WO2022153956A1 - Blower device and method for sterilizing filter for blower device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a blower device capable of suppressing deterioration of a member, and a method for sterilizing a filter for a blower device. A sterilization method according to one embodiment of the present invention is designed to suppress the growth of a bacterium that may adhere to a filter in a blower device, and comprises a first step of irradiating the filter with visible light.

Description

Antibacterial method of blower and filter of blower

The present invention relates to an antibacterial method of a blower and a filter of the blower. The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-004069 filed in Japan on January 14, 2021, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

For example, Patent Document 1 includes a humidifying element filled with a porous material for holding humidifying water, a water supply means for supplying humidifying water to the humidifying element, and an ultraviolet irradiation means for irradiating the humidifying element with ultraviolet rays. A vaporizing humidifier is disclosed. In the above-mentioned vaporization type humidifier, the ultraviolet irradiation means are arranged to face each other in the recess formed by meandering the humidifying element with respect to the traveling direction of the air, so that the ultraviolet rays are uniformly irradiated to humidify. The element is sterilized.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-185501

However, when the ultraviolet irradiation means is used in the blower (humidifier) as described above, the ultraviolet rays are applied not only to the filter (humidifying element) but also to a member made of resin or the like located around the filter (humidifier). The member may deteriorate.

Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is, for example, to provide an antibacterial method for a blower and a filter of the blower that can suppress deterioration of members.

The antibacterial method according to one aspect of the present invention is an antibacterial method that suppresses the growth of bacteria that may adhere to the filter of the blower, and includes a first step of irradiating the filter with visible light.

The blower according to one aspect of the present invention includes a main body, a fan provided inside the main body, a filter through which air flows through the fan, a visible light irradiation unit that irradiates the filter with visible light, and the above. The filter is provided with an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates the filter with ultraviolet rays.

It is a front perspective view which shows the air purifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an exploded perspective view which shows the air purifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side sectional view which shows the air purifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side sectional view which shows the ultraviolet irradiation part of the air purifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a rear view which shows the ultraviolet irradiation part of the air purifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side sectional view which shows the modification of the ultraviolet irradiation part of the air purifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a rear view which shows the modification of the ultraviolet irradiation part of the air purifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structure of the air purifier which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. This is an example of the processing flow of the ultraviolet irradiation mode by the control unit of the air purifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a rear view which shows the visible light irradiation part of the air purifier which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structure of the air purifier which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. This is an example of a processing flow relating to switching control from the visible light irradiation mode to the ultraviolet irradiation mode by the control unit of the air purifier according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a table which shows the result of the evaluation test by visible light.

Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present specification and drawings, the same or equivalent elements may be designated by the same reference numerals to omit duplicate description, and elements not directly related to the present invention may be omitted from the illustration. Furthermore, the forms of the components shown in such embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these forms.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, an outline of the air purifier 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the air purifier 100. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the air purifier 100. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the air purifier 100 as viewed from the rear. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the air purifier 100. In the following, the mounting side of the air purifier 100 is the lower side, the side where the first air outlet 121 is provided is the upper side, the side where the second air outlet 122 is provided is the front side, and the opposite side is the rear side. I will explain by prescribing.

The air purifier 100 purifies the air in the installed space, for example. The air purifier 100 has a housing 110 that houses various structures. The housing 110 is formed in a substantially box shape, for example. The housing 110 includes a front cover 111, a rear cover 112, an upper surface cover 113, a lower surface cover 114, a left side cover 115, and a right side cover 116.

The rear cover 112 is formed with an opening 112a that communicates with the space that accommodates the deodorizing filter 140 and the dust collecting filter 150, which will be described later. The rear cover 112 is provided with a detachable rear panel 120 that closes the opening 112a. The rear panel 120 is formed with a suction port 120a for sucking air. The suction port 120a is, for example, a plurality of holes. Inside the rear panel 120, a pre-filter (not shown) that collects coarse dust in the passing air is provided. The prefilter is formed of, for example, a sheet-like mesh such as polypropylene.

The top cover 113 is formed with a first air outlet 121 that blows out air. The first outlet 121 is a substantially rectangular opening formed in the upper surface cover 113. A slide member 121a that can slide in the front-rear direction is supported at the first outlet 121. The slide member 121a is arranged on the left and right sides of the first outlet 121, and blocks a part of the first outlet 121. By sliding the slide member 121a in the front-rear direction, the closing position of the first air outlet 121 is changed. As a result, the direction of the air blown out from the first air outlet 121 is changed.

The front cover 111 is formed so as to incline rearward from the lower part to the upper part. A second air outlet 122 for blowing air is formed on the upper portion of the front cover 111. The second outlet 122 is provided with a louver 122a that changes the direction in which air is blown out. The louver 122a is, for example, a single plate-shaped member. The louver 122a is fixed to a rotating shaft 122b whose axial direction is the left-right direction. The louver 122a changes the direction of the air blown out from the second outlet 122 by rotating along with the rotation shaft 122b.

As shown in FIG. 3, an air passage 130 is provided inside the housing 110. The air passage 130 communicates the suction port 120a with the first air outlet 121 and the second air outlet 122, which are the air outlets. In the air passage 130, the deodorizing filter 140, the dust collecting filter 150, the humidifying unit 160, the fan 171 and the ion generating unit 180 are arranged in this order from the suction port 120a toward the air outlet.

