Air cleaner

Abstract

To provide an air cleaner capable of properly securing ultraviolet irradiation when an ignition switch is turned from ON to OFF.SOLUTION: An air cleaner comprises: a battery 41; a sterilization lamp 22 which is connected to an on-vehicle power source 59 and the battery 41, and which emits ultraviolet rays depending on electric power supply; and a control part 42 which identifies a position of an ignition switch 58 by detecting electric power supplied from the on-vehicle power source 59, and which stops ultraviolet irradiation after a lapse of determined time by supplying the electric power to the sterilization lamp 22 from the battery 41, when the ignition switch 58 is turned from ON to OFF.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purifier that includes a battery and a control unit that detects power supplied from an on-board power supply to identify the state of an ignition switch, and supplies power from the battery when the ignition switch is switched from on to off. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air purifier for a vehicle. The air purifier includes a blower fan that generates an airflow that circulates through a filter unit. When an ignition switch is turned from on to off, power is supplied from a battery to the blower fan. The rotation of the blower fan is maintained. When the battery power is exhausted, the rotation of the blower fan is stopped. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-268530 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-287380 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Germicidal lamps that eliminate viruses by irradiating them with ultraviolet light are commonly known. Germicidal lamps require a larger supply of power than fans. Once the battery power is depleted, a considerable amount of charging time is required to restore the power required for ultraviolet light irradiation. Unless sufficient charging time is ensured, such as by driving the vehicle, ultraviolet light irradiation cannot be realized when the ignition switch is turned from on to off.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an air purifier that can ensure good irradiation of ultraviolet rays when an ignition switch is switched from on to off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An air purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery, a germicidal lamp connected to an on-board power supply and the battery, which emits ultraviolet light in response to the supply of power, and a control unit that, when it detects the power supplied from the on-board power supply and determines that the ignition switch has been switched from on to off, supplies power from the battery to the germicidal lamp and stops emitting ultraviolet light after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0007] When the ignition switch is switched from on to off, ultraviolet radiation can be maintained based on power supplied from the battery. Since ultraviolet radiation is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed, consumption of power output from the battery can be reduced. When the ignition switch is off, it is assumed that there is no source of exhaled breath containing viruses inside the vehicle, so if ultraviolet radiation is radiated for a predetermined time, viruses can be sufficiently removed from the indoor air. In this way, if sufficient battery power is ensured, the battery can be well restored when the vehicle is running. Ultraviolet radiation can be well ensured when the ignition switch is switched from on to off.

[0008] The air purifier may further include a power switch connected to the control unit for switching on and off the supply of power to the germicidal lamp depending on whether the power switch is on or off. In this case, if the power switch is on when the ignition switch is detected to be off, the control unit switches the power supply source from the on-board power supply to the battery. When the ignition switch is off, the power supply from the on-board power supply is stopped. When the power switch is on, the power supply source is switched from the on-board power supply to the battery, so that the power supply to the germicidal lamp is maintained. Ultraviolet irradiation can continue even without operator action.

[0009] The air purifier may further include a power plug that can be removably connected to an on-board outlet that is connected to the on-board power supply. The control unit can identify the position of the ignition switch without being connected to the vehicle's ECU. The air purifier can be separated from the control of the ECU. When the air purifier is installed in a vehicle, rewriting of the program executed by the ECU can be avoided. Maintenance, replacement, and control updates of the air purifier can be greatly simplified compared to when the air purifier is controlled by the vehicle's ECU.

[0010] The control unit may maintain a state in which ultraviolet light irradiation is stopped when the ignition switch is switched from on to off unless the ignition switch has been on for a predetermined period of time. For example, in an ambulance, even if the ignition switch is switched on, it is assumed that no new source of exhaled breath containing viruses or bacteria will enter the vehicle cabin until a certain period of time has passed, so it is considered that there is little need to irradiate ultraviolet light. In such a case, if ultraviolet light irradiation is suspended even when the ignition switch is switched from on to off, consumption of power output from the battery can be reduced. In this way, sufficient remaining battery power can be ensured.

[0011] The control unit may be configured to switch between an unattended operation mode in which power is supplied from the battery to the sterilization lamp and ultraviolet radiation is maintained when the ignition switch is switched from on to off, and an unattended shutdown mode in which power is not supplied from the battery to the sterilization lamp and ultraviolet radiation is stopped when the ignition switch is switched from on to off. In the unattended shutdown mode, the supply of power from the battery to the sterilization lamp is cut off, thereby preventing battery power consumption. This reduces the consumption of power output from the battery. This ensures sufficient battery power.

