JP2006029665A - Ceiling embedded type or ceiling suspension type air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a ceiling embedded type or ceiling suspension type air conditioner capable of decomposing and removing bacteria or viruses which become sources of odor more efficiently than a conventional one. <P>SOLUTION: The ceiling embedded type or ceiling suspension type air conditioners 1, 6, and 9 are provided with air delivery passage components 21, 24, 45, 91, and 95, and apatite 30 having a photocatalytic function. The air delivery passage components compose an air delivery passage for delivering air indoors. The apatite having the photocatalytic function is provided in at least one part of the air delivery passage components. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner for conditioning air.

Conventionally, a photo-semiconductor catalyst layer has been provided on the surfaces of air intake units, air filters, heat exchangers, scrolls, fans, air outlets, and the like of indoor units of air conditioners. There is a technique for decomposing and removing viruses and the like (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-9-196399

  An object of the present invention is to provide a ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner capable of decomposing and removing bacteria, viruses, and the like that cause odors with higher efficiency than before.

  A ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an air distribution path constituting member and an apatite having a photocatalytic function. The air delivery path constituting member constitutes an air delivery path for delivering air indoors. Here, the “air delivery path constituting member” includes, for example, a wind direction plate, a bell mouth, and a humidifying hose. Apatite having a photocatalytic function is provided on at least a part of the air delivery path constituting member. The “apatite having a photocatalytic function” mentioned here is, for example, apatite in which a part of calcium ions of calcium hydroxyapatite is replaced with titanium ions by a technique such as ion exchange.

  Usually, the photo-semiconductor catalyst represented by titanium dioxide is inferior in the ability to actively collect bacteria, viruses, and the like. On the other hand, the apatite having the photocatalytic function can prevent or suppress their growth by strongly adsorbing bacteria or viruses. When the apatite is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength region such as ultraviolet rays, the bacteria and viruses are decomposed and removed.

In the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, apatite having a photocatalytic function is provided on at least a part of the air delivery path constituting member. For this reason, this ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner can decompose and remove germs and viruses that cause odors with higher efficiency than conventional air conditioners that carry a photosemiconductor catalyst. .
The ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the second invention is the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the first invention, wherein the air delivery path component is a wind direction plate. is there. The wind direction plate adjusts the direction of air flow into the room.

In this ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, the air delivery path component is a wind direction plate. For this reason, in this ceiling embedded type or ceiling suspended type air conditioner, the wind direction plate can be kept clean.
A ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended air conditioner according to a third aspect of the present invention is the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, and further includes a humidifying unit. The humidification unit humidifies the air. The air delivery path is a humidified air delivery path. The humidified air delivery path is a delivery path for receiving supply of air humidified by the humidifying unit.

In this ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, the air delivery path constituting member constitutes the humidified air delivery path. In other words, the “air delivery path constituent member” here is a humidifying hose, a humidifying duct, or the like. For this reason, in this ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, the humidifying hose, the humidifying duct, and the like can be kept clean.
A ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended air conditioner according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the air delivery path The structural member is molded from resin. And the apatite which has a photocatalytic function is mix | blended with resin.

  In this ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, the air delivery path constituting member is molded from a resin blended with apatite having a photocatalytic function. For this reason, in this ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, it is possible to manufacture an air delivery path constituent member having a cleaning function without substantially changing the manufacturing method of the air delivery path constituent member. In addition, photo-semiconductor catalysts such as titanium dioxide erode the resin when activated, so a special binder was required when blended with the resin. However, apatite having a photocatalytic function is titanium dioxide against bacteria and viruses. Despite exhibiting a higher degradation capacity, it hardly erodes the resin when activated. For this reason, the apatite having a photocatalytic function does not require a special binder. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture an air delivery path constituent member having a cleaning function at a lower cost.

The ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the fifth invention is the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended air conditioner according to the fourth invention, wherein the resin is provided with apatite having a photocatalytic function. The surface to be processed is roughened.
In this ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, the resin is roughened at a portion where apatite having a photocatalytic function is provided. For this reason, apatite having many photocatalytic functions can be provided on the surface of the resin. Therefore, the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner can decompose and remove germs and viruses that cause odors with higher efficiency.

  A ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes an air delivery path arrangement member and an apatite having a photocatalytic function. The air delivery path arrangement member is arranged in the air delivery path. Note that the air delivery path is a passage for delivering air indoors. Further, the “air delivery path arrangement member” referred to here is, for example, a component part of a fan, a drain pan, and a humidifying unit. And the apatite which has a photocatalytic function is provided in at least one part of an air delivery path arrangement | positioning member.

  Usually, the photo-semiconductor catalyst represented by titanium dioxide is inferior in the ability to actively collect bacteria, viruses, and the like. On the other hand, the apatite having the photocatalytic function can prevent or suppress their growth by strongly adsorbing bacteria or viruses. When the apatite is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength region such as ultraviolet rays, the bacteria and viruses are decomposed and removed.

