Air treatment device

Abstract

To provide an air treatment device that appropriately prevents the emission of ultraviolet light to the exterior of a housing, while simplifying the configuration of a light-shielding part.SOLUTION: An air treatment device according to an embodiment comprises a housing, an ultraviolet light source, a light-shielding part, and a photocatalyst module. The light-shielding part includes a plurality of light-shielding pieces arranged along an opening surface of an opening of the housing and is positioned in the opening or between the ultraviolet light source inside the housing and the opening. Each light-shielding piece comprises a base plate extending toward a first side along an arrangement direction of the light-shielding piece up to a connection end, and an inclined plate that is connected to the connection end of the base plate, bent toward the interior of the housing, and inclined relative to the opening surface, with an inclination where portions closer to the inside is positioned closer to the first side. A through hole is formed in the photocatalyst module, located between the ultraviolet light source and the light-shielding part, and is inclined relative to the opening surface at a gradient opposite to that of the inclined plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to an air treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] Air treatment devices are known that introduce air into a housing and perform sterilization or the like on the introduced air. In such air treatment devices, outside air is introduced into the housing through an inlet. The introduced air is then treated using ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet light source and a photocatalyst module or the like. The treated air is then discharged to the outside of the housing through an outlet. In such air treatment devices, a light-shielding section prevents the ultraviolet light used for air treatment from emitting outside the housing.

[0003] In air treatment devices, the light-shielding section that blocks ultraviolet light is required to have a simplified configuration in order to reduce manufacturing labor, costs, etc. Furthermore, even if the configuration of the light-shielding section is simplified, it is required that the emission of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing is appropriately prevented. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-148732 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air treatment device that can appropriately prevent ultraviolet light from being emitted to the outside of the housing while simplifying the configuration of the light-shielding part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, the air treatment device includes a housing, an ultraviolet light source, a light-shielding unit, and a photocatalyst module, with the housing having an opening to the outside. The ultraviolet light source emits ultraviolet light inside the housing by emitting light. The light-shielding unit includes a plurality of light-shielding pieces arranged with gaps along the opening surface of the opening, and is disposed at the opening of the housing or between the ultraviolet light source and the opening inside the housing. Each of the plurality of light-shielding pieces includes a base plate portion extending from the non-connected end to the connected end toward a first side along the arrangement direction of the plurality of light-shielding pieces, and an inclined plate portion connected to the connection end of the base plate portion while bending toward the interior of the housing, and inclined relative to the opening surface with an inclination that is closer to the first side in the arrangement direction toward the interior of the housing. The photocatalyst module is disposed inside the housing between the ultraviolet light source and the light-shielding unit, and a through-hole is formed in the photocatalyst module that is inclined relative to the opening surface at an inclination opposite to that of the inclined plate portions of the plurality of light-shielding pieces. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air treatment device that appropriately prevents ultraviolet light from being emitted to the outside of the housing while simplifying the configuration of the light-shielding part. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an air treatment device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the example of the air treatment device shown in FIG. 1, taken along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the photocatalyst module, the shading section (first shading section), and the surrounding configuration in an air treatment device according to an embodiment, in a cross section that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the depth direction of the air treatment device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a light-shielding portion (first light-shielding portion) in the embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a light-shielding portion (first light-shielding portion) in an embodiment, taken along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a situation in which, in an embodiment, a portion of the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source passes through the photocatalyst module and is emitted from the photocatalyst module to the side where the opening is located, in a cross-section perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the depth direction of the air treatment device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a photocatalytic module, a shading section (first shading section), and the surrounding structure of an air treatment device according to a modified example, in a cross section perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the depth direction of the air treatment device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the photocatalytic module, the shading section (first shading section), and the surrounding configuration in an air treatment device according to a modified example different from that shown in Figure 7, in a cross section that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the depth direction of the air treatment device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows an example of a situation in which, in a modified example of Figure 8, part of the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source passes through the photocatalyst module and is emitted from the photocatalyst module to the side where the opening is located, in a cross-section that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the depth direction of the air treatment device. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the photocatalytic module, the shading section (first shading section), and the surrounding configuration in an air treatment device according to a modified example different from those in Figures 7 to 9, in a cross section that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the depth direction of the air treatment device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The air treatment device (1) of this embodiment includes a housing (2), an ultraviolet light source (32), a light-shielding portion (40), and a photocatalyst module (33), and the housing (2) has an opening (16) to the outside. The ultraviolet light source (32) emits ultraviolet light into the housing (2) by emitting light. The light-shielding portion (40) includes a plurality of light-shielding pieces (41) arranged with gaps between them along the opening surface of the opening (16), and is disposed in the opening (16) of the housing (2) or between the ultraviolet light source (32) and the opening (16) inside the housing (2). Each of the plurality of light-shielding pieces (41) includes a base plate (42) extending from a non-connected end (Ea) to a connected end (Eb) toward a first side (arrow W1 side) along the arrangement direction of the plurality of light-shielding pieces (41), and an inclined plate (43) connected to the connection end (Eb) of the base plate (42) while bending toward the interior of the housing (2) and inclined with respect to the opening surface at an inclination that positions closer to the first side in the arrangement direction as the portion closer to the interior of the housing (2). The photocatalyst module (33) is disposed inside the housing (2) between the ultraviolet light source (32) and the light-shielding piece (40), and a through-hole (36) inclined with respect to the opening surface at an inclination opposite to that of the inclined plate (43) of the plurality of light-shielding pieces (41) is formed in the photocatalyst module (33). This realizes a configuration in which the photocatalyst module (33) and the light shielding part (40) appropriately prevent ultraviolet light from being emitted outside the housing (2). Therefore, it is possible to provide an air treatment device (1) in which the configuration of the light shielding part (40) is simplified and ultraviolet light is appropriately prevented from being emitted outside the housing (2).

[0010] In the air treatment device (1) of this embodiment, the inclined plate portion (43) of each of the plurality of light-shielding pieces (41) has an extended end (Ec) as an end opposite to the side connected to the base plate portion (42). The through-hole (36) penetrates the photocatalyst module (33) from the first hole opening (61) to the second hole opening (62). In two adjacent shading pieces (41α, 41β) among the multiple shading pieces (41), when a first imaginary line (ε1) connecting the non-connected end (Ea) of the base plate portion (42) of one (41α) located on the first side (arrow W1 side) of the two adjacent shading pieces and the extended end (Ec) of the inclined plate portion (43) of one (41β) located on the second side (arrow W2 side) opposite the first side of the two shading pieces is defined, the first acute angle (γ1) formed by the first imaginary line (ε1) and the opening plane of the opening (16) is greater than or equal to the second acute angle (γ2) formed by the second imaginary line (ε2) passing through the through hole (36) of the photocatalyst module (33) from the first hole opening (61) to the second hole opening (62) with the opening plane. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes more difficult for ultraviolet light that has passed through the photocatalyst module (33) via the through-hole (36) to pass through the light-shielding portion (40), and the emission of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing (2) is more appropriately prevented.

[0011] In the air treatment device (1) of this embodiment, the photocatalyst module (33) has a first module main surface (37) facing one side in the thickness direction and a second module main surface (38) facing the opposite side in the thickness direction from the first module main surface (37). In the photocatalyst module (33), a through-hole (36) is formed along the thickness direction from the first module main surface (37) to the second module main surface (38). The photocatalyst module (33) is arranged such that the first module main surface (37) and the second module main surface (38) are each inclined with respect to the opening surface at an inclination opposite to that of the through-hole (36). This configuration makes the photocatalyst module (33) easy to manufacture and procure. This reduces the effort and cost involved in manufacturing the air treatment device (1).

[0012] In the air treatment device (1) of this embodiment, the photocatalyst module (33) has a first module main surface (37) facing one side in the thickness direction, and a second module main surface (38) facing the opposite side in the thickness direction from the first module main surface (37). In the photocatalyst module (33), the through-holes (36) are formed from the first module main surface (37) to the second module main surface (38) at an angle with respect to the thickness direction. Photocatalyst module (33) The first module main surface (37) and the second module main surface (38) are arranged in an orientation along the opening surface of the opening (16). This configuration makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the housing (2) and the air treatment device (1) along a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the opening surface of the opening (16).

