Claims:We Claim:
1. An air purification device (10) for a household appliance (11),
said air purification device (10) comprising:
- a housing (13) having a detachable at least one operational unit (12) and an integrated control unit (14);
- said at least one operation unit (12) comprises at least one filter (16);
said air purification device (10) positioned in proximity to said appliance (11), said air purification device (10) adapted to collect plurality of impurities generated during working of said appliance (11).

2. The air purification device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one operational unit (12) is chosen from a group of operational units comprising a suction unit (12(a)), a dehumidifier (12(b)), an air filtering unit (12(c)), a cooling unit (12(d)) and the like.

3. The air purification device (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said housing (13) comprises at least one rechargeable battery (18) placed in a docking unit (20) , connected to said control unit (14).

4. The air purification device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of impurities are chosen from a group of impurities comprising grease, small particles of cooked food, oil particles generated from cooking fumes, odor of said cooking fumes and the like.

5. The air purification device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one operational unit (12) comprises a locking element (22) to lock at least two said operational units (12(a/b/c/d)) together.

6. The air purification device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said suction unit (12(a)) comprises a grease filter(16(a)), a fan (24) and a motor (26) connected to said control unit (14), such that, said control unit (14) operates said motor (26) to rotate said fan (24) for sucking said impurities.

7. The air purification device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said operational unit (12(a/b/c/d)) comprises a first cover (28(a/b/c/d)) and a second cover (30(a/b/c/d)) with multiple vents 32 made on either side surface of said each operational unit (12/ab/c/d)) for allowing air to pass through one said operational unit (12) into adjacent said operational unit (12).

8. The air purification device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one filter (16) of said air filtering unit (12(c )) is chosen from a group of filters comprising a HEPA filter, a charcoal filter and the like.

9. The air purification device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cooling unit (12(d)) comprises a filter (16(d)) having a cooling element 34 for absorbing heat from said air that is passed into said cooling unit (12(d)).

10. The air purification device (10) as claimed in claim 1,comprises a cut-section on a rear side of said device (10), for mounting said device (10) on a sliding panel (36) , such that, each of said operational unit (12) can be slided /adjusted on said sliding panel (36).
, Description:Field of the invention
[0001]This disclosure relates to an air purification device for a household appliance.

Background of the invention
[0002]Exhaust air from cooking stoves consists of warm air having grease, particulate matter and odors. It is desirable to remove this exhaust air from the immediate vicinity of the cooking stove so that the air supply does not become stale or rancid. For this purpose, cooking stoves are commonly provided with venting arrangements for exhausting air from the vicinity of the stove to atmosphere outside the building. Generally, a fan is used to draw air to be exhausted from the area in which the stove is used and expel the air to the exterior of the building. Filters for removing grease from the air are commonly included within the air filtration system.

[0003] A US patent application US4235220A discloses an air filtration system for a cooking stove collects exhaust air from the stove with a vent hood, filters grease, particles and odors from the exhaust air and returns the filtered exhaust air to the room in which the stove is used. Exhaust air is cleansed of particles and odors by an activated charcoal filter within a return air conduit leading from the vent hood to the room. An electrically operated fan draws exhaust air into the vent hood, through grease filters and the activated charcoal filter and forces exhaust air back into the room. Regeneration of the activated charcoal filter is provided at selective intervals of time to maintain the effectiveness of the charcoal, and cooling of return air is provided for.

Brief description of the invention:

[0004]It is an object of the invention to provide an air purification device for a household appliance.

[0005]The objects are solved by having the features according to claim 1.

[0006]The invention relates to an air purification device for a household appliance. The air purification device comprises a housing having a detachable at least one operational unit and an integrated control unit. The at least one operation unit comprises at least one filter. The air purification device is positioned in proximity to the appliance for collecting plurality of impurities generated during working of the appliance.

[0007]A feature of this invention is that, the at least one operational unit is chosen from a group of operational units comprising a suction unit, a dehumidifier, an air filtering unit and a cooling unit.

[0008]Another feature of this invention is that, the housing comprises at least one rechargeable battery placed in a docking unit. The docking unit is connected to the control unit.

[0009]Another feature of this invention is that, the plurality of impurities are chosen from a group of impurities comprising grease, small particles of cooked food, oil particles generated from cooking fumes, odor of said cooking fumes and the like.

[0010]Another feature of this invention is that, the at least one operational unit comprises a locking element to lock at least two of the operational units together.

