WO2023228681A1

WO2023228681A1 - Circulating air sterilization device

Info

Publication number: WO2023228681A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/016882
Authority: WO
Inventors: 邦明高橋
Original assignee: ホロニクス・インターナショナル株式会社; 株式会社七椿; 大日工業株式会社
Priority date: 2022-05-24
Filing date: 2023-04-28
Publication date: 2023-11-30
Also published as: JP2023172512A

Abstract

This circulating air sterilization device comprises: a sterilization chamber; an annular light source that is provided in the sterilization chamber and that emits UV-C ultraviolet light including light having a wavelength band of 254 nm; a blower that forms a flow of air flowing into the sterilization chamber via an air inflow port and flowing to outside of the sterilization chamber via an air outflow port; a projection part that is provided so as to project from an inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber and that splits the flow of the air flowing in from outside of the sterilization chamber via the air inflow port into a first airflow flowing to outside of the sterilization chamber via the air outflow port and a second airflow heading toward the inside of the sterilization chamber; and a direction change part that is provided so as to project from an inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber and that changes the direction of the second airflow split by the projection part to the direction of the annular light source. The present invention is configured such that the first airflow and the second airflow are directly irradiated by the UV-C ultraviolet light emitted from the annular light source.

Description

Circulating air sterilizer

The present invention relates to a circulation type air sterilization device that sterilizes the air taken in with UV-C ultraviolet rays and then releases the air.

As this type of air sterilization device, Patent Document 1 discloses that an ultraviolet lamp is provided in the axial direction of the center of a duct through which air to be sterilized flows, and a plurality of baffle plates are arranged in parallel around the ultraviolet lamp. By providing two sets of air guide plates and a plurality of partition plates that partially partition the space between the first set of air guide plates and the second set of air guide plates, leaving a portion that serves as an air inlet and outlet, An ultraviolet irradiation air sterilization device is disclosed having a structure in which air flows in a spiral around an ultraviolet lamp.

Patent No. 6063424

According to the air sterilization device disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the air is controlled to flow in a spiral around the ultraviolet lamp, it is possible to sterilize the flowing air to some extent.

However, this air sterilization device uses a combination of multiple baffle plates and multiple partition plates to control the air flow, which not only makes the device configuration quite complex, but also requires a large number of parts. This results in an increase in the manufacturing cost of the device. In addition, because the air is controlled by contacting multiple baffle plates and multiple partition plates, it is difficult to increase the flow velocity of the emitted air flow, and furthermore, increasing the flow velocity increases wind noise. A problem arises in that the operating noise increases. In particular, this type of air sterilization device has a major problem in that the ultraviolet rays emitted from the lamp are blocked by multiple air guide plates and multiple partition plates, which reduces the sterilization effect and makes the sterilization efficiency poor. have. Furthermore, there is also the problem that unsterilized viruses remain attached to portions of the baffle plate that are not exposed to ultraviolet rays.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a circulating air sterilizer with extremely high sterilization effect and sterilization efficiency.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a circulating air sterilization device that has a simple device configuration and can be manufactured at low cost.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a circulation type air sterilization device that is capable of discharging and circulating a high-velocity air flow to the outside and has low operating noise.

According to the present invention, a circulating air sterilization device includes a sterilization chamber, an annular light source provided in the sterilization chamber and emitting UV-C ultraviolet rays, and an annular light source provided protruding from the inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber, and an annular light source provided in the sterilization chamber and provided with an annular light source that emits UV-C ultraviolet rays. The sterilization chamber is provided with a protrusion that branches the airflow into a first airflow flowing out of the sterilization chamber and a second airflow flowing into the sterilization chamber. The first air flow and the second air flow are configured to be directly irradiated with UV-C ultraviolet light emitted from the annular light source.

The flow of air flowing in from the outside of the sterilization chamber is divided into a first air flow flowing out to the outside of the sterilization chamber and a second air flow toward the inside of the sterilization chamber by a branch part provided protruding from the inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber. It is divided into two streams. UV-C ultraviolet radiation emitted from the annular light source is directly irradiated onto the first air stream and the second air stream. In this way, a branching part for branching the airflow is provided on the inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber, and no obstruction is provided in the space between the annular light source and the first airflow and the second airflow. Since the UV-C radiation emitted from the annular light source is not blocked by branches and obstructions, it is directly and reliably transmitted to the first air stream and the second air stream flowing inside the sterilization chamber. irradiated. Furthermore, since there are no obstacles such as baffle plates, there is no problem of unsterilized viruses adhering to obstacles. As a result, the sterilizing effect and sterilizing efficiency become very high. Since the air flow is controlled by simply providing a branch section in the sterilization chamber, the device configuration is simple and can be manufactured at low cost. Furthermore, it is possible to release and circulate a high-velocity air flow to the outside, and it is possible to reduce operating noise.

