Air conditioning device for railway vehicle

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning device for railway vehicles that eliminates bacteria causing infectious diseases while suppressing the effects of ultraviolet rays, and is expected to inhibit the generation of mold causing unpleasant odors.SOLUTION: An air conditioning device for railway vehicles mounted on a roof of a railway vehicle comprises: a sterilizing device for sterilizing bacteria in recirculated air; and an indoor heat exchanger for adjusting the temperature and humidity of the recirculated air. The recirculated air entering from the interior of the railway vehicle through a recirculated air inlet passes through the sterilizing device and the indoor heat exchanger in sequence. The sterilizing device has a frame portion through which the recirculated air passes. The frame portion comprises: a pair of first opposite sides spaced apart in a vertical direction; and a pair of second opposite sides spaced apart in a horizontal direction and having an ultraviolet light source and a concave-shaped reflecting surface inside. The second opposite sides positioned downward have a light-shielding plate on their upstream side to suppress leakage of a portion of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet light source toward the recirculated air inlet side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system for a railway vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In places where many people gather, in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, it is believed that regular ventilation when opening and closing vehicle doors, as well as the introduction of equipment that removes sources of infection from the air circulating within the vehicle, will contribute to further improving the in-car environment.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning device that has an air passage through which air passes, a photocatalyst that is provided in the air passage and that sterilizes bacteria in the air, and a light source that irradiates the photocatalyst with light, with the aim of providing an air conditioning device that can improve the efficiency of cleaning air. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-317085 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, the capacity of a typical commuter train is set at around 150 people per car, and the occupancy rate can reach nearly 160% (approximately 240 people) during peak times such as rush hour. In particular, since many passengers board the train during peak times, it is thought that maintaining clean air inside the car using air conditioning systems installed in commuter trains in addition to regular ventilation will contribute to further improving the in-car environment.

[0006] The temperature and humidity of the air inside the vehicle are adjusted as it passes through the indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner. In particular, when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, moisture in the air inside the vehicle is removed as condensation in the indoor heat exchanger. This condensation becomes drain water, which is collected in a drain pan installed below the indoor heat exchanger and then drained from the air conditioner.

[0007] For example, during the rainy season, mold that grows in the drain pan where drain water stagnates can occasionally cause an unpleasant odor, which can ruin the comfortable interior environment of a vehicle. Therefore, if ultraviolet light can be used to effectively disinfect the recirculated air that passes through the heat exchanger, the bacteria contained in the drain water will also be reduced, thereby suppressing mold and other growths, but the effects of ultraviolet light must also be taken into consideration.

[0008] The present invention provides an air conditioning system for railway vehicles that can eliminate bacteria that cause infectious diseases while suppressing the effects of ultraviolet rays and can suppress the growth of mold that causes unpleasant odors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, one representative example of an air conditioning system for a railway vehicle according to the present invention is an air conditioning system for a railway vehicle mounted on the roof of the railway vehicle, a sterilization device for sterilizing bacteria in the recirculated air; an indoor heat exchanger that adjusts the temperature and humidity of the recirculated air; The recirculated air entering from the interior of the railway vehicle through a recirculation air intake passes through the sterilization device and the indoor heat exchanger in this order, The sterilization apparatus has a frame through which recirculated air passes, The frame portion is a pair of first opposite side portions spaced apart in a vertical direction; a pair of second opposite side portions spaced apart in the horizontal direction and having an ultraviolet light source and a concave reflective surface therein; This is achieved by having a light shielding plate on the upstream side of the second opposite side portion located below that prevents some of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source from leaking toward the recirculation air intake side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is expected that an air conditioning system for railway vehicles can be provided that can suppress the effects of ultraviolet rays, remove bacteria that cause infectious diseases, and suppress the growth of mold that causes unpleasant odors. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an air conditioning device for a railway vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a railway vehicle air-conditioning device mounted on the roof of a railway vehicle, the cross-sectional view intersecting the longitudinal direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sterilization apparatus of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a railway vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the directions will be defined to explain the configuration of the railway vehicle air conditioner. The longitudinal direction of the railway vehicle air conditioner is the x-direction, the width direction of the railway vehicle air conditioner is the y-direction, and the height direction of the railway vehicle air conditioner is the z-direction. Hereinafter, these directions may be simply referred to as the x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction. Furthermore, the railway vehicle air conditioner 1 will be simply referred to as the air conditioner 1. Furthermore, the term "bacteria" used in this specification includes viruses other than bacteria, and "sterilization" includes the removal of viruses.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an air conditioning unit for a railway vehicle. The air conditioning unit 1 is composed of a housing that houses various devices that make up the refrigeration cycle, and a cover that covers the housing. The air conditioning unit 1 is often mounted on the roof of a commuter train or a suburban train, excluding high-speed trains. Note that in FIG. 1, the covers that cover the devices are omitted in order to explain the state of the devices mounted inside the housing.

