Air cleaner

Abstract

To provide an air cleaner capable of sufficiently decomposing or removing bacteria or viruses in air, gas composition becoming odor, or the like.SOLUTION: An air cleaner A1 being an example of an air cleaner to which the present invention is applied comprises a case 1, a metal form 2, a light source 3, and a fan 4. Further, the air cleaner A1 has an LED light source 30. The metal form 2 is a filter member which sterilizes air introduced into the case 1 via the fan 4, and decomposes to deodorize organic matters being odor components included in air. In the metal form 2, a coating layer containing silver (Ag) being a sterilization member and titanium dioxide (TiO2) being a photocatalyst is formed on a front surface 2a, a rear surface 2b and a face of forming pores, which is positioned on an inner side from an external surface of the metal form.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purifying device, and more particularly to an air purifying device capable of sufficiently decomposing or removing bacteria, viruses, gas components that cause bad odors, and the like in the air. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, air purifiers have been used to maintain a good air environment indoors, etc. The main structure of an air purifier is such that air in the environment is introduced through an air intake port, passes through a filter provided inside the device, and is discharged again through an air outlet.

[0003] Conventional air purifiers use a method of adsorbing bacteria, viruses, and gas components that cause bad odors contained in the air that is taken in onto a filter, but this method leaves the bacteria and viruses alive on the filter and makes it impossible to break them down or remove them.

[0004] In addition, some conventional air purifiers release ozone, ions, and hypochlorous acid into the air to remove bacteria and viruses, but depending on the concentration of the ozone and other substances released, there is a risk that they may have an adverse effect on the human body or pets kept indoors.

[0005] In this context, an air purifying device (see Patent Document 1) has been proposed that attempts to efficiently decompose or remove bacteria, viruses, gas components that cause bad odors, and the like in the air.

[0006] Here, the air purifying device described in Patent Document 1 has a first filter provided in the air flow path between the intake port and the exhaust port, a second filter provided in the flow path upstream of the first filter with a specified gap therebetween, a first light source provided in the gap and irradiating ultraviolet light onto the opposing faces of the first filter and second filter, and a second light source that irradiates ultraviolet light having a shorter wavelength than the ultraviolet light irradiated from the first light source onto the face of the second filter opposite to the face irradiated by the first light source, and at least one of the first filter and the second filter carries a material that decomposes organic matter in response to the ultraviolet light irradiated by the first light source.

[0007] The air purifying device described in Patent Document 1 achieves both a deodorizing effect by decomposing malodorous components through the cooperative action of the photocatalyst in the first filter (photocatalytic filter) or the photocatalyst supported on the second filter (collection filter) excited by ultraviolet light irradiated from a first light source (light source for decomposing malodorous components) and the inactivation effect of bacteria and viruses by inactivating the bacteria and viruses captured in the second filter (collection filter) with the second light source (inactivation light source).

[0008] Furthermore, in the air purifying device described in Patent Document 1, a first light source is provided in the space (gap) between the first filter and the second filter, so that bacteria and viruses that were not captured by the second filter are inactivated supplementarily as they pass through the gap between the two filters by adjusting the wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by the first light source provided in this gap, if necessary, by adjusting the wavelength of the lamp or by combining LEDs of different wavelengths. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-078685 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Here, the air purifying device described in Patent Document 1 can obtain a deodorizing effect by decomposing malodorous components and an inactivation effect of bacteria and viruses, but there is room for further improvement in the decomposition and removal effects.

[0011] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide an air purifying device that can sufficiently decompose or remove bacteria, viruses, gas components that cause bad odors, and the like in the air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the air purifying device of the present invention comprises a case having an air intake and an air outlet, a fan provided within the case for introducing air through the air intake and blowing out the air from the air outlet, a main body formed of a porous material provided in an air flow path between the air intake and the air outlet, a filter carrying a sterilizing member for sterilizing fungi and an organic matter decomposition member for decomposing organic matter in response to light on a first surface of the main body along the air flow path and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a light source for irradiating ultraviolet light toward the filter.

[0013] Here, the case has an intake port and an exhaust port, and a fan is provided inside the case, which draws in air through the intake port and blows out the air through the exhaust port, thereby creating an air flow that takes in air from the environment outside the case, passes it through the inside of the case, and then exhausts the air out of the case again.

[0014] Furthermore, by providing a filter in the air flow path between the air intake and the air outlet, air taken in from the external environment of the case can be made to pass through the filter before being discharged from the air outlet.

[0015] In addition, the filter supports a sterilizing member for sterilizing bacteria and an organic matter decomposing member for decomposing organic matter in response to light on the first surface of the main body along the air flow path and the second surface opposite to the first surface, thereby sterilizing bacteria and viruses contained in the air on both the first surface and the second surface of the filter and decomposing organic matter that becomes a malodorous component contained in the air, thereby obtaining a deodorizing effect. In addition, since sterilization and decomposition of organic matter can be performed on both the first surface and the second surface of the main body along the air flow path, that is, on the upstream position and the downstream position in the air flow path, respectively, the effect of decomposing or removing bacteria, viruses, and malodorous components can be improved. The organic matter decomposing member referred to here includes, for example, one that decomposes organic matter in response to ultraviolet light, visible light, or infrared light.

