WO2022176700A1

WO2022176700A1 - Air cleaner

Info

Publication number: WO2022176700A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/004846
Authority: WO
Inventors: 伸松本; 延章大栗; 規浅田; 英司望月; 啓輔山城
Original assignee: 富士電機株式会社
Priority date: 2021-02-19
Filing date: 2022-02-08
Publication date: 2022-08-25
Also published as: JP6958754B1; JP2022127121A

Abstract

This air cleaner is provided with a duct through which air flows from a suction port to an outlet port, a light source which emits ultraviolet light into the duct from a downstream side toward an upstream side in the direction of flow of the air inside the duct, and a fan which discharges the air from inside the duct to the outlet port, wherein the light source and the fan are arranged side-by-side in a plane intersecting the direction of flow. For example, the duct includes an exposure portion for causing the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source to hit the air in the duct, and an electric dust collecting portion positioned on the upstream side of the exposure portion, wherein the electric dust collecting portion charges fine particles contained in the air in the duct, and collects the charged fine particles by means of an electrostatic force.

Description

Air cleaner

The present disclosure relates to air purifiers.

Conventionally, an electric dust collection type air cleaner that charges dust particles contained in the air and collects the charged dust particles by electrostatic adsorption is known (see

Patent Documents

1 and 2, for example).

JP-A-2001-79077 JP 2015-171440 A

In environments where there are many sick people and people, such as hospitals, movie theaters, various transportation facilities, and ships, the need for measures against viral infections such as influenza is rapidly increasing. Also, in food factories and the like, it is necessary to take measures against bacteria including mold. Therefore, there is a need for means to inactivate viruses or kill pathogenic bacteria.

However, the electrostatic precipitator function alone cannot inactivate viruses or kill bacteria.

The present disclosure provides an air purifier capable of inactivating viruses or killing bacteria.

In one aspect of the present disclosure,
a duct for flowing air from the inlet to the outlet;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the duct from the downstream side to the upstream side in the direction of air flow in the duct;
a fan for discharging air from inside the duct to the outlet,
An air purifier is provided in which the light source and the fan are arranged side by side in a plane intersecting the flow direction.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air cleaner capable of inactivating viruses or killing bacteria can be provided.

It is a figure which shows an example of the air cleaner of one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the internal structure of the air cleaner of one Embodiment. 1 is a perspective view partially showing a first example of an internal structure of a duct; FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view partially showing a second example of the internal structure of the duct; FIG. 11 is a perspective view partially showing a third example of the internal structure of the duct; It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the distance from a light source, and illuminance. It is a figure which shows an example of the front-end|tip structure of the electrode of an electrostatic precipitator. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the orientation of light sources; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first arrangement example of a plurality of light sources with different light distribution angles; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second arrangement example of a plurality of light sources with different light distribution angles; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first arrangement example of a plurality of light sources that irradiate ultraviolet rays with different wavelengths; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second arrangement example of a plurality of light sources that irradiate ultraviolet rays with different wavelengths; 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a charging unit; FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view partially showing a fourth example of the internal structure of the duct; FIG. 12 is a perspective view partially showing a fifth example of the internal structure of the duct;

Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an air purifier according to one embodiment. An air purifier 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a device for purifying air. The air purifier 100 includes a housing 10 that houses devices for purifying air. The housing 10 has an intake port 11 for sucking air from the outside of the air cleaner 100 and an outlet port 12 for blowing out the air cleaned by devices inside the housing 10 to the outside of the air cleaner 100 .

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the suction port 11 is provided at one end (eg, lower portion) of the housing 10, and the outlet 12 is provided at the other end (eg, upper portion) of the housing 10. . The respective positions of the suction port 11 and the blowing port 12 are not limited to this, and may be other locations. The installation number of each of the suction port 11 and the blowing port 12 may be one or more.

The air cleaner 100 includes a duct 20, an exhaust device 60 and a control device 80. The duct 20 has an electrostatic precipitator 40 and an exposure section 70 . Note that the positional relationship of each component shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and is not limited to this as long as the desired effect of inactivating viruses or killing bacteria is achieved.

The duct 20 is a conduit that is interposed between the suction port 11 and the discharge port 12 and allows air to flow from the suction port 11 to the discharge port 12 . In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the duct 20 is a channel that exists inside the housing 10 . The duct 20 , for example, is connected from the suction port 11 to the blowout port 12 and allows the air flowing in from the suction port 11 to flow toward the blowout port 12 .

The electric dust collector 40 is a part that charges fine particles contained in the air in the duct 20 (hereinafter also referred to as "air A") and collects the charged fine particles by electrostatic force. Microparticles are viruses or bacteria, but may also be minute substances such as dust containing viruses or bacteria. Particulates may include microparticulate matter (PM2.5). PM2.5 refers to particles with a size of 2.5 μm or less among particles floating in the air.

