JP2010005594A - Droplet generator and dehumidifying apparatus equipped with this droplet generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a droplet generator, which is capable of efficiently generating droplets and a dehumidifying apparatus equipped with the droplet generator. <P>SOLUTION: The present invention is characterized by comprising a laser light source L capable of emitting an ultraviolet laser beam LB and a means 30 for increasing the number of molecules to be exposed, by which the number of molecules in air to be exposed to the ultraviolet laser beam LB when the air present in a droplet generation area s is exposed to the ultraviolet laser beam LB. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for artificially generating water droplets in air.

  As a method for artificially generating water droplets in the air, a method described in Patent Document 1 is known.

  In this method, by irradiating the air with ultraviolet laser light, the air itself containing water vapor is changed to a substance that becomes the core of the water droplet, and water droplets are generated by the aggregation of the water around the core. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the upper and lower openings of a cylindrical quartz tube 100 extending vertically are closed, and a water basin 102 containing water is disposed inside the quartz tube 100. The By heating the water basin 102, the inside of the quartz tube 100 is brought to a saturated water vapor pressure or a saturated water vapor pressure or higher, and the ultraviolet laser light 106 is applied to the air in the target region 104 set above the quartz tube 100. Irradiated.

By irradiating the ultraviolet laser beam 106 in this way, the air itself containing water vapor inside the quartz tube 100 is changed to a substance that becomes a nucleus of a water droplet, and moisture around the nucleus aggregates around this nucleus. Water droplets are generated.
JP 2007-20516 A

  In the above method, the ultraviolet laser beam 106 is irradiated so as to traverse the inside of the quartz tube 100 in the radial direction. At this time, the ultraviolet laser beam 106 is irradiated only to a part of the air in the target region 104 set in the upper part of the quartz tube 100. Therefore, inside the quartz tube 100, the nucleus of the water droplet is formed only from the molecules contained in the part of the air irradiated with the ultraviolet laser beam 106, and the water droplet can not be generated efficiently.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the water drop production | generation apparatus which can produce | generate a water drop efficiently, and the dehumidification apparatus provided with this water drop production | generation apparatus.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the water droplet generation device according to the present invention is a water droplet generation device that generates water droplets from the processing target air, and is present in a laser light source capable of emitting ultraviolet laser light and a water droplet generation region. And a means for increasing the number of molecules to be irradiated for increasing the number of molecules of the air to be treated that is irradiated to the ultraviolet laser light when the ultraviolet laser light is irradiated to the air to be treated. .

  According to this configuration, in the water droplet generation region, the number of molecules of the air irradiated to the ultraviolet laser light by the irradiated molecule number increasing means increases, so that the nuclei of the formed water droplets increase. Since the surrounding water aggregates in the nucleus to form water droplets, the number of generated water droplets also increases, and as a result, water droplets are efficiently generated. In the present invention, the air to be treated refers to air that is irradiated with ultraviolet laser light in the water droplet generating device in order to generate the nucleus of the water droplet.

  In the water droplet generating apparatus according to the present invention, the irradiated molecule number increasing means may include an optical path extending means for extending an optical path of the ultraviolet laser light passing through the water droplet generating region.

  According to such a configuration, the optical path extending through the water droplet generation region of the ultraviolet laser light is lengthened by the optical path extending means, so that the ultraviolet laser light passes through the processing target air existing in the water droplet generation region. The distance to pass also becomes longer. Therefore, the number of molecules of the air to be treated that is irradiated with the ultraviolet laser light increases. As a result, the number of water droplets generated by increasing the nuclei of the formed water droplets increases, and water droplets are efficiently generated.

  The water droplet generation region is defined by a water droplet generation passage through which the processing target air flows, and the optical path extending means directs the ultraviolet laser light that has passed through the water droplet generation passage toward the inside of the water droplet generation passage. It is also possible to have a configuration provided with reflecting means for reflecting.

  According to this configuration, the ultraviolet laser light that has traveled through the water droplet generation passage is reflected by the reflecting means, and the light path of the ultraviolet laser light that passes through the water droplet generation passage is directed toward the inside of the water droplet generation passage. become longer. Therefore, the number of molecules of the air irradiated to the ultraviolet laser light is further increased in the water droplet generation passage.

  Further, the reflection means has a first reflection surface that reflects the ultraviolet laser beam, and the first reflection surface faces inward in the water droplet generation passage and is near the inner wall surface of the water droplet generation passage. It may be configured to be located.

  According to such a configuration, the ultraviolet laser light is reflected in the water droplet generation passage, and the optical path of the ultraviolet laser light in the water droplet generation passage becomes long.

  Further, since the reflection surface is positioned in the vicinity of the inner wall surface, it is difficult to hinder the flow of the processing target air flowing through the water droplet generation passage. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of molecules of the processing target air passing through the water droplet generation passage due to a decrease in the flow rate of the processing target air flowing in the water droplet generation passage, and the processing target air irradiated to the ultraviolet laser light Reduction of the number of molecules can also be suppressed.

  The first reflecting surface may be composed of a plurality of reflecting surfaces, and the plurality of reflecting surfaces may be arranged to face different directions.

  According to this configuration, the ultraviolet laser light from the laser light source is incident on the plurality of reflecting surfaces and reflected in different directions, and the passage region of the ultraviolet laser light in the water droplet generation passage is widened. Therefore, the number of molecules of the air to be treated that is irradiated with the ultraviolet laser light is further increased.