[0012] The air purifier may further include an ionization unit connected to an on-board power supply and the battery, which generates ions in the air in response to the supply of power. In this case, when the ignition switch is switched from on to off, the control unit supplies power from the battery to the ionization unit and stops ion generation after a predetermined time has elapsed since the UV irradiation stopped. When the ignition switch is switched from on to off, UV irradiation and ion generation can be maintained based on the power supplied from the battery. Since ion generation stops after a predetermined time has elapsed since the UV irradiation stopped, consumption of power output from the battery can be reduced. When the ignition switch is off, it is assumed that there is no source of virus-containing breath within the vehicle, so viruses can be sufficiently removed from the indoor air even if UV irradiation is stopped prior to ion generation. The ions can effectively remove viruses adhering to objects within the vehicle.

[0013] The control unit may maintain the state in which the UV radiation and the ion generation are stopped when the ignition switch is switched from ON to OFF unless the ignition switch has been turned ON for a predetermined period of time. For example, in an ambulance, even if the ignition switch is turned ON, it is assumed that no new sources of exhaled breath containing viruses or bacteria will enter the vehicle cabin until a certain period of time has passed, so the need for UV radiation and ions is considered to be small. In such a case, if the UV radiation and the ion generation are suspended even when the ignition switch is turned OFF, the consumption of power output from the battery can be reduced. In this way, the remaining battery charge can be sufficiently secured.

[0014] The control unit may be configured to switch between an unattended operation mode in which, when the ignition switch is switched from on to off, the battery supplies power to the sterilization lamp and the ion unit to maintain the ultraviolet radiation and the ion generation, and an unattended shutdown mode in which, when the ignition switch is switched from on to off, the battery does not supply power to the sterilization lamp and the ion unit, thereby stopping the ultraviolet radiation and the ion generation. In the unattended shutdown mode, the supply of power from the battery to the sterilization lamp and the ion unit is cut off, thereby preventing the consumption of battery power. This reduces the consumption of power output from the battery. This ensures that the remaining battery power is sufficient.

[0015] An ambulance according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an on-board battery connected to a power source and supplying power to the power source when an ignition switch is turned on, and an air purifier installed in the passenger compartment that receives power from the on-board battery and irradiates ultraviolet light onto the air in the passenger compartment from a germicidal lamp. The air purifier includes a battery and a control unit that, when it detects power supplied from the on-board power source and determines that the ignition switch has been switched from on to off, switches from the on-board power source to supply power from the battery to the germicidal lamp and stops irradiating ultraviolet light after a predetermined time has elapsed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, an air purifier can be provided that can ensure good irradiation of ultraviolet rays when the ignition switch is switched from on to off. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the appearance of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the air purifier with the front panel removed. [Figure 3]3 is a perspective view observed from the cross section identified by line 3-3 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view observed from the cross section identified by line 4-4 in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a holder that supports a germicidal lamp. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic connection relationship of an electrical system. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an air purifier installed in an ambulance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. As described below, the air purifier 11 includes a housing 12 that separates an irradiation chamber, an inlet chamber, and an outlet chamber. The housing 12 is made of an opaque material. Examples of such materials include metal materials such as stainless steel and aluminum. Here, the housing 12 includes a rear panel 12a formed from a metal plate and a front panel 12b that covers the rear panel 12a from the front. The front panel 12b, located at the front of the housing 12, is formed with an inlet 13 that connects the inlet chamber to a space outside the housing 12 and an outlet 14 that connects the outlet chamber to a space outside the housing 12. Thus, the inlet 13 and the outlet 14 are located at the front of the housing 12.

[0020] The front panel 12b is provided with indicator lamps 15a, 15b, and 15c that display the settings of the air purifier 11, and operation buttons 16a and 16b used to set options. The indicator lamps include, for example, an "operation" lamp 15a that indicates that the air purifier is operating, an "away" lamp 15b that indicates the operating mode of the air purifier 11, and a "maintenance" lamp 15c that notifies the user that maintenance is required for the air purifier 11. The operation buttons include a "quiet" button 16a that is operated to switch between normal operation and quiet operation, and an "away" button 16b that is operated to switch the operating mode of the air purifier 11. In quiet operation, the operating noise of the air purifier 11 is suppressed. Details of the operating modes will be described later.

