AIR PURIFIER

Abstract

A portable air purifier comprising a removable filter, an air flow generator, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a processor for processing input from the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor, and means for activating said air flow generator from a stand-by configuration based on input from both said temperature and humidity sensors and a method for activating an air flow generator in a portable air purifier in stand-by mode, by obtaining information as to ambient temperature from a temperature sensor, obtaining information as to ambient humidity from a humidity sensor, determining likelihood of microbial growth on a removable filter in the purifier and, where conditions are such that microbial growth is of a defined quantum, activating the air flow generator.

Claims

1. An air purifier comprising a removable filter, an air flow generator, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, one or more processors for processing input from the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor, and means for activating said air flow generator from a stand-by configuration based on input from both said temperature and humidity sensors.

2. The air purifier according to claim 1 where the means for generating air flow is a fan.

3. The air purifier according to claim 1 wherein means for controlling said air flow generator is based on input from said sensors which activate the air flow generator automatically.

4. The air purifier according to claim 1 further comprising an ioniser.

5. The air purifier according to claim 1 where the removable filter is a particulate filter or a gas filter.

6. The air purifier according to claim 1 wherein the air purifier does not comprise a heater.

7. A method for activating an air flow generator in an air purifier in stand-by mode, by obtaining information as to ambient temperature from a temperature sensor, obtaining information as to ambient humidity from a humidity sensor, determining likelihood of microbial growth on a removable filter in the purifier and, where microbial growth is of a defined threshold, activating the air flow generator.

Description

[0043] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting figures.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic showing the relationship between the processor and the sensors. The processor receives input from the temperature and humidity sensors. Once the conditions are calculated to be in the zone commensurate with significant micro-organism growth, the processor activates the ioniser or the fan to generate the ion cloud or the air draft which will reduce micro-organism growth.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic showing how the processor is supplied with information from the sensors (Temperature and humidity) so as to perform a calculation which determines whether micro=organism growth is likely to occur in a manner which could cause harm to the consumer.

[0046] If the processor determines that the conditions are conducive to micro-organism growth it activates either the fan, the ioniser or both in a controlled fashion. For example, the ioniser and the fan may be intermittently activated such that the internal surfaces are subjected to a pattern of ionisation and air draft; or that a lower level of air draft below what is required for air filtration.

EXAMPLE

[0047] Table 1 provides an example of the relationship between humidity and temperature and micro-organism growth. The consequential action can be modified by the user for example during set-up to tailor performance according to user needs and requirements.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Humidity (%) 20 35 50 65 80 Temperature 10 − − − − − (deg C.) 15 − − − − − 25 − − \ \ + 30 − − \ + + 37 − \ + + +

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Mode 1 Mode 2 − No action No action \ Alert via App Engage Germshield + Warn via App Engage Germshield

[0048] In Mode 1, the purifier merely alerts or warns the user by sending an electronic signal to a remote device, for example a mobile phone. If the user is so minded, he or she may actuate the purifier remotely thereby reducing micro-organism growth on the filter or internal surface of the purifier. Alerting the user means indicating that the growth of micro-organisms is possible and that actuation of the purifier's fan is advised. Warning the user means that the growth of micro-organisms is highly likely and that actuation of the fan is strongly advised.

[0049] In Mode 2, the purifier automatically engages the Germshield mode, i.e. by automatically operating the fan at a speed which prevents micro-organism growth. This is done without any engagement by the user.