Deodorant module and deodorant apparatus

Abstract

To provide a photocatalyst-type deodorant module improved in deodorant efficiency.SOLUTION: A deodorant module includes, in the inside of a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet disposed on a surface facing the air inlet: a photocatalyst filter carried with a photocatalyst on a substrate; a light source disposed on a surface facing the photocatalyst filter; and an odor-intercepting plate disposed so as to intercept a flow of air containing an odor component flowing to the air outlet from the air inlet, wherein the odor-intercepting plate is disposed on a position facing the air inlet so as to generate a vortex flow of air in a space between the photocatalyst filter and the light source on a plane of the photocatalyst filter by allowing air taken in from the air inlet to collide therewith.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a deodorizing module having a deodorizing function using a photocatalyst, and a deodorizing device equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Photocatalysts exhibit a photocatalytic effect when certain light such as ultraviolet light or visible light is incident on them. Such photocatalytic effects include deodorizing and disinfecting effects, and deodorizing modules and deodorizing devices that utilize this effect are known (Patent Document 1). Deodorization that utilizes such photocatalytic reactions is far superior in terms of safety and environmental friendliness to deodorization that directly uses ultraviolet light or ozone. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-027665 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, photocatalytic deodorization requires a long time for the deodorizing reaction, and improving the deodorizing efficiency remains a challenge.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a photocatalytic deodorizing module and deodorizing device which solves the above-mentioned problems and improves deodorizing efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In view of the above, the deodorizing module of the present invention is a deodorizing module comprising: a photocatalyst filter having a photocatalyst supported on a substrate, a light source arranged on the surface facing the photocatalyst filter, and an odor shielding plate arranged to block the flow of air containing odorous components from the air intake to the exhaust outlet, inside a housing having an air intake and an exhaust outlet arranged on a surface facing the air intake, the odor shielding plate being arranged at a position facing the air intake so as to collide with the air taken in from the air intake and generate a vortex of the air in the space between the photocatalyst filter and the light source on the plane of the photocatalyst filter. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the effect of decomposing odorous components by the photocatalyst is enhanced, and the deodorizing efficiency can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a deodorizing module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] An explanatory diagram of a photocatalytic filter and an LED light source in this embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a bird's-eye view of a deodorizing module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a deodorizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] Bird's-eye view of the deodorizing module in Example 2 [Figure 6] Bird's-eye view of the deodorizing module in Comparative Example 1 [Figure 7] Bird's-eye view of the deodorizing module in Comparative Example 2 [Figure 8] Bird's-eye view of the deodorizing module in Comparative Example 3 [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a bird's-eye view of a deodorizing module according to a first modified example of the present embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a bird's-eye view of a deodorizing module according to a second modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] A bird's-eye view of a deodorizing module in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a photocatalytic filter used in this embodiment will be described.

[0010] <Photocatalytic filter> When photocatalysts are irradiated with light of specific wavelengths from sunlight, fluorescent lamps, LEDs, etc., a strong redox power is exerted on their surface, which breaks down and removes harmful substances such as organic compounds and bacteria that come into contact with them. Deodorization and sterilization using photocatalysts has the great advantage of being extremely environmentally friendly and safe, compared to UV methods using ultraviolet rays and ozone methods using ozone, which are feared to have adverse effects on the human body and the environment.

[0011] In this embodiment, it is preferable to use titanium oxide as such a photocatalyst, which is relatively inexpensive and has excellent availability. Specifically, titanium oxide is available in various types, such as anatase type and rutile type, depending on the crystal structure, so the type of titanium oxide to be used may be appropriately selected depending on the application, such as the excitation wavelength and photocatalytic effect. In addition to titanium oxide, various materials such as tungsten oxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, or a mixture of these materials may be used as the photocatalyst in the present invention.

[0012] Furthermore, materials may be selected that contain nitrogen, platinum, silver, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, copper, or compounds or ions that contain these as main components, etc. By adding these materials to the photocatalyst, it is possible to shift the excitation wavelength to the low-energy visible light side, enhance the action of the photocatalyst as a co-catalyst, or impart new effects that the photocatalyst itself does not have.

[0013] The substrate on which the photocatalyst is applied as a photocatalyst filter can be selected from ceramic-based porous bodies, metal-based porous bodies, fibrous bodies such as glass cloth and carbon fiber, activated carbon, etc., which are simple substances such as zeolite, mullite, cordierite, etc., or mixtures of these. In addition, not only porous bodies with a large specific surface area and high supportability, but also flat plates made of metal or glass can be used as the substrate. Considering the need for processes that require relatively high temperatures, such as when supporting the photocatalyst on the substrate, it is more preferable for the substrate to be made of a material with high heat resistance. In addition, in order to enhance the photocatalytic effect, substrate materials that can increase the specific surface area are particularly preferable.

