An air treatment apparatus

Abstract

An air treatment apparatus (10) for treating air in a space. The air treatment apparatus comprises a housing (20) defining an airflow passage and an outlet for discharge of airflow from the airflow passage into the space, an air treatment device (16) arranged to treat an airflow in the airflow passage, so as to generate a treated airflow for discharge from the outlet, and a sensor (22) downstream of the outlet for sensing a characteristic of the treated airflow. The apparatus also comprises a bypass arrangement (21) moveable between a diagnostic configuration in which the treated airflow discharged from the outlet passes across the sensor (22); and a baseline configuration in which the treated airflow discharged from the outlet bypasses the sensor (22).

Description

[0001] 1 P004880-W001

[0002] AN AIR TREATMENT APPARATUS

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Air treatment apparatuses are known for treating air in a space, for example by drawing air into the apparatus and treating the air by way of an air treatment device. Such apparatuses may comprise, for example, air purification means, a heater, filters, cooling means and / or a means for generating an airflow through the apparatus. Air treatment devices (e.g., air purifiers), such as those for home or office use, sometimes include a housing adapted to be supported on a floor or on furniture (e.g., a desk).

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] In a first aspect, there is provided an air treatment apparatus for treating air in a space. The air treatment apparatus comprises a housing defining an airflow passage and an outlet for discharge of airflow from the airflow passage into the space. The apparatus also comprises an air treatment device arranged to treat an airflow in the airflow passage, so as to generate a treated airflow for discharge from the outlet, and a sensor downstream of the outlet for sensing a characteristic of the treated airflow. The apparatus further comprises a bypass arrangement moveable between: a diagnostic configuration in which the treated airflow discharged from the outlet passes across the sensor; and a baseline configuration in which the treated airflow discharged from the outlet bypasses the sensor.

[0007] The provision of the bypass arrangement can allow for treated air and untreated air to be detected by the sensor (i.e., requiring only one sensor to detect both). In the diagnostic configuration the sensor can detect a characteristic of the treated air and in the baseline configuration the sensor can detect a characteristic of the untreated air (for example, ambient air in an environment that is external to the apparatus). The ability to detect characteristics of both treated and untreated air with a single sensor may reduce the complexity of the apparatus, which may be beneficial for manufacturing complexity, cost, and longevity of the apparatus.

[0008] Detecting a characteristic of the treated air can, for example, provide an indication of the performance of the air treatment device. Detecting a characteristic of the untreated air (e.g., 2 P004880-W001 ambient air) can, for example, be useful in controlling the apparatus (i.e., based on the present state of the air in the external environment). A comparison of characteristics of the treated and untreated air can also be useful in understanding the performance of the system.

[0009] The sensor and the treated airflow may be moveable relative to each other via the bypass arrangement. For example, the bypass arrangement may be configured to redirect the treated airflow away from the sensor when in the baseline configuration, or the bypass arrangement may be configured to move the sensor away from (or out of) the treated airflow when in the baseline configuration. Either way, the bypass arrangement is moveable between the diagnostic and baseline configurations.

[0010] The bypass arrangement may be configured to redirect the treated airflow (i.e., the airflow discharged from the outlet). Accordingly, the bypass arrangement may comprise a deflection surface for redirecting the treated airflow. That is, the deflection surface may be arranged (in at least one position of the deflection surface) for treated air to impinge on and / or flow over the deflection surface.

[0011] The bypass arrangement (e.g., deflection surface) may be configured to redirect the treated airflow away from the sensor when in the baseline configuration. In this way, the treated airflow may not pass over the sensor in the baseline configuration (or a significantly reduced volume of treated air may pass over the sensor in the baseline configuration when compared to the diagnostic configuration). In this way, in the baseline configuration, the sensor is able to detect a characteristic of untreated air discharged from the outlet.

[0012] The bypass arrangement may be configured to redirect the treated airflow away from the housing when in the baseline configuration. The bypass arrangement may comprise an airflow director, which may be mounted to the housing (e.g., may be mounted to an external surface of the housing). The deflection surface may be a surface of the airflow director. 3 P004880-W001

[0013] The airflow director may be configured such that movement from the diagnostic configuration to the baseline configuration involves movement of at least part of the airflow director away from the housing. For example, the airflow director (or at least the deflection surface of the airflow director) may be configured to extend on an incline from the housing when in the baseline configuration. That is, the airflow director (e.g., deflection surface) may be configured to extend on an incline with respect to a surface of the housing (e.g., an external surface of the housing) adjacent to the airflow director. In this way, the airflow director may be mounted at a proximal end to the housing and may extend to a free end that is spaced from the housing in the baseline configuration.