[0016] Furthermore, by forming the main body of the filter from a porous body, pores are formed on the first and second surfaces, and the surface areas of the first and second surfaces can be increased. As a result, the amount of sterilization member and organic matter decomposition member that can be supported on the first and second surfaces increases, and the effect of decomposing or removing bacteria, viruses, and malodorous components can be improved.

[0017] In addition, by irradiating the filter with ultraviolet light from the light source, the organic matter decomposition material carried by the filter reacts to the ultraviolet light and decomposes the organic matter that is a malodorous component in the air. In addition, the ultraviolet light is directly irradiated onto bacteria and viruses in the air, and the bacteria and viruses can be eliminated by the ultraviolet light as well, improving the sterilization effect of the entire device.

[0018] Furthermore, when the sterilization member and the organic matter decomposition member are supported on the surface that forms the pores located inside the outer surface of the main body, the sterilization member and the organic matter decomposition member are supported not only on the first and second surfaces of the main body but also on the surface that forms the pores located inside the outer surface, and the sterilization member and the organic matter decomposition member can be arranged more densely in the filter as a whole, and the effect of decomposing or removing bacteria, viruses, and malodorous components can be further improved. Note that the pores referred to here correspond to the pores that become the gaps in the porous body.

[0019] Furthermore, when the porous body has an interconnected pore structure in which pores are connected from the first surface to the second surface, it becomes possible for the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source to pass through the filter via the interconnected pores. In other words, by irradiating either the first surface or the second surface of the filter with ultraviolet light, the ultraviolet light can reach the other surface side, and only one light source is required for irradiating the ultraviolet light, which makes it easier to miniaturize the device.

[0020] Furthermore, when the filter is a metal body, the durability of the filter can be improved.

[0021] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the air purifying device of the present invention comprises a case having an intake port and an exhaust port, a fan provided within the case for introducing air through the intake port and blowing out the air through the exhaust port, a filter provided in the air flow path between the intake port and the exhaust port and carrying a sterilizing member that sterilizes fungi on a first surface along the air flow path and carrying an organic matter decomposition member that reacts to light and decomposes organic matter on a second surface opposite the first surface, and a light source that irradiates light toward the second surface.

[0022] Here, the filter carries a sterilizing member that sterilizes bacteria on a first surface along the air flow path, and an organic matter decomposition member that reacts to light and decomposes organic matter on a second surface opposite to the first surface, so that bacteria and viruses contained in the air can be sterilized on the first surface of the filter, and organic matter that becomes a malodorous component in the air can be decomposed on the second surface of the filter, thereby obtaining a deodorizing effect. Note that the organic matter decomposition member referred to here includes, for example, one that reacts to ultraviolet light, visible light, or infrared light to decompose organic matter.

[0023] Furthermore, by irradiating light from the light source toward the second surface of the filter, the organic matter decomposition material supported on the filter reacts to the light and decomposes organic matter that is a malodorous component contained in the air.

[0024] Furthermore, when the light irradiated from the light source is ultraviolet light, the ultraviolet light is directly irradiated onto bacteria and viruses contained in the air on the second surface of the filter carrying the organic matter decomposition material, and the bacteria and viruses can be sterilized by the ultraviolet light, thereby improving the sterilization effect of the entire device.

[0025] Furthermore, when the filter is a porous body having an interconnected pore structure in which pores are connected from the first surface to the second surface, light from the light source irradiated toward the second surface can pass through the filter via the interconnected pores and reach the first surface. In other words, the light from the light source can reach both the first surface and the second surface, improving the degree of freedom in arranging the light source.

[0026] Furthermore, when the filter is a metal body, the durability of the filter can be improved.

[0027] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the air purifying device of the present invention comprises a case having an air intake and an air outlet, a fan provided within the case for introducing air through the air intake and blowing out the air through the air outlet, a body formed of a porous material provided in the air flow path between the air intake and the air outlet, a filter carrying an organic matter decomposition member that decomposes organic matter in response to light on at least one of a first surface of the body along the air flow path and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a light source that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the filter.

[0028] Here, the filter carries an organic matter decomposition member that reacts with light to decompose organic matter on at least one of the first surface of the body along the air flow path and the second surface opposite to the first surface, so that at least one of the first surface or the second surface of the filter can decompose organic matter that is a malodorous component contained in the air, thereby achieving a deodorizing effect. Note that the organic matter decomposition member referred to here includes, for example, a material that reacts with ultraviolet light, visible light, or infrared light to decompose organic matter.

[0029] In addition, since the filter body is made of a porous material, pores are formed on at least one of the first and second surfaces, which increases the surface area of ​​the surface, thereby increasing the amount of organic matter decomposition material that can be supported, thereby improving the effect of decomposing or removing malodorous components.