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an air treatment device 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air treatment device 1 includes a housing 2. The housing 2 forms an exterior of the air treatment device 1. The air treatment device 1 (housing 2) has a depth direction (the direction indicated by arrows X1 and X2), a width direction (the direction indicated by arrows Y1 and Y2) that intersects (is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) the depth direction, and a height direction (the direction indicated by arrows Z1 and Z2) that intersects (is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) both the depth and width directions. Furthermore, in the air treatment device 1, one side in the height direction is the lower side (the arrow Z1 side), and the side opposite the lower side in the height direction is the upper side (the arrow Z2 side). In the following description, the lower side will also be referred to as the "front side" or "front surface side," and the upper side will also be referred to as the "rear side" or "rear surface side."

[0015] The housing 2 has a bottom wall 5, a top wall 6, and a peripheral wall 7, and the interior of the housing 2 is surrounded by the bottom wall 5, the top wall 6, and the peripheral wall 7. The bottom wall 5 covers the interior of the housing 2 from below in the height direction, and the top wall 6 covers the interior of the housing 2 from above in the height direction. The bottom wall 5 and the top wall 6 are disposed apart from each other in the height direction, sandwiching the interior of the housing 2 therebetween. The peripheral wall 7 extends in the height direction from the bottom wall 5 to the top wall 6, and covers the interior of the housing 2 from the outer periphery. The peripheral wall 7 covers the interior of the housing 2 from the outer periphery around the entire circumferential direction.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the example air treatment device 1 shown in FIG. 1 , perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the depth direction. As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, a treatment box 10 is disposed inside the housing 2. The treatment box 10 includes a top plate 11 and a peripheral plate 12, and abuts against the bottom wall 5 of the housing 2 from above in the height direction. The interior of the treatment box 10 is surrounded by the top plate 11, the peripheral plate 12, and the bottom wall 5 of the housing 2. The bottom wall 5 of the housing 2 covers the interior of the treatment box 10 from below in the height direction, and the top plate 11 covers the interior of the treatment box 10 from above in the height direction. The peripheral plate 12 extends along the height direction from the bottom wall 5 of the housing 2 to the top plate 11 of the treatment box 10, and covers the interior of the treatment box 10 from the outer periphery. The peripheral plate 12 covers the interior of the treatment box 10 from the outer periphery around the entire circumferential direction.

[0017] The top plate 11 of the processing box 10 is located below the top wall 6 of the housing 2 in the height direction, and the peripheral plate 12 of the processing box 10 is located on the inner circumferential side relative to the peripheral wall 7 of the housing 2. Therefore, a space 13 is formed between the processing box 10 and the housing 2 inside the housing 2. The space 13 between the processing box 10 and the housing 2 is separated from the interior of the processing box 10 and is not connected to the interior of the processing box 10. Furthermore, a power supply unit, a terminal block, etc. are arranged in the space 13 between the processing box 10 and the housing 2.

[0018] Two openings 16, 17 are formed in the bottom wall 5 of the housing 2. Each of the openings 16, 17 opens downward in the height direction. Therefore, the openings 16, 17 open toward the same side relative to each other. The openings 16, 17 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction and are formed side by side in the width direction. Therefore, the width direction of the air treatment device 1 coincides or nearly coincides with the arrangement direction of the two openings 16, 17. The interior of the treatment box 10 opens to the outside of the housing 2 through each of the openings 16, 17.

[0019] 1 and 2, the opening surfaces of the openings 16 and 17 are aligned along the bottom wall 5 of the housing 2 and are parallel or substantially parallel to the bottom wall 5. The opening surfaces of the openings 16 and 17 are aligned along the width and depth directions of the air processing device 1 and are parallel or substantially parallel to the width and depth directions of the air processing device 1. The opening surfaces of the openings 16 and 17 are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the height direction of the air processing device 1.

[0020] 1 and 2, the side of opening 16 and its vicinity where opening 16 opens coincides or nearly coincides with the lower side in the height direction of air processing device 1, and the inner side of housing 2 coincides or nearly coincides with the upper side in the height direction of air processing device 1. Similarly to opening 16 and its vicinity, the side of opening 17 and the inner side of housing 2 are also defined.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the air treatment device 1 is installed on a wall 22, such as a ceiling wall, in an environmental space 21, such as a room. In one example, hanging bolts or the like are attached to the top wall 6 of the housing 2, and the air treatment device 1 is installed on the wall 22 using the hanging bolts or the like. The air treatment device 1 is installed on the wall 22 with each of the openings 16 and 17 opening to the environmental space 21. Therefore, air can be introduced from the environmental space 21 into the processing box 10 through either of the openings 16 and 17, and air can be exhausted from the processing box 10 to the environmental space 21 through either of the openings 16 and 17. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the air treatment device 1 is installed on the wall 22 with the bottom wall 5 of the housing 2 protruding into the environmental space 21 relative to the wall 22. In another example, the air treatment device 1 is installed on the ceiling wall, which is the wall 22, with its lower side in the height direction aligned or approximately aligned with its lower side in the vertical direction.

[0022] 2, partition frames 23 and 24 are arranged inside processing box 10, and the interior of processing box 10 is divided into three spaces 26 to 28 by partition frames 23 and 24. Space 26 communicates with space 27 through space 28. Inside processing box 10, spaces 26 and 27 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. Inside processing box 10, space 26 opens to the outside of housing 2 through opening (first opening) 16, and space 27 opens to the outside of housing 2 through opening (second opening) 17.

[0023] A fan 31 is disposed inside the treatment box 10. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the fan 31 is disposed between the spaces 27 and 28, facing the opening 17. In the air treatment device 1, a power supply unit or the like disposed in the space 13 converts power from an external power source such as a commercial power source and supplies the converted power to the fan 31. When the fan 31 operates in response to the power supply, an air flow is formed inside the treatment box 10 from one of the openings 16 and 17 to the other of the openings 16 and 17.

[0024] In one example, an intake fan is used as fan 31. In this case, operation of fan 31 causes air to flow from opening 17 to opening 16 inside processing box 10, passing through spaces 27, 28, and 26 in this order. In this case, opening 17 serves as an inlet for introducing air from the outside into the inside of processing box 10 (inside housing 2), and opening 16 serves as an outlet for discharging air from the inside of processing box 10 to the outside. In another example, an exhaust fan is used as fan 31. In this case, operation of fan 31 causes air to flow from opening 16 to opening 17 inside processing box 10, passing through spaces 26, 28, and 27 in this order. In this case, opening 16 serves as an inlet for introducing air from the outside into the inside of processing box 10, and opening 17 serves as an outlet for discharging air from the inside of processing box 10 to the outside.

[0025] An ultraviolet light source 32 and a photocatalyst module 33 are disposed inside the treatment box 10. In the example of Fig. 2, the ultraviolet light source 32 and the photocatalyst module 33 form an air treatment unit that performs air treatment on air flowing inside the housing 2 from the inlet toward the outlet. In the example of Fig. 2, the ultraviolet light source 32 is disposed in the space 28, and the photocatalyst module 33 is disposed between the spaces 26 and 28. Therefore, the photocatalyst module 33 is disposed between the opening 16 and the ultraviolet light source 32.

[0026] In the air treatment device 1, a power supply unit or the like disposed in the space 13 converts power from an external power source such as a commercial power source and supplies the converted power to the ultraviolet light source 32. The ultraviolet light source 32 includes a light-emitting element. When power is supplied, the ultraviolet light source 32 performs a light-emitting operation, thereby emitting ultraviolet light. The light-emitting element provided in the ultraviolet light source 32 is, for example, an ultraviolet LED. Instead of a light-emitting element, the ultraviolet light source 32 may be a lamp other than an LED, such as a mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, a fluorescent ultraviolet lamp, or an excimer lamp. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the ultraviolet light source 32 performs a light-emitting operation to emit ultraviolet light toward the photocatalyst module 33.

