WO2023223496A1 - 紫外光照射装置、およびこれを用いた空気調和装置 - Google Patents

紫外光照射装置、およびこれを用いた空気調和装置 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023223496A1
WO2023223496A1 PCT/JP2022/020818 JP2022020818W WO2023223496A1 WO 2023223496 A1 WO2023223496 A1 WO 2023223496A1 JP 2022020818 W JP2022020818 W JP 2022020818W WO 2023223496 A1 WO2023223496 A1 WO 2023223496A1
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Prior art keywords
emitting element
light emitting
led element
ultraviolet light
wavelength led
Prior art date
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Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2022/020818
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English (en)
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
彰 守川
典亮 勝又
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Priority to JP2022561552A priority Critical patent/JP7286034B1/ja
Priority to PCT/JP2022/020818 priority patent/WO2023223496A1/ja
Publication of WO2023223496A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023223496A1/ja
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Disinfection or sterilisation of materials or objects, in general; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Disinfection or sterilisation of materials or objects, in general; Accessories therefor using physical processes
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/10—Ultraviolet [UV] radiation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
    • F24F1/0071—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units with means for purifying supplied air
    • F24F1/0076—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units with means for purifying supplied air by electric means, e.g. ionisers or electrostatic separators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/22—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/20—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation
    • F24F8/22—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation using UV light
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
    • F24F2110/30—Velocity

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an ultraviolet light irradiation device that treats microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses, and an air conditioner using the same.
  • Ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 200 to 350 nm not only acts on nucleic acids, which are the protoplasm of bacteria, inhibiting DNA replication and depriving them of their ability to proliferate, but also destroys the cytoplasm and proteins that form the cell membrane. It is known to have the effect of killing bacteria and viruses.
  • Ultraviolet light irradiation devices have been put into practical use that utilize the action of such ultraviolet light to sterilize microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses, or to inactivate viruses (sterilization and inactivation treatment).
  • an ultraviolet light irradiation device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-069029 (Patent Document 1) includes a UV light assembly that irradiates a structure with ultraviolet light and a control unit that controls the UV light assembly. .
  • the control unit controls the UV light assembly to separately irradiate the structure with ultraviolet light of a first band and ultraviolet light of a second band different from the first band.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2010-275841 includes a plurality of ultraviolet light LEDs that irradiate ultraviolet light into the interior of a drainage section that discharges water, and a plurality of ultraviolet light a lighting circuit unit that pulse-lights the LED; a control circuit unit that controls the lighting circuit unit so as to reduce the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation from the ultraviolet LED within a predetermined time as the number of times the ultraviolet LED is lit increases; It is equipped with
  • light-emitting elements that can emit ultraviolet light with a short wavelength (for example, 280 nm or less) that efficiently sterilizes microorganisms or inactivates viruses have a short lifespan. Therefore, in an ultraviolet light irradiation device that employs the light emitting element, the light emitting element needs to be replaced frequently due to its lifespan, which may increase the maintenance cost of the device.
  • a short wavelength for example, 280 nm or less
  • the present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides an ultraviolet light irradiation device that reduces the frequency of replacement of light emitting elements that emit ultraviolet light and can be used for a long period of time, and an air conditioner using the same. is intended to provide.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device is an ultraviolet light irradiation device that treats microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device includes a first light emitting element that emits ultraviolet light of a first wavelength, a second light emitting element that emits ultraviolet light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and a first light emitting element that emits ultraviolet light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength.
  • the device includes a power supply circuit that supplies current to the element and the second light emitting element, and a control circuit that controls the power supply circuit and adjusts the lighting timing and lighting time of the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element.
  • the control circuit lights up the second light emitting element after lighting the first light emitting element, and makes the lighting time of the first light emitting element longer than the lighting time of the second light emitting element.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device lights up the second light emitting element after lighting the first light emitting element, and makes the lighting time of the first light emitting element longer than the lighting time of the second light emitting element. Therefore, while microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses are sterilized and inactivated, the frequency of replacing the second light emitting element that emits ultraviolet light can be reduced, and it can be used for a long period of time.
  • FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultraviolet light irradiation device according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining sterilization and inactivation processing of the ultraviolet light irradiation device in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. It is a figure for explaining an example of the lighting pattern of an ultraviolet light irradiation device. It is a graph showing experimental results when irradiating light from a long wavelength LED element. It is a graph showing experimental results when irradiating light from a short wavelength LED element.
  • FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3;
  • FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of an indoor unit 1 of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment.
  • the air conditioner is composed of an indoor unit 1 and an outdoor unit (not shown), and refrigerant is exchanged between the heat exchangers 8, 9, 10 of the indoor unit 1 and the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit via piping. Flowing.
  • the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 of the indoor unit 1 function as an evaporator when performing a cooling operation, and function as a condenser when performing a heating operation.
  • the indoor unit 1 includes a suction port 2, a filter 3, a rotating gear 4, an ultraviolet light irradiation device 5, heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10, a blower fan 11, a drain pan 12, and an air outlet 13. , and a brush 15.
  • the suction port 2 sucks indoor air as shown by the arrow.
  • the filter 3 cleans the sucked air.
  • Heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 cool or heat the sucked air.
  • the air outlet 13 discharges cooled or heated air into the room as shown by the arrow.
  • the blower fan 11 creates a flow of air from the inlet 2 to the outlet 13.
  • the rotating gear 4 and the brush 15 are provided to clean the filter 3, and by winding up the filter 3 with the rotating gear 4, the brush 15 removes deposits on the filter 3.
  • Drain pan 12 receives condensed water from heat exchanger 8 .
  • the air conditioner adjusts the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet 13 by cooling or heating the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 to maintain an appropriate indoor temperature. It is kept in
  • the filter 3 employs a mesh structure made of polypropylene resin, for example. When air passes through this filter 3, bacteria, mold, viruses, floating particles, etc. in the air are captured and become deposits on the filter 3.
  • the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment is provided with an ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 that treats microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses contained in the deposits on the filter 3.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 includes a long wavelength LED element 6 with a center wavelength of 370 nm and a short wavelength LED element 7 with a center wavelength of 260 nm.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 sterilizes microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses or inactivates viruses by irradiating the object to be treated with ultraviolet light from a long wavelength LED element 6 and a short wavelength LED element 7.
  • the process of sterilizing microorganisms such as bacteria, molds, and viruses or inactivating viruses is also referred to as sterilization and inactivation treatment.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 employs an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element as a light emitting element that emits ultraviolet light.
  • LED Light Emitting Diode
  • the present invention is not limited thereto, and other light emitting elements such as semiconductor lasers may be employed in the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 as long as they emit ultraviolet light.
  • a long wavelength LED element 6 is installed on the left side of the figure, and a short wavelength LED element 7 is installed on the right side of the figure.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 is not limited to this, and the short wavelength LED element 7 may be installed on the left side of the figure, and the long wavelength LED element 6 may be installed on the right side of the figure.
  • one long wavelength LED element 6 and one short wavelength LED element 7 are each installed in FIG. 1, a plurality of each may be installed.
  • the filter 3 has a flat plate shape, a plurality of long wavelength LED elements 6 and short wavelength LED elements 7 are provided in the short side direction of the filter 3 so that light can be irradiated along the short side direction of the filter 3. Install.
  • the long wavelength LED element 6 is a first light emitting element that emits ultraviolet light (UV-A) with a center wavelength (first wavelength) of 370 nm. Note that although the long wavelength LED element 6 emits ultraviolet light at the center wavelength, the wavelength range in which it emits light may include visible light.
  • the short wavelength LED element 7 is a second light emitting element that emits ultraviolet light (UV-C) with a center wavelength (second wavelength) of 260 nm. Although the short wavelength LED element 7 emits ultraviolet light at the center wavelength, the wavelength range in which it emits light may include visible light. Further, the center wavelength (second wavelength) of the short wavelength LED element 7 is shorter than the center wavelength (first wavelength) of the long wavelength LED element 6.
  • a light-emitting element that emits light at a shorter wavelength has a shorter lifespan than a light-emitting element that emits light at a longer wavelength. Therefore, the lifespan of the short wavelength LED element 7 (second light emitting element) is shorter than that of the long wavelength LED element 6 (first light emitting element).
  • the short wavelength LED element 7 and the long wavelength LED element 6 are turned on for the same period of time, the short wavelength LED element 7 reaches the end of its life first and needs to be replaced. Therefore, in the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 according to the present disclosure, as will be described later, the lighting timing and lighting time of the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 are devised to reduce the frequency of replacing the short wavelength LED element 7. It is designed to be used for a long period of time.