[0011]Another feature of this invention is that, the suction unit comprises a grease filter, a fan and a motor connected to the control unit, such that, the control unit operates the motor to rotate the fan for sucking the impurities.

[0012]Another feature of this invention is that, each of the operational unit comprises a first cover and a second cover with multiple vents made on either side surface of the each operational unit for allowing air to pass through one of the operational unit into adjacent operational unit.

[0013]Another feature of this invention is that, said at least one filter of said air filtering unit is chosen from a group of filters comprising a HEPA filter, a charcoal filter and the like.

[0014]Another feature of this invention is that, the cooling unit comprises a filter having a cooling element for absorbing heat from the air that is passed into the cooling unit.

[0015]Another feature of this invention is that, a cut-section on a rear side of said device, for mounting said device on a sliding panel, such that, each of said operational unit can be slided /adjusted on said sliding panel.

[0016]The above mentioned air purification device is made compact in size, thus not only provides the easy movement of the device but also provides a low-cost solution. The device is used as a multi-purpose device both as the air purification device and as the air-circulation device. The device provides a solution for the fume extraction, as it is brought closer to the source (appliance), thus preventing the fumes from travelling around the room and depositing grease on surfaces, before being removed from the kitchen. The device also provides a way to introduce and increase fresh air quantity in the kitchen environment and tackles the issues of pests in the kitchen as there is no deposition of impurities on the surface where the appliance is placed. The device also provides less installation cost and the maintenance cost when compared to the conventional ducted hoods.

[0017]The filters provided in the device can be replaced when needed without any much hassle. The device also acts as a retrofit solution to the existing exhaust fans/ducted hoods. The number of devices used in a room can be increased based on the requirement. Like in a bigger kitchen like hotels/restaurants, one can have multiple devices positioned strategically to absorb the odors generated and to clear the surroundings. This allows modularity across different kitchen spaces - the combination of the two functions and the ease of switching between them intuitively but rotating the fan unit, results in a comfortable and grease free air and environment. The device also provides a single operational unit to be in use based on the requirement, i.e., the user need not to buy all the operational units and can opt for one or more based on the requirement.

Brief description of the accompanying drawings
An embodiment of the disclosure is described with reference to the following accompanying drawings;
[0018] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of an air purification device, in accordance with an embodiment of this invention; and
[0019] Figure 2 illustrates the air purification device for a household appliance in accordance to the present invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments
[0020] Figure 1 illustrates an air purification device 10 for a household appliance 11, in accordance to one embodiment of the invention. The air purification device 10 comprises a housing 13 having a detachable at least one operational unit 12 and an integrated control unit 14. The at least one operation unit 12 comprises at least one filter 16. The air purification device 10 is positioned in proximity to the appliance 11. The air purification device 10 adapted to collect plurality of impurities generated during working of the appliance 11.

[0021]Further the construction of the air purification device 10 for the household appliance 11 is explained in detail. According to one embodiment of the invention, the household appliance 11 is a chosen from a group of appliance comprising a single burner gas stove or a multi-burner gas stove, an induction stove, an electric stove and the like. However, the appliance 11 is not restricted to the stove, but can be of any other appliance that emits smoke, heat and impure particles like grease, oil.

[0022]The air purification device 10 clears the environment/surrounding of the appliance 11 when placed in proximity to the appliance 11. In one instance, if the appliance 11 is a stove, during the cooking of the food, the cooking process emits lots of grease, oil particles along with the vapors/fumes and heat. The cooking process also emits heat during the operation of the appliance 11.

[0023]In order to provide a clean and a cool surrounding/environment, the present invention provides a solution in the form of the air purification device 10. The air purification device 10 is made compact and comprises at least two filters for filtering the grease and the odor generated during the cooking process and to cool and humidify the air that entered the device 10. However, based on the requirement, the number and the number and type of filters can be altered. The air purification device 10 is made portable such that, the position/placing of the device 10 is not restricted to one location.

[0024]The air purification device 10 comprises at least one operational unit 12 is chosen from a group of operational units comprising a suction unit, a dehumidifier, an air filtering unit and a cooling unit. According to one embodiment of the invention, the air purification device 10 comprises four operational units 12(a/b/c/d). The number of operational units 12(a/b/c/d) can be more or less depending on the requirement from the user. Each of the operational units12 (a/b/c/d) are made detachable from one another and based on the requirement of the user, the user can opt for one or more operational units12 (a/b/c/d).

