JP2023073727A - Ultraviolet irradiation device, indoor unit for air conditioner equipped with the same, air purifier and ventilation duct for housing purposes - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an ultraviolet irradiation device with a higher sterilization performance using a deep ultraviolet LED.SOLUTION: The ultraviolet irradiation device 100 includes: two reflectors 1, 2 disposed at an enclosure 10 having an intake port 6 configured to take the air from outside to form an airflow therein and an outlet port 7 configured to exhaust the air taken in, the two reflectors disposed on both sides in an axial direction inside the enclosure 10 and arranged offset so as to repeat reflection therebetween; an ultraviolet light luminescent unit 6 disposed on a back face side of a reflector 2 of the two reflectors 1, 2; and a rotation mechanism 20 configured to rotate at least one of the two reflectors 1, 2, as a radiation range enlargement mechanism, centering an optical axis CLL of the ultraviolet light luminescent unit 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an ultraviolet irradiation device.

Ultraviolet lamps have been adopted as a measure for realizing air sterilization (see Patent Document 1, for example).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-111076

However, the ultraviolet lamp is a mercury lamp using mercury. As a result, mercury lamps have a large environmental impact and are subject to worldwide regulation by the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the production of mercury lamps for general lighting has been discontinued.

In the future, it is expected that regulations will increase in the use of ultraviolet lamps for germicidal use as well. Therefore, although the replacement with LEDs is progressing in terms of reducing the environmental load, ultraviolet irradiation devices with high sterilization performance using deep ultraviolet LEDs (UVC-LEDs) are still in the development stage. Advantages of replacing with deep ultraviolet LEDs include the fact that it takes almost no time from power-on to lighting, and the potential for lower power consumption and longer life.

Therefore, the present invention has been made by paying attention to such problems, and an ultraviolet irradiation device with high sterilization performance using a deep ultraviolet LED, an indoor unit for an air conditioner equipped with the same, an air cleaner and An object of the present invention is to provide a ventilation duct for housing.

In order to solve the above problems, an ultraviolet irradiation device according to an aspect of the present invention has an intake port for drawing in air from the outside and an outlet for discharging the drawn air so that air can flow inside the device. , which are arranged at both ends in one axial direction in a chamber region inside the structure so as to repeat reflections between each other, and at the center of each other two reflectors that are offset from each other so that their axes are not aligned; and an LED light source that is positioned behind one of the two reflectors and irradiates the chamber region with ultraviolet light; an irradiation area expanding mechanism that moves the LED light source itself or at least one of the two reflectors to expand the ultraviolet irradiation area in the chamber area.

Further, an air conditioner indoor unit according to one aspect of the present invention incorporates the ultraviolet irradiation device according to one aspect of the present invention.
Further, an air purifier according to one aspect of the present invention incorporates the ultraviolet irradiation device according to one aspect of the present invention.
Further, a ventilation duct for housing according to one aspect of the present invention incorporates the ultraviolet irradiation device according to one aspect of the present invention.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the ultraviolet irradiation apparatus with high sterilization performance using deep-ultraviolet LED, and various apparatuses provided with the same can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a schematic diagram explaining 1st embodiment of the ultraviolet irradiation device which concerns on one aspect|mode of this invention. In addition, in the figure, an image of a cross section taken along the line XX in the chamber region D is also shown. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an ultraviolet irradiation device according to one aspect of the present invention; In addition, in the figure, an image of a cross section taken along the line XX in the chamber region D is also shown. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram ((a) to (h)) explaining a second aspect of the reflector of the embodiment according to the present invention and its operation; 3A to 3H are schematic diagrams ((a) to (h)) for explaining the third aspect of the reflector of the embodiment according to the present invention and its operation; 4A to 4H are schematic diagrams ((a) to (h)) explaining a fourth aspect of the reflector according to the embodiment of the present invention and its operation; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram ((a) to (h)) explaining a fifth aspect of the reflector according to the embodiment of the present invention and its operation; FIG. 4 is contour diagrams ((a) to (n)) for explaining the effects of the embodiment according to the present invention; FIG. 5 is contour diagrams ((a) to (c)) for explaining the effects of the embodiment according to the present invention; FIG. 5 is contour diagrams ((a) to (c)) for explaining the effects of the embodiment according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is contour diagrams ((a) to (s)) for explaining the effects of the embodiment according to the present invention; It is a graph explaining the effect (relationship between an angle and illuminance ratio) of embodiment which concerns on this invention. FIG. 5 is contour diagrams ((a) to (c)) for explaining the effects of the embodiment according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is contour diagrams ((a) to (i)) for explaining the effects of the embodiment according to the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third embodiment of an ultraviolet irradiation device according to one aspect of the present invention; It shows a cross-sectional image of the XX portion in the chamber region D in the third embodiment, and in the figure (a), two reflectors are composed of two flat plates with an aperture angle of 45 degrees An example (b) is an example configured in a conical shape.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with appropriate reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are schematic. Therefore, it should be noted that the relationship, ratio, etc. between the thickness and the planar dimensions are different from the actual ones, and the drawings include portions where the relationship and ratio of the dimensions are different from each other.
Further, the embodiments shown below are examples of devices and methods for embodying the technical idea of the present invention. etc. are not specified in the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an ultraviolet irradiation device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This ultraviolet irradiation device 100 is arranged as a structure in an elongated space such as the inside of an indoor unit for an air conditioner that controls the temperature of the room, and is used to sterilize bacteria contained in the air passing through the inside of the indoor unit. It can be used for virus inactivation.