  • FIG. 1 shows the indoor unit 1 in a normal state where the filter 3 is not being cleaned by the rotating gear 4 and the brush 15 and the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 is not being driven.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 according to the first embodiment.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device includes a long wavelength LED element 6, a short wavelength LED element 7, a power supply circuit 51, and a control circuit 52.
  • the power supply circuit 51 supplies current to the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7.
  • the control circuit 52 controls the power supply circuit 51 and adjusts the lighting timing and lighting time of the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7.
  • the control circuit 52 is communicably connected to the control section 100 of the indoor unit 1. Therefore, the control circuit 52 can acquire the operating status of the indoor unit 1 from the control unit 100 of the indoor unit 1, and can also provide the driving status of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 to the control unit 100.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 can appropriately drive the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 according to the operating status of the indoor unit 1.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 further includes a memory circuit 53.
  • the storage circuit 53 stores a lighting pattern that defines the lighting timing and lighting time of the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7. Note that the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 may have a configuration that does not include the storage circuit 53 if there is no need to store the lighting pattern.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining sterilization and inactivation processing of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 in the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.
  • the indoor unit 1 performs cooling operation or heating operation for a set period of time (for example, 10 hours)
  • the indoor unit 1 performs cleaning of the filter 3 (sterilization and inactivation treatment of lighting up the long wavelength LED element 6 and short wavelength LED element 7). including).
  • the control unit 100 of the indoor unit 1 operates the rotation gear 4 to move the filter 3 toward the brush 15.
  • the filter 3 By moving the filter 3 toward the brush 15, the filter 3 is rubbed by the brush 15, and bacteria, mold, viruses, and fine particles adhering to the filter 3 are removed. Bacteria, mold, viruses, and particulates that could not be removed by the brush 15 remain in the filter 3.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 In order to sterilize microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses remaining in the filter 3 or to inactivate viruses, the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 is driven.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 starts the sterilization and inactivation process when one end of the filter 3 reaches above the long wavelength LED element 6 in the figure.
  • the rotation gear 4 does not rotate continuously, but rotates in steps. Therefore, each time the rotation gear 4 is rotated by a predetermined angle, the range of the filter 3 located above the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 moves.
  • the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 are fixed to the indoor unit 1 at an irradiation angle that is equal to or higher than an appropriate irradiation intensity for the range of the filter 3 located above. That is, the positions of the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 are fixed so that they can irradiate the range (solid surface) of the filter 3 with ultraviolet light.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 performs a sterilization and inactivation process on the filter 3 within a predetermined range from one end.
  • the lighting pattern for the sterilization and inactivation process is stored in advance in the memory circuit 53.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting pattern of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5. As shown in FIG. The lighting pattern in FIG. 4 shows the lighting timing and lighting time of the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7.
  • the control circuit 52 turns on the long wavelength LED element 6 at the start time t1 , turns off the long wavelength LED element 6 after the elapse of time Ta, and turns on the short wavelength LED element 7.
  • the control circuit 52 turns on the short wavelength LED element 7 for a time Tc, and then turns off the light at end time t2 .
  • the rotation gear 4 rotates counterclockwise by a predetermined angle to send the filter 3 to the range where the filter 3 has newly moved to a position above the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7.
  • sterilization and inactivation treatment is performed using the lighting pattern shown in FIG.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 repeats the sterilization and inactivation process in the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 4 until the other end of the filter 3 reaches the upper part of the long wavelength LED element 6 in the figure.
  • the total lighting time T of the lighting pattern is time Ta + time Tc, which is less than or equal to the time from when the rotating gear 4 rotates at a predetermined angle in the counterclockwise direction to when it rotates at the next predetermined angle. It is. Furthermore, the total lighting time T of the lighting pattern is not the same as the time Ta during which the long wavelength LED element 6 is lit and the time Tc during which the short wavelength LED element 7 is lit; It is shorter than the lighting time T. That is, the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 are each intermittently lit within the total lighting time T. Note that the long wavelength LED element 6 may be lit continuously within the total lighting time T, and if the short wavelength LED element 7 is lit at least intermittently, the frequency of replacement of the short wavelength LED element 7 can be suppressed. can.
  • the rotation gear 4 rotates clockwise to return the filter 3 to the state shown in FIG. 1 and cleans the filter 3.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 then ends the sterilization and inactivation process.
  • the indoor unit 1 can perform cooling operation or heating operation.
  • FIG. 5 is a graph showing experimental results when light from the long wavelength LED element 6 was irradiated.
