Droplet infection and screen for preventing the same

Abstract

To provide a screen consuming less power and capable of effectively capturing inhaled droplets and inactivating a substance which becomes a cause of an infectious disease contained in the droplets or droplet nuclei.SOLUTION: The screen comprises at least one shutter, a support mechanism, and a light irradiation device. The at least one shutter has a plurality of slats horizontally arranged in a striped manner. The support mechanism is configured to support the at least one shutter. The light irradiation device is arranged on one side of the at least one shutter, and is configured to emit light downward. One or more slats positioned on the lower side of the shutter among the plurality of slats are arranged closer to one side of the shutter in a normal direction than one or more slats positioned on the upper side of the shutter among the plurality of slats.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a partition for preventing droplet infection and droplet nuclei infection. For example, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a partition that can effectively eliminate or reduce bacteria, viruses, and the like that cause droplet infection and droplet nuclei infection contained in exhaled breath. [Background technology]

[0002] Droplet infection and droplet nuclei infection occur when pathogen-containing particles emitted from the respiratory tract are transported and dispersed by air currents. Partitions equipped with an electric fan and a light source capable of emitting ultraviolet light are known as indoor partitions for preventing droplet infection and droplet nuclei infection. These partitions actively draw indoor air into the partition using the fan, and sterilize and purify the air by irradiating the drawn-in air with ultraviolet light (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5916070 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3118531 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a partition that can effectively prevent droplet infection and droplet nuclei infection. For example, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a partition that has low power consumption, can effectively capture droplets and droplet nuclei originating from exhaled breath, and can inactivate substances that cause infectious diseases contained in the droplets and droplet nuclei. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is a partition for preventing droplet infection or droplet nuclei infection. The partition includes at least one shutter, a support mechanism, and a light irradiation device. The at least one shutter has a plurality of slats arranged in horizontal stripes. The support mechanism is configured to support the at least one shutter. The light irradiation device is arranged on one side of the at least one shutter and configured to emit light downward. Of the plurality of slats, one or more slats located on the lower side of the shutter are arranged closer to the one side in the normal direction of the shutter than one or more slats located on the upper side of the shutter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic side view of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic side view of a slat of a partition according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3B] 1 is a schematic side view of a slat of a partition according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3C] 1 is a schematic side view of a slat of a partition according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing the function of a partition according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing the function of a partition according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a slat of a partition according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] 1 is a schematic side view of a slat of a partition according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic front view of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic side view of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic front view of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic side view of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a first current plate of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic front view of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic side view of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a second current plate of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic front view of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic side view of a portion of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 is a schematic side view of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic front view of a portion of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic side view of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic top view of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, etc. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below.

[0008] In order to make the explanation clearer, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention.

[0009] 1. Structure of the partition The following describes a partition for preventing droplet infection and droplet nuclei infection according to one embodiment of the present invention. The partition functions as a partition that captures particles, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other substances contained in human breath that cause droplet infection and droplet nuclei infection, and eliminates or reduces these particles. The partition can be installed in various locations, such as on the floor, on movable furniture such as a desk, on a tabletop in a waist-high window, or on fixed indoor fixtures such as a counter.

[0010] Schematic front and side views of a partition 100 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. As shown in these figures, the basic components of the partition 100 include at least one shutter 130, a support mechanism 110 that supports the shutter 130, and a light irradiation device 140, all of which are enclosed by a dashed line in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows a partition 100 equipped with a pair of shutters 130 that are symmetrically arranged opposite each other. Although not shown, the partition 100 may be equipped with casters for movement. In the following description, the vertical direction when the partition 100 is installed is defined as the z-direction, and the x- and y-directions are defined as horizontal directions. The x- and y-directions are the longitudinal direction of the partition 100 in a horizontal plane and the direction perpendicular to it, respectively, and the y-direction is also the normal direction of the shutter 130.

[0011] The height and width (length in the x direction) of the partition 100 can be set appropriately depending on the application and usage environment, and can be selected appropriately from a range of, for example, 30 cm to 220 cm. If the height is, for example, 30 cm to 100 cm, the partition 100 can be said to be suitable for use by placing it on furniture such as a desk or counter. If the height is 100 cm to 220 cm, a partition 100 suitable for use by placing it on the floor can be provided. The width of the partition 100 can be, for example, 70 cm to 180 cm.