Preferably, at least a portion of the second airflow is configured to intersect and circulate around the annular light source. Because the airflow is configured to intersect and orbit around the annular light source, the intense UV-C radiation near the annular light source is irradiated into the airflow for a longer period of time. As a result, the effect of sterilizing and inactivating bacteria and viruses becomes stronger.

It is also preferable that the flow velocity of the second air flow is slower than the flow velocity of the first air flow. Since a portion of the first air flow is discharged to the outside at that speed, by increasing the speed, the circulation effect in the room in which the air sterilization device is installed is improved. On the other hand, the second air flow moving in the direction of the annular light source has a lower speed than the first air flow, so that it is irradiated with UV-C ultraviolet light for a long time, thereby improving the sterilization effect.

Further, according to the present invention, the circulating air sterilization device includes a sterilization chamber, an annular light source that is provided in the sterilization chamber and emits UV-C ultraviolet light including light in a wavelength band of 254 nm, and an air inlet. a blower that forms a flow of air that flows into the sterilization chamber and flows out to the outside of the sterilization chamber through an air outlet; A protrusion that branches the flow of incoming air into a first air flow that flows out to the outside of the sterilization chamber through an air outlet and a second air flow that heads inside the sterilization chamber, and an inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber. A direction changing part is provided to protrude from the annular light source and changes the direction of the second air flow branched by the protruding part to the direction of the annular light source. The first air flow and the second air flow are configured to be directly irradiated with UV-C ultraviolet light emitted from the annular light source.

The flow of air flowing in from the outside of the sterilization chamber through the air inlet is controlled by a branch part provided protruding from the inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber, and the first air flows out to the outside of the sterilization chamber through the air outlet. air flow and a second air flow directed into the interior of the sterilization chamber. The direction of the branched second air flow is changed in the direction of the annular light source by a direction changing part provided to protrude from the inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber. Further, the UV-C ultraviolet light emitted from the annular light source is directly irradiated onto the first air flow and the second air flow. In this way, a branching part and a direction changing part for branching and changing the direction of the airflow are provided on the inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber, and the space between the annular light source and the first airflow and the second airflow is Since there are no obstacles provided in the sterilization chamber, the UV-C ultraviolet radiation emitted from the annular light source is not blocked by the branching and redirecting parts and the obstructions, and is directed to the first air stream and the first air stream flowing through the sterilization chamber. 2 airflow directly and reliably. As a result, the sterilizing effect and sterilizing efficiency become very high. Since the air flow is controlled by simply providing a branch section and a direction changing section within the sterilization chamber, the device configuration is simple and can be manufactured at low cost. Furthermore, it is possible to release and circulate a high-velocity air flow to the outside, and it is possible to reduce operating noise.

Preferably, at least a portion of the second air flow is configured to intersect with and circulate around the annular light source. Because the airflow is configured to intersect and orbit around the annular light source, the intense UV-C radiation near the annular light source is irradiated into the airflow for a longer period of time. As a result, the effect of sterilizing and inactivating bacteria and viruses becomes stronger.

It is also preferable that the air inlet is provided near the inner wall surface at a position upstream of the protrusion. As a result, the air flowing into the sterilization chamber from the air inlet travels along the inner wall surface, reaches the protrusion, and efficiently branches.

It is also preferable that the protruding portion includes a first inclined surface that projects from the inner wall surface toward the top side, and a second inclined surface that recedes from the top side toward the inner wall surface. The air flowing from the outside of the sterilization chamber through the air inlet flows at high speed along the first slope, curves sharply near the top, and a part of the air flows along the second slope. The airflow is divided into a first airflow that is discharged to the outside at high speed through the air outlet and a second airflow that is rapidly decelerated and moves toward the interior of the sterilization chamber at a lower speed.

In this case, it is more preferable that the protrusion is placed at a position facing the annular light source. The first air flow and the second air flow are controlled in the optimum direction by performing the above-described sudden direction change and flow velocity change and branching at a position facing the annular light source.

It is also preferable that the air outlet is provided near the inner wall surface at a downstream position of the protruding part and the direction changing part. Thereby, the air flow passes along the inner wall surface via the protrusion and the direction changing part and flows out from the air outlet to the outside at high speed.

It is also preferable that the direction conversion unit is configured to change the direction of the second air flow toward the inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber. The second air streams are redirected in the direction of the inner walls of the sterilization chamber, so that they flow along the inner walls in the vicinity of the annular light source. As a result, stronger UV-C ultraviolet rays are irradiated for a longer period of time, resulting in higher sterilization effects and sterilization efficiency.

It is also preferable that the direction changing part includes an inclined surface that slopes smoothly from the top side toward the inner wall surface, and a guide surface that goes from the top side toward the air outlet.