The deodorizing filter 140 is a filter that adsorbs odorous components in the passing air. The deodorizing filter 140 has, for example, a structure in which a polyester non-woven fabric is attached to a rectangular frame, activated carbon is uniformly dispersed and arranged on the polyester non-woven fabric, and the polyester non-woven fabric is covered over the activated carbon.

The dust collection filter 150 is a filter that collects dust in the passing air. The dust collection filter 150 is, for example, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. The dust collection filter 150 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The dust collecting filter 150 is formed so that the outer shape when viewed from the front-rear direction is substantially the same as the outer shape of the deodorizing filter 140.

The humidification unit 160 includes a humidification filter 161, a holding frame 162 for holding the humidification filter 161, a tray 163 for immersing the humidification filter 161 in water, and a tank 164 for supplying water to the tray 163.

As shown in FIG. 2, the humidifying unit 160 is detachably provided with respect to the housing 110. The left side cover 115 of the housing 110 is formed with an opening 115a communicating with the space for accommodating the humidifying unit 160. The opening 115a is closed by a lid 115b. By removing the lid 115b from the housing 110 and sliding the humidifying unit 160 to the left along the guide portion 110a (see FIG. 3), the humidifying unit 160 can be pulled out from the housing 110 to the outside.

The humidifying filter 161 is, for example, a sheet formed of a material such as a non-woven fabric that has a high water content and is breathable. The humidifying filter 161 is formed by folding the sheets in a bellows shape so that the contact area with the passing air is large. The holding frame 162 is formed in a hollow disk shape. The holding frame 162 holds the humidifying filter 161 inside. On the outer peripheral surface of the holding frame 162, teeth 162a that can mesh with the second gear 165c constituting the rotation mechanism 165 described later are formed over the entire circumference.

The tray 163 is, for example, a gutter-shaped container with an open top. The tray 163 is positioned with respect to the housing 110 by being inserted into the guide portion 110a formed at the bottom of the housing 110 from the side. The guide portion 110a is formed in a concave shape according to the shape of the bottom surface of the tray 163. Inside the tray 163, a pair of rollers (not shown) for rotatably supporting the holding frame 162 are provided in the left-right direction.

Tank 164 is a box-shaped container having a water tap (not shown) at one end. The tank 164 is attached to the tank receiver 163a with the water tap facing down. The tank receiver 163a is provided on the side of the tray 163 and is integrally molded with the tray 163. The tank 164 sends the water in the tank 164 to the tray 163 via the tank receiver 163a by the water tap, and keeps the water level inside the tray 163 constant. The water level in the tray 163 is set so that the lower end portion of the holding frame 162 is immersed in water when the humidifying filter 161 is placed on the tray 163.

The housing 110 is provided with a rotation mechanism 165 for rotating the humidifying filter 161. The rotation mechanism 165 rotates the humidifying filter 161 around a virtual line (rotation center line O1) extending in the front-rear direction. The rotating mechanism 165 has a motor 165a, a first gear 165b connected to the output shaft of the motor 165a, and a second gear 165c that meshes with the first gear 165b. The second gear 165c is arranged so as to mesh with the teeth 162a of the holding frame 162 in a state where the humidifying unit 160 is attached to the housing 110.

In the above configuration, the driving force of the motor 165a is transmitted to the holding frame 162 via the first gear 165b and the second gear 165c to rotate the humidifying filter 161 together with the holding frame 162. The humidifying filter 161 is rotated together with the holding frame 162 to absorb water in the tray 163, and is lifted to be in a state of containing water as a whole. The air passing through the humidifying filter 161 becomes moist air containing vaporized moisture by coming into contact with the humidifying filter 161 containing water.

As shown in FIG. 3, a support portion 162b for supporting a part of the outer peripheral surface of the humidifying filter 161 is provided inside the holding frame 162. The support portion 162b supports the humidifying filter 161 on the inner side (rotation center side) of the inner peripheral surface of the holding frame 162.

In the above configuration, when the humidifying filter 161 is rotated so that the support portion 162b is located on the lower side (the state shown in FIG. 3), the humidifying filter 161 is supported above the water level in the tray 163. Can be done. As described above, by rotating the holding frame 162 so as to have a predetermined orientation, it is possible to prevent the humidifying filter 161 from being immersed in water even if water is accumulated in the tray 163. That is, the humidification unit 160 can switch whether or not the humidification filter 161 is in a water-containing state by rotating the holding frame 162.

The fan unit 170 is, for example, a sirocco fan. The fan unit 170 includes a fan 171, a fan motor 172 for rotating the fan 171 and a fan housing 173.

The fan housing 173 constitutes the downstream side of the air passage 130. The fan housing 173 includes an accommodating portion 173a for accommodating the fan 171, a first extending portion 173b extending from the accommodating portion 173a toward the first outlet 121, and a first extending portion 173b from the middle portion to the first. It has a second extension 173c that extends toward the outlet 122 of 2.

The accommodating portion 173a is arranged on the front side in the lower part of the housing 110. A fan motor 172 is arranged in front of the accommodating portion 173a. The output shaft of the fan motor 172 penetrates the accommodating portion 173a and is connected to the fan 171. On the rear surface of the accommodating portion 173a, a suction port 174 for sucking air is formed inside the accommodating portion 173a. A pre-filter, a deodorizing filter 140, and a dust collecting filter 150 are arranged in order from the rear to the front between the suction port 120a of the housing 110 and the suction port 174 of the fan unit 170. The fan 171 is provided so as to allow air to flow in the direction (front-back direction) of the rotation center line O1 of the humidifying filter 161.

