The present invention relates to a vehicle ventilation purification device and a vehicle comprising such vehicle ventilation purification device.

Prior art

Population growth compounded with rapid urbanisation has amplified the potential for bacteria and viruses to spread quickly. Accordingly, there is an increasing need for purification and disinfection of air in or der to eliminate the risk of infecting vulnerable hospitalised people and nursing home residents. The Coronavirus Disease COVID-19 has brought the risk of infecting vulnerable older or hospitalised people as well as nursing home residents with various diseases into focus.

A vehicle typically comprises a vehicle ventilation system that: a) in one mode introduces air from outside into the cabin (enclosed space where the driver is seated) of the vehicle and b) in another mode recirculates air from the cabin. A typical vehicle ventilation can regulate the tem perature of the air by means of a heating and/or a cooling unit.

Prior art vehicle ventilation systems, however, introduce the risk for spreading pathogens such as viruses, bacteria or fungi during use. Ac cordingly, there is a need for a vehicle ventilation purification device that can reduce the risk for infecting vulnerable people with pathogens including viruses such as the Coronavirus causing the Coronavirus Dis ease COVID-19.

Most viruses vary in diameter from 20 nm to 400 nm. Accordingly, even though many prior art air purification devices comprise an efficiency standard of air filter such as a high-efficiency particulate absorbing (al so known as high-efficiency particulate absorbing) (HEPA) filter, these purification devices cannot filter cannot effectively disinfect viruses due to the small size of viruses. Accordingly, many prior art air purification devices cannot used to protect from airborne or aerosolised pathogens. Filters meeting the HEPA (H13) standard must remove from the air that passes through the filter at least 99.95% (European Standard) or 99.97% (ASME, U.S. DOE), respectively, of particles whose diameter is equal to 0.3 pm.

US20190240370A1 discloses an air cleaning apparatus built into an au tomobile cabin, located or positioned either in the dashboard or the center console. The power connector of the apparatus can be connected to a power source inside the automobile, such as an automobile battery. The air cleaning apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing provided with a first section and a second section. A HEPA filter is arranged in the first section two UV lamps are provided inside the HEPA filter. The UV lamps extend along the first third portion of the HEPA filter.

An additional cleaning section is provided in the second section. A fan is arranged next to the outlet of the air cleaning apparatus. Accordingly, the fan will provide a negative pressure that will suck the air into the air cleaning apparatus through the inlet. Due to the high resistance of the catalyst layers in the second section and the HEPA filter of the first sec tion, it is difficult for the fan to suck a sufficiently large flow of air through the HEPA filter. Accordingly, it would be an advantage to pro vide an improved air cleaning device, in which this disadvantage can be avoided. Moreover, it is desirable to be able to provide an improved air cleaning device that uses the HEPA filter function in an improved man ner.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle ventilation purification device and a method that can efficiently purify pathogen containing air in vehicle ventilation systems and thus reduce the risk for infecting vulnerable people with pathogens that cause infectious diseas es and wherein the disadvantage of the prior art can be avoided. Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention can be achieved by a vehicle venti lation purification device as defined in claim 1, a vehicle according to claim 21 and by a method as defined in claim 22. Preferred embodi- ments are defined in the dependent subclaims, explained in the follow ing description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The vehicle ventilation purification device according to the invention is a vehicle ventilation purification device for disinfecting and filtering intake air in the ventilation system of a vehicle, wherein the purification device comprises:

- a cylindrical housing having a longitudinal axis, wherein the housing is provided with: a) an inlet arranged in the distal end of the housing, wherein the inlet is arranged and configured to allow the intake air (4) to enter the housing and b) an outlet arranged in the (opposite) proximal end of the hous ing, wherein the outlet is arranged and configured to al-low air purified by the purification device to leave the housing,

- fan arranged and configured to create a pressure gradient that causes intake air to flow into the housing and blow the purified air out of the housing;

- a high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter arranged inside the housing, wherein the HEPA filter has a longitudinal axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing,

- an ultraviolet (UV) radiation lamp arranged inside the HEPA filter, wherein the fan is arranged in a position, in which the fan blows air to wards the HEPA filter.

Hereby, it is possible to provide a vehicle ventilation purification device and that can efficiently purify virus containing air in vehicle ventilation systems and thus reduce the risk for infecting vulnerable people with pathogens that cause infectious diseases. It is also possible to over- come the previously mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

By the term "vehicle" is meant a means of transport.

In one embodiment, the vehicle is a car.

In one embodiment, the vehicle is a truck.

In one embodiment, the vehicle is a ship.

In one embodiment, the vehicle is a helicopter.

In one embodiment, the vehicle is an airplane.

By the term "intake air" in the ventilation system is meant air that is present in the ventilation system of the vehicle. Accordingly, intake air may include air that enters the ventilation system from inside the vehi cle (e.g. from the cab of the vehicle). Intake air may also include air that enters the ventilation system from outside the vehicle (e.g. air that is sucked into the ventilation system from outside).