It is also preferable that the annular light source includes an annular arc tube and that the annular light source is installed so that a plane containing the tube axis of the arc tube is parallel to the inner wall surface. Since the airflow flowing along the inner wall surface flows near the optical axis of the annular light source, it is irradiated with stronger UV-C ultraviolet rays for a longer period of time, and the sterilization effect and sterilization efficiency become higher.

It is also preferable that at least a part of the inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber is constituted by a mirror-like reflective surface that reflects the UV-C ultraviolet rays emitted from the annular light source. In addition to the UV-C ultraviolet rays emitted from the annular light source, there are UV-C ultraviolet rays reflected from the inner wall surface, so that the sterilization effect and sterilization efficiency in the sterilization chamber is increased.

It is also preferable that shielding members are provided on the outside of the air inlet and the outside of the air outlet of the sterilization chamber to block UV-C ultraviolet rays emitted from the annular light source and prevent them from being radiated to the outside. . Ultraviolet rays emitted to the outside of the sterilization chamber through the air inlet and air outlet are reliably blocked by these shielding members.

It is also preferable that an air filter is provided outside the air inlet to filter air flowing in from the outside. As a result, air free of dirt and dust is drawn into the sterilization chamber.

It is also preferable that the sterilization chamber is sealed except for the air inlet and air outlet. Since the sterilization chamber is sealed except for the air inlet and air outlet, the air sucked into the sterilization chamber is reliably sterilized before being discharged to the outside.

It is also preferable that the light source is a rectangular annular electrodeless discharge lamp. An electrodeless discharge lamp has a uniform radiation distribution in the cross-sectional direction of the tube axis, and since its shape is rectangular and annular, UV-C ultraviolet rays are emitted in all directions in an overlapping manner.

It is also preferable that a deodorizing filter having an air deodorizing function is provided upstream of the air outlet of the sterilization chamber. By providing such a deodorizing filter, odor-causing substances remaining in the air are effectively absorbed.

According to the invention, the UV-C ultraviolet radiation emitted from the annular light source is directly transmitted to the first air flow and the second air flow flowing inside the sterilization chamber without being blocked by branches and obstacles. Irradiation is ensured. Furthermore, since there are no obstacles such as baffle plates, there is no problem of unsterilized viruses adhering to obstacles. As a result, the sterilizing effect and sterilizing efficiency become very high. Since the air flow is controlled by simply providing a branch section and a direction changing section within the sterilization chamber, the device configuration is simple and can be manufactured at low cost. Furthermore, it is possible to release and circulate a high-velocity air flow to the outside, and it is possible to reduce operating noise.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the circulating air sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the side with the side cover removed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the circulating air sterilizer of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the side with the side cover removed and at a different angle from that shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing specific dimensions of the sterilization chamber and its exterior of the circulating air sterilization apparatus of the embodiment of FIG. 1; 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an annular light source in the annular air sterilizer of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the flow of air when the circulating air sterilizer of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is viewed from the side with the side cover removed. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a circulating air sterilizer according to another embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the side with the side cover removed.

Fig. 1 shows a circulating air sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the side with the side cover removed, and Fig. 2 shows a circulating air sterilizer according to the present embodiment with the side cover removed and the side cover removed. It is shown as seen from the side at a different angle from that in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows specific dimensions of the sterilization chamber and the outside of the circulating air sterilization apparatus of this embodiment.

As shown in these figures, the circulating air sterilizer of this embodiment includes a metal (for example, stainless steel) housing 10 having a rectangular tube shape (a square tube shape in this embodiment); An air intake plate including a plurality of casters 11 (four in this embodiment) provided on the outer bottom surface and an intake port cover 10a provided on the bottom surface of the casing 10 and having a large number of through holes formed, for example, by punching, on the entire surface. an air filter 13 provided inside the housing 10 for filtering air taken in through the intake port 12; A blower fan 14 (corresponding to the blower of the present invention) that energizes air to form an airflow, a sterilization chamber 15 that sterilizes the airflow sent by the blower fan 14, and air sent out from the sterilization chamber 15. The circulating air sterilizer is equipped with an exhaust port 16 (see FIG. 3) for discharging the air to the outside of the circulating air sterilizer. An exhaust port cover 10b is provided on the upper surface of the casing 10, and an exhaust port cover 10b is provided with a large number of through holes formed, for example, by punching, on the entire surface, and an exhaust port 16 is provided below the exhaust port cover 10b. The external dimensions of the casing 10 are, by way of example only, about 280 mm (in the horizontal direction) x about 210 mm (in the depth direction) x about 710 mm (in the height direction). In this specification, the "lateral direction" refers to the front-back direction in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, and the "depth direction" refers to the left-right direction in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, and the "height direction" correspond to the vertical direction in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, respectively. Incidentally, in FIGS. 1 to 3, the left side is the front side of the circulating air sterilization apparatus of this embodiment.