The first extending portion 173b is formed so as to extend from the accommodating portion 173a toward the first air outlet 121 diagonally upward and rearward, and to widen in the left-right direction. A second extension 173c that branches toward the second outlet 122 is provided above the first extension 173b. The first extension portion 173b is provided with a damper capable of opening and closing a branch portion to the second extension portion 173c. The second extension portion 173c is formed so as to extend upward from the middle portion of the first extension portion 173b toward the second outlet 122 and then obliquely forward and upward.

The ion generation unit 180 emits ions by applying a high voltage to the discharge electrode 180a to generate a discharge. The ion generation unit 180 is provided in the vicinity of the first outlet 121 and in the vicinity of the second outlet 122, respectively. The discharge electrode 180a includes a positive discharge electrode that generates positive ions and a negative discharge electrode that generates negative ions. The positive discharge electrode and the negative discharge electrode are arranged at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction.

In the above configuration, the air purifier 100 drives the fan motor 172 to rotate the fan 171 to bring the air sucked from the suction port 120a into the first air outlet 121 or the first air outlet 121. And blown out from the second outlet 122. The air sucked from the suction port 120a passes through the pre-filter and the dust collection filter 150 to collect the dust contained in the air. Further, the air after collecting the dust contained in the air passes through the humidifying filter 161 in a water-containing state, and thus contains vaporized moisture. Then, the air flowing through the air passage 130 passes through the ion generation unit 180, and positive ions and negative ions are added. As described above, when the fan 171 is rotated, the air passing through the air purifier 100 can be purified by collecting dust. Further, the air purifier 100 can, for example, sterilize or deodorize the room by blowing out the air to which the ions are added to the outside. Further, the air purifier 100 can humidify the room, for example, by blowing moist air to the outside.

The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The air purifier 100 has an ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200. In FIG. 5, members other than the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 and the rear cover 112 are not shown. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 includes a light source unit 201 and a cover 202 that at least covers the back surface of the light source unit 201.

The light source unit 201 includes, for example, a base member 201a including a substrate and the like, at least one ultraviolet LED 201b mounted on the substrate, and an optical system (not shown) such as a lens and a mirror. The ultraviolet LED 201b is, for example, an LED that emits ultraviolet rays belonging to a wavelength region of 100 nm to 400 nm. In the present embodiment, as the ultraviolet LED 201b, an LED that emits ultraviolet rays belonging to a wavelength region of 100 nm to 280 nm is used. Six ultraviolet LEDs 201b are provided. The light source unit 201 has an ultraviolet LED 201b, but is not limited to this, and may have, for example, an ultraviolet lamp. The cover 202 is formed of a non-transmissive member. The cover 202 is provided so as to cover at least the back surface of the light source unit 201, in other words, the side opposite to the irradiation direction of the light source unit 201.

The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 irradiates the humidifying filter 161 with ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 irradiates the humidifying filter 161 with ultraviolet rays from at least one of the upstream side and the downstream side in the air flow direction of the humidifying filter 161. In the present embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 irradiates the humidifying filter 161 with ultraviolet rays from the upstream side in the air flow direction of the humidifying filter 161.

The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 is provided on the upstream side of the humidifying filter 161 in the air flow direction, for example, between the humidifying filter 161 and the dust collecting filter 150. More specifically, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 is provided on the holding frame 190 that holds the deodorizing filter 140 and the dust collecting filter 150.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the holding frame 190 is formed in a hollow substantially square cylinder shape. The holding frame 190 is formed to be substantially equal to or slightly larger than the outer shape of the deodorizing filter 140 and the dust collecting filter 150. The holding frame 190 is integrally molded with the rear cover 112 so as to be recessed inward from the opening 112a of the rear cover 112. On the holding frame 190, the deodorizing filter 140 and the dust collecting filter 150 are arranged in order from the upstream side.

The holding frame 190 is provided with a regulating member 191 that regulates the dust collecting filter 150 from falling toward the humidifying filter 161 side. The regulating member 191 constitutes the front surface of the holding frame 190. The regulating member 191 is, for example, a single plate-shaped member. In the regulating member 191, a plurality of voids 191a are arranged in a staggered manner over substantially the entire surface. Each void 191a has a substantially rectangular shape. The regulating member 191 prevents the dust collecting filter 150 from collapsing toward the humidifying filter 161 by forming a plurality of voids 191a, and from the dust collecting filter 150 to the humidifying filter 161 via the plurality of voids 191a. It is configured to allow air to flow.

The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 is attached to, for example, the regulation member 191. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 is attached to the regulating member 191 at a position facing the humidifying filter 161. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 irradiates the ultraviolet rays toward the front. The regulating member 191 is formed with an opening 191b for attaching the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 is attached to the regulation member 191 by fitting the light source unit 201 into the opening 191b and covering and fixing the cover 202 from the outside.

The regulating member 191 is attached to the holding frame 190, but is not limited to this, and may be supported at an appropriate position in the housing 110, for example. Further, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 is attached to the regulating member 191 but is not limited to this, and may be supported at an appropriate position in the housing 110 between the dust collecting filter 150 and the humidifying filter 161. .. Further, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 is fitted and fixed in the opening 191b of the regulation member 191. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 may be hooked and locked in the gap 191a of the regulation member 191.