[0030] In addition, by irradiating the filter with ultraviolet light from the light source, the organic matter decomposition material carried by the filter reacts to the ultraviolet light and decomposes the organic matter that is a malodorous component in the air. In addition, the ultraviolet light is directly irradiated onto bacteria and viruses in the air, and the bacteria and viruses can be eliminated by the ultraviolet light as well, improving the sterilization effect of the entire device.

[0031] In addition, when the organic decomposition member is supported on a surface that forms pores located inside the outer surface carrying the organic decomposition member of the main body, the organic decomposition member is supported on the outer surface of the main body that carries the organic decomposition member, i.e., the first surface carrying the organic decomposition member, the second surface carrying the organic decomposition member, or both the first surface and the second surface carrying the organic decomposition member, and the organic decomposition member is also supported on the surface that forms pores located inside the outer surface carrying the organic decomposition member, so that the organic decomposition member can be arranged at a higher density as a whole filter, and the effect of decomposing or removing malodorous components can be further improved. Note that the pores referred to here correspond to the pores that become voids in the porous body. Effect of the Invention

[0032] The air purifying device according to the present invention is capable of sufficiently decomposing or removing bacteria, viruses, gas components that cause bad odors, and the like in the air. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of an air purifying device A1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the air purifying device A1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a front panel, a pre-filter, a dust collecting filter, and the surrounding structure. [Figure 4] 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a metal form, a main body case, and their surrounding structure. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a blower fan, a back panel, and their surrounding structure. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 7(a) is an overall view of the metal form, and (b) is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7(a). [Figure 8] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which ultraviolet light irradiated from a light source passes through continuous pores of a metal foam. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow inside the air purification device A1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for the purpose of understanding the present invention. It should be noted that the content shown below is one example of an air purifying device to which the present invention is applied, and the content of the present invention is not limited to this, and settings can be changed as appropriate.

[0035] In the following description, the metal form 2 as viewed from the light source 3 will be referred to as the front or forward, and the light source 3 as viewed from the metal form 2 will be referred to as the rear or rearward, based on Fig. 2. In addition, the top panel 13 as viewed from the case body 12 will be referred to as the top or upward, and the case body 12 as viewed from the top panel 13 will be referred to as the bottom or downward, based on Fig. 4.

[0036] In the following description, the front surface of a member will be referred to as the front surface or front face, and the rear surface of a member will be referred to as the rear surface or rear face, as necessary.

[0037] [First embodiment of the present invention] An air purifying device A1, which is an example of an air purifying device to which the present invention is applied, has an overall appearance as shown in FIG.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the air purifying device A1 includes a case 1, a metal form 2, a light source 3, and a fan 4.

[0039] The case 1 is a member that houses various members of the air purifying device A1, and also serves as the main body of the air purifying device A1.

[0040] The metal foam 2 is a filter member that sterilizes the air drawn into the case 1 via the fan 4 and decomposes organic matter contained in the air that causes a bad odor, thereby eliminating odors.

[0041] The light source 3 is a light source member that irradiates the metal form 2 with ultraviolet light.

[0042] The fan 4 is a member for generating an air flow that introduces air into the case 1 from the front of the air purifying device A1 and blows the air that has passed through the metal forms 2 out above the case 1 for exhaust.

[0043] The detailed structure will be described below.

[0044] [case] The case 1 has a front panel 10, a filter holder 11 (see FIGS. 3 and 6), a case body 12, a top panel 13 (see FIGS. 4 and 6), and a back panel 14 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0045] Moreover, the front panel 10 is a member attached to the case body 12 so as to cover the front surface of the filter holder 11. The front panel 10 is provided on the case body 12 so as to be detachable and openable.

[0046] Also, a notch 100 is formed in the lower part of the front panel 10 (see FIG. 3). When the front panel 10 is attached to the case body 12, a gap formed by the notch 100 between the front panel 10 and the case body 12 becomes an air intake 101 through which the fan 4 takes in air (see FIG. 6).

[0047] Furthermore, when the front panel 10 is attached to the case body 12, a space is formed between the rear surface of the front panel 10 and the front surface of the filter holder 11 for air to pass through.

[0048] Moreover, the filter holder 11 is a member provided so as to close the front surface of the case body 12. The filter holder 11 is fixed to the case body 12 by a bolt or the like.

[0049] The filter holder 11 is formed with a recess 110 for accommodating and holding a pre-filter 5, a filter case 50, and a dust collection filter 6 (described later) (see FIG. 3). The recess 110 is configured to allow air introduced from the front to pass rearward.

[0050] The case body 12 is a member that houses the metal form 2, the light source 3, and the fan 4.

[0051] In addition, the case body 12 has a bottom wall 120, a pair of side walls 121 extending upward from both side ends of the bottom wall 120, a partition wall 122 that divides the space surrounded by the bottom wall 120 and the pair of side walls 121 into front and rear sections, and an outlet air guide plate 123 that guides the air introduced by the fan 4 to the upper outlet 130 (see Figure 4).

