Gas processing device

Abstract

To provide a gas processing device capable of performing proper purification according to the capacity of the space where the gas processing device is installed.SOLUTION: A gas processing device includes: an ozone generation part for generating ozone; a first detection part for detecting the ozone concentration of the atmosphere; and a controller for controlling the ozone generation part, and for changing the generation amount of the ozone. The controller controls the amount of the ozone to be generated based on data regarding the relation between the ozone concentration and lapsed time, the ozone concentration detected by the first detection part and the lapsed time, preset according to the capacity of the space where the gas processing device is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a gas treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] Reflecting growing health awareness, there is an increasing demand for gas purification (e.g., air purification) in spaces where people enter, such as homes, stores, hospitals, warehouses, factory buildings, waiting rooms for public transport, etc. For example, there is an increasing demand for deodorizing the atmosphere, sterilizing bacteria contained in the atmosphere, and inactivating viruses.

[0003] For this reason, a gas treatment device has been proposed that includes a photocatalytic device and an ozone generator, and purifies atmospheric gases by utilizing the photocatalytic action and the oxidizing action of ozone in cooperation with each other. However, when purifying an atmosphere using ozone, if the ozone concentration in the atmosphere becomes too high, people may feel uncomfortable or be adversely affected. In this case, for example, by reducing the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator, the ozone concentration in the atmosphere can be prevented from becoming too high.

[0004] However, the volume of the space in which the gas treatment device is installed varies, so simply reducing the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator will increase the time required for purification.

[0005] Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of a gas treatment device that can perform appropriate purification depending on the volume of the space in which the gas treatment device is installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-99515 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a gas treatment device that can perform appropriate purification depending on the volume of the space in which the gas treatment device is installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A gas treatment device according to an embodiment includes an ozone generator that generates ozone, a first detector that detects the ozone concentration in the atmosphere, and a controller that controls the ozone generator to vary the amount of ozone generated. The controller controls the amount of ozone to be generated based on data relating to the relationship between the ozone concentration and elapsed time, which is preset according to the volume of the space in which the gas treatment device is installed, the ozone concentration detected by the first detector, and the elapsed time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas processing device that can perform appropriate purification depending on the volume of the space in which the gas processing device is installed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a gas treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state in which a panel of the gas treatment device in FIG. 1 is removed. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic diagram of the inside of the housing in FIG. 2 as viewed from the Y direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gas treatment device. [Figure 5] 10(a) and 10(b) are graphs illustrating the relationship between ozone concentration and elapsed time. [Figure 6] (a) and (b) are graphs illustrating the relationship between ozone concentration and elapsed time when an animal enters. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0012] In each figure, arrows X, Y, and Z represent three mutually perpendicular directions. For example, the X direction is the width direction of the gas treatment device 1, the Y direction is the thickness direction of the gas treatment device 1, and the Z direction is the height direction of the gas treatment device 1. In addition, the term "sterilization" used for convenience in the following explanation can include "sterilization" which reduces the number of bacteria and viruses, and "sterilization" which kills bacteria and viruses.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a gas processing device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the gas treatment device 1 in FIG. 1 with a panel 21 removed. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the inside of the housing 2 in FIG. 2 as viewed from the Y direction. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the gas treatment device 1.

[0014] The gas processing device 1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 is a stationary type gas processing device that is installed on the floor. The gas processing device 1 may also be a wall-mounted type that is installed on a wall, or a tabletop type that is installed on a stand such as a table. The external shape, size, installation form, etc. of the gas processing device 1 can be changed as appropriate depending on the installation environment, application, etc. of the gas processing device 1. Below, a stationary type gas processing device 1 will be described as an example.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the gas treatment device 1 includes, for example, a housing 2, a light treatment unit 3, an ozone generation unit 4, a blower unit 5, a power supply unit 6, a detection unit 7 (corresponding to an example of a first detection unit), and a controller 8.

[0016] The housing 2 is box-shaped and has openings on both ends in the Z direction. In the case of a stationary type gas treatment device 1, the lower opening in the Z direction can be an inlet 2a through which atmospheric gas (e.g., air) flows in, and the upper opening in the Z direction can be an outlet 2b through which treated gas flows out. The locations of the inlet 2a and outlet 2b can be changed as appropriate depending on the installation form of the gas treatment device 1. For example, in the case of a wall-mounted type gas treatment device 1, the inlet 2a and outlet 2b can be located at both ends of the housing 2 in the X direction.

