Air sterilization and virus inactivation equipment

Abstract

To provide a sterilizing and virus inactivating apparatus that suppresses leakage of ultraviolet light from the apparatus, controls an air flow amount, reflects the ultra violet light to be attenuated with a light source housed in a light source housing part and using its wall surface as a mirror surface, and secures a sufficient ultraviolet ray irradiation amount to sufficiently sterilize air exhausted from the apparatus and inactivate virus, and can be safely used in the neighborhood of people.SOLUTION: An air sterilization and virus inactivation apparatus 1 comprises a light source 4 for irradiating ultraviolet rays, an exhaust portion 6, and a fan 5. The exhaust portion 6 is formed at a position where a first through hole 60a formed in a first stage and a second through hole 61a formed in a second stage are not overlapped with each other as viewed from an arrow A. At least one of the first stage or the second stage is provided with a barrier wall projecting downwardly between the first region where the first through hole 60a is formed and the second region formed with the second through hole 61a as viewed from the arrow A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air sterilization / virus inactivation device that sterilizes and inactivates bacteria and viruses in the air. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, especially since the beginning of the 21st century, the traffic and exchange of people around the world has increased, and previously unknown viruses that are harmful to humans and cause epidemics and pandemics have been discovered here and there. This has created a demand for devices that can sterilize and inactivate viruses in spaces where people are present and in the vicinity of people.

[0003] In view of this situation, a device has been devised that draws in air to sterilize and inactivate bacteria and viruses floating in the air. In the ultraviolet sterilization device of Patent Document 1, a fan, a light source, and a filter are housed inside the housing. Inside the housing, a reflector is disposed, which is an aluminum concave plane mirror with a rectangular curved plate stripe curved into a roughly semicircular shape that reflects light from the light source. The air taken into the housing by the fan is sterilized by the ultraviolet light reflected by the reflector, and is discharged outside through the filter.

[0004] The air sterilization device of Patent Document 2 is composed of guide blades, a sterilization space sterilized by ultraviolet light, an electric fan, and an air exhaust port. When the electric fan is driven, the air sucked in by the guide blades from the suction port is made into a vortex, which passes through the cylindrical sterilization space and is discharged from the air exhaust port. The guide blades make the vortex swirl as it passes through the sterilization space, so the travel distance in the space is increased, and the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation can be increased to obtain a high sterilization effect.

[0005] The air sterilization device in Patent Document 3 is composed of a sterilization device main body, an ultraviolet sterilization light source placed inside the main body, and a fan motor. When the fan motor is rotated, the air hits the light shielding plate and becomes turbulent, passing around the ultraviolet sterilization light source. At this time, viruses are sterilized and inactivated by the ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet sterilization light source is surrounded by a reflecting plate, so the ultraviolet light projected onto the reflecting plate is secondarily reflected, enhancing the sterilization effect of the air. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Utility model registration No. 3221578 [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-183126 A [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-47257 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The 253.7 nm ultraviolet light used in air sterilizers has a strong sterilizing effect, but is also known to be harmful to the human body. Conventional air sterilizers had to take sufficient measures to prevent the ultraviolet light from leaking, making it difficult to place them near people.

[0008] On the other hand, a certain amount of UV light is required to efficiently sterilize and inactivate bacteria and viruses in the short time that air passes through the device. However, as the light intensity increases, the impact of leaking UV light on the human body also increases, so there has been a demand for an air sterilization device that can effectively sterilize and inactivate viruses in the air without leaking UV light.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization and virus inactivation device that can be used safely near people by suppressing leakage of UV rays from the device, controlling the air flow rate, storing the light source in a light source storage section with mirror-like walls that reflect the UV rays until they are attenuated, and ensuring a sufficient amount of UV irradiation into the air, thereby sufficiently sterilizing and inactivating viruses in the air discharged from the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, a first invention is an air sterilization / virus inactivation device that sterilizes air by irradiating ultraviolet rays, the device comprising: a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays; a main body that houses the light source and has an air intake port and an exhaust port through which air sterilized by the ultraviolet rays is exhausted; and a fan that draws air in through the air intake port and exhausts air from the exhaust port, the exhaust port being configured with at least two stages, a first through hole formed in the first stage and a second through hole formed in the second stage being formed in positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from a discharge direction that is a direction in which air passes through the first through hole, and at least one of the first stage and the second stage has a first region in which the first through hole is formed as viewed from the discharge direction, Located so as to be surrounded by the first region a second region in which the second through hole is formed; boundary protrudes parallel to the discharge direction The second region is located so as to surround the periphery of the second region and protrudes in a direction opposite to the discharge direction. Obstacle walls are installed, The first region is defined on the outer side of the obstacle wall, and the second region is defined on the inner side of the obstacle wall. The present invention provides an air sterilization and virus inactivation device that is characterized by the above-mentioned.