[0012] (1) Shutter When an airflow containing particles strikes the shutter 130, the shutter 130 allows the airflow to pass through and converts the airflow into an upward current that flows along one surface of the shutter 130 (the surface opposite the surface on which the airflow strikes). For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shutter 130 has a plurality of slats (hereinafter referred to as slats) 132. Specifically, the shutter 130 is composed of a plurality of slats 132 arranged parallel to one another and extending horizontally. The slats 132 are arranged in a striped pattern with their longitudinal directions parallel to one another. The slats 132 may be separate from one another, or may be partially connected to one another and integrated. As will be described in more detail below, because there are gaps between adjacent slats 132, the shutter 130 does not significantly block sound compared to acrylic panels and other commonly used materials for preventing droplet infection and droplet nuclei infection. Therefore, people are not required to speak loudly when talking through the partition 100, and the amount of exhaled air emitted by people is reduced, resulting in more effective prevention of droplet infection and droplet nuclei infection.

[0013] The slats 132 are preferably configured to transmit visible light. This allows people to enjoy natural conversations without feeling particularly uncomfortable when conversing through the partition 100. At the same time, the slats 132 preferably do not transmit light emitted from the light irradiation device 140. Therefore, the slats 132 preferably contain a resin that has high transmittance for visible light and absorbs ultraviolet or infrared light, such as aromatic polycarbonate or polyester with an aromatic substituent, such as polyethylene terephthalate. Furthermore, all or some of the slats 132 may have a layer containing a photocatalyst on their surface. Examples of photocatalysts include titanium oxide, which absorbs light, including ultraviolet light, and exhibits oxidation-reduction activity. By providing a layer containing a photocatalyst on the surface of the slats 132, particle infection sources, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, adhering to the slats 132 can be inactivated and deterioration of the slats 132 itself can be prevented.

[0014] The slats 132 are arranged so that after an airflow collides with the shutter 130, it passes through the gaps between adjacent slats 132 in the z direction and then flows upward. Therefore, each slat 132 is configured to create a speed difference in the airflow between the two surfaces of each slat 132 when the airflow collides with multiple slats 132. As long as the structure can achieve this function, the slats 132 may have any structure, such as a curved or bent structure. More specifically, as shown in the schematic side view (FIG. 3A) observed from the x direction, the slat 132 bends in the width direction (the length in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction and thickness direction). In the example shown in FIG. 3A, two flat portions with different normal directions are connected by a single bend. The two flat portions have different widths, and a larger-width main portion 132a and a smaller-width sub-portion 132b are connected via a bend. The widths W1 and W2 of the main portion 132a and the sub-portion 132b can be adjusted appropriately depending on the size of the shutter 130. For example, the width W1 can be selected from a range of 30 mm to 60 mm, and the width W2 can be selected from a range of 5 mm to 15 mm. The bending angle θ (the angle between the two flat portions) can also be determined appropriately and can be selected from a range of, for example, 20° to 160°. By adopting such a structure, the airflow can be bent along the surface of the slat 132, creating a speed difference in the airflow between both sides.

[0015] Alternatively, each slat 132 may have multiple bent or curved portions (FIG. 3B). In this case, the slat 132 can be treated as having the widest flat portion as the main portion 132a and the remainder as sub-portions 132b having multiple bent or curved portions. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3C, the slat 132 can be curved so that the end faces in the yz plane are formed by curves such as circular arcs, i.e., so that at least portions of the upper and lower surfaces are formed by curved surfaces. In this case, too, the slat 132 can be treated as having the widest portion as the main portion 132a via the bent or curved portions and the remainder as sub-portions 132b.

