WO2020153353A1 - Purification device - Google Patents

Abstract

A purification device according to the present invention is provided with: a housing that forms a flow path for gas to be purified and has, on at least a portion thereof, a plate-like member in which at least the flow path-side portion of a surface is coated with a photocatalyst; and a light source that purifies the gas having flowed into the housing and emits an ultraviolet ray for activating the photocatalyst, wherein there are formed, in the housing, a first region for purifying the gas with the ultraviolet ray without depending on the photocatalyst and a second region for purifying the gas with the ultraviolet ray and the photocatalyst activated by the ultraviolet ray, and there is provided a discharge port for discharging the gas after the purification on a portion straddle between the first region and the second region or only in the second region. The purification device according to the present invention can improve the purification capability of gas such as air by using a photocatalyst activated by an ultraviolet ray.

Description

Purification device

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a purification device.

Conventionally, a device using a photocatalyst is known as a device for purifying gas such as air (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Since the photocatalyst has an antibacterial effect, a deodorizing effect and a cleaning effect, it is used in equipment such as an air cleaning device or an exhaust gas cleaning device. In the case of purifying gas by utilizing the property of the photocatalyst, in many cases, a device such as supporting the photocatalyst on a porous or sponge-like substrate is made in order to increase the contact area between the photocatalyst and the gas. On the other hand, in a humidifier with an air purifying function using a photocatalyst, a technique of coating a metal plate with a photocatalyst has been proposed from the viewpoint of avoiding clogging of the filter (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Also, the photocatalyst is activated by irradiation with ultraviolet rays (UV). Therefore, in the case of purifying gas by utilizing the properties of the photocatalyst, it is known that it is useful to use irradiation of ultraviolet rays together.

JP, 2014-104371, A JP, 2005-006220, A JP, 2013-230344, A

The present invention aims to improve the ability to purify gases such as air using a photocatalyst activated by ultraviolet rays.

A purification device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a casing that forms a flow path of gas to be purified, and at least a part of a plate-like member whose surface on the flow path side is coated with a photocatalyst. And a light source that purifies the gas that has flowed into the housing and irradiates ultraviolet light for activating the photocatalyst, and the gas in the housing is the ultraviolet light regardless of the photocatalyst. Is formed into a first region and a second region in which the gas is purified by the ultraviolet rays and the photocatalyst activated by the ultraviolet rays, and is formed in the first region and the second region. A discharge port for discharging the gas after purification is provided only in a part of the region or the second region.

The block diagram of the purification|cleaning apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the purification device shown in FIG. 1 at a position AA. The right view of the housing shown in FIG. The left side view of the housing|casing shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a housing showing an example in which a gas outlet is provided only in a second region where gas is purified by ultraviolet rays and a photocatalyst. A casing showing an example in which a gas outlet is provided in a partial region extending over a first region where gas is purified by ultraviolet rays without depending on a photocatalyst and a second region where gas is purified by ultraviolet rays and a photocatalyst FIG. The block diagram of the purification apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the purification device shown in FIG. 7 at a position BB. FIG. 8 is a right side view of the housing shown in FIG. 7. The left side view of the housing|casing shown in FIG. The block diagram of the purification apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the purification device shown in FIG. 11 at position CC. FIG. 12 is a right side view of the housing shown in FIG. 11. The left side view of the housing|casing shown in FIG. The longitudinal section surface showing the composition of the purification device concerning a 4th embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 is a left side view of the purification device shown in Fig. 15. The longitudinal section surface showing the composition of the purification device concerning a 5th embodiment of the present invention. The right view of the purification apparatus shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the shape which looked at the partition plate shown in FIG. 17 from the lower surface direction. FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional surface showing a modified example of the purification device shown in FIG. 17. The longitudinal cross-sectional surface which shows the structure of the purification|cleaning apparatus which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 22 is a right side view of the purification device shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is a vertical cross-sectional surface showing a modification of the purification device shown in FIG. 21. The longitudinal cross-sectional surface which shows the structure of the purification|cleaning apparatus which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 25 is a right side view of the purification device shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 25 is a vertical cross-sectional surface showing a modified example of the purification device shown in FIG. 24. Sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of the purification|cleaning apparatus which concerns on the 8th Embodiment of this invention.

A purification device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
(Structure and function)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a purification device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the purification device shown in FIG. 1 at a position AA.

The purifying device 1 is a device for purifying the gas G to be purified. Typical examples of the gas G to be purified are air in a space that is hermetically sealed for a long time, such as air inside a car, exhaust gas from a device equipped with a combustion engine such as a car, and volatile organic compounds (VOC: Volatile Organic Compounds). , Gas containing harmful substances such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde or ammonia, and gas containing harmful substances such as influenza virus and bacteria. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are considered to be the causes of sick house syndrome and chemical hypersensitivity, like VOC, and thus may be classified as VOC. Therefore, the purification device 1 is a device for removing harmful substances such as harmful substances and pathogens contained in the gas G to be purified.

The purification device 1 is configured by accommodating a plate-shaped member 3 whose surface is at least partially coated with a photocatalyst 2 and a lamp 4 for irradiating the photocatalyst 2 with ultraviolet rays (UV) in a cylindrical casing 5. It A flow path 6 for forming a flow of the gas G is formed inside the cylindrical casing 5.

The plate-shaped member 3 is arranged inside the housing 5 so that the flow of the gas G is continuously or intermittently formed along the photocatalyst 2. That is, the plate-shaped member 3 is arranged so that the surface of the plate-shaped member 3 coated with the photocatalyst 2 is on the side of the flow path 6 of the gas G. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange the plate member 3 so that the plate thickness direction of the plate member 3 is perpendicular to the traveling direction of the gas G.

In the illustrated example, the rectangular plate-shaped member 3 is placed on the bottom surface inside the rectangular tubular housing 5 having a rectangular cross section. Then, the upper surface side of the rectangular plate-shaped member 3 which is the inner side of the housing 5 is coated with the photocatalyst 2.

Incidentally, a part of the housing 5 may be constituted by the plate-like member 3 whose surface is at least partially coated with the photocatalyst 2. Therefore, the housing 5 has a structure in which at least a part of the surface of the gas G on the flow path 6 side is coated with the photocatalyst 2 in at least a part thereof.

The plate-shaped member 3 can be made of a desired material that is not porous, such as metal, ceramic, or resin. However, if the plate-shaped member 3 is made of a metal plate, it is suitable for mass production because it has good workability and is inexpensive. Titanium and aluminum are examples of metal plates that are highly practical in terms of price, processability, and availability.

On the other hand, titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ) is known as a typical material of the photocatalyst 2 that coats the plate-shaped member 3. When a part or all of the surface of the metal plate is coated with titanium dioxide, a titanium dioxide film can be formed on the surface of the metal plate by the anodic oxidation method. However, any manufacturing method can be adopted depending on the materials of the plate member 3 and the photocatalyst 2. For example, the powder of the photocatalyst 2 may be dispersed in a solution and applied to the plate-like member 3 by spraying or painting with a brush.

The lamp 4 is a light source that irradiates the gas G and the photocatalyst 2 flowing into the housing 5 with ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet rays emitted from the lamp 4 are positively used not only for activating the photocatalyst 2 but also for purifying the gas G flowing into the housing 5. That is, harmful substances such as organic substances contained in the gas G can be directly or indirectly decomposed by a byproduct by irradiation of ultraviolet rays. In addition, the photocatalyst 2 can be activated by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. Further, the activated photocatalyst 2 can decompose the harmful substances contained in the gas G flowing in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 and the harmful substances that can be secondarily generated by the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays.

Therefore, the lamp 4 is installed at a position where it can irradiate ultraviolet rays toward both the gas G flowing into the housing 5 and the plate-shaped member 3. In particular, the relative position between the lamp 4 and the plate-like member 3 is set in both the first region R1 where the gas G is purified by ultraviolet rays regardless of the photocatalyst 2 and the photocatalyst 2 activated by ultraviolet rays and ultraviolet rays. The second region R2 in which the gas G is purified is determined to be formed in the single and common housing 5. Therefore, the shape of the housing 5 is also determined so that the first region R1 and the second region R2 can be formed.