[0011] In the second invention, The air sterilization and virus inactivation device according to the first aspect of the present invention, The light source is stored in a light source storage section, the light source storage section has a cylindrical structure parallel to the light source, and the inner wall of the light source storage section is mirror-finished to reflect the ultraviolet light, so that the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source is reflected multiple times until it is attenuated. It features .

[0012] The term "cylindrical" as used herein is not limited to a circular cross-sectional shape, but includes a concept that includes a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners, an ellipse, a polygon, and other shapes.

[0013] A third invention is an air sterilization / virus inactivation device as described in the first or second invention, wherein the main body is composed of an outer shell member and a light source storage section that is stored in the outer shell member and has an inner surface that reflects the ultraviolet light, the air intake port is formed on a side of the outer shell member and an exhaust port is formed on an upper end of the outer shell member, and air taken in from the air intake port passes between the shell member and the light source storage section, passes through the fan, and passes through the inside of the light source storage section to be sterilized by the ultraviolet light from the light source and is discharged from the exhaust port.

[0014] A fourth invention is an air sterilization / virus inactivation device described in any one of the first to third inventions, characterized in that the air intake is provided with a filter that removes dust and dirt from the air.

[0015] The fifth invention is an air sterilization / virus inactivation device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, characterized in that at least one of the air intake and exhaust ports is provided with an absorbent material that absorbs the ultraviolet rays.

[0016] A sixth invention is an air sterilization / virus inactivation device as described in the first invention, characterized in that the exhaust section further has a third stage in which a third through hole is formed in the first area, and at least one of the first stage, the second stage and the third stage is provided with an obstacle wall, and a radius is formed at the tip of the obstacle wall. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the first invention, an obstacle wall is provided between the first region and the second region, so that the ultraviolet light that passes through the first through hole in the first stage cannot reach the second through hole in the second stage due to the obstacle wall. This can prevent the ultraviolet light from the light source from leaking outside the air sterilization / virus inactivation device. In addition, the first through hole formed in the first stage and the second through hole formed in the second stage are formed in positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the air exhaust direction, so that the ultraviolet light that passes through the first through hole in the first stage is less likely to reach the second through hole in the second stage. This can prevent the ultraviolet light from the light source from leaking outside the air sterilization / virus inactivation device. Furthermore, since the exhaust section is composed of at least two stages, it can prevent the ultraviolet light from the light source from leaking outside the air sterilization / virus inactivation device. This can sterilize and inactivate viruses in spaces where people gather, such as offices, conference rooms, hospitals, nursing homes, and evacuation shelters. It can reduce the number of times that ventilation is required in spaces that have been said to require sufficient ventilation to remove viruses floating in the air, making it suitable for use in hospitals, nursing homes, evacuation shelters, etc. In addition, if the desktop type is placed on a conference room or a table where people gather, it can quickly sterilize and inactivate viruses in that space.

[0018] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the inner wall of the light source storage section is configured to reflect ultraviolet light from the light source, so that the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source is reflected multiple times by the inner wall until it is attenuated, thereby increasing the effect of the ultraviolet light inside the light source storage section. This makes it possible to efficiently sterilize and inactivate viruses in the short time it takes air to pass through the light source storage section.

[0019] According to the third invention, an air intake port is formed on the side of the outer shell member, which can prevent dust and other particles present on the bottom surface from being sucked into the air sterilization / virus inactivation device. Also, an exhaust port is formed on the upper end of the outer shell member, which can efficiently sterilize and inactivate the space by discharging sterilized / inactivated clean air to the top and creating an air flow in the space. Furthermore, the air sterilization / virus inactivation device has a double-tube structure consisting of the outer shell member and the light source storage section, which can prevent ultraviolet light from the light source from leaking to the outside.