As shown in the figure, the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the first embodiment is installed in a housing 10 that is a structure. The housing 10 has an elongated chamber region D defined therein, and an intake port 7 for sucking air from the outside and the sucked air into the chamber region D so as to allow air to flow inside. It has an outlet 8 for discharging. In the same figure, an image of the air flow in the chamber area D is indicated by a white arrow with a symbol A attached.

The ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the first embodiment includes an ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 that is an LED light source. The ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 of the first embodiment has an LED 3 and a collector 4 that converts the light distribution of the ultraviolet light emitted from the LED 3 into parallel light. The LEDs 3 are mounted on a circuit board 5 with printed wiring, and are capable of emitting ultraviolet light, which is light in the deep ultraviolet region.

The light collector 4 converts the light distribution of ultraviolet light emitted from the LED 3 into parallel light along the optical axis CLL. The outline arrow A shown in FIG. 1 indicates the air flow direction. In the example of the first embodiment, the direction of air flow is perpendicular to the optical axis CLL of the ultraviolet light emitted from the LED 3 and converted by the collector 4 into parallel light.

The LED light source preferably generates UV-C light with a wavelength of 280 nm or less. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 3 are preferably ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 265 nm, which has a relatively high sterilizing power, and a peak wavelength with a relatively high sterilizing power. good too. More preferably, the peak wavelength is within the range of 220 nm or more and 280 nm or less (Invention 13).

The collector 4 is preferably constructed with a reflector or a condenser lens. Examples of the configuration of the condenser 4 include a condenser lens such as a TIR lens (LED collimator lens), a lens unit in which a condenser lens and a reflector are integrally combined, and the like. Quartz is generally used as the material of the condenser lens, but it is also possible to use fluororesin or silicone. In addition, not only one condensing lens but also a plurality of lenses with different shapes can be used (invention 14).

The range of the light distribution angle of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 is a range from the optical axis center (0°) to ±90° with respect to the optical axis center when the center of the optical axis CLL is 0°. is. However, the range of the light distribution angle of ultraviolet light is not limited to the range from 0° to ±90° with respect to the center of the optical axis, and may be a narrower or wider range. Hereinafter, when ±90° is indicated, or when other angles (for example, ±45° of opening angle of a reflective surface) are indicated, ±90° and ±45° are angles relative to the center of the optical axis (0°). indicates

Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the first embodiment has a first reflector 1 having a reflecting surface 1r that mirror-reflects ultraviolet rays, and a reflecting surface 2r that is disposed opposite the first reflector 1 and mirror-reflects ultraviolet rays. A second reflector 2 and a rotation mechanism 20 that rotates at least one of the two reflectors 1 and 2 around the optical axis CLL of the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 are provided.

The first reflector 1, the second reflector 2, and the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 are arranged in the direction of air flow in the chamber region D so as to kill bacteria and inactivate viruses contained in the air flowing in the chamber region D. (see symbol A), the optical axis CLL of the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 is set, and on this optical axis CLL, the LED 3 and the concentrator 4 of the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6, and the second A reflector 2 and a first reflector 1 are arranged in sequence.

In this embodiment, the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 is arranged on the side of the second reflector 2 which is one of the two reflectors 1 and 2, and the second reflector 2 has a reflecting surface 2r of the LED 3. The chamber area is arranged so as to face the ultraviolet emission side, and the second reflector 2 and the first reflector 1 which is the other reflector facing the second reflector 2 face each other in the opening direction of the reflection surfaces 1r and 2r. Placed in D.
However, if the two reflectors 1 and 2, the LED 3 and the collector 4 are arranged so that the air passes through the chamber region D between the two reflectors 1 and 2, the air flow direction and , the optical axis of the ultraviolet light emitted from the LED 3 and converted into parallel light by the light collector 4 may not necessarily be perpendicular to the optical axis.

