Air purifier

Abstract

An air purifier (1) comprising a housing (2), a fan (8), an air inlet (4), and an air outlet assembly (6); wherein the air outlet assembly (6) comprises an air outlet (61), an air flow guiding element (9) for receiving an air flow produced by the fan (8) and dividing the received air flow into at least two air streams (111, 112), a first air flow channel (101, 102) for directing a first air stream (111) to the air outlet (61), and a second air flow channel (102) for directing a second air stream (112) to the air outlet (61); and wherein the vertical cross-sectional area of the first and second air flow channels (101, 102) decreases in the air flow direction.

Description

[0001] P0001086 CPL

[0002] 1

[0003] AIR PURIFIER

[0004] Field of the Invention

[0005] 5 The present invention relates to an air purifier. In particular, the present invention relates to an air purifier comprising a housing, a fan, an air inlet, and an air outlet assembly; wherein the air outlet assembly comprises an air outlet, an air flow guiding element for receiving an air flow produced by the fan and for dividing the received air flow into at least two air streams, a first air flow channel for directing a first air stream to the air outlet, and a second air flow channel for directing a second air stream to the air outlet.

[0006] Background of the Invention

[0007] Conventional air purifiers in the market are mainly used with a single function for cleaning indoor air from pollutants. Thus, they are only used by consumers when the indoor air condition

[0008] 15 is not good, which is not cost effective. There is an increasing demand for multi-functional devices. For example, consumers may prefer devices that could not only purify indoor air but also have a fan function for sending out an air flow which creates a wind chill effect. However, current air purifiers only discharge purified air into the ambient environment without any efficient cooling effect.

[0009] 20

[0010] CN104456772B (XIAOMI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD) discloses an air purifier, including a housing, an air inlet and an air outlet on the housing, and an air duct structure in the housing for communicating the air inlet and the air outlet, and a filter that filters air. The purifier further includes a first fan for drawing air from the air inlet into the housing and a second fan for

[0011] 25 discharging air from the air outlet via the air duct structure.

[0012] CN104976696A (YE JIANRONG) discloses an air purifier comprising a body, a purification assembly with an inner cavity in the lower half portion of the body, a fan at the upper end of the purification assembly, and multiple air duct guide columns at the upper end of the fan. The lower ends of the air duct guide columns are communicated with air ducts and evenly distributed around the fan. The upper ends of the air duct guide columns are communicated with an air outlet on the lateral wall of an air outlet body on the upper end of the machine body.

[0013] CN106440068A (HANGZHOU DAZHAN MECH AND ELECTRICAL TECH CO LTD) discloses

[0014] 35 an integral air flow structure for efficient air supply comprising an outer shell, an air inlet, an air filter and a fan arranged in the outer shell. The device has an air supply guide device which P0001086 CPL

[0015] 2 could guide high-pressure air in an outlet of the fan and change the airflow direction efficiently upwards to an air conveying channel for discharging air.

[0016] WO2024182990A1 (PURACLENZ LLC) discloses an air purifier comprising a base body, an

[0017] 5 inlet through which an airflow enters the device, a first outlet through which the airflow exits the device as a first lateral outflow conveyed by a first fan, and a second outlet through which the airflow upwardly exits the device as a second medial outflow conveyed by the second fan.

[0018] Thus, there remains a need for improved air purifiers, in particular air purifiers which are efficient in delivering a strong air flow with a cooling effect.

[0019] Summary of the Invention

[0020] Hence, according to one aspect, an air purifier device is provided. The air purifier comprises a housing, a fan, an air inlet, and an air outlet assembly; wherein the air outlet assembly

[0021] 15 comprises an air outlet, an air flow guiding element for receiving an air flow produced by the fan and for dividing the received air flow into at least two air streams, a first air flow channel for directing a first air stream to the air outlet, and a second air flow channel for directing a second air stream to the air outlet; and wherein the vertical cross-sectional area of the first and second air flow channels decreases in the air flow direction.