A first region R1 in which the gas G is purified directly or indirectly by only the ultraviolet rays without depending on the photocatalyst 2, and a second region in which the gas G is purified by both the ultraviolet rays and the photocatalyst 2 activated by the ultraviolet rays. In order to form R2 in the flow path 6 in the housing 5, it is necessary to irradiate ultraviolet rays with the lamp 4 even outside the range where the photocatalyst 2 can decompose harmful substances contained in the gas G. good. That is, the width of the flow path 6 formed in the housing 5 is made wider than the range in which the photocatalyst 2 can decompose the harmful substances contained in the gas G, and the photocatalyst 2 decomposes the harmful substances. The ultraviolet ray may be irradiated to the outside of the range where

The range in which the photocatalyst 2 forming the surface layer of the plate-like member 3 can decompose harmful substances contained in the gas G changes depending on the conditions such as the photocatalyst 2 and the type of ultraviolet rays. The distance from 2 is in the range of about several mm (specifically, 2 to 6 mm). Therefore, if the width of the flow path 6 and the relative position between the lamp 4 and the plate-shaped member 3 are determined so that the distance between the lamp 4 and the photocatalyst 2 is longer than several mm, the lamp 4 and the photocatalyst 2 are determined. A first region R1 for purifying the gas G by only the ultraviolet rays and a second region R2 for purifying the gas G by the ultraviolet rays and the photocatalyst 2 activated by the ultraviolet rays can be formed between the two.

In the illustrated example, the lamp 4 is provided so that ultraviolet rays can be irradiated from above the plate-shaped member 3 toward the gas G and the plate-shaped member 3 with the flow path 6 of the gas G formed inside the housing 5 interposed therebetween. It is arranged. Further, the gas G flowing above the lamp 4 on which the plate-shaped member 3 is not arranged can also be irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the region within a few millimeters from the surface of the photocatalyst 2 becomes the second region R2 for purifying the gas G with the ultraviolet light and the photocatalyst 2, and the other region in the housing 5 that does not become the shadow of the ultraviolet light is only the ultraviolet light. Thus, the first region R1 for purifying the gas G is formed.

That is, the first region R1 in which the gas G is purified by only the ultraviolet rays and the second region R2 in which the gas G is purified by the ultraviolet rays and the photocatalyst 2 activated by the ultraviolet rays are included in the common and single housing 5. However, the first region R1 is formed at a position separated from the photocatalyst 2 and the second region R2 is formed at a position adjacent to the photocatalyst 2 at different positions in the width direction of the flow path 6.

UV rays are classified into UV-A band, UV-B band and UV-C band depending on the wavelength. The UV-A band, UV-B band, and UV-C band ultraviolet rays are ultraviolet rays having wavelengths of 315 nm to 400 nm, 280 nm to 315 nm, and less than 280 nm, respectively. Among them, it is known that ultraviolet rays in the UV-C band have a high effect of decomposing and sterilizing organic substances. However, it is known that ultraviolet rays in the UV-C band cause diseases and are dangerous to the human body. Therefore, the type of ultraviolet rays can be determined according to the usage environment of the purification device 1.

As a practical example, when the purification ability of the gas G is prioritized over the safety, the purification is performed with a photocatalyst 2 that is activated by UV rays in the UV-C band and a lamp 4 that emits UV rays in the UV-C band. The device 1 can be constructed. On the contrary, when safety is prioritized over the purification ability of the gas G, the photocatalyst 2 which is activated by UV in the UV-A band or UV-B band and the UV in the UV-A band or UV-B band are used. The purifying device 1 can be configured with the lamp 4 for irradiation. Further, a configuration may be used in which one or more lamps 4 for irradiating UV rays in the UV-A band, UV-B band, and UV-C band are used in one housing 5. For example, a lamp 4 for irradiating ultraviolet rays in the UV-C band, which is highly effective in decomposing and sterilizing organic substances, is arranged near the entrance of the gas G, and near the exit of the gas G, there are UC-A band and UV-B band UV lamps. A configuration in which at least one of the lamps 4 for irradiating ultraviolet rays is arranged can be exemplified.

Further, if the plate-shaped member 3 is made of a metal plate, deterioration due to irradiation of ultraviolet rays can be reduced as compared with the case where it is made of another material. Therefore, from the viewpoint of reducing the deterioration of the plate-shaped member 3, it is preferable to configure the plate-shaped member 3 with a metal plate.

On the other hand, as the lamp 4, UV LED, germicidal lamp, black light, semiconductor laser, mercury lamp, xenon lamp, metal halide lamp can be used as long as it can irradiate ultraviolet rays having a wavelength and illuminance determined according to the required purification ability of the gas G. Any lamp 4 such as a halogen lamp or a cold cathode discharge tube can be used.

From the perspective of being able to irradiate ultraviolet rays to every corner of the rectangular photocatalyst 2, it is rational to use a rod-shaped lamp 4 as shown in the figure. In that case, in order to support both ends of the rod-shaped lamp 4, both ends of the tubular casing 5 are closed by plate members 7A and 7B, and plate members 7A and 7B that close both ends of the casing 5 are formed. The socket portion of the rod-shaped lamp 4 can be inserted into the through hole. As a result, the light emitting portion of the lamp 4 can be fixed inside the housing 5.

Regardless of whether or not the lamp 4 is fixed to the plate-shaped members 7A and 7B, one end of the casing 5 on the upstream side of the gas G is closed by the plate-shaped member 7A to form the upstream end surface. The inflow port 8A can be provided in the plate member 7A. The inflow port 8A of the gas G may be locally provided in the plate-shaped member 7A so as to be in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 so that the gas G flowing into the housing 5 is guided to the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2.

On the other hand, the other end of the casing 5 on the downstream side of the gas G can also be closed by the plate member 7B to form an end face on the downstream side, and the discharge port 8B for the gas G can be provided on the plate member 7B. However, the size and the position of the discharge port 8B of the gas G are determined so that the gas G containing the gas G purified by the photocatalyst 2 as much as possible is selectively discharged from the flow path 6.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the housing 5 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a left side view of the housing 5 shown in FIG.

When the rectangular plate-shaped member 3 coated with the photocatalyst 2 is arranged in the housing 5, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a slit having a length corresponding to the width of the plate-shaped member 3 is gas. The G inflow port 8A can be locally provided in the plate member 7A so as to be in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2. As a result, the gas G flowing into the housing 5 can be guided as close to the surface of the plate-shaped member 3 coated with the photocatalyst 2 as possible.

On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a slit having a length corresponding to the width of the plate member 3 is locally provided on the plate member 7B as a discharge port 8B of the gas G so as to be in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2. be able to. As a result, the gas G containing the gas G purified by the photocatalyst 2 as much as possible can be selectively discharged from the flow path 6 as the gas G after purification.

In the illustrated example, the position of the discharge port 8 is determined so that a straight line passing through the surface of the photocatalyst 2 and parallel to the discharge direction of the gas G passes through the inner surface of the discharge port 8B. The position of the discharge port 8 may be determined so that a straight line passing through the surface of the photocatalyst 2 and parallel to the discharge direction of the gas G passes through the discharge port 8B.

The amount of the gas G purified by the photocatalyst 2 contained in the gas G after purification discharged from the outlet 8B can be adjusted by the size of the outlet 8B.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the housing 5 showing an example in which the gas G discharge port 8B is provided only in the second region R2 where the gas G is purified by the ultraviolet rays and the photocatalyst 2.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, if the width B of the discharge port 8B in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 is reduced to less than several mm, the gas G is purified by the photocatalyst 2. The discharge port 8B for the gas G can be connected only to the region R2. In this case, only the gas G purified by the photocatalyst 2 can be selectively discharged from the discharge port 8B of the housing 5. Therefore, the purification performance can be improved.

