CN101277724A - air purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is an air purifier including an ionizing assembly that operates to charge particulate material in an air flow passing through the purifier. The charged particulate material is attracted to and retained by a filter element disposed downstream of the ionization assembly and having an electrical charge opposite to the charged particulate material. The purified air passing through the filter is directed out of the device, optionally in conjunction with a fragrance that is added to the purified air flow. The ionizing assembly is formed with a ground member disposed adjacent the ionizing member to keep the electrons generated by the ionizing assembly within the purifier, and thus prevent static discharges from occurring outside of the purifier. The air flow is directed by a fan through the purifier in an angular and substantially laminar manner, such that the efficiency of the purifier is increased.

Description

air purifier

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/707,350, filed August 11, 2005, and Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/707,076, filed August 10, 2005, each of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety for reference.

technical field

The present invention relates to an air cleaning device. In particular, the present invention relates to air purification devices that provide air purification using ionizers and ion dusters that can be positioned on a surface or supported by a conventional wall electrical outlet.

Background technique

Increases in outdoor air pollution over the years have increased awareness of the types of damage outdoor air pollution can do to an individual's health. However, what is not widely known is that indoor air pollution also exists and can have a large impact on personal health. Recent studies by the Environmental Protection Agency have shown that indoor air pollution levels may be 2-5 times higher than outdoor air pollution levels. Some studies estimate that on rare occasions indoor air pollution levels can be 100 times higher than outdoor air pollution levels. This is an increasingly important issue that must be addressed as some people spend 90% of their time indoors, especially young children and the elderly. Some indoor pollutants may also be contributing factors to the frequent and unexplained headaches or insomnia that afflict numerous individuals in the general population.

Various prior art devices have been designed and manufactured for purifying air. As more homes and offices are better isolated, air purifiers aim to remove common pollutants from indoor air, including dust, smoke, pollen, bacteria, oil fumes, mold spores, animal dander, and other microscopic stimulants, thereby creating a clean, healthy, refreshing and pleasant environment. Some of these devices use complex wire grid arrays or use arrays of high voltage electrodes to generate ions. Some units use fans and similar complex devices to move the air. Some of these prior art devices are mounted within larger housings that house fans and other complex moving parts and filters. Often, clogging of these units with contaminants requires disassembly of the fan assembly, replacement and/or repair of the high voltage generating source, extensive cleaning of the wire and electrode arrays that help create air flow, and replacement of filters that would otherwise clog the unit. These devices are of course more complex and possibly more expensive than some users might anticipate or desire.

Additionally, air cleaning devices were originally used in bathrooms and kitchens and, therefore, have tended to be more functional rather than attractive. Air purifying units are currently used in bedrooms and living rooms, and consumers looking to use an air freshener in these areas of the home may be reluctant to place unattractive, functional containers in these areas.

Ozone has been used for many years to treat and clean water supplies, clean pools and spas, and remove odors from hotels and fire damaged buildings. More recently, ozone generators have been sold as a way to "purify" the air in your home. Ozone is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms. As an unstable molecule, ozone readily donates an oxygen atom to other substances it encounters. When ozone encounters another substance, it shares an oxygen atom, chemically changing that substance. Chemical changes by microorganisms, molds (mold, mildew), fungi and bacteria generally lead to the death of these substances and the elimination of their odors.

However, manufacturers of ozone generators and public health agencies have disputed the use of ozone in the home. Public health agencies state that ozone is a potential hazard to human health and advise against the use of generators because ozone can be a respiratory irritant. The same chemical properties that make ozone react with organic substances in the air also cause it to react with similar organic substances in the human body, especially the respiratory system. Although most people tolerate limited exposure, some individuals may experience dry mouth and throat, cough, headache, eye irritation, and chest tightness at concentrations produced by residential ozone generators.

Additionally, consumers generally do not want a "one size fits all" air purification device. Consumers prefer air purification devices that can be customized to meet their specific needs. Therefore, it is necessary to overcome the limitations of current commercially available air purification devices and meet the needs of a wide range of consumers. What is needed, therefore, is a method of providing a high efficiency air cleaning device that includes an ozone reducing mechanism and a method of retrofitting the device to meet specific consumer needs.

Additionally, most prior art air cleaning devices are designed to be placed directly on a supporting surface such as a floor, table, or shelf, so that the size of the device components is not a design concern because the device is designed to have a relatively low weight that can be easily supported by these surfaces. big shell. In many cases, however, it is desirable to have an air cleaning device with a compact housing, which does not occupy a large space on the support surface, which can then be used for other items. Additionally, it would be more desirable to have an air cleaner supported by a wall or other vertical surface so that the air cleaner does not take up space on a horizontal support surface while still providing effective air cleaning for the room in which the air cleaner is placed.

Contents of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air cleaner, wherein air passes through the cleaner from an air inlet to an air outlet. The air to be cleaned is drawn into the inlet of the device by a fan which can be located at almost any point along the flow path of the device. Air entering the device through the inlet passes through an upstream ionizer that effectively charges the particles in the air stream by emitting ions that attach to the particles passing through the ionizer. The ionized particles are then captured by a filter element located downstream of the ionizer which is manufactured to have an opposite charge to the ions produced by the ionizer. Due to the attraction between the charged particles and the oppositely charged filter, the charged particles are trapped within the filter and removed from the air, which passes through the filter and out of the device. The ion generator is configured with an ionization needle generating ions attached to fine particles, and a ground plate spaced apart from the ionization needle. The ground plate serves to limit the dispersion of ions from the ionization needle in a manner that concentrates the dispersed ions from the ionization needle along the flow path of air through the device. In other words, the ions generated by the ionizing needle are substantially contained within the device, rather than creating an ionized cloud outside the device that would generate enough static electricity to cause an electrostatic discharge and shock individuals in the vicinity of the device. Additionally, the ionization needle is shaped to have as sharp a profile as possible to maximize ion generation from the tip of the ionization needle, thereby maximizing ion flow through the device. This configuration of the ionizing needle also helps the ground plate guide ions through the device.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device may include a downstream ionizer in addition to, or without, an upstream ionizer. The downstream ionizer is located near the outlet end of the unit and is similar in structure to the upstream ionizer, with ionization needles and a ground plate. The needles may be oriented to point in the opposite or the same direction as the flow of air through the device and serve to charge particles in the air passing through the needles. The ground plate is used to ensure that ions formed by the needles are contained within the device to minimize electrostatic discharge problems. However, since the downstream ionizer is located downstream of the filter, the ion-charged particles generated by the ionizing needles are drawn out of the device outlet by the fan. Due to their charged state, these particles are attracted to various oppositely charged surfaces in the room on which the particles rest, such as tables, floors, etc. Particles can then be removed from these surfaces.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the device includes a housing for the charged filter element, which acts as a locking feature of the device to ensure that the filter and housing are seated within the device prior to activation of the device. By ensuring that the oppositely charged filter is positioned in the flow path through the device prior to activation of the upstream ionizer, the ions generated by the upstream ionizer are effectively retained within the device since most ions are filtered by the oppositely charged filter Trapped by the device, keeping the ions inside the device to avoid any electrostatic discharge outside the device.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the device may include one or more of a number of different filter end indicators, which are capable of determining the amount of particulate matter collected by the filter while the device is operating, and providing the individual with a filter Indication that cleaning or replacement is required.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the air flow path through the device is designed to create a substantially laminar flow of air drawn into the device and increase the efficiency of the device. This is achieved by the configuration of the internal flow channels within the device to create the desired angle of airflow into and out of the device. This substantially laminar flow is achieved by the structure of the device housing and optionally baffles located in the housing, which in combination with the baffles located in the device draw in the air to be cleaned at an angle of approximately 45° and Direct the air out of the unit.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the housing includes a plug deck assembly spaced from the airflow chamber of the device as a connection to a suitable power source, which can support and power the device from a conventional wall electrical outlet. The socket assembly includes a pair of plugs engageable with the receptacle and located within the housing and rotatably secured to the device to orient the device perpendicular to a horizontal or vertical wall receptacle. The housing also includes a plurality of outlets to provide the ability to supply power to devices other than the air cleaner from the outlet supporting the air cleaner.

These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, is given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

Description of drawings

A clear conception of the advantages and characteristics of the invention, as well as a clarity of the structure and operation of the typical mechanisms which the invention possesses, has been formed by reference to the exemplary and thus non-limiting embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings which accompany and constitute a part of this specification. The concepts will become more apparent wherein like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the several drawings, and wherein:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of an air cleaner constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a partially exploded isometric view of the air cleaner shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an exploded isometric rear view of the air cleaner shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an isometric view of an upstream ionization assembly of the air cleaner shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is an exploded view of the ionization assembly shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an isometric view of the fan mount, fan and downstream ionization assembly of the air cleaner shown in Figure 1;

Figure 8 is an exploded isometric view of the fan mount, fan and downstream ionization assembly shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of an air cleaner constructed in accordance with the present invention;

10 is a partially exploded isometric view of the air cleaner shown in FIG. 9 and the filter bracket and filter of the air cleaner;

Figure 11 is a partially exploded isometric view of the air cleaner shown in Figure 9;

Figure 12 is an exploded isometric view of the air cleaner shown in Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 shown in Figure 9;

Figure 14 is a partially broken-away isometric view of the lower portion of the air cleaner shown in Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a rear isometric view of the air cleaner and flashboard assembly shown in Figure 9;

Figure 16 is a partially exploded isometric view of the air cleaner and flashboard assembly shown in Figure 15;

Figure 17 is an exploded isometric view of the board assembly shown in Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a front view of the interior of the board assembly shown in Figure 17; and

Figure 19 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of an air cleaner constructed in accordance with the present invention.

