ELECTROSTATIC FILTER MODULE FOR AIR CLEANER, AND AIR CLEANER

Abstract

An electrostatic filter module for an air cleaner includes a housing having an installation space configured to be sealed at least against ingress of liquid. The installation space has a high-voltage connection and a connection for lower voltage. Arranged in the housing are a separation unit and an ionization unit arranged in the housing, and a high-voltage transformer is accommodated in the installation space of the housing.

Claims

1-12 (canceled)

13. An electrostatic filter module for an air cleaner, said electrostatic filter module comprising: a housing having an installation space configured to be sealed at least against ingress of liquid, said installation space having a high-voltage connection and a connection for lower voltage; a separation unit arranged in the housing; an ionization unit arranged in the housing; and a high-voltage transformer accommodated in the installation space of the housing.

14. The electrostatic filter module of claim 13, further comprising a filler material filled in the installation space.

15. The electrostatic filter module of claim 14, wherein the filler material is a casting compound.

16. The electrostatic filter module of claim 13, wherein the housing is configured to include an accommodation space for electrodes of the separation unit and/or of the ionization unit, said installation space being embodied in an interior of the housing such as to adjoin a side wall of the housing and the accommodation space.

17. The electrostatic filter module of claim 13, further comprising a connection element arranged in the installation space and configured to conduct high voltage between the high-voltage transformer and the high-voltage connection, and an electrical connection element for lower voltages arranged between the high-voltage transformer and the connection for lower voltage.

18. The electrostatic filter module of claim 13, wherein the connection for low voltage represents an electromechanical contact or an inductive connection.

19. The electrostatic filter module of claim 13, wherein the connection for low voltage and the high-voltage connection lie at least in one area on an outer side of the installation space of the housing.

20. The electrostatic filter module of claim 13, wherein the high-voltage transformer includes an output on a secondary side, which output is connected to the high-voltage connection, with ionization elements of the ionization unit and positive collection electrodes of the separation unit being connected to the high-voltage connection.

21. The electrostatic filter module of claim 13, further comprising a further said high-voltage connection, said high-voltage transformer including two outputs on a secondary side, with one of the two outputs being connected to the high-voltage connection and the other one of the two outputs being connected to the further high-voltage connection, wherein the ionization unit includes ionization elements which are connected to the high-voltage connection, and wherein the separation unit includes positive collection electrodes which are connected to the further high-voltage connection.

22. An air cleaner, comprising an electrostatic filter module, said electrostatic filter module comprising a housing having an installation space configured to be sealed at least against ingress of liquid, said installation space having a high-voltage connection and a connection for lower voltage, a separation unit arranged in the housing, an ionization unit arranged in the housing, and a high-voltage transformer accommodated in the installation space of the housing.

23. The air cleaner of claim 22, wherein the electrostatic filler module includes a filler material, especially a casting compound, filled in the installation space.

24. The air cleaner of claim 22, wherein the housing is configured to include an accommodation space for electrodes of the separation unit and/or of the ionization unit, said installation space being embodied in an interior of the housing such as to adjoin a side wall of the housing and the accommodation space.

25. The air cleaner of claim 22, wherein the electrostatic filler module includes a connection element arranged in the installation space and configured to conduct high voltage between the high-voltage transformer and the high-voltage connection, and an electrical connection element for lower voltages arranged between the high-voltage transformer and the connection for lower voltage.

26. The air cleaner of claim 22, wherein the connection for low voltage represents an electromechanical contact or an inductive connection.

27. The air cleaner of claim 22, wherein the connection for low voltage and the high-voltage connection lie at least in one area on an outer side of the installation space of the housing.

28. The air cleaner of claim 22, wherein the high-voltage transformer includes an output on a secondary side, which output is connected to the high-voltage connection, with ionization elements of the ionization unit and positive collection electrodes of the separation unit being connected to the high-voltage connection.

