JP2018177055A - Method of sterilizing evaporator and air conditioner for automobile with evaporator sterilizing function - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of sterilizing an evaporator capable of sterilizing the surface of the evaporator continuously for a long period of time regardless of the antibacterial property of the surface of the evaporator, and an air conditioner for an automobile with an evaporator sterilizing function capable of sterilizing the evaporator. provide.
SOLUTION: A sterilizing cleaning solution consisting of an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide is supplied in contact with the surface of the evaporator 3 to which microorganisms and / or dirt components adhere, and then irradiated with ultraviolet light to carry out the above-mentioned microorganisms and / or In the method for sterilizing and / or decomposing soil components, fluid physical cleaning of the surface of the evaporator is performed using a cleaning liquid for sterilization during the sterilization and / or decomposition, or rinse is performed after the sterilization and / or decomposition is completed. Perform fluid physical cleaning using fluid.
[Selected figure] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a method of sterilizing an evaporator and an air conditioner for an automobile having an evaporator sterilizing function capable of performing the method of sterilizing the evaporator.

  In a car air conditioner, an evaporator is used as a heat exchanger. The surface of the evaporator is in a wet environment by condensation of moisture in the air, and is an environment in which harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi contained in the air are easily propagated. In addition, the evaporator usually has a structure in which metal fins are interspersed between the folded pipes through which the refrigerant flows, in order to increase the heat exchange efficiency, and the convoluted structure also causes harmful microorganisms to propagate in the evaporator. It is an easy cause. The harmful microorganisms propagated on the surface of the evaporator not only produce the offensive odor to produce the metabolite causing the offensive odor, but also may cause diseases such as allergy and bronchitis. In addition, the heat exchange efficiency may be reduced by covering the surface of the evaporator with a coating (biofilm) of harmful microorganisms and metabolites.

  Then, various methods are examined as a method of antibacterially or disinfecting the surface of an evaporator. For example, in Patent Document 1, when at least one of the members constituting the evaporator unit of the automotive air conditioner contains the antibacterial ceramic, antibacterial activity and deodorization in the vicinity of the evaporator can be achieved by the catalytic action of the antibacterial metal possessed by the antibacterial ceramic. The technology to perform is disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 2, in a heat exchanger provided with a finned tube, a surface coating composed of polyaniline and / or a derivative thereof is formed on at least a part of the outermost surface of the tube and / or fin, and the surface coating There is disclosed a technology for sterilizing harmful microorganisms by active oxygen or hydrogen peroxide generated by the reaction of water and water in the open air. Furthermore, a technique is also known in which ultraviolet rays are irradiated to a drain pan receiving drains from an evaporator to carry out ultraviolet ray sterilization (see Patent Document 3).

  In general household air conditioners, as a method to sterilize the heat exchanger surface of the indoor unit, introduce a mist of hydrogen peroxide solution into the air passage in the conditioner and sterilize by the oxidizing power of hydrogen peroxide The method to carry out is known (patent document 4).

JP-A-6-262937 JP 2008-64343 A Registered Utility Model No. 3007375 Patent No. 4967971 gazette

  In the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, although the antimicrobial effect is exhibited by the components deposited on the surface of the evaporator, such as an antimicrobial metal and polyaniline, the component flows out with the drain drainage, and the antimicrobial effect decreases with time. I had to do something. Further, since the antibacterial effect is exerted on the surface on which the above-mentioned components are deposited, once dirt or the like adheres and the surface is covered, harmful microorganisms further deposited from above the dirt or the like are exposed. It can not exert an antibacterial effect, and harmful microorganisms may be propagated. In addition, it is conceivable to sterilize by irradiating ultraviolet rays directly to the evaporator, but it is not only necessary to increase the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays in order to kill mold etc. with ultraviolet rays, but the evaporator has a complicated shape Therefore, it is difficult to perform sufficient sterilization because there is a portion which is not irradiated with ultraviolet light and a shield such as dust adheres to the surface.

  Furthermore, when the method described in Patent Document 4 is diverted to an automotive air conditioner, it is necessary to supply the hydrogen peroxide water mist to the entire inside of the air passage, so the amount of hydrogen peroxide water used is large. turn into. Also, since the mist spreads widely and comes in contact with the surface of the surrounding members, in order to avoid adverse effects such as corrosion and deterioration on these members, it is necessary to use a low concentration hydrogen peroxide solution at the expense of oxidizing power. In addition, there is a problem that the process takes a long time. In this regard, Patent Document 4 describes that the oxidizing power can be enhanced by using in combination with ozone, but in that case, there is a risk that safety problems will occur with the use of ozone. There is.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method of sterilizing an evaporator capable of sterilizing the surface of the evaporator continuously for a long time without causing such a problem and an air conditioner for an automobile with an evaporator sterilizing function.

  The present inventor pays attention to a self-cleaning mechanism utilizing the oxidation action of hydroxyl radical (also referred to as OH radical), and kills and removes these by self-cleaning at a stage before harmful microorganisms adhere and reproduce on the evaporator surface. It is thought that the above problem can be solved if For example, the surface of the evaporator can be coated with a photocatalyst, and periodically irradiated with light that excites the photocatalyst in the presence of water can kill and remove harmful microorganisms before they grow.

  However, when the surface of the evaporator is coated with a photocatalyst, not only the heat exchange efficiency decreases due to the decrease of the thermal conductivity, but also the mineral component such as metal carbonate adheres to the surface of the photocatalyst to deactivate it. And there is a problem that the function declines.

  As a method of generating OH radicals without using a photocatalyst, a method of irradiating a hydrogen peroxide solution or ozone with ultraviolet light is known. For example, hydrogen peroxide is known to absorb a wavelength of 290 nm or less and generate OH radicals. However, because the lifetime of OH radicals is extremely short, for example, even if hydrogen peroxide water mist is irradiated with ultraviolet light to generate OH radicals, the activity is significantly reduced before the mist reaches the evaporator surface which is the object to be disinfected. It will Further, even if mist containing OH radicals reaches the surface of the evaporator and the dirt is decomposed by the oxidation action of the OH radicals, there is a problem that the residue remains on the surface when the mist is dried.