[0014] In this embodiment, a dispersion liquid in which the above-mentioned powder-like photocatalyst is dispersed in a solution at a predetermined concentration is prepared for these substrates, and the dispersion liquid is applied to the substrate to adopt a photocatalyst filter in which the photocatalyst is dispersed on the substrate. The dispersion liquid is preferably an aqueous system mainly composed of pure water, but it may also be a dispersion liquid mainly composed of an organic solvent such as ethanol. Some types of photocatalysts have low dispersibility, so in such cases, additives such as surfactants for improving dispersibility can be added.

[0015] Examples of methods for applying the photocatalyst dispersion onto a substrate include spraying, dipping, and impregnation, but the application method is not limited to these and may be appropriately selected according to the conditions of the substrate, photocatalyst, etc. In addition, application may be performed in multiple steps, or multiple different methods, such as spraying and dipping, may be combined in multiple steps.

[0016] When it is necessary to improve the adhesion between the photocatalyst and the substrate, a binder that improves the adhesion may be added to the dispersion. For example, a binder mainly composed of an organic substance such as a resin may be used, but it is more preferable to add a binder mainly composed of an inorganic component that is not easily affected by the action of organic component decomposition by the photocatalyst, especially an inorganic binder composed only of inorganic components. However, depending on the type and content (concentration) of the binder, the effect of the photocatalyst may be reduced, so appropriate adjustment is required.

[0017] In this embodiment, a photocatalyst dispersion liquid is prepared by adding a photocatalyst and a small amount of surfactant to pure water and thoroughly stirring the mixture.The photocatalyst dispersion liquid is then spray-coated onto a glass cloth substrate, and the substrate is left in a high-temperature atmosphere of 80 to 500°C for several minutes to 120 minutes in order to remove moisture and to allow the photocatalyst to adhere to the substrate.Then, the photocatalyst filter 1 is prepared by returning the substrate to room temperature.

[0018] If the desorption of the photocatalyst is a problem, washing with pure water or the like may be performed as necessary to wash off the photocatalyst in a state that is easily desorbed in advance. After washing, it is preferable to leave the photocatalyst filter to dry naturally or at a temperature of about 80 to 500°C, and it is particularly preferable to use a drying temperature (for example, about 80 to 150°C) at which the crystal structure of titanium oxide and the like is unlikely to change.

[0019] Next, a deodorizing module configured by arranging an LED light source in the above-mentioned photocatalytic filter will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the deodorizing module in this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a view of the photocatalytic filter and the LED light source in this embodiment. Also, Figure 3 is a bird's-eye view of the deodorizing module in this embodiment.

[0020] <Deodorizing module> As shown in Fig. 1, the deodorizing module 6 of this embodiment is configured such that the flat surfaces of the flat photocatalytic filter 1 and the flat LED light source unit 3 on which a plurality of LEDs 2 are mounted are disposed in a position facing each other. As shown in the schematic diagram of Fig. 2, the LEDs 2 mounted on the LED light source unit 3 are disposed two-dimensionally, and the position of the LEDs 2 is optimized so that the light from the LED light source unit 3 hits the entire area of ​​the photocatalytic filter 1 as evenly as possible.

[0021] In order to exert the action of the photocatalyst, it is necessary to make the light having the energy equal to or greater than the band gap of the photocatalyst and having the wavelength region that the photocatalyst itself absorbs enter the photocatalyst. Examples of light in such wavelength regions include ultraviolet light with a short wavelength and relatively high energy, and visible light around 400 to 500 nm. Among these, light in wavelength regions such as deep ultraviolet has high energy and is advantageous for exciting the photocatalyst, but it may cause other problems such as deterioration of various components, particularly made of organic matter, used in the deodorizing device, and generation of ozone due to ultraviolet light. For example, if ozone is generated, it may become necessary to additionally install a mechanism for removing or reducing ozone in order to adjust the concentration of ozone discharged to a predetermined value or less, which leads to an increase in the size of the device and an increase in cost. Therefore, taking these into consideration, in this embodiment, an LED2 having an output peak in a wavelength region of about 360 to 410 nm was selected as the light source. Although one LED 2 is sufficient, in order to further enhance the photocatalytic effect, it is preferable to use multiple LEDs arranged in a row so that the light hits the entire area of ​​the photocatalytic filter 1 coated with the photocatalyst, and the LED light source unit 3 is configured to use multiple LEDs 2 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In order to enhance the effect of the photocatalyst, in addition to increasing the wavelength of the light source light and the area of ​​the photocatalyst that comes into contact with odorous components, as mentioned above, it is very important to optimize the distance between the photocatalyst and the light source, the intensity of the irradiated light, and the flow path of odorous components on the photocatalyst filter 1.

[0022] On the other hand, even light with a wavelength in the ultraviolet wavelength region of about 360 to 410 nm, which has a relatively small energy, can damage organic materials such as resins to a certain extent. For this reason, it is more preferable that the material of the part of the photocatalyst module on which the light from the light source hits is a material such as metal that has durability against light and is less likely to deteriorate due to light. Furthermore, care must be taken to configure the device so that the light emitted from the light source does not leak out of the device. In this embodiment, aluminum is used for the housing part of the deodorizing module 6, and the arrangement is configured so that the light of the LED 2 does not leak out of the deodorizing module 6 as much as possible. In addition to aluminum, the housing material may be any material that has durability against the light of about 360 to 410 nm emitted by the LED used in this embodiment, and for example, various stainless steel (SUS) materials can be used.