[0025]Each of the operational units 12(a/b/c/d) comprises a locking element 22 made on a side surface of the corresponding operational units12 (a/b/c/d), such that, when assembled together, the operational units12 (a/b/c/d) are locked to one another and the movement of the operational units12 (a/b/c/d) are restricted. As shown in the figure 1, each of the operational unit 12(a/b/c/d) comprises a locking element 22 made on the side surface and a corresponding cut-section (not shown) made on an adjacent operational unit 12(a/b/c/d) for receiving the locking element 22.

[0026]At least two operational units12 (a/b/c/d) are placed next to each other and using any one of the locking techniques, the locking element 22 of one operational unit 12(a/b/c/d) is pushed into the respective cut-section of the adjacent operational unit12 (a/b/c/d). For instance, the suction unit 12(a) comprises at least one cut-section and the dehumidifier 12(b) comprises corresponding locking element 22. When these two operational units 12(a/b) are assembled next to each other, the locking element 22 is pushed into the cut-section of the suction unit 12(a) , such that, the suction unit 12(a) and the dehumidifier 12(b) are locked together.

[0027]According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking elements 22 and the corresponding cut-sections are made similar in dimensions to all the operational units 12(a/b/c/d) present in the device 10. The device 10 further comprises a sliding panel 36 mounted on a wall or any surface for accommodating the operational units12 (a/b/c/d) of the device 10. According to one embodiment of the invention, the sliding panel 36 is made as an integral component of the device 10. According to another embodiment of the invention, the sliding panel 36 and the device 10 are made as two separate components. The sliding panel 36 comprises the electric connection wires for powering the device 10 when plugged or connected together.

[0028] The device 10 comprises a cut-section on the rear side (on every operational unit 12) for mounting the device 10 onto the sliding panel 36. The operational units 12(a/b/c/d) can be slided for mounting or removing from the panel 36 based on the requirement. Each of the operational unit 12(a/b/c/d) comprises a first cover 28(a/b/c/d) and a second cover 30(a/b/c/d) with multiple vents 32 made on either side surface of the each operational unit 12(a/b/c/d) for allowing cooking fumes/impure air to pass through one the operational unit12(a/b/c/d) into adjacent the operational unit12(a/b/c/d).

[0030]The housing 13 of the device 10 comprises at least one rechargeable battery 18 placed in a docking unit 20, connected to the control unit 14. The device 10 is operated using the rechargeable batteries 18 that are charged, either when the device 10 is switched off or when the device 10 is working. According to one embodiment, the docking station 20 of the device 10 comprises an electric connection for receiving the power through a wired connection. According to another embodiment of the invention, the batteries 18 can be charged through a USB cable with a slot for accommodating the cable in the docking station 20.

[0031]The device 10 further comprises a switch or a radio button positioned on the surface of the housing 13 for the user to operate the device 10. Upon activation of the switch /radio button present on the housing 12 of the device 10, the suction unit 12(a) is operated and clears the surrounding of the appliance 11 by sucking the cooking fumes, heat, impurities in the cooking fumes during the cooking process. The plurality of impurities are chosen from a group of impurities comprising grease, small particles of cooked food, oil particles generated from cooking fumes, odor of said cooking fumes and the like. However it is to be understood that, the impurities are not limited to the above mentioned, but can be of any other impurities that are known to a person skilled in the art.

[0032]The suction unit 12(a) of the device 10 comprises a fan 24, a motor 26 connected to the fan 24 and a control unit 14 adapted to control at least one operation of the fan 24 and the motor 26. The control unit 14 is chosen from a group of control units comprising a microcontroller, a microprocessor, an integrated chip, a digital circuit and the like. The control unit 14 operates the motor 26 to rotate the fan 24 based on a signal from the user. The fan 24 structure is similar to that is known in the state of the art. The control unit 12, the motor 26 and the fan 24 are electrically connected and is positioned in the suction unit 12(a) of the housing 12. The housing 12 of the device 11 comprises a switch or a radio button (not shown) which is operated to activate the motor 26 and to operate the fan24 for absorbing the impurities generated during the cooking process. According to one embodiment of the invention, the motor 26 is an induction motor.

[0033]The suction unit 12(a) comprises a filter 16(a), a first cover 28(a) and a second cover 30(a). The first cover 28(a) is positioned before the filter 16(a) and the second cover 30(a) is positioned behind the fan 24 and the motor unit 26. The first cover 28(a) is made smaller in dimensions than the filter 16(a), such that, the cooking fumes/impure air generated from the appliance 11 is made to pass through the side surfaces of the first cover 28(a) into the filter 16(a) of the suction unit 12(a).