[0020] According to the fourth invention, a filter is provided at the air intake, which can prevent dust from entering the air sterilization / virus inactivation device. In particular, since the air sterilization / virus inactivation device is intended for use in nursing homes and hospital rooms, there are concerns about increased pressure loss due to cotton dust accumulating inside and reduced reflectance due to dust adhering to the inner wall of the light source storage section. However, by providing a filter at the air intake, these problems can be prevented.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an absorbent that absorbs ultraviolet rays is provided in at least one of the intake port and the exhaust section, so that the absorbent absorbs the ultraviolet rays that have leaked from the light source storage section and prevents them from leaking outside the outer shell member.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the exhaust section has a three-stage structure, and the third through-hole is formed in the first region of the third stage, so that the ultraviolet light that passes through the second through-hole is reflected by the third stage, and it is possible to further prevent the ultraviolet light from the light source from leaking outside the air sterilization and virus inactivation device. In addition, the tip of the obstacle wall is rounded, so that dust is less likely to adhere to the obstacle wall, and it is possible to prevent an increase in pressure loss and wind noise. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of an air sterilization / virus inactivation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2]1 is a cross-sectional view of an air sterilization and virus inactivation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the exhaust section of the air sterilization / virus inactivation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4(a) is a plan view of the exhaust section of an air sterilization and virus inactivation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4(b) is a plan view of the exhaust section showing the first area, and FIG. 4(c) is a plan view of the exhaust section showing the second area. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first obstruction wall of an air sterilization and virus inactivation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of the optical path of ultraviolet light in the exhaust section of an air sterilization / virus inactivation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an external view of an air sterilization / virus inactivation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an air sterilization and virus inactivation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the exhaust section of an air sterilization / virus inactivation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an air sterilization and virus inactivation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an air sterilization and virus inactivation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an air sterilization and virus inactivation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Graph showing the simulation results of the air sterilization and virus inactivation device of the present invention. [Figure 14] Graph showing the simulation results of the air sterilization and virus inactivation device of the present invention. [Figure 15] Graph showing test results of the air sterilization and virus inactivation device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] An air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, front, rear, and up and down directions are defined.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2, the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 is composed of an outer shell member 2, a light source storage section 3, a light source 4 that irradiates ultraviolet light, a fan 5, and an exhaust section 6. As shown in Fig. 1, the outer shell member 2 is substantially cylindrical and covers the outside of the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1, with air intakes 2a formed on each of the front and rear side surfaces and an exhaust port 2b formed on the top surface. A driving light 21 is provided on the upper side surface and turns on when the light source 4 is driven. The outer shell member 2 and the light source storage section 3 are an example of the main body of the present invention.

[0026] A power button 22 and a mode button 23 are provided inside exhaust port 2b arranged in a substantially circular ring shape on the top surface of outer shell member 2. Pressing power button 22 turns the power on and off, and pressing mode button 23 sequentially switches the airflow volume.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the outer shell member 2 houses a light source storage section 3, a light source 4 that irradiates ultraviolet light, a fan 5, and an exhaust section 6 inside. The outer shell member 2 has a roughly U-shaped cross section, and the members stored inside can only be accessed from the bottom. This prevents ultraviolet light from leaking from the light source 4. A sensor (not shown) that detects the removal of the bottom cover 20 is provided on the bottom, and when the sensor detects the removal of the bottom cover 20 while the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 is in operation, the power is turned off and the light source 4 is turned off. This prevents ultraviolet light from leaking from the light source 4.

[0028] A filter 24 is disposed near the intake port 2a of the outer shell member 2. The filter 24 removes dust from the air, thereby preventing dust from accumulating inside the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 and increasing pressure loss. Rock wool (rock wool) 25 for soundproofing and ultraviolet absorption is provided near the intake port 2a of the outer shell member 2 and near the exhaust port 2b or exhaust section 6. The rock wool 25 is an example of the absorbent material of the present invention, but the absorbent material is not limited to rock wool 25 and may be other materials as long as they are materials capable of absorbing ultraviolet rays. In addition, the rock wool 25 may be provided in at least one of the intake port 2a and the exhaust port 2b (exhaust section 6).

[0029] The light source storage section 3 has a cylindrical shape extending parallel to the light source 4, stores the light source 4 inside, and is made of stainless steel. The inner wall 31, which is the inner surface of the light source storage section 3, is polished to a mirror finish so as to reflect ultraviolet rays from the light source 4, and has a high reflectance. The material of the light source storage section 3 is not limited to stainless steel, and may be aluminum, an alloy, or the like, as long as it reflects ultraviolet rays, and may be subjected to surface treatment such as polishing, painting, plating, heat treatment, chemical treatment, etc. The light source storage section 3 is mirror-finished not only on the side but also on the top and bottom surfaces, and reflects ultraviolet rays from the light source 4. A sterilization space 3a is defined inside the light source storage section 3, in which bacteria and viruses are sterilized and inactivated by ultraviolet rays from the light source 4. All members constituting the sterilization space 3a, including the light source storage section 3, are mirror-finished on the inside. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the light source storage section 3 is finished with #400 and then further buffed to a mirror finish. A temperature sensor (not shown) is provided inside the light source storage section 3, and is set to turn off the power to the light source 4 of the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 when a predetermined temperature is detected.