The electrostatic precipitator 40 has a charging section 30 and a collection section 50 .

The charging section 30 is a section that charges fine particles contained in the air A. The charging unit 30 charges fine particles contained in the air A by corona discharge, for example.

The collecting section 50 is a section that collects charged fine particles from the air A that has passed through the charging section 30 by electrostatic force. For example, when the collection unit 50 has the ability to collect fine particles with a size of 10 nm or more and 100 μm or less, it is possible to collect small viruses of about 30 nm, novel coronavirus (COVID-19) of about 100 nm, or virus droplets of several μm. It can collect pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the size of the fine particles that can be collected by the collection unit 50 is not particularly limited.

The exposure part 70 is a part that inactivates viruses contained in the air A or kills bacteria contained in the air A by irradiating the air A with ultraviolet rays emitted from

light sources

71 and 72, which will be described later.

The discharge device 60 discharges the air A from inside the duct 20 to the outlet 12 . The discharge device 60 introduces air from the outside of the air cleaner 100 into the duct 20 through the suction port 11 and discharges the air A that has passed through the collection section 50 and the exposure section 70 to the discharge port 12 . The discharge device 60 has, for example, a fan and a motor, and discharges the air A to the outlet 12 by rotating the fan with the motor.

The control device 80 activates or stops the charging operation of the charging unit 30, the collecting operation of the collecting unit 50, and the discharging operation of the discharging device 60 according to the contents of the operation instruction from the user. The functions of the control device 80 are implemented by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) operating according to a program stored in memory. The functions of the control device 80 may be realized by FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

The arrangement position of the collecting unit 50 is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the desired collecting function. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the collecting unit 50 collects charged fine particles from the air A by electrostatic force between the charging unit 30 and the outlet 12 . As a result, the particles charged in the charging section 30 are more likely to be supplied to the collecting section 50, so that the ability to collect the charged particles is improved. When the discharging device 60 is interposed between the charging unit 30 and the discharge port 12, the collecting unit 50 collects the charged fine particles from the air A by electrostatic force between the charging unit 30 and the discharging device 60. is preferred. This improves the ability to collect charged fine particles.

The placement position of the ejection device 60 is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the desired ejection function. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the discharge device 60 is arranged between the collection section 50 and the blowout port 12 . Fine particles contained in the air A are collected by the collection unit 50, so that the discharge device 60 is arranged between the collection unit 50 and the outlet 12, so that the discharge device 60 can collect the dirty air A. less likely to be polluted. As a result, for example, safety in maintenance such as replacement and cleaning of the discharging device 60 is improved.

The air purifier 100 may include a filter 90 between the collector 50 and the outlet 12 for filtering ozone contained in the air A (which may contain ozone generated by corona discharge). As a result, the effect of reducing the concentration of ozone contained in the air blown from the outlet 12 is enhanced. When the discharge device 60 is interposed between the collecting part 50 and the outlet 12 , the filter 90 is preferably interposed between the discharge device 60 and the outlet 12 . As a result, the effect of reducing the concentration of ozone contained in the air blown from the outlet 12 is enhanced. By using, for example, manganese oxide as the catalyst of the filter 90, the effect of reducing the ozone concentration is improved.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the air purifier according to one embodiment, showing the air purifier 100 with the housing 10 (see FIG. 1) removed. In addition, in FIG. 2 , not only the housing 10 but also some members are omitted for the sake of convenience in order to enhance the visibility of the internal structure.

The air cleaner 100 includes a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the duct 20 from the downstream side to the upstream side in the flow direction 13 of the air A in the duct 20 . Flow direction 13 may be the direction in which duct 20 extends. A plurality of

light sources

71 and 72 are illustrated in FIG. 2, but the number of light sources may be one or three or more. Further, the discharge device 60 of the air cleaner 100 includes a fan that discharges the air A from the inside of the duct 20 to the outlet 12 . A plurality of

fans

61 and 62 are illustrated in FIG. 2, but the number of fans may be one or three or more.

The

light sources

71, 72 and the

fans

61, 62 are arranged side by side on a plane intersecting the flow direction 13 of the air A (the flat plate 25 orthogonal to the flow direction 13 in the case of FIG. 2). By arranging the

light sources

71, 72 and

fans

61, 62 side by side in such a plane, more light is emitted from the

light sources

71, 72 into the duct 20 than in a configuration not shown in which the light sources and fans are arranged in the flow direction 13. The ultraviolet rays directed toward and irradiated are less likely to be blocked by the

fans

61 and 62. - 特許庁Therefore, even if the number of light sources is relatively small, the effect of inactivating viruses contained in the air A or killing bacteria contained in the air A is improved.

The plane on which the light sources or fans are arranged may be a plane inclined with respect to the flow direction 13 . For example, an inclined spacer may be interposed between the light source or fan and the mounting plane so that the plane in which the light source or fan is juxtaposed may be inclined with respect to the flow direction 13 .