[0034]The filter 16(a) present in the suction unit 12(a) is made in such a way that, it filters all the grease, oil particles from the air that is generated during the cooking process. When the control unit 14 operates the motor 26 to rotate the fan 24, the fan 24 sucks the fumes generating during the cooking process and the sucked fumes/impure air is made to pass through the side surfaces of the front cover 28(a) and via the filter 16(a). The filtered air is made to pass out of the suction unit 12(a) through the second cover 30(a) out into the environment. The user can opt for only the suction unit 12(a) in the air purification device 10 for filtering the grease or oil particles generated during the cooking process. As mentioned above, since the operational units 12(a/b/c/d) are made detachable, the other operational units 12(b/c/d) can be separated by exerting more pressure/force than the predefined pressure /force.

[0035]The other operational unit 12(b) of the device is a dehumidifier. The dehumidifier 12(b) is locked into the suction unit 12(a) using the above disclosed locking element 22 and the locking mechanism. The dehumidifier 12(b) comprises two covers (a first cover 28(b) and a second cover 30(b)) for allowing the flow of the air from the adjacent operational unit 12(C/D). The filtered air from the suction unit 12(a) is received into the dehumidifier unit 12(b) via the first cover 28(b) of the dehumidifier 12(b) and the moisture from the cooking fumes are is reduced using the evaporating mechanism. The working of the dehumidifier 12(b) is not explained in detail as it is known to a person skilled in the art. The dehumidifier 12(b) is using either one of active dehumidifier or a passive dehumidifier for removing the moisture from the filtered air received from the suction unit 12(a).

[0036]The air filtering unit 12(c) is considered as one of the operational units 12 in the device 10. The air filtering unit 12(c ) comprises a first cover 28(c )and a second cover 30(c ) to allow the filtered air received from any one of the adjacent operational unit 12(a/b) (either from the suction unit 12(a) or the dehumidifier 12(b)) . The air filtration unit 12(c) comprises at least one filter 16(c) chosen from a group of filters comprising a HEPA filter, a charcoal filter and the like. The filter 16(1c) having the charcoal element of this operational unit 12(c) removes the odor/smell from the filtered air received from the adjacent operational unit 12(a) or 12(b).

[0036]The HEPA filter 16(2c) in particular helps in removing the particulate matter present in the cooking fumes/impure air generated during the cooking process. Thus, the second stage of filtering of the cooking fumes/impure air is achieved. The filtered air is now processed into the adjacent operational unit 12(d).

[0037]The cooling unit 12(d) receives the filtered air from the adjacent operational unit 12(a/b/c) (either from suction unit 12(a) /dehumidifier 12(b) /air filtration unit 12(c)) through a first cover 28(d) made on the side surface of the cooling unit 12(d). The cooling unit 12(d) comprises a cooling element 34 for absorbing heat from the air that is passed into the cooling unit 34 and after the absorption process, the cool fresh air (without any impurities and odor) is released into the surroundings of the appliance 11. The cooling element 34 is chosen from a group of cooling elements like a wood wool immersed in a tank of water and the like. The heat from the filtered air is absorbed into the wood wool and the water, thus allowing the filtered cool air out into the atmosphere. The filtered cool and fresh air is released into the atmosphere via a second cover 30(d) present on a side surface of the cooling unit 12(d).

[0038]According to one embodiment of the invention, the air purification device 10 comprises a stand and a guide rail assembly formed on either side of the device 10, such that, a height of the air purification device 10 is adjusted using the guide rail assembly. The stand and the air purification device 10 are made as separate components according to one embodiment. The stand comprises the guide on either side corresponding to the rail made on the side surfaces of the housing 13 of the device 10.

[0039]By moving the guide in the rail, the height of the device 10is altered accordingly. When used as air purification device 10, the height of the device 10 is adjusted based on the height of the appliance 11. When used as the air circulation unit, the device 10 height is adjusted based on the atmospheric air available (i.e., according to a window frame or the like). The device 10 is made of is made of heat-resistant and anti-inflammable material, such that the heat generated during the operation of the appliance 11 will not damage the device 10.

