Vacuum cleaner exhaust filter with ion generation stage
AssigneeAB Electrolux
InventorMark S. Howie
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A vacuum cleaner exhaust filter assembly includes a main HEPA exhaust filter, and an ion generation stage to add ions to the air. The ion generation stage preferably is a polypropylene mesh which generates ions through static electric interaction with the moving air as the result of friction. The exhaust filter assembly preferably also includes a pre-filter impregnated with carbon, preferably in the form of activated charcoal, to absorb odors from the exhaust air. The filter components, arranged in the preferred order, are the carbon pre-filter, the main HEPA exhaust filter, and the ion generation mesh.
Claims16
A filter assembly for placement in a vacuum cleaner exhaust flow path, exhaust flow in said exhaust flow path having a flow direction, said filter assembly comprising:
- a pre-filter element;
- a filter element downstream of said pre-filter element along said flow direction;
- a plastic mesh downstream of said filter element along said flow direction for ionizing said exhaust flow, thereby introducing ions into air exiting said exhaust flow path;
- and
- a housing enclosing said pre-filter element, said filter element and said plastic mesh, said housing comprising a first housing portion, and a second housing portion having an array of holes serving as an exhaust grill.
A vacuum cleaner comprising:
- a body, said body having a suction opening therein for the entry of dirt-laden air and an exhaust opening therein for the exit of said dirt-laden air after dirt has been substantially removed therefrom;
- an air-flow path between said suction opening and said exhaust opening;
- a motor/fan unit for creating air flow in a flow direction in said air-flow path, said air flow drawing said dirt-laden air in through said suction opening;
- a dirt collection chamber within said body, said air-flow path passing through said dirt collection chamber;
- a primary filter in said dirt collection chamber for removing dirt from said dirt-laden air;
- and
- an exhaust filter between said primary filter and said exhaust opening for removing dirt remaining in said dirt-laden air downstream of said primary filter along said air-flow path, said exhaust filter comprising:
- a pre-filter element,
- a filter element downstream of said prefilter element along said air-flow path,
- a plastic mesh downstream of said filter element along said air-flow path for ionizing said air flow, thereby introducing ions into air exiting said air-flow path, and
- a housing enclosing said pre-filter element, said filter element and said plastic mesh.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.