WO1993024168A1

WO1993024168A1 - Portable air conditioner

Info

Publication number: WO1993024168A1
Application number: PCT/NO1993/000088
Authority: WO
Inventors: Iver Hansen
Original assignee: Iver Hansen
Priority date: 1992-05-11
Filing date: 1993-06-01
Publication date: 1993-12-09
Also published as: AU4360293A; AU677205B2; EP0643595A1; JPH08503622A; CA2137006A1; US5749359A; FI945652A0; KR100331455B1; EP0643595B1; DE69320955T2; ATE170762T1; FI945652A; NO921853D0; DE69320955D1

Abstract

A personal portable air conditioner or air purifier with a carrying arrangement, which includes a neck strap (11), delivers conditioned or purified air to the head/facial area of the user. The apparatus consists of a filter/fan unit (8, 2), arranged to direct a concentrated flow of conditioned or purified air toward the user's mouth and nose. The filter/fan unit may also be kept secure in its position by a lower belt (fig. 4) which is included in the carrying arrangement, or for instance by using braces or a tight fitting pocket in a useful position. The filter/fan unit is also equipped with a rapid fastening arrangement, for instance a Velcro<R> attachment (20), for one or several additional accessories for air regulation included as optional parts of the apparatus.

Description

PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER
This invention is a portable air conditioning or air purifying unit for persons with health problems due to air quality. These health problems include headache, fatigue, depressions, etc. and possibly some types of allergic and asthmatic reactions as well.

To improve air quality there are many devices available. However, most have the common disadvantage of purifying air only in the immediate surroundings without always securing sufficient purification and improvement of air closest to the users headnacial and breathing area.

Even when using expensive stationary air conditioners and purification equipment, users may stili breathe polluted and noxious air when for instance cigarette smoke comes between the user and the air purifying unit.

Having some health problems due to air pollution, the inventor has been experimenting since 1977 making both stationary and portable air purifiers. He came to the conclusion that he benefited most when using an air purifier close to his breathing organs. Therefore, he made air purifiers smaller and portable, because other purifiers on the market were stationary and consequently did not solve the health problems mentioned above.

In a German publication, DE 27 33 729 B 2, a stationary air purifier with a combination of ionizer and fan has been presented earlier. This purifier does not solve the above mentioned problems as it is stationary.

The inventor designed several small air purifiers which are portable and use a neck strap. He also designed portable ionizers having certain simitar features as those types which were later patented by others, see Norwegian laid-open publication &num; 167246 and international publication &num; WO 92116251. According to the inventor's experience, none of these ionizers offer a satisfactory solution to health problems like headache, fatigue, and other discomfort related to air pollution.

This lack of effect also seems to be confirmed by doctors that have made investigations in this regard. Another disadvantage to ionizers is that they contain a high voltage unit and are surrounded by an electric field which may cause discomfort to some persons. Short-term use of ionizers is considered acceptable by health professionals, but there are questions concerning long-term effects. Experiments show that long-term use of portable ionizers close to the body may cause discomfort to susceptible persons. The inventor has solved this problem by placing an ionizer to the outside of the main apparatus (fig. 1) so that the electrical field has less eosure to the body compared with the portable ionizers mentioned above.

Also, the inventor has designed additional equipment (optional) in the ionizer, inter alia a pot meter which allows the user to adjust the amount of ionization to fit individual need. In addition thereto. the inventor has an adjustable field regulator in his ionizer, thereby enabling an even greater adaptation fo personal need. Also included is a lower belt attachment which stabilizes the ionizer, avoiding the pendulous movements of prior ionizers when walking and in motion.

In areas having variable and poor air quality, the air will normally consist of far more noxious gases and pollutants that can possibly be purified by a simple portable or stationary ionizer, because an ionizer has a limited range of operation. The inventor has for many years constructed and tested prototypes of portable air purifiers, and has come to the conclusion that ionizing alone is usually not sufficient. A more versatile air purification system is necessary to obtain satisfactory results.