In this ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, apatite having a photocatalytic function is provided on at least a part of the air delivery path arrangement member. For this reason, this ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner can decompose and remove germs and viruses that cause odors with higher efficiency than conventional air conditioners that carry a photosemiconductor catalyst. .
The ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the seventh aspect of the invention is the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type of air conditioner according to the sixth invention, wherein the air delivery path arrangement member is configured to transmit air indoors. It is an impeller for supplying to.

In the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, the air delivery path arrangement member is an impeller. For this reason, in this ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, the impeller can be kept clean.
The ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the eighth invention is the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the sixth invention or the seventh invention, wherein the air delivery path arrangement member is It is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air.

In this ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, the air delivery path arrangement member is a heat exchanger. For this reason, in this ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, the heat exchanger can be kept clean.
A ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended air conditioner according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a cooling unit. The cooling unit is a member for cooling the air. The air delivery path arrangement member is a drain pan that receives water condensed by the cooling unit.

In this ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, the air delivery path arrangement member is a drain pan. For this reason, in this ceiling embedded type or ceiling suspended type air conditioner, the drain pan can be kept clean.
A ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to any of the sixth to ninth aspects of the present invention, which is an air delivery path. An arrangement | positioning member is a humidification unit which humidifies air.

In this ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, the air delivery path arrangement member is a humidifying unit. For this reason, in this ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, the humidifying unit can be kept clean.
A ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is a ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to any of the sixth to tenth aspects of the present invention, wherein the air delivery path The structural member is molded from resin. And the apatite which has a photocatalytic function is mix | blended with resin.

  In this ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, apatite having a photocatalytic function is blended in a resin. For this reason, the resin part which has a cleaning function can be manufactured, without almost changing the manufacturing method of resin. In addition, photo-semiconductor catalysts such as titanium dioxide erode the resin when activated, so a special binder was required when blended with the resin. However, apatite having a photocatalytic function is titanium dioxide against bacteria and viruses. Despite exhibiting a higher degradation capacity, it hardly erodes the resin when activated. For this reason, a special binder is not required. Accordingly, a resin having a cleaning function can be manufactured at a lower cost.

A ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to a twelfth aspect of the invention is the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the eleventh invention, wherein the resin is provided with apatite having a photocatalytic function. The surface to be processed is roughened.
In this ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner, the resin is roughened at a portion where apatite having a photocatalytic function is provided. For this reason, apatite having many photocatalytic functions can be provided on the surface of the resin. Therefore, the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner can decompose and remove germs and viruses that cause odors with higher efficiency.

In the ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to decompose and remove germs, viruses, and the like that cause odors more efficiently than a conventional air conditioner carrying a photosemiconductor catalyst. it can.
In the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the second invention, the wind direction plate can be kept clean.

In the ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the third invention, the humidifying hose, the humidifying duct, and the like can be kept clean.
In the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the air delivery path constituent member having a cleaning function can be manufactured without substantially changing the manufacturing method of the air delivery path constituent member. In addition, photo-semiconductor catalysts such as titanium dioxide erode the resin when activated, so a special binder was required when blended with the resin. However, apatite having a photocatalytic function is titanium dioxide against bacteria and viruses. Despite exhibiting a higher degradation capacity, it hardly erodes the resin when activated. For this reason, the apatite having a photocatalytic function does not require a special binder. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture an air delivery path constituent member having a cleaning function at a lower cost.

In the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, bacteria and viruses that cause odor can be decomposed and removed more efficiently.
In the ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to decompose and remove germs, viruses, and the like that cause odors with higher efficiency than the conventional air conditioner carrying a photosemiconductor catalyst. it can.

In the ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the impeller can be kept clean.
In the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the eighth invention, the heat exchanger can be kept clean.
In the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the ninth aspect of the invention, the drain pan can be kept clean.

In the ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the tenth aspect of the invention, the humidifying unit can be kept clean.
In the ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the eleventh aspect of the invention, a resin part having a cleaning function can be manufactured without substantially changing the resin manufacturing method. In addition, photo-semiconductor catalysts such as titanium dioxide erode the resin when activated, so a special binder was required when blended with the resin. However, apatite having a photocatalytic function is titanium dioxide against bacteria and viruses. Despite exhibiting a higher degradation capacity, it hardly erodes the resin when activated. For this reason, a special binder is not required. Accordingly, a resin having a cleaning function can be manufactured at a lower cost.

  In the ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, bacteria and viruses that cause odor can be decomposed and removed more efficiently.

[Configuration of indoor unit]
FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view (ceiling is omitted) of an indoor unit 1 of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The indoor unit 1 is a ceiling-buried type indoor unit, and as shown in FIG. 2, is composed of a main body 2 buried in the ceiling at the time of installation and a decorative panel 4 exposed to the indoor side at the time of installation. In this indoor unit 1, as shown in FIG. 1, a dry air delivery pipe 81 for delivering indoor dry air to the humidifying unit 7, and air humidified in the humidifying unit 7 are returned to the indoor unit 1. The humidification unit 7 is connected via the humidified air delivery pipe 82 for the indoor unit 1 to be humidified indoors.