[0023] When a predetermined light is irradiated onto the photocatalytic filter 1 from the LED light source unit 3, the intake air 4 containing odor components, which is supplied into the deodorizing module 6 using the fan unit 12 or the like, is decomposed by an oxidation-reduction reaction, and is discharged from the deodorizing module 6 as exhaust air 5 with attenuated odor components. Here, for the sake of simplicity, the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 is used to illustrate the air being discharged from left to right, but the actual detailed flow path of the air in the deodorizing module according to this embodiment is different from this and is the flow path as shown in FIG. 3. The airflow generated within this deodorizing module 6 is an airflow containing odor components, and is hereinafter referred to as the odor flow.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 4, the deodorizing module 6 according to this embodiment is characterized in that the flow of the intake air 4 is blocked by providing an odor shielding plate 7 between the intake port 8 and the exhaust port 9, resulting in the generation of a vortex between the photocatalytic filter 1 and the LED light source unit 3. As shown in Fig. 3, in this embodiment, the intake air 4 taken in from the intake port 8 arranged at a position opposite to the longitudinal center of the odor shielding plate 7 passes over the surface of the photocatalytic filter 1, collides with the odor shielding plate 7 and branches in both directions, and the two divided odor streams flow along the odor shielding plate 7, then leave the odor shielding plate 7 and flow toward the inner wall of the deodorizing module 6, and then flow along the inner wall of the deodorizing module toward the intake port 8 to join the intake air 4.

[0025] The odor flow is symmetrical with respect to the central axis located between the two vortex flows, and the directions of rotation of each are opposite. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the air containing odorous components from concentrating and contacting only a specific area of ​​the photocatalyst filter 1, and to increase the probability that the odorous components come into contact with the entire photocatalyst filter 1.

[0026] Furthermore, the odor flow increases the probability that odor components pass over the surface of the photocatalytic filter 1 multiple times, lengthening the time that the odor components stay on the surface of the photocatalytic filter 1. This promotes the decomposition of the odor components by the oxidation-reduction effect of the photocatalyst. Although the odor flow can be improved with only one vortex, by dividing the vortex into two as in this embodiment, the odor components can be more uniformly contacted with the entire photocatalytic filter 1 than in the case where only one vortex is used, and a wider area of ​​the photocatalytic filter 1 can be used. The air inlet 8 may be provided on the light source side in the normal direction of the plane of the photocatalytic filter 1, and the exhaust port 10 may be provided on the photocatalytic filter 1 side in the normal direction of the photocatalytic filter 1. As a result, the intake air 4 taken in through the air intake 8 travels along the LED light source unit 3 side and collides with the odor shielding plate 7, then turns into a vortex and gradually moves toward the photocatalytic filter 1 side before being discharged from the exhaust outlet 10, making it difficult for the intake air 4 flowing in through the air intake 8 to be directly discharged from the exhaust outlet 10 and making it easier for the air to pass over the flat surface of the photocatalytic filter 1 as a vortex.

[0027] In addition, since odor components are oxidized and decomposed only near the surface of the photocatalytic filter 1, if the thickness of the deodorizing module 6 is made larger than necessary so as to widen the space between the plane on which the photocatalytic filter 1 is arranged and the plane on which the LED light source unit 3 is arranged, the deodorizing efficiency will basically be reduced. Therefore, it is preferable that the length in the thickness direction of the deodorizing module 6 is smaller than the length in the longitudinal direction or transverse direction of the photocatalytic filter 1. In other words, the length in the thickness direction of the deodorizing module 6 is shorter than the length in the other direction of the deodorizing module 6. In addition, the thickness direction of the deodorizing module 6 is the transverse direction of the odor shielding plate 7, and the direction perpendicular to this is the longitudinal direction.

[0028] As the pressure inside the deodorizing module 6 increases after decomposition by the photocatalyst filter 1, some of the odor components are pushed out and pass through exhaust port 10, which is formed in the gap between the odor shielding plate 7 and the inner wall of the deodorizing module 6 and is provided at the end of the odor shielding plate 7, to reach exhaust port 9, which is located opposite the air intake port 8 across from the odor shielding plate 7, and is then discharged outside the deodorizing module 6 from exhaust port 9.

[0029] The odor shielding plate 7 is a flat plate-shaped member arranged to block the flow of intake air 4 supplied from the intake port 8 toward the exhaust port 9, and the intake air 4 collides with the odor shielding plate 7 and branches in both directions to generate a vortex in the space between the LED light source unit 3 on the surface of the photocatalytic filter 1. The odor shielding plate 7 is arranged so that air does not leak to the inner wall surface other than the exhaust port 10 in the deodorizing module 6. In order to adjust the above-mentioned vortex, such an odor shielding plate 7 may be V-shaped or curved at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the odor shielding plate 7 so that it is symmetrical with respect to the axis in the lateral direction of the odor shielding plate 7 located at the center of the odor shielding plate 7.