[0022] 20

[0023] With the present aspect, air flows into the air purifier from the air inlet to the fan. The fan produces an air flow, and this air flow is received by the air flow guiding element of the air outlet assembly. The air flow guiding element divides the received air flow into at least two air streams. Each air stream enters one air flow channel and is directed to the air outlet. The at

[0024] 25 least two air streams collide at the outlet and aggregate into one single air flow. The aggregated air flow is stronger, whereby a much more concentrated and directional air blade from the air outlet of the air outlet assembly instead of a wide and weak flow from a normal outlet could be emitted, thus providing a more efficient cooling effect.

[0025] The housing of the purifier defines an inner chamber of the device. Preferably, the housing of the purifier is cylindrical. Preferably, the horizontal cross section of the inner wall of the housing is circular.

[0026] The air flow guiding element is provided between the fan and the air outlet. It receives an air

[0027] 35 flow generated by the fan and divides the received air flow into at least two air streams. P0001086 CPL

[0028] 3

[0029] Preferably, the air guiding element is placed upstream the air outlet in the air flow direction. The air flow guiding element can be of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal.

[0030] The shape and size of the air flow guiding element could vary. Preferably, the air flow guiding

[0031] 5 element is in the form of a cylinder or column. The air guiding element of the present invention has a constant length no less than the air outlet in the vertical direction. Preferably, the horizontal cross section of the air flow guiding element is semicircular or parabolic, more preferably semicircular.

[0032] An air flow channel of the present invention can be formed between a portion of the inner wall of the housing and the air flow guiding element, or through the air flow guiding element. The air flow channel comprises two ends, a proximal end connecting the air outlet and a distant end communicating with the inner chamber of the purifier. The air flow channel extends from the distant end to the proximal end to guide the air streams divided by air flow guiding element to

[0033] 15 the air outlet. The distant end receives one air stream, and the proximal end conveys the air stream to the outlet. Air streams from the air flow channels collide and aggregate into a single air flow at the air outlet. The single air flow is discharged from the air outlet into the ambient environment.

[0034] 20 The purifier of the present invention comprises at least a first air flow channel and a second air flow channel. The first and second air flow channels are defined by the space between the air flow guiding element and the inner wall of housing. Preferably, the first and second air flow channels are formed between the air flow guiding element and a portion of the inner wall of housing. Preferably, the first and second air flow channels are symmetrically distributed.

[0035] 25

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal cross section of the inner wall of the housing is circular; the horizontal cross section of the air flow guiding element is semicircular; the radius of the concentric circle of the inner wall is larger than the radius of the concentric circle of the air guiding element; and the first and second air flow channels are symmetrically distributed.

[0037] We have surprisingly found that by dividing the air flow produced by the fan into at least two air streams and reducing the cross-sectional area of the air flow channels in a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction, there is a pressure difference and an increment of the velocity of the air streams; air streams with an accelerated speed collide and aggregate into a

[0038] 35 stronger air flow which is emitted out of the device into the ambient environment, thus providing a better cooling effect to the user. P0001086 CPL

[0039] 4

[0040] Preferably, the vertical or perpendicular cross-sectional area of the first and second air flow channels, i.e. the cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction, at the distant end is larger than at the proximal end. More preferably, the vertical cross-sectional area of the first and second air flow channels gradually decreases in the air flow direction. Most

[0041] 5 preferably, the vertical cross-sectional area of the first and second air flow channels at the distant end is 1 .5 to 10, preferably 2 to 6 times of the vertical cross-sectional area at the proximal end.

[0042] The width of the first or second air flow channel is defined as the distance between the air flow guiding element and the inner wall of the housing in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the air flow direction. Preferably, the width of the first or second air flow channel at the proximal end is in the range of 1 to 20 mm, more preferably 2 to 15 mm, and most preferably 7 to 9 mm. More preferably, the width of the first air flow channel and the width of the second air flow channel at the proximal ends are in the range of 1 to 20 mm, more preferably 2 to 15 mm, and most

[0043] 15 preferably 7 to 9 mm.