  Therefore, the inventor of the present invention increases the surface OH radical concentration by performing ultraviolet irradiation in a state where hydrogen peroxide solution is in contact with the evaporator surface, and is in a wet state (oxidized decomposition product during or after ultraviolet irradiation). It was conceived to remove the oxidative decomposition products by the force of water flow while maintaining the state of floating from the surface, and the present invention was completed.

  That is, a first invention of the present invention is a method for sterilizing and / or cleaning an evaporator in an automotive air conditioner using a cleaning solution comprising an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide, which comprises a microorganism and / or a dirt component A cleaning solution supplying step for supplying the cleaning solution for sterilization to the surface of the evaporator so that the cleaning solution for sterilization is brought into contact with the surface of the evaporator to which is attached, the sterilization method in a state in contact with the surface of the evaporator The cleaning liquid is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to perform sterilization and / or decomposition of the microorganisms and / or dirt components, and during or after the sterilization / decomposition process and / or after the sterilization / decomposition process. Fluid physical cleaning of the surface of the evaporator is performed while the cleaning liquid for cleaning remains on the surface of the evaporator; It is.

  In the method of the present invention, the cleaning fluid is supplied to the surface of the evaporator such that the cleaning fluid other than the sterilizing cleaning fluid comes into contact with the surface of the evaporator to which the microorganism and / or the dirt component adheres. It is preferable to further include a pre-cleaning step of performing fluid physical cleaning of the evaporator surface, wherein the pre-cleaning step is performed before the sterilizing cleaning liquid supply step.

  In the method of the present invention including the above preferred embodiments, (1) in the cleaning solution supplying step for sterilization, the cleaning solution for sterilization flows in contact with the surface of the evaporator to supply the cleaning solution for the sterilization Performing the fluid physical cleaning during the sterilization / decomposition step by the flow, or (2) the sterilization liquid for sterilization is kept in contact with the surface of the evaporator in the cleaning liquid supply step for sterilization. The cleaning solution for sterilization is supplied, and the cleaning solution for sterilization held in contact with the surface of the evaporator in the sterilization / decomposition process is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and after the sterilization / decomposition process is completed, the rinse solution is The fluid physical cleaning is preferably performed by flowing the surface of the evaporator so as to flow the rinse liquid. Arbitrariness.

  In the method of the present invention, an ultraviolet light emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light having a peak in a wavelength range of 220 nm to 380 nm but excluding a wavelength range of more than 250 nm and 280 nm or less; and a wavelength of 250 nm to 280 nm It is preferable to perform ultraviolet irradiation in the sterilization / decomposition process in combination with an ultraviolet light emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light having a peak in a region.

  Furthermore, in the method of the present invention, condensed water (hereinafter, also referred to as "drain water") condensed on the surface of the evaporator during operation of the automotive air conditioner is collected, and the collected condensed water is subjected to hydrogen peroxide It is preferable to use it as a raw material and / or rinse liquid for water, and when sterilizing and / or cleaning an evaporator in a fuel cell vehicle air conditioner, the water generated by the fuel cell is collected and collected. It is preferable to use condensed water as a raw material of hydrogen peroxide solution and / or a rinse solution.

  The second invention of the present invention is an automobile air conditioner comprising an evaporator sterilizing and cleaning mechanism for sterilizing and cleaning the evaporator according to the method of the invention shown in the above (1), wherein the sterilizing and cleaning mechanism is Means for supplying a cleaning solution for sterilization that can be supplied to the surface of the evaporator so as to flow while contacting the surface of the evaporator, an ultraviolet light source capable of irradiating an ultraviolet ray toward the surface of the evaporator, An air conditioner for a motor vehicle, comprising: a first control means, wherein the first control means performs control to operate the ultraviolet light source during operation of the sterilizing solution supply means; It is.

  A third invention of the present invention is an automobile air conditioner comprising an evaporator sterilizing / cleaning mechanism for sterilizing and cleaning the evaporator according to the method of the invention shown in (2), wherein the sterilizing / cleaning mechanism is Means for supplying a sterilizing cleaning liquid to the surface of the evaporator so that the cleaning liquid can be held in contact with the surface of the evaporator, and ultraviolet light capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the surface of the evaporator A light source, a rinse liquid supply means capable of supplying a rinse liquid to flow on the surface of the evaporator, and a second control means, the second control means operating the cleaning liquid supply means for sterilization Control is performed such that the ultraviolet light source is operated after completion and the rinse liquid supply means is operated after the activation of the ultraviolet light source. An air conditioning system.

  As described above, there is known a method of using hydrogen peroxide solution as a cleaning solution for sterilization and spraying it as a mist onto a heat exchanger to perform sterilization and cleaning (see Patent Document 4). There are It is also considered possible to utilize the strong oxidizing power of OH radicals by irradiating the mist of hydrogen peroxide solution with ultraviolet light. However, when ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the mist of the cleaning liquid for germicidal line that floats in the space, OH radicals, which have a very short life, disappear before the mist reaches the surface of the body to be sterilized or cleaned (indoor fan etc.) The probability is so high that it is difficult to obtain sufficient sterilization and cleaning effects. On the other hand, in the method of the present invention, since the cleaning liquid for sterilization is attached to the surface of the object to be sterilized / cleansed and then irradiated with the ultraviolet light, OH radicals are surely generated on the surface to achieve the sterilization / cleaning effect. It can be demonstrated. Furthermore, in the present invention, adhesion of the cleaning solution for sterilization to the surface of the peripheral member can be prevented as much as possible by spraying the cleaning solution for sterilization, for example, by targeting the surface of the body to be sterilized or cleaned. The amount of cleaning solution used can be reduced, and a relatively high concentration of cleaning solution for sterilization can be used without concern for deterioration or corrosion of the peripheral members, and the oxidizing power can be further enhanced. it can. Moreover, in the method of the present invention, since it is not necessary to apply a special coating or the like containing a photocatalyst on the surface of the evaporator, the heat exchange efficiency is not lowered.

  Further, the cleaning liquid other than the cleaning liquid for cleaning is brought into contact with the surface of the evaporator to which microorganisms and / or dirt components are attached, so that the cleaning liquid flows to supply the cleaning liquid to the surface of the evaporator. In the method of the present invention which further includes a pre-washing step for performing fluid physical cleaning and the pre-washing step is performed prior to the sterilizing washing solution supplying step, the amount of the sterilizing washing solution used is reduced to achieve more reliable sterilization and washing. You can get the effect.

