Air purification device

Abstract

An air purification device (1) is provided, comprising a container (2) defining a housing for a culture substrate (1b) for at least one plant (1a) and including at least a bottom (20) extending along a main surface (2a), side walls (21) extending around the bottom (20) and configured to laterally delimit the substrate (1b); a panel (3) superimposed on the bottom (20), defining a supporting surface suitable for contacting the substrate (1b) so as to delimit it inferiorly within the container (2), and including a plurality of solid areas (30) devoid of holes, and a plurality of perforated areas (31), each including a plurality of holes (31a) allowing an airflow to pass through the panel (3), exclusively formed within the perforated areas (31) so that at least the substrate (1b) at the perforated area (31) is crossed by the airflow, and the substrate (1b) at the solid area (30) is not crossed by the airflow, ensuring the retention of moisture in the substrate (1b) confined within at least one solid area (30) and thus promoting the formation of a biofilm within the substrate (1b), which purifies the airflow; and wherein the bottom (20) comprises ducts (20a) crossed by the airflow, protruding from the main surface (2a) toward a respective solid area (30) without contacting it, so that when moisture percolates through the holes (31a), it can settle on the bottom (20) and flow toward the groove (22), while the airflow can flow from the ducts (20a) toward the holes (31a) without contacting the moisture.

Description

[0001] DESCRI PTION

[0002] AIR PURIFICATION DEVICE

[0003] The present invention relates to an air purification device of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0004] As has been known for many years, plants are capable of absorbing and partially degrading various air pollutants. They can absorb certain volatile molecules directly through the stomata and degrade them.

[0005] Nevertheless, it is only in recent years that plants have been cultivated and thus exploited for air purification purposes.

[0006] Specifically, air purification devices have recently been designed, comprising a container holding the substrate necessary for the growth of one or more plants and a forced recirculation system generating an airflow that passes through the plants and the substrate.

[0007] Examples of such systems are described in CN101451751 A, WO2011115806A2, and WO2014123722.

[0008] The known prior art described comprises certain significant drawbacks.

[0009] In particular, known air purification devices exploiting one or more plants have a low purification capacity and are capable of purifying only small volumes of air.

[0010] Another drawback is that such low purification capacity necessitates the construction of particularly bulky devices.

[0011] These drawbacks also result in high costs and complexity in manufacturing and management, making known air purification devices of little interest and therefore scarcely exploited.

[0012] A major drawback is that water, especially if stagnant, serves as a breeding ground for bacterial proliferation, which can contaminate the water, thereby degrading the air purification process.

[0013] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to design an air purification device capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0014] Within said technical task, an important object of the invention is to provide an air purification device with a high purification capacity, including from a bacteriological perspective, and in particular one that is capable of purifying large volumes of air.

[0015] Another important object of the invention is to create a purification device with reduced bulk.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to have an air purification device with low costs and reduced manufacturing complexity.

[0017] The technical task and the specified objects are achieved by an air purification device as claimed in appended claim 1 .

[0018] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0019] The features and advantages of the invention are clarified below through the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of an air purification device according to the invention;

[0021] Fig. 2 illustrates an assembled sectional view of the air purification device according to the invention;

[0022] Fig. 3 is a second view of the assembly of Fig. 2; and

[0023] Fig. 4 shows a top view of a sub-assembly of Fig. 2.

[0024] In the present document, measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like "approximately" or similar terms such as "substantially" or "essentially", are to be understood as allowing for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, to allow for a slight deviation from the value, measure, shape, or geometric reference with which it is associated.

[0025] For example, such terms, when associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation not exceeding 10% of the value itself.

[0026] Additionally, terms like "first", "second", "upper", "lower", "primary", and "secondary", unless otherwise specified, do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relation, or relative position but may simply be used to distinguish different components more clearly one from the other.

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, as evident from the following discussions, terms such as "treatment", "computing", "determination", "computation", or similar refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computation device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical quantities, such as electronic magnitudes of records of a computing system and / or memories, into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, records, or other information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0028] Unless otherwise indicated, the measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered as performed in International Standard Atmosphere ICAO e (ISO 2533: 1975).

[0029] With reference to the Figures, the air purification device according to the invention is generally denoted by the number 1.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 1 , it is configured to purify air by exploiting one or more plants 1a or other vegetation and, in particular, the culture substrate 1b of the plants 1 a.

[0031] The purification device 1 may comprise one or more plants 1 a. The purification device 1 may comprise a culture substrate 1 b for at least one plant 1 a.

[0032] The substrate 1 b can be defined as the base or substance (in some cases a mixture) necessary for one or more plants 1 a to live and grow, to which the one or more plants 1 a are attached and from which they draw nutrients. The substrate 1 b thus meets the specific requirements for the balanced growth of the plants 1 a, such as, for example, the necessary amounts of air, water, and nutrients.