  • the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time when only the long wavelength LED element 6 is continuously lit, and the vertical axis represents the virus inactivation rate.
  • the long wavelength LED element 6 was prepared in two cases, one with a center wavelength of 370 nm and the other with a center wavelength of 410 nm.
  • the virus to be treated was ⁇ X174, which is a phage that infects Escherichia coli, and the experiment was conducted by attaching it to the filter 3 in advance.
  • the virus inactivation rate was determined by washing the filter 3 with sterilized water after the experiment, diluting the washing water appropriately and quantifying it using the plaque method, and the number of virus reductions from the elapsed time of 0 seconds is shown as a logarithm.
  • the results of the background without irradiation with the light of the long wavelength LED element 6 are shown with a cross mark (x), and the results of irradiation with the light of the long wavelength LED element 6 with a center wavelength of 370 nm are shown with the triangle mark ( ⁇ ). ), and the results of irradiation with light from the long wavelength LED element 6 having a center wavelength of 410 nm are indicated by circles ( ⁇ ).
  • Such a phenomenon is known as the photorecovery effect of ultraviolet light, and is known to occur not only in LED elements but also in other light sources such as UV lamps.
  • the mechanism is thought to be based on a repair mechanism possessed by microorganisms, but the mechanism has not yet been clearly elucidated.
  • FIG. 6 is a graph showing experimental results when light from a short wavelength LED element is irradiated.
  • the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time when only the short wavelength LED element 7 is continuously lit, and the vertical axis represents the virus inactivation rate.
  • the short wavelength LED element 7 has a center wavelength of 260 nm.
  • the virus to be treated was ⁇ X174, which is a phage that infects Escherichia coli, and the experiment was conducted by attaching it to the filter 3 in advance.
  • the virus inactivation rate was determined by washing the filter 3 with sterilized water after the experiment, diluting the washing water appropriately, and quantifying it using the plaque method, and the number of decreases from the elapsed time of 0 seconds is shown as a logarithm.
  • FIG. 6 the results of irradiation with light from the short wavelength LED element 7 having a center wavelength of 260 nm are indicated by square marks ( ⁇ ).
  • the experiment was conducted using a phage that infects Escherichia coli as the object to be treated, but when the target is a different type of virus, bacteria, mold, etc., the virus inactivation rate is It is conceivable that the time required to reduce by more than two orders of magnitude may differ. Therefore, the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 conducts experiments in advance and sets the lighting times (Ta, Tc) of the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 depending on the type of the object to be treated.
  • LED elements elements that can emit light from infrared light to ultraviolet light have been put into practical use. Historically, development has progressed from elements that can emit long-wavelength infrared light to elements that can emit short-wavelength ultraviolet light. Therefore, when we compare the lifespan of LED elements of each wavelength by continuously irradiating them, we find that elements that can emit long-wavelength infrared light are more durable than elements that can emit short-wavelength ultraviolet light. It is generally known to have a long lifespan.
  • the virus inactivation rate can be reduced by making the time Ta for lighting the long wavelength LED element 6 shown in FIG. 4 longer than the time Tc for lighting the short wavelength LED element 7.
  • the time Ta is the elapsed time (e.g., 3000 seconds) when the long wavelength LED element 6 is turned on and the virus inactivation rate decreases to 99%, and the short wavelength LED element 7 is turned on and the virus inactivation rate is decreased to 99%.
  • the elapsed time (for example, 10 seconds) at which the amount decreases to 99.9% is set as time Tc.
  • the life of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 as a whole becomes longer, and the frequency of maintenance for replacing the LED elements can be reduced. If you want to shorten the time it takes to reduce the virus inactivation rate to 99.9%, you can achieve this by setting a lighting pattern that shortens the time Ta and lengthens the time Tc. In this case, since the load on the short wavelength LED element 7 increases, the life of the short wavelength LED element 7 is slightly shortened, and the life of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 itself is also shortened.
  • the rotation gear 4 rotates in a stepwise manner, it may be rotated continuously.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 needs to adjust the lighting time of the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 in advance so that the filter 3 can be sufficiently sterilized and inactivated.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 performs sterilization and inactivation processing on the filter 3 when the rotation gear 4 is rotating counterclockwise, but when returning the filter 3 to the normal state, that is, when the rotation gear 4 rotates counterclockwise, When the rotation gear 4 is rotating clockwise, the filter 3 may be subjected to sterilization and inactivation treatment.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 instead of installing the long wavelength LED element 6 on the left side of the figure and the short wavelength LED element 7 on the right side of the figure as shown in FIG. 1, the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 should be installed in the opposite position. can perform sterilization and inactivation treatment efficiently.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 treats microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 includes a long wavelength LED element 6 that emits ultraviolet light of a first wavelength, and a short wavelength LED element 7 that emits ultraviolet light of a second wavelength that is different from the long wavelength LED element 6.