[0052] In addition, the partition 122 has a circular through hole 122a when viewed from the front to allow air to pass through, and in front of this through hole 122a is formed an accommodation section 122b for accommodating the light source holder 31 and the metal foam cover 20 described later.

[0053] Furthermore, by accommodating the metal form cover 20 in the accommodating portion 122b, the front opening of the through hole 122a is closed by the metal form 2.

[0054] An interlock board 124 is attached to the front surface of the case body 12. The interlock board 124 is a board for stopping the operation of the air purifying device A1 when the front panel 10 is opened.

[0055] Furthermore, a control board 125 and a DC jack board 126 are attached to the rear surface of the case body 12. The control board 125 is a board that controls the entire device, and the DC jack board 126 is a board that connects to a power supply device (AC adapter).

[0056] The top panel 13 is a member provided to cover the upper part of the case body 12. The top panel 13 is formed with a plurality of slit-shaped air outlets 130 for blowing out the air introduced by the fan 4 (see FIGS. 4 and 6).

[0057] The top panel 13 is also provided with an operation panel 131 for turning the power of the air purifying device A1 on and off, adjusting the air volume, adjusting the blowing direction, etc. (see FIG. 4). The top panel 13 is also provided with a display unit 132 for displaying the operating status, etc. of the air purifying device A by the lighting state of a light emitting diode, etc.

[0058] Moreover, an operation sheet label 133 on which information relating to the operation panel 131 and the display unit 132 is written is attached to the upper part of the operation panel 131 and the display unit 132 (see FIG. 4).

[0059] Furthermore, an operation board 134 that controls the driving of each member in response to the operation of the operation panel 131 is attached to the top panel 13. Also, a blue light LED board 135 is attached to the top panel 13. The blue light LED board 135 is a board that is responsible for turning on a blue light LED (not shown).

[0060] The back panel 14 is a member provided so as to cover the rear surface of the case body 12 from the rear surface side of the fan 4. The back panel 14 is provided to the case body 12 so as to be detachable.

[0061] [Pre-filter and dust collection filter] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the air purifying device A1 has a pre-filter 5, a filter case 50, and a dust collecting filter 6.

[0062] Pre-filter 5 is provided in front of dust-collecting filter 6 and is a physical filter that allows air introduced from air intake port 101 to pass through and removes dust and dirt contained in the air. Pre-filter 5 is formed of, for example, a three-dimensional woven filter.

[0063] Moreover, the pre-filter 5 is detachably attached to the filter case 50. The filter case 50 is configured to allow air introduced from the front to pass to the rear.

[0064] The dust collecting filter 6 is a physical filter that further removes dust and dirt from the air that has passed through the prefilter 5. The dust collecting filter 6 is a physical filter that removes fine dust and dirt that cannot be captured by the prefilter 5, and is made of, for example, a mesh-like or sponge-like resin. The dust collecting filter can be washed and reused.

[0065] In addition, the dust collecting filter 6, together with the prefilter 5 and the filter case 50, is housed and held in the recess 110 of the filter holder 11, and by attaching the front panel 10 and the filter holder 11 to the case body 12, the prefilter 5 and the dust collecting filter 6 are arranged between the front panel 10 and the case body 12.

[0066] Here, the air purifying device A1 does not necessarily need to be provided with the pre-filter 5 and the dust-collecting filter 6. However, it is preferable to provide the pre-filter 5 and the dust-collecting filter 6 in front of the metal form 2, in order to remove dust and dirt in the air introduced from the air intake 101 via the fan 4, prevent the metal form 2 from becoming clogged, extend the usable period of the metal form 2, and improve maintainability.

[0067] [Metal Form] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the air purifying device A1 includes a metal form 2, a metal form cover 20, an LED light source 30, and a light source holder 31.

[0068] As described above, the metal foam 2 is a filter member that sterilizes the air introduced into the case 1 via the fan 4 and decomposes organic matter that is a malodorous component contained in the air, thereby deodorizing it.

[0069] The metal foam 2 is a sponge-like foamed metal with multiple pores formed in a plate-like metal body, and is made of an alloy of nickel, chromium, iron and aluminum. The metal foam 2 has a front surface 2a located on the upstream side along the air flow path, and a rear surface 2b located on the downstream side (see FIG. 4).

[0070] Fig. 7(a) shows an overall view of the metal form 2, and Fig. 7(b) shows an enlarged view of a part of the metal form 2. As shown in Fig. 7(b), the metal form 2 is a sponge-like porous metal body with numerous pores formed therein.

[0071] Furthermore, the metal form 2 has a coating layer containing silver (Ag) as a sterilizing material and titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a photocatalyst formed on its front surface 2a, rear surface 2b, and surfaces forming pores located inside the outer surface. Note that the surface forming pores located inside the outer surface here refers to the area inside the first and second surfaces of the sponge-like porous metal body, and the surface portion surrounding the pores in that inner area.

[0072] That is, a coating layer containing silver and titanium dioxide is applied to the front surface 2a, the rear surface 2b, and the surface that forms the air pores located inside the outer surface of the metal form 2, so that silver and titanium dioxide are supported on each surface.

