MOVEABLE IONIZATION UNIT FOR CLEANING AIR IN A ROOM WITH A SUPPORT STRUCTURE

Abstract

A Method for cleaning air in a room (1) with a ceiling (3) and a floor (5), comprising moving an ionization unit (13) above the floor (5) along a support structure provided at a distance to the floor (5); and electrically charging particles in the air by the ionization unit (13).

Claims

1. Method for cleaning air in a room with a ceiling and a floor, comprising: moving an ionization unit above the floor along a support structure provided at a distance to the floor; and electrically charging particles in the air by the ionization unit.

2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising moving a cleaning robot at the floor of the room in coordination with the movement of the ionization unit.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning robot attracts charged particles in the air with at least one electrically charged surface.

4. Method according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning robot sucks in air and discharges the air in a downward direction.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the cleaning robot sucks in the air through an inlet opening facing towards an upside direction.

6. Method according to claim 1, wherein the ionization unit moves at the ceiling of the room.

7. Method according to claim 1, wherein the ionization unit hangs from the ceiling while moving at the ceiling.

8. Method according to claim 1, wherein the ionization unit is held at the support structure with suction cups provided at the ionization unit.

9. Method according to claim 1, wherein the ionization unit moves on top of the support structure.

10. System, comprising: a room with a floor and a ceiling, wherein the room comprises a support structure provided at a distance to the floor; and an ionization unit configured to move above the floor along the support structure and electrically charge particles within the room.

11. System according to claim 10, wherein the ceiling comprises the support structure.

12. System according to claim 10, wherein the ionization unit comprises suction cups configured to hold the ionization unit at the support structure.

13. System according to claim 10, wherein the support structure comprises a rail system.

14. System according to claim 10, further comprising a cleaning robot configured to move in coordination with the movement of the ionization unit.

15. Use of an ionization unit moving within a room along a support structure provided at a distance to a floor of the room to accelerate gravitation-based descent of particles within the room.

Description

[0115] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a room with an ionization unit moving along rails at the ceiling of the room according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0116] FIG. 2 shows schematic top, bottom and perspective views of the ionization unit of FIG. 1;

[0117] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a room with an ionization unit moving along the ceiling of the room according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0118] FIG. 4 shows schematic top, bottom and perspective views of the ionization unit of FIG. 3;

[0119] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a room with an ionization unit moving on top of the ceiling of the room according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0120] FIG. 6 shows schematic top, bottom and perspective views of the ionization unit of FIG. 5;

[0121] FIG. 7 shows schematic top, bottom and perspective views of a cleaning robot moving on the floor in FIGS. 1 and 3; and

[0122] FIG. 8 shows schematic top, bottom and perspective views of a cleaning robot moving below the floor in FIG. 5.

[0123] Aspects of the invention relate to cleaning air in a room 1. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the room 1 comprises a ceiling 3 and a floor 5. In the illustrated embodiments, the room 1 is a cleanroom. However, the invention could also be applied to other kinds of rooms. In the cleanroom embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the room 1 comprises a circulation space 7 comprising a space above the ceiling 3, a space below the floor 5 and a space connecting the space above the ceiling 3 and the space below the floor 5 with each other. The ceiling 3 and the floor 5 of the room 1 are air-permeable. For example, the ceiling 3 and the floor 5 may comprise air channels allowing air to pass through the ceiling 3 and the floor 5 in a vertical direction. A circulation system 9, is provided to continuously circulate air from the circulation space 7 through the ceiling 3 (in a downward direction), through the floor 5 (in a downward direction) into the circulation space 7 and again through the ceiling 3 (in a downward direction). Due to the circulation system 9 circulating the air, there will be a continuous flow of air within the room 1 from the ceiling 3 towards the floor 5. A filter 11 is provided within the circulation space 9 to purify the air during circulation. The filter 11 may be configured to remove particles, such as dust particles or other particles, from the air. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, an ionization unit 13 moves along the ceiling 3.