  That is, the air conditioning apparatus for automobiles has a severe use environment, and particularly when air conditioning is performed using the outside air, even if the prefilter is installed, it is far compared to the indoor heat exchanger of a home air conditioner. It is inevitable that a large amount of dust adheres to the evaporator surface. In the method of the present invention, the dirt adhering to the surface of the evaporator can be roughly removed by performing pre-washing using, for example, a cleaning solution having a high cleaning effect including a surfactant and alcohol, such as used as a window washer liquid. Therefore, the effect of advanced sterilization and washing using the washing liquid for sterilization can be enhanced. In addition, since the oxidizing power of OH radicals can also decompose and remove organic components such as surfactants, they can be left on the surface of the evaporator to be accumulated, and a decrease in heat exchange rate can also be avoided.

  Moreover, when the ultraviolet-ray which contains an ultraviolet-ray of 250 nm or more and 280 nm or less as an ultraviolet-ray (UV) is used, the bactericidal effect by UV itself can also be acquired.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the cleaning liquid for sterilization that contains hydroxyl radicals by ultraviolet irradiation can penetrate into the interior even if dust etc. adheres to the surface and can spread wet throughout, so the entire surface of the evaporator is evenly distributed. It is possible to sterilize.

  Furthermore, by the flow of the sterilizing cleaning solution or rinse solution, the disassembled dust and dirt residue can also be washed away (physically removed), so perform manual or automatic cleaning periodically. Thus, the surface of the evaporator can be constantly kept clean.

This figure is a cross-sectional view for schematically explaining a representative air conditioning apparatus 100 of the present invention. This figure is a figure which illustrates typically a mode that the disinfection mechanism 20 with which the air conditioning apparatus 100 for motor vehicles shown in FIG. 1 is working is operate | moving. This figure is the figure which showed typically the flow of the washing | cleaning liquid for sterilization, and the rinse liquid in the case of using drain water in the typical air conditioning apparatus for motor vehicles which incorporates a hydrogen-peroxide solution manufacturing apparatus. This figure is a typical cleaning and cleaning solution for disinfecting water when using the drain water and the water generated by the fuel cell of the fuel cell vehicle in a typical automotive air conditioner incorporating the hydrogen peroxide solution manufacturing device. It is the figure which showed the flow typically.

  The above-described effects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the modes for carrying out the invention described below.

  The method of the present invention is a method for sterilizing and / or cleaning an evaporator in an automotive air conditioner using a cleaning solution comprising an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide, in which microorganisms and / or dirt components are attached. Supplying a sterilizing cleaning liquid to the surface of the evaporator so that the sterilizing cleaning liquid contacts the surface of the evaporator, and applying ultraviolet light to the sterilizing cleaning liquid in a state of being in contact with the surface of the evaporator. And the sterilization and decomposition process for sterilization and / or decomposition of the microorganisms and / or soil components, and during the sterilization or decomposition process or after completion of the sterilization or decomposition process, and the cleaning liquid for sterilization is The physical physical cleaning of the surface of the evaporator is performed while remaining on the surface of the evaporator.

  Here, fluid physical cleaning means physical cleaning using a fluid such as water. So-called steam cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning also fall into the category of fluid physical cleaning, but the method of the present invention does not require a special device, and the force generated when flowing a liquid fluid on the evaporator surface It is preferable that the cleaning be performed by flowing away dirt components such as dust with the fluid.

  OH radicals are more likely to be generated as the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the hydrogen peroxide solution making up the sterilizing cleaning solution used in the cleaning solution for sterilization in the method of the present invention increases, but if it is too high, the OH radicals formed will be It is not efficient because it reacts and disappears, and handling becomes difficult. Therefore, the concentration of these hydrogen peroxides in the cleaning liquid for sterilization is preferably 0.01 mM to 10 M, particularly preferably 0.05 mM to 5 M, and most preferably 0.1 mM to 1 M. Here, M represents (mol / liter).

  From the viewpoint of safety, it is preferable that the cleaning liquid for sterilization be substantially free of ozone. In addition, it is preferable that the sterilizing cleaning liquid does not substantially contain salts (such as those that precipitate when dried), because the sterilizing cleaning liquid is not clogged when sprayed or sprayed from the nozzles. Here, the term "substantially free" means that ozone and salts are not positively added, and unavoidable contamination as an impurity is allowed. The lower the concentration of these components which are inevitably mixed as impurities, the better, but it is usually 1 ppm or less, preferably 0.1 ppm or less, and most preferably 0.01 ppm or less on a mass basis.

  The cleaning solution for sterilization may be used by diluting hydrogen peroxide marketed as a disinfectant solution as it is or with water, or using a hydrogen peroxide solution production apparatus, drain water, and a vehicle mounted on a fuel cell In the case of a car, a hydrogen peroxide solution may be manufactured using water (produced water) generated when power is generated by a fuel cell as a raw material, and it may be used as it is or diluted as needed. It is preferable to use a hydrogen peroxide solution using a hydrogen peroxide solution production apparatus using drain water or product water because it is possible to perform a water-free operation. In addition, since the generated water is extremely pure water and does not contain metal ions, salts, fine dust, etc., it does not require filtration or ion exchange treatment when used as the raw material water, so the generated water is used as the raw material It is particularly preferred to use the hydrogen peroxide solution produced.

  As a hydrogen peroxide solution production apparatus, as described in Patent Document 4 described above, “a polymer electrolyte membrane which is an electrolyte membrane having hydrogen ion conductivity, and in contact with one side across the polymer electrolyte membrane An electrolytic cell comprising an anode electrode disposed on the other side and a cathode electrode disposed in contact with the other surface, the anode terminal being attached to the anode electrode, and the cathode terminal being attached to the cathode electrode. The polymer electrolyte membrane, the anode electrode and the cathode electrode are fixed by screws through a watertight sheet, the anode water storage portion is on the electrolytic cell anode side, and the cathode water storage portion is on the cathode side. And an electrolyte membrane having hydrogen ion conductivity and a first surface of the electrolyte membrane as described in the hydrogen peroxide production apparatus and JP 2008-81760A. Anode charge And a cathode electrode disposed in contact with the second surface of the electrolyte membrane, a means for supplying water to the anode electrode, and an oxygen-containing gas and water supplied to the cathode electrode. A means for supplying at least an oxygen-containing gas, a gas-liquid separation means for separating a gas and a liquid generated at the cathode electrode, a gas supply means for supplying a gas separated by the gas-liquid separation means to the anode electrode; A hydrogen peroxide production apparatus that can be made compact, such as a hydrogen peroxide production apparatus characterized by comprising a power supply that applies a DC voltage to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, can be used without particular limitation.