[0030] The light source 4 is a germicidal lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 253.7 nm, and is disposed at the end of the light source storage section 3. The light source 4 can be disposed at any position in the light source storage section 3 without affecting the sterilization rate. Since the ultraviolet light from the light source 4 is reflected multiple times by the inner wall 31 of the light source storage section 3, the effect of the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 4 can be obtained in the internal space of the light source storage section 3 multiple times. The amount of irradiation due to reflection is calculated by the following equation 1.

number

[0031] Next, the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation and the sterilization rate is calculated using the following equation 2.

number

[0032] The fan 5 is disposed under the light source housing 3, and is driven by operating the power button 22. The rotation speed of the fan 5 is changed by pressing the mode button 23, and the airflow rate is changed.

[0033] 3, the exhaust section 6 has a four-stage baffle structure composed of a first exhaust plate 60, a second exhaust plate 61, a third exhaust plate 62, and a fourth exhaust plate 63. In this embodiment, the exhaust section 6 is composed of four stages, but it may be composed of at least two stages.

[0034] The exhaust section 6 is arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction in the order of a first exhaust plate 60, a second exhaust plate 61, a third exhaust plate 62, and a fourth exhaust plate 63 from bottom to top. The second exhaust plate 61 and the fourth exhaust plate 63 have roughly the same shape.

[0035] The first exhaust plate 60 has a generally thin disk shape, and its underside forms the sterilization space 3a together with the light source storage section 3, and is mirror-finished like the inner wall 31. A first through-hole 60a that penetrates the first exhaust plate 60 in the vertical direction is formed in the center of the first exhaust plate 60, and a plurality of through-holes 60b are formed around the first exhaust plate 60. The shape and area of ​​the through-hole can be set arbitrarily depending on the pressure loss of the fan 5.

[0036] The second exhaust plate 61 is generally in the shape of a thin disk, and has a plurality of second through holes 61a formed in the outer edge that are arranged in the circumferential direction and penetrate in the vertical direction, and peripheral through holes 61b having a smaller diameter than the second through holes 61a are formed between the second through holes 61a. A second obstacle wall 61A protruding downward is provided on the lower surface of the second exhaust plate 61. The second obstacle wall 61A is formed by curving a thin flat plate into a circular shape, and the center of the second exhaust plate 61 and the center of the second obstacle wall 61A are generally aligned.

[0037] 2, the protrusion amount (height) of the second obstacle wall 61A is approximately the same as the vertical width of the passage through which the air discharged from the light source storage section 3 passes. The height of the second obstacle wall 61A can be set arbitrarily depending on the exhaust pressure loss and the degree of leakage of ultraviolet light from the light source 4. As shown in FIG. 5, a radius is formed on the first end portion 61B of the second obstacle wall 61A. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in exhaust resistance and wind noise caused by dust adhering to the first end portion 61B and narrowing the passage.

[0038] The third exhaust plate 62 is a generally thin disk shape having the same diameter as the second exhaust plate 61, and a third through hole 62a is formed in the center penetrating in the vertical direction. A third barrier wall 62A protruding downward is provided on the lower surface of the third exhaust plate 62. The third barrier wall 62A is formed by curving a thin flat plate into a circular shape, and the center of the third exhaust plate 62, the center of the third barrier wall 62A, and the center of the third through hole 62a are generally aligned. The third through hole 62a is located inside the third barrier wall 62A. The third barrier wall 62A has a rounded tip portion, similar to the second barrier wall 61A.

[0039] The fourth exhaust plate 63 has a plurality of fourth through holes 63a that are arranged in the circumferential direction and penetrate in the vertical direction, and a fourth obstruction wall 63A is provided on the lower surface so as to protrude downward. The fourth exhaust plate 63 has substantially the same configuration as the second exhaust plate 61, except that the peripheral through holes 61b are not formed. The fourth through holes 63a are located at positions that substantially coincide with the exhaust ports 2b of the outer shell member 2.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows the exhaust section 6 of the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 as viewed from the arrow A, which is the upward direction (the exhaust direction of the present invention). As shown in Fig. 4(a), the second exhaust plate 61 and the fourth exhaust plate 63 have substantially the same shape, and the second through hole 61a and the fourth through hole 63a substantially coincide with each other as shown by the solid line. As shown by the dotted line, the second obstacle wall 61A, the third obstacle wall 62A, and the fourth obstacle wall 63A substantially coincide with each other in a plan view, and the first through hole 60a, the through hole 60b, and the third through hole 62a are located inside these obstacle walls.