[0021] A power switch 17 that switches between supplying and cutting off power in response to an on / off operation is incorporated into a side panel that continues from the rear panel 12a. When the power switch 17 is turned on, the air purifier 11 operates according to the set control. When the power switch 17 is turned off, operation of the air purifier 11 is stopped. Because a rocker switch is used for the power switch 17, the power switch 17 can be forcibly maintained in either the on or off position unless the power switch 17 is physically operated.

[0022] The side panel incorporates a DC jack 18 that accepts the DC plug of an ACDC adapter. The ACDC adapter includes a power plug that can be freely plugged into, for example, an on-board outlet that is connected to an on-board power supply. When the DC plug is connected to the DC jack 18, a DC voltage can be applied to the DC jack 18 based on the power supplied from the on-board power supply. Instead of such an ACDC adapter, an ACDC converter that is incorporated within the housing 12 and connected to the power plug may be used.

[0023] 2, the housing 12 defines an irradiation chamber 23 that houses a germicidal lamp 22. The germicidal lamp 22 emits ultraviolet light in response to power supply. The germicidal lamp 22 kills bacteria and viruses in the air in response to the irradiation of ultraviolet light.

[0024] The germicidal lamp 22 extends linearly in the horizontal direction. In this example, the germicidal lamp 22 is composed of two straight tubes extending parallel to each other. The individual straight tubes face the wall of the irradiation chamber 23 around their entire periphery, except for facing each other.

[0025] A first partition 24 is incorporated into the housing 12. The first partition 24 extends in a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of the germicidal lamp 22. The first partition 24 separates the irradiation chamber 23 and the introduction chamber 25 within the housing 12. The first partition 24 is formed of an opaque material. Examples of such materials include metal materials such as stainless steel and aluminum. In this example, the first partition 24 is formed of a metal plate. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first partition 24 defines an opening 26 that specifies the direction of the ultraviolet light entering the introduction chamber 25 from the irradiation chamber 23. The ultraviolet light travels linearly through the direction of the direction from the germicidal lamp 22. The emission of the ultraviolet light is limited to the direction of the direction. Air in the introduction chamber 25 flows into the irradiation chamber 23 through the opening 26. Because the front panel 12b is perpendicular to the first partition 24, the plane including the introduction port 13 and the plane including the opening 26 are perpendicular to each other. In this way, the introduction port 13 can be positioned outside the direction of the ultraviolet light. The inlet 13 is out of the path of the ultraviolet light.

[0026] A second partition 28 is incorporated into the housing 12. The second partition 28 extends in a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of the germicidal lamp 22. The second partition 28 separates the irradiation chamber 23 and the discharge chamber 29 within the housing 12. The second partition 28 is formed from an opaque material. Examples of such materials include metal materials such as stainless steel and aluminum. In this example, the second partition 28 is formed from a metal plate. As shown in FIG. 4 , the second partition 28 defines an opening 31 that specifies the direction area of the ultraviolet light entering the discharge chamber 29 from the irradiation chamber 23. Air from the irradiation chamber 23 flows into the discharge chamber 29 through the opening 31. Since the front panel 12b is perpendicular to the second partition 28, the plane including the outlet 14 and the plane including the opening 31 are perpendicular to each other. In this way, the outlet 14 can be positioned outside the direction area of the ultraviolet light. The outlet 14 is out of the path of the ultraviolet light.

[0027] Because the first partition 24 and the second partition 28 extend parallel to each other, the inlet chamber 25, the irradiation chamber 23, and the discharge chamber 29 are arranged horizontally in a row. Air outside the housing 12 can be guided horizontally from the inlet chamber 25 through the irradiation chamber 23 to the discharge chamber 29. The sterilizing lamp 22 extends linearly from the first partition 24 toward the second partition 28. Air can flow along the sterilizing lamp 22.

[0028] The first partition 24 supports a fixed connector 32 to which the connector 22a of the sterilizing lamp 22 is detachably connected. The fixed connector 32 receives electrodes protruding from the sterilizing lamp 22. In this way, the sterilizing lamp 22 is coupled to the fixed connector 32. A holder 33 is disposed within the irradiation chamber 23 at a position away from the first partition 24. The holder 33 cooperates with the fixed connector 32 to support the sterilizing lamp 22 at both ends. As shown in FIG. 5, the holder 33 is formed of a spring body that allows the sterilizing lamp 22 to be attached and detached in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the sterilizing lamp 22. The spring body has a pair of plate pieces 33a that sandwich the sterilizing lamp 22. The spring body can absorb vibrations of the sterilizing lamp 22 by elastically deforming.

