JP2003185180A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide an air conditioner in which the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays is improved and sterilization and deodorization can be performed efficiently without the need for a reflector or the like. SOLUTION: Intake ports 10a, 10b,
An ultraviolet lamp is provided in the air passage from 11 to the air outlet through the air conditioning means (evaporator 2, condenser 3, etc.)
As the ultraviolet lamp, a flat germicidal lamp 23 that emits ultraviolet light on a plane was used. Further, the flat germicidal lamp 2
The photocatalyst filter 24 was arranged in parallel with the third ultraviolet light emitting surface 23k.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner having functions of sterilization and deodorization.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional air conditioner of this type,
For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 1-234729 (F24F 1 /
As disclosed in (00), spherical or straight tube lamps are used as ultraviolet lamps for sterilization and deodorization.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned spherical or straight tube lamp, the ultraviolet rays are radiated in a radial distribution in all directions, so that the irradiation efficiency is lowered, and therefore the sterilization and deodorization are efficiently performed. However, there is a problem in that a reflector or the like is required to improve this.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and provides an air conditioner which can improve the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays and can perform sterilization and deodorization efficiently without the need for a reflector or the like. It is intended to be provided.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention comprises an ultraviolet lamp in the air passage extending from the air inlet of the main body case to the air outlet through the air conditioning means, and As the ultraviolet lamp, a flat sterilizing lamp that planarly emits ultraviolet rays is used.

Further, a photocatalytic filter is arranged in parallel with the ultraviolet light emitting surface of the flat sterilization lamp.

The flat sterilizing lamp and the photocatalytic filter are housed in a case through which air can pass, and are unitized.

The flat sterilization lamp emits visible light from the surface opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting surface, and is characterized by having an opening through which the visible light can be seen from the outside of the main body case. is there.

Further, a lens is arranged in the opening.

The flat sterilization lamp is arranged on the intake side.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of the intake ports are provided, and the intake port for sucking the air passing through the flat sterilization lamp is formed narrowly.

Further, the present invention is characterized by being applied to a dehumidifier in which the intake port is formed on the end side in the longitudinal direction of the main body case.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 to 7 are block diagrams showing an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a dehumidifier.

The dehumidifier of this embodiment has a heat exchanger of a refrigeration cycle as an air conditioner on the upper side of the main body case 1 which is long in the front-rear direction (vertical direction in FIG. 1) in the width direction as shown in FIG. The evaporator 2, the condenser 3, and the blower 6 including the motor 4 and the fan 5 are sequentially arranged.

In addition, on the lower side of the main body case 1, as shown in FIG.
As shown in Fig. 4, the compressor 7 that constitutes the refrigeration cycle together with the evaporator 2 and the condenser 3 on the rear side (left side in Fig. 4) and the front side (right side in Fig. 4) is condensed by the evaporator 2 and drops. A pull-out type drainage tank 8 for storing dehumidifying water is arranged.

Further, narrow inlet ports 10a, 10b for sucking outside air from both sides of a removable front cover 9 are formed on the upper front surface side (upper side in FIG. 1) of the main body case 1, and on the rear surface side. An intake port 11 having a grill structure is formed. In this way, by providing the intake ports on the front and rear surfaces of the main body case 1 that is long in the front-rear direction, even when installed in a narrow space such as a gap between the side wall of the closet and the futon or a gap between furniture and furniture, Since there are intake ports on the front and back sides instead of the side faces where the side wall of the closet, futon, furniture, etc. are in close contact, the intake port will not be blocked, and it is possible to prevent the dehumidification ability from decreasing due to a decrease in the intake amount. It has become.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, etc., an air outlet 12 is formed on one side (blower 6 side) on the upper surface of the main body case 1, and an air outlet 12 is formed at the center opposite to the air outlet 12. A handle 13 is attached which is folded down and stored.

The blower 6 has a suction port 14 formed facing the condenser 3 side and the blow-out port 12 facing upward.
It is housed in the wind tunnel 15 formed with.