[0044] Preferably, the air flow channel has a length of at least 1 .5 times, more preferably 1.5 to 10 times, of the width of the air flow channel at the distant end in the horizontal direction.

[0045] 20 Preferably, the air outlet assembly of the purifier of the present invention further comprises a third air flow channel for directing a third air stream to the air outlet.

[0046] Preferably, the third air flow channel is provided in the middle through the air flow guiding element. The third air flow channel comprises two ends, a proximal end connecting the air outlet

[0047] 25 and a distant end communicating with the inner chamber of the device. Preferably, the third air flow channel is constant in width.

[0048] Preferably, the purifier of the present invention further comprises a heater. Preferably, the heater is provided in the third air channel.

[0049] A door member is mounted at one end of the air flow channel for controlling the air stream to the air outlet. When the door member is closed, air cannot enter or is occluded in the air flow channel. When the door member is open, air can flow to the outlet. Preferably, a door member is mounted at one end of the first and second air flow channels. More preferably, a door

[0050] 35 member is mounted at the distant end of the first and second air flow channels. P0001086 CPL

[0051] 5

[0052] The purifier of the present invention comprises a fan. The fan may be a bladeless fan, an axial fan but it is preferred that the fan is a radial fan. Preferably, the fan has an intake end for guiding air from the air inlet to the fan and an exhaust end for discharging an air flow produced by the fan.

[0053] 5

[0054] The purifier may comprise a fan duct for guiding the air intake from the air inlet to the fan and guiding an air flow produced by the fan to the air outlet assembly. The fan duct extends in an upright direction of the air purifier device. The air purifier further comprises an air intake arranged below a lower end of the fan duct, and an exhaust arranged at an upper end of the fan duct so as to exhaust purified air in an upward direction from the air purifier device when the air purifier device is in use. The fan duct is flared in direction from an intermediate portion of the fan duct towards both it ends, and the fan is arranged at least partly in the intermediate portion.

[0055] Preferably, the inner chamber of the purifier is divided into two chambers, preferably by an inner

[0056] 15 wall such as a plate. Preferably, the inner wall is positioned in the middle of the device.

[0057] Preferably, one chamber comprises the air inlet and an intake end of the fun or fun duct and the other chamber comprises the exhaust end of the fan or fun duct and the air outlet assembly.

[0058] 20 Preferably, the cross section of the chamber comprising the air outlet assembly is semicircular or parabolic in the horizontal direction.

[0059] At least one air inlet is located on the housing of the purifier. Preferably, the inlet is located on the side surface of the housing. The air inlet is substantially flat and substantially rectangular or

[0060] 25 square in shape.

[0061] At least one air outlet is located on the housing of the purifier. Preferably, the outlet of the outlet assembly is located on the side surface of the housing. Preferably, the purifier comprises an additional outlet on the top surface of the housing. The air outlet is substantially flat and substantially rectangular or square in shape.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the purifier comprises an air inlet on one side surface of the housing and an air outlet of the outlet assembly on opposite side surface of the housing. In another preferred embodiment, the purifier comprises an air inlet on one side surface of the housing, an

[0063] 35 air outlet of the outlet assembly on opposite side surface of the housing, and an air outlet on the P0001086 CPL

[0064] 6 top surface of the housing. This greatly helps the air to circulate more efficiently in the room where the purifier is located.

[0065] Air guides are preferably placed at the air outlets to adjust the inclination of the leaving air. The

[0066] 5 air guides can be fix or adjustable from 0 degrees (horizontal) till 60 degrees.

[0067] Preferably, the purifier comprises a filter media. Preferably, the filter media comprises at least one of carbon, activated carbon, a non-woven, a thermoplastic, a thermosetting material, a porous foam, fibreglass, paper, a high loft spunbound web, a low loft spunbound web, a meltblown web and or a bi-modal fiber diameter meltblown media.