  The reflection unit may further include a changing unit that changes the direction of the first reflection surface while reflecting the ultraviolet laser light on the first reflection surface.

  According to this configuration, as the direction of the first reflecting surface is changed by the changing means, the direction of the ultraviolet laser light is changed while being reflected by the first reflecting surface. Therefore, the ultraviolet laser light passes through a wide range in the water droplet generation passage, and the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated on the ultraviolet laser light is further increased.

  The reflecting means may have a pair of second reflecting surfaces facing each other with the internal space of the water droplet generation passage sandwiched from the width direction.

  According to this configuration, the ultraviolet laser light incident on the pair of second reflecting surfaces is repeatedly reflected between the pair of second reflecting surfaces, so that the optical path in the water droplet generation passage becomes longer. Therefore, the number of molecules of the air to be treated that is irradiated with the ultraviolet laser light is further increased.

  Moreover, since the pair of second reflecting surfaces are configured to sandwich the internal space from the width direction, it is difficult to hinder the flow of the processing target air flowing through the water droplet generation passage. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of molecules of the processing target air passing through the water droplet generation passage due to a decrease in the flow rate of the processing target air flowing in the water droplet generation passage, and it is also possible to suppress a decrease in the number of generated water droplets.

  Further, the reflection means may have a third reflection surface that surrounds the internal space of the water droplet generation passage from the circumferential direction.

  According to this configuration, since the ultraviolet laser light incident on the third reflecting surface is repeatedly reflected, the optical path in the water droplet generation passage becomes long. Therefore, the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated with the ultraviolet laser light is further increased.

  Moreover, since the third reflecting surface is configured to surround the internal space from the circumferential direction, it is difficult to hinder the flow of the processing target air flowing through the water droplet generation passage. Therefore, similarly to the above, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of water droplets generated due to a decrease in the flow rate of the processing target air flowing in the water droplet generation passage.

  In the case where the reflecting means has the pair of second reflecting surfaces or the third reflecting surface, it is preferable that the ultraviolet laser light is incident on the reflecting surfaces from an oblique direction. In this way, the ultraviolet laser light is incident on the reflecting surface, so that the ultraviolet laser light in the water droplet generation passage is repeatedly reflected while moving in the flow direction of the processing target air in the water droplet generation passage. As the optical path becomes longer, the passing area also expands. Therefore, the number of molecules of the air to be treated that is irradiated with the ultraviolet laser light is further increased.

  The optical path extending unit may include a laser beam branching unit that branches the ultraviolet laser beam.

  According to this configuration, the laser light branching means branches the ultraviolet laser light from the laser light source into a plurality of beams, thereby increasing the total distance of the optical path of the ultraviolet laser light in the water droplet generation passage. Therefore, the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated with the plurality of ultraviolet laser beams increases.

  In addition, by using the laser beam branching means, the number of the laser light sources can be reduced even though a plurality of ultraviolet laser beams are irradiated into the water droplet generation passage, and the water droplet generation device can be downsized. And cost reduction.

  Further, the optical path extending means includes guide means for guiding the ultraviolet laser light from the laser light source in a predetermined direction, and the guide means is inclined with respect to the flow direction of the processing target air in the water droplet generation passage. The structure which guides the said ultraviolet laser beam in the direction of may be sufficient.

  According to such a configuration, compared to the case where the ultraviolet laser beam traverses the water droplet generation passage in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the processing target air flows, the direction in which the ultraviolet laser beam crosses the oblique direction is within the water droplet generation passage. The optical path becomes longer.

  Further, when the arrangement position of the laser light source is determined by using the guide means, for example, the ultraviolet laser beam cannot be emitted toward a position away from the water droplet generation passage or toward the water droplet generation passage. Even in the arrangement, it is possible to irradiate the ultraviolet laser light from an oblique direction with respect to the flow of the processing target air.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the guide means is configured to change the guide direction while guiding the ultraviolet laser light into the water droplet generation passage.

  According to such a configuration, the direction of the ultraviolet laser light is changed in the state where the ultraviolet laser light is irradiated onto the processing target air in the water droplet generation passage. Therefore, the passage region of the ultraviolet laser light in the water droplet generation passage is expanded, and the number of molecules of the air irradiated to the ultraviolet laser light is further increased.

  Further, the water droplet generation region is defined by a water droplet generation passage through which the processing target air is circulated, and the irradiated molecule number increasing means includes a stirring means for stirring the processing target air flowing through the water droplet generation passage. May be.

  According to such a configuration, the air to be treated in the water droplet generation passage is agitated by the stirring means, and flows irregularly in the water droplet generation passage. Therefore, the number of molecules of the processing target air passing through the ultraviolet laser light irradiated in the water droplet generation passage is increased as compared with the case where the processing target air flows along the water droplet generation passage without being stirred. . As a result, the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated to the ultraviolet laser beam increases.

  Further, the stirring means has a fan that is driven to rotate, and the fan is configured such that a surface on the air blowing side of the blade is a reflective surface capable of reflecting the ultraviolet laser light, and the reflective surface of the fan is the water droplet. The structure which faced the inner side of the production | generation channel | path may be sufficient.

  According to such a configuration, the processing target air is agitated and flows irregularly when the fan is driven to rotate.

  Furthermore, since the ultraviolet laser beam is reflected inward by the reflection surface of the fan, the optical path of the ultraviolet laser beam in the water droplet generation passage becomes long. In addition, the direction of the reflected ultraviolet laser light is changed by the rotation of the fan, so that a passage region of the ultraviolet laser light in the water droplet generation passage is widened.