In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to achieve a similar purpose. For example, terms that connect, attach to, or resemble are often used. These terms are not limited to direct connections, but include connections through other elements where those skilled in the art consider such connections to be equivalent.

Detailed ways

The invention and its various features and advantages will now be described more fully with reference to non-limiting examples which are described in detail in the following specification.

An air cleaner device constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at 100 in FIGS. 1-4. The exterior 101 of the device 100 comprises a front shell 102 and a rear shell 106 incorporating a cover 104, each made of a suitable rigid material, and preferably a non-conductive material such as a plastic material. Device 100 includes a plug 105 connectable to a suitable power source (not shown) to enable device 100 to operate. Other power sources may also be used, such as a rechargeable internal battery (not shown). Front housing 102 , at lower end 107 substantially opposite cover 104 , includes a recess 108 that allows access to volatile housing 110 best shown in FIG. 4 . Additionally, between the cover 104 and the recess 108, the front housing 102 includes an indicator light 112, which may be in the form of a light pipe or any other suitable type of light, such as an LED light.

The front housing 102 defines an aperture 114 opposite the recess 108 in which the cover 104 is disposed. The hole 114 is used as an exhaust port of the device 100, so that the air drawn into the device 100 to be purified is exhausted through the hole 114 after being purified in the device 100 and returned to the room. The front shell 102 also includes a plurality of sleeves 116 extending rearwardly from the front shell 102 for securing the front shell 102 to the rear shell 106 with attached fasteners (not shown).

The cover 104 has a shape complementary to the shape of the aperture 114 in the front housing 102 and includes a base 118 engageable within the aperture 114 and a central bracket 120 extending across an opening 122 formed in the base 118 . A plurality of vanes or louvers 124 extend from the base 118 across the opening 122 and the central bracket 120 to divide the exposed surface of the cover 104 into a plurality of specific airflow slots 126 through which air exiting the device 100 may flow. The shape and number of holes 114 and vanes 124 may vary as desired, and vanes 124 may be configured to be adjustable to allow an individual to direct the output airflow of device 100 as desired. Additionally, the cover 104 and its various components may be integrally formed as part of the front cover 102 .

The illustrated rear case 106 includes a support base 128 that forms the bottom area of the device 100 . The base 128 supports a frame 130 extending upwardly from the base 128 and defining an opening 132 across which a plurality of vanes or louvers 134 extend to form a plurality of airflow inlet slots 136 therebetween. In certain preferred embodiments, the reshapeable frame 130 as desired extends upwardly from the base 128 relative to the base 128 at an angle designed to optimize the purification and/or cleaning of air flowing through the device 100 . This angle is preferably between twenty degrees (20°) and fifty degrees (50°) for the device 100 . Similar to cover 104 on front housing 102 , the shape and number of openings 132 and vanes 134 may vary as desired, and vanes 134 may be formed to be adjustable relative to rear housing 106 . The base 128 also includes a plurality of sleeves 138 that align with the sleeves 116 on the front housing 102 to secure the rear housing 106 to the front housing 102 using suitable fasteners. However, any other suitable means of connecting the front shell 102 and the rear shell 106 to each other may be used, such as a suitable adhesive, or heat or sonic welding the front shell 102 and the rear shell 106 to each other.

Between the front shell 102 and the rear shell 106, a volatile matter housing 110 is provided, which includes a frame 142, and the frame 142 is provided with a plurality of fixing grooves 144 that can be aligned with the sleeve 138 of the rear shell 106 for The volatile housing 110 is secured to the rear housing 106 . Additionally, the volatile housing 110 includes a biasing mechanism 146 that is attached to the frame 142 at one end and has a handle 148 at the other end to define a space 149 between the frame 142 and the mechanism 146 . The mechanism 146 deforms when the volatile container 140 is inserted into the housing 110 and due to the inherent bias of the mechanism 146 secures and engages the container therein. When secured within the housing 110, the volatile container 140 can release a controlled amount of the volatile into the airflow through the housing 110, such as by using a suitable dispensing mechanism or valve (not shown), allowing purified air to Scented. The handle 148 may then be operated to release the mechanism 146 and allow the volatile container 140 to be removed from the housing 110 for replacement. The housing 110 can also be modified so that the volatile container 140 containing different forms of volatiles such as liquid, gel, solid, etc. can be fixed in the housing 110 . Moreover, the position of the housing 110 can be moved or adjusted to other locations within the device 100 so that the housing 110 and the container 140 fixed within the housing 110 can distribute volatiles into the airflow passing through the device 100 as desired. Additionally, the housing 110 may include a lighting element (not shown) located on the housing 110 directly behind the volatile container for use as a night light.

Opposite the support base 128 , the top end 150 of the rear case 106 includes an opening 152 . The opening 152 is capable of releasably receiving a filter bracket 154 therein, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 . The filter bracket 154 includes a generally rectangular fixed frame 156 and a handle 158 attached to one end of the frame 156 . When bracket 154 is fully inserted into opening 152 , handle 158 substantially conforms to the shape of tip 150 , providing device 100 with an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The frame 156 includes a fixing member 160 , preferably formed as an inwardly extending peripheral flange, for fixing a high airflow filter 162 in the bracket 154 . Filter 162 has an electric charge to allow filter 162 to function properly in conjunction with one or more ionization assemblies 170 and 500 disposed within device 100 . Preferably, bracket 154 is engageable with a suitable locking mechanism 164 located within device 100, best shown in FIGS. 3-5. In order for the device 100 to operate, the filter bracket 154 and filter 162 must be fully inserted into the housing 106 to unlock the locking mechanism 164 and allow the device 100 to operate. In a preferred embodiment, locking mechanism 164 may include a housing 166 within device 100 aligned with and substantially opposite opening 152 , housing 166 being operably connected to a power source for operating device 100 . The mechanism 164 also includes a plurality of resilient contacts 168 extending outwardly from the housing 166 . When bracket 162 is inserted into opening 152, bracket 162 engages and deforms contact 168, thereby closing a power circuit (not shown) within device 100, enabling device 100 to operate. If the bracket 162 is not in the fully inserted position within the device 100, the bracket 162 will not engage the contacts 168 to complete the power circuit and the device 100 will not operate.

The filter 162 may be permanently engaged with the bracket 154 such that the entire bracket 154 must be replaced if the filter 162 becomes dirty, or the filter 162 may be removably secured to the bracket 154 so that only the filter 162 needs to be replaced. The filter bracket 154 may also include various means of preventing improper placement of the filter 162 in the bracket 154, such as along one side of the bracket 154 and may mate with slots (not shown) in one side of the filter 162. A rod (not shown), or a recessed or expanded corner of the bracket 154 that accommodates a cutout or extension (not shown) of the filter 162. Additionally, the cradle 154 may have a structure (not shown) that includes the volatile container 140 as part of the cradle 154 such that the volatile container 140 is integrally replaceable with the cradle 154 . However, regardless of the specific configuration, the volatiles container 140 is positioned downstream of the filter 162, or the volatiles dispensed by the container 140 are distributed into the airflow after the air has passed through the filter 162 so that the volatiles are not removed from the air by the filter 162. Cleared in the air stream.

The device 100 may also include one of a variety of suitable exhaustion indicators (not shown) that may indicate to the individual when the filter 162 needs to be replaced. Examples of different types of filter exhaustion reminders that may be used include, based on the time intervals between different separations or removals of the carrier 154 from the device 100 , the ability to determine the length of time a particular filter element 162 has been used in the device 100 . A timer to reset the switch, a photocell to detect the amount of particulate matter accumulated on the filter 162, an air flow meter or air velocity meter to detect the airflow through the filter 162, and a mechanical obstacle located on or near the filter 162 etc. Additionally, any of these exhaustion cues may be linked to an audible or visual display device (not shown) provided on device 100 to provide an audible and/or visual indication that filter 162 needs to be replaced.

The angle of the frame 130 on the rear shell 104 relative to the base 128 defines the air flow path through the device 100, the inlet end of the flow path in the rear shell 106 is substantially horizontal, and as the flow path passes through the device and in the front shell 102 The outlet end of the flow path exits the device and slopes upward at an angle between twenty degrees (20°) and fifty degrees (50°). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the angle between base 128 and frame 130 is forty-five degrees (45°). This air flow path angle allows the purified air exiting the device 100 through the aperture 114 in the front shell 102 to be dispensed from the device 100 at a height or direction higher than that of the air being drawn into the device 100 through the opening 132 in the rear shell 102. out. The purified air is thus distributed out of the device 100 in a manner that avoids the purified air being immediately drawn back into the device 100, thereby allowing the purified air to circulate more fully throughout the room while allowing a greater amount of raw air to be drawn in device 100. In addition, the angle of the air flow path through the device 100 allows the airflow through the device 100 to be substantially laminar. The significant reduction in turbulence in the airflow passing through the device 100 allows the filter 162 and ionization assembly 170, which will be described, to more effectively purify the air.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-6 , an ionization assembly 170 is shown that generates electrons/ions to attach to particles dispersed throughout the airflow in order to charge the particles and enable the particles to be adsorbed to the filter 162 and removed from the airflow in a known manner. clear. In the preferred embodiment the assembly includes a substantially rectangular ionizer frame 176 made of a non-conductive material such as plastic material and positioned within the rear housing 106 of the device 100 adjacent the opening 132 in the frame 130 . The top end 178 of the ionizer frame 176 is positioned within and conforms to the shape of the portion of the opening 152 in the top end 150 of the frame 130 and its bottom end 180 is engageable with the support base 128 . Frame 176 defines, between top end 178 and bottom end 180 , a generally rectangular opening 182 through which air flowing into device 100 from opening 132 may flow, although other shapes may be used for opening 182 . On one side of the opening 182 , the frame 176 includes a U-shaped peripheral wall 175 extending around the frame 176 from one side of the top end 178 to the other side of the top end 178 . Wall 175 and bottom end 180 define a channel 177 therebetween that is partially aligned with opening 182, unobstructed by top end 178, and sized to slidably receive bracket 154 therein. A pair of securing flanges 179 extend outwardly from each side of the wall 175 and are additionally connected to the wall 175 by a plurality of struts 181 . A plurality of securing members 183 for engaging and securing the frame 176 to suitable structure (not shown) disposed within the rear housing 102 are provided on each flange 179 and on the bottom end 180 opposite the opening 172 . Also, a chamber 185 is provided at a corner of the frame 176 adjacent the bottom end 180 that receives the locking mechanism 164 therein to properly position the mechanism 164 relative to the bracket 154 .

