HK40007428A - Domestic system for purifying air - Google Patents

Description

The present invention generally relates to an air purification system intended for use in a user's home or dwelling to sanitize, filter or purify the air in the dwelling.

EP2905584B1 describes a household air purifier, but the system described does not provide information on the air quality of the whole house and the user must move the unit through each room to treat them one by one, resulting in a waste of time and effort if a room has acceptable air quality because it will be treated anyway.

One purpose of the present invention is to address the disadvantages of the above-mentioned prior art document and in particular, first, to propose an air purifier system that avoids unnecessary effort and operation for the user to treat all rooms in his dwelling.

For this purpose, a first aspect of the invention concerns an air purification system comprising: an air purifier with a control unit and a filtration unit controlled by the control unit,at least a human-machine interface,at least one nomadic air sensor arranged to be able to: The test chemical shall be used for the determination of the concentration of the test chemical in the test chemical. the control unit is configured to receive from at least one human-machine interface an instruction to control the filtration unit according to at least:a coupled operation mode taking into account feedback from the coupled nomadic air sensor, and a decoupled operation mode not taking into account feedback from the decoupled nomadic air sensor, characterised by the fact that in the uncoupled mode of operation of the air purifier, at least one human-machine interface is arranged to display measurements of the uncoupled nomadic air sensor.

The air sensor is an air pollution sensor to measure air quality.

The system according to the above implementation includes a nomadic air sensor which can be coupled or disconnected from the air purifier. In other words, the nomadic air sensor can be disconnected to be moved and detached from the purifier, and it can still operate autonomously, to measure air quality (level of particles such as fine particles, presence of chemical compounds such as volatile organic compounds, or biological compounds, etc.), and to communicate with the human-machine interface for the latter to display the measurement results.

The advantage of the invention is that the nomadic air sensor can send measurement data to the human-machine interface for display, thus informing the user of the air quality level.

In addition, if the uncoupled nomadic air sensor is in a space where the air purifier is not located, then the air purifier shall operate in the uncoupled mode of operation, without taking into account the measurements of the nomadic air sensor, as they are not relative to the space where the air purifier is located.

In addition, if the nomadic air sensor can be coupled to the air purifier to transmit the measurements to it to allow closed loop operation and decoupled operation of the air purifier to allow decoupled operation, provision can be made to attach or detach the nomadic air sensor from the air purifier regardless of the coupled or decoupled status. In particular, when the nomadic air sensor is in decoupled status in the remote location (another room in the dwelling), it is obviously detached from the air purifier, but in coupled status, the nomadic air cap can be attached or detached from the air purifier. Finally, however, when the air cap is attached to the air purifier, it can be disconnected to disconnect the operation and forcing the measurements to operate in a transmission mode.

In summary, the user can operate the air purifier in the decoupled mode of operation to improve the air quality of a first room in his home, and at the same time he can simply place the nomadic air sensor (detached and decoupled) in a second room in his home to take measurements of the air quality in that second room, which will be displayed by the human-machine interface.

In particular, depending on the above system implementation, the nomadic air sensor may be put into a coupled state after a coupling action, or put into a disconnected state after a disconnection action.

The human-machine interface may include control buttons, a display or a touch screen.

The advantage of the decoupled mode is that it is an open-loop mode which does not take into account any feedback from the air sensor, and in this way the air purifier operates in the simplest possible way, i.e. continuously, without taking into account any external feedback.

The air purification system shall, to the advantage, include at least one additional air sensor and the decoupled mode shall include: a closed loop operation mode taking into account the feedback of at least one other air sensor, or an open loop operation mode not taking into account any air sensor feedback. Depending on this implementation, the system includes several air sensors, one of which is the nomadic air sensor that can be moved to another room. The other air sensor can then remain in the same place as the air purifier and send the measurement results to it.

The advantage is that another sensor is integrated into the air purifier. In particular, the other air sensor can be permanently installed on the air purifier. Minimalist functions can be provided for this other air sensor (the other air sensor only measures part of the parameters that the nomadic air sensor can measure), so that the most important measurements (e.g. only a global presence of fine particles, and only one chemical species) can be sent to the air purifier and ensure operation with a basic performance. The nomadic air sensor, operating more comprehensive measurements, when coupled, can provide all the other measures to ensure optimal operation.

Alternatively, the other air sensor is an external sensor to the air purifier, such as a sensor of a separate air conditioning unit, and which may transmit data to the air purifier by wireless or non-wired transmission.

Alternatively, the other air sensor is a portable, removable sensor designed to operate with a portable electronic device. Such basic sensors can provide the air purifier with measurements for closed-loop operation, while the nomadic air sensor is placed away from the purifier to perform autonomous measurements on its side.