29. The air cleaner of claim 22, wherein the electrostatic filter module includes a further said high-voltage connection, said high-voltage transformer including two outputs on a secondary side, with one of the two outputs being connected to the high-voltage connection and the other one of the two outputs being connected to the further high-voltage connection, wherein the ionization unit includes ionization elements which are connected to the high-voltage connection, and wherein the separation unit includes positive collection electrodes which are connected to the further high-voltage connection.

30. The air cleaner of claim 22, further comprising a connection for joining to the connection for lower voltage of the electrostatic filter module.

31. The air cleaner of claim 30, wherein the connection for joining to the connection for lower voltage of the electrostatic filter module represents an inductive connection.

32. The air cleaner of claim 22, constructed in the form of a cooker hood, a room air cleaner or an internal air cleaner in a motor vehicle.

Description

[0035] The present invention will be explained in greater detail once again with regard to the enclosed drawings. In the figures:

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a form of embodiment of the inventive filter module;

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective rear view of the form of embodiment according to FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective exploded diagram of the separation unit according to FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of an opened installation space of a further form of embodiment of the filter module;

[0040] FIG. 5 shows a schematic front view of the form of embodiment according to FIG. 4;

[0041] FIG. 6 shows a schematic basic diagram of a form of embodiment of the inventive filter module;

[0042] FIG. 7 shows a schematic basic diagram of a further form of embodiment of the inventive filter module; and

[0043] FIG. 8 shows a schematic basic diagram of a form of embodiment of an air cleaner according to the prior art.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a form of embodiment of the inventive filter module 1. The filter module 1 has a separation unit 11 and an ionization unit 12. In the form of embodiment shown the separation unit 11 and the ionization unit 12 are arranged in separate parts of the housing, which together form the housing 10. The inlet side of the ionization unit 12 is covered by a protective grid 19. The outlet side of the ionization unit 12 adjoins the separation unit 11. The ionization unit 12 is arranged in front of the separation unit 11 in the direction of flow, meaning that during operation the flow passes through it first.

[0045] In the form of embodiment shown there are contacts 140, 150 provided on the housing 10 in the area of the separation unit 11. These contacts 140, 150 lie on the outside of the housing 10. Extra-low voltage or low voltage can be applied via the contacts 140, 150.

[0046] In the form of embodiment shown the filter module 1 has a box shape, wherein the width is greater than the depth and height of the filter module 1. However it also lies within the framework of the invention for the dimensions of the filter module 1 or its shape to differ from the form of embodiment shown.

[0047] Shown in FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective rear view of the filter module 1 according to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the separation unit 11 of this form of embodiment of the filter module 1. An accommodation space 100 is embodied in the housing 10 of the filter module 1. Arranged in this accommodation space 100 are the positive collection electrodes 110 and the negative collection electrodes 111, which are also referred to as grounded collection electrodes, of the separation unit 11. A corresponding accommodation space (not visible) is formed in the housing 10 for the electrodes of the ionization unit 12. Plate-shaped electrodes represent the positive collection electrodes 110 and negative collection electrodes 111 and are arranged alternately in the separation unit 11.

[0048] Moreover an installation space 101 is formed in the housing 10. The installation space 101, in the form of embodiment shown, lies to the side adjacent to the accommodation space 100 for the positive collection electrodes 110 and the negative collection electrodes 111 of the separation unit 11. The size of the installation space 101 is small compared to the accommodation space 100. Moreover the installation space 101, in the form of embodiment shown, only extends over the part of the housing in which the separation unit 11 lies. The accommodation space 100 for the electrodes of the ionization unit 12 can therefore be wider than the accommodation space 100 for the electrodes of the separation unit 11. A high-voltage transformer 13 is accommodated in the installation space 101. The contacts 140, 150 are arranged on the outer side wall of the installation space 101, which represents a side wall of the housing 100.

