Air cleaner

Abstract

To provide an air cleaner capable of sufficiently generating active oxygen regardless of humidity of sucked gas.SOLUTION: An air cleaner includes an air blowing section 6, a gas flow passage, a photocatalyst section 40, a light source section 4 and a humidity control section 120. In the gas flow passage, gas sent by the air blowing section 6 flows from an upstream side to a downstream side. The photocatalyst section 40 includes photocatalyst particles disposed inside the gas flow passage. The light source section 4 irradiates the photocatalyst section 40 with light. The humidity control section 120 includes a humidity control material that is disposed at a position on the upstream side inside the gas flow passage and that regulates humidity of gas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purifying device. [Background technology]

[0002] The air purifying device described in Patent Document 1 includes a main body, a lamp, a deodorizing filter, and a fan. The deodorizing filter includes a photocatalyst arranged around the lamp. The lamp activates the photocatalyst. The fan sends air to the deodorizing filter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-78058 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the air purifier described in Patent Document 1, when the humidity of the air flowing inside the main body is too high or too low, the light from the lamp may not be able to fully activate the catalytic action of the photocatalyst, and therefore, it may not be possible to generate a sufficient amount of highly oxidizing active oxygen.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an air purifying device that can generate sufficient active oxygen regardless of the humidity of the drawn-in gas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present application, an air purifying device includes a blower, a gas flow path, a photocatalyst, a light source, and a humidity control unit. In the gas flow path, gas blown by the blower flows from the upstream side to the downstream side. The photocatalyst includes photocatalyst particles disposed inside the gas flow path. The light source irradiates light to the photocatalyst. The humidity control unit includes a humidity control material disposed at an upstream position inside the gas flow path to adjust the humidity of the gas. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the air purifying device of the present invention, active oxygen can be generated sufficiently regardless of the humidity of the drawn-in gas. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an air purifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] [First embodiment] An air purifier 300 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the air purifier 300 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The air purifier 300 is an example of an "air purification device".

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the air purifier 300 includes a housing 1. The housing 1 is a hollow member made of, for example, resin. Specifically, the housing 1 has a cylindrical shape extending in an axial direction D1. The axial direction D1 is an example of "one direction." The axial direction D1 is, for example, along the up-down direction.

[0012] In detail, the housing 1 includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 20. The second housing 20 is detachably attached to the first housing 10. The second housing 20 is located outside the first housing 10. By attaching the second housing 20 to the first housing 10, a portion of the first housing 10 is covered by the second housing 20. Note that the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 may be an integrated member.

[0013] The housing 1 further includes a grip portion 3. The grip portion 3 has a shape in which a part of the outer surface of the housing 1 is recessed. A user holds the grip portion 3 to carry the air purifier 300.

[0014] An intake port A is formed in the housing 1. The intake port A communicates between the inside and the outside of the housing 1. The intake port A is formed in the lower part of the housing 1.

[0015] Air purifier 300 further includes louver 8. Louver 8 is a substantially plate-shaped member. Louver 8 is disposed immediately before air outlet B. Louver 8 is supported rotatably relative to housing 1. By changing the rotation angle of louver 8 relative to housing 1, the discharge direction of air discharged from air outlet B is changed.

[0016] The housing 1 is further formed with an air outlet B. The air outlet B communicates between the inside and the outside of the housing 1. The air outlet B is formed in an upper portion of the housing 1.

[0017] The air purifier 300 further includes a blower 6. The blower 6 includes, for example, a fan. The blower 6 generates an air passage. The air passage is an example of a "gas flow path." Air blown by the blower 6 flows from the upstream side to the downstream side along the air passage. The air is an example of a "gas." The air passage indicates the path along which air flows from the intake port A to the exhaust port B.

[0018] Air purifier 300 further includes filter unit 200. Filter unit 200 filters air flowing through the air passage. Filter unit 200 is disposed inside the air passage. Filter unit 200 is detachably attached to housing 1.