In this embodiment, the two reflectors 1 and 2 are arranged at both ends in one axial direction in the chamber region D inside the housing 10 which is a structure. The two reflectors 1 and 2 have reflecting surfaces 1r whose inner surfaces face symmetrically with respect to the central axes CL1 and CL2 with an opening angle of 45°±0.5° and −45°±0.5°. 2r each.

The two reflectors 1 and 2 are arranged at both ends in one axial direction in the chamber region D in the housing 10 so as to repeat the reflection of the ultraviolet rays that are parallel to each other. . In particular, in the first embodiment, the central axis CL1 of the first reflector 1 is installed with an offset (offset amount W) on the XY plane with respect to the optical axis CLL. centered on the first reflector 1 around the optical axis CLL.
In the figure, reference character R indicates an image in which the rotating mechanism 20 rotates the first reflector 1 around the optical axis CLL. Reference numerals (1u) and (1d) in the same figure show an image of the first reflector 1 having an offset (offset amount W) whirling around the optical axis CLL due to this rotational motion. .

In the first embodiment, the first reflector 1 and the second reflector 2 have inner aperture angles θ1 and θ2 of 45°±0.5° and −45°±0.5° with their own central axis CL1 , and CL2, respectively, and have reflecting surfaces 1r and 2r facing each other axisymmetrically, and the first reflector 1 on one side and the second reflector 2 on the other side facing the first reflector 2 face each other in the opening direction of the reflecting surfaces 1r and 2r. are placed facing each other.

Here, the central axes CL1 and CL2 of the two reflectors 1 and 2 are offset from each other so that the central axes CL1 and CL2 are not aligned. Furthermore, the optical axis CLL of the LED 3 arranged on one side of the second reflector 2 and the central axis CL2 of the other second reflector 2 are also arranged so as not to be aligned with each other.
The offset amount W of the central axes CL1 and CL2 between the two reflectors 1 and 2 is 1 mm or more, and the opening of the first reflecting surface 1r of the first reflector 1 on which the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 is not arranged. It should be less than half the maximum diameter of the part.

In the first embodiment, the offset amount W between the central axes CL1 and CL2 is such that the second reflecting surface 2r is arranged on the optical axis CLL, and all the parallel ultraviolet rays output through the condenser 4 are the first It is set so as to hit one reflecting surface 1r. However, the offset amount W does not necessarily have to be set so that all the parallel ultraviolet rays output via the condenser 4 impinge on the first reflecting surface 1r (Invention 12).

In addition, in the first embodiment, the first reflector 1 and the second reflector 2 are composed of two flat plates each of which has an opening angle of each of the reflecting surfaces 1r and 2r. However, the configuration of each of the reflecting surfaces 1r and 2r is not limited to this. For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. can be configured with
Further, as shown in the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 4 to 6, for example, the two reflectors 1 and 2 can be configured such that the opening angles of the reflecting surfaces 1r and 2r are even-order pyramid shapes. 4 shows a configuration example using a quadrangular pyramid, FIG. 5 shows a configuration example using a hexagonal pyramid, and FIG. 6 shows a configuration example using an octagonal pyramid.

In the first embodiment, the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 is arranged on the central axis CL2 of one of the second reflectors 2, and the other first reflector 1 facing this is arranged on the optical axis CLL of the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6. It rotates around the center (Invention 8).
Further, in the first embodiment, the second reflector 2 in which the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 is arranged has its reflecting surface 2r narrowed at the end thereof cut off or perforated, Light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 on the back surface of the second reflector 2 is injected into the second reflector 2 (Invention 9).

Moreover, each of the reflecting surfaces 1r and 2r of the first reflector 1 and the second reflector 2 is preferably made of a specular reflection material or a material whose surface has undergone a specular reflection treatment (Invention 10). In this embodiment, the first reflector 1 and the second reflector 2 are made of aluminum material, and the reflecting surfaces 1r and 2r are mirror-finished. Note that the reflecting surfaces 1r and 2r are not limited to the aluminum material as long as they are subjected to a thin film coating process that efficiently reflects ultraviolet wavelengths.

Further, the rotating mechanism 20 rotates the other reflector one or more times around its central axis within the average residence time until the air entering from the intake port of the structure exits from the blowing port. (Invention 15). Further, it is preferable that the rotational speed of the rotating mechanism 20 is changed according to the set air volume (Invention 16).