An ionizer bracket 184 extending across opening 182 from bottom end 180 to strut 186 disposed immediately below top end 178 and preferably integrally formed with frame 176 spans opening 182 . The bracket 184 is generally U-shaped and includes a pair of side walls 188 extending perpendicularly from opposite sides of a central wall 190 . The frame 184 includes a pair of securing members 192 disposed between the side walls 188 in the frame 184 to which the ionizing needle assembly 194 can be secured. Assembly 194 is made of a conductive metal such as copper or brass and includes a base member 196 that may be placed within ionizer housing 184 and a pair of ionizing needles 198 attached to base member 196 and extending outwardly therefrom. One preferred configuration of ionizing needle assembly 194 is shown in FIG. 6 , but other embodiments are contemplated in which additional needles 198 are provided on base member 196 . Needle 198 may be integrally formed or secured to base 196 , such as by welding, and extends outwardly from bracket 184 , preferably in an upstream direction toward opening 132 in rear frame 106 . The needles 198 are covered and secured in place within the holder 184 by clips 195 secured to the holder 184 over each needle 198 . Clips 195 each include an opening 197 through which the tip of an adjacent needle 198 may pass, while clips 195 engage and secure the remainder of needle 198 and the portion of base member 196 proximate needle 198 within bracket 184 . The portion of base member 196 that extends outwardly from bracket 184 to connect to a power source may be secured to frame 176 by clips 195a formed directly on frame 176 . The assembly 194 is electrically connected to the power source of the device 100 through the base member 196 after being fixed in the bracket 184, so as to supply the needle 198 with the voltage necessary for ion generation (such as between 2-20 kV, preferably between 2-10 kV, and most preferably between 2-5kV). The shape of the needles 198 is as sharp as possible in order to maximize electron or ion emission from each needle 198 . To reduce leakage voltage of assembly 194 , the entire assembly 194 is electrically isolated from ionizer bracket 184 and ionizer frame 176 in order to maximize ionization of assembly 194 . In the preferred embodiment this is accomplished by making assembly 194 as small as possible to minimize the number of connections necessary between assembly 194 and frame 176, ie only by clips 195 and 195a, and by making frame 176 from a non-conductive material.

To maximize the ion generation efficiency of needles 198 on assembly 194 , ionizer frame 176 also includes a ground plate 200 , best shown in FIGS. 4-6 , disposed within ionizer frame 176 upstream of needle assembly 194 . Ground plate 200 includes a pair of generally square segments 202 secured to each other by inserting suitable fasteners (not shown) through aligned openings 203 in opposite ends of each segment 202 to form a generally rectangular outer perimeter of plate 200 . The plate 200 is divided into two substantially square apertures 204 by a cross member 205 extending across the plate 200 substantially parallel to the upper and lower ends of the plate 200 . Alternatively, plate 200 may be made from a single unitary conductive material. The holes 204 are shaped to conform to the positioning of the needles 198 in the ionizer assembly 194 such that the axis of each needle 198 extends approximately through the center of each hole 204 . The ground plate 200 is secured around the periphery of the opening 182 by aligning tabs 207 integrally formed in and extending outwardly from the segments 202 and secured to the frame 176 using any suitable fasteners 206 or other attachment means. on the ionizer frame 176. The location of the plate 200 surrounding and upstream of the needles 198 serves to prevent charged electrons/ions generated by the needles 198 from passing over the grounded plate 200 through the holes 114 and out of the device 100 . This ensures that the electrons/ions generated by the needle 198 flow through the device 100 towards the filter 162 rather than from the front housing 102 of the device 100 to the outside because the ground plate 200 serves to restrict the electrons/ions from leaving the device 100 . This in turn avoids the potential for electrons/ions to form ionized clouds outside the inlet of the device 100, thereby creating charge buildup and electrostatic discharge of individuals near the inlet. The ground plate 200 is also mounted to the ionizer frame 176 using tabs 207 in such a way that the ground plate 200 is electrically isolated from the frame to maximize electrons/ions channeled from the needles 198 through the frame 176 . The ground plate 200 and the segments 202 forming the ground plate 200 are as thin as possible in order to allow the plate 202 to be electrically isolated more easily by connecting the segments 202 to the ionizer frame 176 at only a minimum number of connection points, i.e. tabs 207, Potential interference of the frame 176 with the operation of the ground plate 200 is thereby reduced. This result can also be achieved by forming the ground plate 200 from wires (not shown) on the ionizer frame 176 of the same or different construction as the ground plate 200 .

Referring now to FIGS. 3 , 4 , 7 and 8 , in order to draw air and airborne particles into the device 100 through the rear housing 106 , a fan assembly 173 is secured to the front housing 102 generally opposite the filter bracket 154 and the filter 162 . Assembly 173 includes fan mounting frame 174 having a center housing 206 including a rotatable shaft 208 operably connected to motor windings (not shown) disposed within center housing 206 . A plurality of support arms 210 extending radially outward from the center housing 206 and coupled to a peripheral mounting ring 212 opposite the center housing support the center housing 206 approximately concentrically within the frame 174 . The ring 212 is approximately the same size as the hole 114 in the front housing 102 and includes a plurality of outwardly extending segments 213 including a mounting frame 174 that can be aligned with a securing member (not shown) on the front housing 102 to secure the fan mounting frame 174. It is fixed to the hole 214 of the front case 102 . Each arm 210 may also be substantially U-shaped and/or include a plurality of tabs 211 along one side of the arm 210 for securing wiring (not shown) operably connected to the motor for operating the motor and rotating the shaft 208. . An impeller or fan 216 secured to a shaft 208 on a center housing 206 includes a central portion 218 mountable to the shaft 208 and has a plurality of blades 220 extending radially outward from the central portion 218 . The blades 220 may take any desired shape, but are preferably helical in configuration. Central portion 218 of fan 216 is secured to shaft 208 of frame 174 using any suitable means such as a cover (not shown) or other engaging member to ensure fan 216 remains on central portion 206 and shaft 208 when device 100 is in operation. The positioning of the fan 216 on the frame 174 allows the fan 216 to draw air into and through the device 100 in a substantially axial direction, thereby assisting in creating laminar airflow through the device 100 . Housing 206 may also include a heat sink (not shown) that removes some of the heat generated by fan 216 during operation in order to increase the operational life of fan 216 and reduce potential ozone generation in apparatus 100 .

In FIGS. 3 , 7 and 8 , a switch 300 fixed between the front case 102 and the rear case 106 of the device 100 is used to control the operation of the device 100 . A switch 300 is secured to the top of the device 100 and any additional components on the device 100 that require power such as the power supply and to the indicator light 112, the motor within the fan assembly 173, the ionizer assembly 194 and the ground plate 200, and optional night light operatively connected to a power source of the device 100 to selectively operate each of these components of the device 100. The switch 300 is moveable between a number of different positions corresponding to different operating speeds of the fan 216 , but each position can also operate other components of the device 100 . The switch 300 includes an upper portion 302 disposed above the top surface of the device 100 for personal access and a lower portion 304 separated by a slot 306 to enable the switch to be slidably secured to the device 100 . Upper portion 302 also includes indicia 308 corresponding to various operating states of device 100 , selectively alignable with indicia (not shown) on device 100 to enable an individual to select a desired operating state of device 100 . The lower portion 304 is operably connected to a slide control switch 308 located in a switch housing 310 that is connected to the fan mounting frame 174 . The control switch 309 is directly connected to the electrically operated components of the device 100 and to the control unit 600 for monitoring and controlling the operation of the device 100, for example by wiring (not shown), in order to operate these components as required. Movement of the upper portion 302 and lower portion 304 by an individual causes similar movement of the control switch 308 to selectively operate the device 100 .

The control unit 600 enables the fan 216 to operate at different speed settings, such as low speed (LOW), high speed (HIGH) and off (OFF). The control unit 600 is also operable to selectively operate various components of the device 100 according to an individual's instructions. For example, control unit 600 may operate ionization assemblies 170 and 500 in conjunction with each other or independently of each other. Additionally, the control unit 600 may operate the fan assembly 173 concurrently with one or both of the ionization assemblies 170 and 500, or without the assemblies 170 and 500, or may operate one of the ionization assemblies 170 and 500 without the fan assembly 173. or both.