[Indoor unit components]
(1) Main body As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the main body 2 includes a main body casing 21, a centrifugal blower 22, a heat exchanger 23, a drain pan 24, a bell mouth 25, a dry air delivery pipe connection port 27, and humidified air delivery. A pipe connection port 28, a purple LED 26, and an ultraviolet lamp 29 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main casing 21 is a box having an open bottom surface, and includes a top plate 211 and a side plate 212 that extends downward from the peripheral edge of the top plate 211. The main body casing 21 accommodates the components of the indoor unit 1 therein.
In this embodiment, the centrifugal blower 22 is a turbo fan, and has a fan motor 221 provided at the center of the top plate 211 of the main casing 21 and an impeller 222 that is connected to the fan motor 221 and is driven to rotate. is doing. The centrifugal blower 22 can suck room air into the impeller 222 and blow it out to the outer peripheral side of the impeller 222.

  In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 23 is a cross fin tube type heat exchanger panel formed by being bent so as to surround the outer periphery of the centrifugal blower 22 (see FIG. 4), and is installed outdoors. It is connected to a unit (not shown) via a refrigerant pipe. The heat exchanger 23 can function as a refrigerant evaporator flowing inside during a cooling operation and as a refrigerant condenser flowing inside during a heating operation. Thereby, the heat exchanger 23 cools the indoor air sucked into the main body casing 21 through the bell mouth 25 and blown to the outer peripheral side of the impeller 222 of the centrifugal blower 22 during the cooling operation and is heated during the heating operation. Can do.

The drain pan 24 is disposed on the lower side of the heat exchanger 23 and receives drain water generated by condensation of moisture in the room air when the room air is cooled in the heat exchanger 23.
The dry air delivery pipe connection port 27 is a port for connecting the dry air delivery pipe 81. On the other hand, the humidified air delivery pipe connection port 28 is a port for connecting the humidified air delivery pipe 82.

The purple LED 26 is provided between the side plate 212 and the heat exchanger 23 of the main casing 21 and the centrifugal blower 22 and can emit ultraviolet rays of approximately 360 nm to 400 nm.
The ultraviolet lamp 29 is provided inside the bell mouth 25 and can emit ultraviolet rays of approximately 360 nm to 400 nm.

(2) Decorative Panel As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the decorative panel 4 is a substantially rectangular plate-like body, and is mainly used for intake of indoor air into the main casing 21 at the approximate center thereof. It has a mouth 41 and a plurality (four in this embodiment) of air outlets 42 that blow out conditioned air from the inside of the main casing 21 toward the indoor space. The blower outlet 42 is provided with a louver 45 for adjusting the wind direction. The suction port 41 is provided with a suction grill 43 and a prefilter 44 for removing relatively large dust in the indoor air sucked from the suction port 41.

[Operation of indoor unit]
When the centrifugal blower 22 is rotated by the fan motor 221, indoor air is sucked into the suction port 41 of the indoor unit 1 as indicated by an arrow A0 in FIG. The sucked air reaches the centrifugal blower 22 through the bell mouth 25 of the main body 2 and then blows out to the outer peripheral side of the centrifugal blower 22 (see arrow A1 in FIG. 3). The air blown to the outer peripheral side of the centrifugal blower 22 is heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger 23 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the centrifugal blower 22 and then blown into the room from the blower outlet 42 (see arrow A2 in FIG. 3). ). At this time, part of the air after heat exchange is supplied to the humidification unit 7 through the dry air delivery pipe 81. In addition, the air toward the air outlet 42 after heat exchange is blown out from the air outlet 42 together with the air humidified by the humidifying unit 7 and supplied through the humidified air delivery pipe 82.

[Indoor unit self-cleaning function]
The inner wall (see FIG. 3) of the main body casing 21, which is a member constituting the ceiling-buried indoor unit 1, the inner wall of the bell mouth 25, the impeller 222 of the centrifugal blower 21, the suction grill 43, the drain pan 24, and the looper 45 Titanium apatite 30 is coated. Titanium apatite 30 is apatite in which a part of calcium ions of calcium hydroxyapatite is replaced with titanium ions by a technique such as ion exchange, and has not only an organic substance adsorption ability which is a characteristic characteristic of apatite but also a photocatalytic function. It is a special substance. That is, in this indoor unit 1, the titanium apatite 30 specifically adsorbs odor components, harmful gases, bacteria, viruses, and the like and is strongly excited by being excited by ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp 29 and the purple LED 26. It exhibits excellent oxidizing power and can be detoxified by decomposing, killing, or inactivating odor components, harmful gases, bacteria, viruses, and the like.