[0016] FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of the slats 132. As can be seen from FIGS. 1, 2, 4, etc., the multiple slats 132 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the z direction. The slats 132 are also arranged so as to form an angle of attack with respect to the airflow impinging on the shutter 130 that is suitable for generating an upward flow. Specifically, the end 132c of the main portion 132a (the end opposite the bent or curved portion; the same applies below) is positioned higher than the end 132d of the sub-portion 132b, and the bent or curved portion is positioned upstream of the airflow (indicated by the open arrow) relative to the end 132d of the main portion 132a. In other words, the main portion 132a is positioned closer to the shutter 130 on which the light irradiation device 140 is disposed than the bent or curved portion. Preferably, the slats 132 are arranged so that the bent or curved portion is positioned upstream of the airflow relative to the end 132d of the sub-portion 132b. That is, it is preferable to arrange the sub-portion 132b so that it is located on the side of the shutter 130 where the light irradiation device 140 is arranged, compared to the bent portion or curved portion. By adopting such an arrangement, when an airflow that collides with the shutter 130 including a plurality of slats 132 passes between the slats 132, the airflow passing between the slats 132 is bent due to the pressure difference generated between the two surfaces, and is converted into an upward flow (dotted arrow) that flows along the surface of the shutter 130. As a result, as shown by the dotted white arrow in FIG. 5, the airflow (solid white arrow) that collides with the shutter 130 rises in the space between the pair of shutters 130. In other words, the plurality of slats 132 can form an upward flow containing particles between the pair of shutters 130 without using a device such as a fan that actively generates an airflow using electricity.

[0017] 2, the distance in the y direction between the slats 132 of one shutter 130 and the slats 132 of the other shutter 130 varies depending on the height (position in the z direction). Specifically, the distance D2 in the y direction between the slats 132 of a pair of shutters 130 in the lower part 130-2 of the shutter 130 (hereinafter referred to as the lower shutter part) is smaller than the distance D1 in the y direction between the slats 132 of a pair of shutters 130 in the upper part 130-1 of the shutter 130 (hereinafter referred to as the upper shutter part). In other words, each shutter 130 can be divided into an upper shutter part 130-1 and a lower shutter part 130-2 depending on the position of the slats 132 in the y direction. The upper shutter part 130-1 includes one or more slats 132, and the lower shutter part 130-2 also includes one or more slats 132. The slats 132 included in one upper shutter part 130-1 are spaced apart by a distance D1 from the slats 132 of the other upper shutter part 130-1 that overlap in the y direction. Similarly, the slats 132 included in one lower shutter part 130-2 are spaced apart by a distance D2 from the slats 132 of the other lower shutter part 130-2 that overlap in the y direction. Distance D1 is greater than distance D2. Distance D1 can be selected, for example, from a range of 5 cm to 20 cm, and distance D2 can be selected, for example, from a range of 2 cm to 10 cm.

[0018] By arranging the multiple slats 132 in this manner, the airflow passes through a narrower space between the lower shutters 130-2 than between the upper shutters 130-1. Therefore, when an airflow of the same flow velocity passes through the shutters 130, the flow velocity of the upward flow between the lower shutters 130-2 is greater than the flow velocity of the upward flow between the upper shutters 130-1. Normally, as an airflow rises, its potential energy increases, causing the flow velocity to decrease according to Bernoulli's theorem. As a result, the velocity of the upward flow gradually decreases and its flow straightness decreases. However, by adopting the above-described arrangement of the slats 132 to create a high flow velocity between the lower shutters 130-2, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the velocity of the airflow between the shutters 130. Therefore, even if the airflow generated during conversation, i.e., exhaled air with a low flow velocity, hits the shutter 130, a highly straightened upward flow that can defy gravity is formed throughout the pair of shutters 130, and leakage of the upward flow from the shutter 130 can be suppressed.

[0019] (2) Light irradiation device The light irradiation device 140 is configured to emit light in a wavelength band capable of destroying substances that cause infectious diseases, such as viruses and bacteria. Examples of such light include ultraviolet light including deep ultraviolet light, or infrared light including near-infrared light and far-infrared light. As described above, the airflow containing particles becomes an upward current after passing through the shutter 130 and flows over the surface of the shutter 130. Therefore, the light irradiation device 140 is disposed above or above the shutter 130 on one side of the shutter 130 (the opposite side of the surface where the airflow collides, or between a pair of shutters 130 if a pair of shutters 130 is disposed), and is disposed so as to irradiate light downward (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The light irradiation device 140 is preferably disposed so that the traveling direction of the light is parallel to the surface of the shutter 130. That is, the light irradiation device 140 is disposed so as to have a light component parallel to the surface of the shutter 130. The light irradiation device 140 may be disposed on the support mechanism 110, or may be disposed so as to overlap with the support mechanism 110 in the y direction.

