TW202034967A - （無） - Google Patents

Abstract

（無）

Description

Air conditioner

The present invention is related to air conditioners.

The air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 includes an indoor unit and a suction unit. The surface of the suction part is composed of a photocatalyst layer. The light of the indoor illuminating lamp is irradiated to the photocatalyst layer to excite the photocatalyst. As a result, the photocatalyst is activated to decompose odorous components.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-196399.

However, in the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, the area irradiated by the light of the indoor lighting lamp is the outer surface of the housing including the suction part. Therefore, it is impossible to decompose the low-molecular-weight components containing odorous components present in the casing. In particular, it is impossible to sterilize and sterilize general bacteria and fungi existing in the circulation path.

The object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can sterilize and sterilize general bacteria and fungi existing in the circulation path.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the air conditioner includes a housing, a photocatalyst layer, and a light source part. The housing includes a circulation path for circulating air. The photocatalyst layer is located in the circulation path. The photocatalyst layer contains a photocatalyst. The light source part is housed in the housing. The light source unit emits light to the photocatalyst layer.

According to the air conditioner of the present invention, general bacteria and fungi existing in the circulation path can be sterilized and sterilized.

Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In addition, for the same or equivalent parts in the drawings, the same reference signs are attached and the descriptions are not repeated. In addition, the cross-section of the photocatalyst layer is hatched in the figure.

(Implementation Mode One) 1 to 3, the air conditioner 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the air conditioner 5 when an operation for air conditioning (hereinafter referred to as "air conditioning operation") is stopped. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the air conditioner 5 when the air conditioning operation is stopped. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the air conditioner 5 during the air-conditioning operation. Air conditioning operation, for example, cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, or air supply operation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 5 performs air conditioning. The air conditioner 5 is installed on the upper part of the wall of the room of the building. The air conditioner 5 is an indoor unit. In addition, the air conditioner 5 is connected to the outdoor unit by piping. The outdoor unit is installed outdoors. In addition, the refrigerant circulates between the air conditioner 5 and the outdoor unit through the piping. The outdoor unit includes various components such as fans, compressors, heat exchangers, and four-way valves.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the air conditioner 5 includes a cabinet 50, a filter 51, and a fan 53. The outer box 50 is an example of a housing. The shape of the outer box 50 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped. Specifically, the outer box 50 has an upper surface, a lower surface, a front surface, a back surface, a right side surface, and a left side surface. On the back, it is installed on the wall of the room.

The outer box 50 has a first suction port P1A, a second suction port P1B, a blowing port P2, a flow path G, a flap 54A, and a wind receiving flap 54B.

The first suction port P1A is formed on the upper surface of the outer box 50. The second suction port P1B is formed in the upper part of the front surface of the outer box 50. The blower outlet P2 is formed under the outer box 50. In addition, in the inside of the outer box 50, a flow path G from the first suction port P1A or the second suction port P1B to the blowing port P2 is formed.

In the circulation path G, air circulates. The fan 53 is arranged in the flow path G.

During the air conditioning operation, the fan 53 sucks air from the outside into the circulation path G through the first suction port P1A or the second suction port P1B, and blows the sucked air out from the circulation path G to the outside through the blower port P2. The fan 53 is, for example, a cross flow fan. The cross flow fan is, for example, a substantially cylindrical impeller.

The filter 51 is arranged in the first suction port P1A and the second suction port P1B. The filter 51 collects dust in the indoor air. Specifically, the filter 51 collects dust from the air passing through the first suction port P1A and the second suction port P1B.

The blower baffle 54A opens and closes the blower outlet P2. Specifically, 54 A of air blower flaps move and become the state of either the open state which opened the air outlet P2, and the closed state which closed the air outlet P2. Specifically, the blower damper 54A is in the open state during the air conditioning operation. On the other hand, the air blowing damper 54A is in the closed state when the air conditioning operation is stopped.