FIG. 6 shows a partial region of the gas G extending over the first region R1 where the gas G is purified by ultraviolet rays regardless of the photocatalyst 2 and the second region R2 where the gas G is purified by the ultraviolet rays and the photocatalyst 2. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the housing 5 showing an example in which a discharge port 8B is provided.

As shown in FIG. 6, the width B of the discharge port 8B in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 is made larger than a few mm so that the first region R1 in the flow path 6 formed in the housing 5 is The discharge port 8B for the gas G may be provided in a part of the region extending over the second region R2. In this case, the gas G discharged from the discharge port 8B of the housing 5 includes not only the gas G purified by the photocatalyst 2 in the second region R2 but also the gas G discharged from the first region R1. However, it is possible to increase the flow rate of the gas G. Therefore, the flow rate of the gas G that can be purified per unit time can be increased.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the cross-sectional area of the discharge port 8B provided in a part of the first region R1 and the second region R2 is limited to the second region R2 as shown in FIG. It can be made larger than the cross-sectional area of the discharge port 8B provided. Therefore, if the gas G discharge port 8B is formed in a part of the region extending over the first region R1 and the second region R2, the gas G discharge port 8B is formed only in the second region R2. In comparison with the above, the flow rate of the gas G discharged from the discharge port 8B of the housing 5 can be increased.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, if a narrowed gas G discharge port 8B is formed in a part of the region extending over the first region R1 and the second region R2, the end portion of the housing 5 is formed into a plate. The proportion of the gas G purified by the photocatalyst 2 in the second region R2, which is contained in the gas G discharged from the discharge port 8B, is dramatically increased as compared with the case where the opening end is not closed by the shape member 7B. Can be increased.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the discharge port 8B is locally formed in a region extending over the first region R1 and the second region R2, or only in the second region R2 as shown in FIG. Regardless of whether the discharge port 8B is locally formed, if the discharge port 8B of the housing 5 is locally formed near the photocatalyst 2, the gas G discharged from the second region R2 is discharged from the discharge port 8B. It can be included in the discharged gas G after purification.

As a result of the test, if the width B of the discharge port 8B in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 is 6 mm or less, the gas G discharged from the second region R2 should be included in the gas G after purification in a significant amount. Therefore, it was confirmed that the purification effect by the photocatalyst 2 and ultraviolet rays can be obtained. Therefore, the width of the flow path 6 formed in the housing 5 is made larger than the width of the discharge port 8B for discharging the gas G from the housing 5, and the width B in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 is set. If the discharge port 8B is formed in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 so as to have a length of 6 mm or less, the gas G can be purified by the purification effect of the photocatalyst 2 and ultraviolet rays.

Further, if the width B of the discharge port 8B in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 is 3 mm or less, the gas G discharged from the second region R2 can be included in the gas G after purification in a predominant ratio. Therefore, it was also confirmed that the purification performance can be further improved.

Therefore, from the viewpoint of securing the flow rate of the gas G, the width B of the outlet 8B in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 is set to 2 mm or more and 6 mm or less, and when purifying the purifying performance further, the surface of the photocatalyst 2 is It is considered appropriate that the width B of the discharge port 8B in the direction perpendicular to is 2 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

It was also confirmed that if the shape of the discharge port 8B is a slit as illustrated in FIG. 4, the decomposition performance of harmful substances can be improved as compared with the case where the shape of the discharge port 8B is a circular through hole. This is because, when the shape of the discharge port 8B is a slit, a larger amount of the gas G flowing near the surface of the photocatalyst 2 can be discharged from the discharge port 8B, and the photocatalyst 2 and the gas G are formed, compared with the case where the shape is a circular through hole. It is considered that this is because it is possible to form a more preferable flow of the gas G from the viewpoint of ensuring the contact opportunity.

Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving the decomposition performance of harmful substances, it is preferable that the shape of the discharge port 8B is a slit. However, for example, as in the case where it is preferable to diffuse the gas G discharged from the discharge port 8B, the discharge port 8B having an arbitrary shape is formed in the housing 5 according to the use environment and the purpose of use of the purification device 1. You can

If the exhaust port 8B of the housing 5 is formed in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2, the effect that the residence time of the gas G in the housing 5 can be lengthened is also obtained. That is, if the exhaust port 8B of the housing 5 is formed in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2, part of the gas G that has flowed into the housing 5 is in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 unless the flow of the gas G in the housing 5 is a laminar flow. Part of the gas G that has flowed continuously or intermittently in the flow path 6 toward the discharge port 8B is discharged from the housing 5, while flowing in the flow path 6 toward the discharge port 8B. The remaining part of the gas G and the gas G that did not flow toward the discharge port 8B remain in the housing 5.

On the other hand, it may be rare that the flow of the gas G becomes a laminar flow when the discharge port 8B is narrowed, but even when the flow of the gas G is a laminar flow, the flow path in the housing 5 is small. Since the cross-sectional area of 6 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the discharge port 8B, the flow in the case 5 is smaller than that in the case where the cross-sectional area of the flow path 6 in the case 5 is the same as the cross-sectional area of the discharge port 8B. The flow velocity of the gas G flowing through the passage 6 decreases.

That is, regardless of whether the gas G is a laminar flow or a turbulent flow, by making the cross-sectional area of the discharge port 8B smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path 6 in the housing 5, the flow in the housing 5 is reduced. Compared with the case where the cross-sectional area of the passage 6 and the cross-sectional area of the discharge port 8B are the same, the residence time of the gas in the housing 5, that is, the gas G flows into the housing 5 through the inflow port 8A. It is possible to lengthen the time from when the gas G is discharged from the housing 5 through the discharge port 8B. If the residence time of the gas G in the housing 5 can be lengthened, the irradiation time of the gas G with ultraviolet rays can be increased, and the amount of decomposition of harmful substances due to ultraviolet rays can be increased.

In addition, if the discharge port 8B of the housing 5 is locally formed in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2, not only the gas G discharged from the second region R can be included in the gas G after purification, but also the housing 5 It is also possible to obtain the effect of guiding the gas G flowing into the first region R1. Then, harmful substances can be decomposed by ultraviolet rays in the first region R1.

That is, it is possible to increase the amount of harmful substances decomposed by ultraviolet rays temporally and spatially by appropriately disposing the discharge port 8B and forming the first region R1. As a result, the amount of harmful substances decomposed by the photocatalyst 2 can be reduced. That is, the amount of harmful substances to be divided by the photocatalyst 2 per unit time can be kept within the range of the purifying ability determined by the type and surface area of the photocatalyst 2.

Here, it is preferable that the outlet 8B of the housing 5 has a surface continuously connected to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 (the surface exposed in the housing 5). As a result, the gas G passes through the second region R2 for a predetermined distance from the discharge port 8B of the housing 5, so that the photocatalyst 2 and the gas G can be contacted with each other in the final stage of purification. It becomes possible to do. When the gas G inlet 8A is provided at one end of the casing 5 and the gas G outlet 8B is provided at the other end, the inlet 8A and the outlet 8B are on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the casing 5. Are preferably formed. In this case, it is preferable that each of the inflow port 8A and the exhaust port 8B of the housing 5 has a surface continuously connected to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 (the surface exposed in the housing 5). Moreover, it is preferable that the photocatalyst 2 is continuously formed between the inflow port 8A and the exhaust port 8B of the housing 5 without interruption. This makes it possible to make the flow of the gas G passing through the second region R2 a laminar flow, and further to secure a chance of contact between the photocatalyst 2 and the gas G.

In particular, when the amount of harmful substances to be decomposed per unit time in the photocatalyst 2 exceeds the limit, the harmful substances are deposited on the surface of the photocatalyst 2 and a contaminated layer having a small thickness that cannot be visually recognized is formed. The phenomenon was confirmed by the test. It is considered that this is because the decomposition rate of the harmful substances by the photocatalyst 2 cannot keep up with the supply rate of the harmful substances contained in the gas G. When a polluted layer of harmful substances is formed on the surface of the photocatalyst 2, ultraviolet rays cannot reach the surface of the photocatalyst 2 with sufficient intensity due to the polluted layer, and the purifying action of the photocatalyst 2 cannot be sufficiently obtained.