[0014] The incline may be such that the airflow director (e.g., the deflection surface) forms an angle with the external surface of at least 10 degrees, or at least 20 degrees. The incline may be such that the airflow director (e.g., the deflection surface) forms an angle with the external surface of equal to or less than 90 degrees or equal to or less than 80 degrees.

[0015] The airflow director may be pivotably mounted to the housing for pivoting between the diagnostic and baseline configurations. The proximal end of the airflow director may be pivotably mounted to the housing. In other embodiments, the airflow director may, for example, be slideably mounted so as to be extendable from (e.g., in the baseline configuration) and retractable into (e.g., in the diagnostic configuration) the housing.

[0016] The sensor may be mounted to the housing. The sensor may be mounted to an external surface of the housing. At least part of the sensor may be exposed externally of the housing. The sensor may be adjacent to or proximate to the airflow director (e.g., at least in the diagnostic configuration).

[0017] The external surface of the housing may be configured to guide airflow from the outlet to the sensor in at least the diagnostic configuration. For example, a guide surface (e.g., a Coanda surface), configured for attachment of an airflow discharged from the outlet, may be provided between the outlet and the sensor. The guide surface may be a curved surface, e.g., a convex surface. 4 P004880-W001

[0018] The bypass arrangement may be configured to move the sensor relative to the treated airflow. For example, the bypass arrangement may be configured to move the sensor away from (or out of) the treated airflow when in the baseline configuration. In this way, the treated airflow may not pass over the sensor in the baseline configuration (or a significantly reduced volume of treated air may pass over the sensor in the baseline configuration when compared to the diagnostic configuration). In this way, in the baseline configuration, the sensor is able to detect a characteristic of untreated air discharged from the outlet.

[0019] The apparatus may comprise a controller (e.g., comprising a microprocessor) configured to control movement of the bypass arrangement between the diagnostic and baseline configurations.

[0020] The bypass arrangement may comprise an actuator to move the bypass arrangement between the diagnostic and baseline configurations. That is, the actuator may be configured to redirect the airflow or move the sensor between the diagnostic and baseline configurations. For example, when the bypass arrangement comprises a pivotable airflow director, the actuator may be configured to pivot the airflow director. The actuator may comprise an electromechanical device, such as a motor or a linear actuator.

[0021] In a second aspect, there is provided an air treatment apparatus for treating air in a space. The apparatus comprises a primary airflow arrangement comprising an air treatment device arranged to treat an airflow in a primary airflow passage to generate a treated airflow, and a primary air mover to move the treated airflow. The apparatus also comprises a secondary airflow arrangement comprising a sensor arranged to sense a characteristic of an airflow in a secondary airflow passage, and a secondary air mover arranged to draw external air into an inlet of the secondary airflow passage from the space. The airflow director is moveable between: a baseline configuration in which the external air is drawn into the secondary airflow passage to be sensed by the sensor; and a diagnostic configuration in which the treated airflow is directed into the secondary airflow passage to be sensed by the sensor. 5 P004880-W001

[0022] The arrangement of the apparatus of the second aspect can allow both treated air and untreated air to be measured by the sensor (i.e., requiring only one sensor to measure both). In the diagnostic configuration the sensor can measure the treated air, which is directed to the secondary airflow passage. In the baseline configuration, external air is drawn into the secondary airflow passage, such that a characteristic of untreated airflow can be measured. The ability to measure both treated and untreated air with a single sensor may reduce the complexity of the apparatus, which may be beneficial for manufacturing, cost, and longevity of the apparatus.

[0023] Moreover, the provision of both a primary air mover and a secondary air mover allows the sensor to perform measurements without relying on the primary air mover to be active. As may appreciated, because the secondary air mover may only be required for the purposes of moving air across the sensor, the secondary air mover may require less power than the primary air mover in operation (e.g., may be a smaller, less powerful device). In this way, by making use of the secondary air mover to perform sensing, the apparatus may use less power (especially in circumstances where the primary air mover is not required to be active).

[0024] As set forth above, detecting a characteristic of the treated air can, for example, provide an indication of the performance of the air treatment device. Detecting a characteristic of the untreated air (e.g., ambient air) can, for example, be useful in controlling the apparatus (i.e., based on the present state of the air in the external environment). A comparison of characteristics of the treated and untreated air can also be useful in understanding the performance of the system.

[0025] The apparatus of the second aspect may include one or more features of the apparatus of the first aspect.

[0026] The apparatus may comprise an airflow path connecting the primary airflow passage to the secondary airflow passage. The airflow path may connect to the primary airflow passage, downstream of the air treatment device. The airflow path may connect to the secondary 6 P004880-W001 airflow passage upstream of the sensor. The apparatus may comprise a tertiary airflow passage defining the airflow path.