The wind receiving damper 54B opens and closes the second suction port P1B. Specifically, the wind receiving damper 54B moves to be in either an open state to open the second suction port P1B and a closed state to close the second suction port P1B. Specifically, the wind receiving damper 54B is in the open state during the air conditioning operation. On the other hand, the wind receiving damper 54B is in the closed state when the air conditioning operation is stopped.

Here, the circulation path G will be described in detail. The air conditioner 5 further includes a guide 55 forming a circulation path G. The circulation path G includes a first circulation path G1 and a second circulation path G2.

The first flow path G1 extends from the first suction port P1A and the second suction port P1B of the outer box 50 to the back side of the outer box 50 in the upper part of the outer box 50.

The second flow path G2 is connected to the first flow path G1 on the back side of the outer box 50 and extends toward the blower outlet P2 of the outer box 50 at the lower part of the outer box 50. The second flow path G2 is formed by the guide 55.

The fan 53 is arranged at a connecting portion connecting the first flow path G1 and the second flow path G2.

The air conditioner 5 further includes a heat exchanger 52. The heat exchanger 52 is arranged in the first flow path G1. The heat exchanger 52 performs heat exchange. Specifically, the heat exchanger 52 transfers thermal energy between the air circulating through the first circulation path G1 and the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit.

The air conditioner 5 further includes a photocatalyst layer 60 and a light source unit 70.

The photocatalyst layer 60 is located in the flow path G. The photocatalyst layer 60 includes a first photocatalyst layer 60a and a second photocatalyst layer 60b. For example, the first photocatalyst layer 60a is located in the second flow path G2. Specifically, the first photocatalyst layer 60 a is formed on the inner surface of the guide 55. Furthermore, the second photocatalyst layer 60b is located on the surface of the fan 53.

The photocatalyst layer 60 contains a photocatalyst. The photocatalyst is preferably excited by visible light. As the photocatalyst, a visible light response type photocatalyst can be mentioned. For example, there can be mentioned titanium oxide particles which have been adsorbed by a person having a photosensitizer such as tungsten.

The first photocatalyst layer 60a includes, for example, a top coat layer 61a and an under coat layer 62a. In addition, the second photocatalyst layer 60b includes, for example, a top coating layer 61b and an undercoating layer 62b. The photocatalyst is contained in the top coat 61a and the top coat 61b.

The undercoat layer 62a is located between the topcoat layer 61a and the guide 55. In addition, the undercoat layer 62b is located between the topcoat layer 61b and the surface of the fan 53. The undercoat layer 62a and the undercoat layer 62b contain, for example, silicone resin.

The light source unit 70 is housed in the outer box 50. The light source unit 70 is provided on the inner surface of the blower baffle 54A, for example. Specifically, when the air blowing damper 54A is in the closed state, the inner surface of the air blowing damper 54A faces the second flow path G2 in the vicinity of the air outlet P2. As a result, the light source unit 70 is housed in the outer box 50 so as to face the second flow path G2 and the fan 53 near the air outlet P2.

The light source unit 70 emits light to the photocatalyst layer 60. The light source unit 70 emits visible light, for example. The light source unit 70 is, for example, a plurality of LED (light emitting diode) elements. As the light source unit 70, it is preferable to have an illuminance of 10 to 100 klx at the point where the photocatalyst is activated with visible light. For example, LED components include phosphors and blue light sources. In addition, the blue light source emits 450 nm excitation light to the phosphor, and emits white light. In addition, the LED element emits white light of 3000-5000lm.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, since the light source unit 70 is housed in the outer box 50, the flow path G can be irradiated with light. As a result, the photocatalyst contained in the photocatalyst layer 60 located in the flow path G can be excited. Therefore, the photocatalyst in the excited state generates OH radicals (radical) from the water molecules present in the flow path G. As a result, the OH radicals can sterilize and sterilize the bacteria and fungi present in the circulation path G.

