Apparatus

Abstract

To provide an apparatus capable of preventing turbulence of an airflow even when a light emitting device is arranged in an apparatus having an airflow generation unit.SOLUTION: An apparatus comprises: an airflow generation unit that generates an airflow; an airflow adjustment unit that receives the airflow generated from the airflow generation unit, and adjusts the flow of the airflow; an outflow port through which the airflow adjusted by the airflow adjustment unit flows out; a recess part that is opened to a portion of a path of the airflow that is adjusted by at least a portion of the airflow adjustment unit and flows toward the outflow port; and a light emitting device that irradiates at least a portion of the airflow generation unit and at least a portion of the airflow adjustment unit with light. The light emitting device has a light source, and a light flux control member for controlling the distribution of light from the light source, and is arranged in the recess part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus having an airflow generating unit and an airflow adjusting unit. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known devices capable of generating an air current, such as air conditioners, air purifiers, and humidifiers. Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an air conditioner 10, and Fig. 1B is a diagram showing the inside of the air conditioner 10. As shown in Fig. 1B, the air conditioner has a fan 11 for generating (blowing) an air current, a partition casing 12 for adjusting the air blown from the fan 11, and the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses such an air conditioner (air conditioner). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-064524 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There are cases where it is desirable to irradiate light onto a device capable of generating airflow. For example, since mold is likely to grow inside the air conditioner 10 as described above, it is believed that mold growth can be suppressed if ultraviolet light can be irradiated inside the air conditioner. 1B, there are fan 11 and partition casing 12 inside air conditioner 10, and the air blown from fan 11 hits and partition casing 12 directs the air. Air conditioner 10 also has outlet 13, which is the outlet for the air blown. Here, mold is likely to grow on fan 11 and partition casing 12. Therefore, it is conceivable to attach a light-emitting device capable of irradiating ultraviolet light to the path of the air blown toward outlet 13, and irradiate ultraviolet light onto fan 11 and partition casing 12. However, if a light emitting device is installed in the path of airflow, there is a possibility that the airflow will be disturbed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having an airflow generating section and an airflow adjusting section, which can suppress turbulence of the airflow even when a light emitting device is disposed therein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to the following device: [1] An apparatus comprising: an airflow generating unit for generating an airflow; an airflow adjusting unit that receives the airflow generated from the airflow generating unit and adjusts the flow of the airflow; an outlet through which the airflow adjusted by the airflow adjusting unit flows out; a recess that opens into part of a path of the airflow adjusted by at least a part of the airflow adjusting unit and heading toward the outlet; and a light emitting device for irradiating light onto at least a part of the airflow generating unit and at least a part of the airflow adjusting unit, wherein the light emitting device has a light source and a light flux control member for controlling the distribution of light from the light source, and is disposed within the recess. [2] The device described in [1], wherein the light source emits ultraviolet light. [3] The device described in [1] or [2], wherein the illumination area of ​​the light-emitting device has a long direction and a short direction. [4] The device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the light flux controlling member does not have an axis of circular symmetry or an axis of rotational symmetry. [5] The device described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the light flux controlling member has a plane of symmetry. [6] The light flux controlling member has an incident surface into which light emitted from the light source is incident and an exit surface from which light incident from the incident surface exits, wherein when a light ray emitted from the light source and passing through the incident surface and the exit surface to reach the airflow generating unit is defined as a first light ray and a light ray emitted from the light source and passing through the incident surface and the exit surface to reach the airflow adjusting unit is defined as a second light ray, a shape of an incident surface for a first light ray among the incident surfaces through which the first light ray passes and a shape of an incident surface for a second light ray among the incident surfaces through which the second light ray passes are different, or a shape of an exit surface for a first light ray among the exit surfaces through which the first light ray passes and a shape of an exit surface for a second light ray among the exit surfaces through which the second light ray passes are different. [7] The device described in any one of [1] to [6], wherein when a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the light source is defined as a first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction is defined as a second direction, the area illuminated by the light-emitting device is wider in the first direction than in the second direction. [8] The device described in any one of [1] to [7], wherein the light flux controlling member is made of silicone. [9] The device according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the depth of the recess is greater than the height of the light emitting device.

[10] The device described in any one of [1] to [9], wherein the recess has an inclined surface that inclines so as to move away from the optical axis of the light source with increasing distance from the bottom surface of the recess.

[11] The device described in

[10] , wherein a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the light source and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the airflow adjustment unit is defined as a first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction is defined as a second direction, an irradiation area by the light-emitting device is wider in the first direction than in the second direction, and when a line extending from the light-emitting center of the light source in the first direction is defined as L1, in a cross section including the optical axis of the light source and L1, or a projection onto the cross section, an intersection point between the inclined surface and the L1 is defined as X, a perpendicular line passing through the X and perpendicular to the inclined surface is defined as L2, an end in the first direction of the airflow generation unit and the airflow adjustment unit to which the light is irradiated that is shorter in the first direction is defined as Y, and a line connecting the Y and the X is defined as L3, an angle θ1 between the L1 and the L2 is less than or equal to an angle θ2 between the L2 and the L3.