[0020] The light irradiation device 140 includes a light source 142 capable of emitting light in a wavelength band capable of destroying viruses and bacteria (see FIGS. 1 and 2). When ultraviolet light is used, examples of the light source 142 include a low-pressure mercury lamp, a high-pressure mercury lamp, an excimer lamp, and a light-emitting diode. Examples of excimer lamps include a KrCl excimer lamp capable of emitting light of around 250 nm, which is light with high sterilizing power, and an XeCl excimer lamp that emits light of 308 nm. Examples of light-emitting diodes include light-emitting diodes that include a GaN-based compound semiconductor such as AlGaN in their active layer. Alternatively, the light source 142 may be a laser light source. Examples of laser light sources include an ArF excimer laser, a KrF excimer laser, a KrCl excimer laser, and a XeCl excimer laser.

[0021] Although not shown, the light irradiation device 140 may further include a reflector for collecting light from the light source 142 and selectively irradiating the light onto the airflow rising along the shutter 130. The reflector is made of a highly reflective material such as silver or aluminum, and is configured and arranged to reflect the light from the light source 142 downward. This makes it possible to create a light component parallel to the surface of the shutter 130.

[0022] As described above, an upward flow containing particles is formed between the pair of shutters 130. Therefore, by providing the light irradiation device 140 that irradiates light downward above the shutters 130, it is possible to efficiently irradiate light onto particles containing pathogens contained in the exhaled breath.

[0023] (3) Support mechanism The support mechanism 110 is configured to support the shutter 130 and the light irradiation device 140 and to enable the partition 100 to stand on its own. Therefore, there are no restrictions on the configuration of the support mechanism 110 as long as it can perform these functions. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support mechanism 110 includes multiple frames 112 connected to each other, and each shutter 130 is supported by a pair of horizontal frames 112-1 extending in the x direction and a pair of vertical frames 112-2 extending in the z direction. The shutter 130 is positioned so as to overlap in the y direction with the opening formed by the horizontal frames 112-1 and the vertical frames 112-2. The frame 112 supporting one shutter 130 and the frame 112 supporting the other shutter 130 are connected by a side frame 112-3 extending in the y direction and a base frame 112-4. The base frame 112-4 allows the partition 100 to stand on its own. Although not shown, the base frame 112-4 may be provided with casters so that the partition 100 can be moved using the casters. The frame 112 may be made of any material, including resin such as polypropylene, metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, or wood. All or part of the horizontal frame 112-1, vertical frame 112-2, side frame 112-3, and base frame 112-4 may be integral with one another, or may be connected by fasteners such as screws or bolts, or by welding. The distance in the y direction between the vertical frame 112-2 supporting one shutter 130 and the vertical frame 112-2 supporting the other shutter 130 can be adjusted appropriately depending on the distances D1 and D2, and may be, for example, between 8 cm and 20 cm. By adopting such a distance, the partition 100 does not feel unnatural when placed on a desk.

[0024] There are no restrictions on the method of connecting the support mechanism 110 and the shutters 130, and for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, each shutter 130 may be connected to the support mechanism 110 in a blind manner. In this case, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 6A, the support mechanism 110 may include a head box 118, a bottom rail 120, a tilt pole 122, a pair of ladder cords 124, a lifting cord 126, etc., corresponding to each shutter 130.

[0025] The head box 118 houses a worm gear, a rotating drum, a pulley, a locking mechanism (not shown), and other components required for moving the ladder cord 124 and winding up the lifting cord 126. Rotating the tilt pole 122 rotates the worm gear, which in turn rotates the rotating drum to which the ladder cord 124 is fixed, causing the ladder cord 124 to move up and down.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6A, a pair of ladder cords 124 are fixed to both sides of each slat 132. Therefore, by using the tilt pole 122 to raise and lower the ladder cords 124, the multiple slats 132 can rotate reversibly around axes parallel to their longitudinal directions (see Figure 6B). By utilizing this function, the multiple slats 132 can be positioned at an ideal angle of attack relative to the airflow containing particles. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to create an updraft, the multiple slats 132 can be positioned at an angle close to horizontal, improving the field of view through the shutter 130.

[0027] A pair of lifting cords 126 pass through a pair of through-holes 132e provided in the plurality of slats 132, respectively, and are connected to the bottom rail 120 located below the lowest slat 132. By operating the pair of lifting cords 126, the bottom rail 120 is raised and lowered via a pulley in the head box 118, thereby allowing the plurality of slats 132 to be moved up and down together with the bottom rail 120 (see FIG. 7). In other words, the distance between adjacent slats 132 can be reversibly changed. The positions of the plurality of slats 132 in the up and down direction are fixed by a locking mechanism combined with the pulley. Therefore, when the screen 100 is not in use, the bottom rail 120 can be pulled up to store the shutter 130 in a compact shape.