[0033] The purification device 1 may define a longitudinal axis 1c appropriately parallel to the gravitational gradient.

[0034] The purification device 1 may define a culture chamber for at least one plant 1a. Preferably, the culture chamber is substantially airtight except for the inlet and outlet sections introduced below.

[0035] At least one plant 1a and at least part of the substrate 1 b may be placed inside the culture chamber.

[0036] The device 1 may comprise an inlet section 1d allowing an airflow to enter the culture chamber and an outlet section 1e allowing the airflow to exit the culture chamber. Appropriately, said sections 1 d and 1 e represent the only air access and exit sections between the external environment and the device.

[0037] The inlet section 1 d may be substantially transverse and, specifically, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1c and, in particular, to the gravitational gradient.

[0038] The outlet section 1e may be positioned on the opposite side of the inlet section 1d with respect to the chamber.

[0039] It may be substantially transverse and, specifically, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1c and, in particular, to the gravitational gradient. It may also be substantially parallel to the inlet section 1d.

[0040] The air purification device 1 may comprise a container 2 housing the substrate 1 b and an opening defining the growth section of the one or more plants 1 a, i.e. , the surface from which at least the cauline apparatus / system (i.e., the part protruding from the substrate and therefore including, for example, the stem, branches, and leaves) of the one or more plants 1 a emerges from the container 2 and, consequently, from the substrate 1 b.

[0041] Thus, the container 2 defines the housing of the culture substrate 1 b for at least one plant.

[0042] The airflow follows this path: it enters the purification device 1 , preferably exclusively, through the inlet section 1 d; it reaches the housing, where it appropriately passes through the substrate 1 b; through the opening, it accesses the culture chamber and then exits the device 1 , preferably exclusively, through the outlet section 1 d.

[0043] The container 2 preferably comprises at least one bottom 20.

[0044] The bottom 20 is the portion of the container intended, in use, to be positioned beneath the substrate 1 b. Preferably, the bottom 20 extends along a main surface 2a

[0045] The main surface 2a is a virtual geometric element primarily extending in two directions along which the bottom 20 is developed. The main surface 2a may be flat or curved, for example, presenting a convexity directed toward the outlet section 1e. The container 2 also preferably comprises side walls 21. The side walls 21 extend around the bottom 20. Specifically, they preferably extend transversely to the main surface 2a, for example, perpendicularly.

[0046] Thus, the side walls 21 are preferably arranged around the longitudinal axis 1 c. Moreover, the side walls 21 are designed to laterally delimit the substrate 1 b.

[0047] The device 1 also comprises a panel 3.

[0048] The panel 3 preferably defines a supporting surface adapted to come into contact with the substrate 1 b, thus delimiting it at the bottom within the container 2. Therefore, the panel 3 is appropriately superimposed on the bottom 20 so that the substrate 1 b is housed inside the container 2. Consequently, the panel 3 divides the housing defined by the container 2 into two portions (an upper one for the substrate 1 b and a lower one containing the substrate 1 b).

[0049] Additionally, the panel 3 comprises a plurality of solid areas 30 and perforated areas 31

[0050] The solid areas 30 are devoid of holes. Therefore, the solid areas 30 of the panel 3 are areas where no openings or other gaps are present, and the surface of the panel 3 develops continuously.

[0051] The perforated areas 31 , on the other hand, each include a plurality of through holes 31a

[0052] The holes 31 a are preferably made as linear cuts. Additionally, the holes 31a preferably define a maximum thickness of 3 mm transversely to their own developing trajectory and appropriately along the laying surface / plane of the panel 3.

[0053] The holes 31 a specifically allow an airflow to pass through the panel 3 and enter the housing. Therefore, as previously explained, the holes 31a are exclusively formed within the perforated areas 31.

[0054] Thus, in this manner, at least the substrate 1 b at the perforated area 31 is crossed by the airflow.

[0055] Conversely, the substrate 1 b at the solid area 30 is not crossed by the airflow, ensuring the retention of moisture in the substrate 1 b confined within at least one solid area 30. Consequently, this feature allows for the formation of a biofilm within the substrate 1 b, which, upon coming into contact with the airflow, purifies the airflow.

[0056] In general, therefore, the panel 3 is configured to come into contact with the substrate 1 b and intercept the airflow coming from the inlet section 1d before it reaches the substrate 1 b. The panel 3 is interposed between the inlet section 1 d and the housing and, therefore, between the inlet section 1 d (specifically, the panel 20) and the substrate 1 b. In this document, terms and expressions such as "interposed”, "downstream”, and "upstream" are to be understood concerning the direction / path of the airflow described above.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the panel 3 may define a separation surface 3a. The separation surface 3a is preferably parallel to the main surface 2a.