[12] When a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the light source is defined as a first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction is defined as a second direction, an illumination area by the light-emitting device is wider in the first direction than in the second direction, and in a cross section including the optical axis of the light source and the second direction, a line extending from the optical axis of the light source in one of the second directions and intersecting with the inclined surface is defined as L1', an intersection point between the inclined surface and L1' is defined as X', a perpendicular line passing through X' and perpendicular to the inclined surface is defined as L2', and a line extending from X' and intersecting with a surface on the optical axis side of the airflow adjustment unit at a maximum angle is defined as L3'. the angle θ1' formed between the L1' and the L2' is equal to or smaller than the angle θ2' formed between the L2' and the L3', and when a line extending from the optical axis of the light source in the other second direction and intersecting with the inclined surface is defined as L1'', an intersection point between the L1'' and the inclined surface is defined as X'', a perpendicular line passing through the X'' and perpendicular to the inclined surface is defined as L2'', and a line extending from the X'' and intersecting with the airflow generating section at a maximum angle is defined as L3'', the angle θ1'' formed between the L1'' and the L2'' is equal to or smaller than the angle θ2'' formed between the L2'' and the L3''.

[13] In a cross section including the optical axis OA of the light source, the light emission center of the light source is O, a line extending from the O and intersecting with the surface of the air flow adjustment unit on the optical axis side at the maximum angle is L4, a line extending from the O and intersecting with the air flow generation unit at the maximum angle is L5, an angle between the L4 and the L5 is β, and a line bisector of the β is L6. The device according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the light source is disposed so that the optical axis OA is within 5° on the airflow generating section side with respect to L6.

[14] The device according to any one of [1] to

[13] , which is an air conditioning device.

[15] The device described in any one of [1] to

[14] , wherein the recess is positioned in the airflow generating section at a distance from the end of the airflow generating section, or is positioned in the airflow adjustment section at a distance from the end of the airflow adjustment section. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus having an airflow generating section and an airflow adjusting section, which can suppress turbulence of the airflow even when a light emitting device is disposed therein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a conventional air conditioner, and FIG. 1B is a view showing the inside of the conventional air conditioner. [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the arrangement of light emitting devices in an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the light distribution of a light emitting device included in an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the relationship between the recess and the light distribution of the light emitting device. [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the relationship between the inclined surface of the recess and the light distribution of the light emitting device. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the airflow generating unit and the airflow adjusting unit and the optical axis of the light source. [Figure 7] 7A to 7F are diagrams showing a light flux controlling member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic of a preferred light distribution. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The device according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it has an airflow generating unit, an airflow adjusting unit, a recess, and a light emitting device disposed in the recess. Examples of such devices include air conditioners, air purifiers, humidified air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, etc. In addition, the humidifiers may include air conditioning humidifiers and beauty humidifiers (e.g., facial steamers). Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [Embodiment Mode] The device according to the first embodiment is an air conditioner, which is an example of an air conditioner. The air conditioner only needs to have a temperature control function, and preferably has a function of controlling temperature by a heat pump. Hereinafter, the air conditioner will be described with reference to Figs. 2A and 2B.

[0011] Specifically, the device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is an air conditioner 100a, and Figs. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the inside of the air conditioner 100a. Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the inside of the air conditioner 100a seen obliquely from above, and Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the inside of the air conditioner 100a seen obliquely from below the front side. In these figures, a part or all of the cover covering the periphery is omitted. Also, Fig. 2C is a diagram showing the air conditioner 100a seen obliquely from below. As shown in Figs. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the air conditioner 100a has an airflow generating section 110, an airflow adjusting section 120, an outlet 130, a recess 140, and a light emitting device 150. Each of these will be described below.

[0012] (Airflow generating part) The airflow generating unit 110 is not particularly limited as long as it can generate an airflow. Examples of the airflow generating unit include a unit that physically generates an airflow by being driven, such as a fan, and a unit that generates an airflow (e.g., an ascending airflow, a descending airflow, etc.) by heating or cooling a medium (e.g., a liquid, a gas, etc.). Units that physically generate an airflow by being driven may be included in, for example, air conditioners, air purifiers, humidified air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, etc. Furthermore, units that generate an airflow by heating or cooling may be included in, for example, humidified air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, etc.

[0013] In this embodiment, the device is an air conditioner 100a, which is an example of an air conditioner, and the airflow generating unit 110 is a fan 110a. In this embodiment, the fan 110a is a fan (cross-flow fan) having a substantially cylindrical outer shape. In this case, the fan 110a generates (blows) an airflow by rotating around the axis of the cylinder. In addition, in this case, the airflow mainly flows in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. On the other hand, the airflow generating unit 110 may be a fan having a substantially disk shape (for example, an axial flow fan or a diagonal flow fan). In this case, the airflow mainly flows in a direction parallel to the rotation axis.