[0028] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the multiple slats 132 may be connected to a pair of vertical frames 112-2 arranged on either side of the slats 132. In this case, the bottom rail 120, tilt pole 122, pair of ladder cords 124, lift cord 126, and configurations for operating these may not be provided. In this case, the multiple slats 132 may be fixed to the pair of vertical frames 112-2 so as not to rotate, or, as shown in FIG. 8, the multiple slats 132 may be connected to the pair of vertical frames 112-2 via a rotating rod 128. By configuring the rotating rod 128 to rotate around its central axis, the multiple slats 132 can be reversibly rotated around an axis parallel to the extension direction of the slats, thereby creating an appropriate angle of attack against the particle-laden airflow.

[0029] 2. Variations The configuration of the partition 100 is not limited to the configuration described above. Below, various modified examples of the partition 100 will be described. The modified examples described below may be used alone, or multiple modified examples may be combined.

[0030] (1) Variation 1 The shutter 130 does not need to cover the entire opening 112a (see FIG. 7) of the frame 112, and may expose a portion of it. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the shutter 130 may be configured so that the opening 112a of the frame 112 is exposed below the shutter lower portion 130-2. The length L2 from the lowest slat 132 to the base frame 112-4 (or the lower horizontal frame 112-1) may be set to, for example, 1 / 10 to 1 / 3 of the length L1 of the shutter 130 in the z direction. Note that when the shutter 130 is connected to the support mechanism 110 in a blind manner, the length L2 is the length from the lowest slat 132 to the base frame 112-4 (or the lower horizontal frame 112-1) when the bottom rail 120 is positioned at the lowest position.

[0031] In this way, by providing exposed portion 134 that exposes part of opening 112a of frame 112 below shutter 130, resistance when airflow hits shutter 130 is reduced. Furthermore, as described above, by setting distance D2 to be smaller than distance D1, a highly rectified upward flow can be formed in the space between the pair of shutters 130, and therefore, even when exposed portion 134 is provided, exhaled air is prevented from penetrating through partition 100. As a result, exhaled air heading toward exposed portion 134 (white arrow in FIG. 9 ) can be taken into the space between the pair of shutters 130 and converted into an upward flow.

[0032] (2) Variation 2 As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the partition 100 may further include a first current rectifying plate 150. The first current rectifying plate 150 is disposed so that its main surface is parallel to the shutters 130 (i.e., its normal is in the y direction). By using the partition 100 including the first current rectifying plate 150, the Coanda effect is activated, suppressing turbulence of the upward flow in the space between the pair of shutters 130. As a result, leakage of the airflow containing particles from the space between the pair of shutters 130 is suppressed, enabling efficient light irradiation of the particles. The height of the first current rectifying plate 150 can be determined arbitrarily; for example, its upper end may be higher than, the same as, or lower than the upper ends of the pair of shutters 130. When the shutters 130 have exposed portions 134 as in Variation 1, it is preferable that the first current rectifying plate 150 be disposed so as to overlap the exposed portions 134 in the y direction. In this case, the height of the first rectifying plate 150 is, for example, 0.5 to 2.5 times the height (i.e., length L2) of the exposed portion 134. By providing the first rectifying plate 150, it is possible to more effectively prevent exhaled air from passing through the exposed portion 134.

[0033] There are no restrictions on the material contained in the first rectifying plate 150, and materials such as wood, paper, resin, metal, etc. For example, by using a first rectifying plate 150 containing a resin that transmits visible light, such as polycarbonate or polyester, the view is not obstructed when talking through the partition 100, so that the conversation can be carried out without any sense of discomfort.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 12, multiple grooves 150a may be provided on both sides of the first straightening plate 150. The grooves 150a are provided to extend in the z direction. The width w1 of the grooves 150a is selected, for example, from the range of 3 mm to 100 mm. The interval g1 between adjacent grooves 150a is selected, for example, from the range of 3 mm to 100 mm. The depth d1 of the grooves 150a is selected, for example, from the range of 3 mm to 50 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the multiple grooves 150a is not limited to the rectangular shape shown in FIG. 12, and may be wavy or polygonal. By providing the grooves 150a, the effect of suppressing turbulence of the upward flow in the space between the pair of shutters 130 can be improved.