[0019] Here, the air flow inside the housing 1 will be described. When the blower unit 6 is operated, air outside the housing 1 flows into the housing 1 through the air intake A. The air that has flowed into the housing 1 comes into contact with the filter unit 200. The air that has come into contact with the filter unit 200 is guided by the louver 8 and is discharged to the outside of the housing 1 from the air outlet B.

[0020] The filter unit 200 according to the first embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the air purifier 300 according to the first embodiment.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the air purifier 300 further includes a pre-filter 30, a photocatalyst unit 40, and a light source unit 4 in addition to the filter unit 200.

[0022] The pre-filter 30, for example, captures dust particles in the air by filtering them. The pre-filter 30 includes a mesh filter material such as a HEPA filter or a ULPA filter. The pre-filter 30 is disposed inside the air passage.

[0023] The filter section 200 includes a filter member 110 and a moisture absorbing and releasing member 120. The moisture absorbing and releasing member 120 is an example of a "humidity adjustment section."

[0024] The filter member 110 is, for example, a chemical adsorption type filter including a chemical adsorbent. The chemical adsorbent includes, for example, at least one of zinc oxide, tannic acid, a plant extract, and platinum nanoparticles.

[0025] The filter member 110 may be a physical adsorption type filter that includes a physical adsorbent. The physical adsorbent includes, for example, at least one of silica gel, activated carbon, activated alumina, zeolite, porous silica, and a metal complex porous body.

[0026] The filter member 110 may also adsorb odorous components and / or capture dust. The odorous components are odorous substances that cause odor. Examples of the odorous components include ammonia, methyl mercaptan, trimethylamine, and / or nonenal.

[0027] The filter member 110 has, for example, a cylindrical shape extending in the same direction as the air passage. Specifically, the filter member 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction D1. The filter member 110 has a first surface 111. The first surface 111 is the inner circumferential surface of the filter member 110. The filter member 110 has a second surface 112. The second surface 112 is the outer circumferential surface of the filter member 110.

[0028] When blower unit 6 is operated, air flowing through the air passage passes from first surface 111, which is the upstream surface, toward second surface 112, which is the downstream surface. In other words, air passes from first surface 111, which is on the inside of the cylindrical shape, toward second surface 112, which is on the outside of the cylindrical shape.

[0029] The photocatalyst section 40 includes photocatalyst particles. Examples of the photocatalyst particles include titanium dioxide particles and tungsten oxide particles, and tungsten oxide particles are preferable. The photocatalyst section 40 is disposed inside the air passage. The photocatalyst section 40 may be supported on the filter member 110, for example. The photocatalyst section 40 may also be disposed on the second surface 112 of the filter member 110.

[0030] The light source unit 4 includes, for example, a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The light source unit 4 irradiates light to the photocatalyst unit 40. Specifically, the light source unit 4 is disposed opposite the second surface 112 of the filter member 110. The light source unit 4 is disposed at an interval from the second surface 112. The light source unit 4 irradiates light toward the second surface 112 of the filter member 110.

[0031] When the light source unit 4 irradiates the photocatalyst unit 40 with light, the catalytic action of the photocatalyst unit 40 is activated. As a result, active oxygen is generated from H2O (water molecules) and O2 (oxygen) contained in the air in contact with the surface of the photocatalyst unit 40 due to the catalytic action of the photocatalyst unit 40. The active oxygen is a mixture of [·OH] (hydroxyl radical) and O2 - (superoxide ion).

[0032] For example, [·OH] (hydroxyl radical) generated by photocatalysis and O2 - (superoxide ion) acts on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that come into contact with the surface of the photocatalyst 40. [·OH] (hydroxyl radical) and O2 - (Superoxide ion) is an active species with high oxidizing power, and is capable of decomposing volatile organic compounds, etc.

[0033] The moisture absorbing and releasing member 120 includes a humidity adjusting material that adjusts the humidity of the gas. The humidity adjusting material preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of silica gel, zeolite, sepiolite, calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, coal, vegetable charcoal, activated carbon, and diatomaceous earth. As a result, the durability of the catalytic action of the photocatalyst particles can be maintained to the same extent.