The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 makes the intensity of the ultraviolet rays irradiating the outside of the rotation center of the humidifying filter 161 in the radial direction larger than the intensity of the ultraviolet rays irradiating the rotation center of the humidifying filter 161. In the present embodiment, for example, by increasing the number of ultraviolet LEDs 201b arranged outward from the rotation center of the humidifying filter 161 in the radial direction, the ultraviolet rays radiating to the outside in the radial direction from the rotation center of the humidifying filter 161 are increased. The intensity is made higher than the intensity of the ultraviolet rays irradiating the center of rotation of the humidifying filter 161.

More specifically, there is one ultraviolet LED 201b located on the rotation center side of the humidifying filter 161 and two ultraviolet LEDs 201b located between the rotation center of the humidifying filter 161 and the outside in the radial direction. , There are three ultraviolet LEDs 201b located on the outer side in the radial direction of the humidifying filter 161. Further, the above-mentioned six ultraviolet LEDs 201b are arranged in a fan shape so as to spread from the rotation center of the humidifying filter 161 toward the outside in the radial direction.

The base member 201a is formed in a substantially fan shape corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of ultraviolet LEDs 201b. As a result, the area of the base member 201a facing the humidifying filter 161 can be reduced, so that it is possible to suppress the obstruction of the air flow from the dust collecting filter 150 to the humidifying filter 161. The base member 201a is formed in a substantially fan shape, but is not limited to this, and may be formed so as to extend radially outward from the rotation center of the humidifying filter 161. For example, the base member 201a has a substantially rectangular shape. May be formed in.

In the above configuration, by arranging a large number of ultraviolet LEDs 201b on the outer side in the radial direction in which the distance traveled in the rotation direction per unit time is larger than that on the rotation center side of the humidifying filter 161, the ultraviolet rays are substantially uniform on the humidifying filter 161. Can be irradiated.

The number of ultraviolet LEDs 201b arranged is increasing from the center of rotation of the humidifying filter 161 to the outside in the radial direction. However, it suffices if the humidifying filter 161 can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays substantially uniformly. For example, the center of rotation of the humidifying filter 161. The current input to the ultraviolet LED 201b may be increased to increase the output of the ultraviolet LED 201b as it travels outward in the radial direction. Further, although a plurality of ultraviolet LEDs 201b are used, it is sufficient that the humidifying filter 161 can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays substantially uniformly, and for example, one ultraviolet LED 201b may be used. In this case, it is preferable that one ultraviolet LED 201b is provided at a position eccentric from the center of rotation of the humidifying filter 161, more specifically, at a position closer to the outside in the radial direction than the center of rotation.

Further, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 is provided above the tray 163. As a result, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 does not overlap the tray 163 in the front-rear direction, so that the humidifying filter 161 can be efficiently irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 is preferably provided above the rotation center of the humidifying filter 161. As a result, the air passing through the humidifying filter 161 flows between the tray 163 and the humidifying filter 161. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent water scattered from the tray 163 from adhering to the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200.

Of the dust collecting filter 150, the portion facing the humidifying filter 161 is a white color. The portion of the dust collection filter 150 facing the humidifying filter 161 is, for example, the front surface of the dust collection filter 150. The white color is not limited to white, but also includes an approximate color of white. Examples of the approximate color of white include gray, rat color, gray, milky white, cream color, ivory, silver and the like. By making the portion of the dust collection filter 150 facing the humidifying filter 161 a highly reflective white color, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 pass through the dust collection filter 150 and are sucked in. It is possible to suppress leakage from an opening such as 120a.

A modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation unit will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 210. FIG. 7 is a rear view showing the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 210. In FIG. 7, members other than the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 210, and the rear cover 112 are not shown. This modification is different from the above-described embodiment in that the ultraviolet irradiation unit is provided at positions facing each other with the humidifying filter 161 sandwiched between them.

The air purifier 100 has an ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 and an ultraviolet irradiation unit 210. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 210 are provided so as to face each other with the humidifying filter 161 sandwiched between them. The description of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 210 similar to that of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 will be omitted.

The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 is located on the upstream side (rear side) of the humidification filter 161 in the air flow direction. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 irradiates the ultraviolet rays toward the front. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 210 is located on the downstream side (front) of the humidification filter 161 in the air flow direction. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 210 irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the rear.

The ultraviolet irradiation unit 210 is provided between, for example, the humidifying filter 161 and the fan 171. More specifically, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 210 is attached to the vicinity of the suction port 174, which is a portion of the fan housing 173 facing the humidifying filter 161.

The outer shape of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 210 is formed in a substantially fan shape, like the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200, for example. The outer shape of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 210 is formed so as to be smaller than the outer shape of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 when viewed from the direction facing the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 (front-back direction). That is, when viewed from the front-rear direction, the outer shape of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 210 is contained within the outer shape of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200.

As described above, since the two ultraviolet irradiation portions are provided with the humidifying filter 161 sandwiched between them, the front surface and the rear surface of the humidifying filter 161 can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays, so that the humidifying filter 161 is efficiently sterilized. be able to. Further, since the two ultraviolet irradiation units are provided so as to face each other, the ultraviolet rays are irradiated from one ultraviolet irradiation unit toward the other ultraviolet irradiation unit, so that it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet rays from leaking to the outside. Can be done.