[0027] In the photocatalyst module 33, a photocatalyst is supported on the surface of a base material. In the photocatalyst module 33, a plurality (countless) of through-holes 36 are formed in the base material, and the base material is made of ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride. The photocatalyst supported on the base material is made of metal oxides such as titanium oxide and tungsten oxide. In the photocatalyst module 33, air flows through the through-holes 36. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 2, air flows between the spaces 26 and 28 through the through-holes 36 of the photocatalyst module 33.

[0028] 2, the ultraviolet light source 32 emits ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength in the range of 320 nm or more and 400 nm or less, i.e., UV-A. At least a portion of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 32 enters the photocatalyst module 33 directly and / or after reflection. When UV-A enters the photocatalyst module 33, active oxygen and OH radicals are generated in the photocatalyst module 33. The generated active oxygen and OH radicals then decompose viruses, fungi (bacteria), odorous substances, and the like contained in the air flowing toward the exhaust port. This allows sterilization and deodorization of the air inside the treatment box 10.

[0029] In another example, an ultraviolet light source other than the ultraviolet light source 32 is disposed inside the treatment box 10. In this case, the ultraviolet light source other than the ultraviolet light source 32 also emits ultraviolet light by performing a light-emitting operation in response to a supply of power. In this example, the ultraviolet light source other than the ultraviolet light source 32 emits ultraviolet light, for example, in the space 28. In this example, the ultraviolet light source other than the ultraviolet light source 32 emits ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength in the range of 200 nm or more and 320 nm or less, i.e., UV-C. By irradiating the air with UV-C from the ultraviolet light source inside the treatment box 10, such as the space 28, the activity of viruses and bacteria contained in the air flowing inside the treatment box is suppressed. This allows the air to be sterilized inside the treatment box 10.

[0030] Furthermore, "sterilization" means inactivating viruses and bacteria (bacteria) present in the air, and terms such as "disinfection," "sterilization," and "sterilization" can be used instead of "sterilization." Therefore, although the term "sterilization" is used in the embodiments, the term "sterilization" can be replaced with "sterilization," "sterilization," and "sterilization."

[0031] When the air treatment device 1 is used, the fan 31 is operated to introduce air from the environmental space 21 or the like into the treatment box 10 through one of the openings 16, 17. Then, in the same manner as in any of the above-described examples, the air flowing inside the treatment box 10 is treated. Then, the treated air is discharged from the treatment box 10 into the environmental space 21 or the like through the other of the openings 16, 17.

[0032] 2, a visible light source 35 is disposed inside the processing box 10. The visible light source 35 is attached to the bottom wall 5 and is disposed between the spaces 26 and 27 in the width direction. The visible light source 35 emits visible light by performing a light emitting operation when power is supplied. The visible light from the visible light source 35 is emitted to the outside of the housing 2 and is irradiated in the environmental space 21, for example.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air treatment device 1 is provided with a light-shielding portion 40 that blocks light such as ultraviolet light. The light-shielding portion 40 is formed from a metal or the like that is capable of blocking ultraviolet light. In the air treatment device 1, two light-shielding portions 40A, 40B are formed as the light-shielding portion 40. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the light-shielding portions 40A, 40B is formed from a part of the bottom wall 5 of the housing 2. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light-shielding portion (first light-shielding portion) 40A is disposed in the opening 16, and the light-shielding portion (second light-shielding portion) 40B is disposed in the opening 17. Note that each of the light-shielding portions 40A, 40B may be formed from a separate member from the housing 2.

[0034] The light-shielding part 40A may also be arranged on the inner side of the housing 2 with respect to the opening 16. In this case, the light-shielding part 40A is arranged inside the housing 2 between the ultraviolet light source 32 and the opening 16, and between the photocatalyst module 33 and the opening 16. The light-shielding part 40B may also be arranged on the inner side of the housing 2 with respect to the opening 17. In this case, the light-shielding part 40B is arranged inside the housing 2 between the ultraviolet light source 32 and the opening 17.

[0035] In any of the configurations in the embodiments, etc., the light-shielding portion 40A blocks ultraviolet light, thereby preventing the ultraviolet light from being emitted to the outside of the housing 2 through the opening 16. The ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 32, etc. is not emitted to the outside of the housing 2 through the opening 16 unless it passes through the light-shielding portion 40A. In any of the configurations in the embodiments, etc., the light-shielding portion 40B blocks ultraviolet light, thereby preventing the ultraviolet light from being emitted to the outside of the housing 2 through the opening 17. The ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 32, etc. is not emitted to the outside of the housing 2 through the opening 17 unless it passes through the light-shielding portion 40B.

[0036] In the embodiments and the like, regardless of whether the light-shielding part 40A is disposed at the opening 16 or on the inner side of the opening 16, the photocatalyst module 33 is disposed between the ultraviolet light source 32 and the light-shielding part 40A inside the housing 2. The ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 32 does not reach the light-shielding part 40A unless it passes through the photocatalyst module 33 through the through-hole 36. Therefore, the ultraviolet light does not exit from the opening 16 to the outside of the housing 2 unless it passes through the photocatalyst module 33 and the light-shielding part 40A in this order. The light-shielding part 40A corresponds to one of the two light-shielding parts 40A, 40B that is closer to the photocatalyst module 33.

[0037] The photocatalyst module 33 and the shading section 40A in which the photocatalyst module 33 is disposed between the photocatalyst module 33 and the ultraviolet light source 32 will be described below. Fig. 3 shows the configuration of the photocatalyst module 33, the shading section (first shading section) 40A, and their vicinity in the air treatment device 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 schematically shows a cross section perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the depth direction of the air treatment device 1. Figs. 4 and 5 show an example of the configuration of the shading section (first shading section) 40A in the embodiment.

[0038] 3 to 5, the light-shielding portion 40A has defined therein a depth direction (the direction indicated by arrows D1 and D2), a width direction (the direction indicated by arrows W1 and W2) that intersects (is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) the depth direction, and a height direction (the direction indicated by arrows H1 and H2) that intersects (is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) both the depth direction and the width direction. Furthermore, in the light-shielding portion 40A, one side in the height direction is defined as the upper side (the side indicated by arrow H1), and the side opposite to the upper side in the height direction is defined as the lower side (the side indicated by arrow H2). Here, FIG. 4 shows a perspective view, and FIG. 5 shows a cross section of a portion of the light-shielding portion 40A that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction.

[0039] 2 and 3, the light-shielding portion 40A is disposed at the opening 16 or between the opening 16 and the photocatalyst module 33, with the width and depth directions of the light-shielding portion 40A aligned with the opening surface of the opening 16. Therefore, in the air treatment device 1, the width and depth directions of the light-shielding portion 40A are parallel or approximately parallel to the opening surface of the opening 16. Furthermore, the light-shielding portion 40A is disposed with its height direction aligned with the opening direction of the opening 16, and the height direction of the light-shielding portion 40A is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the opening surface of the opening 16. Furthermore, in the light-shielding portion 40A disposed at the opening 16 or on the inner side of the opening 16, the lower side in the height direction coincides or approximately coincides with the side on which the opening 16 opens, and the upper side in the height direction coincides or approximately coincides with the interior side of the housing 2.

[0040] The light-shielding portion 40A includes a plurality of light-shielding pieces 41. In either a configuration in which the light-shielding portion 40A is formed from a part of the housing 2 or a configuration in which the light-shielding portion 40A is formed from a separate member from the housing 2, the entire light-shielding portion 40A including the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41 is formed as a single unit. In the light-shielding portion 40A, the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41 are aligned in the width direction. Therefore, the arrangement direction of the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41 coincides with or substantially coincides with the width direction of the light-shielding portion 40A. The arrangement direction of the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41 is along the opening surface of the opening 16, and the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41 are aligned along the opening surface of the opening 16.