Therefore, by sufficiently securing the irradiation time of the ultraviolet rays to the gas G and sufficiently decomposing the harmful substances contained in the gas G with the ultraviolet rays, the decomposition amount of the harmful substances by the photocatalyst 2 can be kept within the allowable range. .. Further, even if a harmful substance adheres to the surface of the photocatalyst 2, it can be limited to such an amount that it can be decomposed by ultraviolet rays. As a result, even if the amount of harmful substances to be decomposed per unit time is large, such as when the flow rate of the gas G is high or the concentration of harmful substances contained in the gas G is high, the purification of the photocatalyst 2 is performed. It is possible to fully exert the ability and decompose harmful substances contained in the gas G.

Moreover, the gas G flowing near the photocatalyst 2 is preferentially discharged from the discharge port 8B of the housing 5. Therefore, the gas G in which harmful substances are decomposed by both the ultraviolet rays and the photocatalyst 2 can be preferentially discharged from the discharge port 8B of the housing 5.

If it is confirmed by a fluid simulation, a fluid experiment, or the like that a sufficient chance of contacting the gas G with the photocatalyst 2 can be ensured in the housing 5, the gas G inflow port 8A is locally located so as to be always near the photocatalyst 2. Need not be placed in

That is, the gas G that has flowed into the housing 5 is guided to both the first region R1 and the second region R2 and finally flows to the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 while being exposed to ultraviolet rays, and flows near the photocatalyst 2. It is essential to form an inlet 8A and an outlet 8B for the gas G in the housing 5 so that the gas G is preferentially discharged from the housing 5. Therefore, the discharge port 8B of the gas G is narrowed to the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 as described above.

When the gas G inlet 8A and the gas outlet 8B are formed at both ends of the housing 5, ultraviolet rays may leak from the gas G inlet 8A and the gas outlet 8B. Therefore, it is possible to provide shielding portions 9A and 9B that shield ultraviolet rays leaking from the gas inlet 8A and the gas outlet 8B from the outside. In the illustrated example, the inflow port 8A for the gas G is shielded by the first shielding portion 9A having a box structure having a rectangular cross section. Similarly, the outlet 8B for the gas G is shielded by the second shield 9B having a box structure with a rectangular cross section.

This will ensure the safety of the user. In particular, when using UV-C band ultraviolet rays, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the user is exposed to UV-C band ultraviolet rays.

When the inlet 8A of the gas G to the housing 5 and the outlet 8B of the gas G from the housing 5 are shielded by the first shielding portion 9A and the second shielding portion 9B, respectively, the first shielding portion It is necessary to form the inflow port 10A for the gas G in 9A and the exhaust port 10B for the gas G in the second shielding portion 9B.

The inlet 10A for the gas G to the first shielding portion 9A is formed at a position where there is no leakage of ultraviolet rays to the outside and the gas G to be purified can be efficiently taken in from the purification target area. Is appropriate. Similarly, the outlet 10B for the gas G from the second shield 9B is located at a position where there is no leakage of ultraviolet rays to the outside and the gas G after purification can be efficiently supplied to the purification target area. It is suitable to form.

Therefore, as a specific example, as shown in the drawing, an inlet 10A for the gas G is formed on the side surface of the first shield 9A, while an outlet 10B for the gas G is formed on the side surface of the second shield 9B. be able to.

When the structure of at least one of the first shield 9A and the second shield 9B is a box structure, a fan (blower) 11 can be provided inside. In other words, at least one of the first shield 9A and the second shield 9B can be used as the casing of the fan 11. In the illustrated example, the fan 11 is arranged inside the first shielding portion 9A on the intake side of the gas G. Of course, the fan 11 may be arranged inside the second shield 9B that is on the discharge side of the gas G, or the fan 11 may be arranged on both the first shield 9A and the second shield 9B. good.

At least one of the first shielding unit 9A and the second shielding unit 9B can also be used as a casing of circuits necessary for driving the purification device 1. In the illustrated example, the inverter board 12 for converting the DC current supplied from the DC power supply into the AC current and supplying the AC current to the lamp 4, and the switch board 13 for adjusting the strength of the fan 11 are the second shield part. It is stored inside 9B. In addition to the power switch 14 for switching the operation of the purifying device 1 between the ON state and the OFF state, an adjustment switch for adjusting the strength of the fan 11 is provided outside the end surface of the second shielding unit 9B. 15 are provided.

Therefore, when the user wants to increase the purification capacity of the gas G per unit time, the rotation speed of the fan 11 is increased to increase the intake flow rate of the gas G, while the vibration and noise of the fan 11 are reduced. If desired, it is possible to make an adjustment such as reducing the rotation speed of the fan 11.

The purification capability of the gas G by the purification device 1 changes depending on conditions such as the ability of the photocatalyst 2 to decompose harmful substances, the wavelength and illuminance of ultraviolet rays, and the residence time of the gas G in the housing 5 as described above. Therefore, it is appropriate to set the flow rate of the gas G to an appropriate flow rate in accordance with the purification capability of the gas G by the purification device 1 and the concentration of harmful substances contained in the gas G. That is, the flow rate of the gas G can be increased as the photocatalyst 2 and the ultraviolet ray purification capability are high and the residence time of the gas G in the housing 5 is long. On the contrary, the type and surface area of the photocatalyst 2, the wavelength and illuminance of ultraviolet rays, and the inflow port 8A and the exhaust port 10B of the gas G are sufficiently decomposed so that a harmful substance having a predetermined concentration contained in the gas G having a desired flow rate can be sufficiently decomposed. It is important to determine the shape of the housing 5 including the position, size and shape of the.

The purification device 1 as described above purifies the gas G by only ultraviolet rays as the first step in the first region R1 formed in the housing 5, while the second region R2 formed in the housing 5 is used. In the second step, the gas G is purified by the action of both the photocatalyst 2 activated by the ultraviolet ray and the ultraviolet ray, and the gas G purified by the action of both the photocatalyst 2 and the ultraviolet ray is selectively or It is designed to be discharged preferentially.

(effect)
According to the above-described purification apparatus 1, even when the gas G contains a large amount of harmful substances to be decomposed, a part of the harmful substances is decomposed by the ultraviolet rays, and therefore the photocatalyst 2 becomes a decomposition target. The amount of harmful substances can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the situation in which harmful substances adhere to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 to form a contaminated layer and the purifying action of the gas G by the photocatalyst 2 is lost, and the performance of the photocatalyst 2 can be sufficiently exhibited. As a result, the purification capability of the gas G can be improved.

Moreover, since the photocatalyst 2 is coated on the plate-like member 3, there is no clogging of the filter that occurs when introducing gas into the porous filter. Therefore, maintenance is very easy.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a purifying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the purifying device shown in FIG. 7 at a position BB.

In the purifying apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of plate-shaped members 3 coated with the photocatalyst 2 are arranged in a housing 5, and a UV light is emitted to each plate-shaped member 3 by a common lamp 4. Is different from the purification device 1 in the first embodiment. The other configurations and operations of the purifying device 1A in the second embodiment are substantially the same as those of the purifying device 1 in the first embodiment, and therefore, the same or corresponding configurations will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described. Omit it.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, four plate-like members 3 can be arranged in a casing 5 having a rectangular cross section. That is, the plate-shaped member 3 can be fixed to each surface in the housing 5. In this case, if the rod-shaped lamp 4 is arranged in the center of the cylindrical casing 5, the photocatalyst 2 coating each plate-like member 3 with one lamp 4 can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

Of course, the shape of the cross section of the housing 5 is not limited to a rectangle, but it may be a polygon or a shape drawn by a closed line connecting a curved line and a straight line. Then, the flow path 6 for the gas G is formed inside the housing 5 having a tubular cross section, and an arbitrary number of plate-shaped members 3 whose surfaces are coated with the photocatalyst 2 are arranged to form a tubular shape. The rod-shaped lamp 4 can be arranged inside the housing 5.

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the housing 5 shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 10 is a left side view of the housing 5 shown in FIG.