Here, referring to Fig. 4, the sterilization and sterilization effects of black mold according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a graph showing the sterilization and sterilization effects of Cladosporium. In Fig. 4, the vertical axis represents the residual bacteria rate, and the horizontal axis represents the irradiation time. In addition, black mold is a representative of fungi that grow in wet areas, and black mold in the family is almost black mold.

In FIG. 4, as the excitation light source, an LED light source including a phosphor and a blue light source emitting 450 nm light to the phosphor as the excitation light is used. As shown in Figure 4, the white light with a full beam of 5000lm is irradiated at a distance of 10cm (illuminance 10-100klx) for 60 minutes to 120 minutes to confirm that there will be a cubic sterilization effect (the sterilization rate is over 99.9%).

In addition, according to the first embodiment, the photocatalyst is excited by visible light to generate OH radicals. As a result, it is possible to sterilize and sterilize general bacteria and fungi without affecting the synthetic resin forming the fan 53 and the guide 55 and human eyes.

In addition, according to the first embodiment, since the light source unit 70 is provided on the inner surface of the blower baffle 54A, it is possible to sterilize and sterilize bacteria and fungi present in the second flow path G2 near the air outlet P2.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, since the undercoat layer 62a is located between the guide 55 and the top coat 61a, the tightness of the guide 55 and the top coat 61a can be improved. In addition, since the undercoat layer 62b is located between the fan 53 and the topcoat layer 61b, the tightness of the fan 53 and the topcoat layer 61b can be improved. Furthermore, the photocatalyst in the excited state can prevent the synthetic resin forming the fan 53 and the guide 55 from being affected.

Next, referring to Fig. 5, the air conditioner 5 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the air conditioner 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the air conditioner 5 further includes a control unit 56, a memory unit 57, and a drive unit 58. The memory 57 is a memory device that stores data and computer programs. Memory devices include primary memory devices such as semiconductor memory and auxiliary memory devices such as semiconductor memory and/or hard disk drives (HDD).

The driving part 58 drives the wind receiving baffle 54B and the blowing baffle 54A. Specifically, the wind receiving damper 54B and the blowing damper 54A are in an open state during the air conditioning operation. On the other hand, the wind receiving damper 54B and the blowing damper 54A are in a closed state when the air conditioning operation is stopped.

The control unit 56 controls the heat exchanger 52, the fan 53, the driving unit 58, and the light source unit 70. The control unit 56 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor of the control unit 56 executes a computer program stored in the storage device of the storage unit 57 to execute various controls.

In detail, the control unit 56 controls the heat exchanger 52, the fan 53, and the drive unit 58 when it has received the execution signal for executing the air-conditioning operation. Specifically, the control unit 56 controls the driving unit 58 so that when the fan 53 is operated, the wind receiving damper 54B and the blowing damper 54A are opened.

In addition, the control unit 56 controls the heat exchanger 52, the fan 53, the drive unit 58, and the light source unit 70 when receiving a stop signal to stop the execution of the air-conditioning operation. Specifically, the control unit 56 controls the drive unit 58 so that when the operation of the fan 53 is stopped, the wind receiving damper 54B and the blowing damper 54A are closed. Furthermore, the control unit 56 causes the light to be emitted from the light source unit 70 for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, from 60 minutes to 120 minutes.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the blower damper 54A is closed when the air conditioning operation is stopped. In the closed state of the blower damper 54A, light is emitted from the light source unit 70. As a result, the light is irradiated to the second flow path G2 and the fan 53 near the air outlet P2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent bacteria and fungi from multiplying in the second circulation path G2 and the fan 53 after the air conditioning operation is stopped.

Next, referring to Fig. 6, the process when the air conditioner 5 sterilizes and removes bacteria and fungi will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the sterilization and sterilization operations of the air conditioner 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the processing of the control unit 56 includes steps S101 to S106.