  • a power supply circuit 51 that supplies current to the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7, and a control circuit that controls the power supply circuit 51 and adjusts the lighting timing and lighting time of the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7. 52.
  • the control circuit 52 turns on the short wavelength LED element 7 after turning on the long wavelength LED element 6, and makes the lighting time of the long wavelength LED element 6 longer than the lighting time of the short wavelength LED element 7.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 lights up the short wavelength LED element 7 after lighting the long wavelength LED element 6, and changes the lighting time of the long wavelength LED element 6 to the lighting time of the short wavelength LED element 7. Since the time is longer than the time, it is possible to sterilize and inactivate microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses, while reducing the frequency of replacement of the short wavelength LED element 7 that emits ultraviolet light, and allowing it to be used for a long period of time.
  • the second wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by the short wavelength LED element 7 is preferably shorter than the first wavelength of the light emitted by the long wavelength LED element 6. Thereby, the lighting time of the short wavelength LED element 7, which has a short life span, can be reduced, and the frequency of replacement can be reduced.
  • control circuit 52 lights up the short wavelength LED element 7 at least intermittently. Thereby, the lighting time of the short wavelength LED element 7, which has a short life span, can be reduced, and the frequency of replacement can be reduced.
  • the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 are fixed in position so that they can irradiate light onto the solid surface.
  • microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses attached to the solid surface can be sterilized and inactivated.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 further includes a memory circuit 53 that stores a lighting pattern that defines the lighting timing and lighting time of the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7. It is preferable to change the lighting timing and lighting time of the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 based on the lighting pattern. Thereby, it is possible to change the lighting timing and lighting time so that the long-wavelength LED element 6 and the short-wavelength LED element 7 can have longer lives while performing sterilization and inactivation treatment.
  • the air conditioner includes a filter 3 through which air passes, heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 that exchange heat between the air and a refrigerant, a drain pan 12 that receives water, and an ultraviolet light irradiation device 5.
  • the light irradiation device 5 fixes the positions of the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 so that the light can be irradiated toward at least one of the filter 3, the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10, and the drain pan 12. It is preferable that the Thereby, microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses attached to at least one of the filter 3, the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10, and the drain pan 12 can be sterilized and inactivated.
  • control circuit 52 starts the control of lighting up the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 after performing the cooling operation or the heating operation for a set time. Thereby, sterilization and inactivation processing can be performed periodically.
  • Embodiment 2 It has been explained that the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 according to the first embodiment sterilizes and inactivates microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses that adhere to the filter 3.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device according to the second embodiment a configuration for sterilizing and inactivating microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses attached not only to the filter but also to the drain pan will be described.
  • FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment.
  • the same components as the indoor unit 1 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.
  • a long wavelength LED element 6a and a short wavelength LED element 7a are added so that light can be irradiated toward the drain pan 12.
  • the long wavelength LED element 6a emits ultraviolet light having the same center wavelength as the long wavelength LED element 6 at 370 nm
  • the short wavelength LED element 7a emits ultraviolet light having the same center wavelength as the short wavelength LED element 7 at 260 nm. Since the drain pan 12 has a long shape in the depth direction in the figure, a plurality of long wavelength LED elements 6a and a plurality of short wavelength LED elements 7a are provided in this direction. Thereby, the entire drain pan 12 can be irradiated with ultraviolet light from the long wavelength LED element 6a and the short wavelength LED element 7a.
  • the heat exchanger 8 condenses, and the condensed water flows down to the drain pan 12 and stays at the bottom of the drain pan 12.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 the long wavelength LED element 6a and the short wavelength LED element 7a are fixed to the indoor unit 1 at an irradiation angle that is equal to or higher than the appropriate irradiation intensity with respect to the bottom surface of the drain pan 12.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 irradiates the bottom part of the drain pan 12 with ultraviolet light from the long wavelength LED element 6a and the short wavelength LED element 7a to sterilize microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses, or to eliminate viruses. Activation treatment can be performed.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 may perform the sterilization and inactivation treatment on the drain pan 12 at the same time as the sterilization and inactivation treatment on the filter 3 described in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 may perform a sterilization and inactivation process on the drain pan 12 periodically, for example, once a day, in addition to the sterilization and inactivation process on the filter 3.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 lights up the short wavelength LED element 7a after lighting the long wavelength LED element 6a.