[0029] The air purifier 11 further includes an ion unit 34 disposed in the discharge chamber 29 and configured to generate ions in the air in response to the supply of power. The ion unit 34 uses, for example, plasma to generate the ions. The ions are emitted from the discharge chamber 29 to the outside of the housing 12, where they kill bacteria and viruses adhering to the walls of the vehicle interior and the exterior surfaces of fixtures.

[0030] The air purifier 11 is provided with a fan 35 disposed in the inlet chamber 25, which generates an airflow that flows into the irradiation chamber 23 in response to the supply of power. A sirocco fan, for example, can be used as the fan 35. The sirocco fan draws air through the inlet 13 parallel to the rotation axis 36 of the rotor and discharges the air along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 36. The discharged air flows into the irradiation chamber 23 through the opening 26 in the first partition wall 24. The second partition wall 28 regulates the air flowing from the irradiation chamber 23 into the discharge chamber 29. To regulate this, the opening 31 narrows the flow rate of the airflow. The cross-sectional area of the opening 31 in the direction of the airflow is narrower than the cross-sectional area of the irradiation chamber 23.

[0031] The air purifier 11 further includes a control device 37 disposed below the fan 35 in the introduction chamber 25 and controlling the operation of the air purifier 11, and an operation unit 38 disposed below the fan 35 in the introduction chamber 25 and connected to the control device 37. The indicator lamps 15a, 15b, 15c and the operation buttons 16a, 16b are mounted on the operation unit 38. The control device 37 includes a battery 41 and a control board (controller) 42 placed on the battery 41. A secondary battery is used as the battery 41. The control device 37 is connected to the sterilization lamp 22 located on the opposite side of the first partition 24. The wiring between the control device 37 and the sterilization lamp 22 can be shortened.

[0032] 6, the control board 42 includes a microprocessor unit (MPU) 43 connected to the power switch 17. The MPU 43 is electrically connected to the operation unit 38, the battery 41, the germicidal lamp 22, the ion unit 34, and the fan 35. For connection, wiring is connected to connectors CN1 to CN7 of the MPU 43.

[0033] The power switch 17 has a first system 45 that connects the ACDC adapter 44 to the MPU 43, and a second system 46 that detects the position of the switch. When the power switch 17 is turned on, the second system 46 detects that the power switch 17 is "on." The MPU 43 detects the voltage applied to the DC jack 18 with the first system 45. If the ACDC adapter is connected to the vehicle power supply, the position of the ignition switch ("on," "ACC," or "off") can be determined according to the detected voltage.

[0034] When the second system 46 detects that the power switch 17 is "on" but no voltage is applied to the DC jack 18, the MPU 43 supplies power from the battery 41 to the sterilization lamp 22 and the ion unit 34. The power supply is switched to the battery 41. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch to the battery 41, the MPU 43 stops emitting ultraviolet light. That is, it cuts off the power supply to the sterilization lamp 22. When the ultraviolet light emission has been stopped in this way, the MPU 43 stops generating ions after a predetermined time has elapsed. That is, it cuts off the power supply to the ion unit 34.

[0035] The air purifier 11 is mounted on an ambulance. As shown in FIG. 7, the air purifier 11 is installed in a cabin 52 of an ambulance 51. When the air purifier 11 is mounted on the wall of the cabin 52, the front of the air purifier 11 faces the interior space. The inlet 13 and outlet 14 are open to the interior space. The air purifier 11 sends air from the outlet 14 toward a ventilation fan 53. The ventilation fan 53 is installed in the cabin 52 at the rear end of the vehicle. The ventilation fan 53 exhausts air in the cabin 52 to the outside of the vehicle. When the ventilation fan 53 is activated, air is drawn into the interior space from the front of the vehicle.

[0036] An in-vehicle stretcher 54 is placed in the vehicle compartment 52. A person to be transported can lie on the in-vehicle stretcher 54. The head 55 of the person to be transported faces the front of the vehicle. When the ventilation fan 53 is activated, an airflow is generated in the vehicle compartment 52 from the front of the vehicle toward the ventilation fan 53. The airflow draws in the exhaled breath of the person on the in-vehicle stretcher 54. Here, the air purifier 11 is placed between the head 55 of the person to be transported and the ventilation fan 53. The exhaled breath of the person to be transported can be taken in by the air purifier 11 before it spreads throughout the vehicle. Air sterilized by the air purifier 11 can flow into the ventilation fan 53. In this way, clean air can be exhausted outside the vehicle.