[0035] (3) Variation 3 As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the partition 100 may include a second rectifying plate 152. The second rectifying plate 152 is provided corresponding to each shutter 130, on the opposite side of the light irradiation device 140 of each shutter 130. Therefore, when the partition 100 includes a pair of shutters 130, the partition 100 is configured so that the pair of shutters 130 is sandwiched between the pair of second rectifying plates 152 in the y direction. The second rectifying plate 152 is provided below the shutters 130. That is, the second rectifying plate 152 is disposed so as to be located below the lowest slat 132. When the shutter 130 has an exposed portion 134 as in Modification 1, the second rectifying plate 152 is preferably disposed so as to overlap a portion of the exposed portion 134 in the y direction. The second rectifying plate 152 may be disposed, for example, on the base frame 112-4 and / or the lower horizontal frame 112-1.

[0036] 14, the second rectifying plate 152 is disposed so that its upper surface is inclined with respect to the main surface of the shutter 130. That is, the second rectifying plate 152 is disposed so that the normal to its upper surface is inclined away from the vertical with respect to the side of the shutter 130 on which the light irradiation device 140 is provided. With the second rectifying plate 152 disposed in this manner, the exhaled air (indicated by the white arrows in FIG. 14) can be effectively introduced into the space between the pair of shutters 130, and as a result, the exhaled air can be more effectively prevented from passing through the partition 100.

[0037] Similar to the first current rectifying plate 150, multiple grooves 152a may be provided on the upper surface of the second current rectifying plate 152 (FIG. 15). The grooves 152a are provided so as to extend in the y direction along the upper surface of the first current rectifying plate 150. The width w2 of the grooves 152a is selected, for example, from a range of 3 mm to 100 mm. The interval g2 between adjacent grooves 152a is selected, for example, from a range of 3 mm to 100 mm. The depth d1 of the grooves 152a is selected, for example, from a range of 3 mm to 50 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the multiple grooves 152a is not limited to the rectangular shape shown in FIG. 15, and may be wavy or polygonal. By providing the grooves 152a, turbulence of the airflow impinging on the upper surface of the second current rectifying plate 152 can be suppressed.

[0038] (4) Variation 4 As can be understood from Bernoulli's theorem, the flow velocity of the upward flow formed by the shutter 130 decreases as it rises, and therefore the flow straightening ability decreases. For this reason, a straightening auxiliary member 136 for preventing the upward flow from leaking above the shutter 130 may be provided corresponding to each shutter 130 (FIGS. 16 and 17). The straightening auxiliary member 136 is provided so as to be positioned above the multiple slats 132. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the straightening auxiliary member 136 may be provided so as to surround the head box 118, or, although not shown, may be provided so as to surround the upper horizontal frame 112-1, or may be provided between the upper horizontal frame 112-1 and the uppermost slat 132.

[0039] The rectification assist member 136 is provided so as to extend in the x-direction (see FIG. 16). When the rectification assist member 136 is provided so as to surround the head box 118, the rectification assist member 136 may be divided into multiple members so as not to interfere with the ladder cords 124 or the lifting / lowering cords 126. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the rectification assist member 136 includes a second rectification assist member 136-2 located between the pair of ladder cords 124 or the pair of lifting / lowering cords 126, and further includes a first rectification assist member 136-1 and a third rectification assist member 136-3 on the left and right of the second rectification assist member 136-2. One ladder cord or lifting cord 126 is sandwiched between the second rectification auxiliary member 136-2 and the first rectification auxiliary member 136-1, and the other ladder cord or lifting cord 126 is sandwiched between the second rectification auxiliary member 136-2 and the third rectification auxiliary member 136-3. There are no restrictions on the material contained in the rectification auxiliary member 136, and it may be resin, metal, or wood.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 17, the end face of the rectification assistance member 136 has a teardrop shape. More specifically, the surface of the rectification assistance member 136 is curved on the side opposite to the side of the shutter 130 where the light irradiation device 140 is arranged, and the direction of a normal line originating from point P on the surface changes as point P moves up and down. For example, as point P moves from bottom to top on the side of the shutter 130 where the light irradiation device 140 is arranged, the angle that the normal line originating from point P makes with the horizontal plane decreases and then increases (see the dotted arrow in Fig. 17). Without the rectification assistance member 136, the upward flow would be turbulent when it hits the head box 118 or the horizontal frame 112-1, and as a result, the airflow may leak between the head box 118 and the horizontal frame 112-1 or between the horizontal frame 112-1 and the shutter 130. However, by providing the rectification auxiliary member 136, the upward flow flows along the surface of the rectification auxiliary member 136, so the rectification of the upward flow does not decrease significantly. As a result, the upward flow can be effectively maintained between the pair of shutters 130. Furthermore, because the airflow that collides with the portion between the rectification auxiliary member 136 and the slat 132 arranged directly below it flows along the surface of the rectification auxiliary member 136, the airflow passing through the frame gap is not disturbed by the horizontal frame 112-1, and passes through the gap between the rectification auxiliary member 136 and the slat 132 arranged directly below it to become an upward flow.