Inside the sterilization chamber 15, there is an annular light source 17 that emits UV-C ultraviolet light including light in the wavelength band of 254 nm, and a flow of air that has flowed in from the outside of the sterilization chamber 15 through an air inlet 15a is provided inside the sterilization chamber 15. A protrusion 18 that branches into a first air flow that flows out through the air outlet 15b to the outside and a second air flow that flows toward the inside of the sterilization chamber 15; and the second air that is branched by the protrusion 18. A direction changing section 19 that changes the direction of the flow toward the annular light source 17 is provided. In this embodiment, an important point is that the protruding part 18 and the direction changing part 19 are provided to protrude from the inner wall surface 15c of the sterilization chamber 15. That is, the protruding portion 18 and the direction changing portion 19 communicate with the inner wall surface 15c so as to constitute a part of the inner wall surface 15c, and the space within the sterilization chamber 15 is filled with light emitted from the annular light source 17. No obstacles are provided to block UV-C ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the UV-C ultraviolet rays emitted from the annular light source 17 directly and reliably irradiate the first air flow and the second air flow flowing within the sterilization chamber 15. As a result, the sterilizing effect and sterilizing efficiency become very high. Furthermore, since there are no obstacles such as air guide plates in the space within the sterilization chamber 15, there is no problem of unsterilized viruses adhering to the obstacles. Furthermore, since the airflow is controlled by simply providing the branching section 18 and the direction changing section 19 in the sterilization chamber 15, the device configuration is simple and can be manufactured at low cost.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the annular light source 17 in the annular air sterilizer of this embodiment. As can be seen from the figure, in this embodiment, a rectangular annular square electrodeless discharge lamp is used as the annular light source 17. This electrodeless discharge lamp (annular light source) 17 consists of a rectangular annular quartz glass tube 17a filled with a rare gas and a small amount of mercury in an amalgam state, and a ferrite wound around two places in the middle of the quartz glass tube 17a. A core type excitation winding 17b is provided. The diameter of the quartz glass tube 17a is approximately 45 to 60 mm. By passing a high frequency current (for example, 140 kHz) through these excitation windings 17b from a ballast (not shown), magnetic and electric fields are generated within the quartz glass tube 17a, and the emitted electrons fuse with amalgam particles within the quartz glass tube 17a. As a result, UV-C ultraviolet light whose main component is light in the 254 nm wavelength band is emitted. Since the annular light source 17 is an electrodeless discharge lamp, radiation is emitted with a uniform radiation distribution in the cross-sectional direction of the tube axis of the quartz glass tube 17a. Moreover, since it is rectangular and annular, UV-C ultraviolet rays are emitted in all directions, overlapping with each other. Note that the annular light source 17 includes an annular arc tube (quartz glass tube 17a), and is installed so that the plane containing the tube axis of the arc tube is parallel to the inner wall surface 15 of the sterilization chamber 15. ing. As a result, the airflow flowing along the inner wall surface 15c flows near the optical axis of the annular light source 17, so that the airflow is irradiated with stronger UV-C ultraviolet rays for a long time, increasing the sterilization effect and the sterilization effect. Higher efficiency.

Specifically, the annular light source 17 used in this embodiment is a 120W square-type electrodeless discharge lamp (SVI-UVC-254) manufactured by Nanatsubaki Co., Ltd., but the annular light source of the present invention is limited to this. It is not something that will be done. A square type electrodeless discharge lamp with other output power, for example, a 250W square type electrodeless discharge lamp may also be used. Furthermore, the annular light source is not limited to the square type, and other shapes of annular light sources may be used. For example, an electrodeless discharge lamp having a round shape (circle shape), an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, a star shape, or other tube shapes may be used.

As described above, the protrusion 18 is provided to protrude rearward (leftward in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5) from the inner wall surface 15c of the sterilization chamber 15. This protrusion 18 has a first inclined surface 18b that protrudes linearly or smoothly from the inner wall surface 15c toward the top side 18a of the protrusion 18, and a first inclined surface 18b that protrudes linearly or smoothly from the top side 18a toward the inner wall surface 15c. Alternatively, a second inclined surface 18c that smoothly retreats is provided. In this embodiment, the protrusion 18 has a first inclined surface 18b linearly inclined at 35 degrees with respect to the inner wall surface 15c, and a second inclined surface 18c linearly inclined at 35 degrees with respect to the inner wall surface 15c. It has an isosceles triangular cross-sectional shape with an apex angle of 110 degrees. The air flowing from the outside of the sterilization chamber 15 through the air inlet 15a flows at high speed along the first inclined surface 18b, curves sharply near the top side 18a, and a part of the air flows along the second inclined surface 18b. A first air flow that flows along the surface 18c and is discharged to the outside at high speed through the air outlet 15b, and a low-speed second air flow that is rapidly decelerated and advances toward the inside of the sterilization chamber 15. It is branched into. Further, the protrusion 18 is arranged at a position facing the annular light source 17. In this way, since the air is branched at a position facing the annular light source 17, it is possible to control the first air flow and the second air flow in the optimum direction. Note that the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 18b, the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 18c, and the apex angle are merely examples, and are not limited to these. and the flow of the second airflow are appropriately selected and determined so as to be optimal.