  The sterilizing cleaning liquid supply means generally includes a pump, a pipe, and a nozzle, and the sterilizing cleaning liquid stored in the tank is pumped by the pump and supplied from the nozzle to the surface of the evaporator. The nozzle is not particularly limited as long as the cleaning liquid for sterilization can be supplied in contact with the surface of the evaporator, and a mist nozzle, a spray nozzle, or the like can be applied. In the sterilizing cleaning liquid supply step, (1) when the sterilizing cleaning liquid flows in contact with the surface of the evaporator to be supplied, a spray nozzle (2) the sterilizing cleaning liquid is the evaporator In the case where the supply is performed while being held in contact with the surface of the above, mist nozzles are preferably used.

  The drain water and the generated water can be suitably used as a rinse liquid in the case of performing fluid physical cleaning of the surface of the evaporator by the flow of the rinse liquid.

  In the step of supplying the cleaning liquid for sterilization, (1) when the cleaning liquid for sterilization flows while being in contact with the surface of the evaporator, the sterilization / decomposition by ultraviolet irradiation is performed while performing such supply. At the same time, the fluid physical cleaning will be performed by the force generated during the flow. In the sterilizing cleaning solution supply step, (2) when the sterilizing cleaning solution is supplied while being held in contact with the surface of the evaporator, the surface of the evaporator is removed in the sterilizing / decomposing step. The cleaning solution for sterilization that is held in contact with the ultraviolet light is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and after completion of the sterilization / decomposition process, a rinse solution is supplied to flow on the surface of the evaporator, and the flow of the rinse solution causes the rinse solution to flow. Fluid physical cleaning will be performed.

  As the rinse liquid in the case of the above (2), it is preferable to use water which does not contain a surfactant or salts, since residues do not remain on the evaporator surface after drying, and ion-exchanged water, the drain water, It is preferable to use the generated water and the like. Supply of the rinse liquid in the case of performing a rinse can be suitably performed by methods, such as spraying on the evaporator surface using a spray nozzle.

  In the sterilization / decomposition process, it is necessary to irradiate ultraviolet light in order to generate OH radicals in the cleaning liquid in contact with the evaporator. It is known that OH radicals generated by ultraviolet irradiation have the strongest oxidizing power among molecular species called so-called active oxygen, and react with lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and the like (Teruaki Takayanagi, Takeo Ohsaka (Ed.) 1998), Active oxygen, see The Chemical Society of Japan, Maruzen Co., Ltd. Publication), It is known that persistent organic substances that can not be decomposed by ozone can be treated (Yamatake Atsushi (2007), microplasma in water Research on stable formation of radicals and radical reactions, see Tokyo Institute of Technology, Doctoral Dissertation As can be understood from these facts, OH radicals can also decompose metabolites produced by harmful microorganisms. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is also possible to remove the biofilm formed on the surface of the evaporator. is there.

  The shorter the wavelength of ultraviolet light, the higher the energy, and the more convenient for the generation of OH radicals, but it is difficult to prepare a light source capable of emitting ultraviolet light of a short wavelength of less than 210 nm with relatively high intensity. Therefore, it is preferable to irradiate ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 210 nm or more, particularly ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 220 nm to 380 nm. When UV rays in such a wavelength range are used, the UV rays can only be irradiated to the cleaning agent while maintaining high strength without being absorbed by substances such as oxygen in the atmosphere and causing a decrease in strength. Unlike the case of using a mercury lamp or an excimer lamp that emits ultraviolet light including ultraviolet light having a wavelength of less than 200 nm, harmful ozone is not generated. It is preferable to use ultraviolet rays in such a wavelength range also from the viewpoint of preventing the generation of ozone. Furthermore, it is preferable that the ultraviolet rays used contain ultraviolet rays of 250 nm or more and 280 nm or less, because the bactericidal effect can also be simultaneously obtained by ultraviolet rays alone.

  Moreover, it is preferable to use an ultraviolet-ray light emitting diode (UV-LED) as a light source from a viewpoint that an apparatus can be miniaturized and maintenance can be facilitated. It is more preferable to use a UV-LED emitting UV light having a peak in the wavelength range of 220 nm to 380 nm from the merit of such an apparatus and the high generation efficiency of OH radicals, and further, the sterilizing effect by UV light alone And UV-LEDs that emit ultraviolet light having a peak in a wavelength range of more than 250 nm but not more than 280 nm and 250 nm or more and 280 nm or less. It is most preferable to use together with a UV-LED that emits ultraviolet light having a peak in the wavelength range.

At the time of ultraviolet irradiation, the integrated irradiation amount on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger is 50 mJ / cm ² or more, particularly 100 mJ / cm ² or more by controlling the distance between the light source and the evaporator surface and the irradiation time according to the output of the light source. It is preferable to do so.

  Furthermore, in order to ensure that the surface having the unevenness can be irradiated with ultraviolet light, (a) the surface of the evaporator can be simultaneously irradiated with ultraviolet light from different directions, as the ultraviolet light source. An ultraviolet light source in which a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes are disposed, the peak wavelength of which is 220 to 380 nm, or (b) time is shifted so that ultraviolet light can be irradiated to the surface of the evaporator from different directions. It is preferable to use an ultraviolet light source having an emission direction control mechanism that controls the emission direction of one or more ultraviolet light emitting diodes having a peak wavelength of 220 to 380 nm.