[0027] The airflow director may be configured to obstruct (e.g., fully obstruct) the airflow path (e.g., the tertiary airflow passage) in the baseline configuration. The airflow director may be configured so as not to obstruct (e.g., at least so as not to fully obstruct) the airflow path (e.g., tertiary airflow passage) in the diagnostic configuration.

[0028] The airflow director may be configured to obstruct (e.g., fully obstruct) a portion of the secondary airflow passage between the inlet and the sensor when in the diagnostic configuration. The airflow director may be configured so as not to obstruct (e.g., at least so as not to fully obstruct) the secondary airflow passage in the baseline configuration.

[0029] The airflow director may comprise a valve. The airflow director may be a three-way valve. The airflow director (or at least a portion of the airflow director) may be rotatable. The airflow director may comprise an internal passage extending therethrough for passage of air.

[0030] The secondary airflow passage may comprise an outlet. The outlet of the secondary passage may be arranged to discharge airflow directly into the space. Thus, the outlet of the secondary airflow passage may be arranged at an external portion (e.g., external surface) of the apparatus. Alternatively, the outlet of the secondary passage may be arranged to discharge airflow into the apparatus, for example, into the primary airflow passage. The outlet of the secondary airflow passage may be arranged to discharge airflow into the primary airflow passage at a location upstream of the air treatment device.

[0031] The apparatus may be configured such that airflow is discharged from the outlet of the secondary airflow passage in at least the baseline configuration of the airflow director. The apparatus may be configured such that airflow is discharged from the outlet in both the baseline and diagnostic configurations. 7 P004880-W001

[0032] The primary air mover may be disposed in the primary airflow passage. The secondary air mover may be disposed in the secondary airflow passage. The primary air mover may be a principle (or main) air mover of the apparatus. For example, the primary air mover may be configured to move air at a greater flow rate than the secondary air mover. The primary airflow passage may have a greater maximum diameter than the secondary airflow passage.

[0033] The secondary air mover may be activatable independently of the primary air mover (i.e., may be able to move air while the primary air mover is inactive). As set forth above, this may allow the secondary air mover to move air through the secondary airflow passage independently of whether the primary air mover is operative. Accordingly, this may allow the sensor to perform measurements of untreated airflow without the primary air mover needing to be active. This may minimise power consumption when monitoring the characteristics of air external to the apparatus (e.g., to determine whether air treatment is required).

[0034] The apparatus may comprise a controller (e.g., microprocessor) configured to control one or more of the primary air mover, secondary air mover, and airflow director. The controller may be configured to control the primary air mover (e.g., a rotational speed of an impeller of the primary air mover) in response to a characteristic of an airflow sensed by the sensor.

[0035] The controller may be configured to compare a diagnostic measurement based on a detection by the sensor in the diagnostic configuration with a baseline measurement based on a detection by the sensor in the baseline configuration.

[0036] The controller may be configured to obtain a diagnostic measurement based on a detection by the sensor in the diagnostic configuration upon activation of the primary air mover. That is, the controller may be configured to obtain a diagnostic measurement as part of a startup procedure of the apparatus. In some circumstances, measurements can be affected by differences in flow rate in the primary airflow passage (resulting in differences in the characteristics of the treated airflow being discharged across the inlet of the secondary airflow passage). Taking a diagnostic measurement upon activation can ensure consistency 8 P004880-W001 between diagnostic measurements (i.e., by ensuring that the primary air mover is in the same state each time such a diagnostic measurement is taken).

[0037] The controller may be configured to operate according to a diagnostic mode in which the primary air mover is controlled according to a predetermined speed and a diagnostic measurement is obtained based on a detection by the sensor in the diagnostic configuration. Again, such a configuration may ensure that inconsistency is avoided between measurements that may otherwise occur due to differences in the state of the primary air mover.

[0038] The sensor may be an optical sensor. The sensor may comprise a detector configured to detect a light beam directed across the secondary airflow passage. The detector may be positioned in a recess formed in a sidewall of the secondary airflow passage. Positioning the detector in a recess may reduce fouling of the detector (e.g., by dust carried by untreated air).

[0039] The sensor may comprise a light source. The sensor may comprise a light director for redirecting light generated by the light source to the detector.

[0040] The light source may be positioned in an upstream direction from the light director relative to the direction of airflow along the secondary airflow passage. The air treatment apparatus may comprise a separator wall interposed between the light source and the secondary airflow passage. Separating the light source from the secondary airflow passage may reduce fouling of the light source (e.g., by dust carried by untreated air).

[0041] The apparatus may comprise an annular nozzle surrounding a central bore. The annular nozzle may comprise an internal cavity for the treated airflow. In the diagnostic configuration the treated airflow may be directed from the internal cavity to the secondary airflow passage.