In the example of the irradiation area expansion mechanism of the first embodiment, the rotation mechanism 20 has an electric motor 21, a coupling 22 and a rotary table 23, and is installed so that the first reflector 1 rotates integrally with the rotary table 23. (Invention 17). Thus, in the rotating mechanism 20 of the first embodiment, the second reflector 2 can rotate together with the rotating table 23 via the coupling 22 by the electric motor 21 . In addition, the rotating mechanism 20 may be configured to rotate the rotating table 23 using the air flow as power (Invention 18).

Next, the operation and effects of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the first embodiment will be described.
When the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the first embodiment is operated, the ultraviolet rays emitted in the range of ±90° from the LED 3 are converted into parallel light by the collector 4, and then the two reflectors 1 and 2 mutually and emitted between the two reflectors 1, 2 along the optical axis CLL. As a result, the air passing between the second reflector 2 and the second reflector 2 is irradiated with the ultraviolet rays emitted toward the first reflector 1 on the opposite side.

The ultraviolet rays emitted along the optical axis CLL and reaching the first reflector 1 are reflected by the first reflecting surface 1r toward the second reflector 2, and the ultraviolet rays reaching the second reflector 2 are By being reflected toward the first reflector 1 side by the second reflecting surface 2r, the air passing between the second reflector 2 and the first reflector 1 is repeatedly irradiated, and this is repeated thereafter. .

Here, the LED 3 is, so to speak, a point light source, and the light emitted from the LED 3 has a light distribution angle within a predetermined range with respect to the package opening surface of the LED. increases, and the luminescence intensity decreases as it approaches the horizontal, that is, the light distribution angle of ±90°.
Therefore, the shape of the two reflectors 1 and 2 is uniquely determined according to the light distribution angle so that the light reflected by the opposing surfaces in the chamber region D becomes parallel light, so that the light is reflected as parallel light. Therefore, the efficiency is increased without being extinguished by hitting the side.
That is, also in the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the first embodiment, the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 is composed of the LED 3 and the light collector 4, and the light output from the LED 3 is collected by the light collector 4 to form a parallel light. , so that the light reaches the opposite reflective surface with the same illuminance without spreading.

Thereby, according to the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the first embodiment, it is possible to sterilize a wider area without increasing the number of the LEDs 3 and the collectors 4 . Therefore, it is possible to efficiently kill bacteria and inactivate viruses contained in the air passing between the two reflectors 1 and 2 . In addition, since the ultraviolet light converted by the collector 4 is parallel light, even if the distances between the collector 4 and the two reflectors 1 and 2 are different, the same two reflectors 1 and 2 and the LED 3 and concentrator 4 can be used.

Furthermore, according to the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the first embodiment, the two reflectors 1 and 2 are arranged at both ends in one axial direction in the chamber region D inside the housing 10 so as to repeat reflection between them. and an ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 arranged on the back side of one reflector 2 of the two reflectors 1 and 2, which is arranged offset from each other so that the mutual central axes are not aligned on a straight line; At least one of the two reflectors 1 and 2 is moved around the optical axis CLL of the LED 3 as an irradiation area expansion mechanism that expands the ultraviolet irradiation area in the chamber area D by moving at least one of the two reflectors 1 and 2. Since the rotation mechanism 20 is provided, the chamber region D can be evenly irradiated with the ultraviolet rays.
Here, the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 may be arranged other than the rear surface of the reflector 2 . For example, it may be arranged inside the reflector 2 .
Therefore, for example, even in a long and narrow space such as the inside of an indoor unit for an air conditioner, the ultraviolet rays can lengthen the optical path length without being absorbed by the wall surface, and can effectively suppress irradiation leakage (inventions 1 and 2). ).

Here, when the ultraviolet light is not parallel light but has a light distribution angle, the housing 10 is absorbed by the wall surface as the sterilization area (chamber area D) becomes elongated, such as the inside of an indoor unit for an air conditioner. The amount of light that reaches the reflective surface is reduced, and the sterilization effect is further reduced because the light is absorbed by the chamber wall surface.

In addition, if the light is not dispersed in the rotation angle direction and is made to reach the opposing reflecting surfaces with the same illuminance, and is repeatedly irradiated to the air passing between the second reflector 2 and the first reflector 1, the LED Disinfection can only be performed on a straight line connecting the central axis CL1 of the first reflector 1 facing the light source and the optical axis CLL (in this specification, such a state is also referred to as "two-dimensional sterilization").
Therefore, in the first embodiment, the rotation mechanism 20 is employed to rotate the first reflector 1 around the optical axis CLL.