[0014] The housing is divided into an indoor equipment compartment 10, an equipment compartment 20, and an outdoor equipment compartment 30 in accordance with the various types of equipment to be installed, and each divided equipment compartment is provided with a corresponding top cover.

[0015] The indoor equipment room 10 is equipped with an indoor fan 11 that sends air taken in from the vehicle interior back into the vehicle, a sterilization device 60 that sterilizes bacteria related to infectious diseases contained in the air taken in by the indoor fan 11, an indoor heat exchanger 12 that adjusts the temperature and humidity of the air taken in by the indoor fan 11, and a contactor box 14 that houses a contactor that turns on and off the power to the indoor fan 11, etc. The indoor fan 11 is composed of an electric motor 11a that rotates two shafts that protrude on both sides in the x direction, and impellers and a casing 11b that are attached to the two shafts.

[0016] The equipment room 20 is equipped with a compressor 22 that compresses and sends refrigerant to the refrigeration cycle, an accumulator 24 that removes liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 22, and other devices. The outdoor equipment room 30 is equipped with an outdoor heat exchanger 34, an outdoor blower 32 that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 34, and other devices.

[0017] The refrigeration cycle is configured by connecting the compressor 22 to the outdoor heat exchanger 34, the pressure reducer (not shown), the indoor heat exchanger 12, the accumulator 24, and the compressor 22 in this order with copper pipes. The copper pipes that make up the refrigeration cycle pass through the partition wall that separates the indoor equipment room 10 from the equipment room 20 and the partition wall that separates the equipment room 20 from the outdoor equipment room 30.

[0018] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a railway vehicle air conditioner mounted on the roof of a railway vehicle, taken along a line intersecting the longitudinal direction. In the air conditioner 1, an air conditioner support part 42 on the upper surface of the roof structure 40 and an air conditioner mounting leg 52 provided at the y-direction end of the air conditioner housing (indoor equipment compartment upper cover) 50 are fixed to the railway vehicle with bolts (not shown) via vibration-isolating supports (not shown). Heat insulating material 53 is attached to the inside of the housing that constitutes the indoor equipment compartment 10.

[0019] The roof structure 40 to which the air conditioner 1 is fixed has a recirculated air opening 47 through which air from inside the vehicle flows into the air conditioner 1, and a conditioned air opening 48 through which conditioned air that has been sterilized and has had its temperature and humidity adjusted by the air conditioner 1 flows out toward the railway vehicle. Although not shown, a filter that prevents dust and other particles from inside the passenger compartment of the railway vehicle from entering the interior of the railway vehicle air conditioner 1 is provided upstream of the conditioned air opening 48 (inside the vehicle).

[0020] The bottom surface (housing) of the air conditioner 1 has a recirculated air intake 17 provided at a position corresponding to the recirculated air opening 47, and a conditioned air outlet 18 provided at a position corresponding to the conditioned air opening 48.

[0021] Recirculated air 80 taken in from the interior of the railcar by air conditioner 1 passes through recirculated air opening 47 in roof structure 40 and recirculated air intake 17 on the bottom of air conditioner 1, before flowing into the interior of air conditioner 1. Recirculated air 80 then passes through sterilization device 60 and indoor heat exchanger 12, where it is sterilized and its temperature and humidity are adjusted, becoming sterilized conditioned air 82. sterilized conditioned air 82 is drawn into indoor blower 11, then passes through conditioned air outlet 18 on the bottom of air conditioner 1 and conditioned air opening 48 in roof structure 40, and is supplied into the interior of the railcar.