[0042] In a third aspect there is provided an air treatment apparatus for treating air in a space. The air treatment apparatus comprises a primary airflow arrangement comprising an air 9 P004880-W001 treatment device arranged to treat an airflow in a primary airflow passage to generate a treated airflow. The apparatus also comprises a secondary airflow arrangement comprising a sensor arranged to sense a characteristic of an airflow in a secondary airflow passage. The apparatus further comprises an air mover arranged to draw external air from the space into an inlet of the secondary airflow passage. The air treatment apparatus also comprises an airflow director moveable between: a diagnostic configuration in which the treated airflow is directed across the inlet of the secondary airflow passage so as to be drawn into the inlet by the air mover; and a baseline configuration in which the treated airflow is prevented from flowing across the inlet of the secondary airflow passage, such that the external air is drawn into the inlet of the secondary airflow passage by the air mover.

[0043] The arrangement of the third aspect can allow both treated air and untreated air to be measured by the sensor (i.e., requiring only one sensor to measure both). In the diagnostic configuration the sensor can measure the treated air, which may enter the inlet of the secondary airflow passage due to the treated air being directed across the inlet. In the baseline configuration, in which the treated air is not directed across the inlet, the sensor can measure untreated air (for example, air in the external environment). The ability to measure both treated and untreated air with a single sensor may reduce the complexity of the apparatus, which may be beneficial for manufacturing, cost, and longevity of the apparatus.

[0044] As may be appreciated, if the treated airflow (in the diagnostic configuration) were instead directed directly into the inlet (as opposed to across the inlet), there would be a tendency for the treated airflow to draw untreated (ambient) airflow into the inlet. This would result in the sensor measuring a mixture of untreated and treated air as opposed to measuring only treated air when in the diagnostic configuration. Accordingly, directing treated airflow across the inlet, rather than, e.g., directly into the inlet, may reduce the amount of untreated air drawn into the inlet with the treated air (in some circumstances preventing any untreated from entering the inlet). This may provide more accurate measurements of characteristics of the treated airflow in the diagnostic configuration. 10 P004880-W001

[0045] The primary airflow passage may comprise a primary outlet for discharge of treated airflow into the space. The primary airflow passage may comprise an auxiliary outlet arranged to discharge treated airflow across the inlet of the secondary airflow passage.

[0046] The primary airflow outlet may represent a principal (or main) outlet of the primary airflow passage. Thus, for example, the primary airflow outlet may be configured to discharge a greater flow rate of air than the auxiliary outlet. The primary airflow outlet may be larger than the auxiliary outlet (i.e., may have a greater cross-sectional area).

[0047] As noted above, in the baseline configuration, treated airflow is prevented from flowing across the inlet of the secondary airflow passage. This may be provided, for example, by redirecting the treated airflow (e.g., away from the secondary airflow passage). Alternatively, prevention of the discharge of treated airflow across the inlet may comprise (e.g., fully) obstructing the treated airflow.

[0048] The airflow director may be arranged to prevent treated airflow from being discharged from the auxiliary outlet in the baseline configuration. For example, the airflow director may be arranged to obstruct the auxiliary outlet in the baseline configuration (or may be arranged to provide an obstruction upstream of the auxiliary outlet).

[0049] The primary airflow passage may comprise a first airflow branch between the air treatment device and the primary outlet and a second airflow branch between the air treatment device and the auxiliary outlet. The airflow director may be arranged to obstruct (e.g., fully obstruct) the second airflow branch in the baseline configuration. The airflow director may be arranged not to obstruct (e.g., not to fully obstruct) the second airflow branch in the diagnostic configuration.

[0050] In the diagnostic configuration, treated airflow may be discharged in a direction that is partly directed away from the second airflow passage (i.e., towards an external environment). Thus, for example, the auxiliary outlet may be arranged to discharge treated airflow in a direction that is partly directed away from the secondary airflow passage. This 11 P004880-W001 may aid in ensuring that untreated (e.g., ambient) air is not drawn into the secondary airflow passage with the treated airflow.

[0051] The secondary airflow passage may comprise an outlet. The outlet of the secondary passage may be arranged to discharge airflow directly into the space. Thus, the outlet of the secondary airflow passage may be arranged at an external portion (e.g., external surface) of the apparatus. Alternatively, the outlet of the secondary passage may be arranged to discharge airflow into the apparatus, for example, into the primary airflow passage. The outlet of the secondary airflow passage may be arranged to discharge airflow into the primary airflow passage at a location upstream of the air treatment device.

[0052] The air treatment apparatus may be configured such that airflow is discharged from the outlet of the secondary airflow passage in at least the baseline configuration of the airflow director. The apparatus may be configured such that airflow is discharged from the outlet in both the baseline and diagnostic configurations.