In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the

light sources

71 and 72 are positioned at one diagonal corner of the rectangular flat plate 25 , and the

fans

61 and 62 are positioned at the other diagonal corner of the rectangular flat plate 25 . As a result, the fluidity of the air A in the duct 20 is improved, and the ultraviolet rays from the

light sources

71 and 72 are more likely to irradiate the air A uniformly. Increases effectiveness in killing bacteria. Also, the

light sources

71 , 72 do not overlap the

fans

61 , 62 when viewed in the flow direction 13 .

In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the

light sources

71 and 72 irradiate the inside of the duct 20 with ultraviolet rays through the through holes formed in the flat plate 25 , thereby removing viruses contained in the air A inside the exposure section 70 . Activates or kills bacteria contained in Air A. The

light sources

71 and 72 can inactivate viruses contained in the air A or kill bacteria contained in the air A even within the duct 20 (preferably, the exposure section 70).

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the

fans

61 and 62 discharge air A from the inside of the exposed portion 70 of the duct 20 to the outlet 12 through through holes formed in the flat plate 25 . Incidentally, the

fans

61 and 62 may be inside the duct 20 (preferably, the exposure section 70).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view partially showing a first example of the internal structure of the duct. In FIG. 3, illustration of the

light sources

71 and 72 is omitted.

The air cleaner 100 has a plate 21 arranged upstream in the flow direction 13 with respect to the fan 61 (below the fan 61 in FIG. 3). As a result, the plate 21 obstructs the flow of the air A toward the fan 61 and prevents the space upstream of the light sources 71 and 72 (specifically, the space below the

light sources

71 and 72 and on the side of the plate 21). It functions as a windshield that diverts the air A to the space of ). Therefore, the air A below the fan 61, which has a relatively small amount of ultraviolet irradiation from the

light sources

71 and 72, flows into the space on the upstream side with respect to the

light sources

71 and 72, thereby inactivating or inactivating the virus contained in the air A. The effect of killing bacteria contained in the air A is improved. The plate 21 is arranged with a gap between it and the fan 61 , and the air A flowing from the side of the gap is discharged via the fan 61 .

Similarly, the air cleaner 100 has a plate 22 arranged upstream in the flow direction 13 with respect to the fan 62 (below the fan 62 in FIG. 3). As a result, the plate 22 obstructs the flow of the air A toward the fan 62 and prevents the space on the upstream side of the light sources 71 and 72 (specifically, the space below the

light sources

71 and 72 and on the side of the plate 22). It functions as a windshield that diverts the air A to the space of ). Therefore, the air A below the fan 62, which has a relatively small amount of ultraviolet irradiation from the

light sources

71 and 72, flows into the space on the upstream side of the

light sources

71 and 72, thereby inactivating or inactivating the virus contained in the air A. The effect of killing bacteria contained in the air A is improved. The plate 22 is arranged with a gap between it and the fan 62 , and the air A flowing from the side of the gap is discharged via the fan 62 .

Thus, the air cleaner 100 has the

plates

21 and 22 arranged so that the air A in the duct 20 flows into the space on the upstream side with respect to the

light sources

71 and 72 . As a result, the air A is more likely to be irradiated with the ultraviolet light emitted from the

light sources

71 and 72, so that the effect of inactivating viruses contained in the air A or killing bacteria contained in the air A is improved.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view partially showing a second example of the internal structure of the duct. In FIG. 4, a light source 71 arranged with a gap on the upstream side in the flow direction 13 with respect to the fan 61 and a light source 72 arranged with a gap on the upstream side with respect to the fan 62 in the flow direction 13 are arranged. , are arranged in the duct 20 . As a result, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the

light sources

71 and 72 into the duct 20 are less likely to be blocked, and the unevenness of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the

light sources

71 and 72 into the duct 20 is suppressed. Therefore, the effect of inactivating viruses contained in the air A or killing bacteria contained in the air A is improved.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the light source 71 is arranged on the upstream side of the plate 26 in the flow direction 13 and is arranged on the main surface of the plate 26 facing the upstream side. Thereby, ultraviolet rays can be uniformly irradiated from the light source 71 toward the inside of the duct 20 . Also, the light source 71 and the plate 26 are supported by the support 24 so that a gap is formed between the light source 71 and the fan 61 . As a result, the distance between the light source 71 and the fan 61 is increased, making it difficult for harmful ultraviolet rays to leak from the fan 61 . The one or more struts 24 are an example of supports that support the plate 26 and the light source 71 within the duct 20 . Since the plate 26 is arranged on the upstream side with respect to the fan 61, the air directed to the fan 61 is detoured. The plate 26 is arranged with a gap between it and the fan 61 , and the air A flowing from the side of the gap is discharged via the fan 61 .