  As a result, the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated with the ultraviolet laser beam is further increased.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention includes any one of the water droplet generation devices described above, and introduces indoor air as the processing target air into the water droplet generation region. The introduction passage is connected to an exhaust passage for exhausting the air to be treated, which has been dehumidified by irradiation with the ultraviolet laser light, from the water droplet generation region into the room.

  According to this configuration, the indoor air is efficiently dehumidified by efficiently generating water droplets from the indoor air introduced into the water droplet generation region and removing moisture from the air.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a water droplet generator that can efficiently generate water droplets, and a dehumidifier equipped with the water droplet generator.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  The dehumidifying device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a water droplet generating unit 10A that generates water droplets from air (processing target air), and a device main body unit 10B that can attach and detach the water droplet generating unit 10A.

  The water droplet generator 10A operates as a part of the dehumidifier 10 when attached to the apparatus main body 10B, but generates water droplets from air (processing target air) when detached from the apparatus main body 10B. It can be used alone as a water droplet generator. The water droplet generation unit 10A includes a water droplet generation passage portion (water droplet generation passage) 20 through which air to be treated is circulated, and a laser light source L that can emit ultraviolet laser light (hereinafter also simply referred to as “laser light”) LB. 3), the irradiation target molecule number increasing means 30 for increasing the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated to the laser beam LB, and the cooling means 40 for cooling the processing target air flowing through the water droplet generation passage section 20. Prepare.

  The water droplet generation passage unit 20 generates a water droplet nucleus from the processing target air when irradiated with the laser beam LB, and the core aggregates moisture contained in the processing air to generate a water droplet (water droplet). This is a part that defines the generation region) and distributes the air to be processed. In this embodiment, the water droplet generation passage portion 20 is configured to be able to exhaust air (processing target air) taken from the bottom opening 22 from the top opening 24.

  Specifically, the water droplet generation passage section 20 has a rectangular parallelepiped internal space (water droplet generation region) s, and is configured so that the processing target air passes through the internal space s from the bottom to the top. In the water droplet generation passage portion 20, the cooling portion 42 of the cooling means 40 is arranged, and the laser light LB is irradiated inside by the laser light source L. Further, the water droplet generation passage section 20 is configured so that the laser beam LB incident on the inside does not leak to the outside. Further, the water droplet generation passage section 20 is provided with a fan 26 for forming the flow of the processing object air passing through the water droplet generation passage section 20 from the bottom to the top. In addition, the water droplet production | generation channel | path part 20 does not need to be comprised so that process target air may flow upwards. That is, the water droplet generation passage unit 20 may be configured such that the air to be processed flows downward, or may be configured to flow in the horizontal direction.

  The fan 26 is disposed at the lower end portion (upstream end portion) of the water droplet generation passage portion 20, and sucks external processing target air from the bottom opening 22, passes the internal space s, and then exhausts it from the upper opening 24. This is for forming a flow of the air to be processed inside the water droplet generation passage section 20. The fan 26 may not be disposed at the lower end portion of the water droplet generation passage portion 20 but may be disposed at the upper end portion (downstream end portion) or may be disposed in the middle of the water droplet generation passage portion 20. However, when arranged in the middle of the water droplet generation passage section 20, the fan 26 is arranged so as not to hinder the operation of the irradiated molecule number increasing means 30.

  The cooling unit 40 includes a cooling unit 42 and a heat radiating unit 44. The cooling unit 42 has a cooling surface 42a of the Peltier element p and cooling fins 42b attached to the cooling surface 42a, and the heat dissipation unit 44 is attached to the heat dissipation surface 44a of the Peltier element p and the heat dissipation surface 44a. The heat radiating fins 44b and a heat radiating fan 44c for blowing air to the heat radiating fins 44b are provided.

  The cooling fins 42b are fins arranged along the flow of the processing target air inside the water droplet generation passage unit 20, and are for cooling the processing target air. Specifically, the cooling fins 42b are plate-like members having a pair of parallel cooling surfaces cs. When the processing target air comes into contact with the cooling surfaces cs, the cooling fins 42b take heat from the processing target air. Cool the air to be treated. A plurality of the cooling fins 42b are attached to the Peltier element p, and the adjacent cooling fins 42b and 42b are arranged in parallel to each other (see FIG. 3).

  The heat dissipating fins 44b radiate the heat taken by the cooling surfaces 42a of the cooling fins 42b and the Peltier element p from the air to be processed and the heat generated by the Peltier elements p themselves to the outside of the water droplet generating path unit 20 in the water droplet generating path unit 20. belongs to. Specifically, the heat radiating fins 44 b are plate-like members having a pair of heat radiating surfaces hs, and are disposed outside the water droplet generation passage unit 20. Similarly to the cooling fins 42b, a plurality of the heat dissipating fins 44b are attached to the Peltier element p, and the adjacent heat dissipating fins 44b and 44b are arranged in parallel to each other.

  The heat radiating fan 44c is for blowing external air to the heat radiating fins 44b. The air blown by the heat dissipating fan 44c flows between the heat dissipating fins 44b arranged in parallel and then exhausted to the outside.

  The laser light source L is a light source capable of emitting laser light LB having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region (380 nm to 110 nm). This laser light source L is attached to the side wall of the water droplet generation passage 20 and emits a laser beam LB toward the opposite side wall with the internal space s sandwiched in the width direction and in a direction intersecting the flow of the air to be processed ( (See FIG. 3).