Obviously, there is a need to focus a multiqiltered stream of air directly to the breathing organs from a short distance, using a speed regulator. Experience shows that this gives the best health resutts, because the user of such a portable purifier generally gets the health advantages of improved air quality no matter where he is residing. Thus, there should be a clear demand for an apparatus which offers both versatility and adjustability to various user body shapes and health problems, i.e.

an apparatus incorporating the possibility of individual adaptation to the particular user.

In order to solve the above problems for persons sensitive to air pollution, there is consequently an obvious need for such a portable apparatus offering a better and wider function than the simple principle of ionization alone. The need is met by making available an apparatus of the type precisely defined in the appended patent claims.

The apparatus in accordance with the invention is hereby described more closely by referring to exemplary embodiments thereof and with reference to the enclosed drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 shows a fan and filter unit, which constitute the central main part of the
apparatus.

Fig. 2 shows the cooling and humidifying unit of the apparatus, which unit must be
regarded as optional equipment that is used only under certain weather and
temperature conditions.

Fig. 3 also shows additional equipment, i.e. an ionizer, which is only used under
particular air conditions.

Fig. 4 shows the lower beft, which is quite essential to keep the main
apparatus (fig. i) in a stable and secure position when the user is in motion.

Fig. 5 shows a socalled swan's neck or mouth plece which may be used
advantageously in heavily polluted areas or when wind deflects the air stream
from the main apparatus.

Fig. 6 shows an adjustable directing fin for the direction of air flow.

Fig. 7 shows a cooling and humiditying unit, lighter than the unit of Fig. 2. and more
suitable for use when mobile.

Fig. 8 shows a smaller ionizer which is more suitable for ionization of air entering the
filters.

Fig. 9 shows the most commonly used position of the main apparatus on the body.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of the apparatus with an electronic auto control unit on
top of the apparatus for automatic focusing of air flow towards the respiratory organs of the user.

Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of the apparatus which provides the option of thicker
filters for use in more polluted areas.

Fig. 12 shows the use of the apparatus in heavily polluted situations, where a mask is
necessary to keep polsonous air away from the respiratory organs.

Fig. 13 shows the use of the air purifier in heavy air pollution where there Is a danger of
damage to eyesight.

Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of the apparatus having a propeller type fan.

Fig. I shows a unit consisting of a fan (2) and a filter unit (8). The filter unit may comprise of an active carton filter, a prafilter (B5) and a post-filter (66). The fan sucks the air by the rear hatch way (13) and through the filters (8,65,66). The air then passes through the fan (2) and is thereafter hurled toward the users respiratory organs. Filters may easily be changed by opening the rear hatch way (13) by way of a simple rapid coupling system, e.g a magnet attachment or a screw connection (14A). A full disconnection of the rear hatch way (13) is simply done by additionally bending outward the tongue like projections below the lower belt attachment (22).

Pulling out the filter unit (8) and the filter cassette (67), makes the NiCd battery (3) and the fan (2) easily accessible. By loosening the fan center screw, the motor (1) is accessible for lubncation and maintenance. The battery may altematively be reached by an extenor slide hatch as is the case in one of the inventor's prototypes. In another alternative, an exterior plug may be mounted for charging the battery, running the motor, cooling, electronics, etc. The wind direction fins (10) are quite necessary to catch and forward the rotating air from the centrifugal fan. The speed regulator (4) is quite necessary to obtain an air current of suitable speed from the apparatus.

The lower belt attachment (22) has a small plug centering into the apparatus (fig. 1) and another plug protruding for attachment of the hoop or ring (68) on the lower belt (fig. 4). Between the nngs (68) there is an elastic middle strap (69) which makes the hoops dasp firmly on to the lower belt attachment (22).

This solution also makes it possible to use the lower belt invisibly, if the user accepts that the covering clothes enter between the belt attachment and the hoop (68). By tuming an adjustment screw (14A), it is easy to adjust the apparatus so that the user receives an adequate flow of air directly toward the nose and mouth. The lengths of the lower belt (fig. 4) and the neck strap (11) are adjustable by means of a rear slide buckle, e.g. of the socalled Fastex type.

Most people have an indent in the middle of the chest due to the shape of the rib cage. The middle of the rear hatch (13) on the apparatus may have a convex shape corresponding to the indent of the rib cage. The lower belt (fig. 4) pulls the apparatus against the indent to stabilize irs position.