In one embodiment, the vehicle ventilation purification device is config ured to be arranged inside a conduit (e.g. a pipe og tube) of the vehicle ventilation system.

In one embodiment, the vehicle ventilation purification device is config ured to be connected a first conduit (e.g. a pipe og tube) of the vehicle ventilation system and to a second conduit (e.g. a pipe og tube) of the vehicle ventilation system.

The housing is provided with an inlet for allowing the intake air to enter the housing and an outlet for allowing air purified by the purification device to leave the housing. In one embodiment, the inlet is provided in a first end of the housing, while the outlet is provided in the opposite end of the housing.

The vehicle ventilation purification device comprises a fan arranged and configured to create a pressure gradient that causes intake air to flow into the housing and blow the purified air out of the housing.

In one embodiment, the fan is arranged in the inlet. Hereby, it is possi ble to pressurise the intake air and push the pressurised intake air to wards and through the HEPA filter.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the ultraviolet radiation lamp extends along the longitudinal axis of the HEPA filter, wherein the UV lamp extends along last 75 % of the length of the HEPA filter.

Accordingly, the An UV lamp can irradiate and hereby keep the inside surface of the HEPA filter clean. Since the HEPA filter does not allow any virus particles to pass the HEPA filter, virus particles may be present at the inside surface of the HEPA filter. These virus particles are, however, killed by the ultraviolet radiation from the UV lamp.

In one embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation lamp extends along at last 60 % of the length of the HEPA filter.

In one embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation lamp extends along at last 70 % of the length of the HEPA filter.

In one embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation lamp extends along at last 80 % of the length of the HEPA filter.

In one embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation lamp extends along at last 85 % of the length of the HEPA filter.

In one embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation lamp extends along at last 90 % of the length of the HEPA filter.

In one embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation lamp extends along at last 95 % of the length of the HEPA filter.

In one embodiment, an activated carbon air filter provided at the outer side of the HEPA filter.

In one embodiment, the fan is attached to a structure that is attached to flange that protrudes from the housing.

The ultraviolet (UV) radiation lamp arranged inside the housing to irra diate the intake air. In one embodiment, the UV lamp extends along the longitudinal axis of the housing.

In one embodiment, the filter comprises a plurality of pleats arranged in such a manner that the angle between adjacent pleats is 30 degrees or less.

Due to the small acute angle Q, the retention capability of the filter can be increased. Therefore, the vehicle ventilation purification device pro vides a more efficient purification of virus containing air. Accordingly, by using the vehicle ventilation purification device to purify the air from a vehicle ventilation system it is possible to reduce the risk for infecting vulnerable people with viruses that cause infectious diseases.

In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pleats is 28 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pleats is 26 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pleats is 24 degrees.

In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pleats is 22 degrees.

In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pleats is 20 degrees.

In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pleats is 18 degrees.

In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pleats is 16 degrees.

In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pleats is 15 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pleats is 14 degrees.

In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pleats is 12 degrees.

In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pleats is 10 degrees.

In one embodiment, the angle between adjacent pleats is 8 degrees or less.

The number of pleats is inversely related to the angle between adjacent pleats. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve a small angle between ad jacent pleats by applying a large number of pleats.

Moreover, the total filter area is proportional to the number of pleats. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the total filter area by increasing the number of pleats. It is an advantage to have a large filter area be cause the filtering capacity (the maximum flow velocity) is proportional to the filter area.

The small angle between adjacent pleats makes it possible to make the virus stick to inside surface of the HEPA filter. Since the filter surrounds the ultraviolet radiation lamp, there is plenty of time to eliminate the virus by irradiating ultraviolet radiation. Accordingly, the purification unit has a unique ability to maintain virus particles inside the space sur rounded by the filter and irradiate the virus particles with ultraviolet radiation that destroys the virus particles.

Since the filter does not allow any virus particles to pass the filter and since any virus particles present at the inside surface of the filter is killed by the ultraviolet radiation from the ultraviolet radiation lamp, the filter contains no virus particles when the filter has to be replaced (dur ing maintenance). Accordingly, it is not required for service personnel to wear a hazmat suit or biohazard suit when replacing the filter. Moreo ver, service personnel can remove the filter without risking infection and the filter will not contain any virus particles when the purification device is turned off. In one embodiment, the HEPA filter is so-called Efficient Particulate Air (EPA) filter, preferably a "EPA E12".

In one embodiment, the HEPA filter is so-called "HEPA H13" filter or "HEPA 13" filter.

In one embodiment, the HEPA filter is so-called "HEPA H14" filter or "HEPA 14" filter.

It is preferred that the HEPA filter is EPA E12 filter or a filter of a higher class.

In one embodiment, the distance from the UV lamp and the inside part of the HEPA filter is less than 20cm.

In one embodiment, the distance from the UV lamp and the inside part of the HEPA filter is less than 18cm.

In one embodiment, the distance from the UV lamp and the inside part of the HEPA filter is less than 16cm.