  In this embodiment, the number-of-irradiated molecules increasing means 30 extends the optical path of the laser light that passes through the internal space s of the water droplet generation passage section 20, thereby causing the molecules of the processing target air irradiated to the laser light LB. Optical path extension means are used to increase the number. As this optical path extending means, various means such as a reflecting means 30A (see FIGS. 3 to 4D), a laser beam branching means 30B (see FIG. 5), a guiding means 30C (see FIG. 6), etc., which will be described later. May be used.

  In the present embodiment, the reflecting means 30A is used as the optical path extending means, and the reflecting means 30A has a pair of reflecting surfaces (second reflecting surfaces) 30A1 and 30A1. The pair of reflection surfaces 30A1 and 30A1 are provided on the inner surface of the side wall of the water droplet generation passage portion 20 in the water droplet generation passage portion 20, and are disposed so as to face each other with the internal space s sandwiched from both sides in the width direction. Yes. Specifically, the pair of reflecting surfaces 30A1 and 30A1 are reflecting surfaces of a pair of mirrors, and the pair of mirrors is a surface provided with the cooling unit 42 on the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the water droplet generation passage unit 20. It arrange | positions in the surface which orthogonally crosses and mutually opposes.

  The apparatus main body portion 10B includes a fitting portion 12 into which the water droplet generation portion 10A is fitted, an introduction passage portion (introduction passage) 14 that introduces external air into the water droplet generation passage portion 20 as processing target air, and a water droplet generation passage portion 20. And an exhaust passage portion (exhaust passage) 16 for exhausting the processing target air exhausted from the outside.

  The introduction passage portion 14 connects the lower opening 14a of the apparatus main body portion 10B to the bottom opening 22 of the water droplet generation portion 10A in a state where the water droplet generation portion 10A is fitted in the fitting portion 12, and the outside and the water droplet generation passage portion. A flow path of the processing target air is formed so as to communicate with the 20 internal spaces s.

  In addition, water droplets generated from the processing target air in the water droplet generation unit 10A and water droplets (drain) dripped from the bottom opening 22 in a portion located below the bottom opening 22 of the water droplet generation unit 10A in the introduction passage unit 14. A drainage portion 14 b for collecting and draining from the introduction passage portion 14 is provided. A drain tank d disposed below is connected to the drain part 14b, and water drained from the introduction passage part 14 is stored in the drain tank d.

  The exhaust passage unit 16 connects the upper opening 24 of the water droplet generation unit 10A to the upper opening 16a of the apparatus main body unit 10B in a state where the water droplet generation unit 10A is fitted into the fitting unit 12. A flow path of the processing target air is formed so as to communicate the internal space s and the outside.

  The dehumidifying apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment has the above configuration, and the dehumidifying apparatus 10 performs dehumidification as follows.

  A water droplet generator 10A is attached to the apparatus main body 10B. Then, the introduction passage portion 14 and the water droplet generation passage portion 20 communicate with each other, and the exhaust passage portion 16 and the water droplet generation passage portion 20 communicate with each other. As a result, the dehumidifier 10 is formed with a single flow path st for the air to be treated, which is exhausted to the outside after the air taken in from the outside passes through the water droplet generation passage section 20.

  In this state, when the fan 26 of the water droplet generation unit 10A (water droplet generation passage unit 20) operates, external air (processing target air) is sucked from the lower opening 14a of the apparatus main body unit 10B, and the flow path st is made constant. Circulate in the direction. Specifically, the processing target air taken in from the lower opening 14 a is introduced into the water droplet generation passage portion 20 through the introduction passage portion 14. The processing target air introduced into the water droplet generation passage portion 20 passes through the water droplet generation passage portion 20 and is then exhausted to the outside through the exhaust passage portion 16.

  When the fan 26 operates and the air to be processed flows through the water droplet generation passage portion 20, the cooling means 40 and the laser light source L also operate. When the Peltier element p operates in the cooling means 40, the heat of the cooling surface 42a of the Peltier element p moves to the heat radiating surface 44a, and the temperature of the cooling surface 42a decreases. At this time, the heat of the cooling fin 42b attached to the cooling surface 42a also moves to the heat radiating surface 44a, and the temperature of the cooling fin 42b also decreases.

  When the processing target air comes into contact with the cooling fins 42b and the cooling surface 42a of the Peltier element p whose temperature has decreased, heat exchange is performed between the processing target air and the cooling fins 42b and the cooling surface 42a. Heat is taken away by the cooling fins 42b and the cooling surface 42a, and the temperature of the processing target air is lowered.

  The heat taken by the cooling fins 42b and the cooling surface 42a of the Peltier element p from the processing target air moves to the heat radiation surface 44a of the Peltier element p. And the said heat which moved to the thermal radiation surface 44a is transmitted also to the thermal radiation fin 44b. The heat transmitted to the heat radiating fins 44b and the heat radiating surface 44a is released (heat radiated) outside the water droplet generation passage section 20.

  Specifically, in the heat radiating portion 44, air from outside is sucked by the heat radiating fan 44c and blown toward the heat radiating fins 44b. While the blown air flows between the heat radiation fins 44b arranged in parallel, the air exchanges heat with the air by contacting the heat radiation surface hs of the heat radiation fin 44b and the heat radiation surface 44a of the Peltier element p. Is called. That is, the heat taken by the cooling fins 42b and the cooling surface 42a from the processing target air by this heat exchange is transferred from the radiation fins 44b and the radiation surface 44a to the air. At this time, the heat generated by the Peltier element p itself also moves to the air from the heat radiation fins 34b and the heat radiation surface 34a. The air whose temperature has increased by such heat exchange is exhausted to the outside.