[0053] The air mover may form part of the secondary airflow arrangement. The air mover may be located in the secondary airflow passage. The air mover may be a secondary air mover. The air treatment apparatus may comprise a primary air mover for moving air along the primary airflow passage. The primary air mover may be located in the primary airflow passage. The primary and / or secondary air mover may be a fan, blower, or compressor.

[0054] The primary air mover may be a principle (or main) air mover of the apparatus. For example, the primary air mover may be configured to move air at a greater flow rate than the secondary air mover. The primary airflow passage may have a greater maximum diameter than the secondary airflow passage.

[0055] The secondary air mover may be activatable independently of the primary air mover. This may allow the secondary air mover to move air through the secondary airflow passage independently of whether the primary air mover is operative. Accordingly, this may allow the sensor to perform measurements of untreated airflow without the primary air mover needing to be active. This may minimise power consumption when monitoring the 12 P004880-W001 characteristics of air external to the apparatus (e.g., to determine whether air treatment is required).

[0056] The apparatus may comprise a controller (e.g., comprising a microprocessor) configured to control one or more of the primary air mover, secondary air mover, and airflow director. The controller may be configured to control the primary air mover (e.g., a rotational speed of an impeller of the primary air mover) in response to a characteristic of an airflow sensed by the sensor.

[0057] The controller may be configured to compare a diagnostic measurement based on a detection by the sensor in the diagnostic configuration with a baseline measurement based on a detection by the sensor in the baseline configuration.

[0058] The controller may be configured to obtain a diagnostic measurement based on a detection by the sensor in the diagnostic configuration upon activation of the primary air mover. That is, the controller may be configured to obtain a diagnostic measurement as part of a startup procedure of the apparatus. In some arrangements, measurements may be affected by differences in flow rate in the primary airflow passage (resulting in differences in the characteristics of the treated airflow being discharged across the inlet of the secondary airflow passage). Taking a diagnostic measurement upon activation can ensure consistency between diagnostic measurements (i.e., by ensuring that the primary air mover is in the same state each time such a diagnostic measurement is taken).

[0059] The controller may be configured to operate according to a diagnostic mode in which the primary air mover is controlled according to a predetermined speed and a diagnostic measurement is obtained based on a detection by the sensor in the diagnostic configuration. Again, such a configuration may ensure that inconsistency is avoided between measurements that may otherwise occur due to differences in the state of the primary air mover.

[0060] The sensor may be an optical sensor. The sensor may comprise a detector configured to detect a light beam directed across the secondary airflow passage. The detector may be 13 P004880-W001 positioned in a recess formed in a sidewall of the secondary airflow passage. Positioning the detector in a recess may reduce fouling of the detector (e.g., by dust carried by untreated air).

[0061] The sensor may comprise a light source. The sensor may comprise a light director for redirecting light generated by the light source to the detector.

[0062] The light source may be positioned in an upstream direction from the light director relative to the direction of airflow along the secondary airflow passage. The air treatment apparatus may comprise a separator wall interposed between the light source and the secondary airflow passage. Separating the light source from the secondary airflow passage may reduce fouling of the light source (e.g., by dust carried by untreated air).

[0063] The airflow director may comprise a valve. The airflow director (or, e.g., at least a portion of the airflow director) may be rotatable.

[0064] The sensor may be a gas sensor, particle sensor, or environmental condition sensor.

[0065] The apparatus may comprise an annular nozzle surrounding a central bore. The annular nozzle may comprise an internal cavity for the treated airflow. In the diagnostic configuration, the treated airflow may be directed from the internal cavity and across the inlet of the secondary airflow passage.

[0066] In any of the aspects described above, the controller may be configured to compare a diagnostic measurement based on a detection by the sensor in the diagnostic configuration with a baseline measurement based on a detection by the sensor in the baseline configuration.

[0067] The sensor of any aspect provided above may be a gas sensor, particle sensor, or environmental condition sensor. 14 P004880-W001

[0068] The gas sensor (when present) may be configured to detect volatile organic chemicals and / or volatile inorganic chemicals. The gas sensor may be configured to detect total volatile inorganic compounds.

[0069] The particle sensor (when present) may be configured to detect particles that are 10 microns or less in diameter (PM10 particles) or particles 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5 particles). The particle sensor may be configured to detect particles of other given (maximum) diameters. The particle sensor may be configured to detect one or more of silica, pollen, soot, and heavy metals.

[0070] The one or more sensors may comprise an environmental condition sensor configured to detect one or more of temperature, relative or absolute humidity, air pressure sensor, a wet bulb temperature and dry bulb temperature.