In the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the first embodiment, the central axis CL1 of the first reflector 1 is offset with respect to the optical axis CLL with respect to the central axis CL2 on the XY plane, and the irradiation area expansion mechanism causes this first reflector 1 is rotated around the optical axis CLL. This allows the light to spread from a linear shift to a two-dimensional shift to evenly illuminate the disinfection area. Therefore, there is no blind spot in the chamber area D, and the disinfection efficiency in the chamber area is greatly improved.

Here, from the viewpoint of "using a rotated offset reflector", the average illuminance does not change whether the reflector is rotated or stationary, but by rotating the reflector, the chamber area ( Since blind spots that are not sterilized in the sterilization area can be eliminated or reduced as much as possible, sterilization can be performed in a shorter time when circulating sterilization of the room, which is advantageous.

In particular, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the first embodiment, the two reflectors 1 and 2 have an inner surface with an opening angle of 45 degrees ±0.5 degrees and an inclination of -45 degrees ±0.5 degrees. Each has reflective surfaces 1r and 2r that face each other symmetrically, and one second reflector 2 and the other first reflector 1 facing it face each other in the opening direction of the reflective surfaces 1r and 2r. The two reflectors 1 and 2 are offset from each other so that the center axes CL1 and CL2 of the two reflectors 1 and 2 are not aligned.
Furthermore, since the optical axis CLL of the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 serving as the LED light source and the central axis CL1 of the other first reflector 1 are also arranged so as not to be aligned with each other, the left and right reflectors 1 of the chamber region D , 2 alternately reflect the light from the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 and make it reciprocate many times in the chamber region D, so that the region irradiated with the parallel light spreads and the light is effectively used for sterilization.

Since the sterilization performance is determined not by the average irradiation dose in the chamber but by the number of bacteria remaining, the worst irradiation dose is dominant. That is, if there is a blind spot in the chamber area (sterilization area), the air passing through it will not be sterilized at all. As a result, germs that have passed through it may exit the sterilization chamber completely undamaged.
And in order to completely sterilize the entire room, it is necessary to perform circulation sterilization, which sterilizes while circulating the air. not, resulting in longer sterilization times. In addition, if the air volume for circulation sterilization is reduced, the number of times of air circulation per unit time is reduced, so the sterilization performance generally declines.

On the other hand, if one of the reflectors is rotated as in the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the first embodiment, there is no blind spot in the chamber area (sterilization area), so the air volume for circulation sterilization is increased. Even if it decreases, the sterilization performance will not decrease. In other words, although the number of circulations is reduced, the time spent in the chamber region D is increased during one cycle of circulating sterilization.

3 to 6 show a plurality of aspects of the configuration of the two reflectors 1 and 2 and their rotational motion. As shown in these figures, reflectors 1 and 2 (see FIG. 3) having inner surface opening angles .theta.1 and .theta.2 of 45.degree. The reflectors 1 and 2 (see FIGS. 4, 5 and 6) and the reflectors 1 and 2 formed by combining two flat plates with internal opening angles θ1 and θ2 of ±45° exhibit similar effects. (Invention 4, Invention 5, Invention 6, Invention 7).

As described above, in this embodiment, the first reflector 1 (two flat plates with an inner opening angle θ1 of ±45 degrees, or an opening of ±45 degrees), which is the other reflector facing the LED light source, is used. The central axis CL1 of the conical shape of the corners, the even-order pyramidal shape with an opening angle of ±45 degrees) is offset and rotated from the optical axis CLL of the facing LED light source and the central axis CL2 of the second reflector 2. It is possible to contribute to sterilization in the chamber region D by repeating reflection until the amount of light is extinguished by reflection (Invention 23).

This enables multistage reflection inside the chamber region, and by repeating the multistage reflection between the two opposing reflectors 1 and 2, the inside of the chamber region D can be disinfected three-dimensionally and evenly. , such a state is also called “three-dimensional disinfection”).
In the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the first embodiment, the second reflector 2 is rotated at least once within the average residence time until the air sent into the chamber region D exits the chamber region D, so that the chamber This is more suitable for evenly "three-dimensionally disinfecting" the air sent into the area D.

Based on the simulation and its results, the effectiveness of the above-described "three-dimensional disinfection" will be described in more detail below with reference to contour diagrams and graphs as appropriate.
First, FIG. 7 shows simulation results when the reflector completely absorbs light. In the figure, when the light is completely absorbed by the reflector on the side facing the LED light source, the actual LED installation position is shifted from the recommended installation position of the LED in the reflector that constitutes the concentrator 4. A contour diagram shows the state of parallel light (average illuminance) when However, in the example shown in the figure, since the opposing surface completely absorbs, there is no reflected light and only one-way light is emitted.