[0037] The ambulance 51 is equipped with a power source 56 such as an internal combustion engine. The power source 56 generates power that causes, for example, the rotation of an axle. The ambulance 51 can run according to the generated power. An ECU (electronic control unit) 57 is connected to the power source 56. The ECU 57 controls the operation of the power source 56.

[0038] An ignition switch 58 is connected to the ECU 57. The ignition switch 58 can be switched between the "on" position, the "ACC" position, and the "off" position. When the ignition switch 58 is in the "on" position, the power source 56 operates. The ECU 57 controls the onboard power supply 59 to supply power in response to the ignition switch 58 being turned on. Because the power of the power source 56 is used to generate electricity, the onboard power supply 59 can maintain a good voltage output. When the ignition switch 58 is in the "ACC" position, the operation of the power source 56 is stopped, but the ECU 57 controls the onboard power supply 59 to supply power. Power is consumed rather than replenished by the onboard power supply 59. Because various medical devices in the ambulance 51 operate on power, it is desirable to avoid using the "ACC" position. When the ignition switch 58 is in the "off" position, the operation of the power source 56 and the output of the onboard power supply 59 are stopped. No power is output from the vehicle outlet 61.

[0039] When the power plug 62 of the ACDC adapter 44 is connected to the vehicle outlet 61, the control device 37 is connected to the vehicle power supply 59. The sterilizing lamp 22 is connected to the vehicle power supply 59 and the battery 41. The ion unit 34 is connected to the vehicle power supply 59 and the battery 41. When the power switch 17 is off, the operation of the air purifier 11 is stopped. No power is supplied to the sterilizing lamp 22. No ultraviolet light is emitted from the sterilizing lamp 22. No power is supplied to the ion unit 34. No ions are generated from the ion unit 34. No power is supplied to the fan 35. Rotation of the rotor is stopped. Therefore, quiet operation is achieved.

[0040] When the power switch 17 is switched from off to on, the MPU 43 detects that the power switch 17 is "on" based on the second system 46. The MPU 43 detects the power supplied from the on-board power supply 59 using the first system 45. If the voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the MPU 43 determines that the ignition switch 58 is "on." If the voltage is less than the predetermined value, the MPU 43 determines that the ignition switch 58 is "off." In this way, the position of the ignition switch 58 is determined according to the voltage applied to the DC jack 18.

[0041] When the ignition switch 58 is switched from off to on, a voltage is output from the on-board power supply 59. The MPU 43 identifies the "on" position of the ignition switch 58. The MPU 43 measures the elapsed time since the ignition switch 58 was switched from off to on. Power is supplied to the sterilizing lamp 22, the ionization unit 34, and the fan 35 from the on-board power supply 59. The fan 35 generates an airflow within the housing 12 from the inlet 13 toward the outlet 14. The sterilizing lamp 22 kills viruses and bacteria in the airflow within the irradiation chamber 23. The ionization unit 34 emits ions into the airflow within the exhaust chamber 29. In this way, the air purifier 11 operates in conjunction with the "on" position of the ignition switch 58, eliminating the need for emergency personnel to operate the power switch 17. The "operation" lamp 15a is lit while the air purifier 11 is operating. Operating the "quiet" button 16a switches between normal operation and quiet operation. In quiet operation, for example, the operation of the fan 35 is suppressed compared to normal operation. The rotation speed of the rotor is reduced compared to normal operation. While power is supplied to the air purifier 11 from the on-board power supply 59, the MPU 43 controls the charging of the battery 41 using power from the on-board power supply 59. The battery 41 is charged according to the remaining charge.

[0042] Thereafter, when the ignition switch 58 is switched from on to off, the output of voltage from the on-board power supply 59 is stopped. The MPU 43 determines that the ignition switch 58 is "off." If the duration (measured elapsed time) that the ignition switch 58 is on is equal to or longer than a predetermined time and the remaining charge of the battery 41 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the MPU 43 supplies power from the battery 41 to the sterilization lamp 22, the ion unit 34, and the fan 35. The generation of airflow, irradiation of ultraviolet rays, and generation of ions can be maintained based on the power supplied from the battery 41. In this way, the operation of the air purifier 11 is maintained in conjunction with the "off" position of the ignition switch 58, so that the emergency responder does not have to bother operating the power switch 17.