In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the light source 72 is arranged on the upstream side of the plate 27 in the flow direction 13 and is arranged on the main surface of the plate 27 facing the upstream side. Thereby, ultraviolet rays can be uniformly irradiated from the light source 72 toward the inside of the duct 20 . Also, the light source 72 and the plate 26 are supported by the support 24 so that an air gap is created between the light source 72 and the fan 62 . As a result, the distance between the light source 72 and the fan 62 is increased, making it difficult for harmful ultraviolet rays to leak from the fan 62 . The one or more struts 24 are an example of supports that support the plate 27 and the light source 72 within the duct 20 . Since the plate 27 is arranged on the upstream side with respect to the fan 62 , it diverts the air toward the fan 62 . The plate 27 is arranged with a gap between it and the fan 62 , and the air A flowing from the side of the gap is discharged via the fan 62 .

Thus, the plate 26 is arranged so that the air A in the duct 20 flows upstream in the flow direction 13 with respect to the light source 71 , and the plate 27 is arranged so that the air A in the duct 20 flows with respect to the light source 72 . It is arranged to flow upstream in direction 13 . As a result, the air A is more likely to be irradiated with the ultraviolet light emitted from the

light sources

FIG. 5 is a perspective view partially showing a third example of the internal structure of the duct. In FIG. 5 , a light source 171 is arranged in the duct 20 on the upstream side in the flow direction 13 with respect to the

fans

61 and 62 with an air gap therebetween. As a result, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 171 into the duct 20 are less likely to be blocked, and the unevenness of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 171 into the duct 20 is suppressed. Therefore, the effect of inactivating viruses contained in the air A or killing bacteria contained in the air A is improved.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the light source 171 is arranged on the upstream side of the plate 28 in the flow direction 13 and is arranged on the main surface of the plate 28 facing the upstream side. Thereby, ultraviolet rays can be uniformly irradiated from the light source 171 toward the inside of the duct 20 . Further, the plate 28 is supported by a supporting portion (not shown) so that a gap is generated between the light source 171 and the

fans

61 and 62 . As a result, the distance between the light source 171 and the

fans

61 and 62 is increased, making it difficult for harmful ultraviolet rays to leak from the

fans

61 and 62 . The one or more struts 24 are an example of supports that support the plate 28 and the light source 171 within the duct 20 . Since the plate 28 is arranged on the upstream side with respect to the

fans

61, 62, it diverts the air toward the

fans

61, 62. - 特許庁The plate 28 is arranged with a gap between it and the

fans

61 and 62, and the air A bypassing the plate 28 or the air A passing through the slits 75 formed in the plate 28 is discharged via the

fans

61 and 62. be done. Further, since the light source 171 is cooled by the air A passing through the slit 75, the

fans

61 and 62 can be used both for air blowing and cooling.

Thus, the plate 28 is arranged so that the air A in the duct 20 flows upstream in the flow direction 13 with respect to the light source 171 . As a result, the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 171 is more likely to irradiate the air A, so that the effect of inactivating viruses contained in the air A or killing bacteria contained in the air A is improved.

The plate 28 has one or more slits 75 through which the air A in the duct 20 passes. The slit 75 is an example of a through hole through which the air A in the duct 20 passes. By providing the through holes such as the slits 75 in the plate 28, blocking of the air A by the plate 28 can be suppressed, and the pressure loss of the air A can be suppressed. The slit 75 is arranged between adjacent light sources 171 . The light source 171 is arranged parallel to the slit 75 .

FIG. 14 is a perspective view partially showing a fourth example of the internal structure of the duct. In FIG. 14,

light sources

171A and 171B are arranged in the duct 20 on the upstream side in the flow direction 13 with respect to the

fans

61 and 62 with a gap therebetween. As a result, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the

light sources

171A and 171B into the duct 20 are less likely to be blocked, and the unevenness of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the

light sources

171A and 171B into the duct 20 is suppressed. Therefore, the effect of inactivating viruses contained in the air A or killing bacteria contained in the air A is improved.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the light source 171B is spaced upstream in the flow direction 13 with respect to the light source 171A. The

light sources

171A and 171B irradiate ultraviolet rays into the duct 20 from the downstream side to the upstream side in the flow direction 13 . Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 14 , the light sources that irradiate ultraviolet rays into the duct 20 in the same irradiation directions 14 in the flow direction 13 are arranged at a plurality of locations separated in the flow direction 13 . As a result, even if the exposure portion 70 is relatively long, a relatively long distance for exposing the air A can be ensured while suppressing a decrease in the irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet rays with respect to the air A. Therefore, the effect of inactivating viruses contained in the air A or killing bacteria contained in the air A is improved.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view partially showing a fifth example of the internal structure of the duct. In FIG. 15,