  On the other hand, from the laser light source L, the laser beam LB is emitted from one reflection surface 30A1 toward the other reflection surface 30A1 so as to cross the internal space s of the water droplet generation passage portion 20 in the width direction. At this time, the laser beam LB is emitted from the laser light source L so as to enter the other reflecting surface 30A1 from an oblique direction. Therefore, the laser beam LB is repeatedly reflected between the pair of reflecting surfaces 30A1 and 30A1 while moving in the direction in which the processing target air flows in the water droplet generation passage unit 20 (see FIG. 3).

  In this way, in the water droplet generation passage portion 20, the laser light LB is irradiated on the processing target air, whereby a droplet core is formed in the processing target air, and the core aggregates the surrounding water, thereby forming a water droplet. Is generated.

  The water droplet generation process in the water droplet generation passage 20 will be specifically described as follows.

  In the water droplet generation passage portion 20, the processing target air is cooled by the cooling fins 42b and reaches the saturated water vapor pressure.

  Thus, the laser beam LB is irradiated to the air to be treated that has reached the saturated water vapor pressure. As a result, water droplet nuclei are formed in the air to be treated, and the surrounding water aggregates in the nuclei to generate water droplets.

Specifically, when the processing target air is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, a part of the air is changed to a nucleus of a water droplet such as a highly reactive atom, molecule, or molecular radical. Specifically, the nucleus is OH radical, HO ₂ radical, water ion, ozone or H ₂ O ₂ as an oxygen radical reaction product generated by photodissociation of oxygen, and has high reactivity. These nuclei aggregate neutral water molecules present around the nuclei due to the high reactivity, strong dispersion force, and the like, and the nuclei grow to form water droplets.

  The water droplets generated in this manner are further agglomerated in the surrounding water and dropped when grown to a certain size. This water droplet passes through the bottom opening 22 of the water droplet generation passage portion 20 and drops to the drainage portion 14 b of the introduction passage portion 14. The water droplets reaching the drainage part 14b are collected and drained by the drainage part 14b and stored in the drain tank d. In this way, moisture contained in the processing target air becomes water droplets in the water droplet generation unit 10A and is removed from the processing target air.

  The processing target air dehumidified in the water droplet generation unit 10A is exhausted to the outside from the upper opening 16a of the apparatus main body 10B.

  According to the dehumidifying apparatus 10 as described above, the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated to the laser beam LB is increased by the pair of reflecting surfaces 30A1 and 30A1 (irradiated molecule number increasing means 30) in the water droplet generating unit 10A. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate water droplets from the processing target air. Therefore, the dehumidifying device 10 including the water droplet generation unit 10A can efficiently dehumidify air in the room.

  That is, in the water droplet generation passage section 20, the laser beam LB is repeatedly reflected by the pair of reflecting surfaces 30A1, 30A1 (irradiated molecule number increasing means 30), so that the optical path of the laser beam LB traveling through the internal space s becomes longer. The number of molecules of the air to be processed irradiated to the laser beam LB having a longer optical path increases, and the nuclei of the formed water droplets increase. As a result, the increased number of water droplets is generated because the increased nuclei aggregate water in the vicinity to form water droplets. Therefore, water droplets are efficiently generated in the water droplet generation passage portion 20.

  Further, since the pair of reflection surfaces 30A1 and 30A1 are arranged so as to sandwich the internal space s from the width direction, it is difficult to hinder the flow of the processing target air flowing through the water droplet generation passage unit 20. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of molecules of the processing target air passing through the water droplet generation passage unit 20 due to a decrease in the flow rate of the processing target air flowing in the water droplet generation passage unit 20, and it is also possible to suppress a decrease in the number of generated water droplets. .

  Further, when the plurality of cooling fins 42b, 42b,... Are arranged in parallel and the processing target air contacts each cooling fin 42b, the total area of the cooling surface cs of the cooling fin 42b that contacts the processing target air increases. Since the cooling capacity is improved, the processing target air easily reaches the saturated water vapor pressure.

  The optical path extending means as the irradiated molecule number increasing means 30 is a pair of reflecting surfaces 30A1, which are arranged so as to sandwich the internal space s of the water droplet generation passage section 20 such as the water droplet generation section 10A of this embodiment from the width direction. There is no need to be limited to 30A1.

  That is, if the optical path extending means is a reflecting means 30A that reflects the laser beam LB crossing the water droplet generation passage section 20 toward the inside of the water droplet generation passage section 20, a pair of reflection surfaces 30A1 as in the present embodiment. , 30A1 as well as, for example, reflecting means 30A as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (c).

  Specifically, the reflecting means 30A shown in FIG. 4A is a reflecting surface (first reflecting surface) 30A2 provided only on the side wall opposite to the side wall provided with the laser light source L of the water droplet generation passage unit 20. have. The reflection surface 30A2 faces inward in the water droplet generation passage portion 20 and is positioned in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface so as to have a predetermined angle with the inner peripheral surface (inner wall surface) of the water droplet generation passage portion 20. It is configured.