[0073] Silver is also a disinfectant. It is said that the mechanism of action of the silver ions that dissolve into bacteria or viruses is to enter the bacteria or viruses and inhibit their metabolism by reacting with proteins.

[0074] As air passes through the front surface 2a, rear surface 2b, and the surface that forms the air pores located inside the outer surface of the silver-loaded metal foam 2, the silver acts on the bacteria and viruses contained in the air, eliminating them.

[0075] Titanium dioxide is also an organic matter decomposition material. Titanium dioxide is a photocatalyst, and when it is irradiated with ultraviolet light, it reacts with the light to generate active oxygen through photocatalysis, and this active oxygen oxidizes and decomposes organic matter that causes malodor.

[0076] Ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the front surface 2a, rear surface 2b, and the surface that forms the air pores located inside the outer surface of the metal foam 2 carrying this titanium dioxide, and as air passes through these surfaces, the organic matter that causes the malodorous odor in the air is broken down, thereby deodorizing the air.

[0077] Here, it is not necessary to use a metal foam 2 as the filter member, and any porous body capable of supporting the sterilization member and the organic matter decomposition member can be used as appropriate. In addition, if the porous body is not metal, it does not have to have the open pore structure described below. However, from the viewpoint of improving durability, it is preferable to use a porous metal body as the filter member.

[0078] Furthermore, the metal form 2 does not necessarily have to be made of an alloy of nickel, chromium, iron and aluminum. For example, it may be made of only nickel or various nickel alloys.

[0079] In addition, it is not necessary that a coating layer containing silver and titanium dioxide is applied to the surface of the metal foam 2 that forms pores located inside the outer surface, and that silver and titanium dioxide are supported on each surface. However, by supporting silver and titanium dioxide not only on the front surface 2a and the rear surface 2b of the metal foam 2 but also on the surface that forms pores located inside the outer surface, and disposing silver and titanium dioxide at a higher density as a whole of the metal foam 2, it is possible to further improve the sterilization effect and deodorization effect. For this reason, it is preferable that a coating layer containing silver and titanium dioxide is applied to the surface of the metal foam 2 that forms pores located inside the outer surface, and that silver and titanium dioxide are supported on each surface.

[0080] Furthermore, it is not necessary to use silver as the antibacterial material supported on the metal foam 2, and any other component that produces an antibacterial effect may be used as appropriate. For example, platinum or copper may be used as the antibacterial material.

[0081] In addition, it is not necessary to use titanium dioxide as the organic matter decomposing material supported on the metal form 2, and any material that reacts with light to decompose organic matter that becomes a malodorous component may be used as appropriate. For example, tungsten trioxide (WO3) may be used as the organic matter decomposing material.

[0082] The metal foam 2 has an open pore structure in which pores are connected from the front surface 2a to the rear surface 2b.

[0083] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8, ultraviolet light emitted from the LED light source 30 passes through the continuous pores 2c of the metal form 2 and can penetrate the metal form 2. In Fig. 8, the direction in which the ultraviolet light travels is shown diagrammatically by an arrow marked with the symbol L. Also, air sucked in through the air intake 101 passes through the continuous pores 2c.

[0084] In this way, since the metal foam 2 has a continuous pore structure in which pores are connected from the front surface 2a to the rear surface 2b, the ultraviolet light irradiated from the LED light source 30 arranged behind the metal foam 2 is not only irradiated to the rear surface 2b, but also passes through the continuous pores 2c and reaches the front surface 2a.

[0085] As a result, in the portion of the front surface 2a of the metal form 2 where ultraviolet light is irradiated, the titanium dioxide contained in the coating layer reacts to the ultraviolet light, making it possible to decompose organic matter that causes odor through photocatalytic action.

[0086] In other words, by simply placing one LED light source 30 on the rear side of the metal form 2, a deodorizing effect can be produced on both the front surface 2a and the rear surface 2b of the metal form 2 due to the photocatalytic action of titanium dioxide.

[0087] In other words, it is no longer necessary to place the LED light sources 30 both in front and behind the metal form 2, which makes it easier to make the entire device smaller.

[0088] The metal foam 2 has a thickness of 1500 μm. The metal foam 2 has pores with sizes of 150 μm to 1300 μm and an average pore diameter of 450 μm. The pore size here means the maximum diameter of the pores.

[0089] Here, the thickness of the metal form 2 is not necessarily limited to 1500 μm, and can be set appropriately according to the size of the air purifying device A1. As an example, in consideration of setting the air purifying device A1 to a compact size for an indoor environment, the thickness of the metal form 2 is preferably set to 1200 to 1800 μm.

[0090] The pore size of the metal foam 2 is not necessarily limited to 150 μm to 1300 μm, and the average pore size is not necessarily limited to 450 μm. However, in order to adequately support the sterilization member and the organic matter decomposition member on the metal foam 2 while ensuring a suitable air flow speed, it is preferable that the pore size of the metal foam 2 be set to 150 μm to 1300 μm, and the average pore size be set to 300 to 490 μm.