The advantage of the coupled mode is that the control unit takes into account: The second option of this implementation is that the control unit can receive measurements from both air sensors, and it can be planned to prioritize the taking into account (the most accurate sensor is prioritized, for example), or a weighting (such as an average), or a supplementary taking into account (the nomadic air sensor only measures fine particles, for example, and the other air sensor only measures certain chemical species).

The advantage is that in the uncoupled or coupled mode of operation of the purifier, the control unit takes into account the worst of the measurements between the measurements returned by the nomadic air sensor and the other air sensor.

The advantage of the air purification system is that it includes a nomadic module that integrates the nomadic air sensor and at least a human-machine interface.

The advantage is that the nomadic module includes a numerical computing unit, i.e. the nomadic air module is equipped to process the sensor measurements itself, to send adequate data either to the human-machine interface or to the control unit.

The advantage of the nomadic module is that it includes a self-contained ventilation unit, arranged to create an air flow to a measuring portion of the nomadic air sensor, which can then make reliable and representative measurements of the environment in which it is located.

The advantage of the nomadic module is that it includes means of storing electrical energy.

The advantage is that the air purification system includes a portable multimedia electronic device, such as a touch tablet or a smartphone, arranged to form the said man-machine portable interface and arranged to display measurements from the nomadic air sensor. The nomadic module and/or nomadic air sensor may be expected to be display-less, but may send measurement data to the portable electronic device which is equipped with a display screen. A link by radio waves, or even via the Internet or telephone network may be considered to send measurement data from the nomadic air sensor to the electronic device and the man-machine portable interface.

The advantage is that the air purifier includes a man-machine interface designed to establish a data connection with the control unit, and to receive a command from a user and send the command to the control unit and/or the filtration unit.

The advantage of this is that the human-machine interface is a first human-machine interface designed to display the measurements of the uncoupled nomadic air sensor in uncoupled mode and the air purification system includes a second human-machine interface designed to control the air purifier in uncoupled mode.

The system has two human-machine interfaces, each dedicated to a particular function, in the decoupled mode: this helps the user to control the system.

The first human-machine interface is complementary to the nomadic air sensor, in other words, the nomadic air sensor is integrated with the first human-machine interface, which together form a self-contained, portable electronic unit.

In other words, the second man-machine interface is installed or integrated on or in the air purifier, allowing the user to control it directly by being next to (immediate proximity), even if the nomadic air sensor is at a distance (in another room).

The purifier can be planned to be controlled from the first human-machine interface, or from the second human-machine interface, which leaves the user with complete freedom.

It is also possible to provide for the display of the measurements of the nomadic air sensor on the first man-machine interface, but also on the second man-machine interface.

The advantage of the air purification system is that it includes complementary contact terminals, arranged to make electrical contact between the air purifier and the nomadic air sensor when the latter is coupled (or attached) to the air purifier.

The advantage of the air purification system is that it includes a contactless connection interface, arranged to establish a contactless connection between the air purifier and the nomadic air sensor.

A second aspect of the invention is a process for using an air purification system according to the first aspect, comprising the steps of: control the air purifier from at least one human-machine interface to operate the filtration unit in a room of a dwelling,position the uncoupled nomadic air sensor in a location away from the air purifier, for example in another room of the dwelling, and then control the filtration unit according to the uncoupled mode of operation,display on the said human-machine interface the measurements of the nomadic air sensor.

This method of use allows measuring air quality at a remote location from the purifier, which then operates in uncoupled mode. It should be noted that the initial operation of the purifier may be either in coupled or uncoupled mode. However, once the nomadic air sensor is in another room (and in an uncoupled state), then the purifier operates in uncoupled mode. The user can then check the air quality in one or more rooms without stopping or moving the air purifier.

The advantage is that the use process includes the following steps: move the air purifier to the previously remote location,operate the air purifier from at least one human-machine interface,pair the nomadic air sensor to the air purifier,operate the filtration unit according to the mode of operation coupled in the said location.

Preferably, if the nomadic air sensor is coupled and attached to the air purifier and the purification unit is operating in the coupled mode, then the process includes a step to automatically operate the purification unit in the uncoupled mode when the nomadic air sensor is detached from the air purifier.

The advantage is that the purification unit is automatically controlled in the coupled mode when the nomadic air sensor is reattached to the air purifier.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly seen by reading the following detailed description of a method of carrying out the invention given as a non-limiting example and illustrated by the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an overview of an air purification system with a nomadic module coupled to an air purifier;

Figure 2 represents the system in Figure 1, with the air purifier's uncoupled nomadic module;

Figure 3 shows a first use of the air purification system in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 shows a second mode of operation of the air purification system in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1 shows an air purification system comprising an air purifier 10 supporting a nomadic module 20 coupled and attached to the air purifier 10.