The air inflow port 15a of the sterilization chamber 15 has a rectangular shape in an upstream position of the protrusion 18, with one side of the inner wall surface 15c provided with the protrusion 18. By providing the air inlet 15a near the inner wall surface 15c, the air flowing into the sterilization chamber 15 from the air inlet 15a travels along the inner wall surface 15c, reaches the protrusion 18, and branches efficiently. The dimensions of this air inlet 15a are, by way of example only, about 48 mm (in the depth direction) x about 278 mm (in the lateral direction).

The direction changing section 19 is provided to protrude downward from the inner wall surface 15c of the sterilization chamber 15. This direction changing part 19 has an inclined surface 19b that slopes linearly or smoothly from the top side 19a toward the inner wall surface 15c, and a guide that slopes linearly from the top side 19a toward the air outlet 15b of the sterilization chamber 15. and a surface 19c. In this embodiment, the direction changing part 19 has an inclined surface 19b that slopes linearly or smoothly from the top side 19a toward the inner wall surface 15c, and a slope surface 19b that extends from the top side 19a toward the air outlet 15b of the sterilization chamber 15. It has a right triangular cross-sectional shape consisting of a guide surface 19c. Since the direction changing unit 19 changes the direction of the second airflow toward the inner wall surface 15c of the sterilization chamber 15, these airflows flow near the annular light source 17 along the inner wall surface 15c. As a result, stronger UV-C ultraviolet rays are irradiated for a longer period of time, resulting in higher sterilization effects and sterilization efficiency.

The air outlet 15b of the sterilization chamber 15 has an inner wall surface 15c provided with the protrusion 18 at a downstream position of the protrusion 18 and the direction conversion part 19 as one side, and a guide surface 19c of the direction conversion part 19 as the opposite side. It has a rectangular shape. By providing the air outlet 15b near the inner wall surface 15c, the airflow advances along the inner wall surface 15c via the protruding portion 18 and the direction changing portion 19, and flows out from the air outlet 15b to the outside at high speed. do. The dimensions of this air outlet 15b are, by way of example only, about 48 mm (in the depth direction) x about 278 mm (in the lateral direction).

The sterilization chamber 15 is sealed except for the air inlet 15a and the air outlet 15b. Due to the airtight sealing, the air sucked into the sterilization chamber 15 is reliably sterilized and discharged without leaking to the outside. Further, the sterilization chamber 15 has an inner wall surface 15a formed of a mirror-like (mirror-finished) stainless steel plate. Accordingly, in addition to the UV-C ultraviolet rays emitted from the annular light source 17, the UV-C ultraviolet rays reflected from the inner wall surface 15a are present, so that the sterilization effect and sterilization efficiency in the sterilization chamber are further increased. In this embodiment, the sterilization chamber 15 is formed to be a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space except for the protrusion 18 and the direction changing section 19. The internal dimensions of the sterilization chamber 15 are, by way of example only, about 278 mm (in the horizontal direction) x about 220 mm (in the depth direction) x about 319 mm (in the height direction).

The air filter 13 is for filtering air flowing in from the outside, and is removably provided between the air intake port 12 and the air filter 13. By providing the air filter 13, air that does not contain dust or the like is sucked into the sterilization chamber 15.

The outside of the air inlet 15a of the sterilization chamber 15 is provided to block UV-C ultraviolet light emitted from the annular light source 17 and prevent it from being emitted to the outside, and to control the direction of the air flow sent from the blower fan 14. A first wind direction control board 20 (corresponding to the shielding member of the present invention) and a second wind direction control board 21 (corresponding to the shielding member of the present invention) are provided for controlling the wind direction. The first wind direction control plate 20 and the second wind direction control plate 21 are made of stainless steel plates with roughened surfaces to prevent specular reflection, and are arranged alternately so that their surfaces face different directions. There is. By these first wind direction control plate 20 and second wind direction control plate 21, the air flow taken in from the outside through the intake port 12, air filter 13, and blower fan 14 undergoes 90 degree direction changes three times. The air flows into the sterilization chamber 15 from the air inlet 15a. Furthermore, by providing the first wind direction control board 20 and the second wind direction control board 21 which are treated to prevent specular reflection, the ultraviolet rays emitted to the outside of the sterilization chamber 17 through the air inlet 15a are ensured. is blocked by.