This solution offers more room for the filter unit (8) as well as counteracting pendulous movements of the apparatus when in motion.

The cooler and humidifier units (fig. 2 and fig. 7) may have a grating andlor a pipe system for cooling and humidifying the air when it passes the air duct (26) on the top of the apparatus.

Filters arranged in series (8) may comprise both of active carbon filters, electrostatic filters, and other filter types which contribute to the removal of harmful gases and particles, thereby Improving the air for respiration.

The electronic auto control unit (50-58) consists inter alia of:
An electromotor (50) to direct the air flow sideways when the user is tuming his head to the side. An electromotor (51) to direct the air flow backward and forward.

Detectors (52,53), control electronics (55), a bevel wheel control (57), side directional fin (56), magnetic swift lock (58).

Claims

1. A personal portable air purifying apparatus with a carrying arrangement which includes a neck strap (11), for delivery of purified air to the users headifacial area, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that it comprises a filterifan unit (8,2), adapted to direct a concentrated stream of purified or conditioned air toward the users mouth and nose, said filterifan unit also being kept in a stable and secure position by a lower belt (fig. 4) included in the carrying arrangement, or for instance by the use of straps or a tight fitting pocket or pouch in a suitable position.

and in that said filtertfan unit is equipped with a rapid fastening arrangement, for instance a Velcro attachment (20), for one or several further air influencing units to be Included as optional parts of the apparatus.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, c h a r a C t e r i z e d in that said further air influencing units comprise an ionizing unit (fig. 3 and fig. 8), an air coolingihumidifying unit (fig 2 and fig. 7) and air current steering devices (14 A, 14B, 50w58, fig 5, fig. 6, 64).

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said air current steering devices include an electronic control means (5058), comprising detectors (52,53) for head movement of the user and controllable devices (51,56,57,58) in or by an air outlet orifice for changing air fanning direction.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the air current steering devices include a manually adjustable contraption for channeiing a flow of air towards the desired area, for Instance a manually adjustable directing fin (fig. 6, 64) or swan's neck (fig. 5) of a flexible type, both having a base attachable at the top of the apparatus by the use of a Velcro attachment (20), a magnet attachment, or other rapid fastening arrangements.

5. Apparatus according to claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the air current steering devices include a flexible and elastic air duct (59), attached by means of a quick fastening arrangement, for instance a Velcro attachment (20), to the filteritan unit (fig. 1 and 60), and a mask which covers the nose and mouth (fig. 12), optionally also the eyes (fig. 13).

6. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a C t e r i z e d in that it includes a housing with an adjustable sloping rear hatch (fig 1,13), adaptable to the users chest angle and posture, by e.g. an adjustment screw (14A), notches or tooth edged adjustment pin (14B) arranged at the top or bottom of the apparatus for adjustment of the angle of the rear hatch.

7. Apparatus according to one of claims 2-6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the ionizing unit (fig. 3) ionizes the departing air of the apparatus and is easily attachable as a front pert of the apparatus by means of a Velcro attachment (20), magnet attachment, or another rapid fastening arrangement, by which the ionizing unit (fig. 3) is placed as far away from the users body as practically possible, optionally, by having a smaller ionizing unit (fig. 8) influencing the air and being correspondingly attachable as a top part of the apparatus, and that the ionizing units (tig. 3 and fig. 8) are adjustable (17) regarding the amount of ionization, and optionally, directional adjustment of outgoing ions (18).

8. Apparatus according to one of claims 2-7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the coolingihumidifying unit (fig. 2 and fig. 7) includes a thermoëiectric cooling unit which can be fastened to the filterifan unit by a Velcro attachment (20), magnets or other quick fastening arrangement.

9. Apparatus according to one of claims 2-7, c h a r a C t e r i z e d in that the coolinçhumidifying unit (fig. 2 and fig. 7) comprises a cooling means based on refrigerated material, for instance ice, dry ice or the like.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the coolinglhumidifying unit (fig. 2) consists of an outside Insulated covering case (61), the interior cooling sheath (62) of the covering case having a shape adapted to the exterior shape of the filterifan unit ot, optionally to the exterior shape of the filtertfan unit when said further air infiuencing unit is attached thereto.