[0041] 4(b), the region in which the second through hole 61a, the peripheral through hole 61b, and the fourth through hole 63a are formed is defined as a first region 64. The first region 64 is a region in which through holes are formed in the second exhaust plate 61 and the fourth exhaust plate 63. The first region 64 is defined outside the second obstacle wall 61A, the third obstacle wall 62A, and the fourth obstacle wall 63A, respectively, so as to form a substantially annular shape on the outer edge of the exhaust section 6.

[0042] As shown by diagonal lines in FIG. 4(c), the region in which the first through hole 60a, the through hole 60b, and the third through hole 62a are formed is defined as the second region 65. The second region 65 is a region in which the through holes are formed in the first exhaust plate 60 and the third exhaust plate 62. The second region 65 is defined inside the second obstacle wall 61A, the third obstacle wall 62A, and the fourth obstacle wall 63A so as to be approximately circular near the center of the exhaust section 6. As shown in the figure, the first region 64 and the second region 65 do not overlap each other. In other words, the second through hole 61a, the peripheral through hole 61b, and the fourth through hole 63a do not overlap with the first through hole 60a, the through hole 60b, and the third through hole 62a when viewed from above. The second obstacle wall 61A, the third obstacle wall 62A, and the fourth obstacle wall 63A are provided at a position that is a boundary between the first region 64 and the second region 65.

[0043] Although the obstacle walls are provided on all of the second exhaust plate 61, the third exhaust plate 62, and the fourth exhaust plate 63, they may be provided on at least one of them. Furthermore, the shapes of the first region 64 and the second region 65 are not limited to this, and it is sufficient that they are formed in positions that do not overlap each other and that an obstacle wall is provided at the boundary between them.

[0044] Next, the optical path of the ultraviolet light from the light source 4 in the exhaust section 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. A part of the ultraviolet light leaking from the first through-hole 60a and the through-hole 60b of the first exhaust plate 60 is reflected by the second obstacle wall 61A in the first region 64 of the second exhaust plate 61 as indicated by the arrow A1, and does not leak to the outside. As indicated by the arrow A2, a part of the ultraviolet light passes through the second through-hole 61a, but is reflected by the third exhaust plate 62 and the third obstacle wall 62A, and does not leak to the outside. At this time, since the first region 64 in which the second through-hole 61a is formed and the second region 65 in which the third through-hole 62a is formed do not overlap in a plan view, the amount of ultraviolet light passing through the third through-hole 62a can be reduced.

[0045] As shown by arrow A3, even if some ultraviolet light leaks from the third through hole 62a, it enters the second region 65 of the fourth exhaust plate 63 and is reflected by the fourth obstacle wall 63A, and therefore does not leak to the outside from the fourth through hole 63a.

[0046] Next, the flow of air taken in by the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 will be described with reference to the arrows in Figure 2. When the power cable (not shown) of the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 is connected to an external power source and the power button 22 is pressed, the fan 5 starts to operate and at the same time the light source 4 turns on and irradiates ultraviolet light toward the inner wall 31 of the light source storage section 3. At this time, the ultraviolet light is repeatedly reflected from the inner wall 31 of the light source storage section 3 until it attenuates.

[0047] The air sucked in from the intake port 2a has dust removed by the filter 24, passes through the space between the outer shell member 2 and the light source storage section 3, and passes through the fan 5. The air that has passed through the fan 5 is sterilized and inactivated by ultraviolet light from the light source 4 in the sterilizing space 3a. The clean air enters the exhaust section 6, passes through the through-holes of the first exhaust plate 60, the second exhaust plate 61, the third exhaust plate 62, and the fourth exhaust plate 63 as shown by the arrows, and is exhausted to the outside from the exhaust port 2b of the outer shell member 2. At this time, the ultraviolet light from the light source 4 does not leak to the outside, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0048] According to this configuration, the second barrier wall 61A, the third barrier wall 62A, and the fourth barrier wall 63A are provided between the first region 64 and the second region 65, so that the ultraviolet light passing through the second through hole 61a of the second exhaust plate 61 cannot reach the third through hole 62a of the third exhaust plate 62 by the third barrier wall 62A. This makes it possible to suppress the ultraviolet light from the light source 4 from leaking outside the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1. In addition, the second through hole 61a formed in the second exhaust plate 61 and the third through hole 62a formed in the third exhaust plate 62 are formed at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the upward direction (arrow A in FIG. 2), which is the air exhaust direction, so that the ultraviolet light passing through the second through hole 61a of the second exhaust plate 61 is less likely to reach the third through hole 62a of the third exhaust plate 62. This makes it possible to suppress the ultraviolet light from the light source 4 from leaking outside the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1. Furthermore, since the exhaust section 6 is composed of at least two stages, it is possible to prevent ultraviolet light from the light source 4 from leaking outside the air sterilization and virus inactivation device 1. This makes it possible to sterilize and inactivate viruses in spaces where people gather, such as offices, conference rooms, hospitals, nursing homes, and evacuation shelters. It is possible to reduce the number of times ventilation is required in spaces that have previously been said to require sufficient ventilation to remove viruses floating in the air, making it suitable for use in hospitals, nursing homes, evacuation shelters, etc. In addition, if the table-top type is installed on a conference room or a table where people gather, it can quickly sterilize and inactivate viruses in that space.