[0071] The air treatment device of any one of the aspects described above may comprise an air purifier. Alternatively or additionally the air treatment device may comprise a heater, a humidifier, a de-humidifier and / or a cooler (e.g., an air-conditioner). For example, the air treatment device may comprise an air purifier and a heater downstream of the air purifier.

[0072] The air treatment apparatus of any one of the aspects described above may be in the form of a floor fan (with air treatment capability such as air purifying, heating, cooling, etc.).

[0073] The features of any one aspect described above may be combined with any other aspect described above.

[0074] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] Figure 1 A is a perspective view of an air treatment apparatus.

[0076] Figure IB is a schematic view showing internal components of the apparatus of Figure 1A. Figure 2A is a schematic view of a bypass arrangement in a diagnostic configuration. Figure 2B is a schematic view of a bypass arrangement in a baseline configuration.

[0077] Figure 3A is a schematic view of an apparatus having an airflow director in a diagnostic configuration. 15 P004880-W001

[0078] Figure 3B is a schematic view of an apparatus having an airflow director in a baseline configuration.

[0079] Figure 4A is a schematic view of an apparatus having an airflow director in a diagnostic configuration.

[0080] Figure 4B is a schematic view of an apparatus having an airflow director in a baseline configuration.

[0081] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Figures 1 A and IB illustrate an air treatment apparatus 10 having a housing 20 including a cylindrical body 12 and an annular nozzle 14 supported on the cylindrical body 12. The apparatus 10 comprises a primary airflow inlet 11 on the cylindrical body 12, and a primary airflow outlet 13 on the annular nozzle 14.

[0083] The interior of the body 12 is shown (schematically) in Figure IB. In particular, this shows a primary airflow arrangement 15 of the apparatus 10, which includes an air treatment device 16. The air treatment device 16 is arranged to treat a primary airflow 17 that flows along a primary airflow passage 18 from the inlet 11 to the outlet 13 of the apparatus 10. The air treatment device 16 may comprise, for example, one or more of a filter, air purifier, heater, humidifier, dehumidifier, or cooler.

[0084] The primary airflow arrangement 15 further comprises a primary air mover 19 (e.g., a fan, blower, or compressor) for moving air along the primary airflow passage 18. The primary air mover 19 is positioned downstream of the air treatment device 16 such that air passing through the primary air mover 19 is treated air.

[0085] The apparatus 10 also comprises a controller 25 (e.g., comprising a microprocessor) for controlling components of the apparatus 10. For example, the controller 25 may be configured to control operation of the air mover 19 (e.g., a rotational speed of the air mover 19) and the air treatment device 16.

[0086] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a bypass arrangement 21 that is moveable between a diagnostic configuration (shown in Figure 2A) and a baseline configuration (shown in 16 P004880-W001

[0087] Figure 2B). The bypass arrangement 21 may be provided as part of the apparatus 10 of Figures 1 A and IB. In particular, the bypass arrangement 21 may be provided downstream of the primary airflow outlet 13 of the apparatus 10 to receive treated air discharged from the primary airflow outlet 13. In particular, the bypass arrangement 21 may be provided on an external surface 23 of the housing 20 of the apparatus 10.

[0088] The bypass arrangement 21 comprises a sensor 22 for sensing a characteristic of the treated airflow, and an airflow director 24, which in the present example is in the form of a flap that is pivotably mounted to the external surface 23 by way of a pivotable mounting 26. The airflow director 24 is driven to pivot by an actuator 27 in the form of a motor, which is controlled by the controller 25.

[0089] The sensor 22 may, for example, be a gas sensor, particle sensor or a sensor configured to detect an environmental condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.). The sensor 22 may be replaced by a plurality of sensors.

[0090] In the diagnostic configuration (Figure 2A), the actuator 27 is controlled by the controller 25 to move the airflow director 24 to a position in which it lies against the external surface 23 of the housing 20. In this position, treated air 28 discharged from the outlet 13 of the apparatus 10 flows over the sensor 22. Accordingly, the sensor 22 is able to detect a characteristic of the treated air 28. In some arrangements, the external surface 23 of the housing 20 may be configured to guide the treated air 28 from the outlet 13 to the sensor 22. For example, a Coanda surface (i.e., a surface configured for attachment of airflow) may be provided between the outlet 13 and the sensor 22. The Coanda surface may be a convex surface, for example.

[0091] In the baseline configuration (Figure 2B), the actuator 27 is controlled by the controller 25 to move the airflow director 24 to extend on an incline from the external surface 23 of the housing 20. When the airflow director 24 is in this position, the treated air 28 discharged from the outlet 13 impinges on a deflection surface 47 of the airflow director 24 and is therefore redirected away from the external surface 23 of the housing 20 by the airflow director 24. As a result of this redirection of the treated air 28, the treated air 28 does not 17 P004880-W001 flow across the sensor 22. Accordingly, rather than detect a characteristic of the treated air 28, the sensor 22 detects a characteristic of the air surrounding the apparatus 10 (i.e., external, or ambient air).