[0043] The MPU 43 stops emitting ultraviolet light a predetermined time after the ignition switch 58 is turned "off." Because ultraviolet light emission stops after the predetermined time has elapsed, the consumption of power output from the battery 41 can be reduced. When the ignition switch 58 is off, it is assumed that there is no source of breath containing bacteria or viruses inside the ambulance 51, and therefore, emitting ultraviolet light for the predetermined time is sufficient to remove bacteria and viruses from the indoor air. In this way, if the remaining charge of the battery 41 is sufficiently secured, the battery 41 can be well restored while the ambulance 51 is moving. When the ignition switch 58 is switched from on to off, the battery 41 can be secured with enough power to operate the germicidal lamp 22. In this way, ultraviolet light emission can be well secured.

[0044] The MPU 43 stops generating ions a predetermined time after the UV irradiation has stopped. This can reduce the consumption of power output from the battery 41. When the ignition switch 58 is off, it is assumed that there is no source of breath containing bacteria or viruses inside the ambulance 51, so bacteria and viruses can be sufficiently removed from the indoor air even if the UV irradiation is stopped before the generation of ions. The ions can effectively remove bacteria and viruses adhering to objects inside the passenger compartment 52. The MPU 43 can stop generating airflow at the same time as stopping the ions.

[0045] The MPU 43 can be set to an "Away Operation" mode and an "Away Suspension" mode. To set this, the "Away Reservation" button 16b is operated. When the "Away Operation" mode is established in response to this operation, the "Away Reservation" lamp 15b lights up. When the "Away Suspension" mode is established in response to this operation, the "Away Reservation" lamp 15b remains off. In the "Away Operation" mode, when the ignition switch 58 is switched from on to off, the MPU 43 supplies power from the battery 41 to the fan 35, sterilization lamp 22, and ion unit 34 to maintain airflow generation, ultraviolet radiation, and ion generation. In the "Away Suspension" mode, when the ignition switch 58 is switched from on to off, the MPU 43 stops supplying power from the battery 41 to the fan 35, sterilization lamp 22, and ion unit 34, and stops airflow generation, ultraviolet radiation, and ion generation. In the "Away" mode, the power supply from the battery 41 to the fan 35, the sterilization lamp 22, and the ion unit 34 is cut off, so the power of the battery 41 can be conserved. The consumption of the power output from the battery 41 can be reduced. In this way, the remaining charge of the battery 41 can be sufficiently secured.

[0046] In this embodiment, as described above, the MPU 43 maintains the stopped state of airflow generation, UV radiation, and ion generation when the ignition switch 58 is switched from ON to OFF unless the ignition switch 58 remains ON for a predetermined period of time. The ambulance 51 may simply travel within the base station without carrying a person to be transported. In such cases, even if the ignition switch 58 is switched ON, it is assumed that a new source of exhaled breath containing viruses or bacteria will not enter the passenger compartment 52 until a certain period of time has passed, and therefore UV radiation and ions are considered to be less necessary. In such cases, if the airflow generation, UV radiation, and ion generation are suspended even when the ignition switch 58 is switched from ON to OFF, the consumption of power output from the battery 41 can be reduced. In this way, the remaining charge of the battery 41 can be sufficiently secured. Generally, in the ambulance 51, operation of the power source 56 begins before the person to be transported enters the ambulance 51. Operation of the power source 56 is maintained even while the person to be transported is inside the ambulance 51. Once the person being transported has been unloaded, the power source 56 is stopped, and the ignition switch 58 is switched from on to off. This is how the operation is carried out.

[0047] In this embodiment, the housing 12 of the air purifier 11 is formed with an inlet 13 located outside the direction of ultraviolet light entering the introduction chamber 25 from the irradiation chamber 23 and connecting the introduction chamber 25 to a space outside the housing 12, and an outlet 14 located outside the direction of ultraviolet light entering the discharge chamber 29 from the irradiation chamber 23 and connecting the discharge chamber 29 to a space outside the housing 12. Air outside the housing 12 can be guided from the introduction chamber 25 through the irradiation chamber 23 to the discharge chamber 29. Air flows out of the housing 12 from the discharge chamber 29. When power is supplied to the germicidal lamp 22, ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the air in the irradiation chamber 23 from the germicidal lamp 22, thereby achieving sterilization within the irradiation chamber 23. Leakage of ultraviolet light from the inlet 13 and the outlet 14 can be prevented during ultraviolet irradiation.