  • the lighting time of the long wavelength LED element 6a is made longer than the lighting time of the short wavelength LED element 7a.
  • the control circuit 52 first turns on the long wavelength LED element 6a for a period of time until the virus inactivation rate decreases by two digits (for example, 3000 seconds), then turns off the light, and then turns on the short wavelength LED element 7a.
  • the light is turned on for a period of time (for example, 15 seconds) until the virus inactivation rate decreases to three digits or less, and then the light is turned off.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 can remove microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses in the drain pan 12 by lighting the long wavelength LED element 6a and the short wavelength LED element 7a as described above. While performing sterilization and inactivation treatment, the frequency of replacement of the short wavelength LED element 7a that emits ultraviolet light can be reduced, and it can be used for a long period of time.
  • FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3.
  • the same components as the indoor unit 1 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.
  • a long wavelength LED element 6b and a short wavelength LED element 7b are provided integrally with the heat exchanger 8 and a long wavelength LED element 6c and a short wavelength LED element 7b are provided integrally with the heat exchanger 9.
  • An LED element 7c is provided, and integrated with the heat exchanger 10, a long wavelength LED element 6d and a short wavelength LED element 7d are provided.
  • the long wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d emit ultraviolet light having the same center wavelength as the long wavelength LED element 6 of 370 nm
  • the short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d emit ultraviolet light having the same center wavelength as the short wavelength LED element 7 of 260 nm. emits light.
  • the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 have a long shape in the depth direction in the figure, a plurality of long wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d and a plurality of short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d are provided in this direction.
  • the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 are made of a highly thermally conductive metal material such as aluminum or iron.
  • Wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d and short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d are attached.
  • the long wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d and the short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d are fixed to the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 so that the entire heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 can be irradiated with ultraviolet light. ing.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 may perform the sterilization and inactivation treatment on the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 at the same time as the sterilization and inactivation treatment on the filter 3 described in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 may perform sterilization and inactivation processing on the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 periodically, for example, once a day, in addition to the sterilization and inactivation processing on the filter 3.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 also uses the long wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d and the short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d to sterilize and inactivate the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10. 6d are turned on, the short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d are turned on, and the lighting time of the long wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d is made longer than the lighting time of the short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d.
  • the control circuit 52 first turns on the long wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d for a period of time until the virus inactivation rate decreases by two digits (for example, 3000 seconds), then turns them off, and then turns on the short wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d. 7b to 7d are turned on for a period of time (for example, 15 seconds) until the virus inactivation rate decreases to three digits or less, and then turned off.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 performs sterilization and inactivation treatment on the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10, it is preferable to cool the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 in advance.
  • the integrated long wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d and short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d are also cooled.
  • the long wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d and the short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d generate heat by emitting light, and the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 generate heat.
  • the lifetimes of the long wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d and the short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d can be extended.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 lights up the heat exchangers 8, 9,
  • the long wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d and the short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d are also cooled while sterilizing and inactivating microorganisms such as bacteria, molds, and viruses as described in 10 above.
  • the frequency of replacement of the elements 7b to 7d can be reduced and they can be used for a long period of time.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 shown in FIG. 8 has a configuration in which the long wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d and the short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d are integrated into the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10.
  • the long wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d and the short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d are not integrated into the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10
  • at least one of the long wavelength LED elements 6b to 6d and the short wavelength LED elements 7b to 7d One may be integrated into the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10.
  • Embodiment 4 It has been explained that in the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 according to the first embodiment, microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses adhering to the filter 3 are sterilized and inactivated while the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 are stopped.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device according to the fourth embodiment sterilizes microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses attached to the filter 3 while heating the heat exchanger, focusing on the fact that viruses are sensitive to heat of 50° C. or higher. Inactivate. Note that the configuration of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 4 is the same as the indoor unit 1 shown in FIG. 1, so detailed description will not be repeated.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 When performing sterilization and inactivation treatment, the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 according to the fourth embodiment heats the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 to raise the temperature inside the indoor unit 1 to 50° C. or higher, and then irradiates with long wavelength light.