[0041] (5) Variation 5 As shown in FIG. 18 , the partition 100 may further include one or more protective panels 138 connecting one vertical frame 112-2 supporting one shutter 130 to another vertical frame 112-2 supporting the other shutter 130. The protective panel 138 may cover the entire gap between the pair of shutters 130, or may cover only a portion of the gap. The protective panel 138 is preferably made of a material that absorbs or reflects ultraviolet or infrared light emitted from the light irradiation device 140. For example, the protective panel 138 may be made of the above-mentioned resin, wood, or metal. Providing the protective panel 138 can prevent ultraviolet or infrared light from leaking from between the pair of shutters 130. Furthermore, it can prevent accidents caused by a hand or object getting caught between the pair of shutters 130.

[0042] The protective panel 138 may be a flat plate-like member, or may have a curved or bent shape as shown in FIG. 19. In the latter case, it is preferable to provide a plurality of protective panels 138 having a shape similar to that of the slats 132 (see FIG. 3). Although a detailed description is omitted, the protective panel 138 may have a wide main portion 138a and a narrow sub-portion 138b via a bent or curved portion. The main portion 138a and the sub-portion 138b may both have a flat surface or may be curved. Each protective panel 138 may also have multiple bent or curved portions. As shown in FIG. 19, each protective panel 138 is fixed to the pair of vertical frames 112-2 such that the wide main portion 138a is positioned below the sub-portion 138b and the main portion 138a is spaced apart from the pair of vertical frames 112-2. By providing such a bent or curved protective panel 138, air outside the partition 100 can be taken in the x direction from between the pair of shutters 130 and carried on the upward flow formed between the pair of shutters 130 to be introduced toward the light irradiation device 140. Therefore, for example, the component of the upward flow between the shutters 130 that diffuses in the x direction can also be effectively maintained between the pair of shutters 130, and leakage of the upward flow can be more effectively suppressed.

[0043] (6) Variation 6 In the embodiment including the above-mentioned modification, the partition 100 includes a pair of shutters 130, but the partition 100 may also be configured with a single shutter 130, a support mechanism 110 that supports it, and a light irradiation device 140. In this case, as shown in Fig. 20, one shutter 130 is supported by a frame 112, and the light irradiation device 140 is disposed on one side of the shutter 130. The slats 132 of the lower shutter 130-2 are disposed in a position closer to the side of the shutter 130 where the light irradiation device 140 is disposed, compared to those of the upper shutter 130-1.

[0044] A partition 100 having such a configuration can be used as a partition placed near a wall or window. In this case, the partition 100 is positioned so that the light irradiation device 140 is located on the wall or window side. Alternatively, multiple partitions 100 with one shutter 130 can be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, a schematic top view of the xy plane, multiple partitions 100 can be arranged on the sides of a polygon to enable a roundtable discussion among multiple people. In this case, the breath of multiple people mainly travels toward the center of the polygon, so each person's breath passes through the shutter 130, allowing light irradiation of particles within the space surrounded by the multiple partitions 100. In this case, it is not necessary to place a light irradiation device 140 on each partition 100; one or more light irradiation devices 140 may be placed within the space surrounded by the multiple partitions 100.

[0045] Although a detailed explanation is omitted, this modification can also use the various support mechanisms 110 described above. Therefore, the partition 100 of this modification can also be configured so that it can be placed not only on a desk or counter, but also on the floor or other surfaces.