[0068] Preferably, the purifier comprises a removable filter media. Preferably, the removable filter media may be a particulate filter or gas filter while it is also possible that both a particulate and gas filter may be simultaneously employed.

[0069] 15

[0070] Preferably, the removable particulate filter is a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. It is to be understood that while the filter part of an air purifier is a vital part of its function, air purifiers are not commonly manufactured with a filter in place. They are practically always manufactured separately and most importantly often by a different commercial enterprise than

[0071] 20 of the manufacturer of the air purifier itself. It is also typical for a manufacturer of filters to manufacture filters for different air purifier models made by different manufacturers. The particulate filter is to be contrasted with the pre-filter or any dust filter which is present. Prefilters and dust filters are not considered HEPA filters as they do not have the particulate capturing capability exhibited by HEPA filters. Preferably, the filter is precharged before

[0072] 25 application to the air purifier.

[0073] Pre-filters are filters which have a low air resistance and also function as a poke guard, preventing the user from touching the volute or impeller assembly. The pre-filters are not intended to exhibit any major effect in the context of air purification. They do not have the air resistance or particle entrainment capability of dedicated particulate filters. Preferably the prefilter is not a HEPA filter.

[0074] In one preferred embodiment, the air purifier of the present invention comprises a housing, a low-pressure chamber comprising an air inlet, a filter media and a fan intake end, a high-

[0075] 35 pressure chamber comprising an air outlet assembly and a fan exhaust end; wherein the air outlet assembly comprises an air outlet, an air flow guiding element for receiving an air flow P0001086 CPL

[0076] 7 produced by the fan and dividing the received air flow into at least two air streams, a first air flow channel for directing a first air stream to the air outlet, and a second air flow channel for directing a second air stream to the air outlet.

[0077] 5 In another preferred embodiment, the air purifier of the present invention comprises a housing, a low-pressure chamber comprising an air inlet, a filter media and a fan intake end, a high- pressure chamber comprising an air outlet assembly and a fan exhaust end; wherein the air outlet assembly comprises an air outlet, an air flow guiding element for receiving an air flow produced by the fan and dividing the received air flow into at least two air streams, a first air flow channel for directing a first air stream to the air outlet, a second air flow channel for directing a second air stream to the air outlet, a third air flow channel for directing a third air stream to the air outlet, and a heater provided in the third air flow channel.

[0078] Preferably, the air purifier comprises an ioniser. The ioniser used comprises an emitter

[0079] 15 electrode and a ground electrode. The emitter electrode discharges an ion cloud between the emitter and the receiver on application of a suitable voltage, preferably from -10 to 10kV but more preferably around the range -8 to 8kV. The emitter electrode is preferably a point, tip or multiple tips or points for example a brush and is in electrical communication with a voltage source. Preferably, the emitter electrode is within 20cm, more preferably 15cm, especially

[0080] 20 preferably 10 cm and most preferably up to 5 cm from the nearest filter medium to be sterilised by bathing it in an ion cloud during activation of the ioniser when required. This distance is the distance from the tip of the emitter electrode to the nearest part of nearest filtration medium, more specifically the part of the filter medium which filters rather than for example a structural frame.

[0081] 25

[0082] The receiving electrode is preferably a metallic part in the shape of a ring so that the resulting ion cloud is in three dimensions as the ions are spent away from the emitter and are then pulled towards the receiver. Preferably, the receiving electrode is in the form of a cage which extends away from the emitting electrode in an air flow direction. More preferably, the receiving electrode is in the form of a reticulated arrangement and which extends towards the filter. Such extension may present a hemispherical or partial cylindrical shape such that the receiving electrode is downstream in an air flow direction from the emitting electrode.