In the present embodiment, the plane sterilization lamp unit 20 is arranged in the air passage covered by the front cover 9 of the main body case 1 with its longitudinal direction being the vertical direction. A dust removal filter 17 for removing dust in the intake air is detachably disposed between the flat panel sterilization lamp unit 20 and the front cover 9 in a substantially V-shape.

As shown by the arrows in FIG. 1, the intake ports 10a,
The air sucked from 10b passes through the dust filter 17 and the flat sterilization lamp unit 20, and is sucked to the evaporator 2 side through the lattice-shaped intake holes 18 formed on the back side of the flat sterilization lamp unit 20. ing. In addition,
As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 7 in which the front cover 9 is removed, the lattice-shaped air intake holes 18 are partially visible.
Although it is formed on the entire back side of 0, since the blower 6 side is blocked by the side wall of the wind tunnel 15, all the air sucked from the intake port 10a passes through the flat sterilization lamp unit 20 and has a grid shape on the opposite side. It is adapted to be sucked into the evaporator 2 side from the intake hole 18.

The plane sterilization lamp unit 20 has a slit 21 formed on the left and right side walls, and a plane sterilization lamp 23 is provided on the front side of a unit case 22 configured to allow ventilation.
However, the photocatalytic filter 24 is arranged in parallel on the rear side. Thus, the flat sterilization lamp 23 and the photocatalytic filter 2 are
Since 4 is unitized, installation and maintenance are easy.

The flat sterilizing lamp 23 is a flat light emitting lamp, and 253.7n which maximizes the sterilizing effect from one side.
It is configured such that ultraviolet light having a wavelength of m can be irradiated from the other surface side with visible light having a wavelength of 452 nm.

FIG. 3 shows the basic structure and principle of the flat sterilization lamp 23. This flat sterilizing lamp 23 is formed of UV-transparent glass (value-soda glass) 23a that transmits ultraviolet rays on one side, transmits visible light without transmitting the ultraviolet rays on the other side, and applies phosphor 23b to the inner surface side. It is made of normal soda glass 23c that is filled with mercury vapor and argon gas, and the discharge electrodes 2 are provided on both sides.
3d and 23e are arranged. Discharge electrodes 23d, 23
When a glow discharge occurs between e, the discharge electrodes 23d and 23e
Electrons 23f flowing between collide with argon atoms 23g and mercury atoms 23h. The ultraviolet ray 23i generated by colliding with the mercury atom 23h is the UV transparent glass 2 on one surface side.
Visible light 23j is generated by passing through 3a and hitting the phosphor 23b on the other surface side (side of the soda glass 23c).

That is, the flat sterilization lamp 23 is
The unit case is such that the V transparent glass (value-soda glass) 23a side becomes the ultraviolet light emitting surface 23k, the soda glass 23c side becomes the visible light emitting surface 23m, and the ultraviolet light emitting surface 23k faces the inside and the visible light emitting surface 23m faces the outside. It is attached to 22.

On the front cover 9 of the main body case 1, a vertically long opening 9a is formed at a position facing the visible light emitting surface 23m of the flat sterilization lamp 23, and a lens 25 is attached. The visible light 23j becomes the emission color of the phosphor 23b, and it is possible to use the phosphor 23b that emits light of a desired color. However, using the white phosphor used for an ordinary fluorescent lamp or the like, the lens 25 is For example, it can be constructed at low cost by coloring it in blue, which generally gives an image of sterilization. Further, the lens 25 may be attached to the unit case 22 side of the flat surface sterilization lamp unit 20 as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, instead of being attached to the opening 9a of the front cover 9 as described above.

The unit case 22 of the flat sterilization lamp unit 20 is preferably attached with an aluminum tape on the inner side or made of aluminum to prevent the unit case 22 from being damaged by ultraviolet rays. Further, in order to prevent the ultraviolet rays emitted from the flat sterilization lamp 23 from leaking to the outside of the unit case 22, it is preferable that the slit 21 is cut and raised in the shape of armor.