[0046] As described above, in one embodiment of the partition 100 of the present invention, the shutter 130, on which the particle-laden airflow collides, is provided with multiple slats 132 positioned at different horizontal positions relative to the side where the light irradiation device 140 is located. The slats 132 in the lower shutter 130-2 are closer to the light irradiation device 140 in the y direction than the slats 132 in the upper shutter 130-1. This allows a strong upward flow to be formed in the lower shutter 130-2, generating a highly rectified upward flow throughout the partition 100. As a result, exhaled breath and the particles contained therein can be efficiently captured and processed using light emitted from the light irradiation device 140. Therefore, even exhaled breath, which flows slowly during conversation, can be efficiently converted into an upward flow after passing through the shutter 130. Furthermore, no power is required to generate the upward flow, and components requiring power, such as a fan, are limited to the light irradiation device 140. This reduces power consumption during use and eliminates noise caused by fans and other components.

[0047] The above-described embodiments of the present invention can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. A product in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds or deletes components or modifies the design based on each embodiment is also included within the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the gist of the present invention.

[0048] Even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the above-described embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 100: partition, 110: support mechanism, 112: frame, 112-1: horizontal frame, 112-2: vertical frame, 112-3: side frame, 112-4: base frame, 112a: opening, 118: head box, 120: bottom rail, 122: tilt pole, 124: ladder cord, 126: lifting cord, 128: rotating rod, 130: shutter, 130-1: upper shutter part, 130-2: lower shutter part, 132: slide rat, 132a: main part, 132b: sub-part, 132c: end part, 132d: end part, 132e: through hole, 134: exposed part, 136: rectifying auxiliary member, 136-1: first rectifying auxiliary member, 136-2: second rectifying auxiliary member, 136-3: third rectifying auxiliary member, 138: protective panel, 138a: main part, 138b: sub-part, 140: light irradiation device, 142: light source, 150: first rectifying plate, 150a: groove, 152: second rectifying plate, 152a: groove

Claims

1. at least one shutter having a plurality of slats arranged in horizontal stripes; a support mechanism for supporting the at least one shutter; and a light irradiation device disposed on one side of the at least one shutter and configured to irradiate light downward; A partition for preventing droplet infection or droplet nuclei infection, in which one or more of the plurality of slats located on the lower side of the shutter are positioned closer to one side in the normal direction of the shutter than one or more of the plurality of slats located on the upper side of the shutter.

2. Each of the plurality of slats is bent or curved in the width direction, Each of the plurality of slats is connected to one another via a bent portion or a curved portion, and has a main portion and a sub-portion whose normal directions are different, The screen according to claim 1 , wherein the width of the main portion is greater than the width of the sub-portion.

3. The screen according to claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of slats is configured such that the main portion is located above the secondary portion and on the one side of the bent portion or the curved portion.

4. The screen according to claim 1 , wherein at least some of the slats have a layer containing a photocatalyst on a surface thereof.

5. the support mechanism has a frame, The screen according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one shutter overlaps an upper portion of the opening of the frame in the normal direction of the shutter, exposing a lower portion of the opening.

6. The screen according to claim 5 , further comprising a first straightening plate on the one side, the first straightening plate overlapping the lower portion of the opening in the normal direction of the shutter and having a normal in the normal direction of the shutter.

7. Further provided is a second current plate on the opposite side to the one side, The partition described in claim 1, wherein the second straightening plate is positioned lower than one or more of the slats located on the lower side of the shutter, and is positioned so that the normal to its upper surface is inclined from the vertical direction to the opposite side relative to the one side.

8. Further provided on the plurality of slats is a straightening assistance member extending in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the plurality of slats, The screen according to claim 1 , wherein the surface of the flow rectification assistance member is curved on the side opposite to the one side of the shutter.

9. the at least one shutter includes a pair of shutters facing each other, The screen according to claim 1 , wherein the light irradiation device is configured to irradiate the light into the space between the pair of shutters.

10. the at least one shutter includes a pair of shutters facing each other, The screen according to claim 6 , wherein the first rectifying plate is disposed between the pair of shutters.

11. The screen according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of slats are configured to rotate about an axis parallel to the extension direction.

12. The screen of claim 1 , wherein the support mechanism is configured to reversibly change the distance between adjacent slats.

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