[0022] The sterilization device 60 and the indoor heat exchanger 12 are provided adjacent to each other, and below the sterilization device 60 and the indoor heat exchanger 12 is provided a drain pan 15 that collects moisture (sometimes called condensed water or dew condensation water) contained in the recirculated air 80 that is removed in the process of passing through the indoor heat exchanger 12. Moisture that accumulates in the drain pan 15 is led to the outside of the railway vehicle air conditioning device 1 by a drainage pipe and drained onto the track via a rainwater gutter or the like provided on the roof structure of the railway vehicle.

[0023] The details of the configuration will be described later, but the height dimension H between one second opposite side portion 64b (Figure 3) facing the direction of the sterilization device 60z and the other second opposite side portion 64b and the curvature of the recess 62 provided in the second opposite side portion 64b are determined based on ensuring the intensity of ultraviolet rays within the frame portion and the dimensional restrictions of the space in the railway vehicle air conditioning unit 1 in which the sterilization device 60 is housed.

[0024] A recirculated air intake 17 opens below the upstream side of the sterilization device 60 (upstream side along the flow direction of the recirculated air 80). For this reason, due to design (manufacturing) tolerances or the like of the recess 62 of the second opposite side 64b of the sterilization device 60, there is a risk that ultraviolet light may leak from the recirculated air intake 17 through the recirculated air opening 47 into the interior of the railway vehicle. For this reason, the sterilization device 60 is provided with a light shielding plate 65 on the lower upstream side thereof, along the longitudinal direction of the recess 62 of the second opposite side 64b located below in the z direction, to suppress leakage into the interior of the railway vehicle.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sterilization apparatus. In FIG. 3, the front side of the sterilization apparatus 60 is the upstream side of the recirculated air 80, and the back side of the sterilization apparatus 60 is the downstream side, and the recirculated air 80 passes through the frame of the sterilization apparatus 60 in the y direction as indicated by the arrow. The sterilization apparatus 60 has a rectangular frame formed by a pair of first opposite sides 64a spaced apart in the horizontal direction and a pair of second opposite sides 64b spaced apart in the vertical direction. The second opposite sides 64b have a recess 62 on the inner side (the side where one second opposite side 64b faces the other second opposite side 64b). It is preferable that the yz cross section of the recess 62 has a uniform concave curved shape in the x direction. It is preferable that opposing recesses 62 have cross-sectional shapes that are mirror images of each other across their center.

[0026] The upper and lower recesses 62 are provided with a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 63, arranged discretely (for example, in a staggered arrangement) along the x direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the second opposite side portion 64b. By arranging the ultraviolet light sources 63 in a staggered arrangement, a large number of ultraviolet light sources 63 can be arranged efficiently in a concentrated manner. A heat dissipation unit 61 that dissipates heat generated from the ultraviolet light sources 63 to the recirculated air 80 is provided in contact with the second opposite side portion 64b on the outside of the second opposite side portion 64b (on the side opposite to the side where one second opposite side portion 64b faces the other second opposite side portion 64b). The heat dissipation unit 61 is preferably a structure having, for example, metal fins.

[0027] Although not shown, a flat reflective surface that reflects ultraviolet light with high reflectance is provided on the inside of the first opposite side portion 64a (the side where one first opposite side portion 64a faces the other first opposite side portion 64a). Also, the inside of the recess 62 of the second opposite side portion 64b, except for the region where the ultraviolet light source 63 is formed, can be a concave reflective surface that reflects ultraviolet light with high reflectance.

[0028] These reflective surfaces suppress ultraviolet light leaking from the sterilization device 60, and by repeatedly reflecting ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 63, increase the intensity of ultraviolet light within the frame, thereby sterilizing recirculated air 80 from inside the vehicle that passes through the frame (space, interior) surrounded by these opposite sides. For this reason, it is preferable that the focal position of the concave reflective surface be near the ultraviolet light source 63 that emits ultraviolet light at a predetermined divergence angle (for example, on the center line of the staggered arrangement).

