TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a latching mechanism for an air filter assembly. In particular, the present disclosure relates to securing multiple frames of the electrostatic air filter assembly together through the latching mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Indoor air includes small particles which, when inhaled, cause severe problems to human beings such as respiratory problems, allergies etc., and when just in the air, can damage machines and in particular, those with more sensitive electronics. In order to remove these particles, various types of air purifying devices or air filtration devices are used. One such air filtration device is an electrostatic air filtration device that uses electrostatic attraction to remove fine particulate matter such as dust and cigarette smoke from the air, such as may be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,209,074; 4,620,691; 4,628,386; 4,671,126; 4,790,259; 4,908,634; 5,184,706; 6,574,123; 7,686,869; 7,691,186; 7,708,813; 8,070,861; 8,252,095; 8,252,097; 8,795,601; 8,814,994; 9,764,331; 9,789,494; 9,861,990, and US Patent Application Publication 2016/0303499, the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. The electrostatic air filtration device may charge particles passing through the filter, which may encourage the particles to join with other charge particles, increasing their size, and making them easier to collect within a filter. To attract the charged particles, the electrostatic air filtration device comprises a collecting surface that may itself be charged, or it may be passive. After passing through the filter, air passing therethrough will contain fewer contaminants.

Conventionally, the electrostatic air filtration device may comprise filter media of filter material formed of a dielectric material. The filter media may be enclosed in frames and are locked/closed using latches that are pivotally attached to the frames. The latches extend around outer side edges of the frames. In a closed position, therefore, the latches extend beyond the edges of the frames and increase the width of the entire assembly. Because of this, the latches may catch during the installation and uninstallation of the filter assembly, causing damage not only to the frames, which are somewhat easier to fix or replace, but also frame housings, which are not. This damage can affect the filter's effectiveness as air may bypass damaged or misshapen filter elements, or it may even create damage to electrical connections and minimize or break them, rendering what was intended to be an electrostatic air filter, merely a passive one.

Thus, there exists a need for an improved latching mechanism for locking the frames of the electrostatic filter assembly.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an efficient, robust, and easy way to handle electrostatic air filter by using an improved latching mechanism that locks the frames without extending beyond edges of the frames of the electrostatic air filter assembly.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a filter assembly that may comprise a first frame and a second frame. The first frame and the second frame are connected by a hinge about which they rotate and hold a filter media there between. The filter assembly includes at least one latch located along a side rail of at least one of the first frame and the second frame. The at least one latch is flush with an edge of the side rails of the first frame and the second frame to couple the first frame and the second frame in a closed position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a filter assembly that may comprise a first frame and a second frame. The first frame and the second frame are connected by a hinge about which they rotate and hold a filter media there between. The filter assembly includes at least one latch located along a side rail of at least one of the first frame and the second frame. The at least one latch is flush with an edge of the side rails of the first frame and the second frame to couple the first frame and the second frame in a closed position. The at least one latch is located at one or more corners of the side rail.

The technology of the present disclosure is a mechanism to improve catching issues during the installation and uninstallation of the electrostatic air filter assembly and thus increase robustness and ease of handling of the electrostatic air filter assembly.