[0017] One end of the housing 2 in the Y direction can also be opened. A panel 21 can be detachably attached to the opening of the housing 2 in the Y direction. This makes it easy to install the optical processing unit 3, ozone generator 4, blower 5, power supply 6, detector 7, and controller 8 inside the housing 2 and to perform maintenance on them.

[0018] In the case of a stationary type gas treatment device 1, legs 22 can be provided at the lower end in the Z direction of the housing 2. Providing the legs 22 makes it easy to ensure a predetermined space between the floor and the inlet 2a. In addition, the upright posture of the housing 2 can be stabilized.

[0019] A cover 23 having a plurality of holes can be provided at the outlet 2b of the housing 2. The cover 23 can be, for example, a so-called finger guard.

[0020] 1 to 3, the housing 2 has an external shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, but the external shape of the housing 2 can be changed as appropriate depending on the installation form and installation environment of the gas treatment device 1. For example, the external shape of the housing 2 may be a circular cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a polygonal cylinder, or the like.

[0021] There are no particular restrictions on the materials used for the housing 2, panel 21, legs 22, and cover 23, but in consideration of weight reduction and cost reduction, it is preferable to form these from resin.

[0022] 1 and 2, an operation panel 24 may be provided at the end of the housing 2 on the side where the outlet 2b is provided. The operation panel 24 may be provided alongside the cover 23 in the Y direction. The operation panel 24 may be provided with, for example, an operation switch for an operator to input setting conditions and the like into the controller 8, an ON / OFF switch for the power, and the like. The operation panel 24 may also be provided with an LCD panel that displays the operating status of the gas treatment device 1 and the input setting conditions, and the like. The setting conditions may be, for example, a value related to the volume of the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed (e.g., the number of tatami mats, etc.). The operation panel 24 may be detachable from the housing 2 or may be provided at a location separated from the housing 2.

[0023] 2 and 3, the light processing unit 3 is provided inside the housing 2. The light processing unit 3 purifies the gas G flowing inside the housing 2. The light processing unit 3 includes, for example, a light blocking section 31, a filter 32, a photocatalyst section 33, a light source 34, and a reflecting section 35.

[0024] The light shielding portion 31 can be provided, for example, near the inlet 2a. The light shielding portion 31 prevents light irradiated from the light source 34 toward the photocatalyst portion 33 from leaking outside the housing 2 through the inlet 2a. The light shielding portion 31 can also allow gas that has flowed into the housing 2 from the inlet 2a to circulate. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the light shielding portion 31 has multiple flow paths 31a bent in the X direction. This configuration can prevent light that has entered the light shielding portion 31 from emitting toward the inlet 2a, and can allow gas that has flowed into the light shielding portion 31 to flow out into the housing 2. The light shielding portion 31 can be formed, for example, from metals such as iron, galvanized steel, and stainless steel, or resins such as fluororesin and ABS resin.

[0025] The filter 32 can be provided, for example, to cover at least one of the end of the light shielding portion 31 on the inlet 2a side and the end of the light shielding portion 31 opposite the inlet 2a side. The filter 32 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is provided on the side of the light shielding portion 31 opposite the inlet 2a side. The filter 32 allows the gas flowing into the housing 2 from the inlet 2a to flow and captures foreign matter such as dust contained in the gas. The filter 32 can be detachably provided on the housing 2 or the light shielding portion 31. This facilitates maintenance such as cleaning and replacement of the filter 32. The filter 32 can be a mesh made of, for example, resin, cloth, paper, metal, or the like.

[0026] The photocatalyst part 33 is provided, for example, on the opposite side to the inlet 2a side of the light blocking part 31. The photocatalyst part 33 has, for example, a substrate having a plurality of holes and a photocatalyst supported on the substrate. The substrate can be, for example, a ceramic plate having a plurality of holes, or a sheet formed by weaving a plurality of glass fibers or a plurality of metal wires. If the substrate is a ceramic plate or a sheet formed by weaving a plurality of metal wires, the rigidity of the substrate can be increased. Therefore, the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas G passing through the substrate can be increased, thereby improving the processing capacity.