[0083] Preferably, the emitter is centrally disposed between a receiver in the form of a ring. The emitter

[0084] 35 may be disposed pointing towards or away from the air flow during use but it is preferred that P0001086 CPL

[0085] 8 the emitter is pointed towards the surface to be sterilised, for example, an internal wall or a filter medium.

[0086] The purifier is powered by any suitable power source including internal sources, e.g. batteries,

[0087] 5 and external power sources. The power is used to drive a motor which in turn powers at least the fan.

[0088] The air purifier of the present invention may have multiple working modes. Preferably, the purifier has a purification mode. In the purification mode, air is purified and discharged from the outlet into the ambient environment. Preferably, the purifier has a fan mode. In the fan mode, air is purified, and the purified air is divided into at least two air streams. Air streams are then directed by the air flow channels and aggregate into a single strong air blade at the outlet. The single strong air blade emits from the outlet. Preferably, the purifier has a heating mode. In the heating mode, air is purified. The purified air is directed to an air flow channel and heated by the

[0089] 15 heater in the channel. The heated air is directed to the outlet and discharged out of the device.

[0090] Preferably, the air purifier comprises means for controlling the working mode of the device based on preset conditions or user inputs.

[0091] 20 The purifier of the present invention may comprise sensors such as particulate sensors, carbon dioxide sensors, humidity sensors, temperature sensors or sound sensors, processors, a user interface, or other components that are known in the art.

[0092] Brief Description of Drawings

[0093] 25 Aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail in the following nonlimiting embodiments with reference to the appended drawings.

[0094] Fig.1 shows an air purifier of the present invention.

[0095] Fig.2 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an air purifier of the present invention.

[0096] Fig.3 illustrates the air flow in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Fig.4 illustrates the air flow in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Fig.5 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] 35 P0001086 CPL

[0100] 9

[0101] Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0102] Fig.1 shows a perspective view of an air purifier 1 of the present invention comprising a housing 2 defining an inner chamber 3, an air inlet 4, an air outlet 5, an air outlet assembly 6 with an air outlet 61 . The air inlet 4 is substantially flat and substantially rectangular in shape. The air

[0103] 5 outlets 5, 61 are provided with air guides to adjust the inclination of the leaving air.

[0104] Fig.2 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the air purifier 1 of the present invention. The air purifier 1 comprises a cylindrical housing 2. An inner wall 20 divides the inner chamber 3 into a low-pressure chamber 31 and a high-pressure chamber 32. The air inlet 4 is provided on the side surface of the housing 2 of the low-pressure chamber 31. A removable filter 7 is provided in the low-pressure chamber 31 to cover the inlet 4. The intake end 81 of a fan 8 is provided in the low-pressure chamber 31 and the exhaust end 82 of the fan 8 is provided in the high-pressure chamber 32. The air outlet assembly 6 has an air outlet 61 provided on the side surface of the housing 2 of the high-pressure chamber 32. An air flow

[0105] 15 guiding element 9 is provided in the high-pressure chamber 32. The air flow guiding element 9 together with the inner wall of the housing 2 define a first air flow channel 101 and a second air flow channel 102. The first and second air flow channels 101 , 102 are symmetrically distributed. In this embodiment, the horizontal cross section of the housing 2 is circular, and the horizontal cross section of the and the air flow guiding element 9 is semicircular.

[0106] 20

[0107] Fig.3 illustrates the air flow in one embodiment of the present invention. The first and second air channels 101 , 102 have distant ends 1011 , 1021 communicating with the high-pressure chamber 32 and proximal ends 1012, 1022 connecting to the air outlet 61. Air flow produced by the fan 8 is received by the air flow guiding element 9 and is divided into a first air stream 111

[0108] 25 and a second air stream 112. The first air stream 111 is directed by the first air channel 101 from the distant end 1011 to the proximal end 1012. The second air stream 112 is directed by the second air channel 102 from the distant end 1021 to the proximal end 1022. The first and second air streams 111 , 112 collide at the air outlet 61 , and form a single air flow 110 leaving the device 1 .