[0030] 5, a guide protrusion 16, which is a protrusion structure having a symmetrical shape with the central axis as an axis of symmetry, may be provided near the central axis of the short side of the odor shielding plate 7, which is the center of the long side of the odor shielding plate 7, as will be described in detail later in Example 2. The guide protrusion 16 may be provided on the odor shielding plate 7 as a separate member, or may be formed integrally with the odor shielding plate 7 as a part of the odor shielding plate 7.

[0031] In addition, assuming that the photocatalytic filter 1 will be removed from the deodorizing device 30 or deodorizing module 6 for maintenance or filter replacement, the guide protrusions 16 are positioned so as not to overlap the photocatalytic filter 1 from the perspective of workability. On the other hand, in order to bring as many odorous components as possible into contact with the photocatalytic filter 1, the guide protrusions 16 are positioned as close as possible to the photocatalytic filter 1. In addition to this, it is advisable to adjust the position of the LEDs 2 in the LED light source unit 3 so that the light irradiated from the LED light source 3 to the photocatalytic filter 1 does not directly hit the guide protrusions 16.

[0032] Furthermore, in order to reduce the resistance component due to contact between the odor flow and the inner wall surface of the deodorizing module 6, a guide inner wall 17 having a surface shape that follows the rotation direction of the vortex flow may be provided at the corner formed by the inner wall surface of the housing of the deodorizing module 6 having the air inlet 8. Such guide inner wall 17 is less likely to have uneven deodorizing power if it is arranged so that the two vortex flows generated inside the deodorizing module 6 have similar shapes. Therefore, it is better to provide a pair of guide inner walls 17 of similar shapes not only at one corner but also at the other corner that is symmetrical to the one corner.

[0033] As described above, the deodorizing power is increased by configuring the intake air 4 containing odorous components taken in from the outside to remain on the surface of the photocatalyst filter 1 for as long as possible. Therefore, although a small amount of leakage is not a problem, it is better to configure the deodorizing module 6 so that the pressure inside the module 6 is increased to the extent that odorous air does not flow back to the outside. However, in order to prevent odorous air from flowing back from the deodorizing module 6 even when the deodorizing device 30 is deodorizing with the maximum amount of air supply, it is necessary to adjust the opening ratio of the intake port 8 and exhaust port 9 as well as the opening area of ​​the exhaust port 10.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a bird's-eye view of the deodorizing module in the first modified example of this embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a bird's-eye view of the deodorizing module in the second modified example of this embodiment. As shown in the examples of FIGS. 9 and 10, the air inlet 8 may be provided with a guide plate 11 extending toward the air inflow direction, which has two functional roles: a function as a straightening plate and a function to suppress the backflow of the intake air 4. As shown in FIG. 9, the guide plate 11 may be configured so that the length of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the air inlet 8 perpendicular to the traveling direction of the intake air 4 gradually decreases as it enters the inside of the deodorizing module 6, or as shown in FIG. 10, the length of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the air inlet 8 does not change. By adopting such a shape, not only is it possible to suppress the odor components once taken in from flowing back to the outside of the deodorizing module 6, but also it is possible to linearly take in the intake air 4 into the deodorizing module 6, and to easily create a vortex in the odor flow after it collides with the odor shielding plate 7 and branches in both directions.

[0035] Furthermore, in order to utilize the light that passes through the photocatalytic filter 1 when it is irradiated by the LED light source unit 3 onto the photocatalytic filter 1, it is preferable to place a reflective member (not shown) on the back side of the photocatalytic filter 1 to reflect light.

[0036] Such a reflecting member may be the inner wall member of the deodorizing module 6 on which the photocatalytic filter 1 is arranged, or may be arranged as a separate member. Since the photocatalyst is affected by the amount of photons, it is not necessary to make the reflecting member mirror-like as long as there is little loss of the LED light, such as absorption by the reflecting member. However, when the purpose is to increase the efficiency of a specific area, it is better to use a member having a surface that is closer to a mirror-like state for the incident light.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the deodorizing power is increased by generating a vortex odor flow as described above to lengthen the time that odor components stay in the photocatalyst filter, but it is also possible to increase the deodorizing power by, for example, increasing the area of ​​the photocatalyst filter. However, such a configuration is likely to cause other problems, such as an increase in cost due to the placement of multiple filters or the increase in size of the filter itself, and an increase in the volume of the deodorizing module, which increases the size of the entire deodorizing device. As described above, the method of the present embodiment, which generates a vortex odor flow, can improve the deodorizing power and prevent the device from becoming larger and the device cost from increasing.

[0038] Next, a deodorizing device equipped with the deodorizing module 6 of the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the deodorizing device in this embodiment.