[Components of humidification unit]
As shown in FIG. 5, the humidifying unit 7 mainly includes a casing 71, a moisture permeable membrane unit 72, a centrifugal blower 73, an electric valve 74, a pressure reducing valve 75, a drain pump 76, an ultraviolet lamp 715, an internal water supply pipe 77, An internal drain pipe 78, an external water supply pipe connection port 79, an external drain pipe connection port 80, a dry air delivery pipe connection port 83, and a humidified air delivery pipe connection port 84 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the casing 71 is mainly partitioned into a first machine chamber 711, a second machine chamber 712, a dry air chamber 713, and a humidified air chamber 714. An electric valve 74 and a pressure reducing valve 75 are accommodated in the first machine chamber 711. A drainage pump 76 is accommodated in the second machine chamber 712. The dry air chamber 713 and the humidified air chamber 714 are partitioned by the moisture permeable membrane unit 72, and dry air is delivered from the indoor unit 1 to the dry air chamber 713. On the other hand, the humidified air chamber 714 is supplied with air humidified by the moisture permeable membrane unit 72, and the humidified air is returned to the indoor unit 1 by the centrifugal blower 73 disposed in the humidified air chamber 714.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the moisture permeable membrane unit 72 includes a jacket 721, a pair of tube plates 722, and a tubular moisture permeable membrane 725 (not shown in FIG. 6 but shown in FIG. 7). The jacket 721 is a substantially rectangular frame member, and an internal water supply pipe connection port 723 is provided on one side thereof. The internal water supply pipe connection port 723 is formed of a cylindrical member so as to communicate between the inside and outside of the frame. In addition, an internal drain pipe connection port 724 is provided at a position facing the internal water supply pipe connection port 723 with the same configuration. The tube plate 722 is a flat plate-shaped member that matches the opening of the jacket 721. The pair of tube plates 722 has a plurality of through holes 726 that match each other. The cylindrical moisture permeable membrane 725 is made of a material such as polytetrafluoroethylene, for example. As shown in FIG. 7, the tubular moisture permeable membrane 725 has innumerable fine holes 725a and has a property of allowing only water vapor to pass therethrough without allowing water to pass therethrough. In addition, the cylindrical moisture permeable membrane 725 is fixed to the through holes 726 whose both ends coincide with each other in the tube plate 722.

  In the assembly of the moisture permeable membrane unit 72, one tube plate 722 is fixed to the jacket 721, the tubular moisture permeable membrane 725 is fixed to the plurality of through holes 726 of the tube plate 722, and then the other tube plate 722 is attached. It fixes so that it may correspond to the cylindrical moisture-permeable film 725 and the jacket 721. The moisture permeable membrane unit 72 assembled in this manner forms a water storage space (hatched portion) 728 between the jacket 721 and the plurality of cylindrical moisture permeable membranes 725, as shown in FIG. The water storage space 728 communicates with an external water supply source through the internal water supply pipe 77, can store water supplied from the water supply source, and can discharge the stored water to the internal discharge pipe 78. Further, the through-hole 726 and the cylindrical moisture permeable membrane 725 of the pair of tube plates 722 form an air tunnel portion 729 through which dry air passes.

The motorized valve 74 is a device for increasing or decreasing the water supply channel area based on a signal from a control unit (not shown).
The pressure reducing valve 75 is a device for facilitating water evaporation by reducing the pressure of the water flowing through the internal water supply pipe 77.
The ultraviolet lamp 715 is disposed in the dry air chamber 713 and the humidified air chamber 714 and can emit ultraviolet rays of approximately 360 nm to 400 nm.

The internal water supply pipe 77 is a pipe for supplying water to the moisture permeable membrane unit 72, and is connected to the internal water supply pipe connection port 723 of the moisture permeable membrane unit 72.
The internal drain pipe 78 is a pipe for discharging water discharged from the moisture permeable membrane unit 72 to the outside of the casing 71, and is connected to the internal drain pipe connection port 724 of the moisture permeable membrane unit 72.

The drainage pump 76 discharges the drainage flowing through the internal drainage pipe 78 to the outside of the casing 71.
The external water supply pipe connection port 79 is a port for pipe-connecting an external water supply source such as a water pipe to the internal water supply pipe 77.
The external drain pipe connection port 80 is a port for connecting the internal drain pipe 78 to an external drain pipe.

The dry air delivery pipe connection port 83 is a port for connecting the dry air delivery pipe 81 to the dry air chamber 713.
The humidified air delivery pipe connection port 84 is a port for pipe-connecting the humidified air delivery pipe 82 for returning the air humidified by the moisture permeable membrane unit 72 to the indoor unit 1 to the humidified air chamber 714.

[Operation of humidification unit]
When the centrifugal blower 73 is rotated, the dry air of the indoor unit 1 is supplied to the moisture permeable membrane unit 72 through the dry air delivery pipe 81 as indicated by an arrow A4 in FIG. The dry air supplied to the moisture permeable membrane unit 72 moves to the humidified air chamber 714 through the wind tunnel 729 of the moisture permeable membrane unit 72. At this time, the dry air contains the water vapor supplied from the cylindrical moisture permeable membrane 725 and becomes humidified air. Then, this humidified air is returned again to the indoor unit 1 through the humidified air delivery pipe 82 by the centrifugal blower 73. In addition, this humidification unit 7 is mainly operated when the indoor unit 1 is performing the heating operation.