[0092] In this way, a single sensor 22 can be used to detect both ambient air (in the baseline configuration) and treated air 28 (in the diagnostic configuration).

[0093] Figures 3A and 3B depict a further arrangement that may be provided as part of the apparatus 10 to measure both ambient air and treated air. This may provide in addition to or in replacement of the bypass arrangement depicted in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0094] In the example illustrated in Figures 3 A and 3B, the apparatus 10 comprises a secondary airflow arrangement 29, which comprises an optical sensor 22 to sense a characteristic of an airflow in a secondary airflow passage 30. The secondary airflow passage 30 extends from an inlet 32 arranged for receipt of external air, to an outlet 34 for discharge of air from the secondary airflow passage 30 into a space external of the apparatus 10. The secondary airflow arrangement 29 also comprises a secondary air mover 31 (e.g., a fan, blower, or compressor) arranged to draw external air into the inlet 32 of the secondary airflow passage 30 and to discharge airflow from the outlet 34.

[0095] The sensor 22 comprises a light source 37, a light director 38 and a light detector 39, which is configured to detect a light beam generated by the light source 37 (and redirected by the light director 38). The light source 37 is oriented so as to generate a light beam generally parallel to the direction of flow along the secondary airflow passage 30, and the light director 38 is arranged to redirect the light so as to be directed across the secondary airflow passage 30 to the light detector 39 (which is disposed on an opposite side of the secondary airflow passage 30 to the light source 37 and the light director 38). Such an arrangement means that the light source 37 can be provided upstream of the light detector 39 in a recess 40 separated from the secondary airflow passage 30 by a separator wall 41. This can help to reduce fouling of the light source by e.g., dust carried by air in the secondary airflow passage 30. 18 P004880-W001

[0096] Also provided is a tertiary airflow passage 33 (defining an airflow path) that connects the primary airflow passage 18 to the secondary airflow passage 30. As will be described, this allows treated airflow from the primary airflow passage 18 to flow into the secondary airflow passage 30.

[0097] The apparatus 10, in this example, also includes a rotatable airflow director 24 (in the form of a valve) having a valve body 36 and an internal channel 35. The airflow director 24 is moveable between a diagnostic configuration (Figure 3A) and a baseline configuration (Figure 3B).

[0098] In the diagnostic configuration (Figure 3 A), the airflow director 24 is oriented such that the internal channel 35 fluidly connects the tertiary airflow passage 33 with the secondary airflow passage 30, and such that the valve body 36 of the airflow director 24 obstructs the inlet 32 into the secondary airflow passage 30. Accordingly, in this configuration, operation of the secondary air mover 31 draws treated air from the primary airflow passage 18 (i.e., from the primary airflow 17) and into the secondary airflow passage 30 so as to flow across the sensor 22. In this way, the sensor 22 is able to detect a characteristic of the treated air 28 flowing along the secondary airflow passage 30.

[0099] In the baseline configuration (Figure 3B), the airflow director 24 is oriented such that the internal channel 35 fluidly connects the inlet 32 to the remainder of the secondary airflow passage 30, while the valve body 36 of the airflow director 24 obstructs the tertiary airflow passage 33. In this way, the passage of treated air from the primary airflow passage 18 into the secondary airflow passage 30 is prevented by the airflow director 24. Instead, operation of the secondary air mover 31 causes external air 42 to be drawn into the secondary airflow passage 30 via the inlet 32. Accordingly, in this configuration, external air 42 flows across, and is detected by, the sensor 22.

[0100] Again, such an arrangement provides measurement of both treated and untreated air with a single sensor 22. Moreover, the provision of a dedicated air mover 31 for the secondary airflow passage 30 means that such measurement can occur regardless of whether the primary air mover 19 of the apparatus 10 is active. 19 P004880-W001

[0101] Thus, the secondary air mover 31 can be operated independently of the primary air mover 19. In operation, the controller 25 can be configured to activate the secondary air mover 31 as part of a startup procedure of the apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 25 can be configured to activate the secondary air mover 31 intermittently (i.e., even in periods when the primary air mover 19 is inactive).

[0102] Figures 4A and 4B depict a variation of the arrangement described above with respect to Figures 3A and 3B and can be presumed to be the same as that of Figures 3A and 3B except for the differences described below. For this reason, the same reference numerals have been used for similar features. The arrangement depicted in Figures 4A and 4B may be provided in addition to or in replacement of the bypass arrangement depicted in Figures 2A and 2B and / or the arrangement depicted in Figures 3 A and 3B.