[0048] The air purifier 11 is provided with a fan disposed in the inlet chamber 25 that generates an air current that flows into the irradiation chamber 23 in response to the supply of power. At this time, the second partition 28 restricts the air flowing from the irradiation chamber 23 into the outlet chamber 29. The opening 31 narrows the air passage, preventing the air from flowing out. In this way, the air current generated by the fan 35 can efficiently spread within the irradiation chamber 23. The air can be efficiently irradiated with ultraviolet light from the germicidal lamp 22.

[0049] The air purifier 11 according to this embodiment includes a control device 37 disposed below the fan 35 and connected to the sterilization lamp 22 located on the opposite side of the first partition 24, and an operation unit 38 disposed below the fan 35 and connected to the control device 37. The space below the fan 35 can be effectively utilized. The placement of the control device 37 and the operation unit 38 does not impede airflow. Good operability can be ensured even when the air purifier 11 is installed at a high position.

[0050] In the air purifier 11 according to this embodiment, the introduction chamber 25, the irradiation chamber 23, and the discharge chamber 29 are arranged in a line. The irradiation chamber 23 can be spaced apart from the introduction chamber 25 and the discharge chamber 29. The introduction port 13 and the outlet 14 can be positioned apart from each other. This can prevent air flowing out from the outlet 14 from flowing back into the introduction chamber 25 from the introduction port 13 as much as possible.

[0051] In air purifier 11, inlet 13 and outlet 14 are disposed on the front surface of housing 12. As described above, inlet 13 and outlet 14 are disposed as far apart as possible, and therefore, even if inlet 13 and outlet 14 are both disposed on the front surface of housing 12, it is possible to sufficiently prevent air that has flowed out from outlet 14 from flowing back into introduction chamber 25 through inlet 13. Even when air purifier 11 is installed by hanging it on a wall, good air circulation can be ensured.

[0052] In this embodiment, the germicidal lamp 22 extends linearly from the first partition 24 toward the second partition 28. Inside the irradiation chamber 23, air flows from the opening 26 in the first partition 24 toward the opening 31 in the second partition 28, allowing the air to flow along the germicidal lamp 22. The air can be effectively irradiated with ultraviolet light from the germicidal lamp 22. The germicidal lamp 22 does not obstruct the air flow.

[0053] The entire circumference of the germicidal lamp 22 faces the wall of the irradiation chamber 23. The ultraviolet light from the germicidal lamp 22 is irradiated into the irradiation chamber 23 over the entire circumference. The ultraviolet light from the germicidal lamp 22 can reach the entire irradiation chamber 23 without being blocked by other objects. In this way, the germicidal lamp 22 can efficiently purify the air in the irradiation chamber 23.

[0054] The air purifier 11 according to this embodiment includes a fixed connector 32 that is supported by the first partition wall 24 and to which the lamp connector 22a of the sterilizing lamp 22 is detachably connected, and a holder 33 that is disposed in the irradiation chamber 23 at a position away from the first partition wall 24 and cooperates with the fixed connector 32 to support the sterilizing lamp 22 at both ends. The sterilizing lamp 22 can be well supported even if vibrations are transmitted to the housing 12. The connection of the fixed connector 32 can be well maintained.

[0055] In this embodiment, the holder 33 is formed of a spring body that allows the sterilizing lamp 22 to be attached and detached in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the sterilizing lamp 22. Because the holder 33 allows the sterilizing lamp 22 to be attached and detached in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the sterilizing lamp 22, the sterilizing lamp 22 can be easily replaced.

[0056] The air purifier 11 is provided with an ion unit 34 disposed in the discharge chamber 29, which generates ions in the air. The ions are emitted from the discharge chamber 29 to the outside of the housing 12, and can remove bacteria and viruses adhering to the walls and the outer surfaces of fixtures. Since ions are generated in the air sterilized in the irradiation chamber 23, efficient sterilization can be achieved.

[0057] The air purifier 11 according to this embodiment includes a power switch 17 connected to the MPU 43, which switches on and off the supply of power to the germicidal lamp 22 depending on whether the switch is on or off. If the power switch 17 is on when the ignition switch 58 is detected as being off, the MPU 43 switches the power supply source from the on-board power supply 59 to the battery 41. When the ignition switch 58 is off, the power supply from the on-board power supply 59 is stopped. If the power switch 17 is on, the power supply source is switched from the on-board power supply 59 to the battery 41, so that the power supply to the germicidal lamp 22 is maintained. Ultraviolet irradiation can continue even without any action by the operator.