[Self-cleaning function of humidification unit]
Titanium apatite 30 is coated on the inner wall of the casing 71 which is a member constituting the humidifying unit 7 and the impeller (not shown) of the centrifugal blower 73. In this humidifying unit 7, the titanium apatite 30 specifically adsorbs odor components, harmful gases, bacteria, viruses, and the like, and exhibits strong oxidizing power by being photoexcited by ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp 29. In addition, odor components, harmful gases, bacteria, viruses, etc. can be decomposed, killed, or inactivated to make them harmless.

[Self-cleaning function of air delivery pipe]
The air delivery pipes 81 and 82 are made of a transparent resin, and the inner wall surface thereof is coated with the titanium apatite 30. An ultraviolet lamp (not shown) is provided in the vicinity thereof. Therefore, in the air delivery pipes 81 and 82, the titanium apatite 30 specifically adsorbs odor components, harmful gases, bacteria, viruses, and the like, and is strongly excited by being excited by ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp 29. It exhibits excellent oxidizing power and can be detoxified by decomposing, killing, or inactivating odor components, harmful gases, bacteria, viruses, and the like. In particular, since the air rich in moisture flows through the humidified air delivery pipe 82, an active photocatalytic reaction is expected.

[Performance of titanium apatite against bacteria and viruses]
Table 1 shows the inactivation rates of titanium apatite viruses, fungi, and toxins.

These inactivation rates are measured by the following method at the Japan Food Analysis Center.
1. Influenza virus inactivation rate (1) Outline of the test Influenza virus suspension is dropped onto a filter (approx. 30 mm x 30 mm) coated with titanium apatite, and dark conditions (light-shielding) and light conditions [under black light irradiation] (The distance between the filter and the black light was about 20 cm)], and the virus infectivity after 24 hours was measured.

(2) Calculation of inactivation rate Inactivation rate = 100 × (1-10 ^B / 10 ^A )
A: Viral infectivity immediately after inoculation B: Viral infectivity of filter 24 hours after light irradiation (3) Test method Test virus: Influenza virus type A (H1N1)
B. Cells used: MDCK (NBL-2) cells ATCC CCL-34 strain [Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.]
C. Medium used a) Cell growth medium Eagle MEM (containing 0.06 mg / ml kanamycin) supplemented with 10% newborn calf serum was used.

b) Cell maintenance medium A medium having the following composition was used.
Eagle MEM 1,000mL
10% NaHCO3 24-44 mL
L-glutamine (30 g / L) 9.8 mL
100 x MEM vitamin solution 30mL
20% 10% albumin
Trypsin (5 mg / mL) 2 mL
D. Preparation of virus suspension a) Cell culture MDCK cells were cultured in a monolayer in a tissue culture flask using a cell growth medium.

b) Inoculation of virus After the monolayer culture, the cell growth medium was removed from the flask and inoculated with the test virus. Next, the cell maintenance medium was added and cultured in a carbon dioxide incubator (CO ₂ concentration: 5%) at 37 ° C. for 2 to 5 days.
c) Preparation of virus suspension After culturing, the morphology of cells was observed using an inverted phase contrast microscope, and it was confirmed that morphological change (cell metamorphic effect) occurred in 80% or more of the cells. Next, the culture solution was centrifuged (3,000 r / min, 10 minutes), and the resulting supernatant was used as a virus suspension.

E. Sample preparation Filters (approx. 30mm x 30mm) were sterilized with moist heat (121 ° C, 15 minutes), air-dried for 1 hour, placed in a plastic petri dish, and black light (black light blue, FL20S BL-B 20 W, 2 parallel) Samples were irradiated for 12 hours or longer.
F. Test operation 0.2 mL of virus suspension was dropped into the sample. It was stored at room temperature under light shielding and black light irradiation (distance between filter and black light was about 20 cm). A polyethylene film was also tested as a control sample.

G. Washing out the virus After 24 hours of storage, the virus suspension in the test piece was washed out with 2 mL of cell maintenance medium.
H. Measurement of virus infectivity titer Using cell growth medium, MDCK cells were cultured in a monolayer in a tissue culture microplate (96 wells), and then the cell growth medium was removed and 0.1 mL of cell maintenance medium was added. Next, 0.1 mL of the washing solution and its diluted solution were inoculated every 4 holes, and cultured in a 37 ° C. carbon dioxide incubator (CO ₂ concentration: 5%) for 4 to 7 days. After culturing, observe the presence or absence of cell morphological changes (cell degeneration effect) using an inverted phase contrast microscope, calculate 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID ₅₀ ) by Reed-Muench method, and virus per mL of washing solution Converted to infectious titer.

2. Inactivation rate of Escherichia coli (O-157), Staphylococcus aureus, and black mold (1) Outline of the test Antibacterial product technology council Test method “Testing method for antibacterial activity of antibacterial products III (2001 version) Light irradiation film adhesion method” [Hereinafter referred to as “Light Irradiation Film Adhesion Method (Anti-Technology Association 2001 Version)”. ], The filter was tested for antibacterial activity.