[0039] <Photocatalytic deodorizing device> As shown in the configuration diagram of Fig. 4, the deodorizing module 6 as described above is arranged between the deodorizing device air inlet 13, which is the intake port of the deodorizing device 30 for air containing odorous components, and the deodorizing device exhaust port 14, which exhausts the exhaust air of the deodorizing module with reduced odorous components from the deodorizing device 30. In addition to these, the deodorizing device 30 is configured by mounting a fan unit 12 for taking in air containing odorous components from the surrounding atmosphere. The fan unit 12 is preferably installed near the deodorizing device air inlet 13 or near the deodorizing device exhaust port 14, but in this embodiment, it is configured to be installed in front of the deodorizing device exhaust port 14. In addition, the air volume of the fan unit 12 can be controlled by controlling the drive voltage, etc.

[0040] Since most odorous components other than ammonia have a higher specific gravity than air, the concentration of odorous components is often higher on the floor. For this reason, odorous components can be removed more efficiently if the deodorizer air inlet 13 of the deodorizer 30 is located closer (lower) to the floor than the deodorizer exhaust port 14. Conversely, it is preferable to locate the deodorizer exhaust port 14 at a position farther (higher) from the floor than the deodorizer air inlet 13.

[0041] In addition to odor components, particles such as dust are also sucked in from the surrounding atmosphere through the deodorizer air intake 13. This can cause problems such as dust and other debris building up inside the deodorizer 30, or a drop in the air volume, reducing the deodorizing efficiency. Therefore, in order to prevent these problems, it is preferable to place a pre-filter 15 in the deodorizer air intake 13 to capture relatively large particles of dust and other debris.

[0042] The deodorizing device 30 configured in this manner breaks down the intake air 4 containing odorous components taken in from the surrounding atmosphere by the fan unit 12 via the deodorizing device intake port 13, by the oxidation-reduction effect of the photocatalytic filter 1 configured inside the deodorizing module 6. The exhaust air 5 with reduced odorous components is then discharged to the outside of the deodorizing device 30 through the deodorizing device exhaust port 14.

[0043] <Photocatalytic filter regeneration mechanism> In the deodorizing process, the decomposition of the photocatalyst filter cannot keep up with the odor components, and the odor components adhere to the surface or inside of the filter, reducing the deodorizing power. In such cases, it is preferable to clean the photocatalyst filter, but due to the structure of the device, it may be difficult to directly remove the photocatalyst filter 1 from the deodorizing device 30 or the deodorizing module 6, clean it, and then reinstall it in the device after cleaning. Furthermore, another problem occurs that complicates the device structure.

[0044] To solve this problem, a regeneration mechanism for the photocatalytic filter 1 can be additionally arranged inside the deodorizing device 30, particularly inside the deodorizing module 6. For example, there is a method of heating the photocatalytic filter, or a method of increasing the illuminance of the light source to enhance the photocatalytic ability itself and remove stubborn organic dirt. Such a regeneration process may function as a regeneration mode periodically or when a set predetermined condition is satisfied. Furthermore, it is also possible to operate the regeneration mode when the deodorizing module 6 is not in use. Also, deodorization can be performed in parallel while part of the filter is being regenerated.

[0045] Examples of the present invention will be described below, although the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0046] Example 1 The following describes a deodorizing device 30 in which a photocatalytic filter 1 made by spraying a titanium oxide dispersion onto a glass cloth substrate using anatase-type titanium oxide as a photocatalyst is placed in a deodorizing module 6.

[0047] First, a dispersion liquid was prepared by dispersing powdered titanium oxide in pure water to which a trace amount of surfactant of about 0.01 to 0.05 wt% was added so that the powdered titanium oxide was about 10 wt%. Next, a glass cloth from which a sizing agent that is coated to suppress damage to the fibers and improve handling properties was removed was cut to a predetermined size in advance, and the entire coating surface of the glass cloth was soaked in pure water, and then the dispersion liquid prepared previously was applied by a spray method. In the embodiment, the glass cloth was cut before coating, but it may be cut in the final process after forming a photocatalytic filter in a large area. After coating, the prepared filter was left in an atmosphere of 150°C for about 30 to 60 minutes to evaporate unnecessary moisture, and the photocatalyst was supported on the glass cloth used as the substrate to prepare the photocatalytic filter 1. Here, depending on the concentration of the dispersion liquid and the specifications of the photocatalytic filter 1, the same work may be repeated to carry out coating two or more times. Glass cloth was chosen because it has excellent heat resistance and is therefore less subject to process constraints when supporting a photocatalyst, and because the specific surface area can be increased by fluffing each individual fiber.