In one embodiment, the distance from the UV lamp and the inside part of the HEPA filter is less than 14cm.

It may be advantageous that the HEPA filter is a so-called HEPA class H13, in which the average retention is above 99.95%.

In one embodiment, the housing is cylindrical.

In one embodiment, the housing is box-shaped.

In one embodiment, the HEPA filter area is 0.5 square meters or more.

In one embodiment, the HEPA filter area is 1 square meter or more. In one embodiment, the HEPA filter area is 2 square meters or more.

In one embodiment, the HEPA filter area is 3 square meters or more.

In one embodiment, the HEPA filter area is 4 square meters or more.

In one embodiment, the purification device comprises a first attachment assembly configured to sealingly connect the inlet of the purification device to a first connection pipe and that the purification device com prises a second attachment assembly configured to sealingly connect the outlet of the purification device to a second connection pipe. Ac cordingly, the purification device can be sealingly connected to connec tion pipes of the vehicle ventilation system.

In one embodiment the HEPA filter complies with the International Or ganization for Standardization (ISO) 29463 test standard.

In one embodiment, a) the first attachment assembly comprises a first flange and a first clamping ring, wherein the first flange protrudes from the housing and is configured to receive a connection pipe being arranged in such a po sition that the connection pipe surrounds at least the distal part of the first flange, wherein the first clamping ring is configured to clamp the connection pipe against the first flange and hereby sealingly connect the connection pipe to the housing and/or b) the second attachment assembly comprises a second flange and a second clamping ring, wherein the second flange protrudes from the housing and is configured to receive a connection pipe being arranged in such a position that the connection pipe surrounds at least the distal part of the second flange, wherein the second clamping ring is config ured to clamp the connection pipe against the second flange and hereby sealingly connect the connection pipe to the housing.

Hereby, the purification device can be sealingly connected to connection pipes of the vehicle ventilation system in a simple and reliable manner. In one embodiment, the vehicle ventilation purification device compris es an adapter configured to convert an electrical input signal from the vehicle to a form suitable for the fan of the vehicle ventilation purifica tion device.

In one embodiment, the fan comprises a direct current (DC) motor.

In one embodiment, the fan is configured to generate a flow in the range 25-200 m ³ /h (cubic meter per hour).

In one embodiment, the fan is configured to generate a flow in the range 50-150 m ³ /h.

In one embodiment, the fan is configured to generate a flow in the range 80-120 m ³ /h.

In one embodiment, the fan is configured to generate a flow in the range 95-105 m ³ /h.

In one embodiment, the fan is configured to generate a flow having an average velocity in the range 5-30 m/s.

In one embodiment, the fan is configured to generate a flow having an average velocity in the range 10-20 m/s.

In one embodiment, the fan is configured to generate a flow having an average velocity in the range 12-16 m/s.

In one embodiment, the fan is configured to generate a flow having an average velocity in the range 13-15 m/s.

In one embodiment, the housing comprises a cylindrical side portion extending between a first end plate and a second end plate, wherein the end plates are attached to the side portion, wherein the first end plate and/or the second end plate is detachably attached to the side portion. Hereby, access to the filter and the UV lamp is eased.

In one embodiment, a sealing structure is arranged between a distal end of the filter and the first end plate.

Hereby, the sealing structure can seal a gap between the first end plate and the filter. Accordingly, the intake air cannot escape the inner space of the purification device without passing through the filter. Therefore, the purification device will irradiate the intake air entering the inner space of the purification device until the intake air leaves the inner space of the purification device through the filter.

In one embodiment, the sealing structure is formed as a sealing ring that is arranged to seal a gap between the first end plate and the filter.

In one embodiment, the purification device comprises a bottom plate that is arranged to bear against an end portion of the filter and thus closes the filter in such a manner that an inner space is created by the filter and the bottom plate.

Hereby, it is ensured that the inlet air entering the purification device must leave the inner space through the filter.

In one embodiment, an air gap is provided between the bottom portion and the end plate. Hereby, the purified air can flow out of the purifica tion device through the outlet.

In one embodiment, the gap 33 is at least 2 mm.

In one embodiment, the gap 33 is at least 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the gap 33 is at least 6 mm.

In one embodiment, the gap 33 is at least 8 mm.

In one embodiment, the gap 33 is at least 10 mm.

In one embodiment, the purification device comprises an outer space provided between the outside surface of the filter and the inside surface of the housing.

In one embodiment, the vehicle ventilation purification device compris es: a) an inner fixation member configured to be brought into engagement with the inside surface of a wall structure of the ventilation system and b) an outer fixation member that is configured to be brought into en gagement with the outside surface of the wall structure. c) attachment structures suitable for attaching the outer fixation mem- ber to the inner fixation member.

Hereby, it is possible to retrofit existing vehicle ventilation system by installing a vehicle ventilation purification device according to the inven tion.