[0041] Each of the light-shielding pieces 41 extends along the depth direction of the light-shielding portion 40A, and in the light-shielding portion 40A, each of the light-shielding pieces 41 extends from one end to the other end in the depth direction. Also, each of the light-shielding pieces 41 has a gap between it and an adjacent light-shielding piece 41, and the multiple light-shielding pieces 41 are lined up with gaps between them. In one example, the multiple light-shielding pieces 41 are lined up along the opening surface of the opening 16 (the width direction of the light-shielding portion 40A) at a predetermined pitch, and are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals.

[0042] Each of the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41 includes a base plate portion 42 and an inclined plate portion 43. In each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the base plate portion 42 and the inclined plate portion 43 extend along the depth direction of the light-shielding portion 40A, and in the light-shielding portion 40A, the base plate portion 42 and the inclined plate portion 43 of each of the light-shielding pieces 41 extend from one end to the other end in the depth direction.

[0043] 5 and other figures, in each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the base plate portion 42 has a non-connection end Ea and a connection end Eb, and extends from the non-connection end Ea to the connection end Eb along the arrangement direction of the light-shielding pieces 41 (the width direction of the light-shielding portion 40A). In each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the base plate portion 42 is parallel or approximately parallel to the width direction and depth direction of the light-shielding portion 40A, and is orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the height direction of the light-shielding portion 40A.

[0044] Furthermore, the base plate portion 42 of each of the light-shielding pieces 41 is parallel or approximately parallel to the arrangement direction of the light-shielding pieces 41 and extends along the opening surface of the opening 16. The base plate portions 42 of the multiple light-shielding pieces 41 are not misaligned or are barely misaligned with each other in the height direction of the light-shielding portion 40A. In a preferred example, the dimension along the width direction of the light-shielding portion 40A from the non-connection end Ea to the connection end Eb is the same or approximately the same for the base plate portions 42 of the multiple light-shielding pieces 41.

[0045] Here, in the light shielding portion 40A, one side in the arrangement direction (width direction) of the multiple light shielding pieces 41 is referred to as the first side (arrow W1 side), and the opposite side to the first side in the arrangement direction is referred to as the second side (arrow W2 side). In the base plate portion 42 of each light shielding piece 41, the connection end Eb is located on the first side in the arrangement direction relative to the non-connection end Ea. In addition, of two adjacent light shielding pieces 41, the one located on the first side is referred to as the light shielding piece 41α, and the other located on the second side is referred to as the light shielding piece 41β. In the light shielding portion 40A, a gap is formed between the non-connection end Ea of the base plate portion 42 of the light shielding piece 41α and the connection end Eb of the base plate portion 42 of the light shielding piece 41β.

[0046] In each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the inclined plate portion 43 is connected to the connection end Eb of the base plate portion 42. In each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the inclined plate portion 43 is bent relative to the base plate portion 42 toward the upper side in the height direction of the light-shielding piece 40A. In the light-shielding piece 40A disposed in the opening 16 or between the opening 16 and the photocatalyst module 33, in each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the inclined plate portion 43 is bent relative to the base plate portion 42 toward the inside of the housing 2. In each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the inclined plate portion 43 is inclined relative to the base plate portion 42 of that light-shielding piece 41, and is inclined in the height direction and width direction of the light-shielding piece 40A. In each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the inclined plate portion 43 is inclined relative to the opening plane of the opening 16.

[0047] In each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the inclined plate portion 43 is inclined with respect to the height direction, with a slope that positions closer to the first side in the width direction (arrow W1 side) as it moves toward the upper side in the height direction (arrow H1 side). Therefore, in each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the inclined plate portion 43 is inclined with a slope that moves away from the non-connected end Ea of the base plate portion 42 of that light-shielding piece 41 in the arrangement direction as it moves toward the upper side in the height direction. And in the light-shielding piece 40A that is disposed in the opening 16 or between the opening 16 and the photocatalyst module 33, in each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the inclined plate portion 43 is inclined with respect to the opening plane of the opening 16 with a slope that positions closer to the first side in the arrangement direction as it moves toward the interior of the housing 2.

[0048] Due to the above-described configuration, in each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the angle formed by the inclined plate portion 43 with respect to the first side in the arrangement direction is an acute angle. In each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the angle formed by the inclined plate portion 43 with respect to the second side in the arrangement direction, i.e., the angle θ between the base plate portion 42 and the inclined plate portion 43 at the connection end Eb of the base plate portion 42, is an obtuse angle. In each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the angle θ is preferably 135° or more and 170° or less. In a preferred example, the angles θ are the same or approximately the same among the multiple light-shielding pieces 41. In this case, the inclined plate portions 43 are parallel or approximately parallel to each other among the multiple light-shielding pieces 41.

[0049] Each inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece portion 41 has an extended end Ec as the end opposite to the side connected to the base plate portion 42. In each inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece portion 41, the extended end (distal end) Ec forms the upper end in the height direction and forms the end on the first side in the width direction (arrangement direction). In a preferred example, the extended lengths of the inclined plate portions 43 from the connection part to the base plate portion 42 to the extended end Ec are the same or approximately the same for each of the multiple light-shielding piece portions 41.

[0050] When the light-shielding part 40A is disposed on the inner side of the opening surface of the opening 16, the entirety of the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41 is disposed on the inner side of the opening surface of the opening 16. When the light-shielding part 40A is disposed in the opening 16, at least a part of the inclined plate part 43 in each of the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41 is disposed on the inner side of the housing 2 with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16, and the extending end (distal end) Ec of the inclined plate part 43 is located on the inner side of the opening surface. In one example, in the light-shielding part 40A disposed in the opening 16, the opening surface of the opening 16 passes through the base plate parts 42 of each of the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41. In the light-shielding part 40A, the inclined plate parts 43 of the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41 are located on the inner side of the housing 2 with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16.

[0051] Each base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41 has a base plate upper surface 51 and a base plate lower surface 52 as a pair of main surfaces facing opposite each other. In each base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41, the base plate upper surface 51 faces upward in the height direction (toward the arrow H1) and faces the interior of the housing 2 (opposite the side where the opening 16 is opened). In each base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41, the base plate lower surface 52 faces downward in the height direction (toward the arrow H2) and faces the side where the opening 16 is opened. In each base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41, the base plate upper surface 51 and the base plate lower surface 52 each extend from the non-connection end Ea to the connection end Eb.

[0052] Furthermore, each base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41 has a base plate edge surface 53 at the non-connection end Ea, and in each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the base plate edge surface 53 extends along the height direction from the base plate upper surface 51 to the base plate lower surface 52 at the non-connection end Ea of the base plate portion 42. Therefore, in each of the base plate portions 42 of the light-shielding piece 41, an intersection Pa between the base plate edge surface 53 and the base plate upper surface 51 and an intersection Pb between the base plate edge surface 53 and the base plate lower surface 52 are formed at the non-connection end Ea. In the base plate edge surface 53 of each of the base plate portions 42 of the light-shielding piece 41, the intersection Pa forms the upper end in the height direction, and the intersection Pb forms the lower end in the height direction.

[0053] In the light-shielding portion 40A disposed at the opening 16 or between the opening 16 and the photocatalyst module 33, in the base plate portion 42 of each light-shielding piece 41, the base plate edge surface 53 is orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the opening surface of the opening 16. That is, in each base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41, the base plate edge surface 53 extends between the intersections Pa and Pb along a direction orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the opening surface. Furthermore, in the base plate edge surface 53 of each base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41, the intersection Pa forms the end on the inside side of the housing 2, and the intersection Pb forms the end on the side where the opening 16 is open.