In operation, as best shown in FIG. 3 , when switch 300 is moved to operatively connect device 100 to a power source, fan 216 operates to draw air into device 100 through opening 132 in rear housing 106 . Particles entrained in the airflow drawn through the rear housing 106 come into contact with the electron/ion cloud generated by the ionization assembly 170 disposed adjacent the opening 132 . Electrons/ions are prevented from exiting the device 100 through the opening 132 by the location of the ground plate 200 between the needle 198 and the opening 132 to introduce particles and free electrons/ions into the interior of the device 100 . The electrons/ions that come into contact with the needle 198 and then charged particles flow in and are attracted by the filter 162 formed with an opposite charge to the electrons/ions to remove the particles from the gas flow. The remainder of the airflow passes through filter 162 and through fan 216 to exit device 100 through front housing 102 . Optionally, volatiles from volatiles container 140 may be introduced into the gas stream after passing through filter 162, as previously described. The orientation of the front housing 102 relative to the rear housing 106 as previously described provides a preferred 45° angle between the inlet and outlet of the device 100, thereby creating an optimum air flow through the device 100 for the most effective reduction of particulates in the air flow and increase the corresponding Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of the device 100. The angle of the flow path defined between the rear shell 106 and the front shell 102 provides the benefit to the device 100 in that the residence time of the air flowing through the device 100 is longer than in devices with a straight flow path, thus making the flow generated in the device 100 The electrons/ions and filter 162 remove an increased amount of particulate from the airflow. This is because due to the slower air flow along the angled flow paths, the electrons/ions have longer to attach and charge the particles, and the filter 162 has longer to attract and allow the charged particles to adhere to the filter. device 162. Therefore, the angle of the flow channels in the device 100 allows for more efficient air purification in combination with the airflow velocity generated by the fan 216 within a certain range (eg, 0.75 m/s and 1.00 m/s).

In a particularly preferred embodiment of apparatus 100 best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , apparatus 100 may also include a downstream ionizer assembly 500 . The assembly 500 may be positioned proximate to the cover 104 on the front housing 102 and includes a plurality of ionizing needles 502 disposed on a base member 503 around the interior of the front housing 102 and a grounding electrode located downstream of the needles 502 at or near the center of the cover 104. Component 504. The needles 502 generate more electrons/ions that adsorb to any remaining particles in the airflow that has passed through the filter 162 , making the particles leaving the device 100 electrically charged. Based on this charge, the particles are attracted to various grounded surfaces in the surrounding environment surrounding the device 100, including tables, chairs, floors, etc., causing the particles to adhere to these surfaces, effectively removing these remaining particles from the air. In certain preferred embodiments, the ionizing needles 502 are disposed on the base member 503 mounted in electrical isolation to the peripheral mounting ring 212 of the fan mounting frame 174 such that the needles 502 are directed radially inward and the electrons/ The contact efficiency of the ions with the remaining particulates in the gas stream passing through the filter 162 is maximized. The ground pin 504 is preferably located on the frame 174 or the cover 104 concentric with the frame 174 a specified distance away from the pin 502 to maximize the space available for the electron/ion cloud generated by the pin 502, but also to prevent free electrons/ions from leaving the device through the cover 104 100, thereby minimizing any potential electrostatic discharge at the outlet of the device 100. However, the configuration could also be reversed such that the pin 502 could also be mounted around the cover 104 with the ground member 504 on the fan mounting frame 174 . The ground member 504 may also include additional pins (not shown) similar to the pins 502 or a ground plate (not shown) similar to the ground plate 200 . Additionally, to help limit the effects of any corresponding static buildup external to the downstream end device 100 , the downstream ionization assembly 500 may be powered less than the power used by the upstream ionization assembly 170 . This is because the operation of the assembly 500 charges the particles only enough to be attracted to a grounded surface outside the device 100 rather than to the filter 162, which makes the ionization assembly 500 require less power to perform.

In addition to the above-described features and embodiments of the device 100, many different variants or alternatives are conceivable within the scope of the invention. In particular, the configuration of the internal components of the device 100 can be altered such that the ionization assembly 170, 500 can be placed at the upstream or downstream end of the device 100, and the fan 216 can be located at almost any location, such as at the upstream or inlet end of the device 100, and/or Either adjacent to or spaced from one of the ionization assemblies 170,500. Also, fan 216 may take any suitable form other than that shown in the preferred embodiment, such as a squirrel cage fan. Additionally, device 100 may include a retractable cord mechanism (not shown) to allow the device to use only the amount of cord required to connect the cord to a power source. Other options can be added to the device 100, such as night lights and sounds, whether white noise, selected noise tracks (waterfall, waves, wind, etc.), or radio. The device 100 may also include a clock to enable the device 100 to additionally be used as an alarm clock, and optionally have a remote control to operate the device 100 and the clock. Other features that can be used with device 100 include generating oxygen, positive ions, warming or cooling air, humidifying or dehumidifying air, and adding to the airflow passing through device 100 and can also be used to remove various Other additions to odors, irritants, ozone, nitrogen or moisture. In addition, various disinfection and sterilization devices may be included in the device 100 to kill microorganisms, bacteria, viruses or mold contained in the air flowing through the device 100 .

It is also envisioned to control the velocity of the air flowing through the device in order to optimize the operation and CADR produced by the device 100 . More specifically, the airflow is maintained within a specified range below the maximum airflow possible through the device 100 so that the ions generated by the ionization assembly 170 have sufficient time to attach to particles in the air flowing through the device 100 and to allow the filter 162 Allow sufficient time for the ionized particles to accumulate. If the airflow velocity is below this range, there is insufficient airflow through the filter 162, while if the airflow velocity is too high, the particles move too fast for the filter 162 to catch and retain the ionized particles.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-18 , a second embodiment of an air cleaner device constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at 1000 . The device 1000 includes a front housing 1002 and a rear housing 1004 each secured to each other and together forming a top 1006 and a bottom 1008 of the device 1000 .

As best seen in FIGS. 9-13 , the front housing 1002 of the device 1000 is formed from a one-piece piece 1010 of a non-conductive, preferably plastic material, with a lower intake port 1012 and an upper exhaust port 1014 . Lower port 1012 is formed in a generally arcuate shape and upper port 1014 is preferably formed in a generally circular shape, although any other suitable shape for ports 1012 and 1014 may also be used. The front housing 1002 is also formed so that the ports 1012 and 1014 are positioned at an angle to each other for reasons explained below.

Front housing 1002 is connected to rear housing 1004 substantially opposite ports 1012 and 1014 to enclose the interior of device 1000 . As best shown in FIGS. 11-13 , rear housing 1004 includes a pair of side panels 1022 that are interconnected to form rear housing 1004 . Each side panel 1022 includes a base portion 1024 adapted to engage a rotatable board assembly 1026 and a body portion 1028 including a side panel 1029 and a main panel 1032 that define a mirrored structure on the opposite side panel 1022. Angled flow chamber 1030 therebetween. Base portion 1024 and airflow chamber 1030 are separated by a main plate 1032 that extends the length of each side panel 1022 . The side panels 1022 are secured to each other using any suitable means, such as fasteners (not shown) engageable in securing sleeves (not shown) provided on each side panel 1022 aligned with each other between the base portion 1024 and the main panel 1032. ), or the side panels 1022 are secured to each other by other suitable fastening means, such as various interlocking portions of the panels 1022 (not shown) or adhesive or sonic welding to secure the side panels 1022 directly to each other.

An airflow chamber 1030 defined in the rear shell 1004 by the assembled side panels 1022 includes an air intake 1036 located adjacent port 1012 in the front shell 1002 and an exhaust port 1038 located adjacent port 1014 in the front shell 1002 . The intake port 1036 and the exhaust port 1038 are positioned at an angle to each other for the reasons previously described with respect to the device 100 .

The air inlet 1036 includes a filter frame 1040 that is preferably substantially rectangular or square and is affixed or preferably integrally formed to the side panel 1022 above the air inlet 1036 . The grill 1042 is attached to the outer surface of the frame 1040 or the inner surface of the front case 1002 to cover the filter frame 1040 and the air inlet 1036 . The grille 1042 is substantially arcuate to correspond to the shape of the port 1012 in the front housing 1002, and includes a first portion 1042a extending parallel to the housing 1002 from the bottom 1008 and a second portion 1042b extending inwardly from the first portion 1042a to A space 1043 is defined between the second part 1042b and the front case 1002 . The grid 1042 may have any desired configuration, but is preferably formed with a plurality of central supports 1016 extending substantially vertically across the apertures 1041 defined in the grid 1042 and a plurality of vanes extending substantially horizontally across the apertures 1041 and perpendicular to the supports 1016. or bulkhead 1018. The vane 1018 divides the hole 1041 into a plurality of independent airflow channels 1020 , through which air can flow into the airflow chamber 1030 at the air inlet 1036 .