[0058] Thus, the panel 3 includes, with respect to the separation surface 3a, at least some depressions 32. Each of the depressions 32 defines a solid area 30. Additionally, each depression 32 forms a collection compartment for part of the substrate 1 b. Therefore, the depressions 32 are positioned below, i.e., downstream of, the separation surface 3a.

[0059] Furthermore, the panel 3 includes, with respect to the separation surface 3a, at least first protrusions 33. Each of the first protrusions 33 constitutes a perforated area 31 . Moreover, each first protrusion 33 is configured to be at least partially, and preferably substantially entirely, covered by the substrate 1 b. Therefore, the first protrusions 33 are positioned above, i.e., upstream of, the separation surface 3a.

[0060] Additionally, the panel 3 may also include at least one second protrusion 34.

[0061] If present, the second protrusion 34 constitutes a solid area 30, meaning it has no through holes / openings. Thus, the second protrusion 34 is also configured to be at least partially, and preferably substantially entirely, covered by the substrate 1 b. Consequently, the second protrusion 34 is also positioned above, i.e. , upstream of, the separation surface 3a.

[0062] The solid areas 30 can be defined by the second protrusions 34 and the depressions 32.

[0063] The container 2 includes additional important features.

[0064] In particular, the container 2 comprises a drainage system for the water collected on the bottom 20, i.e., the water passing from the substrate 1 b to the bottom 20 through the perforated areas 31 .

[0065] The drainage system may include a groove 22.

[0066] The groove 22 preferably extends around the bottom 20. Thus, the groove 22 develops between the bottom 20 and the walls 21. The groove 22 can therefore collect moisture arriving, for example, from the bottom 20.

[0067] The drainage system may also include a grating 23.

[0068] If present, the grating 23 extends along the main surface 2a, superimposed on the groove 22, so as to prevent the accumulation of debris in the groove 22.

[0069] Thus, the groove 22 can be in fluid passage connection with an external drain, allowing the moisture to flow out from the device 1 .

[0070] Furthermore, the bottom 20 advantageously comprises at least one duct 20a.

[0071] The duct 20a is a tubular element through which a fluid can pass. For example, the duct 20a is a hollow cylindrical element.

[0072] The duct 20a is crossed by the airflow. In this regard, the duct 20a preferably protrudes from the main surface 2a, transversely to the main surface 2a, toward a solid area 30 (for example, a second protrusion 34) without contacting it. Consequently, the end of each duct 20a distal from the main surface 2a (from which the air passing through the ducts 20a exits) is close to but not in contact with the panel 3.

[0073] The duct 20a preferably protrudes from the main surface 2a by at least 50%, and in detail 70%, of the minimum distance between the main surface 2a and the panel portion 3 superimposed on the section of the duct 20a along the extension axis of the duct itself.

[0074] The duct 20a may protrude from the main surface 2a, i.e. , from the bottom 20, and thus have a height of at least 0.5 cm, in detail 1 cm, more specifically 2.5 cm, and precisely 5 cm. Said height may be 5 cm.

[0075] Due to the configuration of the duct 20a, when moisture percolates through the holes 31a, it can settle on the bottom 20 around the duct 20a (thus without entering it) and flow toward the groove 22. In turn, the airflow can pass from the duct 20a toward the holes 31a without contacting the moisture settled on the bottom 20.

[0076] In the preferred but non-exclusive embodiment wherein the panel 3 includes depressions 32 and protrusions 33, 34, the duct 20a preferably extends beyond the separation surface 3a toward a second protrusion 34 without contacting the second protrusion 34.

[0077] Thus, in this particular embodiment, in even greater detail, the panel 3 may comprise a second protrusion 34 and a plurality of first protrusions 33 distributed around the second protrusion 34 and separated from the second protrusion 34 by the depressions 32.

[0078] Accordingly, the device 1 may also include a container 2 comprising a plurality of ducts 20a. In turn, the panels 3 may be more than two and are superimposed, mutually placed side by side, on the bottom 20 in such a way as to cover both the bottom 20 and the groove 22.

[0079] In this case, therefore, each of the ducts 20a preferably extends toward a respective second protrusion 34 without contacting the second protrusion 34.

[0080] The operation of the air purification device 1 , previously described in structural terms, is as follows.

[0081] Once the substrate 1 b and the plants 1a are placed, the device 1 is ready for use.

[0082] Air, drawn in through the ducts 20a, for example, by means of a vacuum pumping system known per se to a person skilled in the art, enters through the inlet section 1 d and, passing through panel 3 (specifically through one or more holes 31 a formed in the perforated areas 31 ), enters the container 2 and, more precisely, passes through the substrate 1 b. The air then exits the container 2 through the opening, where it is captured and purified by the plants 1 a.