[0054] Each inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41 has a pair of main surfaces, an upper inclined plate surface 55 and a lower inclined plate surface 56, facing opposite each other. In each inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41, the upper inclined plate surface 55 faces upward in the height direction and faces the interior of the housing 2 (the side opposite to the side where the opening 16 is opened). In each inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41, the lower inclined plate surface 56 faces downward in the height direction (the side indicated by arrow H2) and faces the side where the opening 16 is opened. In each inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41, the upper inclined plate surface 55 and the lower inclined plate surface 56 each extend from the connection portion to the base plate portion 42 to the extension end Ec. In each inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece portion 41, the inclined plate upper surface 55 and the inclined plate lower surface 56 are inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16 at a gradient that is the same or approximately the same as that of the inclined plate portion 43.

[0055] Furthermore, each inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41 has an inclined plate edge surface 57 at its extended end Ec, and in each of the light-shielding pieces 41, the inclined plate edge surface 57 extends from the inclined plate upper surface 55 to the inclined plate lower surface 56 at the extended end Ec of the inclined plate portion 43, inclining with respect to the height direction. In each of the inclined plate portions 43 of the light-shielding piece 41, an intersection Qa between the inclined plate edge surface 57 and the inclined plate upper surface 55 and an intersection Qb between the inclined plate edge surface 57 and the inclined plate lower surface 56 are formed at the extended end Ec. In the inclined plate edge surface 57 of each inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41, the intersection Qa forms an upper end in the height direction and forms a second end in the arrangement direction (width direction). At the inclined plate edge surface 57 of each inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41, the intersection portion Qb forms the lower end in the height direction and also forms the end on the first side in the arrangement direction.

[0056] In the light-shielding portion 40A disposed at the opening 16 or between the opening 16 and the photocatalyst module 33, the inclined plate edge surface 57 of each inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41 is inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16. The inclined plate edge surface 57 of each inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41 is inclined with respect to the opening surface toward the side opposite to the inclined side of the inclined plate portion 43, and is inclined with respect to the opening surface at a reverse gradient to the inclined plate portion 43. Furthermore, in the inclined plate edge surface 57 of each inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41, the intersection portion Qa forms the end on the interior side of the housing 2, and the intersection portion Qb forms the end on the side where the opening 16 opens. In the following description, "reverse gradient" means that, in two elements inclined with respect to the opening surface, one element is inclined with respect to the opening surface in the opposite direction to the inclination of the other element. Furthermore, the magnitude of the gradient of two elements inclined with "reverse gradient" with respect to the opening surface does not necessarily have to be the same.

[0057] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the photocatalyst module 33 has a pair of module main surfaces 37 and 38. In the photocatalyst module 33, a thickness direction (the direction indicated by arrows T1 and T2) is defined. The module main surface (first module main surface) 37 faces one side in the thickness direction (the side indicated by arrow T1), and the module main surface (second module main surface) 38 faces the side opposite to the side in the thickness direction to which the module main surface 37 faces (the side indicated by arrow T2). In the photocatalyst module 33, each of the through holes 36 penetrates the photocatalyst module 33 from the module main surface 37 to the module main surface 38. Each of the module main surfaces 37 and 38 is orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the thickness direction. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the photocatalyst module 33, each of the multiple through holes 36 is formed between the module main surfaces 37 and 38 along the thickness direction. In the photocatalyst module 33, each of the through holes 36 extends along a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the module main surfaces 37, 38.

[0058] Furthermore, in the photocatalyst module 33, a width direction (direction indicated by arrows B1 and B2) that intersects (is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) the thickness direction is defined. In the photocatalyst module 33, the width direction is along the module main surfaces 37, 38 and is parallel or substantially parallel to the module main surfaces 37, 38. In the photocatalyst module 33, one side in the width direction is the first lateral side (arrow B1 side), and the side opposite to the first lateral side in the width direction is the second lateral side (arrow B2 side). Furthermore, in the photocatalyst module 33, each of the through holes 36 has hole openings 61, 62. Each of the through holes 36 penetrates the photocatalyst module 33 from the hole opening (first hole opening) 61 to the hole opening (second hole opening) 62. The hole opening 61 of each of the through holes 36 is formed in the module main surface 37, and each of the through holes 36 opens at the hole opening 61 to the side facing the module main surface 37. Furthermore, the hole opening 62 of each of the through holes 36 is formed in the module main surface 38, and each of the through holes 36 opens at the hole opening 62 to the side facing the module main surface 38.

[0059] In the photocatalyst module 33 disposed between the ultraviolet light source 32 and the light-shielding part 40A inside the processing box 10 (inside the housing 2), the module main surface 37 faces the side where the ultraviolet light source 32 is located, and the module main surface 38 faces the side where the light-shielding part 40A and the opening 16 are located. Therefore, in the photocatalyst module 33, ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 32 is incident from the side where the module main surface 37 faces. Then, the ultraviolet light that has passed through the photocatalyst module 33 is emitted from the photocatalyst module 33 to the side where the module main surface 38 faces.

[0060] 2 and 3, the photocatalyst module 33 is placed inside the treatment box 10 with each of the module main surfaces 37, 38 inclined relative to the opening surface of the opening 16. In the photocatalyst module 33, the module main surfaces 37, 38 are inclined relative to the opening surface of the opening 16 toward the side on which the inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41 is inclined. The gradient of the inclination of each of the module main surfaces 37, 38 relative to the opening surface may be the same as or different from the gradient of the inclination of each of the inclined plate portions 43 of the light-shielding piece 41 relative to the opening surface. In the example of FIG. 2 and 3, the photocatalyst module 33 is inclined relative to the opening surface of the opening 16 with an inclination that increases in the direction perpendicular to the opening surface of the opening 16 and away from the opening 16 and the light-shielding portion 40A toward the first lateral side.

[0061] Furthermore, in the photocatalyst module 33, as described above, each of the module main surfaces 37, 38 is orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the thickness direction, and each of the through holes 36 extends along the thickness direction. Therefore, the photocatalyst module 33 is placed inside the treatment box 10 in an attitude in which the thickness direction is inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16 at an inclination opposite to that of the inclined plate portions 43 of the multiple light-shielding pieces 41. Each of the through holes 36 penetrating between the module main surfaces 37, 38 in the photocatalyst module 33 is inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16 at an inclination opposite to that of the inclined plate portions 43 of the multiple light-shielding pieces 41. That is, each of the through holes 36 is inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16 on the side opposite to the side on which the inclined plate portions 43 of the light-shielding pieces 41 are inclined.

[0062] Furthermore, when two adjacent light-shielding pieces 41α, 41β among the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41 are defined as described above, the two adjacent light-shielding pieces 41α, 41β have the positional relationship described below. In the following description, of the two adjacent light-shielding pieces 41α, 41β, the one located on the first side in the width direction is light-shielding piece 41α, and the one located on the second side in the width direction is light-shielding piece 41β.

[0063] Here, for two adjacent light-shielding pieces 41α and 41β, a virtual line ε1 is defined that connects the unconnected end Ea of the base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41α to the extended end Ec of the inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41β. The virtual line (first virtual line) ε1 is inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16 and the height direction of the light-shielding part 40A at a slope opposite to that of the inclined plate portions 43 of each light-shielding piece 41. That is, the virtual line ε1 is inclined with a slope that is closer to the first side (arrow W1 side) in the arrangement direction as it approaches the opening of the opening 16. The virtual line ε1 also forms an acute angle (first acute angle) γ1 with the opening surface of the opening 16. The acute angle γ1 corresponds to the angle that the virtual line ε1 forms with respect to the second side in the arrangement direction.

[0064] Furthermore, a virtual line (second virtual line) ε2 is defined along the through-hole 36 of the photocatalyst module 33. The virtual line ε2 passes through one through-hole 36 from the hole opening 61 to the hole opening 62. That is, the virtual line ε2 passes through one through-hole 36 over the entire range between the module main surfaces 37 and 38. In the embodiment, since the photocatalyst module 33 is disposed in the above-described posture, the virtual line ε2 is inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16 and the height direction of the light-shielding part 40A at a gradient opposite to that of the inclined plate portions 43 of the light-shielding piece 41. That is, the virtual line ε2 is inclined with a gradient positioned toward the first side (arrow W1 side) in the arrangement direction of the light-shielding piece 41 as it approaches the opening side of the opening 16. The virtual line ε2 also forms an acute angle (second acute angle) γ2 with the opening surface of the opening 16. The acute angle γ2 corresponds to the angle formed by the imaginary line ε2 with respect to the second side in the arrangement direction of the light-shielding pieces 41. In the embodiment and the like, the acute angle γ1 is equal to or greater than the acute angle γ2.