As shown in the figure, it can be seen that a slight deviation (for example, 0.1 mm) of the LED position with respect to the reflector changes the state of the parallel light (in the same figure, the ideal recommended position for the LED is 3 , 9 mm). In this way, it is important to accurately and optimally position the LED and the reflector installed on the LED side in order to ensure the performance.

Next, FIG. 8 shows simulation results when the shape of the reactor is changed as the reflector condition. This example is the result of a simulation in which flat (non-tilted) reflectors are placed on opposite sides of the LED light source at both ends of the chamber region.
As shown in the figure, if there are reflectors on the opposite surface and the LED surface ((c) in the figure), the light from the LED makes many round trips in the chamber area while being attenuated. Therefore, it can be seen that the light becomes brighter (average illuminance 0.204 [mW/cm 2 ] under the reflection condition shown in (c)). However, in this example, the reflected light always passes through the same location within the chamber area. Therefore, although the irradiated light beam is strong, it can be said that the irradiated region within the chamber region is narrow (limited).

Further, as can be seen from the simulation results shown in the figure, ((a) no reflector (average illuminance 0.114 [mW/cm 2 ])) < ((b) reflector on the opposite surface (average illuminance 0.114 [mW/cm 2 ])). 177 [mW/cm 2 ])) <((c) Reflector on opposing surface and LED surface (average illuminance 0.204 [mW/cm 2 ]))) increases the illuminance. In other words, if there is no reflector, the light from the LED light source is attenuated, but the light from the LED light source is attenuated, but the light from the LED light source is attenuated in the chamber region. Since it goes back and forth many times, it indicates that it becomes brighter by that amount.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, reflectors with inner opening angles θ1 and θ2 of ±45° are arranged at both ends of the chamber region, and parallel light from the LED light source is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The simulation results when
From the figure, it can be seen that the irradiation range can be linearly expanded by shifting the parallel light from the LED light source in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. At that time, two reflections are required for the light to return in the opposite direction, and it can be seen that the reflectance is a more important factor in suppressing the attenuation of the light (see the contour of the cross section on the right). From the figure, it can be seen that the light shifts to the edge each time it is reflected, but the attenuation is quicker if the reflectance is low).

Next, the contour diagram of FIG. 10 and the graph of FIG. 11 show simulation results for confirming the dependence on the V-shaped angle when V-shaped flat plates are arranged at both ends as reflectors.
As the results are shown graphically in FIG. 11, the V-shaped angle has an angular range of 45°±0.5° until the illuminance is reduced by 30%, and a range of 45°±1° until the illuminance is reduced by 40%. I understand. From this simulation result, it is desirable that the aperture angles θ1 and θ2 of the reflecting surfaces of the two reflectors placed at both ends should be 45 degrees, and the range of the aperture angles of the inner surfaces should be 45 degrees. Within ±1° is preferable, and within 45°±0.5° is more preferable (Invention 21).

In the example shown in FIG. 12, conical reflectors (specular reflection with a reflectance of 90%) having internal opening angles θ1 and θ2 of 45° are arranged at both ends of the chamber region, and one reflector is 1 It is a simulation result when light is irradiated inside the chamber area only by the LED light source of the lamp.
As shown in the figure, the linear direction in which the light shifts changes depending on the direction (LED position: X, Y) in which the center of the reflector of the reflector facing the LED light source is offset from the center of the optical axis of the LED light source. I understand.

Next, a simulation was performed in which the amount of shift (the amount of offset in the Y direction) from the center of the reflector facing the LED light source was varied. The contour diagram shown in FIG. 13 is obtained by arranging conical reflectors (specular reflection with a reflectance of 90%) having inner opening angles θ1 and θ2 of 45° at both ends in the chamber region, and reflectors on one side It is a simulation result when the inside of the chamber region is irradiated with light from only one LED light source.

From the results shown in the figure, it can be said that the offset amount of the central axis of the conical surface of the reflector facing the LED light source with respect to the optical axis of the LED light source is preferably in the range of 15 mm to 21 mm. In other words, it can be seen from the results shown in FIG. It can be seen that there is a region where the light does not reach sufficiently at the intermediate position of the shift.
Therefore, in the above embodiment, the offset amount W of the central axes CL1 and CL2 between the two reflectors 1 and 2 is 1 mm or more, and the first reflector 1 which is the reflector on which the LED 3 is not arranged It can be said that it is desirable that the maximum diameter of the opening of the reflecting surface 1r is half or less in (Invention 11).