Immediately downstream of the grille 1042 , the air inlet 1036 of the airflow chamber 1030 includes an upstream ionization assembly 1043 . The assembly 1043 is attached to the filter frame 1040 and includes an assembly bracket 1044 having a structure that is engaged by a plurality of securing tabs 1045 that are provided on each corner of the filter frame 1040 and extend outwardly to secure the bracket 1044 to the filter frame 1040. Peripheral flange 1044a. The frame 1044 conforms to the shape of the filter frame 1040 and has a substantially square inwardly sloping outer wall 1044b and an ionizing cross member 1048 disposed on a cross member 1048 extending across the center of the frame 1044 and extending substantially parallel to the central frame 1016 of the grid 1042. Needle 1046. Needle 1046 extends outwardly from cross member 1048 in a substantially upstream direction and is operatively connected to a suitable power source by a wire (not shown). To avoid that the current supplied to the needle 1046 leaks from the wire or needle 1046 before being used to generate ions, thereby reducing the efficiency of the ionization assembly 1043, the wire extending from the needle 1046 is made to electrically isolate the needle 1046 from the non-conductive support 1044. And pins 1046 are each attached to bracket 1044 . The needle 1046 is made of a conductive material such as copper or brass and works to emit electrons/ions from the tip of the needle 1046 in a direction opposite to the air flow entering the air inlet 1036 when connected to a power source. These ions generated by the needle 1046 are released into the incoming airflow and are attracted to and attach to particles entrained in the airflow. To further maximize the amount of ions generated by the needles 1046, the needles 1046 are formed to be as sharp as possible. This is especially important in the present device 1000 because the operating voltage of the device 1000 is much lower (>7kV) than other air purifiers that include ionization components, thus requiring the ion output of the needle 1046 to be as high as possible to maximize the ionic output of the device 1000. efficiency.

Electrons/ions generated by the needles 1046 that are not attached to particles are prevented from leaving the device 1000 through the gas inlet 1036 by the ground plate 1052 disposed on the bracket 1044 opposite the filter frame 1040 and between the grid 1042 and the needles 1046 . The ground plate 1052 is substantially square to conform to the shape of the module bracket 1044 and defines a substantially circular opening 1054 sized to substantially correspond to the portion of the hole 1041 in the first portion 1042a of the grid 1042 and the space defined within the bracket 1044, So that the ground plate 1052 will not hinder the airflow entering the air inlet 1034 . The ground plate 1052 is made of a conductive material such as metal including copper or brass, and is connected to an electrical ground (not shown) by a wire (not shown) to serve as a ground for electrons/ions generated by the needles 1046 . Thus, electrons/ions generated by the needle 1046 are restricted from flowing out of the gas inlet 1036 and form a charged electron/ion cloud on the exterior of the device 1000 . This in turn avoids electrostatic discharges that occur when an individual touches a cloud and thus becomes charged with electrons/ions and then touches an oppositely charged surface. Additionally, ground plate 1052 is secured to bracket 1044 in any suitable non-conductive manner with as few connections as possible to minimize leakage current from ground plate 1052 . As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the plate 1052 preferably has corners 1056 that can be inserted through openings 1058 in the corners 1056 by inserting suitable fasteners (not shown) or by connecting the corners 1056 of the plate 1052 to the bracket walls 1044a. The frictional interference fit formed between certain parts is fixed to the outer wall 1044b of the bracket 1044 .

As best shown in FIGS. 10-13 , immediately downstream of the needle 1046 , the halves of the filter frame 1040 located on each side panel 1022 collectively define a filter receiving slot 1060 . The slot 1060 is defined between a pair of inwardly extending flanges 1061 located on opposite sides of the slot 1060 and aligned with an opening 1063 in one of the side panels 1022 . Slot 1060 and opening 1063 are sized to slidably receive filter bracket 1062 with filter element 1064 secured therein. Bracket 1062 is formed to have a substantially square configuration so as to extend across the entire airflow chamber 1030 such that incoming air cannot pass through chamber 1030 without passing through bracket 1062 . To facilitate insertion and removal of bracket 1062 , side panel 1022 includes a recess 1067 disposed proximate opening 1063 . Grooves 1067 allow grasping and pulling out of the peripheral edge of the bracket 1062 to remove the bracket 1062 and filter element 1064 from the device 1000 when the bracket 1062 is fully inserted into the opening 1063 . Optionally, tray 1062 may include a handle (not shown) located on the exterior of device 1000 when tray 1062 is fully inserted into opening 1063 , which may be used to grasp and withdraw tray 1062 from slot 1060 . The bracket 1062 also includes suitable means (not shown) for securing the filter 1064 therein such that the filter element 1064 cannot be moved within the filter bracket 1062 by airflow through the chamber 1030 .

The filter element 1064 positioned within the bracket 1062 is similar to the filter used in the previous embodiments and is a high volume filter with a large number of airflow channels therein to allow air flowing through the device 1000 to flow freely through the filter element 1064 . However, the filter element 1064 is also formed with a charge electrically opposite to that of the electrons/ions generated by the needles 1046 . Thus, any particulate matter in the air flowing through the filter element 1064 that has been charged by the electrons/ions from the needles 1046 is attracted by the attractive force between the oppositely charged filter element 1064 and the electrons/ions from the needles 1046 to filter element 1064 and remain thereon. In this manner, the filter element 1064 removes most of the particulate matter in the air passing through the device 1000 . Additionally, the distance between ionization assembly 1044 and filter element 1064 is selected such that the electrons/ions generated by needles 1046 have sufficient time to attach to the particles in the airflow before they contact filter element 1064 such that the particles in the airflow Larger amounts of particulates are charged with electrons/ions before reaching the filter element 1064 . This residence time of the particles in the electron/ion cloud within the device 1000 is also increased by the orientation of the needle 1046 by pointing upstream such that the particles contact the electrons/ions further upstream of the filter element 1064 .

Once the filter element 1064 has focused a specified amount of particulate matter, the filter holder 1062 may be removed from the device 1000 through the opening 1063 and the filter element 1064 may be cleaned or replaced to continue to effectively remove particulate matter from the air. Additionally, device 1000 may employ any suitable type of filter end indicator (not shown) to indicate when filter element 1064 needs to be cleaned or replaced, such as a timer, light eye, audible or visual signal on operating device 1000 air flow meter or air speed meter, or a mechanical barrier placed adjacent to the filter element 1064. Furthermore, device 1000 may employ a locking mechanism (not shown) that requires filter holder 1062 and filter element 164 to be properly positioned within device 1000 in order to be able to actuate device 1000 .

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13 , the airflow chamber 1030 is formed by the side panels 1022 with the inlet 1036 and exhaust 1038 of the chamber 1030 each angled with respect to each other and the main plate 1032 defining the chamber 1030 . The intake ports 1036 and exhaust ports 1038 are positioned at an angle relative to the main board 1032, preferably between twenty degrees (20°) and sixty degrees (60°), and most preferably about forty-five degrees (45°). It should be noted that the fan assembly 1086 described hereinafter may also be mounted with a flow axis of 0° (horizontal) or 90° (vertical).

The inlet 1036 and the outlet 1038 are separated by a baffle 1076 formed by a pair of opposing halves 1076a attached to each side panel 1022 when the side panels 1022 are joined to each other. Baffles 1076 extend inwardly from side panels 1029 of each side panel 1022 into airflow chamber 1030 substantially perpendicular to the direction of airflow through chamber 1030 . The baffle 1076 has a narrow end 1078 secured to the filter frame 1040 on one side and to the fan frame 1088 on the other side. Between the sides of the narrow end 1078 , the baffles 1076 define a wide end 1080 within the flow chamber 1030 . Wide portion 1080 of baffle 1076 is spaced a sufficient distance from central portion 1082 of main plate 1032 to allow air to flow through chamber 1030 along a predetermined path between central portion 1082 of main plate 1032 and wide portion 1080 of baffle 1076 . On each side of central portion 1082 , main plate 1032 includes bend limiting sections 1084 that, in conjunction with baffles 1076 direct incoming and outgoing airflow into the space defined between wide ends 1080 of baffles 1076 and central portion 1082 of main plate 1032 . The constriction of the flow path in chamber 1030 is accomplished by the smooth surface on curved restriction 1084, which allows air to continue to flow in the same general direction but only through a smaller cross-sectional space. Briefly stated, the shape of the baffles 1076 controlling the incoming and outgoing airflow, the main plate 1032 and the corresponding angles of the inlet 1036 and exhaust 1038 ports create a substantially laminar airflow through the entire airflow chamber 1030 . Thus, air entering the device 1000 enters uniformly along the entire area of the air inlet 1036 such that the entire surface of the filter element 1064 is used to remove particulates from the airflow rather than only the middle of the filter 1064 as in prior art devices. . Additionally, the preferred forty-five (45) degree angle of incoming airflow at the air inlet 1036 of the device 1000 ensures that the air entering the device 1000 is from inside the room in which the device 1000 is placed, and not just air near the floor of the room. This is especially important where the device 1000 is secured to an electrical outlet (not shown) such that there is limited space around the device 1000 from which incoming air can be drawn. Similarly, the angle of the exhaust port 1038 allows the purified air exiting the apparatus 1000 to be exhausted above the air inlet 1036 to ensure increased air circulation in the room and to avoid duplication of cleaning air in the room at or below the level of the apparatus 1000. same amount of air.

To move air into and out of device 1000 , device 1000 also includes fan assembly 1086 , preferably located immediately upstream of exhaust port 1038 , although fan assembly 1086 may be located anywhere within device 1000 downstream of ionization assembly 1044 . The fan assembly 1086 includes a frame 1088 secured within a fan mounting channel 1089 formed between the side panels 1022 and extending across the exhaust port 1038 . Mounting channel 1089 is formed similarly to filter frame 1040 and includes a pair of inwardly extending flanges 1091 defining channel 1089 therebetween. Fan mounting frame 1088 may be placed between flanges 1091 to secure frame 1088 and fan 1086 to exhaust port 1038 of airflow chamber 1030 . While frame 1088 may have any suitable configuration, in the preferred embodiment best shown in FIGS. 11-13 , frame 1088 includes a generally square inner member 1092 connected to outer member 1093 by a plurality of struts 1094 . The outer member 1093 is also substantially square to conform to the shape of the inner member 1092 and the frame 1088 is formed with an overall width slightly less than the distance between the flanges 1091 forming the channel 1089 . This enables the frame 1088 to be securely engaged between the flanges 1091 when the frame 1088 is inserted into the channel 1089 during assembly of the device 1000 .

