Air cleaner

Abstract

To provide an air cleaner capable of preventing an ultraviolet ray from leaking while favorably flowing air.SOLUTION: An air cleaner 11 includes: a bactericidal lamp 22 for emitting an ultraviolet ray depending on supply of electric power; a casing 12 formed of a nontransparent material, and partitioning an irradiation chamber 23 for housing the bactericidal lamp 22; a first partition wall 24 formed of a nontransparent material, and for partitioning an opening 26 to specify an orientation region of an ultraviolet ray entering an introduction chamber 25 from the irradiation chamber 23; and a second partition wall formed of a nontransparent material, and for partitioning an opening to specify an orientation region of an ultraviolet ray entering a discharge chamber from the irradiation chamber 23, where the casing 12 is formed with an introduction port 13 disposed outside of an orientation region, and for connecting a space outside of the casing 12 to the introduction chamber 25, and an outflow port disposed outside of an orientation region, and for connecting a space outside of the casing 12 to the discharge chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purifier that includes a germicidal lamp that emits ultraviolet light in response to a supply of power, and a housing that defines an irradiation chamber that houses the germicidal lamp. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air purifier. The air purifier includes a filter unit with a deodorizing function. The filter unit is housed in a deodorizing chamber defined in a housing. The deodorizing chamber is defined with an outlet that opens to the outside of the housing. Because the outlet is blocked by the filter unit, air passes smoothly through the filter unit when it flows out. The air can be effectively deodorized by the filter unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] Germicidal lamps that emit ultraviolet light when powered are commonly known. Because ultraviolet light places a burden on living organisms, germicidal lamps must be enclosed in a housing. On the other hand, air purifiers require that air circulate well while being exposed to ultraviolet light.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an air purifier that can prevent leakage of ultraviolet rays while allowing good air circulation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An air purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a germicidal lamp that emits ultraviolet light in response to a supply of power, a housing made of an opaque material that defines an irradiation chamber that houses the germicidal lamp, a first partition made of an opaque material that defines an opening that specifies the direction of ultraviolet light entering an inlet chamber from the irradiation chamber, and a second partition made of an opaque material that defines an opening that specifies the direction of ultraviolet light entering an outlet chamber from the irradiation chamber, and the housing is formed with an inlet port located outside the direction of ...

[0007] Air outside the housing can be guided from the inlet chamber through the irradiation chamber to the outlet chamber. The air flows out of the housing from the outlet chamber. When power is supplied to the germicidal lamp, ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the air in the irradiation chamber from the germicidal lamp, thereby achieving sterilization within the irradiation chamber. During ultraviolet light irradiation, leakage of ultraviolet light from the inlet and outlet can be prevented.

[0008] The air purifier may include a fan disposed in the inlet chamber and configured to generate an airflow that flows into the irradiation chamber in response to power supply. In this case, the second partition may restrict air flow from the irradiation chamber to the outlet chamber. Because the second partition restricts air flow, the airflow generated by the fan can be efficiently spread throughout the irradiation chamber. The air can be efficiently irradiated with ultraviolet light from the germicidal lamp.

[0009] The air purifier may further include a control device disposed below the fan and connected to the sterilization lamp located on the opposite side of the first partition, and an operation unit disposed below the fan and connected to the control device. This allows for effective use of the space below the fan. The placement of the control device and the operation unit does not impede airflow. Good operability can be ensured even when the air purifier is installed at a high position.

[0010] In the air purifier, the introduction chamber, the irradiation chamber, and the discharge chamber may be arranged in a line. The irradiation chamber may be located away from the introduction chamber and the discharge chamber. The introduction port and the discharge port may be located at separate positions. It is possible to prevent air flowing out from the discharge port from flowing back into the introduction chamber from the introduction port as much as possible.

[0011] The inlet and the outlet may be located on the front surface of the housing. As described above, the inlet and the outlet are located as far apart as possible, so that even if both the inlet and the outlet are located on the front surface of the housing, it is possible to sufficiently prevent air flowing out from the outlet from re-entering the inlet into the intake chamber. Even if the air purifier is installed on a wall, good air circulation can be ensured.

[0012] The germicidal lamp may extend linearly from the first partition wall to the second partition wall. Since air flows from the opening in the first partition wall to the opening in the second partition wall within the irradiation chamber, the air can flow along the germicidal lamp. The air can be efficiently irradiated with ultraviolet light from the germicidal lamp. The germicidal lamp does not obstruct the air flow.

[0013] The germicidal lamp only needs to be facing the wall of the irradiation chamber all around. The ultraviolet light from the germicidal lamp is irradiated into the irradiation chamber all around. The ultraviolet light from the germicidal lamp can reach the entire irradiation chamber without being blocked by other objects. In this way, the germicidal lamp can efficiently purify the air in the irradiation chamber.

[0014] The air purifier may further include a fixed connector supported by the first partition and detachably receiving a lamp-side connector of the sterilizing lamp, and a holder disposed in the irradiation chamber at a position away from the first partition and supporting the sterilizing lamp at both ends in cooperation with the fixed connector. The sterilizing lamp can be well supported even when vibrations are transmitted to the housing. The connection of the lamp-side connector can be well maintained.