  In general, air conditioners for automobiles have a harsh operating environment, and even when installing air filters using external air, it is far more difficult than the indoor heat exchangers of home air conditioners even if prefilters are installed. It is inevitable that a large amount of dust adheres to the evaporator surface. In the state where a large amount of dust adheres to the evaporator surface, the cleaning solution supply step for sterilization may be performed, but in that case, not only the amount of the object to be decomposed or sterilized increases but also the above-mentioned (1) In this case, a large amount of cleaning liquid for sterilization is required to perform fluid physical cleaning, which makes it difficult to perform efficient sterilization and cleaning. In order to avoid such a situation, in the method of the present invention, it is preferable to carry out pre-washing using a washing solution. At this time, the cleaning liquid may be any cleaning liquid other than the above-mentioned sterilizing cleaning liquid, but it is preferable to use an aqueous solution containing a cleaning promoting component such as a surfactant or alcohol because the cleaning effect is high. It is particularly preferred to use a window washer fluid because it eliminates the need to install a new tank. Supply of the cleaning liquid to the evaporator surface in the pre-cleaning can be performed in the same manner as the rinse liquid. When the cleaning solution is dried as it is, there is a concern that the non-volatile cleaning promoting component remains as a residue to lower the heat exchange rate of the evaporator. However, in the method of the present invention, the cleaning solution for sterilization after the pre-cleaning step Since the supply process and the sterilization / decomposition process are performed, the occurrence of such problems can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, the method of the present invention and the automotive air conditioner of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a representative automotive air conditioner 100 according to the present invention. The automotive air conditioner 100 is installed at the lower part of the dashboard of the automotive vehicle, as in the case of a known automotive air conditioner. In FIG. 1, the right side of the drawing is the front of the vehicle, and the left side of the drawing is the rear of the vehicle.

  The automotive air conditioning apparatus 100 has a case 1 whose interior is divided into two, and a blower fan 2, an evaporator 3 and a cleaning solution supply means 11 for sterilizing the sterilization mechanism 20 described later in one area A (right side in the drawing). Is disposed, and the heater core 4 is disposed in the other area B (left side in the drawing). One area A and the other area B communicate with each other by the air mix door 5, and a path through which the air shown in FIG. 1 flows in the case 1 as indicated by I to IV (hereinafter referred to as "air flow paths I to IV "Is formed."

  When the operation of the automotive air conditioning apparatus 100 is started, the blower fan 2 is rotated to introduce outside air or in-vehicle air into the case 1 by the air flow path I. A filter 6 is disposed in the air flow path I, thereby preventing foreign matter such as dust from entering the case 1 into a predetermined size or more. The air that has passed through the filter 6 is sent to the evaporator 3 by the air flow path II.

The evaporator 3 constitutes a known refrigeration cycle and functions as a cooler for dehumidifying and cooling the air sent through the air flow path II. In the cooling process, the moisture contained in the air is cooled, condensed or condensed, and adheres to the surface of the evaporator 3. Adhered condensed water or condensate (drainage water) was added dropwise to the bottom of the case 1 by a predetermined amount gather the gravity (the flow path indicated by the arrow D ₂ in FIG. 1), a drain pan arranged in the lower portion of the casing 1 gathered to 8 and discarded discharged from the drainage port 9 provided in the drain pan (flow path indicated by arrow D ₁ in FIG. 1), or is used as a raw material or a rinsing liquid sterilizing cleaning fluid, or outside the vehicle .

  On the downstream side of the evaporator 3, an air mix door 5 is disposed which distributes the air having passed through the evaporator 3 to the air flow path IIIc and the air flow path IIIh. The air sent to the region B by the air flow path IIIh Are all sent to the heater core 4, and the air sent to the region B by the air flow path III c bypasses the heater core 4. The heater core 4 heats the air passing through the heater core 4 by the air flow path IIIh using the engine cooling water as the heat source when the vehicle has an internal combustion engine (engine) and the electric heater as the heat source when the vehicle is an electric vehicle. Heater. According to this configuration, the air that has passed through the air flow passage IIIc is sent to the region B while being cooled by the evaporator 3, and the air that has passed through the air flow passage IIIh is heated by the heater core 4 and sent to the region B. And they are mixed downstream of zone B. The air mix door 5 can adjust the amount of air passing through the air flow passage IIIh and the amount of air passing through the air flow passage IIIc, and adjust the amount of air passing through the two flow passages. Thus, it is possible to obtain air adjusted to a desired temperature in the region B. The air adjusted to the desired temperature is transferred to the defroster outlet (DEF) inside the windshield by the air flow path IV, to the face direction outlet (FACE) of the passenger by the air flow path V, and to the foot by the air flow path VI. Each is discharged to a directional outlet (FOOT). In addition, air can be selectively discharged | emitted from one or several flow path among air flow paths IV-VI by the blowing mode switching door which is not shown in figure.

  As described above, the area around the evaporator 3 is always in a humid environment due to the presence of condensed water or condensed water, and is in an environment in which harmful microorganisms contained in the air taken in from the air flow path I easily propagate. According to the automotive air conditioning apparatus 100 provided with the sterilizing mechanism 20, it is possible to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms, and also to kill them after the harmful microorganisms have proliferated to some extent.

  The sterilizing mechanism 20 included in the automotive air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sterilizing cleaning liquid composed of an aqueous solution in which hydrogen peroxide that is decomposed by ultraviolet irradiation to generate OH radicals (hydroxyl radicals) is an evaporator. 3. A sterilizing cleaning liquid supply means 11 that can be supplied to the surface, and an ultraviolet light source 12 that can irradiate ultraviolet light onto the surface of the evaporator 3, by irradiating the sterilizing cleaning liquid supplied to the evaporator 3 surface with ultraviolet light, Sterilize the evaporator 3.

  Hereinafter, the sterilization mechanism 20 provided in the automotive air conditioner 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a view seen from the same viewpoint as FIG. 1 and is a view schematically illustrating a state in which the sterilization mechanism 20 provided in the automotive air conditioner 100 of the present invention is operated. A sterilizing cleaning liquid supply means 11 capable of supplying a sterilizing cleaning liquid to the surface of the evaporator 3 and an ultraviolet light source 12 capable of irradiating ultraviolet light onto the surface of the evaporator 3 are provided.