The test was conducted as follows.
A bacterial solution of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus niger was dropped onto the sample, and a low-density polyethylene film was placed on top of the solution to make it adhere. These were stored at room temperature (20 to 25 ° C.), dark conditions (light-shielding) and bright conditions [under black light irradiation (distance between filter and black light: about 20 cm)], and the number of viable cells after 24 hours was measured.

(2) Test method Test strain Bacteria:
Escherichia coli IFO 3972
Staphylococcus aureus subsp. Aureus IFO 12732 (Staphylococcus aureus)
Mold:
Cladosporium cladosporioides IFO 6348
B. Test medium NA medium: Ordinary agar medium [Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.]
1/500 NB medium: normal bouillon [Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.] supplemented with 0.2% meat extract diluted 500 times with phosphate buffer and adjusted to pH 7.0 ± 0.2 SCDLP medium : SCDLP medium [Nippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.]
SA medium: Standard agar medium [Eiken Equipment Co., Ltd.]
PDA medium: Potato dextrose agar medium [Eiken Equipment Co., Ltd.]
C. Bacteria preparation: Bacteria:
The bacterial cells pre-cultured in NA medium at 35 ° C. for 16-24 hours were re-inoculated in NA medium and the cells cultured at 35 ° C. for 16-20 hours were uniformly dispersed in 1/500 NB medium, and the number of bacteria per mL Was prepared to be 2.5 × 10 ^{5 to} 1.0 × 10 ⁶ .

Mold:
After culturing in PDA medium at 25 ° C. for 7 to 10 days, spores (conidia) are suspended in a 0.005% dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate solution, filtered through gauze, and the number of spores per mL is 2.5 × 10 5. ⁵ to 1.0 was prepared as a × 10 ^6.
D. Sample preparation Filters (approx. 50mm x 50mm) were sterilized with moist heat (121 ° C, 15 minutes), air-dried for 1 hour, placed in a plastic petri dish, and black light (black light blue, FL20S BL-B 20 W, 2 parallel) Samples were irradiated for 12 hours or longer.

E. Test operation 0.4 mL of the bacterial solution was dropped onto the sample, and a low-density polyethylene film (40 mm × 40 mm) was placed on the sample and adhered. These were stored at room temperature (20 to 25 ° C.), protected from light and irradiated with black light (distance between filter and black light was about 20 cm). A polyethylene film was also tested as a control sample.

F. Measurement of the number of viable bacteria After 24 hours of storage, the surviving bacteria were washed out from the sample with the SCDLP medium, and the number of viable bacteria in this washing solution was determined using the SA medium (35 ° C., 2 days culture) for the bacteria and the PDA medium (25 ° C., 25 ° C. For 7 days) and converted to per sample. Moreover, the measurement immediately after inoculation was performed with a control sample.

3. Enterotoxin inactivation rate (1) Outline of the test Samples were inoculated with staphylococcal enterotoxin A (hereinafter abbreviated as “SET-A”), room temperature (20 to 25 ° C.), dark conditions (light-shielding) and bright conditions (ultraviolet rays). The sample was stored at a light intensity of about 1 mW / cm ² and the SET-A concentration after 24 hours was measured to calculate the decomposition rate.

(2) Test method Preparation of standard stock solution A SET-A standard product [TOXIN TECHNOLOGY] was dissolved in a 1% sodium chloride solution containing 0.5% bovine serum albumin to prepare a standard stock solution of 5 μm / mL.
B. Standard solution for calibration curve The standard stock solution was diluted with the buffer solution attached to VIDAX Staphenterotoxin (SET) [bioMerieux] to prepare 0.2, 0.5 and 1 ng / mL standard solutions.

C. Sample preparation A filter was cut into a size of 50 mm x 50 mm and irradiated with black light from a distance of about 1 cm for 24 hours.
D. Test procedure A sample was placed in a plastic petri dish and inoculated with 0.4 mL of a SET-A standard stock solution. These were stored at room temperature (20 to 25 ° C.), with light shielding and irradiation with light having an ultraviolet intensity of about 1 mW / cm ² (black light, FL20S BL-B 20 W, two parallel).

After 24 hours of storage, SET-A was washed out from the sample with 10 mL of buffer solution attached to VIDAX Staphenterotoxin (SET) [bioMerieux], and used as a sample solution.
A plastic petri dish without a sample was inoculated with 0.4 mL of the SET-A standard stock solution and immediately added with 10 mL of the buffer solution attached to VIDAX Staphenterotoxin (SET) [bioMerieux] was used as a control.

E. Preparation of calibration curve The standard solution for the calibration curve was measured by an ELISA method using VIDAX Staphenterotoxin (SET) [bioMerieux], and a calibration curve was created from the concentration and fluorescence intensity of the standard solution.
F. Measurement of SET-A concentration and calculation of decomposition rate Fluorescence intensity of the sample solution was measured by ELISA using VIDAX Staphenterotoxin (SET) [bioMerieux]. The SET-A concentration was determined from the calibration curve prepared in step 1, and the decomposition rate was calculated by the following formula.