[0124] The ionization unit 13 may continuously move along the ceiling 3. For example, the ionization unit 13 may continuously move along the ceiling 3 at a velocity between 1 centimeters/minute and 100 centimeters/minute, or at a velocity between 5 centimeters/minute and 70 centimeters/minute, or at a velocity between 5 centimeters/minute and 50 centimeters/minute. Alternatively, the ionization unit 13 may move intermittently along the ceiling 3. For example, the ionization unit 13 may be controlled to remain at its present location until a particle density in the air detected by a particle sensor is below a predetermined threshold. If the detected particle density is below the predetermined threshold, the ionization unit 13 may move to another position. Alternatively, the ionization unit 13 may remain at one location for a predetermined time and move to the next location after the predetermined time has expired.

[0125] The way in which the ionization unit 13 moves along the ceiling 3 is different in the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 3 and 5.

[0126] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the ionization unit 13 hangs from the ceiling 3 and moves along a rail system 15 provided at the ceiling 3. The rail system 15 comprises rails defining a continuous path at the ceiling 3 along which the ionization unit 13 travels. According to a preferred embodiment, the ionization unit 13 is powered via the rail system 15. Alternatively, the ionization unit 13 could comprise a rechargeable power source, such as a rechargeable battery, or could be connected to a power supply by a wire. FIG. 2 shows details of the ionization unit 13 of FIG. 1. Part A of FIG. 2 shows a top view of the ionization unit 13 of FIG. 1, Part B or FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the ionization unit 13 of FIG. 1 and Part C of FIG. 2 shows a perspective bottom view of the ionization unit 13 of FIG. 1. As shown in Part A of FIG. 2, the ionization unit 13 comprises a rail drive 17 for engaging the rail system 15. The rail drive 17 may cooperate with the rail system 15 to hold the ionization unit 13 at the ceiling 3 and to allow the ionization unit 13 to move along the rail system 15.

[0127] According to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the ionization unit 13 moves along the ceiling 3 without relying on a rail system. The ionization unit 13 hangs from the ceiling 3 and freely moves along the ceiling 3 (without being restricted to particular rails or guide structures provided at the ceiling 3). FIG. 4 illustrates details of the ionization unit 13 of FIG. 3. Part A of FIG. 4 shows a top view of the ionization unit 13 of FIG. 3. Part B of FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the ionization unit 13 of FIG. 3 and Part C of FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of the ionization unit 13 of FIG. 3. As shown in Part A of FIG. 4, the ionization unit 13 comprises a rotatable structure 19 for engaging the ceiling 3. In the illustrated case, there are two rotatable structures 19 and the rotatable structures 19 are embodied as caterpillar devices. The ionization unit 13 comprises a drive unit for driving the rotatable structures 19 to move the ionization unit 13 along the ceiling 3. To hold the ionization unit 13 at the ceiling 3, suction cups 21 are provided at the rotatable structures 19. The ionization unit 13 comprises a suction device configured to apply underpressure between the suction cups 21 and the ceiling 3 to generate a holding force for holding the ionization unit 13 at the ceiling 3. The ionization unit 13 may comprise a rechargeable power source, such as a rechargeable battery. The ionization unit 13 might also be powered via a wired connection.

[0128] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the ionization unit 13 moves along the ceiling 3 on top of the ceiling 3. As in FIG. 3, the ionization unit 13 of FIG. 5 moves freely along the ceiling 3 and is not limited by guide structures at the ceiling 3, such as rails. FIG. 6 shows details of the ionization unit 13 of FIG. 5. Part A of FIG. 6 shows a top view of the ionization unit 13 FIG. 5, Part B of FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the ionization unit 13 FIG. 5 and Part C of FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of the ionization unit 13 FIG. 5. As showing in Part B of FIG. 6, the ionization unit 13 comprises wheels 23 for engaging a top surface of the ceiling 3 and enabling the ionization unit 13 to travel on top of the ceiling 3 along the ceiling 3. The ionization unit 13 comprises a drive unit for driving the wheels 23. The ionization unit 13 may comprise a rechargeable power source, such as a rechargeable battery. The ionization unit 13 might also be powered via a wired connection.