Both inner member 1092 and outer member 1093 are formed as a generally open structure, each defining a central opening 1095 through which air may flow out of device 1000 from exhaust port 1038 of chamber 1030 . The outer member 1093 also includes a central bracket 1096 disposed at the center of the central opening 1095 of the outer member 1093 and secured by a plurality of support arms 1097 extending between the bracket 1096 and the outer member 1093 . The center bracket 1096 includes a center hole 1098 in which the rotation shaft (not shown) of the impeller 1099 can be fixed. The shaft and impeller 1099 are driven by a suitable motor 1100 operably connected to the power source of the device 1000 . The impeller 1099 is sized to fit completely within the frame 1088 such that the impeller 1099 can rotate within the frame 1088 without contacting any part of the frame 1088 . Also, the motor 1100 is preferably positioned on the center bracket 1096 to minimize the amount of obstruction the motor 1100 will have to airflow through the fan assembly 1086 . Optionally, a downstream ionizer (not shown) similar in construction to that described with respect to the previous embodiment of the device may be attached to the center support 1096 opposite the impeller 1099 so that the ionizer exiting the device 1000 is not captured by the filter element 1064. Those particles are charged to be attracted to oppositely charged surfaces around the device 1000 for later cleaning.

In this position, fan assembly 1086 is operable to drive air in and out of device 1000 across the entire cross-section of airflow chamber 1030 within device 1000 . Fan assembly 1086 may be any suitable type of fan, such as a squirrel cage or centrifugal fan, but is preferably an axial fan to maximize air drawn through chamber 1030 and reduce the overall level of noise output by device 1000 . Drive motor 1100 coupled to fan assembly 1086 may be controlled using control device 1074 coupled to motor 1100 and any suitable manually or remotely operated control switch (not shown) to rotate impeller 1099 of fan assembly 1086 at a desired speed. The speed of the fan motor 1100 is controlled to maintain the airflow velocity through the device 1000 at a level that avoids stagnation of air within the device 1000 but allows sufficient time for the electrons/ions of the ionization assembly 1044 to attach to and attract particles to filter element 1064 without drawing charged particles through the filter element 1064.

A second grille 1102 is secured within the upper port 1014 of the front housing 1002 adjacent the fan assembly 1086 and opposite the exhaust port 1038 of the chamber 1030 . The second grille 1102 is shaped to conform to the upper port 1014 and in the preferred embodiment has a plurality of helically extending brackets 1016 with a plurality of circular vanes 1018 extending therebetween which collectively define the flow path in the second grille 1102 1020, similar to the flow channel 1020 in the first grid 1042. Channels 1020 in second grill 1102 are used to allow purified air to flow out of device 1000 while grill 1102 also avoids contact with fan assembly 1086 .

Disposed between the fan assembly 1086 and the second grill 1102 is a volatile distribution assembly 1104 . The volatile dispensing assembly 1104 includes a support housing 1106 fixed to one or both of the front housing 1002 or the rear housing 1004, and a volatile container housing 1108 rotatably fixed to the support housing 1106 and located therein, Container housing 1108 houses a volatile container (not shown) similar to container 140 in the previous embodiment and containing an amount of an air freshening or air perfuming compound. In a preferred embodiment, the compound used to freshen the outlet stream is Available from SC Johnson & Son, Racine, Wisconsin. The container can be inserted into the container housing 1108 through a space 1043 defined between the front shell 1002 and the second portion 1042b of the first grille 1042 . The container may be releasably secured within the container housing 1108 in any suitable manner such that the container may be withdrawn from the container housing 1108 when the volatiles in the container have been completely dispensed. To control the amount of volatiles dispensed from the container, container housing 1108 may be rotated relative to support housing 1106 to selectively position dispensing aperture 1112 in container housing 1108 in alignment with dispensing opening 1114 in support housing 1106 . The container housing 1108 includes a shaft 1116 rotatably engaged relative to the support housing 1106 and an adjustment knob 1118 extending outwardly from the container housing 1108 substantially opposite the shaft 1116 . Knob 1118 protrudes from pod housing 1108 through aligned opening 1120 in front shell 1002 such that an individual can engage knob 1118 to rotate knob 1118 and pod housing 1108 within support housing 1106 . Various suitable indicia 1122 are printed or otherwise provided on the knob 1118 to indicate the relative amount of volatile compound released from the container at a given position on the knob 1118 .

To distribute the volatile compound into the airflow passing through the exhaust port 1038 of the device 1000, any suitable method known in the art may be used, such as utilizing the venturi of the outlet airflow flowing through and around the dispensing opening 1114 in the support housing 1106. effect etc. Volatile assembly 1104 may also be positioned at other points along flow chamber 1030 downstream of ionization assembly 1044 and filter element 1064 in device 1000 , such as adjacent baffle 1076 within chamber 1030 .

The volatiles assembly 1104 may also include other features such as light emitting diodes or LEDs (not shown) positioned directly behind the container housing 1108 and container, which are connected to the control device 1074 which is also used to control other functions of the device 1000. The LED is preferably connected to a light sensor (not shown) capable of detecting the brightness of the ambient light in the room in which the device 100 is placed. When the ambient light level drops below a predetermined limit, the control 1074 operates to turn on the LED and shine a light through the container visible through the aperture 1110 located below the knob 1118 . The LED can also be used as a night light and is always "on" but only visible at night.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-18 , when assembled to one another, the base portions 1024 of the side panels 1022 form an enclosure 1124 on the rear housing 1004 opposite the air flow chamber 1030 . Shroud 1124 defines a generally elongated opening 1126 extending through base portion 1024 opposite main plate 1032 and forms a peripheral flange 1128 around the entirety of opening 1126 . Flange 1128 extends inwardly around opening 1126 and engages aligned peripheral tabs 1130 provided on mounting plate 1132 of strikeboard assembly 1026 . To increase the support between the mounting plate 1132 and the main board 1032 , a support member 1133 including a supporting flange 1135 is fixed to the main board 1032 , and the supporting flange 1135 protrudes into and engages the mounting plate 1132 adjacent the upper end of the mounting plate 1132 .

On mounting plate 1132, socket assembly 1026 includes a rotating header housing 1134, a pair of first electrical contact inserts 1136 located within housing 1134, a pair of second electrical contact inserts located within housing 1134 adjacent to first contact inserts 1136. Electrical contact insert 1138 , board cover 1140 secured to housing 1134 of inserts 1136 and 1138 , and retaining ring 1142 secured to cover 1140 .

Plug housing 1134 is made of a non-conductive material and is generally circular, including an open end 1144 disposed over a plurality of electrical contact conduits 1146 and 1148 formed within housing 1134 . Conduits 1146 and 1148 are each connected to a tab 1160 or 1162 of a pair of plugs 1152 extending outwardly from closed end 1154 of housing 1134 disposed opposite open end 1144 . Plugs 1152 are positioned on closed end 1154 in a configuration that enables simultaneous insertion of two plugs 1152 into receptacles in a conventional residential electrical outlet (not shown). This not only provides additional power for the operation of the device 1000, but also provides additional support for the device 1000 on the wall where the outlet is located.

Conduits 1146 and 1148 also extend between adjacent pairs of sockets 1150 equally spaced around the periphery of housing 1134 . Receptacles 1150 each include an opening 1149 formed therein similar in shape to a receptacle formed in an electrical socket on the wall on which device 1000 is mounted, and may engage a plug of an electrically operated device (not shown) separate from device 1000 . Each receptacle 1150 is located at one end of a cross-shaped section 1151 of housing 1134 extending between open end 1144 and closed end 1154 . The cross-shaped segment 1151 includes a plurality of arms 1153 extending radially outward from a central portion 1155 , and a receptacle 1150 is disposed at an end of each arm 1153 opposite the central portion 1155 . Each pair of adjacent arms 1153 is connected by a side wall 1159 that includes a plurality of spaced grip members 1161 thereon to facilitate movement of the receptacle 1150 and housing 1134 in the manner described below.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18 , the structure of the first contact insert 1136 and the second contact insert 1138 is disclosed. The first insert 1136 is made of a conductive material such as metal and is generally L-shaped with a pair of straight segments 1156 connected to each other and terminating in a blade engagement portion 1158 . Depending on the desired configuration of the plug 1152 protruding from the closed end 1154 of the housing 1134 , the first insert 1136 may be attached to the thin tab 1160 or the thick tab 1162 . When positioned within housing 1134 , tab engagement portion 1158 of each insert 1136 is positioned proximate opening 1149 in receptacle 1150 formed on the outer periphery of housing 1134 . Thus, the first insert 1136 serves to connect a plug blade (not shown) inserted into one of the pair of openings 1149 in the receptacle 1150 with input power from one of the pair of blades of a plug 1152 inserted into the electrical receptacle. electrical connection.