[0103] In this example, the apparatus 10 is provided with an auxiliary outlet 44 arranged to discharge treated airflow across (and in a direction partly away from) the inlet 32 of the secondary airflow passage 30. The primary airflow passage 18 includes a first airflow branch 45 between the air treatment device 16 and the primary airflow outlet 13, and a second airflow branch 46 between the air treatment device 16 and the auxiliary outlet 44.

[0104] The apparatus 10 of this example also includes a rotatable airflow director 24 (in the form of a valve) that has a valve body 36 and an internal channel 35, and that is moveable between a diagnostic configuration (Figure 4A) and a baseline configuration (Figure 4B).

[0105] In the diagnostic configuration (Figure 4 A), the internal channel 35 of the airflow director 24 is arranged to allow flow of treated air 28 along the second airflow branch 46. This treated airflow is discharged from the auxiliary outlet 44 and across the inlet 32 to the secondary airflow passage 30. Accordingly, when the secondary air mover 31 is operative, treated air is drawn into the secondary airflow passage 30 through the inlet 32, and flows across the sensor 22 (i.e., for detection by the sensor 22). 20 P004880-W001

[0106] The discharge of the treated air 28 across the inlet 32 ensures that minimal (untreated) external air is drawn into the secondary airflow passage 30 along with the treated air. That the treated air 28 is directed partly away from the inlet 32 (due to the orientation of the auxiliary outlet 44), also helps to reduce the amount of external air drawn into the secondary airflow passage 30 in this configuration.

[0107] In the baseline configuration (Figure 4B), the airflow director 24 is arranged such that the valve body 36 of the airflow director 24 fully obstructs the second airflow branch 46. Accordingly, in this configuration, treated air is not discharged from the auxiliary outlet 44 and across the inlet 32 to the secondary airflow passage 30. Thus, when the secondary air mover 31 is operative, external (i.e., untreated) air is drawn into the secondary airflow passage 30 and passes across the sensor 22 (for detection by the sensor 22).

[0108] Again, this arrangement allows detection of both treated and untreated air using a single sensor 22. Likewise, in a similar manner to the arrangement of Figures 3A and 3B, the provision of a dedicated secondary air mover 31 for the secondary airflow passage 30 means that detection is not reliant on the primary air mover 19 being operative.

[0109] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0110] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the examples described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the examples of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described examples may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

21 P004880-W001CLAIMS1. An air treatment apparatus for treating air in a space, the air treatment apparatus comprising: a housing defining an airflow passage and an outlet for discharge of airflow from the airflow passage into the space; an air treatment device arranged to treat an airflow in the airflow passage, so as to generate a treated airflow for discharge from the outlet, a sensor downstream of the outlet for sensing a characteristic of the treated airflow; and a bypass arrangement moveable between: a diagnostic configuration in which the treated airflow discharged from the outlet passes across the sensor; and a baseline configuration in which the treated airflow discharged from the outlet bypasses the sensor.

2. The air treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor and the treated airflow are moveable relative to each other via the bypass arrangement.

3. The air treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bypass arrangement is configured to redirect the treated airflow.

4. The air treatment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the bypass arrangement is configured to redirect the treated airflow away from the sensor when in the baseline configuration.

5. The air treatment apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the bypass arrangement is configured to redirect the treated airflow away from the housing when in the baseline configuration.22 P004880-W0016. The air treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bypass arrangement comprises an airflow director mounted to an external surface of the housing.

7. The air treatment apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the airflow director is configured such that movement from the diagnostic configuration to the baseline configuration involves movement of at least part of the airflow director away from the housing.

8. The air treatment apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the airflow director is configured to extend on an incline from the housing when in the baseline configuration.

9. The air treatment apparatus according to any one of claim 6 to 8, wherein the airflow director is pivotably mounted to the housing for pivoting between the diagnostic and baseline configurations.

10. The air treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is mounted to an external surface of the housing.

11. The air treatment apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the external surface of the housing is configured to guide airflow from the outlet to the sensor in at least the diagnostic configuration.

12. The air treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bypass arrangement is configured to move the sensor.

13. The air treatment apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the bypass arrangement is configured to move the sensor away from the treated airflow when in the baseline configuration.23 P004880-W00114. The air treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a controller configured to control movement of the bypass arrangement between the diagnostic and baseline configurations.

15. The air treatment apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to compare a diagnostic measurement based on a detection by the sensor in the diagnostic configuration with a baseline measurement based on a detection by the sensor in the baseline configuration.

16. The air treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is a gas sensor, particle sensor, or environmental condition sensor.

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