[0029] <Effects> By arranging the equipment so that recirculated air 80 from the passenger compartment of a railway vehicle that flows into the railway vehicle air conditioner 1 passes through the sterilization device 60 and then the indoor heat exchanger 12, bacteria that cause infectious diseases and the like contained in the recirculated air 80 from the passenger compartment can be effectively sterilized and inactivated using ultraviolet light. Therefore, the railway vehicle air conditioner 1 of this embodiment can supply sterilized conditioned air 82, from which bacteria that cause infectious diseases have been removed, to the passenger compartment, thereby maintaining a more hygienic environment even in crowded trains. Furthermore, a portion of the ultraviolet light emitted from the sterilization device 60 is incident on the downstream indoor heat exchanger 12, thereby sterilizing bacteria adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 12, thereby achieving a more hygienic environment. Note that the ultraviolet light from the sterilization device 60 toward the indoor heat exchanger 12 is mostly blocked by the indoor heat exchanger 12 and therefore prevented from traveling further downstream toward the conditioned air outlet 18.

[0030] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the sterilization apparatus 60 is provided with the heat dissipation section 61, so that the heat generated by the ultraviolet light source 63 is absorbed into the recirculated air 80, and downstream of that, the heat contained in the recirculated air 80 can be effectively removed by the indoor heat exchanger 12. Therefore, even if the ultraviolet light source 63 constituting the sterilization apparatus 60 is made of a semiconductor element, the temperature rise of the recirculated air 80 is suppressed, and deterioration due to heat is also suppressed, so the life of the sterilization apparatus 60 can be extended.

[0031] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the sterilization device 60 includes a light shielding plate 65 on the upstream side of its lower portion, protruding substantially horizontally like a canopy along the longitudinal direction of the recess 62 of the second opposite side 64b, to prevent leakage of light into the interior of the railcar. It is preferable that the thickness of the light shielding plate 65 decreases with increasing distance from the second opposite side 64b, since this allows the recirculated air 80 to smoothly enter the sterilization device 60. By providing the light shielding plate 65, leakage of ultraviolet light emitted from the sterilization device 60 from the recirculation air intake 17 through the recirculation opening 47 into the interior of the railcar can be prevented, regardless of design (manufacturing) tolerances, etc., of the recess 62 of the second opposite side 64b of the sterilization device 60. Therefore, a railcar air conditioning system equipped with a sterilization device 60 that suppresses the effects of ultraviolet light can be provided.

[0032] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the sterilization device 60 and the indoor heat exchanger 12 are provided adjacent to each other, and a drain pan 15 that collects moisture contained in the recirculated air 80 is provided below the sterilization device 60 and the indoor heat exchanger 12. As a result, a portion of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the sterilization device 60 is directed toward the indoor heat exchanger 12, thereby sterilizing bacteria contained in moisture that falls and accumulates in the drain pan 15 and bacteria contained in moisture that condenses on the surfaces of the fins that make up the indoor heat exchanger 12. This makes it possible to provide an air conditioner for a railway vehicle that is expected to suppress the generation of mold and unpleasant odors caused by these bacteria. A portion of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the sterilization device 60 may be directed toward the moisture that accumulates in the drain pan 15.

[0033] Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system for railway vehicles that can suppress the effects of ultraviolet rays, remove bacteria that cause infectious diseases, and is expected to suppress the growth of mold that causes unpleasant odors.