In one embodiment, the outer fixation member, the inner fixation member and the attachment structures are configured to clamp the wall structure so that the abutting structures of the outer fixation member and the inner fixation member can sealingly close the opening in the wall structure. Hereby, a sealingly closure of the opening in the wall structure can be provided in an easy and reliable manner.

In one embodiment, the attachment structures are formed as screws that are screwed into the outer fixation member and the inner fixation member by means of a tool (a screwdriver).

It may be advantageous that the purification device comprises a control unit having an interface provided with a control structure, by which power to one or more power consuming devices of the purification de vice can be turned on and/or switched off.

In one embodiment, the purification device comprises a counter device arranged and configured to count time period in which the UV lamp has been turned on. It may be an advantage that the counter device is arranged and config ured to determine when the time period in which the UV lamp has been turned on exceeds a predetermined time period value. Hereby, the UV lamp and/or the filter can be replaced in due time.

In one embodiment, the predetermined time period value is in the range 5000-12000 hours.

In one embodiment, the predetermined time period value is in the range 10000-11000 hours.

In one embodiment, the predetermined time period value is in the range 8500-9500 hours.

In one embodiment, the predetermined time period value is 9000 hours.

In one embodiment, the vehicle ventilation purification device compris es a coarse filter.

In one embodiment, the vehicle ventilation purification device compris es a plurality of separated filter segments constituting a coarse filter.

In one embodiment, an additional layer is provided outside the filter.

In one embodiment, the additional layer comprises activated carbon.

In one embodiment, the purification device comprises a particle sensor arranged to detect the level of particles in the intake air.

In one embodiment, the purification device comprises a control unit configured to control the speed of the fan in dependence of the detected level of particles in the intake air.

In one embodiment, the housing comprises an outer space surrounding the HEPA filter, wherein the outer space is configured to receive and guide intake air that has passed through the HEPA filter, wherein the outer space is in fluid communication with the outlet.

The vehicle according to the invention is a vehicle that comprises a ve hicle ventilation purification device according to the invention.

The method according to the invention is a method for disinfecting and filtering intake air of the ventilation system of a vehicle, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

- blowing intake air into a cylindrical housing by means of a fan, where in the intake air enters the housing through an axially arranged inlet provided in the housing;

- by means of the fan, blowing purified air out of the housing through an axially arranged outlet provided in the housing;

- irradiating the intake air by means of an ultraviolet radiation lamp ar ranged inside the housing;

- filtering the intake air by means of a HEPA filter surrounding the ultra violet radiation lamp before the intake air leaves the housing as purified air), wherein the method comprises the step of pressurising the intake air and pushing the pressurised intake air towards and through the HEPA filter, wherein the fan that is arranged in the inlet before the HEPA fil ter.

Hereby, it is possible to provide a method, by which it is possible to ef ficiently purify virus containing air in vehicle ventilation systems and thus reduce the risk for infecting vulnerable people with viruses that cause infectious diseases. Moreover, the method overcomes disad vantages of the prior art.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of applying a filter that comprises a plurality of pleats arranged in such a manner that the angle between adjacent pleats is 30 degrees or less. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of applying an ad ditional layer that surrounds the filter, wherein the additional layer comprises activated carbon.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of applying a parti cle sensor arranged to detect the level of particles in the intake air.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of controlling the speed of the fan in dependence of the detected level of particles in the intake air.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of applying a vehi cle ventilation purification device comprising a housing having a longi tudinal axis, wherein the housing is provided with: a) an inlet arranged in the distal end of the housing, wherein the inlet is arranged and configured to allow the intake air to enter the housing and b) an outlet arranged in the (opposite) proximal end of the housing, wherein the outlet is arranged and configured to allow air purified by the purification device to leave the housing,

- sealingly connecting and attaching the inlet of the purification de vice to a first existing connection structure and sealingly connect ing and attaching the outlet of the purification device to and a sec ond existing connection structure of a ventilation system of the vehicle in such a manner that the purification device extends be tween and is sealingly connected to and extends between the first existing connection structure and the second existing connection structure, wherein each connection structures is pipe or a hose.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of applying a vehi cle ventilation purification device according to the invention.

Description of the Drawings

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed de scription given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of a vehicle venti lation purification device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of another vehicle ventilation purification device according to the invention;

Fig. 3A shows a schematic top view of a filter according to the in vention;

Fig. 3B shows a close-up view of the filter shown in Fig. 3A;

Fig. 3C shows a prior art filter;

Fig. 4 shows a blown up (close-up) cross-sectional view of a por tion of the inner space surrounded by a filter of a purifica tion device according to the invention;

Fig. 5A shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of a vehicle venti lation purification device according to the invention being installed in an existing vehicle ventilation system;

Fig. 5B shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of the vehicle ven tilation purification device shown in Fig. 5A during a further installation step;

Fig. 5C shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of the vehicle ven tilation purification device shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B in a configuration, in which the vehicle ventilation purification device has been installed;

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a vehicle ventilation purifica tion device according to the invention;

Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of a vehicle according to the in vention;

Fig. 8 shows a close-up view of the part of the vehicle shown in

Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a purification device ac cording to the invention and

Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of another purification device according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle ventilation purification device 2 of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of a vehicle ventila tion purification device 2 according to the invention. The vehicle ventila tion purification device 2 comprises a housing 10 provided with an inlet 16 arranged and configured to allow intake air 4 to enter into the vehi cle ventilation purification device 2. The vehicle ventilation purification device 2 comprises an outlet 8 arranged and configured to allow purified air 6 to leave the purification device 2. The vehicle ventilation purifica tion device 2 comprises a fan 12 that is arranged in the inlet 16. The fan 12 is arranged and configured to create a pressure gradient that causes intake air 4 to flow into the housing 10 and blow the purified air 6 out of the housing 10. The vehicle ventilation purification device 2 is designed for disinfecting and filtering intake air 4 in the ventilation sys tem of a vehicle. The purification device 2 comprises a cylindrical hous ing 10 having a longitudinal axis. The inlet 16 is arranged in the distal end of the housing 10.

The purification device 2 comprises an outlet 8 arranged in the (oppo site) proximal end of the housing 10. The purification device 2 compris es an inner space 22 placed inside the housing 10. The purification de vice 2 is configured to blow intake air 4 into the inner space 22 of the purification device 2. The purification device 2 comprises an ultraviolet (UV) radiation light source (preferably a UV C lamp) 14 that is arranged and configured to irradiate the intake air 4 flowing into the inner space 22 of the purification device 2. Hereby, it is possible to disinfect the in take air 4 inside the inner space 22 of the purification device 2.

The purification device 2 comprises a high-efficiency particulate absorb ing (HEPA) filter 20 having a large number of pleats (this will be shown and explained with reference to Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B and Fig. 3C) in order to provide an enhanced purification. This is achieved by having a suffi ciently small angle between the air flow direction and the side portion of the adjacent pleat of the filter 20 and a large total filter area. The HEPA filter 20 is arranged inside the housing 10. The HEPA filter 20 has a lon gitudinal axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hous ing 10.

The UV lamp 14 centrally arranged in the inner space 22 of the purifica tion device 2. The longitudinal axis of the UV lamp 14 extends along the longitudinal axis of the inner space 22 of the purification device 2.

The UV radiation lamp 14 is arranged inside the HEPA filter 20. The fan 12 is arranged in a position, in which the fan 12 blows air towards the HEPA filter 20. Hereby, the fan will create a high pressure zone in front of the HEPA filter 20. Accordingly, the intake air 4 will be pressed to wards the HEPA filter and herby forced to pass the HEPA filter in an effi cient manner.

The housing 10 comprises a side portion 35 extending between a first end plate 30 and a second end plate 30' arranged in opposing end of the purification device 2. In one embodiment, the side portion 35 is cy lindrical.

A sealing ring 31 is arranged to seal a gap between the first end plate 30 and the filter 20. Hereby, the intake air 4 cannot escape the inner space 22 of the purification device 2 without passing through the filter 20. Accordingly, the purification device 2 will irradiate the intake air 4 entering the inner space 22 of the purification device 2 until the intake air 4 leaves the inner space 22 of the purification device 2 through the filter 20. The UV light 50 irradiated by the UV lamp 14 is indicated in Fig. 1.

The flow direction indicated of the intake air 4 entering the inner space 22 of the purification device 2 is indicated. It can be seen that the in take air 4 flows along the longitudinal axis of the purification device 2 when entering the inner space 22 of the purification device 2. When the intake air has been irradiated by UV light 50 irradiated by the UV lamp 14, however, the air passes through the filter 20 and the purified air 6 has a radial flow component (indicated with arrows). Since the sealing 31 prevents the purified air 6 from flowing into the inlet 16 of the purifi cation device 2, the purified air 6 is forced to flow towards the outlet 8 of the purification device 2. Accordingly, eventually all purified air 6 that has passed the filter 20 leaves the purification device 2 through the out let 8.

It can be seen that the second end plate 30' is spaced apart from the bottom plate 24. Accordingly, a gap 33 is provided between the bottom plate 24 and the second end plate 30'.

The purification device 2 is configured to be attached to an existing connection structure 18, 18'. The connection structure 18, 18' may be a pipe or a hose. The purification device 2 comprises a first flange 28 pro truding from the first end plate 30. The purification device 2 also com prises a second flange 28' protruding from the second end plate 30'.

In one embodiment, the purification device 2 is attached to flexible connection structures 18, 18' that can be sealingly attached to the inlet 16 and the outlet 8 of the purification device 2. This can be done by ar ranging the connection structures 18, 18' at the outside of the first sec ond flange 28 and the second flange 28', respectively, and clamping the connection structures 18, 18' by a clamping ring 26, 26' from the out side of the connection structure 18, 18'. In one embodiment, the clamp ing ring 26, 26' is formed as a hose clamp.