  With this configuration, the laser beam LB is reflected in the water droplet generation passage unit 20, and the optical path of the laser beam LB in the water droplet generation channel unit 20 becomes long. That is, by providing the reflection surface 30A2 in the water droplet generation passage portion 20, the laser light LB that has traveled in the water droplet generation passage portion 20 is reflected and directed inward, so that the water droplet generation is performed as compared with the case where the reflection is not reflected. The optical path of the laser beam LB passing through the passage portion 20 becomes longer. Therefore, in the water droplet generation passage unit 20, the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated to the laser beam LB increases.

  Further, since the reflecting surface 30A2 is positioned in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface, it is difficult to hinder the flow of the processing target air flowing through the water droplet generation passage portion 20. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of molecules of the processing target air passing through the water droplet generation passage unit 20 due to a decrease in the flow rate of the processing target air flowing in the water droplet generation passage unit 20, and the processing target air irradiated to the laser beam LB can be suppressed. Reduction of the number of molecules can also be suppressed.

  4B has a plurality of reflecting surfaces 30A3, 30A3,..., And these reflecting surfaces 30A3, 30A3,.

  With this configuration, the laser light LB from the laser light source L is reflected in different directions by being incident on the plurality of reflecting surfaces 30A3, 30A3,..., And the laser light LB in the water droplet generation passage unit 20 is reflected. The passage area of is widened. For this reason, the number of molecules of the air to be processed irradiated to the laser beam LB is further increased.

  Incidentally, the reflecting means 30A shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B may include a changing means (not shown) that changes the direction of the reflecting surface while reflecting the laser light LB from the laser light source L. Good. For example, in FIG. 4A, the reflecting surface 30A2 is centered on the axis passing through the reflecting surface 30A2 and orthogonal to the inner surface of the side wall while maintaining a constant angle with respect to the inner surface of the disposed side wall. You may comprise so that it may rotate (refer the arrow (alpha) of Fig.4 (a)). Further, in FIG. 4B, each reflecting surface 30A3 may be configured such that its direction can be changed independently like a DLP (registered trademark) chip.

  The reflecting means 30A changes the direction of the reflecting surface 30A2 (or 30A3) while reflecting the laser beam LB, so that the direction of the laser beam LB is changed while being reflected by the reflecting surface 30A2 (or 30A3). Therefore, the laser beam LB passes through a wide range in the water droplet generation passage portion 20, and the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated to the laser beam LB increases.

  4A and 4B, both are configured such that the reflection surface 30A2 (or 30A3) of the reflection means 30A is located in the water droplet generation passage section 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and for example, a part of the peripheral wall of the water droplet generation passage portion 20 is configured to be able to transmit the laser light LB, and the laser light that has passed through this portion and has exited the water droplet generation passage portion 20. The reflecting means 30A and the water droplets are so reflected that the LB is reflected by the reflecting means 30A (for example, the reflecting surface 30A2 (or 30A3) etc.) arranged outside and enters the water droplet generation passage section 20 from the transmissive part again. The production | generation channel | path part 20 may be comprised.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, the reflecting means 30 </ b> A may be configured to have a reflecting surface (third reflecting surface) 30 </ b> A <b> 4 that surrounds the internal space s of the water droplet generation passage portion 20 from the circumferential direction. That is, the reflective surface 30A4 is not limited to a pair of opposing side walls as in the present embodiment, and may be provided on all inner surfaces of the four side walls of the water droplet generation passage portion 20.

  With this configuration, the laser beam LB incident on the reflecting surface 30A4 is repeatedly reflected more complicatedly than in the present embodiment, so that the optical path in the water droplet generation passage unit 20 is longer. For this reason, the number of molecules of the air to be processed irradiated to the laser beam LB is further increased. Moreover, since the reflection surface 30A4 is configured to surround the internal space s from the circumferential direction, it is difficult to hinder the flow of the processing target air flowing through the water droplet generation passage unit 20. Therefore, similarly to the above, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of water droplets generated due to a decrease in the flow rate of the processing target air flowing in the water droplet generation passage unit 20.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, the reflection unit 30 </ b> A may have a reflection surface 30 </ b> A <b> 5 provided on the surface on the air blowing side of the blades of the fan 26.

  With this configuration, when the fan 26 rotates to form a flow of processing target air, the plurality of reflecting surfaces 30A5, 30A5,... Sequentially move while changing the angle with respect to the laser beam LB. Therefore, the direction of the laser beam LB is changed while being reflected by the reflecting surface 30 </ b> A <b> 5, and the laser beam LB passes through a wide range in the water droplet generation passage unit 20. As a result, the number of molecules of the air to be processed irradiated to the laser beam LB is further increased.

  Each of the reflecting means 30A1, 30A2, 30A3,... As described above may be used alone or in combination. For example, the pair of reflecting surfaces 30A1, 30A1 in this embodiment and the reflecting surface 30A2 shown in FIG. 4A are combined, or the reflecting surface 30A4 shown in FIG. 4C and FIG. 4B are shown. Several reflective surface 30A3, 30A3, ... may be combined.

  Further, the optical path extending means need not be limited to the reflecting means 30A alone, and may include a laser light branching means 30B for branching the laser light LB as shown in FIG.

  Specifically, a diffraction element such as a diffraction grating is used for the laser beam branching means 30B.

  By being configured in this way, the laser beam LB from the laser light source L is branched into a plurality of beams by the laser beam branching means 30B, so that the total distance of the optical path of the laser beam LB in the water droplet generation passage unit 20 is increased. become longer. Therefore, the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated with the plurality of laser beams LB increases.