In step S101, the control unit 56 determines whether an execution signal has been received.

In the case where step S101 has been negatively determined (NO in step S101), the process returns to step S101.

On the other hand, in the case where step S101 has been positively determined (YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the control unit 56 controls the drive unit 58 so that when the fan 53 is operated, the wind receiving damper 54B and the blowing damper 54A are opened.

In step S103, the control unit 56 determines whether a stop signal has been received.

In the case where step S103 has been negatively determined (NO in step S103), the process returns to step S103.

On the other hand, in the case where step S103 has been positively determined (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, the control unit 56 controls the drive unit 58 so that when the operation of the fan 53 is stopped, the wind receiving damper 54B and the blowing damper 54A are closed.

In step S105, the control unit 56 causes light to be emitted from the light source unit 70.

In step S106, the control unit 56 determines whether a predetermined time has passed.

In the case where step S106 has been negatively determined (NO in step S106), the process returns to step S106.

On the other hand, in the case where step S106 has been positively determined (YES in step S106), the process ends.

(Implementation Mode 2) Next, referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, an air conditioner 5 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment at the point where the light source unit 70 emits ultraviolet light. Hereinafter, the difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described.

The photocatalyst layer 60 contains a photocatalyst. The photocatalyst is preferably excited by ultraviolet light. As the photocatalyst, for example, a plurality of titanium oxide particles can be cited.

The light source unit 70 emits light to the photocatalyst layer 60. The light source unit 70 emits ultraviolet light, for example. The light source unit 70 is, for example, a plurality of LED elements.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the photocatalyst can be excited by ultraviolet light having strong energy. Therefore, with the excited photocatalyst, a large amount of OH radicals are generated in a short time. As a result, the large amount of OH radicals can sterilize and sterilize general bacteria and fungi existing in the flow path G in a short time.

Here, referring to Fig. 7, the sterilization and sterilization effects of black mold in the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a graph showing the sterilization and sterilization effects of black mold. In Fig. 7, the vertical axis represents the residual bacteria rate, and the horizontal axis represents the irradiation time.

In FIG. 7, as the excitation light source, a near ultraviolet light source emitting light of 260 nm is used. As shown in Figure 7, irradiating light with an illuminance of 500 cd/cm ² and a distance of 10 cm from 5 minutes to 10 minutes confirms that there will be a third power sterilization effect (the sterilization rate is more than 99.9%).

(Implementation Mode Three) Next, referring to Fig. 8, an air conditioner 5 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the point where the surface of the light source unit 70 is processed substantially spherically. Hereinafter, the difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 8, the shape of the surface of the light source part 70 is a spherical surface. More preferably, the surface of the light source unit 70 is processed into a substantially spherical surface with a gentle slope. The light source unit 70 includes a light source 71 that emits visible light, and a transparent cover 72 that houses the light source 71. The light source 71 is, for example, a plurality of LED elements.

Therefore, according to the third embodiment, since the shape of the surface of the light source unit 70 is a spherical surface, the light source unit 70 does not hinder the circulation of air through the circulation path G during the air conditioning operation.

[Implementation Mode Four] Next, referring to Fig. 9, an air conditioner 5 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fourth embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in the point that the ion generator 300 is included. Hereinafter, the difference between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 9, the air conditioner 5 further includes an ion generator 300.

The ion generator 300 includes a discharge electrode, an induction electrode, and a high voltage generating circuit that applies a high voltage. If a high voltage is applied by the high voltage generating circuit, a discharge is generated between the discharge electrode and the induction electrode. Through the discharge, OH radicals are generated from water molecules.

The ion species (OH radicals) generated from the related ion generator 300 are immediately deactivated when they come into contact with moisture. Therefore, it is preferable to adhere to the guide by the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 5 The moisture content of the material 55 is reduced in advance, and light is irradiated to the photocatalyst layer 60 coated on the guide 55 and the like. This can be expected to have the effect of preventing water repellency on the surface of the photocatalyst layer 60 and improving quick-drying.