[0048] As the light source, a plurality of LEDs 2 having a peak wavelength of 365 nm are arranged as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 2 and fixed in a position facing the photocatalytic filter 1, and the irradiation distribution of the LEDs 2 and the distance between the photocatalytic filter 1 and the LED light source unit 3 are optimized so that the entire area of ​​the photocatalytic filter previously prepared is irradiated with light as evenly as possible. The photocatalytic filter 1 is configured to be sandwiched around the periphery by a metal frame, which is fixed to a metal plate slightly larger than the photocatalytic filter 1. With this configuration, the LED light that passes through the photocatalytic filter 1 and is reflected by the metal plate can be used as a light source for exciting the photocatalyst, thereby improving the decomposition efficiency of the photocatalyst. In Example 1, the photocatalytic filter 1 is fixed by being sandwiched between a fixing member provided on the metal plate, but it may be fixed by a magnet or screwed, for example. In addition, heaters arranged in four series are attached to the metal plate, and the four series can be heated individually as necessary, for example, when regenerating the photocatalytic filter 1. It is possible to heat the entire surface of the filter, or, for example, to heat only one-quarter of the area while performing photocatalytic deodorization. The temperature can also be changed by changing the current passed through the heater, and it is possible to temporarily stop the deodorizing function and heat the filter at a high temperature during regeneration mode, while heating the filter at a low temperature during photocatalytic deodorization.

[0049] In addition to the photocatalytic filter 1 and LED light source unit 3 produced as described above, an air intake 8, an exhaust 9, and an odor shielding plate 7 were arranged as shown in the configuration diagram of Fig. 3 to produce a deodorizing module 6. In addition to this deodorizing module 6, a deodorizing device air intake 13 with a pre-filter 15 disposed therein, a fan unit 12, and a deodorizing device exhaust 14 were arranged as shown in the configuration block diagram of Fig. 4 to produce a deodorizing device 30.

[0050] Using the deodorizing device 30 prepared as described above, an odor deodorizing evaluation was carried out using acetic acid as the odor source. 3 After sealing a specified concentration of acetic acid as an odor component in the sealed space of the deodorizer 30, the deodorizing device 30 was started and the deodorizing power was measured multiple times using a gas detector tube designed specifically for acetic acid. The average odor reduction rate was approximately 90% after 60 minutes.

[0051] Example 2 In addition to the basic configuration of the deodorizing module 6 described in Example 1, an embodiment in which a guide protrusion 16 having a protruding structure is additionally arranged on the odor shielding plate 7 arranged inside the deodorizing module 6, and further a guide inner wall 17 is additionally arranged on a part of the inner wall of the housing of the deodorizing module 6 will be described in detail below. Figure 5 is an explanatory bird's-eye view diagram of the deodorizing module in Example 2.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the basic configuration is the same as in Example 1, but a guide protrusion 16, which is a protrusion structure having a shape symmetrical with respect to the central axis, is formed near the central axis of the short side of the odor shielding plate 7, which is the center of the long direction of the odor shielding plate 7. The guide protrusion 16 supports the intake air 4 supplied from the air inlet 8 to collide with the shielding plate and branch in both directions, strengthening the formation of a vortex odor flow. In addition, for odor components that become a vortex and pass through the inside of the deodorizing module 6 and return to the guide protrusion 16, the resistance component at the time of contact with the vortex flow is similarly reduced, thereby strengthening the vortex flow. Such a guide protrusion 16 may be a triangular prism having a triangular shape when viewed from a bird's-eye view, for example, but it is more preferable to have a curved shape that matches the rotation direction of the vortex as shown in FIG. 5.

[0053] In addition, in order to reduce the contact resistance component between the odor flow and the inner wall surface, guide inner walls 17 having a surface shape that follows the rotation direction of the vortex flow are arranged at two corners as shown in Fig. 5 formed by the inner wall surface of the housing of the deodorizing module 6 having the air inlet 8. Such guide inner walls 17 may have a flat shape, but it is preferable to make them curved to match the rotation direction of the vortex flow.

[0054] Using the deodorizing device 30 equipped with the deodorizing module 6 manufactured as described above, an evaluation of deodorization was carried out using acetic acid as an odor source. 3 After sealing a specified concentration of acetic acid as an odor component in the sealed space, the deodorizing device 30 was started and the deodorizing power was measured multiple times, and the average odor reduction rate was approximately 100% after 60 minutes.

[0055] Comparative Example 1 Next, comparative examples for the above-mentioned examples will be described. Fig. 6 is an explanatory bird's-eye view of the deodorizing module in Comparative Example 1. The deodorizing module 6 arranged in the deodorizing device 30 of this embodiment was changed to the configuration of the deodorizing module 46 in Fig. 6, and a deodorizing evaluation was performed using a deodorizing device 30' in which all other conditions such as the number and current of LEDs, the size of the photocatalytic filter, and the air volume of the fan unit were the same as those in Example 1, and the test conditions such as the concentration of acetic acid were also the same as those in Example 1. As a result of performing such a deodorizing test multiple times, the average odor reduction rate in 60 minutes was less than 50%.

[0056] The deodorizing module 46 used in this Comparative Example 1 has a flow path configuration as shown in Fig. 6, in which intake air 44 supplied from an intake port 48 goes straight to an exhaust port 49 and is discharged as exhaust air 45, shortening the time that odorous components stay on the surface of the photocatalytic filter 41, resulting in a lower odor reduction rate than in the above-mentioned Example 1. In addition, the odorous components do not disperse efficiently over the entire photocatalytic filter 41, but concentrate only in specific areas, resulting in a further decrease in deodorizing efficiency.