Outside the air outlet 15b of the sterilization chamber 15, air is provided to block the UV-C ultraviolet rays emitted from the annular light source 17 and prevent it from being emitted to the outside, and to discharge air through the air outlet 15b. A third wind direction control plate 22 (corresponding to the shielding member of the present invention) and a fourth wind direction control plate 23 (corresponding to the shielding member of the present invention) are provided for controlling the direction of the flow. These third wind direction control plates 22 and fourth wind direction control plates 23 are made of stainless steel plates with a roughened surface to prevent specular reflection, and are arranged alternately in a comb-like shape. These third wind direction control plate 22 and fourth wind direction control plate 23 allow the airflow discharged through the air outlet 15b to change direction by 90 degrees four times and flow from the exhaust outlet 16 to the outside of the device at high speed. is discharged. Furthermore, by providing the third wind direction control plate 22 and the fourth wind direction control plate 23 which are treated to prevent specular reflection, ultraviolet rays leaking to the outside of the sterilization chamber 15 through the air outlet 15b can be ensured. Be cut off.

FIG. 5 shows the air flow in the circulating air sterilizer of this embodiment, and the air flow will be explained below using the same figure.

When the blower fan 14 operates, external air is taken in through the air intake port 12 of the housing 10 and the air filter 13. The direction of this taken-in air flow A is changed by the first wind direction control board 20 and the second wind direction control board 21, and then flows into the sterilization chamber 15 through the air inlet 15a.

The air flow B flowing into the sterilization chamber 15 flows along the inner wall surface 15c and comes into contact with the first inclined surface 18b of the protrusion 18. As a result, the air flow B flows at high speed along the first inclined surface 18b, curves sharply near the top edge 18a, and is branched, with about 35% of the flow becoming the high-speed first air flow C. Become. This first air flow C flows along the second inclined surface 18c, flows along the inner wall surface 15c, advances along the guide surface 19c of the direction changing part 19 and the inner wall surface 15c, and passes through the air outlet 15b. is discharged to the outside of the sterilization chamber 15 at high speed. Further, the air flow B is rapidly decelerated near the top side 18a of the protrusion 18, and about 65% of the air flow B is a low-velocity (for example, a flow velocity of 3 m/sec or less) that moves toward the inside of the sterilization chamber 15. It is branched off into a second air stream D. This second air flow D comes into contact with the slope 19b of the direction changing portion 19, changes direction, flows along the slope 19b, and becomes an air flow E flowing along the inner wall surface 15c. A portion of this airflow E becomes an airflow F that circulates around the annular light source 17 and an airflow G that passes inside the annular light source 17 so as to intersect with it. The airflow circulating around the annular light source 17 and intersecting with the annular light source 17 finally merges with the first airflow C and is discharged to the outside of the sterilization chamber 15 .

On the other hand, the high-speed air flow H discharged to the outside of the sterilization chamber 15 at high speed through the air outlet 15b has its direction changed by the third wind direction control plate 22 and the fourth wind direction control plate 23. , is discharged to the outside of the circulating air sterilizer as a high-velocity air flow I through the exhaust port 16.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a part of the second air flow having a slow flow velocity is caused by the air flow F that circulates around the annular light source 17 so as to lick the lamp tube wall, and between the annular light source 17 and the lamp tube wall. By forming an air flow G that intersects and passes inside the annular light source 17, strong UV-C ultraviolet rays near the annular light source 17 are irradiated for a longer period of time. For example, these air streams receive an average of 20 mW/cm ² of 254 nm UV-C radiation per second. As a result, the sterilization effect and inactivation effect on bacteria and viruses becomes stronger, and approximately 99.99% inactivation becomes possible. As mentioned before, the air flow is controlled by simply providing the branching section 18 and the direction changing section 19 in the sterilization chamber 15, which simplifies the device configuration and allows for inexpensive manufacturing. I can do it. Furthermore, by controlling the air flow using such branching portions 18 and direction changing portions 19, wind noise is reduced, so it is possible to reduce the operating noise of the device. Further, the first air flow C is high-speed and is discharged from the sterilization chamber 15 to the outside through the air outlet 15b, and further to the outside of the circulating air sterilizer through the discharge port 16 as the air flow I. Therefore, the circulation effect in the room where this circulating air sterilization device is installed is improved.

In the circulating air sterilizer of the present invention, the shape and size of the sterilization chamber 15, the position, shape and dimensions of the annular light source 17, the position, shape and dimensions of the protrusion 18, and the first slope of the protrusion 18. 18b and the second inclined surface 18c, the position, shape and dimensions of the direction changing section 19, the angle and inclined shape of the inclined surface 19b and the guide surface 19c of the direction changing section 19, the air inlet 15a and the air flow. The position, shape and dimensions of the outlet 15b, the relative position and relative dimensions of the annular light source 17, the protrusion 18 and the direction changing part 19, etc. are not limited to the example of the embodiment described above, and various aspects can be applied. It goes without saying that it is possible.