When the plate member 3 is fixed to each surface of the housing 5 having a rectangular cross section, the gas G inflow port 8A and the gas G discharge port 8B are respectively set in accordance with the number and position of the plate members 3. It is suitable to provide the member 7A and the plate member 7B. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of slits each having a length corresponding to the width of each plate-shaped member 3 are used as the inflow port 8A of the gas G, and the plate-shaped member 7A is located near the photocatalyst 2. Can be provided. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of slits having a length corresponding to the width of each plate-shaped member 3 are provided on the plate-shaped member 7B so as to be in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 as the discharge port 8B of the gas G. be able to. Also in this case, it is preferable that the discharge port 8B of the housing 5 has a surface that is continuously connected to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 (the surface exposed in the housing 5). As a result, the gas G passes through the second region R2 for a predetermined distance from the discharge port 8B of the housing 5, so that the photocatalyst 2 and the gas G can be contacted with each other in the final stage of purification. It becomes possible to do.

As a result, the gas G is guided to the vicinity of the surface of the plate-like member 3 coated with the photocatalyst 2 in the housing 5, while the gas G flowing near the photocatalyst 2 is selectively or preferentially discharged from the housing 5. You can In addition, by narrowing the discharge port 8B and locally forming it, the residence time of the gas G flowing into the housing 5 can be made longer than in the case where the discharge port 8B is not narrowed.

Further, by disposing the lamp 4 at a position farther than the distance at which the photocatalyst 2 can decompose harmful substances contained in the gas G, the common and single housing 5 can be provided as in the first embodiment. A first region R1 for decomposing harmful substances by ultraviolet rays and a second region R2 for decomposing harmful substances by the action of both the photocatalyst 2 activated by ultraviolet rays and ultraviolet rays are respectively provided in Can be formed at different positions.

The area where the harmful substances can be decomposed by the action of the activated photocatalyst 2 is within a certain range from the surface of the photocatalyst 2 exposed to ultraviolet rays. Therefore, when the plate member 3 is fixed to each surface of the housing 5 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, the second region R2 is a substantially cylindrical region. On the other hand, since the ultraviolet rays are irradiated in the direction of 360 degrees around the lamp 4, the first region R1 that decomposes harmful substances only by the ultraviolet rays is also a substantially cylindrical region. That is, the cylindrical first region R1 is formed inside the lamp 4, and the cylindrical second region R2 is formed outside the first region R1. Further, the four corner regions where ultraviolet rays reach but the reaction by the activated photocatalyst 2 does not sufficiently occur can function as the first region R1 that decomposes harmful substances only by ultraviolet rays.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the position of each discharge port 8 is determined such that a straight line passing through the surface of each photocatalyst 2 and parallel to each discharge direction of the gas G passes through the inner surface of each discharge port 8B. Alternatively, by determining that a straight line that passes through the surface of the photocatalyst 2 and that is parallel to each discharge direction of the gas G passes through each discharge port 8B, it can be made to be near the photocatalyst 2.

According to the second embodiment as described above, the surface area of the photocatalyst 2 can be increased as compared with the first embodiment. Therefore, the volume of the gas G that can be purified per unit time can be increased.

(Third Embodiment)
11 is a configuration diagram of a purifying device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the purifying device shown in FIG. 11 at a position CC.

In the purification device 1B according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the plate-shaped member 3 is formed in a tubular shape, and the inner surface of the plate-shaped member 3 is coated with the photocatalyst 2. The purification device according to the first embodiment. Different from 1. The other configurations and operations of the purifying device 1B in the third embodiment are substantially the same as those of the purifying device 1 in the first embodiment, and therefore, the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals and described. Omit it.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the plate-shaped member 3 is formed in a tubular shape and the inner surface is coated with the photocatalyst 2, the inside of the plate-shaped member 3 formed in the tubular shape is used as the flow path 6 for the gas G. You can Also, by arranging the rod-shaped lamp 4 inside the plate-shaped member 3 formed in a cylindrical shape, each part of the photocatalyst 2 that coats the inner surface of the plate-shaped member 3 with the common lamp 4 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. You can

The shape of the cross section of the plate-like member 3 may be a rectangular tube shape such as a square tube shape or a hexagonal tube shape, but it is efficient to make ultraviolet rays effective as a cylindrical shape as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. It is preferable from the viewpoint of irradiation to That is, if the plate-shaped member 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape and the rod-shaped lamp 4 is arranged at the center position inside the cylindrical plate-shaped member 3, each part of the photocatalyst 2 can be uniformly irradiated with ultraviolet rays. .. Further, it becomes easy to utilize the reflected light of the ultraviolet ray again for purifying the gas G and activating the photocatalyst 2.

FIG. 13 is a right side view of the housing 5 shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 14 is a left side view of the housing 5 shown in FIG.

When the plate-shaped member 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape, it is reasonable to form the housing 5 in a cylindrical shape from the viewpoint of facilitating the installation of the plate-shaped member 3. In this case, the plate-shaped member 7A and the plate-shaped member 7B that support the rod-shaped lamp 4 at both ends and close both ends of the housing 5 have a disk shape.

The position, shape and number of the gas G inlet 8A to be formed in the plate member 7A and the gas G outlet 8B to be formed in the plate member 7B are the same as those in the first and second embodiments. The gas G flowing into the passage 6 is guided to the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2, while the gas G flowing near the photocatalyst 2 is selectively or preferentially discharged from the housing 5, and the gas G remains in the housing 5. It is appropriate to decide that the time will be long.

In order to guide the gas G to the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 forming the inner surface of the cylindrical plate-shaped member 3, the gas G may be guided to the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 in a direction parallel to the surface of the photocatalyst 2. On the other hand, in order to selectively or preferentially discharge the gas G flowing in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 from the housing 5, the gas G may be discharged from the housing 5 in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2. Further, in order to prolong the residence time of the gas G in the housing 5, the flow path 6 of the gas G formed in the housing 5 and the plate-shaped member 3 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the discharge port 8B of the gas G. The cross-sectional area should be increased.

Therefore, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, a plurality of circular through holes arranged on the same circle are locally formed at the position of the plate-shaped member 7A in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 as the gas G inlet 8A. be able to. Similarly, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of circular through holes arranged on the same circle are locally formed at the position of the plate member 7B in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 as the discharge port 8B of the gas G. can do. Alternatively, instead of the plurality of circular through holes arranged on the same circle, a plurality of elliptical through holes or slits curved in an arc shape may be formed on the same circle.

When the photocatalyst 2 and the flow path 6 surrounded by the photocatalyst 2 have a cylindrical shape such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular tubular shape, as shown in FIGS. The first region R1 in which the substance is decomposed is formed as a cylindrical region adjacent to the lamp 4, and the second region R2 in which the harmful substance is decomposed by the action of the ultraviolet ray and the activated photocatalyst 2 is the first region R1. It is formed as a tubular region outside the region R1 and adjacent to the photocatalyst 2. Therefore, if the photocatalyst 2 has a cylindrical shape, the gas G discharge port 8B is provided in the annular area of the plate member 7B so that the gas G is selectively or preferentially discharged from the cylindrical second area R2. Will be formed.

When the housing 5 is cylindrical, the structure of the first shielding portion 9A and the second shielding portion 9B for preventing leakage of ultraviolet rays can also be a cylindrical box structure. Therefore, the inflow port 10A and the exhaust port 10B for the gas G can be formed on the curved side surfaces of the first shielding unit 9A and the second shielding unit 9B, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of circular through holes arranged on the same circle are provided as the gas G inlet 10A and the gas outlet 10B.

According to the third embodiment as described above, not only the surface area of the photocatalyst 2 can be increased, but also the photocatalyst 2 can be efficiently irradiated with ultraviolet rays if the plate-shaped member 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape. It will be possible. Therefore, the volume of the gas G that can be purified per unit time can be further increased.