[0129] The ionization unit 13 (according the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 3 and 5) comprises an ionizer 25 for electrically charging particles in the air. The ionizer 25 may comprise a piezo transformer, in particular a Rosen-type piezo transformer. The ionizer 25 may charge particles in the air by creating a corona discharge. In particular, the ionizer 25 may negatively charge particles in the air. Alternatively, the ionizer 25 might positively charge particles in the air. Particles charged by the ionizer 25 tend to form clusters with other particles in the air. Such clusters of particles descend within the room 1 at an increased rate. Clusters of particles may settle down in the room 1 faster than individual particles.

[0130] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, the ionizer 25 may face towards the floor 3. The ionizer 25 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6 is ring-shaped. However, any suitable shapes of the ionizer 25 are conceivable.

[0131] Parts of the ionization unit 13 may be air-permeable. Air-permeable sections at the ionization unit 13 may allow air to pass through the ionization unit 13 to not shut off the airflow from the ceiling 3 to floor 5 at the position of the ionization unit 13. For example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 4, a central portion of the ionization unit 13 that is surrounded by the ionizer 25 at the lower side of the ionization unit 13 may comprise a through channel 27 for allowing air to pass through the ionization unit 13. The ionization units 13 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 may have portions that allow flow of air through the ionization unit 13 in a vertical direction. The ionization unit 13 shown in FIG. 6 may allow for air to flow towards an inside of the ionization unit 13 from lateral directions through side openings 29 and may allow the air to flow out of the ionization unit 13 through an opening 31 at a lower side of the ionization unit 13.

[0132] In the illustrated embodiments, the ionization unit 13 moves at the ceiling 3 of the room 1. Thus, the ceiling 3 or parts thereof, such as the rails 15, form a support structure along which the ionization unit 13 moves. However, the ionization unit 13 could also move along a support structure separate from the ceiling 3.

[0133] Operation of the ionization unit 13 may be controlled by a control unit 33. In FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, the control unit 33 is shown at the ionization unit 13. However, it would be conceivable to provide the control unit 33 or parts of the control unit 33 external to the ionization unit 13. In this case, the control unit 33 or parts of the control unit 33 could be in communication with the ionization unit 13, in particular by wireless communication. The control unit 33 may control the ionizer 25 and the drive function of the ionization unit 13.

[0134] The ionization unit 13 may comprise one or more sensors 35. The one or more sensors 35 may, for example, comprise one or more of a moisture sensor determining moisture of the air, a particle sensor determining a particle density in the air and an obstacle sensor. The control unit 33 may control the ionization unit 13 to move along the ceiling 3 based on the output of one or more sensors 35. For example, the ionization unit 13 may be controlled to remain at its present location until a particle density in the air detected by the particle sensor is below a predetermined threshold. If the detected particle density is below the predetermined threshold, the control unit 33 may control the ionization unit 13 to move to another position.

[0135] In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 5, the ionization unit 13 moves freely at the ceiling 3. The control unit 33 may determine a path for movement of the ionization unit 13 based on pre-stored data. In addition or as an alternative, the control unit 33 may determine the path for moving the ionization unit 13 based on output of the obstacle sensor and a way-finding algorithm. The way-finding algorithm may store data from previous runs and may be self-improving.

[0136] The control unit 33 may be provided with information on activities carried out in the room 1 or sense information on activities carried out in the room. Based on the information on the activities, the control unit 33 could appropriately operate the ionization unit 13. The ionization unit 13 could be configured to move to a position at which an activity is carried out in the room 1. For example, the ionization unit 13 could be configured to follow movements of a person within the room 1.