[0065] In a preferred example of the embodiments, the aforementioned imaginary line ε1 passes through an intersection Pb between the base plate edge surface 53 and the base plate underside 52 at the non-connected end Ea of the base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41α. Furthermore, the imaginary line ε1 passes through an intersection Qb between the inclined plate edge surface 57 and the inclined plate underside 56 at the extended end Ec of the inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41β. The acute angle γ1 formed by the imaginary line ε1 connecting the intersection Pb of the base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41α and the intersection Qb of the inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41β with the opening plane of the opening 16 is equal to or larger than the acute angle γ2 formed by the aforementioned imaginary line ε2 with the opening plane.

[0066] In a preferred example, in the region between the photocatalyst module 33 and the light-shielding portion 40A, including the space 26, the inner surface of the treatment box 10 is formed to have a configuration that easily absorbs ultraviolet light and does not easily reflect ultraviolet light. This makes it difficult for ultraviolet light that has passed through the photocatalyst module 33 and is reflected by the inner surface of the treatment box 10 to reach the light-shielding portion 40A. In this example, for example, the inner surface of the treatment box 10 is painted black in the space 26, etc., so that the inner surface of the treatment box 10 is formed to have a configuration that easily absorbs ultraviolet light and does not easily reflect ultraviolet light.

[0067] 2, the light-shielding portion 40B includes a plurality of light-shielding pieces 41, similar to the light-shielding portion 40A, and the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41 in the light-shielding portion 40B have the same configuration as the light-shielding portion 40A. The light-shielding portion 40B is disposed in the opening 17, or on the inner side of the opening 17, in the same manner as the light-shielding portion 40A, which is disposed in the opening 16, or on the inner side of the opening 16. Therefore, in the light-shielding portion 40B, the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41 are arranged with gaps between them along the opening surface of the opening 17 (the width direction of the light-shielding portion 40B). In the light-shielding portion 40B, similar to the light-shielding portion 40A, a first side, which is one side of the arrangement direction of the light-shielding pieces 41, and a second side, which is opposite to the first side of the arrangement direction, are defined.

[0068] In the light shielding unit 40B, in each of the plurality of light shielding pieces 41, the base plate portion 42 extends from the non-connection end Ea to the connection end Eb toward the first side along the arrangement direction of the light shielding pieces 41 (the opening surface of the opening 17). In addition, in the light shielding unit 40B, in each of the plurality of light shielding pieces 41, the inclined plate portion 43 is connected to the connection end Eb of the base plate portion 42 in a state where it is bent toward the inside of the housing 2. In each of the plurality of light shielding pieces 41 in the light shielding unit 40B, the inclined plate portion 43 is inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 17 at an inclination that is positioned closer to the first side in the arrangement direction of the light shielding pieces 41 as it approaches the inside of the housing 2.

[0069] As described above, in the embodiment and the like, in the light shielding unit 40A, the plurality of light shielding pieces 41 are arranged with gaps between them along the opening surface of the opening 16. In each of the light shielding pieces 41, the base plate 42 extends from the non-connection end Ea to the connection end Eb toward the first side (the side indicated by the arrow W1) along the arrangement direction of the light shielding pieces 41, and the inclined plate 43 is connected to the connection end Eb of the base plate 42 in a state of bending toward the inside of the housing 2. In each of the light shielding pieces 41, the inclined plate 43 is inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16, with the inclination being such that the more inside the housing 2 the portion of the inclined plate 43 is, the closer it is to the first side in the arrangement direction.

[0070] Due to this configuration, when the light-shielding part 40 is formed integrally with the housing 2, the inclined plate portions 43 of the light-shielding pieces 41 are formed by cutting and raising them in a plate-like portion of the housing 2, such as the bottom wall 5, to form a plurality of light-shielding pieces 41. When the light-shielding part 40 is formed from a member separate from the housing 2, the inclined plate portions 43 of the light-shielding pieces 41 are formed in a single plate member by cutting and raising them, to form a plurality of light-shielding pieces 41. Therefore, the light-shielding part 40 is formed from a plate-like portion of the housing 2 or a single plate member, and the configuration is simplified. By simplifying the configuration of the light-shielding part 40, the effort and cost involved in manufacturing the light-shielding part 40 are reduced.

[0071] 6 shows an example of a situation in which, in an embodiment, a portion of the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 32 passes through the photocatalyst module 33 and is emitted from the photocatalyst module 33 toward the side where the opening 16 is located. In FIG. 6, the air treatment device 1 and the light-shielding portion 40 (40A) are shown in a cross section perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the depth direction. As shown in FIG. 6 and other figures, in the embodiment and other figures, the ultraviolet light passes through the photocatalyst module 33 through the through-hole 36. Therefore, the ultraviolet light that has passed through the photocatalyst module 33 is emitted from the photocatalyst module 33 toward the side where the opening 16 and the light-shielding portion 40 (40A) are located, for example, along the above-mentioned virtual line ε2 (arrow A1).

[0072] In this embodiment, the base plate portion 42 and the inclined plate portion 43 of each of the multiple light-shielding pieces 41 of the light-shielding part 40A have the above-mentioned configuration. Furthermore, in the photocatalyst module 33 arranged between the ultraviolet light source 32 and the light-shielding part 40A, each of the through-holes 36 is inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16 at an inclination opposite to that of the inclined plate portions 43 of the multiple light-shielding pieces 41. Therefore, ultraviolet light emitted from the photocatalyst module 33 along the virtual line ε2 (through-hole 36) is easily blocked by the light-shielding piece portions 41 of the light-shielding part 40A. As a result, even if ultraviolet light passes through the photocatalyst module 33, the ultraviolet light that has passed through the photocatalyst module 33 is less likely to pass through the light-shielding part 40A.

[0073] As described above, in the embodiments etc., the photocatalyst module 33 and the light-shielding part 40A realize a configuration in which ultraviolet light is appropriately prevented from being emitted outside the housing 2. Therefore, in the embodiments etc., it is possible to provide an air treatment device 1 in which the configuration of the light-shielding part 40 is simplified and ultraviolet light is appropriately prevented from being emitted outside the housing 2.

[0074] In addition, in the embodiments and the like, in two adjacent light-shielding pieces 41α, 41β, when a virtual line ε1 connecting the non-connected end Ea of the base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41α located on the first side of the light-shielding piece 41α, 41β and the extended end Ec of the inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41β located on the second side of the light-shielding piece 41α, 41β is defined, the acute angle γ1 formed by the virtual line ε1 with the opening plane of the opening 16 is equal to or greater than the acute angle γ2 formed by a virtual line ε2 (a virtual line passing through the through hole 36 from the hole opening 61 to the hole opening 62) along the through hole 36 of the photocatalyst module 33 with the opening plane of the opening 16. With this configuration, ultraviolet light that has passed through the through hole 36 and the photocatalyst module 33 is less likely to pass through the light-shielding part 40A, and the emission of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing 2 is more appropriately prevented.