[0034] This specification includes the disclosure of the following inventions. (First aspect) In a railway vehicle air conditioning device mounted on the roof of a railway vehicle, a sterilization device for sterilizing bacteria in the recirculated air; an indoor heat exchanger that adjusts the temperature and humidity of the recirculated air; The recirculated air entering from the interior of the railway vehicle through a recirculation air intake passes through the sterilization device and the indoor heat exchanger in this order, The sterilization apparatus has a frame through which recirculated air passes, The frame portion is a pair of first opposite side portions spaced apart in a vertical direction; a pair of second opposite side portions spaced apart in the horizontal direction and having an ultraviolet light source and a concave reflective surface therein; The second opposite side portion located below has a light shielding plate on its upstream side that prevents a portion of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source from leaking toward the recirculation air intake side. 1. A railway vehicle air conditioning system comprising:

[0035] (Second aspect) In the air conditioning device for railway vehicles of the first aspect, A heat dissipation unit that dissipates heat from the ultraviolet light source of the sterilization device is provided in contact with the outer side of the second opposite side. 1. A railway vehicle air conditioning system comprising:

[0036] (Third aspect) In the air conditioning device for a railway vehicle according to either the first aspect or the second aspect, The sterilization device and the indoor heat exchanger are provided adjacent to each other, A drain pan is provided below the sterilization device and the indoor heat exchanger to retain moisture removed from the recirculated air by the indoor heat exchanger. 1. A railway vehicle air conditioning system comprising:

[0037] (Fourth aspect) In the air conditioning device for a railway vehicle according to any one of the first to third aspects, The ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source is directed toward the indoor heat exchanger. 1. A railway vehicle air conditioning system comprising:

[0038] (Fifth aspect) In the air conditioning device for a railway vehicle according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, The ultraviolet light sources are arranged in a staggered pattern along the longitudinal direction of the second opposite side portion. 1. A railway vehicle air conditioning system comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1...Air conditioning unit for railway vehicles, 10...Indoor equipment room, 11...Indoor blower, 11a...Electric motor, 11b... Impeller and casing, 12... Indoor heat exchanger, 14...contactor box, 15...drain pan, 17... Inlet for recirculated air, 18... Outlet for conditioned air, 20...equipment room, 22...compressor, 24...Accumulator, 30...Outdoor equipment room, 32...Outdoor blower, 34...Outdoor heat exchanger, 40... roof structure, 42... air conditioning device support portion, 47...Opening for recirculated air, 48...Opening for conditioned air, 50...air conditioner housing, 52...air conditioner mounting legs, 53...Insulation material, 60...Sterilization device, 61...heat dissipation portion, 62...recess, 63...ultraviolet light source; 64a...first opposite side; 64b... second opposite side portion, 65... light blocking plate, 80...Recirculated air, 82...Sterilized conditioned air, H...height dimension, x...rail (longitudinal) direction, y...sleeper (width) direction, z...height direction

Claims

1. In a railway vehicle air conditioning device mounted on the roof of a railway vehicle, a sterilization device for sterilizing bacteria in the recirculated air; an indoor heat exchanger that adjusts the temperature and humidity of the recirculated air; The recirculated air entering from the interior of the railway vehicle through a recirculation air intake passes through the sterilization device and the indoor heat exchanger in this order, The sterilization apparatus has a frame through which recirculated air passes, The frame portion is a pair of first opposite side portions spaced apart in a vertical direction; a pair of second opposite side portions spaced apart in the horizontal direction and including an ultraviolet light source and a concave reflective surface therein; The second opposite side portion located below has a light blocking plate on its upstream side that prevents a portion of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source from leaking toward the recirculation air intake side.

1. A railway vehicle air conditioning system comprising:

2. 2. The air conditioning system for railway vehicles according to claim 1, A heat dissipation unit that dissipates heat from the ultraviolet light source of the sterilization device is provided in contact with the outer side of the second opposite side.

1. A railway vehicle air conditioning system comprising:

3. 2. The air conditioning system for railway vehicles according to claim 1, The sterilization device and the indoor heat exchanger are provided adjacent to each other, A drain pan is provided below the sterilization device and the indoor heat exchanger to retain moisture removed from the recirculated air by the indoor heat exchanger.

1. A railway vehicle air conditioning system comprising:

4. 2. The air conditioning system for railway vehicles according to claim 1, The ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source is directed toward the indoor heat exchanger.

1. A railway vehicle air conditioning system comprising:

5. 2. The air conditioning system for railway vehicles according to claim 1, The ultraviolet light sources are arranged in a staggered pattern along the longitudinal direction of the second opposite side portion.

1. A railway vehicle air conditioning system comprising:

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