  In addition, by using the laser beam branching means 30B, the number of laser light sources L can be reduced even though a plurality of laser beams LB are irradiated into the water droplet generation passage unit 20, and the water droplet generation unit (water droplets) Generation device) 10A can be reduced in size and cost.

  Further, by using a diffraction element, the laser beam branching means 30B can have a simple configuration.

  The laser beam branching means 30B is used in the optical path extending means in place of the reflecting means 30A or together with the reflecting means 30A.

  Further, the optical path extending means may include a guide means 30C for guiding the laser light LB from the laser light source L as shown in FIG. 6 in a predetermined direction. Specifically, the guide unit 30C guides the laser beam LB in the water droplet generation passage unit 20 in a direction oblique to the direction in which the processing target air flows.

  Specifically, the guide unit 30C is configured to be able to guide the laser beam LB by, for example, a single light guide unit such as an optical fiber, a mirror, or a prism, or a combination of a plurality of light guide units.

  By being configured in this way, the water droplet generation passage is more traversed in the oblique direction than when the laser beam LB crosses the water droplet generation passage portion 20 in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the processing target air flows. The optical path in the part 20 becomes longer.

  Further, when the arrangement position of the laser light source L is determined by using the guide means 30C, for example, the laser beam LB cannot be emitted toward the position away from the water droplet generation passage portion 20 or toward the water droplet generation passage portion 20. Even in such an arrangement, the laser beam LB can be irradiated from an oblique direction with respect to the flow of the air to be processed.

  Further, the guiding means 30C may be configured to be able to change the guiding direction while guiding the laser beam LB into the water droplet generation passage section 20.

  Specifically, for example, the angle of the mirror included in the guide means 30C is configured to be changeable, and the direction of the emission side end of the laser beam LB of the optical fiber is configured to be changeable.

  With this configuration, the direction of the laser light LB changes in the state where the laser light LB is irradiated on the processing target air in the water droplet generation passage unit 20. Therefore, the passage region of the laser beam LB in the water droplet generation passage unit 20 is expanded, and the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated to the laser beam LB is further increased.

  The guide means 30C is used in the optical path extending means in place of the reflecting means 30A and the laser beam branching means 30B or together with the reflecting means 30A and the laser beam branching means 30B.

  The reflecting means 30A, the laser beam branching means 30B, and the guiding means 30C as the optical path extending means, which is one means for increasing the number of irradiated molecules 30 as described above, may be used alone or in combination. Also good. Further, a plurality of types of reflecting means 30A1, 30A2,... May be combined.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 7A. The same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and a detailed description will be given. Will be omitted, and only different configurations will be described in detail.

  The dehumidifying device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a water droplet generating unit (water droplet generating device) 10A and a device main body unit 10B.

    The water droplet generation unit 10A includes a water droplet generation passage unit 20, a laser light source L, an irradiation molecule number increasing unit 30, and a cooling unit 40.

  In this embodiment, the number of molecules to be irradiated 30 is agitating means for increasing the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated to the laser beam LB by stirring the processing target air flowing in the water droplet generation passage 20. Is used. In this embodiment, the agitating means (irradiated molecule number increasing means 30) uses a rotationally driven fan 50A.

  When the processing target air in the water droplet generation passage unit 20 is agitated by the fan 50A, the fan 50A flows irregularly in the water droplet generation passage unit 20. Therefore, the number of molecules of the processing target air passing through the laser beam LB irradiated in the water droplet generation passage unit 20 is smaller than that in the case where the processing target air flows along the water droplet generation passage unit 20 without stirring. To increase. As a result, the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated to the laser beam LB increases.

  The fan 50 </ b> A as the stirring means is provided with a reflection surface 52 capable of reflecting the laser beam LB on the surface of the blade on the air blowing side, and the reflection surface 52 of the fan 50 </ b> A faces the inside of the water droplet generation passage unit 20. It may be a configuration (see FIG. 7B).

  According to this configuration, when the fan 50A is rotationally driven, the processing target air is agitated and flows irregularly.

  Further, the laser beam LB is reflected toward the inside of the water droplet generation passage unit 20 by the reflection surface 52 while the fan 50A is rotating, so that the optical path of the laser light LB in the water droplet generation channel unit 20 is long. Become. In addition, the direction of the laser beam LB reflected by the rotation of the fan 50 </ b> A is changed, and the passage region of the laser beam LB in the water droplet generation passage unit 20 is expanded. As a result, the number of molecules of the air to be processed irradiated to the laser beam LB is further increased.

  By configuring the water droplet generation unit 10A as described above, the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated to the laser light LB in the water droplet generation unit 10A increases, and water droplets can be generated efficiently from the processing target air. Become. Therefore, the dehumidifying device 10 including the water droplet generation unit 10A can efficiently dehumidify air in the room.

  The water droplet generator of the present invention and the dehumidifier equipped with the water droplet generator are not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Of course, it can be added.

  In the first and second embodiments, as the irradiated molecule number increasing means 30, either one of the optical path extending means or the stirring means is used, but both means may be used in combination.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the cooling fins 42b are disposed in the water droplet generation passage unit 20, but the cooling fins 42b may be omitted. By being configured in this way, the space in which the laser beam LB can travel in the water droplet generation passage portion 20 becomes wider.