[0027] The photocatalyst is, for example, granular and exhibits photocatalytic activity when light having a predetermined wavelength is incident thereon. The photocatalyst can be, for example, an ultraviolet-responsive photocatalyst or a visible-light-responsive photocatalyst. The ultraviolet-responsive photocatalyst includes, for example, titanium oxide. The visible-light-responsive photocatalyst includes, for example, tungsten oxide, titanium oxide doped with nitrogen, or titanium oxide ion-implanted with a different metal.

[0028] For example, the light source 34 is provided at a distance from the photocatalyst section 33 in the Z direction. For example, the light source 34 can be provided near the outlet 2b. The light source 34 faces the photocatalyst section 33. The light source 34 irradiates light to excite the photocatalyst provided in the photocatalyst section 33. For example, if the photocatalyst is an ultraviolet responsive photocatalyst, the light source 34 irradiates, for example, ultraviolet light (UV-A) with a wavelength of 315 nm or more and 420 nm or less. If the photocatalyst is a visible light responsive photocatalyst, the light source 34 irradiates, for example, visible light with a wavelength of 405 nm or more and 600 nm or less.

[0029] There are no particular limitations on the light source 34 as long as it can emit light of a predetermined wavelength. The light source 34 may be, for example, a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode, a laser diode, or an organic light-emitting diode, or may be a discharge lamp such as a mercury lamp, an excimer lamp, or a halogen lamp.

[0030] Here, the DNA and RNA of bacteria and viruses easily absorb ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 300 nm or less. Therefore, if the light source 34 includes, for example, a light-emitting element or a discharge lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light (UV-C) of 270 nm or more and 300 nm or less, it is possible to sterilize bacteria and inactivate viruses contained in the gas G flowing inside the housing 2, and to sterilize bacteria and inactivate viruses attached to the photocatalyst section 33 and the reflecting section 35. Furthermore, if the photocatalyst exhibits a photocatalytic action when exposed to UV-C, it is possible to sterilize bacteria and inactivate viruses by the photocatalytic action at the same time.

[0031] Therefore, in consideration of sterilization of bacteria and inactivation of viruses, it is preferable to use a light source 34 that irradiates at least UV-C. In this case, the light source 34 may include a light emitting element or discharge lamp that irradiates UV-C, and a light emitting element or discharge lamp that irradiates light for exciting the photocatalyst.

[0032] Furthermore, irradiation with ultraviolet light can kill bacteria, inactivate viruses, and decompose odor components. Therefore, if the light source 34 is provided, the photocatalyst section 33 can be omitted. In other words, the light processing unit 3 only needs to include the light source 34 that irradiates ultraviolet light. For example, the light source 34 can be provided so as to extend inside the housing 2 in the Z direction.

[0033] However, if a light source 34 that irradiates ultraviolet light and a photocatalyst unit 33 that has an ultraviolet-responsive photocatalyst are provided, gas can be treated using both the action of ultraviolet light and the action of the photocatalyst, which makes it easy to shorten the gas treatment time and increase the amount of gas that can be treated.

[0034] The reflecting unit 35 surrounds the space between the photocatalyst unit 33 and the light source 34 inside the housing 2. The reflecting unit 35 can be attached to the inner wall of the housing 2 using, for example, a fastening member such as a screw. The reflecting unit 35 is, for example, cylindrical and formed from a material with high reflectivity for light irradiated from the light source 34. The reflecting unit 35 can be formed from, for example, an aluminum alloy or stainless steel. Light irradiated from the light source 34 that is not directed toward the photocatalyst unit 33 is reflected by the inner wall of the reflecting unit 35. A portion of the light reflected by the inner wall of the reflecting unit 35 is incident on the photocatalyst unit 33. Furthermore, the light that is incident on the inner wall of the reflecting unit 35 propagates toward the photocatalyst unit 33 while repeatedly reflecting within the internal space of the reflecting unit 35. Therefore, light (ultraviolet rays) can be repeatedly irradiated onto the gas G flowing inside the reflecting unit 35. In other words, the provision of the reflecting unit 35 can improve the utilization efficiency of light irradiated from the light source 34. Furthermore, since light (ultraviolet rays) can be prevented from being incident on the inner wall of the housing 2, deterioration of the housing 2 can be prevented.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the ozone generator 4 is provided inside the housing 2. The ozone generator 4 can be provided, for example, near the outlet 2b. At least one ozone generator 4 can be provided. When multiple ozone generators 4 are provided, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the multiple ozone generators 4 can be arranged in the X direction. The number and arrangement of the ozone generators 4 can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the gas treatment device 1 (housing 2), the required ozone concentration, etc.