[0014] (Airflow adjustment section) The airflow adjustment unit 120 is not particularly limited as long as it can be hit by the airflow generated by the airflow generation unit 110 and can adjust the flow of the airflow. The configuration of the airflow adjustment unit 120 may be appropriately selected according to the airflow generation unit 110. The airflow adjustment unit 120 may include a unit that hits the airflow and slightly adjusts the direction of the airflow, a unit that guides the airflow to the outlet 130, and a unit that greatly adjusts the direction of the airflow and guides the airflow in a desired direction. Such an airflow adjustment unit 120 may be disposed at a position where the airflow hits. The airflow adjustment unit 120 may have a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction.

[0015] In this embodiment, the airflow adjustment unit 120 is a partition casing 120a, which is hit by the airflow from the fan 110a and adjusts the direction of the airflow. In this embodiment, the partition casing 120a is parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical fan 110a, and has a curved surface that curves along the side of the cylinder, and the curved surface is disposed to face the fan 110a and adjusts the airflow from the fan 110a. The degree of curvature may be appropriately set according to the desired direction of airflow. In this embodiment, the airflow adjustment unit 120 (partition casing 120a) has a longitudinal direction that is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the cylindrical fan 110a. On the other hand, when the airflow generating unit 110 is a disk-shaped fan, it is preferable that the airflow adjusting unit 120 includes a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis of the fan. The plane may have a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. For example, when the disk-shaped fan has a rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the airflow adjusting unit 120 includes a plane that is perpendicular to the rotation axis, parallel to the vertical direction, and faces the flow of the airflow, and the plane has a longitudinal direction in the vertical direction. In such a configuration, the airflow generated by the disk-shaped fan mainly flows in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and then is adjusted by the airflow adjusting unit 120 to flow mainly in the vertical direction. Of the airflows that flow in the vertical direction, the airflow that flows vertically upward flows out of the outlet 130 arranged vertically above in the device 100. Note that, of the airflows that flow in the vertical direction, the airflow that flows vertically downward may flow out of the outlet 130 arranged vertically below in the device 100. Examples of such devices 100 may include air cleaners, humidifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and the like.

[0016] (outlet) 2C, the outlet 130 is an outlet through which the airflow adjusted by the airflow adjustment unit 120 flows out of the device 100. The outlet 130 is not particularly limited as long as such an airflow can flow out. In the present embodiment, the outlet 130 is an air outlet 130a.

[0017] (recess) A light emitting device 150 is disposed in the recess 140. In the device 100 of the present invention, by disposing the light emitting device 150 in the recess 140, turbulence of the air flow is suppressed.

[0018] The recess 140 may open to a part of the path of the airflow that is adjusted by at least a part of the airflow adjustment section 120 and flows toward the outlet 130. In this embodiment, the recess 140 is disposed in the airflow adjustment section 120 (partition casing 120a) and opens to the airflow adjustment section 120 (partition casing 120a). The recess 140 may be disposed in the airflow generation section 110, but in this case, turbulence of the airflow tends to occur, which is not preferable. The recess 140 preferably has a bottom surface and four side surfaces surrounding the bottom surface.

[0019] When the recess 140 is disposed in the airflow generating section 110, it is preferable that the recess 140 is disposed away from the end of the airflow generating section 110. Specifically, when the recess 140 is disposed in the airflow generating section 110, it is preferable that the recess 140 is disposed away from each of two ends of the airflow generating section 110 that are spaced apart in a first direction (longitudinal direction) described below. Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the recess 140 is disposed away the same distance from each of the two ends that are spaced apart in the first direction (longitudinal direction). In other words, it is preferable that the recess 140 is disposed near the center of the airflow generating section 110 in the first direction (longitudinal direction).

[0020] When the recess 140 is disposed in the airflow adjustment section 120, it is preferable that the recess 140 is disposed away from the end of the airflow adjustment section 120 as shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically, when the recess 140 is disposed in the airflow adjustment section 120, it is preferable that the recess 140 is disposed away from each of the two ends of the airflow adjustment section 120 that are spaced apart in a first direction (longitudinal direction) described later, and that the recess 140 is disposed away from one of the two ends of the airflow adjustment section 120 that are spaced apart in a second direction (short direction) described later, and is not disposed away from the remaining one. Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the recess 140 is disposed away from each of the two ends that are spaced apart in the first direction (longitudinal direction) by the same distance. That is, it is preferable that the recess 140 is disposed near the center of the airflow adjustment section 120 in the first direction (longitudinal direction). In addition, from the viewpoint of preventing the airflow adjustment from being disturbed, it is preferable that the depth of recess 140 is set so that the depth of recess 140 is greater than the height of light-emitting device 150.