[0058] The air purifier 11 has a power plug 62 that can be removably connected to an on-board outlet 61 that is connected to an on-board power supply 59. The MPU 43 can identify the position of the ignition switch 58 without being connected to the ECU 57 of the ambulance 51. The air purifier 11 can be separated from the control of the ECU 57. When the air purifier 11 is installed in the ambulance 51, rewriting of the program executed by the ECU 57 can be avoided. Maintenance, replacement, and control updates of the air purifier 11 can be significantly simplified compared to when the air purifier 11 is controlled by the ECU 57 of the ambulance 51.

[0059] Ambulance 51 is equipped with ventilation fan 53 that exhausts air within cabin 52 to the outside of the vehicle, and air purifier 11 that sterilizes air that flows in through inlet 13 and flows out through outlet 14 by irradiating it with ultraviolet light from sterilization lamp 22, and then sends the air from outlet 14 toward ventilation fan 53. In ambulance 51, air within cabin 52 is exhausted to the outside of the vehicle through ventilation fan 53. Because the air within the cabin is guided toward ventilation fan 53, the air before being exhausted can be taken in by air purifier 11. Clean air can be exhausted to the outside of the vehicle from ventilation fan 53. Not only is viruses effectively removed from cabin 52 when ambulance 51 is stopped, but the spread of viruses can also be prevented through ventilation fan 53. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 11...air purifier, 17...power switch, 22...sterilization lamp, 34...ion unit, 41...battery, 42...control unit (control board), 59...vehicle power supply, 48...ignition switch, 61...vehicle outlet, 62...power plug.

Claims

1. Batteries and a germicidal lamp connected to an on-board power supply and the battery, and emitting ultraviolet light in response to the supply of power; a control unit that, when determining that the ignition switch has been switched from on to off by detecting the power supplied from the in-vehicle power supply, supplies power from the battery to the germicidal lamp and stops irradiating ultraviolet light after a predetermined time has elapsed; An air purifier comprising:

2. 2. The air purifier according to claim 1, further comprising a power switch connected to the control unit for switching on and off the supply of power to the sterilization lamp depending on whether the power switch is on or off, wherein if the power switch is on when it is detected that the ignition switch is off, the control unit switches the power supply source from the vehicle power supply to the battery.

3. 2. The air purifier according to claim 1, further comprising a power plug that is removably connected to an on-board outlet that is connected to the on-board power supply.

4. 2. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein the control unit maintains a state in which ultraviolet radiation is stopped when the ignition switch is switched from on to off unless the ignition switch has been turned on for a predetermined period of time.

5. 2. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is capable of switching between an unattended operation mode in which, when the ignition switch is switched from on to off, power is supplied from the battery to the sterilization lamp to maintain the ultraviolet radiation, and an unattended stop mode in which, when the ignition switch is switched from on to off, power is not supplied from the battery to the sterilization lamp and the ultraviolet radiation is stopped.

6. 2. The air purifier according to claim 1, further comprising an ion unit connected to an on-board power supply and the battery, which generates ions in the air in response to the supply of power, wherein when the ignition switch is switched from on to off, the control unit supplies power from the battery to the ion unit and stops the generation of ions a predetermined time after the ultraviolet light irradiation has stopped.

7. 7. The air purifier according to claim 6, wherein the control unit maintains a state in which the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays and the generation of the ions are stopped when the ignition switch is switched from on to off unless the ignition switch has been turned on for a predetermined period of time.

8. 8. The air purifier according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is capable of switching between an unattended operation mode in which, when the ignition switch is switched from on to off, power is supplied from the battery to the sterilization lamp and the ion unit to maintain the irradiation of ultraviolet light and the generation of ions, and an unattended stop mode in which, when the ignition switch is switched from on to off, power is not supplied from the battery to the sterilization lamp and the ion unit to stop the irradiation of ultraviolet light and the generation of ions.

9. an on-board battery connected to a power source and supplying power to the power source in response to an ignition switch being turned on; an air purifier that is installed in a vehicle cabin and receives power from the on-board battery and irradiates ultraviolet light onto the air in the vehicle cabin from a germicidal lamp, wherein the air purifier comprises: Batteries and and a control unit that, when it is determined by detecting the power supplied from the on-board power supply that the ignition switch has been switched from on to off, switches from the on-board power supply to supply power to the sterilization lamp from the battery and stops irradiating ultraviolet light after a predetermined time has elapsed. An ambulance characterized by:

Images