  The sterilizing cleaning liquid supply means 11 is not particularly limited as long as it is a member capable of supplying the sterilizing cleaning liquid to the surface of the evaporator 3. In this embodiment, the sterilizing cleaning liquid supply means 11 sprays the sterilizing cleaning liquid on the surface of the evaporator 3 by the sterilizing cleaning liquid nozzle 11a and the sterilizing cleaning liquid tank 7 to the sterilizing cleaning liquid supply pipe 11b. And a sterilizing cleaning solution pump 11c that applies pressure to the cleaning cleaning solution. The material of the cleaning liquid tank 7 for sterilization, the nozzle 11a for cleaning liquid for sterilization, and the supply pipe 11b for cleaning liquid for sterilization can be made of resin such as polyolefin or vinyl chloride, for example.

The method of supplying the cleaning solution for sterilization to the surface of the evaporator 3 from the cleaning solution nozzle 11a for sterilization differs depending on the method of fluid physical cleaning. (1) When performing fluid physical cleaning with the cleaning liquid for sterilization, in the case of supplying so as to flow while contacting the surface of the cleaning liquid for sterilization liquid, the evaporator 3, the nozzle 11a for cleaning liquid for cleaning is a shower head, According to the pressure of the sterilizing cleaning solution pump 11c, a method of radially spraying as shown in FIG. 2 so as to maintain a constant flowing water condition so that fluid physical cleaning effectively occurs is preferably employed. (2) In the case of performing fluid physical cleaning with a rinse liquid, it is preferable to use a method in which the cleaning liquid for sterilization is made into fine droplets by ultrasonic waves in the nozzle 11a for cleaning liquid for sterilization and is atomized and sprayed. In this case, if the spray is stopped with the fine droplets adhering almost uniformly over the entire surface of the evaporator 3, the droplets necessary for the sterilization are held on the surface of the evaporator 3, so the amount of cleaning solution used for sterilization Can be significantly reduced. Of course, it is also possible to continue spraying continuously during ultraviolet irradiation. In this case, along the gentle surface droplets to grow, would be added dropwise to the bottom of the evaporator 3 (see arrow D _2), constant fluid physical cleaning effect can be expected despite weak. When the ultraviolet irradiation is performed after stopping the spraying and when the ultraviolet irradiation is performed by continuing the spraying and the fluid physical cleaning effect can not be expected so much, the fluid physical cleaning using the rinse liquid is performed.

  In the fluid physical cleaning using the rinse liquid, the rinse liquid stored in the rinse liquid tank (not shown) is pumped by a pump (not shown), and the rinse liquid is sprayed toward the surface of the evaporator 3 from a nozzle such as a shower head (not shown). Just do it.

  As described above, in the method of the present invention, the cleaning fluid is supplied to the surface of the evaporator so that the cleaning fluid other than the sterilizing cleaning fluid flows in contact with the surface of the evaporator to which the microorganisms and / or dirt components adhere. It is preferable to further include a pre-cleaning step of performing fluid physical cleaning of the evaporator surface, wherein the pre-cleaning step is performed before the sterilizing cleaning liquid supply step. When performing the pre-cleaning process, the cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank for the pre-cleaning process (not shown) is pumped by a pump (not shown), and the cleaning solution is directed to the surface of the evaporator 3 from a nozzle such as a shower head (not shown). It may be made to inject. At this time, as the cleaning solution tank and the cleaning solution, it is preferable to use the one used in the window wash mechanism as it is (in combination).

Dropping or flowing down the sterilizing washing liquid into the lower part of the evaporator 3, the rinse liquid and the cleaning liquid used in the pre-cleaning step is discarded to the outside of the vehicle from the outlet of the drain pan through the flow path of the arrow D _1.

  The ultraviolet light source 12 is a light source capable of irradiating the surface of the evaporator 3 with ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light source 12 is not particularly limited as long as it is a light source capable of irradiating the surface of the evaporator 3 with ultraviolet light, but it is preferable to use one or more ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs). Since the UV light emitting diode has a narrow half width, it is easy to selectively irradiate ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength, and has the advantages of long life and low power consumption. When an ultraviolet light emitting diode is used as the ultraviolet light source 12, for example, the ultraviolet light emitting diode may be disposed on the substrate so that the emitted light is directed to the evaporator 3. The ultraviolet light emitting diode is preferably packaged or modularized, and is housed in a structure that emits directional light such as parallel light, for example, in a package having a collimating lens preferable.

  When ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the sterilizing cleaning liquid in the state of being in contact with the surface of the evaporator 3, OH radicals are generated in the cleaning liquid in the state of being in contact with the surface of the evaporator 3 and the evaporator is generated by the action of OH radicals. The harmful microbes on the surface of 3 are killed, and furthermore, the organic soil is also decomposed.

  The ultraviolet light source 12 is supplied with power from the battery of the automobile to emit light, and irradiates the evaporator 3 with ultraviolet light. The light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 12 passes through the ultraviolet transmission window 13 to enter the case 1 and is irradiated to the cleaning liquid for sterilization in a state of being in contact with the surface of the evaporator 3. The advancing direction of the light in case 1 was shown by the white arrow in FIG. From the viewpoint of sterilizing the entire upstream side (right side in the drawing) of the evaporator 3 as shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the ultraviolet light be irradiated on the entire upstream side of the evaporator 3. When the irradiation area of the ultraviolet light is narrower than the area of the entire upstream side of the evaporator 3, a light diffusion film may be disposed on the inner surface or the outer surface of the case 1 of the ultraviolet transmission window 13 to expand the irradiation range.

  In the present invention, preferably, the surface of the drain pan for receiving the used cleaning liquid for cleaning and dropping out of the evaporator 3 and discharging it to the outside of the apparatus is irradiated with ultraviolet light. By doing this, it is possible to more reliably prevent the reproduction of harmful microorganisms in the drain pan.

  In the automotive air conditioner according to the present invention, the cleaning liquid for sterilization is externally supplied to the cleaning liquid tank 7 for sterilization by diluting previously prepared one, for example, hydrogen peroxide marketed as an antiseptic solution as it is or with water. The hydrogen peroxide solution produced by the hydrogen peroxide solution producing apparatus may be supplied to the tank 7 by attaching a hydrogen peroxide solution producing apparatus. Furthermore, in the case where the hydrogen peroxide solution manufacturing apparatus can also serve as the sterilizing cleaning solution tank 7, the hydrogen peroxide solution manufacturing apparatus may be directly supplied to the surface of the evaporator.