Actually, the inner surface of the cylindrical plate-like member 3 is covered with the photocatalyst 2 which is obtained by mixing silica oxide and titanium dioxide so that the weight of titanium dioxide is 2 times or more and 5 times or less the weight of silica oxide. A prototype of the purifying device 1B, which is formed and irradiates the inner surface of the cylindrical photocatalyst 2 with ultraviolet rays in the UV-C band, was manufactured. Also, two types of purifying devices 1B were prototyped by changing the size and shape of the outlet 8B, and the outlet 8B of one of the purifying devices 1B had a circular through hole with a diameter of 5 mm as illustrated in FIG. It is assumed that they are arranged on the same circle, and the discharge port 8B of the other purification device 1B is an arcuate slit having a width of 3 mm.

Then, using the prototype purification device 1B, a purification test was performed on the gas G containing acetaldehyde with a concentration of 25 to 30 ppm and the gas G containing formaldehyde with a concentration of 25 to 30 ppm. As a result, it was confirmed that acetaldehyde and formaldehyde can be decomposed and removed by any of the purification devices 1B. Further, when a test was conducted on the gas G containing the influenza virus, it was confirmed that the influenza virus could be rendered harmless by any of the purification devices 1B.

That is, even if the gas G only passes near the photocatalyst 2 having no unevenness, the gas G is purified at a practical level by performing primary purification by ultraviolet rays and squeezing the discharged gas G near the photocatalyst 2. It was confirmed that it was possible.

In particular, the decomposing performance of the purifying device 1B having an arc-shaped slit having a width of 3 mm as the discharge port 8B is further improved as compared with the decomposing performance of the purifying device 1B having a circular through hole as the discharge port 8B. It was confirmed that each of them could be decomposed and removed in about 30 minutes. It was also confirmed that the influenza virus could be rendered harmless in 20 minutes by using the purifying device 1B in which the discharge opening 8B was an arc-shaped slit having a width of 3 mm. From these results, the property that the discharge port 8B can be improved in the performance of decomposing harmful substances as compared with the case where the shape of the discharge port 8B is formed as a circular through hole, and the property of decomposing the harmful substance when the width B of the discharge port 8B is reduced. It can be confirmed that the property can improve.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the housing 5 can be configured by the plate-shaped member 3 as described in the first embodiment. However, in order to secure the strength of the housing 5, it is necessary to make the thickness of the plate member 3 sufficient. However, the titanium plate that is a candidate for the material forming the plate-shaped member 3 has high strength, and the thicker the plate, the more difficult the forming process becomes. For this reason, the casing 5 that bears the strength is made of a material such as aluminum which is easy to form even if the plate thickness is made thick, while it is made thin when an expensive titanium plate is used as the plate-shaped member 3. If you can bend it easily, it will lead to effective use of the material.

(Fourth Embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the purification device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a left side view of the purification device shown in FIG.

In the purifying apparatus 1C according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first region R1 in which harmful substances are decomposed by the action of ultraviolet rays regardless of the photocatalyst 2 and the photocatalyst 2 activated by ultraviolet rays. The second region R2 in which harmful substances are decomposed by both actions is located at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the flow path 6 so that the first region R1 is on the upstream side and the second region R2 is on the downstream side. The formed points are different from the purification devices 1, 1A, and 1B in the first to third embodiments described above. Other configurations and operations of the purifying device 1C in the fourth embodiment are substantially the same as those of the purifying devices 1, 1A, 1B in the first to third embodiments, so only the configuration inside the housing 5 is shown. The same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first region R1 in which harmful substances are directly or indirectly decomposed only by ultraviolet rays is changed to the second region R2 in which harmful substances are decomposed by the photocatalyst 2 activated by ultraviolet rays. It can also be provided upstream. That is, the first flow path 6A forms the first region R1 while the second flow path 6B forms the second region R2, and the second flow path is provided downstream of the first flow path 6A. 6B can be placed. Also in this case, it is preferable that the discharge port 8B of the housing 5 has a surface that is continuously connected to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 (the surface exposed in the housing 5). As a result, the gas G passes through the second region R2 for a predetermined distance from the discharge port 8B of the housing 5, so that the photocatalyst 2 and the gas G can be contacted with each other in the final stage of purification. It becomes possible to do.

In the example shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first flow passage 6A forming the first region R1 and the second flow passage 6B forming the second region R2 in the single housing 5. However, the first flow path 6A forming the first region R1 and the second flow path 6B forming the second region R2 may be formed in separate housings. Therefore, a plurality of lamps 4 may be arranged in the length direction of the flow path 6.

In addition, in the example shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the distance between the photocatalyst 2 and the lamp 4 is determined within a few mm so that the distance is equal to or less than the reaction area of the photocatalyst 2. It is possible to form the discharge port 8B serving as an outlet without throttling. That is, even if the ring-shaped opening end of the casing 5 is used as the discharge port 8B as it is, only the gas G flowing in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 can be discharged.

In the example shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the photocatalyst 2 has a cylindrical shape. However, when the photocatalyst 2 has a cylindrical shape whose cross section is not circular, or a single or a plurality of flat plates, the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2 is necessary. The discharge port 8B may be formed only in the above. That is, the first region R1 can be formed not only at a position different from the second region R2 in the length direction of the flow channel 6 but also at a position different from the second region R2 in the width direction of the flow channel 6. In other words, not only the first region R1 is formed in the first channel 6A, but both the first region R1 and the second region R2 are formed in the second channel 6B. good.

When the first region R1 is arranged on the upstream side of the second region R2, the gas G flowing into the inflow port 8A of the housing 5 flows through the first flow channel 6A forming the first region R1 and the photocatalyst. After being exposed to the ultraviolet rays without coming into contact with 2, it flows into the second flow path 6B forming the second region R2, flows near the photocatalyst 2, and is discharged from the discharge port 8B.

Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments described above depending on the arrangement method of the photocatalyst 2. Further, the width of the housing 5 can be reduced, and the structure of the housing 5 can be simplified.

(Fifth Embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the purification device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a right side view of the purification device shown in FIG.

In the purifying apparatus 1D according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, by arranging the partition plate 20 in the single housing 5, the first region R1 is provided in the single housing 5. The purification device 1C in the fourth embodiment described above is different in that the first flow path 6A to be formed and the second flow path 6B to form the second region R2 are formed. Other configurations and operations of the purifying device 1D in the fifth embodiment are substantially the same as those of the purifying device 1C in the fourth embodiment, and therefore only the configuration inside the housing 5 is shown, and the same or corresponding configuration is shown. The same symbols are attached to the configuration and the description thereof is omitted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, a partition plate 20 partially divides a space formed in the single housing 5 to form a first region R1 in the single housing 5. It is possible to form the first flow path 6A that forms the second flow path 6B and the second flow path 6B that forms the second region R2. More specifically, the lamp 4 can be arranged in the space on the upstream side partitioned by the partition plate 20, and the plate-shaped member 3 coated with the photocatalyst 2 can be arranged in the space on the downstream side. On the contrary, the partition plate 20 is arranged between the lamp 4 and the photocatalyst 2 so that the distance between the partition plate 20 and the photocatalyst 2 is equal to or less than the distance at which the photocatalyst 2 can decompose harmful substances. be able to. In addition, the partition plate 20 can be made of a known material such as a polymer compound that transmits ultraviolet rays.

Then, while the gas G is purified only by the ultraviolet rays in the upstream first flow channel 6A partitioned by the partition plate 20, the ultraviolet ray that passes through the partition plate 20 and the partition plate in the downstream second flow channel 6B. The gas G can be purified by both of the photocatalysts 2 activated by the ultraviolet rays passing through 20. Further, the surface of the partition plate 20 may be provided with a coating layer for preventing dirt. As a result, the partition plate 20 is less likely to get dirty and maintenance is reduced. The material of the coating layer is not limited, but a photocatalyst that is thin enough to transmit ultraviolet rays can be used.