light sources

fans

light sources

In the example shown in FIG. 15, the light source 171B is spaced upstream in the flow direction 13 with respect to the light source 171A. The light source 171A irradiates the inside of the duct 20 with ultraviolet rays from the downstream side to the upstream side in the flow direction 13, and the light source 171B irradiates the inside of the duct 20 with ultraviolet rays from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the flow direction 13. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 15 , the light sources that irradiate the inside of the duct 20 with ultraviolet rays in the irradiation directions 14 that are opposite to each other in the flow direction 13 are arranged at a plurality of locations spaced apart in the flow direction 13 . As a result, even if the exposure portion 70 is relatively long, a relatively long distance for exposing the air A can be ensured while suppressing a decrease in the irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet rays with respect to the air A. Therefore, the effect of inactivating viruses contained in the air A or killing bacteria contained in the air A is improved.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the distance from the light source and the illuminance in an air cleaner in which the electrostatic precipitator 40 is positioned upstream with respect to the exposure unit 70. FIG. Condition R1 indicates a case where the reflectance of the inner wall of the duct 20 is less than 70% and the reflectance of the electrodes of the electrostatic precipitator 40 is less than 30%. Condition R2 indicates a case where the reflectance of the inner wall of the duct 20 is 70% and the reflectance of the electrode of the electrostatic precipitator 40 is less than 30%. Condition R3 indicates a case where the reflectance of the inner wall of the duct 20 is 70% and the reflectance of the electrodes of the electrostatic precipitator 40 is 30%. Condition R4 indicates a case where the reflectance of the inner wall of the duct 20 is 70% and the reflectance of the electrode of the electrostatic precipitator 40 is 70%. Conditions R1 to R4 indicate the case where the light distribution angle of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the

light sources

71 and 72 is 35°. The electrodes of the electrostatic precipitator 40 are electrodes for generating an electric field, and more specifically, a high voltage electrode and a ground electrode (collection electrode).

Since the electrostatic precipitator 40 is located on the upstream side with respect to the exposure part 70, the ultraviolet rays irradiated into the duct 20 from the

light sources

71 and 72 reach not only the exposure part 70 but also the electrostatic precipitator 40. . As a result, not only the viruses or bacteria contained in the air A in the exposure unit 70, but also the viruses or bacteria collected by the electrostatic precipitator 40 can be inactivated or the bacteria can be killed. improves.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, by increasing the reflectance of ultraviolet rays, not only the illuminance of the exposure unit 70 but also the illuminance of the electrostatic precipitator 40 is increased. As a result, not only viruses or bacteria contained in the air A in the exposure unit 70 but also viruses or bacteria collected by the electrostatic precipitator 40 can be inactivated or bacteria can be killed. is further improved.

In FIG. 2, the exposure unit 70 and the electrostatic precipitator 40 have separable structures, thereby improving maintainability such as cleaning. For example, the exposure unit 70 and the electrostatic precipitator 40 have a connecting structure that can be separated by fastening members such as bolts. In addition, since the charging section 30 and the collection section 50 have a separable structure, maintenance such as cleaning is improved. For example, the charging section 30 and the collection section 50 have a connecting structure that can be separated by a fastening member such as a bolt.

The

light sources

71, 72 and

fans

61, 62 are controlled by a control device 80 (see FIG. 1). The control device 80 may execute an operation mode in which the

light sources

71 and 72 irradiate ultraviolet rays while the

fans

61 and 62 are stopped. As a result, while the power consumption and operating noise caused by the operation of the

fans

61 and 62 are suppressed, viruses collected by the electrostatic precipitator 40 can be inactivated or bacteria can be killed. In addition, since viruses or bacteria collected by the electrostatic precipitator 40 can be inactivated or bacteria can be killed without newly supplying viruses or bacteria into the air purifier 100, the safety of decomposition cleaning is improved. Further, the control device 80 may execute an operation mode in which ultraviolet rays are emitted from the

light sources

71 and 72 while the

fans

61 and 62 are stopped at a higher irradiation output than when the

fans

61 and 62 are rotated. . As a result, after receiving an operation to stop the operation of the air purifier 100 from the user, viruses remaining on the inner wall of the duct 20 and the electrostatic precipitator 40 can be inactivated or bacteria can be killed. Improves effectiveness. Upon completion of these operating modes, a completion notification may be output. This improves the safety of the user's disassembly and cleaning work.