[0036] The ozone generator 4 generates ozone from oxygen contained in the gas G flowing inside the housing 2. Ozone can be generated by, for example, silent discharge, corona discharge, creeping discharge, ultraviolet light irradiation, etc. In this case, silent discharge can maintain a low current without arc transition even at high voltages. Furthermore, since a voltage drop can be suppressed even when a discharge is formed, the energy given to electrons can be maintained at a high energy level.

[0037] Therefore, if the ozone generator 4 is configured to generate silent discharge, ozone can be efficiently generated from the oxygen contained in the gas G. Silent discharge can be generated, for example, by applying an AC voltage between electrodes via a dielectric such as glass. When the gas G is flowed through a space in which silent discharge is generated, some of the oxygen contained in the gas G is dissociated or excited, generating ozone.

[0038] The generated ozone is released to the outside of the housing 2 from the outlet 2b of the housing 2 along with the flow of gas G flowing inside the housing 2. Because ozone has a strong oxidizing effect, the ozone released to the outside of the housing 2 can purify the gas G in the atmosphere outside the housing 2, as well as objects in the atmosphere and the walls of the room (for example, by breaking down odorous components, sterilizing bacteria, and inactivating viruses). Note that the ozone that has reacted with odorous components becomes oxygen and is therefore rendered harmless.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the blower 5 is provided inside the housing 2, for example. The blower 5 includes, for example, a fan 51 and a louver 52 . The fan 51 can be provided, for example, between the ozone generator 4 and the light source 34. The fan 51 forms a flow of gas G that flows inside the housing 2 from the inlet 2a toward the outlet 2b. At least one fan 51 can be provided. When multiple fans 51 are provided, the multiple fans 51 can be arranged in the X direction, for example, as shown in FIG. 3. The number and arrangement of the fans 51 can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the gas treatment device 1 (housing 2), the required flow rate of gas G, etc.

[0040] There are no particular limitations on the fan 51 as long as it can create a flow of the gas G. The fan 51 can be, for example, an axial fan, a centrifugal fan, a sirocco fan, or the like. The fan 51 illustrated in FIG. 3 is an axial fan. If the fan 51 is an axial fan, the flow rate of the gas G can be increased.

[0041] The louver 52 can be provided, for example, between the ozone generating unit 4 and the cover 23. The louver 52 has multiple blades. In this case, the angle of the multiple blades with respect to the Z direction can be changed. If the angle of the multiple blades can be changed, the release direction of the gas G can be changed. Since the released gas G contains ozone, changing the release direction of the gas G can change the arrival position of the ozone. The angle of the multiple blades can be changed, for example, by the control motor 52a.

[0042] 3 illustrates an example in which multiple blades are aligned in the X direction, but multiple blades may also be aligned in the Y direction. Also, multiple blades aligned in the X direction and multiple blades aligned in the Y direction may be provided.

[0043] 2 and 3, the power supply unit 6 can be provided inside the housing 2 and outside the reflector 35. The power supply unit 6 has, for example, a power supply 61 and a power supply 62. As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply 61 and the power supply 62 can be electrically connected to, for example, a commercial AC power supply 100.

[0044] The power supply 61 converts, for example, AC power from the commercial AC power supply 100 into predetermined DC power and supplies the converted DC power to the ozone generation unit 4, the blower unit 5, the detection unit 7, and the controller 8. The power supply 62 converts, for example, AC power from the commercial AC power supply 100 into predetermined DC power and supplies the converted DC power to the light processing unit 3. Note that a power supply that supplies DC power to the light processing unit 3, the ozone generation unit 4, the blower unit 5, the detection unit 7, and the controller 8 may also be provided.

[0045] The controller 8 has, for example, a calculation unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit such as a memory. The controller 8 can be, for example, a computer. The controller 8 controls the operations of the light processing unit 3, the ozone generation unit 4, and the blower unit 5 based on, for example, a control program stored in the storage unit.