On the other hand, the photocatalytic filter 24 is a filter that decomposes mainly ammonia, which is a general source of odor, using titanium dioxide, and is excited by the light energy of the applied ultraviolet rays to remove odorous components such as ammonia. Oxidatively decomposes and deodorizes. The adsorbed odor component is oxidatively decomposed and regenerated (refreshed), so that it can be used semipermanently without replacement.

When the dehumidifier having the above structure is installed in a narrow space such as between the side wall of the closet and the futon, the humidified air in the closet is rotated by the blower 6 to cause an arrow in FIG. Intake port 10a,
Air sucked from 10b and 11 and mainly sucked from the intake port 10a is sterilized and deodorized by passing through the flat sterilization lamp unit 20, and these are cooled by passing through the evaporator 2 to condense moisture. Dehumidified. And
The cooled and dehumidified air is heated by its heat as it passes through the condenser 3, becomes dry air, and is discharged from the air outlet 12 formed above through the wind tunnel 15 of the blower 6.

Moisture in the air condensed in the evaporator 2 is stored in a drainage tank 11 provided below the evaporator 2. The water accumulated in the drainage tank 11 can be discharged by pulling the tank 11 forward and removing it.

In this embodiment, as described above,
Since a flat germicidal lamp 23 that flatly emits ultraviolet rays is used as the ultraviolet lamp, and the photocatalytic filter 24 is arranged in parallel with the ultraviolet ray emitting surface 23k, the ultraviolet rays are not radially dispersed but are concentratedly irradiated. The irradiation efficiency is improved without the need for a reflector or the like. Therefore, bacteria in the air passing through the flat sterilization lamp unit 20 can be efficiently sterilized, and the odorous components adsorbed by the photocatalytic filter 24 can be efficiently decomposed and deodorized.

During sterilization and deodorization, visible light is emitted from the surface opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting surface 23k along with the light emission of the flat surface sterilization lamp 23, and the lens 25 mounted in the opening 9a of the front cover 9 is attached.
Since it is lit and displayed in blue via the LED, the user can easily know that sterilization and deodorization are in progress without providing a separate LED or the like. Moreover, since it is diffused by the lens 25, it can be made more conspicuous.

Further, by disposing the plane sterilization lamp unit 20 on the intake ports 10a, 10b side, it is possible to prevent bacteria and odor components from adhering to the evaporator 2, the condenser 3 and the blower 6 on the downstream side. Because it can be hygienic,
Maintenance is also easy.

Further, since the front air inlets 10a and 10b for sucking the air passing through the flat sterilization lamp unit 20 are formed to be narrow, the flow velocity of the air passing through the flat sterilization lamp 23 and the photocatalytic filter 24 is slowed down, and the ultraviolet rays can be absorbed. Since the irradiation time is long, the sterilization and deodorizing effects are improved. In addition,
Even if the front inlets 10a and 10b are formed narrow, a sufficient amount of air can be obtained from the rear inlet 11, so that the dehumidifying ability can be secured.

Further, by applying to the dehumidifier in which the air inlets 10a, 10b, 11 are formed on the longitudinal end side of the main body case 1, it is easy to get damp and molds are generated, and various bacteria and odorous components are generated. It is particularly effective because it can efficiently perform sterilization such as pushing in and deodorization.

In the above embodiment, the one provided with the oxidation catalyst filter 24 in order to have the deodorizing function is shown, but if only the sterilizing function is provided, as shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. The configuration may be such that the oxidation catalyst filter 24 is removed from the flat sterilization lamp unit 20. Even with such a configuration, the same function and effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained with respect to the sterilizing function.

In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the dehumidifier has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to an air conditioner such as an air conditioner.