  As a hydrogen peroxide solution production apparatus, for example, a polymer electrolyte membrane 32 which is an electrolyte membrane having hydrogen ion conductivity as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 4, and one side of the polymer electrolyte membrane 32 And an electrolytic cell 31 including an anode electrode (not shown) disposed in contact with the other, and a cathode electrode (not shown) disposed in contact with the other surface, and the anode A terminal (not shown) is attached to the cathode electrode, and a cathode terminal (not shown) is attached to the cathode electrode, and the polymer electrolyte membrane 32, the anode electrode and the cathode electrode are watertight sheets (not shown). A hydrogen peroxide production apparatus 30 "is fixed, which is fixed by screws via the anode water reservoir 33 on the anode side of the electrolysis cell and the cathode water reservoir 34 on the cathode side.

According to Patent Document 4, in the hydrogen peroxide producing apparatus, a hydrogen peroxide solution is produced as follows. That is, a DC power supply is connected to the anode terminal and the cathode terminal, and the electrolysis cell 31 is operated while continuously or intermittently applying a DC voltage of 1.5 to 10 V between the positive and negative electrodes. At this time, the water collected in the anode reservoir 33 passes through the anode electrode and contacts the polymer electrolyte membrane 32. Then, the water is absorbed by the polymer electrolyte membrane 32, diffused in the polymer electrolyte membrane 32, and held. At the anode electrode, the supplied water is divided into oxygen (O ₂ ) and hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) as shown in the following reaction formula (1). When a voltage is applied by a DC power supply, a current flows and oxygen molecules are generated from the surface of the anode electrode. Since the polymer electrolyte membrane 32 does not transmit gas, is electrically insulating, and has the property of conducting only water and hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ), the gas and water containing oxygen (O ₂ ) from the cathode side When (H ₂ O) is supplied, hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) conducted from the anode electrode reaching the interface with the polymer electrolyte film 32 on the cathode electrode, and reducibility due to hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) The substance reacts with oxygen gas (O ₂ ), and hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) is generated by the reduction reaction represented by the following reaction formula (2). The concentration of the aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide is increased as it is stored in the cathode storage unit 34 and takes time.

Anode: 2H ₂ O → O ₂ + 4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻ (1)
Cathode: O ₂ + 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ → H ₂ O ₂ (2)
When the hydrogen peroxide solution manufacturing apparatus is attached, the drain water and the mounted vehicle of the automotive air conditioner according to the present invention are fuel cell vehicles because it is possible to perform a waterless operation. It is preferable to produce a hydrogen peroxide solution using water (produced water) generated when power is generated by the fuel cell as a raw material.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows the flows of the cleaning liquid for sterilization and the rinse liquid when drain water is used as a raw material of hydrogen peroxide solution and / or a rinse liquid. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, when the air conditioning apparatus is not operating the sterilization mechanism, the stop valve 35a communicating with the drainage line 50 is closed and the stop valve 35b communicating with the drain tank 14 is opened. Thus, the drain water discharged from the discharge port 9 of the drain pan 8 is guided to the drain tank 14. The drain tank 14 includes a filter mechanism F using a liquid filter 38 and an overflow mechanism 36 having two reservoirs divided by a weir 37. The drain water led to the drain tank 14 is treated by the liquid filter 38 just before overflowing over the weir 37, and solid impurities such as fine dust and the like mixed at the time of outflow from the drainage port are removed and The drain passes over the weir 37 and is stored in the purified drain water reservoir 39. At this time, solid impurities are precipitated by gravity in the reservoir before exceeding the weir 37 and are hardly contained in the supernatant liquid to be filtered, so a filter for a liquid having a very small opening. No clogging occurs even with the use of 38, and advanced filtering is possible. The filtered purified drain water stored in the purified drain water storage unit 39 is used as raw material water and rinse water for the hydrogen peroxide solution. When the hydrogen peroxide solution is used as a raw material water, the stop valve 35d is closed and the stop valve 35e is opened, so that the purified drain water is put into the anode chamber 33 of the hydrogen peroxide solution production apparatus 30. The hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied, and the hydrogen peroxide solution production apparatus 30 is operated to produce a hydrogen peroxide solution. The hydrogen peroxide solution produced is to be accumulated in the cathode chamber 34. Therefore, when supplying the cleaning liquid as a cleaning liquid to the surface of the evaporator 3, the pump 11c may be activated to spray the cleaning liquid for sterilization from the nozzle 11a. . When the purified drain water is used as the rinse liquid, the stop valve 35e is closed and the stop valve 35d is opened, and the pump 40c of the rinse liquid supply line 40 is activated to feed the nozzle through the supply pipe 40b. It may be jetted from the surface 40 a toward the surface of the evaporator 3.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows the flows of the cleaning liquid for sterilization and the rinse liquid when drain water and generated water generated by the fuel cell of the fuel cell vehicle are used. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the sterilizing cleaning liquid supply means 11 is provided separately from the rinse liquid supply line. That is, the generated water generated by the fuel cell B is supplied to the anode chamber 33 of the hydrogen peroxide solution manufacturing apparatus 30 through the generated water supply line 60. The hydrogen peroxide solution stored in the cathode chamber 34 is sprayed from the nozzle 11 a toward the surface of the evaporator 3 by the cleaning liquid supply means 11 for sterilization. In the embodiment, drain water is used as the rinse liquid. When drain water is used as the rinse liquid, drain water may be introduced to the drain tank 14 ′ and stored as in the case shown in FIG. 3, and the pump 40c may be activated to inject water from the nozzle 40a through the supply pipe 40b. .

  In any of the modes shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when performing the sterilization / washing process and further the pre-washing process, the stop valve 35b is closed and the stop valve 35a is opened. The used sterilizing cleaning solution, rinse solution and cleaning solution for pre-washing are respectively discarded to the outside from the drainage line 50.

  In the present invention, the sterilization mechanism 20 comprises detection means for detecting the start and / or stop of the drive engine or drive motor of the automobile, and control means for operating the sterilization mechanism 20 for a predetermined time according to a signal from the detection means. Furthermore, it is preferable to have. By doing this, sterilization of the evaporator 3 is performed with certainty, so that the clean state can always be maintained for a long time. Since the reproduction of harmful microorganisms mainly occurs while the car is stopped for a long time, when stopping, especially when drain water or product water is used, the sterilization after the operation of the air conditioner is continuously operated for a predetermined time It is more preferable to operate the mechanism.