[0021] On the other hand, if the recess 140 is too deep, there is a possibility that the light (e.g., ultraviolet light) from the light emitting device 150 will not reach the airflow generating section 110 and the airflow adjusting section 120 that are to be irradiated with the light. Therefore, it is preferable that the shape of the recess 140 is appropriately set in relation to the light distribution of the light emitting device 150. The relationship between the shape of the recess 140 and the light distribution of the light emitting device 150 will be described below.

[0022] <Relationship between recess and light distribution> 3A and 3B, the diagrams on the right are graphs showing orientation, and the diagrams on the left are diagrams showing the relationship between the orientation of light flux controlling member 152 in the diagrams on the right and the numerical values ​​of the angles.

[0023] As shown in the left diagrams of each of FIGS. 3A and 3B, light emitting device 150 has light source 151 (for example, a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode) and light flux controlling member 152 (for example, a lens) for controlling the orientation of light from light source 151. As shown in the right diagrams of each of FIGS. 3A and 3B, light emitted from light source 151 is controlled and distributed by light flux controlling member 152. In this embodiment, when a direction perpendicular to optical axis OA of light source 151 is defined as a first direction and a direction perpendicular to optical axis OA and the first direction is defined as a second direction, the illumination area by light emitting device 150 is wider in the first direction than in the second direction. Note that the first direction is preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction of airflow adjustment section 120.

[0024] Specifically, the left diagram of FIG. 3A shows that light emission center O of light source 151 is disposed at the origin, optical axis OA of light source 151 is disposed so as to extend in the direction from 180° to 0°, and light flux controlling member 152 is disposed so as to cover light source 151. The right diagram of FIG. 3A shows a state in which, in such an arrangement, light emitted from light source 151 and distributed by light flux controlling member 152 spreads in a first direction (longitudinal direction). Specifically, the right diagram of FIG. 3A shows the light distribution in a cross section including optical axis OA and the first direction (longitudinal direction). This first direction (longitudinal direction) is preferably disposed so as to follow the axial direction of a cylinder with respect to fan 110a, which has a cylindrical shape, and partition casing 120a disposed relative to the fan.

[0025] Here, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 3A, the angle of the direction in which the optical axis OA extends is 0°, and the maximum angle of the main light distribution (the main light distribution is the distribution of light with the maximum area in the light distribution diagram as shown in FIG. 3A) is about 80°. In order to suppress the light from being blocked by the recess 140, it is considered important to prevent the main light distribution, which occupies a large part of the light distribution, from being blocked by the recess. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4A, the relationship between the maximum angle α1 of the main light distribution and the recess is preferably such that, in a cross section of the recess 140 including the optical axis OA and the first direction (longitudinal direction), the distance from the top of the recess 140 to the light emitting surface of the light source 151 is D1 and the distance from the optical axis OA to the side surface of the recess 140 is W1, as shown in FIG.

[0026] tan(90°-α1)≧D1 / W1...Equation 1

[0027] It is believed that satisfying the above formula 1 can suppress the light distributed in the first direction (longitudinal direction) from being blocked by the side surface of the recess 140. It is particularly preferable that formula 1 be satisfied when the side surface of the recess is parallel to the optical axis or has an inclined surface that inclines toward the light emitting device 150 with increasing distance from the bottom surface of the recess 140.

[0028] FIG. 3B illustrates the above in the second direction (short side direction). Specifically, the left diagram of FIG. 3B shows that light emission center O of light source 151 is disposed at the origin, optical axis OA of light source 151 is disposed to extend in the direction from 180° to 0°, and light flux controlling member 152 is disposed to cover light source 151. The right diagram of FIG. 3B shows a state in which light emitted from light source 151 and distributed by light flux controlling member 152 in such an arrangement spreads in the second direction (short side direction). Specifically, the right diagram of FIG. 3B shows the light distribution in a cross section including optical axis OA and the second direction (short side direction). It is preferable that the second direction (short side direction) be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of fan 110a.

[0029] Here, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 3B, the maximum angle α2 of the main light distribution (the main light distribution is the distribution of light with the maximum area in the light distribution diagram as shown in FIG. 3B) is about 45° with respect to 0°. In order to suppress the light from being blocked by the recess 140, it is considered important to prevent the main light distribution, which occupies a large part of the light distribution, from being blocked by the recess 140. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, the relationship between the maximum angle α2 of the main light distribution and the recess 140 preferably satisfies the following formula 2 in a cross section of the recess 140 including the optical axis OA and the second direction (short direction), where D2 is the distance from the top of the recess 140 to the light emitting surface of the light source 151 and W2 is the distance from the optical axis OA to the side surface of the recess 140.