[0034] The moisture absorptive and desorptive member 120 is a generally rod-shaped member. The moisture absorptive and desorptive member 120 is disposed facing the first surface 111 of the filter member 110 with a gap therebetween. In detail, the moisture absorptive and desorptive member 120 is disposed inside the filter member 110. As a result, the first surface 111 of the filter member 110 and the outer circumferential surface of the moisture absorptive and desorptive member 120 face each other with a gap therebetween.

[0035] The humidity of the sucked air is adjusted by contacting the moisture absorption and desorption member 120 with the air flowing through the air passage. Specifically, when the humidity of the sucked air is high, H2O (water molecules) contained in the air is adsorbed to the moisture absorption and desorption member 120. In other words, the probability of contact between the photocatalyst section 40 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air can be adjusted. On the other hand, when the humidity of the sucked air is low, the H2O (water molecules) adsorbed to the moisture absorption and desorption member 120 is released into the air. In other words, a shortage of H2O (water molecules) can be suppressed. As a result, air with an appropriate humidity passes through the filter member 110.

[0036] 1 and 2, according to the first embodiment, since the moisture absorbing and releasing member 120 contains a humidity adjusting material that adjusts the humidity of the air, active oxygen can be sufficiently generated in the photocatalyst section 40 regardless of the humidity of the air sucked in from the intake port A. Therefore, the decomposition speed of decomposing volatile organic compounds and the like can be improved.

[0037] Furthermore, since the moisture absorbing and releasing member 120 is disposed facing the first surface 111 of the filter member 110 with a gap therebetween, air with a more appropriate humidity can pass through the filter member 110.

[0038] Furthermore, since the filter member 110 has a cylindrical shape, active oxygen can be generated more sufficiently.

[0039] [Second embodiment] A filter section 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier 300 according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the moisture absorbing and releasing member 220 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0040] The moisture absorption and desorption member 220 has, for example, a cylindrical shape extending in the same direction as the air passage. Specifically, the moisture absorption and desorption member 220 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction D1. The moisture absorption and desorption member 220 has a first surface 121. The first surface 121 is the inner circumferential surface of the moisture absorption and desorption member 220. The moisture absorption and desorption member 220 has a second surface 122. The second surface 122 is the outer circumferential surface of the moisture absorption and desorption member 220.

[0041] When blower unit 6 is operated, air flowing through the air passage passes from first surface 121, which is the upstream surface, toward second surface 122, which is the downstream surface. In other words, air passes from first surface 121 on the inside of the cylindrical shape toward second surface 122 on the outside of the cylindrical shape.

[0042] The moisture absorptive and desorptive member 220 is disposed inside the filter member 110. Specifically, the moisture absorptive and desorptive member 220 is disposed on a first surface 111 of the filter member 110. More specifically, the first surface 111 of the filter member 110 and the second surface 122 of the moisture absorptive and desorptive member 220 are fixed to each other. As a result, the moisture absorptive and desorptive member 220 and the filter member 110 are integrally configured.

[0043] There is no particular limitation on the configuration for fixing the moisture absorbing and desorbing member 220 and the filter member 110 to each other. For example, the moisture absorbing and desorbing member 220 and the filter member 110 may be fixed to each other using an adhesive.

[0044] As described above with reference to FIG. 3, according to the second embodiment, the moisture absorbing and desorbing member 220 and the filter member 110 are integrally configured, so that the moisture absorbing and desorbing member 220 and the filter member 110 can be easily replaced at the same time.

[0045] [Third embodiment] A filter section 200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier 300 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, a filter member 410, a moisture absorbing and releasing member 420, a light source section 404, and a photocatalyst section 440 are different from those in the first embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0046] The filter member 410 has, for example, a cylindrical shape extending in the same direction as the air passage. Specifically, the filter member 410 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction D1. The filter member 410 has a first surface 411. The first surface 411 is the outer circumferential surface of the filter member 410. The filter member 410 has a second surface 412. The second surface 412 is the inner circumferential surface of the filter member 410.