It may be an advantage if the connection structures 18, 18' are com pressible (e.g. made of rubber or another elastomer) because this will allow the connection structures 18, 18' to be radially compressed and thus axially extended so that a tight sealing between the housing 10 and the connection structures 18, 18' are achieved. In one embodiment, an additional layer 40 is arranged at the outside of the filter 20. In one embodiment, the additional layer 40 may be a layer that comprises activated carbon. Activated carbon can remove unwant ed odours by acting as an adsorbent which will trap the odour inside the activated carbon and retain it.

An additional layer 40 may furthermore prevent UV light 50 from escap ing to the surroundings.

Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of another vehicle ventilation purification device 2 according to the invention. The vehicle ventilation purification device 2 basically corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1. The purification device 2 comprises a housing 10 comprising a cylindrical side portion 35 extending between a first end plate 30 and a second end plate 30'. Each of the end plates 30, 30' are provided with a centrally arranged opening. A first flange 28 extends from the first end plate 30. A second flange 28' extends from the second end plate 30'.

The end portions 30, 30' are attached to the side portion 35 by means of screws 15 that are screwed into screw holes 11. Each screw hole 11 extends through an end portion 30, 30' and further into a portion of the side portion 35.

The first end of the vehicle ventilation purification device 2 is connected to a first connection structure 18 by means of a clamping ring 28 that clamps the connection structure 18 against the first flange 28. In one embodiment, the clamping ring 26 is a hose clamp. The first flange 28 defines an inlet 16 of the purification device 2.

The second end of the vehicle ventilation purification device 2 is con nected to a second connection structure 18' by means of a clamping ring 26' (e.g. a hose clamp) that clamps the connection structure 18' against the second flange 28'. The second flange 28' defines an outlet 8 of the purification device 2.

The purification device 2 comprises an inner space 22 defined by a bot tom plate 24 and a HEPA filter 20 placed inside the housing 10. The pu- rification device 2 comprises a fan 12 arranged in the inlet 16. The fan 12 is attached to a fixation structure that is fixed to the flange 28 of the inlet 16. The fan 12 is arranged and configured to create a pressure gradient that causes that intake air 4 is flows into the inner space 22 of the purification device 2. The purification device 2 comprises a UV light source (e.g. a UV C lamp) 14 arranged and configured to irradiate the intake air 4 flowing into the inner space 22 of the purification device 2 in order to disinfect the intake air 4 inside the inner space 22 of the pu rification device 2.

The UV lamp 14 centrally arranged in the inner space 22 of the purifica tion device 2 so that the longitudinal axis of the UV lamp 14 extends along the longitudinal axis of the inner space 22 of the purification de vice 2.

A sealing ring 31 is arranged to seal a gap between the first end plate 30 and the filter 20 so that the intake air 4 cannot escape the inner space 22 of the purification device 2 without passing through the filter 20. Accordingly, the purification device 2 irradiates the intake air 4 in side the inner space 22 of the purification device 2 with UV light 50. Due to the pressure gradient created by the fan 12, the intake air 4 can only leave the inner space 22 of the purification device 2 through the filter 20.

When the intake air 4 has been irradiated by UV light 50 irradiated by the UV lamp 14, the air passes through the filter 20 and the purified air 6 enters the outer space 25 of the housing 10. Since the sealing 31 prevents the purified air 6 from flowing into the inlet 16 of the purifica tion device 2, the purified air 6 is forced to flow towards the outlet 8 of the purification device 2. Therefore, the purified air 6 leaves the purifi cation device 2 through the outlet 8.

The UV lamp 14 is electrically connected to a socket 9 attached to the bottom plate 24. The socket 9 is electrically connected to a first electri- cal terminal 52 and to a second electrical terminal 54 by means of two cables 5, 5'. It has to be underlined that the cables 5, 5' preferably ex tend along the filter 20 without penetrating the filter. In one embodi ment, the cables 5, 5' extend in the outer space 25 along the outside surface of the filter 20. The fan 12 may be powered by electrical power by using the same electrical terminals 52, 54 or another electrical con nection (not shown). In one embodiment, the cables 5, 5' are detacha bly attached to the electrical terminals 52, 54 by means of engaging electrical connection structures. Hereby, the UV lamp 14 can easily be replaced by unscrewing the screws used to attach the first end plate 30 to the side portion 35.

In one embodiment, an additional layer is arranged at the outside of the filter 20. In one embodiment, the additional layer may be a layer that comprises activated carbon. Activated carbon can remove unwanted odours by acting as an adsorbent which will trap the odour inside the activated carbon and retain it. An additional layer can prevent UV light 50 from escaping to the surroundings.

The HEPA filter 20 is arranged inside the housing 10. The HEPA filter 20 has a longitudinal axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the housing 10.

Fig. 3A illustrates a schematic top view of a filter 20 according to the invention. The filter 20 comprises a plurality of pleats.