Further, by configuring the outer shape of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 210 located on the downstream side to fit within the outer shape of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 located on the upstream side when viewed from the direction of air flow, the upstream side (suction port 120a side). ) Can be efficiently suppressed from leaking to the outside.

The hardware configuration of the air purifier 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the air purifier 100.

The air purifier 100 includes a control unit 300, a storage unit 310, an operation unit 320, a motion sensor 330, a detachable sensor 340, a motor 165a, a fan motor 172, and an ultraviolet irradiation unit 200.

The control unit 300 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 300 controls the air purifier 100 by reading and executing the program and data recorded in the storage unit 310.

The storage unit 310 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like, and records a program executed by the control unit 300, various parameters used by the control unit 300, and the like.

The operation unit 320 is provided on, for example, the upper surface cover 113 of the housing 110. The operation unit 320 receives an operation instruction from the user to the air purifier 100. The operation unit 320 has, for example, an operation panel for various operations, a display panel for displaying various images, and the like. In the air purifier 100, for example, the control unit 300 controls the operation of each unit in response to an operation instruction to the operation unit 320, so that a series of processes such as an air cleaning operation is executed.

The motion sensor 330 detects, for example, the presence of a person in the vicinity of the air purifier 100. The motion sensor 330 is, for example, an infrared sensor.

The attachment / detachment sensor 340 detects the attachment / detachment of the humidifying unit 160 from the housing 110. The detachable sensor 340 is, for example, a limit switch provided in the housing 110. The detachable sensor 340 detects whether or not the humidifying unit 160 is attached to the housing 110.

The air purifier 100 has, for example, an ultraviolet irradiation mode for sterilizing the humidifying filter 161.

The control unit 300 executes the ultraviolet irradiation mode or permits the execution of the ultraviolet irradiation mode, for example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the ultraviolet irradiation mode, the control unit 300 turns on the ultraviolet LED 201b for a predetermined time.

The predetermined condition is, for example, a condition based on the humidification operation time of the air purifier 100. More specifically, every time the cumulative time of the humidification operation of the air purifier 100 reaches a predetermined time, the ultraviolet irradiation mode is executed or the ultraviolet irradiation mode is permitted to be executed. As a result, ultraviolet rays can be periodically irradiated according to the time that the humidifying filter 161 is moistened, so that the humidifying filter 161 can be efficiently kept in a clean state.

The predetermined condition is, for example, a condition based on the detection result of the motion sensor 330. More specifically, the execution of the ultraviolet irradiation mode or the execution of the ultraviolet irradiation mode is permitted only when it is detected that there is no person around the air purifier 100. This makes it possible to prevent the person from being irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

The predetermined condition is, for example, a condition based on the detection result of the detachable sensor 340. More specifically, the execution of the ultraviolet irradiation mode or the execution of the ultraviolet irradiation mode is permitted only when it is detected that the humidifying unit 160 is attached to the housing 110. As a result, the humidifying filter 161 can be steadily irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

The conditions based on the humidifying operation time of the air purifier 100, the detection result of the motion sensor 330, and the detection result of the attachment / detachment sensor 340 are listed as predetermined conditions, but the conditions are not limited to these, and for example, the above-mentioned conditions are listed. May be a combination of.

The control flow in the ultraviolet irradiation mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an example of the processing flow of the ultraviolet irradiation mode by the control unit 300.

When the ultraviolet irradiation mode is started, in S101, the control unit 300 controls the motor 165a so that the rotation speed of the humidifying filter 161 becomes small. Next, in S102, the control unit 300 controls the motor 165a so as to intermittently rotate the humidifying filter 161. Then, in S103, the control unit 300 controls the ultraviolet LED 201b so as to light the ultraviolet LED 201b for a predetermined time, and the ultraviolet irradiation mode ends.

Reducing the rotation speed of the humidifying filter 161 means reducing the rotation speed as compared with the normal humidification operation. By reducing the rotation speed of the humidifying filter 161 in the ultraviolet irradiation mode, the amount of rotation of the humidifying filter 161 per unit time can be reduced, so that the humidifying filter 161 can be stably irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

Further, in the ultraviolet irradiation mode, by intermittently rotating the humidifying filter 161 it is possible to irradiate the humidifying filter 161 with the ultraviolet rays stopped, so that the humidifying filter 161 can be steadily irradiated with the ultraviolet rays. ..

(Second embodiment)
The visible light irradiation unit 400 of the air purifier 100a will be described with reference to FIG. The air purifier 100a has a visible light irradiation unit 400 capable of irradiating visible light. FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the visible light irradiation unit 400. In FIG. 10, members other than the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200, the visible light irradiation unit 400, and the rear cover 112 are not shown. The air purifier 100a is different from the air purifier 100 in that it includes a visible light irradiation unit 400. The description of the configuration of the air purifier 100a similar to that of the air purifier 100 will be omitted.

The visible light irradiation unit 400 is different from the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 200 in that it has the visible light LED 401b. Further, the visible light irradiation unit 400 is different from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 in that its outer shape is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. Since the visible light irradiation unit 400 has the same configuration as the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 in other respects, the description thereof will be omitted.