[0049] According to this configuration, the inner wall 31 of the light source storage section 3 is mirror-finished to reflect ultraviolet light from the light source 4, so that the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 4 is reflected multiple times by the inner wall 31, thereby increasing the amount of ultraviolet light inside the light source storage section 3. This makes it possible to efficiently sterilize and inactivate viruses in the short time it takes air to pass through the light source storage section 3.

[0050] With this configuration, air intake 2a is formed on the side of outer shell member 2, which can prevent dust and the like present on the bottom surface from being sucked into air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1. Also, air exhaust 2b is formed on the upper end of outer shell member 2, which can efficiently sterilize and inactivate the space by discharging sterilized / inactivated clean air to the top and creating an air flow in the space. Furthermore, air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 has a double-tube structure consisting of outer shell member 2 and light source storage section 3, which can prevent ultraviolet light from light source 4 from leaking to the outside.

[0051] With this configuration, the exhaust section 6 has a four-stage structure and the fourth through-hole 64a is formed in the first region 64 of the fourth exhaust plate 63, so that the ultraviolet light that passes through the third through-hole 62a is reflected by the fourth exhaust plate 63, which further prevents the ultraviolet light from the light source 4 from leaking outside the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1. In addition, because a radius is formed at each of the tip portions of the second obstacle wall 61A, the third obstacle wall 62A, and the fourth obstacle wall 63A, dust is less likely to adhere to these portions, which makes it possible to prevent an increase in pressure loss and wind noise.

[0052] With this configuration, filter 24 is provided at intake port 2a, which can prevent dust from entering the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1. In particular, because air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 is intended for use in nursing homes and hospital rooms, there are concerns that cotton dust may accumulate inside, increasing pressure loss, and that dust may adhere to the inner wall of light source storage section 33, decreasing reflectance. However, by providing filter 24 at intake port 2a, these problems can be prevented from occurring.

[0053] According to this configuration, rock wool 25 that absorbs ultraviolet rays is provided in at least one of the air intake 2a and the exhaust section 6, so that the rock wool 25 absorbs the ultraviolet rays that have leaked from the light source storage section 3 and prevents them from leaking outside the outer shell member 2.

[0054] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. The same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] The air sterilization / virus inactivation device 101 according to the second embodiment is composed of an outer shell member 102, a light source storage section 3, a light source 104, a fan 105, and an exhaust section 106. The outer shell member 102 is substantially rectangular prism-shaped, with an air intake 102a formed in the front and an exhaust 102b formed in the top. Although not shown, rock wool capable of absorbing ultraviolet rays is provided near the air intake 102a and the exhaust 102b. The air sterilization / virus inactivation device 101 is larger and has higher output than the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 according to the first embodiment, and is used for air sterilization / virus inactivation in large spaces such as hospital rooms.

[0056] The light source 104 is two ultraviolet fluorescent tubes and is arranged approximately in the center of the light source storage section 3. Two fans 105 are arranged in the lower part of the light source storage section 3. The exhaust section 106 has approximately the same configuration as the exhaust section 6 of the first embodiment, and is composed of a first exhaust plate 160, a second exhaust plate 161, a third exhaust plate 162, and a fourth exhaust plate 163, as shown in Fig. 9.

[0057] The first exhaust plate 160 is substantially rectangular in shape, with two substantially rectangular first through holes 160a formed with a gap between them, and a circular through hole 160b formed between the first through holes 160a.

[0058] The second exhaust plate 161 is substantially rectangular, has a plurality of second through holes 161a formed on its periphery, and is provided with a second barrier wall 161A protruding downward on its lower surface. The second barrier wall 161A is formed by curving a thin flat plate into a substantially rectangular shape.

[0059] The third exhaust plate 162 is generally rectangular, has a generally rectangular third through-hole 162a formed in the center, and is provided with a third obstacle wall 162A protruding downward on the lower surface. The fourth exhaust plate 163 has generally the same configuration as the second exhaust plate 161, is provided with a fourth obstacle wall 164A, and has a fourth through-hole 163a formed therein.