A first operation mode M ₁ in which the electric dust collection unit 40 stops electric dust collection and the

light sources

71 and 72 irradiate ultraviolet rays, and a second operation mode M 1 in which the electric dust collection unit 40 collects electric dust and the

light sources

71 and 72 do not irradiate ultraviolet rays. There may be a mode M ₂ , a third operation mode M ₃ in which the electrostatic precipitator 40 collects electrostatic dust and the

light sources

71 and 72 irradiate ultraviolet rays, and the like. The control device 80 may switch between these operation modes M ₁ , M ₂ , and M ₃ . Further, the control device 80 may switch and execute these operation modes _M1 _, _M2 , and M3 according to the presence of people around the air purifier detected by the human sensor.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the electrode tip structure of the electrostatic precipitator. The tip of the electrode may be bent in a direction that blocks (not completely blocks) the flow of the air A in the duct 20 . As a result, a swirl-like flow is formed in the duct 20, so that the ultraviolet rays evenly hit viruses or bacteria in the duct 20 even when the spatial illuminance of the ultraviolet rays is uneven. As a result, the rate of failure to inactivate viruses or kill bacteria is reduced, and the effect of inactivating viruses or killing bacteria is improved.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the electrostatic precipitator 40 has a high voltage electrode 54 arranged inside the duct 20 and a collection electrode 52 facing the high voltage electrode 54 . Multiple pairs of high voltage electrodes 54 and collection electrodes 52 are arranged in one direction perpendicular to flow direction 13 . High voltage electrode 54 is, for example, a conductive plate. Collection electrode 52 is a conductive plate that is grounded. The collection unit 50 applies a high voltage between the high voltage electrode 54 and the collection electrode 52 to generate an electrostatic field between the high voltage electrode 54 and the collection electrode 52 . As a result, the charged fine particles are attracted to the collecting electrode 52 by electrostatic force and adhere to the collecting electrode 52 .

The high-voltage electrode 54 has a main electrode surface 54c in which

tip portions

54a and 54b on the downstream side in the flow direction 13 are bent in the direction of blocking the flow of the air A. The collection electrode 52 has a main electrode surface 52c in which

tip portions

52a and 52b on the downstream side in the flow direction 13 are bent in a direction to block the flow of the air A. As shown in FIG.

Tip portions

54a and 54b are alternately bent, and

tip portions

52a and 52b are alternately bent. By bending in this way, a flow like a swirling flow is easily formed in the duct 20, so that the effect of inactivating viruses or killing bacteria is further improved.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the orientation of the light source. An inner wall 23 of the duct 20 is a member that reflects ultraviolet rays. The inner wall 23 itself may be an ultraviolet reflective material, or an ultraviolet reflective plate may be attached to the inner wall 23 . The light source 71 includes a first wide-angle light distribution type light source 76 that irradiates ultraviolet light at a first light distribution angle, and a narrow-angle light distribution type light source 76 that irradiates ultraviolet light at a second light distribution angle narrower than the first light distribution angle. 2 light sources 77 may be included. The ultraviolet rays emitted from the wide-angle light distribution type first light source 76 are reflected by the inner wall 23 of the duct 20 , and the unevenness of the irradiation distribution inside the duct 20 is alleviated. The ultraviolet rays emitted from the narrow-angle light distribution type second light source 77 travel substantially straight and are irradiated deeply in the flow direction in the duct 20 . Therefore, by arranging the first light source 76 closer to the inner wall 23 of the duct 20 than the second light source 77 is, the effect of suppressing unevenness in the distribution of the ultraviolet rays irradiated into the duct 20 is enhanced.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first arrangement example of a plurality of light sources with different light distribution angles.

Light sources

71, 72, 73, 74 are arranged in the duct 20 upstream of the

fans

61, 62, 63, 64 in the flow direction 13 with a gap therebetween (similar to FIG. 4). In FIG. 9 , the

light sources

71 , 72 , 73 , and 74 each have a wide-angle light distribution type first light source 76 and a narrow-angle light distribution type second light source 77 . The first light source 76 is arranged closer to the inner wall 23 capable of reflecting ultraviolet rays than the second light source 77 is. The first light sources 76 are arranged in an L shape along two sides adjacent to the inner wall 23 . As a result, the effect of suppressing unevenness in the distribution of ultraviolet rays irradiated into the duct 20 is enhanced.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second arrangement example of a plurality of light sources with different light distribution angles. A light source 171 arranged with an air gap on the upstream side in the flow direction 13 with respect to the

fans

61 and 62 is arranged in the duct 20 (similar to FIG. 5). In FIG. 10, the light source 171 has a wide-angle light distribution type first light source 76 and a narrow-angle light distribution type second light source 77 . The first light source 76 is arranged closer to the inner wall 23 capable of reflecting ultraviolet rays than the second light source 77 is. The first light sources 76 are arranged in a row along adjacent inner walls 23 . As a result, the effect of suppressing unevenness in the distribution of ultraviolet rays irradiated into the duct 20 is enhanced. The first light sources 76 may be arranged in a line along another adjacent inner wall 23 capable of reflecting ultraviolet light.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first arrangement example of a plurality of light sources emitting ultraviolet rays of different wavelengths. In the air cleaner having the electrostatic precipitator 40 and the exposure unit 70, the light source 172 includes a first light source 78 that emits UV-C and a second light source 79 that emits UV-B having a longer wavelength than UV-C. and may include As a result, the two functions of inactivating viruses or killing bacteria with UV-C and decomposing ozone with UV-B can be achieved in a relatively small space inside the duct 20 . Since UV-B has a higher ozone absorption efficiency than UV-C, irradiation with UV-B can efficiently decompose ozone especially generated by corona discharge of the electrostatic precipitator 40 . Since excessive ozone is harmful to the human body, it is preferable to make the ozone concentration as small as possible. UV-C (Ultraviolet Light - C) is ultraviolet C waves from 100 nm to 280 nm. UV-B (Ultraviolet Light - B) is ultraviolet B waves from 280 nm to 315 nm.