[0015] The holder may be formed of a spring that allows the sterilization lamp to be attached and detached in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the sterilization lamp. Because the holder allows the sterilization lamp to be attached and detached in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the sterilization lamp, the sterilization lamp can be easily replaced.

[0016] The air purifier may further include an ion unit disposed in the discharge chamber and configured to generate ions in the air. The ions are emitted from the discharge chamber to the outside of the housing, thereby removing viruses adhering to the walls and the outer surfaces of fixtures. Since ions are generated in the air sterilized in the irradiation chamber, efficient sterilization can be achieved.

[0017] An ambulance according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a ventilation fan that exhausts air from within the vehicle cabin to the outside of the vehicle, and an air purifier that irradiates ultraviolet light from a germicidal lamp on air flowing in through an inlet and flowing out through an outlet to sterilize it, and then sends the air from the outlet toward the ventilation fan. In an ambulance, air from within the vehicle cabin is exhausted to the outside of the vehicle through the ventilation fan. Because the air from within the vehicle cabin is guided toward the ventilation fan, the air before being exhausted can be taken into the air purifier. Clean air can be exhausted to the outside of the vehicle from the ventilation fan. Not only is viruses effectively removed from within the vehicle cabin when the ambulance is stopped, but the spread of viruses can also be prevented from the ventilation fan. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] As described above, according to the aspects of the present invention, an air purifier can be provided that can prevent leakage of ultraviolet rays while allowing good air circulation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [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

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 from an opaque material. Examples of such materials include metal materials such as stainless steel and aluminum. In this example, the first partition 24 is molded from 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 from the germicidal lamp 22 through the direction area. The emission of the ultraviolet light is limited to the direction area. 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 area of the ultraviolet light. The inlet 13 is out of the path of the ultraviolet light.

[0028] 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 made of a metal plate. As shown in FIG. 4 , the second partition 28 defines an opening 31 that specifies the direction 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. Because 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 of the ultraviolet light. The outlet 14 is out of the path of the ultraviolet light.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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]

[0062] 11...air purifier, 12...housing, 13...inlet, 14...outlet, 22...sterilization lamp, 23...irradiation chamber, 24...first partition, 25...inlet chamber, 26...opening (in first partition), 28...second partition, 29...exhaust chamber, 31...opening (in second partition), 32...connector, 33...holder, 34...ion unit, 35...fan, 37...control device, 38...operation unit, 51...ambulance, 52...vehicle compartment, 53...ventilation fan.

Claims

1. A germicidal lamp that emits ultraviolet light in response to power supply; a housing formed from an opaque material and defining an irradiation chamber for accommodating the germicidal lamp; a first partition wall formed from an opaque material and defining an opening that specifies a direction area of ultraviolet light entering the introduction chamber from the irradiation chamber; a second partition wall formed from an opaque material and defining an opening that specifies a direction area of ultraviolet light entering the exhaust chamber from the irradiation chamber; The air purifier is characterized in that the housing has an inlet port that is positioned outside the directional range and connects the intake chamber to a space outside the housing, and an outlet port that is positioned outside the directional range and connects the space outside the housing to the exhaust chamber.

2. 2. The air purifier according to claim 1, further comprising a fan disposed in the inlet chamber for generating an airflow that flows into the irradiation chamber in response to a supply of power, and wherein the second partition regulates the air flowing from the irradiation chamber into the discharge chamber.

3. 3. The air purifier according to claim 2, further comprising: a control device disposed below the fan and connected to the sterilization lamp located on the opposite side of the first partition; and an operation unit disposed below the fan and connected to the control device.

4. 2. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein the inlet chamber, the irradiation chamber, and the outlet chamber are arranged in a line.

5. 5. The air purifier according to claim 4, wherein the inlet and the outlet are disposed on a front surface of the housing.

6. 5. The air purifier according to claim 4, wherein the germicidal lamp extends linearly from the first partition wall to the second partition wall.

7. 7. The air purifier according to claim 6, wherein the germicidal lamp is oriented to face the wall of the irradiation chamber over its entire periphery.

8. 2. The air purifier according to claim 1, further comprising: a fixed connector supported by the first partition wall and configured to detachably receive a lamp-side connector of the sterilizing lamp; and a holder disposed in the irradiation chamber at a position away from the first partition wall and configured to cooperate with the fixed connector to support the sterilizing lamp at both ends.

9. 9. The air purifier according to claim 8, wherein the holder is formed of a spring body that allows the sterilizing lamp to be attached and detached in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the sterilizing lamp.

10. 2. The air purifier according to claim 1, further comprising an ion unit disposed in the exhaust chamber for generating ions in the air.

11. A ventilation fan that exhausts the air inside the vehicle to the outside, an air purifier that irradiates ultraviolet light from a germicidal lamp onto air that flows in through an inlet and flows out through an outlet, sterilizes the air, and sends the air from the outlet toward the ventilation fan; An ambulance characterized by comprising:

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