[0057] Comparative Example 2 Fig. 7 is a bird's-eye view explanatory diagram of a deodorizing module in Comparative Example 2. Deodorizing module 6 arranged in deodorizing device 30 of this embodiment was changed to the configuration of deodorizing module 46 in Fig. 7, and deodorizing evaluation was performed using deodorizing device 30' in which all other conditions such as the number and current of LEDs, size of photocatalytic filter, and air volume of the fan unit were the same as those in Example 1, and the test conditions such as the concentration of acetic acid were also the same as those in Example 1. As a result of performing such a deodorizing test multiple times, the average odor reduction rate in 60 minutes was less than 50%.

[0058] The deodorizing module 46 used in this Comparative Example 2 has an intake port 48 and an exhaust port 49 with wide opening areas, and the intake air 44 goes straight to the exhaust port 49 and is discharged as exhaust air 45. As a result, the time that odorous components remain on the surface of the photocatalyst filter 41 is significantly shorter than in Example 1 above. As a result, the odor reduction rate is lower than in Example 1.

[0059] Comparative Example 3 Fig. 8 is a bird's-eye view explanatory diagram of a deodorizing module in Comparative Example 3. Deodorizing module 6 arranged in deodorizing device 30 of this embodiment was changed to the configuration of deodorizing module 46 in Fig. 8, and deodorizing evaluation was performed using deodorizing device 30' in which all other conditions such as the number and current of LEDs, size of photocatalytic filter, and air volume of the fan unit were the same as those in Example 1, and the test conditions such as the concentration of acetic acid were also the same as those in Example 1. As a result of performing such a deodorizing test multiple times, the average odor reduction rate in 60 minutes was less than 50%.

[0060] The deodorizing module 46 used in this Comparative Example 3 has a lower deodorizing efficiency than Example 1, which passes through almost all areas on the photocatalytic filter 41. Also, although the intake air 44 supplied from the intake port 48 does not proceed linearly to the exhaust port 49, but collides with the inner surface of the deodorizing module 46 that forms the exhaust port 49 and partially branches in both directions, the time that the odor components stay on the surface of the photocatalytic filter 41 is significantly shorter than in the configuration of Example 1, in which a strong vortex is formed by the odor shielding plate 7, resulting in a lower odor reduction rate than the above Example 1.

[0061] Example 3 As an example of another photocatalytic filter, a photocatalyst was prepared by carrying platinum as a co-catalyst on the titanium oxide photocatalyst used in the above Examples 1 and 2, and spray-coated it on a glass cloth substrate in the same manner as in Example 1 to prepare a photocatalytic filter. When only the photocatalytic filter 1 was replaced with the photocatalytic filter prepared in Example 3 and a deodorization test was performed under the same configuration and conditions as in Example 1, the results were slightly inferior to those of a photocatalytic filter made of titanium oxide alone, with an odor reduction rate of about 80% in 60 minutes. However, since the supported platinum itself has a catalytic effect, it exerts its catalytic effect even when light is not irradiated, so that even when the deodorizing module 6 is not in operation, it can be effective in, for example, natural regeneration of the photocatalytic filter function. By installing this in the deodorizing device 30, it is possible to extend the life of the device.

[0062] (Other Examples) FIG. 11 is a bird's-eye view explanatory diagram of a deodorizing module in another embodiment. As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, both ends of the odor shielding plate 7 in the deodorizing module 6 of this embodiment can be configured as a surface shape that protrudes along the rotation direction of the vortex. By using such a shape, the flow of the odor flow can be strengthened, and the air flows out of the exhaust port 10 directly along the odor shielding plate 7 without becoming a vortex, thereby reducing the odor components discharged from the exhaust port 9. As a result, the time that the odor components stay on the photocatalyst filter 1 is extended, and the deodorizing power can be further improved compared to the deodorizing device 30 equipped with the deodorizing module 6 produced in the above embodiments 1 to 3.

[0063] In addition, in the above-mentioned Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3, examples in which glass cloth was used as the substrate of the photocatalytic filter 1 were described, but a honeycomb filter made of a ceramic material can also be used as the substrate. In the case of a ceramic honeycomb, the photocatalyst is supported not only in the surface direction but also in the thickness direction of each structure forming the honeycomb, so that the deodorizing power may be improved by increasing the specific surface area. Furthermore, the odorous components may be trapped in the honeycomb structure, and the decomposition of the odorous components may progress, thereby improving the deodorizing power. Even when such a honeycomb filter is used, it is preferable to arrange a reflective member on the back surface of the filter to effectively utilize the light transmitted through the honeycomb filter, as in Examples 1 to 3.