The visible light irradiation unit 400 has one visible light LED 401b. The visible light LED 401b is, for example, an LED that emits visible light belonging to a wavelength region of 380 nm to 780 nm. In the present embodiment, as the visible light LED 401b, an LED that emits visible light having a wavelength of 420 nm is used. The light source unit 401 has a visible light LED 401b, but is not limited to this, and may have, for example, a visible light lamp.

The visible light irradiation unit 400 irradiates the humidifying filter 161 with visible light. The visible light irradiation unit 400 irradiates the humidifying filter 161 with visible light from at least one of the upstream side and the downstream side in the air flow direction of the humidifying filter 161. In the present embodiment, the visible light irradiation unit 400 irradiates the humidifying filter 161 with visible light from the upstream side in the air flow direction of the humidifying filter 161.

The visible light irradiation unit 400 is provided on the upstream side of the humidifying filter 161 in the air flow direction, for example, between the humidifying filter 161 and the dust collecting filter 150. More specifically, the visible light irradiation unit 400 is attached to the regulating member 191. The visible light irradiation unit 400 is attached to the regulating member 191 at a position facing the humidifying filter 161. The regulating member 191 is formed with an opening 191c for attaching the visible light irradiation unit 400. The visible light irradiation unit 400 is fitted and attached to the opening 191c. The visible light irradiation unit 400 is provided so as to be adjacent to the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 200, for example, when viewed from the direction in which air flows (front-back direction).

The visible light irradiation unit 400 is attached to the regulating member 191 but is not limited to this, and may be supported at an appropriate position in the housing 110 between the dust collecting filter 150 and the humidifying filter 161. .. Further, the visible light irradiation unit 400 is fitted and fixed in the opening 191c of the regulating member 191. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the visible light irradiation unit 400 may be hooked and locked in the gap 191a of the regulating member 191.

It is preferable that one visible light LED 401b of the visible light irradiation unit 400 is provided at a position eccentric from the rotation center of the humidifying filter 161, more specifically, at a position closer to the outside in the radial direction than the rotation center. As a result, the intensity of the visible light irradiating the outside of the rotation center of the humidifying filter 161 in the radial direction is made larger than the intensity of the visible light irradiating the rotation center of the humidifying filter 161. Therefore, the humidifying filter 161 can be irradiated with visible light substantially uniformly.

The visible light irradiation unit 400 is provided at a position facing the humidifying filter 161 but is not limited to this, and may be provided above the humidifying filter 161, for example. In this case, the visible light irradiation unit 400 irradiates the visible light obliquely downward toward the humidifying filter 161. Further, the visible light irradiation unit 400 has one visible light LED 401b, but is not limited to this, and may have a plurality of visible light LEDs 401b. When a plurality of visible light LEDs 401b are provided, as in the case of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 200, the number of visible light LEDs 401b may be increased as the humidifying filter 161 moves outward in the radial direction from the rotation center, or the visible light LEDs 401b may be arranged. The output of the visible light LED 401b may be increased by increasing the input current.

In the above configuration, the air purifier 100a is provided with an ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 and a visible light irradiation unit 400 so that the humidifying filter 161 can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays and visible light, respectively. The air purifier 100a includes an ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 and a visible light irradiation unit 400, but the air purifier 100a is not limited to this, and may include, for example, only the visible light irradiation unit 400.

The hardware configuration of the air purifier 100a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the air purifier 100a.

The air purifier 100a includes a control unit 300, a storage unit 310, an operation unit 320, a motion sensor 330, a detachable sensor 340, a motor 165a, a fan motor 172, an ultraviolet irradiation unit 200, and a visible light irradiation unit 400.

The air purifier 100a has, for example, an ultraviolet irradiation mode for sterilizing the humidifying filter 161 and a visible light irradiation mode for suppressing the growth of bacteria that may adhere to the humidifying filter 161.

The control unit 300 executes the visible light irradiation mode, for example, during the humidification operation of the air purifier 100a. Specifically, the control unit 300 starts the visible light irradiation mode when the humidification operation of the air purifier 100a is started, that is, when the drive of the motor 165a is detected. In the visible light irradiation mode, the control unit 300 turns on the visible light LED 401b. Then, when the humidification operation of the air purifier 100a is completed, that is, when the drive stop of the motor 165a is detected, the control unit 300 turns off the visible light LED 401b and ends the visible light irradiation mode.

The control unit 300 executes the ultraviolet irradiation mode or permits the execution of the ultraviolet irradiation mode, for example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the ultraviolet irradiation mode, the control unit 300 turns on the ultraviolet LED 201b for a predetermined time. The irradiation time by the ultraviolet LED 201b is set shorter than the irradiation time by the visible light LED 401b. The predetermined conditions include a condition based on the humidification operation time of the air purifier 100a, a condition based on the detection result of the motion sensor 330, and a condition based on the detection result of the attachment / detachment sensor 340.

When the visible light irradiation mode is being executed, the control unit 300 executes the ultraviolet irradiation mode with priority over the visible light irradiation mode if a predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, when the visible light irradiation mode is being executed, the control unit 300 switches from the visible light irradiation mode to the ultraviolet irradiation mode if a predetermined condition is satisfied.

The switching control from the visible light irradiation mode to the ultraviolet irradiation mode by the control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an example of a processing flow related to switching control from the visible light irradiation mode to the ultraviolet irradiation mode by the control unit 300. In FIG. 12, it is assumed that the humidification operation of the air purifier 100a is executed, and the visible light irradiation mode is started along with the humidification operation.

