between about 15 to about 300 m3 / h. The speed of the air at outlet can be up to about 0.30 m / s. The photocatalytic oxidation filter 16 is located downstream of the EIEPA filter 28, therefore it substantially allows to refine the filtration and purification of the air already partly performed by the EIEPA filter 28. In particular, the photocatalytic oxidation filter 16 allows to destroy bacteria, viruses and suchlike, which are not retained by the HEP A filter 28.

[0051] Downstream of the photocatalytic oxidation filter 16 there is provided an air conveyor 38, in particular with a shape that is substantially cylindrical or frustoconical with decreasing section. The rotor 12, provided with hub 39 and blades 40, is disposed downstream of the conveyor 38 and driven by a corresponding electric motor 41, see fig. 3.

[0052] The ventilation apparatus 10 comprises an air heating device 42, configured to heat the air before the outlet 14. The air heating device 42 can be a resistance or suchlike. The outlet 14 can be provided with a conveyor 43, for example with a frustoconical shape with increasing or diverging section. The conveyor 43 can be provided with a grid 44.

[0053] In order to diffuse the purified air in preferential directions, the ventilation apparatus 10 can be equipped with at least one deflector 25 located after the air outlet 14, see fig. 6.

[0054] The deflector 25 can be connected to the main body 11 by means of corresponding support arms 45 and have an adjustable position, so as to vary the direction of the air.

[0055] The deflector 25 can have any shape whatsoever, round, square, rectangular or other. The deflector 25 can be flat, concave, convex or other.

[0056] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the ventilation apparatus as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0057] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of ventilation apparatus, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0058] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Ventilation apparatus (10), comprising a main body (11) provided with at least one rotor (12) for generating an air flow between an inlet (13) and an outlet (14) of said main body (11), characterized in that between said inlet (13) and said outlet (14) there is positioned an air purification device (15) comprising at least one photocatalytic oxidation filter (16) which is activated by means of one or more light sources (17, 18) with wavelength in the visible spectrum.

2. Ventilation apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said photocatalytic oxidation filter (16) can be inserted into and extracted from a corresponding housing (30) created in said main body (11).

3. Ventilation apparatus (10) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said one or more light sources (17, 18) comprise one or more LEDs (33, 34).

4. Ventilation apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said photocatalytic oxidation filter (16) is illuminated by two light sources (17, 18) located above and below it, respectively.

5. Ventilation apparatus (10) as in claim 4, characterized in that said photocatalytic oxidation filter (16) is equidistant from said light sources (17, 18).

6. Ventilation apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said photocatalytic oxidation filter (16) has a honeycomb structure comprising a series of cells (37).

7. Ventilation apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises a HEPA filter (28) located upstream of said photocatalytic oxidation filter (16) with respect to the air flow between said inlet (13) and said outlet (14).

8. Ventilation apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said photocatalytic oxidation filter (16) is located upstream of said rotor (12) with respect to the air flow between said inlet (13) and said outlet (14).

9. Ventilation apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises at least one air heating device (42) located between said inlet (13) and said outlet (14).

10. Ventilation apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises at least one light source (23) located on the upper part of said main body (11).

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