Fig. 3B illustrates a close-up view of the filter 20 shown in Fig. 3A, wherein Fig. 3C illustrates a prior art filter 20'. It can be seen that the angle a between the air flow direction 42 and the side portion of the adjacent pleat 32 of the filter 20 shown in Fig. 3B is smaller than the angle b between the air flow direction 42 and the side portion of the adjacent pleat 32 of the prior filter 20 shown in Fig. 3C. Moreover, it can be seen that the angle Q between adjacent pleats 32 of the filter 20 in the purification device 2 according to the invention is smaller than the angle w between adjacent pleats 32 of the prior art filter 20 shown in Fig. 3C.

Due to the small acute angle Q, the retention capability of the filter 20 is increased by having an increased number of pleats 32 compared to the prior art filter shown in Fig. 3C.

In one embodiment, the angle Q is 30 degrees or less.

In one embodiment, the angle Q is 28 degrees or less. In one embodi ment, the angle Q is 26 degrees or less. In one embodiment, the angle Q is 24 degrees or less. In one embodiment, the angle Q is 22 degrees or less. In one embodiment, the angle Q is 20 degrees or less.

In one embodiment, the angle Q is 18 degrees or less. In one embodi ment, the angle Q is 16 degrees or less. In one embodiment, the angle Q is 14 degrees or less. In one embodiment, the angle Q is 12 degrees or less. In one embodiment, the angle Q is 10 degrees or less. In one em bodiment, the angle Q is 8 degrees or less. The number of pleats 32 is inversely related to the angle Q. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve a low angle Q by applying more pleats 32.

Moreover, the total filter area is proportional to the number of pleats 32. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the total filter area by increas ing the number of pleats 32.

Fig. 4 illustrates a blown-up cross-sectional view of a portion of the in ner space surrounded by a filter 20 of a purification device according to the invention. It can be seen that the filter 20 comprises a through- going opening 38 configured to retain large sized virus particles inside the inner space and allow small sized particle to pass through the filter 20 through the through-going opening 38.

A large number of virus particles 36 are placed near the entry to the through-going opening 38. The virus particles 36 are interconnected and arranged in a cloud-formed formation 34 comprising virus particles 36 and airway mucus. Accordingly, the cloud-formed formation 34 can not escape through the through-going opening 38 even though the size of the individual virus particles 36 is smaller than the width D of the through-going opening 38. In fact, the cloud-formed formation 34 com prising virus particles 36 and airway mucus will stick to the inside sur face of the filter 20.

The virus particles 36 are irradiated with UV light from a UV lamp (pref erably a UV C) arranged to irradiate the air and particles present in the inner space. Since the virus particles 36 are trapped inside the space defined by the inner surface of the filter 20, there is sufficient time available to destroy the virus particles 36 by the ultraviolet (UV) light 50.

Fig. 5A illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of a vehicle ventila tion purification device 2 according to the invention being installed in an existing vehicle ventilation system. The existing vehicle ventilation sys tem comprises a conduit having a wall structure 62. Initially, an open ing 64 is created in the wall structure 62 (e.g. by means of a drill).

When an opening 64 (that is large enough to allow the purification de vice 2 to enter) has been created in the wall structure 62, the purifica tion device 2 is put into the interior of the existing vehicle ventilation system. It can be seen that the purification device 2 corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1. An inner fixation member 66 has, however, been attached to the side portion of the housing of the purification device 2.

Even though no fan is shown in Fig. 5A, is has to be understood that the purification device 2 comprises a flow generating structure such as a fan).

Fig. 5B illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of the vehicle venti lation purification device 2 shown in Fig. 5A during a further installation step. It can be seen that the purification device 2 is being rotated in order to make the inner fixation member 66 extend parallel to the wall structure 62 so that the inner fixation member 66 and thus the purifica tion device 2 can be attached to the wall structure 62. During this in stallation step the opening 64 is exposed. It can be seen that the open ing 64 is large enough to allow the purification device 2 to enter through the opening 64.

Fig. 5C illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of the vehicle venti lation purification device 2 shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B in a configura tion, in which the vehicle ventilation purification device 2 has been in stalled. It can be seen that the inner fixation member 66 bears against the inside surface of the wall structure 62. Moreover, it can be seen that an outer fixation member 68 has been brought into engagement with the outside surface of the wall structure 62. The outer fixation member 68 has been mechanically attached to the inner fixation member 66 by means of attachment structures 70. The attachment structures 70 are formed as screws 70 that are screwed into the outer fixation member 68 and the inner fixation member 66 by means of a tool 74 (a screw driver).

In this configuration the wall structure 62 is clamped by the abutting structures of the outer fixation member 68 and the inner fixation mem ber 66. It can be seen that an electrical cable 72 is arranged to sealing- ly extend through the outer fixation member 68 and the inner fixation member 66. Accordingly, the electrical cable 72 allows for supplying electrical power to a power consuming device (e.g. a fan) from outside the wall structure 62. In one embodiment, the vehicle ventilation purifi cation device 2 comprises a fan like to one shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 5C.

Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle ventilation purification device 2 according to the invention. The purification device 2 basically corresponds to the ones shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The purification de vice 2 comprises a cylindrically housing 10 that has been connected to and thus extends between a first connection structure 18 and a second structure 18'. A clamping ring 26 is used to clamp the structure 18 against an underlying flange (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).

Fig. 7 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle 60 according to the in vention. The vehicle 60 comprises a vehicle ventilation purification de vice 2 according to the invention. The purification device 2 basically cor responds to the one shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 or Fig. 6. The purification device 2 comprises a housing that is connected to a first connection structure 18 and a second structure 18'.

Fig. 8 illustrates a close-up view of the part of the vehicle 60 shown in Fig. 7. The purification device 2 comprises a housing that is connected to a first connection structure 18 and a second structure 18'. According ly, inlet air 4 from the first connection structure 18 (of the ventilation system of the vehicle 60) can enter the purification device 2 through its inlet. Moreover, purified air 6 can leave the purification device 2 through the second connection structure 18' of the ventilation system of the vehicle 60.

Fig. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a purification device 2 accord ing to the invention. The purification device 2 comprises a housing 10 having a first cylindrical end portion 76 and a second cylindrical end portion 76'. The first end portion 76 of the housing 10 is sealingly at tached to a first cylindrical connection structure 18 by means of a first hose clamp 78.

The second end portion 76' of the housing 10 is sealingly attached to a second cylindrical connection structure 18' by means of a second hose clamp 78'. Accordingly, inlet air 4 from the first connection structure 18 (of the ventilation system of the vehicle 60) can enter the purification device 2 through its inlet 16. Moreover, purified air 6 can leave the pu rification device 2 through the second connection structure 18' of the ventilation system of the vehicle 60.

The housing 10 comprises a central member II extending between two intermediate members I, . Each intermediate member extends be tween the central member II and an end portion 76, 76'.

The housing 10 is provided with an inlet 16 arranged in the distal end of the housing 10. The inlet comprises the end portion 76 and the first in termediate member II. The inlet 16 is arranged and configured to allow the intake air 4 to enter the housing 10.

The housing 10 is provided with an outlet 8 arranged in the opposite (proximal) end of the housing 10. The outlet 8 is arranged and config ured to allow air 6 purified by the purification device 2 to leave the housing 10.

A HEPA filter 20 is arranged inside the central member II of the housing 10. The HEPA filter 20 has a longitudinal axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 10. An activated carbon air filter 21 is provided at the outer side of the HEPA filter 20. Accordingly, intake air passing through the purification device 2 is forced to pass the HEPA filter 20 and hereafter the activated carbon air filter 21.

An UV lamp 14 is arranged inside and extends along the length of the HEPA filter 20. The UV lamp 14 extends along more than 80% of the length of the HEPA filter 20. Accordingly, the An UV lamp 14 can irradi ate and hereby keep the inside surface of the HEPA filter 20 clean. Since the HEPA filter 20 does not allow any virus particles to pass the HEPA filter 20, virus particles may be present at the inside surface of the HEPA filter. These virus particles are, however, killed by the ultravi olet radiation from the UV lamp 14.

The purification device 2 comprises a fan 12 arranged and configured to create a pressure gradient that causes intake air 4 to flow into the housing 10 and blow the purified air 6 out of the housing 10. The fan 12 is arranged in a position, in which the fan 12 blows air towards the HEPA filter 20. Accordingly, the fan 12 is arranged before the HEPA fil ter 20.

The width D2 of the central member II is larger than the width Di of the end portions 76, 76'.

Each of the intermediate portions II, I comprises an oblique wall struc ture. Fig. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a purification device 2 ac cording to the invention. The central member II and the second inter mediate member correspond to the one shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 9. The first intermediate member has, however, been removed and the first end portion 76 comprising the inlet 16 is sealingly attached to the central member II.

List of reference numerals

2 Vehicle ventilation purification device

4 Intake air

5, 5' Cable

6 Purified air

8 Outlet

9 Socket

10 Housing 11 Screw hole 12 Fan 14 Ultraviolet radiation lamp 16 Inlet 18 Connection structure 20 Filter 21 Activated carbon air filter 22 Inner space (enclosure)

24 Bottom plate

25 Outer space

26, 26' Clamping ring 28, 28' Flange 30, 30' End plate

31 sealing

32 Pleat

33 Gap

34 Cloud-formed formation

35 Side portion

36 Virus particle 38 Through-going opening 40 Additional layer 42 Air flow direction 44 Air gap 46 Bottom plate 50 Ultraviolet (UV) light 52, 54 Electrical terminal 60 Vehicle 62 Wall structure 64 Opening 66 Inner fixation member

68 Outer fixation member 70 Attachment structure 72 Electrical cable 74 Tool 76, 76' End portion

78, 78' Hose clamp a, b, q, w Angle D Width

Di, D2 Width X Longitudinal axis

1, 1' Intermediate member

II Central member