In S201, the control unit 300 determines whether or not the integrated time of the humidification operation has reached a predetermined time. When the cumulative time of the humidification operation reaches the predetermined time, that is, when YES in S201, the process proceeds to S202. If the cumulative time of the humidification operation has not reached the predetermined time, that is, if it is NO in S201, the process returns to S201. In S202, the control unit 300 determines whether or not the presence of a person is detected. If the control unit 300 determines that the presence of a person has not been detected, that is, if YES in S202, the control unit 300 proceeds to S203. When the control unit 300 determines that the presence of a person is detected, that is, when it is NO in S202, the control unit 300 returns to S202. In S203, the control unit 300 determines whether or not the humidification unit 160 is mounted on the housing 110. If the control unit 300 determines that the humidifying unit 160 is mounted on the housing 110, that is, if YES in S203, the control unit 300 proceeds to S204. When the control unit 300 determines that the humidifying unit 160 is not mounted on the housing 110, that is, when it is NO in S203, the control unit 300 returns to S203. In S204, when the execution of the ultraviolet irradiation mode is completed, the control unit 300 switches to the visible light irradiation mode and returns to S201.

As described above, the control unit 300 is executing the visible light irradiation mode during the humidification operation of the air purifier 100a. As a result, the humidifying filter 161 can be irradiated with visible light, so that the growth of bacteria that can adhere to the humidifying filter 161 can be efficiently suppressed.

Further, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 300 can kill the bacteria that may adhere to the humidifying filter 161 by switching to the ultraviolet irradiation mode, so that the humidifying filter 161 is regularly kept clean. be able to.

The control unit 300 executes the visible light irradiation mode and the ultraviolet irradiation mode during the humidification operation of the air purifier 100a, but is not limited to this, for example, during the dust collection operation of the air purifier 100a. Visible light irradiation mode and ultraviolet irradiation mode may be executed. In this case, the control unit 300 turns on the visible light LED 401b while driving the fan motor 172. Further, the control unit 300 turns on the ultraviolet LED 201b for a predetermined time when a predetermined condition is satisfied while the fan motor 172 is being driven. Further, the control unit 300 may execute the visible light irradiation mode during the dust collecting operation and the humidifying operation, and may execute the ultraviolet irradiation mode only when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the humidifying operation. Further, the control unit 300 executes the visible light irradiation mode and the ultraviolet irradiation mode based on, for example, an operation instruction of the operation unit 320 by the user, not only during the humidification operation or the dust collection operation of the air purifier 100a. May be good.

Below, regarding the antibacterial method using visible light and the blower using visible light, the test data comparing the case where the object is irradiated with visible light and the case where the object is not irradiated with visible light is shown. Disclose. The test is an evaluation test of the antibacterial performance of various bacteria applied to the agar medium by irradiating them with visible light.

The test method includes coating the agar medium with bacteria, irradiating the agar medium with visible light for 24 hours at 25 ° C, and then culturing the agar medium, and irradiating the agar medium with visible light at 25 ° C. The method of observing the colonies on the surface of the agar medium is adopted in the case of culturing after allowing to stand for 24 hours without using. Tests have been conducted using Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, black mold, and Rhodotorula as bacteria. In order to prevent the agar medium from drying out, the test is conducted with the agar medium petri dish covered.

Further, as a means for irradiating visible light, two types of visible light LEDs having different wavelengths are used. Here, a visible light LED having a wavelength of 420 nm and a visible light LED having a wavelength of 470 nm are used.

FIG. 13 shows a case where the agar medium is irradiated with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 420 nm, a case where the agar medium is irradiated with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 470 nm, and a case where the agar medium is irradiated with visible light. It shows the observation results of colonies on the surface of the agar medium with and without irradiation.

In the table shown in FIG. 13, under the same test conditions, visible light is emitted in both cases of irradiation with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 420 nm and irradiation with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 470 nm. It has been confirmed that the growth of bacteria on the surface of the agar medium is suppressed as compared with the case of no irradiation. In this test, when the number of bacteria on the surface of the agar medium is less than or equal to the number of bacteria in normal culture without irradiation with visible light, it is determined that the growth of the bacteria is suppressed.

Specifically, when each agar medium coated with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and black mold is irradiated with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 420 nm, the bacteria grow on the entire surface of each agar medium. Suppression of growth has been confirmed. Further, when the agar medium coated with Rhodotorula is irradiated with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 420 nm, it has been confirmed that the growth of bacteria is suppressed on a part of the surface of the agar medium.

Further, when the agar medium coated with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and black mold is irradiated with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 470 nm, suppression of bacterial growth has been confirmed on the entire surface of each agar medium. .. When the agar medium coated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Rhodotorula is irradiated with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 470 nm, suppression of bacterial growth has been confirmed on a part of the surface of each agar medium.

Further, when Pseudomonas aeruginosa was irradiated with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 420 nm, suppression of bacterial growth was confirmed on the entire surface of the agar medium, whereas visible light having a wavelength of 470 nm was confirmed. When irradiated with a light LED, suppression of bacterial growth has been confirmed on a part of the surface of the agar medium. That is, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, irradiation with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 420 nm is more effective in suppressing the growth of bacteria than irradiation with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 470 nm. It has been confirmed.