[0030] tan(90°-α2)≧D2 / W2...Equation 2

[0031] It is believed that satisfying the above formula 2 can suppress the light distributed in the second direction (short direction) from being blocked by the side surface of the recess 140. It is particularly preferable that formula 2 be satisfied when the side surface of the recess 140 is parallel to the optical axis OA or has an inclined surface that inclines toward the light emitting device 150 with increasing distance from the bottom surface of the recess 140.

[0032] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the recess 140 may have an inclined surface 141 that inclines so as to move away from the optical axis OA with increasing distance from the bottom surface of the recess 140. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, such an inclined surface 141 functions as a reflecting surface and contributes to efficient irradiation of light. The inclined surface 141 may be a flat surface or a curved surface. The inclined surface 141 may extend over the entire surface from the bottom of the recess 140 to the opening, or may extend only partially.

[0033] When recess 140 has inclined surface 141 as shown in FIG. 5A and the illumination area by light emitting device 150 is device 100 that spreads light more in the first direction than in the second direction, from the viewpoint of efficient illumination, it is preferable that the emission from light emitting device 150 and recess 140 satisfy the following relationship.

[0034] That is, as shown in Fig. 5A, when a line extending from the light emission center O of the light source 151 in the first direction and intersecting with the inclined surface is defined as L1, in a cross section including the optical axis OA of the light source 151 and L1, or a projection onto the cross section, the intersection point between the inclined surface 141 and L1 is defined as X, a perpendicular line passing through X and perpendicular to the inclined surface 141 is defined as L2, an end in the first direction that is shorter among the airflow generating section and the airflow adjusting section to which the light is irradiated is defined as Y, and a line connecting Y and X is defined as L3, the angle θ1 formed by L1 and L2 is preferably equal to or smaller than the angle θ2 formed by L2 and L3. This allows the light reflected by the inclined surface 141 to hit the airflow generating section or the airflow adjusting section and to be efficiently irradiated. In addition, when airflow generation unit 110 and airflow adjustment unit 120 are not present on a cross section including optical axis OA of light source 151 and the first direction, they are considered as a projection of airflow generation unit 110 and airflow adjustment unit 120 projected onto the cross section. In addition, it is preferable that the flow direction of the main airflow generated by airflow generation unit 110 and adjusted by airflow adjustment unit 120 is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0035] 5B, in a cross section including the optical axis OA of light source 151 and the second direction, a line extending from optical axis OA of light source 151 in one second direction and intersecting with the inclined surface is defined as L1', an intersection point between inclined surface 141 and L1' is defined as X', a perpendicular line passing through X' and perpendicular to inclined surface 141 is defined as L2', and a line extending from X' and intersecting with the surface of the airflow adjustment unit on the optical axis side at the maximum angle is defined as L3'. The angle θ1' between L1' and L2' is defined as L2'. It is preferable that angle θ1'' between L1'' and L2'' is equal to or smaller than angle θ2'' between L2'' and L3'', and when a line extending in the other second direction from the optical axis of the light source and intersecting with the inclined surface is defined as L1'', the intersection point between L1'' and the inclined surface is defined as X'', a perpendicular line passing through X'' and perpendicular to the inclined surface is defined as L2'', and a line extending from X'' and intersecting with the airflow generating section at the maximum angle is defined as L3'', angle θ1'' between L1'' and L2'' is equal to or smaller than angle θ2'' between L2'' and L3''. This allows the light reflected by inclined surface 141 to hit the airflow generating section and the airflow adjusting section and provide efficient irradiation.

[0036] (Light emitting device) As described above, light emitting device 150 has light source 151 and light flux controlling member 152. Each will be described below.

[0037] <light source> The light source 151 is not particularly limited as long as it can emit light. The light source 151 may be, for example, a light-emitting element. The light-emitting element preferably emits light of a predetermined wavelength. The light emitted from the light-emitting element may be visible light or ultraviolet light. For the purpose of sterilization, ultraviolet light is preferable. Examples of the light-emitting element include a light-emitting diode (LED), a mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, a xenon lamp, and a laser diode (LD). When ultraviolet light is emitted from the light-emitting element, the central wavelength or peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light is preferably 200 nm or more and 350 nm or less. From the viewpoint of sterilization efficiency, the central wavelength or peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element is more preferably 250 nm or more and 290 nm or less. In other words, the ultraviolet light is more preferably ultraviolet C wave (UVC).