When the partition plate 20 is arranged, the first flow channel 6A forming the first region R1 and the second flow channel 6B forming the second region R2 are formed in different directions on both sides sandwiching the partition plate 20. To be done. Then, the gas G flows from the first flow path 6A to the second flow path 6B while changing the flow direction in a portion not partitioned by the partition plate 20. Also in this case, it is preferable that the discharge port 8B of the housing 5 has a surface that is continuously connected to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 (the surface exposed in the housing 5). As a result, the gas G passes through the second region R2 for a predetermined distance from the discharge port 8B of the housing 5, so that the photocatalyst 2 and the gas G can be contacted with each other in the final stage of purification. It becomes possible to do.

As a specific example, when the end of the partition plate 20 is used as the outlet of the first flow path 6A as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the gas G that has passed through the first flow path 6A is the first flow path. The direction of the flow is changed at the end of the partition plate 20 forming the outlet of 6A, and typically flows in the second flow path 6B while making a U-turn.

Since there is a difference in specific gravity between the gas G and the harmful substances contained in the gas G, if the direction of the flow of the gas G changes extremely, the harmful substances tend to gather in the direction in which the centrifugal force acts due to the centrifugal force. If the gas G makes a U-turn in a generally arcuate trajectory, it is considered that the concentration of harmful substances becomes higher outside. Therefore, when the gas G that makes a U-turn at the end of the partition plate 20 contacts the photocatalyst 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the flow direction locally changes, and the gas G moves to the photocatalyst 2. Hazardous substances may be locally deposited on the contact area.

Therefore, unevenness can be provided at the end of the partition plate 20 forming the outlet of the first flow path 6A. Then, the position where the gas G flows into the second flow path 6B and makes contact with the photocatalyst 2 while making a U-turn from the first flow path 6A can be changed in the width direction of the partition plate 20. As a result, harmful substances attached to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 can be dispersed. Further, by curving the partition plate 20 in the direction opposite to the photocatalyst 3, that is, inward of the housing 5, the flow velocity of the gas G when it makes a U-turn is reduced to suppress the centrifugal force, which is harmful to the photocatalyst 3. By widening the portion where the substance is deposited, it is possible to suppress the deposition of harmful substances locally.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the partition plate 20 shown in FIG. 17 as seen from the lower surface direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the shape of the tip of the partition plate 20 can be zigzag. This allows the gas G to flow into the second flow path 6B while changing the flow direction of the gas G at different positions in the width direction and the length direction of the partition plate 20. That is, it is possible to prevent the gas G from making a U-turn at a position on the same straight line.

Needless to say, the size of the partition plate 20 and the length in the flow direction can be optimized according to conditions such as the type of the photocatalyst 2, the type of the lamp 4, the illuminance and the flow velocity of the gas G. ..

FIG. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the purification device 1D shown in FIG.

When the gas G is introduced from one side of the housing 5 and discharged from the other side, a pipe for flowing the gas G into the gas G inlet 8A formed in the plate-shaped member 7A as illustrated in FIG. By connecting 21 to each other, the gas G can be guided to the upstream side of the first flow path 6A. The number and size of the gas inlet 8A and the pipes 21 can be arbitrarily determined according to the flow rate of the gas G to be introduced into the housing 5.

On the other hand, when the gas G can flow in and out from the same direction of the housing 5, as shown in FIG. 20, the flow of the gas G to the plate-shaped member 7B forming the gas G outlet 8B. By forming the inlet 8A as well, the gas G can flow into the upstream side of the first flow path 6A. Also in this case, it is preferable that the discharge port 8B of the housing 5 has a surface that is continuously connected to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 (the surface exposed in the housing 5). As a result, the gas G passes through the second region R2 for a predetermined distance from the discharge port 8B of the housing 5, so that the photocatalyst 2 and the gas G can be contacted with each other in the final stage of purification. It becomes possible to do.

According to the fifth embodiment described above, the first region R1 and the second region R2 can be formed in series according to the standardized length of the lamp 4. In the fifth embodiment, the first region R1 and the second region R2 are formed at different positions in the width direction of the channel 6 formed in the housing 5, and the first region R1 and the second region R2 are formed. It can also be said that the partition plate 20 physically separates it from the region R2.

(Sixth Embodiment)
21 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the purification device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 22 is a right side view of the purification device shown in FIG. 21, and FIG. 23 is a modification of the purification device shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal section surface shown.

In the purifying apparatus 1E according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 21 to FIG. 23, a plurality of plate-shaped members 3 coated with the photocatalyst 2 are arranged in the housing 5, and the common lamp 4 serves as each plate-shaped member. 3 is different from the purification device 1D in the fifth embodiment in that ultraviolet rays can be irradiated. The other configurations and operations of the purifying device 1E in the sixth embodiment are substantially the same as those of the purifying device 1D in the fifth embodiment, so only the configuration inside the housing 5 is shown, and the same or corresponding configurations are shown. The same symbols are attached to the configuration and the description thereof is omitted.

Even when a plurality of plate-shaped members 3 coated with the photocatalyst 2 are arranged in a single housing 5 as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, by arranging the partition plate 20 that transmits ultraviolet rays, It is possible to form a first flow channel 6A forming the first region R1 and a second flow channel 6B forming the second region R2 in the housing 5.

As a practical example, the lamp 4 is surrounded by the cylindrical partition plate 20 so that the distance between the partition plate 20 and the photocatalyst 2 is equal to or less than the distance at which the photocatalyst 2 can decompose harmful substances. Can be used as the first flow path 6A and the outside can be used as the second flow path 6B. In the examples shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the four plate-shaped members 3 coated with the photocatalyst 2 have gaps so that the gas G always passes near the photocatalyst 2 outside the cylindrical partition plate 20. It is laid out to have a tubular structure so that

Even when the partition plate 20 is formed in a tubular shape, the end portion of the partition plate 20 serving as the outlet of the first flow path 6A can be provided with unevenness as illustrated in FIG. In that case, the gas G can be prevented from making a U-turn at a position on the same plane, so that the contamination of the photocatalyst 2 by harmful substances can be dispersed.

When the gas G is introduced from one side of the housing 5 and discharged from the other side, a pipe 21 for flowing the gas G is connected to an inlet 8A of the gas G formed in the plate member 7A. , G can be guided to the upstream side of the first flow path 6A. On the contrary, when the gas G can flow in and out from the same direction of the housing 5, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the gas G inflow port 8A is formed in the plate member 7B forming the gas G exhaust port 8B. By also forming, the gas G can be made to flow into the upstream side of the first flow path 6A. Also in this case, it is preferable that the discharge port 8B of the housing 5 has a surface that is continuously connected to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 (the surface exposed in the housing 5). As a result, the gas G passes through the second region R2 for a predetermined distance from the discharge port 8B of the housing 5, so that the photocatalyst 2 and the gas G can be contacted with each other in the final stage of purification. It becomes possible to do.

According to the sixth embodiment as described above, the surface area of the photocatalyst 2 can be increased as compared with the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the volume of the gas G that can be purified per unit time can be increased.

(Seventh embodiment)
24 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the purification device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 25 is a right side view of the purification device shown in FIG. 24, and FIG. 26 is a modification of the purification device shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal section surface shown.

In the purifying apparatus 1F according to the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 24 to 26, the plate-shaped member 3 is formed in a tubular shape, and the inner surface of the plate-shaped member 3 is coated with the photocatalyst 2 in the fifth embodiment. Of the purifying device 1D. The other configurations and operations of the purifying device 1F in the seventh embodiment are substantially the same as those of the purifying device 1D in the fifth embodiment, and therefore only the configuration inside the housing 5 is shown, and the same or corresponding configuration is shown. The same symbols are attached to the configuration and the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 26, even when the cylindrical plate-shaped member 3 whose inner surface is coated with the photocatalyst 2 is arranged in the single housing 5, the partition plate 20 that transmits ultraviolet rays should be arranged. Thus, the first flow path 6A forming the first region R1 and the second flow path 6B forming the second region R2 can be formed in the single housing 5. As a practical example, the lamp 4 is surrounded by the cylindrical partition plate 20 so that the distance between the partition plate 20 and the photocatalyst 2 is equal to or less than the distance at which the photocatalyst 2 can decompose harmful substances. Can be used as the first flow path 6A and the outside can be used as the second flow path 6B.