Further, in the above test, when the agar medium coated with Staphylococcus aureus was irradiated with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 420 nm at 2.288 mW for 24 hours, 99% or more of the entire surface of the agar medium was covered with Staphylococcus aureus. It has been confirmed that proliferation is suppressed. Further, when the agar medium coated with Staphylococcus aureus is irradiated with 10.044 mW for 24 hours by a visible light LED having a wavelength of 470 nm, the growth of Staphylococcus aureus is suppressed by 25.93% of the entire surface of the agar medium. It has been confirmed that it has been done. Further, when the agar medium coated with Staphylococcus aureus is irradiated with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 470 nm at 25.61 mW for 24 hours, the growth of Staphylococcus aureus is suppressed by 77.28% of the entire surface of the agar medium. It has been confirmed that it has been done. Further, when the agar medium coated with Staphylococcus aureus is irradiated with a visible light LED having a wavelength of 470 nm at 48.86 mW for 24 hours, the growth of Staphylococcus aureus is suppressed by 99% or more of the entire surface of the agar medium. It has been confirmed that

As described above, by irradiating visible light, it is possible to suppress the growth of bacteria on the surface of the agar medium while suppressing the adverse effects on the human body and objects such as ultraviolet rays. Further, in order to obtain a more effective antibacterial effect, it is preferable to use a visible light LED having a wavelength of 470 nm or less in the wavelength range of visible light of 380 nm to 780 nm. According to the above test, it was confirmed that in a bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, the antibacterial effect can be improved as the electric power for emitting visible light having a wavelength of 470 nm is increased.

Further, considering the number of bacterial species capable of antibacterial activity and its antibacterial effect, it is more preferable to use a visible light LED having a shorter wavelength in the visible light wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm. On the other hand, the shorter the wavelength of visible light, the more likely it is that visible light will contain the characteristics of ultraviolet light. According to the above test, in bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, by using a visible light LED having a wavelength of 420 nm, a sufficient antibacterial effect is obtained even with low power while suppressing the inclusion of ultraviolet rays in the visible light. It was confirmed that it can exert.

In the above configuration, the antibacterial method is an antibacterial method for suppressing the growth of bacteria that may adhere to the filter of the blower (air purifier 100a), and includes a first step of irradiating the filter with visible light. By irradiating the filter with visible light, it is possible to suppress the growth of bacteria adhering to the filter while suppressing the deterioration of parts. The filter here refers to at least one of a pre-filter, a deodorizing filter 140, a dust collecting filter 150, and a humidifying filter 161.

The antibacterial method further includes a second step of irradiating the filter with ultraviolet rays, and is switched from the first step to the second step when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the first step of irradiating visible light, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, by switching to the second step of irradiating ultraviolet light, visible light and ultraviolet light can be used properly, so that the irradiation time by ultraviolet light can be reduced. However, the growth of bacteria can be suppressed.

In the antibacterial method, the predetermined conditions include conditions based on the operating time of the blower (air purifier 100a). Sterilization can be performed efficiently by irradiating ultraviolet rays on a regular basis according to the operating time.

In the antibacterial method, the predetermined condition includes a condition based on the detection result of the motion sensor 330 attached to the blower (air purifier 100a). By irradiating the person with ultraviolet rays based on the detection result of the motion sensor 330, it is possible to suppress the irradiation of the person with the ultraviolet rays.

In the antibacterial method, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays in the second step is shorter than the irradiation time of visible light in the first step. By shortening the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays, deterioration of parts can be suppressed.

In the antibacterial method, the filter is a humidifying filter 161 immersed in water. By making it possible to irradiate the humidifying filter 161 that easily grows bacteria with visible light and ultraviolet rays, it is possible to more effectively suppress the growth of bacteria adhering to the humidifying filter 161.

The blower (air purifier 100a) irradiates the main body (housing 110), the fan 171 provided inside the main body (housing 110), the filter through which air flows by the fan 171 and the filter with visible light. A visible light irradiation unit 400 for irradiating the filter and an ultraviolet irradiation unit 200 for irradiating the filter with ultraviolet rays are provided. As a result, by irradiating the filter with visible light and ultraviolet rays, it is possible to keep the filter clean while efficiently suppressing the growth of bacteria. The filter here refers to at least one of a pre-filter, a deodorizing filter 140, a dust collecting filter 150, and a humidifying filter 161.

In the above embodiment, the description is made using an air purifier, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any blower device including filters such as a pre-filter, a deodorizing filter 140, and a dust collecting filter 150 may be used, and a humidifying filter may be used. It may be a humidifying device including 161.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, it can be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above embodiment, a configuration that exhibits the same action and effect, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

Claims (7)

1. An antibacterial method that suppresses the growth of bacteria that can adhere to the filter of the blower.
   An antibacterial method including a first step of irradiating the filter with visible light.
2. A second step of irradiating the filter with ultraviolet rays is further included.
   The antibacterial method according to claim 1, wherein the first step can be switched to the second step when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
3. The antibacterial method according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition based on the operating time of the blower.
4. The antibacterial method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition based on a detection result of a motion sensor attached to the blower.
5. The antibacterial method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the irradiation time of the ultraviolet rays in the second step is shorter than the irradiation time of the visible light in the first step.
6. The antibacterial method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the filter is a humidifying filter immersed in water.
7. With the main body
   With the fan provided inside the main body,
   A filter through which air flows through the fan,
   A visible light irradiation unit that irradiates the filter with visible light,
   A blower including an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates the filter with ultraviolet rays.

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