[0083] Meanwhile, excess moisture inside the substrate may percolate through the holes 31a without, however, coming into contact with the ducts 20a, instead settling exclusively around the ducts 20a on the bottom 20, in an area inaccessible to the airflow.

[0084] Thus, the airflow can never be contaminated by any bacterial deposits that may form within the stagnant moisture on the bottom and is, in any case, gradually channeled toward the groove 22 for expulsion.

[0085] Accordingly, the air purification device 1 according to the invention achieves significant advantages.

[0086] Indeed, the air purification device 1 has a high purification capacity and, in particular, is capable of purifying large volumes of air.

[0087] This feature is enhanced by the particular airflow path, which prevents contamination by bacteria or other agents present in the water percolating through the holes 31a. Since the air outlet section from the ducts 20a is close to the solid areas 30, the air generates an airflow that skims along the surface of the panel 3 facing the bottom 20, leaving the air near the bottom 20 substantially static and preventing evaporation or dispersion of moisture / vapors from the water collected on the bottom 20.

[0088] Additionally, due to the specific shape of the bottom 20 and the presence of the groove 22, the device 1 ensures optimal water drainage from the bottom 20, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial proliferation.

[0089] Another advantage lies in the particular shape of the panel 3, which ensures optimal conditions for the substrate 1 b.

[0090] Furthermore, the air purification device 1 has a compact design, reducing overall bulk.

[0091] In addition, the air purification device 1 is characterized by low production costs and reduced manufacturing complexity. The invention is subject to variations within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0092] Within this scope, all details may be replaced with equivalent elements, and the materials, shapes, and dimensions may be any.

Claims

C LAI M S1. Air purification device (1 ) comprising:- a container (2) defining an enclosure of a culture substrate (1 b) for at least one plant (1 a) and including at least:- a bottom (20) developing along a main surface (2a),- side walls (21 ) developing around said bottom (20) and designed to laterally delimit said substrate (1 b);- a panel (3) superimposed on said bottom (20) defining:- a supporting surface suitable for contacting said substrate (1 b) so as to delimit it inferiorly in said container (2), and including:- a plurality of solid areas (30) having no holes, and- a plurality of perforated areas (31 ) each including a plurality of holes (31a) allowing an airflow to pass through said panel (3) and enter said housing and formed exclusively in said perforated areas (31 ) so that- at least said substrate (1 b) at said perforated area (31 ) is crossed by said airflow, and- said substrate (1 b) at said solid area (30) is not crossed by said airflow ensuring the permanence of moisture in said substrate (1 b) confined in at least one said solid area (30) and thus the establishment in said substrate (1 b) of a biofilm which, by contacting said airflow, purifies said airflow; and characterized in that- said bottom (20) comprises at least one duct (20a) crossed by said airflow, protruding transversely from said main surface (2a) to said one solid area (30) without contacting said solid area (30) so that, when said moisture percolatesthrough said holes (31 a), said moisture can settle on said bottom (20) around said duct (20a) and flow toward said groove (22) and said airflow can flow from said duct (20a) toward said holes (31 a) without contacting said moisture settled on said bottom (20).

2. Device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said panel (3) defines a separation surface (3a) parallel to said main surface (2a) and including, with respect to said separation surface (3a)- depressions (32) each constituting said one solid area (30) defining a collection compartment for part of said substrate (1 b);- first protrusions (33) each constituting a said perforated area (31 ) and configured to be at least partially covered by said substrate (1 b), and- at least one second protrusion (34) constituting said one solid area (30) configured to be at least partially covered by said substrate (1 b),- said duct (20a) developing beyond said separation surface (3a) towards said respective second protrusion (34) without contacting said second protrusion (34).

3. Device (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein said panel (3) comprises a second protrusion (34) and a plurality of said first protrusions (33) distributed around said second protrusion (34) and separated from said protrusion by said depressions (32).

4. A device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container (2) comprises a grating (23) developing along said main surface (2a) superimposed on said groove (22) so as to prevent deposits of debris in said groove (22).

5. Device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said groove (22) is in fluid passage connection with an external drain.

6. Device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container (2) comprises a groove (22) developing around said bottom (20) between said bottom (20) and said walls (21) so as to be able to collect said moisture.

7. Device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said holes (31a) define a maximum thickness of 3 mm transverse to its own developing trajectory.

8. Device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container (2) comprises a plurality of said ducts (20a) and said panels (3) are more than two in number and are superimposed, mutually side-by-side, on said bottom (20) so as to cover both said bottom (20) and said groove (22), each of said ducts (20a) developing toward a respective one of said second protrusion (34) without contacting said second protrusion (34).

9. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said duct (20a) protrudes from said bottom (20) by 5 cm.

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising said substrate (1 b) arranged in said housing.

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