Similarly, the second insert 1138 is formed with a pair of straight segments 1164 connected by an angled segment 1166 . Straight segments 1164 each terminate in tab engagement 1158 located proximate to aligned opening 1149 in receptacle 1150, and second insert 1138 may be attached to thin tab 1160 or thick tab 1162 as desired. In this way, the second insert 1138 electrically connects the other of the pair of openings 1149 in the receptacle 1150 with power from the other of the pair of blades of the plug 1152 to connect the receptacle 1150 and the plug. Circuitry between 1152 thus supplies power to device 1000 and other devices (not shown) connected to one of outlets 1150 . In addition, the shape of the housing 1134 can be changed according to needs, such as becoming generally cylindrical, so as to accommodate different structures of the device 1000 and the board 1026 .

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17 , the cardboard cover 1140 is shown. The cover 1140 is made of non-conductive material such as plastic material, and its shape conforms to the shape of the opening end 1144 of the housing 1134 , so that the cover 1140 can fit into the opening end 1144 of the housing 1134 and close the inside of the housing 1134 . The cover 1140 is formed with a peripheral edge 1164 disposed flush with the outermost edge of the open end 1144 of the housing 1134 and a recessed portion 1166 disposed within the edge 1164 . Recessed portion 1166 includes a plurality of openings 1168 spaced throughout portion 1166 positioned adjacent respective inserts 1136 and 1138 within housing 1134 . These openings 1168 allow fasteners (not shown) to be inserted through the openings 1168 to secure the cover 1140 to the housing 134 and allow electrical connections such as wires (not shown) to extend from the inserts 1136 and 1138 through the openings 1168 to the The alignment ring 1142 in the center aligns with the opening 1170 and extends into the device 1000 to connect with the ionization assembly 1044 , the control unit 1074 and the fan assembly 1086 . The opening 1170 in the ring 1142 is preferably located in the center of the ring 1142 to prevent the wires from becoming entangled and possibly broken due to the rotation of the housing 1134 .

The recessed portion 1166 further includes a plurality of sleeves 1172 extending outward from the recessed portion 1166 , which can be inserted into fixing holes 1174 aligned with the sleeves 1172 in the positioning ring 1142 to connect the cover 1140 to the positioning ring 1142 . The retaining ring 1142 is made of a non-conductive material and includes a central recessed portion 1176 and a peripheral flange 1178 disposed around the recessed portion 1176 and includes a downwardly extending edge 1179 opposite the recessed portion 1176 . Recessed portion 1176 is sized to pass through aperture 1180 formed by locking ring 1182 provided on mounting plate 1132 to engage recessed portion 1166 of cover 1140 . The recessed portion 1176 also includes a plurality of locking members 1184 disposed around the recessed portion 1176 . Locking members 1184 each include a locking tab 1186 disposed directly below peripheral flange 1178 of ring 1142 and a biasing member 1188 connecting tab 1186 to recessed portion 1176 . Tab 1186 is engageable in one of a plurality of locking grooves 1190 spaced around the inner perimeter of locking ring 1182 . Tabs 1186 are seated within each slot 1190 until a force applied to device 1000 exceeds the biasing force applied to tabs 1186 by biasing member 1188 to retain tabs 1186 within slots 1190 . Tab 1186, ring 1142, cover 1140, and housing 1134 can then be rotated to align plug 1152 with the receptacle on the wall socket to place device 1000 in a vertical configuration, regardless of whether the socket on which device 1000 is mounted is a horizontal socket or Vertical socket. Additionally, the locking slots 1190 are spaced to position the board housing 1134 in a position such that two of the receptacles 1150 are exposed on opposite sides of the board assembly 1026 . This ensures that the device 1000 when installed in a wall outlet provides the same number of jacks for connecting a stand-alone powered device as a wall outlet not connected to the device 1000 .

Additionally, peripheral flange 1178 and edge 1179 on ring 1142 are adapted to engage the inner edge of locking ring 1182 such that locking ring 1182 is positioned between edge 1179 and recessed portion 1176 directly below flange 1178 . This engagement, together with the connection of the respective recessed portions 1166 and 1176 of the cover 1140 and ring 1142, serves to rotatably secure the board housing 1134 to the mounting plate 1132 while maintaining the position of the board housing 1134 adjacent the mounting plate 1132 .

Additional stability is provided to device 1000 when device 1000 is mounted in a wall outlet by a pair of stops or protrusions 1192 extending rearwardly from mounting plate 1132 on opposite sides of blade housing 1134 . The stops 1192 are preferably integrally formed with the mounting plate 1132 and each include a curved wall 1194 extending outwardly from the mounting plate 1132 and disposed adjacent the plug housing 1134 to allow the housing 1134 to rotate freely without interference from the stops 1192, and A substantially planar outer wall 1196 is attached to the curved wall 1192 opposite the mounting plate 1132 . The outer wall 1196 of each stop 1192 is adapted to engage the wall on one side of the receptacle to hold the device 1000 in a preferred substantially vertical position on the wall.

In a third embodiment of the invention best shown in FIG. 19, the apparatus 1000 shown in FIGS. . Similar to socket assembly 1026, power module 1200 is operatively connected to ionization assembly 1044, control unit 1074, and fan assembly 1086 to provide power to device 1000 through a jack into which a plug (not shown) on cord 1202 plugs. Wires 1202 extend rearwardly from housing 1204 of module 1200 secured to rear housing 1004 of device 1000 opposite chamber 1030 . Housing 1204 has feet 1206 on its lower surface which, together with a pair of brackets 1208 attached to and extending downwardly from bottom 1008 of device 1000, allow device 1000 to be placed on a flat surface such as a table, shelf, desk, etc. 1210, to provide air purification for the environment around the surface 1210. The housing 1204 may also include a switch 1212 for controlling the operation of the device 1000 in a known manner.

While the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention has been disclosed above, practice of the invention is not limited thereto. Obviously, various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the basic inventive concept.

Moreover, individual components need not be formed into the disclosed shapes, or assembled into the disclosed structures, but may be provided in almost any shape and assembled into almost any configuration. In addition, although the filters described herein are physically separate modules, it is clear that they can be integrated in the device with which they are associated. Furthermore, all disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment may be combined with or substituted for disclosed features of each other disclosed embodiment, unless such features are mutually exclusive.

Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty)

1. An air purifier comprising:

a) housing (1002), defining an air inlet (1036), an exhaust port (1038) spaced from said air inlet (1036), and an air outlet extending between said air inlet (1036) and said exhaust an air flow path (1030) between air ports (1038), said air flow path (1030) comprising a straight line segment extending from one of said inlet port (1036) or said exhaust port (1038), and an angled segment extending from said straight segment towards the other of said inlet port (1036) or said exhaust port (1038), wherein said angled segment defines an angle relative to said straight segment, the angle optimizes the purification of air flowing through the device along said air flow path (1030) by creating a substantially laminar airflow along said air flow path (1030); and

b) A baffle (1076) disposed within said air flow channel (1030) at the intersection of said straight segment and said angled segment.

2. The air cleaner according to claim 1, wherein said baffle (1076) comprises a narrow end (1078) connected to said housing (1002) and is positioned opposite said narrow end and placed on said Wide end (1080) within air runner (1030).

3. The air cleaner of claim 2, wherein said baffle (1076) is formed from an elongated planar member having a pair of opposing ends and extending between said pair of opposing ends A pair of opposite sides therebetween, wherein the pair of opposite ends form the narrow end (1078) and are fixed to the housing (1002) substantially perpendicular to the air flow channel (1030).

4. The air cleaner of claim 1 , wherein said angled segment forms an angle between about 20° and about 60° relative to said straight segment.

5. The air cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising an ionization mechanism arranged across the air passage (1030) in the housing, and the ionization mechanism includes a ), a first ionization assembly (1043) of a needle assembly (1046) within the needle assembly (1046), and a grounding assembly (1046) disposed upstream of the needle assembly (1046) along the perimeter of the air flow channel (1030) Component (1052).

6. The air cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising an air moving mechanism (173, 1086) arranged across the air passage (1030) in the housing, the air moving mechanism (173, 1086 )include:

a) A mounting frame (174, 1088) having a central portion (206, 1096), a plurality of support arms (210, 1097) extending outwardly from said central portion (206, 1096) and attached to said support arms ( 210, 1097) and an outer ring (212, 1093) spaced from said central portion (206, 1096);

b) an impeller (216, 1099) rotatably mounted to said central portion; and

c) a second ionization assembly (500) fixed to the mounting frame (174), the second ionization assembly (500) comprising a conductive base member (503) mounted on the ring (212), from the At least one first needle (502) extending radially inwardly of the base member (503), and at least one second needle mounted to said central portion (206).

7. The air cleaner according to claim 6, wherein said at least one first needle (502) is an ionizing needle, and said at least one second needle (504) is a grounding needle.

8. The air cleaner of claim 6, further comprising a filter element (1064) disposed within said housing across said air flow path (1030) and spaced from said air moving mechanism (1086) , the filter has a charge electrically opposite to the charge generated by the first ionization component (1043).

9. The air cleaner of claim 8, wherein said filter element is disposed upstream of said air moving mechanism (1086).

10. An air purifier comprising:

a) Housing (1022) defining an air inlet (1036), an exhaust port (1038) spaced from said air inlet (1036), and an air flow path (1030) between air ports (1038), said air flow path (1030) comprising a straight line segment extending from one of said inlet port (1036) or said exhaust port (1038), and an angled segment extending from said straight segment towards the other of said inlet port (1036) or said exhaust port (1038); and

b) an ionization mechanism disposed in the housing across the air flow channel and adjacent to the air inlet (1036), the ionization mechanism comprising a needle assembly ( 194, 1046), a first ionization assembly (170, 1043) upstream of the needle assembly (194, 1046), and a grounding member (200) disposed around the needle assembly along the periphery of the air flow path (1030) , 1052).