  Further, in the present invention, as long as the cleaning liquid and the rinse liquid for sterilization are prepared, it is possible to sterilize by the sterilization mechanism 20 at any timing.

  Although the above description of the present invention exemplifies the automotive air conditioner 100 in which the ultraviolet light source 12 is disposed outside the case 1, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ultraviolet light source is inside the case 1. It is good also as a form which is provided and is directly irradiated to evaporator 3 not via ultraviolet transmission window 13.

  In the above description of the present invention, the automotive air conditioner 100 in which the blower fan 2, the evaporator 3 and the heater core 4 are housed in the same case 2 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. These members may be housed in different cases. In this case, it is possible to equip the case which accommodates an evaporator with the sterilization mechanism illustrated above.

  In the above description of the present invention, the automotive air conditioner 100 has been described in which the sterilizing cleaning solution is supplied and the ultraviolet light is irradiated from the upstream side (right side of the sheet of FIG. 1) of the evaporator 3. Alternatively, the evaporator may be supplied with a cleaning liquid for sterilization and irradiated with ultraviolet light from the downstream side of the evaporator 3 (left side in the drawing of FIG. 1).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2 Blower fan 3 Evaporator 4 Heater core 5 Air mix door 6 Filter 7 Disinfecting cleaning solution tank 8 Drain pan 9 Discharge port 11 Disinfecting cleaning solution supply means 11 a Disinfecting cleaning solution nozzle 11 b Disinfecting cleaning solution supply pipe 11 c Disinfecting cleaning solution Pump 12 UV light source 13 Light guide plate (or UV transmission window)
14, 14 ́ drain tank 20 sterilization mechanism 30 hydrogen peroxide production device 31 electrolysis cell 31
32 polymer electrolyte membrane 33 anode water reservoir 34 cathode water reservoir 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e stop valve 36 overflow mechanism 37 e 38 filter for liquid 39 purified drain water reservoir 40 rinse liquid supply line 40a rinse liquid nozzle 40b Rinse fluid supply pipe 40c Rinse fluid pump 50 Drainage line 60 Produced water supply line 100 Automotive air conditioner B Fuel cell F Filter mechanism

Claims (9)

A method for sterilizing and / or cleaning an evaporator in an automotive air conditioner, using a sterilizing cleaning solution comprising an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide,
Supplying the sterilizing washing solution to the surface of the evaporator so that the sterilizing washing solution comes into contact with the surface of the evaporator to which microorganisms and / or dirt components are attached;
The sterilization / decomposition process of irradiating the ultraviolet rays to the cleaning liquid for sterilization in a state of being in contact with the surface of the evaporator to sterilize and / or decompose the microorganism and / or soil component, and during the sterilization / decomposition process Or performing fluid physical cleaning of the surface of the evaporator during the period when the cleaning liquid for sterilization remains on the surface of the evaporator after completion of the sterilization / decomposition process.
Said method characterized in that.   The cleaning fluid is supplied to the surface of the evaporator so that the cleaning fluid other than the sterilizing cleaning fluid flows in contact with the surface of the evaporator to which the microorganisms and / or dirt components are attached, and the fluid physical cleaning of the evaporator surface is performed. The method according to claim 1, further comprising performing a pre-cleaning step, wherein the pre-cleaning step is performed before the sterilizing cleaning solution supplying step.   The sterilizing cleaning liquid is supplied in such a manner that the sterilizing cleaning liquid flows while contacting the surface of the evaporator in the sterilizing cleaning liquid supply step, and the fluid physical cleaning is performed during the sterilizing / decomposing step by the flow. The method according to claim 1 or 2, which is performed.   The sterilizing cleaning liquid is supplied in such a manner that the sterilizing cleaning liquid is held in contact with the surface of the evaporator in the sterilizing cleaning liquid supply step, and is held in contact with the surface of the evaporator in the sterilizing / decomposing step. The cleaning liquid for sterilization is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and after completion of the sterilization / decomposition process, a rinse liquid is supplied to flow on the surface of the evaporator, and the fluid physical cleaning is performed by the flow of the rinse liquid. A method according to claim 1 or 2.   An ultraviolet light emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light having a peak in a wavelength range of 220 nm to 380 nm and excluding 250 nm to 280 nm, and emits ultraviolet light having a peak in a wavelength range of 250 nm to 280 nm The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ultraviolet irradiation in the sterilization / decomposition step is performed in combination with an ultraviolet light emitting diode.   The condensed water condensed on the surface of the evaporator during operation of the automotive air conditioner is collected, and the collected condensed water is used as a raw material and / or a rinse liquid for a hydrogen peroxide solution. The method described in.   A method for sterilizing and / or cleaning an evaporator in an air conditioner for a fuel cell vehicle, comprising: collecting water generated by the fuel cell; collecting collected condensed water as a raw material and / or rinse of the hydrogen peroxide solution The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is used as a liquid. An automotive air conditioner comprising an evaporator sterilizing / cleaning mechanism for sterilizing and cleaning the evaporator according to the method according to claim 3.
The sterilizing and cleaning mechanism
A sterilizing washer fluid supply means capable of supplying the sterilizing washer fluid to the surface of the evaporator while flowing in contact with the surface of the evaporator;
An ultraviolet light source capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the surface of the evaporator;
A first control means,
An air conditioner for a motor vehicle, wherein the first control means performs control to activate the ultraviolet light source during operation of the sterilizing cleaning liquid supply means. An automobile air conditioner comprising an evaporator sterilizing / cleaning mechanism for sterilizing and cleaning the evaporator according to the method according to claim 4.
The sterilizing and cleaning mechanism
A sterilizing washing solution supplying means capable of supplying the sterilizing washing solution on the surface of the evaporator such that the washing solution is held in contact with the surface of the evaporator;
An ultraviolet light source capable of irradiating ultraviolet light toward the surface of the evaporator;
A rinse liquid supply means capable of supplying a rinse liquid to flow on the surface of the evaporator;
A second control means,
The second control means operates the ultraviolet light source after completion of the operation of the sterilizing cleaning liquid supply means, and controls the rinse liquid supply means after the completion of the operation of the ultraviolet light source. Automotive air conditioners.

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