The control device 80 may detect the amount of generated ozone with an ozone sensor, and change the UV-B irradiation output according to the detected amount of generated ozone. For example, the control device 80 increases the UV-B irradiation output when the ozone generation amount is large compared to when the ozone generation amount is small. Thereby, ozone can be efficiently decomposed.

In FIG. 11, a light source 172 arranged across a gap on the upstream side in the flow direction 13 with respect to the

fans

61 and 62 is arranged inside the duct 20 (similar to FIG. 5). In FIG. 11, the light source 172 has a first light source 78 that emits UV-C and a second light source 79 that emits UV-B. The first light sources 78 and the second light sources 79 are arranged alternately. As a result, the effect of suppressing uneven distribution of UV-B and UV-C irradiated into the duct 20 is enhanced. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the light source may have a first light source 78 for irradiating UV-C and a second light source 79 for irradiating UV-B.

Also, the first light source 78 may be of a wide-angle light distribution type or a narrow-angle light distribution type. Similarly, the second light source 79 may be of a wide-angle light distribution type or a narrow-angle light distribution type.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second arrangement example of a plurality of light sources emitting ultraviolet rays of different wavelengths. If the second light source 79 that emits UV-B is arranged closer to the electrostatic precipitator 40 than the first light source 78 that emits UV-C, the ozone generated in the electrostatic precipitator 40 is converted into UV-C. can be degraded by UV-B at an earlier stage than As a result, attenuation of UV-C due to the use of UV-C to decompose ozone is suppressed, and reduction in the effect of UV-C in inactivating viruses or killing bacteria can be suppressed.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, a first light source 78 that emits UV-C and a second light source 79 that emits UV-B are arranged on the inner wall 23 of the duct 20 (or a reflector attached to the inner wall 23), The second light source 79 is arranged closer to the electrostatic precipitator 40 than the first light source 78 is. As a result, the ozone generated in the electrostatic precipitator 40 can be decomposed by UV-B at an earlier stage than UV-C, so that the inactivation of viruses or the death of bacteria by UV-C and the decomposition of ozone by UV-B can be performed. Efficient implementation.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the charging section. The charging section 30 shown in FIG. 13 has a discharge section 36 for generating corona discharge. The discharge section 36 has a discharge electrode 37 arranged in the duct 20, a ground electrode 38 facing the discharge electrode 37, and an insulator 39 for insulating between the discharge electrode 37 and the supporting section (inner wall, etc.).

The discharge electrode 37 is a disk-shaped electrode with a plurality of sharp projections extending radially. The discharge section 36 has a discharge electrode group 35 in which a plurality of discharge electrodes 37 are laminated with a space therebetween. A plurality of discharge electrode groups 35 are arranged in a plurality of spaces partitioned by grid-like ground electrodes 38 . The charging device 30B applies a high voltage HV between the discharge electrode 37 (the plurality of discharge electrode groups 35) and the ground electrode 38, so that the discharge electrodes 37 (the plurality of discharge electrode groups 35) and the ground electrode 38 are A corona discharge is generated between

The discharge electrode 37 of the charging section 30 may have either a positive polarity or a negative polarity. The positive discharge electrode is an electrode to which a positive high voltage is applied with respect to the ground electrode, and the negative discharge electrode is an electrode to which a negative high voltage is applied with respect to the ground electrode.

The charging unit 30 applies a positive high voltage between the ground electrode and the positive discharge electrode 37 to generate corona discharge between the electrodes, thereby suppressing the concentration of ozone in the duct 20 and collecting ozone. It is possible to improve the collection rate of fine particles in the portion 50 .

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications and improvements such as combination or replacement with part or all of other embodiments are possible.

For example, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to air purifiers having an electrostatic precipitator, but can also be applied to air purifiers that do not have an electrostatic precipitator.