The air purifier 10 typically comprises a control unit 11 and a filtration unit 12 housed in a housing so that it can filter and purify air from a room in a user's dwelling.

For this purpose, a first filter unit for removing particulate matter, such as at least a HEPA filter, and a second filter unit containing an active substance, such as activated carbon, for reacting with chemical compounds or living organisms may be provided.

In particular, it can be envisaged to treat airborne particles with an aerodynamic diameter (or aerodynamic diameter) of less than 10 micrometres rated PM10, finer particles with a diameter of less than 2,5 micrometres, called fine particles or PM2.5, volatile organic compounds (formaldehyde, benzene, etc.), carbon monoxide. A filtration structure such as that described in FR3026020A1 may be provided for this purpose.

The air purifier also includes grids 13 to allow the filtration unit 12 to establish an air flow with the space in which it is located.

The nomad module 20 shall primarily comprise at least one non-represented nomad air sensor, which is configured to measure, without limitation, at least one or more of the following parameters: The following data are available for the calculation of the CO2 content of the product:

The nomadic module 20 may also, according to a preferred embodiment, include a man-machine interface 31 here in the form of a touch screen display, to control the control unit 11 and also to display measurements (or measurement results) made by the nomadic air sensor.

The nomadic module 20 is intended to operate in cooperation with air purifier 10 (coupled), or autonomously (disconnected). In Figure 1, the nomadic air module is attached and coupled to air purifier 10, while in Figure 2 it is disconnected and detached from air purifier 10, and in Figure 2 an imprint 14 is formed in air purifier 10 to hold the nomadic module 20 in a stable manner.

Therefore, a first coupled mode of operation can be envisaged, in which, as in Figure 1 for example, the air purifier 10 takes into account the measurements of the coupled and housed in the nomadic module nomadic air sensor 20 to control the filtration unit 12. In particular, if the nomadic air sensor detects a particle or chemical or biological compound content above a threshold, then the control unit 11 drives the filtration unit 12 to filter and purify the surrounding air. Once the air quality is deemed satisfactory by the control unit 11 receiving the measurements of the nomadic air sensor, the control unit 11 can then command the shutdown of the filtration unit 12.

A second decoupled mode of operation may be provided. In this case, the control unit 11 receives a decoupled mode start order from a human-machine interface and then operates the filtration unit without taking into account the measurements of the nomadic air sensor housed in the decoupled nomadic module 20. In the decoupled mode of operation, there is no interaction between the air purifier 10 and the nomadic module 20, whether the latter is connected or disconnected.

As a result, the Nomad 20 can be switched off or more conveniently placed in a remote location from the air purifier 10 and operate autonomously, without communicating with the air purifier 10. In particular, the user can then place the Nomad 20 in another room in their dwelling, and have the measurements or measurement results of the Nomad 20 sensor displayed on the human-machine interface 31 of the Nomad 20 to determine whether the room in question has satisfactory air quality or not. This does not require the air purifier 10 to be moved into that room of the dwelling, which significantly improves the ergonomics of the system. Furthermore, the uncoupled mode of operation allows the air purifier 10 to function without taking into account the measurements made in another room.

However, it may be possible to use another air sensor to provide feedback to the control unit 11 when the nomadic module 20 is disconnected, in which case the air purifier operates in a closed loop (the ventilation is controlled by an air quality feedback) or to operate the air purifier in an open loop (without any air quality feedback) if no other air sensor is provided, in which case the air purifier can only operate in two states: on or off directly by the user.

Another human-machine interface 33 may also be provided, consisting of a portable electronic device (a touch-sensitive tablet or a smart mobile phone) to display the measurements of the nomadic air sensor, or to operate the control unit.

Another man-machine interface 32 visible in Figures 1 and 2 can also be considered and permanently installed on air purifier 10 to control the latter directly.

Figure 3 shows the use in the coupled mode of operation. Air purifier 10 is located in room A of a user's dwelling, and the nomad module 20 which is here in the attached position and in coupled status. It is also possible to use the nomad module 20 in the detached position, but then it must be in room A. Indeed, according to the coupled mode of operation, the air purifier 10 is controlled according to the measurements of the integrated nomad air sensor in the nomad module 20.

Figure 4 shows use in the decoupled mode of operation. Air purifier 10 is located in room A of a user's dwelling and operates continuously regardless of the measurements made by the decoupled nomadic air sensor. In fact, the nomadic module 20 which is here in a detached position is placed in room B on the lower floor of the dwelling. In this case, the man-machine interface 31 of the nomadic module 20 displays the measurements made by the nomadic air sensor.

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Another man-machine interface 33 can be seen as above, consisting of a mobile phone held by the user standing in a third room C of the dwelling, and also displaying the measurements of the nomadic air sensor. The flexibility of the system is improved.