[0049] As emerges from FIG. 3, the outer side wall of the installation space 101, which represents a side wall of the housing 10, in the form of embodiment shown, is a separate plate that is connected to the housing 10, for example glued or welded to it. Connections 14, 15 for application of a lower voltage, especially an extra-low voltage or low voltage, are provided on the side wall of the housing 10. These can lie on the inner side of the installation space or in the side wall. The contacts 140, 150 are attached to these connections 14, 15. Moreover a high-voltage connection 16 and also a connection 17 for the negative collection electrodes 111 and counter electrodes 121 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) are provided in a wall of the installation space 101, which faces towards the accommodation space 100 or the housing 10. In the form of embodiment shown the high-voltage connection 16 and the connection 17 of the negative collection electrodes 11 and counter electrodes 121 lie on the front side of the installation space 101, i.e. on the side that faces towards the ionization unit 12. However it also lies within the framework of invention for the high-voltage contact 16 and the connection 17 of the negative collection electrodes 111 and counter electrodes 121 or additional contacts (not shown) to lie on the side wall of the installation space 101, which lies opposite the side wall on which the connections 14, 15 for the lower voltage lie, i.e. in the form of embodiment shown, faces towards the accommodation space 100 for the electrodes of the separation unit 11.

[0050] Contacts 160, 170 can be connected to the connections 16, 17, via which the connections 16, 17 can be connected to the electrodes of the separation unit 11 and the ionization unit 12.

[0051] The connections 14, 15, 16, 17 are connected to the high-voltage transformer 13 via connection elements (not shown), which are especially represented by cables.

[0052] As an alternative to the form of embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in which electromechanical contacts 140, 150 are provided for the supply of the high-voltage transformer 13 with lower voltage, the power supply can also represent an inductive power supply. In this form of embodiment the connections 14, 15 are formed as coils on the inner side of the installation space 101.

[0053] Shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is a further form of embodiment of the inventive filter module 1. This form of embodiment has essentially the same structure as the filter module 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. However in this form of embodiment the side wall of the housing 10, in which the connections 14, 15 are provided, is attached pivotably to the housing 10. Moreover the connection elements that lie in the installation space 101 are also shown in FIG. 4. In particular connection elements 132 in the form of cables are shown in FIG. 4, which connect the connections 14, 15 on the side wall of the installation space 101 to the high-voltage transmitter 13, especially to the primary side of the high-voltage transmitter 13. Moreover the high-voltage connection element 133 in the form of a high-voltage cable is shown, which connects the high-voltage transmitter 13 to the high-voltage connection 16.

[0054] The connection 17 not visible in FIG. 4 represents both the connection for the negative collection electrode 11 and also for the counter electrode 121. The connection between the high-voltage transformer 13 and the contact is therefore not absolutely embodied as a high-voltage cable.

[0055] The installation space 101, in the form of embodiments shown, is open to the rear side when the filter module 1 is assembled. During the assembly the installation space 101 is preferably filled with a filler material 2. In particular the high-voltage transformer 13 is molded-in after the connection of the connections 14, 15, 16 17 in the installation space 101. In the assembled state the installation space 101 is completely filled with filler material 2 in this case, which is shown schematically in FIG. 5. As an alternative however the rear side of the installation space 101 can also be closed. In this case the rear side can be formed by a further separate side wall (not shown), which closes off the open side of the installation space 101 after assembly. The rear wall can be connected to the installation space 101 by gluing or welding for example. However it also lies within the framework of the invention for the installation space 101 to have only one open side during assembly, said open side representing an insertion opening, via which the high-voltage transformer 13 and the connection elements 132, 133 are inserted and connected. This open side can be closed off by the side wall during assembly of the filter module 1. A seal can be provided on the contact surface between the side wall and the housing 10. Thus the installation space is hermetically sealed at least against liquids in this form of embodiment too.