[0046] For example, the controller 8 controls the light source 34 provided in the light processing unit 3 to irradiate the photocatalytic part 33 with light. When the photocatalytic part 33 is irradiated with light, the photocatalytic action is exhibited. For example, the controller 8 controls the ozone generator 4 to generate ozone. For example, the controller 8 controls the fan 51 provided in the blower 5 to suck gas G into the housing 2 through the inlet 2a of the housing 2, flow the sucked gas G into the housing 2, and release the gas G that has flowed inside the housing 2 from the outlet 2b of the housing 2 to the outside of the housing 2. At this time, the gas G flowing inside the housing 2 is purified by the light processing unit 3. In addition, ozone generated by the ozone generator 4 is mixed into the gas G released outside the housing 2.

[0047] Here, as described above, the ozone generating unit 4 releases the generated ozone to the outside of the housing 2, thereby purifying at least one of the gas G outside the housing 2 and objects and room walls outside the housing 2.

[0048] In this case, if the ozone concentration in the atmosphere becomes too high due to the release of ozone outside the housing 2, people may feel uncomfortable and animals (e.g., people and pets) may be adversely affected. Therefore, it is preferable to keep the ozone concentration in the atmosphere below a predetermined value (e.g., below 0.05 ppm).

[0049] In this case, if the amount of ozone to be generated is limited so that the ozone concentration in the atmosphere is less than a predetermined value, the ozone concentration in the atmosphere can be kept within a predetermined range.

[0050] However, the volume of the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed varies. Therefore, simply limiting the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator 4 will increase the time required for purification if the volume of the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed is large.

[0051] Therefore, the gas treatment device 1 is provided with a detection unit 7. The detection unit 7 detects the ozone concentration in the atmosphere in which the gas treatment device 1 is provided. The detection unit 7 can be, for example, an ozone concentration meter.

[0052] The detection unit 7 can be provided, for example, outside the housing 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the detection unit 7 can be provided on the outer surface of the housing 2. In this case, the gas G is attracted to the side of the housing 2 where the inlet 2a is provided. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the detection unit 7 on the side of the housing 2 where the inlet 2a is provided. The detection unit 7 can also be provided inside the housing 2. In this case, the detection unit 7 can be provided between the inlet 2a and the photocatalyst unit 33. In this way, the ozone concentration in the atmosphere in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed can be detected efficiently.

[0053] The controller 8 controls the ozone generator 4 to change the amount of ozone generated based on the value detected by the detector 7. For example, in the case of the ozone generator 4 that generates silent discharge, the controller 8 controls the AC voltage applied to the electrodes to change the amount of ozone generated.

[0054] Here, by feedback-controlling the ozone generator 4 based on the value detected by the detector 7, the ozone concentration in the atmosphere can be kept within a predetermined range even if the volume of the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed varies. However, simply feedback-controlling the ozone generator 4 cannot shorten the time required for purification. In this case, the time required for purification can be shortened by increasing the amount of ozone supplied to the atmosphere, but simply increasing the amount of ozone supplied to the atmosphere will result in excess ozone being supplied to the atmosphere.

[0055] Therefore, the controller 8 performs feedback control of the amount of ozone supplied to the atmosphere based on the relationship between the ozone concentration and the elapsed time, which is preset according to the volume of the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed.

[0056] 5(a) and 5(b) are graphs illustrating the relationship between ozone concentration and elapsed time. Fig. 5(a) shows the case where the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed is 12 tatami mats in size. Fig. 5(b) shows the case where the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed is 20 tatami mats in size.

[0057] The vertical axis of the graph represents the relative ozone concentration, and the ozone concentration in the atmosphere after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of ozone supply is set to 100%. For example, the maximum amount of ozone that can be supplied by the ozone generator 4 is supplied to the atmosphere for a predetermined time, and the ozone concentration in the atmosphere at that time is set to 100%.

[0058] 5(a) and 5(b) show the decrease in ozone concentration as a quadratic curve, but it may also be a line graph connecting data points with straight lines, or a graph showing a stepwise decrease in ozone concentration, i.e., as long as the ozone concentration decreases over time.