[0047] When blower unit 6 is operated, air flowing through the air passage passes from first surface 411, which is the upstream surface, toward second surface 412, which is the downstream surface. In other words, air passes from first surface 411, which is on the outside of the cylindrical shape, toward second surface 412, which is on the inside of the cylindrical shape.

[0048] The photocatalyst portion 440 is disposed on the second surface 412 of the filter member 410 .

[0049] The light source unit 404 is disposed opposite to the second surface 412 of the filter member 410. Specifically, the light source unit 404 is disposed at a distance from the second surface 412. More specifically, the light source unit 404 is disposed inside the filter member 410. The light source unit 404 irradiates light toward the second surface 412 of the filter member 410.

[0050] The moisture absorbing and releasing member 420 has, for example, a cylindrical shape extending in the same direction as the air passage. Specifically, the moisture absorbing and releasing member 420 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction D1.

[0051] The moisture absorbing and desorbing member 420 is disposed facing the first surface 411 of the filter member 110 with a gap therebetween. The moisture absorbing and desorbing member 420 is disposed outside the filter member 410. As a result, the first surface 411 of the filter member 410 and the inner circumferential surface of the moisture absorbing and desorbing member 420 face each other with a gap therebetween.

[0052] As described above with reference to Fig. 4, according to the third embodiment, since the moisture absorbing and releasing member 420 contains a humidity adjusting material that adjusts the humidity of the air, active oxygen can be sufficiently generated in the photocatalyst section 440 regardless of the humidity of the air sucked in from the intake port A. Therefore, the decomposition speed of decomposing volatile organic compounds and the like can be improved.

[0053] [Fourth embodiment] A filter section 200 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier 300 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, a moisture absorbing and releasing member 520 is different from that of the third embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the third embodiment.

[0054] The moisture absorption and desorption member 520 has, for example, a cylindrical shape extending in the same direction as the air passage. Specifically, the moisture absorption and desorption member 520 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction D1. The moisture absorption and desorption member 520 has a first surface 521. The first surface 521 is the outer circumferential surface of the moisture absorption and desorption member 220. The moisture absorption and desorption member 520 has a second surface 522. The second surface 522 is the inner circumferential surface of the moisture absorption and desorption member 520.

[0055] When blower unit 6 is operated, air flowing through the air passage passes from first surface 521, which is the upstream surface, toward second surface 522, which is the downstream surface. In other words, air passes from first surface 521 on the outside of the cylindrical shape toward second surface 522 on the inside of the cylindrical shape.

[0056] The moisture absorptive and desorptive member 520 is disposed outside the filter member 410. The first surface 411 of the filter member 410 and the second surface 522 of the moisture absorptive and desorptive member 520 are fixed to each other. As a result, the moisture absorptive and desorptive member 520 and the filter member 410 are integrally configured.

[0057] 5, according to the fourth embodiment, since the moisture absorbing and releasing member 520 contains a humidity adjusting material that adjusts the humidity of the air, the photocatalyst section 440 can generate sufficient active oxygen regardless of the humidity of the air sucked in from the intake port A. Therefore, the decomposition speed of decomposing volatile organic compounds and the like can be improved.

[0058] [Fifth embodiment] A filter section 200 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier 300 according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, a moisture absorbing and releasing member 620 is different from that in the first embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0059] The moisture absorbing and releasing member 620 is a substantially plate-shaped member. The moisture absorbing and releasing member 620 is perpendicular to the axial direction D1. The moisture absorbing and releasing member 620 has a first surface 621. The first surface 621 is the upstream surface of the moisture absorbing and releasing member 620. The moisture absorbing and releasing member 620 has a second surface 622. The second surface 622 is the downstream surface of the moisture absorbing and releasing member 220.

[0060] When blower unit 6 is operated, air flowing through the air passage passes from first surface 621, which is the surface on the upstream side, toward second surface 622, which is the surface on the downstream side.