11. Apparatus according to one of claims 2-10, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said filterifan unit (fig. 1) includes a filter (8), optionally consisting of several partial filters of various types arranged in series, close to an air inlet (63), and a fan (2) which may be of a centrifugal or propeller type.

AMEM]ED CHUMS [received by the International Bureau on 1 November 1993 (01.11.93); original claim 1 amended; new claims 2 and 3 added; remaining claims unchanged but renumbered as claims 4-13 (2 pages) 1. A personal portable air purifying apparatus with a carrying arrangement which includes a neck strap (11), for delivery of purified air to the users headlfacial area, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that it comprises a filterifan unit (8,2), adapted to direct a concentrated stream of purified or conditioned air toward the users mouth and nose.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said filterifan unit is kept in a stable and secure position by a lower belt (fig. 4) included in the carrying arrangement, or for instance by the use of straps or a tight fining pocket or pouch in a suitable position.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r I z e d in that said filterifan unit is equipped with a rapid fastening arrangement, for instance a Velcro attachment (20), for one or several further air influencing units two be included as optional parts of the apparatus.

4. ADparatus according to claim 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said further air influencing units comprise an ionizing unit (fig. 3 and fig. 8), an air cooling/humidifying unit (fig. 2 and fig. 7) and air current steenng devices (14A, 14B, 5s58, fig 5, fig. 6, 64).

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said air current steering devices include an electronic control means (50-58), compnsing detectors.(52,53) for head movement of the user and controllable devices (51,56,57,58) in or by an air outlet orifice for changing air fanning direction.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the air current steering devices Include a manually adjustable contraption for channeling a flow of air towards the desired area, for instance a manually adjustable directing fin (fig. 6, 64) or swan's neck (fig. 5) of a flexible type, both having a base attachable at the top of the apparatus by the use of a Velcro attachment (20), a magnet attachment, or other rapid fastening arrangements.

7. Apparatus according to claim 4, c h a r a c I e r i z e d in that the air current steering devices include a flexible and elastic air duct (59), attached by means of a quick fastening arrangement, for instance a Velcro attachment (20), to the filter/fan unit (fig. I and 60), and a mask which covers the nose and mouth (fig. 12), optionally also the eyes (fig. 13).

8. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that it includes a housing with an adjustable sloping rear hatch (fig 1,13), adaptable to the users chest angle and posture, by e.g. an adjustment screw (14A), notches or tooth edged adjustment pin (14B) arranged at the top or bottom of the apparatus for adjustment of the angle of the rear thatch.

9. Apparatus according to one of claims 48, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the ionizing unit (fig. 3) ionizes the departing air of the apparatus and Is easily attachable as a front part of the apparatus by means of a Velcro attachment (20), magnet attachment, or another rapid fastening arrangement, by which the ionizing unit (fig. 3) is placed as far away from the users body as practically possible, optionally, by having a srrialler ionizing unit (fig. 8) influencing the air and being correspondingly attachable as a top part of the apparatus, and that the ionizing units (fig. 3 and fig. 8) are adjustable (17) regarding the amount of ionization, and optionally, directional adjustment of outgoing ions (18).

10. Apparatus according to one of claims 4-9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d In that the cooling/humidifying unit (fig. 2 and fig. 7) includes a thermoelectric cooling unit which can be fastened to the filter/fan unit by a Velcro attachment (20), magnets or other quick fastening arrangement.

11. Apparatus according to one of claims 4-9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cooling/humidifying unit (fig. 2 and fig. 7) comprises a cooling means based on refrigerated material, for'instance ice, dry ice or the like.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the coofinglhumidifying unit (fig. 2) consists of an outside insulated covering case (61), the interior cooling sheath (62) of the covering case having a shape adapted to the exterior shape of the filter/fan unit or, optionally to the exterior shape of the filter/fan unit when said further air Influencing unit is attached thereto.

13. Apparatus according to one of claims 4-12, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said filtertlan unit (fig. 1) includes a filter (8), optionally consisting of several partial filters of vanous types arranged in series, close to an air inlet (63), and a fan (2) which may be of a centrifugal or propeller type.