[0040]A method of working of the air purification device 10 for the household appliance 11 is explained in detail. The device 10 is positioned in proximity to the appliance 11. In one instance, the appliance 11 is a stove. The device 10 is positioned near to the stove as shown in the figure 2. When the stove is operated, the cooking process generates multiple impurities that needs to be cleared. The cooking fumes/vapors that are generated during the cooking process, is sucked into the device 10, upon activating a switch/radio button present on the device 10 by the user. According to one embodiment of the invention, the device 10 comprises a sensor that is adapted to detect/sense the fumes/vapor in the surroundings and gets activated.

[0041]The sucked cooking fumes/vapors are made to pass through the first cover 14 of the suction unit 12(a) and the filter 16(a) of the suction unit 12(a), before entering the suction unit 12(a). The filter 16(a) filters the grease/oil particles present in the cooking vapors /fumes and the filtered air is made to pass through the suction unit 12(a). From there, the filtered air undergoes through second round of filtration for removing the moisture present within using the dehumidification techniques in the dehumidifier 12(b). The dry filtered air is then made to pass through the second cover 30(b) of the dehumidifier 12(b) into the air filtration unit 12(c) for removal of any odors/smells and particulate matter present in the filtered air. The two filters 16(1c/2c) of the air filtration unit 12(c) filters all the odor/smell and particulate matter present in the air that is received from the dehumidifier 12(b) and allows the odorless filtered air into the adjacent operational unit 12(d) through the vents 40 of the second cover 30(c) of the air filtration unit 12(c).

[0042]From the air filtration unit 12(c), the odorless dry hot air is made to pass through the cooling unit 12(d) for reducing the temperature/heat that is generated during the cooking process. The cooling element 34 present in the cooling unit 12(d) removes/absorbs the heat from the filtered air and the cool fresh air is released into the atmosphere/surroundings of the device 10.

[0043]The user can arrange the above mentioned operational units 12 as per his requirement. For instance, if the user doesn’t require the dehumidifier 12(b), then the suction unit 12(a) is locked into the air filtration unit 12(c)followed by the cooling unit 12(d). The sucked cooking fumes/impure air is made to pass through the filter 16(a) of the suction unit 12(a) for removal of grease/oil particles and then through the filters 16(1c/2c) of the air filtration unit 12(c) for removal of particulate matter and odor/smell and then finally into the cooling unit 12(d) for cool fresh air.

[0044]The above mentioned air purification device 10 is made compact in size, thus not only provides the easy movement of the device but also provides a low-cost solution. The device is used as a multi-purpose device both as the air purification device and as the air-circulation device. The device 10 provides a solution for the fume extraction, as it is brought closer to the source (appliance), thus preventing the fumes from travelling around the room and depositing grease on surfaces, before being removed from the kitchen. The device 10 also provides a way to introduce and increase fresh air quantity in the kitchen environment and tackles the issues of pests in the kitchen as there is no deposition of impurities on the surface where the appliance is placed. The device 10 also provides less installation cost and the maintenance cost when compared to the conventional ducted hoods.

[0045]The filters 16 provided in the device 10 can be replaced when needed without any much hassle. The device 10 also acts as a retrofit solution to the existing exhaust fans/ducted hoods. The number of devices 10 used in a room can be increased based on the requirement. Like in a bigger kitchen like hotels/restaurants, one can have multiple devices 10 positioned strategically to absorb the odors generated and to clear the surroundings. This allows modularity across different kitchen spaces - the combination of the two functions and the ease of switching between them intuitively but rotating the fan unit 24, results in a comfortable and grease free air and environment. The device 10 also provides a single operational unit 12 to be in use based on the requirement, i.e., the user need not to buy all the operational units and can opt for one or more based on the requirement.

[0046] It should be understood that embodiments explained in the description above are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. Many such embodiments and other modifications and changes in the embodiment explained in the description are envisaged. The scope of the invention is only limited by the scope of the claims.

List of Reference Signs
10 air purification device
11 household appliance
12 at least one operational unit
12(a) suction unit
12(b) dehumidifier
12(c) air filtration unit
12(d) cooling unit
13 housing
14 control unit
16 at least one filter
16(a) filter of suction unit
16(1c) HEPA filter
16(2c) charcoal filter
16(d) filter of cooling unit
18 at least one rechargeable battery
20 docking unit
22 locking element
24 fan
26 motor
28 first cover
28(a) first cover of suction unit
28(b) first cover of dehumidifier
28(c) first cover of air filtration unit
28(d) first cover of cooling unit
30 second cover
30(a) second cover of suction unit
30(b) second cover of dehumidifier
30(c) second cover of air filtration unit
30(d) second cover of cooling unit
32 vents
34 cooling element
36 sliding panel