[0137] Preferably, there is a cleaning robot 37 moving in coordination with the ionization unit 13. In FIGS. 1 and 3, the cleaning robot 37 moves on top of the floor 5. In FIG. 5, the cleaning robot 37 moves below the floor 5. The cleaning robot 37 in FIG. 1 may be the same as the cleaning robot 37 in FIG. 3. The cleaning robot 37 in FIG. 5 may have a different configuration. FIG. 7 shows details of the cleaning robot 37 of FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 8 shows details of the cleaning robot 37 of FIG. 5. Part A of FIG. 7 shows a top view of the cleaning robot 37 of FIGS. 1 and 3, Part B of the FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the cleaning robot 37 of FIGS. 1 and 3 and Part C of FIG. 7 shows a top perspective view of the cleaning robot 37 of FIGS. 1 and 3. Part A of FIG. 8 shows a top view of the cleaning robot 37 of FIG. 5, Part B of the FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the cleaning robot 37 of FIG. 5 and Part C of FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of the cleaning robot 37 of FIG. 5.

[0138] The cleaning robot 37 comprises a robot body 39 and a drive unit for moving the cleaning robot 37 on a ground surface. The drive unit may comprise wheels 41. The wheels 41 may engage with the floor 5 or with a ground surface below the floor 5. An air inlet 43 for letting air into the robot body 39 is provided at the robot body 39. The air inlet 43 faces towards an upward direction. Further, an air outlet 45 is provided at the robot body 39. The cleaning robot 37 comprises an airflow unit configured to suck in air into the robot body 39 through the air inlet 43 and to discharge the air from the robot body 39 through the air outlet 45. An air passage connects the air inlet 43 with the air outlet 45 within the robot body 39.

[0139] At the air inlet 43, an air-permeable conductor 47 is provided. The air-permeable conductor 47 comprises and electrically charged surface configured to attract particles in the air that have been electrically charged by the ionization unit 13.

[0140] The cleaning robot 37 sucks in air including particles within the air from the room 1 and discharges the air and the particles through the outlet opening 45. The air may pass through the cleaning robot 37 without filtration. However, in principle, it would also be possible to provide a filter within the cleaning robot 37 to filter particles out of the air passing through the cleaning robot 37.

[0141] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the outlet opening 45 is provided at a bottom side of the cleaning robot 37. The outlet opening 45 is positioned at the robot body 39 such that air discharged through the air outlet 45 is directed towards the floor 5. The air discharged from the cleaning robot 37 may pass through the floor 5 into the circulation space 7.

[0142] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, which refers to the cleaning robot 37 moving below the floor 5 of the room 1, the air outlet 45 is laterally provided at the robot body 39. This leads to the air being laterally discharged within the circulation space 7.

[0143] The cleaning robot 37 comprises a control unit 49 controlling operation of the cleaning robot 37. The control unit 49 may control operation of the airflow unit and operation of the drive unit of the cleaning robot 37. Preferably, the cleaning robot 37 is controlled to move in coordination with ionization unit 13. The control unit 49 of the cleaning robot 37 may be in communication with the control unit 33 of the ionization unit 13 or with an external control unit to coordinate movement of the ionization unit 13 and the cleaning robot 37. The communication may be wireless communication.

[0144] In the coordinated movement of the ionization unit 13 and the cleaning robot 37, one of the ionization unit 13 and the cleaning robot 37 may be the lead unit and the other one may follow the lead unit. For example, the cleaning robot 37 may move according to a movement of the ionization unit 13.

[0145] The ionization unit 13 and the cleaning robot 37 may move so as to be positioned above each other. The cleaning robot 37 may move so as to be positioned below the ionization unit 13. According to an embodiment, the ionization unit 13 and the cleaning robot 37 may move directly above each other. Alternatively, the ionization unit 13 and the cleaning robot 37 may be positioned above each other within a certain tolerance. For example, the cleaning robot 37 may move on the floor 5 or below the floor 5 within a region around a vertical projection of the ionization unit 13 onto the floor 5. A distance between the cleaning robot 37 and the vertical projection of the ionization unit 13 onto the floor 5 may, for example, be kept lower than 5 m, or lower than 3 m, or lower than 2 m, or lower than 1 m, or lower than 0.5 m, or lower than 0.2 m, or lower than 0.1 m.

[0146] For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A±10% of A.