[0059] The relationship between the ozone concentration and the elapsed time can be determined appropriately by conducting experiments or simulations in advance. The determined relationship between the ozone concentration and the elapsed time can be stored in the storage unit of the controller 8.

[0060] Furthermore, the value relating to the volume of the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed is not limited to the number of tatami mats. For example, the floor area (m 2 ), volume (m 3 ), Tsubo, etc., or may be relative values ​​such as "large, medium, small" or "L, M, S." As mentioned above, the operator can input a value related to the volume of the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed into the controller 8 from the operation panel 24. For example, the operator can input a value such as the number of tatami mats into the operation panel 24, or the operator can select a desired value from multiple numbers of tatami mats displayed on the operation panel 24.

[0061] The controller 8 reads data relating to the relationship between ozone concentration and elapsed time from the storage unit based on the input or selected values. In this case, the controller 8 can read data that is close to the input or selected value, or can perform data interpolation using stored data to create desired data.

[0062] Controller 8 controls the amount of ozone to be generated based on the read data relating to the relationship between ozone concentration and elapsed time, the ozone concentration detected by detector 7, and the elapsed time. For example, controller 8 feedback-controls the amount of ozone to be generated so that the ozone concentration detected by detector 7 approaches the data ozone concentration after a predetermined elapsed time. The amount of ozone generated can be controlled, for example, by changing the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the electrodes of ozone generator 4 that generate silent discharge.

[0063] In this way, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the amount of ozone supplied in the early stage of the purification process can be increased, thereby shortening the time required for purification.

[0064] Furthermore, if ozone is continuously supplied to the atmosphere, the purification progresses over time. Therefore, the concentration of the target substance contained in the atmosphere decreases over time. If the controller 8 changes the amount of ozone generated based on data relating to the relationship between the ozone concentration and the elapsed time, the value detected by the detector 7, and the elapsed time, the amount of ozone supplied can be reduced in accordance with the progress of the purification. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excess ozone from being supplied to the atmosphere. As described above, the gas processing device 1 according to this embodiment can perform appropriate purification depending on the volume of the space in which the gas processing device 1 is installed.

[0065] Although the above description illustrates an example in which the operator inputs or selects a value related to the volume of the space in which the gas processing device 1 is installed on the operation panel 24, a detection unit 71 (corresponding to an example of a second detection unit) that detects the volume of the space in which the gas processing device 1 is installed may also be provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the detection unit 71 may be provided in the housing 2 or at a location remote from the housing 2. The detection unit 71 may be, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD camera. In this case, the controller 8 can calculate the volume of the space in which the gas processing device 1 is installed based on the captured image. The detection unit 71 may also be, for example, a distance sensor such as a laser sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. In this case, the controller 8 can calculate the volume of the space in which the gas processing device 1 is installed based on the measured distance. The provision of the detection unit 71 can prevent erroneous input by the operator. Note that the input by the operator and the detection by the detection unit 71 may be performed simultaneously.

[0066] Furthermore, if the detection unit 71 is provided, it is possible to detect the entry of an animal into the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is provided. That is, the detection unit 71 can have the function of detecting the entry of an animal into the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is provided. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the amount of ozone supplied increases in the early stages of the purification process. Therefore, there is a risk that an animal may enter an atmosphere with a high ozone concentration. If an animal enters an atmosphere with a high ozone concentration, the animal may feel uncomfortable or be adversely affected.

[0067] Therefore, when the detection unit 71 detects the intrusion of an animal, the controller 8 controls the ozone generator 4 to reduce the amount of ozone generated or to stop the generation of ozone. When the detection unit 71 no longer detects the intrusion of an animal, the controller 8 controls the ozone generator 4 to increase the amount of ozone generated so that the ozone concentration detected by the detection unit 7 approaches the ozone concentration in the data.

[0068] 6(a) and 6(b) are graphs illustrating the relationship between ozone concentration and elapsed time when an animal enters. Note that Fig. 6(a) shows the case where the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed is 12 tatami mats in size. Fig. 6(b) shows the case where the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed is 20 tatami mats in size.

[0069] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), when the detection unit 71 detects the intrusion of an animal, the atmospheric ozone concentration is made lower than the ozone concentration in the data. In this way, the impact of ozone on animals can be reduced. Also, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), when the detection unit 71 no longer detects the intrusion of an animal, the amount of ozone generated is increased so that the ozone concentration after a predetermined elapsed time becomes the ozone concentration in the data.