[0038] The light source 151 is preferably arranged so that the optical axis OA satisfies the condition shown in FIG. 6. That is, in a cross section including the optical axis OA of the light source 151, the light emission center of the light source 151 is O, the line extending from O and intersecting with the surface of the airflow adjustment unit on the optical axis side at the maximum angle is L4, the line extending from O and intersecting with the airflow generation unit 110 at the maximum angle is L5, the angle between L4 and L5 is β, and the bisecting line of β is L6. The light source 151 is preferably arranged so that the optical axis OA is within 5° on the airflow generation unit side with respect to L6. This suppresses a decrease in the efficiency of irradiation and also suppresses light from leaking from the outlet 130. The optical axis OA of the light source 151 means a central light ray among the three-dimensional emitted light flux from the light source 151. In addition, in this embodiment, the optical axis OA is arranged between the airflow generation unit 110 and the airflow adjustment unit 120 as shown in FIG. 6A. In this embodiment, FIG. 6A is a cross section perpendicular to the first direction.

[0039] <Light flux control member> It is preferable that light flux controlling member 152 spreads light so that the irradiation area has a long direction and a short direction. In order to obtain such an irradiation area, it is preferable that light flux controlling member 152 does not have an axis of circular symmetry or an axis of rotational symmetry, and it is preferable that light flux controlling member 152 has a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry is preferably parallel to the short direction (second direction) of the irradiation area. It is also preferable that the plane of symmetry is disposed in device 100 so as to be approximately parallel to the direction of air flow. Approximately parallel may include an angle of 5° or less, for example. It is preferable that light flux controlling member 152 is made of silicone from the viewpoint of transmitting ultraviolet light.

[0040] Hereinafter, as a specific example of light flux controlling member 152, light flux controlling member 300 will be described with reference to Figures 7A to F. Note that, for the sake of explanation, mutually orthogonal X, Y and Z axes are shown in Figures 7A to F, and it is assumed that light flux controlling member 300 has its bottom surface (back side) disposed on the XY plane. Furthermore, light flux controlling member 300 has a plane of symmetry, which is a plane parallel to the YZ plane. Light flux controlling member 300 is asymmetric with respect to a plane parallel to the XZ plane, which is a plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry.

[0041] 7A is a plan view of light flux controlling member 300, FIG. 7B is a bottom view, FIG. 7C is a front view, FIG. 7D is a rear view, FIG. 7E is a right side view, and FIG. 7F is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 7A.

[0042] 7B, light flux controlling member 300 has incident surface 310, and has exit surface 320 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C. Incident surface 310 is a surface facing light source 151, and light incident from incident surface 310 passes through the inside of light flux controlling member 300 and is emitted from exit surface 320.

[0043] 7A and 7C, light flux controlling member 300 has reflecting surface 330 on which light incident from incident surface 310 is reflected inside light flux controlling member 300. The light reflected from reflecting surface 330 is emitted from exit surface 320.

[0044] The entrance surface 310, the exit surface 320, and the reflecting surface 330 will be described in detail below.

[0045] Incident surface 310 is the inner surface of recess 410 that opens on the back side of light flux controlling member 300. As shown in FIG. 7B, incident surface 310 has first incident surface 311, second incident surface 312, and third incident surface 313. Incident surface 310 has a shape that is approximately a combination of an inner surface of a semicylinder shape and an inner surface of a quartered sphere. The side surface of the semicylinder shape approximately corresponds to first incident surface 311, the bottom and top surfaces of the semicylinder shape approximately correspond to second incident surface 312, and the quartered sphere shape approximately corresponds to third incident surface 313.

[0046] The first entrance surface 311 is disposed so as to face the light source 151, and is disposed so that the side surface of the semicylinder extends along the X-axis. Here, "along" may mean parallel to the X-axis, or may be inclined within a range of ±5°. The first entrance surface 311 has a curve when viewed in cross section in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis. As shown in FIG. 7B, the first entrance surface 311 has a symmetry plane S, and has a tapered shape that tapers away from the symmetry plane S. The first entrance surface 311 causes the light emitted from the light source 151 to enter the reflection surface 330 and toward the first exit surface 321 described later.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7B, the second incident surface 312 connects the first incident surface 311 and the opening edge of the recess 410. The second incident surfaces 312 correspond to the bottom and top surfaces of the semicylinder, and face each other across the symmetry plane S. The second incident surface 312 is disposed along the optical axis OA (Z-axis). Here, "along" may mean parallel to the optical axis OA (Z-axis), or may be inclined within a range of ±5°. The second incident surface 312 causes the light emitted from the light source 151 to enter so as to proceed toward the first exit surface 321.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 7B, third incident surface 313 connects first incident surface 311 and the opening edge of recess 410. Third incident surface 313 corresponds to the spherical shape divided into quarters, and the spherical shape is disposed near the center of the length direction of the semicylinder (the direction extending along the X-axis of first incident surface 311). Third incident surface 313 has a curve in a cross section perpendicular to the X-axis. The third incident surface causes light emitted from light source 151 to be incident toward second incident surface 322 described later.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7A , two reflecting surfaces 330 are disposed on the front side of light flux controlling member 300, with plane of symmetry S sandwiched between them. Two reflecting surfaces 330 reflect light incident on incident surface 310 in different directions, with plane of symmetry S in between. Light reflected by reflecting surface 330 is emitted from first emission surface 321 opposite thereto. As can be seen from FIG. 7C , reflecting surface 330 has a curve when viewed in cross section on a plane parallel to the XZ plane. It is preferable that the tangent of the curve has a smaller slope as it moves away from plane of symmetry S (becoming closer to parallel to the X-axis as it moves away from plane of symmetry S). It is more preferable that the curve has a tangent slope such that light that strikes reflecting surface 330 can be totally reflected.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7A, the emission surface 320 has a first emission surface 321 and a second emission surface 322.