[0038]

As described above, according to the present invention, the ultraviolet lamp is provided in the air passage extending from the intake port of the main body case to the outlet through the air conditioning means, and the ultraviolet lamp planarly emits ultraviolet rays. By using the flat sterilization lamp, the ultraviolet rays are radiated intensively without being dispersed radially, so that the irradiation efficiency is improved and the sterilization can be performed efficiently without the need for a reflector or the like.

Further, by disposing the photocatalytic filter in parallel with the ultraviolet light emitting surface of the flat sterilization lamp, the odor adsorbed on the photocatalytic filter is concentrated by the ultraviolet light which is intensively irradiated from the ultraviolet light emitting surface without being radially dispersed. Since the components are efficiently decomposed, the deodorizing efficiency is improved.

Further, since the flat sterilization lamp and the photocatalyst filter are housed in a case through which ventilation is possible and unitized, installation and maintenance are facilitated.

The flat sterilization lamp emits visible light from the surface opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting surface. Since the visible light is provided with an opening through which the visible light can be seen from the outside of the main body case, a separate LED or the like is provided. It is possible to easily know that sterilization and deodorization are in progress without providing any means.

Further, by arranging the lens in the opening, visible light is diffused and radiated to the outside.
The fact that sterilization or deodorization is in progress can be made conspicuous and the lens can be colored, so that blue light emission or the like can be easily realized.

By disposing the flat sterilizing lamp on the intake side, it is possible to prevent bacteria and odorous components from adhering to the evaporator, condenser, blower, etc. on the downstream side, which is hygienic. Maintenance is also easy.

Further, since a plurality of air inlets are provided and the air inlet for sucking the air passing through the flat sterilization lamp is formed narrow, the flow velocity of the air passing through the flat sterilizing lamp and the photocatalytic filter becomes slow, so that the sterilizing and deodorizing effects are obtained. improves.

By applying to a dehumidifier in which an intake port is formed at the end of the main body in the longitudinal direction, sterilization such as push-in is easy to cause moisture and mold, and bacteria and odor components are easily generated. It is particularly effective because it can efficiently deodorize and deodorize.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part when an internal configuration of an embodiment of the present invention is viewed from an upper surface side.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the flat germicidal lamp unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the basic configuration and principle of the flat sterilization lamp.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a main part of the internal configuration of the above embodiment as viewed from a side surface side.

5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the flat sterilization lamp unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front cover is also removed.

FIG. 8 is a main part configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of another embodiment of the present invention as seen from a side surface side.

9 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the flat sterilization lamp unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is also an enlarged cross-sectional view of the flat sterilization lamp unit in the case where no lens is attached.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 body case 2 evaporator 3 condenser 6 blower 7 compressor 8 drainage tanks 9 Front cover 9a opening 10a, 10b Intake port (front side) 11 Intake port (rear side) 12 Outlet 14 Inhalation port 15 wind tunnel 17 Dust filter 18 Intake hole 20 Flat sterilization lamp unit 21 slits 22 unit case 23 Flat sterilization lamp 23k UV emitting surface 23m visible light emitting surface 24 Photocatalytic filter

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification Code FI Theme Coat (Reference) F24F 1/00 371A

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An ultraviolet lamp is provided in an air passage extending from an intake port of a main body case to an outlet through an air conditioning unit, and a flat germicidal lamp that emits planar ultraviolet rays is used as the ultraviolet lamp. And an air conditioner. 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a photocatalytic filter is arranged in parallel with an ultraviolet light emitting surface of the flat sterilization lamp. 3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the flat sterilization lamp and the photocatalyst filter are housed in a case through which air can pass and unitized. 4. The flat sterilizing lamp emits visible light from the surface opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting surface, and has an opening through which the visible light can be seen from the outside of the main body case. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein a lens is arranged in the opening. 6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the flat sterilization lamp is arranged on the intake port side. 7. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the air conditioner has a plurality of intake ports, and an intake port for sucking air passing through the flat sterilization lamp is narrowly formed. 8. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the air conditioner is applied to a dehumidifier in which the intake port is formed on the end side in the longitudinal direction of the main body case.