  • the LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 are turned on to sterilize and inactivate microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses attached to the filter 3.
  • the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 have a short lifespan when driven in a high temperature state, so it is desirable to suppress the temperature inside the indoor unit 1 to 60° C. or less.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 performs sterilization and inactivation treatment on the filter 3 using the long wavelength LED element 6 and the short wavelength LED element 7 while the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 are heated.
  • the short wavelength LED element 7 is turned on after the long wavelength LED element 6 is turned on, and the lighting time of the long wavelength LED element 6 is made longer than the lighting time of the short wavelength LED element 7.
  • the control circuit 52 first turns on the long wavelength LED element 6 for a period of time until the virus inactivation rate decreases by two digits (for example, 3000 seconds), then turns off the light, and then turns on the short wavelength LED element 7.
  • the light is turned on for a period of time (for example, 15 seconds) until the virus inactivation rate decreases to three digits or less, and then the light is turned off.
  • the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 heats the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 by lighting the long wavelength LED element 6a and the short wavelength LED element 7a as described above. Therefore, the time required to sterilize and inactivate microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses can be shortened, and the frequency of replacing the short wavelength LED element 7a that emits ultraviolet light can be reduced, allowing long-term use.
  • the filter 3 is irradiated with the ultraviolet light of the LED element
  • the filter 3 and the drain pan 12 are only irradiated with the ultraviolet light of the LED element
  • the filter 3 and the heat exchanger 8 A configuration in which only LED elements 9 and 10 are irradiated with ultraviolet light has been described.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and the ultraviolet light irradiation device 5 may be configured to irradiate at least one of the filter 3, the drain pan 12, and the heat exchangers 8, 9, and 10 with ultraviolet light from an LED element. .
  • 1 Indoor unit 2 Suction port, 3 Filter, 4 Rotating gear, 5 Ultraviolet light irradiation device, 6, 6a to 6d Long wavelength LED element, 7, 7a to 7d Short wavelength LED element, 8, 9, 10 Heat exchanger , 11 blower fan, 12 drain pan, 13 air outlet, 15 brush, 51 power supply circuit, 52 control circuit, 53 memory circuit, 100 control unit.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Air Filters, Heat-Exchange Apparatuses, And Housings Of Air-Conditioning Units (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
  • Physical Water Treatments (AREA)
PCT/JP2022/020818 2022-05-19 2022-05-19 紫外光照射装置、およびこれを用いた空気調和装置 Ceased WO2023223496A1 (ja)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2016200290A (ja) * 2015-04-07 2016-12-01 ジョンソンコントロールズ ヒタチ エア コンディショニング テクノロジー（ホンコン）リミテッド 空気調和機
JP2018069029A (ja) * 2016-08-24 2018-05-10 ザ・ボーイング・カンパニーＴｈｅ Ｂｏｅｉｎｇ Ｃｏｍｐａｎｙ 多波長紫外線光消毒システム及び方法
JP2021055892A (ja) * 2019-09-30 2021-04-08 ダイキン工業株式会社 空気調和機
WO2021101431A1 (en) * 2019-11-18 2021-05-27 Lightlab Sweden Ab A system for treating a surface comprising an ultraviolet lighting arrangement
JP2022041879A (ja) * 2020-09-01 2022-03-11 ウシオ電機株式会社 菌又はウイルスの不活化機能付き照明装置

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2394963B1 (en) * 2008-11-21 2016-02-17 The University of Tokushima Ultraviolet sterilization device for outdoor water

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2016200290A (ja) * 2015-04-07 2016-12-01 ジョンソンコントロールズ ヒタチ エア コンディショニング テクノロジー（ホンコン）リミテッド 空気調和機
JP2018069029A (ja) * 2016-08-24 2018-05-10 ザ・ボーイング・カンパニーＴｈｅ Ｂｏｅｉｎｇ Ｃｏｍｐａｎｙ 多波長紫外線光消毒システム及び方法
JP2021055892A (ja) * 2019-09-30 2021-04-08 ダイキン工業株式会社 空気調和機
WO2021101431A1 (en) * 2019-11-18 2021-05-27 Lightlab Sweden Ab A system for treating a surface comprising an ultraviolet lighting arrangement
JP2022041879A (ja) * 2020-09-01 2022-03-11 ウシオ電機株式会社 菌又はウイルスの不活化機能付き照明装置

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