Degradation rate (%) = (measured value of control−measured value of sample solution) / measured value of control × 100
[Features of indoor unit]
In the ceiling-buried type indoor unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the titanium apatite 30 is provided on the inner wall of the casing 21, the inner wall of the bell mouth 25, the impeller 222, the suction grill 43, the drain pan 24, and the looper 45 of the centrifugal blower 21. It is coated. Also in the humidifying unit 7, titanium apatite is coated on the inner wall of the casing 71 and the impeller of the centrifugal blower 73. Further, the inner wall of the humidified air delivery pipe 82 is also coated with titanium apatite. As shown in FIG. 8, titanium apatite exhibits a decomposition performance superior to that of conventional anatase-type titanium dioxide with respect to acetaldehyde. In the graph of FIG. 8, the vertical axis represents the carbon dioxide concentration, and the horizontal axis represents time. That is, the decomposition treatment performance is indirectly measured by measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide generated by the decomposition of acetaldehyde. This measurement is performed by matching the surface area of titanium apatite with the surface area of titanium dioxide. Further, as is apparent from the graph of FIG. 8, titanium apatite exhibits a higher decomposition treatment performance than titanium dioxide. Titanium apatite continues to decompose acetaldehyde at a constant reaction rate even after 3 hours, while titanium dioxide almost completely saturates after 3 hours. It becomes remarkable. For this reason, this ceiling-embedded indoor unit 1 can exhibit self-cleaning properties superior to conventional indoor units using titanium dioxide inferior in adsorption capacity.

[Modification]
(A)
The ceiling-buried type indoor unit 1 according to the previous embodiment is a so-called multiflow type ceiling-buried indoor unit, but the present invention is a round-flow type ceiling-buried type indoor unit as shown in FIG. The present invention can also be applied to the indoor unit 6.

(B)
The indoor unit 1 according to the previous embodiment is a so-called ceiling-buried indoor unit, but the present invention can also be applied to a ceiling-suspended indoor unit 9 as shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 shows a side sectional view of the ceiling-suspended indoor unit 9.
Here, the ceiling-suspended indoor unit 9 will be briefly described. The indoor unit 9 has a thin box-shaped main body casing 91, in which four fans 92, a heat exchanger 93, a fan are mounted. A driving motor 921 and an ultraviolet lamp 98 are provided.

The main body casing 91 has a thin box shape that is long to the left and right as a whole, and the front lower surface side is formed in a rounded surface so that the thickness decreases from the rear side to the front side. An air outlet 94 is provided on the front surface of the main casing 91 to blow out the heat-exchanged air into the room.
The blower outlet 94 is provided with a first flap 95 that swings up and down, and a plurality of second flaps (not shown) that swing left and right.

  Each of the fans 92 is a multi-blade sirocco fan, and is arranged in parallel with the heat exchanger 93 and the air outlet 94. Each fan 92 is fixed to a fan partition plate 96 and is connected to and driven by a motor 921. The fan 92 is provided to introduce air into the main body casing 91 from the suction port 102 of the decorative panel 10 and blow out the heat-exchanged air from the blowout port 94.

  The heat exchanger 93 has a structure in which the refrigerant circulates inside, and is arranged so that the upper part is inclined toward the outlet 94. Thus, by arranging the heat exchanger 93 at an inclination, the size (thickness) in the vertical (vertical) direction is suppressed while ensuring a wide heat exchange area. The heat exchanger 93 has a refrigerant pipe (not shown) through which the refrigerant flows, and a large number of fins (not shown) arranged side by side in the refrigerant flow direction and through which the refrigerant pipe passes. The refrigerant pipe is constituted by a copper pipe bent into a hairpin shape. The refrigerant pipe is connected to the outdoor unit via an external pipe (not shown).

The ultraviolet lamp 98 is disposed so as to sandwich the heat exchanger 93, and can emit ultraviolet rays of approximately 360 nm to 400 nm.
In the ceiling-suspended indoor unit 9 configured in this manner, when the fan 92 rotates, air is sucked from the suction port 102 and blown into the room from the blower outlet 94. Heat exchange is performed between the air and the refrigerant in the middle of the air passage.

  In this ceiling-suspended indoor unit 9, titanium apatite is coated on the inner wall of the main body casing 91, the impeller of the fan 92, the heat exchanger 93, a drain pan (not shown), and the like. Therefore, in this ceiling-suspended indoor unit 9, titanium apatite specifically adsorbs odor components, harmful gases, bacteria, viruses, and the like and is photoexcited by ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp 98. It exhibits stronger oxidizing power and can be detoxified by decomposing, killing, or inactivating odor components, harmful gases, bacteria, viruses, and the like.

(C)
In the indoor unit 1 according to the previous embodiment, the titanium apatite 30 is coated on the element parts of the indoor unit 1 and the humidifying unit 7 and the air delivery pipes 81 and 82, but these are molded by resin. Alternatively, the above-described member may be molded by blending titanium apatite with the resin. In such a case, titanium apatite needs to be exposed on the resin surface, but such processing can usually be easily realized by the blending amount of titanium apatite.