[0070] In this case, the ozone concentration may be allowed to overshoot, as shown in Figure 6(b), which allows the reduced ozone concentration to be increased in a short time, thereby preventing the time required for purification from increasing even if an animal enters the area.

[0071] As described above, if the detection unit 71 is provided, the effects of ozone on animals can be reduced, and appropriate purification can be performed according to the volume of the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, a door or window in a room may open, allowing outside air to enter the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed. When outside air enters, the ozone concentration in the atmosphere decreases. Furthermore, if the outside air contains a substance to be purified (for example, an odor component) or if a new substance to be purified enters, the ozone in the atmosphere is consumed, thereby decreasing the ozone concentration in the atmosphere. Therefore, for example, if the value detected by the detection unit 7 drops suddenly, the controller 8 can determine that outside air or a substance to be purified has entered the space in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed.

[0073] In such a case, the controller 8 can increase the amount of ozone generated so that the ozone concentration after a predetermined time elapses becomes the ozone concentration in the data. In this way, even if outside air or the object to be purified enters the space where the gas treatment device 1 is installed, appropriate purification can be performed according to the volume of the space where the gas treatment device 1 is installed.

[0074] Furthermore, the controller 8 can select between purification by the ozone generating section 4 and purification by the light processing unit 3, or can perform a combination of these, depending on the elapsed time.

[0075] As described above, purification by the ozone generator 4 is performed by supplying ozone to the atmosphere in which the gas treatment device 1 is installed. Therefore, a wide range of the atmosphere can be purified efficiently. Therefore, if purification by the ozone generator 4 is performed at the beginning of the purification process when the concentration of the target substance to be purified is high, purification can be performed efficiently in a short time.

[0076] Furthermore, when purification is performed using the ozone generator 4, the amount of ozone generated can be gradually reduced or reduced in stages over time. Furthermore, the generation of ozone by the ozone generator 4 can be stopped towards the end of the purification process.

[0077] On the other hand, purification using the light processing unit 3 has almost no effect on animals, unlike ozone. Therefore, by mainly performing purification using the light processing unit 3 at the end of the purification process when the concentration of the target substance to be purified has decreased as the purification process progresses, it is possible to reduce the amount of ozone remaining in the atmosphere. If there is less ozone remaining in the atmosphere, the impact of ozone on animals can be reduced even if they enter the atmosphere after the purification process is completed.

[0078] Note that purification by the light processing unit 3 can be performed continuously during the purification process. Furthermore, purification by the light processing unit 3 can be continued even after the purification process is completed. For example, purification by the light processing unit 3 can be continued even after the elapsed time in the data described above. In other words, purification by the light processing unit 3 may be performed continuously.

[0079] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 gas treatment device, 2 housing, 2a inlet, 2b outlet, 3 light treatment unit, 4 ozone generation section, 5 air blower section, 7 detection section, 8 controller, 71 detection section

Claims

1. an ozone generating unit that generates ozone; a first detection unit that detects an ozone concentration in the atmosphere; a controller that controls the ozone generating unit to change the amount of ozone generated; Equipped with The controller controls the amount of ozone generated based on data regarding the relationship between the ozone concentration and elapsed time, which is preset according to the volume of the space in which the gas treatment device is installed, the ozone concentration detected by the first detection unit, and the elapsed time.

2. 2. The gas treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the amount of the ozone to be generated so that the ozone concentration detected by the first detection unit approaches the ozone concentration of the data.

3. a second detection unit that detects the entry of an animal into a space in which the gas treatment device is provided; 3. The gas treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the controller reduces the amount of ozone to be generated or stops the generation of ozone when the second detection unit detects the entry of the animal.

4. 4. The gas treatment device of claim 3, wherein when the second detection unit no longer detects the intrusion of the animal, the controller increases the amount of ozone generated so that the ozone concentration detected by the first detection unit approaches the ozone concentration of the data.

5. The housing and; an optical processing unit provided inside the housing and configured to purify gas flowing inside the housing; Further comprising:

3. The gas treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further capable of controlling the light treatment unit, and selectively performs purification by the ozone generation unit and purification by the light treatment unit, or a combination of both, depending on the elapsed time.

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