To enable this use, it may be envisaged to equip the air purifier 10 and the nomad module 20 with wireless communication units (of the radio wave, WIFI or Bluetooth type or other) to transmit data directly between the devices described, or via an internet network for example.

Finally, the Nomadic Air Module 20 is equipped with electricity storage facilities and also a fan to enable it to operate autonomously, especially in the decoupled mode.

It will be understood that various modifications and/or improvements obvious to the tradesman can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in this description without going beyond the scope of the invention defined by the attached claims.

Claims (16)

1. Air purification system including: - What?

   - an air purifier (10) with a control unit (11) and a filtration unit (12) controlled by the control unit (11),

   - at least one human-machine interface (31, 32, 33),

   - at least one nomadic air sensor arranged to be: - What?

   • coupled to the air purifier (10), or

   • disconnected from the air purifier (10),

   - What? The control unit (11) is configured to receive from at least one human-machine interface (31, 32, 33) an instruction to control the filtration unit (12) according to at least: - What?

   • a coupled mode of operation taking into account feedback from the coupled nomadic air sensor; and

   • a decoupled mode of operation which does not take into account feedback from the decoupled nomadic air sensor,

   characterised by the fact that in the uncoupled mode of operation of the air purifier (10), at least one human-machine interface (31, 32, 33) is arranged to display measurements of the uncoupled nomadic air sensor.
2. Air purification system as claimed above, including at least one additional air sensor, in which the decoupled mode of operation includes: - What?

   - a closed-loop mode of operation taking into account the feedback of at least one other air sensor, or

   - an open-loop mode of operation which does not take into account any measurement feedback from the air sensor.
3. Air purification system according to the previous claim, wherein, in the coupled operation mode, the control unit takes into account: - What?

   - only the measurements of the nomadic air sensor, or

   - the measurements of the nomadic air sensor and the measurements of the said other air sensor.
4. Air purification system according to one of claims 2 or 3, where in the uncoupled or coupled mode of operation of the purifier the control unit takes into account the worst of the measurements between the measurements returned by the nomadic air collector and the other air collector
5. Air purification system according to one of the above claims, comprising a nomadic module (20) which integrates the nomadic air sensor and at least a human-machine interface (31, 32, 33).
6. Air purification system according to the previous claim, in which the nomadic module (20) includes a self-contained ventilation unit, arranged to create an air flow to a measuring portion of the nomadic air sensor.
7. Air purification system according to one of the above claims, comprising a portable multimedia electronic device, such as a touch tablet or a smart phone, arranged to form the said portable human-machine interface (33) and arranged to display measurements of the nomadic air sensor.
8. Air purification system according to one of the above claims, wherein the above-mentioned human-machine interface is a first human-machine interface arranged to display the measurements of the uncoupled nomadic air sensor during the uncoupled mode of operation and the air purification system includes a second human-machine interface arranged to control the air purifier during the uncoupled mode of operation.
9. Air purification system according to the previous claim, in which the first human-machine interface (31) is in solidarity with the nomadic air sensor.
10. Air purification system according to claim 8 or 9, in which the second human-machine interface (32) is in solidarity with the air purifier (10).
11. Air purification system according to one of the above claims, including additional contact terminals, arranged to establish electrical contact between the air purifier (10) and the nomadic air collector when the latter is coupled to the air purifier (10).
12. Air purification system according to one of the above claims, including a contactless connection interface, arranged to establish a contactless connection between the air purifier (10) and the nomadic air collector.
13. Process of using an air purification system according to one of the above claims, including the steps of: - What?

    - control the air purifier (10) from at least one human-machine interface to operate the filtration unit (12) in a room of a dwelling,

    - position the uncoupled nomadic air sensor in a remote location from the air purifier (10), for example in another room of the dwelling, and then control the filtration unit (12) according to the uncoupled mode of operation,

    - display on the said human-machine interface the measurements of the nomadic air sensor.
14. Process of use as described in the previous claim, including the steps of: - What?

    - move the air purifier (10) to the previously located remote location,

    - control the air purifier (10) from at least a human-machine interface,

    - pair the nomadic air sensor with the air purifier (10),

    - operate the filtration unit (12) according to the coupled mode of operation in the place.
15. A process of use according to one of claims 13 or 14 in which, if the nomadic air sensor is coupled and attached to the air purifier (10) and the purification unit is operating in coupled mode, then the process includes a step to automatically operate the purification unit in uncoupled mode when the nomadic air sensor is detached from the air purifier (10).
16. Process of use according to one of claims 14 or 15, where the purification unit is automatically controlled in the coupled mode of operation when the nomadic air sensor is re-attached to the air purifier (10).