Patent Application
20070214958
The present invention relates generally to electrokinetic air purifiers, and more particularly, to an electrokinetic air purifier wherein the electrode blades are loaded from the front of the unit.
Electrostatic or electrokinetic air cleaners use electric energy to generate electrostatic forces which create air flow without the use of a fan or other moving parts. Electrostatic forces also enable the air cleaner to collect airborne contaminants such as dust, smoke, oil mist, pollen, pet dander and other small debris particles from the air circulated in dwellings, workplaces, and other structures. Generally, known electrokinetic air cleaners utilize two arrays of electrodes excited by high-voltage. In a known design, the first electrode array comprises wire or rod-shaped electrodes (hereinafter “wire electrodes”), while the second electrode array comprises plate electrodes. A high-voltage generator creates an electrical charge between the first and second electrode arrays.
The particulate matter enters the region of the first electrode array and is charged before entering the region of the second electrode array, where it is removed from the air stream. Specifically, due to the high-voltage charge at the wire electrodes, free electrons are stripped off of atoms and molecules in the surrounding air. These electrons migrate to the positively charged wire electrodes, where they are collected. The removal of free electrons leaves the stripped atoms and molecules positively charged, which are repelled from the positively charged wire electrodes and attracted to the negatively charged plate electrodes. The addition of the electrons from the negatively charged plate electrodes also produces negative air ions that are propelled from the trailing edge of the plate electrodes. Thus, the ionic forces exerted on atoms and molecules create a silent movement of air through the air cleaner.
Because collected and adhered debris greatly reduces an electrode's efficiency and effectiveness, the debris must be periodically removed. Commonly, the electrode assembly is removed and wiped clean. U.S. Pat. No. 6,713,026 describes (at least in the claims thereof) cleaning the electrode plates by lifting the electrode plates vertically out through an opening in the top of the housing, cleaning the removed electrode plates, and then inserting the cleaned plates through the opening in the top of the housing. This is accomplished with the housing held in a vertical orientation, with the result being that as the electrode plate assembly is inserted, gravity assists in pulling the electrode plate assembly down into the housing. The feature wherein the electrode assembly is inserted and removed from an opening in the top of the housing is hereinafter referred to as “top-loaded.”
The top-loaded air purifier inconveniences the user by requiring the user to vertically lift the electrode assembly for a distance equal to the length of the electrode blades. The electrode blades are heavy, typically made of steel or other metal. Furthermore, the blades are long, typically spanning 12-20 inches. To lift the heavy electrode assembly and remove it from the air purifier can be difficult, particularly for an elderly or weaker user. Moreover, because the electrode assembly is heavy, the user can drop the electrode assembly, causing damage to the electrodes or to the internal electrical components of the air purifier. To avoid this inconvenience, a user may choose to forego the necessary periodic cleaning of the electrode assembly, causing the air purifier unit to operate inefficiently.
To maximize the efficiency of the air purifier unit, it is desirous to have a unit that facilitates the removal and insertion of the electrode assembly.
Referring now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views,
As is common in such devices, a first electrode array comprises a plurality of wire or rod-shaped electrodes, which are coupled using a common bus to a positive terminal of a high-voltage generator. The second electrode array comprises a corresponding number of solid collector plate electrodes. The high-voltage generator creates an electrical charge between the electrode arrays. The resulting ionic forces create a silent movement of air in the direction of direction arrows D.
As shown in
Air purifier 10 includes a base 12, housing 14, vents 16 and control panel 18. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electrode loading compartment 30 carries the plate electrodes 20. In a closed configuration, the electrode loading compartment 30 cooperates with the housing 14 to enclose the electrokinetic components therein. In its open configuration, shown in
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrode loading compartment 30 moves translationally and pivotally in relation to the housing 14. As shown in
Those skilled in the art will understand that there are many known mechanical configurations that would cause the electrode loading compartment 30 to move in relation to the housing 14. A preferred embodiment of the mechanical configuration is described below. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment. Any known mechanical structure that causes the electrode loading compartment 30 to move relative to the housing 14 can be used.
To activate the release mechanism 60, the user can press release button 32 (shown in
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, the shape of the electrodes is not limited to a plate-shape but can vary. Furthermore, wherein the front-loading feature is described herein, the invention encompasses loading from the side or from the rear of the housing. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