  As shown in FIG. 9, anatase-type titanium dioxide erodes not only bacteria and viruses but also a base material (urethane resin) supporting itself, whereas titanium apatite hardly erodes the base material. For this reason, titanium apatite does not require the use of an expensive special binder that has been used when organic anatase-type titanium dioxide is supported on an organic substance. Therefore, if this titanium apatite is used, it is possible not only to provide an excellent decomposability for bacteria and viruses, but also to prolong the life of the substrate.

Moreover, the resin surface may be roughened. In this way, more titanium apatite can be provided on the surface of the above member.
(D)
In the indoor unit 1 according to the previous embodiment, an ultraviolet lamp is employed as a light source in order to activate the photocatalytic function of titanium apatite, but instead of this, a plasma generator (for example, a glow discharger, a barrier discharger, Or a streamer discharger) may be employed. When plasma is generated, ultraviolet rays are simultaneously generated. Therefore, the photocatalytic function of titanium apatite can be activated by the ultraviolet rays. In addition, when plasma is generated, radical species such as fast electrons, ions, ozone, and hydroxy radicals, and other active species such as excited molecules (excited oxygen molecules, excited nitrogen molecules, and excited water molecules) are generated. It can often decompose and detoxify odor components, harmful gases, bacteria, viruses, etc.

  The ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to the present invention can decompose and remove germs and viruses that cause odors with higher efficiency than conventional air conditioners that carry a photosemiconductor catalyst. For example, it is suitable for installation in hospitals with strict hygiene management.

1 is a schematic external perspective view of a ceiling-buried indoor unit according to the present invention. 1 is a detailed external perspective view of a ceiling-buried indoor unit according to the present invention. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a ceiling-buried indoor unit according to the present invention. The bottom view which shows the inside of a main body. The figure which shows the structure of the humidification unit which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows the structure of a moisture-permeable film unit. The horizontal sectional view of a moisture permeable membrane unit. The comparison figure of photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide and titanium apatite. Comparison diagram of resin erosion between titanium dioxide and titanium apatite. The external appearance perspective view of the round flow type ceiling-buried type indoor unit which concerns on a modification (A). The external appearance perspective view of the ceiling-suspended type indoor unit which concerns on a modification (B). Side surface sectional drawing of the ceiling-suspended type indoor unit which concerns on a modification (B).

Explanation of symbols

1 Indoor unit (ceiling buried type air conditioner)
6 Indoor unit (ceiling buried type air conditioner)
7 Humidification unit 9 Indoor unit (ceiling suspended air conditioner)
21 Main body casing (air delivery path component)
22 Centrifugal blower (air delivery path arrangement member)
23 Heat exchanger (heat exchanger, cooling part)
24 Drain pan 25 Bell mouth (Air delivery path component)
30 Titanium apatite (apatite with photocatalytic function)
45 louver (wind direction plate)
82 Humidified air delivery pipe (humidified air delivery path)
91 Body casing (air delivery path component)
92 Fan (Air delivery path arrangement member)
93 Heat exchanger (heat exchanger, cooling section)
95 Flap (wind direction plate)
222 impeller

Claims (12)

An air delivery path constituting member (21, 24, 25, 45, 91, 95) constituting an air delivery path for delivering air indoors;
An apatite (30) having a photocatalytic function provided in at least a part of the air delivery path constituting member;
A ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner (1, 6, 9). The air delivery path component is a wind direction plate (45, 95) that adjusts the flow direction of the air into the indoor space.
The ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to claim 1. A humidifying unit (7) for humidifying the air;
The air delivery path is a humidified air delivery path (82) for receiving a supply of the air humidified by the humidification unit.
The ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2. The air delivery path component is molded from resin,
The apatite having the photocatalytic function is blended in the resin.
The ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The resin has a roughened portion where the apatite having the photocatalytic function is provided,
The ceiling-embedded or ceiling-suspended air conditioner according to claim 4. An air delivery path arrangement member (22, 23, 92, 93) arranged in an air delivery path for delivering air indoors;
An apatite (30) having a photocatalytic function provided on at least a part of the air delivery path arrangement member;
A ceiling-buried type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner (1, 6, 9). The air delivery path arrangement member is an impeller (222) for supplying the air indoors.
The ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to claim 6. The air delivery path arrangement member is a heat exchanger (23, 93) for exchanging heat with the air.
The ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to claim 6 or 7. A cooling unit (23, 93) for cooling the air;
The air delivery path arrangement member is a drain pan (24) that receives water condensed by the cooling unit.
The ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to claim 6 or 7. The air delivery path arrangement member is a humidification unit (7) for humidifying the air.
The ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to any one of claims 6 to 9. The air delivery path component is molded from resin,
The apatite having the photocatalytic function is blended in the resin.
The ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to any one of claims 6 to 10. The resin has a roughened portion where the apatite having the photocatalytic function is provided,
The ceiling-embedded type or ceiling-suspended type air conditioner according to claim 11.

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