[0091] Moreover, the metal form 2 is detachably attached to a metal form cover 20. The metal form cover 20 is configured to allow air that has passed through the metal form 2 to pass rearward.

[0092] [light source] 4, the light source 3 has an LED light source 30 and a light source holder 31. The LED light source 30 is configured by arranging two ultraviolet LED lamps on an LED board, and emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 365 nm. The LED light source 30 is attached to the light source holder 31 in a detachable manner.

[0093] The LED light source 30 and the light source holder 31 are disposed behind the metal form 2 and configured to irradiate ultraviolet light toward the rear surface 2b of the metal form 2. As described above, the ultraviolet light irradiated from the LED light source 30 passes through the continuous pores 2c of the metal form 2, penetrating the metal form 2 and reaching the front surface 2a.

[0094] Here, the LED light source 30 and the light source holder 31 do not necessarily have to be disposed behind the metal form 2. For example, the LED light source 30 and the light source holder 31 may be disposed in front of the metal form 2, and ultraviolet light may be irradiated toward the front surface 2a of the metal form 2.

[0095] Furthermore, the LED light source 30 does not necessarily have to be configured by arranging two ultraviolet LED lamps on an LED substrate, and as long as it is capable of emitting ultraviolet light, the structure of the LED light source 30 and the number of ultraviolet LED lamps are not particularly limited.

[0096] Furthermore, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted from the LED light source 30 does not necessarily have to be limited to 365 nm. For example, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted from the LED light source 30 can be set in the range of 200 nm or more and less than 400 nm.

[0097] [fan] The fan 4 is disposed between the rear surface of the case body 12 and the back panel 14. The fan 4 is fixed to the case body 12 with bolts or the like so as to close the through-hole 122a of the case body 12 from the rear (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 6). The fan 4 is a blower fan.

[0098] 5, motor rubbers 40 are disposed in front and behind the fan 4. The motor rubbers 40 are members that absorb vibrations of the motor when the fan 4 is driven. The fan 4 is positioned via two position rubbers 41.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 9, the fan 4 is configured to take in air from the front and blow the sucked air upward. The blow-out air guide plate 123 is disposed at an incline so as to guide the air blown out by the fan 4 in an oblique direction both forward and upward. In Fig. 9, the air flow is indicated by arrows in the figure.

[0100] Moreover, the air that has passed between the blown air guide plates 123 is discharged upward from the multiple air outlets 130 of the top panel 13. In this manner, the fan 4 introduces air, thereby forming an air flow that passes through the metal form 2.

[0101] Here, it is not necessary that a blower fan is used as the fan 4 and that the fan 4 is disposed on the back side of the case body 12. For example, a blower fan may be adopted as the device for forming the air flow and disposed in the front part of the air purifying device A1 to form the air flow. However, in terms of facilitating miniaturization of the device, it is preferable that a blower fan is used as the fan 4 and that the fan 4 is disposed on the back side of the case body 12.

[0102] In the air purifying device A1, which is the first embodiment of the present invention as described above, a metal foam 2 is used as a filter member, and a coating layer containing silver and titanium dioxide is applied to its front surface 2a, rear surface 2b, and the surface forming the air pores located inside the outer surface. By supporting silver and titanium dioxide on each surface, it is possible to sterilize bacteria and viruses, and to decompose organic matter based on the photocatalytic action caused by irradiating titanium dioxide with ultraviolet light.

[0103] In the air purifying device A1, silver and titanium dioxide are also supported on the surfaces of the metal form 2 that form the pores located inside the outer surface, forming a filter member in which the sterilization members and organic matter decomposition members are densely arranged. This makes it possible to sufficiently enhance the sterilization effect of the entire metal form 2 against bacteria and viruses, and the deodorization effect by decomposing organic matter that causes malodor.

[0104] In addition, in the air purifying device A1, by using the metal foam 2 as the filter member that supports the sterilizing member and the organic matter decomposition member, the surface areas of the front surface 2a and the rear surface 2b are larger than in the case of a filter member that uses a plate-shaped base material. As a result, the amount of the sterilizing member and the organic matter decomposition member that can be supported by the front surface 2a and the rear surface 2b is increased, and the sterilizing effect against bacteria and viruses and the deodorizing effect by decomposing the organic matter that becomes a malodorous component can be sufficiently improved.

[0105] Furthermore, in the air purifying device A1, the metal foam 2 has a continuous pore structure in which pores are connected from the front surface 2a to the rear surface 2b, allowing ultraviolet light to pass through the continuous pores 2c. By simply placing one LED light source 30 on the rear side of the metal foam 2, it is possible to produce a deodorizing effect due to the photocatalytic action of titanium dioxide on both the front surface 2a and the rear surface 2b of the metal foam 2, and the entire device can be made smaller.

[0106] [Second embodiment of the present invention] The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the components common to the air purifying device A1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, and the description will be omitted. The following description will focus on the differences from the air purifying device A1 of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] An air purifying device A2, which is an example of an air purifying device to which the present invention is applied, differs from air purifying device A1 in the structure in which the sterilizing member and the organic matter decomposition member are supported in the metal foam, which is the filter member.