The virus inactivation effect of the circulating air sterilizer of the present invention was confirmed through experiments.

That is, using the circulating air sterilizer shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a test was conducted in accordance with the air purifier airborne virus inactivation test method (JEM1467) specified by the Japan Electrical Manufacturers Association. This test was conducted by a specialized testing organization, and the circulating air sterilizer was installed in a closed space sprayed with influenza A virus (H3N2 type) as the test virus. The virus titer during operation was quantitatively measured. The size of the test chamber was 23 ^m3 . The test was conducted according to the testing laboratory's standard procedures. The average temperature inside the test chamber was 21.0°C, and the average humidity was 73%.

Virus infectivity was calculated from the test measurement results using the TCID ₅₀ method. The calculation results are shown in Table 1.

From Table 1, the infectious value reduction value of the circulating air sterilizer of the present invention against influenza A virus (H3N2 type) is 2.50 - 0.66 (logTCID ₅₀ /mL) = 1.84 at 20 minutes of operation time. (logTCID ₅₀ /mL), which is a decrease of 98.55%, and after 40 minutes of operation time, it becomes 2.50 - 0.00 (logTCID ₅₀ /mL) = 2.54 (logTCID ₅₀ /mL). Therefore, the reduction value is 99.68%, and after 60 minutes of operation time, 2.50 - 0.00 (logTCID ₅₀ /mL) = 2.54 (logTCID ₅₀ /mL), so the reduction value is 99.68%. Met.

Thus, according to the circulating air sterilizer of the present invention, the reduction value of influenza A virus is 98.55% after 20 minutes of spraying, and after 40 minutes of spraying, the reduction value is 99%, which is close to the detection limit. .68%. Since the size of the test chamber is 23 m ³ , it can be seen that the circulating air sterilizer of the present invention has a very high effect of inactivating influenza viruses in single-person rooms (6 tatami mats) in general nursing care facilities. Since the UV-C resistance of the new coronavirus is relatively lower than that of influenza A virus, according to the circulating air sterilizer of the present invention, the reduction value of the new coronavirus is 99.9 after 20 minutes of spraying. % or more.

FIG. 6 shows a circulating air sterilizer according to another embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side with the side cover removed.

The circulating air sterilizer of this embodiment has a deodorizing filter 24 added to the sterilizing chamber 17 of the circulating air sterilizing device of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. Except for the above, the configuration and operation and effects of this embodiment are completely the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. Therefore, in this embodiment, a detailed explanation of the same parts is omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for the same components.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the circulating air sterilizer of this embodiment, a deodorizing filter 24 is provided upstream of the air outlet 15b of the sterilization chamber 15. Specifically, in this embodiment, the deodorizing filter 24 is installed between the top side 19a of the direction changing part 19 and the second inclined surface 18c of the protruding part 18. The airflow is configured to pass through this deodorizing filter 24. Further, the deodorizing filter 24 is configured to be irradiated with UV-C ultraviolet light from the annular light source 17.

The deodorizing filter 24 is a rectangular plate-shaped filter having an activated carbon honeycomb structure, and its porous structure absorbs odor-causing substances from the air passing through it. The absorbed odor-causing substances are sterilized by the irradiated UV-C ultraviolet light. As the deodorizing filter 24, an activated carbon honeycomb coated with a photocatalyst such as TiO ₂ may be used. If a photocatalyst is coated, the photocatalyst will be activated by UV-C ultraviolet rays, and the decomposition effect of odor-causing substances will be further improved. Instead of the activated carbon honeycomb, a rectangular plate-shaped filter having a ceramic honeycomb structure may be used. That is, a rectangular plate-shaped filter having a honeycomb structure such as an activated carbon honeycomb, an activated carbon honeycomb with a photocatalyst, a ceramic honeycomb, or a ceramic honeycomb with a photocatalyst may be used. As the honeycomb structure, a vertical hole honeycomb in which the holes are perpendicular to the plate surface may be used, or an inclined hole honeycomb in which the holes are inclined with respect to the plate surface may be used.

By using the honeycomb-structured deodorizing filter 24, an aperture ratio of about 50% can be obtained, and as a result, the high-speed first airflow can pass through without significantly reducing the flow velocity. . Note that if the axial direction of the holes in the honeycomb structure is configured to be parallel to the direction of the air flow, the resistance to the air flow will be reduced, and the decrease in the flow velocity will be reduced. Further, by adjusting the aperture ratio of the honeycomb structure, it is possible to further reduce the flow velocity of the low-speed second air flow and further enhance the sterilization effect or inactivation effect.

As mentioned above, the deodorizing filter 24 has a honeycomb structure, and it is desirable that this honeycomb structure be provided at a position where it can be efficiently irradiated with UV-C ultraviolet rays from the annular light source 17. When the honeycomb is coated with a photocatalyst, it is desirable that the deodorizing filter 24 is attached to the photocatalyst at a position and angle where it can be efficiently irradiated with UV-C ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, when the inner surface of the honeycomb is coated with a photocatalyst, the bactericidal effect can be maximized by configuring the honeycomb so that UV-C ultraviolet rays can penetrate into the inner surface as well.