[0051] First emission surface 321 faces reflecting surface 330 as described above, and mainly emits light reflected by reflecting surface 330 to the outside of light flux controlling member 300. There are two first emission surfaces 321, sandwiching symmetry plane S. The two first emission surfaces 321 are arranged to sandwich two reflecting surfaces 330. First emission surface 321 may be composed of one surface, or may be composed of multiple surfaces. In the present embodiment, first emission surface 321 is composed of one curved surface. In the present embodiment, first emission surface 321 is formed like a side surface of a cone. First emission surface 321 mainly emits light corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the irradiation region.

[0052] Second exit surface 322 is disposed between two reflecting surfaces 330. As can be seen from FIGS. 7A and 7B, second exit surface 322 is disposed to face third entrance surface 313, and mainly emits light incident from third entrance surface 313 to the outside of light flux controlling member 300. There are no particular limitations on second exit surface 322 as long as it can exert this function. Second exit surface 322 may be composed of one surface, or may be composed of multiple surfaces. In the present embodiment, second exit surface 322 is composed of one curved surface. When second exit surface 322 is viewed in cross section at symmetry plane S, it is a curve as shown in FIG. 7F. Second exit surface 322 mainly emits light corresponding to the short-side direction of the irradiation area.

[0053] In general, light flux controlling members preferable for use in the present invention will be described using light flux controlling member 300a shown in Fig. 8 as an example. Note that Fig. 8 is for the purpose of explanation only, and does not represent the actual shape, etc. That is, as shown in Fig. 8, light flux controlling member 300a has entrance surface 310a onto which light emitted from light source 151 is incident, and exit surface 320a from which light incident from entrance surface 310a is emitted, and a light ray that is emitted from light source 151 and passes through entrance surface 310a and exit surface 320a to reach airflow generating section 110 is defined as a first light ray, and a light ray that is emitted from light source 151 and passes through entrance surface 310a and exit surface 320a to reach airflow generating section 110 is defined as a second light ray. When the light ray that reaches airflow adjustment section 120 through this is defined as the second light ray, it is preferable that the shape of first light ray entrance surface 311a of entrance surface 310a through which the first light ray passes and the shape of second light ray entrance surface 312a of entrance surface 310a through which the second light ray passes are different, or that the shape of first light ray exit surface 321a of exit surface 320a through which the first light ray passes and the shape of second light ray exit surface 322a of exit surface 320a through which the second light ray passes are different.

[0054] 7B, in light flux controlling member 300, first light ray incident surface 311a corresponds to first incident surface 311 and second incident surface 312. Also, as shown in FIG. 7B, second light ray incident surface 312a corresponds to third incident surface 313. Also, first light ray exit surface 321a corresponds to first exit surface 321, and second light ray exit surface 322a corresponds to second exit surface 322.

[0055] That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, the first incident surface 311 and the second incident surface 312 (incident surface 311a for the first light ray) have different shapes from the third incident surface 313 (incident surface 312a for the second light ray), and as shown in FIG. 7A, the first exit surface 321 (exit surface 321a for the first light ray) and the second exit surface 322 (exit surface 322a for the second light ray) have different shapes.

[0056] (effect) According to the device 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, since the light emitting device 150 is disposed in the recess 140, it is possible to suppress the disturbance of the airflow. In addition, the recess 140 is appropriately designed in relation to the light distribution of the light emitting device 150, and further, the light source 151 of the light emitting device 150 is disposed at an appropriate angle in relation to the positions of the airflow generating unit 110 and the airflow adjusting unit 120. As a result, according to the device 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to perform efficient irradiation while suppressing the disturbance of the airflow. In addition, since the optical axis OA is disposed at an appropriate angle as described above, it is also possible to suppress the leakage of the irradiated light to the outside of the device 100. As a result, safety is ensured, for example, when the light is ultraviolet light or other light that is harmful to the human body. [Industrial Applicability]