In the example shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the plate-shaped member 3 coated with the photocatalyst 2 has a cylindrical shape. Therefore, a plurality of arcs are formed so that the gas G is discharged from the second flow path 6B having a circular cross section formed so that the gas G passes near the photocatalyst 2 forming the inner surface of the cylinder. Is provided in the plate-shaped member 7B forming the end surface of the housing 5 as a gas G outlet 8B.

Not only when the partition plate 20 is formed into a rectangular tube shape but also when it is formed into a cylindrical shape, the end portion of the partition plate 20 which is the outlet of the first flow path 6A is provided with unevenness as illustrated in FIG. Can be provided. In that case, the gas G can be prevented from making a U-turn at a position on the same circle or on the same plane, so that the contamination of the photocatalyst 2 by the harmful substances can be dispersed.

When the gas G is introduced from one side of the housing 5 and discharged from the other side, a pipe 21 for flowing the gas G is connected to an inlet 8A of the gas G formed in the plate member 7A. , G can be guided to the upstream side of the first flow path 6A. On the contrary, when the gas G can flow in and out from the same direction of the housing 5, as shown in FIG. 26, the gas G inflow port 8A is formed in the plate member 7B forming the gas G exhaust port 8B. By also forming, the gas G can be made to flow into the upstream side of the first flow path 6A. Also in this case, it is preferable that the discharge port 8B of the housing 5 has a surface that is continuously connected to the surface of the photocatalyst 2 (the surface exposed in the housing 5). As a result, the gas G passes through the second region R2 for a predetermined distance from the discharge port 8B of the housing 5, so that the photocatalyst 2 and the gas G can be contacted with each other in the final stage of purification. It becomes possible to do.

According to the seventh embodiment as described above, not only the surface area of the photocatalyst 2 can be increased as compared with the fifth embodiment, but also if the plate-shaped member 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape, ultraviolet rays can be efficiently emitted. It becomes possible to irradiate the photocatalyst 2 selectively. Therefore, the volume of the gas G that can be purified per unit time can be further increased.

(Eighth Embodiment)
FIG. 27 is a sectional view for explaining the configuration of the purification device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

In the purification device 1G in the eighth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the unevenness 30 is provided on at least a part of the wall surface of the flow path 6, and the purification devices 1, 1A, 1B, 1C in the other embodiments. Different from 1D, 1E, and 1F. Since the other configurations and operations of the purifying device 1G in the eighth embodiment are substantially the same as those of the purifying devices 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F in the other embodiments, the unevenness 30 is provided. Only the wall surface of the flow path 6 is shown, and the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

The surface of the flow path 6 can be provided with irregularities 30 for generating at least one of turbulent flow and swirl flow in the gas G flowing in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2. When at least one of the turbulent flow and the swirling flow is generated in the gas G flowing in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2, the opportunity for the gas G to contact the photocatalyst 2 can be improved.

The unevenness 30 may be provided on the plate-like member 3 coated with the photocatalyst 2, or may be provided on the surface of the partition plate 20 or the inner surface of the housing 5. When the unevenness 30 is provided on the plate member 3, the photocatalyst 2 itself has the unevenness 30. Therefore, the smooth unevenness 30 may be formed so that harmful substances are not locally deposited on the photocatalyst 2. On the other hand, when the unevenness 30 is provided on the surface other than the photocatalyst 2, the unevenness 30 having various shapes is provided at an appropriate position so that preferable turbulent flow or swirl flow is easily generated in the gas G flowing in the vicinity of the photocatalyst 2. You can Note that FIG. 27 shows an example in which the concavities and convexities 30 are formed on the inner surface of the housing 5 in which harmful substances are not likely to accumulate.

According to the eighth embodiment as described above, it is possible to improve the chance of the gas G coming into contact with the photocatalyst 2 as compared with the other embodiments. Therefore, the volume of the gas G that can be purified per unit time can be further increased. In this embodiment, since the second region R2 purified by the photocatalyst 2 can be expanded to a maximum of 40 mm, and further to a maximum of 50 mm, the width of the discharge port 8B can be increased and the flow rate of the gas G can be increased. It is possible to improve the purification efficiency. The size of the second region R2 depends on the flow and flow rate of the turbulent and swirling gas. This embodiment can be applied to other embodiments.

(Other embodiments)
Although the specific embodiments have been described above, the described embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. The novel methods and apparatus described herein can be implemented in various other ways. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made in the method and apparatus modes described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G Purification device 2 Photocatalyst 3 Plate-shaped member 4 Lamp 5 Housing 6 Flow path 6A First flow path 6B Second flow path 7A, 7B Plate-shaped member 8A Inlet port 8B Exhaust port 9A First shielding part 9B Second shielding part 10A Inlet port 10B Exhaust port 11 Fan (blower)
12 Inverter board 13 Switch board 14 Power switch 15 Adjustment switch 20 Partition plate 21 Pipe G Gas R1 First area R2 Second area B Width of outlet

Claims (13)

1. A case that forms a flow path of gas to be purified, at least a part of the surface on the flow path side having a plate-shaped member coated with a photocatalyst in at least a part,
   A light source that purifies the gas that has flowed into the housing and that irradiates ultraviolet rays for activating the photocatalyst;
   Equipped with
   A first region in which the gas is purified by the ultraviolet light regardless of the photocatalyst and a second region in which the gas is purified by the photocatalyst activated by the ultraviolet light are formed in the housing. However, the purification device is provided with a discharge port for discharging the gas after purification only in a part of the region extending over the first region and the second region or only in the second region.
2. The purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the gas flow path is formed inside the casing having a tubular cross section, and the rod-shaped light source is disposed inside the tubular casing.
3. The first region and the second region are formed in a single casing, and the gas flowing into the casing is guided to the first region and discharged from the second region. The purification device according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust port is formed in the vicinity of the photocatalyst so that the gas is contained in the gas after the purification.
4. In the width direction of the flow path, the first region and the second region are arranged such that the first region is located at a position distant from the photocatalyst and the second region is located at a position adjacent to the photocatalyst. The purification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is formed at different positions.
5. A part of the gas flowing in the flow path toward the discharge port is discharged from the housing, while the remaining part of the gas flowing in the flow path toward the discharge port is in the housing. 5. The purifying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the discharge port is locally formed in the vicinity of the photocatalyst so as to remain in the area.
6. The purification device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the inflow port is locally provided in the vicinity of the photocatalyst so that the gas flowing into the housing is guided to the vicinity of the photocatalyst.
7. The first region and the second region are formed at different positions in the length direction of the flow path so that the first region is on the upstream side and the second region is on the downstream side. The purifying device according to any one of 1 to 3.
8. The first flow path forming the first region and the second flow path forming the second region in the single housing by disposing a partition plate in the single housing. The purification device according to claim 7, wherein
9. The purifying apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the partition plate is made of a material that transmits the ultraviolet rays, and the ultraviolet rays that pass through the partition plate activate the photocatalyst.
10. The partition plate is arranged so that the gas passing through the first flow channel changes its flow direction and flows into the second flow channel, and forms the outlet of the first flow channel. 10. The purifying device according to claim 9, wherein the end portion of the is provided with irregularities.
11. 11. At least one or both of a turbulent flow and a swirling flow are generated in the gas flowing in the vicinity of the photocatalyst by providing unevenness on the wall surface of at least a part of the flow path. Purification device according to item.
12. The purification device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the outlet has a surface continuously connected to the surface of the photocatalyst.
13. A case that forms a flow path of gas to be purified, at least a part of the surface on the flow path side having a plate-shaped member coated with a photocatalyst in at least a part,
    A light source that purifies the gas that has flowed into the housing and that irradiates ultraviolet rays for activating the photocatalyst,
    Equipped with
    The width of the flow path formed in the housing is made larger than the width of the discharge port for discharging the gas from the housing, and the width in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the photocatalyst is 6 mm or less. A purifying device in which the discharge port is formed in the vicinity of the photocatalyst.

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