The circulating air sterilizer of this embodiment has the same effects as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and is further provided with a deodorizing filter 24 to sterilize bacteria and viruses Odor-causing substances remaining in the inactivated air are absorbed and sterilized by UV-C ultraviolet light, and if a photocatalyst is coated, the photocatalyst is activated by UV-C ultraviolet light to eliminate odor-causing substances. It also has the effect of promoting the decomposition of substances.

All of the embodiments described above are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention can be implemented in various other modifications and changes. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

10 Housing 10a Intake port cover 10b Exhaust port cover 11 Caster 12 Intake port 13 Air filter 14 Blow fan 15 Sterilization chamber

15a Air inlet

15b Air outlet 15c Inner wall surface 16 Exhaust port 17 Annular light source 17a Quartz glass tube 17b Excitation winding 18

Projection portions

18a, 19a Top side 18b First inclined surface 18c Second inclined surface 19 Direction changing portion 19b Inclined surface 19c Guide surface 20 First wind direction control plate 21 Second wind direction control plate 22 Third wind direction control Board 23 Fourth wind direction control board 24 Deodorizing filter

Claims

a sterilization chamber, an annular light source provided in the sterilization chamber and emitting UV-C ultraviolet rays, and provided protruding from an inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber to direct the flow of air flowing in from the outside of the sterilization chamber to the outside of the sterilization chamber. and a protrusion that branches into a first airflow flowing out to the sterilization chamber and a second airflow flowing into the sterilization chamber, the UV-C ultraviolet rays emitted from the annular light source flowing into the first airflow. A circulating air sterilization device configured to directly irradiate the air flow and the second air flow.
The circulating air sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the second air flow is configured to intersect and circulate around the annular light source.
The circulating air sterilizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second air flow is configured to have a flow velocity slower than the first air flow.
a sterilization chamber, an annular light source installed in the sterilization chamber and emitting UV-C ultraviolet light including light in a wavelength band of 254 nm; a blower that forms a flow of air flowing out to the outside of the chamber; and a blower that is provided to protrude from the inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber and that generates a flow of air that flows in from the outside of the sterilization chamber through the air inlet. a protrusion that branches into a first air flow flowing out of the sterilization chamber through an outlet and a second air flow flowing into the sterilization chamber; and a protrusion protruding from the inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber. , a direction changing section that changes the direction of the second air flow branched by the protrusion toward the annular light source, and the UV-C ultraviolet rays emitted from the annular light source are directed toward the first air flow. A circulating air sterilizer, characterized in that it is configured to directly irradiate the air stream and the second air stream.
The circulating air sterilization device according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the second air flow is configured to intersect with and circulate around the annular light source.
The circulating air sterilizer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second air flow is configured to have a flow velocity lower than that of the first air flow.
The circulating air sterilizer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the air inlet is provided near the inner wall surface at an upstream position of the protrusion.
The protruding portion is characterized in that it includes a first inclined surface that projects from the inner wall surface toward the top side, and a second inclined surface that recedes from the top side toward the inner wall surface. The circulating air sterilizer according to claim 4 or 5.
The circulating air sterilization device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the protrusion is disposed at a position facing the annular light source.
The circulating air sterilization device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the air outlet is provided near the inner wall surface at a downstream position of the protruding portion and the direction changing portion.
The circulating air sterilizer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the direction converter is configured to convert the direction of the second air flow to the direction of the inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber. Device.
4. The direction converting portion includes an inclined surface that slopes smoothly from the top side toward the inner wall surface, and a guide surface that extends from the top side toward the air outlet. Or the circulating air sterilizer according to 5.
5. The annular light source includes an annular arc tube, and the annular light source is installed such that a plane including a tube axis of the arc tube is parallel to the inner wall surface. The circulating air sterilizer described in .
6. At least a part of the inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber is configured with a mirror-like reflective surface that reflects UV-C ultraviolet rays emitted from the annular light source. Circulating air sterilizer.
A shielding member is provided outside the air inlet and outside the air outlet of the sterilization chamber to shield UV-C ultraviolet rays emitted from the annular light source and prevent them from being radiated to the outside. The circulating air sterilizer according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that:
The circulating air sterilizer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein an air filter is provided outside the air inlet to filter air flowing in from the outside.
The circulating air sterilizer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the sterilization chamber is sealed except for the air inlet and the air outlet.
The circulating air sterilizer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the light source is a rectangular annular electrodeless discharge lamp.
The circulating air sterilization device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a deodorizing filter having an air deodorizing function is provided upstream of the air outlet of the sterilization chamber.