[0075] In a preferred example of the embodiments, the imaginary line ε1 passes through an intersection Pb between the base plate edge surface 53 and the base plate underside 52 at the non-connected end Ea of the base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41α, and passes through an intersection Qb between the inclined plate edge surface 57 and the inclined plate underside 56 at the extended end Ec of the inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41β. The acute angle γ1 formed by the imaginary line ε1 connecting the intersection Pb of the base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41α and the intersection Qb of the inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41β with the opening plane of the opening 16 is equal to or greater than the acute angle γ2. This configuration makes it more difficult for ultraviolet light that has passed through the photocatalyst module 33 via the through-hole 36 to pass further through the light-shielding part 40A, thereby more appropriately preventing ultraviolet light from escaping the housing 2.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the photocatalyst module 33, each of the through holes 36 is formed between the module main surfaces 37, 38 along the thickness direction. Inside the housing 2, the photocatalyst module 33 is arranged such that each of the module main surfaces 37, 38 is inclined relative to the opening surface of the opening 16 at an inclination opposite to that of the through holes 36. This appropriately achieves a configuration in which, in the photocatalyst module 33 arranged between the ultraviolet light source 32 and the light-shielding part 40A, each of the through holes 36 is inclined relative to the opening surface of the opening 16 at an inclination opposite to that of the inclined plate parts 43 of the multiple light-shielding pieces 41 of the light-shielding part 40A. Furthermore, the photocatalyst module 33 in which the through holes 36 are formed along the thickness direction can be easily manufactured and procured. Therefore, by using a photocatalyst module 33 in which the through holes 36 are formed along the thickness direction, the effort and cost, etc., in manufacturing the air treatment device 1 can be reduced.

[0077] FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the photocatalyst module 33, the light-shielding portion (first light-shielding portion) 40A, and their vicinity in an air treatment device 1 according to a certain modification. FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction of the air treatment device 1. As shown in FIG. 7 and other figures, in this modification, a virtual line (second virtual line) ε3 is defined instead of the virtual line ε2. Like the virtual line ε2, the virtual line ε3 passes through one through-hole 36 from the hole opening (first hole opening) 61 to the hole opening (second hole opening) 62. In other words, the virtual line ε3 passes through one through-hole 36 throughout the entire range between the module main surfaces 37 and 38.

[0078] However, in this modified example, the imaginary line ε3 does not extend along the through hole 36. Furthermore, among the imaginary lines passing through one through hole 36 from the hole opening 61 to the hole opening 62, the imaginary line ε3 forms the largest acute angle with the opening plane of the opening 16. Therefore, the acute angle γ3 formed by the imaginary line ε3 with the opening plane of the opening 16 is larger than the acute angle γ2 formed by the imaginary line ε2 with the opening plane of the opening 16. In the example of FIG. 7 , the photocatalyst module 33 is inclined with respect to the opening plane of the opening 16, with an inclination that increases in the direction perpendicular to the opening plane of the opening 16 toward the first lateral side. Furthermore, the imaginary line ε3 passes through the end U1 of the first lateral side (arrow B1 side) of the hole opening 61 and the end U2 of the second lateral side (arrow B2 side) of the hole opening 62 in one through hole 36.

[0079] In this modification, a virtual line (first virtual line) ε1 is defined between two adjacent light-shielding pieces 41α and 41β, connecting the unconnected end Ea of the base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41α and the extended end Ec of the inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41β. In this modification, the acute angle (first acute angle) γ1 between the virtual line ε1 and the opening surface of the opening 16 is equal to or larger than the acute angle (second acute angle) γ3 between the virtual line ε3 and the opening surface of the opening 16. In this modification, the dimensions of the photocatalyst module 33 along the thickness direction, the dimensions of the through-hole 36, and the inclination angle of the photocatalyst module 33 with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16 are adjusted so that the acute angle γ1 is equal to or larger than the acute angle γ3. The configuration of this modification further reduces the light emitted (leaking) to the outside of the air treatment device 1 through the opening 16.

[0080] Fig. 8 shows the configuration of the photocatalyst module 33, the shading part (first shading part) 40A, and their vicinity in an air treatment device 1 according to a modified example different from that shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 8 schematically shows a cross section perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the depth direction of the air treatment device 1. As shown in Fig. 8 and other figures, in this modified example, the shading part 40A is also disposed in the opening 16 or between the opening 16 and the photocatalyst module 33. In the shading part 40A, the multiple shading pieces 41 are arranged with gaps between them along the opening surface of the opening 16 (the width direction of the shading part 40A).

[0081] In this modification, in each of the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41 of the light-shielding unit 40A, the base plate 42 extends from the non-connection end Ea to the connection end Eb toward the first side along the arrangement direction of the light-shielding pieces 41 (the opening surface of the opening 16). In each of the plurality of light-shielding pieces 41, the inclined plate 43 is connected to the connection end Eb of the base plate 42 in a state in which it is bent toward the inside of the housing 2, and the inclined plate 43 is inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16 at an inclination that is positioned closer to the first side in the arrangement direction of the light-shielding pieces 41 as it approaches the inside of the housing 2.

[0082] However, in this modified example, in the photocatalyst module 33, each of the multiple through holes 36 is formed between the module main surfaces 37, 38 in a state inclined with respect to the thickness direction. In the photocatalyst module 33, each of the through holes 36 extends along a direction inclined with respect to the module main surfaces 37, 38. In one example such as FIG. 8 , each of the through holes 36 is inclined with respect to the module main surfaces 37, 38 at a slope positioned toward the first lateral side (arrow B1 side) in the width direction as it approaches the module main surface 38 (hole opening 62). In addition, in this modified example, the photocatalyst module 33 is placed inside the treatment box 10 with each of the module main surfaces 37, 38 oriented along the opening surface of the opening 16. Therefore, in the photocatalyst module 33 of this modified example, each of the module main surfaces 37, 38 is parallel or approximately parallel to the opening surface of the opening 16 and the base plate portion 42 of the multiple light-shielding pieces 41. The photocatalyst module 33 is disposed in a position in which the thickness direction is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the opening surface of the opening 16 .

[0083] In this modification, each of the through holes 36 in the photocatalyst module 33 is inclined with respect to the thickness direction. Therefore, even if the photocatalyst module 33 is placed with the module main surfaces 37, 38 aligned with the opening surface of the opening 16, each of the through holes 36 is inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16, as in the above-described embodiment. In this modification, each of the through holes 36 penetrating between the module main surfaces 37, 38 in the photocatalyst module 33 is also inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16 at an inclination opposite to that of the inclined plate portions 43 of the multiple light-shielding pieces 41. That is, each of the through holes 36 is inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16 on the side opposite to the side on which the inclined plate portions 43 of the light-shielding pieces 41 are inclined.

[0084] 9 shows an example of a situation in which, in the modified example of FIG. 8, part of the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 32 passes through the photocatalyst module 33 and is emitted from the photocatalyst module 33 toward the side where the opening 16 is located. In FIG. 9, the air treatment device 1 and the light-shielding part 40 (40A) are shown in a cross section perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the depth direction. As shown in FIG. 9 and other figures, in this modified example, the ultraviolet light also passes through the photocatalyst module 33 through the through-hole 36. Therefore, the ultraviolet light that has passed through the photocatalyst module 33 is emitted from the photocatalyst module 33 toward the side where the opening 16 and the light-shielding part 40 (40A) are located, for example, along the above-mentioned virtual line ε2 (arrow A2).

[0085] In this modification, the base plate portion 42 and the inclined plate portion 43 of each of the multiple light-shielding pieces 41 of the light-shielding part 40A have the same configuration as in the above-described embodiment. Also in this modification, in the photocatalyst module 33 arranged between the ultraviolet light source 32 and the light-shielding part 40A, each of the through-holes 36 is inclined with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16 at an inclination opposite to that of the inclined plate portions 43 of the multiple light-shielding pieces 41. Therefore, also in this modification, ultraviolet light emitted from the photocatalyst module 33 while following the virtual line ε2 (through-hole 36) is easily blocked by the light-shielding piece portions 41 of the light-shielding part 40A. As a result, even if ultraviolet light passes through the photocatalyst module 33, the ultraviolet light that has passed through the photocatalyst module 33 is less likely to pass through the light-shielding part 40A.

[0086] As described above, in this modified example, as in the above-described embodiment, the photocatalyst module 33 and the light-shielding part 40A realize a configuration in which ultraviolet light is appropriately prevented from being emitted outside the housing 2. As a result, in this modified example, it is possible to provide an air treatment device 1 in which ultraviolet light is appropriately prevented from being emitted outside the housing 2 while simplifying the configuration of the light-shielding part 40.