[0057] The present invention is applicable to an apparatus having an airflow generating section and an airflow adjusting section, and is useful for, for example, sterilizing the inside of the apparatus by applying ultraviolet light to the inside of the apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 10, 100a Air Conditioner 11, 110a Fan 12, 120a partition casing 13, 130 Outlet 100 devices 110 Air flow generating section 120 Air flow adjustment section 140, 410 recess 141 Slope 150 Light emitting device 151 Light source 152, 300, 300a Light flux control member 310, 310a entrance plane 311a First ray entrance plane 312a Second ray entrance surface 311 1st entrance plane 312 2nd entrance plane 313 Third entrance plane 320, 320a exit surface 321a First ray exit surface 322a Second beam exit surface 321 First exit surface 322 Second exit surface 330 Reflective surface

Claims

1. an airflow generating unit for generating an airflow; an airflow adjustment section that receives the airflow generated by the airflow generation section and adjusts the flow of the airflow; an outlet through which the airflow adjusted by the airflow adjustment unit flows out; a recess that opens into a part of a path of the airflow that is adjusted by at least a part of the airflow adjustment portion and heads toward the outlet; a light emitting device for irradiating light to at least a portion of the airflow generating unit and at least a portion of the airflow adjusting unit; having The light emitting device has a light source and a light flux control member for controlling the distribution of light from the light source, and is disposed in the recess. Device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the light source emits ultraviolet light.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the area illuminated by the light emitting device has a long direction and a short direction.

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light flux controlling member has no axis of circular symmetry or rotational symmetry.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the light flux controlling member has a plane of symmetry.

6. the light flux controlling member has an incident surface onto which light emitted from the light source is incident and an exit surface from which the light incident from the incident surface is exited, When a light ray emitted from the light source and passing through the entrance surface and the exit surface to reach the airflow generating unit is defined as a first light ray, and a light ray emitted from the light source and passing through the entrance surface and the exit surface to reach the airflow adjusting unit is defined as a second light ray, A shape of a first light ray incident surface through which the first light ray passes among the incident surfaces and a shape of a second light ray incident surface through which the second light ray passes among the incident surfaces are different, or The device according to claim 1 , wherein a first light ray exit surface, through which the first light ray passes, and a second light ray exit surface, through which the second light ray passes, are different in shape from each other among the exit surfaces.

7. When a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the light source is defined as a first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction is defined as a second direction, an illumination area of ​​the light emitting device is wider in the first direction than in the second direction; 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the light flux controlling member is made of silicone.

9. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the depth of the recess is greater than the height of the light emitting device.

10. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recess has an inclined surface that slopes away from the optical axis of the light source with increasing distance from the bottom surface of the recess.

11. When a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the light source and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the airflow adjustment unit is defined as a first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction is defined as a second direction, an illumination area by the light-emitting device is wider in the first direction than in the second direction, and a line extending from the light-emitting center of the light source in the first direction is defined as L1, In a cross section including the optical axis of the light source and L1, or a projection onto the cross section, When an intersection point between the inclined surface and L1 is defined as X, a perpendicular line passing through X and perpendicular to the inclined surface is defined as L2, an end in the first direction of the airflow generating unit and the airflow adjusting unit to which the light is irradiated that is shorter in the first direction is defined as Y, and a line connecting Y and X is defined as L3, The angle θ1 between the L1 and the L2 is equal to or smaller than the angle θ2 between the L2 and the L3.

11. The apparatus of claim 10.

12. a first direction is a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the light source, and a second direction is a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction, the light emitting device having an illumination area wider in the first direction than in the second direction, In a cross section including the optical axis of the light source and the second direction, When a line extending from the optical axis of the light source in one of the second directions and intersecting with the inclined surface is defined as L1', an intersection point between the inclined surface and L1' is defined as X', a perpendicular line passing through X' and perpendicular to the inclined surface is defined as L2', and a line extending from X' and intersecting with a surface on the optical axis side of the airflow adjustment unit at a maximum angle is defined as L3', an angle θ1' between L1' and L2' is equal to or smaller than an angle θ2' between L2' and L3', 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein when a line extending from the optical axis of the light source in the other second direction and intersecting with the inclined surface is defined as L1'', an intersection point between L1'' and the inclined surface is defined as X'', a perpendicular line passing through X'' and perpendicular to the inclined surface is defined as L2'', and a line extending from X'' and intersecting with the airflow generating section at a maximum angle is defined as L3'', an angle θ1'' formed between L1'' and L2'' is less than or equal to an angle θ2'' formed between L2'' and L3''.

13. In a cross section including the optical axis OA of the light source, When the light emission center of the light source is O, a line extending from O and intersecting with the surface of the air flow adjustment unit on the optical axis side at the maximum angle is L4, a line extending from O and intersecting with the air flow generation unit at the maximum angle is L5, an angle between L4 and L5 is β, and a line dividing β is L6, The light source is disposed so that the optical axis OA is within 5° on the airflow generating unit side with respect to the L6.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

14. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, which is an air conditioning device.

15. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recess is disposed in the airflow generating section at a distance from an end of the airflow generating section, or in the airflow adjusting section at a distance from an end of the airflow adjusting section.

Images