[0109] Fig.4 illustrates the air flow in another embodiment of the present invention. Air flow produced by the fan 8 is received by the air flow guiding element 9 and is divided into a first air stream 111 , a second air stream 112 and a third air stream 113. The first air stream 111 is directed by the first air channel 101 from the distant end 1011 to the proximal end 1012. The second air

[0110] 35 stream 112 is directed by the second air channel 102 from the distant end 1021 to the proximal end 1022. The third air stream 113 is directed by the third air channel 103 in the air flow guiding P0001086 CPL

[0111] 10 element 9 from the distant end 1031 to the proximal end 1032. The first, second and third air streams 111 , 112, 113 collide at the air outlet 61 , and form a single air flow 110 leaving the device 1 .

[0112] 5 Fig.5 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] In this embodiment, a heater 12 is provided in a third air flow channel 103 in the air flow guiding element 9. Door members 131 , 132 are mounted at the distant ends 1011 , 1021 of the first and second air flow channels 101 , 102. When the heater 12 is working, door members 131 , 132 are closed and air streams cannot flow into the first and second air flow channels 101 , 102. Air flow

[0114] 10 from the fan 8 enters the third air flow channel 103 from the distant end 1031 , heated by the heater 12 and flows from the proximal end 1032 to the air outlet 61 leaving the device 1.

Claims

P0001086 CPL11CLAIMS1. An air purifier (1) comprising a housing (2), a fan (8), an air inlet (4), and an air outlet assembly (6); wherein the air outlet assembly (6) comprises an air outlet (61), an air flow guiding element (9) for receiving an air flow produced by the fan (8) and dividing the received air flow into at least two air streams, a first air flow channel (101) for directing a first air stream (111) to the air outlet (61), and a second air flow channel (102) for directing a second air stream (112) to the air outlet (61); and wherein the vertical cross-sectional area of the first and second air flow channels (101 , 102) decreases in the air flow direction.

2. The air purifier (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second air flow channels (101 , 102) are symmetrically distributed.

3. The air purifier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second air channels (101 , 102) are defined by the space between the air flow guiding element (9) and the inner wall of the housing (2).

4. The air purifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal cross section of the air flow guiding element (9) is semicircular or parabolic, preferably semicircular.

5. The air purifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal cross section of the inner wall of the housing (2) is circular.

6. The air purifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical cross-sectional area of the first and second air flow channels (101 , 102) at the distant end (1011 , 1021) is 1.5 to 10 times of the vertical cross-sectional area at the proximal end (1012, 1022).

7. The air purifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the first or second air flow channel (101 , 102) at the proximal end (1012, 1022) is in the range of 1 to 20 mm.P0001086 CPL128. The air purifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air outlet assembly (6) further comprises a third air flow channel (103) for directing a third air flow (113) to the air outlet (61).

9. The air purifier (1) according to claim 8, wherein the third air channel (103) is provided in the middle of the air flow guiding element (9).

10. The air purifier (1) according to claim 8 or 9 further comprising a heater (12), preferably provided in the third air channel (103).

11. The air purifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a door member (131 , 132) is mounted at one end of the first and second air channels (101 , 102) for controlling the first and second air streams (111 , 112) to the air outlet (61).

12. The air purifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air inlet (4) and the air outlet (61) of the air outlet assembly (6) are located on opposite side surfaces of the housing (2).

13. The air purifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an air outlet (5) located on the top surface of the housing (2).

14. The air purifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one filter media (7), preferably a removable filter media.

15. The air purifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) defines an inner chamber (3) and the inner chamber (3) is divided into two chambers (31 , 32); and wherein one chamber (31) comprises the air inlet (4) and an intake end (81) of the fan (8), and the other chamber (32) comprises an exhaust end (82) of the fan (8) and the air outlet assembly (6).

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