[0060] The second through hole 161a and the fourth through hole 163a are aligned when viewed from above, and are all located in a first region 164 indicated by hatching. The first through hole 160a, the through hole 160b, and the third through hole 162a are located in a second region 165 indicated by hatching. This provides substantially the same configuration and effect as the exhaust section 6 of the first embodiment.

[0061] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted. The air sterilization / virus inactivation device 201 is provided with a straightening plate 232 for straightening the air flow above the fan 5. The first exhaust plate 260 of the exhaust section 6 is provided with a first through hole 260a penetrating in the vertical direction in the second region 65, and with a first obstacle wall 260A protruding upward. The first obstacle wall 260A is provided at a position that coincides with the other obstacle walls when viewed from above.

[0062] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted. Air sterilization / virus inactivation device 301 is composed of outer shell member 302, light source 4, intake fan 351, exhaust fan 352, intake section 305, and exhaust section 306.

[0063] Outer shell member 302 is substantially cylindrical in shape, and inner wall 321 is first finished with #400 and then buffed to a mirror finish, so that ultraviolet light irradiated from light source 4 is reflected multiple times until it is attenuated. Light source 4 has a higher output than that of the first embodiment. Intake fan 351 is a fan for sucking in outside air, and is disposed at the bottom of outer shell member 302. Exhaust fan 352 has substantially the same performance as intake fan 351, and is a fan for discharging air that has been sterilized and inactivated by ultraviolet light irradiated from light source 4. Exhaust fan 352 is disposed at the top of outer shell member 302.

[0064] The intake section 305 and exhaust section 306 are substantially the same as the exhaust section 6 of the first embodiment, except that the innermost plate has no obstructing wall and has a three-stage baffle structure. The air sterilization / virus inactivation device 301 has a higher output than the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 of the first embodiment, and is therefore suitable for sterilization and virus inactivation in a large space.

[0065] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described. In the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 401, the configuration of the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 201 of the third embodiment is provided with a first control plate 402 having a substantially annular shape that controls the flow rate of air in the light source storage section 3, and a second control plate 403 having substantially the same shape as the first control plate 402 and disposed above the first control plate 402. The first control plate 402 and the second control plate 403 act as baffles to reduce the wind speed of the air flowing in the light source storage section 3, and the time of exposure to ultraviolet rays is extended. This makes it possible to realize an air sterilization / virus inactivation device 401 that achieves high sterilization efficiency.

[0066] Next, the results of a simulation of the virus sterilization ability of the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 according to the first embodiment under the following conditions are shown in Fig. 13. In the simulation, it was assumed that the ultraviolet light from the light source 4 was reflected multiple times by the inner wall 31 until it was attenuated. [Performance] Light source output: 6W Sterilizing radiation output: 1.7W Air volume setting: 120L / min, 180L / min, 360L / min [simulation] Sterilization space: length 1m x width 1m x height 1m (1m 3 ) Virus: Influenza virus (6.7 mJ / cm of UV light required to inactivate 99.9% of virus) 2 ) Setting air volume: 360L / min

[0067] Figure 13 shows the progress of the virus quantity in the sterilized space when air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 is placed on a table and the initial state is set to 1. After about 15 minutes of operating air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1, 99% of viruses are inactivated.

[0068] Next, FIG. 12 shows the results of a simulation in which the virus sterilization ability of the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 101 according to the second embodiment was calculated under the following conditions. [Performance] Light source output: 20W x 2 Sterilizing radiation output: 7.5W x 2 Air volume setting: 1.33m 3 / min, 2.0m 3 / min, 4.0m 3 / min [simulation] Sterilization space: length 6m x width 4.3m x height 2.3m (59.34m 3 ) Virus: Influenza virus (6.7 mJ / cm of UV light required to inactivate 99.9% of virus) 2 ) Set air volume: 4.0m 3 / min

[0069] Figure 14 shows the transition of the amount of viruses in the sterilized space when the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 101 is assumed to be placed in a hospital room for four people, which is a sterilized space, and the initial state is set to 1. 99% of viruses can be inactivated in about 1.25 hours after the air sterilization / virus inactivation device 101 is operated.