It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dehumidification apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. In the dehumidification apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment, it is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the state which isolate | separated the water drop production | generation part and the apparatus main-body part. It is a schematic perspective view of the water droplet production | generation channel | path part which concerns on the same embodiment. In the water droplet generation passage portion according to the embodiment, (a) shows a state having a reflecting means having one reflecting surface, and (b) shows a state having a reflecting means having a plurality of reflecting surfaces. (C) shows the state provided with the reflection means which has the reflective surface surrounding the interior space of a water droplet production | generation path, (d) shows the fan which forms the flow of the process target air in a water droplet production | generation channel | path in a reflection means. It is a figure which shows a certain state. In the water droplet production | generation path part which concerns on the embodiment, it is a figure which shows the state provided with the laser beam branching means as an optical path extension means. It is a figure which shows the state provided with the guide means as an optical path extension means in the water droplet production | generation channel | path part which concerns on the embodiment. In the water droplet generation passage portion according to the second embodiment, (a) shows a state in which a fan is provided as a stirring means, and (b) shows a state in which a fan having a reflecting surface formed on a blade is provided as the stirring means. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the conventional water droplet production | generation apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

10 Dehumidifier 10A Water drop generator (Water drop generator)
14 Introduction passage (introduction passage)
16 Exhaust passage (exhaust passage)
20 Water droplet generation passage (water droplet generation passage)
30 Number of irradiated molecules increasing means 30A Reflecting means 30A1 Reflecting surface (second reflecting surface)
30A2 reflective surface (first reflective surface)
30A4 reflective surface (third reflective surface)
30B Laser beam branching means 30C Guide means 50A Fan 52 Reflecting surface (fan reflecting surface)
L Laser light source LB Laser light s Internal space (Water drop generation area)

Claims (15)

A water droplet generator (10A) that generates water droplets from air to be treated,
A laser light source (L) capable of emitting ultraviolet laser light (LB);
When the ultraviolet laser light (LB) is irradiated to the processing target air existing in the water droplet generation region (s), the number of molecules of the processing target air irradiated to the ultraviolet laser light (LB) is increased. A water droplet generating apparatus comprising: an irradiation molecule number increasing means (30) to be irradiated.   The said irradiation number-of-molecules increase means (30) is provided with the optical path extension means for extending the optical path of the said ultraviolet laser beam (LB) which passes the inside of the said water droplet production | generation area | region (s). A water droplet generator according to claim 1. The water droplet generation region (s) is defined by a water droplet generation passage (20) through which the processing target air flows.
The optical path extending means includes a reflecting means (30A) for reflecting the ultraviolet laser light (LB) that has passed through the water droplet generation passage (20) toward the inside of the water droplet generation passage (20). The water droplet generator according to claim 2. The reflecting means (30A) has a first reflecting surface (30A2) that reflects the ultraviolet laser beam (LB),
The said 1st reflective surface (30A2) is located in the inner wall face vicinity of the said water drop production | generation channel | path (20) facing inward in the said water droplet production | generation channel | path (20). Water droplet generator.   The said 1st reflective surface (30A2) is comprised by several reflective surface (30A3), These several reflective surfaces (30A3) are arrange | positioned so that it may face in a different direction. Water droplet generator.   The reflecting means (30A) further includes changing means for changing the direction of the first reflecting surface (30A2) while reflecting the ultraviolet laser beam (LB) by the first reflecting surface (30A2). The water droplet generator according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that:   The said reflection means (30A) has a pair of 2nd reflective surface (30A1) which mutually opposes on both sides of the internal space (s) of the said water drop production | generation channel | path (20) from the width direction. The water droplet generator according to any one of items 1 to 6.   The said reflection means (30A) has a 3rd reflective surface (30A4) surrounding the internal space (s) of the said water droplet production | generation channel | path (20) from the circumferential direction, The any one of Claim 3 thru | or 6 The water droplet generator according to the item.   The water droplet generator according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the ultraviolet laser beam (LB) is incident on the reflecting surface (30A1 or 30A4) from an oblique direction.   10. The water droplet generating device according to claim 3, wherein the optical path extending unit includes a laser beam branching unit (30 </ b> B) that branches the ultraviolet laser beam (LB). The optical path extending means includes guide means (30C) for guiding the ultraviolet laser light (LB) from the laser light source (L) in a predetermined direction,
The guide means (30C) is configured to guide the ultraviolet laser beam (LB) in a direction oblique to the direction in which the processing target air flows in the water droplet generation passage (20). Item 11. The water droplet generator according to any one of Items 3 to 10.   The guide means (30C) is configured to change the guide direction while guiding the ultraviolet laser beam (LB) into the water droplet generation passage (20). Water drop generator. The water droplet generation region (s) is defined by a water droplet generation passage (20) through which the processing target air flows.
2. The water droplet generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiated molecule number increasing means (30) includes a stirring unit that stirs the processing target air flowing through the water droplet generating passage (20).   The stirring means has a fan (50A) that is rotationally driven, and the fan (50A) is configured by a reflective surface (52) on which the surface of the blades on the blowing side can reflect the ultraviolet laser beam (LB). The water droplet generating device according to claim 13, wherein the reflection surface (52) of the fan (50A) faces the inside of the water droplet generating passage (20). A dehumidifier (10) for removing moisture in the air to be treated,
A water droplet generator (10A) according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The water droplet generation device (10A) introduces indoor air into the water droplet generation region (s) as the processing target air and the processing target dehumidified by irradiation with the ultraviolet laser beam (LB). The dehumidifying device is connected to an exhaust passage (16) for exhausting air from the water droplet generation region (s) into the room.

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