As described above, according to the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an ultraviolet irradiation device with high sterilization performance using a deep ultraviolet LED (UVC-LED) and various devices equipped with the same. It should be noted that the ultraviolet irradiation device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and of course various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described first embodiment, as an example of at least one of the two reflectors, the first reflector 1 is fixed with an offset amount W of the central axis CL1 of the first reflector 1 with respect to the optical axis CLL. Although a configuration example of the irradiation area expansion mechanism that rotates around the optical axis CLL has been shown, the configuration is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the offset amount W is variable can be employed.
Since the light reflected between the two reflectors 1 and 2 facing each other is attenuated each time the light reflection is repeated, the light from the outer area that has been repeatedly reflected is more intense than the light from the inner area that is first reflected. become weak. Therefore, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the second embodiment, the offset amount W of the central axis CL1 of the first reflector 1, which is the other reflector facing the optical axis CLL, is not fixed, but is changed so that the reflector initially Since the radial position of the light striking the reflector changes, and as a result, the amount of light striking the outer periphery of the reflector increases, uniform illuminance can be achieved over the entire reflector area.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the second embodiment is an example provided with a translation mechanism 30 in order to further average the illuminance within the chamber region D. As shown in FIG. In addition, while attaching the same code|symbol about the same or similar structure as said 1st embodiment, the description is abbreviate|omitted suitably.

As shown in the figure, the second embodiment differs in that a translation mechanism 30 is interposed in a portion of the rotary table 23 that supports the base of the first reflector 1 . The translation mechanism 30 offsets the first reflector 1 on the XY plane passing through the optical axis CLL and perpendicular to the optical axis CLL without fixing the offset amount W of the first reflector 1 arranged offset. It is configured to move in parallel in the direction (Invention 19). The arrow indicated by reference numeral 30W in the figure indicates an image in which the first reflector 1 is translated on the XY plane that passes through the optical axis CLL and is perpendicular to the optical axis CLL.

As a means for realizing such a parallel movement mechanism 30, for example, a reciprocating linear drive mechanism combining a motor and a ball screw, or a reciprocating linear drive mechanism that converts rotary motion into linear reciprocating motion by a motor and a crankshaft, or , can be configured by direct linear reciprocating motion by a linear motor (Invention 20).
Thus, according to the second embodiment, the central axis CL1 of the first reflector 1 moves straight on the XY plane passing through the optical axis CLL, and the first reflector 1 is centered on the optical axis CLL of the LED light source. , the radial position of the reflector, which is first hit by the light, is constantly changing as it rotates. Therefore, the sterilization performance can be made even more uniform.
In addition, the parallel movement mechanism 30 causes the first reflector 1 to reciprocate one or more times within the average residence time until the air entering from the air inlet 7 of the housing 10 exits from the air outlet 8. is preferred (Invention 21). Moreover, it is preferable that the parallel movement mechanism 30 changes its movement speed according to the set air volume (Invention 22).

In addition, the device that can incorporate the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the first or second embodiment described above is not limited to the indoor unit for an air conditioner exemplified above, and the blown air is reflected from the collector. It can be applied to various devices as long as it can be built into the device so as to irradiate the ultraviolet rays directed toward the part side and the ultraviolet rays reflected by the reflective surface.

In particular, it is suitable as an air sterilizer for various devices, which includes a housing having an intake port and an exhaust port, and a fan arranged inside the housing to suck in air from the intake port and blow the air to the exhaust port. is. Devices of this type can be incorporated in, for example, air cleaners and ventilation ducts for residential facilities, in addition to the indoor units for air conditioners exemplified above (inventions 24, 25, and 26).

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example of having a rotation mechanism 20 that rotates at least one of the two reflectors 1 and 2 around the optical axis of the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 is shown as the irradiation area expansion mechanism, but this is not the only option. However, the irradiation area expansion mechanism according to the present invention moves the LED light source itself or at least one of the two reflectors in the direction perpendicular to the offset direction in the XY plane to expand the ultraviolet irradiation area in the chamber area D. As long as it is a mechanism for moving, not only rotation but also various movement mechanisms including linear movement can be adopted.

Specifically, as shown in the third embodiment in FIG. 14, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the third embodiment, the rotation mechanism 20 is not provided in the rotation table 23, and the rotation table 23 is fixed. Instead of this, a parallel movement mechanism 30 is provided as an irradiation area expansion mechanism on the side of the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 (Invention 3).
The parallel movement mechanism 30 is configured as a movement mechanism that reciprocates the ultraviolet light emitting unit 6 itself in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the offset arrangement. In the figure, an image of reciprocating movement in the orthogonal direction is indicated by an arrow with a symbol M.