[0070] Next, a 1 m measurement of a 1 m area in which Escherichia coli (NBRC3972) was suspended was performed using the air sterilization and virus inactivation device 1 according to the first embodiment. 3 The results of the suspension sterilization test using the box are shown in Figure 15. [Air sterilization and virus inactivation device 1] Light source output: 6W Sterilizing radiation output: 1.7W Sterilization space: length 1m x width 1m x height 1m Test bacteria: Escherichia coli (4.8 mJ / cm required for 99.9% inactivation) 2 )

[0071] In the test, 1m 3 The test bacteria were sprayed into the test chamber using a nebulizer, and the stirring fan was then operated to stir the mixture. After the fan was stopped, the air in the chamber was sucked in using an impinger, and the initial value was set to 0 minutes. Air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 in the test area was operated, and airborne bacteria in the test and control areas were collected and counted at 6, 12, and 18 minutes. As shown in Figure 15, in the test area where air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 was installed, it was confirmed that more than 99% of E. coli was sterilized and inactivated in just over 6 minutes. In contrast, in the control area where air sterilization / virus inactivation device 1 was not installed, E. coli was still detected even after about 20 minutes had passed.

[0072] The air sterilization and virus inactivation device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention described in the claims.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the light source 4 is one or two, but the present invention is not limited to this and three or more light sources may be used. This increases the amount of ultraviolet light and provides high sterilization capability.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the outer shell member 2 and the light source housing 3 are cylindrical, but are not limited thereto. For example, the outer shell member and the light source housing can have any shape and may have different shapes.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the multiple through holes formed in the exhaust portion 6 are circular, but this is not limited thereto, and any shape can be selected according to the shape of the exhaust portion 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1, 101, 201, 301, 401 Air sterilization and virus inactivation equipment 2, 102, 302 Outer shell 2a, 102a Intake 2b, 102b exhaust port 3 Light source storage section 4, 104 light source 5,105 Fans 6, 106, 306 Exhaust section 305 Intake section 20 Bottom lid 24 Filters 25 Rockwool 31, 321 inner wall 60, 160 First exhaust plate 60a, 160a First through hole 60b, 160b through hole 61, 161 Second exhaust plate 61A, 161A 2nd Obstacle Wall 61a, 161a 2nd through hole 62,162 3rd exhaust plate 62A, 162A 3rd Obstacle Wall 62a, 162a 3rd through hole 63, 163 4th exhaust plate 63A, 163A 4th Obstacle Wall 63a, 163a 4th through hole 64, 164 1st area 65, 165 2nd area 351 Intake fan 352 Exhaust Fan

Claims

1. An air sterilization and virus inactivation device that sterilizes air by irradiating it with ultraviolet light, A light source that irradiates the ultraviolet light; A main body that houses the light source and has an air intake and an exhaust section through which air sterilized by the ultraviolet rays is exhausted; a fan that draws in air from the intake port and exhausts air from the exhaust section, the exhaust section is configured with at least two stages, and a first through hole formed in a first stage and a second through hole formed in a second stage are formed at positions that do not overlap with each other when viewed from an exhaust direction, which is a direction in which air passes through the first through hole, At least one of the first stage and the second stage is provided with an obstacle wall that, as viewed from the discharge direction, suppresses leakage of the ultraviolet light at a boundary between a first region in which the first through hole is formed and a second region in which the second through hole is formed and is positioned so as to be surrounded by the first region, and that is positioned so as to surround a periphery of the second region and protrudes in a direction opposite to the discharge direction, An air sterilization and virus inactivation device, characterized in that the first area is defined outside the obstacle wall, and the second area is defined inside the obstacle wall.

2. 2. The air sterilization and virus inactivation device of claim 1, wherein the light source is stored in a light source storage section, the light source storage section has a cylindrical structure parallel to the light source, and the inner walls of the light source storage section are mirror-finished to reflect the ultraviolet light, so that the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source is reflected multiple times until it is attenuated.

3. The main body portion is composed of an outer shell member and a light source storage portion that is stored in the outer shell member and has an inner side that reflects the ultraviolet light, The intake port is formed on a side surface of the outer shell member, and an exhaust port is formed on an upper end portion of the outer shell member, 3. The air sterilization and virus inactivation device according to claim 1, wherein the air taken in through the air intake passes between the outer shell member and the light source storage section, passes through the fan, passes through the inside of the light source storage section, is sterilized by the ultraviolet light from the light source, and is exhausted through the exhaust port.

4. 4. The air sterilization and virus inactivation device according to claim 1, wherein the air intake is provided with a filter for removing dust and dirt from the air.

5. 5. The air sterilization and virus inactivation device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the air intake and the exhaust section is provided with an absorbent material that absorbs the ultraviolet rays.

6. the exhaust section further includes a third stage in which a third through hole is formed in the first region, At least one of the first stage, the second stage, and the third stage is provided with the obstacle wall, 2. The air sterilization and virus inactivation device according to claim 1, wherein the corners of the obstacle wall are rounded.

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