[0108] More specifically, in the metal foam of the air purifying device A2, silver is supported on the upstream surface in the direction of the air flow path, that is, the front surface of the metal foam, and titanium dioxide is supported on the rear surface.

[0109] In the metal foam of the air purifying device A2, silver is supported on the surface that forms the pores located inward from the front surface, and titanium dioxide is supported on the surface that forms the pores located inward from the rear surface.

[0110] This allows silver to be disposed at a high density on the front surface side and titanium dioxide to be disposed at a high density on the rear surface side.

[0111] In this air purifier A2, when the air that has passed through the dust collecting filter 6 reaches the front surface of the metal foam, bacteria and viruses contained in the air are eliminated by the silver carried on the front surface of the metal foam and on the surfaces that form the air pores located inside the front surface.

[0112] In the air purifier A2, the LED light source 30 is disposed behind the metal form, and ultraviolet light is irradiated toward the rear surface of the metal form. Therefore, the titanium dioxide supported on the rear surface of the metal form and on the surface forming the pores located inside the rear surface reacts to the ultraviolet light, producing a photocatalytic effect and decomposing organic matter that becomes a malodorous component.

[0113] In addition, ultraviolet light is directly irradiated onto bacteria and viruses in the air at the rear surface of the metal form of the air purifier A2, and the bacteria and viruses are also eliminated by the action of the ultraviolet light. In other words, a supplementary sterilization effect is obtained by the ultraviolet light.

[0114] Moreover, the metal foam in the air purifying device A2 has an open pore structure in which pores are connected from the front surface to the rear surface, similar to the metal foam 2. Therefore, the ultraviolet light irradiated from the LED light source 30 can pass through the open pores and penetrate the metal foam.

[0115] Furthermore, the ultraviolet light emitted from the LED light source 30 is irradiated onto the rear surface of the metal form, and also passes through the continuous pores to reach the front surface of the metal form. Therefore, ultraviolet light is also directly irradiated onto bacteria and viruses in the air at the front surface of the metal form, and the bacteria and viruses are eliminated by the action of the ultraviolet light.

[0116] In other words, on the front surface of the metal foam in the air purifying device A2, sterilization by silver and supplementary sterilization by ultraviolet light occur, and the device as a whole can achieve a high sterilization effect.

[0117] Here, it is not necessary that the metal foam of the air purifying device A2 has silver supported on its upstream surface in the direction of the air flow path, i.e., the front surface of the metal foam, and titanium dioxide supported on its rear surface. For example, a structure in which titanium dioxide is supported on the front surface of the metal foam and silver is supported on the rear surface may also be adopted.

[0118] In addition, it is not necessary that the air purifying device A2 is irradiated with ultraviolet light from a light source and that the metal foam is supported with titanium dioxide that responds to ultraviolet light. For example, a structure may be adopted in which visible light is irradiated from a light source and a photocatalyst that responds to visible light, such as tungsten trioxide, is supported on the metal foam. However, since the direct irradiation of ultraviolet light to bacteria and viruses in the air produces a supplementary sterilization effect of the ultraviolet light and can further enhance the sterilization effect of the entire device, it is preferable that the air purifying device A2 is irradiated with ultraviolet light from a light source and that the metal foam is supported with titanium dioxide that responds to ultraviolet light.

[0119] In the air purifying device A2, which is the second embodiment of the present invention described above, a metal foam is used as a filter member, and silver is supported on its front surface and on the surface that forms the air pores located inside the front surface, thereby making it possible to sterilize bacteria and viruses.

[0120] In addition, on the front surface of the metal foam, ultraviolet light passes through the continuous pores and is directly irradiated onto bacteria and viruses in the air, making it possible to sterilize the bacteria and viruses using ultraviolet light as well.

[0121] In addition, in the air purifying device A2, which is the second embodiment of the present invention, titanium dioxide is supported on the rear surface of the metal form and on the surface that forms the air pores located inside the rear surface, so that organic matter can be decomposed based on the photocatalytic action that occurs when the titanium dioxide is irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0122] In the air purifier A2, silver or titanium dioxide is also supported on the surfaces that form the pores located on the inside of the front and rear surfaces of the metal form, forming a filter member in which the sterilization members and organic matter decomposition members are densely arranged. This makes it possible to sufficiently increase the sterilization effect of the entire metal form against bacteria and viruses, and the deodorization effect by decomposing organic matter that causes malodor.

[0123] [Third embodiment of the present invention] The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the components common to the air purifying device A1 of the first embodiment of the present invention and the air purifying device A2 of the second embodiment of the present invention, and the description will be omitted. The following description will focus on the differences from the air purifying device A1 of the first embodiment of the present invention and the air purifying device A2 of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] An air purifier A3, which is an example of an air purifier to which the present invention is applied, differs from the air purifiers A1 and A2 in that a metal foam filter member has a structure that supports only an organic matter decomposition member.