[0061] As described above with reference to Fig. 6, according to the fifth embodiment, since the moisture absorbing and releasing member 620 contains a humidity adjusting material that adjusts the humidity of the air, active oxygen can be sufficiently generated in the photocatalyst section 40 regardless of the humidity of the air sucked in from the intake port A. Therefore, the decomposition speed of decomposing volatile organic compounds and the like can be improved.

[0062] [Sixth embodiment] A filter section 200 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier 300 according to the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, a moisture absorbing and releasing member 720 is different from that of the third embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the third embodiment.

[0063] The moisture absorbing and desorbing member 720 is a substantially plate-shaped member. The moisture absorbing and desorbing member 720 is perpendicular to the axial direction D1. The moisture absorbing and desorbing member 720 has a first surface 721. The first surface 721 is the upstream surface of the moisture absorbing and desorbing member 720. The moisture absorbing and desorbing member 720 has a second surface 722. The second surface 722 is the downstream surface of the moisture absorbing and desorbing member 720.

[0064] When blower unit 6 is operated, air flowing through the air passage passes from first surface 721, which is the surface on the upstream side, toward second surface 722, which is the surface on the downstream side.

[0065] 7, according to the sixth embodiment, since the moisture absorbing and releasing member 720 contains a humidity adjusting material that adjusts the humidity of the air, active oxygen can be sufficiently generated by the photocatalyst section 440 regardless of the humidity of the air sucked in from the intake port A. Therefore, the decomposition speed of decomposing volatile organic compounds and the like can be improved.

[0066] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all components shown in the embodiments. The drawings are mainly shown schematically for ease of understanding, and the number of each component shown may differ from the actual number due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, each component shown in the above embodiments is an example, is not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

[0067] In the second embodiment, the filter member 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The filter member 110 may be formed in a polygonal cylindrical shape. The polygonal cylindrical shape is a shape in which the edge of the cross section of the filter member 110 perpendicular to the axial direction D1 has a polygonal shape. The cylindrical shape and the polygonal cylindrical shape are examples of the cylindrical shape of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0068] The present invention can be used in the field of air cleaning devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 4 Light source section 6 Blower section 40 Photocatalyst section 120 Moisture absorption and release member (humidity control section)

Claims

1. A blower section; a gas flow path through which the gas blown by the blower flows from an upstream side to a downstream side; A photocatalyst portion including photocatalyst particles disposed inside the gas flow path; A light source unit that irradiates the photocatalyst unit with light; a humidity control unit including a humidity control material that controls the humidity of the gas, the humidity control unit being disposed at an upstream position inside the gas flow path; An air purifying device comprising:

2. a filter section that is disposed inside the gas flow path and filters the gas flowing through the gas flow path by passing the gas through a first surface that is an upstream surface toward a second surface that is a downstream surface, The air purifying device according to claim 1 , wherein the photocatalyst portion is disposed on the second surface of the filter portion.

3. The air purifying device according to claim 2 , wherein the humidity adjustment section is disposed on the first surface of the filter section or facing the first surface with a gap therebetween.

4. The gas flow path has a cylindrical shape extending in one direction, The air purifying device according to claim 2 , wherein the filter portion has a cylindrical shape extending in the same direction as the gas flow path and is provided inside the gas flow path.

5. The gas passes from the first surface on the inside of the cylindrical shape of the photocatalyst part to the second surface on the outside of the cylindrical shape, The photocatalyst portion is disposed on the second surface on the outer side of the cylindrical shape of the filter portion, The air purifying device according to claim 4 , wherein the light source units are disposed on the second surface at an interval.

6. The gas passes from the first surface on the outside of the cylindrical shape of the photocatalyst part to the second surface on the inside of the cylindrical shape, The photocatalyst portion is disposed on the second surface inside the cylindrical shape of the filter portion, The air purifying device according to claim 4 , wherein the light source units are disposed on the second surface at an interval.

7. 7. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein the humidity control material contains at least one selected from the group consisting of silica gel, zeolite, sepiolite, calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, coal, vegetable charcoal, activated charcoal, and diatomaceous earth.

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