[0056] FIG. 6 shows a basic diagram of a form of embodiment of the inventive filter module 1. Provided on the housing 10 are connections 14, 15 for lower voltages. These are connected via connection elements 132 to the high-voltage transformer 13, in particular the connection elements 132 are connected to inputs 1300, 1301 on the primary side 130 of the high-voltage transformer 13. In the high-voltage transformer 13 the lower voltage is transformed into high voltage. This high voltage is output via outputs 1310, 1311 on the secondary side 131 of the high-voltage transformer 13. The outputs 1310, 1311 are connected via connection elements 133 to a high-voltage connection 16 and the return connection 17. The high-voltage transformer 13 and the connection elements 132, 133 lie in the installation space 101 of the housing 10. Via the high-voltage connection 16 the positive collection electrodes 110 of the separation unit 11 and the ionization elements 120, which are also referred to as emission electrodes, of the ionization unit 12 are supplied with high voltage, i.e. high voltage is applied to the electrodes. The return of the secondary side occurs via the connection 17, to which the counter electrodes 121 of the ionization unit 12 and the negative collection electrodes 111 of the separation unit 11 are connected. The electrodes of the separation unit 11, in the form of embodiment shown, represent plate-shaped positive collection electrodes 110 and plate-shaped negative collection electrodes 111, which are arranged alternately. The electrodes of the ionization unit 12, in the form of embodiment shown, are wire-shaped ionization elements 120 and plate-shaped counter electrodes 121, which are arranged alternately.

[0057] In the form of embodiment according to FIG. 6 the high-voltage connection 16 is connected to the output 1310 of the high-voltage transformer 13. The high-voltage connection 16 in its turn is connected via a branch to the positive collection electrodes 110 and the counter electrodes 120. This means that the separation unit 11 and the ionization unit 12 are operated in this form of embodiment with a high voltage of the same amount.

[0058] The connection 17 for the counter electrodes 121 and the negative collection electrodes 111 is connected to the output 1311 of the high-voltage transformer 13 and forms the return line on the high-voltage side, i.e. secondary side of the high-voltage transformer 13. The connection 17 is connected to the negative or grounded collection electrode 111 and the counter electrode 210.

[0059] Shown in FIG. 7 is a basic diagram of a further form of embodiment of the filter module 1. This form of embodiment merely differs from the form of embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in that three outputs 1310, 1311, 1312 are provided on the high-voltage transformer 13 and three connections 16, 17 and 18 are provided. The connection 16 is connected in this form of embodiment to the ionization elements 120 of the ionization unit 12 and the connection 18 to the positive collection electrodes 110 of the separation unit 11 and supplies these with high voltage. This enables the high voltage that is applied to the positive collection electrodes 110 of the separation unit 11 to differ from the amount of high voltage that is applied to the ionization elements 120 of the ionization unit 12. In this form of embodiment too the negative collection electrodes 111 and the counter electrodes 121 are connected to the connection 17.

[0060] Finally, in FIG. 8, a basic diagram of an air cleaner is shown. Arranged in the housing G of the air cleaner here are two removable electrostatic filter cassettes F. Here the high-voltage transformer 13 is permanently installed in the housing G of the air cleaner. The high-voltage transformer 13 supplies the removable filter cassettes F via one or more high-voltage cables 133. Two connections A are provided for this purpose on the filter cassettes F, which each represent electromechanical contact points, such as spring contacts for example. The electromechanical contact points are necessary here to the extent that the filter cassettes F have to be removed from the housing G of the air cleaner after a certain operating time for cleaning. For this reason the electrical cables/lines 133 of the secondary side of the high-voltage transformer 13 are not permanently connected mechanically and electrically to the filter cassette F.

[0061] In the present invention on the other hand the high-voltage transformer is implemented in the filter module and is accordingly integrated into said module. If the implementation of the high-voltage transformer is carried out in accordance with the invention, a number of advantages are produced for using an electrostatic filter module. In particular in accordance with the invention, an electrostatic filter module, which can also be referred to as a filter cassette, with integrated high-voltage transformer is provided. The high-voltage transformer can also be referred to as a high-voltage generator, high-voltage power supply or ionizator. In this case the high-voltage transformer is integrated into the removable and preferably cleanable filter module. The electrostatic filter module can vary in its geometrical dimensions, such as width, height, depth as well as the embodiment with or without a protective grid. The filter module or modules are employed for example in an extractor hood, in particular a cooker hood for the kitchen, a room air cleaner, or in a receptacle for the interior filter of an automobile or are removed for cleaning. In such cases the high-voltage transformer does not sit permanently built into the housing of the cooker hood, the air cleaner or separately in the engine bay of the car, directly and immediately in the removable filter module. The power is supplied to the high-voltage transformer via contact points for example, which are located on the outside of the filter module housing. The power is supplied to the primary side of the high-voltage transformer for example as extra-low voltage (<=50V AC; <=120V DC) or low voltage (<=1000V AC; <=1500V DC). As an alternative there can be a contactless, inductive power supply through the filter module housing. In the filter module the necessary installation space for implementation is provided for the high-voltage transformer.