This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-025077 filed on February 19, 2021, and the entire content of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-025077 is to refer to.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 housing 11 suction port 12 outlet 13 flow direction 14 irradiation direction 20

duct

21, 22, 26, 27, 28 plate 23 inner wall 24 support 25 flat plate 30 charging section 35 discharge electrode group 36 discharge section 37 discharge electrode 38 ground electrode 39 insulator 40 electrostatic precipitator 50 collector 52 collector electrode 54 high-voltage electrode 60

discharge device

61, 62, 63, 64 fan 70

exposure section

71, 72, 73, 74 light source 75 slit 76, 78

first light source

77, 79 second light source 80 control device 90 filter 100 air cleaner

Claims

a duct for flowing air from the inlet to the outlet;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the duct from the downstream side to the upstream side in the direction of air flow in the duct;
a fan for discharging air from inside the duct to the outlet,
The air cleaner, wherein the light source and the fan are arranged side by side on a plane intersecting the flow direction.
The air cleaner according to claim 1, comprising a plate arranged so that the air in the duct flows toward the upstream side with respect to the light source.
a duct for flowing air from the inlet to the outlet;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the duct from the downstream side to the upstream side in the direction of air flow in the duct;
a fan for discharging air from inside the duct to the outlet;
and a plate arranged so that the air in the duct flows to the upstream side with respect to the light source.
The air cleaner according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plate is arranged on the upstream side with respect to the fan.
The air purifier according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the plate diverts air directed toward the fan.
The air cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the plate diverts air directed toward the fan to the upstream side with respect to the light source.
The air cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the light source is arranged on the upstream side with respect to the plate.
The air purifier according to claim 7, wherein the light sources are arranged at a plurality of locations separated in the flow direction.
The air purifier according to claim 7, comprising a light source that irradiates the inside of the duct with ultraviolet rays from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow direction.
a duct for flowing air from the inlet to the outlet;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the duct from the downstream side to the upstream side in the direction of air flow in the duct;
a fan for discharging air from inside the duct to the outlet;
a plate arranged on the upstream side with respect to the fan,
The light source is arranged on the upstream side with respect to the plate,
The air cleaner, wherein the plate has a through hole through which the air in the duct passes.
a duct for flowing air from the inlet to the outlet;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the duct from the downstream side to the upstream side in the direction of air flow in the duct;
a fan for discharging air from inside the duct to the outlet,
The air purifier, wherein the light sources are arranged at a plurality of locations separated in the flow direction.
a duct for flowing air from the inlet to the outlet;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the duct from the downstream side to the upstream side in the direction of air flow in the duct;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the duct from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the flow direction;
and a fan for discharging air from inside the duct to the outlet.
The duct has an exposure section that exposes the air in the duct to ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source, and an electrostatic precipitator located upstream of the exposure section,
The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the electrostatic precipitator charges particles contained in the air in the duct and collects the charged particles by electrostatic force.
The air cleaner according to claim 13, wherein the exposure section and the electrostatic precipitator have a separable structure.
The electric dust collection unit has a charging unit that charges fine particles contained in the air in the duct, and a collecting unit that collects the charged fine particles by electrostatic force,
The air cleaner according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said charging section and said collecting section have a separable structure.
The electrostatic precipitator has an electrode for generating the electrostatic force,
16. The air cleaner according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein a tip portion of said electrode is bent in a direction of blocking air flow in said duct.
The light source includes a first light source that irradiates UV-C, and a second light source that irradiates UV-B having a longer wavelength than UV-C. The air according to any one of claims 13 to 16. Cleaner.
The air cleaner according to claim 17, wherein the second light source is arranged closer to the electrostatic precipitator than the first light source.
UV rays are reflected by the inner wall of the duct,
The light source includes a first light source that irradiates ultraviolet light at a first light distribution angle and a second light source that irradiates ultraviolet light at a second light distribution angle narrower than the first light distribution angle,
17. An air cleaner according to any preceding claim, wherein the first light source is located closer to the inner wall than the second light source.
a duct for flowing air from the inlet to the outlet;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the duct from the downstream side to the upstream side in the direction of air flow in the duct;
a fan for discharging air from inside the duct to the outlet,
UV rays are reflected by the inner wall of the duct,
The light source includes a first light source that irradiates ultraviolet light at a first light distribution angle and a second light source that irradiates ultraviolet light at a second light distribution angle narrower than the first light distribution angle,
The air purifier, wherein the first light source is arranged closer to the inner wall than the second light source.
A control device for controlling the light source and the fan,
21. The air cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said control device emits ultraviolet light from said light source while said fan is stopped.
22. The air cleaner according to claim 21, wherein said control device irradiates ultraviolet rays from said light source while said fan is stopped at a higher irradiation output than when said fan is rotating.
a first operation mode in which the electrostatic precipitator stops electrostatic dust collection and the light source irradiates ultraviolet rays; a second operation mode in which the electrostatic precipitator stops electrostatic dust collection and the light source does not irradiate ultraviolet rays; 19. The air purifier according to any one of claims 13 to 18, further comprising a control device that switches between and executes a third operation mode in which the dust collecting section performs electrostatic dust collection and the light source irradiates ultraviolet rays.