[0125] More specifically, in the metal foam of the air cleaning device A3, titanium dioxide is supported on the downstream surface in the direction of the air flow path, that is, on the rear surface of the metal foam.

[0126] Moreover, in the metal foam of the air purifying device A3, titanium dioxide is supported on the surface that forms the pores and is located inside the rear surface.

[0127] This allows titanium dioxide to be arranged at a high density on the rear surface side of the metal foam.

[0128] In this air purifier A3, an LED light source 30 is placed behind the metal form, and ultraviolet light is irradiated toward the rear surface of the metal form. Therefore, the titanium dioxide supported on the rear surface of the metal form and on the surface that forms the pores located inside the rear surface reacts to the ultraviolet light, causing a photocatalytic effect and decomposing organic matter that becomes a malodorous component.

[0129] Here, it is not necessary for the titanium dioxide to be supported on the downstream surface in the air flow direction of the metal foam of the air purifying device A3, i.e., the rear surface of the metal foam. For example, the titanium dioxide may be supported on the front surface of the metal foam, or on both the front and rear surfaces of the metal foam.

[0130] Furthermore, when titanium dioxide is supported on both the front and rear surfaces of the metal foam, the metal foam can have a continuous pore structure in which pores are connected from the front to rear surfaces. This allows the ultraviolet light irradiated from the LED light source 30 to be irradiated to the rear surface of the metal foam, and also to pass through the continuous pores and reach the front surface side of the metal foam, so that it is sufficient to place one LED light source 30 behind the metal form.

[0131] In the air purifying device A3, which is the third embodiment of the present invention described above, titanium dioxide is supported on the rear surface of the metal form and on the surface that forms the air pores located inside the rear surface, so that organic matter can be decomposed based on the photocatalytic action that occurs when the titanium dioxide is irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0132] In the air purifier A3, titanium dioxide is also supported on the surface that forms the air pores located inside the rear surface of the metal form, forming a filter member with a high density of organic matter decomposition materials. This makes it possible to sufficiently increase the deodorizing effect of the entire metal form by decomposing organic matter that is a malodorous component.

[0133] As described above, the air purifying device of the present invention is capable of sufficiently decomposing or removing bacteria, viruses, gas components that cause bad odors, and the like in the air.

[0134] The invention made by the inventor has been specifically described above based on an embodiment, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] A1 Air Purifier 1 case 10 Front Panel 100 notch 101 Air intake 11 Filter holder 110 Recess 12 Case body 120 Bottom wall 121 Side wall 122 Bulkhead 122a Through hole 122b Storage section 123 Air outlet guide plate 124 Interlock Board 125 Control Board 126 DC jack board 13 Top Panel 130 Air outlet 131 Operation Panel 132 Display section 133 Operation sheet label 134 Operation board 135 Blue light LED board 14 Back Panel 2 Metal Form 2a Front side 2b Back side 2c Open pores 20 Metal Foam Cover 3 light source 30 LED light sources 31 Light source holder 4 Fans 40 Motor Rubber 41 Position Rubber 5 Pre-filter 50 Filter Case 6 Dust collection filter

Claims

1. A case having an air intake and an air outlet; a fan provided in the case for introducing air through the intake port and blowing the air out through the outlet port; a filter provided in an air flow path between the intake port and the exhaust port, the filter having a body made of a porous material, and carrying a sterilizing member for sterilizing bacteria and an organic matter decomposing member for decomposing organic matter in response to light on a first surface of the body along the air flow path and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a light source that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the filter. Air purifier.

2. The sterilization member and the organic matter decomposition member are supported on a surface of the body that forms pores and is located inside the outer surface of the body. The air purifying device according to claim 1 .

3. The porous body has an open pore structure in which pores are connected from the first surface to the second surface. The air purifying device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The filter is a metal body. The air purifying device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A case having an air intake and an air outlet; a fan provided in the case for introducing air through the intake port and blowing the air out through the outlet port; a filter that is provided in an air flow path between the intake port and the exhaust port, and that carries a sterilization member that sterilizes bacteria on a first surface along the air flow path, and carries an organic matter decomposition member that reacts to light and decomposes organic matter on a second surface that is the opposite surface to the first surface; a light source that irradiates light toward the second surface. Air purifier.

6. The light emitted from the light source is ultraviolet light. The air purifying device according to claim 5.

7. The filter is a porous body having an open pore structure in which pores are connected from the first surface to the second surface. The air purifying device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The filter is a metal body. The air purifying device according to claim 5 or 6.

9. A case having an air intake and an air outlet; a fan provided in the case for introducing air through the intake port and blowing the air out through the outlet port; a filter provided in an air flow path between the intake port and the exhaust port, the filter having a body made of a porous material, and carrying an organic matter decomposition member that decomposes organic matter in response to light on at least one of a first surface of the body along the air flow path and a second surface that is the surface opposite to the first surface; a light source that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the filter. Air purifier.

10. The organic matter decomposition member is supported on a surface of the body that forms pores and is located inside the outer surface of the body that supports the organic matter decomposition member.

10. An air purifying device according to claim 9.

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