Therefore, in order to maximize the sterilization effect, the ion generator 300 is desirably movable after sterilization with a photocatalyst for a certain period of time, and the order is not necessarily limited to this.

Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, the OH radicals from the ion generator 300 can also sterilize and sterilize general bacteria and fungi.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above while referring to the drawings. However, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, As long as it does not deviate from the summary, it can implement in various aspects. In addition, by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments, various inventions can be formed. For example, some constituent elements may be eliminated from all constituent elements shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, it is also possible to appropriately combine the constituent elements in different embodiments. For ease of understanding, the drawings mainly schematically show each component, and the thickness, length, number, interval, etc. of each component shown in the figure may be different from actual ones for the convenience of drawing the figure. In addition, the material, shape, size, etc. of each component shown in the above-mentioned embodiment are just an example and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made as long as they do not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

It is also possible to combine two or more features of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3, and Embodiment 4.

[Industrial availability] The present invention provides an air conditioner, which has industrial applicability.

5: Air conditioner 50: Outer box 52: heat exchanger 53: Fan 54A: Air supply baffle 55: guide 56: Control Department 58: Drive 60: Photocatalyst layer 60a: The first photocatalyst layer 60b: second photocatalyst layer 70: Light source 71: light source 72: Hood 300: ion generator G: circulation path G1: The first circulation path G2: Second circulation path P1A: First suction port P1B: Second suction port P2: Blow outlet

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the air conditioner when the air-conditioning operation according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is stopped. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the air conditioner when the air conditioning operation of the first embodiment is stopped. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the air conditioner during the air-conditioning operation of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the sterilization and sterilization actions of bacteria and fungi in the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the sterilization and sterilization operations of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a graph showing the sterilization and sterilization actions of general bacteria and fungi in the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the air conditioner during the air-conditioning operation according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the air conditioner during the air-conditioning operation according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

5: Air conditioner

50: Outer box

51: filter

52: heat exchanger

53: Fan

54A: Air supply baffle

54B: Wind baffle

55: guide

60: Photocatalyst layer

60a: The first photocatalyst layer

60b: second photocatalyst layer

61a: Top coat

62a: Primer

61b: Top coat

62b: Primer

70: Light source

G: circulation path

G1: The first circulation path

G2: Second circulation path

P1A: First suction port

P1B: Second suction port

P2: Blow outlet

Claims (7)

An air conditioner, which includes: The housing contains the circulation path for circulating air; The photocatalyst layer is located in the circulation path and contains photocatalyst; and The light source unit is housed in the casing and emits light to the photocatalyst layer. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The light source part emits visible light; The photocatalyst is excited by the visible light. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The light source part emits ultraviolet light; The photocatalyst is excited by the ultraviolet light. The air conditioner according to any one of claim 1 to claim 3, wherein: It also includes: a fan that has been installed in the circulation path; The shell also contains: The suction port sucks the air into the circulation path by the fan; A blowing outlet, which blows the air out of the circulation path by the fan; and Air supply baffle to open and close the blowing outlet; The photocatalyst layer includes a first catalyst layer and a second catalyst layer; The first catalyst layer is located on the surface of the guide forming the circulation path; The second catalyst layer is located on the surface of the fan; The light source unit is provided on the inner surface of the blower baffle. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein: The surface of the light source part is processed substantially spherically. The air conditioner according to claim 4 or claim 5, which further includes: The driving part drives the air supply baffle; and A control unit, which controls the fan, the drive unit and the light source unit; The control department, When the fan is activated, the air supply baffle is opened to control the driving part; When the operation of the fan is stopped, the blowing damper is closed, the driving section is controlled, and the light is emitted from the light source section. The air conditioner according to any one of claim 1 to claim 6, which further includes: The ion generator is installed in the housing to generate ions.

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