[0064] Such a honeycomb-type photocatalytic filter was manufactured as follows. First, a dispersion liquid was prepared by dispersing powdered titanium oxide in pure water to which a trace amount of surfactant of about 0.01 to 0.05 wt% was added so that the titanium oxide was about 10 wt%. Next, the entire ceramic honeycomb was soaked in pure water, and then the honeycomb filter was immersed in the dispersion liquid prepared earlier for about 1 to 10 minutes, removed from the dispersion liquid, and left for about several minutes to an hour. This removes the dispersion liquid remaining in the honeycomb structure, and the prepared filter is left in a 150°C atmosphere for about 30 to 60 minutes to evaporate unnecessary moisture, and the photocatalyst is supported on the ceramic honeycomb surface to form a photocatalytic filter. If the adhesion between the photocatalyst and the ceramic honeycomb is a problem, an inorganic binder may be used. If the dispersion liquid remaining in the honeycomb filter cannot be removed by leaving it alone after removing it from the dispersion liquid, it can be removed by actively applying vibration from the outside. In addition, if there is no problem such as detachment after drying, the leaving process itself can be omitted. This series of processes may be repeated to perform coating two or more times. As a measure against the desorption of the photocatalyst after drying, the substrate may be washed again after drying and then dried again.

[0065] (summary) The odor reduction rates of the deodorizing devices described in the above Examples and Comparative Examples are shown in Table 1. Thus, the configurations of Comparative Examples 1 to 3, in which the residence time of odor components on the photocatalyst filter 1 was short or the odor components were difficult to disperse over the entire area of ​​the photocatalyst filter 1, had a small odor reduction rate, while Examples 1 to 3, in which the residence time of odor components on the photocatalyst filter 1 was long and the odor components were dispersed over the entire area, had a high odor reduction rate. [Table 1] [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Photocatalyst filter 2. LED 3.LED light source section 4. Intake air 5. Exhaust air 6. Deodorizing module 7. Odor shielding plate 8.Air supply port 9. Exhaust port 10.Outlet 11. Guide plate 12. Fan unit 13. Deodorizer air intake 14. Deodorizer exhaust port 15. Pre-filter 16. Guide protrusion 17. Guide inner wall 30. Deodorizing device 41. Photocatalyst filter 44. Intake air 45. Exhaust air 46. ​​Deodorizing module 48.Air supply port 49. Exhaust vent 50. Deodorizing device

Claims

1. A housing having an air inlet and an exhaust port disposed on a surface opposite the air inlet, A photocatalyst filter in which a photocatalyst is supported on a substrate; A light source disposed on a surface facing the photocatalytic filter; an odor shielding plate arranged to block the flow of air containing odor components from the air intake port to the exhaust port; A deodorizing module comprising: The odor shielding plate is positioned opposite the air intake port so that the air taken in from the air intake port collides with the photocatalyst filter to generate a vortex of the air in the space between the photocatalyst filter and the light source on the plane of the photocatalyst filter.

2. 2. The deodorizing module according to claim 1, further comprising an exhaust port serving as a passage for the air in a gap between an end of the odor shielding plate and an inner wall of the housing.

3. The photocatalytic filter is flat, the light source is flat and includes a plurality of LED light sources, the photocatalytic filter and the light source are arranged so that their flat surfaces face each other, and the odor shielding plate has a longitudinal center portion facing the air intake port. The deodorizing module described in claim 2, characterized in that the vortex is a vortex in which the air supplied from the air intake port is branched in both directions by the odor shielding plate in the space between the photocatalytic filter and the light source, flows along the odor shielding plate, then leaves the odor shielding plate and flows in a direction toward the inner wall of the housing, and then rotates along the inner wall of the housing toward the air intake port.

4. 4. The deodorizing module according to claim 3, wherein in a normal direction to the plane of the photocatalytic filter, the air inlet is provided on the light source side, and the exhaust outlet is provided on the photocatalytic filter side.

5. 2. The deodorizing module according to claim 1, characterized in that said odor masking plate has a symmetrical protrusion structure on the air intake port side thereof, the protrusion structure having a center in the longitudinal direction of said odor masking plate as an axis of symmetry.

6. The odor blocking plate according to claim 5, wherein both ends in the longitudinal direction of the odor blocking plate protrude toward the air intake port.

7. 2. The deodorizing module according to claim 1, wherein a part of a corner of an inner wall of the deodorizing module has a surface shape that follows the vortex flow.

8. 2. The deodorizing module according to claim 1, further comprising a member arranged on a rear surface of the photocatalytic filter for reflecting light emitted from the light source.

9. The air intake device further includes a guide plate extending in a direction in which the air flows in.

2. The deodorizing module according to claim 1, wherein the guide plate prevents the vortex from flowing back to the outside.

10. A deodorizing module according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a fan unit that supplies the air containing the odor components to the deodorizing module; a deodorizing device air inlet for taking in the air from outside the device; A pre-filter for capturing dust is disposed adjacent to the deodorizing device air inlet; an exhaust port of the deodorization device for exhausting the air whose odor has been reduced by the deodorization module to the outside of the device; A deodorizing device equipped with

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