[0062] The present invention has a series of advantages.

[0063] Through the integration of the high-voltage transformer into the actual filter cassette/filter module, high-voltage cables, connectors and high-voltage contact points are no longer needed in the air cleaner. In this case no high-voltage cables to the respective filter module(s) have to be laid through the air cleaner. The cabling outlay is therefore restricted to a minimum. Moreover cabling of the high-voltage transformer is no longer required in the air cleaner. This enables dangerous short circuits and flashovers at plug connectors to be avoided. Also a likelihood of failure of the cable insulation caused by material fatigue does not need to be considered. Through the restriction of the high voltage on the filter module itself, potential dangers of faulty high voltage are reduced. From the EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) standpoint there are likewise advantages, since long high-voltage cables laid in the air cleaner can lead to electromagnetic faults, but said cables are not required in the present invention.

[0064] The complexity of installing the filter module in the air cleaner also falls, because no individual high-voltage parts have to be built into the housing of the air cleaner, which require specific assembly steps. These measures lead to a cost advantage because omission of expensive high-voltage cables, connectors and special high-voltage contact points in the air cleaner enable material costs to be saved. Moreover the filter modules can be integrated extremely flexibly into different designs or target devices, meaning air cleaners. In particular it is possible to have a concept that is as independent and modular as possible, whereby accordingly the required filter power, the number of components and their arrangement can be scaled and adapted. Each filter module, through its integrated high-voltage unit, is able to be flexibly replaced and, within specific parameters, can be varied flexibly in its geometry.

[0065] Moreover a saving in installation space can be made in the air cleaner, since experience has shown that high-voltage lines/cables, connectors and contacts can be dimensioned larger in order to take account of electrical air and creepage gaps as per standards and these now do not have to be provided separately in the air cleaner. Furthermore the use of an inductive power supply for the high-voltage transformer is possible on the primary side, whereby no electromechanical contact points are needed any longer as the interface between air cleaner and filter module. Elements subject to wear, such as contacts/connectors for extra-low and low voltage are omitted in the preferred form of embodiment.

[0066] The preferably complete molding of the high-voltage transformer into the housing of the filter module means that said transformer with its high-voltage outputs is completely protected against dirt, moisture and water ingress. If a fault develops in the high-voltage transformer and the unit no longer functions, then only the respective filter module with the defective high-voltage transformer has to be replaced. It is not necessary to repair the air cleaner. This brings with it further advantages in respect of repair and customer service.

REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0067] 1 Electrostatic filter module [0068] 10 Housing [0069] 100 Electrode accommodation space [0070] 101 Installation space [0071] 11 Separation unit [0072] 110 Positive collection electrode [0073] 111 Grounded collection electrode [0074] 12 Ionization unit [0075] 120 Ionization element (emission electrode) [0076] 121 Counter electrode [0077] 13 High-voltage transformer [0078] 130 Primary side [0079] 1300 Input [0080] 1301 Input [0081] 131 Secondary side [0082] 1310 Output [0083] 1311 Output [0084] 1311 Output [0085] 132 Connection element [0086] 133 High-voltage connection element [0087] 14 Low voltage connection [0088] 140 Contact [0089] 15 Low voltage connection [0090] 150 Contact [0091] 16 High-voltage connection [0092] 160 Contact [0093] 17 Connection of the negative collection electrode and counter electrode [0094] 170 Contact [0095] 18 High-voltage connection [0096] 19 Protective grid [0097] 2 Filler material [0098] G Housing of air cleaner [0099] F Filter cassette [0100] FG Housing of filter cassette [0101] A Connection