11. The air cleaner according to claim 10, wherein a pair of holes (204) separated by a cross member are defined in said grounding member (200).

12. The air cleaner of claim 11, wherein said needle assembly (194) comprises a pair of ionization needles (198), each needle (198) being connected to said hole (204) defined by said grounding member (200) ) concentrically set.

13. The air cleaner according to claim 10, further comprising a filter element (162) disposed in the housing across the air passage and separated from the ionization mechanism (170), the filter The device (162) has a charge electrically opposite to the charge generated by the first ionization component (170).

14. The air purifier according to claim 13, further comprising a filter frame (176) disposed in the housing across the air passage, wherein the needle assembly (194) is fixed to the filter frame, and wherein the filter (162) is slidably mounted to the filter frame (176).

15. The air cleaner according to claim 14, wherein said grounding member (200) is fixed to said filter frame (176).

16. The air cleaner according to claim 14, further comprising a filter bracket (154) in which said filter (162) is removably placed, said filter bracket (154) being attachable to said filter bracket (154) The filter frame is slidably engaged to position the filter (162) perpendicular to the air flow path.

17. The air cleaner according to claim 10, further comprising a rotatable plug assembly connected to the housing (1002) and engageable with a wall socket, the plug assembly (1026) comprising:

a) plug and socket housing (1134);

b) a locating ring (1142) secured to said plug and receptacle housing (1134) and comprising a plurality of locating members (1184) spaced 90° from each other around the periphery of said locating ring; and

c) a locking ring (1182) disposed on the housing and comprising a plurality of locking members (1190) spaced 90° from each other around the periphery of the locking ring (1182), wherein the retaining ring (1142) can is rotationally engaged within the locking ring (1182), and wherein the positioning member (1184) is engageable with the locking member (1190) to position the housing (1002) in a vertical position relative to the wall receptacle. Straight or horizontal configuration.

18. The air cleaner according to claim 10, further comprising an air moving mechanism ( 1086), said air moving mechanism comprising:

a) A mounting frame (1088) having a central portion (1096), a plurality of support arms (1097) extending outwardly from said central portion (1096), and a plurality of support arms (1097) connected to said support arms (1097) and (1096) spaced outer ring (1093);

b) an impeller (1099) rotatably mounted to said central portion (1096); and

c) a second ionization assembly (500) secured to said mounting frame (1088), said second ionization assembly (500) comprising an electrically conductive base member (503) mounted to said ring, from said base member ( 503) At least one first needle (502) extending radially inwardly, and at least one second needle (504) mounted to said central portion (1096).

19. The air purifier as claimed in claim 10, further comprising: being arranged in the housing across the air passage and between the first ionization assembly (1043) and the second ionization assembly (500) Spaced apart filter elements (162, 1064).

20. The air cleaner of claim 10, wherein said angled segment defines an angle between about 20° and about 60° relative to said straight segment.

Claims (20)

1. air purifier, comprise housing, determined air inlet, and the air vent that separates of described air inlet and extend described air inlet and described air vent between air flow channel, described air flow channel comprises the straightway of an extension from described air inlet or described air vent and from angled section of another extension of described straightway towards described air inlet or described air vent, determined angle with respect to described straightway for wherein said angled section, this angle optimization is along the flow through purification of air of device of described air flow channel.

2. air purifier as claimed in claim 1 also comprises the deflection plate that is arranged at described straightway in the described air flow channel and described angled section infall.

3. air purifier as claimed in claim 2, wherein said deflection plate comprise the narrow end that is connected in described housing and are positioned at described narrow end opposite and place the wide end of described air flow channel.

4. air purifier as claimed in claim 3, wherein said deflection plate is formed by the elongated flat member, described elongated flat member has a pair of end relatively and extends described a pair of a pair of opposite flank between the end relatively, and wherein said a pair of end relatively forms described narrow end and is basically perpendicular to described air flow channel and is fixed in described housing.

5. air purifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein said angled section forms angle between about 20 ° to about 60 ° with respect to described straightway.

6. air purifier as claimed in claim 1, also comprise and be arranged at the interior ionization mechanism of described housing across described air flow channel, described ionization mechanism comprises the earthing component that the upstream that has the first ionization assembly that is arranged at the needle assembly in the described air flow channel and be in described needle assembly is provided with around described needle assembly along the periphery of described air flow channel.

7. air purifier as claimed in claim 1 also comprises being arranged in the described housing across the air travel mechanism of described air flow channel, and described air travel mechanism comprises:

A) installation frame has central part, from outward extending a plurality of support arms of described central part and the outer shroud that is connected in described support arm and separates with described central part;

B) be rotatably mounted in the impeller of described central part; And

C) be fixed in the second ionization assembly of described installation frame, the described second ionization assembly comprises the base member of the conduction that is installed on described ring, at least one first pin that extends radially inwardly from described base member and at least one second pin that is installed on described central part.

8. air purifier as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one first pin is an ionization needle, and described at least one second pin is a grounding pin.

9. air purifier as claimed in claim 7, comprise also being arranged in the described housing that the electric charge that described filter has and the described first ionization assembly produces is opposite electric charge electrically across described air flow channel and the filter cell that separates with described air travel mechanism.

10. air purifier as claimed in claim 9, wherein said filter cell are arranged at the upstream of described air travel mechanism.

11. an air purifier comprises:

A) housing, determined air inlet, and the air vent that separates of described air inlet and extend described air inlet and described air vent between air flow channel, described air flow channel comprises the straightway of an extension from described air inlet or described air vent and from angled section of another extension of described straightway towards described air inlet or described air vent

B) be arranged at the interior ionization mechanism of described housing across described air flow channel and contiguous described air inlet, described ionization mechanism comprises the earthing component that the upstream that has the first ionization assembly that is arranged at the needle assembly in the described air flow channel and be in described needle assembly is provided with around described needle assembly along the periphery of described air flow channel.

12. air purifier as claimed in claim 11 has been determined the pair of holes of being separated by cross member in the wherein said earthing component.

13. air purifier as claimed in claim 12, wherein said needle assembly comprises a pair of ionization needle, and the described hole that each pin and described earthing component are determined is provided with one heart.

14. air purifier as claimed in claim 11, comprise also being arranged in the described housing that the electric charge that described filter has and the described first ionization assembly produces is opposite electric charge electrically across described air flow channel and the filter cell that separates with described ionization mechanism.

15. air purifier as claimed in claim 14, also comprise and be arranged at the interior filter frame of described housing across described air flow channel, wherein said needle assembly is fixed in described filter frame, and wherein said filter is slidably mounted on described filter frame.

16. air purifier as claimed in claim 15, wherein said earthing component is fixed in described filter frame.

17. air purifier as claimed in claim 15, comprise that also described filter is positioned over filter bracket wherein removedly, described filter bracket can engage to place described filter perpendicular to described air flow channel slidably with described filter frame.

18. air purifier as claimed in claim 11 also comprises the rotatable plate assembly that is connected in described housing and can engages with wall socket, described plate assembly comprises:

A) plug and socket housing;

B) locating ring is fixed in described plug and socket housing and comprises that the periphery that centers on described locating ring is spaced from each other a plurality of align members of 90 °; And

C) locking ring, be arranged on the described housing and comprise that the periphery around described locking ring is spaced from each other a plurality of locking components of 90 °, wherein said locating ring rotatably is engaged in the described locking ring, and wherein said align member can engage with described locking component with respect to described wall socket described housing is arranged at vertically or horizontal configuration.

19. air purifier as claimed in claim 11 also comprises being arranged in the described housing across described air flow channel and contiguous described air exhaust air travel mechanism, described air travel mechanism comprises:

A) installation frame has central part, from outward extending a plurality of support arms of described central part and the outer shroud that is connected in described support arm and separates with described central part;

B) be rotatably mounted in the impeller of described central part; And

C) be fixed in the second ionization assembly of described installation frame, the described second ionization assembly comprises the base member of the conduction that is installed on described ring, at least one first pin that extends radially inwardly from described base member and at least one second pin that is installed on described central part.

20. an air purifier comprises:

A) housing, determined air inlet, and the air vent that separates of described air inlet and extend described air inlet and described air vent between air flow channel, described air flow channel comprises the straightway of an extension from described air inlet or described air vent and from angled section of another extension of described straightway towards described air inlet or described air vent, has determined angle between about 20 ° to about 60 ° with respect to described straightway for wherein said angled section;

B) be arranged at the ionization mechanism of the interior contiguous described air inlet of described housing across described air flow channel, described ionization mechanism comprises the earthing component that the upstream that has the first ionization assembly that is arranged at the needle assembly in the described air flow channel and be in described needle assembly is provided with around described needle assembly along the periphery of described air flow channel;

C) the air travel mechanism of contiguous described air vent installation, comprise have central part, from the outward extending a plurality of support arms of described central part be connected in described support arm and the installation frame of the outer shroud that separates with described central part, the second ionization assembly that is rotatably mounted in the impeller of described central part and is fixed in described installation frame, at least one first pin that the described second ionization assembly comprises the base member of the conduction that is installed on described ring, extends radially inwardly from described base member, and at least one second pin that is installed on described central part; And

D) be arranged in the described housing across described air flow channel and at the isolated filter cell of described first ionization assembly and the described second ionization assembly.

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