Even with a configuration like the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. It is possible to provide an ultraviolet irradiation device with high sterilization performance using ultraviolet LEDs and various devices equipped with the same.

1 first reflector 1r first reflective surface 2 second reflector 2r second reflective surface 3 LED
4 light collector 5 circuit board 6 ultraviolet light emitting unit (LED light source)
7 air inlet 8 air outlet 10 housing (structure)
20 rotation mechanism (irradiation area expansion mechanism)
21 electric motor 22 coupling 23 rotary table 30 parallel movement mechanism (irradiation area expansion mechanism)
100 Ultraviolet irradiation device A Air flow CLL Optical axis CL1 Central axis of first reflector CL2 Central axis of second reflector D Chamber area W Offset amount θ1, θ2 Opening angle

Claims (26)

An ultraviolet irradiating device installed in a structure having an intake port for sucking air from the outside and a blowout port for discharging the sucked air so that air can flow inside itself,
two reflectors arranged at both ends in one axial direction in a chamber region inside the structure and offset from each other so that their central axes are not aligned;
an LED light source disposed on the side of one of the two reflectors to irradiate the chamber region with ultraviolet light;
an irradiation area expansion mechanism that moves the LED light source itself or at least one of the two reflectors to expand the ultraviolet irradiation area in the chamber area;
An ultraviolet irradiation device comprising: 2. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein said irradiation area expansion mechanism has a rotation mechanism for rotating at least one of said two reflectors about an optical axis of said LED light source. 2. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein said irradiation area expanding mechanism has a moving mechanism for reciprocating said LED light source itself in a direction orthogonal to said offset arrangement direction. The two reflectors are
Each has a reflecting surface whose inner surface faces symmetrically with respect to its own central axis with inclinations of 45 degrees ± 0.5 degrees and -45 degrees ± 0.5 degrees,
The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said one reflector and the other reflector facing it are arranged so as to face each other in the opening direction of their reflecting surfaces. 5. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 4, wherein the two reflectors are composed of two flat plates each of which has an aperture angle of each reflecting surface. 5. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 4, wherein each of the two reflectors has a conical shape with one opening angle of each reflecting surface. 5. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 4, wherein the two reflectors have a pyramidal shape with an opening angle of each reflecting surface of an even number. The LED light source is arranged on the central axis of the one reflector,
8. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein said other reflector facing it rotates around the optical axis of said LED light source. The one reflector on which the LED light source is arranged has a narrowed end of its reflecting surface cut off or drilled,
Ultraviolet radiation according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein light emitted from the LED light source behind the one reflector is injected into the one reflector. Device. 10. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein each reflecting surface of said two reflectors is made of a specular reflecting material or a material whose surface has undergone specular reflecting treatment. 5. The offset amount of the central axes of the two reflectors relative to each other is 1 mm or more and less than half the maximum diameter of the opening of the reflecting surface of the reflector on which the LED light source is not arranged. 11. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of 10. 12. The LED light source according to any one of claims 4 to 11, comprising an LED that emits ultraviolet light and a collector that converts the light distribution of the ultraviolet light emitted from the LED into parallel light. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to item 1. 13. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 12, wherein the LED light source generates UV-C light with a wavelength of 280 nm or less. 14. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the concentrator comprises a reflector or a condensing lens. The rotating mechanism rotates the other reflector around its central axis by one or more revolutions within an average residence time for the air entering from the intake port of the structure to exit from the blowing port. Item 2. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to Item 2 16. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 2 or 15, wherein said rotation mechanism changes its number of revolutions according to a set air volume. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 2, 15 and 16, wherein said rotating mechanism is rotated by an electric motor. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 2 and 15 to 17, wherein the rotating mechanism rotates with air flow as power. 19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a translation mechanism for reciprocating in the offset direction in parallel with an XY plane that passes through the optical axis and is perpendicular to the optical axis so as to vary the offset amount of the offset arrangement. or the ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1. 20. The translation mechanism according to claim 19, wherein the translation mechanism is configured by a mechanism that converts rotary motion into linear reciprocating motion by a motor and a ball screw, or a motor and a crankshaft, or direct linear reciprocating motion by a linear motor. UV irradiation device. 20. The parallel movement mechanism causes the other reflector to reciprocate at least one reciprocation within an average residence time until the air entering from the air inlet of the structure exits from the air outlet. 21. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to 20. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein said parallel movement mechanism changes its movement speed according to a set air volume. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 2 to 22, wherein the opening angle of each reflecting surface of said two reflectors is 45 degrees. An air conditioner indoor unit incorporating the ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 23. An air cleaner incorporating the ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 23. A ventilation duct for residential facilities incorporating the ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

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