[0087] Also in this modification, similarly to the above-described embodiment, an imaginary line (first imaginary line) ε1 is defined between two adjacent light-shielding pieces 41α, 41β, and an imaginary line (second imaginary line) ε2 is defined along the through-hole 36 of the photocatalyst module 33. The imaginary line ε2 passes through one through-hole 36 from the hole opening 61 to the hole opening 62. Also in this modification, the acute angle (first acute angle) γ1 formed by the imaginary line ε1 and the opening surface of the opening 16 is equal to or larger than the acute angle (second acute angle) γ2 formed by the imaginary line ε2 and the opening surface of the opening 16. With this configuration, ultraviolet light that has passed through the photocatalyst module 33 via the through-hole 36 is less likely to pass through the light-shielding portion 40A, and the emission of ultraviolet light to the outside of the housing 2 is more appropriately prevented.

[0088] Furthermore, in this modification, in the photocatalyst module 33, each of the through-holes 36 is formed between the module main surfaces 37, 38 in a state inclined with respect to the thickness direction. Inside the housing 2, the photocatalyst module 33 is arranged with each of the module main surfaces 37, 38 aligned along the opening surface of the opening 16. This reduces the dimensions of the area inside the housing 2 occupied by the photocatalyst module 33 along a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the opening surface of the opening 16. This makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the housing 2 and the air treatment device 1 along a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the opening surface of the opening 16, and thus, for example, the dimensions of the air treatment device 1 along the height direction. By reducing the dimensions of the air treatment device 1 along the height direction, the air treatment device 1 can be made smaller and thinner.

[0089] FIG. 10 shows the photocatalyst module 33, the light-shielding portion (first light-shielding portion) 40A, and the configuration of their vicinity in an air treatment device 1 according to a modified example different from those shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG. 10 schematically shows a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the depth direction of the air treatment device 1. As shown in FIG. 10 and other figures, in this modified example, a virtual line (second virtual line) ε3 is defined, similar to the modified example shown in FIG. 7. The virtual line ε3 passes through one through-hole 36 from the hole opening (first hole opening) 61 to the hole opening (second hole opening) 62. Furthermore, as described above, the virtual line ε3 does not follow the through-hole 36, and among the virtual lines passing through one through-hole 36 from the hole opening 61 to the hole opening 62, the acute angle that the virtual line ε3 forms with the opening plane of the opening 16 is the largest.

[0090] 8 and 9, the photocatalyst module 33 is placed inside the treatment box 10 with each of the module main surfaces 37 and 38 aligned along the opening surface of the opening 16. In the photocatalyst module 33, each of the through holes 36 is formed between the module main surfaces 37 and 38 in a state of being inclined with respect to the thickness direction. In one example such as FIG. 10, each of the through holes 36 is inclined with respect to the module main surfaces 37 and 38 with an inclination positioned on the first lateral side (arrow B1 side) in the width direction as it approaches the module main surface 38 (hole opening 62). In addition, as in the modification of FIG. 7, the imaginary line ε3 passes through the end U1 on the first lateral side (arrow B1 side) of the hole opening 61 and the end U2 on the second lateral side (arrow B2 side) of the hole opening 62 in one through hole 36.

[0091] In this modification, a virtual line (first virtual line) ε1 is defined between two adjacent light-shielding pieces 41α and 41β, connecting the unconnected end Ea of the base plate portion 42 of the light-shielding piece 41α and the extended end Ec of the inclined plate portion 43 of the light-shielding piece 41β. In this modification, the acute angle (first acute angle) γ1 between the virtual line ε1 and the opening surface of the opening 16 is equal to or larger than the acute angle (second acute angle) γ3 between the virtual line ε3 and the opening surface of the opening 16. In this modification, the dimensions of the photocatalyst module 33 along the thickness direction, the dimensions of the through-hole 36, and the inclination of the through-hole 36 relative to the module main surfaces 37 and 38 are adjusted so that the acute angle γ1 is equal to or larger than the acute angle γ3. This modification further reduces the amount of light emitted (leaking) to the outside of the air treatment device 1 through the opening 16.

[0092] According to at least one of these embodiments, the light-shielding unit includes a plurality of light-shielding pieces arranged along the opening surface of the opening, each of which includes a base plate extending from its non-connected end to its connected end toward a first side along the arrangement direction of the light-shielding pieces, and an inclined plate connected to the connection end of the base plate in a state of bending toward the interior of the housing, the inclined plate being inclined relative to the opening surface at a slope that is closer to the first side in the arrangement direction as it approaches the interior of the housing. A through-hole is formed in the photocatalyst module disposed between the ultraviolet light source and the light-shielding unit, inclined relative to the opening surface at a slope opposite to that of the inclined plate. This makes it possible to provide an air treatment device that appropriately prevents ultraviolet light from emitting outside the housing while simplifying the configuration of the light-shielding unit.

[0093] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1...air treatment device, 2...housing, 16...opening (first opening), 31...fan, 32...ultraviolet light source, 33...photocatalyst module, 36...through hole, 37...module main surface (first module main surface), 38...module main surface (second module main surface), 40 (40A, 40B)...light-shielding portion, 41...light-shielding piece portion, 42...base plate portion, 43...inclined plate portion, 61...hole opening (first hole opening), 62...hole opening (second hole opening), Ea...non-connected end, Eb...connected end, Ec...extended end.

Claims

1. a housing having an opening to the outside; an ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light inside the housing by performing a light emitting operation; a light-shielding unit including a plurality of light-shielding pieces arranged with gaps between them along an opening surface of the opening, and disposed at the opening of the housing or between the ultraviolet light source and the opening inside the housing, wherein each of the plurality of light-shielding pieces includes: a base plate portion extending from a non-connected end to a connected end toward a first side along an arrangement direction of the plurality of light-shielding pieces; and an inclined plate portion connected to the connected end of the base plate portion in a state of being bent toward the interior of the housing, and inclined with respect to the opening surface with an inclination that positions closer to the first side in the arrangement direction as it approaches the interior of the housing; a photocatalyst module disposed between the ultraviolet light source and the light-shielding portion inside the housing, and having a through-hole formed therein that is inclined with respect to the opening surface at an inclination opposite to that of the inclined plate portions of the plurality of light-shielding pieces; An air treatment device comprising:

2. In each of the plurality of light-shielding pieces, the inclined plate portion has an extended end as an end opposite to a side connected to the base plate portion, The through-hole penetrates the photocatalytic module from the first hole opening to the second hole opening; In two adjacent light-shielding pieces among the plurality of light-shielding pieces, when a first virtual line is defined connecting the non-connected end of one of the base plate parts located on the first side of the two adjacent light-shielding pieces and the extended end of one of the inclined plate parts located on the second side opposite the first side of the two light-shielding pieces, the first acute angle formed by the first virtual line with the opening surface of the opening is equal to or greater than the second acute angle formed by a second virtual line passing through the through hole of the photocatalytic module from the first hole opening to the second hole opening with the opening surface.

10. The air treatment device of claim 1.

3. The photocatalyst module has a first module main surface facing one side in a thickness direction, and a second module main surface facing the opposite side to the first module main surface in the thickness direction, In the photocatalyst module, the through-holes are formed along the thickness direction from the first module main surface to the second module main surface, The photocatalyst module is arranged such that each of the first module main surface and the second module main surface is inclined with respect to the opening surface at a gradient opposite to that of the through hole.

3. The air treatment device of claim 1 or 2.

4. The photocatalyst module has a first module main surface facing one side in a thickness direction, and a second module main surface facing the opposite side to the first module main surface in the thickness direction, In the photocatalyst module, the through-holes are formed from the first module main surface to the second module main surface in a state inclined with respect to the thickness direction, The photocatalyst module is arranged such that the first module main surface and the second module main surface are aligned along the opening surface.

3. The air treatment device of claim 1 or 2.

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